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Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced he will step down after pressure from his party following a significant election defeat. His decision comes as his party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), faces internal divisions and prepares for a leadership election. Ishiba's resignation aims to prevent further division and maintain political stability.
Key Facts
Shigeru Ishiba is stepping down as Japan's Prime Minister.
He faced pressure from his party after losing a majority in a key election.
His party, the Liberal Democratic Party, will hold an early leadership election.
Ishiba's resignation is intended to avoid further division within the party.
The LDP lost the majority in both the upper and lower houses of parliament.
New leadership candidates include several prominent party members.
The next leader will need to cooperate with opposition parties to pass bills.
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A Russian drone attack on Kyiv, Ukraine, killed two people, including a one-year-old baby, and injured 11 others. Russian strikes also targeted infrastructure in Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelensky. The attacks occurred as tensions between Russia and the West continue, with Russian President Vladimir Putin warning against Western military aid to Ukraine.
Key Facts
A Russian drone attack on Kyiv resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to 11 others.
Among those killed in Kyiv was a one-year-old baby.
The attack also targeted Kryvyi Rih, hitting three infrastructure facilities.
Air raid warnings were issued across all regions of Ukraine.
Kyiv's military administration reported damage to residential buildings in specific districts.
Russian President Putin has warned Western countries against aiding Ukraine militarily.
Cruise missiles also targeted Kyiv during the attacks.
Russia has not commented on these reported drone strikes.
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Carlo Acutis, a teenager known as "God's influencer," is set to become the first millennial saint. He used the internet to spread religious messages and catalog eucharistic miracles before his death in 2006. Acutis will be canonized at the Vatican, a ceremony expected to draw many followers.
Key Facts
Carlo Acutis will be canonized, making him the first millennial saint.
He was known for using the internet to promote his faith and document eucharistic miracles.
Acutis died from leukemia at the age of 15 in 2006.
His canonization ceremony will be held at the Vatican and led by Pope Leo XIV.
Carlo Acutis is often called "God's influencer" for his use of technology in faith promotion.
Many people around the world pray to him, and his tomb is livestreamed online.
Items featuring his image are sold in Assisi, a significant place for Catholic pilgrimages.
His parents are alive to see him canonized, which is rare in the process of becoming a saint.
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A film about a five-year-old Palestinian girl named Hind Rajab, who was killed during the conflict in Gaza, won the Silver Lion prize at the Venice Film Festival. The film, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, uses real audio from the girl's last moments. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in many deaths, influenced several discussions at the festival.
Key Facts
"The Voice of Hind Rajab" is a film by French-Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania.
The film tells the true story of Hind Rajab, a five-year-old girl killed by Israeli forces.
It won the Silver Lion prize at the Venice Film Festival.
The film uses real audio from Hind Rajab's call for help before her death.
Israel's conflict in Gaza, which has caused over 64,000 Palestinian deaths, was a significant topic at the festival.
Jim Jarmusch, who won the Golden Lion, wore a badge stating "Enough" to protest the Gaza conflict.
Several award winners, including actors and directors, spoke about the Gaza situation during the festival.
Kaouther Ben Hania said the film aims to preserve Hind Rajab's story and voice.
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Russia launched a large drone and missile attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, marking the biggest aerial strike since the war began. Over 800 drones and decoys were used, with some causing significant damage and casualties, including two deaths and fifteen injuries. Ukraine managed to neutralize most of the attack, but some missiles and drones hit their targets.
Key Facts
Russia used 805 drones and decoys in the attack on Ukraine.
Ukraine's Air Force shot down 747 of the drones and 4 missiles.
There were 9 missile hits and 56 drone strikes across 37 areas in Ukraine.
Smoke was seen rising from the Cabinet of Ministers building in Kyiv.
This is the first time a government building in Kyiv was damaged in the war.
Two people died, including a 1-year-old child, and 15 others were injured.
Debris from the attack hit residential buildings in Kyiv's districts.
The attack followed calls from European leaders for an end to the conflict, with 26 allies pledging support.
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An American instructor named Heather Hall was one of 16 people killed in a funicular crash in Lisbon, Portugal. The crash occurred when a cable on the funicular snapped, causing it to derail and hit a building. Heather Hall, a college teacher from South Carolina, was visiting Lisbon to attend a conference.
Key Facts
Heather Hall was a college instructor from Charleston, South Carolina.
She died in a funicular crash in Lisbon that killed 16 people.
Ms. Hall was in Lisbon to speak at a conference.
The crash happened because the funicular's cable snapped, causing a derailment.
The funicular hit a building when it derailed, traveling at about 60 km/h.
Five Portuguese, three Britons, two South Koreans, two Canadians, an American, a Ukrainian, a Swiss, and a French national were among the deceased.
Heather Hall was remembered for her work in literacy and special education.
The funicular is a historic transport system and tourist attraction in Lisbon.
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The Parsi magazine, Parsiana, based in Mumbai, India, will shut down in October after 60 years due to dropping subscriber numbers and financial issues. The magazine, started in 1964, has been an important resource for the Parsi community worldwide, sharing news and stories about their culture and concerns. Jehangir Patel, who has led the magazine since 1973, noted the magazine's dedication to journalism and covering sensitive community topics.
Key Facts
Parsiana is a magazine for the Parsi community that began in 1964.
The magazine will close in October due to fewer subscribers and financial problems.
Jehangir Patel has been leading the magazine since 1973.
The magazine was known for covering difficult topics like divorce rates and interfaith marriages.
Parsiana has reported on important community events and institutions, such as the Parsi museum in Mumbai.
The team working on the magazine includes many older members who plan to retire with its closure.
The closure has saddened readers and community members who valued its legacy.
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Explosions occurred in several Ukrainian cities due to a large-scale Russian drone attack. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that most of the weapons used by Ukraine are now made domestically. Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the development of Russia's space technology.
Key Facts
Russian drone attacks hit numerous Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro.
A Russian strike in Putyvl, Ukraine, killed one person and injured others, including a child.
Another attack in Zaporizhia wounded at least 15 people.
A Russian drone reportedly dropped leaflets offering money for information to target Ukrainian forces.
A Ukrainian drone strike hit the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant training center, causing no major damage.
Zelenskyy reported that nearly 60% of Ukraine's military weapons are domestically made.
Putin urged for further development of Russia's aerospace technology and military transport engines.
A tanker from Russia's Arctic LNG 2 project docked in China amid ongoing sanctions.
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"My Week with Marilyn" is a film about the short-lived relationship between a young film studio assistant and Marilyn Monroe. The movie takes place during the production of "The Prince and the Showgirl." The film first aired in 2011.
Key Facts
"My Week with Marilyn" is about a young assistant and Marilyn Monroe.
The story is set during the making of a movie called "The Prince and the Showgirl."
The film stars Eddie Redmayne as Marilyn Monroe's assistant.
It was first shown in 2011.
The film has a duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The movie is available for viewing for 25 days.
It contains some strong language.
Additional features include audio descriptions and sign language.
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Reform UK, a political party in Britain, is working to broaden its leadership by showcasing new figures alongside its well-known leader, Nigel Farage. The party aims to increase its influence by recruiting more candidates and winning more seats in future elections. At a recent conference, Reform UK highlighted new faces, like Laila Cunningham and Stephen Atkinson, to support this goal.
Key Facts
Reform UK wants to shift away from being mainly represented by its leader, Nigel Farage.
The party aims to win more seats in councils and parliaments across Britain.
Laila Cunningham is a key new figure, having switched from the Conservative Party to Reform UK and is considered for the 2028 London mayoral election.
Stephen Atkinson left the Conservatives and now leads Lancashire County Council for Reform UK.
Reform UK plans to prepare for potential early elections and increase its political presence.
Former Conservatives like Nadine Dorries have joined Reform UK, indicating a shift in the political landscape.
The party recently held a conference to promote new leaders and discuss strategies.
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Female military veterans in the UK, like Dr. Bex Bennett, say they need more support and recognition for their front-line roles. Dr. Bennett co-founded a group called Sisters in Service to help female veterans connect through meetings and activities. The group addresses challenges women face when leaving the military and adjusting to civilian life.
Key Facts
Dr. Bex Bennett co-founded Sisters in Service to support female military veterans.
The group has 160 members in the UK since starting in May last year.
Dr. Bennett served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is now a forensic psychiatrist.
Women in the military face challenges because their roles are not well understood.
Dr. Bennett trained at Sandhurst and served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
The group offers both in-person and online activities for its members.
Female veterans often avoid traditional military spaces because of stereotypes.
Sisters in Service aims to provide a supportive community for women leaving the Armed Forces.
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Ethiopia has built a large dam, called the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, on the Blue Nile River, which it plans to officially inaugurate soon. The dam has caused tensions with Egypt, as it could reduce the flow of water to Egypt, causing concerns about water shortages. Ethiopia aims to use the dam to increase its electricity supply and boost its economy, despite diplomatic pressures from Egypt.
Key Facts
Ethiopia built the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile River, costing about $5 billion.
The reservoir behind the dam is roughly the size of Greater London.
The dam is Africa's largest hydro-electric plant, intended to meet Ethiopia's energy demands.
Ethiopians view the dam as a national achievement and funded its construction through contributions and bond purchases.
Ethiopia plans to sell electricity to neighboring countries and potentially further afield.
Egypt fears the dam will reduce its water supply from the Nile, which is critical for its population.
The dam stores 64 billion cubic meters of water, which could impact Egypt's annual water share.
Diplomatic tensions exist between Ethiopia and Egypt, with both countries having differing interests regarding Nile waters.
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Egypt plans to turn part of Mount Sinai, a site sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, into a luxury resort. This development involves construction of hotels and shops and impacts the local Bedouin community. Greece has raised concerns due to its connection to the ancient St Catherine's Monastery on the site.
Key Facts
Mount Sinai, also called Jabal Musa, is an important religious site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
The site includes the 6th-century St Catherine's Monastery, the oldest continuously used Christian monastery.
Egypt plans to develop the area into a luxury resort with hotels and shopping areas.
The local Bedouin tribe, known as the Jebeleya, has been forced to relocate due to development.
The Jebeleya had their homes and eco-camps demolished, with little to no compensation.
Greek authorities and the Greek Orthodox Church have opposed the ruling that the monastery is on state land.
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate highlighted the site's historic protection granted by the Prophet Muhammad.
The development has caused tensions between Greece and Egypt due to religious and historical significance.
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Norway is holding a tight election to decide whether to stick with the current Labour-led government or switch to a centre-right leadership. Key issues in the election include the cost of living, wealth tax, and foreign policy, with past Norwegian foreign minister Erna Solberg and Jonas Gahr Støre of Labour as the main contenders. The outcome could be influenced by economic factors and other political issues, including Norway's position on global events.
Key Facts
Norwegians are voting in an election to choose between a Labour-led or a centre-right government.
There are about four million voters in Norway.
Key election issues include the cost of living, wealth tax policies, and inequality.
The wealth tax in Norway affects those whose assets exceed 1.76 million Norwegian kroner.
The Labour party is led by current Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, seeking a second term.
The centre-right consists of the Progress Party led by Sylvi Listhaug and the Høyre party led by Erna Solberg.
Norway's sovereign wealth fund has recently faced political challenges due to its investment policies.
Past Prime Minister Erna Solberg challenges the Labour-led government, aiming to regain power.
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Ukraine uses fake military equipment to trick Russian forces in the ongoing conflict. These decoys, made from materials like wood and inflatable materials, make it appear as if Ukraine has more real weapons than it does. The goal is to make Russia waste its resources on attacking these fake targets.
Key Facts
Ukraine uses fake tanks, guns, and other military equipment to fool Russian forces.
A video showed a Ukrainian soldier laughing at a destroyed fake tank.
These decoys include inflatable models and flat-pack imitations that are easy to set up.
Volunteers in Ukraine help produce these decoys, including models of M777 howitzers.
A group named Na Chasi has made about 160 M777 models for the Ukrainian army.
Some Ukrainian decoys have been hit multiple times but are quickly repaired and reused.
Proper placement of decoys can trick even experienced military personnel.
The use of decoys aims to waste Russian resources on attacking fake equipment.
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A historic pilgrimage for LGBTQ+ Catholics to the Vatican is taking place as part of the Jubilee Year, with 1,400 participants from 20 countries. The pilgrimage includes entering St. Peter's Basilica through the Holy Door, symbolic of reconciliation, but does not include a private audience with Pope Leo XIV. This event follows previous steps taken by deceased Pope Francis to include LGBTQ+ individuals in the Church, though same-sex marriage remains unrecognized by the Vatican.
Key Facts
1,400 LGBTQ+ Catholics are participating in a pilgrimage to the Vatican.
The pilgrimage is recognized officially as part of the Vatican's Jubilee Year.
Pilgrims come from 20 different countries.
Participants entered St. Peter's Basilica through its Holy Door, which opens once every 25 years.
Pope Leo XIV has not yet publicly addressed the LGBTQ+ community.
Former Pope Francis allowed priests to bless same-sex couples under certain conditions, in 2023.
The Vatican still defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
32 million pilgrims are expected to visit the Vatican for the Jubilee celebrations this year.
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Carlo Acutis, born in London, is set to become the first millennial saint. He created websites documenting Catholic miracles and died at age 15 from leukemia. Pope Francis approved his canonization, but it was postponed due to the Pope's passing.
Key Facts
Carlo Acutis was born in London in 1991 and will become the first millennial saint.
He created websites to share Catholic teachings and document miracles.
His canonization was scheduled for April but postponed after Pope Francis passed.
Carlo's body is preserved in Assisi, Italy, a pilgrimage site for many visitors.
Our Lady of Dolours Church in London, where Carlo was baptized, is also seeing more visitors.
Carlo passed away from leukemia at 15 years old.
His mother advocated for his sainthood, citing miracles attributed to him.
The Catholic Church hopes to inspire young people through his canonization.
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Prince Harry will visit the UK to announce a large donation to Children in Need during a charity event in Nottingham. He will also attend the WellChild Awards in London, where he has a long-standing involvement. There is speculation about whether he will meet his father, King Charles, during this visit.
Key Facts
Prince Harry, known as the Duke of Sussex, will announce a donation to Children in Need in Nottingham.
The donation aims to support efforts against violence affecting young people.
Prince Harry moved to the US in 2020 with his wife, Meghan Markle.
He last visited the UK in April for a court hearing about his security protection.
He will attend the WellChild Awards, which support seriously ill children and has been involved for 17 years.
There will be a private briefing with various organizations at the Nottingham event.
No comments have been made about a possible meeting between Prince Harry and King Charles during this visit.
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The article covers multiple topics, including changes in the UK government following the resignation of Angela Rayner, with a focus on immigration and human rights laws. It also mentions Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson discussing uniting against Labour. Additionally, it reports on Jamie Borthwick being removed from EastEnders and issues with the UK's tax office.
Key Facts
Angela Rayner resigned, leading to a UK cabinet reshuffle.
Shabana Mahmood, the new Home Secretary, plans to move migrants from hotels to old military bases.
Labour plans to change human rights laws to handle immigration and counteract Reform UK's support.
Nadine Dorries encouraged Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson to unite against the Labour Party.
Jamie Borthwick, known for EastEnders, was removed after 20 years due to past misconduct.
HMRC, the UK's tax authority, is reportedly losing £46.8 billion annually due to phone service issues.
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The European Union is introducing a new digital border system called the Entry/Exit System (EES) starting October 12. This system will keep track of when non-EU citizens enter and leave the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries. Passengers from the UK will have to register biometric information like fingerprints and photos, which may initially result in long lines.
Key Facts
EES is a digital system for tracking non-EU citizens entering and leaving the Schengen Area.
The Schengen Area includes 29 countries where EU citizens can travel without border checks.
EES will start on October 12 and be phased in over six months, aiming to fully roll out by April 2026.
Passengers will register by having their passports scanned and providing biometric data like fingerprints.
Children under 12 are exempt from giving fingerprints.
Registration is valid for three years and verified on each trip.
Concerns include possible long lines, especially in crowded areas like the port of Dover.
EES is expected to replace the current manual passport stamping system.
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