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Mexico City (AFP) – People take to the streets in Mexico City on the ninth anniversary of the high-profile, unresolved disappearance of 43 students in 2014. The students, from the Ayotzinapa Rural Normal school, disappeared between the night of September 26 and the early morning of September 27, 2014, when they were traveling via bus to participate in demonstrations in Mexico City. Investigators say the students were detained by corrupt police and handed over to a drug cartel but many of the details remain unclear.

Qaraqosh (Iraq) (AFP) – Rescue workers search through charred remains of the event hall after a fire broke out during a wedding in the northern Iraqi town of Qaraqosh killing over 100 people. Injured guests are seen being treated in hospital.

Lachin corridor (Azerbaijan) (AFP) – More than 50,000 refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh – more than a third of the rebel enclave’s population – have streamed into Armenia in recent days after Azerbaijan’s lightning victory over the territory. Since the September 20 offensive that forced ethnic Armenian rebels to disarm, Armenia has warned of potential ‘ethnic cleansing’ by Azerbaijan. “Now we are homeless dogs. Now we have that status. Let the world know that we are homeless dogs,” says refugee Narine Shakaryan.

Ghent (Belgium) (AFP) – In Belgium, the University of Ghent launches a Taylor Swift-inspired English Literature course. The syllabus will look at the themes, styles and techniques employed by famous historical literary writers and their connections with the lyrics of the US pop superstar. The course is among a handful that have popped up at universities around the world as pop titan Swift has racked up hits and awards and as her Eras Tour is expected to set a record for the first billion-dollar tour.

Kaohsiung (Taiwan) (AFP) – Taiwan unveiled its first domestically built submarine, Hai Kun, as it seeks to bolster its defences against China. ++ TO COMPLETE 33WW7ER ++

Washington (AFP) – Fans from around the United States bid farewell to giant pandas at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington DC. Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, along with their cub Xiao Qi Ji, are due to return to China in early December.

Addis Ababa (AFP) – Orthodox Ethiopians mark the beginning of Meskel, one of the holiest celebrations in the Christian tradition followed in this devout nation riven by ethnic and political violence.

Tijuana (Mexico) (AFP) – Families with young children climb the border fence on Mexico’s Tijuana beach attempting to reach the United States. In the last 11 months, at least 1.8 million people have reached the southern US border, many of them searching for safety and economic opportunities. IMAGES

Ciudad Juárez (Mexico) (AFP) – Dozens of migrants attempt to reach the United States by swimming across the Rio Grande in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Some then swim back to the Mexican side of the river after being warned away by Texas authorities. IMAGES

Bogotá (AFP) – Colombian President Gustavo Petro delivers a speech during a rally in the capital, Bogota, where more than 20,000 people demonstrated in support of his government’s policies. Responding to Petro’s call, Indigenous people, workers and students make up the bulk of the crowd in the historic center. IMAGES

Libreville (AFP) – In the practically deserted hallways of the Omar Bongo University campus in the Gabonese capital Libreville, Marcus Mouloud is revising his mathematics coursework with other students. “We can believe that our youth will be saved, in comparison to other generations”, he says, hopeful that the new regime that ousted President Ali Bongo will save the country’s crumbling education sector.

Nuuk (AFP) – Smoke from Canadian wildfires has darkened the skies about Greenland’s capital Nuuk. Residents of the Arctic island, which is located hundreds of kilometres from Canada’s coast, describe a strong smell of burnt wood. Canada has experienced its worst ever wildfire season this year, with every one of its 13 provinces and territories affected, and thousands of people evacuated.