East-West Seasons

The latest world headlines from BBC News

Contractors 'divert Somalia aid'

Up to half the food aid in Somalia is routinely diverted to corrupt contractors and militants, a leaked UN report says.

Greeks stage fresh general strike

Thousands of Greek workers are expected to bring the country to a halt with a second strike in a month over austerity measures.

Mexican shakes up world rich list

Mexican Carlos Slim overtakes Bill Gates as the world's richest man, according to the Forbes "rich list", with a fortune of $53.5bn.

DR Congo mines 'hit by extortion'

Former rebels in DR Congo, now in the army, are running mafia-style extortion rackets in mines, campaigners say.

Scientists to review climate body

The UN secretary general asks the world's leading science academies to review the UN's climate science body.

Chile's new leader to be sworn in

Chilean tycoon Sebastian Pinera will be sworn in as president, with a major post-earthquake rebuilding effort ahead of him.

Haiti situation 'dire', Obama says

Barack Obama warns that the crisis in quake-hit Haiti is not over, as he meets the country's President, Rene Preval.

Israel under pressure over homes

Israel comes under growing international pressure following its approval of new building in occupied East Jerusalem.

Google to scan old Italian books

Italy signs a deal with Google to put online the contents of its two national libraries, including works by Dante and Galileo.

Israel supermarket uses parody film of Dubai assassins in advert

An Israeli supermarket chain uses spoof surveillance footage, parodying that of the alleged assassins of a Hamas commander in Dubai, in a TV advert.

Baby elephant shocks Sydney zoo with 'miracle' survival

An elephant in a Sydney zoo shocks vets by giving birth to a live baby elephant who appears to have survived labour in a coma in the womb.

Classy Man Utd crush sorry Milan

Wayne Rooney scores twice in another irresistible display as Manchester United beat Milan 4-0 on the night and 7-2 on aggregate to ease into the Champions League quarter-finals.

Real crash out of Champions League

Lyon draw 1-1 in the Bernebau to earn a 2-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid.

Can US broker Middle East peace?

Joe Biden is in the region to encourage talks between the Palestinians and Israel. What can be achieved?

Powered pedal

Beijing's silent invasion of electric bicycles

Afghan anxieties

Why the UK fears politics and force are out of synch

Mardell's America

'Open carry' activists do weekly shop with a gun

Earth Watch

Will review of UN climate change body be unbiased?

Jumbo job

It's a big task, but how do you recycle a plane?

Tough task

Challenges ahead for new president in quake-hit Chile

US reports record budget deficit

The US government records a budget deficit of $221bn (£147.6bn) in February - the largest monthly deficit in its history.

BA strike talks end without deal

Talks between British Airways and Unite aimed at averting strike action by cabin crew break down without agreement.

UK snow insurance claims at £650m

Insurers paid out £650m from 335,000 claims made as a result of damage caused by the wintry weather in the UK.

Internet up for Nobel Peace Prize

The internet is among a record 237 individuals and organisations nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

Mobile phone allows boss to snoop

Mobile technology that could allow prying bosses to monitor every movement of their staff is developed in Japan.

Facebook calls for 'iconic games'

Facebook calls on game designers to make an iconic title, such as Mario or Halo, specifically for the social network.

Lost Boys actor Haim dies aged 38

Lost Boys actor Corey Haim dies at the age of 38, the Los Angeles coroner's office confirms.

Academy defends Fawcett snub

Actress Farrah Fawcett was not in the Oscars memorial segment because she was more known as a TV star, the Academy says.

EU to back bluefin tuna trade ban

EU nations decide to support a ban on international trade in Atlantic bluefin tuna until stocks recover.

Ring may be giant 'impact crater'

Deforestation has revealed what could be a giant impact crater in Central Africa, according to Italian scientists.

GPs 'lax' on cholesterol targets

Many lives could be saved if GPs followed guidelines for reducing cholesterol in those at high risk of heart disease, a study suggests.

Nigeria charges over Jos killings

Police say 49 people are to be charged with murder following communal violence that left scores of Nigerian villagers dead.

ANC seeks Winnie Mandela answers

South Africa's ANC asks Winnie Mandela to clarify a media report in which she apparently fiercely criticised ex-husband Nelson.

Biden steps up pressure on Israel

The US vice-president renews criticism of Israel over an East Jerusalem building project and calls for bold steps for peace.

US activist Granny D dies at 100

Granny D, who walked across the US at the age of 89 in support of election campaign finance reform, dies.

'Bali bomber' killed in Indonesia

Indonesia's President Yudhoyono confirms security forces killed Bali bomb suspect Dulmatin in raids in Jakarta on Tuesday.

China's exports see big increase

China's exports surged 46% in February, figures show, raising hopes of a strong recovery in global trade.

Berezovsky wins poison libel case

Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky wins his libel case over claims he was behind the murder of former agent Alexander Litvinenko.

Ashton sets out diplomatic vision

The EU's foreign policy chief, Lady Ashton, tells MEPs how she will shape Europe's new diplomatic service, as officials vie for influence.

Egypt's top cleric dies aged 81

Egypt's top Muslim cleric has died suddenly in Saudi Arabia at the age of 81.

Iran attacks US over Afghanistan

Iranian President says it is the US, not Tehran, that is playing a "double game" in Afghanistan.

Pakistan attack kills aid workers

Militants attack the office of a Western aid agency, killing six people and wounding others, the agency and police say.

Pakistan bans for Yousuf and Younus

The Pakistan Cricket Board issues indefinite bans to former captains Mohammad Yousuf and Younus Khan for "infighting".

Police 'risk public confidence'

Police failures to tackle anti-social behaviour risk public confidence, says the chief inspector of constabulary.

Labour MP facing expenses probe

Labour MP Harry Cohen is being investigated by the police over his expenses claims, the BBC understands.

High-speed rail line plan awaited

Plans for a new high-speed rail line between London and Birmingham are to be published by the government later.

Tories say Labour plan police cut

The Tories allege ministers plan to cut the number of uniformed officers despite a pledge to protect front line police.

Fire College 'failed fire safety'

The UK Fire Service College failed to comply with fire safety laws when part of its own premises burnt down, the BBC learns.

Schools offered gang trouble tips

Schools in England are being issued with new guidance on how to spot signs that children are involved with gangs.