About 19 million children in Nigeria are not going to school because they and their families fear kidnappings. Since a major kidnapping event in 2014, Nigeria has experienced many school kidnappings, which makes parents hesitate to send their children to school.
Key Facts
Around 19 million children in Nigeria are out of school.
This equals about 27% of Nigerian children, one of the highest rates worldwide.
Kidnappings from schools are a major reason for children avoiding education.
The 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping marked a significant increase in such attacks.
On May 15th, 46 children and teachers were kidnapped in Oyo state but were safely released on July 10th.
Fear of abduction is a serious obstacle to schooling in Nigeria.
Groups like Boko Haram have been linked to these kidnappings.
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The Lebanese army has started sending troops into a small area in southern Lebanon after Israeli forces withdrew as part of a US-brokered deal. This move aims to reduce tensions following recent fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
Key Facts
Lebanese troops entered the village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh in the south.
Israeli forces began pulling out of this "pilot zone" as agreed last month with US help.
The plan includes disarming Hezbollah, a group supported by Iran.
A meeting is planned in Washington between President Donald Trump and Lebanon’s leader Joseph Aoun to discuss further Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese control.
The recent conflict started when Hezbollah fired rockets after a strike killed Iran’s supreme leader.
Over 4,300 people have died in Lebanon, including many civilians.
Israel reports 37 soldiers and 4 civilians killed during the conflict.
The situation remains tense as both sides negotiate peace steps.
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Andy Burnham has become the new prime minister of the United Kingdom, the seventh in ten years. He plans to introduce a ten-year plan to change the country's politics and economy, moving away from policies that started in the 1980s.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham became the UK prime minister in July 2026.
He is the seventh prime minister in the last ten years.
Burnham promises a ten-year program for a new political and economic approach.
His plan moves away from neoliberal policies that began in the 1980s.
Key challenges include addressing the high cost of living.
Another challenge is the growing support for far-right political groups.
He has named the members of his new government.
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Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign after police clashed with student protesters demanding education reforms in New Delhi. The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party, focused on removing the Education Minister and improving the education system.
Key Facts
Rahul Gandhi demanded PM Modi's resignation for the police crackdown on student protests.
Police injured about 60 protesters; protesters also injured at least 118 police officers in clashes.
The protests were triggered by calls to remove Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) started online in May and has gained millions of followers.
Protesters have camped at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar site, continuing to press for education reforms.
The protests follow scandals involving leaked exam papers affecting millions of medical and high school students.
Parliament was adjourned after opposition demanded debate on police actions against protesters.
The government arrested some people linked to exam paper leaks and plans a "foolproof system" to prevent future cheating.
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India's opposition leader, Rahul Gandhi, demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi resign, blaming him for harming the future of young people. Youth-led protests called the "Cockroach movement" continued in New Delhi, opposing education policies and calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, despite police using tear gas and batons to break up marches.
Key Facts
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition Congress Party, called for Modi to step down due to his handling of youth and education issues.
The Cockroach movement is a youth-led protest group demanding education reforms and the removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Protests in New Delhi saw clashes with police, with about 60 protesters and over 100 police officers reported injured.
Police used tear gas and batons to disperse demonstrators marching towards the Indian parliament.
Hundreds of protesters remained camped at Jantar Mantar site, continuing their demands.
The Cockroach Janta Party has gained millions of followers on social media since its start in May.
Protest leaders and participants condemned police violence and vowed to continue their demonstrations.
Rahul Gandhi and other opposition lawmakers held a sit-in protest outside Modi’s residence, some tying zip ties on their wrists as a symbol.
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Tropical Storm Bertha is moving slowly near the northern Gulf Coast, bringing heavy rain, coastal flooding, and a dangerous storm surge to parts of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center expects Bertha to remain a tropical storm and worsen flooding risks through the week.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Bertha became the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
The storm is currently about 125 miles south of Panama City, Florida, with winds of 50 mph moving northwest at 2 mph.
Bertha is forecast to move near the northern Gulf Coast, approaching southeastern Louisiana by Wednesday.
A Storm Surge Watch is in effect from the Alabama-Florida border to the mouth of the Mississippi River with water levels possibly rising 2 to 4 feet above normal.
Heavy rainfall totaling 2 to 4 inches is expected along the Gulf Coast, with some areas possibly seeing up to 8 inches.
Flash flooding and isolated tornadoes are possible, especially in urban and low-lying areas.
Tropical Storm Warnings cover parts of the Gulf Coast from the Alabama-Florida border to areas in Louisiana.
Experts say hostile wind and dry air may limit the storm's strengthening, with rainfall being the main threat.
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A Moroccan man named Abderrahim Fakir died while being restrained by police in Bologna, Italy. His death has caused protests and calls for justice, with some comparing the case to the death of George Floyd in the United States.
Key Facts
Abderrahim Fakir, a Moroccan man, died under police restraint in Bologna.
He reportedly asked for help during the restraint before he died.
The incident has led to violent protests in the city.
Human rights groups and opposition parties in Italy want answers about the death.
The case has been compared to George Floyd’s death in the U.S. in 2020.
Some comparisons have also been made to past tactics used by U.S. Immigration police (ICE) under President Donald Trump.
The protests reflect wider concerns about police brutality in Italy.
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The United States has carried out airstrikes on Iran for ten nights in a row after American soldiers were killed in Jordan and Iraq. Iran says it is in a full-scale war with the U.S., while both sides show some signs of wanting to reduce tensions.
Key Facts
The U.S. has bombed Iran for ten consecutive nights.
The strikes followed attacks that killed American soldiers in Jordan and Iraq.
The U.S. wants Iran to stop attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
Iran declared it is at full-scale war with the United States.
Experts worry the conflict is caught in a dangerous cycle with no easy way to end it.
Despite ongoing attacks, both countries have shown signs of seeking ways to lower tensions.
The conflict affects countries in the Middle East and concerns global security.
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Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) needs to work as a team to protect itself from outside pressures. This statement was made during the ASEAN summit held in Manila.
Key Facts
Theresa Lazaro is the Philippine Foreign Secretary.
She spoke at the ASEAN summit in Manila.
ASEAN is a group of Southeast Asian countries.
Lazaro emphasized the need for unity within ASEAN.
The goal is to protect the group from outside influence or pressure.
The summit brought together member countries to discuss regional issues.
ASEAN focuses on cooperation and regional stability among its members.
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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will meet President Donald Trump as Israel begins its first military withdrawal from southern Lebanon under a U.S.-arranged agreement. The withdrawal is a test to give control of certain areas to the Lebanese Armed Forces and reduce Hezbollah’s presence.
Key Facts
President Aoun will visit the White House, the first Lebanese president to do so since 2009.
Israel started pulling back its troops from several villages in southern Lebanon as part of a pilot agreement brokered by the U.S.
The Lebanese Armed Forces will take responsibility for securing these areas and clearing out Hezbollah’s weapons.
The U.S. is working with Israel and Lebanon to decide who will verify that the Lebanese Armed Forces have fully cleared the zones.
The withdrawal is seen as a test of Lebanese government control and a step toward possible peace between Israel and Lebanon.
U.S. officials warn that any Hezbollah attempts to interfere could harm peace efforts and the well-being of Lebanese citizens.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio supports strengthening Lebanon’s government and military to replace Hezbollah’s influence.
President Trump is encouraging Israel to continue its withdrawal but expects major progress after Israel’s elections in October.
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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited the White House in Washington. This visit is seen as a symbolic gesture to reposition Lebanon amid complex regional issues involving Iran, Hezbollah, Israel, and the U.S.
Key Facts
President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon visited Washington, D.C.
The visit aimed more at signaling Lebanon’s place in the region than creating immediate policy changes.
Lebanon faces intertwined challenges involving its own politics, Israeli security concerns, and U.S. strategy in the Middle East.
Iranian influence and Hezbollah’s changing role are important factors affecting Lebanon.
The situation in the Middle East cannot be fully understood by looking at one issue alone; all are linked.
The article discusses whether this visit relates to a new U.S. strategy to contain Iran’s influence.
The discussion includes regional tensions and ongoing conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the U.S.
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The United States has carried out attacks on Iran for ten nights in a row, targeting military sites. Iran responded by attacking US military assets in the Gulf and reported fires on two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
The US attacked Iranian military command centers, missile and drone sites, and air defense systems.
Explosions were reported in Iranian cities and islands including Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, and Shiraz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked US military radar and defense systems in Bahrain and Kuwait.
The IRGC claimed its missiles destroyed Amazon’s data infrastructure, according to Iranian semi-official sources.
Two oil tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after an explosion, and crews were being evacuated.
The IRGC warned shipping companies against using the southern route in the Strait of Hormuz due to the danger.
The US White House said strikes would continue until President Trump decides otherwise but mentioned ongoing diplomatic talks.
The IRGC said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as long as US attacks continue, stopping oil and gas exports from the region.
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Andy Burnham has become the new UK Prime Minister and promised to lower VAT on household electricity bills starting October 1. However, former ministers from the previous government led by Sir Keir Starmer criticized the new government’s unfunded policies, especially around Digital ID costs.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the new Prime Minister of the UK.
He announced a plan to cut VAT on electricity bills from October 1.
Darren Jones, a former senior official under Starmer, criticized the funding of new policies, especially the Digital ID program.
The Digital ID program’s costs, about £0.6 billion annually, have not been clearly funded.
Several ministers loyal to previous Prime Minister Keir Starmer were removed or resigned in the recent government reshuffle.
Wes Streeting was appointed as the new Defence Secretary.
Andy Burnham said his government must explain how it will pay for new policies.
The reshuffle caused tension within the Labour Party, which previously wanted to avoid internal conflict.
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New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani says the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be taken seriously. This is despite President Donald Trump’s statement that Netanyahu would not be arrested if he visits the United States.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York.
The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Mamdani believes the warrant should be taken seriously.
President Donald Trump said Netanyahu would not be arrested during a visit.
Mamdani denied reports that his administration planned meetings with Iranian consulate officials.
The ICC is an international court that can issue warrants for crimes under international law.
The article focuses on international legal and political issues involving Netanyahu and the ICC.
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A Moroccan-born man named Abderrahim Fakir died in Bologna, Italy, while police were restraining him during an attempted arrest. His death led to protests and clashes between demonstrators and police.
Key Facts
Abderrahim Fakir was a 42-year-old entrepreneur from Morocco who ran a small removal and cleaning business.
Police tried to arrest Fakir after reports of aggressive behavior and property damage.
Video footage shows Fakir being held face-down by police officers while calling for help before he stops moving.
Fakir had health issues, including heart problems and asthma.
Protesters gathered in Bologna, some throwing firecrackers, causing police to respond with tear gas and water cannons.
Authorities have started an investigation into the incident and will review bodycam footage from involved officers.
Government officials expressed varying reactions, with some condemning the protests and others calling for accountability.
Fakir’s family publicly asked for justice following his death.
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Nigel Farage and his Reform UK party are facing a political scandal after it was revealed that cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne gave Farage a large undeclared gift and significant funding to his party. Farage resigned from Parliament and is running again for his seat amid ongoing investigations into the party’s funding and ties to controversial figures.
Key Facts
Christopher Harborne, a cryptocurrency billionaire, gave Nigel Farage a £5 million ($6.7 million) undeclared personal gift before Farage became an MP.
Harborne also donated about £25 million ($33.6 million) directly to the Reform UK party.
Farage resigned from Parliament and is campaigning to win his Clacton seat again.
Other major UK parties have not put forward candidates against Farage, leaving a satirical candidate, Count Binface, as his main opponent.
Investigations are ongoing into Reform UK’s donations and Farage’s connections, including links to Tether, a cryptocurrency linked by some to criminal activity.
Reform UK’s support has been negatively affected by the scandal in recent elections.
Farage’s political stance strongly supports cryptocurrency and opposes government regulation of it.
Economists say cryptocurrency aims to remove money control from traditional banks and governments, appealing to far-right and libertarian politicians.
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A Russian warship called the Neustrashimy fired its guns in a live exercise about 45 miles south of Plymouth, UK, while being watched by a British ship. The event was unusual because such firing drills near another country usually happen with advance warning, but this one was done on short notice in international waters.
Key Facts
The Russian warship Neustrashimy carried out a 30-minute live-fire drill near the UK coast.
The exercise took place roughly 45 miles south of Plymouth in the English Channel.
A British ship, HMS Tyne, was tracking the Russian vessel and moved away for safety during the firing.
The Neustrashimy is a 130-meter frigate armed with missiles, a 100mm gun, and machine guns.
It replaced another Russian frigate, Admiral Grigorovich, which had been near the UK for three months.
Russian warships have frequently been near UK waters in 2026, sometimes firing warning shots close to British civilians.
Tensions between the UK and Russia are high, especially after the UK seized a Russia-linked oil tanker in the Channel last month.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence said the Royal Navy is watching the Russian ship and ready to protect UK security.
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Thousands of young protesters in Delhi continue to demand education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after a police crackdown. Police used batons and tear gas to disperse protesters, causing injuries on both sides, and detained many people while the government held limited talks with protest leaders.
Key Facts
The protest is led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth movement seeking education changes and the resignation of the Education Minister.
Police used force including batons and tear gas on protesters, injuring at least 60 demonstrators and 118 police personnel.
About 70 protesters were detained during the clashes.
The CJP was inspired by a remark from India's chief justice, who called some young people "cockroaches," which sparked outrage.
The movement has grown large enough to gather tens of thousands of people, despite not being an official political party.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protests and began a hunger strike but was removed by police and taken to hospital.
Opposition leaders and public figures support the protesters and have criticized the government’s response.
A government minister met some protest leaders but no clear promises or solutions resulted from the talks.
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A wildfire in Scotland’s Cairngorms has been burning for seven days, with helicopters used to drop water on hard-to-reach areas. Firefighters and other teams have worked on the ground, but questions remain about whether Scotland has enough specialist helicopters to respond quickly to such fires.
Key Facts
The Cairngorms wildfire started last Wednesday near Ryvoan Bothy and has lasted a week.
Two specialist helicopters have been used for waterbombing areas that are difficult to reach.
Over 100 firefighters, plus gamekeepers, estate workers, and volunteers, have helped fight the fire.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) does not own firefighting helicopters and must rely on private companies.
Helicopter use depends on approval from the fire incident commander and agreement on costs with landowners or public agencies.
Some locals feel the fire might have been controlled sooner if helicopters had been called earlier.
The decision to use helicopters is made by multiple agencies, including Forestry and Land Scotland and NatureScot.
Helicopter pilots bring valuable experience and input during firefighting operations.
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The North American monsoon is expected to bring more rain than usual in parts of the U.S. Southwest this summer, which may provide some short-term relief from drought. However, experts say this rain will not significantly improve the very low water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the two largest U.S. reservoirs that rely mainly on mountain snow melting.
Key Facts
Lake Powell is 23% full, and Lake Mead is 27% full as of July 19, both well below normal levels.
These lakes store water from the Colorado River, which serves cities, farms, and tribal areas in the West.
The North American monsoon runs roughly from June 15 to September 30 and brings storms and rain to the Southwest.
Forecasts predict above-average rainfall for parts of the Southwest during the 2026 monsoon season.
Despite this, the monsoon rain will have little effect on the flow of the Colorado River or reservoir water levels.
Most water (85-95%) filling these reservoirs comes from snow melting in the Rocky Mountains, not summer rains.
Monsoon rains mainly help local farming by providing temporary water but do not greatly change reservoir supplies.
Water inflow to Lake Powell for the coming year is expected to be much below average, only 36% of normal.
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