Japan's economic outlook is more positive and it is gradually emerging from a slowdown, the Bank of Japan says.

BBC Radio 5 live learns that the sale of fake alcohol produced by organised gangs is costing the government £1bn a year in lost revenue.

Bus and coach passengers throughout the European Union gain stronger compensation rights after a vote in the European Parliament.

The Bangladeshi government calls on Nobel peace laureate and microcredit pioneer Muhammad Yunus to retire.

Eurozone leaders agree to set up a bail-out fund for the euro of 500bn euros - almost double the current amount provided.

A planned $8bn-merger between stock market firms in Australia and Singapore may be moving closer as talks start again.

Chinese inflation remains high in January at 4.9% despite interest rate increases and driven by rising food prices.

Banking group Barclays reports profits of £6.07bn for 2010, slightly higher than analysts were expecting.