
As the rally in Chinese concept stocks continues to unfold, investors are advised to exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence before making investment decisions. While the surge in Chinese assets may present exciting opportunities, it is essential to approach this trend with a clear understanding of the risks involved and a diversified investment strategy.KYIV, Ukraine — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile. escalating the nearly 33-month-old war. The conflict is “entering a decisive phase,” Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday, and “taking on very dramatic dimensions.” Ukraine’s parliament canceled a session as security was tightened following Thursday’s Russian strike on a military facility in the city of Dnipro. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was in retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks Friday during a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense, representatives of the military-industrial complex and developers of missile systems at the Kremlin in Moscow. Putin said Western air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile. Ukrainian military officials said the missile that hit Dnipro reached a speed of Mach 11 and carried six nonnuclear warheads, each releasing six submunitions. Speaking Friday to military and weapons industries officials, Putin said Russia will launch production of the Oreshnik. “No one in the world has such weapons,” he said. “Sooner or later, other leading countries will also get them. We are aware that they are under development. “We have this system now,” he added. “And this is important.” Putin said that while it isn’t an intercontinental missile, it’s so powerful that the use of several of them fitted with conventional warheads in one attack could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Gen. Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, said the Oreshnik could reach targets across Europe and be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads, echoing Putin’s claim that even with conventional warheads, “the massive use of the weapon would be comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.” In this photo taken from a video released Friday, a Russian serviceman operates at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept up Russia's bellicose tone on Friday, blaming “the reckless decisions and actions of Western countries” in supplying weapons to Ukraine to strike Russia. "The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities, and the contours of further retaliatory actions in the event that our concerns were not taken into account have also been quite clearly outlined," he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the European Union, echoed Moscow’s talking points, suggesting the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Ukraine likely requires direct American involvement. “These are rockets that are fired and then guided to a target via an electronic system, which requires the world’s most advanced technology and satellite communications capability,” Orbán said on state radio. “There is a strong assumption ... that these missiles cannot be guided without the assistance of American personnel.” Orbán cautioned against underestimating Russia’s responses, emphasizing that the country’s recent modifications to its nuclear deployment doctrine should not be dismissed as a “bluff.” “It’s not a trick ... there will be consequences,” he said. Czech Republic's Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky speaks to journalists Friday during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha in Kyiv, Ukraine. Separately in Kyiv, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský called Thursday’s missile strike an “escalatory step and an attempt of the Russian dictator to scare the population of Ukraine and to scare the population of Europe.” At a news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Lipavský also expressed his full support for delivering the necessary additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians from the “heinous attacks.” He said the Czech Republic will impose no limits on the use of its weapons and equipment given to Ukraine. Three lawmakers from Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, confirmed that Friday's previously scheduled session was called off due to the ongoing threat of Russian missiles targeting government buildings in central Kyiv. In addition, there also was a recommendation to limit the work of all commercial offices and nongovernmental organizations "in that perimeter, and local residents were warned of the increased threat,” said lawmaker Mykyta Poturaiev, who said it's not the first time such a threat has been received. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said the Oreshnik missile was fired from the Kapustin Yar 4th Missile Test Range in Russia’s Astrakhan region and flew 15 minutes before striking Dnipro. Test launches of a similar missile were conducted in October 2023 and June 2024, the directorate said. The Pentagon confirmed the missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. Thursday's attack struck the Pivdenmash plant that built ICBMs when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The military facility is located about 4 miles southwest of the center of Dnipro, a city of about 1 million that is Ukraine’s fourth-largest and a key hub for military supplies and humanitarian aid, and is home to one of the country’s largest hospitals for treating wounded soldiers from the front before their transfer to Kyiv or abroad. We're all going to die someday. Still, how it happens—and when—can point to a historical moment defined by the scientific advancements and public health programs available at the time to contain disease and prevent accidents. In the early 1900s, America's efforts to improve sanitation, hygiene, and routine vaccinations were still in their infancy. Maternal and infant mortality rates were high, as were contagious diseases that spread between people and animals. Combined with the devastation of two World Wars—and the Spanish Flu pandemic in between—the leading causes of death changed significantly after this period. So, too, did the way we diagnose and control the spread of disease. Starting with reforms as part of Roosevelt's New Deal in the 1930s, massive-scale, federal interventions in the U.S. eventually helped stave off disease transmission. It took comprehensive government programs and the establishment of state and local health agencies to educate the public on preventing disease transmission. Seemingly simple behavioral shifts, such as handwashing, were critical in thwarting the spread of germs, much like discoveries in medicine, such as vaccines, and increased access to deliver them across geographies. Over the course of the 20th century, life expectancy increased by 56% and is estimated to keep increasing slightly, according to an annual summary of vital statistics published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2000. Death Records examined data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to see how the leading causes of death in America have evolved over time and to pinpoint how some major mortality trends have dropped off. According to a report published in the journal Annual Review of Public Health in 2000, pneumonia was the leading cause of death in the early 1900s, accounting for nearly 1 in 4 deaths. By the time World War I ended in 1918, during which people and animals were housed together for long periods, a new virus emerged: the Spanish Flu. Originating in a bird before spreading to humans, the virus killed 10 times as many Americans as the war. Many died of secondary pneumonia after the initial infection. Pneumonia deaths eventually plummeted throughout the century, partly prevented by increased flu vaccine uptake rates in high-risk groups, particularly older people. Per the CDC, tuberculosis was a close second leading cause of death, killing 194 of every 10,000 people in 1900, mainly concentrated in dense urban areas where the infection could more easily spread. Eventually, public health interventions led to drastic declines in mortality from the disease, such as public education, reducing crowded housing, quarantining people with active disease, improving hygiene, and using antibiotics. Once the death rates lagged, so did the public health infrastructure built to control the disease, leading to a resurgence in the mid-1980s. Diarrhea was the third leading cause of death in 1900, surging every summer among children before the impacts of the pathogen died out in 1930. Adopting water filtration, better nutrition, and improved refrigeration were all associated with its decline. In the 1940s and 1950s, polio outbreaks killed or paralyzed upward of half a million people worldwide every year. Even at its peak, polio wasn't a leading cause of death, it was a much-feared one, particularly among parents of young children, some of whom kept them from crowded public places and interacting with other children. By 1955, when Jonah Salk discovered the polio vaccine, the U.S. had ended the "golden age of medicine." During this period, the causes of mortality shifted dramatically as scientists worldwide began to collaborate on infectious disease control, surgical techniques, vaccines, and other drugs. From the 1950s onward, once quick-spreading deadly contagions weren't prematurely killing American residents en masse, scientists also began to understand better how to diagnose and treat these diseases. As a result, Americans were living longer lives and instead succumbing to noncommunicable diseases, or NCDs. The risk of chronic diseases increased with age and, in some cases, was exacerbated by unhealthy lifestyles. Cancer and heart disease shot up across the century, increasing 90-fold from 1900 to 1998, according to CDC data. Following the post-Spanish Flu years, heart disease killed more Americans than any other cause, peaking in the 1960s and contributing to 1 in 3 deaths. Cigarette smoking rates peaked at the same time, a major risk factor for heart disease. Obesity rates also rose, creating another risk factor for heart disease and many types of cancers. This coincides with the introduction of ultra-processed foods into diets, which plays a more significant role in larger waistlines than the increasing predominance of sedentary work and lifestyles. In the early 1970s, deaths from heart disease began to fall as more Americans prevented and managed their risk factors, like quitting smoking or taking blood pressure medicine. However, the disease remains the biggest killer of Americans. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death and rates still indicate an upward trajectory over time. Only a few types of cancer are detected early by screening, and some treatments for aggressive cancers like glioblastoma—the most common type of brain cancer—have also stalled, unable to improve prognosis much over time. In recent years, early-onset cancers, those diagnosed before age 50 or sometimes even earlier, have seen a drastic rise among younger Americans. While highly processed foods and sedentary lifestyles may contribute to rising rates, a spike in cancer rates among otherwise healthy young individuals has baffled some medical professionals. This follows the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020. At its peak, high transmission rates made the virus the third leading cause of death in America. It's often compared to the Spanish Flu of 1918, though COVID-19 had a far larger global impact, spurring international collaborations among scientists who developed a vaccine in an unprecedented time. Public policy around issues of safety and access also influences causes of death, particularly—and tragically—among young Americans. Gun control measures in the U.S. are far less stringent than in peer nations; compared to other nations, however, the U.S. leads in gun violence. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens (around 2 in 3 are homicides, and 1 in 3 are suicides), and deaths from opioids remain a leading cause of death among younger people. Globally, the leading causes of death mirror differences in social and geographic factors. NCDs are primarily associated with socio-economic status and comprise 7 out of 10 leading causes of death, 85% of those occurring in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. However, one of the best health measures is life expectancy at birth. People in the U.S. have been living longer lives since 2000, except for a slight dip in longevity due to COVID-19. According to the most recent CDC estimates, Americans' life expectancy is 77.5 years on average and is expected to increase slightly in the coming decades. Story editing by Alizah Salario. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Death Records and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Share Tweet Share Share Email When trucks are the backbone of an operation, downtime is not an option. From small deliveries to heavy-duty hauls, every truck in a fleet is essential to getting the job done. But like any piece of machinery, trucks need care to perform at their best. That’s where expert truck mechanics come in—offering services that range from routine maintenance to complete machine rebuilds, all designed to keep vehicles reliable, efficient, and road-ready. Let’s explore what truck mechanics do, why their expertise is vital, and how the right service can make all the difference in fleet management. A Job That’s Bigger Than Repairs Truck mechanics aren’t just about fixing what’s broken. The role is a blend of precision, technical skill, and a deep understanding of the machines they service. Trucks are complex systems, built for power and durability but prone to wear and tear. Whether it’s an issue under the hood, electrical problems, or something as specific as hydraulics, mechanics are the unsung heroes ensuring these vehicles don’t miss a mile. Their job often goes beyond the obvious fixes. It’s about spotting potential issues before they escalate—saving time, money, and stress down the line. With a sharp eye for detail and a toolbox full of solutions, these professionals tackle everything from minor tune-ups to major overhauls. What Services Do Truck Mechanics Offer? The range of services offered by professional truck mechanics is extensive. Here’s a breakdown of what can be expected: Preventative Maintenance Regular servicing is the secret to keeping trucks running smoothly. Maintenance includes oil changes, filter replacements, and brake inspections. These simple but crucial checks help prevent costly breakdowns and extend the life of the vehicle. Diagnostics and Repairs Today’s trucks are as much about software as they are about steel. Diagnostics involve using advanced tools to pinpoint issues quickly and accurately. From engine troubles to suspension problems, truck mechanics are trained to handle it all. Complete Rebuilds Sometimes, a truck needs more than just a repair—it needs a fresh start. Machine rebuilds involve stripping down components, refurbishing or replacing parts, and essentially restoring the truck to its former glory. It’s an investment in longevity and reliability. On-Site and Field Services When a truck breaks down on the road, time is of the essence. Mobile mechanics bring the shop to the truck, offering field repairs to get vehicles back in action with minimal delay. Specialized Engineering For fleets with unique needs, custom solutions are a must. Whether it’s fabricating parts, upgrading systems, or integrating new technology, specialized engineering ensures every truck is tailored to perform. Why Expertise Matters Not all mechanics are created equal. Trucks are heavy-duty machines, and working on them requires a specific skill set. It’s not just about knowing what to do; it’s about doing it safely and efficiently. Professional truck mechanics bring a wealth of experience to the table. They understand the nuances of different truck models, how they’re used, and what challenges they face. This knowledge allows them to provide tailored solutions, ensuring each vehicle is serviced to the highest standards. Additionally, high-quality parts and tools are non-negotiable. A quick fix with subpar materials might seem cost-effective, but it’s a recipe for repeat problems. The best mechanics use only trusted components, ensuring repairs are built to last. The Purpose-Built Advantage For comprehensive services, nothing beats a dedicated facility. Purpose-built workshops are equipped with state-of-the-art tools, technology, and enough space to handle multiple vehicles at once. These facilities allow mechanics to perform everything from routine maintenance to complex engineering projects under one roof. But the flexibility doesn’t end there. Many services also include fieldwork, ensuring trucks can be serviced wherever they’re needed—whether it’s in a remote location or right at the job site. This combination of in-house expertise and on-site convenience makes professional truck mechanics an invaluable partner for any fleet operator. How to Know It’s Time for Service Trucks don’t always come with warning signs, but paying attention to subtle changes can save a lot of trouble later. Some things to look out for include: Decreased fuel efficiency Strange noises from the engine or brakes Difficulty starting or stalling Uneven tire wear Warning lights on the dashboard Regular inspections and maintenance schedules help catch these issues early. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to address it sooner rather than later. Balancing Cost and Quality One of the biggest concerns for fleet operators is balancing cost with quality. It’s tempting to cut corners, but when it comes to truck mechanics, the saying “you get what you pay for” couldn’t be more accurate. Investing in professional services means fewer breakdowns, longer-lasting vehicles, and lower overall costs in the long run. High-quality workmanship ensures that repairs are done right the first time, reducing downtime and maximizing efficiency. The Role of Trust and Communication At the heart of any good mechanic-client relationship is trust. Knowing that a vehicle is in capable hands makes all the difference. Clear communication, transparent pricing, and detailed explanations of the work being done help build that trust. Mechanics who take the time to understand specific needs, explain the process, and keep clients informed are the ones worth sticking with. It’s not just about fixing trucks; it’s about providing peace of mind. Keeping Trucks on the Road, Rain or Shine Every mile a truck spends off the road is a mile of lost productivity. That’s why truck mechanics work tirelessly to ensure fleets are always ready for the next journey. From regular maintenance checks to emergency breakdown assistance, the goal is simple: to keep trucks moving and businesses thriving. So, whether it’s a single vehicle or an entire fleet, professional truck mechanics are the key to staying ahead of the curve. With the right expertise and a can-do attitude, there’s no challenge too big—or too small—to tackle. The road ahead may be long, but with the right support, it’s always smooth. Trust the experts to keep your trucks running at their best, no matter where the journey takes them. Related Items: Keeping Your , Truck Mechanics Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments
Autonomous driving technology is another key trend in the automotive industry, and many automakers are incorporating advanced self-driving features into their latest models. The MIIT's latest batch of declarations includes several vehicles that boast impressive autonomous driving capabilities, promising a safer and more convenient driving experience for consumers.
The exposure of these false advertising practices highlights the importance of enforcing regulations and standards in the healthcare industry. It is crucial for dental institutions and other medical facilities to adhere to ethical guidelines, provide accurate information to the public, and prioritize patient safety and well-being above all else. Consumers must be able to trust that the treatments and services they receive are based on sound medical practices and are not influenced by dishonest marketing tactics.In addition to local life services, the "Peace of Mind Service" plan also includes features to enhance user safety and security. For example, AMAP has introduced a new SOS button that allows users to quickly alert emergency contacts and emergency services in the event of an emergency. This feature provides users with added reassurance and peace of mind, knowing that help is just a touch away when they need it most.
The professor's findings serve as a wake-up call to policymakers and economists alike, urging them to rethink the effectiveness of tariffs as a tool for promoting economic growth and protecting domestic industries. Instead of resorting to protectionist measures, the United States should focus on fostering innovation, investing in education and infrastructure, and strengthening its competitive edge in the global market.
One of the key storylines of this matchup is whether Real Madrid can avoid a third consecutive defeat in the Champions League. The Spanish giants have traditionally been dominant in Europe's premier club competition, but recent results have raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. Manager Carlo Ancelotti will have his work cut out for him as he looks to inspire his team to rise to the occasion and produce a performance worthy of their reputation.Beyond their professional collaboration, Zhang and Marceau's partnership serves as a testament to the power of movies in bridging cultural divides and fostering a sense of shared humanity. Through their work together, they have transcended language barriers and geographical boundaries, reaching audiences from different corners of the world and uniting them through the universal language of cinema.
In his year-end message, Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran delivered a powerful reflection on the events of 2024, paying tribute to the late Ratan Tata and outlining the Group’s ambitious vision for 2025. Acknowledging the geopolitical upheavals of 2024, including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, Chandrasekaran highlighted the global shift from efficiency to resilience in supply chains. He emphasized how these changes position India for growth, given its talent pool and manufacturing potential. Chandrasekaran paid a heartfelt tribute to Ratan Tata, whose passing earlier this year left an indelible mark on the Group and India Inc. “Our Group has lost an irreplaceable role model and leader. And I have lost a cherished mentor and friend,” he wrote. Reflecting on the tributes received worldwide, he remarked, “There isn’t room in this letter to capture fully what he meant to us.” The chairman revealed Tata Group’s plans to create 500,000 new jobs in manufacturing over the next five years. These positions will span key sectors such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, solar equipment, and other critical hardware industries. “These will come in part from the aforementioned investments in facilities across India—factories and projects that will produce batteries, semiconductors, electric vehicles, solar equipment and other critical hardware destined to play a central role in the economy of tomorrow,” he shared. In addition to manufacturing, the Group anticipates significant job creation in retail, technology services, aviation, and hospitality. Chandrasekaran also highlighted recent strides in high-tech industries, including the opening of India’s first semiconductor fab in Gujarat, a new battery cell manufacturing plant in the UK, and other facilities. "Big strategic bets, made with his encouragement, are bearing fruit, particularly in hi-tech industries and manufacturing where our footprint continues to expand," he noted. Reflecting on technology's transformative power, Chandrasekaran focused on the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare and mobility. “A fundamental reversal is taking place,” he stated, explaining how advancements in technology are now driving scientific discoveries, revolutionizing industries, and improving human well-being. Looking ahead to 2025, Chandrasekaran expressed optimism for India’s economic growth, driven by the expansion of manufacturing and the digital revolution. "India’s economy is strong, and the great trends of the age are in our favor," he wrote, concluding the letter on a hopeful note.
Overall, Vinegar Berry Xuan Xuan's journey serves as a powerful example of navigating the challenges of fame with grace and sincerity, and her resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to her strength as a role model in the digital age.
As the season reaches its climax, the battle for the Premier League title will only intensify. Manchester City's journey towards securing another championship will undoubtedly be met with tough challenges and fierce competition. However, with their unmatched quality, depth, and resilience, they are well-equipped to handle the pressures of the title race and emerge victorious once again.