POLITICS

Culture secretary defends his quasi-judicial impartiality and 'sympathy' for News Corporation's bid to take over BSkyB.

Syrian government accused of muddying waters by releasing political prisoners in line with Kofi Annan plan while continuing violence.

North Korea revised its constitution proclaiming itself as a nuclear state while Seoul and Washington refuted the claim.

Suicide bomber blows himself up outside district police headquarters in southern Afghanistan killed at least five officers.

Series of car bomb attacks kill at least 18 in Baghdad and wound 29 in busy market area.

David Cameron's former director of communications Andy Coulson charged after originally being detained by Scottish Police.

The once thriving sex industry in Greece has taken a huge blow in recent years.

Culture secretary grilled over conversation between his adviser, Adam Smith, and News Corp lobbyist Fred Michael.

Anti-regime forces give ultimatum to the regime to abide by peace deadline in 48 hours, else face the consequences.

Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi addresses cheering crowd of Burmese migrants in Thailand at start of tour.

Justice secretary Ken Clarke tells phone-hacking probe of time journalists tried to bribe his local bank's staff to get his account details.

Coptic Christian teenager had posted drawing on Facebook page that was regarded as mocking Islam and prophet Muhammad.

Damage assessed in northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, which experienced more than 60 aftershocks overnight.

Business secretary tells Leveson Inquiry that despite 'declaring war' on Rupert Murdoch he always sought to separate personal feelings from quasi-judicial role.

Liberian warlord jailed by Special Court for Sierra Leone in The Hague for role in atrocities in neighbouring country.

Turkey expels Syrian top diplomats as UN's human rights council is due to hold a special session on Houla massacre

Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe and Zambian counterpart Michael Sata honoured by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

Head of women's league of opposition Forum for Democratic Change has breast groped by police.

Supreme Court rules in favour of European Arrest Warrant lodged by Swedish prosecutor against Assange.

Assange can still appeal to the European Court of Human Rights if he loses fight against extradition to Sweden.

At least 70 university heads have told the government that student visa changes will hurt the UK's economy badly.

Japan expels Syrian diplomats as Australia voices support for French proposal of military intervention and outrage over Houla massacre spreads.

Two-year-old New Zealand children among 13 young victims of fire in Doha shopping centre.

Opposition delegates subjected to intimidation as international rights groups criticise Bahrain's human rights record

Italy's PM Mario Monti suggests suspension of domestic football for two to three years in the aftermath of the new match-fixing scandal

Facebook founder Zuckerberg left no tip at kosher restaurant in Rome while on honeymoon with Priscilla Chan.

UN envoy Kofi Annan told Syrian president Assad that "bold steps" are needed to implement six-point peace plan.

Iranian blogger and hunger striker Hossein Ronaghi Maleki, has written a letter to Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei fallowing the authorities' refusal to grant him medical leave despite his rapidly failing health.

New 5.8-magnitude earthquake hits northern Italy, near the city of Modena, leaving 10 people dead.