A British man is arrested by police in Costa Rica in connection with the murder of a young Czech woman.

An advisory body to the Arab League calls for the organisation's monitors to be withdrawn from Syria because of the continuing crackdown on protests.

The first of Nasa's Grail satellites goes into orbit around the Moon to map its gravity in unprecedented detail, revealing its internal structure.

President Obama signs into law a defence bill including tough new US sanctions against Iran, while expressing concerns about other provisions.

Thousands of revellers take to the streets across the UK to herald the new year with fireworks and parties.

A Swedish woman discovers her wedding ring on a carrot growing in her garden, 16 years after she lost it, says a newspaper.

North Korea calls on the country to defend the new leader, Kim Jong-un, to the death, in a New Year's message released by state media.

Giving up alcohol or going on a detox for one month is pointless, especially after the excesses of the festive season, says a liver charity.