Syrian government forces take control of the north-western city of Idlib, after days of clashes with rebel fighters, opposition activists say.

Sudan and South Sudan agree a deal to provide basic freedoms including movement and residency for each state's citizens, African Union mediators say.

Four US financial institutions, including Citigroup, fail stress tests designed to show they could withstand a financial shock.

Detainees in Syria's prisons are routinely and systematically tortured in what amounts to crimes against humanity, says Amnesty International.

The International Criminal Court is set to deliver its first ever verdict, in the case of DR Congo's Thomas Lubanga. accused of using child soldiers.

China closes its last parliament session before a leadership change, with Premier Wen Jiabao talking to the press after the meeting.

After 244 years the Encyclopaedia Britannica will no longer be produced in print, new editions will appear only online.

China says it will allow the yuan to float more freely as part of its efforts to reform its currency policy.