The Liberal government in Canada abandons a legal challenge that sought to require women to remove their niqabs or face coverings during citizenship ceremonies.

Mining company Samarco agrees to pay the Brazilian government compensation over the collapse of two dams at its iron ore mine in Minas Gerais state.

Guinea's last known Ebola patient is released from a treatment centre, raising hopes that the country will be declared free of the disease.

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson says he will retire from all international cricket at the end of the current Test against New Zealand.

US President Barack Obama defends his administration's military strategy against the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

Australia's first party representing Muslims launches in Sydney and will contest senate seats at the next federal election.

US Secretary of State John Kerry describes Islamic State as "psychopathic monsters" ahead of talks with President Hollande in the wake of the Paris attacks.

Russia's security chief says an act of terror brought down the Russian Airbus plane in Egypt last month, killing all 224 people on board.