DIPLOMACY: Japan and the European Union announced a security and defence partnership today to strengthen military ties, including joint exercises and collaboration between defence industries, amid rising tensions with China, North Korea and Russia.

The announcement marks the EU’s first security partnership with an Indo-Pacific country. Both sides expressed concern over North Korea’s missile development and military co-operation with Russia.

AUSTRALIA: A judge ruled today that Pauline Hanson had breached racial anti-discrimination laws by telling Pakistan-born politician Mehreen Faruqi to return to her homeland.

Justice Angus Stewart deemed Ms Hanson’s comments, made in an exchange on social media, “seriously offensive” and ordered her to delete the post and cover Ms Faruqi’s legal costs. Ms Hanson said she plans to appeal against the ruling.

UNITED STATES: Boeing workers will vote on an improved contract offer on Monday, including a 38 per cent pay rise over four years and a larger signing bonus.

The offer, backed by their union, comes amid a seven-week strike by over 33,000 west coast factory workers, which has strained Boeing’s finances. The contract vote is due the day before the US presidential election.

BOTSWANA: Opposition presidential candidate Duma Boko defeated incumbent Mokgweetsi Masisi in a general election today, ending the 58-year rule of the president’s Botswana Democratic Party.

Mr Masisi conceded defeat after his party, which has held power since independence from Britain, came fourth.

The country faces economic challenges, rising unemployment and declining demand for diamonds.