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Syrian opposition groups say the city of Homs has come under the heaviest shelling in days, despite the president's pledge to engage in dialogue.

Three leading US senators warn Egypt the risk of a "disastrous" break in ties has rarely been greater, as it plans to try 43 pro-democracy activists.

Aircraft maker Airbus has been ordered to check the wings of all A380 superjumbo planes currently in service.

Royal Bank of Scotland chief executive, Stephen Hester, tells the BBC he briefly considered resigning during the uproar over his bonus.

Greek PM Lucas Papademos is set to meet coalition parties in an attempt to seal an austerity deal to secure a new EU/IMF bailout.

In the US and UK the market for clothing for pets is growing. But is it a sensible bit of indulgence or an inappropriate fad?

More than 120 people are arrested during raids across London by a new Metropolitan Police unit dedicated to tackling gang crime.

Sudan's president is due to launch a governing body to oversee a peace deal intended to end the war in western region of Darfur which began in 2003.

The jury in the Harry Redknapp tax evasion trial starts its second day of deliberations.

In these tough economic times more British shoppers are haggling for their goods according to a new report.

Israel's main trade union federation launches a national strike intended to shut down government offices, banks, airports, ports and rail services.

Canada ordered its intelligence agency to use information that may have been extracted through torture if public safety is at risk, it emerges.

Figures from the Department of Education suggest that more than 450,000 extra primary school places will be needed by September 2015.

Police and coastguards try to trace the owners of a car found abandoned in waters off the coast of Dumfries and Galloway.

Crucial assembly elections are under way in India's most populous state of Uttar Pradesh, a major test of support for the ruling Congress party.

Talks to end a police strike in the Brazilian state of Bahia break down, as troops blockade the state assembly occupied by striking officers.

US conservative Rick Santorum wins races for the Republican presidential nomination in three states, upsetting front-runner Mitt Romney.

Heard the one about the emir and a Qatari stand-up comedian?

George Osborne promises to fight an "anti-business culture", warning that the row over bonuses and pay threatens to undermine jobs and prosperity.

Are eating challenges becoming more popular in England?