Hong Kong issues highest weather warning, as rains shut schools, courts and hospital wards
WorldBlackened skies unleashed torrential rains on Hong Kong and the high-tech cities surrounding south China's Pearl River Delta on Tuesday, shutting hospitals, schools and law courts, and turning the Asian financial centre's many staircases into waterfalls.
Europe's old power plants to get digital makeover driven by AI boom
WorldPARIS - Some of Europe's ageing coal and gas fired power plants can look forward to a more high-tech future as big tech players, such as Microsoft and Amazon, seek to repurpose them as data centres, with ready-made access to power and water.
Kyoto Univ. team develops pain reliever comparable to morphine
WorldKYOTO -- A Kyoto University research team has developed a pain-reliever that is comparable to morphine but does not have serious side effects.
US could require up to $15,000 bonds for some tourist visas under pilot program
WorldThe U.S. could require bonds of up to $15,000 for some tourist and business visas under a pilot program launching in two weeks, a government notice said on Monday, an effort that aims to crack down on visitors who overstay their visas.
Korean Air to expand flights to Japan after integration with Asiana
WorldSEOUL -- Korean Air Executive Vice President Choi Jung-ho has said that the carrier plans to expand flights to and from local cities in Japan to improve customer convenience following its integration with Asiana Airlines.
Gates Foundation commits $2.5 billion to 'ignored' women's health
WorldLONDON -- The Gates Foundation will spend $2.5 billion by 2030 on women’s health, it said on Monday, with founder Bill Gates saying the area, including conditions from preeclampsia to menopause, had been neglected for too long.
Decision time as plastic pollution treaty talks begin
WorldCountries were to start the clock Tuesday on 10 days of talks aimed at hammering out a landmark global treaty on combating the scourge of plastic pollution.
Exceptional Nordic heatwave stumps tourists seeking shade
WorldNordic countries are relieved after battling an exceptional heatwave which shattered the hopes of foreigners seeking to cool off in the far north -- a disappointment meteorologists warn is likely to be repeated.
Australia to buy 11 advanced warships from Japan
WorldAustralia will upgrade its navy with 11 Mogami-class frigates built by Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Tuesday.
Brazil dismisses calls to relocate COP30 amid Amazon city price surge
WorldBRASILIA -- Brazil is resisting calls to move the global COP30 climate summit, scheduled for November, out of Belem, even as it faces mounting pressure over soaring accommodation prices in the Amazonian city.
