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A series of aftershocks rattle Christchurch, New Zealand, where a powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake caused widespread damage.

Key facts, figures and dates

Australia edge a classic Tri-Nations encounter in Bloemfontein, a last-ditch penalty from Kurtley Beale settling the outcome in favour of the visitors.

Hispania Racing's Karun Chandhok gives the Korean Grand Prix venue the thumbs-up after being the first F1 driver to drive it.

The South Korean Foreign Minister, Yu Myung-hwan, offers to resign after it was revealed that his daughter was offered a job in his ministry.

New Zealand earthquake damages city of Christchurch

China gives EU lesson on rural poverty

A state of emergency is declared in Christchurch after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake strikes New Zealand's South Island.

Six recruiters are accused of luring 400 Thai workers to the US with promises of farm jobs, confiscating their passports and demanding high fees.

Striking pictures from around the world this week.

Formula One's governing body says "a lot of work remains to be completed" before the Yeongam venue is ready for the inaugural Korean Grand Prix.

An Australian head teacher is under fire after removing the word gay from the famous song Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree.

More than 10,000 vehicles are stuck in a 120km (75-mile) traffic jam on China's Beijing to Tibet motorway.

Japanese prosecutors charge an alleged member of the Pink Panther gang of international jewel thieves with stealing a tiara and other jewellery worth £2.2m in Tokyo in 2007.

A suicide bomber has driven a car packed with explosives into police offices in Khujand, Tajikistan, injuring 25 people.

The first visit of Chinese warships to Burma ends as top Burmese leader Than Shwe prepares to visit Beijing, highlighting the two country's close ties.

Japan imposes new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme but maintains its oil import schedule.

Why tensions are rising in the South China Sea

US authorities indict 11 German and Chinese executives for conspiring to illegally import $40m worth of honey from China.

More than 10,000 vehicles are stuck in a 120km (75-mile) traffic jam on China's Beijing to Tibet motorway.