In a move reflecting the increasing regulatory scrutiny on China’s LGBTQ+ community, Apple has removed two prominent gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from its App Store in China. The tech giant cited an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) as the reason for the takedown. An Apple spokesperson stated, ‘We follow the laws in the countries where we operate,’ emphasizing the company’s compliance with local regulations. While the full versions of both apps are no longer accessible in China, an ‘express’ version of Blued remains available, though its differences from the original are unclear. Finka’s developer had already opted to remove the app outside China earlier this year. This action follows the removal of another popular gay dating app, Grindr, from Apple’s Chinese App Store in 2022. Both Blued and Finka are owned by BlueCity, a Chinese company focused on LGBTQ+ services, which was delisted from Nasdaq in 2022. Apple’s decision underscores its willingness to adhere to Chinese internet regulations, a stance that has been noted by industry experts. George Chen, a partner at The Asia Group, remarked that Apple rarely resists government takedown requests, given the importance of the Chinese market to its global operations. This development highlights the growing challenges faced by China’s LGBTQ+ community, which has seen increased pressure from authorities despite the decriminalization of homosexuality in 1997.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Fact check: Red Fort blast in Delhi not confirmed to be CNG explosion
A devastating car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort has left at least 12 people dead, sparking widespread concern and heightened security measures across India. Contrary to claims circulating on social media, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has officially denied that the blast was caused by a CNG cylinder explosion. The incident, which occurred on November 11, 2025, is currently under investigation by national security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG).
Initial reports from a popular social media account, TeamSaathOfficial, suggested that the explosion was a tragic accident rather than a terror attack. The account, which has over 100,000 followers, cited an alleged confirmation from Special CP Ravindra Yadav of the Delhi Police. However, no official statement from the Delhi Police has corroborated this claim. TeamSaathOfficial later deleted the post and issued a public apology, urging followers to verify information from reliable sources before sharing.
In response to the incident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to deliver justice for the victims and extended his condolences to the affected families. The owner of the car involved in the explosion, along with two associates, has been arrested. Meanwhile, the Archaeological Survey of India has announced that the Red Fort will remain closed until November 13 to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
Security has been significantly tightened across the country, with police checkpoints established in various cities and airports issuing advisories to passengers. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has chaired a high-level security meeting to address the situation. The incident has also prompted a broader discussion on the responsible use of social media and artificial intelligence, as misinformation continues to spread rapidly in the aftermath of such events.
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China’s digital leap empowering the world
China’s rapid advancements in digital technology are making waves across the globe, transforming industries and improving lives. From cutting-edge digital crop estimation techniques to the expansion of e-commerce platforms into international markets, China’s digital revolution is setting new benchmarks. International experts have lauded these innovations, highlighting their profound impact on global economies and societies. The integration of digital solutions in agriculture, commerce, and communication is not only enhancing efficiency but also fostering cross-border collaboration. As China continues to lead in digital innovation, its contributions are empowering nations worldwide, driving progress, and bridging technological divides.
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Israel: Bill to shut ‘harmful’ foreign media passes first reading
Israel’s parliament has taken a significant step toward granting the government sweeping powers to shut down foreign media outlets deemed a threat to national security. On Monday, the Knesset passed the first reading of a bill that would allow authorities to close foreign media without requiring a court order. The proposal, introduced by Likud MP Ariel Kallner, was approved by a narrow margin of 50 to 41 votes. It still requires two more readings before becoming law. The bill, formally titled the Law to Prevent Harm to State Security by a Foreign Broadcasting Authority, would empower the communications minister to block or shut down foreign channels, seize their equipment, and raid their offices without judicial oversight. Additionally, new amendments would enable the minister to instruct internet and satellite providers to restrict online content or disrupt broadcasts. Critics argue that the bill could lead to broad government control over foreign media, regardless of the security situation or international objections. The legislation comes amid growing concerns over Israel’s crackdown on press freedom, particularly during its ongoing war in Gaza. Earlier this year, Israel banned Al Jazeera and other outlets from reporting in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, citing national security concerns. The move has been widely condemned by rights organizations, journalists, and the United Nations, who view it as a violation of press freedom and human rights.
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Dubai sees high demand for furnished homes as newcomers seek seamless start
Dubai’s real estate market is witnessing a surge in demand for furnished, ready-to-move-in homes, driven by the influx of expatriates and professionals seeking convenience and cost efficiency. According to Bayut, nearly 59,000 property transactions were recorded in the third quarter of 2025, totaling over Dh169 billion. Furnished homes accounted for more than 18,500 deals worth Dh86.4 billion, highlighting their growing popularity. Real estate experts attribute this trend to the city’s expanding population, which recently surpassed four million, and the increasing number of foreign workers and investors arriving post-pandemic. Humaira Vaqqas, a senior consultant at Range International Properties, emphasized that furnished apartments eliminate logistical challenges, allowing newcomers to settle in immediately without the hassle of purchasing furniture or setting up utilities. These units often come equipped with essential items like sofas, beds, and kitchen appliances, and sometimes include pre-configured utilities such as Wi-Fi or gas. Industry analysts also note that short-term professionals, often on two- or three-year contracts, prefer the flexibility of furnished homes to avoid long-term investments in household items. This trend is further supported by the moderation in price and rental growth in the mid-market apartment segment, as reported by Cushman & Wakefield Core. As Dubai continues to attract global talent, the demand for seamless living solutions is expected to remain robust.
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Chinese ‘cryptoqueen’ who scammed thousands jailed in UK over Bitcoin stash worth $6.6 billion
A Chinese woman, Zhimin Qian, known as the ‘cryptoqueen,’ has been sentenced to over 11 years in prison by a UK court for orchestrating a massive Bitcoin fraud scheme. The 47-year-old defrauded more than 128,000 people in China through a Ponzi scheme, amassing 5 billion pounds ($6.6 billion) in Bitcoin. The UK police investigation led to the largest cryptocurrency seizure in the country, recovering devices containing 61,000 Bitcoin. Qian, who lived an extravagant lifestyle in Europe, was arrested in April 2024 after years of evading authorities. She had been staying in luxury hotels, purchasing fine jewelry, and attempting to buy multimillion-pound properties in London. Qian fled to the UK under a fake identity after attracting the attention of Chinese authorities. Her accomplice, Seng Hok Ling, a Malaysian national, was also sentenced to four years and 11 months for aiding in the transfer and laundering of the cryptocurrency. Judge Sally-Ann Hales described Qian’s actions as driven by ‘pure greed,’ highlighting her disregard for the victims whose life savings and pensions she had stolen.
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Dharmendra recovering, responding to treatment: Sunny Deol’s team tells KT
The Indian film industry was thrown into turmoil on Tuesday morning as false reports of veteran actor Dharmendra’s demise spread rapidly. The 89-year-old icon, known for his illustrious career in Bollywood, was incorrectly declared dead by multiple media outlets, leading to an outpouring of tributes on social media. However, the actor’s family swiftly refuted the claims, clarifying that Dharmendra is hospitalized and responding to treatment. Khaleej Times confirmed the news after reaching out to the family, who revealed that the actor was admitted due to breathlessness. Prominent figures, including India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and superstar Chiranjeevi, initially posted condolences on social media but later deleted their messages upon learning the truth. Dharmendra’s wife, Hema Malini, and daughter Esha Deol, expressed their frustration over the irresponsible reporting, urging the media to respect the family’s privacy. An official statement from Sunny Deol’s team confirmed that Dharmendra is recovering and under close medical supervision at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. The family has appealed for prayers and privacy during this challenging time. This incident marks the second time in 24 hours that false reports about Dharmendra’s health have caused alarm, highlighting the need for responsible journalism.
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China flags 10 overseas sites in cyberattack alert
In a significant move to bolster national cybersecurity, China’s National Cybersecurity Notification Center unveiled a list of 10 malicious websites and Internet Protocol (IP) addresses on Monday, November 11, 2025. These sites, linked to overseas hacker groups, have been actively used to orchestrate cyberattacks targeting China and other nations. The center emphasized that the identified domains and IPs are directly associated with Trojan programs and their command-and-control servers, facilitating botnet operations and backdoor exploitations. Such activities pose a severe threat to networked institutions and internet users across China. The flagged addresses span multiple countries, including the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Latvia, Turkiye, Iran, the Republic of Korea, and Brazil. This alert underscores China’s proactive stance in combating global cyber threats and safeguarding its digital infrastructure. The announcement was made via the center’s official social media channels, urging heightened vigilance among stakeholders.
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Modi says those behind Delhi blast that killed eight ‘will not be spared’
A devastating car explosion near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort has left at least eight people dead and several others injured, prompting a swift response from Indian authorities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation on Tuesday, assured that those responsible for the attack “will not be spared.” The explosion occurred on Monday evening near a metro station adjacent to the Red Fort, a historic landmark in the Indian capital. Modi revealed that he is in close contact with investigative agencies, emphasizing their commitment to uncovering the full extent of the conspiracy. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken charge of the case under anti-terror laws, though the police have yet to disclose specific reasons for the transfer. Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level security meeting with senior officials, pledging to explore all possibilities in the investigation. Shah also vowed to bring every perpetrator to justice, stating on social media platform X that he has directed officials to “hunt down each and every culprit.” Among the victims was Lokesh Agrawal, a shop owner from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, who was visiting Delhi to meet a hospitalized relative. His brother, Sonu Agrawal, recounted the tragic events to the press. The Red Fort has been closed for three days as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, neighboring states, including Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai, have been placed on high alert. International leaders from Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Nepal have extended their condolences to India in the wake of the tragedy. Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed that the explosion occurred when a slow-moving car stopped at a traffic signal before detonating.
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Scientists predict new ultrastable 2D materials for fast-charging, long-lasting batteries
A groundbreaking study led by researchers at Tianjin University has unveiled a new family of two-dimensional (2D) topological telluride materials that could significantly enhance the performance and durability of lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. Published in the prestigious journal Advanced Science, the research utilized first-principle calculations to identify materials such as HfTiTe4, ZrTiTe4, and HfZrTe4. These ultrathin layers exhibit remarkable properties, including fast-charging capabilities, structural stability, and thermal endurance up to 227 degrees Celsius. Dr. Ji Kemeng, a key researcher, emphasized that these materials could pave the way for next-generation batteries with higher specific capacity and longer lifespans. The study, a collaborative effort involving institutions like Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Zhejiang University, and the University of California, Irvine, highlights the potential of theoretical computation in designing advanced energy-storage solutions. The findings are particularly promising for applications in electric vehicles, industrial-scale storage, and portable electronics, where high performance under demanding conditions is crucial.