🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Apple removes Russia's state-backed Max messenger from App Store
via The Namibian1 min read
Apple has removed the Russian state-backed Max messenger from its App Store, according to the app's developers. The removal occurred on Wednesday night, and the reasons for it are currently unclear, with no comment from Apple. Max, a super-app that lacks encryption, has been promoted by Moscow for months, with critics suggesting it could be used for tracking. Russia has encouraged its citizens, civil servants, state companies, schools, and government agencies to use Max for communications, while throttling other popular messengers like WhatsApp and Telegram. Max, launched in 2025 by Russian social media giant VK, combines social media and messaging with government services, digital ID, banking, and payments, similar to China's WeChat. President Vladimir Putin has promoted Max as a "secure" platform supporting Russia's "technological sovereignty." It has been pre-installed on devices sold in Russia since September but is not available in the European Union. Max does not use end-to-end encryption, and its terms of use state that user data is stored on servers in Russia. Apple and Google have previously removed numerous Russian apps, including those from sanctioned companies. While existing apps continue to function, new downloads and updates are blocked, leading Russian companies to create disguised apps to circumvent bans.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 105-104 on Friday, taking a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals. Jalen Brunson made the go-ahead free throw after the Spurs mounted a significant fourth-quarter rally. San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama missed a potential game-winning shot with two seconds left. No team has ever won the NBA Finals after losing the first two games at home. The Knicks have now won 13 consecutive playoff games, the second-longest streak in postseason history, and will have the opportunity to win their first title since 1973 when the series moves to New York. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Brunson and Mikal Bridges each scored 20 points. Wembanyama scored 29 points for the Spurs, with 22 of those coming in the second half.
South African entrepreneurs Sbusiso Leope, known as DJ Sbu, founder of MoFaya Beverage Company, and Sheldon Tatchell, founder of Legends Barbershops, will be guest speakers at the 2026 Business Summit Namibia in Windhoek on July 25. The summit, launched on May 21, is a leading entrepreneurship and networking platform. Summit convener Martin Nankela stated that the event aims to inspire the Namibian business sector by featuring regional business heavyweights and local visionaries, aligning with president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's call to promote the creative sector for youth employment. This year's edition, the sixth, is expected to attract approximately 1,000 attendees. Namibian speakers include Standard Bank Namibia executive for business banking Hellen Amupolo, Hannah Nangula Cosmetics founder Hannah Nangula, and RFC Creative Agency chief executive Reggie Zaire, with more speakers to be announced. The summit will include keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking sessions, collaboration opportunities, and exhibition spaces. Nankela encouraged corporate entities and SMEs to utilize exhibition stalls. The event focuses on driving economic transformation, reducing unemployment, and fostering an innovative business culture across Namibia. Previous editions featured prominent figures like South African-Motswana actress Connie Ferguson and South African businessman Theo Baloyi. The summit has provided a platform for budding entrepreneurs to exhibit products, access fundi
Namibia's Paralympic athletes, including Ananias Shikongo, Johannes Nambala, and Lahya Ishitile, recently took part in the country's first blindfolded running competition in Windhoek. Organized by Sport On The Movement Foundation in collaboration with Business Financial Solutions, the event at Windhoek Independence Stadium challenged participants to run 100m blindfolded while guided by friends. Organizers noted that participants quickly realized the difficulty, gaining insight into the determination, skill, and trust required by blind athletes competing at a high level. The event raised funds and increased awareness for athletes with disabilities. Sport On The Movement Foundation chairperson Doufi Namalambo highlighted the athletes' stories as inspiring examples of overcoming unseen challenges. The foundation supports champions like Shikongo, Namibia's first male Paralympic gold medalist, and Ishitile, who won gold and set a Paralympic record in the 400m T11 at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. Nambala is a two-time silver medalist from the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and a world champion. To celebrate these achievements, the foundation launched 'Unstoppable,' an international campaign to support Namibian para-athletes for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Blindfolded running is described as an intense physical and sensory exercise that builds trust between the runner and a sighted guide, who uses tethers or verbal commands. It eliminates visual distractions, forcing athle
Alexander Zverev, the second seed, secured his spot in the French Open final by defeating Jakub Mensik in four sets. Zverev won 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 and will face Flavio Cobolli, the tenth seed, on Sunday. Cobolli advanced to the final without playing his semi-final match, as his opponent, Matteo Arnaldi, withdrew due to illness. Zverev, who has experienced previous Grand Slam final defeats, expressed his determination to play another great match. He holds a 3-1 winning record against Cobolli. Zverev has lost only two sets in six matches on his way to the final. Mensik, playing in his first major semi-final, showed signs of fatigue during the match. Arnaldi, who had spent significant time on court in previous rounds, stated that he felt dizzy and unwell, leading to his withdrawal. Cobolli, who had impressed in his quarter-final victory, expressed mixed emotions about advancing due to his friend's illness.