The Taliban has sparked outrage and concern among rights groups, after it reversed stance and closed secondary schools for girls across Afghanistan. Thousands of young students were sent home, confused and worried about their future.

Students returned to schools and colleges in the southern Indian state after protests over a hijab ban. A court is currently hearing petitions calling for the reversal of the ban.

French Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire has announced plans to widen financial aid for firms hit by the pandemic, as surging Covid-19 cases put increasing pressure on the wider economy.

The yearly practice of "stubble burning" in Northern India has far-reaching effects. Delhi, some 250 kilometers away, once again faces dangerous levels of smog as farmers burn off their fields to prepare for the next crop. It's a major cause of air pollution in the country.

Indian officials have recommended that offices should let half of the employees work from home in Delhi while the city struggles with smog. Construction activities across the city have also been halted.

There is a housing crisis taking place across many parts of Africa. A joint venture involving CDC Group – the UK government’s development finance institution – and the European building materials multinational LafargeHolcim, is 3D-printing houses and schools in a fraction of the time it would normally take.

Days after relaxing mask mandates for vaccinated adults, the US public health agency has recommended that all schools continue to use masks for the upcoming academic year. Follow DW for the latest.

Northeast Governors agree to set up task force for protection of schools

Lawmakers have pushed to accelerate the vaccination of teachers to keep schools open for younger children. The move comes amid rising infections and the threat of a third wave.

Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are no longer in favor in San Francisco, where the school board has voted to change the name of 44 schools it says bear the names of people associated with racism, slavery or colonization. The decision to rename schools has sparked debate among residents who support and critize the move.

At the Chumchon Muban Phatthana school in Klong Toei, one of Bangkok's poorest neighbourhoods, army personnel wearing PPE suits disinfect schools ahead of their reopening on February 1. Schools have been closed since December after a new outbreak of the virus, with classes conducted online. Schools will remain closed in Samut Sakhon province, where mass testing is underway.

Here are a few reasons to pick up a copy of The Guardian on Wednesday. Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Wednesday.⁣