News
EU begins budget discipline procedure against UK
European Union finance ministers started disciplinary budget steps against Britain on Tuesday, saying its deficit was set to exceed the country's fiscal commitments.
Muslim nations warn of food and fuel disaster
Warning that escalating food and fuel prices could lead to disaster, a group of developing Muslim nations called on Tuesday for urgent measures to lift food and oil output and a rethink on biofuels.
Johnson scraps plan to tax London gas guzzlers
Mayor Boris Johnson has scrapped plans to increase the central London congestion charge to 25 pounds a day for owners of gas-guzzling cars.
Common wildlife is alien to many British kids
Children's knowledge of wildlife comes a poor second to their ability to identify science fiction creatures such as Star Wars characters, according to a survey.
Geldof demands G8 nations honour aid promise
Rock star Bob Geldof called on the Group of Eight rich nations on Tuesday to honour their commitment to double aid to Africa by 2010.
Most people 'satisfied' with rail service
The vast majority of Britons are happy with their rail service although satisfaction with long distance trips has fallen, according to a survey.
Iran to 'hit Tel Aviv and U.S. ships' if attacked
Iran will hit Tel Aviv, U.S. shipping in the Gulf and American interests around the world if it is attacked over its disputed nuclear activities, an aide to Iran's Supreme Leader was quoted as saying on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe talks to resume under Mbeki mediation
President Robert Mugabe's ruling party and Zimbabwe's opposition are to resume talks to resolve the country's political crisis, state media reported on Tuesday.
New guidelines stress heart screening for kids
Some children as young as two should be screened for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other heart disease risks, according to new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Sex abuse row ahead of Pope's Sydney visit
The head of the Catholic Church in Australia was embroiled in a sexual abuse controversy on Tuesday, only days before Pope Benedict arrives in Sydney for a visit that could see abuse victims staging protests.
Verra Cruz making waves in the musical mainstream
The signs are all there; the toxic buzz about Verra Cruz is leaking with ever-increasing pace.
The end of an era: Delirious? members look to new future apart
Iconic Christian band Delirious? issued a statement on Sunday announcing their decision to go their separate ways at the end of 2009.
G8 leaders warned of food, fuel, development crisis
The G8 must act to halt spiralling rises in food and oil prices and to increase aid to developing nations.
Salvation Army: Poor parenting putting more children at risk of homelessness
A new generation of children risks becoming socially excluded and even homeless unless urgent action is taken to tackle poor and abusive parenting head on, a report warns today.
Conservatives give Obama thumbs up for faith-based plan
Barack Obama's announcement of plans to not only maintain but to expand President Bush's beloved faith-based programmes have apparently softened conservatives and Christian voters who had feared the initiative would be dismantled if a liberal Democrat were to take over the White House.
Artists go zero-gravity painting
A group of British artists will take a giant leap for art when they attempt to produce masterpieces in zero gravity conditions on board a plane in Russia on Tuesday.