I didn't watch The Eurovision Song Contest. Actually, I'm not sure I've ever seen it, but I'm certain that it's not for me. For once, I agree with the government of Iran when it berated its little neighbour, Azerbaijan, for hosting this most peculiar of musical institutions. I did catch an airing of the Engelbert Humperdinck video, and that was enough to put me right off my breakfast. If the Iranians hear it, then I'm pretty sure they will invade immediately. In the subsequent interview, The Hump was being harassed by the loathsome Jedward, but he put up with them in a remarkably patient manner. As if the lobotomy twins weren't enough, The Hump was then asked to comment on the human rights situation in Azerbaijan. He played the "I'm only a lowly singer" card: he had been asked to come and sing a song and that's what he was going to do. The interviewer didn't even bother to question Jedward on their political views. As terrible as the regime's behaviour might be, I for one would turn a blind eye if Jedward were to be detained without trial for a prolonged period of time after their performance was over.

Robot "fish" developed to improve pollution monitoring took to the water yesterday at the start of sea trials.

Water providers came under increased pressure from the industry watchdog today to ensure drought-stricken areas are helped by regions with more plentiful supplies.

The hosepipe bans have not been lifted just yet, but river levels are returning to normal

A hosepipe ban for 20 million people in south and east England in the face of widespread drought has been followed by the wettest April on record.

Parts of Britain might be in the middle of a drought, but some areas of England and Wales are braced for the possibility of flash floods this weekend as the deluge continues at the end of a week of heavy rain.

Much of England and Wales will experience further downpours today while strong winds of up to 60mph are set to batter parts of the UK over the weekend.

Controversial "fracking" for shale gas should only take place at least 600 metres down from aquifers used for water supplies, scientists said today.

This week's heavy rain has not alleviated the drought gripping swathes of the country, the Environment Agency said today.

Trading on Cambodia's stock exchange started today after a state-run company completed its initial public offering.

Most of the UK's biggest water companies are promoting potentially unnecessary insurance costing consumers more than £100 million a year, according to a watchdog.

Half of Britain is now officially in drought, in the worst national water shortage since 1976 – a situation that may last until Christmas or beyond.

The hosepipe ban has put certain water firms under such pressure that at least one is considering deals with other companies across the country.