CONGRESS

BP will buy $8bn worth of shares and keep $4.4bn in reserve following the formal sale of half of its Russian joint venture to Rosneft

The beer duty cut was a tiny shaft of sunlight peeping through the dark clouds of George Osborne's forecast, says Shane Croucher.

Live coverage of Chancellor George Osborne's 2013 Budget speech where he will also scrap beer duty escalator.

Positive employment data ahead of Chancellor George Osborne's speech, though wage growth figues show continued "cut in the real value of pay" says ONS.

David Cameron's refusal to say sorry for the British troop massacre in Amritsar in 1919 is a missed opportunity, argues Oliver Balaam.

Chancellor's Budget reveals £2.5bn cuts from departmental spending to boost infrastructure investment.

TUC research shows lowest paid still worse off despite rising personal allowance, which is ten times cheaper for George Osborne than cutting VAT.

Administration to curb diplomatic expenses in show of determination to stamp out financial abuse.

Interim President Nicolas Maduro jokes about late Venezuelan leader influencing Jesus to pick Argentinian cardinal.

Markets open lower following weak Asian performance, ahead of Italy's debt sale.

Strongest contenders in cardinal's conclave to succeed Pope Benedict XVI as leader of Catholic Church.

Telefonica's CFO Mark Evans investigates the challenges the digital economy presents for UK business.

Li Yuanchao beats former propaganda minister Liu Yunshan to coveted role.

European markets open cautious following weak Asian performance as investors await some key economic indicators.

Sales of Samsung smartphones in China trebled in 2012, making it the top manufacturer for the first time.

China undertakes major revamp in government bodies in charge of energy, rail and food safety to curb corruption.

US February unemployment rate falls to 7.7 percent, the lowest since December 2008.

Nelson Mandela's wife Graca Machel warns of high level of violence sweeping country.

ANC condemns violence against women as findings reveal South Africa has worst rate in the world.

A Chinese government think-tank has warned Google over Android and its dominance of the smartphone market in China.

Henke Pistorius says family owns guns because ANC government does not protect white people.