In a Ukrainian school near Kyiv, children of service members learn to fly and build drones in an after-school program. The lessons prepare them for future careers in technology and defense amid the ongoing war with Russia, where drones play a major role on the battlefield.
Key Facts
The school was damaged in a recent Russian drone attack, with repairs costing around $500,000.
The nonprofit group Dignitas runs Tech Explorers, a free program teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through drone flying.
Students learn to pilot first-person-view (FPV) drones, build drone frames using 3D printers, and repair drones.
Drones cause about 90% of combat casualties in Ukraine’s war but are also used for medical evacuations, logistics, and civilian tasks like farming.
Eduard, a 14-year-old student, is skilled enough to assist in teaching drone flying and has built his own drones.
The program aims to equip children with technical skills for a future shaped by the war and to develop personal interests in new industries.
Ukraine’s defense and tech industries have grown, with defense production expected to reach $55 billion in 2024 and the IT sector making up over 3% of GDP.
Schools across Ukraine have added basic medicine and pre-military training to adapt to wartime needs, while Tech Explorers focuses on fostering passion and career opportunities.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he does not plan to call an early general election and that there will be no election "anytime soon." He said his priority is helping people with the cost of living and supporting businesses, rather than starting election campaigns.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the current Prime Minister.
He replaced Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister in July.
Recent polls show Labour’s popularity has improved under Burnham.
Some advisers have discussed the idea of an election as early as next year.
Burnham rejected the idea of an early election during BBC interviews.
The next general election must happen by August 2029 at the latest.
Burnham wants to focus on solving current economic problems instead of election politics.
Labour is expected to remain the largest party but might lose its majority in a snap election.
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Pope Leo began a three-day visit to France by warning that artificial intelligence (AI) could harm human values if people do not learn to act ethically. He emphasized that technology should serve humans and not become a tool for control or unfairness, also criticizing world leaders who misuse the law for their own benefit.
Key Facts
Pope Leo spoke against losing humanity in a world dominated by machines and AI.
He called for education in ethical decision-making to guide the use of AI and technology.
The pope stressed that technology must help people and not become an instrument of injustice or domination.
Pope Leo criticized some leaders for respecting the law only when it suits them and treating justice like a commodity.
The pope’s visit to France is the first full papal visit in 18 years and occurs as President Emmanuel Macron’s term nears its end.
He expressed concern about recent laws in France allowing assisted dying and the risks of turning science into profit-driven ventures like genetic manipulation.
Pope Leo plans to hold a large outdoor mass and call for peace amid ongoing conflicts, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
He will also meet survivors of clerical sex abuse and support compensation efforts following a report on abuse in the French Catholic Church.
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The UK Ministry of Defence found 97 million previously undisclosed documents related to an inquiry into alleged war crimes by British special forces in Afghanistan. This large discovery happened more than three years after the inquiry began and raised concerns about the handling of evidence.
Key Facts
The inquiry was set up in 2022 to investigate alleged war crimes by the SAS from 2010 to 2013 during night raids in Afghanistan.
The Ministry of Defence called the discovery of the documents a "regrettable failure" and apologized for poor communication.
The documents include thousands of possibly relevant files and photos taken during special forces operations under investigation.
The inquiry chair, Lord Justice Haddon-Cave, criticized the Ministry of Defence for informing the inquiry team in a casual way.
Forensic experts are examining photos to check if SAS accounts match the physical evidence seen.
The inquiry follows BBC reports exposing possible unlawful killings by SAS troops, including children and detainees.
The Ministry of Defence said it is working hard and spending a lot to review the documents and aims to prevent similar problems in future.
Families of victims called the late discovery "staggering" and want the full truth about their loved ones’ deaths.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he will not call a general election before 2029 despite recent polls showing increased support for his Labour party. He emphasized his focus is on governing and delivering results rather than seeking early elections.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham said the next general election will be held in 2029.
There was speculation about an early election after Labour’s poll numbers improved.
Burnham stated he is focused on doing his job, not on calling an early election.
Labour’s 2024 manifesto economist, Ravinder Athwal, joined Chancellor John Healey’s team as an adviser.
Labour is preparing policy ideas for the upcoming party conference, including plans for reforming the water industry.
Polls show Labour gaining left-leaning voters, and tactical voting could help Labour gain a majority.
Reform UK’s support is declining as some voters shift back to Labour.
Burnham replaced Keir Starmer as Labour leader earlier in the summer.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at the United Nations, defending Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities and criticizing political opponents, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Many diplomats walked out of his speech in protest, while Netanyahu praised President Trump’s support for Israel.
Key Facts
Netanyahu said attacking Iran’s nuclear sites was a difficult but necessary decision to protect lives.
Dozens of diplomats left the hall before Netanyahu’s speech began to protest his remarks.
Netanyahu called out leaders and governments he accused of spreading lies about Israel and promoting hatred against Jews.
He directly criticized NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling him antisemitic for comparing Israel’s actions to genocide.
Mamdani responded by accusing Netanyahu of lying and being subject to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UN by video because the U.S. denied him a visa.
Netanyahu is expected to spend less than a day in the U.S. and not meet with President Trump, highlighting tense relations.
Despite tensions, Netanyahu praised President Trump as Israel’s strongest ally against enemies.
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President Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to stop helping Iran during a recent talk. The U.S. wants China to stop providing military and economic support to Iran because it makes it harder to pressure Iran during the ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
President Trump told Xi Jinping to stop any aid to Iran, including military help and intelligence.
China has been supporting Iran with weapons, technology, and economic aid, which weakens U.S. efforts to isolate Iran.
Iran has used images from Chinese satellites to track U.S. military ships in the Middle East.
The U.S. adjusted its military operations to protect Navy ships from Iranian targeting.
China said it wants peaceful talks and encouraged a nuclear deal with Iran.
U.S. envoys recently negotiated indirectly with Iranian officials in New York, with Qatar helping as a mediator.
Iran wants the U.S. to lift some restrictions and end its naval blockade before reopening talks.
The U.S. said Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz and cannot make demands about it.
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A new study from Sweden found that giving probiotics to very premature babies helped reduce the chances of severe bowel disease and death. The research looked at babies born between 28 and 31 weeks and showed fewer cases of a serious intestinal illness called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in those who received probiotics.
Key Facts
The study was done by the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and published in JAMA Network Open.
Probiotics are supplements that support healthy gut bacteria.
Babies given probiotics had much lower rates of severe NEC needing surgery (1 case) compared to those without probiotics (40 cases).
The study compared outcomes before and after probiotics were introduced in Sweden’s neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
NEC is a dangerous condition where the intestine becomes inflamed and can lead to death.
No cases of probiotic-related infections were reported in the treated babies.
The study was observational, so it cannot prove probiotics directly caused the benefits.
A large ongoing trial is testing probiotics in even earlier premature babies (before 28 weeks).
Experts advise parents to discuss probiotic use with doctors since over-the-counter probiotics are not safe for premature infants.
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A 28-year-old British climber died after falling about 60 meters while coming down from Torrecerredo, one of the highest mountains in northern Spain. Rescue teams recovered his body near the mountain’s summit, and local authorities are investigating the accident.
Key Facts
The climber fell about 60 meters (200 feet) into a vertical gully on Torrecerredo mountain.
The fall happened while he was roughly 20 meters from the summit.
Torrecerredo is about 2,650 meters high and is located in the Picos de Europa mountain range, popular with climbers.
Mountain rescue teams, including specialists lowered by winch, recovered the climber’s body and belongings.
The identity of the climber has not been publicly released, but he was British.
The UK Foreign Office is in contact with Spanish authorities regarding the incident.
The climber’s body was taken to the Institute of Legal Medicine in Asturias for examination.
A 54-year-old French woman was also injured in the same mountain range and taken to hospital.
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Pope Leo XIV began his visit to France by raising concerns about the effects of technology like artificial intelligence on humanity. He spoke against nuclear weapons, urged peace through dialogue, and addressed ethical challenges in a country known for strong secular values.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV warned that relying too much on machines could harm what makes humans unique.
He criticized the nuclear deterrence approach, saying it only increases the arms race.
The pope’s visit to France is the first official papal state visit in 18 years.
He spoke at the Élysée Palace to President Emmanuel Macron and at UNESCO to diplomats and U.N. staff.
France has legalized abortion and allowed lethal medication for incurable illnesses, policies opposed by the French Catholic Church.
Macron sees the pope’s visit as a hopeful sign for many French people during difficult political times.
Over one million people are expected to see the pope during his four-day visit.
Pope Leo XIV wants to highlight and strengthen Europe's Christian heritage and values about human life.
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Pope Leo XIV arrived in France for a four-day visit, where he spoke before a large Mass in central Paris attended by over half a million people. President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the Pope at the airport and hosted him at the Élysée Palace, where they discussed global issues and artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV is visiting France for four days.
Over 500,000 people are expected to attend a Mass in Paris led by the Pope.
President Emmanuel Macron greeted the Pope at Orly airport.
The Pope spoke at the Élysée Palace about geopolitical topics and AI (artificial intelligence).
The visit reflects growing interest in spirituality among the French, according to the Church.
The event attracted a large public turnout, showing significant enthusiasm.
The visit highlights the Pope’s role in addressing both religious and global issues.
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Iran has proposed a plan to reopen the strait of Hormuz within seven days and start talks on its nuclear program. This plan requires President Trump to lift sanctions, allow Iran to export oil, and ask Israel to stop attacks on Hezbollah, which are difficult demands amid tense political and military situations.
Key Facts
Iran wants to reopen the strait of Hormuz in seven days, which would help stabilize global energy markets.
The deal includes lifting U.S. sanctions on Iran’s oil and releasing frozen Iranian assets.
Iran expects President Trump to stop Israeli military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Iran has shared the plan with China and Oman, getting their support.
The plan speeds up nuclear negotiations, cutting the wait from 60 days to 7 days.
Iranian officials doubt the U.S. will accept the conditions, citing past conflicts despite talks.
Saudi Arabia is concerned because the new shipping route is only agreed upon by Iran and Oman, not Gulf states.
Iran’s foreign minister says the conditions are based on a previous agreement Trump signed in June but now demands faster action.
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President Donald Trump invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the G20 summit in Miami, but the Kremlin has not yet decided if Putin will go. Some Russian media see the invitation as unnecessary, and some world leaders fear it could encourage Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Key Facts
President Trump invited President Putin to the G20 summit in Miami, starting December 14.
The Kremlin welcomed the invitation but has not yet decided if Putin will attend.
A Kremlin-controlled Russian newspaper said the trip could be harmful and unnecessary.
The Russian newspaper called the increased talks between the U.S. and Russia about ending the war "white noise."
Some leaders, like Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and EU foreign affairs head Kaja Kallas, criticized the invitation, saying it might encourage Russian aggression.
Putin last attended the G20 summit in 2019 and has met Trump before in Alaska in 2025.
Trump’s envoys have tried to promote talks between Russia and Ukraine with some progress, but no agreements so far.
Putin’s attendance could lead to political pressure or protests from other G20 leaders and Ukraine’s President Zelensky.
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Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government examined the risk of a U.S. military attack after President Donald Trump jokingly called Canada the 51st U.S. state. Although Canada and the U.S. work closely on defense, the U.S. military is much larger, and Canada has studied how it might respond to a potential U.S. invasion for the first time in 100 years.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada considered the unlikely risk of a U.S. attack after repeated comments from President Trump.
Trump’s remarks calling Canada the U.S.’s 51st state have hurt relations between the two countries.
Canada and the U.S. are military partners, sharing intelligence through the Five Eyes network and operating NORAD, a joint defense command.
Canada mainly focuses its military on defending its own land and NATO missions, while the U.S. has a global military presence.
The U.S. plans to spend $1.5 trillion on defense by 2027, while Canada plans to increase spending to about 4% of its GDP by 2030, below the NATO target of 5%.
Canada does not have nuclear weapons; the U.S. is a major nuclear power with global strike capability.
Canada had about 63,000 active military personnel at the end of 2025, much smaller than the U.S. forces.
Canada last modeled a potential U.S. invasion and response about 100 years ago and resumed such planning recently.
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Students across Germany are striking to protest against the possible return of compulsory military service. Germany’s government introduced a voluntary military service law earlier this year but is considering compulsory service if not enough volunteers join or if security risks rise.
Key Facts
Students are protesting against the possible return of compulsory military service in Germany.
Germany started a voluntary military service law in January to recruit more soldiers.
If not enough people volunteer, Germany’s parliament might bring back compulsory service.
All 18-year-old men in Germany must fill out a questionnaire about military service and take a medical exam.
Some 18-year-olds were invited to medical exams even though they said they were not interested in joining.
More than 100 protests are planned across Germany, including in major cities like Hamburg, Berlin, and Frankfurt.
Germany wants to increase its army from about 186,700 troops to 260,000 by the early 2030s.
The decision to boost military numbers follows concerns about Russia and pressure from the United States.
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Pope Leo XIV led an evening prayer service called Vespers at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on September 25, 2026. This event was part of his four-day visit to France, during which he focused on themes of faith, peace, human dignity, and technology.
Key Facts
The event took place at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Pope Leo XIV led the Vespers service on September 25, 2026.
The Pope's visit to France lasted four days.
The visit highlighted religious faith as the main focus.
Topics related to the visit included peace and human dignity.
The Pope also addressed issues related to technology.
France 24 covered the event live and provided analysis.
The Pope was welcomed at multiple locations in Paris during his visit.
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Five senior military officials in Kazakhstan were detained after 14 service members died when they were swept into the Caspian Sea during a military exercise. The investigation is focused on whether safety rules and weather conditions were properly considered.
Key Facts
14 service members died and 3 were rescued after being swept into the Caspian Sea.
The incident happened during a combat training mission amid worsening weather and strong winds.
The location was about 43 km from the city of Aktau in southwestern Kazakhstan.
Five senior officials were detained, including the chief of staff and several commanders.
The officials are suspected of criminal negligence related to the incident.
An interior ministry committee started a pretrial investigation to review the exercise's planning, safety, and boat conditions.
Over 500 military personnel and equipment were involved in the Caspian Defense 2026 military exercise.
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President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Washington while other leaders gathered at the UN General Assembly in New York. Their meeting covered important topics like artificial intelligence, trade, Taiwan, and Iran, showing how the United States and China influence global events.
Key Facts
President Trump and President Xi held a meeting in Washington.
The meeting coincided with the UN General Assembly in New York.
They discussed artificial intelligence (AI), which is advanced computer technology that can learn and make decisions.
Trade between the U.S. and China was a key topic.
Taiwan, a region claimed by China but supported by the U.S., was also discussed.
Iran and related issues were part of their talks.
The meeting highlighted the significant roles the U.S. and China play in world affairs.
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Pope Leo XIV traveled through Paris in the popemobile on his way to Notre-Dame Cathedral during his visit to France. He has made topics like transhumanism (using technology to enhance humans) and the ethical issues of artificial intelligence important parts of his leadership.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV visited Paris, France, in September 2026.
He traveled through the city in the popemobile, a special vehicle used by the Pope.
His destination was the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
The Pope has focused on topics such as transhumanism, which involves improving humans through technology.
He has also addressed the ethical challenges related to artificial intelligence.
A theology professor analyzed and explained the significance of these themes in the Pope’s messages.
The visit included speeches at places like UNESCO and the Élysée Palace.
The Pope’s visit highlighted peace, human dignity, and technology.
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President Donald Trump described his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during Xi’s visit to Washington, DC as “very productive.” The leaders focused on artificial intelligence, which Trump suggested renaming “super intelligence,” and planned further discussions on AI cooperation, while no major trade deals were made.
Key Facts
President Trump and President Xi held talks during Xi’s first visit to the US in over ten years.
Trump called the meetings “very productive” without providing many details.
Both leaders discussed artificial intelligence (AI) and agreed on the idea of renaming it “super intelligence.”
Trump announced plans to use “super intelligence” instead of “artificial intelligence” in US government documents.
A state dinner was held, attended by notable figures including Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk sitting with the presidents.
Despite rivalry on AI, the US and China aim to create better communication channels about AI issues.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said discussions did not include the sale of advanced US-made computer chips.
Additional talks on AI between the US and China are planned for the near future.
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