Italy is ending 2012 on an upbeat note, with renewed market confidence and optimism among analysts that the worst of the financial crisis is over.
Rebels in the Central African Republic who have advanced towards the capital Bangui warned they could enter the city.
Entrepreneurs in China’s south-west are dreaming of turning the city of Chengdu into the world’s next Silicon Valley.
China’s Hanlong Group intends to take over Australian mining company Sundance early next year and gain control over a key iron ore supply in Africa.
An ambitious British plan to search for minute forms of life in an ancient lake beneath Antarctica’s ice has been suspended due to technical problems.
The mediator touting a peace plan for Syria has warned of "hell" if the warring sides shun talks.
Avigdor Lieberman was charged on Sunday with fraud and breach of trust, allegations that prompted his resignation as foreign minister two weeks ago.
Venus Williams gave her comeback hopes a boost with a win at the Hopman Cup in Perth on Sunday.
Only a fraction of South Africans pay their traffic fines, according to reports on Sunday.
Syrian troops bombarded rebel bastions near the capital on Sunday a day after at least 32 civilians, including 11 children, were killed.