The Bar Council of India (BCI) modified its circular, now allowing NALSAR University of Law's 2026 graduates to enroll as advocates after initially barring them due to a student campaign against CJI Surya Kant's proposed convocation participation.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham's plans to rebalance the UK economy face major hurdles as London and the south-east continue to pull ahead in tech and infrastructure investment, exemplified by the costly Lower Thames Crossing and data centre booms.
New UK rules scrap the 'aim to permit' principle, giving local councils greater control over gambling venues, a victory for communities seeking to reduce gambling-related harms on high streets.
Victorian Liberals pledge to mandate weekly general rubbish collections and cap waste charges if elected in November, opposing the fortnightly systems adopted by 33 councils.
Lake District enforcement officers and councillors report a surge in fly-camping, littering, and anti-social behaviour following summer visitor increases, straining local authority resources.
Downing Street has pledged to stop local councils from restricting bar ordering and standing up while drinking in pubs, following Westminster council's draft licensing policy proposals for areas like Soho.
Andy Burnham's plan to devolve power by allowing England's regional mayors a share of income tax aims to address regional inequalities. While economists support the principle, challenges include avoiding weaker economies falling behind, repairing damage from austerity, and a lack of local government expertise and resources.
UK publishers advocate for greater local media support to ensure accountability under Andy Burnham's devolution plans, citing challenges from big tech, misinformation, and limited journalist access, despite a new £12m government fund to address "news deserts."
A detailed Australian survey reveals organised anti-wind and solar campaigns have successfully eroded community support, while enthusiasm for electric vehicles surged following Donald Trump's attack on Iran. Despite this, home batteries and rooftop solar maintain high 'deep support'
UK homes are ill-equipped for rising temperatures, with past policy failures like the Green Homes Grant exacerbating the issue. London's mayor proposes a heat-ready plan, but its implementation faces significant public investment challenges amidst political quietness on the climate crisis.
Queensland councils are celebrating six years until the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, with a countdown clock unveiled in Queen Street Mall. The state government still needs to build seven new venues and upgrade ten, but officials express confidence in readiness. A legacy vision includes 50,000 new homes and transport expansion, while Moreton Bay unveiled a Matilda kangaroo replica.
The prosecution has requested a supplementary investigation into the police's handling of inflated overseas trip expenses by local councils in the Jeonbuk region, criticizing the exclusion of local council members who were the primary beneficiaries. Citizens' groups are condemning the police's investigation as a 'tail-cutting' tactic, demanding a full reinvestigation.
Local councils and Airbnb are sharing data to identify and tackle the illegal subletting of social homes on short-term rental platforms. The initiative aims to recover thousands of properties for those in need, with offenders facing eviction, fines, or prison.
The IOC has requested international sports federations to stop vetting Russian athletes for neutral status for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This follows a recommendation to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national identities, despite Belarus's military alliance with Russia in the Ukraine invasion.
Australian councils are tackling the growing problem of organic waste, which produces potent methane gas in landfills. While kerbside Fogo bins are being rolled out, community-led initiatives like Yimby Castlemaine offer alternative, localized solutions for composting and waste management.
The UK government has urged councils and schools in England to improve identification of 16-17 year olds not in education, employment, or training (Neet), admitting 32,100 are unaccounted for. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is demanding better data collection to prevent a "lost generation."
The New South Wales government is investing $6.6 million to establish marked parking bays for shared ebikes across Sydney, aiming to reduce footpath clutter and improve safety. Local councils will receive funding and expanded powers to create parking zones and penalize operators for non-compliance, with a goal of thousands of new spots by year-end.
Keir Starmer's departure as Labour leader is analyzed as a response to Reform UK's electoral surge, which threatens Nigel Farage's rise. The article champions Andy Burnham as a viable successor, detailing his policy proposals and positive public image as a counter to Reform UK's momentum.
Unpaid council tax in the UK has surpassed £9bn, with £7.4bn in England alone, signaling an affordability crisis. Charities urge struggling individuals to claim available discounts and support, while advocating for government reforms to the collection system, including longer payment periods and sustainable repayment plans, set to be introduced next year.
Reform-led councils across England are banning Pride flags and events in libraries and public spaces, citing a focus on national symbols. LGBTQ+ advocates express shock and concern over the "Orwellian" decisions, reporting increased anxiety and hate incidents within the community.
Several English councils have cautioned residents against displaying the St. George's Cross on public property, citing safety and community cohesion concerns ahead of the World Cup. The debate intensified with a report on prison staff flag badges and criticism from politicians.
Official figures show a 11.6% rise in children with Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs) in England, reaching a record 538,500. Overall, 21% of pupils now have special educational needs, prompting calls for urgent government action amid funding and staffing challenges.
UK minister Kemi Badenoch plans to abolish the public sector equality duty, a law requiring public bodies to consider equality impacts. Critics argue this will legalize discrimination, while experts say the duty is misunderstood and not the cause of controversial diversity policies.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged local authorities run by the UK's Reform UK party to resume flying the Ukrainian flag, warning that such refusals are "small mistakes that can break a big friendship." Reform UK has a policy of only flying domestic flags.
