Japan’s quarterly growth disappoints
Japan’s economy grows less than expected, despite forecasts it would benefit from a jump in spending ahead of a sales tax increase in April. BBC News – Business
Craig Taylor
Venezuela to expel US officials
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro expels three US consular officials, accusing them of meeting students involved in anti-government protests. BBC News – US & Canada
Floods to continue as more rain hits
David Cameron describes the floods as a “tragedy” as more rain hits ground already saturated with water, causing continuing misery for UK communities. BBC News – UK
Italy’s likely PM meets president
The mayor of Florence, Matteo Renzi, arrives at the presidential palace, where he is tipped to be asked to form a new government. BBC News – Europe
Co-pilot hijacks Ethiopian plane
The co-pilot of an Ethiopian Airlines plane flying from Addis Ababa to Rome hijacks the aircraft and lands in Geneva to seek asylum, police say. BBC News – Africa
US car workers vote No to union plan
In a surprise move, US workers vote against union representation at a Volkswagen car plant in the southern state of Tennessee,. BBC News – Business