Nepal-Tibet flash flood: helicopter rescue operations suspended as lake overflows; death toll rises to 469 – latest updates
The Guardian

Nepal-Tibet flash flood: helicopter rescue operations suspended as lake overflows; death toll rises to 469 – latest updates

Operations in Rasuwa in Nepal suspended amid fears of further destruction; 1,500 people still missing amid race to find survivorsFlood risk forces halt to rescues in Tibet, as Nepal death toll rises to 469Visual guide: how the deadly flooding unfoldedTell us: have you been affected by the flash floods?More now on the Nepali army’s rescue operation to save about 100 people trapped in a tunnel at a ...

Macau tycoon Lawrence Ho’s family office expands into space sector in de-SPAC deal
SCMP

Macau tycoon Lawrence Ho’s family office expands into space sector in de-SPAC deal

Black Spade Capital, the family office of Macau casino billionaire Lawrence Ho Yau-lung, has announced its third de-SPAC deal through a merger with a satellite communications firm, a move granting it access to the space technology sector. Under the agreement, Singapore-based Astrum Space will combine with blank-check company Black Spade Acquisition III (BIII) at an equity value of about US$1 billi...

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

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...

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

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

SCMP

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...

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

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

France 24

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, the new face of a monarchy beset by woe and scandal

France 24

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, the new face of a monarchy shaken by scandal

France 24

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.

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

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

SCMP

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...

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

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

Times of India

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

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

The Guardian

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

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

SCMP

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

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

Times of India

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...

Norway’s King Harald dies at age of 89

Norway’s King Harald dies at age of 89

The Guardian

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

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

The Guardian

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...

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

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

SCMP

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

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

SCMP

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...

Norway’s King Harald dies at 89 after 35-year reign

Norway’s King Harald dies at 89 after 35-year reign

SCMP

Norway’s King Harald has died aged 89, the palace said on Friday, his 53-year-old son Crown Prince Haakon automatically succeeding him on the throne. “It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today. King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28 at 6.35am,” it said in a statement. The flag at the royal palace in Oslo was...