They say it could help predict when a person will die, identify those at high-risk of dementia and could affect medicine, pensions and insurance. The team at King's College London say looking at "biological age" is more useful than using a date of birth. However, the work, published in Genome Biology, provides no clues as to how to slow the ageing process. The test looks for an "ageing signature" in your body's cells by comparing the behaviour of 150 genes. It was developed by initially comparing 54,000 markers of gene activity in healthy, but largely sedentary, 25 and 65-year-olds and then whittling them down to a final 150. Prof Jamie Timmons, from King's College London, told the BBC News website: "There's a healthy ageing signature that's common to all our tissues, and it appears to be prognostic for a number of things including longevity and cognitive decline. "It looks like from the age of 40 onwards you can use this to give guidance on how well an individual is ageing." The team said "health" and "age" were two separate entities. And while some lifestyle decisions, like spending all day on the sofa, could be bad for your health they do not appear to affect the speed your body ages. The team believe combining lifestyle factors and your biological age would give a more accurate picture of your health. The researchers tried the test out on samples from a group of 70-year-old men in Sweden. They worked out who was ageing well and who was ageing very rapidly and were able to predict who would die in the next few years. "You could actually pick out people who had almost no chance of being dead, and you have people who had an almost 45% chance of being dead," said Prof Timmons told the BBC. There are plans to pilot the test in organ transplants in the UK to see if people who are technically old, but have a young "biological age", can still donate organs safely. The researchers say it could also alter cancer screening, with people who are ageing rapidly needing to be screened at a younger age. Prof Timmons said the test would also form a "useful tool" in predicting the onset of dementia. He said that it could be used in conjunction with other checks to identify those at highest risk of developing the neurodegenerative disease and to enrol them in clinical trials. "What we really need now are tools to identify those most at risk in 10, 20 years time and I think that's where this research will really have an impact," he added. The research group at King's are aware that being able to check your biological age could have wide-ranging consequences from pensions to insurance premiums. Prof Timmons told the BBC: "It raises a number questions, no doubt, and strenuous debate, but we are judged by our age already so this might be a smarter way of doing it. "You might decide not to pay so much into your pension and enjoy your life as it is

Summary: Scientists say they have developed a way of testing how well, or badly, your body is ageing.


The competition organised by village leaders in Bibipur, Haryana attracted nearly 800 entries from all over the country. Winners were declared on Friday and received a trophy, a certificate and prize of 2,100 rupees ($316; Â£199). Haryana has one of India's lowest gender ratios, with 877 women for every 1,000 men. This, say experts, is the result of illegal sex-selective abortions, female infanticide, parental neglect and discrimination against girl children. Here we show some of the selfies as well as images taken by photographer Mansi Thapliyal, who travelled to talk to some of those who participated in the contest.

Summary: A village in India recently held an unique contest to raise consciousness about girl children: click a selfie with your daughter and win a prize.


The Arches announced on Wednesday that it had gone into administration. Management said they had been left with no choice after a midnight closing time was imposed on its nightclub by the city's licensing board. The restriction followed police complaints about drug abuse and disorder. It was said to have cut total revenues at the Arches by more than 50%, making it untenable as a business. Sandra White, the SNP MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, raised the plight of the venue at First Minister's Questions in the Scottish Parliament, where Deputy First Minister John Swinney was standing in for Nicola Sturgeon during her trip to the US. Ms White said 130 jobs had been put at risk by the Arches going into administration. She added: "Aside from the fact that the Arches is one of Glasgow's most cultural venues, this is obviously a very worrying time for the staff facing redundancy. "Can the deputy first minister assure those affected that the Scottish Government will offer all the support that it can?" Mr Swinney replied: "Creative Scotland is working hard with the organisation and with other partners to explore options regarding the future of arts programming of this nature in Glasgow. "Creative Scotland agreed with Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council to bring forward some of this year's support for the Arches - £92,000 from Creative Scotland and £37,000 from Glasgow City Council - to assist with the delivery of the current arts programme in the short-term. "I reassure Sandra White that we will look in all ways that we possibly can do to assist in safeguarding the future of what I recognise as a significant cultural venue in the city of Glasgow and a venue that contributes a great deal to the cultural life of Scotland." Ms White said she was now calling on Glasgow City Council, Police Scotland and the management of the Arches to get round the table and "see what can be done to either reverse the closure or see what can be done to reopen the doors as soon as possible". The Scottish government has also said staff potentially affected the Arches going into administration would be supported through the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (Pace) initiative. The Arches has received £11.2m of public funding, including £3.8m of capital funding, through Creative Scotland and previously the Scottish Arts Council over the past 20 years.

Summary: The Scottish government has said it will examine what it can do to help safeguard the future of Glasgow's troubled Arches arts venue.


The Dons have won just two of their past 11 visits to the national stadium since winning the League Cup in 1995 and last won the Scottish Cup in 1990. "I have no doubts about the attributes and quality of the side Derek McInnes has put together," said Miller. "But they have to prove they can play to their potential on the big stage." Championship winners Hibs will be making their ninth Hampden visit in five years, having won four and lost four of those previous trips. Aberdeen are preparing for their fifth semi-final in the four full seasons manager McInnes has been at the helm, with their 2014 League Cup triumph coming at Celtic Park. The Dons beat Morton at Hampden in the last four of this season's League Cup, only to be crushed 3-0 by Celtic on their return for the final. "They weren't particularly good against Morton, it wasn't a sparkling performance," said Miller, who won the Scottish Cup four times as Aberdeen captain in the 1980s and managed the Dons from 1992-95. Media playback is not supported on this device "But playing the Old Firm in a final or a semi-final at Hampden is a completely different experience from playing anybody else and you have to handle it. I think that's the big question. "Individually, they haven't performed at Hampden and this is a big test for them. "If I go through the teams man for man, I believe Aberdeen are a better side. Derek McInnes has been fabulous; he has strengthened the team every year. "For me, if Niall McGinn and Jonny Hayes turn up, then it's Aberdeen going to the final. "But it's a difficult one to predict because Hibs did so well to lift the trophy. When you've got that experience it goes a long way. Aberdeen have still got to prove themselves." Alan Stubbs was the man to lead Hibs to Scottish Cup glory last season, a last-minute goal from captain David Gray giving them a thrilling 3-2 victory over Rangers. And the former manager believes Saturday's game could go to extra time like last year's semi-final with Dundee United, when goalkeeper Conrad Logan was the star in a penalty shoot-out. "The teams are closely matched and I think the substitutes could play an important part," said Stubbs, who left for Rotherham after delivering the trophy only to be sacked by the English Championship outfit in October. "It's about who deals best with the occasion. "Whenever you go into these big games you want your big players to perform. It's crazy but they always have a habit of producing. It's not a coincidence, they have a knack. "Last year's semi-final wasn't a great game, Dundee United probably had the better chances and Conrad was fantastic. "In a semi-final you don't always need to play well. It's about doing enough to get through. "You have to keep the players calm and you have to make them believe that they can win their individual battles. Every man needs to do their job. Concentration needs to be

Summary: Aberdeen must show they can "handle Hampden" in Saturday's Scottish Cup semi-final with holders Hibernian, says club hero Willie Miller.


First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will confirm the plans when she addresses the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) congress in Glasgow on Monday. She will tell delegates that discussions will begin over the summer with the aim of putting health staffing on a statutory basis. The RCN welcomed the promise but said it would only work if backed up with funding for extra staff. The first minister will tell the congress that the planned legislation will reinforce patient safety. She is expected to say: "Since this government came to power in 2007 there are more than 2,300 extra qualified nurses and midwives working in our NHS. "In addition to having record staffing levels, Scotland has led the UK in the development of mandatory nursing and midwifery workload and workforce planning tools that help health boards to plan for the number of staff they require. "By using these tools, health boards can make sure they have the right number of staff to provide the best possible care for patients in a variety of specialities. "To build on our record, we will enshrine these planning tools in law and examine what other areas of the workforce would benefit from having similar tools developed, which will further strengthen our commitment to patient safety in our wards." Chief nursing officer Prof Fiona McQueen added: "The link between safe and sustainable staffing levels - including qualified nurse numbers - and high quality care is well established. "It's vital to have the right number of staff in place, with the right skills. We already have building blocks in place in Scotland to achieve this, including evidence-based planning tools and enhanced training." Theresa Fyffe, president of RCN Scotland, said the statutory staffing requirement would be welcome if it was backed up with funding. She said: "The challenge is going to be the financial pressures we are under right now. "So having mandated staffing levels will be good but if there isn't the finance to pay for the staffing, you end with the pressure being felt back at the (health) boards and it doesn't really resolve the problem." Scottish Labour said it was a "worthwhile commitment" that it would support but also emphasised the need for funding. The party's health spokesman, Anas Sarwar, said: "Just one third of our hard working and dedicated NHS staff think they have enough colleagues to do their job properly. "Doctors, nurses, auxiliaries and others are under enormous pressure and are increasingly being asked to do more with less." He added: "Given that NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde alone faces making cuts of Â£69m, the SNP government must ensure this isn't just an attempt to get a good headline. "We need ministers to take decisions for the long term, so we have a health service fit for the future, delivering for the public and respecting its staff."

Summary: Minimum staffing levels in Scotland's NHS are to be enshrined in law.


Reports in France suggest Toulon coach Diego Dominguez's job is under threat, and Lancaster, 46, is viewed as a potential successor. He left his role with England after their exit from the 2015 World Cup. Since his departure, Lancaster has been an adviser to the Football Association, the NFL and British Cycling. He is interested in the Toulon job, but is understood to still be keen on a role in the southern hemisphere, with posts in Australia at the Queensland Reds and the Western Force both available.

Summary: Former England boss Stuart Lancaster is meeting Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal this week as he seeks a return to full-time coaching.


The Lionhearts were outclassed by their Cuban opponents, who claimed the first six bouts to seal a second WSB title in three years. It was heading for a clean-sweep for Cuba but British super heavyweight Frazer Clarke beat Leinier Pero in the final bout to earn a consolation point. This was the Lionhearts first appearance in the WSB final. Johanys Argilagos (Cub) beat Galal Yafai (GB) 48:47/49:46/49:46 Robeisy Ramirez (Cub) beat Peter McGrail (GB) by round three KO Yasniel Toledo (Cub) beat Dalton Smith (GB) 49:46/49:46/49:46 Arlen Lopez (Cub) beat Troy Williamson (GB) by round three KO Erislandy Savon (Cub) beat Lawrence Okolie (GB) by round one KO Yosvany Veitia (Cub) beat Muhammad Ali (GB) 48:47/49:46/47:48 Lazaro Alvarez (Cub) beat Luke McCormack (GB) 50:45/50:45/50:45 Roniel Iglesias (Cub) beat Ekow Essuman (GB) by round two KO Julio Cesar La Cruz (Cub) beat Thomas Whittaker (GB) 50:41/50:41/50:41 Frazer Clarke (GB) beat Leinier Pero (Cub) by round four KO

Summary: British Lionhearts were beaten 9-1 by Cuba Domadores in the final of the World Series of Boxing in Uzbekistan.


Michael Gunn, a retired chartered accountant, wants to spend some of it on a new roof for the church hall. But in defiance of experts, he also wants to use the money for a transatlantic cruise. The changes take effect on Bank Holiday Monday, so Mr Gunn will receive the payment on Tuesday morning. "I had no idea they'd whisk me into the limelight, and say I am the first," he told the BBC. "But I don't mind that." Initially he wants to donate cash to the fund for the church hall roof - in the village of Newton Poppleford - after it burnt down in a fire. But later in the year he is planning to take his wife across the Atlantic on board the Queen Mary Two. Mr Gunn was not prepared to say how much he would be taking out of his pension pot, but he has taken care to heed warnings about tax bills. "What I like about this is that you are totally in charge of how much tax you are exposed to - to stay within a lower tax band," he said. Last week the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said thousands of people withdrawing money might find themselves paying much more tax than they needed to. Other experts have pointed out that, in any case, people taking out cash will have to pay what is called "emergency tax". Unless individuals can show a P45 tax form, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will treat any payments as if they are a new monthly salary. In other words, they will charge tax on the basis that the new income is repeated every month for a year. So anyone cashing in a pension of Â£18,000 - assuming nothing is taken tax-free- would be charged an immediate tax bill of Â£6,592. Those in that position will have to reclaim the tax using forms P50 or P53. However HMRC has promised they will get the money back within a month. Meanwhile, hundreds of staff from Citizens Advice - and Citizens Advice Scotland - are preparing to offer free face-to-face interviews with anyone who needs help, from Tuesday. Those aged 55 or over can go to one of 500 offices in England and Wales, or 90 in Scotland. Those living in very remote areas of Scotland can arrange home visits. But customers will only receive "guidance", not advice. "What we don't do is provide any details of which companies people can go to for pensions - or which particular products," said Richard Chilton, one of those who will be conducting the interviews. "But we provide guidance on what the options are," he said. Anyone wanting to book an interview, or receive telephone guidance, should call the Pension Wise service, on 030 0330 1001. Are you planning to cash in your pension? What do you think about the changes? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories. If you would be happy to speak further to a BBC journalist, please include a contact telephone number. Email your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, upload them here, tweet them

Summary: A 57 year-old man from a Devon village has emerged as one of the first people to cash in their pensions under the government's reforms.


The RMT union began the 72-hour walkout on New Year's Eve. The action prompted warnings of widespread disruption for travellers during new year celebrations. Southern's parent firm Govia Thameslink (GTR) is in dispute with both the RMT and Aslef unions. Another strike is set for 9 January. The planned six-day strike involves train drivers from both unions. Most routes are expected to have no services. The train drivers' union Aslef is continuing with a ban on overtime which is adding to the disruption. The RMT and GTR have said they are available for talks and Aslef took part in negotiations in December at conciliation service Acas, but discussions ended without a deal. RMT leader Mick Cash called on Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to make it his new year resolution "to get in a room with the unions and his contractors to sort out the current shambles". Mr Grayling said it was frustrating the unions had decided to start a new year with the continuation of an old strike. He said: "We are investing record amounts in improving our railways and we need everyone in the rail industry to work together to deliver for passengers. "Now the unions need to come back to the negotiating table. Only they can end this misery for rail users." Southern's deputy chief operating officer Alex Foulds said: "Our door remains open for meaningful talks." The politics behind the Southern rail dispute What's the Southern Rail strike about? How bad have Southern rail services got? The Association of British Commuters said disruption had caused health problems, forced people to move house and lose jobs. The campaign group surveyed about 1,000 passengers and said the results highlighted the extent of suffering as a result of the "breakdown" of Southern services, with delays, cancellations and overcrowding. Calling for government intervention, a spokesman said: "Thousands of people are now at breaking point." The Department for Transport has said the dispute is between Southern and the unions and "not something the government is involved in".

Summary: A strike by conductors on Southern rail has entered its second day as a long-running row about the role of guards on new trains continues.


Calls to reward them for their heroics are coming from politicians along with news and social media. Suspect Jaber al-Bakr gave elite commandos the slip over the weekend, sparking a two-day manhunt. Police believe Mr Bakr was planning to bomb a Berlin airport. The country's best-selling daily newspaper Bild dubbed the refugee trio the "Syrian heroes of Leipzig". Politicians from across the spectrum recommended them for the Federal Cross of Merit, a rank in Germany's civilian honours system. Ansgar Heveling, chairman of the parliamentary committee on interior affairs, went a step further and called on them to be granted asylum. Fellow Syrian refugees have also taken to social media to praise their compatriots. Police had been watching Mr Bakr, 22, for months, but he evaded police surveillance on Saturday in the eastern German city of Chemnitz, just as the authorities were preparing to storm an apartment where he was staying. Mr Bakr, who is also Syrian, made his way south to Leipzig and asked for help and shelter from the trio, who later recognised Mr Bakr as a suspect after seeing police's appeals for information in Arabic on Facebook. They quickly overpowered the fugitive, tied him up, and called police. "I was furious with him, I couldn't accept something like this - especially here in Germany, the country that opened its doors to us," one of the men told RTL Television. The three have not been identifying over fear of reprisals. A little more than 200,000 people arrived in Germany to seek asylum in the first nine months of this year - a significant reduction from 2015, the country's interior minister Thomas de Maiziere said. Last year, 890,000 asylum seekers arrived in the country, less than the one million originally estimated.

Summary: There is a growing clamour in Germany to honour three Syrian refugees who overpowered a bomb plot suspect with possible links to the so-called Islamic State.


Chris and Sue Moores's son Wayne died when his motorbike was struck by a drink driver in 2010. The couple spoke out in response to consultation on proposed reform of sentencing for driving offences. They believe increased sentences should be backed up by manslaughter charges. Mr Moores, 28, was killed by a Vauxhall Astra driven by Donna Hackett on the M4 near Swindon. Hackett, then aged 26, fled and was found by police asleep in a ditch. She served half of a six-year jail term after she was found guilty of causing death by careless driving while drunk. The Ministry of Justice consultation suggests offenders who cause death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs could soon be handed a life sentence - an increase on the current 14-year upper limit. Source: Crown Prosecution Service But Mr and Mrs Moores, from Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, also want the offence to be upgraded to a charge of manslaughter. Mr Moores said: "Somebody can drive drunk and kill my son. Why is that not manslaughter? "Nothing can prepare a parent for seeing their child in the mortuary. That will stay with me every day, every day that vision comes into my mind. "Our life is ruined." Mrs Moores added: "There's nothing careless about drink driving. I don't want anybody else to feel like us." Ms Hackett, who lived in Radnor Street, Swindon, at the time of the offence, appealed against her sentence in September 2011, but was refused. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "We are determined to make sure those who kill whilst driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs face the full force of the law. "That is why we are consulting on plans that will see the maximum sentence for a number of offences in this area increase from 14 years to life." A response to the Ministry of Justice consultation, which closes on 1 February, is due to be published by May.

Summary: A proposal to introduce life sentences for the offence of careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs does not go far enough, according to the parents of one victim.


The "surprising find" in Avebury, which is 30m (98ft) wide, is thought to be one of the site's earliest structures. The square of megaliths appears to have been erected around the remains of a Neolithic house, which sat at the centre of the colossal stone circle - the largest in Europe. Archaeologists have hailed the discovery "unheard of". For more archaeological digs and historical findings from around England follow our Pinterest board Dr Mark Gillings, from the University of Leicester, said in their "wildest dreams" they had not been expecting to find what he has described as a "stone square circle". The discovery comes 80 years after the archaeologist and marmalade magnate, Alexander Keiller, discovered a line of standing stones near the 6m (19ft) upright stone known as the obelisk. The vast 330m (1,082ft) wide stone circle of Avebury was built between about 2850 BC and 2200 BC. Containing three stone circles and boasting 100 huge standing stones originally, it has been the subject of considerable archaeological interest since the 17th century. The discovery of previously unknown megaliths inside the monument has been greeted as a "great surprise". "We have detected and mapped a series of prehistoric standing stones that were subsequently hidden and buried," Dr Gillings said. "Together, these reveal a striking and apparently unique square megalithic monument within the Avebury circles that has the potential to be one of the very earliest structures on this remarkable site." Dr Joshua Pollard, from the University of Southampton, said their geophysical survey had "finally completed" Keiller's work. "It has shown the line of stones he identified was one side of a square of megaliths about 30m across and enclosing the obelisk," he said. "Megalithic circles are well known from the time when Avebury was built, but square megalithic settings of this scale and complexity are unheard of." The archaeologists think the stone square might commemorate and monumentalise the "ancestral house of the first people who lived in Avebury". If proved correct, it may help to explain why the Avebury monument complex was built.

Summary: An ancient formation discovered within a Neolithic stone circle in Wiltshire is actually a square.


It happened at about 16:00 BST on Saturday - the blaze spread from one house to neighbouring properties in Ballyoran Park. It gutted one house and badly damaged two others. No-one was injured, but two dogs died as the fire spread. At this stage police have said they are not treating the fire as suspicious. Fire station commander William Weir said five pumps were brought in to bring it under control. "On arrival the first crews found two houses well alight and the fire spreading either side of them along a row of five terrace houses," he said. "It quickly became apparent that there was an oil tank involved which had allowed its contents to ignite which spread to a second oil tank in the house next door which then further added fuel to quite a large fire. "The fuel then followed through the gardens of the remaining houses in the street and set fire to a further six garden sheds and some fencing. "It was quite a large fire and it took crews approximately 35 to 40 minutes of hard fire fighting to stop it spreading to the other properties and to bring it under control and extinguish it." Mr Weir said an investigation by the fire service and police had concluded that the blaze had started accidentally. "Basically what happened was that some rubbish in the garden which had been burnt earlier in the day and left unattended re-ignited and set fire to a fence and then compromised the oil tank allowing its contents to become involved in the fire and from then the fire grew in intensity," he added.

Summary: A number of homes and gardens have been damaged in a fire in Portadown, County Armagh, after an oil tank caught alight.


The cascade - or weeping window - section will be shown at St George's Hall in Liverpool and Woodhorn Museum, Northumberland. Yorkshire Sculpture Park will host the arch segment, also known as the wave. The installation, which marked 100 years since the start of World War One, drew more than five million visitors. Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said: "This is art at its most powerful and it is only right that everyone should have the chance to see them." The installation included 888,246 ceramic poppies, with each representing each death in the British and Colonial forces between 1914 and 1918. It was created by Derbyshire artist Paul Cummins and theatre designer Tom Piper, and was named Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red after a line written by a soldier who died in Belgium. A total of £9m was raised for six military service charities after most of the poppies, which were handmade in Derby, were sold to members of the public for £25 each. Wave and the Weeping Window, which together have more than 10,000 ceramic poppies, were bought for the nation last year by the charities Backstage Trust and the Clore Duffield Foundation. Other locations can bid next year to host the ceramic poppies in 2017 and 2018, before they are permanently homed at the Imperial War Museums in London and Manchester. Wave: Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield, September 2015 - January 2016 Weeping Window Woodhorn Museum, Northumberland, September - October 2015 St George's Hall, Liverpool, November 2015 - January 2016 Source: 14-18 Now World War One Centenary

Summary: Thousands of ceramic poppies used in the Tower of London installation are to go on display across the north of England, it has been announced.


Mr Philippe, 48, was arrested after appearing as a guest on a radio programme in Port-au-Prince last week. He was flown to the US to face the long-standing charges. Dozens of his supporters attended the hearing in Miami, demanding his release. Mr Philippe was recently elected to his country's senate, "We are here to support Senator Guy Philippe. We all feel like he is innocent," said Haitian Senator Evince Francois. "We are here to let him know we stand up behind him. We think this is all politics," he told the Associated Press news agency. Until last week, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) listed Mr Philippe as a wanted man on charges of conspiracy to import cocaine and money laundering His arrest, on 5 January, came days before he was due to be sworn in as a senator, which would have given him some immunity from prosecution. Campaign group Human Rights Watch has accused him of overseeing extra-judicial killings. Mr Philippe, Haiti's former police chief, denies any wrongdoing. He took part in the 2004 rebellion that removed President Jean Bertrand Aristide from power. The new Haitian Senate, elected in November, was sworn in on Monday, with new president Jovenel Moise due to take office on 7 February. Haiti has been led by interim President Jocelerme Privert since February 2016 when Michel Martelly stepped down at the end of his term.

Summary: A Haitian former coup leader, Guy Philippe, has pleaded not guilty in a US court to drug trafficking and money laundering charges.


The staff who would be relocated would be those who already process payments made in euros for HSBC in Canary Wharf. Thursday's referendum result means the UK will need to renegotiate its trade relationship with the European Union - including whether it remains part of the single market. HSBC declined to comment. Chris Cummings, chief executive of financial lobby group TheCityUK, said it was focused on securing continued access to the single market and warned of the risk of "prolonged uncertainty" while a new relationship with the EU was negotiated. Eurozone leaders have warned that without unrestricted access to the EU, London's big finance firms could move operations outside the UK. The head of the Eurogroup of finance ministers, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, said limited access to the single market would be the "price" of the UK leaving the EU. If the UK was not in the single market or the European Economic Area (EEA), it would mean the loss of "passporting", which allows banks to operate without restriction in all EEA countries. The EEA comprises the 28 members of the EU, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. EEA rules allow those non-EU countries to be part of the EU's single market, as long as they allow full freedom of movement of people. The head of France's central bank, Francois Villeroy de Galhau, also warned that London's banks would lose their "financial passport" outside the single market or EEA. John Cryan, chief executive of Deutsche Bank, said he thought London would lose some of its status as a financial hub. "The financial centre won't die, but it will get weaker," he told German business newspaper Handelsblatt. Mr Cryan did not comment on the possible impact of the leave decision on Deutsche Bank, which employs at least 11,000 staff in the UK. Meanwhile, sources at Standard Chartered told the BBC it was unlikely that the Asia-focused bank would move any staff from London. Leave campaigners have dismissed concerns of widespread job losses, saying Britain should focus on developing trade relationships with non-EU countries. Gerard Lyons, a UK economist who backed the Leave camp, said London would not be displaced as Europe's financial centre. "We have the depth of skills, knowledge and experience that's hard to replicate," said Mr Lyons, an economic advisor to Boris Johnson. Passporting for finance firms is a "negotiable issue" with the EU, he said, particularly as several European banks also use those rules to access the UK. HSBC already has more than 10,000 staff working in Paris. The London-based bank has about 48,000 UK workers across its retail and investment banking operations. A year ago, it said it was planning to cut 8,000 jobs in the UK to reduce costs. Earlier this year, the bank said it would keep its global headquarters in London, following a review. On Friday, sources told the BBC that up to 2,000 jobs at the US investment bank Morgan Stanley could be moved from London to Dublin or Frankfurt. Morgan Stanley denied that jobs will be moved. Banks and other financial companies can be authorised to do

Summary: HSBC would move up to 1,000 staff from London to Paris if the UK left the single market, following Britain's vote to leave the EU, the BBC understands.


The first to benefit from "white space" internet will be residents on the Isle of Arran, who have struggled with poor broadband speeds. Domain name firm Nominet is partnering with telecoms firm Broadway Partners to roll it out. They claim it is the first commercial service using the technology in Europe. The service will be available in two packages, one offering speeds of up to 25Mbps (megabits per second) and one offering 35Mbps. There have been several trials of white space technology (TVWS) in the UK. BT ran some on the Isle of Bute and are currently running a small one in Sutton, Suffolk. The technology has been used at London Zoo to broadcast footage of meerkats and has also been considered as a way of providing broadband at sea. BT now believes it can get fibre broadband solutions to almost 99% of UK homes by the end of 2020, so has moved its attention to technologies such as long-reach very-high-bit-rate digital subscriber line (VDSL) and fibre to the home (FTTH). "We think wireless and satellite will be the most likely potential solutions for the final 1-2%," said a BT spokesman. Nominet is convinced that TVWS can play a role. Russell Haworth, chief executive of Nominet, said: "The Arran roll-out shows that TV white space can reach places that other technologies cannot and paves the way for further deployment of this dynamic spectrum management technology." Michael Armitage, founding director of Broadway Partners, added: "TV white space has proved its mettle, cutting through hard to reach rural forested areas on Arran which, in fixed wireless terms, is pretty much unheard of. "This technology will be a powerful tool in the drive to deliver affordable broadband access for all communities throughout Scotland and abroad." It will first be rolled out to residents on the west coast of Arran, with services to the rest of island following in the coming months. Better connectivity could boost tourism, which is the main industry on Arran. During peak season, the population grows from 5,000 to 25,000. The firms are also planning to roll out TVWS in Wales but has not said where or when. Andrew Ferguson, editor of broadband website Think Broadband, said: "TV Whitespace has some advantages over the majority of wireless services, since it is using lower frequencies, which means it can go further and will penetrate some obstructions. "The penalty to operating at these lower frequencies is that speeds may be slower than traditional fixed wireless services. From other trials of white space technology I am expecting speeds to be in the region of 10 Mbps. "If you are just getting broadband for the first time or have an unreliable sub-1 Mbps service, that will feel amazing - and unlike satellite broadband will not have excessively high latency." But he added that as people increasingly demand super-fast broadband, white space technology will be seen as only a "stepping stone" to faster technologies.

Summary: Part of the wireless spectrum freed up after the digital TV switchover is being used to provide broadband services in rural Scotland.


The city's Labour council unveiled the proposal as part of the city's new development plan. The report said the new homes are needed to cope with a predicted increase in the city's population of 40,000 people by 2030. A Lib Dem councillor described the figures as "unrealistic". The document identifies 62 sites across the city that could be used for housing, including Holme Hill which could see 5,580 properties built and Clifton Gate which the report said has potential for 4,020 new homes. Some of the proposed new homes would be built on greenbelt land. Councillor James Alexander, Labour leader of City of York Council, said the biggest challenge facing the city was the need for affordable housing. He said: "We've taken the tough decision to allocate 1.8% of draft greenbelt land for development in order to meet the needs of our rapidly growing city and deliver key developments such as York Central, and to deliver jobs, homes and protect York's unique built environment for future generations." Councillor Ann Reid, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for planning and sustainability, claimed that the city's population had only grown at 1% per year over the last decade, a figure which only required 400 new homes each year. She said the target of 1,090 new homes a year had been "plucked from nowhere". Ms Reid said: "What we do know is that growth on this scale would radically alter the character of York and put a strain on existing infrastructure." The plan is to be out to public consultation.

Summary: Plans to build more than 1,000 homes a year in York over the next 15 years have been criticised by opposition councillors.


Until mid-July, her main worry was getting the right grades for medical school. Now Chilla and her fellow pupils are faced with Turkish accusations that their school has links to a terrorist organisation. Kharisma Bangsa school is one of hundreds across the world that Turkey wants to shut down because they have links to a US-based cleric, Fethullah Gulen. The cleric is held responsible by the Ankara government for the failed July coup in which more than 270 people died. And Turkey argues the schools are part of a strategy to undermine the state. But pupils, teachers and parents interviewed in several countries say they have no links to suspicious activities. Turkey looks to close Gulen schools Who are the Gulenists? Who is Fethullah Gulen? Turkey coup: Who was behind Turkey coup attempt? Kharisma Bangsa is one of nine Indonesian schools Ankara says should be shut down because of their alleged ties to Fethullah Gulen. Turkey says the schools are part of a vast and secretive network which the Gulen movement has used to build a powerbase and infiltrate state institutions. Accusations have been levelled against schools with Turkish connections in more than a dozen countries, from Germany to Afghanistan, leaving thousands of children facing uncertainty over their education. Supporters of the schools say they are no more than a loose affiliation of institutions that share common values and are committed to academic excellence. From extensive interviews with BBC World Service across 10 countries in three continents, it is clear that the schools have much in common but operate quite differently. But all are feeling the pressure. There is no common brand name for the schools. In Pakistan they are called "Pak-Turk Lycees", in Kyrgyzstan they are known as "Sebat" (Persistence) schools, and in Kenya, "Light Academies". Most were set up as partnerships between Turkish and local businesses and organisations, but in many countries like Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan, the Turkish partners are no longer directly involved. Local and Turkish partners say they're admirers of Fethullah Gulen, but not connected to him formally. "A Gulen school, business or newspaper is generally unofficially labelled as such, because the owner or manager considers Fethullah Gulen as a spiritual leader or source of inspiration," says Turkish academic Bayram Balci. Alp Aslandogan, who speaks on behalf of Gulen-associated schools in the United States, says there are numerous social networks within the movement. "The schools which are seen as affiliated with the movement were started by people who belong to these networks." Followers of Fethullah Gulen often refer to their movement by the name Hizmet (service), and the schools all share the same ethics. "The teachers put emphasis on character-building, morals, and discipline," says Rosi, the mother of a pupil at Kharisma Bangsa. There's also a strong focus on teaching science. From Nairobi to Kandahar, school websites show pupils in smart uniforms, studying in well-equipped science labs or computer rooms. "The children study every day until 3pm, then they have additional classes, activity clubs, and homework," says Baktigul, whose daughter attends a Turkish school in Kyrgyzstan. "At 9pm

Summary: "I think it's really sad and wrong they think we're terrorists, because we're not," says Chilla, a bright and articulate sixth-former at the elite Kharisma Bangsa high school near Jakarta, Indonesia's capital.


The 19-year-old striker has appeared three times for Newcastle's first team. "It was my first time away from home. My mum's not there to do everything for me, so I've got to be a big man for myself," he told BBC Radio Northampton. "The football's obviously a bit different tempo-wise but I've managed to adapt to it and I'm enjoying it." He continued: "A little bit (of homesickness), missing my family a lot but other than that it's alright." Toney came through the Cobblers' youth ranks and scored 13 goals in 60 senior games, and is also the youngest player to represent Northampton. He was named the Under-21 Premier League's player of the month for September after two goals in three appearances for Newcastle legend Peter Beardsley's side. He also appeared in the Premier League as a substitute in September's 2-2 draw with Chelsea, and says that he is working on physical strength to compete in the top flight. "If you're not sharp, you're not involved," he said. "I wouldn't try to disrespect the League Two standard, but they are sharper (mentally) and know what they are doing a lot more. "You're trying to get stronger every day, especially at that level you need to be strong and fit, and that's the main thing I'm working on."

Summary: Ivan Toney has admitted he struggled with homesickness following his summer move from home-town club Northampton Town to Newcastle United.


The aim is to cut through the jargon and present election news in a different way. If you've got a question about the election or want to know what the parties will do for you, let us know. Follow our reporter Steffan Messenger on Facebook, where he'll be posting all our #iNeverKnew coverage and focusing on the issues you feel passionately about - your cash, your career, your future. And check out our guide to what the parties say they'll do for young people here.

Summary: Throughout the election campaign BBC Wales News is answering young voters's questions and reflecting their views through our interactive #iNeverKnew project.


Wick Joint Campus is being constructed to replace Wick High School and Pulteneytown and South primaries. It will also have community facilities which will be available to the public. Highland Council said its contractor Hub North Scotland (Wick) Ltd had informed it of delays affecting the completion of the site. The local authority said: "Regrettably it seems unlikely that the campus will be ready to open in October, as envisaged. "Highland Council intends the best facilities possible for children and staff, and will not accept these buildings until work is completed. "The council is working with the contractor to determine what the earliest possible date is for completion of the whole Wick Joint Campus project, and will make further announcements as soon as possible."

Summary: A new £48.5m school campus in the Highlands is unlikely to open in October as planned, Highland Council has said.


The RAC said the higher prices were due to a combination of rising crude oil prices, and the devaluation of the pound after June's Brexit vote. Average petrol prices rose by 4.4p to 116.7p per litre and average diesel prices rose 5.2p to 118.7p per litre. The motoring body said these were the biggest monthly increases for three and a half years. Its fuel spokesman, Simon Williams, said retailers had "no choice" but to put up prices on garage forecourts. "The effects of the weak pound have really been felt on the wholesale market, and this, combined with an oil price at nearly double its lowest level in 2016, has put significant upward pressure on wholesale fuel prices," he said. "Certainly, we are a long way from the remarkably low fuel prices enjoyed by families and businesses early in 2016, when the average price of unleaded was around 102p per litre and diesel was 101p," he added. According to the RAC, the increases mean it now costs Â£64.20 to fill the 55-litre petrol tank of a typical family car. Meanwhile it costs Â£65.25 to fill up a similarly sized tank in a diesel car. The RAC suggested that the price of fuel might stabilise in the coming months. "Opec, which represents some of the world's biggest oil producers, recently agreed in principle a cut in production," said Mr Williams. "But a final deal is still to be agreed at an Opec meeting at the end of this month and, with some analysts suggesting a deal might yet stall, this leaves open the prospect oil prices might stabilise or even fall before the end of the year," he added.

Summary: Petrol and diesel prices rose sharply in October, said the RAC, taking them to their highest level since July 2015.


Media playback is not supported on this device In Konta's match against Sorana Cirstea, Nastase was sent off after swearing at the umpire and abusing Konta and her captain Anne Keothavong. The world number seven lost her serve in the next game and was visibly upset before play was halted for 25 minutes. The International Tennis Federation is investigating Nastase's conduct. The world governing body said it was looking into "this matter as well as previous comments made by Mr Nastase during the week". Nastase - a former world number one - had caused controversy in the build-up to the tie after being heard making a derogatory comment about Serena Williams' unborn child. While Romanian player Simona Halep was answering a question in English about Williams' pregnancy on Friday, the 70-year-old turned to one of his other team members and added in Romanian: "Let's see what colour it has. Chocolate with milk?" He also put his arm tightly around Keothavong and asked for her room number, in earshot of the watching media. Before play had even started on Saturday, Nastase insulted a British journalist over their reporting of Friday's events, calling the Press Association's tennis correspondent "stupid". And as he was finally escorted away from the venue by a group of security guards, he abused the reporter again, calling her "ugly". WARNING: Some people may find the language below offensive The incident that led to him being dismissed on Saturday happened when Cirstea was 2-1 up in the second set of the World Group II play-off tie in Constanta. After Konta and Keothavong had complained of calling out from the crowd at 1-1, Nastase was involved in a discussion with officials in which he used foul and abusive language. Nastase called both Konta and Keothavong "a bitch" multiple times, as well as swearing at them. He was sent off the court by referee Andreas Egli and, after initially taking a seat in the stands, was then escorted back to the locker room. Konta went 3-1 down after her serve was broken in the next game and was in tears before the umpire suspended play. Romania player Halep spoke to the crowd during the suspension to try to calm the situation. When play resumed in a subdued atmosphere, Konta won five games in a row to win the match 6-2 6-3, levelling the tie at 1-1. The ITF explained Nastase was asked to leave "for unsportsmanlike conduct, having already received two official warnings". A statement added: "Mr Nastase was also removed from the grounds due to his serious misconduct. His accreditation was removed and he will play no further part in the tie." Media playback is not supported on this device "It was not something anyone should experience," Konta told BBC Sport. "It did upset me quite a lot and that was shown. I am not one to cry on court. It was slightly embarrassing but it affected me more than I would have liked. "I know that Fed Cups can be quite emotional and can sometimes take an unexpected turn but it

Summary: Romania captain Ilie Nastase was banned from the Fed Cup tie against Britain after an incident that left Johanna Konta in tears and her match suspended.


Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, near Crymych, needs people to support the prehistoric site, which is owned and run by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. It would involve practical tasks such as maintaining the herb garden and supporting events. An open afternoon for those interested was held on Saturday afternoon.

Summary: Volunteers are being sought to help look after a heritage site in Pembrokeshire.


Jocelyn McKay is now 81 and said she feels "released" from the feelings that gripped her for so long. "I may be old, but at least I am happy," she told BBC News NI. "I hadn't really lived until I got the operation. "For years I felt I was in the wrong body and it wasn't until I was 69 that I plucked up the courage to ask for help." It was only after a trip to Manchester with some friends, during which Ms McKay lived as a woman, that she realised the surgery was something she needed. "I was a cross-dresser, I went away dressed as a man and I came home dressed as a man, but in between times I was a woman," she said. But cross-dressing was not good enough for her. When Ms McKay returned from her trip, she visited her GP, who referred her to a specialist. She said: "I had been going to the doctor for a range of ailments and he said to me: 'Thank God you've finally told me what's wrong.'" Every week three or four people present themselves as transgender to the Regional Gender Identity and Psychosexual Service at Knockbracken in Belfast. They typically make contact with the clinic through a GP referral or a drop-in facility every week. 200 people are currently being treated by the clinic with 50 more on the waiting list. More than half of them are aged between 18 and 25. The number of adults going to the clinic is doubling year on year. The clinic provides adults with assessment, psychological support and onward referral for hormone replacement therapy and surgery where appropriate. A gender identity panel to strategically look at the issues facing transgender people met for the first time at Stormont on Monday. It was formed by the peer support group Focus - The Identity Trust. It comprises politicians from Sinn FÃ©in and the Alliance party, as well as a Presbyterian minister, the Reverend Lesley Carroll, and others with a long-standing interest in human rights. The Sinn FÃ©in minister Megan Fearon said the gathering was about "bringing marginalised people together, giving them space to discuss transgender issues and engaging with politicians in a way that had not been done before". "Transgender people still experience discrimination in nearly every walk of life," she said. The panel will address trans-phobic hate crime and access to health and education.

Summary: A pensioner who underwent gender re-assignment surgery at the age of 69 says she lived "in the wrong body" for most of her life because she feared the reaction of her friends and family.


The firm predicted that the move would help drive the development of autonomous vehicles. Called Apollo, the project will make a range of software, hardware and data services available to others, especially carmakers. Other firms in the sector, such as Tesla and Google, have tended to keep key developments secret. Baidu, often described as China's Google, has been developing self-drive vehicles since 2015. Making the announcement ahead of the Shanghai Auto Show, it said technologies for use in restricted test environments would be available as soon July. There will then be a gradual roll-out of other technology, with an aim to offer its full range of developments to support self-driving for highways and city roads by 2020. In a statement, Baidu's group president Qi Lu said it wanted to create a "collaborative ecosystem" using its strengths in artificial intelligence (AI) to "encourage greater innovation and opportunities, making better use of our technology to drive the evolution of the entire industry". This move could be likened to Google's decision to release Android, the free operating system for smartphones, says James Chao of IHS Markit. Even though it was free to use, it became a success for Google because it drives users to the company's various mobile apps and services. By becoming the supplier of the "brains" for more cars than just the ones it makes itself, there are clear benefits. One is potential revenue from carmakers in the long term. And what is also crucial to the development of self-driving vehicles is data. The more cars using its technology, the more data it should be able to harvest. "It really sounds like they want to treat this like a smartphone platform," Mr Chao said. "The holy grail for software in cars is to become the Android or iOS that everyone is using, and this is their strategy to do that." Baidu's statement alludes to opportunities in the US, but also in its home market. "China is the world's largest market for automotive sales and production. It has many car brands and an open environment that is ripe for collaboration," group president Qi Lu said. Analyst Mr Chao agrees. "I can think of at least 20 Chinese carmakers who would be perfect candidates," he told the BBC. "They don't have huge research budgets or the resources to figure out how to make self-driving vehicles themselves. "These are firms that tend to rely on suppliers so they can build a car and so this fits in perfectly for them." He said this could mean that Baidu's technology will be used in millions of cars on China's roads by 2020. However, bigger international carmakers who are already working on autonomous vehicles are unlikely to follow suit. Motivated by the widespread pollution problems, Beijing has pushed for more electric vehicles and Chinese carmakers have responded significantly. And in the race for driverless car technology, Chinese companies are taking big strides. Along with Changan and Geely, Baidu is one of the big players, with AI research being done in both China and Silicon Valley. But it is not

Summary: Chinese internet giant Baidu has said it will share much of the technology it has created for its self-driving cars.


Media playback is not supported on this device The bronze figure of the Northern Irishman, crafted by Dublin sculptor Paul Ferrier, was unveiled in front of racegoers at the course on Tuesday. McCoy, 42, rode 31 winners at the Festival, including two Gold Cups and three Champion Hurdle successes. His final victory came at his last appearance at the meeting in 2015. "I can only say a huge thank you to Cheltenham," said the jockey commonly known as AP. "It was 20 years this week when I won the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup and I had my first ride here in 1994. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have a statue put up in my honour. "A lot of my friends say the statue has more personality than I have. "I am very honoured. I can say a huge thanks to Paul Ferrier who did this as he has made it just like me. "I feel very honoured and flattered by it." McCoy was BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2010 after his only-ever Grand National victory on Don't Push It.

Summary: Twenty-times champion jump jockey Sir Anthony McCoy has described having a statue put up in his honour at Cheltenham as 'flattering.'


You might not associate academic analysis with raucous outdoor performances or atmospheric indoor shows under candlelight. But Shakespeare's Globe on London's Bankside is a kind of living laboratory, with its own team of in-house scholars, researchers and academic advisers. Everything from the physical design of the theatre through to the individual performances is informed by the insights and research work of academics The Globe's site beside the River Thames now has two theatres, with the opening of an indoor Jacobean theatre alongside the existing thatch-roofed, open-air playhouse. Building this much smaller, enclosed theatre, called the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, was an academic challenge in itself. Farah Karim-Cooper, one of the Globe's resident scholars, says that it's not a replica of a specific playhouse of the era, but a building assembled from different pieces of architectural evidence and contemporary sources. The design, a wooden candle-lit chamber, with some of the audience practically on stage, is the result of "informed, rigorous speculation, based on all the available evidence". But this doesn't mean an obsessive interest in re-creating "authenticity", says Dr Karim-Cooper. The buildings, like the performances, are about a living, breathing engagement with modern audiences. "We're not interested in re-enactment," she says. But she considers the theatre an experiment in seeing how things work in practice. Like how do you move a play from the operatic scale of outdoor theatre to the close-up intimacy of the indoor theatre? It was something that happened regularly in Shakespeare's day, taking plays from the outdoor Globe to an indoor playhouse such as the Blackfriars, built in the atmospheric ruins of a monastery on the other side of the River Thames. It must have been like a rock band switching from a festival stage to a nightclub. The Globe was playing in daylight to open-air crowds, while the indoor theatre was a smaller, much wealthier audience, watching close-up in candlelight. The Globe team researched different types of candles, with beeswax chosen over tallow for the warmth of the light. And in terms of lighting effects, the indoor theatre has pulley-operated candelabra - or else the actors themselves carry candles. Light and darkness were almost characters in their own right in plays of this pre-electric era. "Darkness was a terrifying presence," says Dr Karim-Cooper. "Darkness was palpable, something that people seemed to be able to touch, it was so thick. It was very much associated with all the horrors of the imagination, the devil, demons, witchcraft - that dark, dark world they felt was out there." She says that if Elizabethans or Jacobeans travelled in time to modern London "their retinas would burn if they saw our levels of light". Another big difference is that Shakespeare's audiences would have been in the same lighting level as the actors on stage. The modern experience of an audience sitting in the dark while the stage is illuminated - a convention carried into the cinema - would have been completely unknown. In the indoor theatres, audiences were paying high prices to see and be seen. The really big spenders could sit in seats

Summary: When you think of a laboratory you wouldn't usually think of cheering crowds or actors in costumes.


Conservative MP Fiona Bruce, who spearheaded the move, said the law was being "interpreted in different ways". But her proposal was defeated by 292 to 201. A review of the extent of sex selective abortion was agreed to. The government said it had been consistently clear that sex selective abortion was "already illegal". Health Minister Jane Ellison new guidance had been issued by the Department for Health last May, which independent sectors had to comply with. Ms Bruce had received support from more than 100 MPs prior to the debate. Her amendment would not have changed the law, but sought to update 1967 legislation that was drafted before it was possible to identify the sex of a foetus. An alternative amendment, providing for a review of the extent of gender selection abortion in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, was backed by 491 to 2. Making the case for the change, the Congleton MP said her amendment would "clarify beyond doubt in statute that sex selective abortion is illegal in UK law". And it would provide the government with an opportunity to address the "problem", such as by bringing forward best practice regulations and guidance, she added. "Why is this new clause necessary? It is necessary because there is no explicit statement about gender selective abortion in UK law. "The law is being interpreted in different ways because when the 1967 Abortion Act was passed, scans to determine the sex of the foetus were not available," she told MPs. Ms Bruce insisted it would not criminalise any pregnant women because it applied only to doctors authorising an abortion. And she rejected as "totally incorrect" the assertion that her proposal would block abortions based on a gender-linked disability. Fellow Conservative David Burrowes lent his support to the amendment, telling MPs the law "does not expressly prohibit gender-selective abortions". And the DUP's Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford, also endorsed the move, rejecting any assertions it would criminalise women. It would be doctors that were held to account, he said. But Dr Sarah Wollaston, chairwoman of the Health Select Committee, was firmly opposed to the proposal, saying the amendment was "unnecessary" and could have "unintended consequences". It could prevent women confiding in their doctor that they "feel under pressure" to abort their child because of its gender, as they may fear they will be criminalised, she told MPs. Ms Wollaston said there was no evidence of a "systematic practice" of sex selective abortion in the UK, and warned against stigmatising communities by implying it was a widespread practice. And the MP warned that the wording of the proposed clause would have implications for existing abortion laws, as it would "confer personhood on the foetus". This point was echoed by Labour shadow health minister Luciana Berger, who said Ms Bruce's proposal would not address the causes of sex selective abortion. She supported instead a separate amendment to require a review of the evidence of abortion on the grounds of sex in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For the government, Health Minister Jane Ellison said gender-based abortion was

Summary: MPs have defeated a cross-party bid to clarify in law that abortion on the grounds of gender alone is illegal in the UK.


The numbers are stark - for the first time in India's recent history, not only was there a decline in the female labour participation rate, but also a shrinking of the total number of women in the workforce. Using data gleaned from successive rounds of National Sample Survey Organisation and census data, a team of researchers from World Bank have attempted to find out why this is happening. "These are significant matters of concern. As India poises itself to increase economic growth and foster development, it is necessary to ensure that its labour force becomes fully inclusive of women," says the study, authored by Luis A Andres, Basab Dasgupta, George Joseph, Vinoj Abraham and Maria Correia. So what accounts for the unprecedented and puzzling drop in women's participation in the workforce - at a time when India's economy has grown at a steady pace? Predictable social norms are attributed to women quitting work in India: marriage, motherhood, vexed gender relations and biases, and patriarchy. But they may not be the only reasons. Marriage, for example, does affect the rate of participation of women in the workforce. But in villages, the workforce participation rate of married women has been found to be higher than that of unmarried women - whereas in the cities, the situation is reversed. Significantly, rising aspirations and relative prosperity may be actually responsible for putting a large cohort of women out of work in India. Remember, the largest drop has been in the villages. After calculating the labour force participation rates and educational participation rates (young women in schools) the researchers believe that one plausible explanation for the drop in the participation rate among rural girls and women aged 15-24 is the recent expansion of secondary education and rapidly changing social norms leading to "more working age young females opting to continue their education rather than join the labour force early". The study says there has been a "larger response to income changes among the poor, rather than the wealthy, by sending children to school". Also, casual workers - mainly women - drop out of the workforce when wages increased for regular earners - mainly men - leading to the stabilisation of family incomes. "Improved stability in family income can be understood as a disincentive for female household members to join the labour force," says the study. "This largely resonates with the existing literature, which suggests that with rising household income levels, women in rural India withdraw from paid labour and engage in status production at home." But dropping or opting out of the workforce to go to school and get an education may not ensure that these women will eventually go to work. After studying the relationship with the female labour participation rate and levels of educational achievements, the researchers found that having a high school-level education was "not found to be an incentive for women" to work. The lowest rate of participation is among those who had secured school and high school education in the cities and villages. And the rate is actually highest among illiterates and

Summary: Why are millions of women dropping out of work in India?


The Lynx UK Trust has suggested trial reintroductions in Aberdeenshire, Argyll, Northumberland, Cumbria and Norfolk. It said the plan has public support and research it commissioned sets out benefits of the big cats' return. The National Farmers Union (NFU) has previously raised concerns. Scottish Natural Heritage, which is funded by the Scottish government, has also said reintroductions were "complex" and needed "considerable planning" to meet UK and international guidelines. Lynx became extinct in the UK 1,300 years ago. The Lynx UK Trust said 91% of 9,000 respondents to a survey it carried out were in favour of lynx being brought back to help control deer numbers. AECOM, consultants the trust commissioned to examine the benefits of lynx, have suggested that the cats could benefit eco-tourism as well as prevent deer from damaging crops. The trust said it now wants to hear views from landowners and farmers. Dr Paul O'Donoghue, of the trust, said: "Lynx reintroduction is a big step for all of us in the UK and this is the opportunity for a wide range of groups to really understand what it could mean, how they could be affected, and to tell us and the statutory agencies how they feel about it." Other organisations, including the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Trees for Life and Rewilding Britain, have separately said lynx could form an important part in "rewilding" areas of the UK. The Cairngorms National Park Authority has in the past weighed up the pros and cons of bringing back the big cats, and also wolves and bears. Of the three predators, lynx were deemed to have the least negative impact on farmers' businesses. NFU countryside adviser Claire Robinson said reintroductions raised "big concerns" for farmers in England. She said: "Any species introduction, particularly if it has not been in this country for hundreds of years, can have a massive impact on the many benefits that the countryside delivers. "The environment has changed drastically and we do not know how lynx would behave in the current environment. "But the biggest concern we have would be the impact on farm animals with lynx preying on lambs, poultry and outdoor piglets - those animals are farmers' livelihoods."

Summary: Farmers and landowners have been asked for their views on a proposal to bring back lynx to parts of Scotland and England.


Their comments, she wrote, "reminds me how big the world is and how many more decent people there are than not". The Harry Potter author previously tweeted that her "personal line [had] been crossed" by some abusive comments. "It isn't always fun being a famous woman on Twitter and I believe in standing up to bullies," she wrote. Rowling faced a flood of criticism on Twitter last year after it emerged she had donated Â£1m to the campaign for a No vote in the Scottish independence referendum. In 2008, she donated the same amount to the Labour party. On Friday the author revealed she had been called "a traitor" for her political views and had blocked some abusive Twitter users she believed had been supporters of the Scottish National Party (SNP). "I feel no responsibility to hush up that kind of behaviour to protect the image of any political party," she told one Twitter user. The 49-year-old also revealed she had "responded to other really nice SNP supporters" and had discussed "how much I had in common politically with many of them". The writer also joked she would "bring marshmallows" after a Twitter user suggested her books should be burned in public. The SNP took 56 of the 59 seats in Scotland in Thursday's election and is now the third largest party in the UK.

Summary: JK Rowling has thanked Twitter users who offered words of support after she became a target for online abuse in the wake of the general election result.


Hot lava and ash spewed from the top into a valley nearby on the Italian island of Sicily. The eruption happened on Sunday morning at 4am local time for more than an hour and a half. Although the area around the volcano was covered by ash, it didn't affect planes travelling near it. Air traffic can be seriously affected when ash from volcanic eruptions is in the air. In 2010, the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland erupted and flights in Europe and across the Atlantic were cancelled because the ash particles in the air made it unsafe to fly. Check out the video above to see Mount Etna's latest eruption in all its glory.

Summary: Europe's most active volcano, Mount Etna, has erupted for the fifth time this year.


The Commons opposed proposals to allow councils to extend opening hours by 317 votes to 286, as 27 Tories rebelled. Ministers had sought to limit the rebellion by promising to trial the changes in 12 areas but said afterwards they would respect MPs' views. Critics of the plans said they would "chip away" at Sunday's special status and put undue pressure on workers. It is the Conservative government's second defeat in the House of Commons since it was elected last May. The government had hoped to relax existing restrictions on Sunday trading, which limit large shops to opening for a maximum of six hours, by devolving responsibility to local councils. But their plans were thwarted by an unlikely alliance of Labour, the SNP and Conservative backbenchers. List of Conservative MPs who voted against the government Before the vote, ministers indicated they would seek to amend their proposals in the House of Lords if MPs approved them in principle. But while blaming the SNP for the defeat, ministers conceded afterwards the plans would not be resurrected. "We respect the view of the House of Parliament. The Commons has spoken and given a very clear view - we have to absolutely respect that," said the planning minister Brandon Lewis. In the biggest proposed shake-up for 20 years, ministers wanted to give the 353 councils in England and 22 in Wales the freedom to determine opening hours for large shops in their area. During a three-hour debate, a succession of Conservative MPs spoke out against the changes - first announced by Mr Osborne in last year's Budget - and the way they were being introduced. Analysis by the BBC's political editor Laura Kuenssberg The reason the government lost by such a margin was not just because of staunch opposition from the Labour Party with its 'Keep Sunday Special' campaign, or the principled opposition from many Tory MPs who believe fervently that Sundays are indeed special and should be protected. The government also lost because the SNP objected to their plans, even though in Scotland shops have opened for longer on Sundays for many years. It is an embarrassing defeat for the government and particularly George Osborne, who must deliver the Budget a week today. But the SNP's involvement could have a longer term impact. Read more from Laura Sir Gerald Howarth said the late offer of concessions had been "shambolic" and looked like they had been "delivered by lastminute.com" while Stewart Jackson said the "dead hand" of the Treasury was responsible for an "egregious and unnecessary confrontation" with Tory backbenchers. Conservative MP David Burrowes, who tabled the successful rebel amendment, said the government had not made the economic case for such sweeping changes, which he said were opposed by businesses of all sizes, shop workers and faith groups. Speaking after the vote, he told BBC News of his "relief", adding: "The main thing out there is relief for shop workers, families and businesses who will really be pleased today." Labour said the government's approach had been "tawdry" and the House of Commons had spoken clearly

Summary: Plans to overhaul Sunday trading laws in England and Wales have been dropped after they were rejected by MPs.


They say Argenis Hernandez was shot in the stomach on Friday in the city of Valencia and later died in hospital. Also on Friday, bus driver Wilfredo Rey died after being shot by a group of hooded gunmen in San Cristobal. At least 33 people have now been killed during weeks of protests over the high inflation and basic good shortages. Meanwhile, supporters and opponents of the president staged rival rallies in the capital Caracas on Saturday. This comes a day after riot police in the city clashed with anti-government demonstrators who were protesting against the arrest of two opposition mayors. The mayors were detained over their alleged role in the unrest. The opposition says the government is violently repressing the protests and trying to silence the administration's critics. President Maduro has blamed the violence on "fascist groups", accusing them of planning a coup against his government. He says he has repeatedly invited them to the presidential palace for talks, but that they have refused to attend. Opposition leader Henrique Capriles said he accepted the invitation but is yet to meet Mr Maduro.

Summary: Two people have died from gunshot wounds during protests against President Nicolas Maduro's government, eyewitnesses and local media say.


In the Victorian fairground where the grotesque mixed with the gaudy, where the sound of the barrel organ mixed with the whooshes and bangs of the various rides, there would be the stand where you would be able to lace up a pair of boxing gloves and take on the gnarled and grizzled man mountain who would be waiting for you in the ring. And the crowd would "ooh" and "aah" as the prizefighter set about you, raining blows down above and below the belt. And so it was in the beautiful Simi Hills in California last night at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library that the Republican candidates took it in turn to try to give Donald Trump a bloody nose, a cracked rib, a thick lip and black eye. Ideally all four at once. First up, flexing his muscles, and jabbing hard, was Senator Rand Paul on whether Trump had the character to have his hand on the nuclear trigger. "I'm very concerned about him - having him in charge of the nuclear weapons, because I think his response, his - his visceral response to attack people on their appearance - short, tall, fat, ugly - my goodness, that happened in junior high. Are we not way above that?" Good shot, Rand, but thwack came the response - "I never attacked him on his look, and believe me, there's plenty of subject matter right there," said Trump. Cue laughter. Next up into the ring was Wisconsin governor Scott Walker. "Mr Trump. We don't need an apprentice in the White House." But with a squint of those blue eyes, Trump shot back "in Wisconsin, you're losing $2.2bn right now. I would do so much better than that." Jake Tapper, the excellent CNN host, didn't quite say "roll up, roll up who else wants to take their chances against my boy?" But he didn't need to. They were lining up. Hold on a minute. What's this? My, my, a lady is getting into the ring. Surely she wouldn't be able to draw blood where everyone else had failed. Well she did. The former Hewlett Packard boss Carly Fiorina had been roundly insulted by Trump when he questioned her suitability because of her appearance. He told Rolling Stone - "Look at that face. Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president?" She was stoic and measured: "I think women all over this country heard very clearly what Mr Trump said." And Trump was now visibly back-pedalling. "I think she's got a beautiful face, and I think she's a beautiful woman." Her face was acid. She did not flinch. It was a gotcha moment. And "low energy" Jeb Bush - as Donald Trump dubbed him - achieved something similar when he gave a Trump a good kicking over the tycoon bringing Bush's Mexican-born wife into the political debate. Trump looked defensive. He wouldn't give the apology that Bush demanded, but he was discomfited. There was a lot of serious stuff in this sprawling three hour debate. But if

Summary: The BBC's Jon Sopel sees presidential hopeful Donald Trump roll with the punches in the second Republican debate in California - until a new competitor entered the ring.


Royal Mail said the rise of delivery firm Whistl could wipe £200m off sales. It also said competition was endangering its government-mandated Universal Service, which guarantees a single price postal service that delivers to all UK addresses. The caution came as Royal Mail reported a small fall in pre-tax profits. They dropped to £218m for the six months to 28 September, from £233m in the same period last year. In its financial statement, Royal Mail named Whistl, formerly known as TNT, as a direct threat to future profits. The company also said it faced increased parcel competition and that Amazon's recently-launched delivery service could singlehandedly dent its business by as much as 2%, in the short term. In the past six months, Royal Mail's UK parcel delivery division saw revenues fall by 1%. However the firm's international parcel delivery service, GLS, fared well, with revenue up 7%, helping the company's overall revenue to rise by just £5m to slightly above £4.52bn. Royal Mail's letter business saw volumes drop by 3%, although this was not as steep a fall as had been expected. The slower decline was due to election pamphleteering, particularly relating to the Scottish Referendum, for which Royal Mail delivered seven million campaign mailings and over five million poll cards. Royal Mail boss Moya Greene told the BBC that increased competition was threatening the company's ability to deliver letters to all parts of the UK - a service mandated by law. She added that the "cherry-picking" of urban mail routes by competitors "undermines the economics" of its nationwide delivery service. Royal Mail has long called for the regulator, Ofcom, to consider expanding the Universal Service mandate - which ensures mail is delivered across the UK, six days a week, at one fixed price - so that it includes rivals such as Whistl. That may include forcing competitors to also deliver letters to rural areas at an affordable price - a service for which companies can make little or no profit. "We believe the current regulatory framework does not fully address the problem posed by unfettered direct delivery competition," Royal Mail said. "We think there is an urgent need for a new framework that will secure the sustainable provision of the Universal Service for the future." In response, a spokesman for Ofcom said the regulator's own evidence "clearly shows that the service is not currently under threat". "We would assess any emerging threat to the service quickly, in the interests of postal users," he added. Royal Mail has been under increased public scrutiny since it was privatised in October 2013. In July, a group of MPs voiced concerns that the taxpayer may have lost out by about £1bn after Royal Mail shares were "undervalued". After an initial pricing of 330p, Royal Mail shares rose above 600p in the months after its flotation, but have been steadily declining since the early summer, to 430p. Analysis: Kamal Ahmed, BBC Business Editor Lurking on page 8 of today's numbers is the real story in Royal Mail's results - that the business is warning of a

Summary: Shares in Royal Mail closed down 8.3% after the firm warned that rivals - including Amazon - were eating into its parcel delivery business.


Alice Pyne, 17, of Ulverston, died of Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2013 after publishing her wish list. Haley McTaggart, 33, admitted getting her charity Alice's Escapes to pay Â£2,000 for her to go on a trek to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. McTaggart admitted fraud and was jailed for 10 months suspended for two years. The court also heard how McTaggart sold raffle tickets for a false raffle and never handed over the money. She also told the charity that she was unable to transfer money after the trip to Tanzania. Sentencing McTaggart, Recorder John Corless said she had committed an "unpleasant and serious" offence. Alice's Escapes was founded in 2012 by Miss Payne who 16 at the time. The teenager wanted to provide holidays in Cumbria for seriously ill children and their families. The top item on her bucket list was the hope that everyone in the UK would sign up as a bone marrow donor, an aspiration which Prime Minister David Cameron praised in the House of Commons. It is estimated that about 40,000 people signed up as donors as a direct result of her appeal. Miss Pyne and her sister Milly raised more than Â£100,000.

Summary: A Whitehaven woman who defrauded a charity set up by a teenager dying of cancer who became well-known for her "bucket list" has been sentenced.


Officials in the city of Novosibirsk ruled that Parnas, the main opposition coalition, had failed to collect enough valid signatures to take part. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny called the move a "blow to the democratic freedom of Russians". The regional ballot is seen by Russia's opposition as a key test in the run-up to next year's parliamentary vote. The three hunger strikers were detained by police and fined for staging a protest. They and other activists in the Siberian city had spent weeks collecting the thousands of signatures required to register for election. But the election commission in Novosibirsk - Russia's third largest city - found faults with more than 1,000 of the 11,000 signatures they submitted. The activists insist they were valid, and said the authorities used out-of-date databases to check them. In one case, a woman's signature was ruled out because her middle name came up in records as Timurovich, a man's name, instead of Timurovna. The three - Leonid Volkov, Sergey Boyko and Yegor Savin - have said they will eat nothing and drink only water until their case is reviewed. Mr Navalny warned that the "surreal" action could be replicated in other elections, both regional and national. He is a fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin, accusing the government of large-scale corruption. "There is a political order not to let the opposition take part in elections," he told Moscow Echo radio station.

Summary: Three Russian opposition activists have gone on hunger strike after they were barred from running in local elections.


They were last seen alive during a protest in the town of Iguala. Police fired on them and rounded them up, eventually handing them over to members of the Guerreros Unidos drug gang, who are widely thought to have killed them. But the students' families refuse to believe they are dead. They say they want more answers and will not give up looking for them. So how can Mexico move on? Last week Lourdes Caballero Sanchez took to the streets of the capital with thousands of other Mexicans to call for justice. It was a personal journey for her. Lourdes's 21-year-old brother Israel is one of the missing. Her belief that she will find him is unwavering. "I have an intuition that he's still alive. That's why we are here, asking [President] Pena Nieto to give us back our boys," she told me. "As a sister, I'm desperate. I miss him, I want to see him. I feel so powerless to not be able to do anything for him." But less than 24 hours later, Mexico's Attorney General Jesus Murillo Karam delivered a blow. He declared that the students were dead. His team, he said, had interviewed 99 people including members of the criminal gang that he alleges murdered the students. Based on 386 declarations from interviewees, 16 police raids and two reconstructions, the conclusion was that the students were killed by the gang and their bodies burned at a rubbish dump. The students' families angrily rejected this scenario. At a press conference held later in the day, one mother stood up and claimed that her son was not missing, he was being held by the government. Accusations that the government needs to be called to account have been flying at the same time that the authorities have been trying to draw this questioning to a close. The prosecutor reassured the families the case would not be shut yet, but even President Enrique Pena Nieto has said Mexico needs to move on. For many though, that is not an option. "I can understand the political logic of trying to put this behind the country, but I don't think there are the objective conditions for the country to turn the page," says independent security analyst Alejandro Hope. "The government has provided a narrative of what happened but hasn't yet provided an explanation. In the absence of a detailed version of why, this case will not be closed." The war on drugs has taken a brutal toll on Mexico in the past decade. More than 100,000 people have been killed and the latest official figures put the number of missing at 23,271. This week, some of the parents of the missing students travelled to Geneva to appeal for help from the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances. Mexico's National Human Rights Commission also published a report ahead of the visit. Commission President Luis Raul Gonzalez Perez criticised the impunity in Mexican society, which he believes dates back to the 1970s and 1980s: decades when the government and left-wing student groups clashed with deadly results.

Summary: It has been more than four months since 43 students from a rural teaching school in Ayotzinapa, in Mexico's south-western state of Guerrero disappeared.


Last month he became the first player to speak publicly about being sexually abused as a boy at Crewe in the 1980s. There are now 155 suspects in the UK-wide football child abuse scandal. Woodward said he gave police further information five weeks ago, but has "still not provided statements despite my continual requests to do so". On Twitter he wrote: "People should know I suffered more than one abuser. "I've now been waiting five weeks to provide my statement with the police, for further abuse on me. "I've not mentioned it before now but it hurts. I need to let go of that pain, yet still waiting." He later told BBC Sport that police had now said they would visit him next week - but called the delay "shocking". Police say there are now 429 potential victims linked to football, some as young as four at the time of the alleged offence, and 148 clubs are now involved. Woodward, who is also a former police officer, has launched an independent trust to help other abuse victims "fight for justice". The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) set up Operation Hydrant to oversee investigations of "non-recent" child sex abuse within institutions or by people of public prominence. The spotlight has fallen on abuse in football since a a number of former footballers came forward publicly to tell their stories, and the number of suspects has almost doubled in a fortnight. In a statement on Wednesday, Chief Constable Simon Bailey, the NPCC lead on child abuse, said allegations received by police across the country "were being swiftly acted upon", but acknowledged that a "higher than usual" volume of calls was causing delays. The latest figures from the NPCC, released on Wednesday, show there have been 819 referrals from police forces and a special helpline set up for victims of abuse in football. Chief Constable Bailey, said: "The numbers keep growing. We are dealing with some of the most complex investigations you can imagine. "We are dealing with incredibly sensitive matters, sometimes in very high profile cases and of course all those factors create a huge challenge for the service." The official overall Operation Hydrant statistics show there were 3,469 suspects of historical child abuse under investigation as of December 2016. This compares with 1,433 in May 2015. Among the overall statistics for child sex abuse there are 366 people of public prominence - including 162 from TV, film or radio - under investigation. There were 3,531 people classed as victims, of which 2,604 (74%) were male and 899 (25%) were female. A further 28 victims were of unknown sex. In November 2016 there were 26 sports institutions under investigation. That figure has since increased to 74. Mr Bailey urged victims of child sexual abuse to report it by dialling 101 or contacting the dedicated NSPCC helpline for those abused in football, "regardless of how long ago the abuse may have taken place".

Summary: Ex-footballer Andy Woodward says it is "shocking" he is still waiting to give police information about the alleged sexual abuse he suffered as a junior.


People in 120 homes in Wisbech had been told to boil their water "until further notice" after supplies were contaminated. Anglian Water said tests were carried out following repairs to a burst main near Blackbear Lane, Wisbech on Sunday. The results showed "naturally occurring organisms that should not be there". The firm had advised people to boil and cool all drinking water as "a precautionary measure". A spokesman for Anglian Water said: "We haven't found anything harmful to human health but the harmless organisms are indicator species that something might have been there that should not be." Homes in Blackbear Lane, numbers 2 to 74, all properties in Pendula Road, Lucombe Drive, Oaklands Drive and Lebanon Drive were affected. A notice sent to affected customers said: "As an additional precaution, we are also making a small increase to the amount of chlorine in the water and carrying out some localised flushing. "We apologise for any inconvenience, but stress that the health and safety of our customers must come first."

Summary: Householders in Cambridgeshire who have had to boil their water since Sunday have now been told it is safe to drink once again.


Consider the unreliable plumbing, dated wallpaper, and room service meals that can arrive an hour late and stone cold. But a German tech start-up called Triprebel hopes to overcome one of the most vexing obstacles to a pleasant stay; paying too much for your room. Because nothing spoils a trip more than leaving your expensive single room to eat breakfast beside another guest who paid far less for their penthouse suite. That concern is the driving focus for Triprebel's CEO, Carlos Borges, who describes the new website as the "smartest way to book your hotel." He says current travel search engines - think Expedia, Kayak or Orbitz - offer users a snapshot hotel rate at the precise moment they initiate a search. But the market for hotel rooms, he explains, "is not like a snapshot, it's like a movie." In short, room amenities and prices fluctuate, like plot twists. Triprebel's algorithm constantly checks the rates for each hotel room, from the moment it is booked, until a couple of days before a guest checks in. "So if the rate goes down," Mr Borges says, "we change it automatically for you and you get the full advantage of that better rate." That 'full advantage' means a refund of the difference in price, with the firm taking a commission on the cheaper replacement booking. Triprebel's numbers show that a third of hotel rooms are available at a lower rate in the month after they are booked. The tech start-up is one of several that have taken up residence in one of the warehouse buildings that line Hamburg's old port canals. The firm shares its building with Greenpeace and the WWF in this rapidly developing industrial neighbourhood. A stack of beer sits waiting in a corner for the end of the week. Mr Borges says the company's growth for the most recent quarter, which he pegs at 140%, is a reason to celebrate. But before that, a half dozen staff must first test an additional 400,000 hotels that will soon be included in the website's algorithm. An employee's dog provides a welcome distraction, beneath a hanging picture of a Land Rover, with the slogan 'Never Stop Exploring.' "We are travellers ourselves so we really feel good about helping our fellow travellers," enthuses Mr Borges, a Brazilian who originally moved to Germany to study for an MBA. "When we get an email from someone praising the room he has, because he got upgraded, that's something that makes us feel very enthusiastic about what we're doing." Staffers hail from diverse professional backgrounds in Italy, Austria and the Netherlands. Currently about half the website's traffic comes from German users, and it may prove challenging to expand internationally into the already saturated online travel search marketplace. "Competing with other start-ups is matter of how good your execution is and how well you're funded," Mr Borges says. "So there we have a headstart, we've already been funded. We've already executed some of the technologies." But some travel experts question not the technology, but the financial model behind the business. A

Summary: Frequent travellers can face a host of problems when it comes to unpalatable hotel options.


It follows the discovery of 115 people locked inside three small houses in Edinburg, close to the Mexican border. Police were alerted by a call made from inside one of the houses. The property was found to have padlocks and chains on the outside. People found inside said they had not had any food or water for three days, and some required hospital treatment. Oscar Trevino, an Edinburg police spokesman, told the BBC that it was clear the people in the properties were being held against their will. "There was no way that they could leave because the doors were secured with burglar bars and were locked from the outside." He said officers had to use bolt cutters to free those inside. The imprisoned people came from several different countries in south and central America. One man told officers that they had been driven to the houses from the Rio Grande river, which marks the border between Texas and Mexico. He said they had been threatened with death if they did not remain quiet.

Summary: The authorities in Texas have charged two men with conspiring to harbour suspected illegal immigrants.


The 40-year-old, from the South Bank area of Teesside, was discovered on the A66 in the early hours "in a distressed state" with wounds to his groin after the attack. The road, from Greystones Roundabout to Church Lane in Middlesbrough, was shut earlier while searches of the area were carried out. It has now reopened. A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and later bailed. Cleveland Police said the injured man had been placed in an induced coma in hospital. The force said in a statement: "Police can confirm that the man found this morning on the A66 had wounds to his groin area. "Officers are continuing to investigate and are appealing for anyone with information to contact them."

Summary: A man has been found by the side of a road with his penis cut off.


David Jacques, from the University of Buckingham, made the discovery at Blick Mead in October, and said the carbon dating results had just been confirmed. But he also raised concerns about possible damage to the site over plans to build a road tunnel past Stonehenge. The Department of Transport said it would "consult before any building". The Blick Mead site is about 1.5 miles (2.4km) from Stonehenge and archaeologists said "scientifically tested charcoal" dug up from the site had "revealed that it dated from around 4000 BC". David Jacques said the dig had also found "evidence of feasting" including burnt flints, tools and remains of giant cattle, known as aurochs, which were eaten by early hunter gatherers. Mr Jacques said: "British pre-history may have to be rewritten. This is the latest dated Mesolithic encampment ever found in the UK. "Blick Mead site connects the early hunter gatherer groups returning to Britain after the Ice Age to the Stonehenge area, all the way through to the Neolithic in the late 5th Millennium BC. "But our only chance to find out about the earliest chapter of Britain's history could be wrecked if the tunnel goes ahead." Andy Rhind-Tutt, a former mayor and current chairman of Amesbury Museum, which part-funded the dig, said the discovery could "provide what archaeologists have been searching for centuries - the answer to the story of the pre-history of Stonehenge." Earlier this month, the government announced funding for a 1.8-mile (2.9km) tunnel to remove congestion from the main road past Stonehenge. A Department for Transport spokesman said: "As with any road scheme, we will consult with interested parties before any building begins on the A303. "English Heritage and National Trust are supportive of our plans, and we will ensure sites of cultural or historical significance are safeguarded as we progress with the upgrade."

Summary: Archaeologists working on a site near Stonehenge say they have found an untouched 6,000-year-old encampment which "could rewrite British history".