Oceania Marshall Islands The fish aggregation devices FADs that fishing boats use to make catches easier, lately equipped with satellite communications gear to pinpoint location, are now being built by drug cartels that wrap packs of cocaine and radio transponders to trace troves
Asia Pakistan Sindh province - over 55 million people - has adopted a new 10-point grading system for matriculation and intermediate exams; the reform aims to alleviate the pressure on students striving for high marks and promote a more balanced educational environment
America Nicaragua Nicaragua has severed diplomatic ties with Israel, condemning what it calls "genocide" against Palestinians; the move was taken in response to a request from the country’s National Assembly during a session of solidarity with Palestine
America Brazil In Brazil’s recent municipal elections, a record 256 Indigenous candidates won positions as mayors, vice mayors, and councilors, marking an 8% increase, with Indigenous votes rising as other demographics saw declines
Europe Italy The court of Rome did not validate the detention of first 12 migrants brought by an Italian ship from the Mediterranean Sea to the immigration centre built in Albania with a billion euros investment; the cost of military ship journey wasn't made public
Europe Poland Biedronka, the largest supermarket chain, has been fined €116 million for forcing suppliers to discount their products after delivery; Competition and Consumer Protection said it is an "important signal for the market, especially for larger companies"
Africa Gambia The 81st regular session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights officially opened in Banjul with representatives of member states, civil society organisations and human rights advocates
Europe Switzerland Ten-year fixed mortgage rates for loans emitted in Switzerland halved since 2022 peak according to online comparison platform Comparis; this relatively low level has led to strong demand, with 72% of those surveyed choosing a ten-year fixed-rate mortgage
Asia Kyrgyzstan About 100 waste processors supply to the necessities of the growing waste volume, said a specialist of the waste management department of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision at the Urban Forum held in Bishkek on 17 October
Africa Algeria The Algerian National Agency for the Development of Hydrocarbon Resources has announced the launch of an international tender for upstream oil and gas projects, called 'Algeria Bid Round 2024'
Asia Iraq The country is actively pursuing foreign investment to reduce its notorious gas flaring; Hamid Younis Al-Zobaie, Deputy Oil Minister, described Iraq as 'one of the worst offenders' of gas flaring, a major source of CO2 emissions, methane and black soot
America El Salvador Human rights groups are calling for genetic of missing people, believed to have been buried in clandestine graves by gang members; around 51 sites have been found that potentially contain victims' remains; government is taking action and began excavating
Asia Lebanon WHO in Lebanon is working to curb cholera cases before a few reported occurrences spread, bringing health risks even more difficult to manage amidst the conflict
America Guatemala Indigenous communities in Guatemala met with UN water rights experts to discuss strategies for protecting rivers and lakes, considering water a common good, and advocating for inclusive water management and legislation that prioritizes indigenous needs