Three people died and 50 were injured when a fire ripped through a nursing home in Sydney, Australian officials say.

Germany, France and the UK table a UN resolution calling for an end to human rights violations in Syria, and receive the backing of four Arab states.

Brazilian police investigate an oil spill in an offshore field operated by US firm Chevron, amid fears that it may be worse than stated.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez orders thousands of National Guard troops onto the streets to tackle widespread violent crime.

The verdict is due in the third and most serious case brought by Sri Lankan authorities against former army chief Sarath Fonseka.

Mexico's intelligence chief Alejandro Poire is appointed interior minister to replace Francisco Blake Mora, who died in a helicopter crash last week.

Demi Moore announces "with great sadness" the end of her six-year marriage to Ashton Kutcher, who says he will "forever cherish" their time together.

Italian PM Mario Monti prepares for a second confidence vote on his economic policies, a day after comfortably passing a similar test in the upper house.