Manus, an AI startup once celebrated as a success, is now becoming a cautionary example for Chinese entrepreneurs following regulatory actions by Beijing. The company’s decline highlights the increased scrutiny and challenges faced by tech firms in China, emphasizing the importance of regulatory compliance and resilience in a changing environment.

Manus Islands has become a cautionary tale as China recently blocked Meta’s proposed acquisition, highlighting the complex geopolitics surrounding technology deals. The move signals increasing governmental scrutiny over foreign investments, especially in sensitive regions. Meta’s attempt to expand its influence in the Asia-Pacific was met with resistance from Chinese authorities, reflecting broader concerns about data security and national interests.

This decision underscores the growing influence of China’s regulatory framework, which often emphasizes security and sovereignty over technological expansion. The blockage serves as a warning to global tech giants about the hurdles and uncertainties faced when operating in China. It also illustrates the rising geopolitical tensions that can hinder international business ambitions, especially in strategic sectors like technology.

Ultimately, the Manus case reminds companies to navigate carefully within China’s regulatory landscape. It emphasizes the importance of understanding local policies and maintaining flexibility in global expansion strategies. As China’s grip on tech investments tightens, foreign firms must adapt or face significant setbacks.

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In the past 24 hours, Bitcoin and Ethereum were up 1.84% and 1.63%, respectively. Among the major altcoins, XRP, BNB, Solana, Tron, Dogecoin, Hyperliquid, and Cardano rallied up to 2.77%. The global crypto market capitalisation went up 1.35% to $2.57 trillion, according to CoinMarketCap.

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WazirX Markets Desk said Bitcoin was trading around $76,600, signalling a mild bullish trend as moving averages indicate buying strength, while neutral oscillators suggest steady momentum and stable market conditions.

Ethereum, currently trading near $2,250, shows neutral momentum as both oscillators and moving averages remain balanced, indicating consolidation with no strong directional bias in the short term, WazirX Markets Desk further said.

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Ethereum corrected 1.18% in the past week, whereas Bitcoin was down 0.80%. Among the major altcoins, XRP, BNB, Solana, Tron, and Hyperliquid fell up to 3.72%, whereas Dogecoin and Cardano were up 12.25% and 0.50%, respectively.
Piyush Walke, Derivatives Research Analyst, Delta Exchange, said after a strong recovery, Bitcoin has hit a key long-term resistance zone, where momentum is starting to fade, and the price action has shifted to consolidation with early signs of weakness, making the next support test crucial.
Walke also mentioned that Bitcoin faces profit-taking pressure near $80,000 and looming U.S. inflation data as high oil prices and rising bond yields weigh on risk assets. Bitcoin remained subdued yesterday, with only minor moves in either direction.
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Momentum has faded in the crypto markets, and recent ETF outflows over the past three days could be adding to the sluggish price action, Walke further said.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

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Q1: 2026-04-30 Earnings Summary

EPS of -$0.28 beats by $0.04

 | Revenue of $135.60M (-14.88% Y/Y) beats by $1.50M

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TUCSON, Ariz. — The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, entered its fourth month Friday with no arrests and investigators still pursuing leads in what authorities describe as an abduction from her Tucson home. Blood evidence, ransom demands and surveillance footage have fueled a high-profile investigation involving local, state and federal agencies, yet the case remains unsolved.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on Jan. 31, 2026, after returning home from a family dinner. Her daughter Annie discovered signs of disturbance the next morning, including blood on the front porch. Authorities quickly shifted from a missing person case to an active abduction investigation, citing forced entry indicators and the elderly woman’s limited mobility.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has maintained that Nancy Guthrie did not leave voluntarily. “We believe she was taken,” he said in early briefings. The FBI joined the probe, contributing resources for forensic analysis and national tip coordination. A $1 million family reward and a separate $100,000 FBI reward remain active for information leading to her recovery.

Recent developments include FBI laboratory analysis of DNA and hairs recovered from the home. Sources say advanced testing is underway to identify potential matches. Surveillance footage released earlier showed a masked individual near the residence on the night of the disappearance, described by officials as one of the strongest early clues. Doorway camera systems captured activity consistent with an intruder, though image quality has complicated identification.

Multiple ransom communications have surfaced, complicating the case. One individual, Derrick Callella, faces trial for allegedly sending a fake ransom text to Savannah Guthrie. A Pima County judge set a trial date for Callella in coming months. Authorities stress he is not suspected in the actual abduction but warn against hoaxers who prey on high-profile cases.

The family has remained largely private while actively supporting the search. Savannah Guthrie returned to “Today” in April after time away, expressing continued hope. “We believe she is still alive; bring her home,” she posted earlier alongside images of the suspect description. Brothers and other relatives have joined public appeals.

Investigators have chased thousands of tips, conducted extensive neighborhood canvasses, aerial searches and reviewed digital records. A person was briefly detained south of Tucson for questioning, but no charges resulted. Speculation about burglary gone wrong or targeted abduction persists, though officials have released limited details on motive.

Forensic experts point to blood spatter on the porch as potentially indicating a struggle. Former FBI profiler Jim Clemente suggested it could represent Nancy Guthrie’s “last stand” before being taken. No weapon or clear signs of lethal violence were immediately apparent, giving some hope she remains alive.

The case has drawn national attention, partly due to Savannah Guthrie’s prominence. Media coverage has been intense, with true crime analysts and former law enforcement figures offering theories on podcasts and cable news. Some speculate sophisticated planning, citing possible Wi-Fi jamming or coordinated entry. Others note the challenges of investigating crimes involving elderly victims.

As the search approaches 100 days, questions arise about whether it risks becoming a cold case. Sheriff’s officials insist it remains active with dedicated resources. Nancy Grace and other commentators have called for broader volunteer efforts, including specialized search teams. The family continues pushing for public vigilance.

Tucson’s desert environment poses preservation challenges for evidence and complicates ground searches. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically, and rugged terrain limits accessibility. Drones, dogs and volunteers have covered wide areas, but no trace of Nancy Guthrie has emerged.

Broader implications touch on elder safety, home security and the emotional toll on families of missing persons. Savannah Guthrie has spoken generally about the difficulty of not knowing, urging empathy for others facing similar ordeals. The case also highlights the role of DNA technology in cold or active investigations.

Pima County authorities coordinate with the FBI’s behavioral analysis unit and forensic labs. Digital forensics on devices and neighborhood cameras continue. Tips can be submitted anonymously through official channels or the family’s reward platform. Officials emphasize verified information amid the volume of leads.

For the Guthrie family, each day without answers brings renewed determination mixed with heartbreak. Nancy Guthrie, described as vibrant and community-oriented, remains the focus. Her disappearance has united neighbors in Tucson and viewers nationwide in hoping for a safe return.

As May begins, the investigation presses forward with new forensic testing and public appeals. Whether the case breaks through DNA matches, a credible tip or renewed surveillance review is unknown. For now, Nancy Guthrie’s loved ones and law enforcement refuse to give up, treating every lead as potentially the one that brings her home.

LAS VEGAS — A swarm of unusually shallow earthquakes rattled the remote Nevada desert near the secretive Area 51 military base this week, with at least 17 tremors recorded in a 24-hour period including a 4.4 magnitude quake that raised eyebrows among scientists and conspiracy theorists alike.

The strongest tremor struck at a depth of just 2.5 miles underground, far shallower than typical seismic activity in the region, which usually originates 6 to 12 miles below the surface. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the series of events, which were felt by residents in nearby communities, though no significant damage was reported.

Geophysicist Stefan Burns noted the atypical location and depth in a widely viewed analysis. “This is an unusual place to get an earthquake,” he said, while cautioning that the activity is most likely natural. However, the shallow depths have fueled online speculation linking the quakes to possible underground nuclear testing at the highly classified facility, long a magnet for conspiracy theories involving advanced weapons and extraterrestrial activity.

Area 51, part of the Nevada Test and Training Range, has a documented history of nuclear weapons testing during the Cold War era. While the U.S. government has not conducted full-scale nuclear tests since 1992, some observers question whether subcritical or other experimental activities could produce seismic signatures resembling small earthquakes. Officials have not commented directly on the recent swarm, and experts emphasize that distinguishing between natural and human-caused seismic events can be challenging without detailed data.

The timing of the earthquakes coincides with heightened global tensions, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz that have driven oil prices higher. Some online commentators have speculated about connections to military preparedness, though no evidence supports such links. Seismologists stress that Nevada experiences frequent small earthquakes due to its location along tectonic boundaries, but the concentration and shallowness near Area 51 stand out.

USGS data shows the quakes ranged from magnitude 2.5 to 4.4, with the largest occurring Wednesday afternoon. More than 100 people reported feeling shaking through the USGS “Did You Feel It?” system. The swarm follows similar clusters reported earlier in the year, though none matched this intensity or unusual characteristics.

Local residents in Rachel, Nevada — the closest community to Area 51 — described minor rattling of windows and dishes but no structural concerns. Tourism to the area, already boosted by Area 51 lore, may see another uptick as amateur investigators and curious travelers descend on the desert outpost. The base itself remains off-limits to the public, with warning signs and security patrols enforcing restricted access.

Scientists from the Nevada Seismological Laboratory are monitoring the region closely. Preliminary analysis suggests the events could relate to geothermal processes or natural fault movement in the Basin and Range province, a tectonically active area. However, the shallow focal depths warrant further study, as they can sometimes indicate human activity such as mining blasts or fluid injection, though those explanations are considered unlikely here.

Conspiracy communities on social media have exploded with theories ranging from secret weapons tests to underground alien bases. While most experts dismiss such claims, the government’s historical secrecy around Area 51 lends credibility to public skepticism in some quarters. Declassified documents over the years have revealed testing of advanced aircraft and other projects, but nothing confirming current nuclear activity.

The U.S. Air Force, which operates the range, typically declines comment on specific activities at Area 51 for national security reasons. A spokesperson for the Nevada Test and Training Range said routine operations continue but offered no details on seismic monitoring. Independent seismologists note that any underground explosion capable of registering as a 4.4 quake would likely violate international test ban treaties if it involved nuclear material.

Broader context includes increased U.S. military activity in response to global flashpoints. With tensions involving Iran and oil supply concerns, some analysts wonder whether the quakes reflect stepped-up testing of conventional weapons or simulation exercises. However, no official linkage has been made, and natural explanations remain the consensus among geophysicists.

Residents and visitors to the area are advised to remain vigilant but not alarmed. Small earthquakes are common in Nevada, and the recent swarm, while notable, does not currently indicate heightened risk of larger events. The USGS continues to provide real-time updates through its earthquake tracking systems.

As investigations proceed, the shallow quakes near Area 51 add another chapter to the base’s enigmatic reputation. Whether natural geology or something more secretive, the events highlight the enduring public fascination with one of America’s most classified military installations. Scientists and officials will likely study the data for weeks to determine the precise cause.

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