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Saudi Arabia: Authorities defend mosque speaker restriction

Authorities say they have imposed a maximum volume following complaints from the public.

The dancer aged 106 who bans the word 'old'

Meet Sydney artist Eileen Kramer, who has had some of her most productive years since turning 100.

Why electric cars will take over sooner than you think

The BBC's Justin Rowlatt explains why we are accelerating towards an electric car future.

The story of Spain’s ‘terrifying confidence’ – and how it conquered the world

One night of embarrassment in October 2006 convinced Spain that something had to change - sparking a momentum shift in world football.

Iran's presidential election: Four ways it matters

As Iranians prepare to go to the polls this month, here is why the vote will be closely watched.

Viewpoint: Why Germany's Namibia genocide apology is not enough

Germany is sorry for the massacres but the lack of reparations has angered targeted communities.

China-India clashes: No change a year after Ladakh stand-off

Nomads along the India-China border in the Galwan Valley are still living under the shadow of war.

NSA spying row: US and Denmark pressed over allegations

Denmark is accused of helping the US spy on European politicians such as Germany's Angela Merkel.

Canada mass grave find sparks call for more action

Last week the remains of 215 children were found at a school set up to assimilate indigenous people.

Yemen fishermen find $1.5m of ambergris in the belly of a whale

A lucky find in the belly of a whale has changed the lives of a group of poor Yemeni fishermen.

Belarus: A climate of fear for opposition activists

The BBC has been speaking to some of those whose lives have been changed forever by the protests.

The couple inspired by Tulsa’s black entrepreneurs

Obum and his wife Faith moved to Tulsa in 2019, inspired by the legacy of 'Black Wall Street'.

Covid: Peru almost triples death toll after review

The official death toll now sits at more than 180,000, up from just under 70,000, after a review.

Covid: WHO renames UK and other variants with Greek letters

The variant first detected in the UK becomes Alpha, with South Africa, Brazil and India also renamed.

Naomi Osaka withdraws from French Open after refusing to do news conferences

Naomi Osaka says she is withdrawing from the French Open as a result of controversy over her refusal to speak to the media.

Sinéad O'Connor: My life is actually really boring

"I've got to the time in life where you just want to sit and be peaceful in your garden and knit."

Bangladesh arrests tiger poaching suspect after 20-year hunt

The man known as "Tiger Habib" is alleged to have killed about 70 endangered Bengal tigers.

Nephew of Fetullah Gulen seized and brought back to Turkey

Selahaddin Gulen reappears in custody in Turkey weeks after he goes missing in Kenya.

Belgian ambassador loses South Korea posting after wife slaps worker

The wife of Belgium's ambassador to South Korea is seen slapping a shop worker in CCTV footage.

Privacy group targets website 'cookie terror'

Campaigners lodge hundreds of complaints against sites they claim break cookie laws.

France police 'neutralise' armed ex-soldier after Dordogne manhunt

The 29-year-old man was injured in a shoot-out with police after a 24-hour manhunt, reports say.

Tarzan actor Joe Lara, 58, presumed dead in plane crash

He and six others are missing believed dead after their plane crashed into a lake in the US.

Texas Democrats block 'discriminatory' bill on voting

A walkout by Democrats deprives the state legislature of a quorum to pass the divisive bill.

China allows couples to have three children

The move comes after a once-a-decade census showed China's population grew at its slowest pace in decades.

Argentina stripped of Copa America tournament

The 2021 Copa America has been left without a host less than two weeks before it starts after Argentina was stripped of the tournament.

Ho Chi Minh: Vietnam to test entire city amid new variant fears

13 million people in Ho Chi Minh will be tested and new social distancing rules have been imposed.

Hundreds more Afghans and their families to be allowed to settle in UK

Hundreds more who worked for the British military and government will be allowed to settle in the UK.

Israel coalition government a threat to security, warns Netanyahu

The prime minister urges right-wing politicians not to join a proposed new unity government.

The Indian children orphaned by Covid-19

Officially, hundreds of children have lost both their parents. Experts say the number may be much higher.

Mohammed Deif: The one-eyed Hamas chief in Israel's crosshairs

The shadowy figure at the top of Israel most-wanted list has repeatedly eluded attempts to kill him.

Biosecurity warning over loosely-regulated virus labs

Governments do not have controls to stop terrorists accessing labs and posing a biological threat.

Somaliland elections: Could polls help gain recognition?

Somaliland is hoping that elections will boost its chances of gaining international recognition.

James Barnor: The 91-year-old's photos bringing Ghana to life

Ghanaian-British photographer James Barnor's work is being exhibited at the Serpentine Gallery in London.

Uganda: Finding the truth behind a killing spree in Kampala

BBC finds evidence Ugandan security forces killed unarmed people during a crackdown in November 2020.

War Horse actor salutes 80s gay Soho in one-man show

Jack Holden's play tells the story of a man diagnosed with HIV who decides to party his last days away.

Nigeria school abduction: Gunmen kidnap students in Niger state

At least 150 students are reported missing after armed men stormed a school in Niger state.

France rejects Iranian spy charges for tourist Benjamin Briere

Benjamin Briere was detained in Iran in 2020 after flying a drone near the Iran-Turkmenistan border.

Israel's right-wing leader Bennett backs deal to oust PM Netanyahu

A right-wing leader expresses support for a unity government that would end the prime minister's 12 years in office.

Barcelona: Homophobic attacks spark outcry

One man required surgery after he and his friends were beaten up by a group of men on a beach.

Israeli opposition inch closer to deal to oust Netanyahu

Party leaders are inching towards a coalition deal that would end the era of PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

Osaka could be kicked out of French Open over media boycott

World number two Naomi Osaka faces expulsion from the French Open if she continues to refuse to speak to the media.

Colombia protests: UN calls for investigation into Cali deaths

Troops are patrolling the city of Cali after weeks of violent anti-government demonstrations.

Indonesia ferry fire: More than 270 people rescued from blaze near remote islands

One person is still missing after the fire aboard a passenger ferry near Indonesia's remote Sula Islands.

Florida shooting: Two dead, more than 20 wounded in Hialeah

Three people fired into a crowd outside a banquet hall in Hialeah, a city north of Miami.

Mount Everest: 'Aim high' female teacher who set new speed record says

Ex-teacher Tsang Yin Hung, 45, is one of three climbers who have set Everest records in recent days.

Israel politics: Lapid nears coalition after Netanyahu fell short

Israel's opposition parties are close to a coalition agreement to form a "government of change".

France manhunt for armed ex-soldier who fired on police

Authorities tell residents to stay indoors as police hunt for the man who opened fire on police.

Nashville hat shop faces backlash for selling anti-vaccine Nazi Jewish star

The Nashville shop apologises after it used a Nazi symbol to spread a "not vaccinated" message.

Macron threatens to withdraw French troops from Mali

The French president warned that political instability could lead to greater Islamist radicalisation.

Partner of Tory peer's son held over Belize death

Jasmine Hartin, the partner of Lord Ashcroft's son, was discovered near the body of a police officer.

'I’m fine, really': Finding hope as Covid sweeps India

The BBC's Nikita Mandhani reflects on her personal experience of the second wave in India.

Belarus: Hundreds join global solidarity protests

Crowds call for the release of an activist who was arrested when his flight was grounded in Minsk.

Brazil: Protesters blame Bolsonaro for Covid crisis

Thousands of people angry at the slow rollout of vaccines take to the streets in cities across Brazil.

Afghanistan: Bus blast kills three university staff

A roadside bomb hits a bus carrying teachers from Al-Biruni university north of the capital Kabul.

Quiz: How well do you know Roger Federer's Grand Slam

Roger Federer is about to play his first Grand Slam in 16 months - how much do you know about the Swiss great's record at the majors?

All you need to know about the French Open

The French Open returns to its traditional spring setting as Rafael Nadal bids for a 14th title and Iga Swiatek defends her maiden Grand Slam.

Ex-US airline pilot admits lewd act in cockpit mid-flight

Michael Haak exposed himself to his female co-pilot and watched porn on a laptop, a court is told.

San Jose shooting: Guns, petrol and 22,000 rounds of ammunition found

A search of the man's home reveals 12 guns, Molotov cocktails and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Sri Lanka's beaches swamped with burning ship debris

Plastic and chemical contamination threatens environment and livelihoods in Sri Lanka.

North Korea says children volunteering on mines and farms

State news reports the orphans want "to repay even just a millionth of the love the party showed".

Colombia protests: Duque sends military to Cali

Four people died on Friday night in the city, the epicentre of protests against the government.

Indian Premier League 2021: Tournament to resume in United Arab Emirates in September

The remainder of the 2021 Indian Premier League season will take place in the United Arab Emirates in September and October.

Canada mourns as remains of 215 children found at indigenous school

The mass grave was found during a survey of the former residential school for indigenous people.

Mali names coup leader Col Assimi Goïta as transitional president

The country's constitutional court says Col Assimi Goïta should now "lead the transition process".

Mount Nyiragongo: Why DR Congo fears the explosive power of a lake

Volcanic activity has raised fears of a rare eruption at Lake Kivu in the country's east.

Footage shows US flight attendant being attacked by passenger

A dispute over the airline's mask policy led to a passenger punching a flight attendant.

Don't take on China alone, says ex-Australia PM Kevin Rudd

Former Australian PM Kevin Rudd says countries should work together if they seek to challenge China.

The Rohingya refugees trapped on a remote island miles from land

Rohingya refugees taken to a remote island off Bangladesh tell the BBC they are desperate to leave.

George Floyd: After a flood of donations, what next?

The Minnesota Freedom Fund received $40m in the wake of Floyd's death. What happened after?

Ethiopia Tigray crisis: Warnings of genocide and famine

Concern is mounting about the devastating effects of the conflict raging in Tigray since November.

Kashmir: A father digging up the ground to find his missing son

Nine months after his son's abduction, a father continues to look for closure in India's Kashmir.

Covid: How the pandemic is affecting your dreams

More than year into Covid-19, do people in your dreams wear masks or socially distance?

Germany's quiet Catholic rebellion on gay blessings and women preachers

German Catholics challenge the Vatican's conservative teaching on gay blessings and female preachers.

Could my mum’s toaster help me care for her?

An emerging technology allows carers to remotely monitor a vulnerable relative's energy usage.

President Biden to propose $6tn spending plan

The proposed budget would bring the US to spending levels not seen since World War Two.

Covid: EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech jab for 12-15 year olds

German leaders say that vaccinations of children aged over 12 will start on 7 June.

Cruella: Disney's live-action origin story gets mixed reviews

"Extremely entertaining" or "messy, flabby and confused"? The critics weigh in on the new film.

William Amos: Politician apologises after urinating during video call

It was the second online mishap for Canadian MP William Amos - who previously appeared naked.

Tesla cameras will monitor driver awareness

The electric car company says it will now "detect inattentiveness" amid safety concerns.

French oil giant Total rebrands in shift to renewables

Total is the latest energy giant to face pressure from shareholders to reduce carbon emissions faster.

'I think buying a used car is still in my future'

Ohio's newly minted vaccination lottery millionaire has plans for the windfall.

Belarus plane: Russia accuses EU of risking passenger safety

Russia condemns a decision to avoid Belarusian airspace over the arrest of a dissident journalist.

Barack Obama: 'Marcus Rashford is way ahead of where I was at 23'

Barack Obama praises footballer Marcus Rashford's anti-poverty work in a Zoom meeting.

Nike says it split with Neymar over sexual assault investigation

The sportswear giant and Brazilian footballer give conflicting accounts of why they parted ways.

Sri Lanka: Burning ship coats beaches in oil and debris

Sri Lankan and Indian naval boats are struggling to put out the eight-day blaze on the X-Press Pearl.

Iran's presidential election: Who the candidates are

What there is to know about the seven men standing in the forthcoming poll.

Germany officially recognises colonial-era Namibia genocide

Foreign Minister Heiko Maas asks for forgiveness for atrocities and announces financial support deal.

Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai jailed again for pro-democracy protests

Media tycoon Jimmy Lai is already serving time for taking part in other demonstrations in 2019.

Open Skies Treaty: US tells Russia it will not rejoin key arms control deal

The arms control treaty permits unarmed surveillance flights over dozens of participating countries.

Friends reunion: BTS, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber censored in China

It's believed the stars were cut from the Friends reunion as they'd previously offended China.

US 'rapidly' planning to evacuate Afghan interpreters

A top US general says their lives could be in danger as American troops prepare to leave Afghanistan.

Patrisse Cullors: Black Lives Matter co-founder resigns

Patrisse Cullors says her exit is nothing to do with "right-wing attacks that tried to discredit my character".

Taiwan must choose between virus and politics

The island is desperately seeking vaccines - but must decide whether to accept China's offers of help.

The looming battle over abortion in the US

Pro-choice groups say many restrictions have been introduced in states across the US this year.

In Tarun Tejpal acquittal, judge questions 'appropriate' behaviour for rape victims

A judge clears Tarun Tejpal of rape, noting the alleged victim appeared to be "in a good mood" afterwards.

Drones and live-streams: How tech is changing conservation

Around the world, animal conservation has evolved so it's not just humans monitoring wildlife.

Mystery plans to redraw Balkan borders alarm leaders

Unofficial plans to change the borders have caused alarm - but no-one knows whose idea they are.

Three sentenced over Barcelona and Cambrils jihadist attacks

The men assisted those responsible for attacks in 2017 that killed 16 people and injured 140.

Covid: France imposes quarantine on UK travellers

France joins Austria and Germany in introducing restrictions due to the spread of the Indian variant.

Hong Kong electoral reform: LegCo passes 'patriots' law

The electoral reform keeps "unpatriotic" figures from power and tightens China's grip on Hong Kong.

Macron asks Rwanda to forgive France over 1994 genocide role

At a memorial to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda's capital President Macron admits French mistakes.

India YouTuber arrested for 'flying' dog with helium balloons

He tied helium balloons to his dog and attempted to "fly" the pet to make a viral video.

Franz Kafka: Manuscripts, drawings and personal letters go online

It comes after years of restoration and cataloguing by the National Library of Israel.

Covid: China hits back as US revisits Wuhan lab leak theory

China accuses the US of "political manipulation" over investigations into the origins of the pandemic.

Mountain biker Bienvenido Aguado lands record 100ft front flip

Spanish rider Bienvenido Aguado lands what is believed to be the longest dirt-to-dirt front flip on record.

Super 'blood' Moon treats stargazers around the world

Two rare celestial events have coincided as the Moon appears larger during a lunar eclipse.

Ethiopia's Tigray conflict: Biden demands ceasefire and end to abuses

The US president highlights the rights abuses and the possibility of famine as fighting continues.

DR Congo: Thousands flee Goma after second volcano warning

It comes days after an eruption killed 32 people and destroyed hundreds of homes around Goma.

Melbourne lockdown: Fears over outbreak sparks restrictions

The Australian state of Victoria shuts down again as a fresh outbreak in the capital fuels anxiety.

César Prieto: Cuban baseball player defects on Florida trip

Cuban officials confirm César Prieto left their delegation during a pre-Olympic tournament.

Azerbaijan captures six Armenian troops on border

The six were surrounded by Azeri troops who foiled a sabotage mission, Azerbaijan says.

School of Rock drummer Kevin Clark dies aged 32

Jack Black and Miranda Cosgrove lead tributes to the musician, who was killed in a traffic accident.

Belarus: I'm ready to beg for help, says mother of detained woman

The mother of Sofia Sapega, who was arrested when her flight was grounded in Minsk, speaks to the BBC.

A cannabis empire that caused chaos on Native land

How a rush to cash-in on cannabis ended in disaster in New Mexico.

Mali coup: Col Goïta seizes power - again

The military stages a second coup in under 10 months, drawing an angry reaction from foreign powers.

Ohio announces winner of first vaccination lottery

A suburban Cincinnati woman wins the Midwestern state's first $1m (£700,000) Vax-a-Million prize.

Eric Carle: Very Hungry Caterpillar author dies aged 91

The US author of the best-selling children's classic passed away last Sunday, his family said.

Tulsa massacre: The search for victims, 100 years on

Decades after white mobs razed an affluent black neighbourhood the search for bodies goes on.

'Fortress Australia': Why calls to open up borders are meeting resistance

Many Australians are loath to relax border controls despite experts warning of the harms of isolation.

Tokyo Olympic Games: When are they and will they go ahead?

The Tokyo Summer Olympics are due to start in July, despite a surge in Covid cases in Japan.

Iran bans cryptocurrency mining for four months after blackouts

President Hassan Rouhani says the energy-consuming activity must be halted for four months.

French films show far too much smoking, campaigners say

Anti-smoking groups demand the French government cuts its funding for movies that show tobacco use.

Nigeria: More than 130 missing after boat sinks in Kebbi state

Eyewitnesses say more than 160 people were on the vessel and just 22 have been rescued.

San Jose shooting: 'Multiple fatalities' in California shooting

The shooting took place at a regional rail yard in San Jose, California early on Wednesday.

Covid: Russia starts vaccinating animals

Russia has started vaccinating animals with what it says is the world's first animal-specific jab.

Belarus jails: Stories of fear and violence

Hundreds of people described as "political prisoners" are held, including journalists and protesters.

Shell: Netherlands court orders oil giant to cut emissions

Campaigners say it is the first time a company has been legally bound by the Paris climate accord.

Cyclone Yaas: Severe storm makes landfall on India coast

It comes as India is already struggling to deal with a second deadly wave of Covid-19 infections.

'Doomsday' couple Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell charged with murder

The couple had espoused apocalyptic religious beliefs and were already facing other charges.

Syria holds presidential election dismissed as farce by opposition

Bashar al-Assad is seen as certain to win an election rejected as a farce by the opposition.

Galápagos tortoise found alive is from species thought extinct

Tests carried out on a giant tortoise found in 2019 confirm it belongs to a species believed extinct.

Jacob Zuma: South Africa's ex-president pleads not guilty for multi-billion dollar arms deal

South Africa's former president is accused of corruption over a contract worth $5bn.

Teotihuacán: Alarm over construction near ancient site

Bulldozers have razed areas near the pre-Hispanic ruins at Teotihuacán, a World Heritage Site.

Italy cable car fall: Three arrested over fatal accident

Investigators say an emergency brake system had been disabled before the crash, which killed 14.

Samuel E Wright: Tributes paid to actor who voiced crab in The Little Mermaid

The actor and singer voiced Sebastian and sang Under The Sea in Disney's 1989 animated favourite.

'I thought I was too old to be on TikTok'

Spencer West has garnered legions of fans sharing his perspective as a disability advocate.

Belarus journalist Roman Protasevich's colleagues fear for their lives

Associates of detained dissident journalist Roman Protasevich say they are receiving death threats.

Mast Upgrade: UK experiment could sweep aside fusion hurdle

Results from a UK experiment could help clear a hurdle to achieving commercial fusion power.

Uefa opens proceedings against Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid over European Super League plan

Uefa opens disciplinary proceedings against Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid over their involvement in the proposed European Super League.

Grand jury to consider Donald Trump charges

The New York jury will decide whether to indict the ex-president on criminal charges, local media say.

Marilyn Manson active arrest warrant issued on assault charges

The US singer is accused of two counts of assault at a concert in the state of New Hampshire in 2019.

France puzzled by mystery anti-Pfizer campaign offer

French social media influencers say they have been offered money to discredit the anti-Covid vaccine.

AI emotion-detection software tested on Uyghurs

A software engineer tells BBC's Panorama about installing the system in police stations in Xinjiang.

Peker videos: Gang leader's claims rattle Turkish government

A Turkish gang boss's videos go viral with his claims of serious crimes by Turkish officials.

Mali's coup leader Assimi Goïta seizes power again

The interim president and PM have been removed from office by the man who led last year's coup.

Global heating: Study shows impact of 'climate racism' in US

Black people in the US are subject to double the level of heat stress in cities than whites.

John Cena: Fast and Furious star sorry over Taiwan remark backlash

John Cena posts a video apology in Chinese after describing Taiwan as a "country".

Shepherd hailed for saving six in deadly Chinese ultramarathon

Zhu Keming was reportedly grazing his sheep during the sudden weather change that killed 21 runners.

Sri Lanka navy rescue crew following chemical fire on cargo ship

All 23 members of the Singaporean X-Press Pearl's crew were evacuated.

Russia threatens to slow down Google over 'banned content'

The country’s media watchdog says it will slow down internet speeds to the site if the content is not deleted.

Belarus flights redirected after Roman Protasevich's arrest

EU leaders promise more sanctions after a dissident journalist was arrested on a diverted flight.

Israel-Gaza conflict: Blinken promises US support for Gaza reconstruction

The US secretary of state wants to consolidate a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants.

Elliot Page: Actor wins praise for sharing swimming shorts image after top surgery

The trans actor previously described top surgery, where breast tissue is removed, as "life-saving".

Peru's Shining Path kills 16, including children, ahead of polls

An offshoot of the Shining Path rebel group said it was behind the attack in the remote jungle area.

Ramdev: Doctors furious over yoga guru's insulting Covid remark

A video of Baba Ramdev mocking patients for trying to find oxygen went viral earlier this month.

Texas to allow unlicensed carrying of handguns

A bill which further eases some of the loosest gun laws in the US is set to be approved.

Rocco Morabito: Italian fugitive arrested in Brazil

Rocco Morabito, who has been wanted since the 1990s, escaped from a prison in Uruguay in 2019.

Covid: How the pandemic is affecting your dreams

More than year into Covid-19, do people in your dreams wear masks or socially distance?

Florida governor signs bill to ban Big Tech 'deplatforming'

The Florida measure will fine companies that violate the rules up to $250,000 per day.

Australia power station explosion leaves thousands without electricity

Energy companies are scrambling to restore electricity supply after a Queensland power station fire.

Peloton to build first US factory after supply problems

The exercise equipment company has struggled to keep up with demand during the pandemic.

Australia to shut embassy in Afghanistan over violence fears

Canberra cites an "uncertain security environment", as the pullout of international troops proceeds.

US issues Japan travel warning weeks before Olympics

It comes amid heightened scrutiny and pressure to call off the Tokyo Olympics due to be held soon.

Indian police visit Twitter's office after 'manipulated media' label

It comes after the social media giant labelled a ruling party spokesman tweet as "manipulated media".

Tata Steel to continue salaries for Covid victims' families in India

The announcement came as deaths linked to the coronavirus in India passed 300,000.

EU agrees new Belarus sanctions after plane arrest

Belarusian airlines will be banned from EU skies after a flight was diverted and a journalist held.

Iran agrees to extend IAEA nuclear monitoring deal for one month

Iran says it is showing "good faith" while talks on saving a nuclear accord continue in Vienna.

Guillermo Lasso: Ecuador's new leader faces uphill struggle

The new president faces a divided Congress and plenty of economic challenges amid the Covid pandemic.

DR Congo's Goma volcano: Drone images show devastation

Hundreds of homes have been destroyed in the Democratic Republic of Congo after a volcano erupted.

Indian couple holds mid-air wedding 'to escape Covid restrictions'

The nuptials reportedly took place at the same time as India's official death toll passed 300,000.

George Floyd death: How do I talk to my son about race?

A year on from the death of George Floyd, BBC presenter Eddie Nestor examines his role as a father.

Coronavirus: Training dogs to identify the scent of Covid-19

Trials are underway with dogs trained to sniff out the coronavirus. If the trails are successful, dogs could aid efforts to prevent super-spreading in busy areas.

Kevin Spacey set for acting return in Italian film

It will be the star's first film role since he was accused of sexual assaults, which he denies.

Fish 'not as carbon friendly' as previously thought

Commercial fishing by so-called bottom trawling could emit as much CO2 as air travel, a study argues.

Belarus Ryanair flight diverted: Passengers describe panic on board

Those on board describe a "sudden dive" as the aircraft changed course due to a reported bomb threat.

Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi appears in court for first time since military coup

Deposed leader of Myanmar is allowed to meet her lawyers for the first time before adjourned hearing.

Body of missing man found in Spanish dinosaur statue

Police say the man was reported missing by his family and no foul play is suspected in his death.

Samoa's first female PM locked out of parliament by losing opponent

Fiame Naomi Mata'afa holds makeshift swearing in ceremony in a tent after opponent locks the doors.

Mottarone cable car crash: Italy investigates cause of accident

Operators of the cable car near Lake Maggiore said maintenance and checks were carried out regularly.

Israel-Gaza: How much money does Israel get from the US?

Israel gets billions of dollars in US aid - we look at why, and what that money is used for.

China marathon: Fans mourn top runners killed in deadly race

Many pay tribute to the athletes who died in the controversial ultramarathon that killed 21 people.

Japan ramps up mass vaccinations in Tokyo and Osaka amid Covid surge

The new vaccination drive in Tokyo and Osaka comes as hospitals struggle to cope with cases.

Bob Dylan: 80 things you may not know about him on his 80th birthday

A look back at the life and career of the influential and now-octogenarian singer-songwriter.

Ryanair plane: Western powers voice outrage at plane 'hijacking'

The EU and the US consider sanctions after Belarus forced a plane carrying a journalist to land.

India records 300,000 Covid deaths as pandemic rages

India took less than a month to record its last 100,000 deaths but experts warn the toll is much higher.

Children speak of sickness and neglect in US asylum camps

The BBC has uncovered allegations of cold temperatures, sickness, neglect, lice and filth, through a series of interviews with children and staff at US detention camps for children.

US PGA Championship: Phil Mickelson becomes oldest major winner with sixth title

Phil Mickelson becomes the oldest man to win a major as he claims the US PGA Championship to win a sixth major title.

Germany's quiet Catholic rebellion on gay blessings and women preachers

German Catholics challenge the Vatican's conservative teaching on gay blessings and female preachers.

Eritrea viewpoint: I fought for independence but I'm still waiting for freedom

As Eritrea marks 30 years of independence from Ethiopia, a former fighter reflects on what has been achieved.

The couple who met on YouTube

Australian Anitha Kannan and Ian Chalmers, from the UK, met over YouTube and bonded over social anxiety in lockdown.

Mount Nyiragongo: Volcanic eruption in DR Congo leaves people homeless

People are telling of their fears after a volcano erupted in DR Congo, sending lava towards homes.

Belarus 'diverts Ryanair flight to arrest journalist', says opposition

A flight from Greece to Lithuania lands in Minsk, reportedly because of a bomb scare.

ICYMI: Eiffel Tower art and a new plane fuel

From Eiffel Tower art to cooking-oil plane fuel, here are some stories you might have missed this week.

Indian Olympic wrestler Sushil Kumar arrested in murder case

Sushil Kumar is accused of being involved in the murder of fellow wrestler Sagar Dhankhar.

Eight dead after cable car falls in Italy

At least eight killed after cable car falls near Lake Maggiore in northern Italy, rescuers say

Israel-Gaza: A conflict on pause as both sides claim victory

Morale among supporters of Gaza's armed groups remains intact after the 11-day conflict with Israel.

Damiano David: Eurovision winner denies taking drugs

The lead singer of winning Italian band Måneskin denies taking cocaine after online claims.

Mount Nyiragongo: Lava destroys houses after DR Congo volcano erupts

Thousands of people have fled their homes after fountains of lava burst from the Mount Nyiragongo.

Black fungus: India reports nearly 9,000 cases of rare infection

The normally rare infection has a 50% mortality rate, and is hitting recovering Covid-19 patients.

Virgin Galactic rocket plane soars to edge of space

Sir Richard Branson's spaceplane completes the first of three key test flights above New Mexico.

China race: Severe weather kills cross-country runners

At least 20 die as freezing rain and winds hit a cross-country race in a mountainous tourist site.

Atletico edge Real Madrid to Spanish title

Atletico Madrid edge city rivals Real Madrid to the La Liga title in dramatic fashion by coming from behind to beat Real Valladolid in the final game.

Does a $75m settlement make up for three decades in prison?

Two brothers have received a $75m payout over their wrongful 1983 murder conviction.

Koori Mail: Thirty years of reporting on Aboriginal Australia

The Koori Mail, Australia's only fully Indigenous-owned and managed newspaper, is turning 30.

Indian tribal area had oxygen while cities gasped

The poor district of Nandurbar was prepared for a deadly second wave - unlike the rest of India.

Forgotten Cyprus hero who eradicated island's malaria

Mehmet Aziz was behind one of Cyprus's most important recent achievements but few have heard of him.

Your pictures on the theme of 'woodland walk'

A selection of striking images from our readers around the world.

Italy wins Eurovision: 'Rock and roll never dies'

Italy's Måneskin have won the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 with their entry, Zitti e Buoni.

Inside Russia's Trefoil military base in the Arctic

BBC Moscow correspondent Sarah Rainsford gets rare access to the Russian military base, known as Arctic Trefoil.

Why Iranians have been queueing for chicken

Long lines for government-subsidised poultry have been seen in cities and towns across Iran.

Mount Nyiragongo: DR Congo plans to evacuate city as volcano erupts

Residents of Goma flee to safety as nearby Mount Nyiragongo throws huge lava fountains into the air.

Israel-Palestinian conflict: Eyes on peace options as Gaza truce holds

Mediators try to cement the truce, as Israel and Palestinian militants take stock of an 11-day conflict.

Bayern Munich 5-2 Augsburg: Robert Lewandowski breaks goalscoring record

Robert Lewandowski scores in the final minute of the season for Bayern Munich to break Gerd Muller's 49-year record of goals in a Bundesliga campaign.

Princess Latifa: Dubai photo appears to show missing woman

The Emirati princess has been imprisoned in Dubai since she tried to escape in 2018.

Covid: India tells social media firms to remove 'India variant' from content

Platforms are told to take down all content that refers to an "Indian variant" of the coronavirus.

French army chief says UN report into air strike was biased

Gen Lecointre says he believes Europe will still be fighting jihadism in the Sahel in 10 years time.

Myanmar coup: Junta head claims Aung San Suu Kyi 'in good health'

Min Aung Hlaing makes the claim in his first interview since seizing power in February.

Covid: Argentina starts new lockdown as cases soar

The country that endured one of the world's longest quarantines is back under restrictions.

China's Zhurong rover takes first drive on Mars

China is now the second country after the US to operate a rover on the Red Planet.

Salmonella: CDC urges Americans not to kiss chickens amid outbreak

The US public health agency asks people to be careful around live poultry after a multi-state outbreak.

Coronavirus: How Covid-19 crushed India's healthcare systems

Experts say Covid-19 has exposed the inadequacies of India's healthcare infrastructure.

Air India cyber-attack: Data of millions of customers compromised

Passport details, ticket information and credit card data were compromised in the February attack.

Einstein handwritten letter with E=mc2 equation auctioned

The rare example of the equation in Einstein's handwriting sells for $1.2m, much more than expected.

Prison guards spared jail time in Epstein suicide plea deal

The two prison workers fabricated log entries to make it seem like they checked on Epstein.

Myanmar: The small embattled town that stood up to the army

Mindat put up tenacious resistance to the Burmese army but is now in desperate need of help.

Champion horse mystery in the Gulf angers Poles

A horse deal gone sour underlines problems bedevilling a world-famous Polish stud farm.

A Japanese composer, a Burkina Faso story-teller and a Congolese rapper make an opera

Japanese composer Keiko Fujiie and Burkina Faso griot Maboudou Sanou helm an ambitious new opera.

Tennessee cops mocked dying man's plea: 'I can't breathe'

"Help me," pleaded William Jennette as officers restrained him, "they're going to kill me."

George Floyd death: How US police are trying to win back trust

A year after George Floyd's death, it's not just civilians who'll be reflecting on what happened.

'A meme that almost made me quit my family WhatsApp group'

Some Indians are sharing dark humour memes inspired by the pandemic - and occasionally offending cousins in the diaspora.

Amazon in pictures: Sebastião Salgado's last frontier

Photographer Sebastião Salgado captured images of the Amazon's forest, rivers, and tribes.

From beer to Tinder boosts: The bribes for people to get jabbed

Free beer, marijuana and Tinder boosts are among the incentives being offered - but do they work?

State of emergency 'won't stop Olympics'

This summer's Olympics will go ahead even if Tokyo remains in a state of a emergency, says IOC vice-president John Coates.

Gaza-Israel conflict in pictures: 11 days of destruction

People in Gaza and Israel assess the damage to their homes and cities after 11 days of fighting.

Palestinians and Israelis react to ceasefire

Whilst Palestinians took to the streets to celebrate, reaction from Israelis was more subdued.

Alabama overturns decades-old ban on yoga in schools

Yoga, banned in Alabama public schools since 1993, can be taught again - but with some restrictions.

Israel-Gaza: How children on both sides experienced the conflict

The BBC talks to children on both sides of the Israel-Gaza conflict about their experiences.

The beauty YouTuber who's hosting Eurovision

Nikkie de Jager is Eurovision's first transgender host, telling Newsbeat it's "a dream come true".

Dave Bautista swaps Guardians of the Galaxy for wrestling zombies

Dave Bautista, of Guardians of the Galaxy and WWE fame, leads the charge against a city of zombies in his latest movie

France's 18-year-olds given €300 culture pass

French teens can use the funds for cinema tickets, musical instruments or to buy books and videos.

El Salvador: Remains of 24 people found in ex-policeman's garden

Officials in El Salvador believe the mass grave may contain up to 40 bodies, mostly of women or girls.

Critically ill Covid-19 patients 'more likely' to die in Africa

There is a shortage of specialised staff and equipment such as oxygen monitors, researchers find.

Coronavirus: Spain to lift restrictions for UK and Japanese travellers

UK tourists will be free to enter the country without a negative Covid-19 PCR test from Monday.

Copa America games moved amid Colombia protests

Colombia will no longer co-host the 2021 Copa America tournament with Argentina after a series of protests in the country.

Tarun Tejpal: Indian former editor cleared of raping colleague

Tarun Tejpal had denied allegations that he raped a female colleague in a hotel elevator in 2013.

Japan bullet train driver leaves cockpit for loo break

The Japanese man may be punished for leaving the controls in the hands of an untrained conductor.

School Strike 4 Climate: Thousands join Australia protest

Thousands of students attend rallies across the country to demand more action on climate change.

WeWork reports loss of nearly $2.1bn ahead of stock market debut

The troubled office-sharing startup's business was hit particularly hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

Biden signs law to tackle anti-Asian hate crimes

President Biden signs a bipartisan law to "stop the hatred and the bias" against Asian Americans.

Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire comes into effect

The ceasefire brings to an end 11 days of bombardment in which more than 240 people have died.

Covid: Why has Seychelles seen rising case numbers?

It's the most vaccinated country in the world, but infections have risen in the island nation.

Covid: Australia's vaccine hesitancy worries medical experts

Medical experts are concerned that low Covid infection rates may be leading to complacency.

Sri Lanka: Covid increases China influence in India's backyard

As India struggles to deal with the virus, China steps in to help its neighbours like Sri Lanka.

Eurovision: TIX, Tourettes and mental health

Norway's Eurovision entry has come to this years competition with more than music on the agenda.

George Nkencho killing: 'The door closed and then I heard the shots'

George Nkencho was shot dead by police officers outside his Dublin home in December 2020.

Fears over 'silent dictatorship' in Chad

After the death of President Idriss Déby. Chad is riven by conflicting desires for democracy and security.

Big cats seized from zoo in Netflix's Tiger King

Officials seized 68 tigers, lions, hybrids and a jaguar from the Oklahoma zoo shown in the TV series.

Black fungus: Call to declare epidemic in Indian states

The health authorities ask states to declare an epidemic after a normally rare infection surges.

Belgian national park shut in hunt for far-right soldier

The manhunt for the heavily armed weapons trainer continues in a vast area near the Dutch border.

Carrefour in Kenya: The true price of the discounts

The French retailer has expanded massively in Kenya but a tribunal has found it guilty of unfair practices.

Ceuta migrants: The photos that captured Spain's attention

A photo of a volunteer comforting a migrant in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta goes viral.

German officer who posed as Syrian refugee in terror trial

Caught leading a double life, Lt Franco A denies planning far-right attacks on politicians.

Farewell (again) to Microsoft's Internet Explorer

Microsoft has set a deadline for retiring its legacy web browser from consumer versions of Windows 10.

Nicolas Sarkozy: Ex-president goes on trial for illegal campaign funding

He is accused of illegally overspending by millions of euros on his failed 2012 re-election campaign.

Friends: 7 things the trailer reveals about the reunion

Including guest stars, emotional moments, set visits, table reads and Phoebe's singing.

Climate change: EU official backs German Greens on curbing flights

The Greens' leader - a strong candidate for chancellor - wants to ban short-haul flights.

Queensland offers cash bonus to attract tourism workers

The offer is open to people in Australia who want to come and work in Queensland.

ByteDance: TikTok's co-founder to step down as chief executive

The hugely popular short-video app was regularly criticised by former President Donald Trump.

Qantas accelerates cost cuts as $1.5bn loss looms

The Australian flag carrier also said its debts had peaked as domestic travel returns to near-normal.

Four beheaded in Guatemala prison riot, police say

At least four prisoners are beheaded during a fight between rival gangs at a jail in Quetzaltenango.

Israel-Gaza: Hamas official predicts ceasefire 'within a day or two'

A Hamas official talks of a ceasefire "within a day or two", but firing from both sides continue.

Republicans defy Trump to back Capitol riot probe

Thirty-five Republicans sided with Democrats in the House of Representatives to set up a commission.

US v Canada: Who won the vaccine rollout?

The BBC's Ritu Prasad and Holly Honderich discuss the Covid-19 vaccine rollout in their respective countries.

Breast implant scandal compensation ruling due

Thousands of women given substandard implants should finally find out if they will receive compensation.

Russia flexes muscles in challenge for Arctic control

Russia vows to protect its interests from a remote outpost as global warming opens up the Arctic.

'His death is a catastrophe': Gaza doctors mourn specialist killed in air strike

Dr Ayman Abu al-Ouf and 12 members of his family were killed in an Israeli raid on Sunday.

Covid-19: What went wrong in Singapore and Taiwan?

They were once hailed as success stories, but both places are now seeing a steep rise in virus cases.

Eurovision: Iceland out of live shows due to Covid

A pre-recorded performance will be used instead after a member of Daði og Gagnamagnið tests positive.

Israel-Gaza violence: The children who have died in the conflict

Dozens of children have been killed on both sides. Here's what we know about some of them.

Marilyn Manson's ex-assistant sues over sexual assault and battery claims

Ashley Walters files legal papers claiming the singer used his fame to "exploit and victimise" her.

Spain migrants: 'I said goodbye to my family and left with nothing'

Around half of the 8,000 migrants who reached a Spanish enclave in Morocco have been sent back.

Malawi burns thousands of Covid-19 vaccine doses

Health officials hope the event will increase public confidence in getting the vaccination.

Demi Lovato is non-binary and is changing pronouns to they/them, singer announces

"Today is a day I'm so happy to share more of my life with you all," the US singer tells fans.

Belgian manhunt for soldier who threatened top virologist Ranst

Police search woodland for a heavily armed soldier who disappeared after reportedly making threats.

Dean du Plessis: The first visually impaired commentator to cover international cricket

Dean du Plessis, the world's first blind cricket commentator, talks about his love for the game, his journey into the commentary box and the techniques he uses.

Amphotericin-B: Concern over 'black fungus' drug shortage as cases rise

The intravenous injection is in short supply as hospitals report a spike in cases.

Indonesia: Climate change destroying world's oldest animal painting

Higher temperatures have accelerated build-up of salts, which causes the art to flake off the walls.

Somerton man: Body exhumed in bid to solve Australian mystery

Investigators hope DNA advances will uncover clues as to the identity of the body found in the 1940s.

Japan pulls controversial asylum seeker bill after criticism

Criticism of the bill was mounting after the death of a Sri Lankan refugee held in detention.

Pelosi calls for China Winter Olympics boycott

The Speaker of the House said heads of state should not attend the Games due to human rights abuses.

Covid: France to reopen bars and restaurants as lockdown eases

The country prepares for a phased reopening as daily Covid cases fall and vaccinations accelerate.

New York prosecutor says Trump inquiry now 'criminal'

A spokesman for the state's top prosecutor says the inquiry is "no longer purely civil".

Google AI tool can help patients identify skin conditions

The tech giant says its "dermatology assist" tool can recognise 288 different skin ailments.

India's holiest river is swollen with Covid victims

Hundreds of corpses have been found floating in the Ganges or buried in the sand of its banks.

Denmark and the Syrian refugees no longer welcome to stay

Denmark is criticised for becoming the first European country to revoke residence status for 200 people.

Schalke's Bundesliga agony: Champions for four minutes & 38 seconds

On the final day of the Bundesliga season in May 2001, Schalke were champions for four minutes and 38 seconds. It was agony.

Letter from Africa: The woman bucking the trend in Ghana to embrace her grey hair

Elizabeth Ohene has ditched the hair dye which keeps most people's hair black in Ghana.

Six announcements from Google developer conference

Google's annual conference unveils their latest tech. Here's what we found interesting.

Ezinma: How Beyoncé's violinist is tearing up the classical rulebook

The musician is pushing classical music forward with her fusion of orchestral music and trap beats.

Under deadly attack French police demand better protection

Officers call for a tougher response to the violence they face after two were killed within a month.

Charles Grodin: Beethoven and The Heartbreak Kid actor dies aged 86

Grodin, who was best known for roles in Midnight Run and Beethoven, died of cancer, his son says.

James Ibori: UK returns $5.8m stolen by ex-governor to Nigeria

James Ibori took the money while he was governor of Nigeria's Delta state in the early 2000s.

Indian variant: Tower blocks quarantined in Germany

"Public order officers suddenly turned up and we were locked in," said one resident.

Israel closes Gaza border after mortar attack

The border was briefly reopened on Tuesday to allow in a shipment of aid, including food and fuel.

Ceuta: Spain sends troops as 6,000 migrants enter enclave

PM Pedro Sánchez vows to restore order as migrants wade and swim into Ceuta from Morocco.

Andrew Brown: No charges for police who shot black motorist

The officers who fatally shot black motorist Andrew Brown will not face charges, prosecutors say.

In pictures: Fear and mourning as Israel-Gaza violence rages on

Striking images capture the human cost of the fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants.

SEG Plaza evacuation: Shaking China skyscraper sends shoppers fleeing

Local authorities do not yet know what caused the SEG Plaza in the city of Shenzhen to wobble.

Migrants determined to enter Spain's Ceuta enclave: 'Either I'll die or I'll cross'

At least 5,000 migrants have reached Spain's Ceuta enclave from neighbouring Morocco, a record number over a single day, Spanish officials say.

Lost village emerges from Italian lake

Repair works at a reservoir in Italy have revealed the remains of a village submerged for decades.

Belarus raids top news site in widening crackdown

Major independent site Tut.by goes offline and its editor's home is raided.

Amazon 'in talks to buy MGM Studios for $9bn'

The deal would give the e-commerce giant's streaming service a vast library of content.

Just 20 firms behind more than half of single-use plastic waste - study

The study looked at approximately 1,000 factories that make the raw materials for single-use products.

More than a billion sparrows in the world, study finds

At least 50 billion individual wild birds are on the planet, including 1.6 billion house sparrows, scientists say.

The woman trailblazer set to take the reins in Samoa

For the first time ever, a Samoa election was tightly contested - and it's a woman who came out top.

Galapagos Islands: Erosion fells Darwin's Arch

The famous rock formation has collapsed due to natural erosion, Ecuador's environment ministry says.

Pfizer vaccine can now be stored in fridge for longer, EU drug regulator says

The European Medicines Agency ruling could help the EU's Covid vaccine rollout.

Israel-Gaza violence: Joe Biden calls for ceasefire

The US president spoke with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as violence continues.

Should encryption be curbed to combat child abuse?

Cyber-security experts, tech firms and lawyers weigh in on the end-to-end encryption debate.

Gaza-Israel conflict: Israel defends strategy as death toll mounts

A ferocious bombardment aims to hobble Hamas's capabilities, but civilians are also in harm's way.

Covid in India: Tracing a family’s fight to save a father

Covid has overrun India's hospitals, leaving many fighting to find treatment for sick relatives.

Job Maseko: The South African WW2 hero who didn't get a Victoria Cross

Job Maseko blew up a German ship but his bravery was not properly recognised because he was black, campaigners say.

How US police training compares with the rest of the world

Amid calls to improve training in the US, we examine how it compares with other developed countries.

Ariana Grande marries Dalton Gomez in 'intimate' ceremony

The 27-year-old US singer ties tied the knot with property agent Dalton Gomez in California.

Jake Paul investigated over suspected driving on protected turtle beach

Some Puerto Rico beaches are protected as endangered turtles nest in the sand.

Over 100 Moroccan migrants swim to Spain's Ceuta enclave

Rubber rings and rafts were used as families and many boys swam round border fences.

Israel-Gaza violence: Calls to protect civilians as conflict endures

The UN, US and UK are among those making pleas for people caught in continuing, intense violence.

Ethiopia election: Fears over new delay

The prime minister promises the election will be held soon, and will be free and fair.

Bill Gates left Microsoft amid affair investigation

Microsoft has said that it investigated Mr Gates' attempt in 2000 "to initiate an intimate relationship".

Myanmar election: No evidence fraud in 2020 vote, observers say

Conclusion contradicts claim by the military, which argues February coup was justified by voter fraud.

Rapper J Cole scores on Basketball Africa debut

Coach Alan Major says he is proud of US rapper J Cole as he makes his debut for Rwandan side Patriots in the Basketball Africa League.

MTV Movie & TV Awards 2021: WandaVision wins big

The Disney+ Marvel hit collected four awards including best show at the in-person Hollywood event.

Chile constitution: Sweeping changes possible as independents win

The right-wing government fails to win a third of the seats and will struggle to stop major changes.

Israeli air strikes bombard Gaza Strip

Israeli aircraft carried out dozens more air strikes on Gaza as fighting enters its second week.

Train derails and explodes into flames

The freight train was carrying highly flammable fertiliser and nearby residents have been evacuated.

Belgian ambassador's wife claims diplomatic immunity over Seoul slap

The wife of Belgium's ambassador to South Korea is seen slapping a shop worker in CCTV footage.

Australia crocodile: Skull identified as part of new extinct species

An eight-million-year-old skull found in 2009 is now believed part of an undiscovered reptile.

Thailand: Record number of Covid cases as prison clusters grow

The country last week admitted there were growing virus clusters in two jails outside Bangkok.

Long working hours killing 745,000 people a year, study finds

The World Health Organization says the trend may worsen due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cyclone Tauktae: Covid-battered India braces for storm

Cyclone Tauktae is believed to be the strongest storm to hit the western state of Gujarat since 1988.

Women's Champions League final: Chelsea 0-4 Barcelona

Chelsea concede four goals in the first 36 minutes as Barcelona blow them away to win the Women's Champions League final.

US general reflects on Afghanistan departure

General Scott Miller tells the BBC support to Afghan forces will continue ahead of the Nato pull-out.

AT&T nearing $150bn Discovery streaming merger: Reports

A deal could see Harry Potter-maker Warner Bros. and Discovery's lifestyle channels under the same owner.

IPL: Australian cricketers caught by India ban fly home

It comes as the government faces fresh criticism for failing to support Australians stranded in India.

Israel Gaza conflict: Gazan officials say Sunday was 'deadliest day'

Gazan officials say 42 were killed, as the UN head calls for an end to "utterly appalling" violence.

India's Covid crisis hits Covax vaccine-sharing scheme

The largest single supplier to the international Covax scheme has made no shipments since March.

'We gave Venezuelan migrants a licence to dream'

Colombia granted Venezuelan migrants legal status, now it wants other countries to follow suit.

Eurovision winner Salvador Sobral says contest is history for him

Eurovision's highest-scoring winner Salvador Sobral says he now has to go his own way and set new goals.

The cost of calling out a 'rape joke'

One Malaysian teenager has braved a backlash for her principled stand.

Houston tiger: Animal missing for a week located

Viral footage posted last week showed the animal roaming around a Houston neighbourhood.

Israel Gaza conflict: Homes and buildings destroyed in Sderot and Gaza City

Rocket attacks on Israel and air strikes on Gaza have continued, turning homes on both sides to rubble.

Cyber-crime: Irish health system targeted twice by hackers

Department of Health confirms its IT systems was hit by a ransomware attack last Thursday.

Two killed as seats collapse at synagogue in West Bank

The structure at a partially built synagogue near Jerusalem had been packed for a religious festival.

Israeli PM Netanyahu defends Gaza press building bombing

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says destroying a high-rise block in Gaza on Saturday was justified.

Covid: Taiwan orders toughest curbs amid infections spike

Cinemas and entertainment venues are shutting down, and limits on public gatherings are tightened.

John Kerry: US climate envoy criticised for optimism on clean tech

John Kerry told the BBC technologies that don't yet exist will play a huge role in stabilising the climate.

Myanmar military take rebel town of Mindat, Chinland

Anti-military activists in the town armed themselves following protests against the February coup.

John Kerry: 50% carbon emission cuts to come from technology 'we don't yet have'

The US climate envoy says half of reductions to reach net zero will come from technology "we don't yet have".

Driving Japan's first bullet trains

The world's fastest ever train was launched in Japan in 1964.

ICYMI: DJ set in the clouds and Harry Potter in NYC

Here's some news from this week that you might have missed.

No alternative to vaccine passports, says Dubai airport boss

Dubai is the world's busiest airport and its boss says vaccine passports will get us flying again.

The mid-air walkways saving endangered animals

Conservationists have built an ingenious system to help the endangered Javan slow loris.

Torlonia marbles: 'The priceless statues I saw covered in dust and dirt'

For years a priceless sculpture collection lay hidden behind a door on the staircase leading to David Willey's flat.

Israel-Gaza: What the law says about the fighting

Are Hamas and Israel acting within international law?

Covid economy: What economists got right (and wrong)

A year ago, the US economy tanked. Will it return to normal once the pandemic is over?

Africa's lost languages: How English can fuel an identity crisis

The far-reaching repercussions of African students forgetting their mother tongues.

Israel-Palestinian conflict: False and misleading claims fact-checked

We examine false and misleading claims from both sides that have been shared widely on social media.

How do you convince people to have babies?

As China and the US look set to shrink in population, what can they do to encourage people to procreate?

India Covid-19: The 'tuk-tuk ambulance' helping patients

A tuk-tuk driver in India's capital, Delhi, is running a free ambulance service for Covid patients.

Ben Kielesinski: The man who took the world on an adventure

Throughout Covid Ben Kielesinski has taken his TikTok followers on trips around Vancouver.

Biloela family: Locked up by Australia for three years

Two young girls and their asylum seeker parents remain in detention despite years of campaigning.

Hvaldimir: Seeking sanctuary for whale dubbed a Russian spy

A campaign to protect a mysterious beluga whale near Norway is gathering pace - but will it work?

Israel Gaza conflict: Biden calls leaders amid escalating violence

The US president makes diplomatic calls after a sixth day of violence in the region.

Leading conservatives Raisi and Larijani enter Iran presidential race

Judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi and ex-parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani register for the June vote.

How Israel's Iron Dome missile shield works

The Israeli military says the Iron Dome is intercepting about 90% of the rockets fired from Gaza.

Hong Kong's Ray Cordeiro, 'world's most durable DJ', retires at 96

"Well that's it," says Ray Cordeiro in his final radio show, after more than 70 years in broadcasting.

Gaza tower containing media offices collapses after Israeli strike

A warning was given before the tower block, which housed news outlets, was destroyed.

Cranes: Flying giant returning to Ireland after 300 years

A pair of cranes are nesting on a rewetted peat bog in the Republic of Ireland's midlands.

DR Congo Eid violence: Court hands down death sentences

Rival Muslim groups clashed over who should lead end-of-Ramadan celebrations, killing one policeman.

Eurovision 2021: Tusse - from child refugee to Swedish pop star

"It's a huge honour for me... It's like the biggest thank you I can give," says Sweden's act Tusse.

Covid: First Australian repatriation flight from India lands in Darwin

Many of the intended passengers on the repatriation flight were barred after positive Covid tests.

China Zhurong rover: Spacecraft successfully lands on Mars

An animation shows how the six-wheeled Zhurong rover touched down on the Red Planet.

Israel Gaza violence: US envoy arrives for de-escalation talks

Appeals to Israeli and Palestinian leaders for calm have so far failed to produce a ceasefire agreement.

Biden revokes Trump order to punish statue vandals

Also scrapped is a Trump plan for a sculpture garden to US heroes, such as Whitney Houston.

Israeli-Palestinian conflict gives Biden foreign policy headache

The US president and his aides wish to avoid being drawn into this graveyard of US-led peace initiatives.

China lands its Zhurong rover on Mars

The six-wheeled robot has made the hazardous descent to the surface of the Red Planet, China announces.

White House vows probe into migrant children kept on buses

In at least one case a child was kept on a coach for four days, waiting to join his family.

Tokyo Olympics: Why doesn't Japan cancel the Games?

Current polls in Japan show nearly 70% of the population do not want the Olympics to go ahead.

TikTok: How Israeli-Palestinian conflict plays out on social media

As fighting escalates, the social network has become a platform for airing grievances.

Lourdes: Pilgrims flock to French sanctuary online in their millions

With travel limited, millions are joining e-pilgrimages to a cave famed for its miraculous healings.

Chile indigenous: Time to make our voices heard

Members of indigenous groups in Chile will be represented in the constitutional convention.

Covid: Delay child vaccinations and share jabs with Covax, says WHO

Wealthier nations should instead donate more vaccines to low-income countries, the health body says.

Elise Stefanik: Trump loyalist wins Republican leadership post

Elise Stefanik's win is seen as a sign that former President Trump's grip on the party remains strong.

Black Brazilians protest against racism and police violence

Thousands protest against racism and police violence, a week after a deadly raid in a slum in Rio.

Holocaust: Synagogue opens at Nazi massacre site in Ukraine

The building is part of a new memorial at Babyn Yar, a site where nearly 34,000 Jews were murdered.

Eid in Senegal: Pictures of Dakar's Korité fashion

Men and women often get new clothes specially made for Korité - the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Covid: Greece ends lockdown measures and opens to tourists

Flights arrive in Greece as restrictions on movement are lifted, but infections are still quite high.

Covid cases mean Australia repatriation flight from India not full

Dozens of citizens are understood to have tested positive ahead of the first flight home from Delhi.

Kenya's BBI blocked in scathing court verdict for President Kenyatta

President Kenyatta's plan to change the constitution is blocked after the court said it was illegal.

Lottery jackpot 'winner' says she destroyed $26m ticket in laundry wash

A woman who claims she bought the winning California Lottery ticket says she put it in the laundry.

Irish health service hit by cyber attack

The Health Service Executive in Ireland temporarily shuts down its IT system after a "significant ransomware attack".

Is Bitcoin bad for the environment?

The BBC's Ros Atkins looks into Bitcoin's affect on the environment after Tesla suspended vehicle purchases using Bitcoin due to climate change concerns.

US fuel pipeline 'paid hackers $5m in ransom'

Reports say Colonial Pipeline paid cyber-criminal gang DarkSide a ransom to prevent a data leak.

Lebanon: Karpowership shuts down electricity supply

Turkish firm Karpowership shuts down its generators over a lack of payment and a legal dispute.

Israel-Gaza violence: Rockets and shelling continue

Israel continues bombardment of Gaza in response to more rocket attacks from the Hamas-run enclave.

Israel intensifies attacks in Gaza as conflict enters fifth day

More than 100 people have been killed in Gaza and seven have died in Israel since Monday.

Marjorie Taylor Greene accused of 'verbal assault' on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene reportedly shouted at the Democrat in a Capitol Hill corridor

Paris seeks to ban through traffic in city centre by 2022

The council wants to create a low-traffic zone to reduce pollution and congestion.

Israel-Gaza: Conflict stalls Arab-Israeli rapprochement

The violent flare-up comes months after some Arab nations normalised relations with Israel.

'We cannot sleep': Mothers caught in the Israel-Gaza conflict

Mothers in Israel and Gaza tell the BBC they are terrified for their families as fighting escalates.

How India's vaccine drive went horribly wrong

A botched-up plan for procuring jabs has dried up stocks and sent prices soaring on the private market.

Jeff Bezos and the secretive world of superyachts

The world's richest man will reportedly set sail next month on one of the largest superyachts ever built.

'I have no food': What it's like to live inside Cambodia's Covid red zone

An estimated 120,000 people live in red zones in Phnom Penh, where they say food and help, is scarce.

Colombia protesters: 'We're not scared anymore'

Protests in Colombia are in their third week with demonstrators saying they plan to carry on.

Israel-Gaza: BBC reporters' reaction on the ground

Violence in Gaza and Israel shows no sign of abating amid rocket fire, air strikes and civil unrest.

WE Charity: Trudeau cleared of ethics wrongdoing in political scandal

Mr Trudeau said the watchdog report had confirmed what he had 'said from the beginning'.

Russia picks team for film shot on International Space Station

An actress and director will blast off in October - but Tom Cruise also plans to visit the ISS.

Woman gives birth in Kyiv metro underpass

Police in Ukraine helped a woman who went into labour in a metro underpass in the capital Kyiv.

Kenya MP Moses Kuria admits taking $1,000 parliamentary bribe

Moses Kuria's claim has been denied but the politician says such inducements are commonplace.

Amazon set to hire 75,000 workers in US and Canada

The online retail giant is hiring extra staff to meet growing demand as the pandemic continues.

Film studio sorry for dubbing Laverne Cox's voice with a man

Laverne Cox's character in Oscar-winning film Promising Young Woman was dubbed by a man in Italy.

Alireza: Alleged killing of Iranian gay man sparks outcry

Ali Fazeli Monfared, known as Alireza, is said to have been murdered last week.

Israel-Gaza: Tensions high as violence continues

Israeli ground troops are massing on the border with Gaza after more violence.

Colombia protests: Shortages in Cali as demonstrations rumble on

With protesters blockading key roads into Cali, residents are struggling to access essential items.

Eid 2021: Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan

Millions of worshippers are celebrating Eid al-Fitr, one of the biggest events in the Muslim calendar.

Pierre-Charles Boudot: Top French jockey under investigation for rape

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Pierre-Charles Boudot has denied assaulting a woman in February.

Israel-Gaza: Deaths mount as Israel-Gaza violence worsens

Civilians tell of their terror as rocket fire and airstrikes rain down in Gaza and Israel.

Elisabetta Belloni: Italy appoints first female spy chief

"Woman of courage" Elisabetta Belloni is appointed head of Italy's secret services.

Chrissy Teigen sorry for bullying Courtney Stodden on Twitter

TV personality Courtney Stodden accepts her apology but questions its sincerity.

Champions League final moved to Porto and 12,000 Chelsea and Manchester City fans can attend

The Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester City on 29 May is switched to Portugal from Turkey.

Ellen DeGeneres reveals why she is ending her talk show

She tells viewers "my instinct told me it's time", but doesn't directly address the recent scandal.

Israel: Jewish and Arab mobs spread violence

A Jewish mob assaults a man live on TV while Israeli Arabs attack a Jewish driver in Acre.

Chinese county bans birthday parties in bid to be frugal

The rules only apply to all communist party members, civil servants and village organisation leaders.

Sydney casinos to ban cash after money laundering scandal

It comes after an inquiry found evidence of criminal activity and money laundering at Australian casinos.

Tesla will no longer accept bitcoin over climate concerns, says Musk

The initial decision made by Tesla in March to accept bitcoin caused an outcry from environmentalists.

Covid vaccine: Ohio lottery offers residents shot at $1m

The US state's governor tries to boost flagging demand for jabs with government-funded cash prizes.

'Cocaine of the sea' threatens critically endangered vaquita

The vaquita marina in Mexico is threatened by a clash of interests between fishing and conservation.

Liz Cheney: Republican ousted from leadership for challenging Trump election claims

After being removed, Liz Cheney said she would continue to speak out against former President Trump.

Israel-Gaza: Israeli Arabs clash with police in towns across Israel

Unrest grows in Israel as the conflict between Palestinian militants in Gaza and the Israeli military escalates.

Lod: Why an Israeli town's mayor is warning of civil war

Israel has declared a state of emergency in Lod, after riots in the mixed Arab-Jewish town.

Covid: Report finds serious failures in WHO and global response

An independent review calls the international response to the pandemic a "toxic cocktail".

Cameroon jails transgender women for 'attempted homosexuality'

The two, one of whom is trans celebrity Shakiro, were found guilty of "attempting homosexuality".

Norman Lloyd: Tributes paid to Hitchcock and St Elsewhere actor following his death at 106

He worked with Hitchcock, played tennis with Chaplin and made his final film with Judd Apatow.

Air France crash: Trial ordered for Airbus and airline over 2009 disaster

The Paris court ruling comes 12 years after flight AF447 crashed into the Atlantic killing 228 people.

Spooky 'Finding Nemo' fish washes up on California beach

Anglerfish, which are known to lurk deep down on the seabed, very rarely wash up on land.

Israel-Gaza: Fears of war as violence escalates

The barrage of Palestinian militant rockets and Israeli air strikes grows, in the worst violence in years.

Taliban capture Afghan district ahead of Eid ceasefire

The Taliban have stepped up attacks on government forces, with US troops set to withdraw.

Israel-Gaza: How locals are reacting to the latest violence

Locals in Israel and Gaza terrified amid the worst flare-up in the conflict for years.

How did a cyber-attack lead to long queues for petrol in the US?

How did a cyber attack lead to a shortage of petrol in the US?

Hong Kong: Top cop caught in unlicensed massage parlour raid

The officer involved is allegedly the director of Hong Kong's National Security Department.

Israel declares emergency in Lod as unrest spreads

Riots sweep Lod as unrest grows after days of fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants.

Liz Cheney faces vote to remove her from Republican leadership

In an impassioned speech on the eve of the vote, Ms Cheney trained her fire again on "liar" Mr Trump.

Biodiversity: Throwing money at schemes ineffective - charity

Many internationally funded conservation schemes are underfunded and ineffective, researchers conclude.

Colorado gunman killed six at party 'as he was not invited'

The man who shot his girlfriend and five relatives at a birthday celebration had "control issues".

How Italy's healthcare staff survived the pandemic

Nurses in Italy have been instrumental in helping to fight Covid-19 - but it's taken a heavy toll.

President Biden's claims on the US economy fact-checked

The president is hailing his economic progress since he came to office. We look at some of his claims.

Budget: Australia tries to win back women with childcare boost

The government's new budget targets women's health and childcare, but critics say more reform is needed.

What are Eid and Ramadan and when are they?

Ramadan is one of the most important events in the Islamic calendar, but it's been affected by lockdown.

As India halts vaccine exports, Nepal faces its own Covid crisis

The landlocked country, which relies on India for medical supplies, is seeing a dramatic rise in cases.

The Zimbabwe bill that could outlaw 'unpatriotic acts'

Activists fear the proposed measure could limit the freedom to criticise the government.

Australian boy, 13, crushed by bin lorry after sleeping in bin

The teenager and two younger children were sleeping in the industrial bin in Port Lincoln.

Russia school shooting: Children escape out of windows as eight killed in attack

Children and a teacher have been killed in a shooting at a school in Kazan, Russia, officials say.

Vesuvius ancient eruption rescuer identified at Herculaneum, says expert

A body found at Herculaneum may have been part of Pliny the Elder's team sent to rescue residents.

Israel-Palestinians: Old grievances fuel new fighting

Failure to tackle deep-seated issues meant fresh violence between the two sides was a matter of time.

Bob Marley: 40th anniversary of the music pioneer's death

The reggae music legend died of cancer in 1981 aged just 36.

Brazil Amazon: Deadly shootout as illegal miners enter indigenous land

Violence in Brazil's Amazon is increasing, with tens of thousands of illegal miners in protected areas.

Rapper J Cole to play in Basketball Africa League

US rapper J Cole is set to sign for a Rwandan club ahead of the inaugural Basketball Africa League.

Houston suspect arrested as pet tiger remains on the loose

A murder suspect is in custody but his pet tiger is still roaming the streets of a Houston suburb.

Escape tunnel found at Australian detention centre

A refugee group claims the tunnel was close to breaching the site's outer perimeter.

Eleven dead in shooting at Russian school

Children and a teacher have been killed in a shooting in the Russian city of Kazan, officials say.

Forests the size of France regrown since 2000, study suggests

Conservation groups say naturally restored forests can help in the fight against climate change.

WHO says India Covid variant of 'global concern'

The WHO says the B.1.617 mutation spreads more easily than other variants and requires further study.

Myanmar: Journalists who fled coup face Thailand deportation

Five journalists and activists who fled Myanmar's violence are on trial for illegally entering Thailand.

Ahmaud Arbery: US state of Georgia abolishes citizen's arrest law

Georgia becomes the first US state to make the move, which was spurred by a black man's shooting.

China: Census reveals slowest population growth in decades

The results add pressure on Beijing to boost measures for couples to have more babies.

Strait of Hormuz: US fires warning shots at Iranian boats in Gulf

The Pentagon accuses Iranian boats of acting "aggressively" near US vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Biden denies benefits are holding back job-seekers

The US president rejects claims that unemployed Americans have less of an incentive to find work.

Pakistan prepares for Eid, rattled by India's second wave

As its neighbour succumbs to a devastating Covid crisis, fears rise in Pakistan in the run up to Eid.

Biloela family: Locked up by Australia for three years

Two young girls and their asylum seeker parents remain in detention despite years of campaigning.

Love Has Won: Family's grief at death of mummified cult leader

Police in Colorado say the body of Amy Carlson was mishandled, leaving her family appalled.

The volunteers using 'honeypot' groups to fight anti-vax propaganda

Volunteers are busting anti-vaccine conspiracy theories with decoy Facebook groups.

Covid: DR Congo in race against time to vaccinate people

In one of Africa's largest countries, people worry more about security and other diseases than Covid-19.

Jerusalem violence: Deadly Israeli air strikes after Gaza rocket attacks

Tensions between Israel and the Palestinians heighten after spiralling in recent days.

NBC refuses to air Golden Globes over lack of diversity

NBC, which has aired the Hollywood awards ceremony since 1996, said it wants to see "meaningful reform".

Nasa craft carrying 4.5bn-year-old asteroid dust begins long trek home

Scientists believe the dust sample may provide clues on the formation of the Solar System.

Agent Orange: French court rejects lawsuit against chemical companies

The case sought damages from firms that produced the notorious defoliant used in the Vietnam War.

Colonial hack: How did cyber-attackers shut off pipeline?

Attacks on critical national infrastructure are an increasing concern, experts say.

India Covid: Dozens of bodies wash up on banks of Ganges river

It is not clear where the bodies came from, but local media suggest they may be Covid-19 victims.

Michel Fourniret: French serial killer dies aged 79

Dubbed the Ogre of the Ardennes, Fourniret killed at least eight girls or young women.

Iraqi TV journalist shot day after anti-government activist's killing

TV reporter Ahmed Hassan and protest leader Ihab al-Wazni were targeted by unidentified gunmen.

China: Man left dangling from bridge after glass breaks

The tourist was given counselling following his ordeal in a mountainous part of north-eastern China.

German priests defy Vatican to bless gay couples

The Love Wins movement emerged after the Catholic Church said in March that God "cannot bless sin".

Why Colombia's protests are unlikely to fizzle out

The government has agreed to hold talks with protest leaders but divisions run deep.

Ethiopian former UN peacekeepers seek asylum in Sudan

More than 100 people apply for asylum, as concern mounts over the conflict in Tigray.

Russian top doctor who treated Navalny emerges from forest

The ex-hospital chief whose team treated Putin critic Alexei Navalny went missing, but is safe now.

Everest: China to set up 'separation line' at summit

A team of mountaineers will mark a line between the Nepal and Chinese side to stop climbers mixing.

French soldiers warn of civil war in new letter

Members of the military accuse the French government of granting concessions to Islamism.

Wael al-Saad Tawadros: Coptic monk hung over bishop's murder in Egypt

A Christian monk is hanged for killing the head of desert monastery in 2018.

Vancouver shooting: Man killed in gang-related violence at airport

A man is shot dead outside the international airport in what police say is gang-related violence.

China: Search for leopard missing more than a week

A safari park is facing criticism for taking a week to tell locals about the missing leopard.