Russia blockading Ukrainian grain is a 'real war crime' - EU
Russia's blockade of millions of tonnes of Ukrainian grain is a "real war crime", says EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
"It is inconceivable - one cannot imagine that millions of tonnes of wheat remain blocked in Ukraine while in the rest of the world people are suffering hunger," Mr Borrell said.
"We call on Russia to deblockade the [Ukrainian] ports."
EU foreign ministers are meeting to discuss the crisis.
Western countries have demanded Russia stop blockading Ukraine's Black Sea ports and allow vast stores of grain to reach world markets. read more
Russia's blockade of millions of tonnes of Ukrainian grain is a "real war crime", says EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
"It is inconceivable - one cannot imagine that millions of tonnes of wheat remain blocked in Ukraine while in the rest of the world people are suffering hunger," Mr Borrell said.
"We call on Russia to deblockade the [Ukrainian] ports."
EU foreign ministers are meeting to discuss the crisis.
Western countries have demanded Russia stop blockading Ukraine's Black Sea ports and allow vast stores of grain to reach world markets. read more
Assam: India floods destroy millions of homes and dreams
"There was water everywhere, but not a single drop to drink."
That is how Ronju Chowdhary described the scene outside her house on Saturday. She lives in Udiana, a remote village in the north-eastern Indian state of Assam, which has been hit by severe floods.
It had been raining incessantly, she remembers. The water rose so quickly that the streets were completely submerged within hours. When the water entered their home, she says the family huddled together in darkness trying to keep themselves safe.
Two days on, the family is still marooned in their house - now resembling a lonely island - amid a sea of water. read more
"There was water everywhere, but not a single drop to drink."
That is how Ronju Chowdhary described the scene outside her house on Saturday. She lives in Udiana, a remote village in the north-eastern Indian state of Assam, which has been hit by severe floods.
It had been raining incessantly, she remembers. The water rose so quickly that the streets were completely submerged within hours. When the water entered their home, she says the family huddled together in darkness trying to keep themselves safe.
Two days on, the family is still marooned in their house - now resembling a lonely island - amid a sea of water. read more
Afghan earthquake: 1,000 people killed and 1,500 wounded, official says
A powerful earthquake has killed one thousand people and left hundreds more injured in Afghanistan, a Taliban official has told the BBC.
Pictures show landslides and ruined mud-built homes in eastern Paktika province, where rescuers have been scrambling to treat the injured.
Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada said hundreds of houses were destroyed and the death toll was likely to rise.
It is the deadliest earthquake to strike Afghanistan in two decades.
The head of information for Paktika province, Mohammad Amin Hazifi, told the BBC that 1,000 people had died and 1,500 are injured. read more
A powerful earthquake has killed one thousand people and left hundreds more injured in Afghanistan, a Taliban official has told the BBC.
Pictures show landslides and ruined mud-built homes in eastern Paktika province, where rescuers have been scrambling to treat the injured.
Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada said hundreds of houses were destroyed and the death toll was likely to rise.
It is the deadliest earthquake to strike Afghanistan in two decades.
The head of information for Paktika province, Mohammad Amin Hazifi, told the BBC that 1,000 people had died and 1,500 are injured. read more
Afghanistan quake: Taliban appeal for international aid
The Taliban in Afghanistan have appealed for international support, as the country deals with the aftermath of a devastating 6.1 magnitude earthquake.
More than 1,000 people have been killed and at least 1,500 injured. Unknown numbers are buried in the rubble of ruined, often mud-built homes.
South eastern Paktika province has been worst-hit and the UN is scrambling to provide emergency shelter and food aid.
Rescue efforts are being hampered by heavy rain and lack of resources.
Survivors and rescuers have told the BBC of villages completely destroyed near the epicentre of the quake, of ruined roads and mobile phone towers - and of their fears that the death toll will rise further. read more
The Taliban in Afghanistan have appealed for international support, as the country deals with the aftermath of a devastating 6.1 magnitude earthquake.
More than 1,000 people have been killed and at least 1,500 injured. Unknown numbers are buried in the rubble of ruined, often mud-built homes.
South eastern Paktika province has been worst-hit and the UN is scrambling to provide emergency shelter and food aid.
Rescue efforts are being hampered by heavy rain and lack of resources.
Survivors and rescuers have told the BBC of villages completely destroyed near the epicentre of the quake, of ruined roads and mobile phone towers - and of their fears that the death toll will rise further. read more
Germany takes step closer to gas rationing
Germany has taken a step closer to gas rationing after a drop in supplies from Russia.
The country has triggered the "alarm" stage of an emergency gas plan to deal with shortages, Germany's economy ministry said.
It is the latest part of a standoff between the European Union and Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
German economy minister Robert Habeck said Russia was using gas "as a weapon" in response to EU sanctions.
"We must not fool ourselves. The cut in gas supplies is an economic attack on us by [Russian President Vladimir] Putin," Mr Habeck said, adding Germans would have to reduce consumption. read more
Germany has taken a step closer to gas rationing after a drop in supplies from Russia.
The country has triggered the "alarm" stage of an emergency gas plan to deal with shortages, Germany's economy ministry said.
It is the latest part of a standoff between the European Union and Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
German economy minister Robert Habeck said Russia was using gas "as a weapon" in response to EU sanctions.
"We must not fool ourselves. The cut in gas supplies is an economic attack on us by [Russian President Vladimir] Putin," Mr Habeck said, adding Germans would have to reduce consumption. read more
Roe v Wade: US Supreme Court ends constitutional right to abortion
Millions of women in the US will lose the constitutional right to abortion, after the Supreme Court overturned its 50-year-old Roe v Wade decision.
The judgement paves the way for individual states to ban the procedure.
Half are expected to introduce new restrictions or bans. Thirteen have already passed so-called trigger laws to automatically outlaw abortion.
President Joe Biden described it as "a tragic error" and urged states to enact laws to allow the procedure.
After the Supreme Court ruling, abortion access is expected to be cut off for about 36 million women of reproductive age, according to research from Planned Parenthood, a healthcare organisation that provides abortions. read more
Millions of women in the US will lose the constitutional right to abortion, after the Supreme Court overturned its 50-year-old Roe v Wade decision.
The judgement paves the way for individual states to ban the procedure.
Half are expected to introduce new restrictions or bans. Thirteen have already passed so-called trigger laws to automatically outlaw abortion.
President Joe Biden described it as "a tragic error" and urged states to enact laws to allow the procedure.
After the Supreme Court ruling, abortion access is expected to be cut off for about 36 million women of reproductive age, according to research from Planned Parenthood, a healthcare organisation that provides abortions. read more
Norway shooting: Man charged with terrorism after deadly Oslo attack
A 42-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder and terrorist acts after a shooting in the centre of Norway's capital, Oslo.
Two people were killed and 21 injured in the overnight attack on a busy nightlife district.
There was gunfire at about 01:00 local time (23:00 GMT) on Saturday, in three locations including a gay bar.
Shots were fired at the London Pub, a popular LGBTQ+ venue, and near the Herr Nilsen jazz club and a pub.
Oslo's annual Pride parade was due to be held on Saturday, but has been cancelled following police advice. read more
A 42-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder and terrorist acts after a shooting in the centre of Norway's capital, Oslo.
Two people were killed and 21 injured in the overnight attack on a busy nightlife district.
There was gunfire at about 01:00 local time (23:00 GMT) on Saturday, in three locations including a gay bar.
Shots were fired at the London Pub, a popular LGBTQ+ venue, and near the Herr Nilsen jazz club and a pub.
Oslo's annual Pride parade was due to be held on Saturday, but has been cancelled following police advice. read more
Ukraine war: Missiles hit targets across country as G7 rallies over Russia
Dozens of Russian missiles have struck targets across Ukraine, with the capital Kyiv enduring the heaviest barrage in months.
A Kyiv apartment block was destroyed, killing at least one and wounding six others including a seven-year-old girl.
Ukraine says 14 missiles were fired at the Kyiv region on Sunday, but the strikes extended far beyond the city.
Other areas included the central city of Cherkasy, where one person died, and the north-eastern Kharkiv region.
The strikes came as leaders of the G7 group of the world's richest nations began a three-day summit in Bavaria, southern Germany, with the war in Ukraine top of the agenda. They are expected to promise further military support for Kyiv and impose more sanctions on Moscow. read more
Dozens of Russian missiles have struck targets across Ukraine, with the capital Kyiv enduring the heaviest barrage in months.
A Kyiv apartment block was destroyed, killing at least one and wounding six others including a seven-year-old girl.
Ukraine says 14 missiles were fired at the Kyiv region on Sunday, but the strikes extended far beyond the city.
Other areas included the central city of Cherkasy, where one person died, and the north-eastern Kharkiv region.
The strikes came as leaders of the G7 group of the world's richest nations began a three-day summit in Bavaria, southern Germany, with the war in Ukraine top of the agenda. They are expected to promise further military support for Kyiv and impose more sanctions on Moscow. read more
Ukraine war: Zelensky to address G7 as Russian missiles hit cities
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to urge delivery of more heavy weapons when he addresses the G7 group of wealthy nations later.
It follows a barrage of Russian missile strikes on Kyiv and other areas over the weekend, which killed at least one.
In eastern Ukraine, Russia has taken full control of Severodonetsk and is targeting nearby Lysychansk.
On Sunday Mr Zelensky said delaying arms deliveries was "an invitation to Russia to strike again and again".
Speaking via his daily video address he also called for air defence systems and new sanctions on Russia. read more
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to urge delivery of more heavy weapons when he addresses the G7 group of wealthy nations later.
It follows a barrage of Russian missile strikes on Kyiv and other areas over the weekend, which killed at least one.
In eastern Ukraine, Russia has taken full control of Severodonetsk and is targeting nearby Lysychansk.
On Sunday Mr Zelensky said delaying arms deliveries was "an invitation to Russia to strike again and again".
Speaking via his daily video address he also called for air defence systems and new sanctions on Russia. read more
Russia in debt default as payment deadline passes
Russia is believed to have defaulted on its debt for the first time since 1998 after missing a key deadline.
Russia has the money to make a $100m payment, which was due on Sunday, but sanctions made it impossible to get the sum to international creditors.
The Kremlin had been determined to avoid the default, which is a major blow to the nation's prestige.
Russia's finance minister called the situation "a farce" and it is not expected to have short-term impact.
This is because Russia does not need to raise money internationally as it is reaping revenue from high-priced commodities such as oil, according to Chris Weafer, chief executive at Moscow-based consultancy Macro Advisory. read more
Russia is believed to have defaulted on its debt for the first time since 1998 after missing a key deadline.
Russia has the money to make a $100m payment, which was due on Sunday, but sanctions made it impossible to get the sum to international creditors.
The Kremlin had been determined to avoid the default, which is a major blow to the nation's prestige.
Russia's finance minister called the situation "a farce" and it is not expected to have short-term impact.
This is because Russia does not need to raise money internationally as it is reaping revenue from high-priced commodities such as oil, according to Chris Weafer, chief executive at Moscow-based consultancy Macro Advisory. read more
Texas migrant deaths: At least 46 found dead in abandoned lorry
At least 46 people, believed to be migrants, have been found dead in an abandoned lorry on the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas.
A fire official said 16 people including four children had also been taken to hospital.
The survivors were "hot to the touch" and suffering from heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
San Antonio, which is 250km (150 miles) from the US-Mexican border, is a major transit route for people smugglers.
Human traffickers often use lorries to transport undocumented migrants after meeting them in remote areas once they have managed to cross into the United States. read more
At least 46 people, believed to be migrants, have been found dead in an abandoned lorry on the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas.
A fire official said 16 people including four children had also been taken to hospital.
The survivors were "hot to the touch" and suffering from heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
San Antonio, which is 250km (150 miles) from the US-Mexican border, is a major transit route for people smugglers.
Human traffickers often use lorries to transport undocumented migrants after meeting them in remote areas once they have managed to cross into the United States. read more
Amtrak derailment: Three killed in Missouri after train hits truck
At least three people have been killed and dozens more are reported injured after a passenger train derailed after hitting a truck in Missouri.
About 243 passengers were on board the Los Angeles-Chicago train when it came off the tracks at a rail crossing near the town of Mendon.
Seven cars and two locomotives were derailed in the incident, which took place at 12:42 local time (17:52 GMT).
Emergency crews from the area have been dispatched to the scene.
In a statement, Amtrak - the US national rail operator - said that the "Southwest Chief" train travelling eastward from Los Angeles struck "a truck that was obstructing a public crossing" near Mendon, a town of approximately 160 people located 84 miles (135km) from Kansas City. Twelve crew members were also on board. read more
At least three people have been killed and dozens more are reported injured after a passenger train derailed after hitting a truck in Missouri.
About 243 passengers were on board the Los Angeles-Chicago train when it came off the tracks at a rail crossing near the town of Mendon.
Seven cars and two locomotives were derailed in the incident, which took place at 12:42 local time (17:52 GMT).
Emergency crews from the area have been dispatched to the scene.
In a statement, Amtrak - the US national rail operator - said that the "Southwest Chief" train travelling eastward from Los Angeles struck "a truck that was obstructing a public crossing" near Mendon, a town of approximately 160 people located 84 miles (135km) from Kansas City. Twelve crew members were also on board. read more
Jan 6 hearings: Ex-aide paints devastating picture of Trump
Up until now, the congressional committee investigating the 6 January attack on the Capitol was missing a key piece of the puzzle - the testimony of someone who could offer a first-hand account of the situation in the White House in the hours before and during the attack.
Cassidy Hutchinson, a former top aide to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, filled in the blanks. And she has painted a devastating picture, including an allegation, which Trump denies, that he tried to grab the steering wheel of the car he was travelling in and wrestled with a Secret Service officer in an attempt to divert his motorcade to the Capitol, where his supporters were gathering. read more
Up until now, the congressional committee investigating the 6 January attack on the Capitol was missing a key piece of the puzzle - the testimony of someone who could offer a first-hand account of the situation in the White House in the hours before and during the attack.
Cassidy Hutchinson, a former top aide to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, filled in the blanks. And she has painted a devastating picture, including an allegation, which Trump denies, that he tried to grab the steering wheel of the car he was travelling in and wrestled with a Secret Service officer in an attempt to divert his motorcade to the Capitol, where his supporters were gathering. read more
Russia invasion: Putin still wants to take most of Ukraine - US
Russian President Vladimir Putin still wants to capture most of Ukraine, US intelligence agencies believe.
Moscow's troops have been so weakened by combat, however, that US officials assess they are only capable of making slow territorial gains.
It means the war could last for a long time, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines says.
In March Moscow refocused its efforts on seizing Ukraine's Donbas area after failing to take Kyiv and other cities.
Mr Putin still has the same goals as the ones he held at the start of the conflict, the US's top intelligence officer Ms Haines said - to take most of Ukraine.
But, she says, Russia is unlikely to achieve that goal any time soon. read more
Russian President Vladimir Putin still wants to capture most of Ukraine, US intelligence agencies believe.
Moscow's troops have been so weakened by combat, however, that US officials assess they are only capable of making slow territorial gains.
It means the war could last for a long time, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines says.
In March Moscow refocused its efforts on seizing Ukraine's Donbas area after failing to take Kyiv and other cities.
Mr Putin still has the same goals as the ones he held at the start of the conflict, the US's top intelligence officer Ms Haines said - to take most of Ukraine.
But, she says, Russia is unlikely to achieve that goal any time soon. read more
China's President Xi arrives in Hong Kong for handover anniversary
Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Hong Kong to mark 25 years since the former British colony returned to Beijing's rule.
It is his first visit outside mainland China since the start of the pandemic nearly two-and-a-half years ago.
He said Hong Kong had "risen from the ashes" after a series of challenges.
China took control over the territory after pro-democracy protests in 2019-20 and has been accused by critics of crushing Hong Kong's freedoms.
Mr Xi, who travelled by high-speed train, was greeted at the station by pupils holding flowers and waving flags of China and Hong Kong. read more
Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Hong Kong to mark 25 years since the former British colony returned to Beijing's rule.
It is his first visit outside mainland China since the start of the pandemic nearly two-and-a-half years ago.
He said Hong Kong had "risen from the ashes" after a series of challenges.
China took control over the territory after pro-democracy protests in 2019-20 and has been accused by critics of crushing Hong Kong's freedoms.
Mr Xi, who travelled by high-speed train, was greeted at the station by pupils holding flowers and waving flags of China and Hong Kong. read more
Missing Cryptoqueen: FBI adds Ruja Ignatova to top ten most wanted
Ruja Ignatova, also known as the "missing Cryptoqueen", has been placed on the FBI's top ten most wanted list.
The Bulgarian woman is wanted for her alleged role in running a cryptocurrency scam known as OneCoin.
Federal investigators accuse the fugitive of using the scheme to defraud victims out of more than $4bn (£3.2bn).
She has been missing since 2017 - when US officials signed a warrant for her arrest and investigators began closing in on her.
Ms Ignatova is wanted for her role in running OneCoin, a self-described cryptocurrency that beginning in around 2014 offered buyers commission if they sold the currency on to more people. read more
Ruja Ignatova, also known as the "missing Cryptoqueen", has been placed on the FBI's top ten most wanted list.
The Bulgarian woman is wanted for her alleged role in running a cryptocurrency scam known as OneCoin.
Federal investigators accuse the fugitive of using the scheme to defraud victims out of more than $4bn (£3.2bn).
She has been missing since 2017 - when US officials signed a warrant for her arrest and investigators began closing in on her.
Ms Ignatova is wanted for her role in running OneCoin, a self-described cryptocurrency that beginning in around 2014 offered buyers commission if they sold the currency on to more people. read more
Hong Kong: Xi Jinping defends China's rule at handover anniversary
China's "one country two systems" model of ruling Hong Kong has worked in protecting the city and must continue long term, says Xi Jinping.
The Chinese leader mounted a stern defence of the political system in a speech in Hong Kong, following recent international criticism.
Hong Kong is marking 25 years since Britain returned the city to China.
It is under tight security as it hosts Mr Xi, who is on his first trip outside of the mainland in two years.
Under "one country two systems", Hong Kong is supposed to be governed in a way that gives it a high degree of autonomy and protects freedom of speech and assembly, and other rights not found in mainland China. read more
China's "one country two systems" model of ruling Hong Kong has worked in protecting the city and must continue long term, says Xi Jinping.
The Chinese leader mounted a stern defence of the political system in a speech in Hong Kong, following recent international criticism.
Hong Kong is marking 25 years since Britain returned the city to China.
It is under tight security as it hosts Mr Xi, who is on his first trip outside of the mainland in two years.
Under "one country two systems", Hong Kong is supposed to be governed in a way that gives it a high degree of autonomy and protects freedom of speech and assembly, and other rights not found in mainland China. read more
Roe v Wade: Women travelling for abortions will be protected - Biden
US president Joe Biden has said that women travelling for abortions will be protected by the federal government.
Millions of women in the US lost the constitutional right to abortion in June, after the Supreme Court overturned its 50-year-old Roe v Wade decision.
The judgement has paved the way for individual states to ban the procedure.
They have become local battlegrounds in the fight to overturn or uphold abortion services.
At the same time, Google says it is taking steps to remove data from users' location histories that could be used to prosecute people for visits to US abortion clinics. read more
US president Joe Biden has said that women travelling for abortions will be protected by the federal government.
Millions of women in the US lost the constitutional right to abortion in June, after the Supreme Court overturned its 50-year-old Roe v Wade decision.
The judgement has paved the way for individual states to ban the procedure.
They have become local battlegrounds in the fight to overturn or uphold abortion services.
At the same time, Google says it is taking steps to remove data from users' location histories that could be used to prosecute people for visits to US abortion clinics. read more
Hormozgan: Quake near southern Iran coast kills five
At least five people have been killed and more than 50 injured by a powerful earthquake and aftershocks in Iran's southern province of Hormozgan.
The quake struck at 02:00 local time on Saturday (21:30 GMT Friday) near the coast, 100km (60 miles) south-west of the provincial capital Bandar Abbas.
The victims died in magnitude-six quake, state media reported, though two aftershocks were equally strong.
A village, Sayeh Khosh, was flattened, local officials said.
"No-one was harmed in the next two severe quakes as people were already outside their homes," said Foad Moradzadeh, governor of Bandar Lengeh, a town near the epicentre. read more
At least five people have been killed and more than 50 injured by a powerful earthquake and aftershocks in Iran's southern province of Hormozgan.
The quake struck at 02:00 local time on Saturday (21:30 GMT Friday) near the coast, 100km (60 miles) south-west of the provincial capital Bandar Abbas.
The victims died in magnitude-six quake, state media reported, though two aftershocks were equally strong.
A village, Sayeh Khosh, was flattened, local officials said.
"No-one was harmed in the next two severe quakes as people were already outside their homes," said Foad Moradzadeh, governor of Bandar Lengeh, a town near the epicentre. read more
Taiwan: China attack not imminent, but US watching closely, says Gen Milley
A Chinese attack on Taiwan is not imminent, the top US general says, but the US is watching "very closely".
China is clearly developing the capability to attack at some point, but deciding to do so would be a political choice, Gen Mark Milley told the BBC.
China says Taiwan is a breakaway province that must be re-unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.
It has accused the US of supporting Taiwan's independence, and vowed to "resolutely crush" any such attempt.
There has been a marked escalation recently between China and the US - Taiwan's most powerful ally. read more
A Chinese attack on Taiwan is not imminent, the top US general says, but the US is watching "very closely".
China is clearly developing the capability to attack at some point, but deciding to do so would be a political choice, Gen Mark Milley told the BBC.
China says Taiwan is a breakaway province that must be re-unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.
It has accused the US of supporting Taiwan's independence, and vowed to "resolutely crush" any such attempt.
There has been a marked escalation recently between China and the US - Taiwan's most powerful ally. read more
Copenhagen shooting: Gunman kills three in Field's shopping mall
A gunman has killed three people and wounded others, three of them critically, at one of Denmark's biggest shopping malls, police say.
A 22-year-old man has been arrested and charged with the attack which sparked panic among shoppers at Field's mall in south Copenhagen.
Police chief Soeren Thomassen said the motive was unclear and he could not rule out an "act of terrorism".
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Denmark had suffered a cruel attack.
Sending condolences to those who had lost loved ones, she said she wanted to encourage Danes to stand together and support each other in this difficult time. read more
A gunman has killed three people and wounded others, three of them critically, at one of Denmark's biggest shopping malls, police say.
A 22-year-old man has been arrested and charged with the attack which sparked panic among shoppers at Field's mall in south Copenhagen.
Police chief Soeren Thomassen said the motive was unclear and he could not rule out an "act of terrorism".
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Denmark had suffered a cruel attack.
Sending condolences to those who had lost loved ones, she said she wanted to encourage Danes to stand together and support each other in this difficult time. read more