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China toll "will be more than 50,000' new

The death toll from China's massive earthquake could reach more than 50,000, the official Xinhua news agency reported today, quoting rescue headquarters.

The only ones: how China's single-child policy doubled the agony of parents

Scientists hail meningitis vaccine breakthrough

The annual scourge of deaths and severe illness caused by meningitis could be consigned to the history books after scientists announced startling results from trials of a potential vaccine.

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Inquiry after cup final sparks violent rampage

An inquiry was under way today after hours of violence marred the Uefa Cup Final in Manchester.

Brown tackles 'rumour and gossip' new

Gordon Brown today insisted he was the right person to guide Britain through difficult economic times.

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Brown tries to lift the gloom with array of new Bills

Gordon Brown has promised to create an "opportunity-rich Britain" in which everyone could reach their full potential as he tried to escape the political doldrums yesterday.

Edwards endorses Obama in bid to end clashes among Democrats

John Edwards, the champion of poor Americans who left the presidential race in January, endorsed Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate at a rally in Michigan last night.

For all the glitz, Cannes is dazzled by an old hero

There was arthouse philosophy and Hollywood glamour. There was Sean Penn, Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman. Even a troop of kicking kung-fu pandas got a look in. As the world's cinematic elite descended on Cannes yesterday, it was festival time again.

Rangers 0 Zenit St Petersburg 2: Arshavin silences Rangers hordes

Zenit St Petersburg struck a blow for the new era of Russian football last night, lifting the Uefa Cup thanks to goals by Igor Denisov and Konstantin Zyrianov in a match illuminated by the skills of Andrei Arshavin.

No rate cuts for two years, King hints as inflation heads towards 4 per cent

The Bank of England indicated that there is not likely to be another cut in interest rates for two years, as it forecast that inflation will reach 4 per cent this autumn.

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She taught the world to sing – but ended up fitting Debenhams bras

As lead vocalist of The New Seekers, with her lilting Scottish accent and luxuriant 1970s hairstyle, Eve Graham was once one of the most famous singers in the world. She had 25 million record sales to her name and a list of acquaintances that ran from Paul McCartney to Henry Kissinger.

Use the force: Why ministers want all pupils to learn to fight

Next week a government report will recommend more cadet forces in state schools, but not everyone is at ease with the idea

Robert Rauschenberg: Restlessly experimental artist whose career was a celebration of change

"I was the 'charlatan' of the art world. Then, when I had enough work amassed, I became a 'satirist' – a tricky word – of the art world, then 'fine artist', but who could live with it? And now, 'We like your old things better'," said Robert Rauschenberg in 1972.