World News Hub

MiniMax expands Alibaba cloud pact as compute needs surge for training and inference

Chinese artificial intelligence firm MiniMax has raised the three-year purchase ceiling on its cloud computing deals with Alibaba Group Holding by 220 per cent to US$1.2 billion, underscoring surging demand for computing power among the country’s top AI developers. The Shanghai-based company planned to spend up to US$300 million on Alibaba Cloud services this year, nearly triple its original US$11...

Is global warming supercharging El Niños? New study may reveal the answer

El Niño can supercharge the impacts global warming. But burning fossil fuels could also be strengthening the destructive climate phenomenon.

Truce in DR Congo offers US mining foothold while Chinese firms dominate output

A peace plan agreed between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-backed M23 movement last weekend could open the rebel-held Rubaya coltan deposit and other parts of mineral-rich eastern Congo to US investors. But observers say that even a lasting settlement would leave the United States far behind China, whose companies have spent decades building mining assets, relationships and supply...

From off-season sun to snowy adventures: 10 of the best European destinations to visit this winter

From the warm beaches of Fuerteventura and Madeira to snow-covered Cappadocia and the Bavarian Alps, these European destinations offer plenty of reasons for winter travel once the crowds have disappeared.

Norway's King Haakon VIII, the new face of a monarchy beset by woe and scandal

Norway's King Haakon VIII automatically succeeded to the throne after his father, King Harald, passed away on Friday. He is the new face of a monarchy long praised for its modernity and modesty, but in recent years it has been beset by woe and scandal, including revelations about the queen's friendship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Norway's King Haakon, the new face of a monarchy beset by woe and scandal

Norway's King Haakon VIII automatically succeeded to the throne after his father, King Harald, passed away on Friday. As comfortable in a duffel coat as in ceremonial dress, he is the new face of a monarchy long praised for its modernity and modesty, but now beset by woe and scandal. He swears an oath before the government later in the day.

Norway's King Haakon, the new face of a monarchy shaken by scandal

Norway's King Haakon VIII automatically succeeded to the throne after his father, King Harald, passed away on Friday. As comfortable in a duffel coat as in ceremonial dress, he is the new face of a monarchy long praised for its modernity and modesty, but now beset by woe and scandal. He swears an oath before the government later in the day.

Norway's new King Haakon, popular face of shaken monarchy

As comfortable in a duffel coat as in ceremonial dress, Norway's King Haakon is the new face of a monarchy long praised for its modernity and modesty, but now beset by woe and scandal.

Nearly 470 killed in Nepal floods: What we know about rescue efforts

The devastating Bhotekoshi flood struck the mountainous Nepal-Tibet border region on Wednesday morning.

Norway's King Harald V, Europe's beloved, oldest monarch, dies at 89

King Harald V of Norway, Europe's beloved, oldest monarch, has died, the royal court says. He was 89.

Norway's King Harald V, Europe's oldest monarch, dies at 89

King Harald V of Norway, Europe's beloved, oldest monarch, has died, the royal palace says. He was 89.

Japan police to roll out body-worn cameras nationwide in 2027 after trials

Japanese police will expand use of body-worn cameras nationwide from next financial year after trials showed they were effective in providing evidence and verifying that investigative procedures were followed appropriately, the National Police Agency said on Friday. The agency has requested about 170 million yen (US$1 million) for the year starting April 2027 to cover related costs for around 2,00...

Dos Santos and Russell set world records in ‘crazy’ Zurich Diamond League

Dos Santos stormed to victory to set new men's 400m hurdles time, while Russell broke women's 100m hurdles record.

Belgian farmer hasn't irrigated crops in 26 years; soil remains moist just 5-10 cm below surface

Belgium’s Diederik Steyaert has successfully farmed without irrigation for over two decades. His dedication to organic practices ensures that the soil remains healthy and retains moisture efficiently. By eliminating ploughing and incorporating organic matter, Steyaert cultivates robust plants that adapt to stress and drought. This innovative approach showcases vital strategies for addressing agric...

‘So desperately loved’: ADF member among dozens of Australians missing in Nepal floods as families pray for safe return

Relatives ‘really worried, but hopeful’ as they wait anxiously for news in the aftermath of the flash flooding disasterFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe families of an Australian Defence Force member and two Sydney boys who went missing with their parents in Nepal remain hopeful they will be found safe.Dozens of Aus...

Shares in Chinese MLCC makers rise as AI lifts sales and profits

China’s top makers of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) – ubiquitous components known as the “rice of the electronics industry” – saw their shares rise on Friday after reporting ballooning first-half sales and profits amid soaring demand linked to AI. Shenzhen-listed shares of Chaozhou Three-Circle Company (CCTC) and Guangdong Fenghua Advanced Technology, two of the country’s largest MLCC make...

In 2017, wildfire neared Roslyn; 9 years later, the town burned 500+ acres to prevent future fires

Washington communities are increasingly implementing prescribed burns as a strategy to mitigate wildfire risks. By imitating natural fire cycles, this method effectively decreases fuel accumulation. Roslyn, a town previously devastated by a wildfire, has embraced this practice extensively, fostering collaboration among various agencies and private landowners. This innovative strategy provides a fr...

Peter Cullen, the iconic voice of Optimus Prime, Eeyore and Predator, dies aged 85

Peter Cullen, whose voice defined 80s pop culture and beyond, died surrounded by his family.

Norway’s King Harald dies at age of 89

Death comes at turbulent time for royal family over association of crown princess with Jeffrey Epstein King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89, the palace in Oslo has announced, triggering the succession of his son, Haakon, whose wife Mette-Marit’s association with Jeffrey Epstein has sparked fierce recent controversy.“It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald...

Nicola Coughlan and Matt Lucas among stars backing campaign against AI voice cloning

About 80 people sign open letter to Andy Burnham calling for legislation to protect voice ownershipNicola Coughlan, Hugh Bonneville and Matt Lucas are among a group of actors backing a campaign against artificial intelligence voice cloning.Save Our Voices Now, which is also being supported by Luke Evans, Jen Brister, Siobhán McSweeney and Pearl Mackie, aims to stop the practice in which AI technol...

Nepal flash flood rescue efforts paused amid fears of further flooding

Authorities temporary stopped rescue efforts due to fears that a newly formed, overflowing lake could trigger further flooding in areas devastated by a flash flood along the Himalayan Nepal-China border.

Hong Kong’s revised heat stress warning system may lack rest provisions: experts

Hong Kong’s outdoor workers could still lack adequate rest under the revamped heat stress warning system, a lawmaker and a construction industry representative have said, adding that work breaks triggered by higher alerts are not protected by law. The response followed the Labour Department’s announcement on Thursday that it had updated the Heat Stress at Work Warning system to better safeguard ou...

Revised heat stress warning system may lack rest provisions: industry experts

Hong Kong’s outdoor workers may still lack adequate rest under the revamped heat stress warning system, a lawmaker and a construction industry representative have said, adding that work breaks triggered by higher alerts are not protected by law. Their views followed a Thursday announcement by the Labour Department to revise operations behind the Heat Stress at Work Warning system to better safegua...

🔴 Europe's oldest monarch, King Harald V of Norway dies at 89

Norway’s King Harald V dies at 89 and his son becomes king

King Harald V of Norway has died at 89