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The potential health advantages of yoga, mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, and other activities have led to a spike in their popularity. These activities can cause altered states of consciousness, even though they frequently have beneficial and occasionally transformative benefits.

The frequency of these changed states is shown by recent research conducted by a team from Massachusetts General Hospital, which is a component of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system.

The results, which were written up in the journal Mindfulness, show that these kinds of experiences are more common than previously believed.

The potential health advantages of yoga, mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, and other activities have led to a spike in their popularity. These activities can cause altered states of consciousness, even though they frequently have beneficial and occasionally transformative benefits.

The frequency of these changed states is shown by recent research conducted by a team from Massachusetts General Hospital, which is a component of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system.

The results, which were written up in the journal Mindfulness, show that these kinds of experiences are more common than previously believed.

Meditation: Typical but intricate experiences

The study’s principal investigator was Dr. Matthew D. Sacchet, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the director of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Meditation Research Program.

“With more people engaging in mindfulness, meditation, and other contemplative practices, we anticipated that altered states and their effects might be common. Our international surveys confirmed that these experiences are widespread,” according to Sacchet.

3,135 adults in the US and the UK were polled for the research. It may surprise you to learn that 45% of respondents had at least one experience with non-pharmacologically induced altered states of consciousness.

This is a far cry from the 5% to 15% of people who are thought to have practiced mindfulness in the US and UK.

Better Support is Required

Of those who suffered, 11% said their pain was life-threatening, and 13% said their suffering was moderate or worse. Unbelievably, 63% of these people didn’t ask for assistance.

According to Sacchet, “our study found that altered states of consciousness are a common variant of normal human experience, rather than being extremely unusual and rare.”

“Yet, those who experience negative outcomes often do not seek help, and clinicians are poorly prepared to support these experiences. This represents a public health issue, as some people struggle to integrate these experiences into their existing conceptions of self and reality,” he said.

Research and Care are States of Meditation

The study emphasizes the need for more investigation to pinpoint personal traits linked to altered states of consciousness and the related pain that could ensue.

“We should not dismiss meditation and other practices as inherently dangerous. Instead, we need to better understand and support meditators to fully realize the potential of these practices,” Sacchet highlighted

As with psychotherapy, medication, and other therapeutic instruments, it’s critical to put these potent methods into practice and provide appropriate support for those who use them.

Sacchet also mentioned that old meditation guides from wisdom traditions could be useful for categorizing and controlling altered states. He said, “These manuals could provide guidance on how to better manage difficult altered states. More research is clearly needed to explore this possibility.” Undoubtedly, additional investigation is required to examine this potential.

Clinical Training and Instruction in Meditation

Dr. Sacchet urged the creation of clinical courses on altered states of consciousness in order to better prepare medical professionals.

“Those who teach meditation should ensure that participants are aware of potential risks. Implementing safeguards will help ensure that these promising and powerful practices are taught and experienced safely,”he said.

The complexity and significance of the altered states of consciousness attained during meditation and related practices are highlighted by this study. Individuals may experience powerful consequences from these moods, which frequently result in notable improvements in wellbeing.

On the other hand, some people may experience negative effects from them, varying from little pain to severe agony. The results highlight the need for these procedures to be approached with balance. Utilizing their potential advantages while being conscious of and reducing the hazards involved is crucial.

Better support networks and training programs for practitioners and clinicians are recommended by the study. Healthcare professionals can help individuals who encounter issues with appropriate counsel and support if they have a better grasp of these altered states.

According to the research, teaching meditation should incorporate clinical curriculum and safety precautions to ensure that the practice is taught with the utmost care and understanding in order to maximize its advantages and limit any potential harm.

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  • Introduced to celebrate the first anniversary of the Geza Special Edition
  • Available in turbo-petrol CVT guise

In honour of the Geza Edition’s first anniversary, Nissan Motor India has introduced the Geza Special Edition trim level of the Magnite SUV in India. The initial ex-showroom pricing of this new model in turbo-petrol CVT trim is Rs. 9.84 lakh.

This new Magnite model boasts a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a music system powered by JBL, a back camera with guidelines, and ambient lighting, among many other features. Customers may also choose the beige-colored seat upholstery, in addition.

The 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine of the Magnite Geza Special CVT Edition is mechanically connected to a CVT gearbox, as the name would imply. With this configuration, the engine produces 99 horsepower and 152 Nm of maximum torque.

Managing Director of Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. (NMIPL), Saurabh Vatsa, commented on the unveiling, Explain ‘We are delighted to introduce the newest variant of the Magnite following the tremendous success of the Geza Special Edition last year. We have identified a significant opportunity based on customer feedback in the market to offer premium features at an accessible price point. The Magnite Geza CVT Special Edition is the only CVT turbo available at such a competitive price with features that no other product offers in the market. It underlines our commitment to delivering best-in-class technology, premium features and advanced infotainment offerings at an accessible price.”

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New generation vehicles that are positioned to revolutionise the sedan class will be introduced to the Indian market in 2024. The next generation Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze are among the sedans in the lineup. Sedans are popular among consumers because of its sleek styling, roomy interior, large boot, and cosy rear seating.

1. New-gen Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Maruti Suzuki is prepared to introduce the new Dzire in India following the release of the fourth-generation Swift. Recent sightings of the small sedan testing on Indian roads suggest that its introduction is almost here. Speaking of the outside, the 2019 Maruti Dzire will get a reworked bumper, a wider bonnet, sleeker-looking LED headlamps, a new grille, and more, as shown in the spy photos.

A fresh set of alloy wheels will also be added to the Dzire. Other than this, the next Dzire’s side profile won’t change all that much. The spy photos reveal that the next Dzire will have an electrically movable sunroof, which is a nice feature for a car that is less than four metres in length.

The redesigned Dzire’s interior will likely include updated air conditioning vents, a new instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, and other innovations. Updated seat upholstery, automatic climate control, and a wireless charger are among the other interior amenities. The forthcoming Dzire’s mechanical characteristics have not yet been disclosed by the firm. The estimated price range (ex-showroom) is Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

2. New-gen Honda Amaze

Additionally, Honda Cars India is preparing to launch the next-generation Amaze in the Indian market later in 2024. The next-generation Amaze will operate on the same platform as the present City and Elevate, according to multiple media reports.

According to sources, the global Honda Accord will serve as the model for the sub-4 metre car design.

Regarding the drivetrain, the third-generation Honda Amaze is probably going to use the same NA 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol engine as the Amaze that is on the present model. It will produce 110 Nm of torque and 90 horsepower. A CVT automatic gearbox or a five-speed manual are the available transmission options.

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Curvv, the company’s first coupe SUV, will prioritise performance, while Nexon CNG and Altroz Racer will prioritise cost savings.

Maruti Suzuki topped the market in FY24 with a 40.66% share. Hyundai came in second at 14.22%, then Tata Motors at 13.63%, Mahindra at 10.75%, and Kia at 5.71%.

1. Tata Altroz Racer

Road tests have revealed that Altroz Racer will shortly be released. Users will gain better performance in addition to its sportier look. Altroz Racer is going to use Nexon’s 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine. There is a 120 PS and 170 Nm power output. That is an increase over the regular Altroz of 10 PS and 30 Nm. The 6-speed manual gearbox will be available for the Tata Altroz Racer.

Premium options available on the Tata Altroz Racer include voice-activated sunroof, ESC, six airbags, heated front seats, a new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 360° camera. Hyundai i20 N Line will be the main opponent. A 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 120 PS and 172 Nm powers the hatchback. It is coupled to either a dual clutch automatic gearbox (7-speed or 6-speed manual).

2. Tata Nexon iCNG

Although there are several CNG versions available, the Tata Nexon iCNG will make history. It will be India’s first factory-produced CNG vehicle with a turbocharged petrol engine. Prior to this, Tata had achieved another significant milestone with the launch of the Tiago and Tigor CNG automatic versions.

In reference to Nexon iCNG, the SUV will be powered by a three-cylinder, 1.2-liter turbocharged engine. This is the same as how the regular Nexon is utilised. The Nexon CNG will come with an AMT and manual gearbox option. The Nexon’s CNG version will cost about Rs 1 lakh more than the corresponding petrol model.

3. Tata Curvv

Tata Curvv is anticipated to make its premiere during the holiday season. There has been a few-month delay in the rollout. Since Curvv will be Tata’s first coupe SUV, it will be unique. Given the Curvv would be Tata’s exclusive entry in the small SUV market, there are high expectations. There will be Curvv ICE and EV versions available. The ICE model is anticipated to be released by late 2024 or early 2025, while the EV model will go on sale first.

Popular brands including Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, Toyota HyRyder, Honda Elevate, VW Taigun, and Skoda Kushaq will be up against ICE Curvv. The Curvv EV model is in a better position because it will be released ahead of the Creta EV, Maruti eVX, and Toyota’s eVX variant. Tata’s Gen 2 Acti.ev architecture will support Curvv EV. It is anticipated to have a 450–500 kilometre range.

Tata’s new 1.2-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 125 horsepower will power the ICE Curvv. There will be options for manual and automatic transmissions. The 1.5-liter diesel engine from Nexon will be borrowed for the Curvv diesel variant. Both an AMT and a 6-speed manual gearbox will be included. Curvv will eventually have a CNG option as well. Curvv is anticipated to have an extensive feature set, which includes ADAS.

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The inevitable has already been declared as Google began rolling out AI Overviews in Search to the general public last week. AI Overviews will soon have ads.

Google unveiled new methods that advertisers can use and benefit from artificial intelligence (AI) in their commercials during the Google Marketing Live event on May 21. One of the announcements was that in-line advertisements will be included “soon” to AI Overviews in Search.

Google states that advertising will soon appear in AI Overviews, but no exact date for rollout has been disclosed as they are not yet online. According to Google, users perceive the advertisements to be “helpful.”

These advertisements, which display goods associated with your search query, will have a clear “Sponsored” notice. The example provided by Google for the query “how do I get wrinkles out of clothes?” displays suggestions and product links for wrinkle-removing goods.

Google Clarifies:

We’ve heard from early testers that the advertisements that show up above and below the AI-generated summary are beneficial. We’re going to begin testing Search and Shopping advertising for American users in AI Overviews soon. When they are pertinent to the query and the data in the AI Overview, they will have the chance to appear in the AI Overview in a part that is clearly marked as “sponsored.”

Interestingly, these advertisements will be produced automatically from current Google Search advertising. Ads that would typically show up in Search will eventually begin to show up in Google’s AI Overviews.

In a blog post outlining the modification, Google restates that, despite the company’s demo (below), which doesn’t display a single web link until you scroll down the page, it will “continue to test and evolve the Search experience” and “remain focused on sending valuable traffic to publishers and creators.”

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At the Gonet Geneva Open on Wednesday, Casper Ruud produced an outstanding comeback, defeating Sebastian Ofner 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 after trailing by a set.

Even though Ofner won his first set against a Top 10 player in 22 attempts, the former world No. 2 had lost his previous two matches following a strong start to the clay-court swing. However, Ruud restored order in time to book a quarterfinal match with No. 5 seed Sebastian Baez after an hour and forty-seven minutes on Center Court.

Ruud defeated Novak Djokovic to go to the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters final, which put him in the early running to win his first major title at Roland Garros this year. After losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas there and coming in second, the Norwegian exacted revenge a week later by winning the biggest championship of his career—his first ATP 500—at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell.

Ruud suffered a slight setback in the fourth round at the Caja Magica against Félix Auger-Aliassime, but his opening-round loss to good friend Miomir Kecmanovic raised further red flags when Ruud disclosed that he had experienced a “lock” in his lower back throughout the three-set loss.

With just one week till Roland Garros, Ruud was desperate for momentum despite the injury’s severity. He went back to the Tennis Club de Genève confident he would find it as he took an early lead against Ofner.

Before facing Ruud, Ofner, the No. 2 seed, had a record of 0-21 in sets against Top 10 opponents. However, the Austrian qualifier managed to turn the tables on Ruud, winning six of the next eight games and taking the opening set from the two-time Geneva Open champion.

From then on, Ruud controlled the race, taking a bigger advantage in the second and breaking Ofner three more times to win in under two hours.

In the round of eight, he will face Baez, who on Tuesday fell short of Spanish player Roberto Carballés Baena in just three games. Ruud has a 2-0 head-to-head advantage over the Argentine, despite the latter’s strength on clay. Both of their meetings took place on clay last year.

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The 40th edition of the Visual Communications (VC) Film Fest/Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival honored the Kazakh film “Madina” with a Special Recognition award, the festival’s press office announced on May 16.

The film, which was directed by Aizhan Kassymbek and has an all-female cast, explores the suppressed real-life experiences of its lead actress and other strong Kazakh women with the goal of raising awareness and igniting change within the Kazakh community.

“The film is equally tender as it is powerful, and we look forward to more from this team.” the jury said of the film.

Madina Akylbekova, the principal actress who won a Special Recognition for Performance, is partially based on her genuine tale in the film. A young girl, her younger brother, and her own mother are all taken care of by a single mother in the film. Madina works as a dancer at events at night and instructs dance to adults and children during the day. She helps her family with their many issues during the downtime in between shifts.

The jury said, “This actress gave a tremendous performance, bringing to the big screen glimpses of her own lived experience as a single mother who struggles to balance her career as a dancer with taking care of her old grandmother and her two-year-old daughter. Madina Akylbek’s performance, even alongside her own child, illuminates her resilience and courage to tell the truth,”

The VC Film Fest, the biggest film festival in Southern California, is devoted to presenting international films directed by and featuring Asians and Pacific Islanders. About 150 movies and other media pieces honor Asian Pacific creators and their narratives.

“Madina” had an Asian Future program screening at the Tokyo International Film Festival at the end of 2023. Along with Askhat Kuchinchirekov’s “Bauyryna Salu” (Parenting), it was one of two Kazakh films that were screened at the festival.

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“Keep the doctor away” may not be the only benefit of an apple a day.

According to recent studies, eating fruit as a snack may help prevent type 2 diabetes.

Researchers from Edith Cowan University in Perth discovered that people who consumed at least two servings of any fruit daily had a 36% lower chance of developing type 2 diabetes over the following five years after analyzing data from over 7,000 persons.

Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, fruits are thought to help prevent diabetes by increasing cellular sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which lowers blood sugar.

“A healthy diet and lifestyle, which includes the consumption of whole fruits, is a great strategy to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Nicola Bondonno, the study’s researcher

Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, but they’re also a fantastic source of fiber, which helps control blood sugar release and keeps people feeling fuller for longer, and phytochemicals, which are plant-based nutrients that may improve insulin sensitivity.

“Furthermore, most fruits typically have a low glycaemic index [a measure of how quickly a carbohydrate affects a person’s blood sugar], which means the fruit’s sugar is digested and absorbed into the body more slowly.”

In the UK, 3.9 million people received a diabetes diagnosis in 2019, with type 2 accounting for about 90% of cases.

The beginning of type 2 diabetes is frequently associated with a patient’s lifestyle, such as being overly sedentary or overweight.

If left untreated, the illness can result in limb amputations, heart disease, and blindness.

By 2030, 5.5 million individuals in the UK alone are predicted to have type 2 diabetes, so the researchers set out to find out how dietary changes could lower a person’s risk.

The researchers examined data on fruit and fruit juice consumption from participants in the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study, with an average age of 54.

“We found an association between fruit intake and markers of insulin sensitivity, suggesting people who consumed more fruit had to produce less insulin to lower their blood glucose levels,” stated Dr. Bondonno.

“This is important because high levels of circulating insulin can damage blood vessels and are related not only to diabetes but also to high blood pressure, obesity and heart disease.”

However, fruit juice was not proven to offer the same advantages.

“This is likely because juice tends to be much higher in sugar and lower in fibre,” said Dr. Bondonno.

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On May 22, a number of unidentified tiny spacecraft were sent into orbit for the National Reconnaissance Office by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

At 4:00 a.m. Eastern, the Falcon 9 blasted off from the Californian space force base of Vandenberg.

This was SpaceX’s 52nd flight of the year and the fifth Falcon 9 launch for the NRO. The mission was classified and was designated NROL-146.

The rocket’s first stage, which conducted its 16th flight, separated from the upper stage and landed on a drone ship positioned in the Pacific Ocean.

SpaceX ended the livestream after the first stage landed, marking the company’s 310th recovery of a first-stage booster, at the NRO’s request to not display images of the rocket’s upper stage.

Secret U.S. government surveillance and intelligence satellites are designed and run by the NRO. The agency’s initial use of a new constellation of imaging satellites developed by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman is known as NROL-146.

The number of satellites launched on this mission and the anticipated size of the new constellation have not been made public by the NRO. Six launches for the NRO’s widely used small satellite design are scheduled for 2024, according to earlier statements from agency officials.

The NRO stated that their goal is to have four times as many satellites in orbit. Smaller, more numerous satellites, according to officials, will enable significantly more frequent revisits to vital regions of interest, resulting in the speedier delivery of vital intelligence.

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They have witnessed a number of new car introductions in 2024’s first four months, spanning different market niches and pricing points.

TATA ALTROZ RACER

In June 2024, the Tata Altroz Racer is scheduled to go on sale. It is essentially the Altroz with a sportier look that was shown off twice in public. The vehicle has a 1.2L, three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that was taken from the Nexon. The engine will be calibrated to produce 170 Nm of torque and 120 horsepower. The Racer Edition will produce 10 horsepower and 30 Nm more torque than the Altroz iTurbo. Most likely, a single 6-speed manual gearbox will be included.

Twin racing stripes will be present on the bonnet and roof of the Tata Altroz Racer, which will have a dual-tone paint scheme. The front fenders will be branded with the word “Racer.” It will also differ from the standard Altroz in terms of its alloy wheels and front grille. The hatchback’s interior is probably going to have fresh leatherette upholstery with dashboard elements in various colours and contrast stitching. Six airbags and electronic stability control are standard on the Altroz Racer.

5-DOOR MAHINDRA THAR

The 5-door Thar version that is ready for production will probably be called the Mahindra Thar Armada. The market launch of the lifestyle off-road SUV is scheduled for August 15th, after its unveiling. Three versions of the car, with the 2.0L turbocharged and 2.2L diesel engines from the Scorpio N, are probably in the works. There will be 4WD and 2WD gearbox options available.

Steel wheels, 5-spoke alloy wheels, and 19-inch multi-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels will be available for the SUV’s base, mid, and higher trim levels, respectively. Compared to the 3-door Thar, the 5-door model will have a slightly different front grille, bumpers, a remote fuel filling cap, and a rear wiper. A larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a fully digital instrument cluster, rear AC vents, front and rear centre armrests, push-button start-stop, a sunroof, and many more luxury features will be found within the SUV.

NEW-GEN MARUTI DZIRE

The next significant product release from the Indo-Japanese carmaker in India will be the all-new Maruti Suzuki Dzire. A few design cues, the interior, and the new Z-Series petrol engine will all be shared by the small sedan and the recently launched Swift hatchback. Its interior design will resemble that of the Baleno and Fronx. According to spy photos, the 2024 Maruti Dzire will have a 360-degree camera and the industry’s first single-pane sunroof.

In addition, there will be a wireless phone charger, rear AC vents, a floating 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a revised instrument cluster, push-button start/stop, power-adjustable and foldable wing mirrors, new seat upholstery, and more. The next Dzire will come equipped with six airbags as standard, just like the new Swift. The new Maruti Dzire of 2024 will be powered by a 1.2L, four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 112Nm and 82bhp. Gearboxes with manual and AMT shifters will still be available.

TATA CURVV EV

The introduction of the Tata Curvv is reportedly being moved to this year’s holiday season. Originally, it was planned for the coupe SUV to go on sale in mid-2024. The automaker plans to launch the electric-powered Curvv initially, followed six months later by the ICE variant. It will have a 62mm larger wheelbase and be almost 313mm longer than the Nexon. The 10.25-inch dual screen configuration, digital dials, and four-spoke lighted steering wheel from the Harrier will be carried over to the Curvv coupe SUV. Some of its features and switchgear will be acquired from the Nexon. In addition, it will have a 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, ventilated seats, and linked car capabilities.

The Tata Curvv EV, which serves as the foundation for Tata’s Gen 2 Acti.ev design, is anticipated to have a range of between 450 and 500 kilometres on a single charge. Three distinct powertrain options will be available for the ICE version: 125 horsepower, 1.5L diesel, 1.2L turbocharged petrol, and CNG. When it is introduced, the new Tata coupe SUV will face off against the soon-to-be Citroen Basalt. However, in terms of pricing, it will also go up against the Hyundai Creta, Honda Elevate, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder.

CITROEN BASALT

The second half of 2024 is when Citroen’s planned Basalt coupe SUV is expected to go on sale (maybe around the holidays). Following the C3 Aircross SUV, C3 hatchback, and eC3 EV, this will be the French carmaker’s fourth product to be offered under the C-Cubed initiative. There will be a single 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine with 110 horsepower available for the Citroen Basalt. There are two types of transmissions available: an automatic torque converter and a manual.

Later on, though, the company will also introduce its electric version. With the exception of a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car technology, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, hill hold control, reverse parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system, and more, the Basalt and C3 Aircross will share the majority of their features.

NEW KIA CARNIVAL

In the second part of 2024, the fourth-generation Kia Carnival facelift—previously shown as the KA4 concept at the 2023 Auto Expo—will make its debut. Although the MPV’s engine configuration is probably going to stay the same, it will undergo extensive interior and exterior modifications. The new generation will still have an automated transmission and a 2.2L diesel engine, much as the previous one. The 1.6L petrol hybrid, 3.5L petrol and 2.2L diesel are the three powertrain options available in international markets. Here, seven and nine seat options for the 2024 Kia Carnival will be available.

In terms of features, it will include the current feature set in addition to a digital rearview mirror, a rotary drive selector, a head-up display, and a dashcam with front and rear capabilities. A redesigned “Tiger Nose” grille, an updated front bumper, L-shaped DRLs, new alloy wheels, and new L-shaped LED taillamps joined by a bar in the middle are some of its design features.

MG CLOUD EV

An electric vehicle from MG Motor India is scheduled to launch this year. Although the name and specifics of the next EV have not yet been disclosed by the automaker, it is most likely the MG Cloud EV, which will retail for less than Rs 20 lakh. For those who are unaware, the Cloud EV is sold in China under the Baojun Yunduo brand and in Indonesia under the Wuling brand by MG’s parent company SAIC. The model will have a wheelbase of 2,700mm and a length of around 4.3 metres.

It might be available with two battery pack options: a 37.9kWh and a 50.6kWh, similar to what is offered in international markets. In contrast, the latter will have a range of 460 km, while the former will supply 360 km. A permanent magnet synchronous motor with 134 horsepower will be installed at the front axle of the electric vehicle. Many technologies, including an ADAS suite, a 360-degree camera, a huge centrally positioned touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster display, a completely reclined front seat with “sofa mode,” and many more, will be available with the MG Cloud EV.

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