US hopes for progress, but Iran says not direct talks

13 Sept 08:21 Key points summarised by AI

US envoys arrived in Islamabad for new peace talks with Iran, aiming to advance negotiations despite Iran's insistence on indirect engagement, preferring Pakistan to convey proposals.
The discussions focus on achieving a lasting Middle East peace deal and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran's de facto blockade has severely disrupted, impacting global energy markets.
A fragile ceasefire in Lebanon faces immediate threats from continued Israeli strikes, while the US reinforces its military presence in the region, including a third aircraft carrier.
Previous negotiations stalled over a US naval blockade on Iranian ports, and the current talks are complicated by internal opposition, notably Hezbollah's rejection of a peace deal in Lebanon.

Examining Thailand’s four-part education revolution

Today 14:22 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Education Ministry is implementing a four-pronged strategy to address its students' below-average performance in PISA 2025 and tackle significant educational inequality.
The plan prioritizes closing performance gaps by increasing funding for small and low-income schools, overhauling the curriculum to foster critical thinking, and adopting a data-driven management system to reduce teacher workload.
Key initiatives include enhancing school safety, combating cyberbullying, and expanding mental health support through peer-to-peer networks, recognizing the severe impact of distress on academic performance.
An education expert advises verifying if PISA improvements stem from structural changes, advocating for a revived STEM curriculum with practical 'learn by doing' methods, and urging bureaucratic reform to link teacher evaluations to student development.