Syrian forces attempt to split rebel enclave in half

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has extensively revised secondary school curricula, removing all mention of the country's Mughal and Muslim history, which spanned some six centuries, as well as the identity of the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi and even Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.

At the beginning of August, the World Bank announced it would freeze new loans towards Uganda in light of its new anti-LGBTQ laws. Many initially viewed the move as a sign that the bank was taking a more progressive approach towards human rights issues. But is it a misguided approach?

With India now the world's most populous nation, providing enough jobs for young people represents a major challenge. Since contracts in the private sector do not offer job stability, millions of young Indians are vying for government jobs like those for soldiers, station masters or teachers. Although salaries are modest, these positions provide a job for life with some added benefits.

Gambling in Japan operates in the shadows, yet it accounts for nearly half of sales in the country's leisure sector. And for some, a harmless pastime can turn into a dangerous addiction. About three million Japanese are thought to have experienced a gambling addiction at some point in their lives. Earlier this year, the government approved plans to build Japan's first casino, a long-awaited move that has divided public opinion. Our correspondents report on Japan's troubled relationship with gambling.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his center-left coalition have been plummeting in opinion polls. But a study by the Bertelsmann Foundation finds the government has fulfilled many of its election promises.

More than 30 countries are participating in the 50th World Petanque Championships in Cotonou, Benin. It marks the first time that a world cup is being hosted in West Africa.

The war in Ukraine has entangled both politics and religion. In Berlin, it shaped the large peace rally organized by the Catholic community of Sant'Egidio, which brought together representatives from dozens of faiths.

As France hosts hundreds of thousands of rugby fans from around the world for the 2023 World Cup, we take a deep-dive into the business that surrounds the game with Herbert Mensah, president of Rugby Africa who joins us from Accra in Ghana, as well as Christina Philippou, a principal lecturer at the University of Portsmouth with a particular research interest in sports finance.

Polish consulates reportedly handed out visas to migrants from Asia and Africa in exchange for thousands of dollars. The allegations could hurt Poland's anti-migration ruling party in upcoming elections.

Fiji claim historic win over Australia as England hold firm against Japan

Prehistoric ruins outside the ancient West Bank city of Jericho have been given UNESCO World Heritage status after a vote of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh. The UN agency says Tell al-Sultan was home to a permanent settlement by the 9th or 8th millennium BC. But the decision has sparked controversy, with Israelis denouncing the move and Palestinians celebrating it. FRANCE 24's Science reporter Shirli Sitbon examines how UNESCO tries to dissociate heritage from politics.

Organizers of the Benin World Petanque championship hailed the event as a cultural victory for the country. From leisurely street games to fierce club tournaments, Benin is carving out its place in the sport. Angela Ukomadu has more.