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Ryanair is paying airport ground staff €2.50 (£2.20) for every oversized cabin bag they confiscate, a tactic championed by CEO Michael O’Leary to enforce the airline’s strict baggage limits.The airline defines an oversized bag as any item exceeding 40 cm × 30 cm × 20 cm. Passengers who cannot fit their luggage into the gate‑side cage must pay a levy of up to £75 to travel with the bag.O’Leary says the bounty program has been “very successful,” noting a dramatic drop in the number of passengers attempting to board with oversized items. He even increased the bounty by an additional euro last year, stating he “makes no apology for the policy.”While Ryanair’s dimensions are stricter than many rivals—EasyJet, for example, allows bags up to 45 cm × 36 cm × 20 cm—the airline’s limits are actually 33% larger than the EU’s minimum free‑bag size of 40 cm × 30 cm × 15 cm, after a recent 20% volume increase.Travelers who exceed the limits can purchase a Ryanair‑approved cabin bag for £40‑£50 or pay a fee to carry a larger bag on board, ranging from £12 to £36 depending on the route—sometimes exceeding the cost of the seat itself.The aggressive enforcement has sparked criticism over “draconian” interpretation of the rules, but O’Leary dismisses the backlash, arguing the approach protects the airline’s low‑cost model and deters passengers from exploiting loopholes.Industry observers note that Ryanair’s bounty scheme illustrates a broader trend of airlines monetising ancillary services, raising questions about consumer rights and the need for clearer, possibly regulated, cabin‑baggage standards across Europe.

Oil markets experienced a dramatic correction on Wednesday, with Brent crude falling 13.9% to $94.10 per barrel and U.S. WTI futures sliding almost 16% to $95, marking the steepest daily percentage drop since the COVID‑19 crash of April 2020. Despite the plunge, prices remain well above pre‑conflict levels, when Brent traded below $73.The price shock followed President Donald Trump's announcement of a two‑week, conditional ceasefire with Iran, contingent on Tehran reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz for oil tankers. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed the strait would be managed by the Iranian military during the grace period, while Iran’s national security council accepted the ceasefire on the condition that U.S. attacks be halted.Equity markets reacted positively. The pan‑European Stoxx 600 surged 4%, its biggest one‑day gain in over four years. In the UK, the FTSE 100 climbed nearly 3% to 10,646 points, its highest level since the early days of the Iran war. Travel and leisure stocks led the rally, with Air France up 14.5%, Lufthansa +11%, IAG +9.5% and TUI +12%.Oil majors were the notable laggards; BP and Shell each lost more than 5% as investors priced in continued supply uncertainty. Asian markets also posted strong gains: Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose over 5%, Australia’s S&P;/ASX 200 jumped 2.55%, South Korea’s Kospi surged 7.5%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 3.1% and China’s CSI300 climbed 3.2%.Bond yields eased on the ceasefire news. The U.S. 10‑year Treasury yield fell to 4.24% from 4.30%, while the UK 10‑year gilt slipped to 4.7% from 4.9%.Safe‑haven assets rallied as well: gold rose more than 2% to $4,812 per ounce, and cryptocurrencies recovered, with Bitcoin up 2.9% to $71,327 and Ether gaining 5.6% to $2,234.Market strategists emphasized the provisional nature of the relief. Jim Reid, Deutsche Bank markets strategist, warned that “investors will be breathing a big sigh of relief, but the durability of the ceasefire remains the key risk.” He noted ongoing Israeli‑Iran strikes and unclear extensions to Lebanon could reignite volatility.Energy analyst Saul Kavonic (MST Financial) described the pause as “an off‑ramp for Trump’s bombastic ultimatum, but not yet an off‑ramp for oil markets or the war.” He expects a limited release of tankers from Hormuz in May, which would ease storage pressure without boosting production.Capital Economics chief economist Neil Shearing highlighted potential transit fees for Hormuz passage, estimating a $1‑2 million charge per tanker—equivalent to roughly $1 per barrel—would have a modest effect on global oil prices but could signal a de‑facto partial nationalisation of the route.TD Securities senior strategist Prashant Newnaha cautioned that “renewed escalation cannot be ruled out, but markets are treating this ceasefire as the real deal, and all parties will sell it as a major win.” He added that oil prices are unlikely to revert to pre‑war levels, keeping inflationary pressures alive.Earlier in the week, U.S. equities swung sharply, with the S&P; 500 dipping 1.2% before rebounding after Pakistan’s prime minister urged Trump to extend the deadline and keep the strait open.The conflict, which began after the U.S. and Israel struck Iranian targets in late February, has choked the Strait of Hormuz—through which about 20% of global oil and LNG supplies flow—fueling a worldwide energy crunch.

Shell is poised to report a substantial increase in profits from its commodity trading activities in the first quarter, driven by recent market volatility sparked by the Iran crisis. The energy giant's chemicals and products unit, which encompasses its primary oil trading desk, is expected to see a significant boost in trading results.The company's trading windfall is particularly notable in its renewable energy division, with predicted earnings ranging from $200m to $700m in the first quarter, up from approximately $100m in the previous quarter. This surge is attributed to the historic price rises in oil and gas markets following Iran's retaliation to US-Israeli aggression, which included throttling energy trade through the Strait of Hormuz and launching strikes against key energy infrastructure in the Gulf region.However, Shell's gas production is expected to decline by about 5% to between 880,000 and 920,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, compared to 948,000 in the fourth quarter, due to the impact of the Middle East conflict on its assets in Qatar. A strike damaged Shell's assets at the Ras Laffan liquified natural gas (LNG) complex in Qatar, contributing to the expected decline.Despite these challenges, Shell's boss, Wael Sawan, has warned that Europe could face an energy and fuel shortage in April without a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The company is working with governments to address the oil and gas supply crisis, which has already led to energy rationing in some Asian countries.

Turkey has emerged as the world’s most aggressive adopter of grid‑scale battery storage, with more than 33 GW approved since 2022, according to a new Ember analysis. That figure dwarfs the total planned and operational capacity of leading EU nations such as Germany and Italy, which together sit at roughly 12‑13 GW.The surge reflects a 2022 mandate that grants preferential grid access to renewable projects that pair generation with an equal amount of storage. Of the 221 GW of battery projects submitted, Turkey has green‑lit 33 GW—equivalent to about 83% of its current wind and solar capacity. Only Romania in the EU shows a higher storage‑to‑renewable ratio.Policy analyst Ufuk Alparslan of Ember described the move as a “massive investment signal” that could make Turkey the backbone of a new, clean regional energy hub, especially ahead of the Cop31 climate summit in Antalya this November.Cost declines have been a key catalyst: the price of solar panels and battery packs has fallen by nearly 90% over the past decade, unlocking affordable, reliable power for countries in the global south. University of Wisconsin‑Madison researcher Greg Nemet noted that this price plunge creates “a tremendous opportunity for a cheap, clean and reliable energy system.”Despite the battery boom, Turkey’s energy mix remains heavily coal‑dependent, with coal accounting for 34% of electricity generation last year. The nation generates roughly one‑fifth of its power from wind and solar—higher than any Middle Eastern or Central Asian country but still below the European average.Turkey aims to boost installed wind and solar capacity to 120 GW by 2035, up from the current 40 GW. However, the 6.5 GW added in the most recent year fell short of the 8 GW needed to stay on track, highlighting implementation challenges.Alparslan cautioned that the ambitious battery pipeline faces hurdles, including permit bottlenecks and reliance on volatile spot‑market electricity prices. Moreover, Turkey’s extensive hydropower resources lessen the immediate need for large‑scale batteries compared with many European states.Nevertheless, the country’s decisive policy stance sends a clear message: even as the global fossil‑fuel crisis intensifies—exacerbated by geopolitical tensions such as the Iran‑Hormuz conflict—Turkey is positioning itself at the forefront of the clean‑energy transition.

The Black Death, which occurred between 1346 and 1353, was a pandemic that killed an estimated 100 million people, making it the most lethal natural disaster in human history. Historian Thomas Asbridge argues that the plague was more global than previously thought, affecting not just Europe but also the medieval world, including Sicily, Egypt, Syria, Spain, Sweden, and Russia.In his book, 'The Black Death: A Global History', Asbridge explores the social and economic impact of the pandemic, including the rise of antisemitism and the blaming of Jews for the plague, which led to massacres and persecution. He also examines the long-term consequences of the pandemic, including the end of serfdom and the weakening of the Byzantine Empire.Asbridge's work is based on a thorough analysis of contemporary chronicles and bureaucratic records, which provide a vivid picture of life during the pandemic. He also highlights the resilience of society during this time, with most people continuing to work and care for their loved ones, even in the face of overwhelming death and destruction.The book is a magisterial survey of the Black Death, offering a comprehensive and engaging history of one of the most significant events in human history. Asbridge's work is a timely reminder of the ongoing threat of pandemics and the importance of understanding their impact on human society.

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has expressed his support for Barcelona player Lamine Yamal for speaking out against anti-Muslim chants during a recent match. Yamal, who is Muslim, criticized the chants, calling them 'disrespectful and intolerable.'Vinicius, a Brazil international, has been a vocal advocate against racism in football, having faced racist taunts himself while playing in Europe. He emphasized the importance of players using their platform to fight against discrimination, stating, 'We have to stick together, those who have a stronger voice, the players…'Yamal's comments came after a friendly match between Spain and Egypt, where fans chanted 'the one who doesn’t jump is the Muslim.' Yamal took to Instagram to condemn the chants, saying, 'Using a religion as a form of mockery on a pitch shows you up as ignorant and racist.'Vinicius and Yamal's stance against racism and discrimination highlights the ongoing efforts of football players to promote inclusivity and respect in the sport. As Vinicius noted, 'If we keep fighting together, I think future players and people in general won’t have to go through this again.'

Who: FC Barcelona vs. Atletico MadridWhat: UEFA Champions League quarter‑final, first legWhere: Camp Nou, Barcelona, SpainWhen: Wednesday, 21:00 CET (19:00 GMT)How to follow: Live text commentary starts at 16:00 GMT on Al Jazeera Sport. The Spanish giants are set to clash again after a grueling schedule that has seen them meet five times in just two months, including three matches within a ten‑day span. Barcelona entered the encounter fresh from a dramatic 2‑1 victory over Atletico in La Liga on Saturday, a win that pushed them seven points clear at the top of the table. Robert Lewandowski netted a late winner after Marcus Rashford had equalised, while Atletico midfielder Nico González received a second yellow card just before halftime, leaving the visitors with ten men. With the league title largely secured, Diego Simeone opted to rotate his squad for Wednesday’s match, focusing his energy on the European tie. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick echoed the sentiment, noting that players typically give “5‑10 % more” in Champions League fixtures. Both managers highlighted the importance of the upcoming game. Flick described the fixture as “very difficult” and urged his side to take it “step by step, match by match.” Midfielder Dani Olmo called the tie “all or nothing,” stressing the need to avoid a repeat of their recent Copa del Rey disappointment. Simeone praised Barcelona as “the best attacking team in Europe,” while Atletico forward Ademola Lookman warned that the clash would be “special” and demanded thorough preparation. How the clubs reached the quarter‑finals Barcelona earned their spot with a commanding 7‑2 aggregate win over Newcastle United, highlighted by a fourth‑minute strike from Raphinha and a second‑half surge that saw Lewandowski score a brace. Atletico advanced after a 7‑5 aggregate triumph over Tottenham Hotspur, despite a 3‑2 loss in the second leg. Their early dominance in the first leg, a 5‑2 home win, set the foundation for progression. Head‑to‑head snapshot Across 250 meetings, Barcelona have claimed 115 victories, Atletico 78, with 57 draws. The most recent ten encounters feature a mix of league and cup results, the latest being Barcelona’s 2‑1 La Liga win on Saturday. Team news and predicted line‑ups Barcelona injuries: Raphinha, Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen are sidelined. Ronald Araujo is expected to start after missing the weekend match. Predicted XI: Joan Garcia; Koundé, Cubarsi, Martín, Cancelo; Eric Garcia, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Rashford; Lewandowski. Atletico injuries: Pablo Barrios out with a thigh problem; José Giménez and Johnny Cardoso are doubtful. Jan Oblak, Marc Pubil and Rodrigo Mendoza have returned to training and could feature. Predicted XI: Jan Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Koke, Baena; Simeone, Griezmann, Lookman; Álvarez. The stage is set for a high‑stakes European duel, with both sides eager to translate domestic form into continental success.

The UK Home Office has refused rapper Kanye West’s request to travel to Britain, stating that his presence would not be "conducive to the public good" after a wave of criticism over his anti‑Semitic comments and open admiration for Adolf Hitler.West, now performing under the name Ye, submitted a visa application on Monday for a headline slot at London’s Wireless Festival in July. The Home Office issued a denial on Tuesday, effectively barring him from entry.In response, the festival’s organisers announced the cancellation of the entire event and pledged to refund all ticket holders, underscoring the pressure from sponsors and politicians to distance the show from the controversial artist.Amid the controversy, West publicly offered to meet members of the British Jewish community, saying he wanted to demonstrate “unity, peace and love through music” and that “words aren’t enough – I’ll have to show change through my actions.”The backlash intensified after West released a track titled “Heil Hitler” and marketed a swastika‑bearing T‑shirt on his website, actions that have drawn widespread condemnation for glorifying Nazism.West has performed in the United States and Mexico City this year, but was barred from Australia in July 2023 for similar reasons. He later placed a full‑page apology in the Wall Street Journal, attributing his behavior to an untreated bipolar disorder.British government minister Wes Streeting dismissed the bipolar‑disorder explanation as “appalling,” while Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the decision to book West “deeply concerning” given his prior anti‑Semitic remarks and celebration of Nazism.The Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomed the Home Office’s move, stating that it “backed up its words with action” and affirmed that antisemitism has no place in the UK.West’s European tour continues to face resistance; the mayor of Marseille, France, publicly declared the rapper “not welcome” for a scheduled June concert.

Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris are set to board a flight back to France after three and a half years of detention in Iran, President Emmanuel Macron announced on X on Tuesday. The release was secured through diplomatic talks led by Oman, which acted as a neutral intermediary. “Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris are free and on their way back to France, after three and a half years of detention in Iran. This is a relief for all of us and, of course, for their families,” Macron wrote. The Iranian decision arrives amid an apparent thaw in relations between Paris and Tehran, as France has openly criticized the war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran. The duo were arrested in 2022 on accusations of spying for France and Israel – charges that the French government repeatedly called unfounded. After being freed from the notorious Evin Prison in November 2025, they remained under the protection of the French embassy. French Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot said the couple expressed great joy at the prospect of returning home. He confirmed that he had spoken with them and that discussions with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchi, helped pave the way for their departure. French lawmakers responded to the news with a standing ovation in the National Assembly. The case is part of a broader pattern, described by activists and several Western governments as Iran’s strategy of “hostage‑taking” to extract political concessions from Europe. Iran’s state news agency IRNA confirmed the release, noting it stemmed from an understanding that France would, in return, free Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian student detained in Lyon, and withdraw a complaint lodged against Iran at the International Court of Justice. These diplomatic moves occur against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the region. France has emerged as a vocal critic of the United States‑Israel campaign against Iran, and earlier this week a vessel owned by French shipping giant CMA CGM became the first Western ship to navigate the contested Strait of Hormuz. The strait’s blockage has contributed to a global energy crisis, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to issue stark threats of further escalation. While the immediate outcome is the safe return of two French citizens, the exchange underscores the delicate balance of diplomatic leverage, humanitarian concerns, and strategic interests shaping France‑Iran relations today.