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China Bans Hidden Car Door Handles Amid Safety Concerns
China has banned hidden car door handles on electric vehicles (EVs), becoming the first country to prohibit the design popularized by Tesla, according to BBC News. The new regulations, prompted by safety concerns following several deadly incidents involving EVs, will take effect on January 1, 2027.
The decision comes as EVs face increasing scrutiny from safety watchdogs globally. State media reported that the new rules mandate all cars sold in China must have a mechanical release for doors, both inside and outside the vehicle. This requirement addresses concerns raised after fatal crashes, including two involving Xiaomi EVs in China, where power failures were suspected to have prevented doors from being opened.
The ban on hidden door handles reflects a growing emphasis on passenger safety within the EV market. The design, while aesthetically modern, has raised concerns about functionality during emergencies, particularly in situations where electrical systems fail.
In other news related to Elon Musk, offices belonging to his social media platform X in France were raided, the Paris prosecutor's office announced. The cyber-crime unit conducted the searches with assistance from Europol, as part of an investigation opened in January 2025. The prosecutor's office stated on X that both Musk and former X CEO Linda Yaccarino had been summoned to appear at hearings in April as part of the probe. X has not yet responded to requests for comment. The prosecutor's office also announced it would cease communication on X, opting instead for LinkedIn and Instagram.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, efforts by Musk to restrict Russian use of Starlink satellites for drone attacks have been praised by Ukrainian officials. Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov lauded Musk as "a true champion of freedom and a true friend of the Ukrainian people," noting that Musk swiftly responded when informed about Russian drones using Starlink connectivity. These drones have been linked to recent deadly attacks by Russia on Ukraine, including one on a passenger train that resulted in six deaths. Musk wrote on X, "Looks like the steps we took to stop the unauthorised use of Starlink by Russia have worked."
In the Middle East, Israel reopened the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, a key passage for Gaza. The crossing had been largely closed since Israeli forces captured the Gazan side in May 2024. According to BBC Middle East correspondent Yolande Knell, the reopening was initially planned during the first phase of US President Donald Trump's ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas, which began in October. However, Israel blocked the reopening until the return of the body of the last Israeli hostage, which occurred last week. The reopening is expected to provide relief to many Palestinians.
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