Africa/International

British scientists have decoded the genetic sequence of wheat — one of the world's oldest and most important crops — a development they hope could help the global staple meet the challenges of climate change, disease and population growth.…

The overall tax burden will have to remain at its current level for five years, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander has suggested. In an interview with The Observer, the Liberal Democrat appeared to dismiss the prospect of net…

Some of the Chilean miners trapped in a collapsed shaft have begun to show signs of depression, officials say. Health Minister Jaime Manalich said five of the 33 miners, trapped 700m (2,300ft) below ground, were not eating properly and had…

Ford Motor  is recalling about 575,000 Windstar vans in 21 cold-weather U.S. states and Canada from model years 1998 to 2003 because of the possibility that the rear axle may fracture due to corrosion, federal regulators reported on Friday.…

If you're looking for bargains on personal computers, bad news from the industry could be good for your pocketbook. Computer makers are scrambling for ways to goose faltering consumer demand after a weak start to the back-to-school…

Rates of food pipe cancer in men spiked by 50% over the last 25 years, figures reveal. Cancer Research UK said the annual number of men diagnosed with oesophageal (food pipe) cancer rose from 2,600 in 1983 to 5,100 in the last year for…

American socialite Paris Hilton has been arrested in the US for alleged possession of cocaine, police say. Ms Hilton was arrested by Las Vegas police when they stopped a car in which she was a passenger. Officers found some suspicious…

James Bond star Daniel Craig became the two millionth supporter of England's bid to hold the 2018 World Cup The "Back the Bid" campaign, which was launched by former England captains David Beckham  and Gary Lineker at Wembley last year,…

Cuba has begun allowing foreign investors to lease government land for up to 99 years, a step toward a future that could be filled with golf courses ringed by luxury villas, beachfront timeshares and vacation homes for well-heeled…

Britain's economy  grew 1.2% in the second quarter of the year, a faster pace than first thought and at a rate not seen for nine years, according to official figures. The Office for National Statistics upgraded its estimate for growth of…