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Egypt's Sinai hit by deadly attacks 8 minutes ago 62015  At least 600 Egyptian security personnel have been killed in militant attacks since 2013 Clashes between Islamic State (IS) militants and the army in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula have left more than 100 dead, the military has said. It said 17 soldiers, including four officers, and more than 100 militants were killed. Some reports, citing local officials, put the army death toll far higher. Near-simultaneous raids were launched on at least five military checkpoints and a police station in and around Sheikh Zuweid on Wednesday morning. The attack was one of the largest co-ordinated assaults yet by IS in Sinai. Eyewitness reported seeing militants roaming the streets of the northern town, clashing with armed forces. However, an Egyptian military spokesman, Brig-Gen Mohammed Samir told state TV later in the evening that the situation was "100% under control". Jihadists based in the restive region stepped up the...

Solar Impulse breaks solo record 7 hours ago By Jonathan Amos BBC Science Correspondent  Andre Borschberg must cross a cold weather front before reaching Hawaii The Solar Impulse plane has broken the record for the longest non-stop solo flight without refuelling. The milestone was achieved 76 hours into the latest leg of its attempt to circumnavigate the globe. Pilot Andre Borschberg is making steady progress as he attempts the first solar-powered crossing of the Pacific. After leaving Nagoya, Japan, early on Monday (local time), he has now passed Midway Island and is heading towards his destination of Kalaeloa, Hawaii. At 76 hours into the journey, he broke the record for the longest ever non-stop solo flight without refuelling. The previous mark was set by the American Steve Fossett in 2006. His jet-powered Virgin GlobalFlyer vehicle completed a full circumnavigation of the world in that time, travelling more than 41,000km. In contrast, Mr Borschberg's Solar Impulse pl...

Saudi prince to give away $32bn 6 hours ago  Prince Alwaleed is at number 34 on the Forbes list of the world's richest people Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has said he will donate his $32bn (£20bn; €29bn) personal fortune to charity. The 60-year-old nephew of King Salman is one of the world's richest people. He said he had been inspired by the Gates Foundation, set up by Bill and Melinda Gates in 1997. The money would be used to "foster cultural understanding", "empower women", and "provide vital disaster relief", among other things, he said. Mr Gates praised the decision, calling it an "inspiration to all of us working in philanthropy around the world". Prince Alwaleed is at number 34 on the Forbes list of the world's richest people. The money will go to the prince's charitable organisation, Alwaleed Philanthropies, to which he has already donated $3.5bn. The prince, who does not hold an official go...

Eight held over Tunisia gun attack http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-33360497

A "No" vote in the Greek referendum on bailout terms would not provide Greece with an easy way out of its economic crisis, the head of the grouping of eurozone finance ministers has said. Jeroen Dijsselbloem's comments came after Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras told Greeks a "No" vote would lead to a "better agreement". But Mr Dijsselbloem insisted that suggestion was "simply wrong". Long queues of pensioners have formed outside Greek banks for a second day. Follow the latest updates Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a report saying that the embattled country needs an extra 50bn euros ($55bn) over the next three years to stabilise its finances under the existing, disputed creditor plans. In the report, the IMF cuts its forecast for Greek economic growth this year from 2.5% to zero, saying that changes in Greek policies and its financial outlook since early 2015 "have resulted in a substantial increase in fin...

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LIVE: Spanish king to abdicate http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27662351 The king had been considering ceding the throne to his son, Crown Prince Felipe, for some time, Spanish newspaper El Pais reports. This photo released by the Spanish royal household shows the king shaking hands with Mr Rajoy after the two men met on Monday morning 0955 The king has had health problems in recent years, and is stepping down for personal reasons, Mr Rajoy said. Juan Carlos popularity has fallen in recent years following a number of gaffes and corruption scandals 0953 "I'm convinced this is the best moment for change," Mr Rajoy added. 0952 Mr Rajoy praised Juan Carlos as a "tireless defender" of Spain's interests, describing him as "the best spokesman for the monarchy". 0951 "His Majesty King Juan Carlos has just informed me of his desire to renounce the throne and begin the process of succession," Mr Rajoy said in his address. 0951 Sp...