The French train operator SNCF has discovered that 2,000 new trains it ordered at a cost of 15bn euros are too wide for many regional platforms.

Thousands of police across Brazil go on a one-day strike over pay in another hiccup ahead of the football World Cup, which begins on 12 June.

Two pandas from China arrive in Malaysia - a loan delayed by the tension over the missing Malaysia Airlines plane.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan condemns twin bombings in the central city of Jos in which at least 118 people were killed.

Thailand's army chief asks to hold talks with key players in the political crisis, a day after declaring martial law in the protest-hit nation.

The Italian navy rescues nearly 1,000 illegal migrants from the seas off southern Italy inside two days, with 170 minors among them.

Access to an online newspaper launched by Cuban dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez is blocked on the communist-run island shortly after it went live.

A Canadian dogwalker admits six dogs in her care died of heatstroke in the back of her vehicle after previously saying they had been stolen.