The Czech government has announced a total ban on all alcoholic spirits. It is in response to an outbreak of alcohol poisoning that has so far left 19 people dead. That has been blamed on

bootleg

spirits tainted with the industrial chemical methanol which was sold cheaply at markets and outdoor kiosks. Rob Cameron reports from Prague.

The Health Ministry ban affects the sale of all spirits containing more than 20% of alcohol that is pretty much everything apart from beer and wine, and an unprecedented decision in the country where alcohol is regarded as part of the nation's identity. Police appear to be closing in on those responsible for bottling and distributing the bootleg spirits. A total of ten people have been arrested, 5,000 liters of spirits together with hundreds of counterfeit labels have been seized.

The British royal family says it has launched legal action in France against a French magazine which published topless photographs of Prince Williams' wife, the Duchess of Cambridge. Williams and Kate are suing the French publishes of magazine Closer, alleging their right to privacy had been violated. The pictures were taken while the couple was on holiday at a private chateau in France. The magazine's editor said the couple had been visible from a nearby road.

World news from the BBC.

The Indian cabinet has decided to allow foreign supermarket chains to enter its multi-billion-dollar retail market. The proposal was first announced a year ago but the congress led government back track after protest from coalition partners. From Delhi, Andrew North.