Months after the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) launched a major offensive against the notorious ransomware group LockBit, the cybercriminal gang appears to have resurfaced , continuing to carry out attacks. Despite law enforcement efforts, ransomware groups like LockBit remain resilient, demonstrating the evolving challenge in the fight against cybercrime. In February 2024, the NCA, in coordination with nine other countries, launched Operation Cronos , a decisive strike on LockBit , a group that emerged around 2019. This cybercrime group had gained infamy for its use of ransomware – a type of malicious software that locks victims’ data and demands a ransom for its release. It operates on a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, where it provides ransomware tools and infrastructure to affiliates who then carry out the attacks. LockBit was also known for a tactic called “double extortion,” threatening not only to keep data locked but also leak sensitive information if the ransom wasn’t paid. Operating through the dark web, the group was built on anonymity and encryption, making it difficult for authorities to track. An estimated $8 billion in financial damage Since its emergence, LockBit has become one of the most active ransomware groups , targeting industries like finance, healthcare and critical infrastructure. With an estimated 20-25% share of the ransomware market, LockBit’s attacks have caused billions of dollars in global damages. The group’s financial impact, exceeding $8 billion by some accounts, has drawn comparisons to other notorious ransomware actors like REvil and DarkSide. But Operation Cronos changed that. The NCA’s operation infiltrated and disrupted Lockbit’s criminal infrastructure, seizing control of their computing systems and even repurposing their dark web leak site – a publicly accessible website where cybercriminal groups publish stolen data. Operation Cronos marked a bold new approach to combating cybercrime, proving to criminals that law enforcement agencies were ready to go on the offensive. From Cronos to Endgame In May 2024, global law enforcement agencies launched Operation Endgame, a coordinated strike aimed at dismantling the infrastructure used by multiple cybercrime groups. While similar in its objectives to Operation Cronos, which focused on LockBit, Endgame had a broader scope: it targeted the malware infrastructures used by various ransomware and data-stealing groups, including those that likely collaborated with LockBit. Malware, a type of software designed to infiltrate digital devices, is often used by cybercriminals to steal information or take control of systems. One particularly dangerous form of malware creates networks of infected computers, known as botnets, which can be remotely controlled without the owners’ knowledge. These botnets are used for a range of criminal activities, from sending spam and stealing data to launching distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks – overwhelming a system with fake requests so that it can’t process legitimate ones. Operation Endgame specifically dismantled the infrastructure of “droppers” and “loaders” – programs used to stealthily install malware onto victims’ systems. The operation marked another significant step in the global fight against cybercrime, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in taking down not only individual criminals but the tools and networks that enable them. Endgame’s successes were notable: it disrupted over 100 infected servers and seized more than 2,000 domain names used to host malicious software, dealing a major blow to botnet networks that had caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damages worldwide . The back-to-back operations, Cronos and Endgame, marked a pivotal shift in global cybersecurity tactics, directly targeting the rise of cybercrime-as-a-service (CaaS). CaaS enables anyone, regardless of technical skill, to buy or lease tools and services to carry out cyberattacks. This model has lowered the barrier to entry for cybercrime, making it easier for individuals or groups to launch sophisticated attacks. LockBit is a prime example: the group provides the infrastructure while affiliates execute the attacks, with affiliates getting the majority of the ransom and LockBit claiming a cut for providing the tools. Cronos and Endgame underscored the increasing collaboration between law enforcement agencies across the globe, signalling a united front against the growing cybercrime threat. Ransomware’s persistent threat Despite these victories, LockBit’s return underscores a key challenge – cybercriminals are constantly adapting. The group’s re-emergence raises concerns about whether organisations are adequately prepared for future attacks. Many still lack essential cybersecurity measures, leaving them vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated ransomware groups. As LockBit reasserts its influence, new ransomware groups are also gaining prominence. Analysts have identified at least 10 emerging ransomware actors in 2024, including Play Ransomware, RansomHub and Akira, all of which have adopted tactics similar to LockBit’s. Play Ransomware has been a persistent and growing threat, known for its large-scale attacks on municipalities and critical infrastructure. In 2024, it continued to execute high-profile breaches, including an attack on Swiss government vendors. RansomHub has rapidly gained prominence in 2024, with its highly attractive affiliate program offering up to a 90% commission for attackers. RansomHub has targeted over 100 organisations globally, particularly focusing on business services and smaller companies that may be more vulnerable. Akira has gained notoriety for its successful double-extortion attacks, focusing on industries like healthcare, education and technology. These groups, along with others like Medusa and IncRansom, are part of a dynamic ransomware ecosystem where new groups emerge while established ones like LockBit struggle to maintain dominance. Despite a brief drop in ransomware incidents from mid-2023 to 2024, there was a 20% uptick between the first and second quarters of 2024 . More global coordination needed Operations Cronos and Endgame mark a turning point in the fight against cybercrime, shifting law enforcement’s focus from targeting individual hackers to dismantling the infrastructure that powers these attacks. These efforts showed a new approach, going after the servers, networks, and tools that ransomware and malware groups rely on rather than just chasing high-profile criminals. The operations also underscored unprecedented levels of international cooperation, with agencies like Europol, the FBI and Interpol working together for global takedowns across multiple jurisdictions – a feat previously hampered by legal and political challenges. This cross-border teamwork enabled simultaneous strikes on cybercrime networks, hitting them where it hurts the most: their operational backbone. The operations also highlighted how far law enforcement has come in understanding the technical vulnerabilities of cybercrime infrastructure. Instead of waiting for attacks to happen, agencies exploited flaws in the cybercriminals’ systems, delivering decisive blows that crippled their ability to operate. These operations signal a global push to crack down on cybercrime and the growing power of international law enforcement working together. But LockBit’s quick comeback is a stark reminder that the fight is far from over. As cyberthreats get more sophisticated, so must the tactics to stop them. While Cronos and Endgame were key wins, they also emphasise the need for even more global coordination. One recent effort is the UN’s first treaty aimed at creating universal laws and protocols for investigations. Beyond legal measures, the real battle is technical – governments, tech companies and civil groups must work together to not only hack the hackers but also slow down their ability to rebuild. Law enforcement is also turning to psychological operations (psyops) to disrupt cybercrime. By taking over dark web forums and ransomware leak sites, it is undermining the criminals’ credibility and creating paranoia within these networks. Cryptocurrency, the backbone of ransomware payments, is another focus . Authorities are increasingly freezing accounts linked to cybercriminals, cutting off their financial lifelines. The message is clear: law enforcement must stay ahead of fast-evolving threats, and organisations need to ramp up their defences. The battle against cybercrime is ongoing, and it’s going to take both relentless vigilance and smart, coordinated strategies to win.Tagovailoa carves up Pats with 4 TDs, Dolphins win 3rd straight game with 34-15 rout of New England
Abdullahi: Aliyu Is Revamping Sokoto With His 9-Point Agenda
SolarEdge Technologies (NASDAQ:SEDG) Rating Increased to Neutral at GuggenheimThe GOP is tearing itself apart over a heated multi-day immigration debate, kicked off after President-elect Trump nominated Indian national Sriram Krishnan as a senior advisor on artificial intelligence. Trump appointed Krishnan on Dec. 22. While the tech community lauded the pick, many MAGA loyalists criticized it harshly. Chief among their complaints was Krishnan’s past advocacy to remove current country caps on skilled legal immigration. “Anything to remove country caps for green cards / unlock skilled immigration would be huge,” Krishnan tweeted in November. Anything to remove country caps for green cards / unlock skilled immigration would be huge. https://t.co/21toGtW5lS — Sriram Krishnan (@sriramk) November 14, 2024 Vocal Trump supporter Laura Loomer called the pick “disappointing,” and questioned to her 1.4 million X followers how his positions on immigration meshed with Trump’s America First agenda. “How will we control immigration in our country and promote America First innovation when Trump appointed this guy who wants to REMOVE all restrictions on green card caps in the United States so that foreign students (which makes up 78% of the employees in Silicon Valley) can come to the US and take jobs that should be given to American STEM students,” Loomer wrote Monday evening. Deeply disturbing to see the appointment of Sriram Krishnan @sriramk as Senior Policy Advisor for AI at the Office of Science and Technology Policy. It’s alarming to see the number of career leftists who are now being appointed to serve in Trump’s admin when they share views... https://t.co/pf0WiViy32 pic.twitter.com/nR0TkZpNK7 — Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 23, 2024 Her criticism ignited a heated debate that has ceaselessly raged on X since she wrote it, even leaking onto the cable news circuit in the following days. (RELATED: PATEL: How To Fix Big Tech’s Favorite Broken Immigration Policy) One notable Trump ally who supported Krishnan’s nomination was Elon Musk, who, after initially congratulating Krishnan on X, began tweeting his support for the H1B visa program. Musk argued that there is a “permanent shortage” of engineering talent in Silicon Valley and that the country needs double the current number of engineers. No, we need more like double that number yesterday! The number of people who are super talented engineers AND super motivated in the USA is far too low. Think of this like a pro sports team: if you want your TEAM to win the championship, you need to recruit top talent wherever... — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 25, 2024 However, others have argued that there is no shortage of American engineers and that the H1B program is nothing more than a cynical way for Silicon Valley and other corporations to exploit foreign workers for cheaper employees. “250,000 engineering graduates in the US every year from the best schools in the world. But this is about cost of tech labor and the ability to NOT higher American Engineers,” author Jarl Jensen wrote in a Thursday post on X. 250,000 engineering graduates in the US every year from the best schools in the world. But this is about cost of tech labor and the ability to NOT higher American Engineers. The wake up call is that they don’t want to higher American Engineers because they are mostly white. — Jarl Jensen (@JarlJensen) December 27, 2024 The H1B visa, the largest visa category in the U.S., allows employers to hire skilled foreign workers and “authorizes the temporary employment of qualified individuals who are not otherwise authorized to work in the U.S.,” according to the Department of Labor. In 2021, Facebook agreed to separate settlements with the U.S. Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Labor (DOL) totaling nearly $15 million after the government accused them of discriminating against American workers in favor of cheaper foreign employees. “Facebook routinely reserved jobs for temporary visa holders through the PERM process. Specifically, the lawsuit alleged that, in contrast to its standard recruitment practices, Facebook used recruiting methods designed to deter U.S. workers from applying to certain positions, such as requiring applications to be submitted by mail only; refused to consider U.S. workers who applied to the positions; and hired only temporary visa holders,” the DOJ announced in 2021. Facebook is not alone in manipulating the program for profit. An Economic Policy Institute report found that Google, Microsoft, Intel, Qualcomm and others hired 2,735 new H1B workers in 2022 while laying off close to 15,000 employees — “nearly five and a half times the number of H-1B workers they hired.” Silicon Valley is the dominant player in the H1B game, but the EPI found that Goldman Sachs and consultancy firm McKinsey & Company also collectively fired 5,000 employees while importing 1,000 H1B workers in 2022. Top H1B Initial Employment Sponsors, 2022: Amazon 6,396 Infosys 3,151 Tata Consultancy Services 2,854 Cognizant 2,521 Google 1,562 Meta Platforms 1,546 HCL 1,260 IBM 1,239 Wipro 1,172 Deloitte Consulting 1,169 Accenture 1,097 Capgemini 1,090 Microsoft 1,008 Apple 930 — Monsieur le Baron (@Mssr_le_Baron) October 20, 2023 The report argued that H1B workers face significantly worse work conditions and lower pay, in part because their immigration status being tied to their job affords them less power to negotiate salaries. Musk’s Tesla ranked 27th in total approved H1B visas for 2022 with 337. The conversation reached a boiling point Thursday, when Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) co-head Vivek Ramaswamy weighed in with a lengthy screed, which some interpreted as an insult to American culture and work ethic. “The reason top tech companies often hire foreign-born & first-generation engineers over “native” Americans isn’t because of an innate American IQ deficit (a lazy & wrong explanation). A key part of it comes down to the c-word: culture,” Ramaswamy wrote in an X post. He argued that American culture “venerated mediocrity” and argued for a greater influence of the immigrant culture that emphasizes hard work over leisure. “More movies like Whiplash, fewer reruns of ‘Friends.’ More math tutoring, fewer sleepovers. More weekend science competitions, fewer Saturday morning cartoons. More books, less TV. More creating, less “chillin.” More extracurriculars, less ‘hanging out at the mall,'” he wrote. The reason top tech companies often hire foreign-born & first-generation engineers over “native” Americans isn’t because of an innate American IQ deficit (a lazy & wrong explanation). A key part of it comes down to the c-word: culture. Tough questions demand tough answers & if... — Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) December 26, 2024 While much of the tech community sided with Ramaswamy , many people in Trump’s base viewed the post as an attack on American culture. Ramaswamy’s note invited a swell of humorous memes about his references to popular TV shows of the 1990s like “Boy Meets World” and “Saved by the Bell,” however they also prompted fierce backlash and an organic movement of Americans standing up for their culture. “American jock + bro culture, which values the high school quarterback over the Math Olympiad contestant,” pollster Patrick Ruffini tweeted alongside a picture of D-Day. American jock + bro culture, which values the high school quarterback over the Math Olympiad contestant. pic.twitter.com/MPDb9rhPb4 — Patrick Ruffini (@PatrickRuffini) December 27, 2024 Both Elon and Vivek appeared to temper their responses to some degree as the debate heated up. (RELATED: Democrats, Media Have New Strategy To Break Up Trump-Musk Honeymoon) “I am referring to bringing in via legal immigration the top ~0.1% of engineering talent as being essential for America to keep winning,” Musk wrote Thursday. Maybe this is a helpful clarification: I am referring to bringing in via legal immigration the top ~0.1% of engineering talent as being essential for America to keep winning. This is like bringing in the Jokic’s or Wemby’s of the world to help your whole team (which is mostly... https://t.co/mtd0cgkNvE — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 26, 2024 Some, however, pointed out that America already has a separate visa program for geniuses who would be considered in the top 0.1%, the O1 visa. Now we’re talking about the top 0.1% of engineering talent. So geniuses basically. I think most Americans could live with that. The O-1 visa types. But of course this isn’t what kicked this off. The brouhaha was about the decades long effort to keep wages low for normal tech... — FischerKing (@FischerKing64) December 26, 2024 Ramaswamy, too, admitted he has previously criticized the “badly broken” H1B program, calling for it to be “gutted” after an eagle-eyed X user pointed out his past remarks to him. Yup, I’ve long said the current H-1B system is badly broken & needs to be gutted. It shouldn’t use a lottery, it should be based on pure MERIT. It shouldn’t tether workers to just one corporation. Same principles I favor today. https://t.co/tcMSxAaw6W — Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) December 27, 2024 Trump appeared to come out in favor of the H1B program in comments he made to The New York Post Saturday. “I’ve always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them,” he said. “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program,” he added. Trump has criticized the H1B program in the past, even admitting he exploited the program himself. “I know the H1B very well,” he said in a 2016 CNN GOP presidential debate in Miami. “It’s something that I frankly use and shouldn’t be allowed to use. We shouldn’t have it. It’s very, very bad for workers. And second of all, it’s very important to say, well, I’m a businessman and I have to do what I have to do. When it’s sitting there waiting for you, but it’s very bad. It’s very bad for business and it’s bad for our workers and unfair for our workers.”
Representative image Gold prices are set to rise more slowly in 2025 after a record-breaking run this year, according to the World Gold Council . Bullion is up more than 30% so far in 2024, but gains next year will likely be tempered by variables like growth and inflation, the WGC said. Possible trade wars in US President-elect Donald Trump's second term and complicated interest-rate outlooks may spill over into subpar economic growth, hurting demand from investors and consumers, the industry association said in its 2025 outlook report released on Thursday. "All eyes are on the US. Trump's second term may provide a boost to the local economy but could equally elicit a fair degree of nervousness for investors around the world, it said. Bullion's rally in the early part of 2024 was driven by large purchases by central banks, especially the People's Bank of China and others in emerging markets. It got a further boost from the Federal Reserve's recent monetary easing and haven demand during periods of heightened geopolitical tensions including wars in West Asia and Ukraine. However, gains have stalled due to a rally in the dollar following Trump's election win. Some banks are still bullish on the prospects of the precious metal, currently trading near $2,700 an ounce, next year. Goldman Sachs Group is forecasting it will get to $3,000 by the end of 2025, while UBS AG sees $2,900. China's actions in the gold market will be closely watched. So far, investors there have provided price support, while consumers have stayed on the sidelines, but "these dynamics hang on the direct (and indirect) effects of trade, stimulus and perceptions of risk," the WGC said. The yellow metal will rise if the world sees "significantly lower interest rates, or a deterioration in geopolitics or financial market conditions," the council said. Lower rates typically benefit gold as it pays no interest. Ready to Master Stock Valuation? ET’s Workshop is just around the corner!NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin topped $100,000 for the first time this week as a massive rally in the world's most popular cryptocurrency, largely accelerated by the election of Donald Trump, rolls on. The cryptocurrency officially to rose six figures Wednesday night, just hours after the president-elect said he intends to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to be the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Bitcoin has soared since Trump won the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5. The asset climbed from $69,374 on Election Day, hitting as high as $103,713 Wednesday, according to CoinDesk. And the latest all-time high arrives just two years after bitcoin dropped below $17,000 following the collapse of crypto exchange FTX . Bitcoin fell back below the $100,000 by Thursday afternoon, sitting above $99,000 by 4 p.m. ET. Even amid a massive rally that has more than doubled the value of bitcoin this year, some experts continue to warn of investment risks around the asset, which has quite a volatile history. Here’s what you need to know. Cryptocurrency has been around for a while now. But chances are you’ve heard about it more and more over the last few years. In basic terms, cryptocurrency is digital money. This kind of currency is designed to work through an online network without a central authority — meaning it’s typically not backed by any government or banking institution — and transactions get recorded with technology called a blockchain. Bitcoin is the largest and oldest cryptocurrency, although other assets like ethereum, XRP, tether and dogecoin have also gained popularity over the years. Some investors see cryptocurrency as a “digital alternative” to traditional money, but most daily financial transactions are still conducted using fiat currencies such as the dollar. Also, bitcoin can be very volatile, with its price reliant on larger market conditions. A lot of the recent action has to do with the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. Trump, who was once a crypto skeptic, has pledged to make the U.S. “the crypto capital of the planet” and create a “strategic reserve” of bitcoin. His campaign accepted donations in cryptocurrency and he courted fans at a bitcoin conference in July. He also launched World Liberty Financial, a new venture with family members to trade cryptocurrencies. On Thursday morning, hours after bitcoin surpassed the $100,000 mark, Trump congratulated “BITCOINERS” on his social media platform Truth Social. He also appeared to take credit for the recent rally, writing, “YOU’RE WELCOME!!!” Top crypto players welcomed Trump’s election victory last month, in hopes that he would be able to push through legislative and regulatory changes that they’ve long lobbied for — which, generally speaking, aim for an increased sense of legitimacy without too much red tape. And the industry has made sizeable investments along the way. Back in August, Public Citizen, a left-leaning consumer rights advocacy nonprofit, reported finding that crypto-sector corporations spent more than $119 million in 2024 to back pro-crypto candidates across federal elections. Trump made his latest pro-crypto move when he announced his plans Wednesday to nominate Atkins to chair the SEC. Atkins was an SEC commissioner during the presidency of George W. Bush. In the years since leaving the agency, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. He joined the Token Alliance, a cryptocurrency advocacy organization, in 2017. Under current chair Gary Gensler, who will step down when Trump takes office, the SEC has cracked down on the crypto industry — penalizing a number of companies for violating securities laws. Gensler has also faced ample criticism from industry players in the process. One crypto-friendly move the SEC did make under Gensler was the approval in January of spot bitcoin ETFs, or exchange trade funds, which allow investors to have a stake in bitcoin without directly buying it. The spot ETFs were the dominant driver of bitcoin's price before Trump's win — but, like much of the crypto’s recent momentum, saw record inflows postelection. Bitcoin surpassing the coveted $100,000 mark has left much of the crypto world buzzing. “What we’re seeing isn’t just a rally — it’s a fundamental transformation of bitcoin’s place in the financial system,” Nathan McCauley, CEO and co-founder of crypto custodian Anchorage Digital, said in a statement — while pointing to the growth of who's entering the market, particularly with rising institutional adoption. Still, others note that the new heights of bitcoin's price don't necessarily mean the asset is going mainstream. The $100,000 level is “merely a psychological factor and ultimately just a number,” Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at British investment company AJ Bell, wrote in a Thursday commentary . That being said, bitcoin could keep climbing to more and more all-time highs, particularly if Trump makes good on his promises for more crypto-friendly regulation once in office. If Trump actually makes a bitcoin reserve, for example, supply changes could also propel the price forward. “It is hard to overstate the magnitude of the change in Washington’s attitude towards crypto post-election,” Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise Asset Management, said via email Thursday, reiterating that prices could keep rising if trends persist. “There is a lot more demand than there is supply, and that’s usually a pretty good recipe for success.” Still, as with everything in the volatile cryptoverse, the future is never promised. Worldwide regulatory uncertainties and environmental concerns around bitcoin “mining" — the creation of new bitcoin, which consumes a lot of energy — are among factors that analysts like Coatsworth note could hamper future growth. And, as still a relatively young asset with a history of volatility, longer-term adoption has yet to be seen through. Today’s excitement around bitcoin may make many who aren’t already in the space want to get in on the action. For those in a position to invest, Hougan says it's not too late — noting that bitcoin is still early in its development and most institutional investors “still have zero exposure.” At the same time, Hougan and others maintain that it's important to tread cautiously and not bite off more than you can chew. Experts continue to stress caution around getting carried away with crypto “FOMO,” or the fear of missing out, especially for small-pocketed investors. “A lot of people have got rich from the cryptocurrency soaring in value this year, but this high-risk asset isn’t suitable for everyone,” Coatsworth noted Thursday. “It’s volatile, unpredictable and is driven by speculation, none of which makes for a sleep-at-night investment.” In short, history shows you can lose money in crypto as quickly as you’ve made it. Long-term price behavior relies on larger market conditions. Trading continues at all hours, every day. Coatsworth points to recent research from the Bank for International Settlements, a Switzerland-based global organization of central banks, which found that about three-quarters of retail buyers on crypto exchange apps likely lost money on their bitcoin investments between 2015 and 2022. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, bitcoin stood at just over $5,000. Its price climbed to nearly $69,000 by November 2021, during high demand for technology assets, but later crashed during an aggressive series of rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. And the late-2022 collapse of FTX significantly undermined confidence in crypto overall, with bitcoin falling below $17,000. Investors began returning in large numbers as inflation started to cool — and gains skyrocketed on the anticipation and then early success of spot ETFs, and again, now the post-election frenzy. But lighter regulation from the coming Trump administration could also mean less guardrails. This story has been corrected to refer to Anchorage Digital as a crypto custodian, not a crypto asset manager.
New Delhi: In a bid to strengthen their collective voice and coordinate their actions in the upcoming Parliament session, the floor leaders of INDIA bloc parties are scheduled to meet at the Parliament House office of Congress President and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday. The meeting will take place at 10 a.m. According to sources, the interaction in the meeting of opposition leaders will be aimed at formulating a unified strategy ahead of the session that begins on Monday. The opposition parties, including Congress, CPI, CPI-M, TMC, AAP, DMK, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) and others, have consistently sought to challenge the central government’s policies and agenda in Parliament. With several key issues on the agenda, from economic issues to social justice, the INDIA bloc leaders are set to discuss their collective strategy to ensure that there is no sign of disunity throughout the parliamentary proceedings. Mallikarjun Kharge, who is an experienced leader and parliamentarian, has the skill to deal with complexities of politics. So he is expected to take a leadership role in the meeting. As the LoP in the Rajya Sabha, he has effectively spearheaded opposition strategies in the past. The floor leaders of the opposition parties will address key topics such as formulating a coordinated response to the government’s legislative agenda and discussing the approach for raising crucial national and regional issues. The meeting is also expected to highlight the importance of unity within the opposition on various issues related to the government's policies. With the session expected to cover a range of significant topics, the opposition is keen to leverage this opportunity to make their voice heard and hold the government accountable. The Winter Session of Parliament which is commencing from Monday (November 25) is scheduled to last until December 20. The government has listed 16 bills, including the Waqf Amendment Bill, for consideration. At the same time, the opposition is keen to raise the issues of the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur.
By ROB GILLIES TORONTO (AP) — Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the United States should President-elect Donald Trump follow through on his threat to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products, a senior official said Wednesday. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if the countries don’t stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across southern and northern borders. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. A Canadian government official said Canada is preparing for every eventuality and has started thinking about what items to target with tariffs in retaliation. The official stressed no decision has been made. The person spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly. When Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term in office, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Many of the U.S. products were chosen for their political rather than economic impact. For example, Canada imports $3 million worth of yogurt from the U.S. annually and most comes from one plant in Wisconsin, home state of then-House Speaker Paul Ryan. That product was hit with a 10% duty. Another product on the list was whiskey, which comes from Tennessee and Kentucky, the latter of which is the home state of then-Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell. Trump made the threat Monday while railing against an influx of illegal migrants, even though the numbers at Canadian border pale in comparison to the southern border. The U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone — and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian one between October 2023 and September 2024. Canadian officials say lumping Canada in with Mexico is unfair but say they are happy to work with the Trump administration to lower the numbers from Canada. The Canadians are also worried about a influx north of migrants if Trump follows through with his plan for mass deportations. Trump also railed about fentanyl from Mexico and Canada, even though seizures from the Canadian border pale in comparison to the Mexican border. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Related Articles National Politics | Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia National Politics | Trump’s tariffs in his first term did little to alter the economy, but this time could be different National Politics | Trump transition says Cabinet picks, appointees were targeted by bomb threats, swatting attacks National Politics | Southwest states certify election results after the process led to controversy in previous years National Politics | Political stress: Can you stay engaged without sacrificing your mental health? Canadian officials argue their country is not the problem and that tariffs will have severe implications for both countries. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. “Canada is essential to the United States’ domestic energy supply,” Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said. Trump has pledged to cut American energy bills in half within 18 months, something that could be made harder if a 25% premium is added to Canadian oil imports. In 2023, Canadian oil accounted for almost two-thirds of total U.S. oil imports and about one-fifth of the U.S. oil supply. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is holding a emergency virtual meeting on Wednesday with the leaders of Canada’s provinces, who want Trudeau to negotiate a bilateral trade deal with the United States that excludes Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs “if the situation comes to that.”Canada is already examining tariffs on certain US items following Trump’s tariff threat