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
Netflix cuts prices for subscribers in more than 30 countries
Streaming giant Netflix has cut prices in more than 30 countries as it attempts to attract more subscribers.
Prices have been cut in parts of Asia, Europe, Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.
It comes as the rising cost of living sees households tightening their belts and Netflix faces increased competition from rival services.
"Members have never had more choices when it comes to entertainment," a company spokesperson told the BBC.
Countries in which subscription charges have been lowered include Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Croatia, Venezuela, Kenya and Iran. read more
Streaming giant Netflix has cut prices in more than 30 countries as it attempts to attract more subscribers.
Prices have been cut in parts of Asia, Europe, Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.
It comes as the rising cost of living sees households tightening their belts and Netflix faces increased competition from rival services.
"Members have never had more choices when it comes to entertainment," a company spokesperson told the BBC.
Countries in which subscription charges have been lowered include Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Croatia, Venezuela, Kenya and Iran. read more
Moldova warns of Russian 'psy-ops' as tensions rise
Moldova's leaders have rejected Russian claims that Ukraine is planning to attack the country's breakaway pro-Russian territory, and called for calm.
Russia's defence ministry alleged, with no evidence, that Ukrainian saboteurs, dressed as Russian troops, would attack from Transnistria, to provide a pretext for a Ukrainian invasion.
Moldova has warned for weeks that Russia is plotting to seize power.
And officials rejected Russia's claims as "psy-ops" as part of the war.
"The defence ministry believes it is an element of a psychological operation rather than a real plan," said state secretary Valeriu Mija. read more
Moldova's leaders have rejected Russian claims that Ukraine is planning to attack the country's breakaway pro-Russian territory, and called for calm.
Russia's defence ministry alleged, with no evidence, that Ukrainian saboteurs, dressed as Russian troops, would attack from Transnistria, to provide a pretext for a Ukrainian invasion.
Moldova has warned for weeks that Russia is plotting to seize power.
And officials rejected Russia's claims as "psy-ops" as part of the war.
"The defence ministry believes it is an element of a psychological operation rather than a real plan," said state secretary Valeriu Mija. read more
Ukraine war: Zelensky wants Xi Jinping meeting following China's peace plan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he plans to meet China's leader Xi Jinping to discuss Beijing's proposals on ending the war in Ukraine.
Speaking on the first anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, he said the proposal signalled that China was involved in the search for peace.
"I really want to believe that China will not supply weapons to Russia," he said.
China's plan calls for peace talks and respect for national sovereignty.
However, the 12-point document does not specifically say that Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraine, and it also condemns the usage of "unilateral sanctions", in what is seen as a veiled criticism of Ukraine's allies in the West.
The Chinese authorities have so far not publicly responded to Mr Zelensky's call for a summit with Mr Xi. read more
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he plans to meet China's leader Xi Jinping to discuss Beijing's proposals on ending the war in Ukraine.
Speaking on the first anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, he said the proposal signalled that China was involved in the search for peace.
"I really want to believe that China will not supply weapons to Russia," he said.
China's plan calls for peace talks and respect for national sovereignty.
However, the 12-point document does not specifically say that Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraine, and it also condemns the usage of "unilateral sanctions", in what is seen as a veiled criticism of Ukraine's allies in the West.
The Chinese authorities have so far not publicly responded to Mr Zelensky's call for a summit with Mr Xi. read more
Mardi Gras: Australia's PM Anthony Albanese first to join march
Anthony Albanese has become Australia's first sitting prime minister to take part in Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade - one of the biggest events of its kind in the world.
Huge crowds packed the city's Oxford Street as more than 12,000 participants and 200 floats passed by.
It is the first time the parade has been held in its traditional form since 2019 due to Covid restrictions.
"This is a celebration of modern Australia," Mr Albanese said.
He added that it was "unfortunate" that he was the country's first leader to march in the parade while in office. read more
Anthony Albanese has become Australia's first sitting prime minister to take part in Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade - one of the biggest events of its kind in the world.
Huge crowds packed the city's Oxford Street as more than 12,000 participants and 200 floats passed by.
It is the first time the parade has been held in its traditional form since 2019 due to Covid restrictions.
"This is a celebration of modern Australia," Mr Albanese said.
He added that it was "unfortunate" that he was the country's first leader to march in the parade while in office. read more
Turkey earthquakes: Collapsed buildings investigation widens
More than 600 people are now being investigated in Turkey over buildings that collapsed in the deadly earthquake on 6 February, the government has said.
On Saturday, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said 184 suspects - including construction contractors and property owners - had already been arrested.
For years, experts warned that endemic corruption and government policies meant many new buildings were unsafe.
The confirmed death toll in Turkey and Syria has now exceeded 50,000. read more
More than 600 people are now being investigated in Turkey over buildings that collapsed in the deadly earthquake on 6 February, the government has said.
On Saturday, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said 184 suspects - including construction contractors and property owners - had already been arrested.
For years, experts warned that endemic corruption and government policies meant many new buildings were unsafe.
The confirmed death toll in Turkey and Syria has now exceeded 50,000. read more
Italy shipwreck: At least 59 migrants killed off Calabria coast
At least 59 migrants, including 12 children, have died and dozens more are feared missing after their boat sank in rough seas off southern Italy.
The overloaded vessel broke apart while trying to land with at least 150 people aboard near the coastal town of Crotone in the Calabria region.
Many bodies have been recovered from the beach at a nearby seaside resort.
Large numbers of people fleeing conflict and poverty make the crossing from Africa to Italy each year.
A baby thought to be only a few months old was among the dead, according to Italy's Ansa news agency. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, who visited the scene, said as many as 30 people may still be missing. read more
At least 59 migrants, including 12 children, have died and dozens more are feared missing after their boat sank in rough seas off southern Italy.
The overloaded vessel broke apart while trying to land with at least 150 people aboard near the coastal town of Crotone in the Calabria region.
Many bodies have been recovered from the beach at a nearby seaside resort.
Large numbers of people fleeing conflict and poverty make the crossing from Africa to Italy each year.
A baby thought to be only a few months old was among the dead, according to Italy's Ansa news agency. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, who visited the scene, said as many as 30 people may still be missing. read more
Nigeria election 2023: Early results arriving
Early results have started to arrive from Nigeria's tightest election since the end of military rule in 1999.
Official results from the south-western Ekiti state show a clear victory for ruling party candidate Bola Tinubu in one of his strongholds.
Further results will not be formally announced until 10:00 GMT.
Following widespread delays and attacks on some polling stations on Saturday, voting was postponed until Sunday in parts of the country.
Voting continued through the night in some areas.
Turnout appears to be high, especially among young people who make up about a third of the 87 million eligible voters.
This makes it the biggest democratic exercise in Africa. read more
Early results have started to arrive from Nigeria's tightest election since the end of military rule in 1999.
Official results from the south-western Ekiti state show a clear victory for ruling party candidate Bola Tinubu in one of his strongholds.
Further results will not be formally announced until 10:00 GMT.
Following widespread delays and attacks on some polling stations on Saturday, voting was postponed until Sunday in parts of the country.
Voting continued through the night in some areas.
Turnout appears to be high, especially among young people who make up about a third of the 87 million eligible voters.
This makes it the biggest democratic exercise in Africa. read more