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Labour’s first 100 days in the UK dubbed ‘worst start in living memory’
London, United Kingdom – Keir Starmer, the British prime minister (PM), is unpopular. According to a YouGov poll conducted on October 8, the 62-year-old former lawyer's favorability ratings have dropped to their lowest level since he took over as Labour leader in 2020, with his popularity declining even more since becoming Prime Minister. According to YouGov, more than six in ten Britons loathe Starmer.
The drop in foreign student visas is troubling for UK universities
According to recent data, overseas students seeking permits to study in the United Kingdom decreased this summer. According to Home Office estimates, 16% fewer visa applications were submitted between July and September than in the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, the number of visa applications for students' family members fell by 89% after the previous government's rule change took effect in January.
Starmer calls on UK regulators to prioritise growth agenda
The Prime Minister's speech at the International Investment Summit in London will occur the same day his government releases an industrial policy green paper. Sir Keir Starmer will encourage Britain's economic regulators to prioritise their mandates to boost economic growth next week as part of a pitch to global investors. The prime minister plans to use a speech at Monday's International Investment Summit to declare that his administration will review watchdogs in various industries to ensure that they do not hinder growth.
Leach leads England’s demolition of Pakistan in the first Test
England's bowlers, led by spinner Jack Leach, ripped through Pakistan's lineup to win the first Test in Multan on Friday after a record partnership between Harry Brook and Joe Root flipped the game. On the fifth day, England's attack dispatched Pakistan's final four batters for 220 to win by an innings and 47 runs and draw first blood in the three-match series. England's fourth successive Test victory on Pakistani soil follows a 3-0 thrashing two years ago. During the previous 61 years, England had only won two away Tests against Pakistan. The victory also included some new milestones for England.
Tata leadership will remain inside the family
The group stated that a day after the death of India's most well-known entrepreneur, Ratan Tata, his half-brother Noel Tata was named the new chairperson of Tata Trusts. Tata Trusts is the company's philanthropic arm, owning a 66% interest in Tata Sons, one of India's largest commercial groups with annual revenues of over $100 billion (£76.5 billion). Noel Tata, 67, is the son of Naval Tata (Ratan's father) and Simone Tata.
Israel again attacks UN personnel in southern Lebanon
A new Israeli attack has wounded United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, the second such incident in as many days. Lebanon's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on Friday that the Israeli army struck a Sri Lankan battalion's watchtower in Naqoura, which is part of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. According to Lebanon's official National News Agency, soldiers of the battalion were wounded by artillery fire from an Israeli Merkava tank.
Japanese atomic bomb survivors receive Nobel Peace Prize
Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese group of atomic bomb survivors, has received the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. The hibakusha are survivors of the 1945 bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Norwegian Nobel Committee has honored its efforts to free the world of nuclear weapons. Nobel Committee Chair Joergen Watne Frydnes stated that the organization "contributed greatly to the establishment of the nuclear taboo."
Sources indicate North Koreans joined Russian forces in Ukraine
North Korean military engineers have been deployed to assist Russia in targeting Ukraine with ballistic missiles, and North Koreans operating in Ukrainian-occupied territory have already been killed, according to top authorities in Kyiv and Seoul. There are dozens of North Koreans behind Russian borders, working on "launcher systems for KN-23 missiles." North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, travelled to Russia last year for a summit with Vladimir Putin, during which the two men strengthened their growing ties through a secret arms deal.
TSB is down: Banking app fails, leaving thousands of Brits unable to access their accounts
However, TSB's app is experiencing troubles this morning, leaving many Britons unable to access their accounts. According to Down Detector, the outage began at about 07:30 BST and affected consumers throughout the UK. TSB has now recognized the situation, tweeting: 'We apologize that some of our customers are having difficulty accessing our services this morning.
Taiwan’s President vows to reject ‘annexation’
President William Lai committed to maintaining Taiwan's self-governing status in his most high-profile public address since assuTaiwan'sice earlier this year. In a thinly veiled reference to China to the island, Lai stated that he would" "uphold the commitment to resist annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty." At the same time, Lai committed to maintaining "the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait" and to working with Beijing on topics such as climate change, infectious disease control, and regional security.
Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from competitive tennis
The 38-year-old, who owns 22 Grand Slam titles, announced in a video statement broadcast to social media. Rafael Nadal confirmed his retirement from competitive tennis. The 38-year-old, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, announced in a video message posted to X.
From Iran jail, Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi pushes for Middle East peace
Narges Mohammadi, an incarcerated Nobel Peace Prize laureate, issued a call for Middle Eastern peace from Tehran's notorious Evin prison on the first anniversary of her honour. In an interview with Italy's Corriere della Sera, the Iranian human rights campaigner stated: "Today, the dark shadow of war once again hangs over our beloved country." I loathe war. All those responsible for war are not only condemned by the people of the lands and times they destroy, but they are also permanently shamed and ostracized in the annals of human history.
