1. China's embassy in Fiji denied that Beijing wanted a military base or sphere of influence in the Pacific Islands.

2. Russia becomes first country to recognise Taliban government of Afghanistan.

3. WHO is pushing countries to raise the prices of sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50% over the next 10 years through taxation.

4. US has lifted restrictions on exports to China for chip design software developers and ethane producers.

5. French air traffic controllers began a two-day strike to protest over staff shortages and aging equipment, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations.

6. Nippon Steel pushed its $14.9 billion bid for US Steel past the line with some big concessions.

7. Nvidia hit a market value of $3.92 trillion, briefly putting it on track to become the most valuable company in history.