World stock markets fell on Wednesday as investors sought safety amid fresh worries about the fragile economic recovery.

The team which successfully conducted a round-the-clock flight powered by the sun, Solar Impulse, said it is planning three test flights across Switzerland.

New Zealand authorities extended a state of emergency in quake-hit Christchurch Wednesday after the most damaging aftershock since a powerful weekend quake.

Millions of European commuters struggled to work Tuesday as workers in France and Britain staged strikes over pension reform and planned job cuts.

Australian PM Julia Gillard  retained power by a tiny, one-seat majority after winning the backing of two key independent MPs following inconclusive polls.

The EU executive commission is not providing sufficient support to the European space industry.