Greek MPs pass an unpopular austerity bill crucial for a 130bn euro ($170bn; £110bn) bailout, as protesters clash with police outside parliament.

The music world pays tribute to singer Whitney Houston, who has died at the age of 48, at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

US President Barack Obama says insurers - and not religious institutions - will provide contraception to women free of charge, amid a row with religious leaders.

Umar Patek, one of the alleged masterminds of the 2002 Bali bombing that killed 202 people, goes on trial in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is charged with contempt in an appearance before the country's Supreme Court.

Syria "categorically" rejects an Arab League resolution seen by the BBC calling for a joint Arab-UN peacekeeping mission to the country.

Tokyo Electric Power Company is given another lifeline after Japan's government approves an extra $9bn (£5bn) aid package.

Japan's economy shrinks more than expected between October and December as a rising yen and floods in Thailand hurt businesses.