The founder of US-based anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd, Paul Watson, appears in court in Germany, where he faces extradition to Costa Rica.

California Governor Jerry Brown unveils a plan of tax hikes and spending cuts to tackle the cash-strapped US state's yawning $15.7bn (£9.7bn) budget gap.

Brazil says it will lift millions of children in its impoverished north and north-east out of poverty by expanding its social welfare programmes

Environmentalists say leaders at June's Rio+20 summit must urgently step up nature protection, as a report confirms a 30% decline in wildlife since 1970.

Lee Myung-bak is to meet Burma's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Rangoon, 29 years after a deadly North Korean bomb attack in the city.

India's cricket authorities call an emergency meeting after a television channel alleges extensive corruption in Indian Premier League cricket.

China has raised concerns over growing military ties between Australia and the US, says the Australian foreign minister as he meets officials in Beijing.

AMD unveils its latest PC chip boasting more graphics power than Intel's Ivy Bridge and new 'energy recycling' tech.