The latest news on the VP Debate, Egypt, North Korea, Bailout, Pakistan, Immigration, Wachovia, Employment, Taiwan, Russia-Georgia, Tehran, Tata Cars, Mandelson, and Sudan.

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VP Debate. Palin and Biden go head-to-head "U.S. vice presidential candidates clash on Iraq, the economy and energy issues." Some smoke, little fire "Restraint on both sides in a surprisingly substantive debate between the U.S. vice-presidential candidates." A fight for the title of reformer "At last night's debate, both vice presidential candidates held their own and went on the attack." A civil exchange at VP debate "Biden leaves Palin mostly untouched as he concentrates his fire on McCain. The Alaska governor sharply criticizes Obama." Biden, Palin woo Main Street in scrappy debate "Sarah Palin and Joe Biden strived to connect with voters worried about the ongoing financial crisis." Economy at Forefront "Candidates trade friendly, pointed exchanges on the economy, taxes and energy policy as discussions focus on presidential nominees."

Egypt. Opposition party in Egypt faces dissent from within "Young members argue against religious rigidity in the Muslim Brotherhood, openly criticizing the group in their blogs."

North Korea. U.S.: No concessions on N Korea deal "U.S. officials reject suggestions of desperate measures to save disarmament deal." U.S. envoy ends North Korea visit "U.S. envoy Christopher Hill ends a three-day visit to North Korea, describing talks there as 'substantive.'"

Bailout. Stocks mixed in U.S. vote run-up "European and Asian markets remain volatile as rescue package's fate hangs in the balance." House set for fresh bail-out vote "The U.S. House of Representatives debates a $700bn (£380bn) plan to rescue the U.S. financial sector, ahead of a key vote later." Bail-out hopes send stocks higher "U.S. and European shares edge up on hopes that a new version of the U.S. bail-out plan will gain support from lawmakers." Stocks advance at open ahead of House vote "The rise followed the news that Wells Fargo Co. is buying Wachovia Corp. in a $15.1 billion deal." Lobbying blitz ushers bailout bill back to House "Members are besieged by 'promises and threats on both sides' with second vote expected today." World on 'edge of the abyss' awaits bailout vote "The United States reported its biggest monthly job loss in 5 1/2 years on Friday, piling pressure on the U.S. House of Representatives." Emergency summit in Paris to focus on a pan-European response to credit crisis "As the House of Representatives considers a historic rescue of the U.S. financial sector, Europe decides on sweeping reforms to their own tottering banking systems." House Debates Bailout Package "The debate was a do-over for the House, which rejected the bailout package on Monday. Above, Representatives John Boehner, Roy Blunt and Adam Putnam on Friday."

Pakistan. Confronting Taliban, Pakistan Finds Itself at War "The Pakistani Army is engaged in full-scale battles with militants, and an estimated 250,000 people have fled."

Immigration. Illegal immigrant inflow to the U.S. lags that of legal immigrants "A report by the Pew Hispanic Center shows a reversal of a trend that began in the '90s."

Wachovia. Wells Fargo to take over Wachovia "The U.S. bank Wells Fargo is to buy its troubled rival Wachovia in $15.1bn deal, scuppering a deal with Citigroup." Wells Fargo to acquire Wachovia "The $15-billion deal wipes out Wachovia's previous plan to sell its banking operations to Citigroup."

Employment. Employers cut 159,000 jobs; most in 5 years "The ninth straight month of cutbacks is felt across all sectors. Jobless rate steady at 6.1 percent." Jobs Report Underlines Economic Decline "The Labor Department reported that employers in September cut 159,000 jobs, which was more than expected and the biggest decline since 2003."

Taiwan. Taiwanese 'brawl' over bad milk "Taiwan's health minister is taken to hospital after being allegedly attacked by opposition MPs over the tainted Chinese milk scandal."

Russia-Georgia. Six killed in Georgia explosion "Six people are killed in a blast near a Russian military base in Georgia's rebel region of South Ossetia, reports say."

Tehran. U.S. think tank 'to open in Tehran' "The U.S. gives rare approval for a research body to open an office in Iran, stressing policy had not changed."

Tata Cars. Tata abandons cheapest car plant "Tata Motors abandons plans to build the world's cheapest car in the Indian state of West Bengal following a row over land."

Mandelson. 'Proud' Mandelson back in Cabinet "Peter Mandelson says he is surprised but 'proud' to be invited back to the government for a third time."

Sudan. Sudan presidential race may test fragile coalition government "The contest between President Omar Hassan Ahmed Bashir and former rebel Salva Kiir could split the country."