Best of BBC news

India's home minister sets out a "road map" to initiate peace talks with Maoist rebels.

The US says it "welcomes the demise" of al-Qaeda number three Mustafa Abu al-Yazid as a "severe blow" to the group.

Al-Qaeda's number three leader in Afghanistan dies with his family in a possible American drone air raid, say US and militant sources.

Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by nine wickets to level up the triangular series also featuring India in Bulawayo.

What does militant's death mean for al-Qaeda?

Can a jirga without rebel leaders bring Afghanistan peace?

Tribal elders aim to put Afghanistan on the path to peace

The Sri Lankan government hits out against UN human rights chief Navi Pillay, accusing her of "hounding the country".

Suspended Indian Premier League Chairman Lalit Modi responds to allegations that he plans to set up a rebel league in England.

Bangladesh's struggle to be a force in Test cricket

The US takes over operational control of 8,000 British troops serving in southern Afghanistan later.

India's economy grew by 8.6% in the three months to March, largely thanks to manufacturing output, data shows.

A Maoist leader in India says they will take "full responsibility" for the safety of trains travelling through areas under their control.

Sherpa mountaineers in Nepal say a rise in the rate of snow and ice melt on Mount Everest is making it dangerous to climb.

About five people are killed after gunmen attack a hospital in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore.

The UK's Standard Chartered Bank raises $537m in India, in the first initiative of its type there by an overseas firm.

About eight people are killed after gunmen attack a hospital in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore.

England emphatically beat Bangladesh by eight wickets in the first Test at Lord's.

Clothing chain Zara opens its first store in India, as its Spanish owner Inditex continues its global expansion.

Steven Finn takes a maiden five-wicket haul as England beat Bangladesh by eight wickets in the first Test at Lord's.