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How robots are helping coal miners in China

Deep beneath the surface in a remote corner of northern China, robots, sensors and big mechanical machines are helping mine owners reduce the number of underground workers

This photo taken on April 25, 2023 shows an employee working at the data centre of the Hongliulin coal mine near Shenmu, in China's northern Shaanxi province, during a media tour organised by Chinese telecoms giant Huawei.
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This photo taken on April 25, 2023 shows an employee working at the data centre of the Hongliulin coal mine near Shenmu, in China's northern Shaanxi province, during a media tour organised by Chinese telecoms giant Huawei. (AFP)
A robot equipped with cameras and sensors to inspect the water pumping stations for anomalies at Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry Group Co.'s Xiaobaodang coal mine in Yulin, Shaanxi province, China, on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. 
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A robot equipped with cameras and sensors to inspect the water pumping stations for anomalies at Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry Group Co.'s Xiaobaodang coal mine in Yulin, Shaanxi province, China, on Wednesday, April 26, 2023.  (Bloomberg)
Xiaobaodang is just one example of China’s relentless push to invest more in the coal industry at a time when many countries and financial institutions are backing away from the most polluting fossil fuel.
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Xiaobaodang is just one example of China’s relentless push to invest more in the coal industry at a time when many countries and financial institutions are backing away from the most polluting fossil fuel. (Bloomberg)
A journalist records footage of a patrol robot while underground at the Xiaobaodang coal mine near Yulin, in China's northern Shaanxi province.
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A journalist records footage of a patrol robot while underground at the Xiaobaodang coal mine near Yulin, in China's northern Shaanxi province. (AFP)
A patrol robot at the Xiaobaodang coal mine near Yulin. Humans are no longer needed to monitor power substations or massive water pumps, ceding that job to sensors and robots.
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A patrol robot at the Xiaobaodang coal mine near Yulin. Humans are no longer needed to monitor power substations or massive water pumps, ceding that job to sensors and robots. (AFP)

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Summer retreats in the desert

Avoid the tourist crowds in hill stations and beaches by heading to these peaceful and luxurious heritage hotels in Rajasthan 

Located in a renovated 1921 home, Daspan House (right) offers peace and tranquility, while being the perfect base from which to explore Jodhpur (left).
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Located in a renovated 1921 home, Daspan House (right) offers peace and tranquility, while being the perfect base from which to explore Jodhpur (left). (File photo)
The Johri is a beautiful boutique hotel in a restored haveli in Old Jaipur, and offers a range of experiences. 
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The Johri is a beautiful boutique hotel in a restored haveli in Old Jaipur, and offers a range of experiences.  (File photo)
The grand Narendra Bhawan in Bikaner is known for its curated meal experiences, which give you reason enough to stay indoors all day. 
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The grand Narendra Bhawan in Bikaner is known for its curated meal experiences, which give you reason enough to stay indoors all day.  (File photo)
At the Six Senses spa located in the 14th century Fort Barwara, a range of relaxing massages and spa therapies are on offer during the summer months.
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At the Six Senses spa located in the 14th century Fort Barwara, a range of relaxing massages and spa therapies are on offer during the summer months. (File photo)
Dileep Kothi in Jaipur is another restored family home that is an escape from crowds of tourists
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Dileep Kothi in Jaipur is another restored family home that is an escape from crowds of tourists (File photo)
Enjoy music and dance performances by traditional artists at Suryagarh, Bikaner
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Enjoy music and dance performances by traditional artists at Suryagarh, Bikaner (File photo)

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Preview: Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix 2023 in photos

The 2023 Formula 1 season resumes at Monaco after the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola last weekend was called off due to devastating floods 

Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix - Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco - May 26, 2023 Red Bull's Sergio Perez during practice.
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Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix - Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco - May 26, 2023 Red Bull's Sergio Perez during practice. (REUTERS)
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the Formula One first practice session at the Monaco racetrack, in Monaco, Friday, May 26, 2023. The Formula One race will be held on Sunday.
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Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the Formula One first practice session at the Monaco racetrack, in Monaco, Friday, May 26, 2023. The Formula One race will be held on Sunday. (AP)
Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix - Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco - May 26, 2023 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton during practice. 
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Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix - Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco - May 26, 2023 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton during practice.  (REUTERS)
McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain pulls onto the track during the Formula One first practice session at the Monaco racetrack, in Monaco, Friday, May 26, 2023.
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McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain pulls onto the track during the Formula One first practice session at the Monaco racetrack, in Monaco, Friday, May 26, 2023. (AP)
Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton enters his car in the pits during the first practice session of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix at the Monaco street circuit in Monaco, on May 26, 2023.
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Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton enters his car in the pits during the first practice session of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix at the Monaco street circuit in Monaco, on May 26, 2023. (AFP)
Formula One F1 Monaco Grand Prix: Haas' Kevin Magnussen during practice.
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Formula One F1 Monaco Grand Prix: Haas' Kevin Magnussen during practice. (REUTERS)
Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix: Ferrari's Charles Leclerc during practice on Friday.
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Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix: Ferrari's Charles Leclerc during practice on Friday. (REUTERS)

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Dua Lipa's Versace collection makes it debut at Cannes

The Grammy award-winning artist's collection for the fashion label is bright, fun and glamourous 

The collection was presented at a villa in Cannes 
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The collection was presented at a villa in Cannes 
The ‘La Vacanza’ (Italian for ‘vacation’) includes perfectly cut tailoring and evening gowns, bikinis and terry cotton beachwear 
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The ‘La Vacanza’ (Italian for ‘vacation’) includes perfectly cut tailoring and evening gowns, bikinis and terry cotton beachwear 
‘La Vacanza ranges from metallic miniskirts and sexy bikinis, to butterfly rings and printed  pieces inspired by the Versace SS ’95 collection,’ says Dua Lipa in the press note.
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‘La Vacanza ranges from metallic miniskirts and sexy bikinis, to butterfly rings and printed  pieces inspired by the Versace SS ’95 collection,’ says Dua Lipa in the press note.
‘I love the summer and for me this collection celebrates the very best of that time of year. Gorgeous colors,  fun prints, and light silhouettes. Dua loves fashion, I love music,’ says Donatella Versace, in the note. This  collection marks the first time the fashion house has opened up the design process to a collaborator in this way. 
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‘I love the summer and for me this collection celebrates the very best of that time of year. Gorgeous colors,  fun prints, and light silhouettes. Dua loves fashion, I love music,’ says Donatella Versace, in the note. This  collection marks the first time the fashion house has opened up the design process to a collaborator in this way. 

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More than half of the world's largest lakes are drying up: study

According to a new study, more than half of the world's largest lakes and reservoirs are dwindling and placing humanity's future water security at risk

(FILES) Aerial view of a boat stranded in the dried bed of Alhajuela Lake during the summer drought, in the Colon province, 50 km north of Panama City, on April 21, 2023.
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(FILES) Aerial view of a boat stranded in the dried bed of Alhajuela Lake during the summer drought, in the Colon province, 50 km north of Panama City, on April 21, 2023. (AFP)
(FILES) Water depth indicators sit on dry land at Pykes Creek Reservoir in Ballan, Australia, some 60 kilometers west of Melbourne on November 14, 2006. More than half of the world's largest lakes and reservoirs are dwindling and placing humanity's future water security at risk, with climate change and unsustainable consumption the main culprits, according to a study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers.
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(FILES) Water depth indicators sit on dry land at Pykes Creek Reservoir in Ballan, Australia, some 60 kilometers west of Melbourne on November 14, 2006. More than half of the world's largest lakes and reservoirs are dwindling and placing humanity's future water security at risk, with climate change and unsustainable consumption the main culprits, according to a study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers. (AFP)
A dry cracked bed surrounds the artificial Vernago lake, in Vernago, near the Val Senales glacier, northern Italy, Monday, April 17, 2023.
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A dry cracked bed surrounds the artificial Vernago lake, in Vernago, near the Val Senales glacier, northern Italy, Monday, April 17, 2023. (AP)
These photos provided by NASA Earth Observatory shows the Aral Sea is visible on Aug. 25, 2000, left, and on Aug. 21, 2018 between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
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These photos provided by NASA Earth Observatory shows the Aral Sea is visible on Aug. 25, 2000, left, and on Aug. 21, 2018 between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. (NASA Earth Observatory via AP)
(FILES) A lone flipper sits on a dried boat dock sitting at the bottom of the Stuart Fork arm of Trinity Lake during an ongoing drought in Trinity Center, California, on October 15, 2022.
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(FILES) A lone flipper sits on a dried boat dock sitting at the bottom of the Stuart Fork arm of Trinity Lake during an ongoing drought in Trinity Center, California, on October 15, 2022. (AFP)
FILE - A man stands on a hill overlooking a formerly sunken boat standing upright into the air with its stern buried in the mud along the shoreline of Lake Mead at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Jan. 27, 2023, near Boulder City, Nev.
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FILE - A man stands on a hill overlooking a formerly sunken boat standing upright into the air with its stern buried in the mud along the shoreline of Lake Mead at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Jan. 27, 2023, near Boulder City, Nev. (AP)
(FILES) The receding reservoir waters behind the Sidi Salem dam, the largest embankment dam in Tunisia, northwest of Testour in the country's north, on April 6, 2023.
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(FILES) The receding reservoir waters behind the Sidi Salem dam, the largest embankment dam in Tunisia, northwest of Testour in the country's north, on April 6, 2023. (AFP)

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Old-school glamour shines at Cannes

From Johnny Depp to Helen Mirren, celebrities kept their attire simple, chic and lots of fun 

Djibril Djimo; and Johnny Depp (right) during the premiere of the film 'Jeanne du Barry' at the 76th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, on 16 May
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Djibril Djimo; and Johnny Depp (right) during the premiere of the film 'Jeanne du Barry' at the 76th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, on 16 May (Scott Garfitt/Invision/AP)
Guan Xiaotong chose Valentino for her first day at Cannes
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Guan Xiaotong chose Valentino for her first day at Cannes (Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)
Helen Mirren matched her hair to her Del Core gown at Cannes on 16 May
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Helen Mirren matched her hair to her Del Core gown at Cannes on 16 May (Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)
Alessandra Ambrosio's hooded Elie Saab gown made quite a statement
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Alessandra Ambrosio's hooded Elie Saab gown made quite a statement (Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)
Esha Gupta in a Nicolas Jebran ensemble at the opening ceremony and the premiere of the film 'Jeanne du Barry' at the 76th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, on 16 May
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Esha Gupta in a Nicolas Jebran ensemble at the opening ceremony and the premiere of the film 'Jeanne du Barry' at the 76th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, on 16 May (Scott Garfitt/Invision/AP)

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A brief history of five classic cocktails

From Daiquiri to Old Fashioned, here's a quick look at the composition and history of classic drinks

This combination of photos show, from left, Daiquiri cocktail, a Manhattan, an Old Fashioned, a Poker cocktail and a Rum Old Fashioned cocktail. (Callum Duffy via AP)
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This combination of photos show, from left, Daiquiri cocktail, a Manhattan, an Old Fashioned, a Poker cocktail and a Rum Old Fashioned cocktail. (Callum Duffy via AP) (AP)
This image shows a Daiquiri cocktail. The basic Daiquiri is a model of simplicity and balance. Variations date to at least the late 1880s, but it was during the early 1900s in Havana that the drink became the icon of white rum, lime juice and sugar we know today. (Callum Duffy via AP)
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This image shows a Daiquiri cocktail. The basic Daiquiri is a model of simplicity and balance. Variations date to at least the late 1880s, but it was during the early 1900s in Havana that the drink became the icon of white rum, lime juice and sugar we know today. (Callum Duffy via AP) (AP)
This image shows a Rum Old Fashioned cocktail. The Rum Old Fashioned is a warm weather take on the classic. Just substitute 2½ ounces white rum and ½ ounce aged rum for the bourbon in the classic Old Fashioned. (Callum Duffy via AP)
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This image shows a Rum Old Fashioned cocktail. The Rum Old Fashioned is a warm weather take on the classic. Just substitute 2½ ounces white rum and ½ ounce aged rum for the bourbon in the classic Old Fashioned. (Callum Duffy via AP) (AP)
This image shows a Poker Cocktail. The Poker Cocktail is rum’s answer to the Manhattan, just substitute 2 ounces white rum for the rye, increase the sweet vermouth to 1 ounce and replace the cherry with ¼ ounce agave or simple syrup. (Callum Duffy via AP)
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This image shows a Poker Cocktail. The Poker Cocktail is rum’s answer to the Manhattan, just substitute 2 ounces white rum for the rye, increase the sweet vermouth to 1 ounce and replace the cherry with ¼ ounce agave or simple syrup. (Callum Duffy via AP) (AP)
This image shows an Old Fashioned cocktail. The Old Fashioned began life at least 150 years ago as little more than whiskey with a sugar cube and cocktail bitters, sometimes a splash of water. This is the drink for people who like whiskey and like it strong. (Callum Duffy via AP)
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This image shows an Old Fashioned cocktail. The Old Fashioned began life at least 150 years ago as little more than whiskey with a sugar cube and cocktail bitters, sometimes a splash of water. This is the drink for people who like whiskey and like it strong. (Callum Duffy via AP) (AP)
This image shows a Manhattan cocktail. There are numerous origin stories for the Manhattan, but all of them place its birth in the late 1800s and in the New York City borough for which it is named. From the start, it has been a simple mix of rye, sweet vermouth and bitters. Somewhere along the line, the maraschino cherry became a must-have, taking the place of the simple syrup sometimes added. (Callum Duffy via AP)
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This image shows a Manhattan cocktail. There are numerous origin stories for the Manhattan, but all of them place its birth in the late 1800s and in the New York City borough for which it is named. From the start, it has been a simple mix of rye, sweet vermouth and bitters. Somewhere along the line, the maraschino cherry became a must-have, taking the place of the simple syrup sometimes added. (Callum Duffy via AP) (AP)

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