BBC World Service

AstraZeneca, the UK's second-largest drugs company, is to buy Pearl Therapeutics, a US lung drug specialist, in a deal worth up to $1.15bn.

AstraZeneca, the UK's second-largest drugs company, is to buy Pearl Therapeutics, a US lung drug specialist, in a deal worth up to $1.15bn.

The global figure for the number of children without access to schools has fallen, says Unesco. But so has funding and international targets are set to be missed.

Kinky Boots, the musical adaptation of the 2005 British comedy film, is a hit at the Tony awards in New York, picking up six trophies.

Kinky Boots, the musical adaptation of the 2005 British comedy film, is a hit at the Tony awards in New York, picking up six trophies.

Japan revises up its growth numbers for the first three months of the year, adding to hopes of a recovery in the world's third-largest economy.

Australian authorities call off rescue efforts for a boat carrying about 55 asylum seekers that sank north of Christmas Island late last week.

A 38-year-old marshal is killed at the end of the Canadian Grand Prix after being hit by a recovery truck.

A new system of payments replacing the Disability Living Allowance, which will see hundreds of thousands lose their benefits, takes effect across Britain.

A former technical worker for the CIA is revealed as the source of a series of leaks about US phone and internet surveillance.

Australia name Queensland Reds lock James Horwill as captain for the three-Test series against the British & Irish Lions.

Some of the world's rarest big cat species are facing a potentially deadly threat from a virus carried by domestic dogs, an expert warns.

Some of the world's rarest big cat species are facing a potentially deadly threat from a virus carried by domestic dogs, an expert warns.

Detecting early damage to a child's heart following chemotherapy is possible using MRI scans, say Canadian researchers.

Detecting early damage to a child's heart following chemotherapy is possible using MRI scans, say Canadian researchers.

As Croatia prepares to join the EU at the end of this month, its neighbour Bosnia remains as divided as ever.

South Korea's Inbee Park beats Scotland's Catriona Matthew in a sudden-death play-off to win the LPGA Championship.

Iranian internet-users could have access to international websites such as Google and YouTube blocked, under little-known government plans to manage the internet.

Nasa's ageing Opportunity rover on Mars continues to make significant discoveries with the observation of a rock rich in clay minerals - an indicator of ancient water activity.

Jury selection is due to begin in the trial of a neighbourhood watch volunteer accused of murdering a black teenager in Florida.