Elon Musk will not join Twitter board, says boss
Elon Musk has decided not to join the board of Twitter, the company's chief executive Parag Agrawal says.
Mr Musk's appointment was due to become effective on Saturday after revealing last week that he had bought a 9.2% stake in the social media platform.
However, Mr Agrawal tweeted: "Elon shared that same morning that he will no longer be joining the board."
The Tesla boss remains Twitter's largest shareholder and the firm will remain open to his input, he added.
Just over an hour after Mr Agrawal's announcement, Mr Musk cryptically tweeted a single emoji. The tweet has since been deleted. read more
Elon Musk has decided not to join the board of Twitter, the company's chief executive Parag Agrawal says.
Mr Musk's appointment was due to become effective on Saturday after revealing last week that he had bought a 9.2% stake in the social media platform.
However, Mr Agrawal tweeted: "Elon shared that same morning that he will no longer be joining the board."
The Tesla boss remains Twitter's largest shareholder and the firm will remain open to his input, he added.
Just over an hour after Mr Agrawal's announcement, Mr Musk cryptically tweeted a single emoji. The tweet has since been deleted. read more
Ukraine war: Putin says Russian invasion will achieve 'noble' aims
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has said his invasion of Ukraine will achieve what he called its "noble" aims.
Speaking alongside Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko, Mr Putin claimed that a clash with Ukraine had become "inevitable".
Mr Putin said he had been left with no choice but to launch the invasion in a bid to protect the Russian speaking Donbas region.
The UN says 10 million people have fled their homes since the invasion began.
But during a public appearance marking the 61st anniversary of Yuri Gagarin becoming the first man in space, Mr Putin insisted that his forces are aiding oppressed people in separatist regions of Ukraine. read more
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has said his invasion of Ukraine will achieve what he called its "noble" aims.
Speaking alongside Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko, Mr Putin claimed that a clash with Ukraine had become "inevitable".
Mr Putin said he had been left with no choice but to launch the invasion in a bid to protect the Russian speaking Donbas region.
The UN says 10 million people have fled their homes since the invasion began.
But during a public appearance marking the 61st anniversary of Yuri Gagarin becoming the first man in space, Mr Putin insisted that his forces are aiding oppressed people in separatist regions of Ukraine. read more
Ukraine War: Finland to decide on Nato membership in weeks says PM Marin
Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin says her country will decide whether to apply to join Nato "within weeks".
She said she saw no reason to delay the decision, at a joint news conference alongside Sweden's prime minister.
Her comments coincided with a report to the Finnish parliament that said membership of the bloc could result in "increased tensions on the border between Finland and Russia".
Moscow has warned Finland and Sweden against joining Nato in recent weeks. read more
Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin says her country will decide whether to apply to join Nato "within weeks".
She said she saw no reason to delay the decision, at a joint news conference alongside Sweden's prime minister.
Her comments coincided with a report to the Finnish parliament that said membership of the bloc could result in "increased tensions on the border between Finland and Russia".
Moscow has warned Finland and Sweden against joining Nato in recent weeks. read more
Elon Musk makes offer to buy Twitter
Tesla boss Elon Musk has offered to buy Twitter, saying he is the right person to "unlock" the social media platform's "extraordinary potential".
In a surprise announcement, Mr Musk said he would pay $54.20 a share for Twitter, valuing it at about $40bn.
It recently emerged that Mr Musk was Twitter's biggest shareholder after he built up a large stake in the firm.
He said that if his offer was not accepted: "I would need to reconsider my position as a shareholder".
Twitter's share price rose by 5.3% to $48.32 in early trading. read more
Tesla boss Elon Musk has offered to buy Twitter, saying he is the right person to "unlock" the social media platform's "extraordinary potential".
In a surprise announcement, Mr Musk said he would pay $54.20 a share for Twitter, valuing it at about $40bn.
It recently emerged that Mr Musk was Twitter's biggest shareholder after he built up a large stake in the firm.
He said that if his offer was not accepted: "I would need to reconsider my position as a shareholder".
Twitter's share price rose by 5.3% to $48.32 in early trading. read more
Depp and Heard marriage ended in 'mutual abuse', says therapist
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's former couples therapist said the pair engaged in "mutual abuse" during the final months of their stormy marriage.
Video testimony by Dr Laurel Anderson was played for jurors on the third day of the $50m (£38m) defamation trial in Virginia.
Mr Depp has sued his ex-wife over a story she wrote in which she described herself as a victim of domestic violence. He denies any abuse.
Ms Heard filed a $100m counterclaim. read more
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's former couples therapist said the pair engaged in "mutual abuse" during the final months of their stormy marriage.
Video testimony by Dr Laurel Anderson was played for jurors on the third day of the $50m (£38m) defamation trial in Virginia.
Mr Depp has sued his ex-wife over a story she wrote in which she described herself as a victim of domestic violence. He denies any abuse.
Ms Heard filed a $100m counterclaim. read more
Ukraine war: Russia bans Boris Johnson from country over Ukraine war
Russia has banned Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other senior ministers from entering Russia over the UK's "hostile" stance on the war in Ukraine.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and 10 other senior politicians - mostly members of the Cabinet - have also been barred.
Moscow said the decision had been made in retaliation to the UK's sanctions against it since it invaded Ukraine.
In March, Moscow imposed a similar ban against US President Joe Biden. read more
Russia has banned Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other senior ministers from entering Russia over the UK's "hostile" stance on the war in Ukraine.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and 10 other senior politicians - mostly members of the Cabinet - have also been barred.
Moscow said the decision had been made in retaliation to the UK's sanctions against it since it invaded Ukraine.
In March, Moscow imposed a similar ban against US President Joe Biden. read more
Ukraine war: Trucks stuck at Poland-Belarus border as EU sanctions deadline passes
A huge queue of trucks has formed on the Poland-Belarus border as Russian and Belarussian drivers try to leave the EU following a sanctions deadline.
In the run-up to the Saturday deadline, the line extended to 80km (60 miles), with some stuck for up to 33 hours.
The EU has banned lorries from Russia and Belarus - except those carrying medicine, mail or petroleum products - from entering or staying in the bloc.
The move is part of sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Drone footage filed by Reuters news agency showed long queues remaining as the midnight deadline neared. read more
A huge queue of trucks has formed on the Poland-Belarus border as Russian and Belarussian drivers try to leave the EU following a sanctions deadline.
In the run-up to the Saturday deadline, the line extended to 80km (60 miles), with some stuck for up to 33 hours.
The EU has banned lorries from Russia and Belarus - except those carrying medicine, mail or petroleum products - from entering or staying in the bloc.
The move is part of sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Drone footage filed by Reuters news agency showed long queues remaining as the midnight deadline neared. read more
Shanghai: China reports three dead in latest Covid outbreak
China has reported the deaths of three people from Covid in Shanghai for the first time since the financial hub entered lockdown in late March.
A release from the city's health commission said the three people were aged between 89 and 91, had several comorbidities, and were unvaccinated.
Until now, China said no-one had died of Covid in the city - a claim that has increasingly come into question.
Officials also said the city recorded 22,248 cases on Monday.
Monday's deaths were the first Covid-linked fatalities to be officially acknowledged by Chinese authorities since March. read more
China has reported the deaths of three people from Covid in Shanghai for the first time since the financial hub entered lockdown in late March.
A release from the city's health commission said the three people were aged between 89 and 91, had several comorbidities, and were unvaccinated.
Until now, China said no-one had died of Covid in the city - a claim that has increasingly come into question.
Officials also said the city recorded 22,248 cases on Monday.
Monday's deaths were the first Covid-linked fatalities to be officially acknowledged by Chinese authorities since March. read more
Ukraine war: Mariupol defenders will fight to the end says PM
Defenders of the besieged city of Mariupol will fight to the end against Russian forces, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says.
The port city has not fallen despite an ultimatum from Moscow to remaining fighters to give up, he said.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Russia has chosen to raze Mariupol to the ground.
Local officials said Russian forces have announced they will stop anyone from entering or leaving the city. read more
Defenders of the besieged city of Mariupol will fight to the end against Russian forces, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says.
The port city has not fallen despite an ultimatum from Moscow to remaining fighters to give up, he said.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Russia has chosen to raze Mariupol to the ground.
Local officials said Russian forces have announced they will stop anyone from entering or leaving the city. read more
Ukraine war: Russia bombards cities as eastern offensive begins
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Russia has launched an assault to seize the eastern Donbas region.
Moscow bombarded cities with rocket and artillery fire on Monday and in a video address Mr Zelensky said that the battle "for the Donbas has begun".
Ukraine's top security official, Oleksiy Danilov, said that Russia tried to break through Ukrainian front lines in the region.
The offensive has been long-expected after Russia failed to seize Kyiv.
Russia initially appeared to want to capture major Ukrainian cities and topple the government. read more
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Russia has launched an assault to seize the eastern Donbas region.
Moscow bombarded cities with rocket and artillery fire on Monday and in a video address Mr Zelensky said that the battle "for the Donbas has begun".
Ukraine's top security official, Oleksiy Danilov, said that Russia tried to break through Ukrainian front lines in the region.
The offensive has been long-expected after Russia failed to seize Kyiv.
Russia initially appeared to want to capture major Ukrainian cities and topple the government. read more
Sri Lanka crisis: One killed after police fire live bullets at protesters
Outrage has erupted over the death of a Sri Lankan man who was killed when police fired live bullets at protesters, also injuring 14 others.
Footage of police opening fire in the central town of Rambukkana has been widely shared on social media.
Police said they used "minimum force" to disperse protesters, but many have asked why live bullets were used.
The incident has been condemned by the UN representative to Sri Lanka as well as the US and EU envoys.
It comes as the nation is grappling with its worst economic crisis since independence from Britain in 1948. read more
Outrage has erupted over the death of a Sri Lankan man who was killed when police fired live bullets at protesters, also injuring 14 others.
Footage of police opening fire in the central town of Rambukkana has been widely shared on social media.
Police said they used "minimum force" to disperse protesters, but many have asked why live bullets were used.
The incident has been condemned by the UN representative to Sri Lanka as well as the US and EU envoys.
It comes as the nation is grappling with its worst economic crisis since independence from Britain in 1948. read more
Sophie Wilmes: Belgian foreign minister resigns to care for sick husband
Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmès says she will temporarily step down to care for her husband, who has been diagnosed with brain cancer.
Ms Wilmès, who also serves as deputy prime minister, will take leave until "the end of the summer", when her family will reassess the situation.
She says she made the move "in perfect consultation with the prime minister".
In a statement, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said Ms Wilmès's choice "commands the greatest respect".
Mr De Croo added that the minister would not officially resign from government and that her powers would, instead, be temporarily transferred to other ministers by "a royal decree". read more
Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmès says she will temporarily step down to care for her husband, who has been diagnosed with brain cancer.
Ms Wilmès, who also serves as deputy prime minister, will take leave until "the end of the summer", when her family will reassess the situation.
She says she made the move "in perfect consultation with the prime minister".
In a statement, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said Ms Wilmès's choice "commands the greatest respect".
Mr De Croo added that the minister would not officially resign from government and that her powers would, instead, be temporarily transferred to other ministers by "a royal decree". read more
Shanghai escalates Covid lockdown restrictions
Authorities in Shanghai have said they will tighten the enforcement of lockdown measures, as a Covid surge continues in China's financial capital.
New measures include placing electronic door alarms to prevent those infected from leaving, as well as evacuating people to disinfect their homes.
Earlier this week, hundreds were forcibly evacuated from their homes to allow for buildings to be disinfected.
The restrictions will take Shanghai's lockdown into its fifth week.
Shanghai city officials said all infected patients and close contacts will be transferred to government-run centralised quarantine. read more
Authorities in Shanghai have said they will tighten the enforcement of lockdown measures, as a Covid surge continues in China's financial capital.
New measures include placing electronic door alarms to prevent those infected from leaving, as well as evacuating people to disinfect their homes.
Earlier this week, hundreds were forcibly evacuated from their homes to allow for buildings to be disinfected.
The restrictions will take Shanghai's lockdown into its fifth week.
Shanghai city officials said all infected patients and close contacts will be transferred to government-run centralised quarantine. read more
Kardashians deny faking Roblox sex tape scene
A reality show scene where Kim Kardashian's son finds an advert for a sex tape on the game Roblox was not faked, a source close to the star says.
In the scene, Saint West, six, shows his mother a "Kim Kardashian experience" room he apparently stumbled across while playing the game.
Roblox said it removed the room and banned its creator - and no sex tape was ever available.
It also said only "a few dozen players" found it in the short time it was live. read more
A reality show scene where Kim Kardashian's son finds an advert for a sex tape on the game Roblox was not faked, a source close to the star says.
In the scene, Saint West, six, shows his mother a "Kim Kardashian experience" room he apparently stumbled across while playing the game.
Roblox said it removed the room and banned its creator - and no sex tape was ever available.
It also said only "a few dozen players" found it in the short time it was live. read more
Mike Tyson punched plane passenger 'after bottle thrown'
Former heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson punched a fellow airline passenger after the person "threw a water bottle at him," Tyson's spokesperson has said.
Video taken on the plane shows Tyson leaning over his seat as he lands repeated punches an unidentified man.
A spokesperson for the boxing Hall of Famer confirmed Tyson had an "incident with an aggressive passenger" who was "harassing him".
Police were dispatched and temporarily detained two individuals.
One person was treated at San Francisco International Airport for non-life threatening injuries. read more
Former heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson punched a fellow airline passenger after the person "threw a water bottle at him," Tyson's spokesperson has said.
Video taken on the plane shows Tyson leaning over his seat as he lands repeated punches an unidentified man.
A spokesperson for the boxing Hall of Famer confirmed Tyson had an "incident with an aggressive passenger" who was "harassing him".
Police were dispatched and temporarily detained two individuals.
One person was treated at San Francisco International Airport for non-life threatening injuries. read more
Ukraine war: Russia aiming for full control of south, commander says
Russia is aiming to take full control of southern Ukraine as well as the eastern Donbas region, a senior Russian commander says.
Maj Gen Rustam Minnekayev was quoted in state media as saying that goal would allow Moscow to form a land bridge to Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.
He also said it would give Moscow access to the Russian-backed separatist region of Transnistria in Moldova.
Transnistria is a small region that borders Ukraine's west.
It is unclear if Gen Minnekayev's comments were officially sanctioned by the Kremlin, but they were widely cited in Russian state media including the Interfax and Tass news agencies. read more
Russia is aiming to take full control of southern Ukraine as well as the eastern Donbas region, a senior Russian commander says.
Maj Gen Rustam Minnekayev was quoted in state media as saying that goal would allow Moscow to form a land bridge to Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.
He also said it would give Moscow access to the Russian-backed separatist region of Transnistria in Moldova.
Transnistria is a small region that borders Ukraine's west.
It is unclear if Gen Minnekayev's comments were officially sanctioned by the Kremlin, but they were widely cited in Russian state media including the Interfax and Tass news agencies. read more
French vote as Macron aims to beat far-right Le Pen
French voters are heading to the polls to decide whether to give centrist Emmanuel Macron five more years as president or replace him with far-right candidate Marine Le Pen.
After a divisive election campaign, Ms Le Pen faces an uphill battle with her 44-year-old opponent polling ahead.
In order to win they both need to attract voters who backed other candidates in the first round.
But these are two polarising figures in France and abstention is a key factor. read more
French voters are heading to the polls to decide whether to give centrist Emmanuel Macron five more years as president or replace him with far-right candidate Marine Le Pen.
After a divisive election campaign, Ms Le Pen faces an uphill battle with her 44-year-old opponent polling ahead.
In order to win they both need to attract voters who backed other candidates in the first round.
But these are two polarising figures in France and abstention is a key factor. read more
French election result: Macron defeats Le Pen and vows to unite divided France
Emmanuel Macron has won five more years as France's president after a convincing victory over rival Marine Le Pen, who nevertheless secured the far right's highest share of the vote yet.
He won by 58.55% to 41.45%, a greater margin than expected.
The centrist leader told jubilant supporters at the foot of the Eiffel Tower that now the election was over he would be a "president for all".
He is the first sitting president in 20 years to be re-elected.
Despite her loss, Ms Le Pen, 53, said her significant vote share still marked a victory. read more
Emmanuel Macron has won five more years as France's president after a convincing victory over rival Marine Le Pen, who nevertheless secured the far right's highest share of the vote yet.
He won by 58.55% to 41.45%, a greater margin than expected.
The centrist leader told jubilant supporters at the foot of the Eiffel Tower that now the election was over he would be a "president for all".
He is the first sitting president in 20 years to be re-elected.
Despite her loss, Ms Le Pen, 53, said her significant vote share still marked a victory. read more
Lab-grown meat and insects 'good for planet and health'
Dining on the likes of lab-grown meat or ground-up insects could lead to big savings in carbon emissions and water, as well as freeing up land for nature.
That's the finding of a study calculating the environmental benefits of "greener" foods hitting our plates.
Scientists say pressures on the planet could fall by more than 80% with such foods, compared with the typical European diet.
But it's not yet clear if consumers will want to shift their eating habits. read more
Dining on the likes of lab-grown meat or ground-up insects could lead to big savings in carbon emissions and water, as well as freeing up land for nature.
That's the finding of a study calculating the environmental benefits of "greener" foods hitting our plates.
Scientists say pressures on the planet could fall by more than 80% with such foods, compared with the typical European diet.
But it's not yet clear if consumers will want to shift their eating habits. read more
Ukraine war: Putin warns against foreign intervention
Any country trying to intervene in the Ukraine war will face a "lightning-fast" response, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned.
"We have all the tools no-one can boast of... we will use them if necessary", he said, in what is seen as a reference to ballistic missiles and nuclear arms.
Ukraine's allies have stepped up the supply of weapons, with the US vowing to make sure Ukraine defeats Russia.
Western officials say Russia is being hampered in its efforts in the east.
Last week, Russia launched a major offensive to seize the Donbas region after withdrawing from areas around the capital Kyiv. read more
Any country trying to intervene in the Ukraine war will face a "lightning-fast" response, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned.
"We have all the tools no-one can boast of... we will use them if necessary", he said, in what is seen as a reference to ballistic missiles and nuclear arms.
Ukraine's allies have stepped up the supply of weapons, with the US vowing to make sure Ukraine defeats Russia.
Western officials say Russia is being hampered in its efforts in the east.
Last week, Russia launched a major offensive to seize the Donbas region after withdrawing from areas around the capital Kyiv. read more
Iran executions: Alarming rise in use of death penalty in 2021 - report
Executions in Iran rose alarmingly by 25% last year and surged after hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi was elected president, two campaign groups say.
At least 333 people were put to death, according to Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and France's Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM).
The number of executions for drug-related offences - 126 - was five times higher than in 2020, their report says.
The figures are based both on official announcements and sources inside Iran. read more
Executions in Iran rose alarmingly by 25% last year and surged after hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi was elected president, two campaign groups say.
At least 333 people were put to death, according to Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and France's Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM).
The number of executions for drug-related offences - 126 - was five times higher than in 2020, their report says.
The figures are based both on official announcements and sources inside Iran. read more