The US Senate passes a stop-gap bill to fund the US government for three weeks, and avoid a shut-down while lawmakers work out a deal on the main budget.

The UN Security Council backs a resolution on Libya that supports a no-fly zone and "all necessary measures" to protect civilians short of an invasion.

Nine men are sentenced to 40 years in prison in Colombia for the kidnapping and murder of Carlos Castaño Gil, the former-head of a right-wing paramilitary group, the AUC.

Japanese shares climb after Japan says G7 finance ministers have agreed on joint intervention to stabilise the yen.

Prince William offers condolences to the people of Japan, while paying tribute to victims of last month's earthquake in New Zealand.

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah is to address the nation amid speculation of a government reshuffle, as regional unrest continues.

The New York Times outlines plans to charge North American users for access to some of its internet content.

Emergency workers in Japan struggle to stabilise reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant, as a minute's silence is held one week after the quake.