News Headlines - 18 December 2014

▽Putin says Russia’s economic crisis could last two years

Russian president Vladimir Putin vowed today to fix Russia’s economic woes within two years, pledging to diversify the gas-dependent economy and persuade businesses to help prop up the collapsing rouble.

▽BBC News - Sony hack: White House views attack as security issue

A cyber attack on Sony Pictures that forced the cancellation of a major film release is being seen as a serious national security matter, the US says.

▽After Chrysler turns into FCA US, Fiat SpA becomes FCA Italy SpA

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, the seventh largest automaker in the world, is making history this December following the recent merger of Italy’s Fiat Group Automobiles SpA to US subsidiary Chrysler Group LLC.

▽Westminster paedophile ring: Police investigate murders of three boys

Scotland Yard is investigating the alleged murder of three young boys linked to a Westminster paedophile ring active in the late seventies and early eighties.

▽BBC News - Japan 'could preserve' damaged 2011 tsunami sites

A panel in Japan has put forward a plan to protect four buildings damaged by the 2011 tsunami and earthquake.
The buildings in Miyagi prefecture include an elementary school which was hit by fire and a near-destroyed government office building.