1. SCO Summit: Regional Ties Strengthen

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These encounters signal a move toward tighter regional alignment, as member states seek to bolster security and economic cooperation amid shifting Western influence.

2. UK Education System: Inequality and Teacher Shortages Persist

As Britain begins a new school year, chronic issues remain in focus: over 25% of state schools in England lack qualified physics teachers. Recruitment and retention are hindered by low pay and poor work-life balance. The pandemic has widened achievement gaps, and while policy measures like free school meals and expanded childcare have been introduced, many experts deem them insufficient.

3. Cartoonist Hemant Malviya Granted Bail in India with Conditions

India’s Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to cartoonist Hemant Malviya, who drew criticism and legal scrutiny for posting cartoons deemed objectionable toward Prime Minister Modi and RSS members. The bail comes with a caveat: if he fails to cooperate, authorities may seek its cancellation.

Regional & Economic Snapshots

4. Stock Market Recap: Gains Across Key Indices

India’s markets saw upward momentum with gains in Realty and Media sectors (up ~1.7%), followed by Oil & Gas (+1.3%), FMCG and PSU Banks (+0.9%), and Consumer Durables (+0.7%). Ahead lies a GST reform meeting slated for September 3–

5. Czechia’s Daily Briefing: Drone Shows, Political Fallout, and Warmth

Czech news today features three main updates: continued warm early September weather, political turmoil sparked by an alleged attack on former Prime Minister Babiš, and a dazzling drone show in Hradec marking the country’s largest such spectacle to date.

6. Southeast Asia: Angkor’s Tourism Boom

Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia generated RM131 million (~US$31 million) from ticket sales in January–August, with roughly 670,000 foreign visitors. The park’s management donated RM5.5 million (~US$1.3 million) to the Kantha Bopha Children’s Fund.