comment on the news as it happens
Pakistan bans for Yousuf and Younus Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:56:40 GMTThe Pakistan Cricket Board issues indefinite bans to former captains Mohammad Yousuf and Younus Khan for "infighting".
Airlines offer to give up slots Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:30:27 GMTBA, American Airlines and Iberia offer to give up take off and landing slots in London and New York, say EU watchdogs.
Spanish hostage in Africa freed Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:15:16 GMTA Spanish woman kidnapped in West Africa last year has been freed, Madrid says; and an Italian may also be free.
BA strike talks end without deal Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:39:07 GMTTalks between BA and the Unite union aimed at averting strike action by cabin crew break down without agreement.
Labour edges ahead on education Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:02:10 GMTA BBC Newsnight poll suggests that the Conservatives are failing to win over voters unsatisfied with Labour's record on education.
Anna Nicole opera to be staged Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:16:58 GMTLondon's Royal Opera House is to host the world premiere of an opera about the life of ex- Playboy model Anna Nicole Smith.
Berezovsky wins poison libel case Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:53:43 GMTRussian oligarch Boris Berezovsky wins libel damages over claims he conspired to avoid extradition and get political asylum in Britain.
Onions ruled out of opening Test Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:43:42 GMTEngland bowler Graham Onions is ruled out of the first Test against Bangladesh starting on Friday with a back injury.
Scientists to review climate body Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:52:52 GMTThe UN Secretary-General asks the world's leading science academies to review the UN's climate science body.
Ashton sets out diplomatic vision Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:40:01 GMTThe EU's foreign policy chief, Lady Ashton, tells MEPs Europe has a "once in a generation opportunity" to build a powerful diplomatic service.
Grab your glasses - Belgian daily issues '3D newspaper' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:35:26 GMTA Belgian daily has issued what is thought to be Europe's first 3D newspaper - complete with cardboard viewing glasses.
Collider to shut down for a year Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:19:18 GMTThe Large Hadron Collider must be shut down for a year starting in late 2011 to address design flaws, the BBC has learned.
Beckham plots Old Trafford upset Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:43:25 GMTDavid Beckham believes his AC Milan side can overturn a 3-2 deficit and send his former club Manchester United crashing out of the Champions League.
Contractors 'divert Somalia aid' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:07:43 GMTUp to half the food aid in Somalia is routinely diverted to corrupt contractors and militants, a UN report says.
Aid agency attacked in Pakistan Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:58:11 GMTUnidentified gunmen attack the office of a Western aid agency, killing six people and wounding several others, the agency and police say.
Five killed in Pakistan attack Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:37:09 GMTUnidentified gunmen attack the office of a Western aid agency, killing up to five people, police say.
Life bans for Yousuf and Younus Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:56:40 GMTA Pakistan Cricket Board committee has issued indefinite bans from the national team to former captains Mohammad Yousuf and Younus Khan.
India help for Sri Lanka amputees Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:12:32 GMTAn Indian charity sends a team to Sri Lanka to provide 1,000 amputees in the war-ravaged north with artificial limbs.
National parties accuse BBC of bias Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:14:27 GMTPlaid Cymru and the SNP say planned televised debate plans breach the BBC's duty of impartiality.
US activist Granny D dies at 100 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:43:03 GMTGranny D, who walked across the US at the age of 89 in support of election campaign finance reform, dies.
Kennel Club 'fails pedigree dogs' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:55:56 GMTThe producer of a BBC documentary about poor health in pedigree dogs accuses the Kennel Club of not doing enough to improve matters since its broadcast in 2008.
'Last Bali bomber' killed in Indonesia Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:31:36 GMTIndonesia's president confirms security forces have killed the last main main suspect in the 2002 Bali bombings, Dulmatin.
Apology for women raped by father Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:19:26 GMTTwo women raped by their father over 25 years- bearing seven of his children - are given an apology by authorities.
Arrests in Cyprus body theft case Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:07:16 GMTThree men are arrested in connection with the theft of the corpse of Cyprus's ex-President Papadopoulos, officials say.
ANC seeks Winnie Mandela answers Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:24:58 GMTSouth Africa's ANC asks Winnie Mandela to clarify a media report in which she apparently fiercely criticised ex-husband Nelson.
Internet up for Nobel Peace Prize Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:57:16 GMTThe internet is among a record 237 individuals and organisations nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize.
Man guilty of murdering daughter Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:54:38 GMTA man is found guilty of murdering his 17-year-old daughter, whose body was found when police stopped his car.
Israel sued over dead US activist Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:02:26 GMTA court case brought by the family of Rachel Corrie, a US protester killed by an Israeli army bulldozer in 2003, opens in Israel.
Egypt's top cleric dies aged 81 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:34:06 GMTEgypt's top Muslim cleric has died suddenly in Saudi Arabia at the age of 81.
Street actress reveals depression Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:03:58 GMTCoronation Street actress Beverley Callard reveals she has been receiving treatment for a "serious breakdown" and depression.
Israel supermarket uses parody film of Dubai assassins in advert Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:05:38 GMTAn Israeli supermarket chain uses spoof surveillance footage, parodying that of the alleged assassins of a Hamas commander in Dubai, in a TV advert.
Call to halt NHS patient database Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:48:42 GMTDoctors' leaders urge ministers to halt the development of a medical records database for people in England.
Google to scan old Italian books Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:55:24 GMTItaly signs a deal with Google to put online the contents of its two national libraries, including works by Dante and Galileo.
Care home owner 'not a killer' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:55:31 GMTA care home manager from Somerset accused of killing two of her residents has denied she was a "drug-crazed monster killer", a court is told.
Baby P rules 'may increase risks' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:16:16 GMTRules to improve child protection after the Baby P case may leave children more vulnerable to harm, council leaders warn.
Inmate reoffending 'costs £10bn' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:55:17 GMTReoffending by thousands of criminals serving short sentences in England and Wales costs up to £10bn a year, says a report.
Real crash out of Champions League Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:41:52 GMTLyon draw 1-1 in the Bernebau to earn a 2-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid.
UK seeks Afghan political drive Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:04:10 GMTForeign Secretary David Miliband is to urge the Afghan president to seek a political solution to the conflict with the Taliban.
Gaza activist's death case opens Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:16:14 GMTA court case brought by the family of Rachel Corrie, a US protester killed by an Israeli army bulldozer in 2003, opens in Israel.
DR Congo deforestation reveals Earth's hidden secrets Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:26:56 GMTDeforestation in central Africa has revealed what could be an impact crater left by a giant space rock, scientists say.
Nigeria charges over Jos killings Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:49:06 GMTPolice say 49 people are to be charged with murder following communal violence that left scores of Nigerian villagers dead.
Kidnap boy's father returns to UK Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:06:49 GMTThe father of a British boy kidnapped in Pakistan has returned home against police wishes, the BBC learns.
Iranian president in Afghanistan Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:13:46 GMTThe Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has arrived in the Afghan capital Kabul for talks with President Hamid Karzai.
Elephant birth shocks Sydney zoo Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:14:29 GMTAn elephant in a Sydney zoo gives birth to a live calf, shocking vets who thought the baby had died in the womb.
Biden steps up pressure on Israel Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:46:40 GMTThe US vice-president again condemns Israel over an East Jerusalem building project and calls for bold steps to achieve peace.
EU set to ban bluefin tuna trade Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:57:42 GMTReports indicate that the EU has decided to support a ban on international trade in Atlantic bluefin tuna.
Kidnap boy's father defies police Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:54:04 GMTThe father of a British boy kidnapped in Pakistan is heading home against police wishes, the BBC learns.
Iran president in key Afghan trip Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:25:41 GMTIranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrives in the Afghan capital Kabul for talks with President Hamid Karzai.
Kidnapped boy's father back in UK Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:03:45 GMTThe father of a British boy kidnapped in Pakistan has returned home against police wishes, the BBC learns.
Indonesia militant 'was killed' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:42:15 GMTIndonesia's President Yudhoyono confirms security forces killed terror suspect Dulmatin in raids in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Haiti situation 'dire', Obama says Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:38:07 GMTBarack Obama warns that the crisis in quake-hit Haiti is not over, as he meets the country's president.
Israel under pressure over homes Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:29:49 GMTIsrael comes under growing international pressure following its approval of new building in occupied East Jerusalem.
Economic storm not over, says PM Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:00:27 GMTGordon Brown is expected to say he has guided the economy through a "storm" and is best-placed to secure its recovery.
Ring may be giant 'impact crater' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:26:56 GMTDeforestation has revealed what could be a giant impact crater in Central Africa, according to Italian scientists.
US woman on 'jihad terror' charge Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:56:49 GMTA US woman from Pennsylvania faces charges of using the internet to recruit female militant fighters for deadly attacks abroad.
Leaping off the page - Belgian paper prints '3D edition' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:35:26 GMTA Belgian daily has issued what is thought to be Europe's first 3D newspaper - complete with cardboard viewing glasses.
China 'seeking end to Buddhism' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:23:13 GMTThe Dalai Lama accuses China of trying to "annihilate Buddhism", as Tibet marks 51 years since a failed revolt against Beijing.
Pakistan kidnap father returns to UK Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:59:53 GMTThe father of a British boy kidnapped in Pakistan returns to the UK against the wishes of the country's police, the BBC learns.
'Bali bomber' killed in Indonesia Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:07:03 GMTIndonesia's President Yudhoyono confirms security forces killed Bali bomb suspect Dulmatin in raids in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Good egg - DNA of extinct birds found in ancient shells Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:22:57 GMTThe eggshells of long-dead and extinct species are a particularly good source to find preserved DNA, researchers say.
Gambler awaits extradition result Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:15:07 GMTA British poker champion accused of killing his wife and dumping her body in a US national park will find out in April if he is to be extradited.
Cars in rail 'Russian roulette' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:00:56 GMTThe driving test should have compulsory questions on level crossings to teach good habits in learner drivers, says Network Rail.
Live - Wednesday football Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:50:16 GMTDavid Beckham returns to Old Trafford as his AC Milan side try to overcome Man Utd and reach the Champions League quarter-finals, while Burnley host Stoke in the Premier League.
British Gas faces strike ballot Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:22:21 GMTBritish Gas workers are to vote in a strike ballot over allegations of bullying by management, and on changes to working conditions.
Facebook calls for 'iconic games' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:19:13 GMTFacebook calls on game designers to make an iconic title, such as Mario or Halo, specifically for the social network.
Burma law bans Suu Kyi from poll Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:19:48 GMTA new election law formally bars pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from taking part in elections planned in Burma.
Fifth charge in Singh murder case Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:50:43 GMTPolice charge a fifth person with the murder of a Huddersfield shopkeeper who was attacked during a robbery at his store.
Zuma submits finance declaration Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:13:42 GMTSouth African President Jacob Zuma submits his declaration of interests, after critics urged an inquiry into his finances.
Body found in missing mother hunt Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:16:33 GMTPolice searching for a Dundee mother who went missing two weeks ago say they have found a body.
Separation fear Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:05:16 GMTFamilies fight 'racist' Israeli marriage and citizenship law
Russian drivers 'used as shield' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:34:35 GMTRussia launches a criminal inquiry after claims that traffic police used civilian drivers as a "human shield" to stop criminals.
China denies World Cup sweatshop Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:31:26 GMTA Shanghai company denies it used sweatshop labour to produce World Cup mascots, as Fifa suspends its manufacturing contract.
LIVE: Prime minister's questions Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:43:06 GMTWatch all the action with key points, analysis and reaction as Gordon Brown faces his weekly prime minister's questions grilling.
Rapist father review findings due Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:14:05 GMTThe results of a serious case review into how a man could father nine children by raping his daughters are being released.
Pakistan to ban Yousuf & Younus Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:56:40 GMTTop Pakistan cricketers Mohammad Yousuf and Younus Khan are told they cannot represent their country again.
Lost Boys actor Haim dies aged 38 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:44:29 GMTLost Boys actor Corey Haim dies at the age of 38, the Los Angeles coroner's office confirms.
Letterman blackmail is admitted Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:38:35 GMTA US TV producer pleads guilty to attempting to blackmail US chat show host David Letterman over his affairs.
Oscar bosses defend Fawcett snub Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:19:17 GMTActress Farrah Fawcett was not in the Oscars memorial segment because she was more known as a TV star, the Academy says.
Can US broker Middle East peace? Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:24:35 GMTJoe Biden is in the region to encourage talks between the Palestinians and Israel. What can be achieved?
Twenty-four hour hugging people - student pair break record Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:24:33 GMTA pair of embracing students from Greater Manchester break the world record for the longest hug.
Collider to shut for year to fix faults Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:19:18 GMTThe Large Hadron Collider must be shut down for a year starting in late 2011 to address design flaws, the BBC has learned.
Iran attacks US over Afghanistan Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:51:51 GMTIranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says it is the US, not Tehran, that is playing a "double game" in Afghanistan.
EU leader 'pities' UKIP's Farage Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:48:55 GMTEU president Herman Van Rompuy says he pities Nigel Farage, the British Eurosceptic MEP who called him a "damp rag".
German exports fall unexpectedly Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:24:17 GMTGerman exports fell unexpectedly in January, with analysts saying that the cold weather that month was to blame.
Formal Suu Kyi ban in Burma poll Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:47:02 GMTA new election law formally bars pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from taking part in elections planned in Burma.
Oscar bosses defend Farrah Fawcett snub Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:19:17 GMTActress Farrah Fawcett was not in the Oscars memorial segment because she was more known as a TV star, the Academy says.
Pakistan attack kills aid workers Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:30:16 GMTMilitants attack the office of a Western aid agency, killing six people and wounding others, the agency and police say.
Science 'is a key election issue' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:58:22 GMTThe science spokesmen of the three main political parties cross swords on the issue of UK research funding.
Women seized in Africa 'set free' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:54:57 GMTTwo women - a Spaniard and an Italian - kidnapped in West Africa last year are freed, say unconfirmed reports.
Plane-spotters return from India Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:59:17 GMTTwo British plane-spotters return home from India after being fined for monitoring aircraft.
Jerusalem row clouds Biden visit Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:43:17 GMTUS Vice-President Joe Biden meets Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, with discussions dominated by Israeli plans for 1,600 more homes in East Jerusalem.
Baby elephant shocks Sydney zoo with 'miracle' survival Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:14:29 GMTAn 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.
Phantom returns Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:59:45 GMTThe critics' verdicts on Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies
Banking fraud 'moves to internet' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:44 GMTFraudsters are continuing their switch from traditional card fraud to raiding online bank accounts, new research shows.
Firm denies Fifa sweatshop claims Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:31:26 GMTA Shanghai company denies it used sweatshop labour to produce World Cup mascots, as Fifa suspends its contract.
China's exports see big increase Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:00:18 GMTChina's exports surged 46% in February, figures show, raising hopes of a strong recovery in global trade.
Actor Sheen 'set for TV return' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:19:22 GMTActor Charlie Sheen is expected to return to the set of Two and a Half Men after a spell in rehab, his publicist says.
More schools likely to be failed Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:25:57 GMTMore schools in England are being judged as inadequate in Ofsted's new-style inspections, figures are expected to show.
Labour edge ahead on education Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:02:10 GMTA BBC Newsnight poll suggests that the Conservatives are failing to win over voters unsatisfied with Labour's record on education.
Insurers 'face $7bn Chile bill' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:57:47 GMTThe earthquake in Chile may cost the global insurance industry as much as $7bn (£4.7bn), Swiss Re estimates.
Bendtner shines as Arsenal progress Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:41:03 GMTNicklas Bendtner silences his recent critics with a hat-trick as Arsenal see off Porto in emphatic fashion to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
More schools fail Ofsted checks Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:43:34 GMTMore schools in England are being judged as inadequate in Ofsted's new-style inspections, according to figures just released.
Galapagos tension Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:31:38 GMTCan all species live side by side in unique ecosystem?
Bendtner response delights Wenger Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:34:40 GMTArsenal manager Arsene Wenger praises the resolve of Nicklas Bendtner, who put recent media criticism behind him by scoring a hat-trick in the 5-0 Champions League win over Porto.
Boy's torturers given jail terms Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:20:32 GMTA Leeds drugs gang are jailed for torturing a boy, 16, to force his family to pay a £20,000 ransom over a "drugs debt".
Ex-chief warns over defence funds Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:01:42 GMTMinisters will have to cut back all but the most essential projects to meet a funding shortfall, a former defence chief warns.
File-sharing sanctions 'unfair' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:18:42 GMTIllegal file-sharers should be fined, rather than have their internet connection cut off, says the boss of BT.
Bulger error man in plea to Straw Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:51:00 GMTA man subjected to a hate campaign over false claims he is Jon Venables pleads with Jack Straw to reveal his new identity.
LHC fault forces 2011 shutdown Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:19:18 GMTThe Large Hadron Collider must be shut down for a year starting in late 2011 to address design flaws, the BBC has learned.
Classy Man Utd crush sorry Milan Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:35:03 GMTWayne 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-final.
Aid workers shot dead in Pakistan Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:30:24 GMTGunmen attack the office of a Western aid agency, killing six people and wounding others, the agency and police say.
China to build Sri Lanka airport Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:38:17 GMTChina is to lend Sri Lanka just under $200m to build a second international airport in the south of the island.
Fighting the tide Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:27:17 GMTChurch authority at risk as scandals spread in Europe
Mobile phone allows boss to snoop Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:53:07 GMTMobile technology that could allow prying bosses to monitor every movement of their staff is developed in Japan.
EU rule change 'may cut red tape' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:37:20 GMTSmall firms may be exempted from having to draw up and lodge annual accounts, after MEPs approve changes to European Union rules.
Activist case to open in Israel Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:04:35 GMTA court case brought by the family of Rachel Corrie, a US protester killed by an Israeli army bulldozer in 2003, is to open.
Call to halt NHS medical database Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:48:42 GMTDoctors' leaders urge ministers to halt the development of a medical records database for patients in England.
Social care deal 'dead in water' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:36:06 GMTAttempts to reach a cross-party deal on funding social care appear to be dead in the water ahead of a key summit.
'No proof' IVF aided by acupuncture Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:17:10 GMTThere is no evidence acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine boost the chance of IVF success, fertility experts warn.
US 'hid terror suspect treatment' Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:01:57 GMTA former head of MI5 says she did not know US intelligence services were mistreating terror suspects until after she retired.
ANC demands Winnie Mandela answers Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:29:21 GMTSouth Africa's ruling ANC asks Winnie Mandela to clarify comments attributed to her that starkly criticised her ex-husband, Nelson.
Man charged with terror offences Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:16:22 GMTA 30-year-old Tyneside man has been charged with a series of terror offences, police said.
UK global clout 'waning' - Hague Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:43:44 GMTThe Conservatives pledge to reverse what they say is the UK's "shrinking" influence in the world if they win power.
MPs query coalfields revival plan Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:12:04 GMTA £1bn government scheme to regenerate former coalmines has been poorly co-ordinated and lacks vision, MPs argue.
ANC wants Winnie Mandela clarity Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:29:21 GMTSouth Africa's ANC asks Winnie Mandela to clarify a media report in which she apparently fiercely criticised ex-husband Nelson.