The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank approve fresh loans for Burma to aid the social and economic development of the country.

The closure of private sector pension schemes accelerated in 2012, says the National Association of Pension Funds

Japanese carmaker Toyota regains its slot as the world's biggest vehicle maker, capping a year of a dramatic turnaround in its fortunes.

The government launches its Green Deal, with householders offered long-term loans to make their homes more energy efficient and cut bills.

The proposed route for the high-speed train network linking Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds will stop at five stations, the transport secretary reveals.

Ryanair lifts its full-year profit forecast to 540m euros ($725m; £460m) after a better-than-expected performance in the last three months of 2012.

Governments need to improve material efficiency to avoid a global resource crunch and dangerous climate change, say scientists.

Premier Foods - the firm behind brands such as Hovis, Bisto and Oxo - sees its shares fall 9% after its chief executive resigns.