Whats New?

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

Several senior US lawmakers allege that intelligence leaker Edward Snowden may have been working with a foreign power, possibly Russia.
BBC News – US & Canada

The mayor of Bangui, Catherine Samba-Panza, is elected interim president of the Central African Republic, as the EU reportedly agrees to send troops.
BBC News – Africa

The credit rating agency Moody’s upgrades Ireland’s debt from junk status saying its economy has growth potential.
BBC News – Business

US Secretary of State John Kerry welcomes a decision by Syria’s main political opposition group to attend next week’s peace talks in Switzerland.
BBC News – Middle East

Mexico’s authorities say top security officials will be replaced in the western state of Michoacan that has recently been rocked by violence.
BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean

Ukraine’s pro-EU demonstrators are preparing for a large rally in Kiev – in defiance of recently adopted laws aimed at curbing public protests.
BBC News – Europe

The mother of three-year-old Mikaeel Kular has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of her son after a body was found in Fife.
BBC News – UK