Israel sees one of its biggest-ever protests
Hundreds of thousands of Israelis have taken part in what some are calling the biggest protest in the country's history.
Protests against government plans for a radical overhaul of the judicial system have been running for 10 weeks.
Record numbers of demonstrators turned out in cities such as Haifa, while about 200,000 are believed to have taken to the streets in Tel Aviv.
Critics say the reforms will undermine democracy.
But Benjamin Netanyahu's government says planned changes are better for the electorate.
Organisers said as many as 500,000 pro-democracy protesters took to the streets nationwide on Saturday, in what the Israeli Haaretz newspaper called "the largest demonstration in the country's history". read more
Hundreds of thousands of Israelis have taken part in what some are calling the biggest protest in the country's history.
Protests against government plans for a radical overhaul of the judicial system have been running for 10 weeks.
Record numbers of demonstrators turned out in cities such as Haifa, while about 200,000 are believed to have taken to the streets in Tel Aviv.
Critics say the reforms will undermine democracy.
But Benjamin Netanyahu's government says planned changes are better for the electorate.
Organisers said as many as 500,000 pro-democracy protesters took to the streets nationwide on Saturday, in what the Israeli Haaretz newspaper called "the largest demonstration in the country's history". read more
Aramco: Saudi state-owned oil giant sees record profit of $161bn
Saudi oil giant Aramco has announced a record profit of $161.1bn (£134bn) for 2022, helped by soaring energy prices and bigger volumes.
It represents a 46.5% rise for the state-owned company, compared with last year.
It is the latest energy firm to report record profits, after energy prices spiked following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
America's ExxonMobil made $55.7bn, and Britain's Shell reported $39.9bn. read more
Saudi oil giant Aramco has announced a record profit of $161.1bn (£134bn) for 2022, helped by soaring energy prices and bigger volumes.
It represents a 46.5% rise for the state-owned company, compared with last year.
It is the latest energy firm to report record profits, after energy prices spiked following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
America's ExxonMobil made $55.7bn, and Britain's Shell reported $39.9bn. read more
Oscars 2023: Michelle Yeoh becomes first Asian best actress winner
Michelle Yeoh has become the first Asian winner of the best actress Oscar, for her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once.
The creative multiverse adventure won seven awards including best picture, director and original screenplay.
Accepting her statuette, Yeoh said: "For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities.
"And ladies, don't let anybody tell you that you are ever past your prime."
Yeoh's co-stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan also triumphed in the supporting categories. In the history of the Oscars, no other film has ever won best picture, best director and three acting prizes. read more
Michelle Yeoh has become the first Asian winner of the best actress Oscar, for her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once.
The creative multiverse adventure won seven awards including best picture, director and original screenplay.
Accepting her statuette, Yeoh said: "For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities.
"And ladies, don't let anybody tell you that you are ever past your prime."
Yeoh's co-stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan also triumphed in the supporting categories. In the history of the Oscars, no other film has ever won best picture, best director and three acting prizes. read more
Silicon Valley Bank: Money in failed bank is safe, US government says
US authorities took emergency measures on Sunday to shore up the banking system after Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank collapsed.
People and businesses who have money deposited with SVB would be able to access all their cash from Monday, the government said.
Regulators also closed New York-based Signature Bank after mounting pressure.
President Joe Biden will address the dramatic weekend in the financial sector later on Monday.
In a statement, he promised to hold "those responsible for this mess fully accountable". read more
US authorities took emergency measures on Sunday to shore up the banking system after Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank collapsed.
People and businesses who have money deposited with SVB would be able to access all their cash from Monday, the government said.
Regulators also closed New York-based Signature Bank after mounting pressure.
President Joe Biden will address the dramatic weekend in the financial sector later on Monday.
In a statement, he promised to hold "those responsible for this mess fully accountable". read more
Silicon Valley Bank: Global bank stocks slump despite Biden reassurances
Shares in banks around the world slumped on Monday, despite reassurances from the US president that America's financial system is safe.
It comes after authorities had to step in to protect customer deposits when the US lenders Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank collapsed.
Joe Biden promised to do "whatever is needed" to protect the banking system.
But investors fear other lenders may still be hit by the fallout, sparking sharp falls in share prices globally.
Earlier on Monday, Spain's Santander and Germany's Commerzbank saw their share prices dive by more than 10% at one point. read more
Shares in banks around the world slumped on Monday, despite reassurances from the US president that America's financial system is safe.
It comes after authorities had to step in to protect customer deposits when the US lenders Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank collapsed.
Joe Biden promised to do "whatever is needed" to protect the banking system.
But investors fear other lenders may still be hit by the fallout, sparking sharp falls in share prices globally.
Earlier on Monday, Spain's Santander and Germany's Commerzbank saw their share prices dive by more than 10% at one point. read more
Aukus deal: US, UK and Australia agree on nuclear submarine project
The US, UK and Australia have unveiled details of their plan to create a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, aimed at countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Under the Aukus pact Australia is to get its first nuclear-powered subs - at least three - from the US.
The allies will also work to create a new fleet using cutting-edge tech, including UK-made Rolls-Royce reactors.
Beijing has strongly criticised the significant naval deal.
Its foreign ministry on Tuesday accused the three nations of "walking further and further down the path of error and danger". read more
The US, UK and Australia have unveiled details of their plan to create a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, aimed at countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Under the Aukus pact Australia is to get its first nuclear-powered subs - at least three - from the US.
The allies will also work to create a new fleet using cutting-edge tech, including UK-made Rolls-Royce reactors.
Beijing has strongly criticised the significant naval deal.
Its foreign ministry on Tuesday accused the three nations of "walking further and further down the path of error and danger". read more
Russia pilots 'reckless' in drone collision - US
The US has accused Russia of reckless behaviour after an American surveillance drone crashed into the Black Sea following an encounter with Russian fighter jets.
The US says the drone was on a routine mission in international airspace when two Russian jets tried to intercept it.
The incident highlights the increasing risk of direct confrontation between Russia and the US over the Ukraine war.
Russia denied that the two aircraft made any contact. read more
The US has accused Russia of reckless behaviour after an American surveillance drone crashed into the Black Sea following an encounter with Russian fighter jets.
The US says the drone was on a routine mission in international airspace when two Russian jets tried to intercept it.
The incident highlights the increasing risk of direct confrontation between Russia and the US over the Ukraine war.
Russia denied that the two aircraft made any contact. read more
Stock markets hit again by banking worries
Banking shares have fallen sharply again as investors remain nervous following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in the US last week.
The failure of SVB has raised fears that other banks could also be facing problems.
Shares in Swiss banking giant Credit Suisse hit a new low after they plunged by 20%.
The fall came after Credit Suisse's largest investor said it could not give the bank any more financial help.
Share indexes across Europe - including the UK's FTSE 100 - were down by about 2.5% by mid-morning.
The FTSE 100 has fallen 6% in the past week to reach a three-month low. read more
Banking shares have fallen sharply again as investors remain nervous following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in the US last week.
The failure of SVB has raised fears that other banks could also be facing problems.
Shares in Swiss banking giant Credit Suisse hit a new low after they plunged by 20%.
The fall came after Credit Suisse's largest investor said it could not give the bank any more financial help.
Share indexes across Europe - including the UK's FTSE 100 - were down by about 2.5% by mid-morning.
The FTSE 100 has fallen 6% in the past week to reach a three-month low. read more
North Korea fires long range missile ahead of Japan-South Korea talks
North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) just hours before the leaders of South Korea and Japan were due to meet for landmark talks.
Both Japanese and South Korean officials confirmed the long-range missile's launch on Thursday morning.
It flew about 1,000km (620 miles) landing in waters west of Japan.
It is Pyongyang's fourth missile launch in a week and comes as the US and South Korea hold joint navy drills.
The other missiles launched - last Thursday, on Saturday and on Monday - had been short-range ballistic missiles. read more
North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) just hours before the leaders of South Korea and Japan were due to meet for landmark talks.
Both Japanese and South Korean officials confirmed the long-range missile's launch on Thursday morning.
It flew about 1,000km (620 miles) landing in waters west of Japan.
It is Pyongyang's fourth missile launch in a week and comes as the US and South Korea hold joint navy drills.
The other missiles launched - last Thursday, on Saturday and on Monday - had been short-range ballistic missiles. read more
Video shows moment Russian fighter jet hits US drone over Black Sea
The US military has released footage of a Russian jet crashing into one of its drones over the Black Sea.
The US said the damage to the large drone meant it had to be brought down into the water near Crimea on Tuesday.
Russia denied its Su-27 fighter jet clipped the propeller of the drone, but the video appears to back up the American version of events.
It was in the Pentagon's interest to release this video - not least to verify its version of events.
The BBC has not seen the events before or after the collision. The US initially said the confrontation lasted around 30-40 minutes, but the released footage lasts for less than a minute. read more
The US military has released footage of a Russian jet crashing into one of its drones over the Black Sea.
The US said the damage to the large drone meant it had to be brought down into the water near Crimea on Tuesday.
Russia denied its Su-27 fighter jet clipped the propeller of the drone, but the video appears to back up the American version of events.
It was in the Pentagon's interest to release this video - not least to verify its version of events.
The BBC has not seen the events before or after the collision. The US initially said the confrontation lasted around 30-40 minutes, but the released footage lasts for less than a minute. read more
China's Xi to meet Putin in Moscow next week
China's President Xi Jinping will travel to Moscow next week to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, officials say.
The Kremlin said they would discuss a "comprehensive partnership and strategic co-operation".
The visit comes as Beijing, an ally of Russia, has offered proposals to end the war in Ukraine, to which the West has given a lukewarm reception.
Western countries have warned Beijing against supplying Moscow with weapons.
Beijing's foreign ministry said Mr Xi will be in Russia from 20 to 22 March at the invitation of Mr Putin. read more
China's President Xi Jinping will travel to Moscow next week to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, officials say.
The Kremlin said they would discuss a "comprehensive partnership and strategic co-operation".
The visit comes as Beijing, an ally of Russia, has offered proposals to end the war in Ukraine, to which the West has given a lukewarm reception.
Western countries have warned Beijing against supplying Moscow with weapons.
Beijing's foreign ministry said Mr Xi will be in Russia from 20 to 22 March at the invitation of Mr Putin. read more
Ex-US President Donald Trump expects to be arrested on Tuesday
Donald Trump says he expects to be arrested on Tuesday and has urged his supporters to launch mass protests.
However his lawyer said there had been no communication from law enforcement and the former president's post was based on media reports.
Prosecutors have been looking at a possible indictment of Mr Trump. Reports say it could come next week.
If he is indicted, it would be the first criminal case ever brought against a former US president. read more
Donald Trump says he expects to be arrested on Tuesday and has urged his supporters to launch mass protests.
However his lawyer said there had been no communication from law enforcement and the former president's post was based on media reports.
Prosecutors have been looking at a possible indictment of Mr Trump. Reports say it could come next week.
If he is indicted, it would be the first criminal case ever brought against a former US president. read more
UBS agrees 'emergency rescue' of Credit Suisse
Troubled bank Credit Suisse has been rescued by its Swiss rival UBS in a government-backed deal.
Sunday's announcement came after a weekend of emergency talks in Switzerland between the two banks and the country's financial regulators.
The Swiss National Bank said the deal was the best way to restore the confidence of financial markets and to manage risks to the economy.
Credit Suisse said it was not expecting "any disruption to client services".
"We are fully focused on ensuring a smooth transition and seamless experience for our valued clients and customers," a spokesperson for the bank told the BBC. read more
Troubled bank Credit Suisse has been rescued by its Swiss rival UBS in a government-backed deal.
Sunday's announcement came after a weekend of emergency talks in Switzerland between the two banks and the country's financial regulators.
The Swiss National Bank said the deal was the best way to restore the confidence of financial markets and to manage risks to the economy.
Credit Suisse said it was not expecting "any disruption to client services".
"We are fully focused on ensuring a smooth transition and seamless experience for our valued clients and customers," a spokesperson for the bank told the BBC. read more
China's President Xi Jinping condemns killings of miners in CAR
China's President Xi Jinping says the killers of nine Chinese goldmine workers in the Central African Republic (CAR) must be "severely" punished.
Two Chinese workers were also wounded when gunmen stormed a mining site near the central town of Bambari on Sunday.
The local mayor blamed a rebel group for the killings.
But the rebels said Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group were behind the attack.
The Wagner group has not yet commented on the claim.
Its fighters are widely reported to have been deployed to mineral-rich CAR to help government forces defeat the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), an alliance of rebel groups. read more
China's President Xi Jinping says the killers of nine Chinese goldmine workers in the Central African Republic (CAR) must be "severely" punished.
Two Chinese workers were also wounded when gunmen stormed a mining site near the central town of Bambari on Sunday.
The local mayor blamed a rebel group for the killings.
But the rebels said Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group were behind the attack.
The Wagner group has not yet commented on the claim.
Its fighters are widely reported to have been deployed to mineral-rich CAR to help government forces defeat the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), an alliance of rebel groups. read more
US urges Xi to press Putin over 'war crimes' in Ukraine
The US has urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to press Vladimir Putin on ceasing the "war crimes" being carried out by Russia in Ukraine.
The two will meet again on Tuesday for official talks during Mr Xi's first visit to Moscow since the invasion.
The White House's National Security Council spokesman called on Mr Xi to urge his Russian counterpart to withdraw troops from Ukraine.
John Kirby said seeking a ceasefire would not be enough.
"We hope that President Xi will press President Putin to cease bombing Ukrainian cities, hospitals and schools, to halt the war crimes and atrocities and to withdraw his troops," he said. read more
The US has urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to press Vladimir Putin on ceasing the "war crimes" being carried out by Russia in Ukraine.
The two will meet again on Tuesday for official talks during Mr Xi's first visit to Moscow since the invasion.
The White House's National Security Council spokesman called on Mr Xi to urge his Russian counterpart to withdraw troops from Ukraine.
John Kirby said seeking a ceasefire would not be enough.
"We hope that President Xi will press President Putin to cease bombing Ukrainian cities, hospitals and schools, to halt the war crimes and atrocities and to withdraw his troops," he said. read more
Putin: China plan could end war, but Ukraine and West not ready for peace
China's peace plan for Ukraine could be used as a basis to end the war, Vladimir Putin has said.
But Mr Putin said the plan could be put forward only when they are ready "in the West and Kyiv".
The Russian leader met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday in Moscow to discuss the conflict, and relations between the two countries.
China's plan, published last month, does not explicitly call for Russia to leave Ukraine.
Listing 12 points, it calls for peace talks and respect for national sovereignty, without specific proposals.
But Ukraine has insisted on Russia withdrawing from its territory as a condition for any talks - and there is no sign that Russia is ready to do that. read more
China's peace plan for Ukraine could be used as a basis to end the war, Vladimir Putin has said.
But Mr Putin said the plan could be put forward only when they are ready "in the West and Kyiv".
The Russian leader met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday in Moscow to discuss the conflict, and relations between the two countries.
China's plan, published last month, does not explicitly call for Russia to leave Ukraine.
Listing 12 points, it calls for peace talks and respect for national sovereignty, without specific proposals.
But Ukraine has insisted on Russia withdrawing from its territory as a condition for any talks - and there is no sign that Russia is ready to do that. read more
US raises interest rates despite banking turmoil
The US central bank has raised interest rates again, despite fears that the move could add to financial turmoil after a string of bank failures.
The Federal Reserve increased its key rate by 0.25 percentage points, calling the banking system "sound and resilient".
But it also warned that fallout from the bank failures may hurt economic growth in the months ahead.
The Fed has been raising borrowing costs in a bid to stabilise prices.
But the sharp increase in interest rates since last year has led to strains in the banking system.
Two US banks - Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank - collapsed this month, buckling in part due to problems caused by higher interest rates. read more
The US central bank has raised interest rates again, despite fears that the move could add to financial turmoil after a string of bank failures.
The Federal Reserve increased its key rate by 0.25 percentage points, calling the banking system "sound and resilient".
But it also warned that fallout from the bank failures may hurt economic growth in the months ahead.
The Fed has been raising borrowing costs in a bid to stabilise prices.
But the sharp increase in interest rates since last year has led to strains in the banking system.
Two US banks - Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank - collapsed this month, buckling in part due to problems caused by higher interest rates. read more
Indigenous Voice: Australia PM unveils plan for historic constitution vote
Australia's leader has unveiled crucial details of a planned referendum which could see it change its constitution for the first time in almost 50 years.
If approved, the vote later this year would establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice - a formal body for Indigenous people to give advice on laws.
PM Anthony Albanese argues it would be a "very simple" but "momentous" change.
Constitutional referendums are fairly rare - only eight of 44 have succeeded.
The Voice is being fiercely debated with support and opposition across the political spectrum. read more
Australia's leader has unveiled crucial details of a planned referendum which could see it change its constitution for the first time in almost 50 years.
If approved, the vote later this year would establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice - a formal body for Indigenous people to give advice on laws.
PM Anthony Albanese argues it would be a "very simple" but "momentous" change.
Constitutional referendums are fairly rare - only eight of 44 have succeeded.
The Voice is being fiercely debated with support and opposition across the political spectrum. read more
Bordeaux town hall set on fire in France pension protests
Bordeaux town hall has been set on fire as French protests continued over plans to raise the pension age.
More than a million people took to the streets across France on Thursday, with 119,000 in Paris, according to figures from the interior ministry.
Police fired tear gas at protesters in the capital and 80 people were arrested across the country.
The demonstrations were sparked by legislation raising the retirement age by two years to 64.
Fire engulfed the front door of the town hall in the southwest city of Bordeaux on Thursday evening after a day of protests and clashes. read more
Bordeaux town hall has been set on fire as French protests continued over plans to raise the pension age.
More than a million people took to the streets across France on Thursday, with 119,000 in Paris, according to figures from the interior ministry.
Police fired tear gas at protesters in the capital and 80 people were arrested across the country.
The demonstrations were sparked by legislation raising the retirement age by two years to 64.
Fire engulfed the front door of the town hall in the southwest city of Bordeaux on Thursday evening after a day of protests and clashes. read more
Do Kwon: Fugitive 'cryptocrash' boss arrested in Montenegro
South Korea police say that Do Kwon, the fugitive cryptocurrency boss behind the $40bn (£32.5bn) collapse of the terraUSD and Luna tokens, has been arrested in Montenegro.
He has since been charged with fraud by prosecutors in the US.
Earlier this year US regulators accused Mr Kwon and his company Terraform Labs of "orchestrating a multi-billion dollar crypto asset securities fraud".
The firm did not immediately respond to a BBC request for comment.
South Korea authorities issued an arrest warrant for Mr Kwon last September as they believed Terraform Labs had violated capital market rules.
They had thought he was in Serbia, and even sent officials to Belgrade to negotiate, since the two nations do not have an extradition treaty. read more
South Korea police say that Do Kwon, the fugitive cryptocurrency boss behind the $40bn (£32.5bn) collapse of the terraUSD and Luna tokens, has been arrested in Montenegro.
He has since been charged with fraud by prosecutors in the US.
Earlier this year US regulators accused Mr Kwon and his company Terraform Labs of "orchestrating a multi-billion dollar crypto asset securities fraud".
The firm did not immediately respond to a BBC request for comment.
South Korea authorities issued an arrest warrant for Mr Kwon last September as they believed Terraform Labs had violated capital market rules.
They had thought he was in Serbia, and even sent officials to Belgrade to negotiate, since the two nations do not have an extradition treaty. read more
King Charles's France visit postponed after pension protests
King Charles III's state visit to France has been postponed, after a request by President Emmanuel Macron, Downing Street says.
The Elysée Palace said the decision was taken jointly, due to a 10th day of pension protests next Tuesday.
The trip to Paris and Bordeaux had been due to begin on Sunday, but France saw some of the worst violence on Thursday since demonstrations began in January.
Buckingham Palace said the delay was due to the "situation in France".
In a statement, it said: "Their Majesties greatly look forward to the opportunity to visit France as soon as dates can be found." read more
King Charles III's state visit to France has been postponed, after a request by President Emmanuel Macron, Downing Street says.
The Elysée Palace said the decision was taken jointly, due to a 10th day of pension protests next Tuesday.
The trip to Paris and Bordeaux had been due to begin on Sunday, but France saw some of the worst violence on Thursday since demonstrations began in January.
Buckingham Palace said the delay was due to the "situation in France".
In a statement, it said: "Their Majesties greatly look forward to the opportunity to visit France as soon as dates can be found." read more