More than half of England's schools are failing in religious education
A new Ofsted report highlights low standards, weak teaching, weak examination provision and confusion about the purpose of RE. (BBC)
Brazil teacher protests turn violent
Protesters demonstrating in support of teachers receiving better pay in the Brazilian cities of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo have clashed with police. Over 10,000 people took part in the demonstration, which began as peaceful. Brazil's security situation is a challenge to cities that will play host to the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games. (BBC)
Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine awarded to three US scientists
James E Rothman, Randy W Schekman and Thomas C Südhof receive the 2013 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for their work on how biological cells organise and transport the many molecules they need to function. (Guardian)
UN sees four million more Syrians fleeing homes or country in 2014
The United Nations expects another 2 million Syrians to become refugees in 2014 and 2.25 million more to be displaced within the country. UN agencies are preparing to launch a new appeal for aid to help victims of the conflict. (Reuters)
Malaria vaccine could be available in three years
The world’s first malaria vaccine could be available in as little as three years after British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline’s candidate treatment passed a major testing milestone. (Telegraph)
