Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari stepped down Sunday, leaving his official residence after a record five years in power overshadowed by worsening security and a weakening economy.

Critics have tipped movies from Britain, Japan and the United States to win Venice’s Golden Lion prize this year, due to be announced at the world’s oldest film festival on Saturday.

Australian billionaire James Packer and his second wife Erica Baxter have announced their separation after six years of marriage.

Usain Bolt signed off another season where he dominated men’s sprinting with victory in the 100m in the season-ending Diamond League meet in Brussels on Friday.

Millions of Australians voted in national elections Saturday with conservative challenger Tony Abbott heading for a thumping victory over Labour Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

Inaction is not an option for the United States in Syria after a horrendous chemical attack, President Barack Obama said Saturday as he urged holdout lawmakers to back a military strike.

A US-based website offering onions at heavily discounted prices in India has seen an “overwhelming” response as consumers there reel from sky-rocketing prices of the vegetable.

US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin failed Friday to end their bitter dispute over American plans for military action in Syria, as half of the G-20 called for a “strong” response to a chemical weapons attack blamed on the Assad regime.

Tokyo, Istanbul and Madrid were on Friday preparing to celebrate or commiserate their 2020 Olympics bids, as political leaders from all three countries make a final push to clinch the Games.

Leander Paes has eased past the milestone of his 40th birthday, made a car wreck of a Bollywood movie and overcome brain surgery, but nothing beats his 20-year love affair with New York.