I believe, facebook committee is aware of the fact that more than oldies, youngsters are the one who regularly use facebook. Initialization of news updates would attract them to facebook for longer hours. Instead of going through newspapers and browsing news channels, one would definately facebook to stay updated about current affairs. Therefore, more popularity of facebook via a positive motive.
it is a sign that Facebook realizes the importance of 'news' to each and every one of our daily lives. Sure, Facebook is a sweet product that helps me out tremendously! But in terms of the world's life flow of blood... it has to be news. It is inherently relevant to all 7 billion of the world. What will be 'that' app that you check 'first' 'everyday'? IMO, in two years, this is 'certainly' not Facebook. Facebook is a web first company. News is mobile, real time driven. In my opinion, Facebook is realizing this too late, and is too entrenched in social / friend to friend communication that they will miss the ball on 'news' media!