There is a growing trend in Great Britain where more people are choosing to take their driving tests in automatic cars. This shift is influenced by the upcoming ban on petrol and diesel cars set for 2030, as many new cars, especially electric vehicles (EVs), use automatic transmissions. Consequently, driving schools report increased interest in learning to drive automatics.
Key Facts
One in four driving tests in Great Britain are now conducted in automatic cars.
In 2024/25, 479,556 out of 1.8 million driving tests were in automatics.
The sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned in 2030 in the UK.
Passing a test in an automatic grants a Category B Auto licence, which limits drivers to automatic vehicles.
The cost of running electric vehicles is generally lower than petrol or diesel cars, despite higher purchase prices.
The number of men taking tests in automatics increased from 23.2% in 2012/13 to 39.1% last year.
Automatic car tests have a slightly lower pass rate than manual tests, though the difference has decreased since 2012.
Activists projected an image of U.S. President Donald Trump with Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle during Trump's visit to the UK. This action led to the arrest of four people and highlighted ongoing controversies surrounding Trump's past ties with Epstein.
Key Facts
An image of Trump with Jeffrey Epstein was projected onto Windsor Castle during Trump's visit to the UK.
Four people were arrested by British police for a "public stunt" involving the projection.
The activists belong to a group called "Everyone Hates Elon," known for similar public displays.
The projection occurred just before Trump was due to meet King Charles.
Earlier, the same image was displayed by the activists outside Windsor Castle.
Trump and Epstein had a known association from the 1990s but reportedly distanced in the mid-2000s.
Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
The U.S. central bank, known as the Federal Reserve, is expected to lower interest rates by 0.25 percentage points. This decrease aims to stimulate the economy by making borrowing cheaper. The decision follows trends in other countries and growing concerns about a weakening job market in the U.S.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve is expected to lower the interest rate by 0.25 percentage points.
This change will bring the interest rate to a range of 4% to 4.25%.
The interest rate cut is the first since December of the previous year.
Other central banks in the UK, Europe, and Canada have already reduced rates.
U.S. job market data shows weak job growth or losses in recent months.
President Trump has criticized the Federal Reserve for not lowering rates more significantly.
Inflation in the U.S. has fallen since 2022 but remains slightly above the Fed's 2% target.
The rate cut decision is happening amid concerns about the labor market slowdown.
US President Donald Trump has arrived in the UK for his second state visit, which includes meetings with UK leaders and a ceremonial welcome. The visit aims to strengthen US-UK relations and involves discussions on trade and technology collaboration. Trump is staying at the US ambassador's residence and is scheduled to meet with King Charles III at Windsor Castle.
Key Facts
US President Donald Trump arrived in the UK for his second state visit.
Trump landed at London Stansted airport and was welcomed by UK officials.
He will stay at the US ambassador's residence and visit Windsor Castle for ceremonies.
Meetings will involve trade discussions, with a potential tariff reduction on steel.
A technology agreement between the US and UK is expected to be signed during the visit.
Nvidia's CEO and OpenAI's Sam Altman are among the US executives accompanying Trump.
BlackRock plans to invest $700 million in UK data centers during the visit.
Trump plans to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss trade deals.
Spanish police confronted Marseille fans outside the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium before a soccer match against Real Madrid. The incident involved efforts to control fans trying to move from their designated area. Fans were also prohibited from bringing Palestinian flags into the stadium.
Key Facts
Spanish police had a confrontation with Marseille fans before a Champions League match.
The clash occurred outside the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid.
Police used batons and horses to manage the crowd.
Fans tried to move from their designated area, leading to the clash.
There was a strict ban on entering the stadium with Palestinian flags.
The flag ban was related to ongoing pro-Palestinian protests in Spain.
A large number of French fans were expected at the match, with heavy police presence.
The situation was controlled quickly, allowing fans to enter the stadium on time.
Kylian Mbappe scored two penalties to help 10-man Real Madrid beat Marseille 2-1 in the opening game of the new Champions League season. Madrid's win marked its 200th victory in the competition's history. The match also marked Xabi Alonso's debut as Real Madrid's coach.
Key Facts
Kylian Mbappe scored two penalties, leading Real Madrid to a 2-1 victory over Marseille.
Real Madrid played with 10 players after Dani Carvajal was sent off for head-butting the Marseille goalkeeper.
This win made Real Madrid the first team to achieve 200 victories in Champions League history.
Xabi Alonso, a former player, had his coaching debut for Real Madrid in this match.
Timothy Weah scored the opening goal for Marseille.
Trent Alexander-Arnold made his Champions League debut for Real Madrid but left due to an injury.
Spanish police quickly controlled a clash with Marseille fans before the match began.
Tottenham Hotspur has emphasized strong defense this season under manager Thomas Frank, contrasting with last season's focus on scoring. The team achieved its fourth clean sheet in five games after a 1-0 win over Villarreal. This defensive strategy may limit their offensive play, as seen with only one shot on target in their recent game.
Key Facts
Tottenham has conceded only one goal this season under manager Thomas Frank.
The team kept four clean sheets in five games, including a 1-0 victory over Villarreal.
Last season, Tottenham managed just one clean sheet at the same point.
The team's focus now is on a "clean sheet mentality" to prevent opponents from scoring.
Tottenham's cautious defensive play is a change from the more attacking approach last season.
Despite defending well, Tottenham only had one shot on target against Villarreal.
This season's defensive improvement contrasts with conceding five goals in the first five games last season.
Tottenham has already achieved three clean sheets in the Premier League this season.
Authorities in Utah will pursue the death penalty against Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Robinson faces multiple charges, and prosecutors say the crime involved political targeting and occurred in front of children, which increases the severity of the charges.
Key Facts
Tyler Robinson is charged with the murder of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
Prosecutors in Utah plan to seek the death penalty.
The charges against Robinson include aggravated murder and obstruction of justice.
Robinson allegedly targeted Kirk due to his political beliefs.
The crime reportedly took place in front of children.
Robinson was identified by his mother and later turned himself in.
He is currently held without bail and will have a court-appointed lawyer.
The next court appearance is scheduled for September 29.
Parents whose children have been harmed or died after talking to AI chatbots are urging Congress to take steps to protect kids online. Lawmakers held a hearing where parents shared their stories, and the need for new safety measures for AI tools was discussed. Companies like OpenAI are working on age-verification technologies to address these concerns.
Key Facts
Parents testified before Congress, urging action on the dangers of AI chatbots for children and teens.
Lawmakers are considering legislation to protect kids online and hold tech companies accountable.
OpenAI is developing a version of ChatGPT for teenagers to ensure safer use.
Parents described how their children were deeply affected by interactions with AI chatbots.
Experts suggested age verification and company accountability to safeguard children online.
Some companies, like Meta, have announced updates for chatbot use by teens.
The Federal Trade Commission has begun an inquiry into AI chatbot safety.
Lawmakers may continue to push for laws allowing lawsuits against tech companies for harming children through AI.
President Donald Trump is in the UK for his second state visit, where he will meet King Charles and participate in royal ceremonies and trade talks. The visit includes discussions on a large technology investment deal and efforts to strengthen military and trade ties between the UK and the US.
Key Facts
President Trump arrived in the UK for his second state visit.
He plans to discuss a multi-billion US technology investment in the UK.
The main purpose of the visit is to meet with King Charles.
The visit features a series of royal ceremonies at Windsor Castle.
A large military display and a joint flypast by US and UK jets are planned.
The state visit will include a banquet at St George's Hall with speeches from Trump and King Charles.
A major technology deal was announced, with US firms investing £31 billion in the UK.
The visit aims to strengthen trade and military relationships between the US and the UK.
Romanian prosecutors have accused former presidential candidate Calin Georgescu of planning violence with a mercenary, Horatiu Potra, after the country's presidential elections were initially canceled due to claims of Russian interference. Potra allegedly tried to lead a group armed with weapons towards the capital, but police stopped them. Georgescu has denied the charges, and the case will proceed to court.
Key Facts
Prosecutors in Romania have charged Calin Georgescu with planning violence after the cancelled presidential elections.
Georgescu, a former presidential candidate, is accused alongside mercenary Horatiu Potra.
Potra allegedly formed a group with weapons, planning an attack on Bucharest.
Police stopped the group after receiving a tip-off via an emergency call.
Russia was accused of meddling in Romania's elections, but Moscow denies this.
Potra is seeking asylum in Russia and has been indicted in absentia.
The rerun of elections in May saw Nicusor Dan win, with implications for Romania's role in NATO.
Romanian prosecutors noted a year-long pattern of "hybrid attacks" to disrupt state functions.
Two British Labour MPs, Simon Opher and Peter Prinsley, were denied entry to Israel while attempting to visit the West Bank. They were part of a parliamentary group aiming to observe healthcare work being done in the region. The UK Foreign Office expressed concern over Israel's decision to block the MPs' visit.
Key Facts
Simon Opher and Peter Prinsley are Labour MPs from the UK.
They were traveling with a parliamentary delegation to visit the West Bank.
Israeli authorities denied them entry, citing "public order" reasons.
The MPs planned to examine medical facilities to see how they might assist.
They were also slated to meet the British Consul General and human rights organizations.
The UK Foreign Office criticized the decision as "unacceptable."
This incident follows previous entry denials of Labour MPs by Israel.
The trip was organized by the Council for Arab-British Understanding (CAABU).
Young people in Nepal protested against the government's corruption and inequality, leading to the government's collapse in under 48 hours. The protests resulted in significant damage across the country, and the financial loss could be nearly half of Nepal's GDP.
Key Facts
Protests in Nepal led to the fall of the government in less than 48 hours.
The unrest resulted in 72 deaths, making it the deadliest in decades.
Protestors damaged official buildings and luxury hotels, including the Hilton in Kathmandu.
Financial losses from the protests are estimated to be around 3 trillion Nepalese rupees.
The protests were driven by frustration with political corruption and inequality.
Young Nepalis expressed anger at the wealth flaunted by politicians' children, called "nepo babies."
Nepal has faced political instability, with 14 governments in 17 years since becoming a republic in 2008.
Nepal's GDP per capita is below $1,500, placing it as the second poorest in South Asia after Afghanistan.
South Korean engineers working temporarily in Georgia, USA, faced an unexpected immigration raid. They were detained and later allowed to leave voluntarily after initial claims of being in the country illegally. The engineers were in the U.S. to assist with building an electric car battery plant.
Key Facts
Over 300 South Korean workers were detained in Georgia during an immigration raid.
The raid occurred in one of the largest immigration actions during Donald Trump's presidency.
The workers were employed to assist in building an electric car battery plant for Hyundai and LG.
U.S. officials claimed the workers had incorrect visas, but later allowed them to leave without penalties.
Many workers had valid visas or were under a visa waiver program.
The detained workers reported being handcuffed, chained, and transported to a detention center.
Conditions at the detention center were described as harsh, with detainees initially lacking blankets and warmth.
The workers returned to South Korea after an agreement was reached.
The Cleveland Browns are considering a quarterback change, with the possibility of Dillon Gabriel replacing Joe Flacco as the starter. Reports suggest the change might occur during the October 19 game against the Miami Dolphins. Until then, Joe Flacco will continue as the starting quarterback.
Key Facts
The Cleveland Browns have lost their first two games of the 2025 NFL season.
Joe Flacco is currently the starting quarterback for the Browns.
Dillon Gabriel is the likely candidate to replace Flacco as the starting quarterback.
Gabriel played briefly in Week 2, completing three passes for 20 yards and a touchdown.
Jason Lloyd from The Athletic speculated that the Browns might change quarterbacks on October 19 against the Miami Dolphins.
Coach Kevin Stefanski has not committed to making a quarterback change yet.
The Browns will play four more games before the potential date to switch quarterbacks.
Joe Flacco's current season stats include 489 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions with a 62.2% completion rate.
Greta Otteson and her fiancé, Arno Quinton, died from methanol poisoning in Vietnam after drinking contaminated limoncello. The couple's parents are seeking justice, but police have not provided further updates after arresting a barman for violating food safety regulations. Methanol is a toxic type of alcohol often used in non-drink products, unlike ethanol, which is safe for drinking.
Key Facts
Greta Otteson and Arno Quinton died on Boxing Day in Hoi An, Vietnam.
Their deaths were caused by methanol poisoning from limoncello.
Methanol is a poisonous alcohol not meant for drinking, unlike ethanol.
The couple messaged family about feeling unwell before dying.
Police arrested a barman in February for making the contaminated limoncello.
Greta and Arno had been living in Vietnam and owned a villa rental business.
The couple's parents have not received new information from authorities since the arrest.
Greta's parents are unable to find closure until they have more answers.
Indian troops took part in the Zapad-2025 military drills led by Russia and Belarus. This participation occurs as India's trade relationship with the U.S. faces challenges due to high tariffs. India sent 65 military personnel to these exercises, which also included participants from several other countries.
Key Facts
Indian troops joined the Zapad-2025 military exercises organized by Russia and Belarus.
The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed the participation of 65 military personnel.
The exercises aimed to show military readiness, involving around 100,000 troops with nuclear-capable bombers and warships.
The event occurred amid tensions between NATO countries and Russia.
Other countries, including Iran, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mali, also participated.
The U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports, adding strain to India-U.S. relations.
India has a long-standing defense relationship with Russia, dating back to the Soviet era.
India is in ongoing negotiations with the U.S. to address trade issues.
Microsoft plans a $30 billion investment in the UK to boost the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, which they say could increase the UK's economy by 10% in five years. This forms part of a larger $31 billion agreement involving other tech giants like Nvidia and Google. The investment includes building a new supercomputer and creating new data centers in the UK.
Key Facts
Microsoft is investing $30 billion in the UK's AI sector, the largest investment outside the US.
The investment is part of a $31 billion deal involving US tech companies to enhance UK AI infrastructure.
A new supercomputer will be built in Loughton, Essex, as part of this project.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella believes AI can significantly boost economic growth, similar to past technologies like personal computers.
There are concerns about the high energy use of AI technologies.
The investment is expected to create new jobs and modernize infrastructure.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer sees this as a major step in US-UK relations.
There are worries that the UK could become too dependent on foreign tech investments.
A man named George Zinn falsely claimed he shot Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University to help the real suspect escape. Authorities identified Tyler Robinson as the primary suspect in the killing of Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator. Zinn faces charges of obstruction of justice and possession of child sex abuse material.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk was shot at Utah Valley University on September 10.
George Zinn, 71, falsely confessed to being the shooter to distract police from the real gunman.
Tyler Robinson, age 22, is the main suspect in Kirk’s killing.
Zinn faces charges of obstruction of justice and possession of child sexual abuse images.
Police found more than 20 illegal images on Zinn’s devices.
A judge ordered that Zinn be held without bail and labeled him a danger to the community.
Zinn is known for causing disruptions at public events and has a history of minor crimes.
