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
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
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
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
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
Africa Ivory Coast A new motorway is planned to connect capital Abidjan with Nigeria's economic centre, Lagos, with an expected investment of $15 billion
America Cuba Cuba submitted an official request to join the BRICS as a partner country in a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin
Oceania Micronesia U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Guam personnel, as part of the Pacific Partnership 2024, conducted a series of boating safety workshops and community outreach activities in Kosrae
Asia Bangladesh The US has appealed to Bangladesh to protect the rights of its minority communities in the wake of increasing attacks on the Hindu minority community after the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Asia Cambodia The upcoming Samdech Thipadei Award for Khmer MMA Championships (Phnom Penh, 11-14 Oct) highlights the deep historical roots of Khmer martial arts, key to the nation's identity; the championships will feature traditional performances and MMA competitions
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 Mauritania The GALAB-Global Accelerator Lab project has been launched in Mauritania to combat child labour, trafficking and exploitation in the region upon initiative of the International Labour Organisation
Africa Burkina Faso Voice of America broadcasts has been suspended in Burkina Faso for three months for coverage of militant attacks in the country and neighbouring Mali
Europe Montenegro Investors are submitting another wave of permit applications for their solar energy projects to the Montenegrin authorities