Craig Taylor

Six people are killed and some 100 others wounded as militants step up attacks against the authorities with a series of explosions across Cairo.
BBC News – Africa

Car production in the UK is at its best level since 2007, according to the trade body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
BBC News – Business

UN mediator for Syrian peace talks Lakhdar Brahimi will hold separate talks with rival delegations to assess their willingness to meet together.
BBC News – Middle East

President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner makes her first public speech in six weeks, ending a speculation about her health after brain surgery.
BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean

Ukraine’s opposition threatens to lead pro-EU protesters “on the attack” in the capital, Kiev, if the government fails to call snap elections.
BBC News – Europe

Waiting time information for non-emergency operations such as knee and hip replacements in England is unreliable, a watchdog says.
BBC News – UK

The bulk collection of phone data by the US government is illegal and has had “minimal” benefits, an independent US privacy watchdog says.
BBC News – US & Canada

The Moroccan parliament unanimously amends laws that allowed rapists of underage girls to avoid punishment by marrying their victims.
BBC News – Africa

The International Monetary Fund raises its growth forecast for the global economy, and the UK economy in particular.
BBC News – Business

The US and UN express horror at allegations in a new report that Syria has systematically tortured and executed about 11,000 detainees.
BBC News – Middle East

Fifa warns Brazil’s World Cup 2014 host city of Curitiba that it could be excluded from the competition unless preparations speed up.
BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean

Russia’s foreign minister says violent clashes in Ukraine are “getting out of control” and accuses Western politicians of stirring up protests.
BBC News – Europe

Bosses of UK energy distribution firms have been accused of “utter complacency” as they defended their response to the Christmas power cuts.
BBC News – UK

The US east coast is hit by the second major winter storm of the year, with up to 12in (30cm) of snow, blowing wind and bitter cold forecast.
BBC News – US & Canada

South Sudan President Salva Kiir accuses the UN peacekeeping mission of acting like a “parallel government”, as his forces recapture territory from rebels.
BBC News – Africa

China’s economy, the world’s second-largest, shows signs of stabilising as 2013’s 7.7% growth rate matches that for 2012.
BBC News – Business

Iran begins restricting uranium enrichment under a deal with world powers which will see an easing of international sanctions.
BBC News – Middle East

A leader of the Knights Templar drug cartel is among three men arrested by Mexican troops in the violence-hit state of Michoacan, officials say.
BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean

Ukrainian protesters remain in a tense stand-off following clashes with police, as opposition leaders agree to meet the government for talks.
BBC News – Europe

Lib Dem Lord Rennard is suspended from the party after declining to apologise over sexual harassment claims.
BBC News – UK