This is the world news from the BBC.

The US based company Abbott Laboratories has agreed to pay $1.6bn to settle federal and state claims that it promoted the mood stabilizing drug Depakote for uses that would not be approved by regulators. It's thought to be the largest settlement of its kind involving a single drug. Paul Adams reports from Washington.

Lawsuits brought by whistle-blowers alleged that Abbott encouraged its sales teams to market Depakote, a drug approved for the treatment of epilepsy, bipolar disorder and migraines for other uses. It was also alleged that Abbott doctors kick backs to promote the use of Depakote for so called off-label uses. According to a justice department statement, Abbott maintained a specialized sales force to market the drug in nursing homes for the control of agitation in elderly dementia patients. Despite the absence of any credible scientific evidence, the Depakote was safe and effective for that use.

Shoppers in Malawi have being rushing to buy basic goods fearing huge price rises after its currency was devalued by 50%. Many shops are run out of staple food like sugar, cooking oil and bread. The Kwacha was devalued as the new Malawi government tried to improve relations with donors. This man in Blantyre told BBC that the devaluation was already having a major effect on his finances.

I'm very afraid. I had dipped already my pockets. Now it had been the same salary. Definitely, I think of course these service providers are into business and they will definitely adjust / while my salary will be the same.