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

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.

At least 50 people are killed in eastern Nigeria in clashes over land, as the president declares a state of emergency in other areas affected by Islamist attacks.

Two police officers are to fly out to India to meet the family of 23-year-old murder victim Anuj Bidve who was shot in the head in Salford on Boxing Day.

Most people questioned in all but three of 21 countries say their country's Olympics performance is important to national pride, a BBC poll finds.

Hundreds of extra firefighters are on the streets in Los Angeles after a spate of arson attacks in the Hollywood area and elsewhere.

European leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, warn of more hardship and sacrifices in 2012 as the eurozone wrestles with a debt crisis.

Iran has test-fired a medium-range missile during military exercises in the Gulf, state media report, amid rising tensions over its nuclear programme.