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Experts say that the deadly Nepal flash flooding may have been caused by a glacier collapse
Experts citing Planet Labs satellite images said that a deadly flash flood on Wednesday near Nepal's Tibet border may have been triggered by the lower part of a glacier breaking off and crashing on to the valley floor hundreds of meters below. The cause of the collapse was unclear, but Nepali officials pointed out that an earthquake had occurred in the area minutes earlier. Both sides are concerned that the number of deaths will far exceed the 100 bodies recovered so far. Nepal's government said that more than 300 travelers were missing. Satellite imagery from Planet Labs was reviewed by the...............?............... Vikram Gupta teaches engineering geology at India's Sikkim University and is a specialist in engineering geology. Earth scientist Dan Shugar is an associate professor of?the University of Calgary. He said that the images seemed to show a lot of snow had been melted just 24 hours before the disaster. The valley's glaciers were mostly covered in ice today, but yesterday they were covered in snow. He said that it was likely warm (though I haven't yet seen any data from the weather stations). The United Nations reported in 2023 that the ice on Nepal's?mountains, which are covered in snow and ice, had been reduced by almost a third in less than 30 years because of global warming. In 2023, the agency reported that the glaciers of Nepal, which are wedged between India and China - two major carbon producers - had melted 65% more quickly in the past decade than the previous decade. Shugar explained that he could see, in the satellite images of this morning from Planet Labs: the lower part a glacier had broken off at around 5,200 metres. It crashed into the valley floor some 1,200 meters below. He added that?construction' could also be a factor and "whether climate changes played a part is something we will be no doubt looking into in the future". 'ICE-ROCK AVALANCHE' In the mountainous district Rasuwa (population: 50,000), several hydropower projects have been located in the most affected areas. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority of Nepal said that the "glacier inclusive flood" in the Lhende River was caused by a landslide which occurred around 20 kilometers (12 miles) north-east of the Nepal-China border crossing. Initial reports also suggested an earthquake could have caused an avalanche, which then led to the flooding. However, Prakash Pokharel?, a geologist with the authority, stated that it is still unclear if this was the cause of the tragedy. Pokharel who reviewed the Planet Labs photos said that the flash floods on the Nepali border were caused by an ice rock avalanche. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain development says that floods, landslides and avalanches are becoming more frequent and violent in the Hindu Kush Himalayas. In addition, rapid changes to the water, air and land across the region present a serious threat to the people. The group reported that the flash flood on Wednesday sent a powerful surge in water, sediment, and boulders along the Bhote Koshi, Trishuli, and other river systems. They also said the water levels at Galchhi, downstream, rose up to nine metres (30 feet) in just 30 minutes. (Aditya Kalra, Krishna Das and Alex Richardson contributed additional reporting.)
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Tim Curry, the actor who starred in 'Rocky Horror Picture Show', has died at age 80
Variety and other outlets have reported that Tim Curry, who had a baritone voice, died at age 80. Curry was best known for his role as the singing "sweet transvestite," in 1975's cult film "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Curry's death was not immediately attributed to a cause, but he had been ill for some time. Curry has appeared in many movies, usually as a hammy villain. He was nominated for three Tony Awards for Broadway roles and has voiced numerous animated 'films' and TV shows. But his best-known role was Dr. Frank N. Furter, which came in his debut film, the outrageous, crowd-pleasing horror-comedy-musical "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," co-starring Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick. I'm not a very good man in the daylight. By night, I am a ferocious lover. Curry sang, "I'm a sweet Transylvanian transvestite in a skimpy outfit with black stockings, garter belt and eyeshadow. Curry, in a 1975 interview on television, feared that his career would be defined by an outrageous role. This was a foresighted concern, as it turned our. Curry admitted to some initial hesitation, but said that he found the role "very, very funny and witty" when he first read it. "I was afraid that if it worked it would be hard to get rid of. Curry stated that he has always believed it was not worth taking a chance if you didn't want to take a part. His other films include "Charlie's Angels", "Muppet Treasure Island", "The Shadow", "The Three Musketeers", "Home Alone 2 : Lost in New York", "Home Alone 2 : Lost in New York", "Clue", "Legend", and "Annie". VILLAINS OVER THE TOP Curry's best work was done on the stage. In 1981, he was nominated as a Tony for his role in "Amadeus," which tells the story of Mozart's interaction with Salieri, a jealous rival. Curry was nominated for a Tony award in 1993 for the play "My Favorite Year," and in 2005 for playing King Arthur in "Monty Python’s Spamalot." He was a popular voice actor in animated films and television shows. In 1991, he won a Daytime Emmy Award for his voice on the animated film "Peter Pan & the Pirates." Curry's sinister smile and menacing laughter made him a popular villain in Hollywood movies. He was often cast with comic undertones to allow him to deliver his over-the-top performance for which he became famous. Curry said to Andrew Kay, an interviewer in 2011, "I love those roles. They're always written the best." He admitted that some of his films were mediocre. He singled out "Congo", a 1995 tale about diamond mines, killer gorillas, and a story of diamonds. Curry admitted that he was "really very bad" in the film. Curry said, "I received a Razzy Award for one of the most terrible performances?of the past year. I deserved it too." A CULTY FOLLOWING Curry was born on April 19th, 1946 in Grappenhall (Cheshire), England. Curry's father was a Royal Navy chaplain who died when he turned 12. His mother worked as a secretary in a school. Curry studied drama at Birmingham University. He landed the role of Dr. Frank N. Furter, in the original London version of "The?Show?" The Rocky Horror. He first performed the play in New York, Los Angeles and then it was turned into a movie called "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." The movie wasn't an instant success, but it gained a cult audience at midnight screenings held in New York City as well as elsewhere. Audience members dressed up in "Rocky Horror" costumes. Curry withdrew in 2011 from a British?production due to his ill health. In 2013, Curry's agent said he suffered a stroke, but that he was recovering with "great humour." He began using a wheelchair, and he reduced his work load. He did return to the big-screen in 2024 when he appeared in the horror movie "Stream." Curry was born in Los Angeles and never married. He also had no children. Curry, a composer and singer, also released albums with his own band. (Reporting and editing by Bill Trott, Olivier Holmey and Bill Trott; Additional reporting by Rosalba o'Brien)
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Gold drops over 1% after in-line US inflation data
Gold prices continued to fall on Wednesday after U.S. data on inflation came in largely in line with expectations. This increased bets that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next month. Investors also awaited comments from Chairman Kevin Warsh. Gold prices fell by 1.3%, to $4.594.84 an ounce at 11:31 am EDT (1531 GMT), following a rise to their highest level since May 14, on Tuesday. U.S. Gold Futures fell 0.9% to $4650.90. Dollars rose by 0.3% making the greenback more expensive to holders of other currencies. Peter Grant, senior metals analyst at Zaner Metals, said that the gold price's action before today's data had been a profit-taking move. The PCE data came in in line with expectations. We're now consolidating in yesterday's range. Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Commerce Department reported on Wednesday that the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index,?which is used by the Fed to determine its inflation target?, had increased 3.7% over the past 12 months. The economists polled had predicted a reading between 3.6% and 3.7%. According to the CME FedWatch tool, traders now expect a 38% probability of a rate increase next month. This is up from 36% prior to the release of the data. They also price in a 62% likelihood that the Fed will keep rates the same. In an environment with high interest rates, gold that does not yield is often less appealing. "I believe the gold uptrend is starting to reassert its self." Grant stated that he sees a 'potential to go back above $5,000 in this year.' He added that gold could reach new highs as early as the second quarter of 2027. Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced on Wednesday that, on the geopolitical side, Iran and Oman had reached an agreement regarding their share of Strait of Hormuz revenues and their shares of revenue. However, the vital waterway would not reopen if the U.S. did not accept the conditions. Silver spot fell by 1.1%, to $67.91 an ounce. Platinum dropped 1.2%, to $1.837.78. Palladium declined 0.1%, to $1.325.10. (Reporting from Bengaluru by Pablo Sinha. (Editing by Jonathan Ananda, Mark Potter and Jonathan Ananda)
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Kremlin: US spy chief met Russian counterparts on Moscow visit
The Kremlin reported on Wednesday that U.S. CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Russian intelligence officials but did not meet Vladimir Putin during a trip to Moscow, which U.S. president Donald Trump referred to as "semi routine." Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, told reporters that Putin was briefed about the outcome of the visit on Tuesday. The visit came at a time when the war in Ukraine is dragging on and efforts to achieve a lasting peace with the United States and Iran are stalled. Peskov refused to reveal what was discussed or provide further details. "All I can say is that security services have made?contacts. I can confirm that there has been no meeting with the Russian president. Peskov said that President Putin was kept up to date on all developments immediately. In a radio interview with Trump on Wednesday, he didn't say why Ratcliffe travelled to Moscow, but he said that it might prove useful. "Now, something could come out of it." Trump said on the Glenn Beck Program that he was working hard to end the war in Ukraine. When asked if the CIA chief had gone to Moscow to discuss possible Russian actions to test the NATO alliance, or to discuss Iran sanctions with Trump, he replied: "None." He's there. You?know, it's semi-routine. The last time a U.S. CIA Director visited the Russian capital was when Ratcliffe’s predecessor William Burns met with Putin on November 20, 2021. This was three months after the start of the Ukraine war. Peskov responded that the contacts between the intelligence agencies of the U.S. and Russia were positive. "These contacts often persist even during the most difficult times in bilateral relations. Our president has, surprisingly, spoken on this topic. It is too early to say how this will help our bilateral relations to emerge from the crisis they are currently in. Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Alessandra Prente and Susan Heavey, Editing by Andrew Osborn, Timothy Heritage and Timothy Heritage
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Governor says fire destroys Wildberries warehouse that was hit by drone in Russia's Tambov Region
Officials reported early on Wednesday that a drone attack caused a massive blaze to destroy a warehouse operated by Russian ecommerce giant Wildberries. Ukraine is pursuing its campaign against Moscow's economy through online retailers. Evgeniy Pryshov, the governor of Russia's Tambov Region, wrote that two people were injured in an overnight strike. He said that the logistics centre had been "completely destroyed" by fire. He said earlier that the fire was spreading to 100,000 square metres (1,1 million square feet), which is equivalent to 14 soccer fields. Ukraine has targeted Wildberries'?facilities?since mid-July, and has broadened their strategy to include the retailer's biggest rival, Ozon. Satellite images show that at least 1.9m square metres of warehouse area have been severely damaged by fire in more than 20 Wildberries and Ozon stores. After four-and-a half years of war with Ukraine, the Russian economy is close to stagnation. Local authorities reported on Telegram that a woman was killed by a drone in the Belgorod region near Ukraine. Since the full-scale Russian invasion of February 2022, both Ukraine and Russia have denied targeting civilians.
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Gold drops 1% after in-line U.S. inflation data
Gold prices extended losses on Wednesday after U.S. Inflation?data came in largely line with?expectations, increasing bets that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next month. Investors also awaited comments from Chairman Kevin Warsh. Gold prices fell by 1% at 1310 GMT (9.10 am EDT) after they had reached their highest level since May 14, on Tuesday. U.S. Gold Futures fell 0.6% to $4667.10. Dollar rose by 0.2% making greenback bullion prices more expensive for holders of other currencies. Peter Grant, vice president and senior metals analyst at Zaner Metals, said that the gold price movement up until today's data had been a profit-taking move.?PCE came in in line with expectations so we are consolidating in yesterday's range," he added. The Personal Consumption Spending?Price index, which is used by the Fed to set its target price, rose 3.7% over the past 12 months, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Commerce Department. Economists polled had predicted a reading 3.6%. According to CME FedWatch Tool, traders now expect a 40% increase in interest rates next month compared to a 36% rise before the data. They also price in a 60% likelihood that the Fed won't change its rate. In an environment of high interest rates, gold that does not yield often loses appeal. "I believe the gold uptrend is starting to re-establish itself." Grant added that gold could reach new all-time heights in the second quarter 2027. Iran and Oman reached an agreement over their share of revenues from the Strait of Hormuz, but the waterway won't be opened if the U.S. doesn't accept their conditions. (Reporting by Pablo Sinha in Bengaluru; Editing by Jonathan Ananda) (Reporting and editing by Jonathan Ananda in Bengaluru)
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Merz, a German company, aims to inspire confidence through its growth target
Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany, vowed on Wednesday to revive the German Economy - and deliver growth of at 1% or more next year. This will be achieved through business-friendly reforms as well as a planned increase in government spending. Merz, who is also Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil's centre-left SPD junior partner, are trying to project unity. They have also denied suggestions that the government was divided and hindering efforts to turn around a downward trend in opinion polls. Merz, the leader of the conservative CDU, said that he was encouraged by his assessment that the government has the opportunity to achieve GDP growth in the next year. After the summer holiday, he spoke at a press conference after an off-site Cabinet meeting held at the Neuhardenberg Estate, located about 70 km (44 miles east) of Berlin. In April, the economy ministry cut its growth forecast for 2026 to 0.5% citing increased energy costs related to the war in Iran. Merz's coalition is under pressure after a cabinet restructuring 'angered members of Merz's own party' and raised concerns about the effectiveness of the government as it tries to fight off a far-right challenge at state elections next month. Recent economic data and surveys of business indicate an improvement in the outlook, according to Merz and Klingbeil. After years of weak growth, Europe's biggest economy expanded stronger than originally estimated in the second quarter. Business morale also rose in August to its highest level for a year. Merz said he also asked federal?ministers for proposals on how to deal with the trade imbalances between China and the European Union. Reporting by Andreas Rinke. Ludwig Burger, Kirsti Knolle and Ludwig Burger wrote the article. Mark Potter (editing)
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Revolutionary Guards: Iran and Oman have reached an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz
Iran and Oman reached an agreement over their share of the Strait of Hormuz, and its revenues. However, the waterway won't reopen if the U.S. doesn't accept their conditions. Iran and Oman held intermittent talks about the control of traffic through the Strait. The strait handled one-fifth the global oil and LNG shipments prior to the start of the war in February. Tehran and Washington both imposed separate blockades to try to gain control of the channel. This has led global energy prices up. The Strait of Hormuz is owned by Iran and Oman... After a month of negotiations, we reached a result that was acceptable to both parties," said Hossein Mohebbi, spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Mohebbi said, "Agreements have been reached in these negotiations regarding the share each country has in the waters of Strait as well as the share Iran and Oman receives in its revenue." The IRGC claimed that the United States was trying to 'obstruct negotiations between Iran and Oman', which had delayed the agreement. If the United States ceases to obstruct and returns the agreement, then we can open up the Strait of Hormuz in the framework of what was agreed upon. The Strait of Hormuz won't be opened if the United States doesn't accept our conditions," Mohebbi stated. A THREAT ON SHIPPING Although the U.S.-Iran hostilities have been largely reduced in recent weeks diplomatic efforts to reach a peace agreement have stagnated and continued attacks on ships make passage through the Strait of Hormuz dangerous. Iran published a list of 45 ships on Sunday in an apparent attempt to "stop ship-to -ship transfers" used by Gulf producers to avoid the Iranian blockade. Sources said that some companies intend to stop using vessels listed on the blacklist. The United States threatened this week to penalize countries who continue to do business with Iran. However, it said that penalties would not be imposed immediately. The sanctions didn't include Chinese financial institutions suspected of facilitating Iranian oil exports that have been cut by the U.S. ban. Iran denounced U.S. efforts to isolate its economy, calling it "gross criminality", and expressed confidence that other countries would not follow suit. The oil price fell for the third day, falling more than $2 per barrel, to a 2-week low. This was after signs of renewed attempts to find a mediated solution to the conflict that began February 28 when U.S., Israeli and other strikes were launched against Iran. (Additional reporting from bureaux, Writing by Aidan Lewis and Gareth Jones, Editing by Sanjeev MIglani and Conor Humphries.)
Tim Curry, the actor who starred in 'Rocky Horror Picture Show', has died at age 80
Tim Curry, British baritone actor, who gained fame in 1975 as a singing "sweet transvestite," dressed in lingerie, has died. His manager announced this on Wednesday.
Curry's cause of death wasn't immediately revealed, but he had been ill for some time. His manager confirmed that Curry died peacefully at his Los?Angeles home on Tuesday.
Curry was in many?movies as a hammy antagonist. He has been nominated for three Tony Awards for Broadway roles and he also performed voice work for animated films and television shows.
But his best-known role was Dr. Frank N. Furter, which came in his debut film, the outrageous, crowd-pleasing horror-comedy-musical "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," co-starring Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick.
I'm not a very good man in the daylight. By night, I am a ferocious lover. Curry sang, "I'm a sweet Transylvanian transvestite. I wear garish lipstick and eyeshadow in a black outfit with black stockings.
Curry warned in a 1975 interview that he was concerned about the possibility of his career being defined by an outrageous role. This turned out to be a foresighted concern. Curry admitted to some initial hesitation, but said that he found the role "very, very funny and witty" when he first read it.
"I was afraid that if the experiment worked, it would be difficult to get rid of. Curry stated that he had always believed it was not worth taking a chance if you didn't want to take a chance.
His other films include "Charlie's Angels", "Muppet Treasure Island", "The Shadow", "The Three Musketeers", "Home Alone 2 : Lost in New York", "Home Alone 2 : Lost in New York", "Clue", "Legend", "Annie", and "The Three Musketeers".
OVER-THE TOP VILLAINS
Curry's best work was done on stage. In 1981, he was nominated as a Tony for his role in "Amadeus,"?a story of the composer's encounter with jealous rival Salieri. Curry was nominated for Tonys in 1993 and 2005, for his roles as King Arthur and "My Favorite Year," respectively.
He was highly sought after as a voice-over actor for animated TV shows and films. In 1991, he won a Daytime Emmy Award for his voice on the animated film "Peter Pan & the Pirates."
Curry's sinister smile and menacing laughter made him a popular villain in Hollywood movies. He was often cast with comic undertones to allow him to deliver his over-the-top performance for which he became famous.
Curry said to interviewer Andrew Kay that he loves playing those roles because they are always well written.
He admitted that some of his films were mediocre. He singled out "Congo", a 1995 tale about diamond mines, killer gorillas, and a story of gorillas.
Curry admitted that he was "really bad" in the film. Curry said: "I received a Razzy Award for one of the worst performances of the past year, and I deserved it too."
A CULTY FOLLOWING
Curry was born on April 19, 1946, in Grappenhall (Cheshire), England. Curry's father, a?Royal Navy Chaplain, passed away when he was 12 years old. His mother worked as a school secretaire.
Curry studied drama at Birmingham University.
He landed the role of Dr. Frank N. Furter, in the original London version of the "The Rocky Horror Show." He first performed it in New York, Los Angeles and then as a film called "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."
The movie wasn't an instant success, but it gained a cult audience at midnight screenings held in New York City as well as elsewhere. Audience members dressed up in "Rocky Horrors" characters.
Curry withdrew in 2011 from a British stage production due to his ill health. In 2013, Curry's agent said he suffered a stroke, but that he was recovering with "great humour." He began using a wheelchair, and reduced his work load. He did return to the big-screen in 2024 when he appeared in the horror movie "Stream."
Curry was born in Los Angeles and never married. He also had no children. Curry, a composer and singer, also released albums with his own band. (Reporting and editing by Bill Trott, Olivier Holmey and Bill Trott; Additional reporting by Rosalba o'Brien and Sam Tabahriti)
(source: Reuters)