Tonga tsunami: Runway ash hampers relief efforts as scale of damage emerges
Ash cloaking a runway has hampered relief efforts to Tonga, as the scale of the damage from a volcanic eruption and a tsunami becomes clear.
New Zealand is trying to send clean drinking water and other supplies but planes cannot land at the main airport.
Some of Tonga's small outlying islands have suffered substantial damage, aid agencies say.
Two people have been reported dead, but with communications limited there are fears the true toll could be higher.
An underwater volcano erupted on Saturday, showering Tonga with ash and triggering a tsunami.
Ash cloaking a runway has hampered relief efforts to Tonga, as the scale of the damage from a volcanic eruption and a tsunami becomes clear.
New Zealand is trying to send clean drinking water and other supplies but planes cannot land at the main airport.
Some of Tonga's small outlying islands have suffered substantial damage, aid agencies say.
Two people have been reported dead, but with communications limited there are fears the true toll could be higher.
An underwater volcano erupted on Saturday, showering Tonga with ash and triggering a tsunami.
Microsoft plans to buy Activision Blizzard for nearly $70bn
Microsoft says it plans to buy major games company Activision Blizzard in a deal worth $68.7bn (£50.57bn).
It would be the biggest acquisition in the company's history and is expected to be finalised in 2023.
The move means Microsoft will take ownership of gaming franchises like Call of Duty, Warcraft and Overwatch.
Microsoft claims it will help them grow their gaming business across mobile, PC and consoles along with providing building blocks for the metaverse.
This deal is the biggest in gaming history and comes a year after Microsoft bought another influential gaming company Bethesda for $7.5bn.
Microsoft says it plans to buy major games company Activision Blizzard in a deal worth $68.7bn (£50.57bn).
It would be the biggest acquisition in the company's history and is expected to be finalised in 2023.
The move means Microsoft will take ownership of gaming franchises like Call of Duty, Warcraft and Overwatch.
Microsoft claims it will help them grow their gaming business across mobile, PC and consoles along with providing building blocks for the metaverse.
This deal is the biggest in gaming history and comes a year after Microsoft bought another influential gaming company Bethesda for $7.5bn.
Ukraine: Blinken flies to Europe amid Russia invasion fears
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Europe on Wednesday amid mounting fears that a Russian invasion of Ukraine could be imminent.
Mr Blinken will hold discussions with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, before meeting with his British, French and German counterparts in Berlin.
On Friday he will meet Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva.
Russia has repeatedly denied any plans to launch an attack on neighbouring Ukraine.
However on Tuesday senior US officials said that Moscow could launch an invasion at "any point".
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Europe on Wednesday amid mounting fears that a Russian invasion of Ukraine could be imminent.
Mr Blinken will hold discussions with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, before meeting with his British, French and German counterparts in Berlin.
On Friday he will meet Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva.
Russia has repeatedly denied any plans to launch an attack on neighbouring Ukraine.
However on Tuesday senior US officials said that Moscow could launch an invasion at "any point".
Ukraine tension: Biden says he thinks Putin will 'move in'
US President Joe Biden has said he thinks his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will "move in" on Ukraine but does not want "full-blown war".
He told a news conference Mr Putin would pay a "serious and dear price" for invading, but indicated a minor incursion might be treated differently.
The White House later stressed any Russian military move would be met with a swift, severe response from the West.
Russia has some 100,000 troops near the border but denies planning an invasion.
US President Joe Biden has said he thinks his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will "move in" on Ukraine but does not want "full-blown war".
He told a news conference Mr Putin would pay a "serious and dear price" for invading, but indicated a minor incursion might be treated differently.
The White House later stressed any Russian military move would be met with a swift, severe response from the West.
Russia has some 100,000 troops near the border but denies planning an invasion.
Apple AirTags - 'A perfect tool for stalking'
It had just turned 3pm when she got home on 27 December. She received a notification on her phone.
"My phone made a ding that I'd never heard before", she says.
The notification told her that an unknown device had been following her movements.
She rang the police, who told her they didn't know what to do. She has yet to find the device, which she believes is somewhere in her car. She says Apple Support was able to confirm it was an AirTag. "I watch my surroundings very closely now," she says.
The button-sized devices are designed to work with Apple's 'Find My' network to locate lost items. But there have been multiple reports in the US of the devices being used to track people.
It had just turned 3pm when she got home on 27 December. She received a notification on her phone.
"My phone made a ding that I'd never heard before", she says.
The notification told her that an unknown device had been following her movements.
She rang the police, who told her they didn't know what to do. She has yet to find the device, which she believes is somewhere in her car. She says Apple Support was able to confirm it was an AirTag. "I watch my surroundings very closely now," she says.
The button-sized devices are designed to work with Apple's 'Find My' network to locate lost items. But there have been multiple reports in the US of the devices being used to track people.
Coronavirus: Austrian parliament approves mandatory vaccination order
Austria has moved closer to introducing a compulsory vaccination order after parliament's lower house voted in favour of new government proposals.
The law, which is due to come into effect on 1 February, would make Austria the first European country to introduce a mandatory jab.
From mid-March the law will see adults unvaccinated against Covid-19 subjected to fines of up to €3,600 (£2,994).
So far, 72% of Austrians have been fully vaccinated against the virus.
Austria has moved closer to introducing a compulsory vaccination order after parliament's lower house voted in favour of new government proposals.
The law, which is due to come into effect on 1 February, would make Austria the first European country to introduce a mandatory jab.
From mid-March the law will see adults unvaccinated against Covid-19 subjected to fines of up to €3,600 (£2,994).
So far, 72% of Austrians have been fully vaccinated against the virus.
UN condemns deadly air strike on Yemen prison
The UN has condemned an air strike on a Yemen detention centre that has killed more than 70 people.
The facility in Saada, a stronghold of the rebel Houthi movement in north-western Yemen, was hit on Friday.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a statement that the "escalation needs to stop".
In a statement on Saturday, the Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels in the country denied it had carried out the air strike.
The UN has condemned an air strike on a Yemen detention centre that has killed more than 70 people.
The facility in Saada, a stronghold of the rebel Houthi movement in north-western Yemen, was hit on Friday.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a statement that the "escalation needs to stop".
In a statement on Saturday, the Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels in the country denied it had carried out the air strike.
Netflix faces rocky road after pandemic wins
The number of Netflix subscribers grew to 222 million last year, but the streaming firm is facing a rocky road ahead as the surge of interest it saw during the pandemic fades.
Overall, Netflix added 18.2 million members last year - roughly half the number who subscribed in 2020.
Investors had hoped that pace would start to pick up again.
But the firm's 2022 forecast brought bad news, sending shares down almost 20% in after-hours trade.
The firm said it expected to add just 2.5 million members in the three months to March - far lower than analysts had expected.
The number of Netflix subscribers grew to 222 million last year, but the streaming firm is facing a rocky road ahead as the surge of interest it saw during the pandemic fades.
Overall, Netflix added 18.2 million members last year - roughly half the number who subscribed in 2020.
Investors had hoped that pace would start to pick up again.
But the firm's 2022 forecast brought bad news, sending shares down almost 20% in after-hours trade.
The firm said it expected to add just 2.5 million members in the three months to March - far lower than analysts had expected.
Russia-Ukraine tensions: UK warns of plot to install pro-Moscow ally
The UK has accused President Putin of plotting to install a pro-Moscow figure to lead Ukraine's government.
The Foreign Office took the unusual step of naming former Ukrainian MP Yevhen Murayev as a potential Kremlin candidate.
Russia has moved 100,000 troops near to its border with Ukraine but denies it is planning an invasion.
UK ministers have warned that the Russian government will face serious consequences if there is an incursion.
In a statement, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: "The information being released today shines a light on the extent of Russian activity designed to subvert Ukraine, and is an insight into Kremlin thinking.
The UK has accused President Putin of plotting to install a pro-Moscow figure to lead Ukraine's government.
The Foreign Office took the unusual step of naming former Ukrainian MP Yevhen Murayev as a potential Kremlin candidate.
Russia has moved 100,000 troops near to its border with Ukraine but denies it is planning an invasion.
UK ministers have warned that the Russian government will face serious consequences if there is an incursion.
In a statement, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: "The information being released today shines a light on the extent of Russian activity designed to subvert Ukraine, and is an insight into Kremlin thinking.
Ukraine: US orders families of embassy staff to leave
The US has ordered the relatives of its embassy staff in Ukraine to leave amid rising tension in the region.
The State Department has also given permission for non-essential staff to leave and urged US citizens in Ukraine to consider departing.
In a statement, it said there were reports that Russia is planning significant military action against Ukraine.
Russia has denied claims that it is planning to invade Ukraine.
The US has ordered the relatives of its embassy staff in Ukraine to leave amid rising tension in the region.
The State Department has also given permission for non-essential staff to leave and urged US citizens in Ukraine to consider departing.
In a statement, it said there were reports that Russia is planning significant military action against Ukraine.
Russia has denied claims that it is planning to invade Ukraine.
Ukraine: UK withdrawing some embassy staff from Kyiv
Britain has started withdrawing staff from its embassy in Ukraine, amid growing fears of a Russian invasion.
Officials say there have been no specific threats to British diplomats, but about half of the staff working in Kyiv will return to the UK.
The US has ordered relatives of its embassy staff to leave, saying an invasion could come "at any time".
Russia has denied plans for military action, but tens of thousands of troops have amassed on the border.
Britain has started withdrawing staff from its embassy in Ukraine, amid growing fears of a Russian invasion.
Officials say there have been no specific threats to British diplomats, but about half of the staff working in Kyiv will return to the UK.
The US has ordered relatives of its embassy staff to leave, saying an invasion could come "at any time".
Russia has denied plans for military action, but tens of thousands of troops have amassed on the border.
Taylor Swift calls out Damon Albarn over songwriting comments
Taylor Swift has criticised Damon Albarn, lead singer of Blur and later of Gorillaz, after he said that she doesn't write her own music.
Talking to the LA Times, Albarn replied to the interviewer calling Swift "an excellent songwriter" by stating "she doesn't write her own songs".
Swift responded on Twitter: "I was such a big fan of yours until I saw this."
"I write all of my own songs. Your hot take is completely false and so damaging."
Taylor Swift has criticised Damon Albarn, lead singer of Blur and later of Gorillaz, after he said that she doesn't write her own music.
Talking to the LA Times, Albarn replied to the interviewer calling Swift "an excellent songwriter" by stating "she doesn't write her own songs".
Swift responded on Twitter: "I was such a big fan of yours until I saw this."
"I write all of my own songs. Your hot take is completely false and so damaging."
Global chip shortage: US says firms' stocks have plunged
Manufacturers have seen their stocks of semiconductors plunge amid the global chip shortage, the US Department of Commerce has warned.
A survey of more than 150 firms found supplies had fallen from an average of 40 days' worth in 2019 to just five days in late 2021.
Sales of devices soared during the pandemic, leaving semiconductor makers struggling to keep up with demand.
The shortage has resulted in huge disruptions for major industries.
Manufacturers have seen their stocks of semiconductors plunge amid the global chip shortage, the US Department of Commerce has warned.
A survey of more than 150 firms found supplies had fallen from an average of 40 days' worth in 2019 to just five days in late 2021.
Sales of devices soared during the pandemic, leaving semiconductor makers struggling to keep up with demand.
The shortage has resulted in huge disruptions for major industries.
Ukraine crisis: US rejects Russian demand to bar Ukraine from Nato
The US has rejected Russia's demand to bar Ukraine from Nato, amid warnings Russia might invade its neighbour.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken was giving Russia a formal response to its demands to resolve the Ukraine crisis.
Mr Blinken gave no concessions but said that he was offering Russia "a serious diplomatic path forward, should Russia choose it".
A Russian minister said his country would study Mr Blinken's response, delivered in coordination with Nato.
The US has rejected Russia's demand to bar Ukraine from Nato, amid warnings Russia might invade its neighbour.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken was giving Russia a formal response to its demands to resolve the Ukraine crisis.
Mr Blinken gave no concessions but said that he was offering Russia "a serious diplomatic path forward, should Russia choose it".
A Russian minister said his country would study Mr Blinken's response, delivered in coordination with Nato.
Ukraine crisis: Biden warns Russia may invade next month
US President Joe Biden has warned there is a "distinct possibility" Russia might invade Ukraine next month, the White House says.
Russia meanwhile says it sees "little ground for optimism" in resolving the crisis after the US rejected Russia's main demands.
The build-up of tens of thousands of Russian troops on Ukraine's borders in recent weeks has stoked fears of an invasion.
Russia denies it is planning an attack.
US President Joe Biden has warned there is a "distinct possibility" Russia might invade Ukraine next month, the White House says.
Russia meanwhile says it sees "little ground for optimism" in resolving the crisis after the US rejected Russia's main demands.
The build-up of tens of thousands of Russian troops on Ukraine's borders in recent weeks has stoked fears of an invasion.
Russia denies it is planning an attack.
Crypto money laundering rises 30%, report finds
Criminals laundered $8.6bn (£6.4bn) of cryptocurrency in 2021, up by 30% from the previous year, a report by blockchain data company Chainalysis says.
It says police could strike a "huge blow" by targeting key services used to launder cryptocurrency by criminals.
The company previously estimated criminals received a record $14bn in cryptocurrencies in 2021.
The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) told the BBC law forces are responding.
Criminals laundered $8.6bn (£6.4bn) of cryptocurrency in 2021, up by 30% from the previous year, a report by blockchain data company Chainalysis says.
It says police could strike a "huge blow" by targeting key services used to launder cryptocurrency by criminals.
The company previously estimated criminals received a record $14bn in cryptocurrencies in 2021.
The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) told the BBC law forces are responding.
US East Coast hunkers down as 'bombogenesis' snowstorm hits
The US East Coast is hunkering down as a major blizzard hits the region for the first time in four years.
The storm is forecast to stretch from the Carolinas to Maine, packing hurricane-force winds in coastal parts. Five states have declared emergencies.
Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston, a city that is no stranger to snowfall, said the storm could be "historic".
More than two feet of snow could fall in New England. Weather officials also warn of flooding near the coast.
The US East Coast is hunkering down as a major blizzard hits the region for the first time in four years.
The storm is forecast to stretch from the Carolinas to Maine, packing hurricane-force winds in coastal parts. Five states have declared emergencies.
Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston, a city that is no stranger to snowfall, said the storm could be "historic".
More than two feet of snow could fall in New England. Weather officials also warn of flooding near the coast.
Ten people injured in Pittsburgh bridge collapse
A bridge in the US city of Pittsburgh has collapsed with six vehicles, including a bus, on it at the time.
Officials said 10 people sustained minor injuries, three of whom were taken to hospital.
The snow-covered Forbes Avenue Bridge gave way on Friday morning, sometime after 06:00 local time (11:00 GMT).
The collapse happened just hours before President Joe Biden visited the area to talk about infrastructure.
A bridge in the US city of Pittsburgh has collapsed with six vehicles, including a bus, on it at the time.
Officials said 10 people sustained minor injuries, three of whom were taken to hospital.
The snow-covered Forbes Avenue Bridge gave way on Friday morning, sometime after 06:00 local time (11:00 GMT).
The collapse happened just hours before President Joe Biden visited the area to talk about infrastructure.
North Korea missile tests: Biggest launch since 2017
North Korea has conducted what is thought to be its biggest missile launch since 2017.
The weapon was apparently an intermediate range missile which reached an altitude of 2,000km before coming down in the Sea of Japan.
Japan, South Korea and the US have all condemned the launch, the seventh test this month.
The UN prohibits North Korea from ballistic and nuclear weapons tests, and has imposed strict sanctions.
North Korea has conducted what is thought to be its biggest missile launch since 2017.
The weapon was apparently an intermediate range missile which reached an altitude of 2,000km before coming down in the Sea of Japan.
Japan, South Korea and the US have all condemned the launch, the seventh test this month.
The UN prohibits North Korea from ballistic and nuclear weapons tests, and has imposed strict sanctions.
Spotify: Streaming giant announces plans to clamp down on Covid misinformation
Spotify says that it is working to add advisory warnings to any podcast on its platform that discusses Covid-19.
CEO Daniel Ek said that the new warning will redirect users to a data hub of coronavirus facts.
The move follows criticism of its work with Joe Rogan, a US podcast host who has interviewed vaccine-sceptics.
The platform also published existing rules which bar the streaming giant's contributors from sharing false information that could cause harm.
Spotify says that it is working to add advisory warnings to any podcast on its platform that discusses Covid-19.
CEO Daniel Ek said that the new warning will redirect users to a data hub of coronavirus facts.
The move follows criticism of its work with Joe Rogan, a US podcast host who has interviewed vaccine-sceptics.
The platform also published existing rules which bar the streaming giant's contributors from sharing false information that could cause harm.
Epic backed by 35 US states in Apple legal rematch
ortnite-maker Epic Games has won support from 35 US states in its legal fight against Apple.
Epic had challenged in court the up-to-30% cut Apple takes from in-app purchases - but the judge found it had failed to prove its case.
The game-maker appealed against the decision, in September.
And last week, 35 state attorneys general, Microsoft and the Electronic Frontier Foundation campaign group filed briefs in support of that appeal.
ortnite-maker Epic Games has won support from 35 US states in its legal fight against Apple.
Epic had challenged in court the up-to-30% cut Apple takes from in-app purchases - but the judge found it had failed to prove its case.
The game-maker appealed against the decision, in September.
And last week, 35 state attorneys general, Microsoft and the Electronic Frontier Foundation campaign group filed briefs in support of that appeal.