Japan

Japan, Norway and Iceland among countries block long-running campaign at International Whaling Commission vote.

Markets hold onto gains as Unemployment around the region hits record and manufacturing shrinks

Japanese PM Yoshihiko Noda orders restart of reactors 3 and 4 at Ohi nuclear power plant.

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Shinji Kagawa will play for Manchester United in their pre season matches, along with young Crewe signing Nick Powell.

RBS admits it was guilty of offences similar to those of Barclays, though it maintains they were less serious and more isolated.

FSA is expected to announce evidence on Barclays' involvement in Libor manipulation.

Shares in British banks took a dive on the FTSE 100 in morning trading a day after the Libor rate fixing scandal involving Barclays broke.

Three of Britain's biggest lenders, RBS, Lloyds and HSBC are among the 17 banks and one broker that are being investigated, following Barclays' involvement in fixing two of the most important interest rates in the global financial markets which resulted in a record fine.

Japan is ignoring lessons from the Fukushima nuclear disaster, triggered by last year's earthquake and a massive tsunami, say two seismologists.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao wraps up his visit to Latin America with the announcement of a $10bn credit support for infrastructure development of the region.

Shinji Kagawa has revealed what made him want to sign for Manchester United, with the young playmaker insisting that it has always been his dream to run onto the pitch at Old Trafford in red and black.

Sunita Williams, 46-year-old, Indian American astronaut, is all set to return to the international space station.

The most popular newsreader app Flipboard has finally arrived on Android.

Boeing's 787 Dreamliners have better fuel efficiency, high cabin pressure and humidity that contribute to cheaper operating costs and more flying comfort.

Tempting delicacies potentially hazardous to travellers if not prepared properly.

Chelsea have been keeping tabs on Victor Moses throughout last season and though the bid fell well short of Wigan's valuation, the two clubs are expected to continue negotiations over a potential deal.

Kazuhiko Asakawa and three others were accused of hiding the losses.

China pledges to provide $43bn (£27.4bn) to International Monetary Fund to boost its lending power.

G20 Draft Communique to boost IMF firewall, tackle the sovereign debt crisis and prevent further emerging market contagion.

Ratings agency Fitch slashes India's credit rating outlook to negative, following similar calls from Standard & Poor's earlier this month.

Reaching over 16 petaflops, Sequoia is the first US-based supercomputer to top the list of world's fastest in almost three years.

As India seeks more oil and gas from OPEC and the wider markets following Iran's sanction woes, the move could intensify growth problems and high inflation

Leftist Syriza says it will not form coalition with Pro-Bailout New Democracy and demands renegotiation of EU bailout terms

The most peaceful countries in the world are largely in Europe, including several Scandinavian countries, while Canada, New Zea Land and Japan also make the top ten peaceful countries in the world.

Extra oil demand from India, following cut backs from Iranian imports on sanction woes, will help push prices back up in H2 this year, say analysts

Central banks across world are reportedly preparing to infuse liquidity in the financial system in case there is turmoil in the markets.

Historic church among 36 sites to be debated for inclusion during the World Heritage committee meeting in Russia.

The World Bank indicates that slow growth in the high income countries will continue in the coming years.

London falls to 25th position in world rankings, seven places down from its 2011 position, while Birmingham and Belfast move up.

Tim Burton's much anticipated animated feature film Frankenweenie will not hit the theatres till before Halloween.