Australia

US economic concerns return after Fed's meeting minutes and further political wrangling indications.

Populations exploding, health, corruption, religion and war are all in The State of the World Atlas by Dan Smith, which throws up some surprising and often worrying statistics.

Record-breaking temperatures, high winds and drought cause chaos in Tasmania, as region braces for worse to come.

Andy Murray reached the final of the Brisbane International after his Japanese opponent Kei Nishikori, 23, was forced to retire with a knee injury.

Tributes to mountain biker who almost won medal at Olympic Games in London.

In the aftermath of Thursday's shooting in Switzerland and the Sandy Hook massacre, Lianna Brinded says oversimplified comparisons block progress in finding a solution to gun crime.

Greg Smith and his son saw two silent orange lights moving across the sky.

Only 11 member jurisdictions published the final set of Basel III regulations effective from the start of this year.

Swimmer, 30, gets into difficulties just metres from shore while swimming off Kirra beach on Gold Coast.

First fireworks explode in skies of Australia, New Zealand and East Asia to celebrate New Year.

29-year-old found out he had won Euromillions Christmas lottery draw on Boxing Day.

Four big players won grand slams, but there were some astonishing results on the way.

David Beckham is considering a number of options over his future, according to his management company, with the superstar believed to be looking at the possibility of a move to a new country as his glittering career continues.

'What's the age of consent in Mexico?' reportedly among troubling posts on Thorn Tree Forum.

The Duchess of Cambridge is expected to give birth to her and Prince William's first child next summer.

Financial analyst Trent Martin faces maximum of 20 years in prison.

Harrods to offer discounts of up to 70% in once-a-year in-store bargain sale.

Germany flexes muscles and France strangely compliant: the world looks at the EU's coming implosion with relief, argues Martin Cole.

Rising demand and disappearing arable land could lead China to import more food and produce a spike in global prices.

Robotic telescope set up to offer live coverage of Mayan apocalypse.

Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, was crowned Miss Universe 2012, with contestants from Philippines, Venezuela, Australia and Brazil finishing in the top five

First win for an American woman since 1997.

Morgan discusses US gun laws with Larry Pratt during CNN interview in wake of Sandy Hook massacre.

Mark Carney will earn £874,000 a year on Threadneedle Street in the City of London.

Andrew Andre passes away after being diagnosed with kidney cancer in February.

Andrew Reid quits over revelation that his assistant coroner wife was not fully qualified for role.

Miss Universe 2012 contestants appear in bikinis for the Swimsuit Competition.

Lions coach Warren Gatland has revealed Jonny Wilkinson is in contention for a place in the touring squad to face Australia next summer.

Kristen Stewart put her glamorous figure on display, when she arrived for the red carpet premier of On The Road, in New York City

PetroChina to buy 49.9 percent stake in project for $2.2bn.