- Friday, 22 August 2025
BBC
Shares fall in Asia and US as interest rates rise
Stock markets in Asia and America have tumbled after the US central bank this week announced the biggest interest rate rise in 22 years.
True Covid pandemic death toll is 15 million - WHO
The Covid pandemic has caused the deaths of nearly 15 million people around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates. That is 13% more deaths than normally expected over two years.
Climate change: Spring egg-laying shifts by three weeks
"In some parts of this wood, egg-laying has shifted by three weeks," explains Dr Ella Cole of Oxford University.
White House press dinner returns after two years
US President Joe Biden has resumed the tradition of speaking at the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner after a six-year presidential hiatus. He is the first leader to speak at the event, where the president faces friendly mocking in front of an audience of journalists, since 2016.
How India's drone start-ups could change healthcare
Drones have been touted as a game-changer for India's medical industry, and for what they could do to make healthcare accessible to remote regions. Some operators have run successful test flights ever since India liberalised drone rules last year. The BBC's Andrew Clarance reports on what the future looks like.
Venus and Jupiter to almost touch in night sky
Look up in the sky at the right moment on Saturday and you could see two of the solar system's brightest planets almost touching. Venus and Jupiter will be millions of miles apart, but from Earth, they will appear close to colliding.
Bolsonaro hits out at DiCaprio after election plea
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has hit back at Leonardo DiCaprio after the Hollywood actor and environmentalist encouraged the country's youth to vote in the elections later this year.
Heatwave in India leaves millions struggling to cope
Millions of Indians are experiencing a brutal heatwave that is throwing lives and livelihoods out of gear - and there is no relief in sight. "Temperatures are rising rapidly in the country, and rising much earlier than usual," Prime Minister Narendra Modi told state chief ministers on Wednesday.
India approves two Covid jabs for children under 12
India has approved two homegrown vaccines for children under the age of 12 amid a slight rise in Covid cases. Covaxin, made by Bharat Biotech, has been granted emergency use permission for the six-12 age group, health minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted.
UN chief Guterres to meet Russia's Putin today
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is due to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow later today but expectations from the meeting are said to be low after several failed diplomatic efforts so far.
Adenovirus probable cause of mysterious child hepatitis
Health officials say there is mounting evidence that a common virus is linked to rare cases of hepatitis that have been occurring in some young children. Globally, there have been 169 cases recorded and one death.
Nigeria police hunt deadly illegal refinery owner
Nigerian police are looking for the owner of the illegal oil refinery where an explosion killed at least 100 people according to the authorities. Dozens were thought to have been working at the refining plants in Imo state, southern Nigeria when they were caught in the huge fire.
Taliban orders TikTok ban for 'misleading' youths
The Taliban has ordered a ban on video-sharing app TikTok and online multi-player game PUBG, insisting they were leading Afghan youths "astray". The militant group said it would also ban TV channels from airing what it deemed as "immoral material".
Johnson and Indian PM discuss defence and trade
Boris Johnson has met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to discuss defence, energy and trade ties. Johnson said he wanted their negotiators to agree on a post-Brexit free trade deal before Diwali in October. However, the prime minister is facing more questions about his leadership and lockdown parties in No 10.
Longest Covid infection lasted more than 16 months, tests show
UK doctors believe they have documented the longest Covid infection on record - a patient they treated who had detectable levels of the virus for more than 16 months, or 505 days, in total.
