Global leaders call for ‘de-escalation’ of India-Pakistan hostilities

A diplomatic push is underway to bring India and Pakistan back from the brink as tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours have escalated. Overnight into Wednesday, India launched strikes on sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India said it acted in response to a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir two weeks ago that killed 25 Indians … Read more

The first day of the conclave in a minute

The first vote of the conclave – the secretive process to choose a new pope – has failed to reach a decision. After a lengthy wait, black smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney at around 9pm local time – meaning the 133 cardinals inside have not been able to choose a new pontiff. Crowds … Read more

Black smoke emerges after first conclave ballot

Smoke has emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney after the first ballot of the conclave – the secretive process to choose a new pope. Black smoke means more voting will take place tomorrow. If the smoke had been white a new pope would have been chosen. Follow the latest on this story here.

Villagers tell BBC they survived shelling in Indian-administered Kashmir

Aamir Peerzada Reporting from Indian-administered Kashmir BBC Badrudin said he was forced to flee Salamabad overnight as shells hit his village In the village of Salamabad in Indian-administered Kashmir on Wednesday morning, ruined homes were still smouldering. This small settlement lies close to the Line of Control which separates Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the scene … Read more

Fed keeps interest rates unchanged despite Donald Trump pressure

The US central bank has left interest rates unchanged again, despite pressure from President Donald Trump to lower borrowing costs. The decision keeps the Federal Reserve’s influential lending rate hovering around 4.3%, marking the third announcement in a row without action. A cut could boost the economy after Trump’s barrage of tariffs raised uncertainty, hitting … Read more