Anglo-Swiss mining group Xstrata announces a $90bn merger with Glencore, the world's largest commodity trader.

Police in the Maldives have taken control of the state broadcaster amid protests, as the president prepares to address the nation.

Profits at BP rise as the firm prepares for legal action over its involvement in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon blast.

The Syrian army resumes heavy shelling in the restive city of Homs as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is due in Damascus for talks.

Reports from Iran say several people have been detained for alleged links to the BBC's Persian Service, which is banned in the country.

Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi campaigns as an official election candidate, as the US eases one of its sanctions.

A report is being launched calling for a new law against stalking in England and Wales, to try to prevent harassment and intimidation turning to violence.

Professional rugby in Wales could face another shake-up, with some regions receiving more funding than others, as accounts show all four losing money.

An Austrian adventurer is making the final preparations to jump from the very point where the atmosphere ends and space begins.

Profits at Swiss bank UBS slump by three-quarters and the outlook remains tough as the eurozone crisis saps business.