In a devastating turn of events, an avalanche struck the base camp of Mount Yalung Ri in Nepal on Monday morning, claiming the lives of seven climbers. The incident occurred at an altitude of 4,900 meters (16,000 feet), where the climbers were caught off guard by the sudden natural disaster. Snowstorms initially hindered rescue efforts, but by Tuesday, improved weather conditions allowed a helicopter to reach the site, enabling rescuers to begin the grim task of recovering bodies from the ice and snow. Among the victims were two Nepali mountain guides, while the identities of the remaining four remain unknown. At least three bodies were recovered by Tuesday afternoon, though it remains uncertain when they will be transported from the mountain. Four injured climbers were airlifted to Kathmandu for medical treatment, including two French nationals. Isabelle Solange Thaon, 54, one of the survivors, recounted the harrowing experience, expressing gratitude for her survival but mourning the loss of her husband, Christian Manfred, who tragically succumbed to the avalanche. Mount Yalung Ri, a 5,600-meter (18,370-foot) peak, is typically considered suitable for novice mountaineers, making this tragedy all the more shocking.
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‘Ball of the century? That was my job’ – Ashes ‘rhino’ Harris
The 2013-14 Ashes series remains one of the most iconic chapters in cricket history, with Australia’s emphatic 5-0 victory over England etched in the annals of the sport. At the heart of this triumph was Mitchell Johnson, whose ferocious pace and 37 wickets dismantled England’s batting lineup. Yet, behind Johnson’s brilliance stood Ryan Harris, a relentless fast bowler whose contributions were equally pivotal. Harris, nicknamed ‘Rhino,’ played a crucial role in Australia’s dominance, delivering what ESPN Cricinfo dubbed the ‘ball of the century’ to dismiss England captain Alastair Cook. This unplayable delivery, which swung unpredictably to clip the top of off stump, symbolized Harris’s mastery and the psychological edge Australia held throughout the series. Harris’s journey to the Ashes was marked by resilience. Plagued by injuries, including a troublesome knee, he made his Test debut at 31 and quickly became a linchpin of Australia’s pace attack. His partnership with Johnson, which yielded 59 wickets in the series, was instrumental in Australia’s success. Harris recalls the camaraderie and strategic focus of the bowling unit, describing it as a ‘team within a team.’ The series also marked a turning point for Johnson, who had struggled in the 2010-11 Ashes but returned with renewed vigor to terrorize England. Harris reflects on the mental and physical challenges of Test cricket, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and adaptability. Despite his career being cut short by injuries, Harris cherishes his Ashes legacy, particularly his match-winning performances in Sydney and South Africa. Now the head coach of South Australia, Harris continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers, sharing his experiences and insights from a career defined by perseverance and excellence.
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We are ready to discuss human rights law changes, top ECHR boss tells BBC
Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, has affirmed the organization’s readiness to engage in discussions about potential reforms to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Berset addressed mounting pressure from the UK and several EU nations, including Denmark and Italy, who are calling for significant changes to the convention, particularly in relation to migration policies. Berset emphasized that while human rights laws may need to adapt, the institutions established post-World War II, largely led by the UK, remain vital for maintaining peace, security, and justice across the continent. He warned that the UK’s potential withdrawal from the ECHR could lead to international isolation, especially in discussions on migration and global human rights. Berset also highlighted the broader implications of such a move, including its impact on Northern Ireland’s power-sharing agreement and the post-Brexit deal with the EU. He stressed the importance of maintaining a collective approach to human rights, particularly in light of the Council of Europe’s role in supporting Ukraine and preparing for war crime tribunals. Berset’s comments come ahead of the ECHR’s 75th anniversary, marking a pivotal moment for the organization as it navigates evolving political landscapes and challenges.
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Three key races, California’s map and the Trump factor – what to watch in US elections
As the United States heads to the polls on Election Day, several critical races and decisions are set to shape the nation’s political future. While this year’s elections lack presidential or congressional contests, they are no less significant, with key mayoral, gubernatorial, and redistricting battles taking center stage.
In New York City, the mayoral race has captured national attention as Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist and state assemblyman, challenges the political establishment. Mamdani, who defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, aims to become the city’s youngest mayor in over a century and its first Muslim leader. Cuomo, running as an independent, has criticized Mamdani’s lack of experience and focused on crime and public safety. Meanwhile, Republican Curtis Sliwa remains in the race, refusing to step aside for Cuomo. A Mamdani victory could signal a shift in Democratic messaging, emphasizing cost-of-living issues like rent, groceries, and wages.
California voters are deciding on Proposition 50, a measure that would allow mid-decade redistricting of the state’s congressional districts. This unusual move, spearheaded by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, aims to counter Republican-led redistricting efforts in states like Texas and Missouri. With $158 million raised in campaign donations, the proposition has garnered strong partisan support, with 93% of Democrats favoring it and 91% of Republicans opposing it. If passed, the new maps would remain in effect through 2030.
In New Jersey, the gubernatorial race between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli is shaping up to be a tight contest. New Jersey, traditionally a blue state, has seen heated rhetoric and high-profile endorsements from both parties. Sherrill, a current congresswoman, has been supported by Democratic heavyweights like Barack Obama and Pete Buttigieg, while Ciattarelli has received backing from former President Donald Trump and conservative activists. The outcome could provide insights into the national political climate ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Virginia’s gubernatorial election is another bellwether race, with voters set to elect the state’s first female governor. Democrat Abigail Spanberger, a U.S. congresswoman, faces Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, the current lieutenant governor. Earle-Sears, if elected, would make history as the first Black woman to lead a U.S. state. The race has highlighted economic and cultural issues, with Spanberger focusing on the impact of federal budget cuts and Earle-Sears emphasizing Virginia’s economy under Republican leadership.
Former President Donald Trump’s influence looms large over these elections. His comments on the New York City mayoral race, where he criticized Mamdani and threatened to withhold federal funding, have added tension to the contest. Trump’s role in the redistricting battle and his endorsement of Ciattarelli in New Jersey further underscore his continued impact on U.S. politics.
These elections, though local in nature, carry national implications, offering a glimpse into the evolving political landscape and the strategies both parties may employ in future races.
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Lee Kuan Yew’s youngest son slams Singapore’s plan to preserve family home as national monument
A long-standing family dispute over the legacy of Singapore’s founding prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, has reignited following the government’s decision to preserve his former residence as a national monument. The announcement, made on Monday, has drawn sharp criticism from Lee’s youngest son, Lee Hsien Yang, who accused the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) of disregarding his father’s wishes. The heritage advisory body deemed the house at 38 Oxley Road to be of “national significance,” citing its role in pivotal decisions that shaped Singapore’s independence. Acting Culture Minister David Neo emphasized the importance of preserving this historic site for future generations. However, Lee Hsien Yang, who owns the property, argued that his father consistently opposed the preservation of his home as a monument, even stipulating its demolition in his final will. The younger Lee has been locked in a public feud with his older brother, former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, since their father’s death in 2015. Lee Hsien Yang and his sister, Lee Wei Ling, have accused their brother of abusing his political influence to block the demolition. The government has issued a written notice of its intent to acquire the property and transform it into a public space, possibly a heritage park, while removing traces of the family’s private living spaces. Meanwhile, Lee Hsien Yang, who claims to be a political refugee after receiving asylum in the U.K., faces investigations over allegations of providing false evidence in judicial proceedings related to his father’s will.
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Moment Philippines floods move shipping containers
The Philippines faced severe devastation as Typhoon Kalmaegi unleashed torrential rains and powerful winds, causing widespread flooding in Cebu province. The ferocity of the storm was so intense that it displaced massive shipping containers, highlighting the destructive force of the typhoon. Residents were forced to seek refuge on rooftops as floodwaters inundated their homes and communities. Tragically, the storm claimed at least one life, underscoring the perilous conditions faced by those in its path. Emergency response teams have been mobilized to assist affected areas, but the scale of the damage poses significant challenges. This event serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the region, likely exacerbated by climate change.
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Trying to discern a strategy behind Trump’s global adventuring
President Donald Trump’s foreign policy has often been characterized by his “America First” slogan, which initially suggested a shift toward isolationism. However, recent actions and decisions demonstrate a more complex and assertive approach to global affairs. Far from retreating from international engagement, Trump has actively pursued strategies that emphasize America’s dominance on the world stage.
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Typhoon leaves at least 2 dead, traps people on roofs and submerges cars in central Philippines
A powerful typhoon, Kalmaegi, swept through the central Philippines on Monday, leaving a trail of devastation in its path. The storm, which made landfall in the eastern province of Southern Leyte around midnight, brought sustained winds of up to 140 kilometers per hour (87 mph) and gusts reaching 195 kph (121 mph). By noon, it had reached Bacolod city in Negros Occidental province, causing widespread destruction and displacing tens of thousands of residents. Initial reports confirmed at least two fatalities: an elderly villager drowned in Southern Leyte, and another was killed by a fallen tree in Bohol province. Flash floods submerged cars and trapped residents on rooftops in several communities, including Liloan and Mandaue in Cebu province. Gwendolyn Pang, secretary-general of the Philippine Red Cross, described the dire situation, noting that rescue efforts were hampered by debris and floating vehicles. The typhoon also triggered a province-wide power outage in Southern Leyte and damaged approximately 300 rural shanties in Homonhon, Eastern Samar. Despite the destruction, no injuries or deaths were reported in the area. Kalmaegi, the 20th tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines this year, is expected to move westward into the South China Sea by Tuesday evening or early Wednesday. Authorities had evacuated over 150,000 people in anticipation of the storm, which brought torrential rains, destructive winds, and storm surges of up to 3 meters (10 feet). The Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, faces about 20 typhoons annually, along with frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The central island provinces, including Cebu, are still recovering from a 6.9-magnitude earthquake on September 30, which killed 79 people and displaced thousands. As Kalmaegi continues its path, residents remain on high alert for potential volcanic mudflows on Mount Kanlaon and other hazards.
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‘I think he’s going to join’: Trump says Saudi Arabia will normalise with Israel without two-state solution
In a comprehensive interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes on Sunday, former US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that Saudi Arabia would normalize relations with Israel, even without the kingdom’s longstanding precondition of a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This statement precedes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s upcoming visit to Washington on November 18, marking his first White House visit since 2018. When questioned about Saudi Arabia’s stance on the Abraham Accords, Trump dismissed concerns, asserting, ‘I think he’s going to join. I think we will have a solution.’ He emphasized the role of Israel and other stakeholders in determining the final outcome, while also highlighting the significance of neutralizing Iran’s nuclear capabilities as a prerequisite for regional stability. Trump referenced his administration’s efforts in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza and his controversial air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which Tehran denies had any lasting impact. The interview also touched on Trump’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he praised as ‘very talented’ but acknowledged pushing on certain issues, including apologies to Qatar and the Gaza ceasefire. Trump’s remarks extended to domestic politics, criticizing New York City’s mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as a ‘communist’ and threatening to withhold federal funding if Mamdani wins. The former president’s comments underscore his ongoing influence on US foreign and domestic policy, even after leaving office.
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Half Yours wins Melbourne Cup
In a historic triumph at the 2025 Melbourne Cup, jockey Jamie Melham steered Half Yours to victory, becoming only the second female jockey to win Australia’s most prestigious horse race. The event, held on November 4, saw Goodie Two Shoes, trained by Ireland’s Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Wayne Lordan, secure second place, while Middle Earth claimed third. This victory marks a significant milestone for Melham, who last month rode Half Yours to win the Caulfield Cup, making her the first woman to achieve the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double. Overwhelmed by her success, Melham expressed her disbelief and passion for the sport in a post-race interview with the Nine Network, stating, ‘What just happened? Oh my god. This is what we do it for, this is why we get out of bed every morning at 4am.’ Her achievement not only cements her place in horse racing history but also inspires a new generation of female jockeys.