Asia Japan Proof of proficiency in Japanese will be required to apply for a working visa for engineering, humanities or international services; policy will be revised tightening screening after workers entered Japan under a specialized job visa but do unskilled jobs
Europe Spain Tennis legend Rafael Nadal, 38, confirms he will retire from professional tennis at end of 2024 season, with final event of his pro career at Davis Cup Finals in Malaga on 19-24 November; the announcement came in a video posted on X
Oceania Solomon Islands Saudi Arabia and the Solomon Islands have formalised an agreement to exempt holders of diplomatic, private and official passports from short-stay visa requirements
Asia Cyprus A total of 1.550 people have left Lebanon via Cyprus since the start of assisted departures on 27 September and as of 8 October, foreign ministry spokesperson reported; the majority so far is represented by Australians, with 1.069 people among the total
Europe Romania The Green Registry for Romania project focused on the historical park to show how intelligent tools can be used to keep track of the tree and shrub population
Asia Cambodia New Le Story bookstore in Phnom Penh aims to create a hub for readers and writers, with weekly events; it also supports Cambodian authors by providing printing services and spaces for book promotion, with a focus on promoting the culture of reading
Africa Rwanda Testing of the vaccine against the Marburg virus has begun and priority will be given to health workers currently on the front line of efforts to prevent the spread of the disease in the country, where a small epidemic is underway
Asia Mongolia The Mongolian University of Internal Affairs was awarded the Order of Sukhbaatar for contribution to the preservation and protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity, maintenance of peace and security and progress in science and education
Asia Taiwan A marine research station on Taiwan-controlled Taiping Island has discovered its first new fish species in almost four years since its establishment, the National Academy of Marine Research said
Europe North Macedonia Vulnerable to both severe flooding and drought, the country could suffer economic damage of up to 4% of its gross domestic product by 2050 due to the impact of climate change, according to a new World Bank Group Country Climate and Development Report
Oceania New Zealand Three New Zealand universities dropped in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 and none of the eight New Zealand featured universities improved their ranking this year
Oceania Kiribati The pro-Chinese president of Kiribati said his nation 'does not welcome' Beijing's recent ballistic missile test launch in the Pacific
Africa Malawi Civil society groups in Malawi have called on the government to review its position on the Gaza conflict, criticising diplomatic and economic ties with Israel as a contradiction to the nation's core values of peace and respect for humanity
Africa Namibia The Namibian Police have urged the public and businesses to inform law enforcement authorities when transporting large amounts of money, as communication between the police and communities is vital to prevent robberies and ensure public safety