Portugal's governing centre-right coalition wins a general election that has been widely seen as a referendum on four years of austerity.

Many shoppers in England will have to pay 5p for plastic carrier bags from Monday, as the new charge becomes law for supermarkets and large shops.

Ministers should not delay unpopular cuts to pensioners' benefits as many of them might "not be around" by the next election, says a think tank director.

The World Bank says that for the first time less than 10% of the world's population will be living in extreme poverty by the end of 2015.

Islamic State militants have blown up the Arch of Triumph in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, officials and activists say.

A new body to plan infrastructure projects will be chaired by the former Labour transport secretary Lord Adonis, the chancellor is to announce.

The way the Church of England responded to sex offence allegations made against a former bishop 22 years ago is to be the subject of an independent review.

South Carolina's governor says floods in the state are a once in a 1,000 year event, with at least six people killed as a result of the rains.