US Congress approves debt deal

The US Congress has passed a bill to reopen the government and raise the federal debt limit, with hours to spare before the nation risked default. The bill yanked the US back from the brink of a budgetary abyss by extending the treasury's borrowing authority until 7 February. Federal agencies will reopen after 16 days of partial government shutdown and bringing hundreds of thousands of employees back to work. (BBC)

First 'habitable zone' exoplanet found

Astronomers have discovered a sun-like star playing host to a “habitable zone” exoplanet located inside the Milky Way’s galactic bulge — some 25,000 light-years distant — using a quirk of Einstein’s general relativity. Like Jupiter, this newly discovered giant exoplanet may possess small satellites; exomoons that could have life-giving potential. (Discovery)

Al-Madinah free school in Derby labelled 'dysfunctional' by Ofsted

The Muslim free school has been damned by Ofsted inspectors, who have ranked it as inadequate in every category. The inspection had been due to take place by the end of the year but was prioritised following allegations that female teachers were obliged to wear hijabs and pupils were segregated. (BBC)

Pussy Riot join campaign for Sochi Winter Olympics boycott

The Russian protest group has added its high-profile voice to the call for a boycott of next year's Winter Olympics over the country's notorious "anti-gay propaganda" legislation. (Independent)

EU helping prop up Belarus president Lukashenko, says opposition

The EU is playing a key role in propping up the rule of Alexander Lukashenko, says a policy paper delivered to all 28 EU foreign ministries this week. In the paper, activists such as ex-presidential candidate Andrei Sannikov call for broader sanctions from Brussels targeting 'Europe's last dictator'. (Guardian)