Japans snap election: What you need to know

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called a snap election, which would bring the scheduled elections one year earlier. Here are what you need you know about Japans snap election. Oct 6, 2017

How Puerto Ricos pharmaceutical drug crisis after hurricane damage may affect the US

Puerto Ricos pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing industry is a mainstay of the islands economy, accounting for almost $15bn a year and 72% of the islands 2016 exports. But, damage from Hurricane Maria may lead to drug shortages across the United States. Without improvements, many fear another mass departure of businesses from an economically battered Puerto Rico. Oct 6, 2017

New robot designed for disaster relief

The future disaster response team could be made up of an army of robots. Honda unveiled a new prototype for its E2-DR disaster relief robot designed to search through crumbled buildings. Oct 6, 2017

Tropical Storm Nate predicted to hit US Gulf Coast as a hurricane

Tropical depression 16 in the Atlantic has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Nate and is projected to impact Nicaragua and Honduras with heavy rainfall. It is on track for the Gulf Coast and is likely to strengthen to a hurricane, threatening Mexico and Louisiana through the Florida Panhandle. The storm comes only a month after of devastation from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Oct 6, 2017

Thousands queue to pay last respects to Thailands late King Bhumibol

Thousands lined the streets near Bangkoks Chao Phraya River to enter the Grand palace on Thursday (5 October), the last day to pay respects to late King Bhumibol Adulyadej before the royal cremation on 26 October. The country has been in an official year of mourning with many Thais choosing to wear black. Oct 5, 2017