Starship: SpaceX tests the most powerful ever rocket system
Elon Musk's SpaceX company has performed a key test on its huge new rocket system, Starship.
Engineers conducted what's called a "static fire", simultaneously igniting 31 out of 33 of the engines at the base of the vehicle's lower-segment.
The firing lasted only a few seconds, with everything clamped in place to prevent any movement.
Starship will become the most powerful operational rocket system in history when it makes its maiden flight.
This could occur in the coming weeks, assuming SpaceX is satisfied with the outcome of Thursday's test.
The static fire took place at SpaceX's R&D facility in Boca Chica on the Texas/Mexico border. read more
Elon Musk's SpaceX company has performed a key test on its huge new rocket system, Starship.
Engineers conducted what's called a "static fire", simultaneously igniting 31 out of 33 of the engines at the base of the vehicle's lower-segment.
The firing lasted only a few seconds, with everything clamped in place to prevent any movement.
Starship will become the most powerful operational rocket system in history when it makes its maiden flight.
This could occur in the coming weeks, assuming SpaceX is satisfied with the outcome of Thursday's test.
The static fire took place at SpaceX's R&D facility in Boca Chica on the Texas/Mexico border. read more
High-altitude object shot down off Alaska, US says
US President Joe Biden ordered a fighter jet to shoot down an unidentified "high-altitude object" off Alaska on Friday, the White House says.
Spokesman John Kirby said the unmanned object was "the size of a small car" and posed a "reasonable threat" to civilian aviation.
The object's purpose and origin was unclear, Mr Kirby said.
It comes a week after the American military destroyed a Chinese balloon over US territorial waters.
Speaking at the White House on Friday, Mr Kirby said the debris field of the object shot down on Friday was "much, much smaller" than the balloon shot down last Saturday off the coast of South Carolina.
He said that the object was flying at 40,000ft (12,000m) over the northern coast of Alaska. read more
US President Joe Biden ordered a fighter jet to shoot down an unidentified "high-altitude object" off Alaska on Friday, the White House says.
Spokesman John Kirby said the unmanned object was "the size of a small car" and posed a "reasonable threat" to civilian aviation.
The object's purpose and origin was unclear, Mr Kirby said.
It comes a week after the American military destroyed a Chinese balloon over US territorial waters.
Speaking at the White House on Friday, Mr Kirby said the debris field of the object shot down on Friday was "much, much smaller" than the balloon shot down last Saturday off the coast of South Carolina.
He said that the object was flying at 40,000ft (12,000m) over the northern coast of Alaska. read more
Turkey earthquake failures leave Erdogan looking vulnerable
Turkey's most devastating earthquake since 1939 has raised big questions about whether such a large-scale tragedy could have been avoided and whether President Erdogan's government could have done more to save lives.
With elections on the horizon, his future is on the line after 20 years in power and his pleas for national unity have gone unheeded.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan has admitted shortcomings in the response, but he appeared to blame fate on a visit to one disaster zone: "Such things have always happened. It's part of destiny's plan." read more
Turkey's most devastating earthquake since 1939 has raised big questions about whether such a large-scale tragedy could have been avoided and whether President Erdogan's government could have done more to save lives.
With elections on the horizon, his future is on the line after 20 years in power and his pleas for national unity have gone unheeded.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan has admitted shortcomings in the response, but he appeared to blame fate on a visit to one disaster zone: "Such things have always happened. It's part of destiny's plan." read more
Quake-hit Turkey issues 113 building arrest warrants
Officials in Turkey say 113 arrest warrants have been issued in connection with the construction of buildings that collapsed in Monday's earthquake.
Turkish police have already taken at least 12 people into custody, including building contractors.
Meanwhile, unrest in southern Turkey has disrupted rescue efforts in some places.
The number of people confirmed to have died in Turkey and Syria has risen to more than 28,000.
More arrests are expected - but the action will be seen by many as an attempt to divert overall blame for the disaster. read more
Officials in Turkey say 113 arrest warrants have been issued in connection with the construction of buildings that collapsed in Monday's earthquake.
Turkish police have already taken at least 12 people into custody, including building contractors.
Meanwhile, unrest in southern Turkey has disrupted rescue efforts in some places.
The number of people confirmed to have died in Turkey and Syria has risen to more than 28,000.
More arrests are expected - but the action will be seen by many as an attempt to divert overall blame for the disaster. read more
No tents, no aid, nothing: Why Syrians feel forgotten
The tents are so close to the border wall between Syria and Turkey, they are almost touching it.
Those living here on the Syrian side may have been displaced by the country's more than decade-old civil war. But they could also be survivors of the earthquake. Catastrophes overlap in Syria.
The earthquake, untroubled by international borders, has brought havoc to both countries. But the international relief effort has been thwarted by checkpoints. In southern Turkey, thousands of rescue workers with heavy lifting gear, paramedics and sniffer dogs have jammed the streets, and are still working to find survivors. In this part of opposition-held north-west Syria, none of this is going on. read more
The tents are so close to the border wall between Syria and Turkey, they are almost touching it.
Those living here on the Syrian side may have been displaced by the country's more than decade-old civil war. But they could also be survivors of the earthquake. Catastrophes overlap in Syria.
The earthquake, untroubled by international borders, has brought havoc to both countries. But the international relief effort has been thwarted by checkpoints. In southern Turkey, thousands of rescue workers with heavy lifting gear, paramedics and sniffer dogs have jammed the streets, and are still working to find survivors. In this part of opposition-held north-west Syria, none of this is going on. read more
Chinese balloon sensors recovered from ocean, says US
The sensors from a suspected Chinese spy balloon shot down after crossing the US have been recovered from the Atlantic Ocean, the US military says.
Search crews found "significant debris from the site, including all of the priority sensor and electronics pieces identified", said US Northern Command.
The FBI is examining the items, which the US says were used to spy on sensitive military sites.
The US has shot down three more objects since the first one on 4 February.
"Large sections of the structure" were also recovered on Monday off the coast of South Carolina, military officials say. read more
The sensors from a suspected Chinese spy balloon shot down after crossing the US have been recovered from the Atlantic Ocean, the US military says.
Search crews found "significant debris from the site, including all of the priority sensor and electronics pieces identified", said US Northern Command.
The FBI is examining the items, which the US says were used to spy on sensitive military sites.
The US has shot down three more objects since the first one on 4 February.
"Large sections of the structure" were also recovered on Monday off the coast of South Carolina, military officials say. read more
BBC India offices searched by income tax officials
BBC offices in India have been searched as part of an investigation by income tax authorities.
The searches in New Delhi and Mumbai come weeks after the broadcaster aired a documentary in the UK critical of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The documentary focused on the prime minister's role in anti-Muslim violence in Gujarat in 2002, when he was chief minister of the state.
The BBC said that it was "fully co-operating" with authorities.
"We hope to have this situation resolved as soon as possible," a short statement added. read more
BBC offices in India have been searched as part of an investigation by income tax authorities.
The searches in New Delhi and Mumbai come weeks after the broadcaster aired a documentary in the UK critical of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The documentary focused on the prime minister's role in anti-Muslim violence in Gujarat in 2002, when he was chief minister of the state.
The BBC said that it was "fully co-operating" with authorities.
"We hope to have this situation resolved as soon as possible," a short statement added. read more
US suspects three unidentified objects it shot down were 'benign'
The White House has said there is no indication three flying objects blasted out of the sky over the weekend by the US military are linked to alleged Chinese spying.
The objects may be "tied to commercial or research entities and therefore benign", spokesman John Kirby said.
US and Canadian officials have not yet located or recovered any wreckage from the three downed aircraft.
Beijing earlier accused the US of "a trigger-happy overreaction".
China has denied one of its balloons, which was destroyed by a US fighter jet earlier this month off South Carolina, was being used for espionage, saying it was merely a weather-monitoring airship that had blown off course. read more
The White House has said there is no indication three flying objects blasted out of the sky over the weekend by the US military are linked to alleged Chinese spying.
The objects may be "tied to commercial or research entities and therefore benign", spokesman John Kirby said.
US and Canadian officials have not yet located or recovered any wreckage from the three downed aircraft.
Beijing earlier accused the US of "a trigger-happy overreaction".
China has denied one of its balloons, which was destroyed by a US fighter jet earlier this month off South Carolina, was being used for espionage, saying it was merely a weather-monitoring airship that had blown off course. read more
Elon Musk donates almost $2bn of Tesla shares to charity
Tesla chief executive Elon Musk says he donated around $1.95bn (£1.6bn) worth of shares in his electric carmaker to charity last year.
The donation of 11.6 million shares was described in a filing with US regulators as "a bona fide gift".
The filing did not name the recipient, or recipients, of the donation.
Also on Wednesday, Mr Musk said that towards the end of this year would be a "good time" to find someone to succeed him as the chief executive of Twitter.
The document lodged with the US Securities and Exchange Commission showed the donation was made between August and December last year. read more
Tesla chief executive Elon Musk says he donated around $1.95bn (£1.6bn) worth of shares in his electric carmaker to charity last year.
The donation of 11.6 million shares was described in a filing with US regulators as "a bona fide gift".
The filing did not name the recipient, or recipients, of the donation.
Also on Wednesday, Mr Musk said that towards the end of this year would be a "good time" to find someone to succeed him as the chief executive of Twitter.
The document lodged with the US Securities and Exchange Commission showed the donation was made between August and December last year. read more
Thai cave rescue: Duangpetch Promthep, Wild Boars captain, dies in UK
Duangpetch Promthep, one of the 12 boys who was rescued from a Thai cave in 2018, has died in the UK.
The 17-year-old was found unconscious in his dorm in Leicestershire on Sunday and taken to hospital, where he died on Tuesday, the BBC has been told.
He had been enrolled in a football academy in the UK since late last year.
He was captain of the Thai boys' football team, which was trapped deep inside a cave for over two weeks while exploring in Chiang Rai province.
His grinning face, caught by the torch light of a diver after the boys were found in the cave, was one of the most memorable images from the rescue. read more
Duangpetch Promthep, one of the 12 boys who was rescued from a Thai cave in 2018, has died in the UK.
The 17-year-old was found unconscious in his dorm in Leicestershire on Sunday and taken to hospital, where he died on Tuesday, the BBC has been told.
He had been enrolled in a football academy in the UK since late last year.
He was captain of the Thai boys' football team, which was trapped deep inside a cave for over two weeks while exploring in Chiang Rai province.
His grinning face, caught by the torch light of a diver after the boys were found in the cave, was one of the most memorable images from the rescue. read more
US-China chip war: ASML says China employee stole data
Major computer chip equipment maker ASML says a former employee in China stole information about its technology.
The Dutch firm says it has since reported the breach to authorities in the Netherlands and the US.
However, the company added that it does not "believe that the misappropriation is material to our business."
ASML is one of the most important firms in the global microchip supply chain. It makes machines that produce the world's most advanced chips.
Chips, or semiconductors, which are used to power everything from mobile phones to military hardware, are at the centre of a bitter dispute between the US and China. read more
Major computer chip equipment maker ASML says a former employee in China stole information about its technology.
The Dutch firm says it has since reported the breach to authorities in the Netherlands and the US.
However, the company added that it does not "believe that the misappropriation is material to our business."
ASML is one of the most important firms in the global microchip supply chain. It makes machines that produce the world's most advanced chips.
Chips, or semiconductors, which are used to power everything from mobile phones to military hardware, are at the centre of a bitter dispute between the US and China. read more
Seoul removes women-only parking spaces in gender policy reversal
South Korea's capital Seoul is removing women-only parking spaces, 14 years after they were introduced as a protection for women.
The women-only spots had been instated in 2009 after a spate of violent crimes in basement car parks.
But city officials say such spaces aren't necessary anymore and will be converted to family parking spots.
Critics say their removal is just the latest example of anti-feminist policies in South Korea. read more
South Korea's capital Seoul is removing women-only parking spaces, 14 years after they were introduced as a protection for women.
The women-only spots had been instated in 2009 after a spate of violent crimes in basement car parks.
But city officials say such spaces aren't necessary anymore and will be converted to family parking spots.
Critics say their removal is just the latest example of anti-feminist policies in South Korea. read more
EDF: French energy giant posts worst-ever results
Energy prices may have jumped to unprecedented highs, but for France's state-controlled power company EDF 2022 was a miserable year with record annual losses of €17.9bn (£16bn).
A price cap on energy for French consumers hit EDF profits hard but so did the enforced closure of many of its of nuclear power stations for repairs.
The losses are the third biggest in French corporate history and the worst for more than 20 years.
EDF's debts have spiralled to €64.5bn.
The losses are in marked contrast to EDF's UK-based business, which made an underlying profit of £1.12bn supplying electricity and gas to five million households. read more
Energy prices may have jumped to unprecedented highs, but for France's state-controlled power company EDF 2022 was a miserable year with record annual losses of €17.9bn (£16bn).
A price cap on energy for French consumers hit EDF profits hard but so did the enforced closure of many of its of nuclear power stations for repairs.
The losses are the third biggest in French corporate history and the worst for more than 20 years.
EDF's debts have spiralled to €64.5bn.
The losses are in marked contrast to EDF's UK-based business, which made an underlying profit of £1.12bn supplying electricity and gas to five million households. read more
Andrew Tate threatens legal action against accuser
Controversial influencer Andrew Tate has threatened legal action against at least one of the women making rape and human trafficking claims against him.
Lawyers for the woman in the US say a "cease-and-desist" letter was sent by a US law firm in December, on behalf of Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan.
The letter threatened to sue the woman and her parents for $300m (£249m) if she did not retract her statements.
A lawyer for the Tates said they were pursuing valid claims for defamation.
The BBC has seen a redacted copy of the letter, apparently sent on behalf of the brothers. read more
Controversial influencer Andrew Tate has threatened legal action against at least one of the women making rape and human trafficking claims against him.
Lawyers for the woman in the US say a "cease-and-desist" letter was sent by a US law firm in December, on behalf of Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan.
The letter threatened to sue the woman and her parents for $300m (£249m) if she did not retract her statements.
A lawyer for the Tates said they were pursuing valid claims for defamation.
The BBC has seen a redacted copy of the letter, apparently sent on behalf of the brothers. read more
N Korea fires missile after threatening retaliation
North Korea has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), Japan's government has said.
The defence ministry confirmed it was launched on Saturday, flew for 66 minutes and landed in the Sea of Japan.
It comes after Pyongyang showed off its massive military might in a parade that included more than a dozen ICBMs.
On Friday, North Korea threatened to unleash an "unprecedentedly strong" retaliation to any military drills between South Korea and the US.
The annual springtime exercises, which are due to start next month, are designed to help fend off North Korea's increasing nuclear threats. But Pyongyang has long insisted the drills are in preparation to invade North Korea. read more
North Korea has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), Japan's government has said.
The defence ministry confirmed it was launched on Saturday, flew for 66 minutes and landed in the Sea of Japan.
It comes after Pyongyang showed off its massive military might in a parade that included more than a dozen ICBMs.
On Friday, North Korea threatened to unleash an "unprecedentedly strong" retaliation to any military drills between South Korea and the US.
The annual springtime exercises, which are due to start next month, are designed to help fend off North Korea's increasing nuclear threats. But Pyongyang has long insisted the drills are in preparation to invade North Korea. read more
Christian Atsu found dead after Turkey earthquake
Footballer Christian Atsu has been found dead under the rubble of his home almost two weeks after the Turkey earthquake, his agent has confirmed.
The Ghana international, 31, had spells with Premier League sides Everton, Chelsea and Newcastle.
Atsu had been missing since the 6 February quake that caused the collapse of his apartment in Antakya, Hatay.
"There are no words to describe our sadness," tweeted his Turkish top-flight club Hatayspor.
"We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person."
In the aftermath of the quake, Hatayspor initially reported Atsu had been rescued "with injuries", but a day later that position changed. read more
Footballer Christian Atsu has been found dead under the rubble of his home almost two weeks after the Turkey earthquake, his agent has confirmed.
The Ghana international, 31, had spells with Premier League sides Everton, Chelsea and Newcastle.
Atsu had been missing since the 6 February quake that caused the collapse of his apartment in Antakya, Hatay.
"There are no words to describe our sadness," tweeted his Turkish top-flight club Hatayspor.
"We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person."
In the aftermath of the quake, Hatayspor initially reported Atsu had been rescued "with injuries", but a day later that position changed. read more
Ukraine war: Russia must be defeated but not crushed, Macron says
French President Emmanuel Macron has said he does not want to see Russia crushed by a defeat in Ukraine.
Speaking to French media, Mr Macron urged Western nations to increase military support for Kyiv and said he was prepared for a protracted war.
"I want Russia to be defeated in Ukraine, and I want Ukraine to be able to defend its position," he said.
But he hit out against those who he said wanted to extend the war to Russia itself in a bid to "crush" the nation.
The comments came as world leaders gathered at the Munich Security Conference, which saw promises to speed up the supply of weapons to Kyiv and impose tougher sanctions on Moscow.
"I do not think, as some people do, that we must aim for a total defeat of Russia, attacking Russia on its own soil," Mr Macron told the paper Le Journal du Dimanche. read more
French President Emmanuel Macron has said he does not want to see Russia crushed by a defeat in Ukraine.
Speaking to French media, Mr Macron urged Western nations to increase military support for Kyiv and said he was prepared for a protracted war.
"I want Russia to be defeated in Ukraine, and I want Ukraine to be able to defend its position," he said.
But he hit out against those who he said wanted to extend the war to Russia itself in a bid to "crush" the nation.
The comments came as world leaders gathered at the Munich Security Conference, which saw promises to speed up the supply of weapons to Kyiv and impose tougher sanctions on Moscow.
"I do not think, as some people do, that we must aim for a total defeat of Russia, attacking Russia on its own soil," Mr Macron told the paper Le Journal du Dimanche. read more
China may give Russia weapons for Ukraine war, Antony Blinken warns
China is considering giving Russia weapons and ammunition for the Ukraine war, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said.
Mr Blinken told CBS News that Chinese companies were already providing "non-lethal support" to Russia - and new information suggested Beijing could provide "lethal support".
This escalation would mean "serious consequences" for China, he warned.
China has denied reports that Moscow has requested military equipment.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and is yet to condemn Russia's invasion - but he has sought to remain neutral in the conflict and has called for peace. read more
China is considering giving Russia weapons and ammunition for the Ukraine war, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said.
Mr Blinken told CBS News that Chinese companies were already providing "non-lethal support" to Russia - and new information suggested Beijing could provide "lethal support".
This escalation would mean "serious consequences" for China, he warned.
China has denied reports that Moscow has requested military equipment.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and is yet to condemn Russia's invasion - but he has sought to remain neutral in the conflict and has called for peace. read more
São Paulo: Dozens killed as deadly storms hit Brazilian coast
Authorities in the Brazilian state of São Paulo say at least 36 people have been killed in heavy flooding and landslides, forcing some cities to cancel annual Carnival celebrations.
Video showed neighbourhoods under water, flooded motorways and debris left after houses were swept away.
Rescue teams have been struggling to reach survivors and unblock roads.
More than 600mm (23.6 inches) of rain fell in some areas on Sunday, twice the expected amount for the month.
Dozens were missing in the town and about 50 houses had collapsed and washed away, Mr Augusto added, saying that the situation remained "extremely critical".
The state government reported at least 35 deaths in São Sebastião and the mayor of Ubatuba, some 80km (50 miles) north-east, said a young girl had been killed. Hundreds have been displaced and evacuated. read more
Authorities in the Brazilian state of São Paulo say at least 36 people have been killed in heavy flooding and landslides, forcing some cities to cancel annual Carnival celebrations.
Video showed neighbourhoods under water, flooded motorways and debris left after houses were swept away.
Rescue teams have been struggling to reach survivors and unblock roads.
More than 600mm (23.6 inches) of rain fell in some areas on Sunday, twice the expected amount for the month.
Dozens were missing in the town and about 50 houses had collapsed and washed away, Mr Augusto added, saying that the situation remained "extremely critical".
The state government reported at least 35 deaths in São Sebastião and the mayor of Ubatuba, some 80km (50 miles) north-east, said a young girl had been killed. Hundreds have been displaced and evacuated. read more
Ukraine war: Europe fights to maintain solidarity
Joe Biden's surprise visit to Ukraine on Monday is a striking show of solidarity - an intentionally powerful message to Moscow - as Kyiv prepares to mark the grim and bloody one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion.
Ukraine's government was understandably thrilled to see the US president but - as a professional Europe-watcher - one comment stood out for me in particular.
Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Melnyk celebrated what he described as "the presence of our important, main partner." read more
Joe Biden's surprise visit to Ukraine on Monday is a striking show of solidarity - an intentionally powerful message to Moscow - as Kyiv prepares to mark the grim and bloody one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion.
Ukraine's government was understandably thrilled to see the US president but - as a professional Europe-watcher - one comment stood out for me in particular.
Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Melnyk celebrated what he described as "the presence of our important, main partner." read more
New Turkey earthquake leaves three dead and people trapped under rubble in Hatay
Three people have died after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey on Monday, weeks after a deadly quake devastated the region.
Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu said 213 people had also been injured.
Turkey's disaster and emergency agency Afad said the tremor occurred at 20:04 local time (17:04 GMT).
A 7.8-magnitude quake struck the same area on 6 February, killing more than 44,000 people in Turkey and Syria.
Those killed by Monday's tremor were found in Antakya, Defne, and Samandagi, Mr Soylu said, urging people not to enter potentially dangerous buildings. read more
Three people have died after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey on Monday, weeks after a deadly quake devastated the region.
Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu said 213 people had also been injured.
Turkey's disaster and emergency agency Afad said the tremor occurred at 20:04 local time (17:04 GMT).
A 7.8-magnitude quake struck the same area on 6 February, killing more than 44,000 people in Turkey and Syria.
Those killed by Monday's tremor were found in Antakya, Defne, and Samandagi, Mr Soylu said, urging people not to enter potentially dangerous buildings. read more