UK World

A 14-part series that attempts to make simple and accessible one of the most complex subjects imaginable will be distributed via booklets given away free with The Independent and The Independent on Sunday beginning tomorrow, and will simultaneously be made available at independent.co.uk/historyoftheworld. Starting with the origins of the Universe itself, it traces the formation of our planet, the first stirrings of life, the shaping of the continents, the evolution of species, the birth of the human race, and the millennia of history that have led up to the sophisticated but precarious civilisations of the present day.

Spanish painter and sculptor Antoni Tapies, who was one of the world's leading contemporary art figures, dies aged 88.

Anglo-Swiss mining group Xstrata announces a $90bn merger with Glencore, the world's largest commodity trader.

The Syrian army resumes heavy shelling in the restive city of Homs as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is due in Damascus for talks.

A group of Chinese workers kidnapped by rebels in Sudan has been freed and flown to Kenya, a statement from Sudan's foreign ministry says.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre makes four changes to his pack for Saturday's Six Nations clash against Ireland in Paris.

Former Liberian rebel leader George Boley should be deported from the US over his role in the civil war of the 1990s, a judge rules.

Amanda Knox, acquitted over the murder of her British flatmate, has appealed her conviction for slander in Italy, a family spokesman says.

The jury in the Harry Redknapp and Milan Mandaric tax evasion trial is sent out to consider its verdicts.

The Met Police should have warned people they were the victims of phone hacking by the News of the World, a judicial review rules.

Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed resigns after weeks of demonstrations and a mutiny by some police officers.

Search and rescue efforts are continuing for survivors of a 6.7 magnitude quake that shook the central Philippines on Monday, leaving dozens dead or missing.

Italy activates emergency measures to conserve gas supplies as freezing weather continues to grip the country and much of Europe.

Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney are among the artists who will play at The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert in London in June.

Reports from Iran say several people have been detained for alleged links to the BBC's Persian Service, which is banned in the country.

Chinese state media has reported the birth of a baby of just over 7kg (15lb 8oz), making him what could be the heaviest birthweight baby on record in the country.

US President Barack Obama's election campaign is to return some $200,000 of funding linked to the family of a Mexican fugitive.

Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris is cited for his tackle on Wales lock Ian Evans late in Sunday's Six Nations clash.

Public transport and ports have ground to a halt in Greece as two of the country's largest public-sector unions strike in protest at continuing austerity.

John Terry still wants to play for England despite being stripped of the captaincy for the second time, BBC Sport understands.