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Kano’s bustling Sabon Gari Market has turned into a frontline for Nigeria’s growing e‑waste dilemma. Residents like Marian Shammah, a 34‑year‑old cleaner, purchase second‑hand refrigerators for as little as 50,000 naira (≈ $36), only to see them fail within weeks, forcing them back to the market for another replacement. For many Nigerians, imported used appliances are perceived as more durable than locally produced models, despite the fact that a substantial portion arrives already defective. UN data indicate that roughly 60,000 tonnes of used electronics reach Nigeria each year, with at least 15,700 tonnes damaged on arrival. A 2015‑2016 UN tracking study found that over 85 % of these imports originated from Germany, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, China, the United States and Ireland. These shipments frequently breach the Basel Convention, the international treaty that restricts the export of hazardous e‑waste to countries with weaker environmental safeguards. Yet, exporters exploit loopholes—labeling cargo as “personal effects” or “for repair”—to evade thorough inspections. Health experts warn that the fallout is severe. E‑waste contains substances such as mercury, lead, and banned refrigerants (R‑12, R‑22) that persist in the environment for decades. Informal recyclers in Kano dismantle appliances without protective gear, inhaling toxic fumes and handling heavy metals, which leads to chronic respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even reproductive issues. A recent study by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health linked these symptoms to long‑term toxic exposure among workers and nearby residents. Local medical professionals echo these concerns. Dr. Ushakuma Michael Anenga of the Benue State Teaching Hospital highlighted that heavy‑metal contamination and refrigerant gases jeopardize both respiratory and renal health, especially for children and pregnant women. Economically, the trade offers a false bargain. While a second‑hand fridge may cost half the price of a new unit, failures within months impose hidden costs—spoiled food, repeated purchases, and lost income for small business owners. Vendors such as Umar Hussaini admit that many items are sold “as is,” without warranties or functional testing, and that a significant share of imports arrive with faults. Nigeria’s regulatory body, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), asserts that imports are permitted only when they meet strict functionality criteria. In practice, however, traders often declare goods as household items to bypass scrutiny, and enforcement remains uneven. Industry observers argue that the profit margins for exporters and local brokers—who capitalize on the price differential between costly recycling in Europe and high demand for affordable “tokunbo” goods in Nigeria—are driving the continued influx. Ibrahim Adamu of the NGO Ecobarter calls for reinforced border inspections and extended producer responsibility schemes to shift the financial burden of safe disposal back onto manufacturers. With estimates that up to three‑quarters of imported electronics may be essentially junk, the situation underscores a broader systemic issue: wealthy nations offload hazardous waste while developing economies bear the environmental and health consequences. Until comprehensive enforcement and international accountability mechanisms are established, Nigerian consumers like Shammah will remain caught between the need for affordable appliances and the risk of repeated loss.

Mohaddeseh Fallahat recalled the ordinary morning of February 28 when she prepared her children for school, never imagining it would be the last time she would see them alive. That simple morning routine now haunts her as she struggles to cope with the devastating loss of her two children.Speaking through tears to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva via videolink, Fallahat described the unbearable pain of sending her children off with a smile, only to be met with silence. "My heart burns with pain," she shared, as the memory of their final words—"Mum, come pick us up after school"—repeats endlessly in her mind.Her children were among more than 170 people killed when United States Tomahawk missiles struck the Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls' School in Minab, southern Iran, during the initial hours of the US-Israeli assault. The majority of victims were schoolgirls, marking one of the deadliest attacks on educational facilities in recent memory.Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed the council with strong condemnation, asserting that the attack was no mere miscalculation. "No one can believe that the attack on the school was anything other than deliberate and intentional," he stated, pointing to the advanced precision technologies claimed by American and Israeli forces.Araghchi accused the US and Israel of "slaughtering [victims] in cold blood" and committing "the worst humanitarian crimes with impunity." He called on UN member states to denounce what he described as a "blatantly unjustified" war on Iran, warning that indifference would bring no lasting security or peace.UN special rapporteur on the right to education, Farida Shaheed, presented evidence suggesting the school was "each struck individually by precision munition," indicating intentional targeting. However, ongoing investigations suggest the attack may have resulted from "outdated intelligence" used by the US military.Shaheed emphasized that "the killing of children can never, ever be justified" and highlighted the broader impact on education in Iran, where more than 600 schools and education facilities have been destroyed or severely damaged by US-Israeli attacks, with at least 230 children and teachers confirmed dead.UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk reinforced that targeting schools constitutes a grave violation of international law, stating: "Whatever differences countries have, we can all agree they will not be solved by killing schoolchildren."

Al Jazeera recently had the opportunity to visit a historic palace in Iran that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace, which suffered significant damage during a war, offers a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage and the impact of conflict on its architectural treasures.The palace, a testament to Iran's architectural prowess, stands as a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges posed by war, the site continues to attract visitors and serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage.Al Jazeera's visit to the palace provides a unique perspective on the intersection of history, culture, and conflict in the region. The palace's story serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect and preserve cultural sites for future generations.

The UK government has introduced new guidelines on screen time for children under five, developed by a panel led by the children's commissioner for England, Rachel de Souza, and children's health expert Prof Russell Viner. Children under two years old should avoid screen time except for shared activities that encourage interaction, while children between two and five years old should limit screen time to no more than one hour a day. The guidance also advises against fast-paced, social-media style videos and AI tools, which may affect how young children learn to concentrate. Instead, it suggests 'safe screen swaps' such as replacing screens at mealtimes with background music, conversation, table games, or coloring. Parents are encouraged to prioritize activities that promote language, problem-solving skills, self-control, and social understanding, such as reading together, playing simple games, and back-and-forth conversations. The guidance acknowledges that some children with special educational needs or disabilities may need to use screens to help them communicate and participate in everyday activities. Experts warn that excessive screen time can harm children's development, with 90% of brain growth happening before the age of five. The advisory panel emphasizes the importance of parental example, as children's brains are like 'sponges' and will mimic their screen use habits. Examples of shared screen activities include video calls with relatives or looking at family photos together, which represent constructive joint screen use. The guidance also recommends avoiding screens for an hour before bedtime and reading stories together instead. By adopting these guidelines, parents can help promote healthy screen use habits and support their child's overall development.

Ryan Murphy's drama series 'Love Story' has become Disney+'s most-streamed drama ever, captivating audiences worldwide with its schlocky, glossy portrayal of the doomed marriage between John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette. The series, which consists of nine episodes, tells the story of the couple's whirlwind romance and tragic fate.The show's success can be attributed to its unique blend of camp nostalgia, paparazzi exposure, and cultural symbolism. According to TV critic Scott Bryan, Murphy's formula for success involves targeting subjects with tragic backstories and workable legal margins, which in practice means the longer they have been dead, the smoother the adaptation.The series begins as a Cinderella romance between a Kennedy scion and a Calvin Klein publicist who became the most famous and scrutinised couple in the US – and evolves into a lesson in what happens when marriage becomes a form of branding. The show's relatability factor also lies in its portrayal of universal dating themes, great hair, and a wardrobe full of Prada and Kangol caps worn backwards.Social media searches for JFK Jr and Bessette grew by more than 9,100% in the past month, according to FX, which created the show. The show's success has also sparked speculation about Murphy's next subject, with names like Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and Liz Taylor and Richard Burton being floated on social media.The show's impact can be seen in its ability to resonate with audiences, particularly Gen Z women, who have connected with the show's themes of relationships, style, and tragedy. As Bryan noted, 'Love Story' is 'unapologetically schmaltzy' and doesn't try to be anything more than a show that looks the part, making it a refreshing change from the usual prestige television dramas.

Lloyds Banking Group is embroiled in a significant court battle with approximately 30,000 car loan customers who are seeking £66m in compensation. The claims, being handled by the law firm Courmacs Legal, stem from allegations that Lloyds' motor finance arm, Black Horse, engaged in unfair commission arrangements with car dealers, leading to customers being overcharged for their loans. This case is part of a broader car loans commission scandal that has affected numerous consumers. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) had proposed a redress scheme worth an estimated £11bn to compensate affected customers. However, the claimants have opted to pursue a court case instead, citing concerns that the FCA's scheme may not provide adequate compensation. Under the FCA's proposed scheme, consumers were expected to receive an average payout of £700 per claim, which is less than half of the £1,500 average payout recommended by some consumer groups. This discrepancy has led claims law firms to argue that the scheme favors lenders over consumers. The court case, expected to be filed in the coming weeks, marks a significant development in the ongoing car finance mis-selling scandal. Courmacs Legal will represent the 30,000 claimants, taking a 28% cut of any successful payout. The firm believes that pursuing a court case is necessary to ensure that their clients receive fair compensation. A spokesperson for the FCA emphasized that their redress scheme is designed to provide consumers with fair compensation quickly and without incurring high fees. Meanwhile, Lloyds Bank has declined to comment on the matter. This case is likely to be the first in a series of omnibus suits against other lenders involved in the motor finance mis-selling scandal. A court of appeal case brought by Lloyds and other banks is currently pending, which could potentially impact the progression of Courmacs's omnibus claims.

The UK's physics community is reeling from a devastating blow as the government slashes funding for particle theory research. Grants from 2026 to 2030 have been cut by nearly 70%, leaving fewer than 20 postdoctoral researchers to work in the field across the country. This drastic reduction has sparked fears that some physics departments may close and that the UK's reputation as a hub for physics research could be irreparably damaged.Brian Cox, a prominent TV scientist and professor at the University of Manchester, described the impact as 'unquantifiable' and warned that it amounts to the 'destruction of the future'. The cuts have been criticized by scientists around the world, with over 600 international researchers signing an open letter in support of the UK's physics community.The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) has defended the cuts, citing 'particular pressures' due to inflation and higher operating and staffing costs. However, many scientists argue that the cuts are a shortsighted move that will ultimately harm the UK's scientific progress and reputation. The UK's physics community has a rich history, with notable figures such as Stephen Hawking, Peter Higgs, and Paul Dirac making groundbreaking contributions to the field.The cuts have also sparked concerns about the impact on young researchers, who are the lifeblood of scientific progress. Prof Jeff Forshaw, also at Manchester, described the cuts as 'annihilating' a field of research that inspires young people into physics and fires up the public imagination. The situation has prompted alarm around the world, with Prof Ed Witten, considered one of the greatest physicists since Albert Einstein, expressing concern that the UK is following in the footsteps of the US, which has also made major cuts to science funding.

The weekend's sporting calendar features major events across Formula 1, football, and the Women's Super League, with fans treated to a diverse range of high-profile competitions.On Saturday, the action begins early with Formula One's Japanese Grand Prix qualifying at 6am GMT. Mercedes and Ferrari have emerged as the early favorites after adapting best to Formula One's most radical changes in power and chassis in over a decade. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have won the first two races, while Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have consistently finished third and fourth. The Suzuka circuit presents a different challenge with its figure-eight layout, narrow twisting sections, and limited passing opportunities. Philip Cornwall will provide live coverage of qualifying, with Giles Richards reporting from Suzuka.Football fans can follow Matchday live from 8am-12.15pm as Billy Munday brings updates on international and domestic action. The coverage will include follow-up from Friday's England international against Uruguay at Wembley, managed by former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, and Scotland's World Cup warm-up against Japan. The day also features three significant Women's Super League derby matches.The first WSL derby kicks off at 1.30pm with Manchester United facing Manchester City. Andrée Jeglertz's pacesetters enter the match on a high after a 5-2 victory over Spurs, featuring Khadija Shaw's record-setting quickest hat-trick in WSL history. Manchester United, meanwhile, secured three points against Everton but suffered a 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final first leg. Xaymaca Awoyungbo will host the live blog, with Tom Garry reporting from Old Trafford.At 5pm, Scotland hosts Japan in an international friendly. This match provides Steve Clarke's side with an opportunity to fine-tune their squad before their World Cup campaign in North America, where they will face Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti in Group C. With only club games remaining before the squad announcement in May, numerous players are eager to impress. Scott Murray will host the live blog, with Ewan Murray reporting from Glasgow.The second WSL derby of the day follows at 5.30pm with Arsenal taking on Tottenham. Renée Slegers' Arsenal side sits fourth in the table, unbeaten in the league since October, and coming off victories over Chelsea and West Ham. Tottenham, managed by Martin Ho, have lost their last two matches and have beaten Arsenal just once in their previous encounter. Rob Smyth will manage the live blog for this north London derby, with Sophie Downey reporting from the Emirates.Sunday's action begins with the Japanese Grand Prix live coverage at 6am BST. Oscar Piastri has raised hopes of a non-Mercedes victory after setting the fastest time in Friday's practice. McLaren has struggled since winning last season's drivers' championship, failing to even start the Chinese Grand Prix due to technical issues. This race is particularly significant as it will be followed by a five-week break before the next F1 event in Miami on May 3rd. Joey Lynch will provide lap-by-lap coverage, with Giles Richards again reporting from Suzuka.Football coverage continues with Matchday live from 8am-12pm as Emillia Hawkins brings updates on Sunday's action and previews England's upcoming World Cup warm-up against Japan. The blog will also cover buildup to three WSL fixtures, with breaking news and match reports. Fans can email [email protected] with their views.The weekend's WSL action concludes at 12pm with Chelsea facing Aston Villa. This match between third-placed Chelsea and an Aston Villa side that recently beat Leicester promises to be particularly compelling. Chelsea has struggled in the title race and suffered Champions League defeat to Arsenal, while also dealing with injuries including Aggie Beever-Jones. There is the possibility of Sam Kerr's return after the Asian Cup. Daniel Harris will host the blog for this fixture.

Roy Hodgson has made a sensational return to management at the age of 78 with Bristol City, following the sacking of Gerhard Struber by the Championship club. Hodgson, who has been out of work since leaving Crystal Palace in February 2024, will take charge of City for the remaining seven games of the season. They are currently 16th in the Championship.Hodgson's storied managerial career in England began at Ashton Gate in 1982, after a period at Swedish club Halmstad. In total, he has managed 17 different clubs and four different international sides, including England, from 2012-16. “I have had great conversations with the board and I am really excited by the opportunity to help until the end of the season,” he said. “We will get straight to work and look for a positive performance [against Charlton] on Good Friday.”The appointment comes after Struber, who succeeded Liam Manning last summer, had grown frustrated at the club and voiced his disappointment at the January window, when City sold key players Anis Mehmeti and Zak Vyner to division rivals Ipswich and Wrexham respectively. Struber’s assistant Bernd Eibler has also departed. Results under the Austrian tailed off, with Struber winning only one of his final nine matches in all competitions.“Roy’s appointment is about more than the results of the next seven games,” said the Bristol City chief executive Charlie Boss. “Over the remainder of the season, he will help us set the standards and values at the club that we will need to be successful going forwards. Roy is a vastly experienced coach who has achieved and won at the highest level.” City are in the process of recruiting an incoming sporting director who will help appoint a permanent head coach expected to replace Hodgson at the end of the season.