[BBC News | News Front Page | World Edition] 30 New Entries: US House passes stimulus package

US House passes stimulus package

The US House of Representatives passes President Obama's $819bn (£572bn) economic package - but without any Republican support.

Transport hit by French strikers

Hundreds of thousands of French public and private sector workers begin a one-day strike, causing disruption to trains and flights.

Wounded S Lanka civilians rescued

A UN convoy evacuates hundreds of civilians wounded in fighting between troops and Tamil rebels in Sri Lanka.

Australian 'throws girl to death'

An Australian man charged with throwing his young daughter to her death from a bridge was suicidal, a court hears.

Farc 'set to free hostages'

Colombia's main leftist rebel group, the Farc, plans to release several top hostages on Sunday, a prominent politician says.

Afghan presidential vote delayed

Afghanistan will delay presidential elections until 20 August, the country's election commission has announced.

Four prisoners executed in Japan

Four death-row prisoners are hanged in Japan, the first executions to be carried out in the country this year.

CIA station chief accused of rape

The CIA's station chief in Algeria is under investigation after two separate allegations of rape, US media reports.

Ocean climate fix remains afloat

Plans to curb climate change by artificially "fertilising" ocean plankton blooms could be boosted by a new study, scientists say.

Untouched flat gives glimpse into pre-Berlin Wall East Germany

A flat apparently untouched since before the fall of the Berlin Wall is discovered in the German city of Leipzig, German media report.

Live text - Federer v Roddick

Andy Roddick faces Roger Federer in the Australian Open semi-finals after Serena Williams and Dinara Safina book their place in the women's final.

Benitez fumes after Reds setback

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez blames a "crazy" second half at Wigan as a 1-1 draw sees his team fall to third in the table.

No ma'am

Australians debate pros and cons of a republican future

Brick by brick

Ordinary Gazans begin slow process of rebuilding

Political football

Syria-Lebanon match highlights strained ties

Ghost town

Tamil Tiger base captured, but eerily empty of people

Signs of Africa

Your pictures of striking and strange signs

Bleak future

School destruction forces families from Pakistan's Swat

DR Congo warlord witness retracts

The first witness at the war crimes trial of a DR Congolese warlord retracts his testimony in court.

Iran's leader wants US apology

Iran's president welcomes the possibility of a change in US policy but demands an apology for past US "crimes".

Strong yen hurts Japanese firms

Japanese electronics firms Sony, Toshiba, and Nintendo see their performance hit by the strength of the yen and the downturn.

Shell hit by falls in oil price

Oil giant Royal Dutch Shell reports a sharp fall in quarterly profits after the price of oil slumped towards the end of last year.

US envoy to meet Palestinian head

George Mitchell, Barack Obama's new Mid-East envoy, is to hold talks with Mahmoud Abbas amid continued Gaza violence.

India Muslims in 'torture' rally

A train carrying Indian Muslims arrives in the capital, Delhi, to protest against alleged harassment of Muslims.

'No alcohol' urged for under-15s

Children under the age of 15 should never be given alcohol, England's chief medical officer has advised parents.

Time Warner to shed 700 AOL jobs

Time Warner is to cut 700 jobs at AOL, mostly in the US, as the global economic downturn leads to a fall in advertising.

Chemicals 'may reduce fertility'

Chemicals commonly found in food packaging, upholstery and carpets may be damaging women's fertility, US scientists say.

Distant planet's roasting orbit

Nasa's Spitzer space telescope observes a far-off planet that experiences wild temperature swings.

Tributes paid to 'great' Updike

Authors Ian McEwan, Martin Amis and Philip Roth lead tributes to US novelist John Updike, who has died aged 76.

Plans target Digital Britain push

Government proposals aimed at boosting the UK's digital and communications industries are due to be outlined.

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[BBC News | News Front Page | World Edition] 30 New Entries: Hamas announces ceasefire in Gaza

Hamas announces ceasefire in Gaza

Palestinian militant group Hamas declares a one-week ceasefire to allow Israeli soldiers to withdraw from Gaza.

'Gas to flow' after Moscow deal

Russia and Ukraine's prime ministers close a late-night deal in Moscow to resume natural gas supplies to Europe.

Stars out for big Obama concert

Beyonce and Bruce Spingsteen are performing at a welcome concert for Barack Obama ahead of his inauguration on Tuesday.

Nato chief faults Afghan leaders

Nato's secretary general says Afghan government corruption is as much to blame as insurgents for instability.

Mugabe calls for government deal

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe calls on the opposition to accept a power-sharing agreement or "break" from it.

Civilians 'killed' in Sri Lanka

At least 18 civilians are killed as Sri Lanka's military continues its offensive on Tamil Tiger rebels, medical staff say.

Gabon crash kills French soldiers

A helicopter carrying 10 French soldiers crashes into the sea off Gabon, with seven soldiers killed and one missing.

Crane pulls airliner from Hudson

A crane raises the Airbus airliner which ditched in New York's Hudson River on Thursday from the icy waters.

Robbers kill pensioner's budgie

Police call robbers 'despicable' after they kill an elderly woman's pet budgie when she refuses to hand over cash in a break-in.

Taiwanese given shopping vouchers to boost economy

Taiwan hands out shopping vouchers to its citizens in a bid to stimulate the island's economy.

Shackleton descendants reach South Pole

Three men with links to Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team complete a trek to the South Pole.

Defoe denies Portsmouth victory

Jermain Defoe scores against his old club to earn Tottenham a 1-1 draw that lifts them out of the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference.

Marsh helps Aussies level series

Opener Shaun Marsh hits 78 as Australia beat South Africa by five runs at Hobart to level the one-day international series at 1-1.

Biggest challenge

Barack Obama's inauguration is a security nightmare

Scraping a living

Romanian tinkers fall victim to the global downturn

High risk

Ski slopes can be as bad a cancer hazard as beaches

French kisses

Stars turn out for NRJ music awards in Cannes

In pictures

The life and career of TV presenter and artist Tony Hart

Crunch time?

Coming days could hold key to Zimbabwe crisis

DR Congo rebel faction ends fight

Senior officers from the main Tutsi rebel group in DR Congo announce an end to hostilities with the government.

Florida fund manager 'missing'

An American fund manager responsible for millions of dollars of investors' money is reported missing by his wife in Florida.

N Korea issues warning to Seoul

The North Korean military warns South Korea that its "confrontational" policies may force it to retaliate.

New EU action against Microsoft

The EU accuses Microsoft of harming competition by bundling its Explorer browser with its Windows operating system.

UK demands quicker Mumbai probe

UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband urges Pakistan to act more quickly against extremists in the wake of the Mumbai attacks.

Public stake in RBS to increase

Royal Bank of Scotland will convert £5bn of Treasury-owned preference shares into ordinary shares, BBC News learns.

Citigroup to split as losses grow

Struggling US banking giant Citigroup is to split the firm in two, as it reports a quarterly loss of $8.29bn (£5.6bn).

Stem cell stroke therapy assessed

A Glasgow team is to launch a major trial to assess whether stem cells can be used to treat stroke patients, the BBC learns.

Light pollution forms 'eco-traps'

Polarised light from building and roads is triggering potentially dangerous changes in many species' behaviour, a study shows.

Pop star Perry in award blunder

US singer Katy Perry is wrongly handed the award for best international song at France's main music award ceremony.

Three million hit by Windows worm

A virulent Windows virus is racking up millions of victims, report computer security firms.

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[BBC News | News Front Page | World Edition] 31 New Entries: Russian gas to Europe 'blocked'

Russian gas to Europe 'blocked'

Russian gas giant Gazprom says Ukraine has blocked deliveries of gas to Europe, scotching hopes of an end to the crisis.

Israelis strike 60 Gaza targets

Israel says it attacked more than 60 targets overnight in Gaza as its offensive against Hamas entered its 18th day.

Euro MPs back pesticide controls

The European Parliament votes to tighten rules on pesticide use and ban chemicals deemed harmful to human health.

Germany agrees 50bn euro stimulus

German Chancellor Angela Merkel unveils a stimulus package worth about 50bn euros including infrastructure investment.

Lack of sleep 'raises cold risk'

Sleeping less than seven hours a night greatly raises the risk of catching a cold, US research suggests.

Confirmation hearing for Clinton

Hillary Clinton appears in front of the US senate foreign relations committee to be confirmed as the next secretary of state.

Somali joy as Ethiopians withdraw

Ethiopian troops leave their main bases in Somalia's capital, reports say, prompting celebrations as well as fears of a power vacuum.

Zimbabwe health crisis 'a crime'

The health crisis in Zimbabwe should be the subject of a probe by the International Criminal Court, a campaign group says.

Prince Charles in 'Sooty' name claim

The Prince of Wales calls an Asian friend "Sooty", it has emerged following the row over his son Prince Harry's use of a racist term.

Financial prowess 'all in the fingers'

The length of a man's fingers may predict his success in the city, research findings suggest.

Stars sign up for Obama's inauguration celebration

Beyonce, U2 and Bruce Springsteen sign up to perform at an inaugural celebration for US President-elect Barack Obama.

Opener Hayden confirms retirement

Australian batsman Matthew Hayden announces his retirement after 103 Tests and 161 one-day internationals.

Scolari calls for Chelsea unity

Luiz Felipe Scolari accepts the blame for Chelsea's 3-0 defeat by Manchester United on Sunday, but says his team must now show more togetherness.

Missing Bush

The countries that will be sad to see him leave

Day in pictures

Eye-catching images from around the world

Dream job

10 ways to put your application at the top of the pile

Life as a Euro MEP

Ode to Joy for euro's birthday causes controversy

Savage south

Abuses and mistakes by Thai army in south

Battle lines

Years of argument due over Heathrow expansion

Uganda bars Gaddafi kings' forum

Uganda blocks a meeting of Africa's royalty led by Libya's Muammar Gaddafi, saying it would be too political.

Obama to act early on Guantanamo

US President-elect Barack Obama will issue an order within days of taking office to close the Guantanamo camp, advisers say.

China's exports in record decline

China's exports see their biggest decline in a decade, December figures show, as factory closures and staff layoffs accelerate.

Astrium buys up Surrey Satellite

UK satellite maker SSTL is bought up by Europe's biggest space company, EADS Astrium, in a deal approved by the EC.

Spate of bomb attacks in Baghdad

A series of bomb blasts during rush hour in Baghdad kills at least eight people and injures many others, officials say.

UK urges Pakistan action on Mumbai

UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband says Pakistan did not direct the Mumbai raids but must act against the attackers.

UK economy in 'frightening' decline

Business leaders paint a bleak picture of the economy, with a survey suggesting a "frightening deterioration" at the end of 2008.

US trade deficit at five-year low

The US deficit dropped to its lowest level in more than five years in November, official figures show.

HRT 'can shrink women's brains'

Some forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can shrink the brain, US research suggests.

Genetic secrets from Tassie tiger

Scientists study the genetics of the extinct Tasmanian tiger, using DNA extracted from preserved hair.

Ledger Globe will go to daughter

Heath Ledger's posthumous Golden Globe will eventually go to his daughter, say the actor's parents.

Dangerous coding errors revealed

Experts have put together a list of the 25 most dangerous programming mistakes.

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[BBC News | News Front Page | World Edition] 30 New Entries: Casualties rise in Gaza offensive

Casualties rise in Gaza offensive

Casualties pour into packed hospitals in Gaza as Israel continues its offensive, losing three soldiers overnight.

Obama says US economy 'very sick'

US President-elect Barack Obama says that America's economy is very sick and that the situation is worsening.

Apple's Jobs admits poor health

Steve Jobs, head of Apple, has disclosed in a statement that he is being treated for a hormone imbalance.

French TV ditches prime-time ads

State-run French TV stations stop showing ads in prime time as part of President Sarkozy's plans to reform public broadcasting.

Dozens die in Guatemala landslide

At least 33 people die and dozens more are missing after part of a mountain collapses on to a road in northern Guatemala.

DR Congo rebels 'oust Gen Nkunda'

Officers in eastern DR Congo's main rebel group say they have ousted leader Gen Laurent Nkunda - a claim he denies.

Obama 'has selected spying chief'

US President-elect Barack Obama has chosen former White House chief of staff Leon Panetta to head the CIA, US media report.

Russia to cut Ukraine gas supply

Russia's Vladimir Putin tells Gazprom to reduce gas sent via Ukraine to Europe over allegations Kiev is siphoning some off.

Wedgwood goes into administration

A number of firms owned by Waterford Wedgwood enter administration, as the parent firm appoints a receiver.

A pink iguana missed by Darwin prompts evolutionary rethink

A type of iguana missed by Darwin during his Galapagos trip promises to rewrite the animal's history in the islands.

Child sweethearts try to elope for wedding in the African sun

Two German children aged six and five are stopped by police on their way to Africa for a secret "wedding" in the sun.

Blackburn edge Cup battlers Blyth

Carlos Villanueva's goal earns Blackburn victory over non-league Blyth Spartans in the FA Cup.

Spurs and Pompey differ on Defoe

Tottenham and Portsmouth are thought to be about £1.5m apart in their valuations of Pompey striker Jermain Defoe.

Year of change?

Mugabe's exit and other forecasts for Africa in 2009

Missing the driver

Concern for Steve Jobs amid the Macworld buzz

Captured 'capital'

Inside the ruined remains of the Tamil Tiger HQ

No comment

Why Obama has stayed silent over the Gaza crisis

Dangerous turn

Police shooting fuels fears of Greek terror revival

Crisis talks for Kenya coalition

Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga holds crisis talks with his party leaders amid complaints he is being sidelined by the president.

Minnesota recount confirms winner

A recount in the US state of Minnesota confirms its Senate seat was won by a Democrat but the result is still contested.

Asian shares start 2009 strongly

Stock markets in Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong have a strong start to 2009 on hopes of fresh stimulus packages.

Guns 'link several Greek attacks'

Greek police say a weapon that left a shot policeman in critical condition is linked to an anti-US militant group.

New US embassy opens in Baghdad

The new US embassy in Baghdad - one of the largest and most expensive ever built - is officially opened Iraq's capital.

Army closes in on key Jaffna pass

Sri Lankan troops are at the southern outskirts of a key rebel-held pass to the northern Jaffna peninsula, the military says.

Cameron makes savings tax pledge

David Cameron proposes to axe tax on basic rate taxpayers' savings and to increase pensioners' tax free allowances.

Steep sales drop for US carmakers

US carmakers report sharp falls in their sales in December as the economic slowdown drives customers away from showrooms.

Females 'less physically active'

Females are less physically active at all ages than their male counterparts, two studies suggest.

Holes give edge to new MoD armour

Scientists from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) have devised ultra-hard vehicle armour to protect military personnel.

Travolta 'heartbroken' over son

Actor John Travolta says he and his wife are "heartbroken" following the death of their 16-year-old son Jett.

Police 'encouraged' to hack more

The Home Office has signed up to an EU suggestion allowing police to remotely access computers without a search warrant.

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[BBC News | News Front Page | World Edition] 30 New Entries: Opposition leader wins Ghana poll

Opposition leader wins Ghana poll

Opposition candidate John Atta Mills narrowly wins Ghana's presidential run-off, officials say, in a key test for democracy.

Bush says Hamas to blame for Gaza

US President George Bush blames Hamas for violence in Gaza and southern Israel, as Israeli strikes enter a second week.

Ukraine warns EU of gas 'problem'

Ukraine warns of serious problems with gas supplies for EU countries if its dispute with Russia is not settled soon.

Colombo pushes into Tiger areas

Sri Lankan forces say they are pressing on with their offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels after capturing Kilinochchi.

Mars rovers roll on to five years

The US space agency's Mars rovers celebrate a longer-than-expected five years investigating the Red Planet.

John Travolta's teenage son dies

The teenage son of American actor John Travolta dies suddenly during a family holiday in the Bahamas.

Canberra rejects Guantanamo cases

The Australian government turns down a US request to help resettle former detainees from its Guantanamo Bay military prison.

Chrysler gets $4bn emergency loan

US car manufacturer Chrysler receives a $4bn (£2.75bn) emergency government loan to help stave off collapse.

Cuba offers direct talks with US

Cuban President Raul Castro says he is open to direct talks with US President-elect Obama, but plays down any quick breakthrough.

Put diet on hold to avoid the flu, says study

People should steer clear of New Year diets if they want to improve their chances of staving off flu, a study suggests.

Live text - Murray v Nadal

Andy Murray takes on world number one Rafael Nadal in the Abu Dhabi exhibition final.

Bridge seals transfer to Man City

Manchester City complete the signing of Chelsea left-back Wayne Bridge for an undisclosed fee.

Gaza propaganda

Paul Reynolds on whether we can trust all we see

Che today

Why Che Guevara's image still shines in Latin America

Kabul misery

Why all the aid has made little impact on Afghan daily life

Topping out

World's newest tall building set to reveal secrets

Sudden halt

Romania's runaway economy hits the buffers

Energy enigma

What's behind Russia's decision to cut gas to Ukraine?

Ethiopia begins Somalia pullout

Ethiopia says its troops have begun pulling out of Somalia, after two years helping the government fight insurgents.

Diamond clues to beasts' demise

New research lends support to a controversial theory about what wiped out woolly mammoths and early settlers in North America.

S Korean MPs scuffle with guards

South Korea's opposition lawmakers scuffle with security guards, who have tried to end their blockade of parliament.

Markets start 2009 on upbeat note

European shares make good gains on the first day of trading in 2009 after record falls last year, amid warnings the gains won't last.

Suicide bomb kills many in Iraq

A suicide bombing kills at least 23 people at a Sunni gathering in a town south of Baghdad, Iraqi police say.

Pakistan seizes Taleban spokesman

A former spokesman for fugitive Taleban leader Mullah Omar is arrested in north-west Pakistan, security officials say.

UK protests over Gaza air strikes

A series of demonstrations are taking place across the UK to protest against the Israeli air strikes on Gaza.

Russia looks to re-route EU gas

Russian gas giant Gazprom tells the BBC that it can no longer depend on Ukraine as a transit route to the EU.

'Bug' could combat dengue fever

Humans could be protected from dengue fever by infecting the mosquitoes carrying it with a parasite, say researchers.

Coral reef growth is slowest ever

Growth of corals in the Great Barrier Reef has slowed to the most sluggish rate in 400 years, researchers say.

New Doctor Who to be announced

The name of the actor who will replace David Tennant in Doctor Who is to be announced on Saturday.

Zune 'bug' fixed, says Microsoft

All the older Zune portable music players hit by a software bug should now be working, says Microsoft.

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[BBC News | News Front Page | World Edition] 27 New Entries: Hamas leader killed in air strike

Hamas leader killed in air strike

A top Hamas leader has died in an Israeli air strike on the Gaza Strip, the most senior figure to be killed for nearly five years.

Ghana party bids to halt key vote

Ghana's ruling party seeks to delay voting in a final district that could decide the knife-edge presidential run-off poll.

Cuba marks 50 years of revolution

Cuba celebrates the 50th anniversary of its revolution but economic difficulties mean the festivities are subdued.

Anti-apartheid icon Suzman dies

Helen Suzman, a celebrated South African MP and anti-apartheid campaigner, dies at the age of 91.

Russia reassures Europe over gas

Russia assures EU countries they will face no disruption after it halted gas supplies to Ukraine in a row over payment.

Somali pirate clampdown 'working'

There has been a sharp reduction in the number of ships seized by pirates off Somalia, the International Maritime Bureau says.

Police probe Thai club fire cause

Police investigate the cause of a fire in a Bangkok nightclub that killed 59 people, amid reports that fireworks were to blame.

Rebels 'advancing towards CAR'

The UN says it fears Lord's Resistance Army rebels are advancing towards Central African Republic (CAR).

UK call to help close Guantanamo

The UK is pressing its European partners to help resettle inmates from Guantanamo Bay, the Foreign Office says.

Special delivery - Baby girl born on US-bound flight

A Ugandan woman gives birth to a baby girl in a rare mid-flight delivery on board a Northwest Airlines flight to Boston.

Classic Bugatti worth $4.3m gathered dust for half a century

A vintage Bugatti car, which gathered dust in a Tyneside garage for 47 years could fetch £3m at auction.

Smith ruled out of S Africa ODIs

South Africa skipper Graeme Smith will miss the Twenty20 and one-day matches against Australia in an attempt to recover from an elbow injury.

Clubs poised for transfer chance

The January transfer window opens, giving clubs their first opportunity to buy or sell players since the end of August.

Brave voice

South African MP who spoke out against apartheid

New year tragedy

Bangkok nightclub fire highlights need for improved safety

Day in pictures

Some eye-catching images from around the world

Valley view

Part two of our look at 2009's top technology

Covert failure

Islamists unbroken despite Ethiopia's US backing

Brazil embraces spelling reforms

Changes designed to standardise Portuguese spelling take effect in Brazil but other nations are yet to act on the controversial reforms.

North Korea message mild on US

North Korea new year message calls for a stronger military, but hints at possibilities of progress in talks with the US.

Slovakia becomes eurozone member

Slovakia becomes the 16th eurozone member - the second former communist country to join the single European currency.

Iraq takes control of Green Zone

Iraq takes control of the Green Zone in Baghdad and assumes more powers over foreign troops based in the country.

Sri Lanka army 'seizes key area'

Sri Lanka's military says it has seized a strategically important junction in the island's north from Tamil Tiger rebels.

UK troops hand back Basra Airport

A milestone in the completion of the British mission in Iraq is achieved with the handover of Basra International Airport.

Record stock market falls in 2008

Shares worldwide see record falls in 2008 after a year of financial turmoil, with Wall Street having its worst year since 1931.

Evidence of 'risk-taking' brain

Scientists say they have found physical evidence of brain differences which may drive "thrill-seekers" to act impulsively or dangerously.

Microsoft Zune affected by 'bug'

A leap year clock bug has affected Microsoft's Zune digital media player.

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[BBC News | News Front Page | World Edition] 31 New Entries: Russia-Ukraine gas talks collapse

Russia-Ukraine gas talks collapse

Russia says gas talks with Ukraine have failed and supplies will be cut within hours - amid fears European exports could be hit.

Israel rejects Gaza truce calls

International proposals for a 48-hour humanitarian truce in Gaza are dismissed by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Global new year festivities begin

Festivities are under way around the world to welcome 2009, with lavish fireworks displays in Australia and many Asian cities.

China finds major dinosaur site

Chinese researchers have unearthed what they believe is the largest collection of dinosaur bones ever found.

Bomb blast targets Basque TV site

A car bomb explodes near a Basque television building in the city of Bilbao in northern Spain - no casualties are reported.

China milk scandal 'guilty' plea

One of four Chinese milk firm executives pleads guilty at a trial into a contamination scandal, state media reports.

Indonesian spy freed over killing

An Indonesian court acquits a retired deputy intelligence chief of ordering the murder of a leading rights campaigner.

Record stock market falls in 2008

Asian shares see record falls in 2008 as the financial turmoil and economic slowdown ends the stock market boom.

Chinese 'spend most leisure time online'

UK housewives are spending the most leisure time online, according to a survey that reveals the world's web habits.

Naples women threaten sex strike over fireworks

Hundreds of women in Naples pledge to withhold sex from their men unless they stay away from illegal fireworks at new year.

India's celebrated moustaches 'face the chop'

The famous beards and moustaches of India - seen as representing the face of the country to the outside world - are under threat, a new book says.

Gerrard receives Benitez backing

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez says Steven Gerrard has his "full support and backing" following his captain's arrest in relation to an alleged brawl.

Hoy knighted in New Year honours

Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy is knighted in the New Year Honours list, as Bradley Wiggins and Ben Ainslie become CBEs, Rebecca Adlington is appointed OBE and Lewis Hamilton becomes an MBE.

Day in pictures

Eye-catching images from around the world

Havana hopes

Revolution at 50: How young Cubans see the future

Not forgotten

Stylish, serious and notorious - those we lost in 2008

Top tipple

Will Venezuela's love of whisky fade as times get tough?

Eurozone virgin

Slovakia sees euro as a vital shield in times of turmoil

Harare diary

A look back at the lows and highs of 2008 in Zimbabwe

Scramble for decisive Ghana votes

Opposition candidate John Atta Mills heads for the Ghana constituency which will decide the tight presidential run-off.

Obama rejects Senate replacement

Barack Obama says Democratic senators are right to reject the Illinois governor's choice as his Senate replacement.

China and Vietnam agree borders

China and Vietnam say they have resolved a decades-long border dispute, just hours before a deadline.

Belarus to get $2.5bn IMF loan

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approves a $2.5bn loan to Belarus to help it cope with the financial downturn.

Iranian raid on Ebadi condemned

A new raid by the Iranian authorities on an office of Nobel Peace Prize winner and lawyer Shirin Ebadi is widely condemned.

Bush urges rivals to ease tension

US President George W Bush calls the leaders of Pakistan and India to try to ease tension in the wake of Mumbai.

Sport stars lead New Year Honours

Olympians Chris Hoy and Rebecca Adlington and F1 driver Lewis Hamilton head the New Year Honours list.

Slovakia set to start using euros

Slovakia is poised to become the 16th eurozone member - and the second former communist country to do so.

Grape extract kills cancer cells

An extract from grape seeds can destroy cancer cells by encouraging them to commit suicide, US research suggests.

Grim details of Columbia disaster

The space shuttle crew tried valiantly to regain control of their doomed orbiter, says a Nasa report into the 2003 disaster.

Pratchett leads showbiz honours

Author Terry Pratchett, jazz star Courtney Pine and singer Robert Plant are among entertainment figures in the New Year Honours.

Pioneer of cyberspace honoured

A professor who invented a forerunner of the world wide web is made a dame in the New Year Honours.

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