Abounding Opportunities

Authorities had claimed the woman withdrew A$4.6m (£2.6m; $3.5m) and bought luxury items.

Germany coalition: Merkel and SPD to hold more talks to end impasse

The German chancellor hopes that talks with her ex-coalition partners will end a political impasse.

Russell Simmons: Music mogul steps down after sex allegation

The Def Jam Records founder steps down from his firms after being accused of sexual misconduct.

Pakistan attack: 'Heavy gunfire' heard at Peshawar training centre

Heavy gunfire heard as gunmen attack a training institute in Peshawar, Pakistan - reports.

Zimbabwe's Mnangagwa gives key cabinet jobs to military figures

President Emmerson Mnangagwa appoints senior military figures to high-profile positions in new cabinet.

Sandals and scandals

As a sumo grand champion retires in disgrace, is the disciplined sport of emperors dying in Japan?

Holocaust notebook

Russian scholars restore faded notes kept by a Jew forced to work in the Auschwitz gas chambers.

Spectrum of opinion

Who are the groups that will determine the direction of Europe in years to come?

How the drinking straw became a million dollar idea

The BBC's Aaron Heslehurst explains how the drinking straw became a million dollar idea.

Japan's Emperor Akihito to abdicate in April 2019

The timing of his abdication, the first in more than two centuries, has been a topic of debate in Japan.

Honduras election: Violent clashes ahead of final result

Protesters clash with riot police as presidential contender Salvador Nasralla accuses authorities of fraud.

Tesla mega-battery in Australia activated

The world's biggest lithium ion battery was installed to help solve electricity problems.

Kate Steinle shooting: Mexican Garcia Zarate acquitted of murder

An illegal immigrant from Mexico is found not guilty of the fatal shooting in 2015 of Kate Steinle.

Officer accidentally Tasers partner

Bodycam video has been released showing the moment it happened in Ohio.

Mass evictions as Beijing is spruced up

Some suburbs of China's capital are being torn down and residents evicted to try to gentrify the city.

Why have Belgian drivers been given free chips this week?

People heading into the country have had a surprise waiting for them at the border.

Reza Zarrab case: Gold trader implicates Turkish president Erdogan

A gold trader tells a US court that President Erdogan approved sanction-breaking deals with Iran.

Jeremy Bowen: 'Why I testified against Praljak'

How the BBC's Jeremy Bowen ended up in court with a war criminal who has died after taking poison.

Nikki Haley: North Korea would be destroyed in war with US

The US ambassador to the UN calls on China to take more action in dealing with the North Korean regime.

Should Donald Trump get UK state visit?

After he retweeted the deputy leader of far-right group Britain First, some UK citizens were outraged.

Commuter in China paints own road signs

Armed with a can of white paint he took congestion matters into his own hands.

Nasa footage shows lightning from ISS

Nasa releases footage captured over China, Korea and Japan of "lightning, city lights and fishing boats".

Rex Tillerson: White House dismisses reports of replacement

President Trump's spokeswoman rejects reports he will soon be replaced by CIA chief Mike Pompeo.

Argentina ends missing sub 'rescue mission'

Argentina's navy says hope of rescuing 44 crew on a missing submarine has gone, but efforts to find vessel continue.

Trump's 'filter bubble'

The US president follows just 45 other Twitter users - all of whom agree with him, most of the time.

Canada calls inquest for 2012 Radiohead stage collapse

Radiohead drum technician Scott Johnson was killed instantly when the Toronto stage collapsed.

What Ed Sheeran really needs to know about New Zealand

New Zealanders give their tips to Ed Sheeran after he asks the NZ Prime Minister for citizenship.

US soldier accuses Al Franken of groping her in Kuwait

The US senator said this week he was "ashamed" of his past behaviour after allegations by other women.

Kim Jong-nam killing: Regime critic carried 'antidote'

A toxicology report shows the bottled contained a substance used to combat nerve agents.

Hague headache

An inquiry looks into how Slobodan Praljak was able to get a deadly dose into court to kill himself.

Syria war: UN seeks urgent Eastern Ghouta medical evacuations

Nine of the 500 people waiting to leave the Eastern Ghouta have died in the past few weeks.

Iceland's Left-Green leader Jakobsdóttir becomes new PM

Katrín Jakobsdóttir gets a coalition deal after the former cabinet fell in a row over a paedophile.

Theresa May: Trump was 'wrong' to retweet far-right posts

But the prime minister rejects calls for a planned state visit by the US president to be cancelled.

Ikea in Italy row over sacked Milan single mum

With two young children, Marica Ricutti could not handle shifts starting at 7am.

White House 'has plan to replace Tillerson'

The White House is discussing a plan to replace Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with CIA chief Mike Pompeo - US media.

Poland asked to explain naked Nazi gas chamber video

Holocaust survivor groups ask how a Polish artist was able to make the film at the Stutthof camp.

Reza Zarrab case: Turkey attacks US justice system

Reza Zarrab's testimony to a US court could embarrass President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Ukraine 'father of deceased' sets off courtroom grenades

The explosion has killed the man and injured the three suspects of murdering his son, reports say.

Matt Lauer: Sacked US TV news anchor says he's 'truly sorry'

The sacked co-host of NBC's Today programme said he was "ashamed" over misconduct allegations.

'Battle of sexes'

Russian TV presenters show little sympathy for victims of sexual harassment, BBC Monitoring reports.

Elon Musk bids to build Chicago travel pods

The entrepreneur will compete to build a futuristic transport link to the city's airport.

Chinese couple had 200 roaches in airport hand luggage

Staff were surprised to find live cockroaches in a Chinese couple's airport hand luggage.

Portugal fire report in 'censorship' row

The author of a report into Portugal's forest fires has accused the authorities of censoring it.

North Korea's 'highest ever' missile launch televised

Kim Jong-un is seen "guiding" launch of the country's highest ever missile, Hwansong-15.

Yemen war: Fighting breaks out among allied rebels

Supporters of the Houthi movement and ex-president Saleh clash in Sanaa, amid rising tensions.

North Korea: Russia accuses US of goading Kim Jong-un

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov rejects US calls to cut ties with the North over its weapons tests.

Libya migrants: Emergency evacuation operation agreed

Footage of migrants being sold as slaves in Libya prompts the European-African initiative.

Man fined for painting road signs to aid his commute

A Chinese man has been fined for repainting road signs to redirect traffic and make his commute faster.

JAY-Z admits cheating on Beyonce

The rapper says issues he had from his childhood led him to push his wife away, which led to infidelity.

Pope begins key Bangladesh visit

The issue of Muslim Rohingya refugees will continue to dominate, as Francis arrives from Myanmar.

Trump-Russia: Jared Kushner 'questioned about Michael Flynn'

President Trump's son-in-law is asked about former top White House aide Michael Flynn, reports say.

Chinese police crack down on fake Peppa Pig products

The British cartoon character becomes ever more popular - both with kids and with counterfeiters.

Praljak: Police investigate Hague trial suicide

They want to establish how a war criminal managed to smuggle poison into court to kill himself.

Mulan: Disney casts Chinese actress Liu Yifei in lead role

It follows several Hollywood "whitewashing" controversies where white actors were cast in Asian roles.

Australian senator loses leadership role over China remarks

Sam Dastyari "mischaracterised" comments that defied his party's position on the South China Sea.

Prehistoric women 'stronger than elite rowers'

Prehistoric women's manual work was tougher than rowing in today's elite boat crews, say scientists.

Inside Sao Paulo's squats

Twelve thousand people live in this abandoned field in Brazil.

The teenage maths genius from Lebanon

Mohammad al-Mir, 13, has won three world titles for his super fast maths skills.

Ageing indicators

Japan's years of stagnant wage growth and a rapidly ageing population offer lessons to other developed economies.

New migraine therapy hailed as 'huge deal'

Half the people on one study halved the number of migraines they had each month.

HIV protection for women with cheating husbands

Could this vaginal ring help protect women from HIV in communities where men refuse to use condoms?

How far will Kim go?

While North Korea's nuclear threat might be a deterrent it can easily tip into catastrophic escalation.

Golden hello

Are new bonus schemes luring new residents to Swiss and Italian villages a PR scam, or free money?

Silent killer

New research suggest a link between oil spills and increased infant mortality in Nigeria's oil-producing Delta region.

Cold snap

Skiing faces a number of challenges, including ageing participants, climate change, and even Brexit.

Time to remember

A memorial hopes to bring a war that shaped the "American Century" back into US national consciousness.

Stunning aerial photos capture US cities from above

Jeffrey Milsten captures aerial photos from helicopter rides across Los Angeles and New York.

Is crude oil killing Nigerian children?

Families speak out as new research says oil spills in Nigeria could be killing young children.

Trump hits out at UK PM May over tweets

Donald Trump tells British PM to 'focus on terrorism in UK' after she criticised his sharing of far-right videos

Argentina: Former military officials convicted for crimes against humanity

Alfredo Astiz and another man known as "the tiger" are convicted of crimes against humanity.

North Korea: US urges all nations to cut ties with Pyongyang

China must "do more" and stop supplying oil to Pyongyang, US envoy says at the UN Security Council.

Australia to hold major inquiry into nation's banks

The royal commission - Australia's highest form of inquiry - follows recent scandals in the sector.

Honduras street protesters allege electoral fraud

The opposition candidate's five-point lead shrank dramatically during the count.

US female migrant detainees 'given bags to use as toilets'

The California inmates screamed to use a toilet and one woman defecated on herself, it is claimed.

Yemen war: ICRC buys fuel to pump water in stricken cities

The "exceptional" move comes as a blockade prevents imports vital for water systems.

Would you know what to do if your bus tipped over?

Children in Belgium are learning how to get out safely if their bus flips over in a crash.

UK PM 'concerned' about Yemen crisis

Theresa May is travelling to Saudi Arabia and is expected to raise the issue of the country's role in Yemen.

Australia's youngest senator pledges to champion disabled cause

The 23-year-old said: "My generation is one alive with the desire to make change."

White House defends Trump's Britain First tweets

Trump's spokeswoman said he was highlighting concerns about border security when he shared the videos.

Young offenders in Senegal are taught fencing to learn respect

Fencing lessons are teaching young offenders in Senegal how to respect each other.

Garrison Keillor: Radio host fired amid misconduct claim

The US radio host said the story was "more interesting and complicated" than his employers had heard.

Sold like cattle

Harun Ahmed is one of thousands of young Ethiopians who have attempted the journey across the Sahara to Libya - and from there to Europe.

Bolivia Morales: Scrapping of term limits is 'blow to democracy'

A court ruling allowing Bolivian leader Evo Morales to stand again proves controversial.

Russia's Grandfather Frost faces nursery freeze

Russia's 'Grandfather Frost' Santa frozen out of Russian nurseries.

No ordinary tycoon

After his arrest in the US, will Reza Zarrab bring embarrassment to Turkey, asks Selin Girit.

Nigeria's Buhari vows to fly home stranded migrants

President Muhammadu Buhari speaks after video showing migrants being traded "like goats" emerges.

Comedians say faces used in Canada artwork are theirs

British comedians say their images were used in a Canadian art installation without their knowledge.

Zimbabwe court acquits Mugabe critic Evan Mawarire

The case was seen as a test of judicial independence after Robert Mugabe's forced resignation.

Salvadorean war crimes suspect Montano extradited to Spain

Col Inocente Orlando Montano is a suspect in the 1989 killing of six Jesuit priests in El Salvador.

Lauer co-host reacts to allegations: 'I'm heartbroken'

NBC Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie says she has to reconcile her love for Lauer with the allegations.

North Korea says new missile can re-enter atmosphere

Kim Jong-un calls an overnight missile test - which flew higher than previous tests - "impeccable".

Praljak trial: War criminal 'takes poison' in court

Slobodan Praljak drank a small vial of liquid after his original twenty-year prison sentence had been upheld.

Egypt mosque attack: Sisi gives military three months to secure Sinai

President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi authorises the military to use "all brute force" necessary.

North Koreans applaud latest missile test

North Korea says it has successfully tested a new type of missile that can reach every major city in the US.

Is Apple getting sloppy?

A security bug in the new Mac operating system has raised concerns that the firm's standards are slipping.

Wingsuit stunt flyers glide into plane

Two BASE-jumping experts leapt from Jungfrau mountain into a moving plane over the Swiss alps.

NBC sacks star host Matt Lauer

American network NBC sacks star morning show host Matt Lauer over "inappropriate behaviour" at work

Trump account retweets anti-Muslim videos

Donald Trump's Twitter account has retweeted three inflammatory videos from the far-right group, Britain First.

Bangkok photo: US tourists held for baring buttocks at Thai temple

The pair posted a picture of their exposed buttocks at Bangkok's famous Wat Arun temple.

Apple removes Philippines leader Duterte execution games

Games which involve killing criminals as the Philippine president have vanished from Apple's store.

Entire house fly-tipped in New Zealand

Developer offers reward to find the people who dumped an entire building on their land.

Florida 'serial killing' suspect Donaldson arrested

Howell Emanuel Donaldson III was questioned on Tuesday afternoon after he was seen with a gun.

War crimes suspect 'takes poison' in court

War crimes court hearing in The Hague suspended after accused apparently "takes poison" upon guilty verdict

India hotel guest arrested for stealing 120 TVs over four months

The "well-behaved" patron would check in carrying a "fairly large suitcase", police say.

Myanmar Mass: Pope issues warning on exacting revenge

Francis preaches forgiveness at his first public Mass in a nation accused of ethnic cleansing.

Bali volcano: Airport reopens after Agung eruption

Officials warn that the island's airport may need to close again if the wind blows the wrong way.

Facebook's AI wipes terrorism-related posts

Firm says its algorithms are becoming effective at flagging terrorist propaganda but still need work.

How wasps are used to control crop pests

The Brazilian firm that breeds wasps in the growing industry of biological pest control.

North Korea 'tested new long-range missile' that can reach US

Kim Jong-un personally signed off the launch of Pyongyang's newest and "most powerful" missile.

Australian state becomes first to legalise assisted dying

Victoria becomes the nation's first state to legalise voluntary dying for terminally ill patients.

Bitcoin crosses $10,000 milestone

The virtual currency has surged in value during the past few weeks.

Bolivia court allows President Evo Morales to seek fourth term

Judges annul the result of referendum held last year in which most Bolivians rejected the idea.

Saudi Arabia detentions: Prince Miteb bin Abdullah released

Prince Miteb bin Abdullah spent three weeks in detention on allegations of corruption.

'We belong here too'

A nursery is kept open to help local families to stay in inner-city Amsterdam

Pirelli calendar 2018: A different vision of Wonderland

The new calendar features an all-black cast inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

Breakthrough in coral restoration, say researchers

Coral is growing on the Great Barrier Reef after first being grown in tanks, say researchers.

Being ex-Muslim

Ex-Muslims often face abuse and violence - but a group that's touring American colleges is trying to help.

An African fairytale

Botswana played a crucial role in the romance - but the love for Africa goes far further.

Medicinal cannabis: Health Minister signs licence for Ava Barry

Simon Harris has signs a licence for a seven-year old from County Cork to access medicinal cannabis.

Worst wives club

It's easy to condemn the wives of autocrats - but why do we expect more of them than their husbands?

Cash handout

Footage from Pakistan prompts fury and concern at the military's role in the country's politics.

CFPB row: Judge rules Trump pick to run US watchdog

A federal judge refuses to block Trump-appointed Mick Mulvaney from serving as CFPB acting director.

Bloody effluent from Canada fish plant sparks review

British Columbia's environment minister says the province is reviewing the plant's permit.

New York truck attack: Sayfullo Saipov pleads not guilty

Sayfullo Saipov is accused of killing eight people after driving a truck into pedestrians in October.

Bali volcano: Inside the Mount Agung exclusion zone

Some residents flee to shelters, others risk staying, as Mount Agung spews out ash.

Why a town in Poland bought Tom Hanks a car for his birthday

Monika Jaskolska saw his social media posts about the Fiat 126p and decided to go for a grand gesture.

Syria war: Government 'agrees to Eastern Ghouta truce'

Dozens of people have reportedly been killed in the rebel enclave outside Damascus in recent days.

Treading lightly

The Pope lets practical considerations prevail over expectations he speak out against the treatment of Rohingya.

Benghazi 'ringleader' cleared of murder

The alleged ringleader of the deadly 2012 US consulate attack in Libya is acquitted of most serious charges.

Viewsnight: 'Trump has changed America for the better’

Republicans Overseas' Drew Liquerman says President Trump has already achieved more than his predecessors.

N Korea 'fires new ballistic missile'

North Korea has fired a ballistic missile, South Korean media say, quoting military officials

Democratic leaders cancel meeting with Trump after Twitter attack

The president said he did not think he could reach a deal with Democrats on government funding.

Smoke alarm

Mount Agung holds a special place in the life of the Balinese, Rebecca Henschke reports.

Zimbabwe's Mnangagwa offers amnesty for funds stashed abroad

The new leader is looking to recoup "huge sums of money" to help boost Zimbabwe's ailing economy.

North Korean defectors returned home despite father's plea

The 10 defectors, including a child, face an uncertain fate after being returned from China.

Chinese general's suicide sparks media debate

Senior military official Zhang Yang's death follows two months of silence on his whereabouts.

Berlin police find radioactive iodine on playing cards

Police say players could wear a hidden detector to help them detect certain cards and cheat.

France's Macron outlines new approach to African policy

He said he was "from a generation that would not tell Africans what to do".

Washington Post uncovers fake Roy Moore story 'sting'

The Washington Post says a group targeting media invented a 'victim' of sex abuse with a fake story.

Shell accused of abuses in Nigeria's Ogoniland

The oil firm should be investigated for alleged complicity in "horrific crimes", Amnesty says.

Argentina missing sub: Water entered snorkel causing short circuit

The sub disappeared on 15 November with 44 crew on board and no trace of it has been found so far.

Irish deputy PM 'to resign' amid crisis

Irish deputy prime minister Frances Fitzgerald is set to resign, Irish broadcaster RTÉ says.

Skeletons found on 'ghost ship' washed up in Japan

The boat which washed up on a beach contained the remains of eight bodies, some reduced to bones.

Stella McCartney and Ellen MacArthur call for fashion sustainability

The designer backs a report that claims half of High Street fashion is thrown away within a year.

Boko Haram founder's home 'to be museum'

The house will document the Islamist militants' rise and fall in Nigeria, an official says.

India's Hyderabad loves hosting Ivanka Trump

Ivanka Trump is visiting the south Indian city for a business summit.

Pamplona 'wolf pack' gang rape trial angers Spain

A judge is under fire over his handling of the trial of five men accused of gang raping a woman.

Egypt jails 16 for 'debauchery' as LGBT crackdown continues

At least 75 people have reportedly been arrested since rainbow flags were raised at a concert in Cairo.

Tradition and titles

The complexities surrounding the distribution of titles in the UK officially makes this impossible.

Pope avoids Rohingya term in key Myanmar speech

Francis speaks of the suffering of Myanmar's people but does not directly reference the Muslim community.

Honduras in limbo as votes for president are counted

The final election results have not been announced yet but both top candidates claim victory.

Russia loses contact with new weather satellite

The Meteor satellite was found not to be on its planned orbit, hours after launch from a new base.

Come again

Sprucing up of the areas Ivanka Trump is to visit have led to jokes that she should visit regularly.

German pro-refugee mayor Andreas Hollstein stabbed

Andreas Hollstein survives a knife attack amid suspicions of a link to his liberal immigration policy.

Pope set for key Myanmar speech and meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi

Any reference to Rohingya Muslims will be keenly watched, with Francis due to meet Aung San Suu Kyi.

On patrol with Mexico's avocado police

Standing up to the drug cartels targeting avocado producers.

China jails Taiwan activist Lee Ming-che for 'subversion'

Taiwan has responded saying it "cannot accept" the jailing of Lee Ming-che for promoting democracy.

Kenya election: Security tight for Kenyatta inauguration

President Kenyatta is to be sworn in for a second term in a ceremony boycotted by the opposition.

Rohingya refugees forced into sex work

The BBC's Reeta Chakrabarti uncovers evidence of teenage Rohingya girls being forced into sex work in Bangladesh.

Can a bank in a box replace a branch?

One firm has developed an interactive cash-machine which, it says, can do 80% of the tasks typically undertaken in a bank.

A vehicle in Southern California crashes into a gym

No one was injured after a driver lost control and crashed a vehicle into a gym wall, police say.

Woman with Down's syndrome makes history at US beauty pageant

Mikayla Holmgren is the first woman with Down's syndrome to compete in Minnesota's Miss USA pageant.

Bali volcano: Mt Agung ash shuts airport for second day

Massive plumes of dark ash reached as high as 3km (2 miles) from the summit of the rumbling volcano.

Protecting the green gold

Mexican avocado farmers band together to protect themselves and their lucrative crops from criminals.

Super vision

Imagine pointing your phone's camera at any object and being given useful information about it.

A fishy affair

How did stockfish - cod dried in Norway’s cold air - became a Nigerian staple?

Behind bars

Ex-Catalan leaders' life in prison includes lots of free time and "horrendous" food, writes the BBC's James Reynolds.

Kashmir flashpoint

A small market town in Kashmir has become a haven for foreign militants, say India's security forces.

Ireland's deputy prime minister resists calls to resign

Frances Fitzgerald has resisted calls to resign as political impasse continues.

Melbourne man planned New Year's Eve terror attack, police say

Police allege the 20-year-old was planning to shoot people during New Year's Eve celebrations.

US court charges Chinese 'hackers' with attacks on three corporations

The three, who run a cyber security firm in China, are alleged to have targeted leading corporations.

Trump drops 'Pocahontas' gibe to Native American veterans

The president refers to a senator who claims Native American heritage as Pocahontas.

Danish court extends girl's jail sentence for terror plot

The teenager's initial six-year term for planning to bomb two schools is increased to eight.

Bali volcano: Non-evacuees may be forced to leave area

Tens of thousands of people near Bali's Mount Agung have stayed put even after the alert was raised.

Syria war: Russia denies bombing civilians in Deir al-Zour village

Activists said Russian jets struck the village of al-Shafah on Sunday, killing at least 25 people.

Trump won't campaign for Alabama candidate Roy Moore

The president keeps his distance from Roy Moore, while assailing the Alabama candidate's rival.

Rapper without jaw finds his voice

Isaiah Acosta was born without a jaw, but ended up becoming a rapper.

CFPB in chaos as chief refuses to step aside for Trump's man

President Trump's pick and a director who refuses to step aside send duelling emails to employees.

EU settles dispute over major weedkiller glyphosate

The EU will renew glyphosate's licence for five years, despite some health concerns.

Sudan says militia leader Musa Hilal arrested

Musa Hilal, former leader of the janjaweed militia, was reportedly held after clashes in North Darfur.

Two Chinese boys travelled 80km in bus undercarriage

A couple of Chinese children travelled in the undercarriage of a bus, hoping to reconnect with their parents who work hundreds of miles away.

YouTube investigates 'disturbing' autofill results

The site's search feature has been changed after paedophilic phrases appeared.

Children of German tycoon Schlecker jailed for fraud

Anton Schlecker and his family profited from their pharmacy chain's demise.

India Supreme Court intervenes in 'love jihad' case

India's top court takes testimony from a Hindu woman whose marriage to a Muslim was annulled.

Twitter blocks New York Times by mistake

The newspaper had one of its most popular accounts blocked for 24 hours after being accused of hateful conduct.

Same-sex marriage: Australian senator's tearful speech

An Australian senator breaks down during emotional same-sex marriage speech.

Is Japanese tattoo art being snuffed out?

Japan’s tattoo artists fear the loss of centuries of culture after a landmark court case

Meghan Markle's Canadian connection

Why are people in Toronto so excited about her engagement to Prince Harry?

Bitcoin approaches $10,000 a piece

The virtual currency has risen from around $1,000 at the start of the year to a record of $9,700.

Mr Regret

Sathyanarayana Iyer was changed forever by all the rejections that came his way.

Zimbabwe officially declares Mugabe national holiday

21 February is official set as Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day, the ex-president's birthday.

Philippines: Actress Maria Isabel Lopez fined for using VIP traffic lane

The movie star has lost her licence after saying she needed to use the lane for a "bladder break".

House of Cards filming to resume in two weeks

Production on the show was halted following the recent allegations about Kevin Spacey.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, from the beginning

The story of Prince Harry and his fiancee, US actor Meghan Markle

Australia Day: Music countdown moved over indigenous debate

Radio station Triple J is moving its popular countdown amid concerns about indigenous sensitivities.

Pakistan Islamists call off protests after minister resigns

The government backs down Law Minister Zahid Hamid is giving in to demands by hardline Islamists who accuse him of blasphemy.

Heavy price

Former world number four Jelena Dokic tells BBC's World Service about the alleged abuse she suffered from her father.

Time Magazine sold in Koch-backed deal

The $2.8bn offer from media firm Meredith is backed by conservative activist businessmen Charles and David Koch.

Scientists warn Lake Victoria is dying

Biodiversity in Lake Victoria has fallen by 50% since the 1980s.

Mugabe 'wasn't offered anything' to resign

A resignation mediator says he can't confirm reports that Zimbabwe's ex-leader was given $10m (£7.5m).

Mt Agung: Is large Bali volcano eruption inevitable?

A volcano expert answers questions about what is happening at Mount Agung on Indonesia's Bali island.

The Chinese city of Ningbo is rocked by a deadly blast

A large explosion kills at least two people at an industrial site in the Chinese city of Ningbo.

Syria: Russian air strikes 'kill dozens of civilians'

A monitoring group says at least 53 civilians, including 21 children, were killed in eastern Syria.

Australia claim first blood in Ashes

Australia complete a 10-wicket victory over England in the first Ashes Test on the fifth morning in Brisbane.

Pyeongchang Winter Olympics: Hopes for North Korea's ice skaters

A North Korean ice-skating duo have qualified for the Olympics. Can sport go where diplomacy can't?

Mount Agung: Bali volcano alert raised to highest level

Fears of an imminent major eruption lead to further evacuations and the island's airport is closed.

Manus Island: 'Concerned' doctors offer to treat asylum seekers

Prominent Australian physicians say they fear for the health of asylum seekers in Papua New Guinea.

Creating 'vertical villages' in Singapore

In Singapore planners are creating "vertical villages" for people living in high-rise apartments.

Divorcing Islamic State

The ex-wife of an American leader in the Islamic State group describes her journey out of extremism.

Pope in Myanmar: Francis sets off for tricky trip

The pontiff is set for a diplomatically difficult trip to meet with officials and Rohingya refugees.

PDVSA: Maduro names general to head Venezuela oil firm

President Nicolas Maduro appoints a National Guard general to lead a corruption purge in the company.

Russia's contestant wins Junior Eurovision

Russia's 14-year-old Polina Bogusevich triumphs with the song Wings

John Conyers: Veteran congressman gives up post amid harassment inquiry

John Conyers says he does not want harassment allegations to "undermine" judiciary committee peers.

Honduras elections: President Hernandez hoping for second term

Hondurans go to the polls to decide whether Juan Orlando Hernandez should get a second mandate.

Yemen war: First food aid arrives at port after blockade eased

It is the first food aid to get into Hudaydah port since the Saudi-led coalition eased its blockade.

Syria crisis: Army strikes kill 23 in Eastern Ghouta - monitor

The casualties are reported in air strikes and artillery fire on Eastern Ghouta, near Damascus.

Mugabe will play elder statesman role in Zimbabwe, says mediator

The Jesuit priest who brokered his resignation says he can’t confirm Mr Mugabe got a $10m pay-off.

Archbishop ends Zimbabwe protest

The Archbishop of York had not worn one for 10 years as a symbolic protest over Robert Mugabe.

Pakistan dilemma

With government and military relations strained, tensions have erupted on the streets.

Israel health minister resigns over Sabbath rail works

The Health Minister, Yaakov Litzman, resigns in a dispute over rail maintenance works on the Sabbath.

Tenerife nightclub dancefloor collapses, injuring 22

A number of people of different nationalities were hurt in the collapse at the clubbing hotspot.

Islamabad protests: Pakistan's army says it is ready to help

The military says it will help the government restore order in Islamabad after violence erupted.

Bali's Mount Agung sent a thick plume of smoke 4,000m (13,100 feet) into the sky.

Some flights were cancelled after Bali's Mount Agung emitted a thick plume of smoke which reached 4,000m (13,100 feet).

Mosque attack horror

The unprecedented violence of the Sinai attack will harden local opposition to those behind it, writes regional expert HA Hellyer.

Ashes: England on verge of crushing first Test defeat by Australia

England are on the verge of losing the first Ashes Test after Australia dominate the fourth day in Brisbane.

Nepal election: First poll since civil war ended

More than 15 million eligible voters will choose a 275-member parliament and provincial assemblies.

Large explosion reported in Chinese port city of Ningbo

Local media say number of casualties have been reported in the Sunday morning blast at a factory.

Brexit: Ireland 'to play tough' over talks - commissioner

The republic's EU commissioner says keeping the UK in the customs union would avoid a hard border.

Mount Agung: Bali volcano activity prompts 'red warning'

It emphasises the danger of volcanic ash in the skies after Mount Agung emits a huge plume of smoke.

Donkey dynasty

How donkeys are one of the last vestiges of a Caribbean island's once booming sugar industry.

Escaping the leper colony

Ikoli Harcourt Whyte was diagnosed with leprosy as a teenager and spent most of his life in a leper colony but managed to compose some 200 hymns, writes Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani.

Too scared to print

Threatened on both sides by the military and the rebels. newspapers in Balochistan are shutting up shop.

No, Mr President

A top US general says he'd resist an illegal nuclear order from President Trump. Is he allowed to?

To live and pray

Ladakh, a stunning Himalayan region in India, is home to 28 Buddhist nunneries - this is one of them.

Mayor-elect

Ravi Bhalla, Hoboken's new mayor, says cities and states must fight for Americans' rights.

Argentina missing submarine: Navy denies safety claims

The Argentinean navy insists the vessel was in good condition before setting off 10 days ago.

Inside the secretive state of Uzbekistan

The BBC visits the central Asian republic for the first time in over 12 years.

The woman leading amputees to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro

Mona Patel lost her leg after being hit by a drink driver. Now she has set up a foundation that supports other amputees.

Russian President Putin signs 'foreign agent' media law

The move allowing Russia to list outlets as foreign agents comes amid a row over RT in the US.

Migrant crisis: Boat sinks off Libya, killing at least 31

Some 200 migrants were also rescued as Libyan coastguards came to the aid of two boats in trouble.

Battle of Cambrai: The tanks that changed warfare

Deborah was one of 400 tanks used in the Battle of Cambrai during World War One.

Girl gets final flowers on her 21st from dad who died from cancer five years ago

Bailey Sellers has been receiving flowers from her father every year since he died from cancer when she was 16.

Tibet row halts China U20 football team's German tour

Three planned matches are suspended after spectators unfurled Tibetan flags at a game last week.

Vicky Chen: Teen actress beats veterans at Golden Horse awards

Vicky Chen wins best supporting actress at the Golden Horse awards for her role in a crime drama.

Pakistan army called on to stop 'blasphemy' clashes in Islamabad

Security forces came under a hail of rocks from Islamist protesters calling for the law minister's sacking.

Egypt attack: IS flags carried by gunmen, say officials

The death toll from Friday's bomb and gun attack on a mosque in Sinai rises to 305.

Zimbabwe ex-finance minister Chombo in court

It is his first public appearance since the military detained him nearly two weeks ago.

Emmanuel Macron: Domestic violence is 'France's shame'

French President Emmanuel Macron announces a number of measures to promote gender equality.

China arrest over nursery 'needle abuse'

Police are investigating claims children were pricked with needles, fed pills and stripped naked.

Egypt mosque attack: 'I saw 10 to 20 people with weapons'

Magdy Rezk was at the mosque in north Egypt where a gun and bomb attack killed more than 300 people.

Argentina missing submarine: Russia joins search

The country has experience in searching for lost subs after the Kursk sank 17 years ago.

Yemen war: First aid flights arrive since blockade

Several UN planes reach the capital, Sanaa, including one carrying 1.9m doses of vaccine.

Donald Trump says he turned down Time's Person of the Year

Time Magazine disputes US President Donald Trump's account of how he rejected the title.

Mali: Four UN peacekeepers killed in separate attacks

Four United Nations peacekeepers and a Malian soldier were died in two separate attacks.

Mexico creates huge national park to protect marine life

The Revillagigedo Archipelago is named a marine reserve, protecting hundreds of ocean species.

Mugabe and me: A personal history of growing up in Zimbabwe

As Zimbabweans usher in a new era, author Petina Gappah considers the long shadow ex-president Robert Mugabe has cast over her life.

Reality Check

In the aftermath of the bomb attack on a Sinai mosque, fake photos have been shared on social media.

Sarajevo success

The story of a Serb who has opened a culture centre in Sarajevo.

Inside the AI lab

China's biggest social media company is developing new apps which use artificial intelligence.

Poisoned by Polonium 210: The Litvinenko murder

Alexander Litvinenko died in a London hospital after he was poisoned with Polonium 210.

Egypt attack: President Sisi pledges forceful response

More than 200 people were killed in a gun and bomb attack on a mosque in the Sinai peninsula.

US to stop arming anti-IS Syrian Kurdish YPG militia - Turkey

The US confirms making "adjustments" to support for Syrian groups, but does not name the YPG militia.

Morocco prays for rain as shortage threatens agriculture

Demonstrations were held across the country as a lack of rainfall threatens its agriculture.

Trudeau apology to aboriginal children

Canadian PM, Trudeau, issues apology to aboriginal children removed from families.

Iceland women politicians go public on harassment

A group of women politicians in Iceland has gone public with harassment accounts.

Georgia fire: Deadly blaze hits Batumi resort hotel

At least 12 people have died at a 22-storey hotel in the Black Sea city of Batumi, officials say.

Fresh Poland protests over judiciary reform

Thousands of people rally across Poland over proposed bills that they say threaten the rule of law.

Trudeau apologises for 'deep harm' of residential schools

Indigenous children were separated from their families and forced to have a state-run education.

Hafiz Saeed: US seeks re-arrest of Pakistan $10m bounty cleric

Hafiz Saeed, accused over the 2008 Mumbai attacks in India, has been released by a Pakistani court.

Ashes: Couple get engaged in the Gabba's swimming pool

Michael Langridge proposes to girlfriend Tori Roebuck in the pitch-side pool at the first Test between Australia and England at the Gabba.

Three dogs help injured woman survive Canadian wilderness

Dog walker Annette Poitras was rescued this week after falling during a hike in the BC wilderness.

Iran hits back over Saudi's prince's 'Hitler' comment

A war of words intensifies after the Saudi crown prince compares Iran's supreme leader to Hitler.

Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa: Mugabe 'a father and mentor'

Zimbabwe's new president paid tribute to his predecessor and promised to rebuild the country.

Emmerson Mnangagwa: Who is the man known as the ‘crocodile’?

Emmerson Mnangagwa has achieved a long-held ambition to become Zimbabwe's president. But who is he?

Tiger shot after roaming Paris streets

A circus tiger escaped and briefly roamed an area near the Eiffel Tower in the French capital.

Zimbabwe's new president Mnangagwa vows to 're-engage' with world

President Emmerson Mnangagwa vows sweeping changes, after the dramatic departure of Robert Mugabe.

Flies more germ-laden than suspected

Flies' disease-carrying potential may be greater than previously thought, say US researchers.

Argentina missing submarine: Still no sign of ARA San Juan

"We would like to have better news," the navy's spokesman tells reporters as there is no trace.

N Korean defector having kidnap nightmares, says surgeon

His surgeon talks about his recovery from getting shot while racing across the border to South Korea.

Five Ukraine troops die in heavy fighting with Luhansk rebels

There has been a serious escalation of fighting in rebel-held areas of eastern Ukraine.

'Indiana Joan': 95-year-old accused of looting Middle East tombs

The Australian woman is facing an investigation over her collection of Middle Eastern artefacts.

San Juan submarine: Families of crewman criticise navy

Families of the crewman on the missing Argentine submarine say loved ones aren't being told anything.

Iran's supreme leader 'the new Hitler', says Saudi crown prince

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler attacks Iran's supreme leader, amid soaring Saudi-Iranian tensions.

Zimbabweans share hopes under President Emmerson Mnangagwa

A pensioner, an activist and a white farmer share their hopes for the future under a new president.

Bomb attack on mosque in Egypt's Sinai

Bomb and gun attack on mosque in Egypt's North Sinai province, with many casualties feared.

North Korea digs DMZ trench after recent defection

The North fortifies the spot where one of its soldiers defected last week.

India Padmavati: Body found near fort linked to film protest

Protesting right-wing groups say the film Padmavati "insults" an iconic Hindu queen.

German coalition: SPD 'open to talks' to end political deadlock

The Social Democrats are under pressure to reconsider an alliance with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Siberian pupils go to school as temperatures hit -50C

Pupils still head to class as temperatures plunge in the world's coldest inhabited town.

Woman dragged from tracks in narrow escape in Melbourne

A woman in Melbourne, Australia is saved from the tracks moments before the approach of a train.

Oscar Pistorius jail term increased

A South African court increases Oscar Pistorius's sentence for killing his girlfriend to 13 years and five months in jail.

Uma Thurman vents anger at Weinstein

The actress wishes a happy Thanksgiving to all "except you Harvey and all your wicked conspirators".

Beijing nursery 'needle abuse' of children shocks China

Several children were allegedly given injections and fed drugs in a case that has sparked an outcry.

Japanese politician brings baby to assembly sparking debate

A politician brought her baby to a council session, saying it was hard to to juggle careers and kids.

North Korean defectors answer 'stupid questions'

Three N Korean defectors answer some of the more silly questions they are asked.

Trump-Russia investigation: Michael Flynn's lawyers 'split from Trump'

The ex-White House aide is being investigated over alleged Russia meddling in the 2016 US election.

Manus Island: Buses of refugees leave former Australian camp

Police in Papua New Guinea have entered the former Australian-run detention centre for a second day.

Eight 'North Korean fishermen' wash ashore in Japan

The men said their fishing boat ran into difficulties and ended up drifting into Japanese waters.

Change coming

How different might Emmerson Mnangagwa be from Robert Mugabe, as president of Zimbabwe?

'Breathing' Earth

Scientists call the new timelapse video the "most complete global picture of life on Earth to date".

Help is on its way!

Not every country has a single number to call in an emergency. One start-up is trying to change that.

YouTube child abuse reporting system 'flawed'

Volunteer moderators say there could more than 50,000 predatory accounts on the site.

Seedy outfits, soldier selfies

A selection of this week's best photos of Africans and Africa.

Beijing criticises Australia over South China Sea policy

Beijing criticises the nation for making "irresponsible remarks" regarding the South China Sea.

Shifting sands

Why there's a covert Saudi-Israeli "alliance" after decades of hostility.

Local issues

Since 2014, Narendra Modi has promised toilets, which residents in his own hometown are yet to see.

Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald faces no confidence vote

The controversy threatens the future of Prime Minister Leo Varadkar's minority Fine Gael government.

Pakistan's $10m bounty cleric Hafiz Saeed released

Hafiz Saeed, accused of masterminding the 2008 Mumbai attacks in India, is released in Pakistan.

German parliament Twitter ban derided by MPs

German MPs react indignantly to the parliament speaker's attempt to restrict social media use.

Zimbabwe: Emmerson Mnangagwa to succeed Mugabe as president

Emmerson Mnangagwa is to be inaugurated, amid calls for an end to the "culture of corruption".

Striker Robinho given jail term for rape

Brazilian footballer Robinho is sentenced to nine years in prison for raping a woman with four other men in a Milan nightclub in 2013.

World's only particle accelerator for art is back at the Louvre

The world's only particle accelerator used in the analysis of art has undergone major refurbishment.

Nick Carter from Backstreet Boys denies rape accusation

The singer says he is "shocked and saddened" to be accused of rape by a former member of a girl band.

Finland rolls out bread made from crushed crickets

Insect-eating is common in many parts of the world. In the West, it is perceived as a niche diet.

Belgium waffle factory blaze sends pall of smoke over Brussels

No-one is reported injured but the mayor has urged residents to keep their windows closed.

Yemen war: Aid agencies await Saudi clearance to reach rebel ports

There is no sign of aid flights or shipments reaching rebel areas despite a Saudi blockade easing.

A brief history of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving celebrates English colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans sharing a feast in 1621.

Zimbabweans 'need fairness not corruption’

These young people have lived all their lives with Robert Mugabe as leader.

Missing Argentine submarine: 'Explosion' heard

An "abnormal, singular, short, violent, non-nuclear event" was detected, the Argentine navy said.

Bears caught on camera outside shopping area in California

Police officer films a mother bear and her two cubs outside a shopping area in Lake Tahoe

Australian paramedics fulfil dying woman's wish to go to the beach

Australian ambulance workers give a terminally ill patient one last trip.dy

India train travels 160km in 'wrong direction'

Passengers in India wake up in shock after realising the train was not following the specified route.

France skin graft: Twin's skin saves man with 95% burns

It is the first time a twin donor has been used to repair such a large area of burns, say doctors.

US school bullying: Mother charged over hidden recording

A mother in Virginia is accused of wrongfully recording oral communication at her daughter's school.

Inside Saudi's gilded prison at the Riyadh Ritz-Carlton

The BBC's Lyse Doucet is the first journalist allowed inside the hotel where Saudi's elite are being held

Rwanda offers refuge to enslaved Libya migrants

Rwanda says it cannot stand by as Africa migrants are "auctioned off like cattle" in Libya.

What goes into a museum for the Bible?

A new museum in the US capitol focuses on the history of the Bible.

Rebrand for Finland's baby boxes

Government asks Finns for a new name for its celebrated gift for new parents.

Facebook to expose Russian fake news pages

It will release a tool to let people see if they had followed now-deleted Russia-linked pages.

How we are losing the night

Satellite images show that artificially-lit areas are expanding around the world.

Iraq's bikers on the frontlines

These bikers travel across Iraq, flying the flag for tolerance and love of bikes.

Married for a price: India's abandoned 'holiday wives'

The story of a woman who was married off to a rich visitor for a few hundred dollars, aged 13.

Africa's first roller skating world champion

Africa's first roller skating world champion says he wants to win 10 titles.

Deep fat fryers may help form cooling clouds

The fatty acids released in cooking may help form clouds that limit global warming, say scientists.

German coalition talks: Pressure mounts on SPD to review position

Pressure mounts on the Social Democrats to reconsider an alliance with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

US gun control: Jeff Sessions announces review into background checks

The review will assess how key facts about the Texas church gunman may not have been registered.

Deal signed to return Myanmar Rohingya

Bangladesh signs deal with Myanmar to return hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims who fled recent violence

EU ban on bird imports sees 'massive' cuts in global trade

There's been a 90% drop in the trade in wild birds around the globe mainly due to an EU ban, say researchers.

Zimbabwe needs immediate economic reforms, warns IMF

Government spending and foreign debt are too high and Zimbabwe needs structural reform, the IMF says.

Argentina missing submarine: Loud noise investigated

A navy spokesman refuses to confirm whether the 'hydro-acoustic anomaly' was an explosion.

San Francisco accepts 'comfort women' statue

The move threatens ties with the Japanese city of Osaka, which is a sister city to San Francisco.

Australian men forced onto car roof to escape crocodiles

The men were forced to the roof of their bogged vehicle to avoid rising tides and a crocodile.

Outrage after India minister terms cancer 'divine justice'

An Indian minister's remark about the disease "saddens" patients and their family members.

Paloma Faith: 'I feel less fragile'

The star says she's "more resilient" since becoming a mum, and reveals how a banana inspired her new album.

Three cups of coffee a day 'may have health benefits'

But there is no reason to start drinking coffee for health reasons, the BMJ study found.

Nudist restaurant opens in Paris

Food for thought when "a clothed naturist is only thinking one thing: How quickly can I strip off?"

Singapore to use driverless buses 'from 2022'

The government plans to let commuters hail on-demand shuttles using their mobile phones.

Foxconn stops interns' illegal overtime at iPhone X factory

Apple's main iPhone supplier has stopped illegal overtime by school age interns in a factory in China

Indian students start fires after 'suicide'

They were protesting after a student reportedly killed herself after being caught cheating in an exam.

Billionaire Russian lawmaker under investigation in France

Suleiman Kerimov, one of Russia's richest men, is questioned, reportedly suspected of tax evasion.

Domino effect?

South Africa's governing African National Congress has lessons to learn from the fall of Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe.

New approach

Aaron Aquino says that since he took charge last month, only one suspect died in 1,341 operations.

Jumbled genders

The government steps into a growing row over gender equality in the French language.

Doctor Who?

One of British India's earliest practising doctors, who also got Queen Victoria to dissolve her marriage.

Argentina missing submarine: Russia joins search operation

President Putin will send a survey vessel to the area where the sub vanished with 44 on board.

PNG police enter Manus asylum centre, Australia confirms

Papua New Guinea authorities are urging asylum seekers who remain there to leave, Australia confirms.

Czech ex-PM's mistress guilty of setting spies on love rival

The wife of former Czech PM Petr Necas used intelligence officers to spy on his first wife.

Malta journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia's family sue police

Daphne Caruana Galizia's family wants the senior officer overseeing the investigation to be removed.

MS-13 gang 'behead man' in park near Washington DC

One man has been arrested and charged over the gruesome gang killing.

Syria war: Putin unveils plan for peace congress

Russia's leader wins the backing of Iran and Turkey to host a new initiative to end the civil war.

Apparent 'Billy the Kid photo' may be worth millions

The photo purports to show the western outlaw seated beside his future killer, experts say.

US travellers pack roads and airports for Thanksgiving escape

An estimated 51 million people in the US will travel at least 50 miles in the Thanksgiving getaway.

Mnangagwa: We want to grow Zimbabwe economy

Zimbabwe's incoming leader Emmerson Mnangagwa tells supporters he wants to to boost the economy and create jobs.

Forty-three migrants rescued off the Libyan coast

The rescue vessel rescued 43 migrants attempting to cross to Europe.

'War is still going on'

Victims of Ratko Mladic say his life sentence will not change anything in divided Bosnia.

Miscarriage of justice?

Celebrities tweet #FreeCyntoiaBrown to support a former teen abuse victim jailed for murder at 16.

Without a trace

How do subs disappear? And how long can crews survive in a submerged vessel?

Yemen war: Saudi coalition 'to reopen rebel-held port for aid'

The Saudi-led coalition tightened its two-year blockade after a missile attack on Riyadh.

Tbilisi gunfire as Georgia security forces mount siege

The security services say several members of a "terrorist group" are refusing to surrender.

Tears as wronged man freed 23 years on

Nevest Coleman left his prison cell near Chicago and was greeted by family members.

In China, free fish heads for life for an underwater rescuer

A Chinese man is awarded free cooked fish heads for life after he performs a dramatic underwater rescue

USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar pleads guilty to sex abuse

The USA Olympics doctor pleads guilty to sex assault charges against women and girls in his care.

Rohingya crisis: US calls Myanmar action 'ethnic cleansing'

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Myanmar Rohingya Muslims suffered "horrendous atrocities".

'Mr Police' lands Indonesia police job

A former construction worker is given role at a police station because of his name.

Nelly will perform men-only concert in Saudi Arabia

Singers Nelly and Cheb Khaled have announced a concert for men only in Saudi Arabia prompting criticism from women.

Reality Check: When is a train on time?

What counts as punctual in the UK is not the same around the world.

New Zealand PM to take part in nationwide Secret Santa

What would you buy New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for Christmas?

Tajik leader told "you are worthy" as cult takes off

Tajikistan has stepped up its leader's cult of personality on the 25th anniversary of his rule.

President Trump warns NFL boss he must act on take the knee protest

President Donald Trump warns the NFL it must act on the take the knee protest as it is "killing" the league.

Le Pen decries 'fatwa' on National Front bank accounts

The far-right leader says banks have closed her own personal account along with her party's.

German coalition talks continue amidst stalemate

A "grand coalition" could be on the cards as a solution to the post-election stalemate.

Choice of tipple 'determines different moods'

Spirits may make you angry or tearful, while red wine or beer may make you relax, research says.

Android phones 'betray' user location to Google

The devices send location data back to Google even when location services are switched off.

Ratko Mladic removed from war crime court after outburst

The former Bosnian Serb commander has been found guilty of genocide in the 1990s Bosnian war.

What happened to Lebanese PM Saad Hariri?

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri made a shock resignation in Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

Ratko Mladic removed from court

Former Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladic removed from Hague court after shouting at judges reading verdict.

Eel-airplane hybrid named Japan's best mascot

Hundreds of thousands vote airport's mascot as Japan's favourite.

Lebanon PM Saad Hariri 'suspends' resignation

Saad Hariri had originally announced his surprise resignation while visiting Saudi Arabia.

Dramatic pursuit

It seems extraordinary a defector could survive such an escape, but the footage provides rare insight.

Mugabe's likely successor Mnangagwa due back in Zimbabwe

Robert Mugabe's ally turned rival, Emmerson Mnangagwa, is poised to take over as Zimbabwe's president.

US Navy aircraft carrying 11 crashes off Japan

The USS Ronald Reagan is conducting search and recovery missions for 11 personnel who were aboard the aircraft.

Australian school apologises for 'suggestive' saint statue

The Catholic school apologises for the sculpture of a saint handing a loaf of bread to a boy.

Skype removed from China Apple and Android app stores

Apple says it removed the call and messaging app because it does not comply with local laws.

Benedict Allen: Was jungle trip PR stunt?

The British explorer is back home after going missing in Papua New Guinea.

'Butcher of Bosnia'

Ratko Mladic, accused of orchestrating the worst atrocities in post-war Europe, is to hear his fate.

Anger over mystery

The Thai army says the young cadet died of heart failure - but his family found that his organs were missing.

US military members had 'improper contact' with foreign women

Three service members are reportedly being reassigned following the incident in Asia.

North Korea defection: Footage of moment soldier flees

He raced across the border on foot, closely pursued by North Korean troops who shot him several times.

Two Boeing 747 jumbo jets sold in China Taobao auction

The jumbo jets ended up on an e-shopping website after a court failed to sell them offline.

'Beauty shines' as woman bares alopecia in engagement photos

Makenzee Meaux says she'd lost hope of feeling beautiful until she met her fiancé.

Mugabe resigns: Zimbabwe celebrates end of an era

Zimbabweans celebrate late into the night after Robert Mugabe resigns, ending 37-year rule.

Roy Moore: Trump defends Alabama candidate in misconduct claims

The president points out that Roy Moore "totally denies" preying on string of teenage girls.

Canada flight delay turns into mass singalong

Instead of getting irate when their flight was delayed, these Canadian passengers had a singalong.

Teen pop idol David Cassidy dies aged 67

Former The Partridge Family star and singer David Cassidy dies aged 67, his family says

'Free': Zimbabwe's day of celebration

Celebrations continued into the night after Robert Mugabe's 37-year reign as president came to an end.

The Codfathers

How an Icelandic firm called Marel became the world's largest manufacturer of food processing machinery.

Choo-choose your hours

In Japan they apologise when a train leaves 20 seconds early. Are other countries so exacting?

Single or not?

A Pakistani actress is stuck in a seven-year-long court case over whether she is married or not.

Grave issue

A gay rights activist's bright yellow tomb has divided Italy - so should graves have to be grey?

Pixar founder on leave over 'unwanted hugs'

Allegations of misconduct emerge about the man behind Toy Story and dozens of other classics.

Lebanese PM Saad Hariri returns to Beirut

Saad Hariri thrust Lebanon into crisis when he resigned during a trip to Saudi Arabia on 4 November.

North Korea: US imposes fresh sanctions over nuclear programme

The new measures come a day after the US redesignated North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Children take over the UN

Children fill the UN headquarters in New York for World Children's Day and complain their interests are not represented.

Bosnia's agony

We look at the main charges against Ratko Mladic, a general known as the "Butcher of Bosnia".

Morgan Tsvangirai 'hopeful' after Robert Mugabe's resignation

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai says he hopes the president's resignation will put Zimbabwe on a "new trajectory".

Sgt La David Johnson: 'Additional remains' found in Niger

The Pentagon did not specify what additional remains of Army Sgt La David Johnson were recovered.

Thousands leave their houses as Mount Agung volcano erupts

More than 140,000 people had fled homes before Mount Agung belched smoke 700m above its summit.

The moment Zimbabwean MPs hear Mugabe has resigned

The Zimbabwean parliament erupts with cheers as the speaker announces Robert Mugabe's resignation.

Zimbabwe: Dancing breaks out as Mugabe resigns

There were scenes of celebration on the streets of the capital, Harare.

Stolen John Lennon items recovered in Berlin

More than 100 items stolen from Yoko Ono in 2006 in New York have been found by German police.

CBS sacks talk show host Charlie Rose

Television interviewer Charlie Rose sacked by CBS after sexual harassment claims

Robert Mugabe: From war hero to resignation as president

Zimbabwe's leader Robert Mugabe has resigned as president of Zimbabwe, ending a 37-year rule.

US Judge permanently blocks Trump's sanctuary city order

Mr Trump's order would have withheld funds from cities that resisted federal immigration agents.

Suicide car bombing at north Iraq market kills 23

The blast ripped through a crowded area in the ethnically mixed northern town of Tuz Khurmatu.

Zimbabwe's President Mugabe 'resigns'

President Robert Mugabe has resigned, the speaker of Zimbabwe's parliament says.

MPs begin Mugabe impeachment hearing

Parliament opens an impeachment hearing against President Mugabe, who refuses to quit despite army takeover.

North Korea defector wakes after being shot crossing the DMZ

The soldier, wounded on the border with the South, is now talking to doctors and watching TV.

Russia denies nuclear accident after radioactive traces found

The weather service says the levels of a radioactive isotope were nearly 1,000 times normal levels.

US arrests ex-Hong Kong and Senegal officials in bribery case

The defendants stand accused of wiring almost a million dollars through New York's banking system.

Russian boy's WW2 speech to German MPs stirs web anger

A wave of abuse targets a Russian boy who told German MPs that some Nazi soldiers "died innocently".

Funeral for a killer

Funeral arrangements must be made for the infamous US cult leader - but will anyone claim his body?

Talking turkey

US President Donald Trump will pardon his first turkey on Tuesday - either "Wishbone" or "Drumstick".

Argentina missing submarine: Concern grows after two false alarms

The search steps up again as weather improves in the area where the boat vanished last Wednesday.

New York terror suspect Sayfullo Saipov defended by mother

Sayfullo Saipov's mother says she can't believe her son deliberately killed eight people in New York.

Mugabe's impeachment explained in 67 seconds

The Zanu-PF ruling party in Zimbabwe are set to impeach the country's president, Robert Mugabe.

Hero Harrison Ford rescues woman from car accident

The Indiana Jones and Star Wars actor helps woman whose car rolled over and hit a tree in California.

NZ minister orders probe into 'impossible' maths exam

Students are reportedly left in tears by tough questions in maths papers.

Sacha Baron Cohen offers to pay 'Borat' mankini fines

A group of Czech tourists were arrested and fined for wearing the revealing swimsuits in Kazakhstan.

Egypt singer held for 'inciting debauchery' in music video

Shyma, who was filmed eating a banana while in her underwear, is held for "inciting debauchery".

Suicide bombing kills 50 in Nigeria

At least 50 people are dead after a suicide bombing at a mosque in the north-eastern town of Mubi.

Bialowieza forest: EU threatens Poland with fine over logging

Europe's top court says Poland must prove it has stopped logging in Bialowieza forest or face fines.

Syria: Putin calls for political solution in rare Assad visit

The Russian president hosts his Syrian counterpart for talks on a peaceful settlement to the conflict.

Mature white crocodile spotted in Australian river

It is not common to see a mature reptile with such pigmentation in the wild, an expert says.

China jails prominent human rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong

It's the latest in a string of verdicts in Beijing's sweeping crackdown on human rights lawyers.

'Get out of the way, bus!'

A cameraman is thwarted at the last moment after waiting 40 minutes to film a stadium demolition.

US to scrap Haitian immigrants' protected status

Haitians will have 18 months to return to the country or legalise their status in the US.

Whitefish Energy: Power company halts Puerto Rico work

Whitefish Energy says payments have been delayed from Puerto Rico's bankrupt power authority.

Zimbabwe latest: Mugabe faces impeachment by parliament

The embattled Zimbabwean leader is to face impeachment proceedings from his own party.

Australia backpacker exploitation 'endemic', study finds

A study of temporary workers' conditions finds extensive evidence of pay theft and other violations.

TV host Charlie Rose suspended

It comes after eight women accused him of sexual harassment in a newspaper report.

Experts not required

After creating her own app without knowing how to programme, Tara Reed is teaching others to do the same.

Epic trouble

Hindu caste groups say the film depicts romantic scenes between a Hindu queen and a Muslim king.

Hard times

A former female soldier in the North Korean army says there was little food, poor hygiene and a constant risk of sexual assault.

Pope Francis calls for police to show drivers 'mercy'

The pontiff says police should try to understand why a person has committed an offence.

South Carolina suspect steals police car then crashes

South Carolina police were surprised when a suspect they just booked escapes in one of their cars.

US moves to block AT&T's $85.4bn takeover of Time Warner

The Department of Justice files a lawsuit to stop the media and telecoms tie-up.

US border agent killed in patrol 'attack'

They were attacked with rocks not far from the Mexico border, a US border patrol official says.

Georgia Dome stadium crumbles in controlled demolition

Around 5,000lb of explosives were used to bring down one of the biggest dome structures in the US.

Amsterdam wins bid to host EU medicines agency post-Brexit

EU ministers chose a new home for the European Medicines Agency, which is leaving the UK after Brexit.

Trump: 'N Korea supported acts of international terrorism'

The US president has designated Kim Jong-un's regime as a state sponsor of terrorism, triggering a new round of sanctions.

US to declare N Korea 'sponsor of terror'

President Donald Trump says the US is designating North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism, triggering further sanctions.

Canada deer trapped in hammock still on the loose

Nicknamed "Hammy" because his antlers got tangled in a hammock, the deer is now a local celebrity.

Senator Al Franken accused of misconduct by second woman

The accuser says the Democratic senator "grabbed my butt" at the Minnesota State Fair in 2010.

Banned in China?

Gigi Hadid and Katy Perry were reportedly denied visas to attend the Victoria's Secret event.

Where is the Family now?

Charles Manson and his followers were convicted of killing nine people in 1969. What happened next?

Merkel 'prefers new vote' after talks fail

Germany's Angela Merkel says she prefers fresh elections to leading minority government after coalition talks fail.

Watch highlights from the 2017 American Music Awards

Diana Ross was given a lifetime achievement in music accolade.

Nebraska approves Keystone XL pipeline

The final obstacle to the 1,179-mile pipeline is removed with approval from a Nebraska commission.

Mugabe 'let wife usurp power'

Impeachment proceedings against President Mugabe will start on Tuesday, an official from Zimbabwe's ruling party says.

Uber and Volvo strike deal for 24,000 self-drive cars

Uber plans to purchase up to 24,000 cars from Volvo before 2021 to build a self-drive fleet.

Senate candidate Roy Moore's accuser: I was a 14-year-old child

Leigh Corfman alleges that Alabama's Roy Moore molested her when she was 14.

Seven signals 'not from missing sub'

A clutch of signals picked up at the weekend were not from a missing submarine's satellite phone, Argentina's navy says.

Uighur inmates dig their way out of Thai jail

The inmates, who had fled China's Xinjiang region, used tiles as tools to escape their cells.

Florida plane highway crash caught on dashcams

The crash was caught on the dashcams of two police officers in Florida.

Boy, 12, buys £300,000 number plate in Abu Dhabi auction

A charity auction of special number plates by the Abu Dhabi police sees bids in tens of thousands of pounds.

Poland fury over 'attack' by EU's Tusk

The Polish PM hits back after EU leader Tusk linked her government to a "Kremlin plan".

India BJP minister criticised for peeing in public

A ruling party minister admits to urinating in the open despite an appeal for Indians to use toilets.

Zimbabwe's week of upheaveal in under two minutes

From tanks heading toward the capital Harare on Tuesday to President Robert Mugabe's surprise speech.

Kenya court upholds Kenyatta poll win

The main opposition has rejected the ruling, saying it will not recognise the new government.

John Mayer surprise for Thai couple's themed wedding

A Bangkok couple held a John Mayer-themed wedding and received a surprise from the singer himself.

Jeffrey Tambor signals Transparent departure

The actor says he doesn't see how he can return after being accused of inappropriate behaviour.

Jana Novotna: Former Wimbledon champion dies at age of 49

Jana Novotna, who won her sole Grand Slam singles title at Wimbledon in 1998, dies at the age of 49.

Germany's Merkel responds to coalition talks breakdown

Talks on forming a coalition government in Germany have collapsed after the FDP pulled out.

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern 'regrets Trump story'

Jacinda Ardern’s friend had told local media the US president mistook her for Justin Trudeau’s wife.

Tattoos, piercing and dreadlocks on Egypt's streets

From piercings to dreadlocks: Egypt's young embrace styles traditionally viewed there with suspicion.

Charles Manson dies after four decades in prison

He was the head of a cult, known as the Manson family, which he directed to commit murders.

Charles Manson dies aged 83 after four decades in prison

The cult leader sent his followers to commit a series of brutal murders in the late 1960s.

Okinawa incident sparks US troops alcohol ban in Japan

The ban follows a deadly crash on Okinawa that has fuelled resentment at the US military presence.

Zimbabwe's Mugabe faces looming resignation deadline

Zimbabwe's president has defied calls to resign despite his own party's threat to impeach him.

Italian team's worst ever start to season

Benevento break Manchester United's record for the worst ever start in the top five European leagues after conceding in added time to Sassuolo.

'We need a new president'

The 93-year-old president fails to resign, and has vowed to stay in power for several weeks.

Why do so many US women die giving birth?

While progress has been made to curb death rates in other countries, the US has seen an increase.

MP Bob Katter's abrupt crocodile line amuses Australia

Bob Katter was discussing same-sex marriage when he switched topics, in footage that has gone viral.

Young bucks

How 27-year-old Irishman John Collison created IT firm Stripe with his brother, and became personally worth $1.1bn.

As good as free

India's latest politically linked canteens are named after a former PM, and offer delicious food.

The Beijing connection

The news that the head of Zimbabwe's military visited China days before it took power has sparked questions.

A cool revolution

The "cold chain" profoundly changed the food we eat and the way we shop.

Germany coalition: Talks collapse as FDP pulls out

Chancellor Angela Merkel may now have to form a minority coalition or hold snap elections.

Chile election: Conservative Sebastian Pinera takes lead

Ex-president Sebastián Piñera is on course to win the first round, but may fail to avoid a run-off.

Robert Mugabe fails to resign during live televised speech