Kazakh artwork on show outside Central Asia for the first time

Dozens of asylum seekers briefly break out of a detention centre in the Australian city of Darwin to hold a protest against their treatment.

Key facts, figures and dates

Hong Kong officials say a minimum wage level has been agreed, but wrangling between employers and unions continues.

Three Australians and a New Zealander die in a plane crash in Papua New Guinea, the country's third in just over a year.

The US drops a probe of China's currency policy, averting a trade row.

A Chinese court for the first time accepts a case from a man alleging employment discrimination because he has HIV, state media says.

Ichiro Ozawa confirms he will challenge PM Naoto Kan for the ruling party leadership, despite talks aimed at avoiding a potentially damaging split.

Japan Airlines, which entered bankruptcy protection this year, announces plans to cut 16,000 staff and 40% of its aircraft.

An announcement in Burma's state-run media from leader Than Shwe dispels rumours he had stepped down ahead of November polls.

South Korea makes its first offer of aid to flood-hit North Korea since it accused Pyongyang of sinking a South Korean warship in March.

Japan stocks fall after BOJ's attempts to curb the rising yen.

Shares in the iPhone manufacturer Foxconn International fall almost 8%, a day after the company reported heavy losses.

There are some cities in Europe which feel as though they have a sushi restaurant on almost every corner.

As vote-counting continues, Australia's PM Julia Gillard rejects idea of a new vote and promises stable government.

The US imposes new financial sanctions on North Korea after the sinking of a South Korean warship in March.

Weddings, yurts and felt hats - life in remote Tajikistan

A special protection zone straddling the Chinese and Russian border is to be created to help the countries fight tiger poaching.

Sumo officials in Japan announce new measures aimed at severing links between the ancient sport and organised crime.

Beijing confirms North Korean leader Kim Jong-il visited China last week and said he hoped for an early resumption of six-party nuclear talks.