infobits - infopalat

The US government recorded a budget deficit of $221bn (£147.6bn) in February - the largest monthly deficit in its history.

Labour MP Harry Cohen is being investigated by the police over his expenses claims, the BBC understands.

Mexican Carlos Slim overtakes Bill Gates as the world's richest man, according to the Forbes "rich list", with a fortune of $53.5bn.

Italy signs a deal with Google to put online the contents of its two national libraries, including works by Dante and Galileo.

Eye-catching images from around the world

Talks between British Airways and Unite aimed at averting strike action by cabin crew break down without agreement.

The UN secretary general asks the world's leading science academies to review the UN's climate science body.

An Israeli supermarket chain uses spoof surveillance footage, parodying that of the alleged assassins of a Hamas commander in Dubai, in a TV advert.

Up to half the food aid in Somalia is routinely diverted to corrupt contractors and militants, a leaked UN report says.

Lyon draw 1-1 in the Bernebau to earn a 2-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid.

Wayne Rooney scores twice in another irresistible display as Manchester United beat Milan 4-0 on the night and 7-2 on aggregate to ease into the Champions League quarter-finals.

A man subjected to a hate campaign over false claims he is Jon Venables pleads with Jack Straw to reveal his new identity.

EU nations decide to support a ban on international trade in Atlantic bluefin tuna until stocks recover.

Police charge a fifth person with the murder of a Huddersfield shopkeeper who was attacked during a robbery at his store.

Why the UK fears politics and force are out of synch

Barack Obama warns that the crisis in quake-hit Haiti is not over, as he meets the country's President, Rene Preval.

A British poker champion accused of killing his wife and dumping her body in a US national park will find out in April if he is to be extradited.

Ministers will have to cut back all but the most essential projects to meet a funding shortfall, a former defence chief warns.

Two women raped by their father over 25 years - bearing nine of his children - are given a public apology by the authorities.

Police searching for a Dundee mother-of-three who went missing two weeks ago believe they have found her body.