BBC World Service

Cuba plans to allow people to buy and sell their homes for the first time since 1959.

China's central bank raised the amount of money banks must hold in reserve for the fourth time this year to help control inflation.

The Japanese government has ordered TEPCO, the operator of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, to pay $12,000 compensation to each of the 50,000 households near the facility.

Street demonstrations outside BP's annual shareholder meeting in London are protesting about the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. But inside the meeting, investors are focusing on Russia -- and BP's future there.

Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa concluded their one-day summit in China today. The so-called 'BRICS' countries are calling for changes to the global financial syste.

The auto industry has staved off production stoppages thanks in part to lengthy shipping times for Japanese parts. But now, the shipments that left Japan before the tsunami have all been unloaded, and automakers face potential shutdowns.

The Japanese government has raised its assessment of the ongoing crisis at its Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to the highest severity rating.

A World Bank report out today recommends a shift in how developed countries give to developing countries. The report encourages countries to focus on building stable government and institutions.

The BBC's Rachel Harvey reports from Tokyo on a return to production for Toyota and Nissan, following factory shutdowns after the tsunami and earthquake in Japan.

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has had an eventful career. But one aspect of his life has largely been forgotten in the West.