- Sunday, 22 February 2026
BBC
The Indian women calling themselves ‘proudly single’
In India, girls have traditionally been raised to be good wives and mothers and the most important life goal for them has been marriage. But a large number of women are now charting their independent solitary path by choosing to remain single.
Mumbai air worse than smog-filled Delhi
India's financial capital Mumbai has been witnessing "very poor" air quality in recent days. Its capital Delhi usually makes headlines for having dangerous levels of air pollution during the winter months. But Mumbai, which has a vast coastline and is considered to have better air quality, has overtaken Delhi in pollution levels this week.
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France awaits 'explosive & tempting' quarter-final
Explosive, tempting, shocking - the French newspapers have gone heavy on the adjectives as they await a World Cup quarter-final against England. Their excitement is warranted as the two sides meet on Saturday at 19:00 GMT on top form, fresh from convincing wins in the last 16.
Worshippers swept away in river flash flood
Nine people have died in South Africa and eight are missing after a flash flood in a river swept away worshippers taking part in a church ceremony. Some of the more than 30 congregants were standing on rocks in the river on Saturday when a torrent of water surged through, an eyewitness said.
No more airplane mode? EU allows calls on flights
Airline passengers in the European Union (EU) will soon be able to use their phones to full effect in the sky. The European Commission ruled airlines can provide 5G technology on board planes, alongside slower mobile data.
The school dropout who became Asia's richest man
Long before the school dropout-turned-trader became a billionaire with an inveterate appetite for risk, Adani had a narrow escape. In January 1998, he and an associate were reportedly kidnapped for ransom from their car at gunpoint by a group of men in Ahmedabad.
Covid virus can survive for days on some groceries
The Covid virus can reside on some ready-to-eat groceries for days, UK experts have confirmed. Scientists carried out tests for the Food Standards Agency (FSA), purposely smearing the virus onto packaging and food products, including fruit, pastries and bottled drinks.
South African president faces impeachment threat
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa is facing a possible impeachment threat over the "Farmgate" scandal. The president has been accused of covering up a $4m (£3.3m) theft from his farm in 2020, including kidnapping and bribing the burglars into silence.
Students killed as bomb blast hits Afghan school
At least 10 people have been killed after a bomb blast hit a religious school in northern Afghanistan, the ruling Taliban regime has said. The blast took place in Aybak in the Samangan province and left many more injured, a spokesperson for the interior ministry told the BBC.
India bridge collapse victims still wait for answers
The Gujarat High Court has sharply criticised the Morbi municipality and asked the government to explain in detail the action taken against officials who should have overseen the condition of the bridge.
World's largest active volcano erupts in Hawaii
The world's largest active volcano, Hawaii's Mauna Loa, has erupted for the first time in almost 40 years. The lava flow is mostly contained within the summit, but residents have been placed on alert and were earlier warned about the risk of falling ash.
Monkeypox given new name by global health experts
Monkeypox will now be known as mpox, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced, after complaints over racist and stigmatising language linked to the virus's name. The old term will be used alongside the new one for a year, before being phased out.
'Where there is Messi, there is hope for Argentina'
Argentina's vast support gathered in their thousands at Qatar's Energy City adjacent to the vast Lusail Stadium with only one man on their minds as they faced World Cup jeopardy.
Ronaldo a 'total genius' for winning penalties
Cristiano Ronaldo has been called a "total genius" by Fifa for the way in which he won a penalty for Portugal in their World Cup victory over Ghana. The 37-year-old converted from the spot to become the first man to score at five different Fifa World Cups.
Sharks and songbirds get new trade protections
Songbirds and sharks have received what conservationists say are vital new trade protections. Several shark species and two songbirds were added to a list of species whose trade is restricted to prevent them from being "traded to extinction".
