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
Twitter to charge users for text-message authentication
Twitter is removing text-message two-factor authentication (2FA) for non-subscribers.
By double-checking the identity of the person logging in, 2FA lets users to add an extra layer of security to their online accounts, beyond passwords.
Common methods include texting users a code or using an authenticator app.
But on Saturday, the Twitter Support account tweeted only Twitter Blue subscribers would be able to use text-message authentication from 20 March.
Some text-message 2FA users also received an in-app alert telling them to remove the method before the deadline to avoid losing access to their account.
Experts have warned SMS 2FA can be less secure than authenticator apps. read more
Twitter is removing text-message two-factor authentication (2FA) for non-subscribers.
By double-checking the identity of the person logging in, 2FA lets users to add an extra layer of security to their online accounts, beyond passwords.
Common methods include texting users a code or using an authenticator app.
But on Saturday, the Twitter Support account tweeted only Twitter Blue subscribers would be able to use text-message authentication from 20 March.
Some text-message 2FA users also received an in-app alert telling them to remove the method before the deadline to avoid losing access to their account.
Experts have warned SMS 2FA can be less secure than authenticator apps. read more
Putin promotes Russian escalation in annual speech
Escalation. It's become President Putin's watchword.
And we saw more of it today.
"Russia suspends its participation in the New Start treaty," announced the Kremlin leader in his state of the nation address. As usual he blamed the West.
New Start is the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between Russia and America. It limits the nuclear arsenals of the two countries.
But there was more.
The Russian president announced that he had signed a decree on "putting new ground-based strategic complexes on combat standby duty".
He warned that Russia was ready to resume nuclear weapons testing. read more
Escalation. It's become President Putin's watchword.
And we saw more of it today.
"Russia suspends its participation in the New Start treaty," announced the Kremlin leader in his state of the nation address. As usual he blamed the West.
New Start is the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between Russia and America. It limits the nuclear arsenals of the two countries.
But there was more.
The Russian president announced that he had signed a decree on "putting new ground-based strategic complexes on combat standby duty".
He warned that Russia was ready to resume nuclear weapons testing. read more
Biden hails 'rock solid' Nato as Putin blames West for Russia's war
Vladimir Putin has sharpened his vitriol towards the West as President Joe Biden, fresh from a visit to Kyiv, praised Western democracy for standing up to naked Russian aggression.
In a week heavy with events ahead of Friday's anniversary of Russia's Ukraine invasion, Mr Putin spoke first.
The West had enabled Nazi Germany, he claimed, and had turned Ukraine into a neo-Nazi regime that was "anti-Russia".
Hours later Mr Biden said autocrats understood only one word: "No, no, no!"
"Putin thought the world would roll over, he was wrong," he said, vowing that Nato was more united than ever. Kyiv stood strong, proud, tall and free and Western support for Ukraine would not fail, he added. read more
Vladimir Putin has sharpened his vitriol towards the West as President Joe Biden, fresh from a visit to Kyiv, praised Western democracy for standing up to naked Russian aggression.
In a week heavy with events ahead of Friday's anniversary of Russia's Ukraine invasion, Mr Putin spoke first.
The West had enabled Nazi Germany, he claimed, and had turned Ukraine into a neo-Nazi regime that was "anti-Russia".
Hours later Mr Biden said autocrats understood only one word: "No, no, no!"
"Putin thought the world would roll over, he was wrong," he said, vowing that Nato was more united than ever. Kyiv stood strong, proud, tall and free and Western support for Ukraine would not fail, he added. read more
Mormon Church fined over claim it hid $32bn of investments
The Mormon Church, officially known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), and its investment firm will pay out $5m (£4.1m) over claims they hid a huge cache of shares.
The LDS and its investment firm, Ensign Peak Advisers, used "shell" companies to hide a $32bn stock portfolio, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said.
Ensign Peak will pay a $4m penalty and the Church will pay $1m.
Neither has admitted any wrongdoing.
"We allege that the LDS church's investment manager, with the church's knowledge, went to great lengths to avoid disclosing the church's investments, depriving the commission and the investing public of accurate market information," Gurbir Grewal, director of the SEC's division of enforcement, said in a statement. read more
The Mormon Church, officially known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), and its investment firm will pay out $5m (£4.1m) over claims they hid a huge cache of shares.
The LDS and its investment firm, Ensign Peak Advisers, used "shell" companies to hide a $32bn stock portfolio, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said.
Ensign Peak will pay a $4m penalty and the Church will pay $1m.
Neither has admitted any wrongdoing.
"We allege that the LDS church's investment manager, with the church's knowledge, went to great lengths to avoid disclosing the church's investments, depriving the commission and the investing public of accurate market information," Gurbir Grewal, director of the SEC's division of enforcement, said in a statement. read more
Eleven Palestinians killed during Israeli raid in Nablus
Israeli troops have killed at least 11 Palestinians and wounded dozens more during a raid in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials say.
Explosions and gunfire sounded as troops entered the old city of Nablus on Wednesday morning, sparking armed clashes with Palestinian gunmen.
The Israeli military said it killed three wanted militants holed up inside a house who refused to surrender.
Several of those killed outside were civilians, including two elderly men.
The Palestinian health ministry said 72-year-old Adnan Saabe Baara was one of them. Video footage purportedly showed his body in a street next to bags of bread, in what is usually a busy market area. read more
Israeli troops have killed at least 11 Palestinians and wounded dozens more during a raid in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials say.
Explosions and gunfire sounded as troops entered the old city of Nablus on Wednesday morning, sparking armed clashes with Palestinian gunmen.
The Israeli military said it killed three wanted militants holed up inside a house who refused to surrender.
Several of those killed outside were civilians, including two elderly men.
The Palestinian health ministry said 72-year-old Adnan Saabe Baara was one of them. Video footage purportedly showed his body in a street next to bags of bread, in what is usually a busy market area. read more
European Commission bans TikTok on staff devices
Staff working at the European Commission have been ordered to remove the TikTok app from their phones and corporate devices.
The commission said it was implementing the measure to "protect data and increase cybersecurity".
TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has faced allegations that it harvests users' data and hands it to the Chinese government.
TikTok insists it operates no differently from other social media.
European Union (EU) industry chief Thierry Breton told a news conference that the union's executive is very focused on cybersecurity, declining to provide further details.
The ban also means that European Commission staff cannot use TikTok on personal devices that have official apps installed. read more
Staff working at the European Commission have been ordered to remove the TikTok app from their phones and corporate devices.
The commission said it was implementing the measure to "protect data and increase cybersecurity".
TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has faced allegations that it harvests users' data and hands it to the Chinese government.
TikTok insists it operates no differently from other social media.
European Union (EU) industry chief Thierry Breton told a news conference that the union's executive is very focused on cybersecurity, declining to provide further details.
The ban also means that European Commission staff cannot use TikTok on personal devices that have official apps installed. read more