Black children are almost 8 times more likely to be strip-searched than their white peers in England and Wales / Image: File

A damning report by England’s Children’s Commissioner exposed racial inequalities in UK policing, revealing that black children in England and Wales are almost eight times more likely to be strip-searched than their white peers. According to The Guardian, the findings come from an analysis of official police data and highlight a pattern that campaigners say cannot be explained by crime rates alone.The report draws attention to the scale of the issue, with thousands of children being strip-searched in recent years. In many of these cases no further action was taken, meaning no charges or arrests were made, raising concerns over whether such intrusive powers are being used proportionately.

UK child strip search statistics

Data shows that the vast majority of strip searches of minors do not result in arrests or convictions. In many cases, police search children on suspicion of carrying drugs or weapons, yet no evidence is found.Security regulations require that strip searches of children should only take place when absolutely necessary and usually an appropriate adult must be present. However, past high-profile cases have shown that these security measures are not always followed.One such case involved Child Q, a black schoolgirl who was strip-searched by police in London without informing her parents, sparking a national outrage and multiple investigations. The incident continues to shape the debate around policing practices and child protection.Experts and advocacy groups argue that the low success rates of these searches raise questions about their effectiveness and the potential long-term impact on children subjected to them.

Police reaction to such practices

Senior police officials have acknowledged the concerns raised by the data, with some forces saying reforms are already underway to improve monitoring and accountability. The National Council of Police Chiefs had earlier said that strip searches should only be used as a last resort and should be carried out in strict adherence to security protocols.The UK government and oversight bodies, including Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, are investigating the use of these powers, particularly in relation to children and minority communities.Home Office officials have indicated that clearer guidance and stronger monitoring could be introduced to ensure that such searches are carried out appropriately, proportionate and legally.

UK child policing policies

The findings have sparked renewed calls for reform, with campaigners and legal experts urging stricter restrictions on or even banning strip searches of children except in extreme circumstances.Critics argue that disproportionately targeting black children risks damaging trust in policing and could have lasting psychological effects. They also point to broader concerns about systemic inequality within the criminal justice system.Supporters of the reforms say the focus should now be on accountability, transparency and security. With increasing scrutiny and public pressure, this issue is likely to remain at the center of the national conversation on policing and racial justice.

What will happen next?

The report has added to the ongoing debate about fairness and accountability in UK policing. While officials say strip searches are sometimes necessary for security, the data suggests the need for a thorough review.As the investigation continues and reforms are considered, the focus remains on how police powers are used – and whether they apply equally to all children.

Recent archaeological discoveries have reshaped our understanding of prehistoric times in Southeast Asia. The early people in the Philippines are now considered to be the pioneers and innovators of sailing, rather than separate groups of humans who lived in these archipelagos. Research based on evidence from the island of Mindoro suggests that by 40,000 years ago, people were traveling in open ocean corridors; practicing marine fishing, and, building complex and interconnected communities as well as technology around water. Contrary to long-held beliefs about how these islands were remote and arrived accidentally by drifting into the ocean. According to modern science, evidence has been found on the islands that includes the use of more advanced tool-making methods for shellfish, and also evidence of pelagic fish being located far from land, indicating that people voluntarily traveled between landmasses at times. As researchers document through mapping these past interactions between communities around the world, it is realized that one of the main areas where communities interacted was sailing and using the waters present around the Philippines and building strong networks for trade and cultural exchange.

Findings show humans built island networks throughout the Philippines

Data from the Mindoro Archaeological Project indicate that these early societies used caves and rock shelters within a broader and interdependent system of locations that could be characterized as integrated settlements; And rather than isolated communities, researchers found evidence of continuous human activity at these sites for more than 35,000 years, indicating that these sites were part of a broader system of sharing knowledge, materials and culture between communities across hundreds of miles of water, according to a study from Ateneo de Manila University.

Study finds evidence of advanced navigation and deep-sea fishing

The fact that these islands had no land contact during the Ice Age would mean that an organized effort at sea was required to reach them. According to the study published at the Ateneo de Manila University, microscopic study of stone tools shows that these early inhabitants could make ropes and nets from plant fibers to make ships and the fishing gear needed for deep-sea fishing and had access to many of the marine resources such as tuna and sharks found within the archaeological record.

How coastal innovation connected isolated island populations

By taking advantage of the coastal environment and available resources, early inhabitants of the islands were able to demonstrate their adaptability and find solutions to environmental limitations. The creation of an adze (a woodworking tool) from giant clam shells enabled the wood to be shaped into oars, shelters, and ship components. The ability to shape wood through the use of adzes created and maintained maritime networks that transported both physical and intangible materials over long distances, virtually connecting island populations in a way that challenged the traditional paradigm of primitive isolation.

Global IQ rankings often receive a lot of attention because they attempt to compare average cognitive test scores in different countries. The 2026 dataset shows some clear changes in some countries, with some countries improving while others experiencing a slight decline compared to last year. South Korea, China and Japan are still on top and stable in the ranking. At the same time, changes are beginning to be seen in places like Vietnam and Australia, which are moving in different directions.These data come from participant samples and standardized testing methods. Experts often point out that such results can also be influenced by cultural, educational and socio-economic factors.See below global average IQ ranking 2026, according to International IQ Test and Global Statistics 2026.

list of Countries with highest IQ in the world

Average IQ score by country 2026

south korea

South Korea ranks first with an IQ average of 106.97. Although the increase is minimal compared to last year’s figures, it is still significant. Schooling structures in South Korea are very strict and competitive. Participation rates are good, with more than 26,999 people taking part in the survey. The improvement is modest but overall positive.

China

China is in second place with an IQ score of 106.48. This figure shows a slight decline from last year’s 107.19. Despite the decline, China remains on top globally. The sample size is very large, with over 229,000 participants, making it one of the most statistically significant entries. The decline is small but noticeable by comparison.

Japan

Japan has an IQ rating of 106.30, which ranks it third in the world ranking table. There is no significant difference from the previous period with a difference of -0.10. It implies stability and not variability. The number of participants included in the survey is around 56,000.

iran

Iran is in fourth place with an IQ score of 104.80. The change from last year is -1.50, which is relatively large compared to the others in the top five. The number of participants exceeds 10,000, which is moderate in size. The decline may be linked to differences in sample selection or testing conditions, although no single cause has been clearly identified in the data. Despite the decline, Iran remains highly ranked globally.

Australia

Australia has an IQ of 104.45 and is ranked fifth in the list. It also exhibits one of the highest positive odds (+1.88) in the data set. The positive difference in Australia is unique compared to the rest of the top ten countries. Its partner group is also very small, with less than 4,000 members. This increase takes Australia above its previous position.

Russia

Russia is ranked sixth with an IQ score of 103.78. The increase compared to last year is +0.62, which shows gradual improvement. The number of participants is relatively large at 29,170, giving the results moderate statistical strength. This change is not dramatic but indicates a continued upward trend. Russia remains comfortably in the middle of the top ten. According to the score it is slightly below Australia but ahead of Singapore.

Singapore

Singapore is ranked seventh with an IQ score of 103.56. The change from last year is -1.58, which is one of the larger declines in this dataset. Despite this, the country remains in the top ten global rankings. The number of participants is 6,880, which is relatively small compared to larger countries. This year’s decline has left Singapore below Russia.

mongolia

Mongolia is ranked eighth with an IQ score of 102.61. The change compared to last year is a modest -0.25. The number of participants is 2,437, making it one of the smaller datasets. The score remains close to last year’s value, indicating stability. There has been no major change in the ranking position. Mongolia remains in the bottom half of the top ten but still maintains a stable cognitive average within this global comparison.

new zealand

New Zealand is ranked ninth with an IQ score of 102.35. This change is +0.27 from last year. The participant sample is small at 1,184 individuals. The increase is slight but the score still moves upward. The country is close to Mongolia in the ranking. The variation is not large enough to cause a significant change in placement.

vietnam

Vietnam ranked tenth with an IQ score of 102.26. The most notable change in the dataset is here, with an increase of +2.14 compared to last year. The number of participants is 14,915, which is relatively strong. This growth places Vietnam firmly in the top ten. This improvement is the highest among all the listed countries.

An India-based medical student reportedly created and operates a popular AI-generated Instagram influencer that garnered millions of followers by posting patriotic, political and lifestyle content aimed at a conservative audience in the United States, according to a WIRED report cited by the New York Post. The account featured a blonde virtual influencer named “Emily Hart”, who was shown in photos wearing a bikini, a MAGA hat, posing with firearms, ice fishing, drinking beer, and sharing strongly worded political statements. According to her profile, she was a registered nurse who resembled Hollywood actor Jennifer Lawrence, an AI-generated personality presented as part of a MAGA-themed content stream.The profile quickly gained popularity, reportedly reaching 10,000 followers within a month, with several reels receiving millions of views.The creator, identified only as “Sam,” a 22-year-old orthopedic surgeon training in India, told WIRED that he developed the AI ​​personality while studying medicine and tried to monetize it amid financial pressures and plans to move to the United States after graduation.They reportedly used Google’s Gemini AI for guidance and decided to create a virtual influencer targeting a conservative American audience. According to him, the tool suggested that “Conservative audiences (particularly older men in the US) often have more disposable income and are more loyal,” as cited by WIRED.The account posted politically charged content, including statements such as: “Christ is king, abortion is murder, and all illegals should be deported”, along with other provocative captions. Sam also experimented with creating a liberal counterpart but said it did not get the same traction.They monetized the account through merchandise sales and subscription-based platforms like Fanview, which allows AI-generated content. Paid subscribers were reportedly given access to exclusive content, including AI-generated images and adult-themed content.“I was spending maybe 30 to 50 minutes of my day there, and I was making good money for a medical student,” he said, adding that the operation brought in thousands of dollars monthly.“I don’t feel like I’m cheating people,” he further told WIRED.According to reports, the Instagram account was removed in February for “fraudulent” activity. A related Facebook account was also removed following publication of the investigation.Experts cited in the report said AI-generated personalities on social media are becoming increasingly realistic, raising concerns about misinformation, authenticity and their impact on the social media ecosystem and political engagement.

Who is Claudia Glam? Influencer in critical condition after London Soho nightclub crash, three injured on Argyle Street (Image via Getty)

Claudia Zakrzewska, known online as Claudia Glam, is now fighting for her life after a serious road accident in central London. The incident happened on Argyle Street in Soho on Sunday morning, where she was hit by a car along with two other people. Police confirmed that a woman in her 30s was taken to hospital in serious condition, and reports identified her as Zakrzewska. The sudden accident has shocked those who follow her online, where she is known for sharing bold, confident videos and photos. Although details are still coming in, officials say the situation is critical. Also, police are asking anyone who saw what happened to come forward, as they continue to piece together the moments leading up to the crash.

Claudia Zakrzewska has built a strong online presence over the years. She has over 267,000 followers on Instagram, where she posts stylish photos and short videos. On TikTok, she has nearly 50,000 followers, often sharing light and playful clips. Many of her posts talk about her physical transformation journey, where she openly discusses cosmetic procedures and responds to critics in a confident and sometimes humorous manner.In some of her videos, she makes fun of the challenges that come with her appearance, and keeps the tone easygoing and relatable. That personality helped him develop a loyal audience who regularly engage with his content. But now, the focus has completely shifted to his health.According to the Metropolitan Police, three people were injured in the accident. Along with Zakrzewska, a man in his 50s suffered life-changing injuries and was taken to hospital. Another woman in her 30s was treated for minor injuries.Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, of Specialist Crime South, shared an official update. He added, “As our inquiries continue, our thoughts are with those injured and their loved ones. While the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, venues in the area were still open, and we believe a number of people may have witnessed what happened.”She also said, “I would urge anyone who witnessed the collision or any activity leading up to it that they think may be relevant to come forward. The information you have, no matter how minor, could be vital to investigators.”The area where the accident occurred is usually busy at night, especially on weekends. Because of this, police believe there may be several witnesses who can help explain how the incident unfolded.At present, there is no confirmed update on the cause of the accident. Investigators are still collecting details and investigating all possible angles.At the moment, the biggest concern remains the condition of Claudia Zakrzewska as she continues to be treated in hospital.

File photo: US President Donald Trump with Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif thanked on Wednesday US President Donald Trump To extend the ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Iran, expressed hope that the move would create space for a permanent peace agreement.In a post on Twitter, Sharif said, “On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow the ongoing diplomatic efforts to do their job.”