business

Within moments of the briefing with the business secretary beginning, Jonathan Reynolds described it to us as a case study in the government’s claim to be going further and faster in doing what it can to improve living standards. Little wonder ministers want to lean into this deal with Delhi, grappling as they are with … Read more

At least two people have reportedly been killed after a night of heavy fighting between Ukraine and Russia – with drone strikes on Kyiv and Moscow. The fighting comes a day ahead of a planned parade in the Russian capital to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two – with President … Read more

Former US president Joe Biden has told the BBC that the pressure put on Ukraine by President Donald Trump to end its war with Russia amounts to “modern-day appeasement” by his successor. In his first interview since leaving the White House, Biden discussed the 80th anniversary of VE Day, and told Radio 4’s Today programme … Read more

The Irish government has revised down its economic growth forecasts due to global uncertainty and warned that a transatlantic trade war will lead to a further economic weakening. It expects Ireland’s domestic economy to expand by 2.5% this year, down from an earlier forecast of 2.9%. In the event of a tariff war between the … Read more

Steve Rosenberg BBC Russia editor BBC Eighty miles from Moscow, a park echoes to the sound of explosions and gunfire. As plumes of thick grey smoke rise into the air, the Red Army storms across a bridge and battles for control of a tiny island. More Soviet soldiers are arriving by boat from across a … Read more

The conclave – the secret process to elect the new pope – begins on 7 May. Inside the Sistine Chapel the cardinals will vote until a new pope is elected, with each round marked by a traditional smoke signal. Black smoke signals the conclave has not yet come to a decision, and white smoke tells … Read more

The younger half brother of US vice-president JD Vance will face off with the Democratic incumbent in Cincinnati’s mayoral race in November, after finishing second in a primary on Tuesday. Cory Bowman, 36, who shares a father with the vice-president, is running as a Republican in the Ohio city. The political newcomer received an endorsement … Read more

Newly-released audio reveals the moment air traffic controllers at one of New York’s busiest airports lost communications with planes under their control – leaving one pilot asking, “Approach, are you there?”. The pilot called out five separate times over a span of 30 seconds before the control tower was able to respond, the audio recorded … Read more

Laura Gozzi BBC News Reporting fromVatican City VATICAN MEDIA / HANDOUT Voting desks for 133 cardinals have been set up inside the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave. On Wednesday evening, under the domed ceiling of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, 133 cardinals will vote to elect the Catholic Church’s 267th pope. The day will begin at … Read more

The day Germany’s new leader entered office will now forever be remembered for a very public failure. Friedrich Merz’s initial, shock defeat – in his bid to become chancellor – sparked hours of chaotic uncertainty. A man who’d been working to project strength and purpose instead became mired in political intrigue and division. Merz may … Read more