US President Obama conquered a long-term smoking habit because he was afraid of his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama, he jokes with a UN official.

Kenyan security forces say they are in control of all floors of the Nairobi shopping centre stormed by suspected al-Shabab militants.

A regional leader in India charged with corruption is likely to be released from prison after 16 months.

The Maldives Supreme Court has postponed the second round of the presidential election, due to have taken place on Saturday.

An Australian climate change body scrapped by the country's new government relaunches itself as a non-profit organisation reliant on public donations.

UK oil giant BP asks a US court to halt payments from its settlement deal over the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, over fraud fears.

Moscow says UN chemical weapons inspectors will return to Syria on Wednesday to investigate other alleged attacks, Russian media report.

The UN General Assembly's annual meeting starts on Tuesday, with the focus on talks between Iranian and US officials, and the Syria crisis.