Royal Dutch Shell says that it will suspend its offshore drilling programme in the Arctic for the rest of 2013 in order to give time to ensure safety.

Uefa orders Lazio to play two European games behind closed doors following repeated racism from some of the club's fans.

The US Senate confirms Jack Lew, President Barack Obama's nominee for treasury secretary, in a 71-26 vote.

A UK court blocks the deportation of Tamil asylum seekers due to have been sent back to Sri Lanka on Thursday, who argue they face torture at home.

Slovenia's parliament votes to oust Prime Minister Janez Jansa and his government over its handling of the country's economic crisis.

Congressional leaders head to the White House on Friday to discuss a series of deep budget cuts, on the day the measures are due to take effect.

Chuck Hagel is sworn in as the new US defence secretary, a day after the Senate approved his appointment following a bruising nomination battle.

A group led by millionaire and former space tourist Dennis Tito plans to send a "tested couple" to Mars and back in a privately funded mission.