The defection of Syria's prime minister is a sign that the regime is crumbling, Western powers say, as fighting continues in the northern city of Aleppo.

World champion Kirani James wins Grenada's first ever Olympic gold medal with a stunning 400m victory at London 2012.

US President Barack Obama says "soul searching" is needed on how to reduce violence following a second mass shooting event in the US in a month.

Russia's Yuliya Zaripova wins Olympic gold in the 3,000m steeplechase after leading from start to finish.

Fires on Spain's Canary Islands destroy more than 4,000 hectares of land, including part of a UN World Heritage site with unique plants.

Influential Australian art critic and writer Robert Hughes dies in New York after a long illness, aged 74.

India's new finance minister, Palaniappan Chidambaram, pledges to clarify tax laws and take steps to boost investment in India's economy.

A swimming cricket is one of three "new species" discovered in South America, according to TV film crew.