Proportion of secondary school students in England placed in ‘internal exclusion’ almost triples in three years

• At the 2026 SCO Summit, member states issued the Bishkek Declaration, which explicitly rejects unilateral sanctions and the application of "double standards" regarding global terrorism. • The declaration supports a negotiated two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict, though it contains less detailed language on Gaza's humanitarian crisis and ceasefires compared to the 2025 Tianjin declaration.

• Recent Ipsos research indicates that a significant majority of Italians, approximately 79%, oppose the conflict involving Iran. • The data reveals a strong preference among the Italian public to avoid direct involvement in Middle East tensions to prevent further escalation.

• On September 2, Democrats accused a politically appointed panel of delaying decisions regarding the security detail for the Golan Heights. • In separate developments, the US president declined to provide a timeline for the end of the current war and expressed understanding toward unarmed Iranian protesters.

• Recent attacks across Ukraine, specifically targeting Kyiv and Odesa, have resulted in significant civilian casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure. • Humanitarian Coordinator Matthias Schmale highlighted a concerning pattern of strikes on energy grids, railway systems, warehouses, and shopping malls.

• Hilroy issued a formal apology after its notebooks were found to be missing Newfoundland and Cape Breton from their maps of Canada. • In a separate legal matter, a bus driver is facing charges following a severe crash in 2025 that resulted in injuries to 33 passengers.

• Renewed fighting in West Asia highlights a global trend of instability and imprudent escalation. • Iran is reportedly collaborating with Russian missile specialists to develop a ramjet propulsion system for faster anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles.

• On Monday, August 31, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague ruled that India cannot unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. • The five-member tribunal issued a unanimous decision rejecting all arguments presented by New Delhi since April 2025 to justify the suspension.

Angus Taylor and Matt Canavan claim drastic cut to price of cigarettes and moves to legalise vapes will combat illicit tobacco tradeLeading public health experts, the Australian Medical Association and Labor have rejected Angus Taylor’s plan to cut tobacco excise by 80%, labelling the move to curb soaring illegal cigarette sales as a backward step on tobacco control.Taylor and Nationals leader Matt Canavan on Thursday announced plans for an 80% cut to excise, as well as moves to legalise and regulate vapes and nicotine pouches. The announcement comes weeks after One Nation leader Pauline Hanson proposed a 75% cut. Continue reading...

Wayve robotaxis added to Uber app and will have human in front ready to take over if needed – but only 15 cars licensedLondoners are now able to hire self-driving taxis for the first time, after rides in Wayve’s autonomous vehicles were added to the Uber app on Thursday.The chances of landing a robotaxi on request immediately are slim, with only 15 vehicles so far licensed. That contrasts with the more than 100,000 private hire vehicles in the capital – roughly the same number of Uber customers who have registered to take autonomous rides. Continue reading...

Thousands of heat-related deaths in record-breaking temperatures appeared to only intensify hosts’ climate denialsAs the first heatwave of the record-breaking summer arrived on 23 May, GB News host Cristo Foufas was not happy: “I am sick to death of the naysayers saying firstly that we’re all going to die and that we have to put out heat alerts, because, you know, just drink some water and drink a bit less rosé in the sunshine.”“We used to call it Darwinism,” replied co-host Renée Hoenderkamp. She is a medical doctor. Continue reading...

Yasmin Catley says ‘we will not be surrendering our streets’ after as many as six suspected mistaken identity shootings since the start of last yearThe New South Wales police minister denies that gang violence is out of control in the state, despite two people being shot dead in suspected cases of mistaken identity in as many days.The police minister, Yasmin Catley, told a media conference on Thursday that while the recent deaths were unacceptable, the force had the resources they needed to tackle organised crime gangs. Continue reading...

Actor will play 15th-century hero in sweeping production about Welsh rebellion against English crownThere are myriad films, plays and books focusing on heroes of English, Scottish and Irish history but far fewer that tell the stories of the great figures of Wales.A major new play about the Welsh nobleman Owain Glyndŵr’s early 15th-century rebellion against the English crown will help redress the balance this autumn. Continue reading...