Apple (AAPL) Stock: Gay Dating Apps Removed From Chinese Store on Government Orders

Apple Removes Gay Dating Apps Blued and Finka from Chinese iOS Store Following Government Order

Apple has confirmed the removal of two popular gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from its Chinese iOS store after receiving orders from China’s internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). The Cupertino-based tech giant took down the apps over the past weekend, citing compliance with local laws.

“Based on an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China, we have removed these two apps from the China storefront only,” Apple stated in a message to CNBC.

A “lite” version of the Blued app remains available for download on the China App Store as of Tuesday. It’s important to note that both apps were already unavailable in other countries prior to this removal.

China’s Growing Control Over Digital Platforms

This removal reflects China’s expanding restrictions on digital content and app stores. In 2022, the U.S.-based gay dating app Grindr was pulled from the Chinese iOS store during a similar crackdown on content deemed illegal or inappropriate by Chinese authorities.

In 2023, Beijing introduced new policies mandating that all apps serving Chinese users must register with the government and obtain licenses. This regulatory shift led to a wave of foreign apps being removed from the iOS store across China.

Earlier in April 2024, Apple also removed Meta’s WhatsApp and Threads from its Chinese store following orders from the CAC, which cited national security concerns.

China is Apple’s largest overseas market outside the United States, and these removals highlight increasing government restrictions on LGBTQ content. The Chinese government has shut down major LGBTQ advocacy groups in recent years, including the Beijing LGBT Center. While homosexuality was decriminalized in China in 1997, same-sex marriage remains unrecognized.

Apple’s Recent Stock Performance

Despite these regulatory challenges, Apple’s stock has continued its upward momentum following strong Q4 earnings. The company reported better-than-expected demand for its iPhone 17 series and set record revenue in its Services segment.

Apple’s stock currently trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 40.4, supported by 6.0% revenue growth over the past twelve months. The company maintains a strong free cash flow margin of 23.5% and an operating margin of 31.9%.

Investors are closely watching Apple’s AI initiatives, particularly the “Apple Intelligence” program and its privacy-focused on-device AI capabilities. Additionally, India is projected to become Apple’s third-largest market by 2026, with an anticipated production value of $28 billion for the fiscal year 2026.

Stay informed on market movers and find your next breakout investment with KnockoutStocks.com — the data-driven platform ranking every stock by quality and breakout potential.
https://coincentral.com/apple-aapl-stock-gay-dating-apps-removed-from-chinese-store-on-government-orders/

Seattle and Winnipeg face off in Western Conference play

**Winnipeg Jets vs. Seattle Kraken Preview**
*Thursday, 10 p.m. EST | Seattle*

The Seattle Kraken and Winnipeg Jets face off in a key Western Conference matchup Thursday night. Seattle enters the game with a 7-4-5 overall record, including a strong 4-1-3 mark at home. The Kraken have been particularly effective when scoring three or more goals, boasting an undefeated 6-0-3 record in those games.

Winnipeg holds a 10-6 overall record and is 5-3-0 on the road this season. The Jets have found success on the power play, posting a 5-1-0 record when they convert with the man advantage.

This game marks the second meeting between the two teams this season. In their first matchup, the Kraken secured a 3-0 victory, highlighted by Jaden Schwartz’s two-goal performance.

**Top Performers**
For Seattle, Jaden Schwartz leads the team with five goals and six assists. Jordan Eberle has also been a key contributor, tallying four goals and two assists over his last 10 games.

Winnipeg’s offensive attack is paced by Mark Scheifele, who has nine goals and 12 assists so far. Kyle Connor has been productive recently as well, with six goals and four assists in his past 10 games.

**Recent Form**
– *Seattle Kraken (Last 10 games)*: 4-3-3 record, averaging 2.2 goals and 3.7 assists per game. The Kraken also average three penalties and 6.8 penalty minutes per game, while allowing 2.5 goals against.
– *Winnipeg Jets (Last 10 games)*: 5-5-0 record, averaging 2.9 goals and five assists per game. The Jets take an average of 3.9 penalties and accumulate 9.6 penalty minutes per game, conceding 2.6 goals against.

**Injuries**
Both teams have no injury concerns listed heading into the matchup.

This anticipated clash promises to be an exciting contest as Seattle looks to maintain its unbeaten run against Winnipeg, while the Jets aim to rebound on the road and strengthen their position in the Central Division.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/seattle-winnipeg-face-off-western-091043797.html

Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Expands with Urban Growth

The global water and wastewater treatment equipment market was valued at an estimated USD 68.12 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach approximately USD 90.02 billion by 2030. This growth reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% over the 2025-2030 period.

### Market Drivers

Key factors fueling this market expansion include rising population, accelerating urbanization, industrial development, and increasingly stringent environmental regulations. These elements are driving the demand for advanced water and wastewater treatment solutions globally.

### Key Market Trends & Insights

In 2024, the Asia Pacific region dominated the market, accounting for 35.6% of the global share. China alone held a substantial 37.5% share of the Asia Pacific market. From an application perspective, the municipal segment led with a revenue share of 65.9% in 2024.

Regarding the process by equipment, tertiary treatment topped the market with a 44.3% share in 2024. This growth is propelled by heightened awareness of pollution risks, stricter regulatory regimes, increased demand for efficient wastewater treatment solutions, and a rising need for sustainable water reuse systems.

Companies in this sector are increasingly forming partnerships with end-users and heavily investing in research and development to stay ahead with technological innovations.

### Market Size & Forecast

The market size stood at USD 68.12 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 90.02 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.9% during 2025-2030.

Regionally, Asia Pacific remains the largest market, driven largely by industrialization, urbanization, and population growth in countries such as China, India, and Japan. China’s share of the Asia Pacific market was 37.5% in 2024. India’s market for treatment equipment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2025 to 2030.

In North America, the U.S. market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% during the same period, while Canada is projected to grow at 3.8%. In Europe, regulatory pressures and sustainability goals are boosting demand, especially in Germany (which held a 17.4% share in Europe) and France.

The Middle East & Africa region’s growth is driven by water scarcity issues, rapid urbanization, and large-scale desalination programs in countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Similarly, Latin America is experiencing growth as countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina invest in modernizing water-treatment infrastructure and advance their water reuse and recycling initiatives.

### Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The water and wastewater treatment equipment market features a moderate level of concentration, with a mix of global leaders and regional players. Leading companies dominate via a broad portfolio of products and strong innovation capabilities, though opportunities remain for smaller and regional firms, especially in emerging markets.

These key players invest significantly in R&D and introduce advanced technologies such as membrane bioreactors, UV disinfection, and advanced filtration systems to meet stringent environmental regulations and the rising demand for sustainable water solutions.

### Major Companies in the Market Include:
– Xylem, Inc. (founded in 2011; headquartered in Washington, U.S.) — operating in water infrastructure including disinfection, filtration, dewatering equipment, biological treatment equipment, and pumps.
– Pentair plc — serving residential and commercial markets with filters, pumps, heaters, automatic cleaners, and controls, operating across Aquatic Systems, Filtration Solutions, and Flow Technologies segments.
– Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
– Aquatech International LLC
– Ecolab Inc.
– Calgon Carbon Corporation
– Toshiba Water Solutions Private Limited (Toshiba Corporation)
– Veolia Group
– Ecologix Environmental Systems LLC
– Evonik Industries AG
– Parkson Corporation
– Lenntech B.V.
– Samco Technologies, Inc.
– Koch Membrane Systems, Inc.
– General Electric
– Ovivo

### Conclusion

The water and wastewater treatment equipment market is on a steady growth trajectory driven by demographic changes, industrial expansion, regulatory frameworks, and technological advancements. With the Asia Pacific region leading growth and tertiary treatment solutions commanding a significant market share, the sector presents substantial opportunities for both established companies and new entrants.

As treatment technologies continue to evolve and the focus on sustainability intensifies, companies that can offer cost-effective, energy-efficient, and advanced solutions will be well-positioned to thrive in the coming years.

*For a detailed insight, order a free sample PDF of the Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.*
https://express-press-release.net/news/2025/11/12/1719731

NCIS season 23 episode 6 release date & time, what’s next, and everything you need to know

**Page-Turner: NCIS Season 23 Episode 6 Preview**

NCIS Season 23 Episode 6, titled *Page-Turner*, promises to deliver another thrilling and suspenseful installment in the long-running series.

In this episode, the NCIS team dives into a fresh wave of intriguing criminal cases, showcasing their investigative skills and teamwork. Fans can expect a captivating storyline filled with twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Stay tuned as the team uncovers new clues and tackles complex challenges in *Page-Turner*, continuing the excitement that NCIS is known for.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/shows/ncis-season-23-episode-6-release-date-time-what-s-next-everything-need-know

Bigg Boss 19 Twist: Gaurav Khanna LOSES captaincy to Shehbaz Badesha? Here’s what we know

The Bigg Boss 19 house witnessed tremendous drama this week, as the show took a major turn with a surprising change in captaincy. Gaurav Khanna’s captaincy lasted only an hour before Shahbaz Badesha was announced as the new captain. This unexpected twist completely altered the atmosphere in the house, leaving many contestants upset and creating new tensions among them.

The controversy stemmed from a critical decision made by Gaurav Khanna. He was presented with two options in Bigg Boss’s APP Room. The first option was to become captain himself but take only 30% of the house’s rations, which would put all other members at risk of nomination. The second option was to allow Shahbaz to become captain, ensuring the house received full rations and security.

Many expected Gaurav to choose the latter to benefit the team, but he decided to keep the captaincy despite the personal cost. Emphasizing his role as captain, Gaurav’s choice was seen as selfish by the housemates, who were infuriated by his move. This decision sparked debate and factionalism within the house, making the game even more interesting and dynamic.

The house was buzzing with energy following Gaurav’s choice. Several contestants united against him and started plotting their own tactics to counter his move. Meanwhile, Shahbaz Badesha became the new captain by winning the Assembly Voting Task. Now, everyone is curious to see how Shahbaz will manage the situation and maintain balance among the contestants during his captaincy.

Fans are eagerly looking forward to the new drama and twists that may arise in the house under Shahbaz’s leadership.

Amidst all this chaos, Bigg Boss 19 also witnessed a stunning mid-week eviction. Mridul Tiwari was evicted without any prior warning, leaving both housemates and the audience utterly astonished. This unexpected eviction added another layer of unpredictability to an already intense week in the Bigg Boss house.
https://www.bollywoodlife.com/bigg-boss/bigg-boss-19-twist-gaurav-khanna-loses-captaincy-to-shehbaz-badesha-heres-what-we-know-3280081/

Higel: Iraqi Political System Rotten to Its Core

Iraqis voted in a parliamentary election yesterday, an event marked by tight security measures and a notable boycott by a major political bloc.

This election comes in the wake of significant regional shifts over the past two years. Key developments include the weakening of Iran’s influence following the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad last December.

Lahib Higel, Senior Iraq Analyst at the International Crisis Group, spoke to Bloomberg’s Jennifer Zabasajja on Horizons Middle East and Africa to provide insights into the election and its broader implications.

(Source: Bloomberg)
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2025-11-12/higel-iraqi-political-system-rotten-to-its-core-video

The Ultimate Shock of Rudeness

**Newlywed Drama Now Streaming: *Miss or Misses* Captivates Audiences with Raw Depiction of Marriage**

*London, UK* – Newlyweds often bask in the excitement and joy of planning their big day, but what happens after the honeymoon is over? The harsh reality of marriage sets in, and that is the compelling subject of the new film, *Miss or Misses*.

Directed by Daap P. Orr, the film stars talented London theatre actress Hazel Caulfield as Alicia, the “antagonist” in the relationship. Caulfield’s natural ability brings the character to life, earning her a nomination for Best Actress at the Marbella Film Festival.

Unlike many relationship films that follow the usual meet-cute romcoms or period dramas, *Miss or Misses* delves deep into the complexities of marriage and the challenges that come with it. The film portrays the struggles of newlyweds as they navigate the highs and lows of their relationship, creating compelling and relatable entertainment.

Director Daap P. Orr explains, “We wanted to make a gritty relationship drama with a new storyline. People want something fresh.”

*Miss or Misses* also features Paul, played by an impressive cast, a character who often makes choices based on superficial parameters. When he falls for the seemingly perfect woman, he soon discovers that she may have a few surprises in store for him.

The film explores whether love can truly conquer all, even when faced with an unreasonable partner or one carrying emotional baggage. The filmmakers do not shy away from the harsh realities of marriage but still manage to deliver an entertaining and thought-provoking story.

*Miss or Misses* is now available for streaming on Amazon, Apple TV, and YouTube Movies. Don’t miss out on this must-see film that offers a fresh and raw perspective on the complexities of marriage.

For high-definition images and an Electronic Press Kit (EPK), please visit [insert link].
Watch the trailer here: [insert trailer link].
https://www.businessmole.com/the-ultimate-shock-of-rudeness/

Mount Gibson Iron Limited (MTGRY) Shareholder/Analyst Call Transcript

**Brett Smith’s Address at Mount Gibson’s 2025 Annual General Meeting**

Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Mount Gibson’s 2025 Annual General Meeting. My name is Brett Smith, and I’m the Chairman — the new Chairman — of the company. I’m pleased to welcome you all to this meeting.

This year, we have elected to hold the AGM as a hybrid event. This format enables shareholders who cannot attend in person to dial in via the Compuserve platform, ensuring wider participation.

Firstly, I’d like to introduce my fellow non-executive directors. Simon, please put your hand up, mate. Thank you.

For your reference, a copy of our 2024 Annual General Meeting minutes is available for inspection at the entrance of the room. Please feel free to grab one as you arrive.

Moving on to Slide 2, I’ve been advised that we have a quorum, and therefore, I formally declare the meeting open.

I will begin with my Chairman’s address, followed by the formal business proceedings, and then our CEO will deliver his address. Afterward, all shareholders are invited to ask any questions they may have. We will conclude with tea and coffee, where everyone is welcome to join us for informal discussions.

As I mentioned, I’m Brett Smith, the new Chairman, and I’m glad to have the opportunity to speak to you all for the first time in this role.

I must address a recent incident at Koolan Island which has impacted what we had originally planned to share with you today. There was a significant rockfall, which has necessitated the suspension of mining operations in the Main Pit due to safety concerns.

On a more personal note, this incident brings to mind a story from my past. Many years ago, when I was an engineer at Mt Isa, I was involved in a shutdown of the lead smelter. During that time, a load separated and fell, tragically causing a fatality. This experience has deeply influenced my commitment to workplace safety, which remains our utmost priority.

Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to a productive meeting.
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4842263-mount-gibson-iron-limited-mtgry-shareholder-analyst-call-transcript?source=feed_all_articles

Bitwise Chainlink ETF Gains DTCC Eligibility as LINK Price Holds Above $15

**Bitwise Chainlink ETF Gains DTCC Eligibility as LINK Price Holds Above $15**

The Bitwise Chainlink ETF (ticker: CLNK) has been added to the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) eligibility list, marking an important procedural milestone in the fund’s preparation for potential market settlement.

### What Does DTCC Eligibility Mean?

According to data shared by Wu Blockchain, inclusion on the DTCC list is a standard step in the clearing and settlement process for new ETFs. This designation allows the Bitwise Chainlink ETF to integrate with technical systems once all necessary regulatory approvals are secured.

It’s important to note that DTCC eligibility does **not** indicate approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nor does it signal an imminent trading start. Rather, it reflects readiness for operational setup, a key part of launching an ETF in the U.S. market.

### Significance for Chainlink and Institutional Investors

This procedural update has drawn attention from traders monitoring institutional engagement within Chainlink’s expanding ecosystem. Bitwise’s ETF proposal aims to bridge decentralized data infrastructure with regulated financial frameworks, aligning with broader industry efforts to introduce blockchain-linked products backed by institutional capital.

Though no official launch date has been announced, the ETF’s progress reinforces Chainlink’s growing visibility among large market participants and sparks renewed discussions on its role in traditional finance.

### LINK Price Update: Rebound and Resistance Levels

CoinGecko data indicates LINK is trading near $15.38, recovering from intraday lows around $15.23. Despite a 7.5% decline over the past 24 hours, the token remains approximately 7.25% higher on the week, reflecting a volatile but positive rebound period.

The daily price range between $15.23 and $16.70 signals sustained volatility amid shifting market sentiment. Earlier in November, LINK dropped to 2025 lows near $14 following a Bitcoin-led market correction. Since then, increased on-chain activity and growing institutional inflows have supported its bounce toward the key $16-$17 resistance zone.

### Market Outlook and Trader Sentiment

Market observers note that traders appear to be accumulating LINK positions ahead of potential catalysts linked to heightened institutional interest. Wu Blockchain reported that the ETF’s DTCC listing has fueled speculation about deeper institutional integration, although no regulatory decisions have yet been confirmed.

Trading volumes remain elevated, indicating robust participation from both retail and institutional desks. The $15 support level now stands as a critical short-term threshold to maintain the bullish structure. As the market consolidates gains, buyers continue to defend intraday lows while resistance near $17 persists.

Traders are closely watching for a breakout above this resistance, which could signal renewed upward momentum for LINK in the near term.

*The developments surrounding the Bitwise Chainlink ETF and LINK’s price actions underscore growing institutional interest and the evolving integration of blockchain technology within traditional financial markets.*

*Stay tuned for more updates as this story progresses.*

*Original article source: Blockonomi*
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/bitwise-chainlink-etf-gains-dtcc-eligibility-as-link-price-holds-above-15/

XRP Price Today: XRP Forms Bullish ‘W’ Pattern as Traders Eye Breakout Above $2.53

After several days of consolidation, the XRP price is building strength near a critical resistance zone, sparking optimism among market participants. However, growing whale activity and profit-taking suggest that traders remain cautious, waiting for stronger confirmation before committing to the next leg up.

**XRP Price Holds Steady Amid Profit-Taking and Rising Volume**

As of November 11, 2025, XRP trades at $2.45, marking a modest 1.16% daily decline from $2.48. Despite the dip, trading volume surged by more than 34%, reaching $6.14 billion in the last 24 hours. This increase in volume during a pullback often signals repositioning among traders rather than panic selling, indicating potential accumulation ahead of XRP’s next move.

XRP was trading at around $2.45, down 3.15% in the past 24 hours at press time. The steady price action and high volume have pushed XRP’s total market capitalization to roughly $147.5 billion. While short-term selling persists, the broader structure remains bullish as long as prices hold above the $2.15-$2.20 demand zone.

**Analysts Spot Bullish ‘W’ Formation**

Technical analysts are closely watching a bullish “W” pattern forming on the 12-hour XRP/USDT chart—a classic double-bottom structure that signals reversal potential. According to crypto trader Steph_iscrypto, “Support around $2.00 remains firm, with a possible breakout above $2.53 that could propel XRP toward $3.25 if volume confirms the move.”

This bullish pattern, alongside Ripple’s recent regulatory progress, aligns with broader market optimism. Still, analysts caution that social media enthusiasm surrounding the “W” formation could amplify volatility as traders rush to interpret similar chart setups shared across X.

**Whale Activity Sparks Mixed Sentiment**

On-chain data adds another layer of intrigue. Analyst Ali recently noted that, “90 million XRP were sold by whales in just 72 hours,” referencing a Santiment chart that showed large holder activity earlier this month. Over 6 billion XRP moved during this period, corresponding with a price decline from $3.30 to $2.30.

This suggests renewed interest from retail investors, possibly taking advantage of lower entry points. Historically, similar whale sell-offs have coincided with short-term bottoms and recovery phases, giving bulls reason to remain optimistic.

**Technical Outlook: Resistance at $2.65-$2.70 Key for Bullish Continuation**

From a technical standpoint, the current XRP price faces strong resistance between $2.43 and $2.65, where multiple moving averages (20, 50, and 100-day EMAs) have converged. This range has capped every rebound since September, making a daily close above $2.70 the key trigger for a sustained breakout.

A breakout above $2.70 could propel the XRP price toward $2.90 and possibly $3.10. Yet, bulls have successfully defended the structural base between $1.95 and $2.15, preventing deeper corrections.

Notably, open interest in XRP futures has recently climbed to $4.11 billion, indicating increased speculative positioning. However, a combination of rising open interest and falling prices typically signals new short entries, suggesting traders are bracing for volatility near the resistance zone.

**Traders Await Confirmation Before the Next Move**

The setup for Ripple (XRP) now appears binary: a decisive breakout above $2.70 could trigger a bullish reversal toward $2.90 and eventually $3.10, while another rejection may push prices back toward the $2.15 accumulation pocket.

Overall, sentiment remains mixed but cautiously optimistic. With whale activity stabilizing, technical structures tightening, and buyers defending key levels, XRP’s next move could determine the tone for the rest of November. Traders now await confirmation—and potentially, the start of the next major XRP price rally.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/xrp-price-today-xrp-forms-bullish-w-pattern-as-traders-eye-breakout-above-2-53/

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