How to feed a pet from your phone

Last year Mobile World Congress - the annual showcase event for mobile technology held in Barcelona - hosted a mocked-up house full of mobile technology that can help around the home.

This year it has gone one step further with a ''connected city''.

Would changing the law protect Britain's birds of prey

John Kerry 'lost' in London Zoo on childhood trip

John Kerry has told a press conference that he got lost in London Zoo on a childhood visit to London.

Mr Kerry was speaking alongside the British Foreign Secretary William Hague as he visited London on his first trip abroad as US Secretary of State.

Tony Blair Life in Iraq 10 years on not as I hoped

Newsnight's Kirsty Wark asks former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair if daily life in Iraq today is as he envisioned it 10 years ago.

Talking Movies Oscars 2013 winner predictions

With just days to go before Sunday's Oscars ceremony, speculation is growing about who will win on Hollywood's biggest night of the year.

Lincoln, Steven Spielberg's eulogy to the former US president, leads the field with 12 nominations, with Life of Pi, Argo, Les Miserables, and Silver Linings Playbook among the other favoured nominees.

App gives paralysed man his voice back

For the last 27 years, Kevin Beverley has been unable to speak, after a violent attack left him brain damaged and paralysed.

But after years of silence, a new computer app has helped him find his voice again.

Eddie the arthritic otter shoots hoops

Eddie the otter suffers from arthritis, so his keeper has come up with a novel way for him to improve movement in his joints - basketball.

But visitors to Oregon Zoo, where he lives, will not be able to see him doing it - he only does it in the privacy of his training pool

PlayStation 4 absent from Sony launch event

The electronics giant Sony has unveiled its brand new gaming console, the PlayStation 4, in New York.

The console will allow users to stream and play games hosted on other servers. But the machine itself was missing from the event.

Armless pilot proves sky's the limit

Jessica Cox was born without arms as a result of a rare birth defect.

That has not stopped her from living her life to the fullest. In fact, Ms Cox has experienced and achieved more than most people do in a lifetime.

She can drive a car, fly a plane and play piano - all with her feet.

In 2012 she married Patrick, her former Taekwondo instructor (she has two black belts). They live in Tucson in the US state of Arizona.

Breastfeeding 'power hour' could save lives

Save The Children says that more than 800,000 children could be saved each year if mothers breastfed immediately after birth.

The charity, which has published a report Superfood for Babies, is concerned breastfeeding rates are stalling across the world and in some developing countries rates are declining.

Alvin submersible ready to get back in the water

One of the giants of ocean science, the Alvin deep-submersible, is almost ready to get back in the water after a $41m (£26.5m) refit.

The upgrade is intended to enable the 49-year-old vehicle to go 2,000m deeper, although some additional work will be required to achieve this goal.

Crippled Carnival Triumph cruise ship reaches US coast

A crippled cruise ship with 3,200 people aboard has reached land, four days after an engine fire knocked out the vessel's power.

The Carnival Triumph arrived in Mobile, Alabama at around 21:15(03:15 GMT).

Disembarking the passengers took more than four hours and many still face a long bus journey home or to the port of departure, Galveston.

Passengers had reported sewage on the floors, poor sanitation and access to toilets, and lengthy queues for food. Footage filmed by passengers Jay Collier and Ann Barlow shows the conditions people on the ship had to cope with.

Moonies hold mass wedding in South Korea

Some 3,500 couples have been married in South Korea in the first mass wedding ceremony organised by the Unification Church since its founder's death.

Another 24,000 followers, often known as Moonies, were married at the same time in other countries via video link, in a ceremony presided over by Hak Ja-han, the widow of Sun Myung Moon, who died in September.

Singapore protest against foreign workers

Singaporeans have been staging a rare political demonstration to protest against the surging number of foreign workers in the island state.

More than 1,000 people gathered in a designated protest zone in Singapore's largest anti-government rally for many years.

North Korea marks Kim Jong-il's birthday

In North Korea, Kim Jong-un has lead celebrations to mark the birthday of his father, Kim Jong-il, who died just over a year ago.

Earlier this week North Korea conducted a third nuclear test, claiming to have successfully detonated its biggest device yet - a move instantly condemned by the UN Security Council.

Herod exhibition provokes dig row

The first ever exhibition devoted to the life and works of King Herod of Judea has caused controversy, and not because of the king's historical reputation.

Among the exhibits and restored artefacts on show at the Israel Museum are finds from inside the occupied West Bank - gathered from archaeological digs which Palestinians say are illegal.

Social networking sites help romance in Burma

The way people fall in love has changed dramatically in recent years with many people relying on the internet to find the ideal soul mate.

For Zin and Yamin in Burma, social networking sites enable them to maintain their relationship when distance and unreliable telephone lines keep them apart.

Horsemeat scandal Inside a Romanian abattoir

As ministers from European countries prepare to discuss the horsemeat scandal, the BBC's Nick Thorpe visited an abattoir in Romania, a country accused of supplying horsemeat instead of beef.

Romania has vehemently denied it was the source of horsemeat sold as beef which has turned up in processed meat products in Britain and throughout Europe.

Mississippi tornado caught on camera

A powerful tornado in the US state of Mississippi has wrecked homes and vehicles, uprooted trees and left thousands of homes without power.

The devastating twister was caught on camera as it cut a swathe through three counties.

Pope Benedict resignation Who could be next

The Vatican is reflecting on the shock resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, who is standing down at end of the month due to old age.

He will become the first Pope to stand down in 600 years.

The decision is provoking intense speculation about who will become the next leader of the Catholic Church.

Reaching for the sky Streets in the sky

This has been a landmark year for the world's skyscrapers. Despite the global financial crisis, 2012 saw the unveiling of Europe's new tallest building, the Shard in London - and by the end of the year, nearly three-quarters of the world's 100 tallest buildings will be located in Asia and the Middle East, a dramatic shift from west to east.

With a growing number of people living and working in tall buildings, architects have become increasingly concerned with finding ways to introduce horizontal spaces - providing a place for residents to socialise, exercise and get some fresh air.

Jason Lewis Circumnavigating the world

Jason Lewis was 26, broke and cleaning windows when he and a college friend decided to embark on an adventure around the world using only human power, one of the last great firsts to conquer.

No-one had ever circumnavigated the earth under their own steam - no motors, no sails. But Jason and his friend Stevie Smith had little experience. They thought the trip would take two or three years and be the adventure of a lifetime. Instead it took more than 13 years.

They set off from the Greenwich Meridian Line in London in 1994 and cycled through Europe before heading out over the Atlantic on a unique pedal-powered boat. Named Moksha (meaning liberation in Sanskrit) the custom 26ft (8m) pedal boat had a top speed of three knots, was self-righting and held supplies for months at sea.

Taking shifts at the pedals and the single sleeping compartment the pair made it to Miami in 111 days. Jason then continued his journey on roller-blades until he was hit by a drunk driver, breaking both his legs and landing him in intensive care. Nine months later he continued to San Francisco and onto the Pacific, to Hawaii.

Lightning strikes St Peter's Basilica as Pope resigns

Pope Benedict has shocked a billion Roman Catholics around the world, and his closest advisers, by announcing that he will resign at the end of this month.

Within hours of Pope Benedict announcing his resignation, lightning struck St Peter's Basilica.

The Pope, who is 85 years old, has been the head of the Church since 2005.

'Largest' crocodile caught in Philippines

A massive crocodile weighing one tonne has been caught by villagers in a remote area of the Philippines.

At 21ft (6.4m), it is thought to be one of the biggest ever caught 

Pope Benedict XVI resignation His eventful life

Pope Benedict XVI is to resign at the end of this month in an unexpected development, saying he is too old to continue at the age of 85.

Pope Benedict makes resignation statement

Pope Benedict XVI is to resign at the end of this month in an unexpected development, saying he is too old to continue at the age of 85.

In a statement, the pontiff said: "After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry."

'Penguin-cam' gets up close and personal

Wildlife producer John Downer demonstrates how he and his team went about making a documentary about penguins.

In order to get close to them he deployed 50 special cameras disguised as rocks, eggs and penguins.

Lunar New Year Fireworks mark the Year of the Snake

Millions of people have celebrated to mark the Lunar New Year, the most important annual holiday in much of Asia.

Also known as Chinese New Year, the event was marked with firework displays and family gatherings.

In the Chinese zodiac, this year will be the year of the snake, taking over from the dragon.

India's Kumbh Mela festival holds most auspicious day

The main day of bathing is taking place at India's Kumbh Mela, with more than 30 million pilgrims expected to take a dip at the confluence of India's Ganges and Yamuna rivers.

This is the most auspicious of six bathing days at the event, billed as the biggest human gathering on Earth.

In all, up to 100 million pilgrims are expected to bathe in the holy waters in January and February at the 55-day Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years.

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Hurriyat condemns Afzal Guru's hanging

Chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), Syed Ali Shah Geelani, today condemned the hanging of Afzal Guru, saying the latter was not involved in the 2001 Parliament attack and was also not given a chance to defend himself in connection with the case. Geelani said that Guru's hanging at the Tihar Jail this morning is a matter of sorrow and pain for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Disapproving the government's decision, Geelani further said that he has given a three-day strike call in the Kashmir Valley in this regard. Geelani also condemned the curfew that has been imposed in the Kashmir Valley after Guru's hanging.
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Modi is misleading people- Congress

Alleging Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi of 'blowing hot air and misleading the people', the Congress party said that his speech at the Sri Ram Collage of Commerce (SRCC) here is not backed by any substantive or concrete achievement on the ground. Referring to Modi's address to the students at SRCC earlier in the day, union Information and Broadcasting, Manish Tewari said that the Gujarat Chief Minister has made a reference to a cliche called P2 and G2, but he did not mention a single word about Gujarat massacre.

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Modi discusses Gujarat with PM

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the his official residence 7 Race Course Road in a reportedly courtesy call after he was re-elected as the Gujarat Chief Minister. After meeting the Prime Minister, Modi said that the PM has extended best wishes for Gujarat's development and has assured all kind of help. Later in the day, Modi will address students at the Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) on the Gujarat model of development

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Sir David Attenborough close up with blind rhino

Sir David Attenborough concluded his BBC One series about the wildlife of Africa with an extraordinary close up meeting with a blind baby rhinoceros.

He described how the rhinoceros may have its sight saved by an operation and thus be given a chance of survival in the wild like another orphaned rhino called Elvis who had been released after being cared for in the same reserve.

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Dylan Hall A three-year-old Thai internet sensation

Dylan Hall may be just three years old but he has already managed to become an internet sensation in his native Thailand.

He now lives in Wales with his Welsh father and his Thai mother, who frequently send YouTube clips of him to his far-flung grandparents in Thailand.

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Tasmania wildfires Firefighters tackle new blazes

A series of wildfires has broken out in Tasmania, just a month after a extreme temperatures fuelled fires across the island.

Around 20 fires are thought to be burning in the south of the state, and residents have been told they may need to evacuate.

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Powerful 6.9 earthquake hits northern Japan

Twelve people were injured after a powerful earthquake shook northern Japan, on Saturday night.

Footage shows strong tremors causing building to shake across Hokkaido island, but no major damage was caused.

Syria airs 'Israeli strike aftermath' footage

Syrian state television has broadcast footage which it says shows the aftermath of an Israeli air strike in Jamraya last Wednesday.

Syria says the attack targeted a military research facility and vehicles belonging to its employees, with President Bashar al-Assad accusing Israel of trying to "destabilise" his country.

Israel has not officially commented but Defence Minister Ehud Barak appears to have confirmed speculation that Israeli forces were behind the attack, which US officials say targeted a convoy carrying weapons to Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Tony Blair 'EU referendum could create big problems'

David Cameron's promise of a referendum on the UK's future membership of the European Union could create problems, Tony Blair has warned.

Mr Blair told presenter Sian Williams on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show that if "Britain did vote to go out it would be a huge problem for our country".

US gun control Sylvester Stallone joins debate

Actor Sylvester Stallone has joined the US debate on gun violence, following the Aurora and Newtown mass shootings.

Speaking during the promotion of his latest film Bullet to the Head, the 66-year-old emphasised prevention, saying America had "dropped the ball" on mental health issues.

However, he has also said he supports tighter gun legislation, including a ban on assault weapons.

Salman Khan comes out in support of Kamal Hassan

Dabangg super star Salman Khan has joined in the list of celebrities who have come out in support of superstar Kamal Haasan's Vishwaroopam. The actor openly expressed his distress on the matter at micro blogging site Twitter. It is just a movie and there are only two kinds of movies good or bad, hit and flop and only people who decide are ones who buy tickets. Hope each and every fan of his supports him like I am doing and want all my fans to fully support him, he tweeted.Salman even requested his fans to go and watch the movie.

Mid night's Children Film Premiere

One of India's most awaited film by academy award winner director Deepa Mehta based on Booker prize winning novel by Salman Rushdie 'Midnight's Children was premiered in Mumbai last night. Mehta and Rushdie were accompanied by the cast of the film, including actors Shriya Saran, Shahana Goswami and Rahul Bose at the red carpet of the film.

Poonam Pandey Reloaded

Strip queen Poonam Pandey will be seen in various lovemaking postures in her upcoming adult-film Nasha. Grapevine has it that the girl is taking her job quite seriously and leaving no stone unturned. The starlet is trying to give her hundred percent to her very first film. We have explored almost every posture depicted in Vatsyayana's Kama Sutra and even invented a few of our own, the sultry-siren said

Manish malhotra launches his label in Pune

Ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra displayed his quintessential creativity during the launch of his label in Pune today. The show saw the designer showcase his diffusion and couture line, which is primarily Indian wear for the season.The collection had both men and women's wear, displaying Malhotra's signature style. Coloured hues, embellishments as well as glitz and glamour were the highlights of the evening. Malhotra said that his quest to take his brand to unexplored fashion destinations was the reason why he chose Pune to launch his label.

Vizag on glamour roll with fashion week

A four-day fashion week began in Vizag in extravagant style witnessing participation from renowned designers and models. Wearing exquisite Indian ethnic wear with embellishments and colorful patterns, models were seen walking down gracefully down the ramp. Interacting with reporters at the event, model and actor, Karishma Kotak hoped for a great show, with unanimous contribution from designers and models

Mallika Sherawat spotted in Burqa!

B'town's sexy siren, Mallika Sherawat was recently spotted in a urqa at Indore airport. If you are wondering why, let us tell you that according to reports, this Hisss-lady is facing death threats for her role in her upcoming movie Dirty Politics, based on the Bhanwari Devi murder case. However, despite of all these warnings, the Haryanvi lady turned up on the shooting sets of the movie in a Burqa.

Randeep, Aditi, Sara promote 'Murder 3' in Mumbai

Bollywood actors, Randeep Hooda, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sara Loren promoted their forthcoming thriller trilogy 'Murder 3' in Mumbai. In a candid chat with mediapersons, actor Randeep Hooda talked about his character in the film

Mali students return to school in Timbuktu

PLS VISIT http://goo.gl/kXzUs AND SUBSCRIBE  School pupils in Timbuktu have returned to their studies, 10 months after the occupation by Islamist militants began.

The first Friday prayers have also been held since what local residents call the "liberation".

But a full return to normal life may not be so straightforward.

Black taxi sale to China 'symbolic

PLS VISIT http://goo.gl/kXzUs AND SUBSCRIBE The Coventry based black taxi manufacturer LTI has been sold to the Chinese car maker Geely for £11.4m.

LTI went into administration in October with 99 out of its 176 staff losing their jobs.

The deal includes the "business and the principal assets" of Manganese Bronze Holdings (MBH), the manufacturer of the London cabs.

Owl turns its head 270 degrees

PLS VISIT http://goo.gl/kXzUs AND SUBSCRIBE It's the owl's greatest trick - turning its head almost a full circle.

The puzzle has been how the bird doesn't throttle itself in the process. If we did it, we'd cut the blood supply to our brains and pass out.

But according to two US-based scientists, the owl has some very smart bone and vascular structures running along its neck to the skull.

These features protect blood vessels from damage and maintain the flow even when the head is swivelled 270 degrees.

Last day for Hillary Clinton

PLS VISIT http://goo.gl/kXzUs AND SUBSCRIBE Once seen as a divisive and polarising figure in American politics, Hillary Clinton is now one of the most recognised and respected women in the world.

After four years, she departs as Secretary of State with 70% approval ratings.

Great Barrier Reef fight to retain Unesco status

The Australian government is increasing its protection of the Great Barrier Reef in a bid to prevent the United Nations from removing its World Heritage status.

However, some green groups have protested in Sydney and Brisbane, demanding that the government do more to protect the area.

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China highway collapses after explosion

A truck carrying fireworks has exploded on an elevated highway in central China, killing at least five people and causing part of the road to collapse, state media report.

The blast, which destroyed an 80m (262ft) section of road, took place on the G30 expressway in Henan province.

Kelvin Okafor pencil drawings amaze art critics

A series of pencil drawings by a north London artist has been amazing art critics.

Kelvin Okafor, from Tottenham, has scooped a number of national awards and exhibited at galleries across the country.

The 27-year-old Middlesex University Fine Art graduate's drawings are often mistaken for photographs.