An update from the CNN newsdesk in London on the stories we're following on Tuesday:

France strikes - The Pension Reform Bill is set to become law today as students are poised to take to the streets in a series of rallies across the country. Read the full story

UK GDP figures - UK GDP figures were released today. They showed a slowdown in growth at a rate of 0.8% as opposed to 1.2% in the previous quarter but beat gloomy predictions of 0.4%.

German austerity success - Despite implementing a strict austerity programme, Germany’s economy has continued to storm ahead. What is the secret of its success? Diana Magnay reports.

Iran loads fuel - Iran has begun loading fuel into the core of its first nuclear energy plant in the southern city of Bushehr, state-run Press TV reported Tuesday.

Somalia piracy - ITN's Bill Neely visits Somalia, observing pirates in and out of jail, and speaking to U.N. official attempting to curb piracy.

Amanda Knox book - MP Rocco Girlanda will be releasing a book on Amanda Knox, the American student convicted in Italy of murdering her British roommate. The book is based on a series of interviews and conversation Amanda Knox has with Rocco Girlanda.  We will be speaking to Girlanda.

Linda Norgrove funeral - A funeral is to be held on the Western Isles of Scotland for aid worker Linda Norgrove who died during a rescue attempt in Afghanistan. The funeral takes place on Tuesday at  7a ET.

Malawi orphans - Many people hadn't heard about Malawi before Madonna. But the pop megastar gave it worldwide recognition by controversially adopting two orphans from the African country. Now, she is putting money into orphanages and schools. But there are nearly a million orphans in Malawi. 

Emir of Qatar visits UK - The Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and his consort Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al-Missned, will pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom Tuesday to Thursday.