Russia Russian scientists announce they have found a wholly new type of bacteria in the mysterious subglacial Lake Vostok in Antarctica.
Vatican The Vatican announces that the 2013 papal conclave to select a new pope will begin on March 12.
Recently deceased Following the state funeral of former President of Venezuela Hugo Chávez, Vice President Nicolás Maduro is officially sworn in as Interim President.
Sinn Féin Sinn Féin's Francie Molloy wins the Mid Ulster by-election, holding onto the seat vacated by Martin McGuinness at the end of 2012.
Barclays Former Barclays chief executive Bob Diamond is set to be paid about £2m ($3m) in July, a year after he left the bank following its Libor interest rate fixing scandal.
North Korea North Korea ends all peace pacts with South Korea and closes the main Panmunjom border crossing inside the Korean Demilitarized Zone. North Korean generals affirm they are aiming their long range missiles at the U.S. mainland in retaliation for the recently approved U.N. sanctions.
Prime Minister of the Netherlands Former Prime Minister of the Netherlands and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Ruud Lubbers is injured in a car accident and rushed to a hospital with minor injuries.
Tropical Cyclone Sandra Tropical Cyclone Sandra forms in the Coral Sea off the coast of the Australian state of Queensland.
Greece The Greek-owned oil tanker "MT Smyrni" is released along with its 26 crew members for a reported ransom of $9.5 million after being held hostage for 10 months.