Iraq Iraqi Army meets strong resistance from ISIL in second day of fresh Mosul offensive Hundreds flee Mosul amid renewed heavy clashes between ISIL militants and the Iraqi Army. 30/12/2016
Austria "Cinderella" opera written by 11-year-old Briton takes Vienna by storm Alma Deutscher, 11, has just performed her own opera, "Cinderella", in Vienna to great acclaim. 30/12/2016
Syria Key players Russia and Turkey back Syrian peace talks Russian backed peace talks between the Syrian government and the opposition have been penciled in for next month in Kazakhstan, if the cease-fire continues. 30/12/2016
Sport Kraft jumps to victory at prestigious Four Hills opener Stefan Kraft has won the opening stop of the prestigious Four Hills Tournament in Oberstdorf for the second time in his career. 30/12/2016
Syria Clashes continue but Syrian ceasefire appears to hold in civilian areas No new civilian casualties in Syria but clashes strain ceasefire. 30/12/2016
Italy Kinder Surprise creator William Salice an eggsample to us all Kinder Surprise creator William Salice an eggsample to us all 30/12/2016
USA US 'surprised' by UK criticism of Kerry's Israel speech US says statement in-line with UK policy 30/12/2016
Sport Swiss cycling great Kubler dies aged 97 Switzerland’s first winner of the Tour de France Ferdinand Kubler has died aged 97. 30/12/2016
Germany Man wrongly arrested for Berlin attack says he's fearful for his life Naveed Baloch, the man initially suspected of perpetrating the Berlin terror attack has spoken out about his wrongful detention by German police, and 30/12/2016
USA Love game: Serena Williams plays on after engagement The tennis star is competing for the first time in New Zealand following her engagement to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. 30/12/2016
Democratic Republic Of Congo Echo Flight takes aid to the displaced in the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo There are nearly two million displaced people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country devastated by over 20 years of war. 30/12/2016
United Kingdom 2017: A busy year ahead for Britain's royals Royal-watchers in the UK and beyond will have plenty to keep them occupied in 2017, with a busy year ahead for Queen Elizabeth and her family. 30/12/2016
USA Run-DMC sues retailers over alleged trademark infringement The surviving members of the rap group Run-DMC have filed a 50-million dollar lawsuit accusing major retailers of selling products trading on its name without… 30/12/2016
Iraq A decade after Saddam Hussein's hanging what has changed in Iraq Pictures of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein with a noose around his neck were broadcast by Iraqi national television. 30/12/2016
Iraq Iraqi army assaults Mosul the last ISIL stronghold in Iraq Advances made into the east of the city 30/12/2016
World Death Stars: from David Bowie to Mohammad Ali The year 2016 saw the passing of a host of dignitaries, sports personalities and celebrities. 30/12/2016
no comment Airstrike targets Syrian school hours before ceasefire Just hours before a ceasefire came into effect in Syria, amateur footage captured the terrifying aftermath of an airstrike on a school in the rebel-held area of Arbin, Damascus, which is reported to h 30/12/2016
India Fatal Indian mine collapse leaves dozens trapped Mudslide smothers entrance in Jharkhand 30/12/2016
United Kingdom Hold on a second… 2016 will be longer than you thought Many people have said that 2016 was the worst year yet, but bad news for those of you who agree: 2016 is going to be a whole second longer than 2015. 30/12/2016
North Korea Kim Jong-un watches girl band amid '340 executions' claim Footage has emerged from North Korea showing all-powerful leader Kim Jong-un taking centre stage at a meeting of his reclusive state’s ruling Workers’ Party. 30/12/2016
USA Rain fails to dampen New Year confetti test in Times Square The annual air worthiness test for the all-important confetti to be used in New York's New Year's Eve celebrations took place in wet conditions. 30/12/2016
