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As part of its efforts to comply with the country’s stricter internet rules, Apple has banned two of Meta Platforms’ popular products from the mainland China App Store: the social network Threads and the messaging service WhatsApp.

According to a search conducted by the Post on Friday, all evidence of Threads, which has gained enormous popularity on the mainland since its inception last July, and WhatsApp, the most popular messaging app in the world with over 2 billion monthly active users in 2023, has vanished from the local App Store.

According to Apple, those two apps were removed by Chinese regulatory officials due to concerns about national security.

In a statement quoted in a Wall Street Journal article that originally revealed the information, Apple stated, “We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree.” “These apps remain available for download on all other storefronts where they appear.”

“We refer you to Apple for comment,” Meta said in an email statement.

On Friday, an inquiry for comment from Apple was not immediately answered.

According to a reports, Apple’s mainland App Store has also removed Telegram and Signal, two more chat applications.

In the midst of tensions between Washington and Beijing, Apple’s most recent steps at the request of Chinese officials demonstrate how the US company continues to manage changing mainland restrictions.

Based in Cupertino, California The latest government policy, which mandates that all domestic apps be licensed before they can be made available on the mainland App Store, was reflected in Apple’s October update to the instructions on its Chinese app developer website. This guideline essentially mandates that all applications be hosted locally and utilize a mainland domain.

Apps intended for mainland users must meet a number of censorship norms and criteria, including new data transfer regulations, in addition to getting an Internet Information Provider license from Chinese regulators.

On the mainland, there are further more stringent licensing procedures for apps that feature content about video games, books, periodicals, religion, and news.

In August of last year, Apple removed over a hundred apps that provided services similar to ChatGPT from its China App store in anticipation of the enactment of new domestic regulations regarding generative artificial intelligence.

The largest internet market in the world has long been isolated from American internet services and mobile apps by China’s Great Firewall. As a result, more people on the mainland are using virtual private network (VPN) services to get around internet limitations.

Even though Meta’s Facebook and the well-known photo- and video-sharing app Instagram are still available in the mainland App Store, using them within the nation requires a VPN.

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Sports

Marta Kostyuk defeated No. 3 seed Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(6) on Friday at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix to claim her second victory against a Top 5 player in less than a month.

The two-hour, forty-four-minute victory is the most recent high point in a 2024 campaign for the Ukrainian that has only gotten better. At the Australian Open in January, the 21-year-old made it to her first Grand Slam quarterfinal. When Kostyuk overcame Jessica Pegula in the San Diego Open quarterfinals in February, it became her first Top 5 triumph. The Ukrainian completed a semifinal run at Indian Wells in March, which propelled her to a career-high ranking of No. 26.

It was an underdog day in Stuttgart on Friday as No. 8 seed Marketa Vondrousova defeated No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka after falling behind in the first set, while Italy’s Jasmine Paolini came dangerously close to defeating No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina. Kostyuk’s upset of Gauff completed the day’s events.

Kostyuk’s performance, though, may have been the most heroic of all. Usually erratic in the face of difficulty, Kostyuk instead fortified herself to force a third set despite trailing 6-4, 4-2. She came back twice in the championship match: once at 3-1 down and again at 6-5 when it appeared the American would win after saving three match points in the tenth game.

After the Ukrainian led 6-2 in the tiebreak, there were four more opportunities to win, but two lengthy rallies—the most significant of which was Gauff’s failure to make a forehand passing shot at the net at 6-6—helped drive Kostyuk over the finish line.

Additionally, it was Kostyuk’s first-ever victory over Gauff and a reversal of the outcome of their quarterfinal match in Melbourne, where Kostyuk had fought back to force a final set, which Gauff won in an equally spectacular three sets.

Kostyuk has spent almost to nine hours on the court in order to go to her third semifinal of the year. The Australian Open finalist Zheng Qinwen was defeated by the Ukrainian in the second round, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, only after the former tournament winner and notoriously difficult German Laura Siegemund was lost in her opening set after more than three hours of play. The Ukrainian saved an incredible five match points to win the match.

Kostyuk’s next opponent to try to qualify for the final is Vondrousova. The Czech and the American were supposed to play in the second round of Indian Wells before Vondrousova withdrew, but the Czech won their lone previous meeting in Billie Jean King Cup play last year.

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Business

The 2025 i4 facelift and the brand-new MINI Aceman will be unveiled at the BMW Group’s gala night on the eve of the Beijing Motor Show, also known as Auto China 2024. Later in the year, both electric vehicles are expected to make their world premiere at the auto show before heading to other markets across the globe. With significant changes, the BMW i4 facelift will be more competitive than ever in terms of appearance and equipment.

Key upgrades for the 2025 BMW i4 are anticipated, with inspiration from the new BMW 4 Series Coupe and Convertible that was unveiled in January of this year. It is anticipated that the electric luxury car would have updated front style, including new LED DRLS, revamped headlights, and a remodelled grille. For a striking appearance, the back is anticipated to get modified bumpers and laser taillights. BMW debuted the laser taillights on the M4 CSL, one of their first vehicles.

In addition, the BMW i4 will sport a new touchscreen infotainment system, a redesigned flat-bottom steering wheel, and the iDrive 8.5 user interface. Along with changing the model’s feature list and dashboard layout, the German automaker also anticipates using more environmentally friendly materials.

BMW may reveal significant advancements in the motor and battery systems that power the 2025 i4. The latest version of the electric vehicle, which is offered in several variants, may improve range, safety, and performance. With electric motors capable of producing 335 bhp and 430 Nm of peak torque, the BMW i4 iDrive 40, which is offered in India, stands out for providing a decent mix between performance and range. It can reach 100 kmph in 5.7 seconds.

It is possible that when the revised version is released, these figures will be altered. The BYD Seal EV for firm in the segment will be available on the redesigned BMW i4, which is anticipated to arrive in India at some point in 2019. The latter claims to have some incredible performance figures of its own. The Kia EV6 and the Volvo XC40 Recharge, on the other hand, are electric SUVs that are priced similarly. In India, the latest BMW i4 is retailing for 72.50 lakh (ex-showroom).

On April 24, more information about the BMW i4 and the new MINI Aceman will be unveiled at Auto China. The massive automaker from Bavaria may also make some significant announcements during the motor show about its aspirations to electrify and improve its products.

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Business

Few names in the automotive industry inspire as much fervour and enthusiasm as the Ford Mustang. The Mustang immediately won over the hearts of both aficionados and everyday drivers, having been born in a time of muscle vehicles and revolt. Ford is getting ready to introduce a vehicle that pays homage to its legendary past and pays homage to its past as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.

The Mustang’s Iconic Journey

Ever since its introduction in 1964, the Mustang has stood for superior American automotive design and inventiveness. It became an immediate classic due to its powerful engines, elegant design, and reasonable pricing. The Mustang has seen multiple changes throughout the years, remaining faithful to its heritage while adjusting to shifting consumer preferences and technology developments.

The Mustang’s Iconic Journey

Ever since its introduction in 1964, the Mustang has stood for superior American automotive design and inventiveness. It became an immediate classic due to its powerful engines, elegant design, and reasonable pricing. The Mustang has seen multiple changes throughout the years, remaining faithful to its heritage while adjusting to shifting consumer preferences and technology developments.

60 Years of Innovation

For the whole of its sixty-year existence, the Mustang has led the way in automotive innovation. Ford has consistently pushed the limits of what a muscle vehicle can be, starting with the release of the legendary Shelby GT350 and continuing with the latest improvements in performance and technology. The Mustang has developed with every new generation, growing in strength, efficiency, and refinement.

A Retro Revival: Looking Back to Move Forward

In honour of its 60th anniversary, Ford is going to introduce a brand-new Mustang that pays homage to the heyday of the 1960s. Inspired by iconic vehicles like the Mustang GT500, the new vehicle will combine retro design elements with cutting-edge performance and technology. With its distinctive grille, short deck, and long hood, the new Mustang is sure to pay homage to the original.

The Power of Nostalgia

Nostalgia is popular in the fast-paced world of today. Retro-inspired clothing, old-school video games, and vintage automobiles are all popular items among consumers who like things that take them back to more carefree days. Ford made a wise marketing decision by capitalising on the nostalgia for the Mustang’s golden age. Ford wants to appeal to both new and seasoned drivers by providing the newest in automobile technology together with nostalgic appeals.

Embracing the Future

Even while the new Mustang with a nostalgic aesthetic draws inspiration from the past, it is very much focused on the present. The automotive industry is facing a drastic shift due to developments in autonomous driving capabilities, electric and hybrid technologies. Ford understands that in order to remain faithful to its history, it must adapt to these changes. One example of how Ford is embracing innovation while paying tribute to its history is the new Mustang. Ford is commemorating 60 years of Mustang excellence, and the future appears more promising than before.

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Business

Maruti Suzuki, one of India’s leading car manufacturers, has announced a significant price increase for its popular Swift hatchback. The price adjustments vary between Rs 15,000 and Rs 39,000, depending on the variant. This strategic move comes just weeks before the launch of the eagerly anticipated new-generation Swift, slated for release next month.

Prior to a Detailed Pricing Update, Maruti Swift Prices Have Increased

The following is the revised list of prices for the Maruti Swift variants:

Base Model LXI: Priced at Rs 6.24 lakh, an increase of Rs 25,000 from its previous price of Rs 5.99 lakh.

Variants of the VXI and VXI AMT: The pricing of these models have increased slightly, by Rs 15,000, to Rs 7.15 lakh and Rs 7.65 lakh, respectively.

ZXI and ZXI AMT Variants: The manual and AMT models now cost Rs 7.93 lakh and Rs 8.43 lakh, respectively, after a Rs 25,000 price increase.

Variants of ZXI+: The ZXI+ models have seen the biggest price increases; the manual version now costs Rs 8.78 lakh, while the

ZXI+ Variants: The manual version of the ZXI+ models now costs Rs 8.78 lakh, while the AMT version costs Rs 9.14 lakh. These increases are the largest among the models; they are up Rs 39,000 and Rs 25,000, respectively.

CNG Models: After price rises of Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000, respectively, the VXI CNG and ZXI CNG variants now cost Rs 8.05 lakh and Rs 8.83 lakh.
ew Model Introduction

Vehicle Specifications and Features

The Swift keeps its essential features and specifications in place despite the price changes. It still has a strong 1.2-liter, four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 113 Nm of torque and 90 horsepower. A 5-speed manual or 5-speed automated manual gearbox (AMT) is attached to this engine. Maruti Suzuki is clearly confident in the Swift’s present design and engineering, as seen by the car’s unmodified mechanicals and design.

Strategy Behind the Temporary Price Hike

With the release of the next-generation Swift rapidly approaching, the price rise is just temporary and only planned to last for roughly a month. Automakers frequently employ this pricing approach to smooth the transition between discontinued models and new launches. It assists in reducing the effect of the price increase that usually follows the release of new models, acclimating the public and the market to the new product pricing.

Upcoming Launch of the Next-Gen Swift

One of the most eagerly awaited Maruti Suzuki vehicle debuts in 2024 is the next-generation Swift. With its redesigned design and enhanced functions, it is anticipated to generate a new wave of enthusiasm. With a new 1.2-liter, three-cylinder petrol engine and an improved interior, the new model will have a sleek, contemporary appearance. Significant safety improvements will also be included, such as a larger 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and six airbags as standard on all models.

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Science

Evidence suggesting Io’s volcanic activity has been continuous since the solar system’s formation has been reported by a group of planetary scientists and geologists from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the University of California Santa Cruz, New York University, and the California Institute of Technology. To ascertain how long the moon has been volcanically active, the team examined sulfur isotopes in Io’s atmosphere for their study, which was published in the journal Science.

Previous studies have revealed that the solar system is about 4.5 billion years old and that the most volcanically active body in the solar system is Io, the moon of Jupiter. But the duration of the moon’s activity was unknown to scientists until recently. The research team analyzed the gases in Io’s atmosphere using data from ALMA to find out.

The gravitational pull of Jupiter and its two moons, Ganymede and Europa, together, pull on Io, causing an accumulation of subsurface pressure that is released through volcanic eruptions. This is why Io is volcanically active. Because of the continual lava flow caused by the eruptions, the moon’s geography is always changing, making it challenging to understand more about its past.

The group concentrated on stable isotopic isotopes of sulfur and compounds containing chlorine from ALMA data. When compared to the atmospheres of other solar system planets and moons, they discovered that both were more abundant in Io’s atmospheric. The researchers also discovered that a significant proportion of sulfur isotopes—between 94% and 96%—that enter the atmosphere as a result of volcanic eruptions are lost to space. Based on available data, the continuous volcanism has been happening for around 4.5 billion years, or as long as Io has existed.

The research team intends to keep studying Io in order to determine whether the moon’s continuous volcanism caused its initial cooler phase to cease. Additionally, they will investigate the possibility that the moon once had an ocean or ice crust.

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Business

Next week, the Beijing Auto Show will see the debut of the Chery Tansuo 06 C-DM. The automobile is the production version of the TJ-1 C-DM that was displayed at the Shanghai Auto Show last year, and the name Tansuo means “Discovery” or “Explore” in English. A PHEV’s combined range under the WLTC cycle is supposedly 1300 km, while its all-electric range is 120 km under the CLTC cycle. Its fuel consumption is 4.9 l/100 km.

The vehicle is built on the Tansuo’s internal combustion engine, and in contrast to earlier spy photos, it now features a waterfall grille. The brake light cluster at the back reflects the interesting checkered pattern of the daytime running lights, which resemble a racing flag. The Chery Tansuo 06 C-DM features a floating roof design with hidden door handles from the side.

The 13.2-inch infotainment screen in the Chery Tansuo 06 C-DM dashboard houses Chery’s vibrant AI assistant system. There includes a huge head-up display (HUD) and a smaller LCD instrument panel for the driver. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip powers the cockpit. You can play games, watch videos, and participate in karaoke on the infotainment screen. The driver’s seat now includes a massaging feature in addition to position memory and heating and ventilation for the front seats.

The Kunpeng Super Hybrid C-DM system, which consists of an Acteco 1.5TGDI high-efficiency hybrid engine, continuously variable super hybrid DHT, and a hybrid intelligent electric management system, powers the Chery Tansuo 06 C-DM. The engine has a 44.5% thermal efficiency, employs the Miller cycle, and has fourth-generation intelligent thermal management. The engine produces torque of 220 Nm and power of 115 kW. There is currently no information available regarding the PHEV powertrain’s electric components. All-electric, range extension, direct engine drive, parallel connection, and energy recovery are the system’s five driving modes.

The ICE version of the automobile, which retails for between 116,900 and 139,900 yuan (16,150 and 19,300 USD), has been on sale since August of last year, although a far earlier debut was first anticipated. Delivery times should not be too much behind the opening of the Beijing Auto Show. The cost of a PHEV will be higher than that of an ICE vehicle.

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Lifestyle

A recent study indicated that putting in a lot of mental effort at work may benefit you in more ways than just advancing your career. It may also shield your cognitive function and help stave off dementia when you become older.

The study found that, compared to working in an environment with high cognitive and interpersonal demands, having a routine job with little mental stimulation during your 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s was associated with a 66% higher risk of mild cognitive impairment and a 37% greater risk of dementia after the age of 70.

Lead author Dr. Trine Edwin of Oslo University Hospital in Norway said, “Our results show the value of having an occupation that requires more complex thinking as a way to maintain memory and thinking in old age,”  “The workplace is really important in promoting cognitive health.” Dr. Richard Isaacson, director of research at the Institute for Mental Health.

Education did partially offset the negative effects of a monotonous work, according to Edwin. For example, going to college decreased the effects of a repetitive profession by roughly 60% but did not totally eliminate the danger.

“Staying actively engaged in life, maintaining a sense of purpose, learning new things and remaining socially active are powerful tools to protect against cognitive decline as we age,” stated in an email Dr. Richard Isaacson, the director of research at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Florida.

Isaacson, who was not involved in the new study, said, “Similarly, this study shows that being cognitively engaged at work can also have profound benefits in our fight against dementia.”

“Just like we can use physical exercise to grow and maintain our muscles, exercising our brain through more engaging work assignments and ongoing collegial interactions seems to also help fend off dementia.”

Regular Tasks Frequently Involve Repetition.

The study, which was released on Wednesday in the American Academy of Neurology journal Neurology, examined work and health data for 7,000 Norwegians who were tracked from their 30s to their 60s retirement.

Edwin stated, “Many other studies on this topic have just looked at the most recent jobs that people have,”  “but due to the national database we have in Norway we were able to follow people over much of their lifetimes.”

“Most people in routine jobs in our sample included housekeepers, custodians, construction workers and mail carriers,”  Edwin stated.

Even though repetitive work were occasionally necessary, more cognitively demanding employment were not based on routine chores. Daily responsibilities would often involve problem-solving, information analysis, creative thinking, and communicating concepts and details to others. These kinds of mentally demanding professions also call for interpersonal abilities like mentoring or inspiring others.

“There were lawyers, doctors, accountants, technical engineers and people in public service in this group, but the most common occupation was teaching,” Edwin stated. “Teachers have a lot of interaction with students and parents and have to explain and analyze information. It’s not so routine-oriented.”

“You lose it if you don’t use it.”

For the whole of their working lives, many research participants had positions with the same level of complexity. One of the study’s strengths, according to Edwin, was its stability, which allowed researchers to examine the effects of different employment types across time. But variations in responsibilities within a particular job category were not taken into consideration by the study.

“As they say, if you don’t use it, you lose it. This is similarly true for cognitive engagement throughout the lifespan,” according to Isaacson.

 he continued. “While I’d speculate that people at risk for Alzheimer’s would be well served by taking advantage of professional advancement opportunities, learning new job tasks, and refining their skills at work over a period of time, further studies will help clarify which specific activities have the most brain healthy benefits,”

He suggested leading a brain-healthy lifestyle that includes eating a Mediterranean-style diet, cutting back on alcohol and quitting smoking, monitoring vascular risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, routinely diagnosing and treating hearing and vision loss, and “getting adequate sleep and managing stress can help people slam the breaks on cognitive decline.”

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Business

  • In essence, the Bolero Neo Plus is the TUV300 Plus with a facelift.
  • Napoli Black, Diamond White, and Majestic Silver are the available exterior paint colours.
  • available with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a single 2.2-liter diesel engine.
  • The price range (ex-showroom, India) is Rs 11.39 lakh to Rs 12.49 lakh.

Recently, the facelifted TUV300 Plus, now known as the Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus, went on sale. There are two versions available: P4 and P10. It shares a lot of similarities with the Bolero Neo, a 7-seater, although it is noticeably longer overall and has different in-cabin amenities and seating arrangements.

Colour Options:

  • Magnificent Silver
  • dazzling white
  • Napoli Dark

Rocky Beige and Highway Red are only available on the Bolero Neo; the Bolero Neo Plus receives the same three shades as the Bolero Neo. The Bolero Neo Plus’ Majestic Silver paint choice and the latter’s “Dsat Silver” paint option are the sole differences between the two SUVs. Nevertheless, there is no dual-tone paint option available for either SUV.

Gets A Diesel Engine Option Only

It has a single 2.2-liter diesel engine (120 PS/280 Nm) from Mahindra coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox. This family-oriented SUV has rear-wheel drive (RWD) and no option for an automatic gearbox.

Features And Safety Tech On Board

A 9-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, USB, and aux input is included with the Bolero Neo Plus; however, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not supported. It also has a manual air conditioning system, six speakers for music, four power windows, and a driver seat that can be raised or lowered. Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, front fog lamps, and rear parking sensors make up its safety net.

Price Range And Competition

The Bolero Neo Plus from Mahindra is priced between Rs 11.39 lakh and Rs 12.49 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Although it doesn’t exactly have any competitors, it can be thought of as a more cost-effective choice than the Mahindra Scorpio Classic and Scorpio N.

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Business

One of the most well-liked seven-seater SUVs available for purchase in India right now is the Toyota Fortuner. Because of its dependability, this SUV’s demand seems to be unabated despite its high price. It’s an SUV that’s sold internationally as well. The Toyota Fortuner with mild hybrid technology was recently unveiled by the manufacturer. The South African market has seen the release of this updated Fortuner model.

The Hilux pickup vehicle debuted the Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology last year. This new technology is comparable to that seen in Indian Maruti automobiles. It is a mild hybrid system that boosts fuel efficiency overall and helps the engine run at lower RPMs.

The 2.8-liter turbocharged engine diesel variant of the Fortuner is compatible with this technology. This engine comes with a 48V mild hybrid system and produces 500 Nm of peak torque in addition to 201 Bhp. This technology increases fuel efficiency, as previously indicated. The SUV’s stated fuel economy is now 13.15 km/l, which is somewhat higher than the non-hybrid model’s 12.66 km/l.

This technology is exclusively available from Toyota with the 6-speed automatic gearbox. The mild hybrid system is available for the Fortuner 2WD and 4WD models. Toyota has enhanced the international variant’s features in addition to the mild hybrid system. The Toyota Safety Sense ADAS Suite, 360-degree camera, slightly modified alloy wheels, and other features are now standard on the South African version of the Fortuner.

One of the SUVs with the largest fan base in India is the Toyota Fortuner. Because of its dependability, it has been dominating this market for years. There are currently few options available to consumers in this market, which benefits Toyota as well.

In the event that the Endeavour returns, Toyota may also upgrade the Fortuner’s features. To date, Toyota has not released an official statement regarding the introduction of this mild hybrid system in the Indian version. We do believe that this will be available, though, when the manufacturer releases the upcoming update.

Toyota provides the Fortuner with both petrol and diesel engine choices in India. The SUV’s gasoline version has a 2.7-liter engine, while the diesel version has a 2.8-liter engine. There are manual and automatic gearbox options for both petrol and diesel engine variants. Nevertheless, the 4×4 variant is the only one available.

In India, the cost of a Toyota Fortuner ranges from Rs 33.43 lakh ex-showroom to Rs 51.44 lakh ex-showroom. The top-end variant’s on-road cost is likely to exceed Rs 60 lakh. The Fortuner is a very well-liked SUV that is well-known among off-road enthusiasts.

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