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Russia plans further mining bans in three regions

The Russian Energy Ministry is contemplating crypto mining bans in three more regions as local electricity grids face mounting pressure.

Regions under consideration for the ban include Karelia, Penza Oblast, and part of Khakassia. A decision on potential restrictions is expected by May 2025.

The Russian government has already imposed mining restrictions in several areas. On 1 January 2025, mining was banned during the winter months in 10 regions, including parts of Southern Siberia and the North Caucasus.

Additionally, in April, Moscow introduced its first year-round ban on crypto mining in the southern part of the Irkutsk Oblast, the country’s leading Bitcoin mining hub.

As the debate continues, some industrial miners in Karelia argue that taxes and differentiated tariffs would be more effective than outright bans. They suggest that Moscow should engage with miners to find a more balanced solution, rather than imposing harsh restrictions.

The Karelia Chamber of Commerce has urged a broader discussion with businesses before any decisions are made.

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Ransomware decline masks growing threat

A recent drop in reported ransomware attacks might seem encouraging, yet experts warn this is likely misleading. Figures from the NCC Group show a 32% decline in March 2025 compared to the previous month, totalling 600 incidents.

However, this dip is attributed to unusually large-scale attacks in earlier months, rather than an actual reduction in cybercrime. In fact, incidents were up 46% compared with March last year, highlighting the continued escalation in threat activity.

Rather than fading, ransomware groups are becoming more sophisticated. Babuk 2.0 emerged as the most active group in March, though doubts surround its legitimacy. Security researchers believe it may be recycling leaked data from previous breaches, aiming to trick victims instead of launching new attacks.

A tactic like this mirrors behaviours seen after law enforcement disrupted other major ransomware networks, such as LockBit in 2024.

Industrials were the hardest hit, followed by consumer-focused sectors, while North America bore the brunt of geographic targeting.

With nearly half of all recorded attacks occurring in the region, analysts expect North America, especially Canada, to remain a prime target amid rising political tensions and cyber vulnerability.

Meanwhile, cybercriminals are turning to malvertising, malicious code hidden in online advertisements, as a stealthier route of attack. This tactic has gained traction through the misuse of trusted platforms like GitHub and Dropbox, and is increasingly being enhanced with generative AI tools.

Instead of relying solely on technical expertise, attackers now use AI to craft more convincing and complex threats. As these strategies grow more advanced, experts urge organisations to stay alert and prioritise threat intelligence and collaboration to navigate this volatile cyber landscape.

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Trump threatens new tariffs within weeks

President Trump has signalled a potential early end to the current 90-day pause on tariffs for countries and companies not actively seeking trade agreements with the US.

While markets initially reacted positively to signs of easing tension with China, that optimism was short-lived as the administration quickly shifted direction.

Instead of waiting out the full pause period, Trump now suggests new tariffs could be imposed within two to three weeks, with rates possibly rising from 10% to as high as 50%.

The lack of clarity over which nations or firms are targeted adds further uncertainty. Although officials initially claimed around 90 countries were engaged in trade talks, that number reportedly dropped to just 15.

A vagueness like this, combined with the unpredictable nature of US tariff policy, has unsettled international markets and raised alarm across global supply chains.

Apple, among others, has managed to avoid immediate price hikes thanks to temporary exemptions and strategic stock management. However, those exemptions are due to expire shortly, leaving the company vulnerable to rising costs.

Instead of facing only Chinese tariffs, Apple may now contend with broader duties on semiconductors and products manufactured outside China.

If tariff relief fails to materialise soon, consumers could see higher prices on future Apple products, including the upcoming iPhone 17.

Without a clearer and more consistent trade strategy from the White House, global firms may struggle to adapt, and the fragile economic recovery could face renewed strain.

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Bitcoin’s market cap hits $1.86 trillion, surpassing Google

Bitcoin has reached a new milestone, becoming the fifth-largest asset by market capitalisation, now valued at $1.86 trillion. Bitcoin has surpassed Google in market cap, breaking through $94,000 to reach its highest ranking ever.

The performance follows a previous peak when Bitcoin’s market cap exceeded $2 trillion, driven by a price of over $109,000. However, at that time, tech stocks were significantly higher than they are now.

Despite this, Bitcoin’s recent rise indicates a shift in market sentiment, with growing optimism fuelled by easing trade tensions between the US and China.

Bitcoin has also surpassed key resistance levels noted earlier in the week. Its breakout has not only outpaced major tech indices but has also set a new record across various asset classes. It suggests strong momentum for the digital currency.

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India deepens ties with Finland and Denmark

India is intensifying its strategic ties with Finland and Denmark as part of a broader effort to deepen cooperation with key Nordic countries.

In recent high-level conversations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

These discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations in advanced technologies such as quantum computing, 5G and 6G, AI, and cybersecurity, instead of limiting collaboration to traditional sectors. Sustainability, mobility, and digital transformation also featured prominently.

Modi and Stubb underlined the importance of India-Finland cooperation within the wider context of EU relations. Both leaders expressed hope for a timely conclusion of an India-EU free trade agreement, a sentiment echoed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The collaboration aims to bolster efforts in AI for disaster response and climate resilience, secure telecommunications, and semiconductor development, especially given ongoing geopolitical shifts and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In parallel, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership during talks with Frederiksen.

The alliance prioritises environmentally responsible maritime practices instead of relying on conventional methods, and promotes innovation in green technologies and anti-piracy cooperation.

With the third India-Nordic Summit scheduled for later this year in Norway, the focus will be on expanding trade, climate action, and peace efforts with all five Nordic nations.

Meanwhile, India has overtaken Finland as the ‘World’s Happiest Country’ according to the latest Ipsos survey, with 88% of Indian respondents reporting happiness.

A milestone like this reflects a broader sense of national optimism and self-assurance as India continues to strengthen its global partnerships and expand its strategic influence across key sectors.

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First Bitcoin master’s programme launches in Spain

The University of the Hespérides in Spain is launching its first Master’s in Bitcoin programme on 28 April 2025.

Designed for professionals such as entrepreneurs, engineers, lawyers, and investors, the 10-month course will be delivered online and in Spanish. It will offer 60 ECTS credits.

Students will explore Bitcoin from multiple angles, including its philosophy, technology, monetary theory, legal status, and investment strategies. The curriculum includes practical workshops on self-custody, proof-of-work mining, and tax compliance.

Participants will also receive a Blockstream Jade hardware wallet and a book written by programme director Álvaro D. María.

Optional in-person seminars will be held in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The faculty includes economist Juan Ramón Rallo and experts from companies like BTC Inc. and Jan3.

The initiative aligns the university with global institutions such as MIT, NYU, and Berkeley, which are expanding cryptocurrency education to meet growing industry demand.

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SK Telecom investigates data breach after cyberattack

South Korean telecom leader SK Telecom has confirmed a cyberattack that compromised customer data following a malware infection.

The breach was detected on 19 April, prompting an immediate internal investigation and response. Authorities, including the Korea Internet Security Agency, have been alerted.

Personal information of South Korean customers was accessed during the attack, although the extent of the breach remains under review. In response, SK Telecom is offering a complimentary SIM protection service, hinting at potential SIM swapping risks linked to the leaked data.

The infected systems were quickly isolated and the malware removed. While no group has claimed responsibility, concerns remain over possible state-sponsored involvement, as telecom providers are frequent targets for cyberespionage.

It is currently unknown whether ransomware played a role in the incident. Investigations are ongoing as officials continue to assess the scope and origin of the breach.

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Baidu rolls out new AI agent Xinxiang for Android

Chinese tech giant Baidu has launched a new AI agent, Xinxiang, aimed at enhancing user productivity by assisting with tasks such as information analysis and travel planning.

The tool is currently available on Android devices, with an iOS version still under review by Apple.

According to Baidu, Xinxiang represents a shift from traditional chatbot interactions towards a more task-focused AI experience, providing streamlined assistance tailored to practical needs.

The move reflects growing competition in China’s rapidly evolving AI market.

However, the launch highlights Baidu’s ambition to stay ahead in AI innovation and offer tools that integrate seamlessly into everyday digital life.

As regulatory reviews continue, the success of Xinxiang may depend on user adoption and the speed at which it becomes available across platforms.

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Intel slashes jobs in major restructure

Intel is reportedly preparing to lay off more than 21,000 employees, roughly 20% of its global workforce, as part of a major restructuring drive.

The move comes ahead of the company’s Q1 earnings call and follows a year of significant transition under recently appointed CEO Lip-Bu Tan.

Tan, who took over from longtime leader Pat Gelsinger in late 2024, is aiming to streamline the tech giant’s operations and restore a focus on engineering.

The layoffs mark Intel’s second major job cut in less than a year, after the company reduced its workforce by 15,000 in August 2024. Struggling with a long-term slump, Intel has seen its stock fall by nearly 67% over the past five years.

As part of its pivot under Tan, Intel has begun divesting non-core units, including selling a majority stake in its Altera semiconductor business to private equity firm Silver Lake earlier this month. Intel has not yet issued an official comment on the reported cuts.

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Legal AI firm Noxtua backed by top law publishers

Formerly known as Xayn, the AI startup Noxtua has raised $92.2 million in a Series B round to expand its sovereign AI platform for the legal sector.

The company, which began as a privacy-focused mobile AI app, now specialises in providing legally compliant AI tools for law firms and legal departments in Germany.

The funding round was led by C.H. Beck, Germany’s top legal publisher, which also supplies Noxtua with access to its vast legal database of 55 million documents.

Other investors include Northern Data Group, CMS, and Dentons. Noxtua’s legal AI tool, Beck-Noxtua, will be hosted exclusively on German infrastructure provided by Northern Data to ensure data sovereignty and compliance.

Built from research at Oxford and Imperial College London, Noxtua’s technology is tailored to the complex legal frameworks of Germany and continental Europe.

CEO Dr Leif-Nissen Lundbæk emphasised that American-trained AI models often fail to meet the precision and compliance standards required in Germany, making localised AI solutions vital.

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