Snapshots: the world in 24 hours March 12

Tanja Poutiainen of Finland clears a gate during the women Alpine skiing World Cup slalom in Spindleruv Mlyn March 12, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Specials

A massive 8.8 magnitude quake hit the northeast coast of Japan on March 11,2011.

Lawmakers and political advisers gather in Beijing to discuss major issues.

Worker scarcity is no longer confined to eastern areas, minister says.