Apple has reached an investment agreement with Indonesia after protracted negotiations, which should clear the way for the sale of iPhone 16 handsets in Southeast Asias largest economy.

Renault's former partner in Russia said the French carmaker may need to pay $1.3 billion to re-enter the market.Renault exited Russia in 2022, selling its assets for one ruble amid Western sanctions.Foreign firms face challenges returning to Russia, with potential compensation demands looming.Renault exited the Russian market in 2022, selling its assets for a single ruble.Now, the French carmaker may need to pay 112.5 billion rubles about $1.3 billion if it seeks to return after the war, its former Russian partner Avtovaz said. The stipulation is a sign that foreign firms looking to return to the market could face high compensation demands.In the case of Renault, Maxim Sokolo, the CEO of Avtovaz, said the company and the Russian state have invested 112.5 billion rubles in the business since its exit through 2025."It is clear that these investments will have to be reimbursed somehow upon return," Sokolov said, according to TASS state news agency.American President Donald Trump has signaled a willingness for the US to reconcile with Moscow, spurring recent discussions about a potential return of Western businesses such as Renault to the market.In 2022, Renault sold its 67.6% stake in Avtovaz to the Russian state with theA spokesperson for Renault told Business Insider said the company doesn't "foresee any change for the short term" when it comes to a return to business in Russia. The company did not comment on Sokolov's statements.David Szakonyi, an associate professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University, told Business Insider that Sokolov's about compensation should be taken seriously, even if Russian officials are also posturing.The exit of foreign businesses created winners at home in Russia, some of whom picked up assets at fire sale prices."Freely allowing foreign companies back in is going to diminish their profit streams and make life a lot more competitive, so if that is going to happen, Russia wants some kind of compensation for liberalizing its market," said Szakonyi, who is a specialist in Russia's political economy.'Even more confident, even more emboldened'Sokolov's comments echo others in Russia recently signaling tough negotiations for departed companies that wish to return.Anton Alikhanov, the Russian industry and trade minister, told reporters on Thursday that Russia is "not waiting for anyone with open arms" and that there will be "a price to pay for past decisions."Russia is likely to continue with such "cocky rhetoric" amid its rapprochement with the US, Szakonyi said."It feels that it survived just about the worst the West could throw at it and persevered through that adversity and now comes out even more confident, even more emboldened, to make demands on the West and dictate the terms of both political and economic dealmaking going forward," he added.Three years into the war in Ukraine, 475 foreign companies have left the Russian market completely, per the Leave Russia database from the Kyiv School of Economics.Fast food giant McDonald's and coffee chain Starbucks were two high-profile brands that left the market, with their assets bought by Russian businesses. McDonald's rebranded to "Tasty and that's it" and Starbucks became Stars Coffee.Western companies are not clamoring to go back to RussiaEven though Russia is a large market, analysts have said recently that businesses are likely to be cautious about returning to the country, even if sanctions are lifted.Russia's wartime economy is facing problems including high inflation, currency volatility, and sky-high interest rates. President Vladimir Putin's ironclad reign presents concerns about the rule of law and safety."While Russia says it's open to doing business again, it didn't actually signal any change of tone or policy," said Szakonyi, who added that much of Moscow's rhetoric is likely aimed at the Trump administration's appetite for dealmaking.Investors are also likely to remain wary after a wave of corporate nationalization and asset seizures in the last few years that redistributed international company wealth to the Russian state and oligarchs.Szakonyi said Russia has proven that business property rights protections, investor guarantees, and a hospitable business climate are things of the distant past."Without them in place, I see no reason why Western companies would risk again with Russia as such a volatile, unpredictable regime," he said. "It has proven that it doesn't care about property rights and that it talks out of both sides of its mouth and is not trustworthy."

Meta apologized for graphic and violent content recommended on Instagram Reels on Wednesday.Meta replaced US fact-checkers with a community notes model in January.Meta's content moderation has faced criticism and controversy for years.Meta apologized for an "error" after Instagram users reported a flood of graphic and disturbing content recommended on their feeds."We have fixed an error that caused some users to see content in their Instagram Reels feed that should not have been recommended," a Meta spokesperson said in a statementInstagram users worldwide reported seeing a flood of short-form videos showing gore and violence, including killings and cartel violence, on Wednesday. These videos were marked with the "sensitive content" label but were being recommended to users back-to-back.Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, says it removesIn the first week of January, Meta replaced third-party fact-checkers on its US platforms with a community notes flagging model.The company also planned to "simplify" its content policies, said Joel Kaplan, the chief global-affairs officer, at the time. Meta would "get rid of a bunch of restrictions on topics like immigration and gender that are just out of touch with mainstream discourse."In January, Business Insider reported that the tech giant would officially end its US fact-checking partnerships in March.Meta has faced a string of controversies since 2016 over lapses in content moderation. It has faced criticism for, among other issues, its role in illicit drug sales. Last year, founder Mark Zuckerberg joined other tech CEOs for a Congressional grilling about safety measures for children online.Internationally, Meta's lack of content moderation and reliance on third-party civil society groups to report misinformation have been found to play a role in proliferating violence in Myanmar, Iraq, and Ethiopia.Zuckerberg's content moderation changes resemble those made by Elon Musk on the social media platform X, which he bought in 2022.

Add endangered whales to the list of things the Trump administration doesnt give a rats ass about. On February 20, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, an agency belonging to the Department of the Interior, announced it was cancelling a notice that recommended ship operators in waters occupied by Rices whales to restrict their speed to 10 knots (11.5 miles per hour) or less. The notice, which affects a large swath of the Gulf of Mexico, was put in place in 2023 to specifically protect Rices whale, an endangered marine mammal. While the exact number of Rices whales remaining in the Atlantic Ocean is unknown, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates there are likely fewer than 100 of them. That makes them one of the rarest whale species on the planet, one thats protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Their numbers, already low, are estimated to have fallen by 22% as a result of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, according to NOAA. The notice also asked ship operators to post trained visual observers to monitor the waters while in the protected area and to stay at least 1,640 feet (500 meters) from any observed Rices whales. The notice was rescinded, according to a statement, to comply with an order from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum dubbed Unleashing American Energy, which is aimed at removing impediments imposed on the development and use of our Nations abundant energy and natural resources by the Biden administrations burdensome regulations.Environmental advocates have reacted with outrage. Michael Jasny, the director of marine mammal protection for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said the recommendations were based on common sense, as he told the Tampa Bay Times.The consequences of fatal error are too dire to contemplate, he added. And when youre talking about one of the most endangered whales on the planet, its a reasonable thing to slow down in that school zone. Not shockingly, a spokesperson for the American Petroleum Institute disagreed, telling the Times that the recommendations had placed significant burdens only on offshore oil and gas producers while failing to account for vessel traffic from other users operating in the region. Aside from being exceedingly rare, Rices whales are one of the newest known species of whales, in terms of formal recognition. Though first spotted in the Gulf of Mexico in the 1960s, the whales were at first believed to be part of a family known as Brydes whales. It was only in 2021 that genetic and morphological testing helped researchers determine they were a distinct species. Rices whales are big mammals, measuring up to 41 feet (12.5 meters) and weighing in at up to 60,000 pounds (27,215 kilograms). They also face numerous threats, largely due to industrial activity. Their numbers have dwindledat least in partdue to energy exploration and oil spills, getting caught in fishing gear, and human-created ocean debris and noise, according to NOAA.During the day, they stay in deeper waters to feed, but at night, they often rise to within 50 feet (12 meters) of the surface. That makes them vulnerable to being struck by ships. Thats proven fatal at least once. In 2009, a whale later determined to belong to the species was found floating in the Port of Tampa. A necropsy determined the females death was caused by a collision with a boat. The decision to rescind the notice comes just weeks after BOEM chief Elizabeth Klein was fired. Klein was named to the position by former president Joe Biden in 2023. The first weeks of the second Trump administration have been marked by a large-scale purge of civil servants, as the president moves to install loyalists into traditionally apolitical roles. This, as they say, is why we cant have nice things.

Bonded House / C.Kairouz ArchitectsSave this picture! Tom RossArchitects: C.Kairouz ArchitectsAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:252 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:Tom Ross Lead Architects: Chahid Kairouz, Giuseppe Passuello More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Bonded House is a transformative reinterpretation of traditional materials, challenging the conventional aesthetic of a family home. Nestled on a snug corner block, the project showcases stacked brickwork forms bridged with a central light well, creating a striking visual and functional focal point. This architectural choice not only enhances the structure's aesthetic appeal but also maximizes natural light and ventilation, fostering a harmonious indoor-outdoor relationship. Landscaping plays a pivotal role in softening the pared-back design seamlessly integrating the structure with its natural surroundings.Save this picture!Permeation and transparency play a key role in the success of the restrained design, providing lightness and interplay between the strong forms. The central staircase and the connection to the upper level serve as a sculptural feature and a major source of light inside the home. The perforated metal banisters allow light and leafy views to transfer between the courtyard garden inward. Material choice was crucial, with bricks used throughout as though the structure were carved from a single form. Balancing refined design with family-friendliness, and a light-filled interior, the project embodies a thoughtful approach to modern living, enriching the lives of its inhabitants. Bonded House raises the bar for contemporary design on a compact site.Save this picture!Bonded House exemplifies a deep understanding of the brief by showcasing progressive architecture and design through meticulous attention to detail and the seamless integration of architectural and interior elements. The client's fit-out background ensured impeccable quality, especially evident in the kitchen and joinery work, closely aligning with the original design vision. Our in-house architecture and interior design services facilitated a cohesive design language, expediting the process. The design optimizes space, offering ample room for a growing family and dedicated areas that cater to work, guest hosting, and children's play. Balancing refined design with a sense of homeliness, Bonded House embodies a thoughtful approach to modern living, enriching its inhabitants' lives. This project effectively maximizes the compact site's potential, creating flexible spaces that harmonize and elevate each other. Bonded House stands as a testament to progressive architecture and design principles.Save this picture!Maximizing functionality and aesthetics within a limited-size block was a key challenge for the project. To address this, our focus was on designing flexible spaces that seamlessly blend and amplify each other. We carefully considered the use of hard boundaries, using them sparingly to maintain an open and flowing living environment, whilst still providing privacy to the street. This approach allowed the living area to extend effortlessly through large openings into outdoor spaces, blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors. A key aspect of our design challenge was to create seclusion and a retreat for the Master suite while maintaining a sense of openness and connection to the surrounding environment. We achieved this through an entrance "cut", creating a generous vertical void space via the light well and in turn, creating a separation to enable a parent's sanctuary. Additionally, to optimize the small site, we balanced creating enough living space for a family of four by providing outdoor areas for children and entertaining. By pushing the home hard against the eastern boundary, including an internal courtyard, and designing sightlines from nearly every room to the gardens, we were able to achieve an open feel that connects the home to nature and the neighborhood.Save this picture!Save this picture!The standout feature of Bonded House lies in its materiality and form. Brick is used throughout, designed to create spaces that feel as though they were carved and cut from a simple volume. This approach creates a sense of unity and permanence, echoed in further detailing choices. Due to the limited size of the block, the focus was on designing flexible areas that blend and amplify each other. Hard boundaries were used sparingly to maintain the flow and openness of the living zone. This careful balance between solid and void allows the living area to spill effortlessly through large openings into outdoor spaces, blurring the line between inside and out. This design approach not only maximizes the use of space but also enhances the overall sense of openness and connection to the surrounding environment.Save this picture!Internally, incorporating bricks into the staircase and kitchen, along with using Artedomus tiles to echo the external stacked patterns, creates a cohesive vision. Soft finishes in greys, whites, and warm timbers keep the space feeling airy and uplifting. Achieving a sense of grandeur and brightness was crucial for the homeowners. High ceilings, oversized doors, a calming material palette, a central staircase with a light well, and strategically placed skylights all contribute to an expansive atmosphere. The floor plan is designed for modern family life. The children's bedrooms are upstairs with a family bathroom and a second living area. Downstairs includes communal living spaces, a kitchen, laundry, powder room, flexible office, and a central stair separating the master suite. This layout adapts as the family grows, ensuring the home is future-proof.Save this picture!The project demonstrates a commitment to contemporary sustainability imperatives through thoughtful design and integration of key features. Sustainable elements such as rainwater tanks, metal shrouds, solar panels, double glazing, louvered windows, and landscaping choices were carefully incorporated to reduce environmental impact and maintenance burdens. Priority was given to cross-ventilation to enhance natural airflow and decrease reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. Internal walls were strategically designed to provide thermal mass, further improving energy efficiency. Collaboration with a landscape designer and the lead architect's background in landscape architecture ensured sustainable landscaping practices, including the preservation of mature trees and the selection of low-maintenance, water-efficient plants. The driveway was also designed to incorporate greenery in the permeable pavers, maximizing landscaping presence on the small site and enhancing the project's overall sustainability.Save this picture!Save this picture!The clients are a family of four, consisting of professional parents, one of whom works in the construction industry, and their two young children. Their attention to detail, influenced by their professions and a keen eye for design, as well as their love of entertaining, led them to create a home that enhances family connections and integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, particularly the beautiful mature elm trees. This home is designed to be an exciting place for children to grow up, featuring flexible spaces, tangible materials, and pockets of landscaping and sky visible from multiple vantage points.Save this picture!The project stands out due to its strong design presence despite its small size. It emphasizes simplicity and restraint, using robust materials to make a bold statement. The striking shapes are softened by mature trees and clever landscaping, blending seamlessly into the streetscape. The light-filled, modern home splits at the entrance, creating distinct zones for daily life and balancing privacy with togetherness. At 252m, the two-story house is grand yet understated, using modest materials in a modern, cohesive way to redefine the typical brick family home.Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeC.Kairouz ArchitectsOfficePublished on February 27, 2025Cite: "Bonded House / C.Kairouz Architects" 27 Feb 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1027409/bonded-house-ckairouz-architects&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Club of Courts House / STUDIO MOTLEYSave this picture! Murtaza GandhiArchitects: STUDIO MOTLEYAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:15000 ftYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Murtaza Gandhi More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. The Clubhouse at Eden 144 is a social, recreational, and fitness hub that seamlessly blends into its natural and residential surroundings. Positioned to engage with the adjoining landscaped park, it serves as a welcoming space for both quiet retreat and shared experiences. The careful balance of built and open spaces, light and shade, and solid and permeable elements creates a setting that feels both grounded and open.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Deep overhangs, shaded walkways, and landscaped thresholds shape an environment that is inviting yet intimate. The Mangalore tiled roofs, with their generous eaves, recall the verandahs and jagalis of traditional homesoffering shelter while maintaining a strong connection to nature. Polished concrete floors with white marble inlays provide a cool, earthy texture, complemented by Sadarhalli pavers that enhance the tactile experience.Save this picture!Thoughtfully designed and responsive to its setting, the clubhouse is more than a functional spaceit is a place where residents can gather, move, and unwind, in an atmosphere that feels both familiar and refreshing.Save this picture!Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Bangalore, Karnataka, IndiaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeSTUDIO MOTLEYOfficeMaterialsSteelConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on February 27, 2025Cite: "Club of Courts House / STUDIO MOTLEY" 27 Feb 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1027367/club-of-courts-house-studio-motley&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Nature, Published online: 26 February 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08524-4Reply to: Streamflow shifts with declining snowfall

Nature, Published online: 26 February 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08523-5Streamflow shifts with declining snowfall

F.E.A.R. Available On GOG Sooner Than Planned To Honor The Studio's Contributions & Costs Only $1It is disheartening to hear developers of classic titles gone amidst the relentless flood suffered by the industry. Yesterday came the pitiful news of Warner Bros. shutting down Monolith Productions, the creator of the Middle-earth series, F.E.A.R., and the Nemesis System. Soon, a ray of sunshine came into the gloomy atmosphere a gesture from GOG, a subsidiary of CD Projekt, shows that the studio's works are greatly valued and far from being forgotten.To "properly recognize Monoliths contributions to gaming," GOG has announced that F.E.A.R. Platinum will be available on its Preservation Program by next month, a time that is made earlier due to the sudden closure of the studio. To make the game accessible to even more players, the Platinum edition, which includes the game itself and two expansions, will be available for $0.99 for a limited time.The Preservation Program, with a slogan of "Make games live forever," aims to ensure that classic games can find a safe place to free them from being forgotten while maintaining compatibility with modern systems. It was launched last November with the first batch of 100 games, such as the original Fallout, which was launched in 1997, three Resident Evil games from over 25 years ago, The Witcher: Enhanced Edition from 16 years ago, and Warcraft I and II.Besides F.E.A.R., GOG teases more Monoliths icons are underway to join the program later. Meanwhile, more news about the Preservation Program will be dropped very soon.

Kirill Charyshnikov joined us to share his workflow for creating a 3D version of the Sony DSR-390 Digital Camcorder, which was modeled in Plasticity, textured in Substance 3D Painter, and finalized in Marmoset Toolbag.Read the interview: https://80.lv/articles/creating-hyper-realistic-3d-camcorder-using-plasticity-substance-3d/