Barack Obama

Opposition leaders shun incoming secretary of state after US opposes election boycott.

Barack Obama has infuriated nerds and sci-fi fans by confusing Star Wars and Star Trek during a news conference.

A meeting between Obama and congressional leaders fails to avert $85bn spending cuts, which could harm US and global economy.

President blames Republicans for failure to tackle US's $16.6tn debt.

Older half-brother will be independent candidate in Kenya's nationwide governor polls.

Congress adjourns without final decision on $85bn (£56bn) spending cuts.

Police investigating murder of Democrat candidate for Clarksdale after body found near Mississippi River levee

Fewer people consider environmental concerns “very serious” now than they did in 1992.

Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood hints at playing the Glastonbury Festival in the summer

The SPD's Peer Steinbrueck called Berlusconi "a clown with a testosterone boost".

Study shows 58 percent of American adults believe in link between videogames and violent behaviour.

Hamas blamed for first attack after truce with Israel last November but no injuries reported.

US President Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Abe agree to impose further sanctions on North Korea.

High-profile report into organised Chinese hackers linked to government used as bait in fresh cyber-crime attack.

Pizza parlour in Virginia offering 15% discount on takeaways if customers are openly carrying a gun or show concealed weapon license.

Apple has admitted it was attacked by the same hackers who hit Facebook but said no data was stolen.

Former top financial bureaucrat Toshiro Muto is the leading contender for BoJ head, suggests reports.

Well-wishers lay floral wreaths for Kim Jong-il as officials in Pyongyang tell China more tests are planned.

The G20 summit stops short of criticising Japanese monetary policy, reveals a leaked draft communique.

US post $3bn budget surplus for January - the first since September 2012.

Transatlantic agreement could be worth trillions in annual trade as Europe and US fend off emerging markets challenge.

During his State of the Union address, Barack Obama introduced an executive order to strengthen cyber security measures

European markets remain cautious as investors look for eurozone industrial output and US retail figures.

Obama vows to revive American economy and overhaul gun control legislation during his annual speech.

Japanese investors turn to profit-taking as yen strengthens against its major peers.

Pyongyang expert labels nuclear test a victory for Kim Jong-un and warns against US 'belligerence'.

Barack Obama vows strong action while UN chief Ban Ki-moon and William Hague express grave concerns.

Django star declared that black people are the 'most talented people in the world' at the at NAACP Awards.

Markets subdued on lack of major economic drivers and public holiday in much of Asia.

Anonymous hacked into the Federal Reserve over the weekend, but no critical information was stolen according to the US central bank.