A Ukrainian-Russian Zenit rocket carrying a US-made telecommunications satellite falls into the Pacific Ocean shortly after its launch.

A committee of MPs welcomes plans for more competition in the water market but says urgent action is needed to reduce flooding.

SNS Reaal, the Dutch bank and insurance firm, is nationalised after failing to find private investors to put money into the firm.

SNS Reaal, the Dutch bank and insurance firm, is nationalised after failing to find private investors to put money into the firm.

Author Sir Salman Rushdie accuses West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of authorising police to stop his visit to Calcutta earlier this week.

Singer Beyonce has admitted miming during her rendition of the American national anthem at the inauguration of President Obama last month.

Singer Beyonce has admitted miming during her rendition of the American national anthem at the inauguration of President Obama last month.

Scientists detail the smart bone and vascular structures that enable an owl to turn its head almost a full circle.

Scientists detail the smart bone and vascular structures that enable an owl to turn its head almost a full circle.

France's Credit Agricole is to write down the value of its assets by 2.68bn euros to reflect the weak eurozone economy and new tighter regulations.

France's Credit Agricole is to write down the value of its assets by 2.68bn euros to reflect the weak eurozone economy and new tighter regulations.

Crowds line the streets of Phnom Penh for the start of funeral proceedings for former Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk, who died in October.

Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Kun-Hee wins a legal battle with his relatives over an inheritance worth nearly $4bn (£2.2bn).

China reports a slight slowdown in manufacturing activity, underlining the challenges its new leaders face in spurring economic growth.

At least 25 people are killed and another 100 injured in Mexico City in a blast at the headquarters of the state oil company, Pemex.

The National Theatre of Scotland's version of Macbeth, starring Alan Cumming, is to transfer to Broadway in April.

The BBC's Kim Ghattas looks back at Hillary Clinton's time in office as she stands down as US secretary of state.

Beyonce has admitted that she mimed to a backing track at President Barack Obama's inauguration, but says she will sing live at this weekend's Superbowl event.

Departing US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warns that Iran and Russia are fuelling the conflict in Syria, as tensions rise over an alleged Israeli strike.

Departing US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warns that Iran and Russia are fuelling the conflict in Syria, as tensions rise over an alleged Israeli strike.