\\\'Obamacare\\\' deadline sparks surge

Hundreds of thousands of Americans have signed up for insurance under Barack Obama's healthcare programme, in a frantic bid to beat a key deadline. Officials believe they have reached their target of seven million sign-ups. Monday was the last day for most Americans to register for coverage and avoid a penalty next year. Mr Obama's allies say the Affordable Care Act will bring healthcare to those who need it most, but Republicans say it is a massive waste of money. The initial launch of the system last autumn was dogged by website crashes and technical problems. But analysts say White House officials will have been delighted with the last day of enrolment, according to BBC.