Deaths as Israeli forces storm Gaza aid ship
May 31, 2010
More than 10 people have been killed after Israeli commandos stormed a convoy of ships carrying aid to the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army says.
Armed forces boarded the largest vessel overnight, clashing with some of the 500 people on board.
Comparing income with peers causes unhappiness
May 29, 2010
Comparing your income with those of family and friends is a recipe for unhappiness, a study has suggested.
Researchers analysing data from a Europe-wide survey found three-quarters of those asked thought it important to compare their incomes with others.
Simon Cowell to get special Bafta award
May 29, 2010
Music mogul Simon Cowell is to receive a special prize at the Bafta TV awards next month, organisers have announced.
The X Factor judge is being honoured for his “outstanding contribution… and for his development of new talent”.
Apple iPad tablet gathers crowds for UK launch
May 29, 2010
Hundreds of people gathered at Apple’s flagship store in London to be among the first to buy an iPad.
Like many others, the Apple store opened at 0800 BST so eager shoppers could buy one.
The gadget went on sale in the UK, Europe, Japan and Australia, following delays caused by high demand in the US.
Pakistan mosque attacks in Lahore kill scores
May 29, 2010
Gunmen have launched simultaneous raids on two mosques of the minority Ahmadi Islamic sect in Lahore, killing more than 80 people, Pakistani police say.
The attackers fired guns and threw grenades at worshippers during Friday prayers. Three militants later blew themselves up with suicide vests.
Pakistani forces have secured both buildings, but are still searching for militants who fled the scene.
West Bank road partially opened to Palestinian traffic
May 29, 2010
The Israeli military has partially opened a motorway that runs through the occupied West Bank to Palestinian drivers, to comply with a ruling by Israel’s Supreme Court.
For Israelis, Highway 443 is a major link between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Obama pledges to triple oil response manpower in Gulf
May 29, 2010
US President Barack Obama has ordered a tripling of manpower in coastal areas where oil has washed ashore or threatens to within 24 hours.
Speaking on a tour of oil-hit areas, Mr Obama said the US would “do whatever it takes” to help those affected.
UN to reduce DR Congo peace force
May 29, 2010
The UN Security Council has voted to authorise the withdrawal of up to 2,000 peacekeepers from the Democratic Republic of Congo by 30 June.
However, it has delayed a decision on the full withdrawal of its 20,500-strong force, as sought by Congolese President Joseph Kabila, to next year.
Vettel fastest in final practice
May 29, 2010
Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel was quickest in the final practice session for the Turkish Grand Prix.
The German set a time of one minute 27.086 seconds, 0.273secs clear of Mercedes’s Nico Rosberg in second.
Treasury Minister David Laws apologises over expenses
May 29, 2010
Chief Treasury Secretary David Laws has apologised after it emerged he had been claiming MPs’ expenses to rent rooms in homes owned by his partner.
Mr Laws said he would immediately pay back the money which the Daily Telegraph said totalled £40,000.