The United Nations will observe the birth anniversary of Indian icon Mahatma Gandhi as the International Day of Non-Violence every year, it said in a statement Saturday. The UN called upon all member nations and individuals to commemorate October 2 in “an appropriate manner and to disseminate the message of non-violence.” The resolution was introduced by India.

Scientists in Brazil are claiming to have established as a scientific fact that the Amazon is the longest river in the world. The Amazon is recognised as the world's largest river by volume, but has generally been regarded as second in length to the River Nile in Egypt. The claim follows an expedition to Peru that is said to have established a new starting point further south.