News
Israeli blockade deepens hardship in Gaza
Gaza hospitals will run out of drugs and fuel for generators within a few days unless Israel eases the border blockade it imposed on the Hamas-controlled territory, international organisations said on Monday.
Afghans protest over claim Koran desecrated
A group of Afghans protested on Monday against what they called the desecration of the Koran by British forces, the district governor said, although he and a British spokesman denied any desecration took place.
Kenya government turns on critics
Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki's government went on the offensive against critics on Monday, condemning opposition economic boycott plans as "sabotage" and summoning the British ambassador for a ticking off.
World stocks tumble on economy fears
World stocks tumbled on Monday as fears gripped investors that a sliding U.S. economy would drag others down with it.
Pakistan's Musharraf pledges free elections
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf pledged on Monday to hold free elections as he began a European trip aimed at bolstering outside support, but urged the West not to hold Pakistan to unrealistic rights standards.
Nautical heritage sparks town's Olympic revival
Once host to the Royal Navy and George III's summer dips, Weymouth is proud of its nautical heritage and glad of the chance to rejuvenate it with the staging of the 2012 Olympic regatta.
Committee calls for biofuel moratorium
Most biofuels harm rather than help the environment and the government should call a moratorium on increasing their use, a parliamentary committee said on Monday.
Consumers waste thousands on useless insurance
Consumers are wasting thousands of pounds on useless and expensive insurance policies, consumer group Which? said on Monday.
December public finances swing further into the red
Public finances swung deeper into the red last month, recording the biggest deficit for a month of December since records began and casting serious doubt over the government's borrowing targets.
Christian Blind Mission restores sight in southern Sudan
An eye team led by Dr Sture Nyholm from Christian Blind Mission recently restored sight to nearly 300 people in Marial Bai, southern Sudan.
Paxman says M&S pants letting him down
Millions of men buy their underpants from Marks and Spencer - and one of them is not happy.
House price rise lowest since 2005
Annual house price inflation in England and Wales fell in January to its lowest since December 2005, a survey showed on Monday, backing the view that the housing market is heading for a sharp downturn.
Call for police pay reform
Police pay structures should be reformed to reflect performance and skills rather than simply length of service, a think tank report said on Monday.
Congolese judge detained after releasing human rights lawyer
The Congolese judge who acquitted human rights lawyer and former Presidential Candidate, Marie Therese Nlandu has been detained in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Hope UK challenges Christians to go alcohol-free this Lent
Christian alcohol awareness charity Hope UK is challenging Christians to give up alcohol for Lent as part of its Thirst for Life campaign.
Nationalist wins first round of Serb president vote
Nationalist Tomislav Nikolic won the first round of Serbia's presidential election on Sunday, setting up a run-off with the pro-Western incumbent that will shape ties with the EU after the expected loss of Kosovo.