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In the third wave of student demonstrations across France, more than 250,000 people took to the streets, resulting in at least 215 teenagers injured so far and marking the largest mobilization since the protests began. The French Ministry of National Education stated that 24 schools have been set on fire or vandalized since the unrest broke out. Facing escalating protests, the French government urgently initiated a nationwide high school dialogue; however, student groups have refused to back down, and a new wave of demonstrations is already imminent.

The wave of protests began in mid-September in the Parisian suburbs, initially in solidarity with teachers protesting over staffing shortages and lack of resources, before rapidly spreading throughout the country. Students are demanding improvements to the educational environment, complaining of frequent teacher absences, overly long school hours, overcrowded classrooms, and run-down, poorly maintained school buildings.

The demonstrations, which have lasted for two weeks, have repeatedly turned violent. Some protesters set fire to trash cans, vandalized bus shelters, and hurled projectiles at police, who responded with batons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. According to French government statistics, 715 police officers and 215 teenagers have been injured in the protests, and more than 6,100 people have been arrested—most of them minors. The Ministry of Justice stated that over 1,800 individuals have been prosecuted.

While attempting to address student demands, the French government has also accused the far-left party La France Insoumise (France Unbowed) of interfering and exploiting the protests as a warm-up for party leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon's presidential bid next year.

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was announced on the 5th, jointly awarded to Karl Deisseroth of Stanford University and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in the United States, along with Peter Hegemann of Humboldt University of Berlin and Georg Nagel of the University of Würzburg in Germany. The three laureates will share the prize of 12 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1.2 million), honoring their discoveries regarding light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.

Optogenetics is a technique in which light-sensitive proteins are introduced into specific nerve cells, allowing light to precisely control neuronal activity. This enables researchers to 'switch on' or 'switch off' specific nerve cells in living brains and observe how neural circuits influence memory, emotion, and behavior.

Compared to traditional electrical stimulation, optogenetics can target specific cells and neural circuits with far greater precision, making it an essential tool in modern neuroscience. This research opens new avenues for understanding how the brain functions.

The breakthrough originated from research on algae: Hegemann and Nagel studied how single-celled algae sense light, discovering a light-sensitive protein known as channelrhodopsin, which opens ion channels upon light stimulation and triggers electrical activity in cells.

Deisseroth further applied this discovery to neuroscience by introducing the relevant genes into mammalian neurons and using optical fibers to control neural activity, gradually establishing the technology of optogenetics. Since its development in the early 2000s, this work has fundamentally transformed how scientists investigate neural circuits in the brain.

Even more compelling is its medical potential; scientists are currently exploring the application of optogenetics to conditions such as epilepsy, dementia, Parkinson's disease, autism, depression, and other psychiatric disorders, while also experimenting with using the technique to improve vision and address other neurosensory impairments. Some studies have even advanced to exploratory clinical trials in humans, indicating that 'controlling nerves with light' may gradually evolve from a research tool into a therapeutic technology.

The Nobel Assembly noted that this research allows humanity to explore the brain with unprecedented precision and offers new possibilities for the future treatment of neurological diseases.

According to a report by Reuters, Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch a new round of military operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen, with one of the primary goals being to retake the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and restore maritime security in the Red Sea. The scale of the operation could involve over 100,000 Yemeni ground troops. Citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, the report stated that the campaign could be launched within the coming weeks, with ground fighting conducted primarily by Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces while Saudi Arabia provides air support.

The report noted that Saudi Arabia is currently considering two offensive plans. One focuses on the area surrounding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, advancing along Yemen's Red Sea coast to regain control of this critical shipping lane. The other is broader in scope, launching further offensives into more inland areas such as Al-Bayda, Marib, Taiz, and Al-Jawf. Sources said the specific scale of mobilization still depends on which plan Saudi Arabia adopts, with the deployed Yemeni ground forces potentially exceeding 100,000 troops at most.

Accounts vary widely regarding when the military action might begin. Some anticipate operations within a week, while others believe they could be delayed until after the U.S. midterm elections in November. Michael Ratney, former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, suggested that the new offensive would likely be more limited in scope and smaller than the 2015 Saudi-led military campaign. The operation would likely focus on recapturing coastal regions to restore normal maritime traffic.

In addition, the United States is providing military advisors and intelligence support to Saudi Arabia, including targeting intelligence for Saudi air operations. However, the U.S. has no plans to participate directly in ground combat.

Meanwhile, multiple parties have not abandoned diplomatic negotiations. Pakistan's Foreign Minister stated that Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan will hold a meeting in the near future to discuss diplomatic options for engaging the Houthi rebels.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait serves as a vital gateway to the Red Sea, an essential shipping route to the Suez Canal, and a major conduit for Saudi oil exports. This year, following the outbreak of the U.S.–Iran war and the resulting severe disruptions to Persian Gulf shipping, the strategic significance of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has surged even further. In September, the Houthis advanced rapidly along Yemen's Red Sea coastline and seized control of the strait. Riyadh views continued Houthi control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as a direct threat to its oil exports and economic lifeline.

As Russia continues its airstrikes across Ukraine, Ukrainian forces have retaliated with drone attacks targeting Russian energy and infrastructure facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on the 3rd that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an expansion of military strikes to include more civilian targets. In response to Moscow's offensive, Ukraine will step up strikes against Russian oil refineries.

According to a report by Reuters, Zelenskyy noted that documents obtained by Ukrainian intelligence reveal Putin issued new military strike guidelines ahead of winter, permitting Russian forces to broaden their target range to civilian sites. Zelenskyy stated that the documents show troops have been authorized to strike infrastructure, logistics facilities, as well as roads, schools, and hospitals in cities and villages. He believes this move is intended to exert pressure on civilians, forcing residents to flee Kyiv and other cities.

Zelenskyy suggested that Putin's strategic shift may be an effort to project strength amid Russian setbacks and mounting casualties on key frontline sectors. Addressing Russia's tactical pivot, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine will take necessary countermeasures, but will not indiscriminately target civilian facilities as Russia does. He pointed out that with Russian forces persistently attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Ukraine must respond proportionately, making Russian oil refineries a primary target in order to cut off funding for Moscow's war effort.

The Kremlin has not yet responded to Zelenskyy's statements. Meanwhile, in a statement advising foreign nationals to leave Kyiv, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Moscow will continue to strike targets "systematically," describing the operations as retaliation for attacks launched by Ukraine against Russia in recent months.

According to a report by Reuters, Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch a new round of military operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen, with one of the primary goals being to retake the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and restore maritime security in the Red Sea. The scale of the operation could involve over 100,000 Yemeni ground troops. Citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, the report stated that the campaign could be launched within the coming weeks, with ground fighting conducted primarily by Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces while Saudi Arabia provides air support.

The report noted that Saudi Arabia is currently considering two offensive plans. One focuses on the area surrounding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, advancing along Yemen's Red Sea coast to regain control of this critical shipping lane. The other is broader in scope, launching further offensives into more inland areas such as Al-Bayda, Marib, Taiz, and Al-Jawf. Sources said the specific scale of mobilization still depends on which plan Saudi Arabia adopts, with the deployed Yemeni ground forces potentially exceeding 100,000 troops at most.

Accounts vary widely regarding when the military action might begin. Some anticipate operations within a week, while others believe they could be delayed until after the U.S. midterm elections in November. Michael Ratney, former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, suggested that the new offensive would likely be more limited in scope and smaller than the 2015 Saudi-led military campaign. The operation would likely focus on recapturing coastal regions to restore normal maritime traffic.

In addition, the United States is providing military advisors and intelligence support to Saudi Arabia, including targeting intelligence for Saudi air operations. However, the U.S. has no plans to participate directly in ground combat.

Meanwhile, multiple parties have not abandoned diplomatic negotiations. Pakistan's Foreign Minister stated that Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan will hold a meeting in the near future to discuss diplomatic options for engaging the Houthi rebels.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait serves as a vital gateway to the Red Sea, an essential shipping route to the Suez Canal, and a major conduit for Saudi oil exports. This year, following the outbreak of the U.S.–Iran war and the resulting severe disruptions to Persian Gulf shipping, the strategic significance of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has surged even further. In September, the Houthis advanced rapidly along Yemen's Red Sea coastline and seized control of the strait. Riyadh views continued Houthi control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as a direct threat to its oil exports and economic lifeline.

RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force base hosting U.S. bombers, was reportedly targeted in an attempted terrorist attack on the 27th of last month. Police arrested five male suspects near the base on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offenses. On the 2nd, another 25-year-old male suspect holding dual British and Iranian citizenship was arrested in London. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham convened an emergency cabinet meeting regarding the incident, stating that there were strong indications of Iranian involvement, echoing prior suggestions from U.S. officials that foreign powers may have been implicated.

The five British men detained by police were granted bail the following day, sparking widespread public discussion. Because police found no explosive devices inside the vehicle used by the suspects or around the air base—recovering only an unspecified quantity of gasoline—authorities declined to comment on the source or intended purpose of the fuel. While the five suspects have been released on bail, they remain under active investigation. Meanwhile, the dual British-Iranian national was arrested and questioned on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism, and police also searched two residential addresses linked to him.

Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), stated that the investigation remains complex and that authorities are keeping all investigative lines open, including the possibility of foreign state involvement. The Iranian Embassy in London firmly rejected and strongly condemned any speculation regarding Iranian involvement.

RAF Fairford is one of Europe's largest air bases and the only installation on the continent hosting U.S. heavy bombers. Since hostilities between the U.S. and Iran erupted in February this year, the UK has permitted the U.S. military to launch strike missions against Iran from Fairford. As Iran had previously warned the UK against allowing the U.S. to use British bases to attack Iranian targets, Tehran had stated that it would view RAF Fairford as a legitimate military target.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced on September 30 plans to establish the Autonomous Warfare Command (AUTOWARCOM). Primarily focused on drones and AI-driven autonomous systems, this organization will introduce and integrate artificial intelligence across the armed services, deploying unmanned platforms and robotics into combat operations to enhance military responsiveness and operational readiness. Commanded by a four-star general, the command will continuously coordinate with Congress on legislative authorities and budget appropriations to drive the long-term, institutional transformation of autonomous capabilities across the U.S. military. It is targeted to stand up on October 1, 2027.

The command's core strategy stems from lessons learned in the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts across the Middle East, which demonstrated that the modern battlefield has been dramatically transformed by the proliferation of low-cost, high-precision, and AI-enabled strike capabilities. The operational efficacy and rapid adaptability of unmanned systems have emerged as critical determinants of mission success. The Pentagon aims to break away from its legacy reliance on a small number of high-cost conventional weapons, building a balanced force structure that pairs high-end strike capabilities with low-cost autonomous systems. Through an 'operationally driven acquisition' model, it seeks to compress the timeline from development to front-line deployment, enabling rapid iteration on the battlefield.

The U.S. military has launched a transition mechanism known as 'Project Agincourt,' co-chaired by Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Director Owen West and Naval Special Warfare Senior Chief Petty Officer Max Strasiser. The project directly connects front-line operators with commercial technology firms, pushing decision-making and capital allocation down to edge units. Simultaneously, the U.S. armed services are establishing new Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) frameworks to integrate 'unmanned and autonomous warfare' specialties into long-term career progression and institutional training, rather than treating them as temporary assignments or collateral duties. In parallel, the Pentagon has initiated 'Project Meridian,' convening experts from across the tech industry and national security sector to evaluate future warfare paradigms and technological gaps over the coming decades.

Aiming to rein in public debt exceeding 117% of GDP, the French government is pushing forward with budget austerity measures, planning to cut approximately 4,000 primary and secondary teaching posts for the 2026/2027 school year. The move has triggered severe backlash from the education sector and students alike. Since late September, massive strikes and school blockades have erupted across more than 400 high schools nationwide, sparking violent clashes with law enforcement and resulting in over 1,000 arrests within just two days. Protesters, teachers, and students are demanding solutions to long-standing grievances, including overcrowded classrooms, rigid and grueling schedules caused by teacher shortages, and crumbling campus infrastructure. The unrest has escalated into a major political crisis for President Emmanuel Macron's administration.

Although Minister of National Education Édouard Geffray defended the cuts as a reasonable 'soft landing' adjustment in response to falling birth rates, unions such as SNES-FSU and FSU-Snuipp pushed back, pointing out that France's average class size already exceeds the EU average, with some high school classes reaching 32 to 35 students. Unions warned that staff cuts will lead to more classroom closures, exacerbate teacher shortages, and cause severe deficits in special education assistants (AESH) and substitute teachers, severely undermining students' right to education. Furthermore, due to acute staffing shortages and inflexible scheduling, students face numerous unproductive gaps throughout an 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. school day. With classes frequently interrupted, pupils are stranded on campus for up to 10 hours a day under grueling timetables. Compounding the issue, neglected, dilapidated facilities lacking heating and air conditioning force students to endure extreme temperature swings ranging from -5°C to 40°C. Meanwhile, schools in low-income disadvantaged districts suffer from even wider resource disparities, deepening educational inequality.

On September 29, approximately 300,000 civil servants, teachers, and healthcare workers took to the streets in response to union calls, launching a nationwide cross-sector general strike. As protests escalated, students at more than 350 high schools across France barricaded school entrances by piling up and setting fire to trash bins, triggering violent clashes with police. Riot police deployed tear gas, batons, and mounted units to disperse crowds. On September 29 alone, 440 individuals were detained; Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that single-day arrests on September 30 surged to 625, the vast majority being underage high school students. The Union Syndicale Lycéenne (USL) strongly condemned the government for deploying anti-crime tactical units (BAC) against 15- to 18-year-old youths, denouncing it as 'systemic repression.'

Facing the escalating unrest, President Macron emphasized: 'High schools exist to share knowledge; they should not be blockaded, nor should trash cans be set on fire.' Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu also condemned the actions as 'utterly irresponsible' violence. Conversely, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI), openly voiced solidarity with the students, sharply criticizing the government's heavy-handed crackdown and urging local officials and party members to join the resistance—with several local mayors even standing alongside students and singing the national anthem in support. As the government prepares to formally present its new annual budget, this nationwide movement is exerting unprecedented political pressure on the Macron administration.

Swiss voters on the 27th overwhelmingly rejected the 'Neutrality Initiative'—a referendum proposal aimed at tightening the country's neutrality principles—with 70.1% voting against it.

Launched by the far-right, sovereigntist group 'Pro Suisse', the initiative sought to constitutionally enshrine Switzerland's 'armed and permanent' neutrality and prohibit accession to military alliances unless attacked. The most critical restriction would have banned 'non-military coercive measures,' effectively barring Bern from unilaterally imposing economic sanctions on belligerent states unless explicitly authorized by the UN Security Council. Sparked by opposition to the Swiss government aligning with European Union sanctions against Russia, the proposal was lauded by Moscow but condemned as 'pro-Russian' by the Federal Council, parliament, major political parties, and critics.

Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, the modern application of Switzerland's traditional armed neutrality has sparked intense domestic debate. Political scientist Laurent Wasserfallen noted that while voters still support neutrality, they endorse the government's current approach and its sanctions against Russia, showing reluctance to alter course lightly.

Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis stated in Bern that the outcome was by no means a rejection of neutrality, affirming that Switzerland 'was, is, and will remain neutral.' The decisive 'no' vote illustrates how Swiss voters navigated the balance between upholding traditional neutrality and retaining necessary diplomatic flexibility.

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on the 27th, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed support for India becoming a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He advocated that UNSC reforms should prioritize enhancing the representation of the Global South and opposed adding new permanent seats for Western countries.

According to The Times of India, during the BRICS summit held in New Delhi earlier this month, Russia and China publicly backed India and Brazil's bids to become permanent members of the UNSC. In his UNGA address, Lavrov pointed out that UNSC reforms should focus on the representation of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, enabling the Global South to play a more significant role in international governance.

As reported by Asian News International (ANI), Lavrov stated that the reforms should not allow Western nations to acquire additional permanent seats. He criticized countries such as Germany and Japan for trending toward militarism and revanchism, arguing that they should not be granted this power. Meanwhile, the Hindustan Times noted that Lavrov reaffirmed his support for India and Brazil as permanent members, emphasizing that African interests must also be a key consideration in UNSC reforms.

Beyond Russia, India has garnered public support from multiple countries during the UN General Assembly. Mauritian Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful and Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro both called for UNSC reforms to enhance representation and expressed support for India's bid for a permanent seat.

Currently, the Security Council consists of 15 member states: five permanent members with veto power—the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom—and 10 non-permanent members serving two-year terms. Under the United Nations Charter, any UNSC reform involving a charter amendment must first be passed by a two-thirds majority of the UN General Assembly and subsequently ratified by two-thirds of the member states. Furthermore, it requires the unanimous approval of all five permanent members, setting an extremely high threshold for reform.