Vice President of India India's Vice president Ansari says, despite "significant progress", India has the largest number of illiterates in the world, marking the point at a speech for International Literacy Day.
Hong Kong The Hong Kong government backs down on plans to introduce Chinese patriotism classes in its schools after weeks of protests.
R.E.M. R.E.M. has its publisher Warner-Tamerlane issue a cease and desist order against Fox News. The channel allegedly made "unlicensed and unauthorized" use of their song "Losing My Religion" in coverage of the Democratic National Convention.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs A spokesman of Iran's Foreign Ministry calls Canada's Friday decision to sever all diplomatic ties "hasty" and "radical". A senior Islamic Consultative Assembly member describes the decision as "hostile".
Romania A tractor is hit by a train in central Romania, killing eight passengers in the tractor trailer.
Kim Ki-duk Kim Ki-duk's violent tale "Pietà" wins the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. Kim thanks the audience and the jury by singing a song.
Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb For the first time in nearly eighteen months, a sign of life appears of four French nationals kidnapped by Al-Qa'eda in Arlit, Niger. A videotape shows them healthy; they ask France to negotiate their release.
Suicide bombing A suicide bombing by the Taliban near the headquarters of the International Security Assistance Force in the Afghan capital of Kabul kills at least six people.
Interior Ministry The Interior Ministry moves to sue the Al Wefaq main opposition party. On Friday, police have fired tear gas at anti-government protesters in the capital Manama. The protestors allegedly have defied a ban on demonstrations.