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Iran has announced the appointment of Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the new secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, a move seen as a significant development in the country's security landscape. The appointment comes on the heels of a recent missile strike on Tel Aviv, which resulted in major building damage and at least four casualties. Iranian missiles created impacts in several areas of the city, escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. The new security chief, Zolghadr, will be tasked with navigating these complex geopolitical dynamics and ensuring the country's security interests are protected.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, have announced a poignant tribute to the 11 fans who lost their lives in a stampede outside their home stadium, M Chinnaswamy, during title celebrations last year. The team will keep 11 seats empty at the stadium as a memorial to the victims.The tragic incident occurred on June 4, 2025, when RCB won the IPL for the first time. The stampede claimed the lives of 11 supporters, aged between 14 and 29, and injured over 50 people. The event took place during a homecoming trophy parade, where hundreds of thousands gathered to welcome the team and star batsman Virat Kohli.In the wake of the tragedy, the stadium was initially deemed unsafe due to structural and crowd management issues. However, after significant enhancements to crowd management measures, including the installation of AI-guided cameras, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) approved the stadium to host games, including RCB's home fixtures.RCB CEO Rajesh Menon emphasized that the empty seats are a tribute to the fans who will always be part of the team's journey. The team will also wear black armbands and warm-up tops with the number 11 during their upcoming match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, marking the start of the 2026 IPL season.The stampede led to several officials, including a senior RCB executive, being questioned by police, though no one has been convicted. The team's management has taken steps to prevent such a tragedy from recurring, ensuring a safer experience for fans.

Eritrea's national football team, popularly known as the Red Sea Camels, will host Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, in the Moroccan city of Meknes on Wednesday in the first leg of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. This marks the end of an 18-year absence from the premier African national team competition.The match at the 20,000-seat Stade d’Honneur was moved from East to North Africa due to Eritrea's lack of an international-standard venue. Eswatini will stage the return match on March 31, with the aggregate winners advancing to the group stage.Eritrea has not played in the Cup of Nations since a 2008 qualifier against Swaziland. The reason for their absence has not been officially explained, but it is widely believed that many players sought asylum while playing abroad, citing political repression and lengthy military service.The Eritrean National Football Federation President, Paulos Andemariam, announced that the isolation would end, saying, “After positive discussions with our government, we have registered to play in the 2027 AFCON, and I believe we will have a strong team, including many Eritreans playing outside Africa.”The Eritrean squad includes players from various countries, such as Australia, Egypt, England, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the Philippines, and Sweden. Siem Eyob-Abraha, with English second-tier club Sheffield United, and Egypt-based striker Ali Sulieman are expected to start.Eritrea's lack of match practice could be a disadvantage, as their last competitive international was a World Cup qualifying defeat in Namibia seven years ago. FIFA has omitted Eritrea from the national team rankings, while Eswatini are 46th in Africa and 159th in the world.

Iga Swiatek, the world No 3 tennis player, has spoken candidly about her struggles after a difficult defeat at the Miami Open. The Polish player lost to her compatriot Magda Linette in a messy three-set affair, marking one of her most challenging losses in years. In a post-match media session, Swiatek broke down in tears, highlighting the emotional toll of her recent performances. She described her current situation as 'the worst nightmare a top tennis player can have,' struggling to cope with the pressure and weight of her achievements. Swiatek's issues on the court have been compounded by her mental state. Despite being a six-time grand slam title winner and one of the greatest players of her generation, she has been plagued by chronic overthinking, worrying, and second-guessing her decisions. The problems began in the autumn of 2024 after a positive test for the banned substance trimetazidine, which led to a month-long suspension. Although she proved the substance was in a permitted sleep medication, the incident affected her performance. Swiatek's inactivity in the final months of 2024 meant she couldn't regain her No 1 ranking, which has been held by her rival Aryna Sabalenka. In a bid to address her struggles, Swiatek has parted ways with her coach, Wim Fissette. Her partnership with sports psychologist Daria Abramowicz has been crucial in her career, but Swiatek may need to take more ownership of her decision-making to move forward. Despite her current challenges, Swiatek remains a formidable player, known for her destructive groundstrokes, heavy topspin, and supreme athleticism. Her mental toughness has been a key factor in her success, but it has also become a source of stress in recent months.

The concept of a uniform consumer experience, once a hallmark of American equality, is rapidly eroding. Andy Warhol's 1975 observation that the richest and poorest consumers could buy the same products is no longer true. Today, many everyday experiences and products are being segmented into multiple tiers, often with significant price differences.The airline industry is a prime example of this trend. What was once a standard experience, including free checked bags and snacks, is now often subject to additional fees. This model is spreading to other sectors, such as cinemas, where AMC Theatres is introducing tiered seating with priority access for loyalty program members.The trend doesn't stop there. Ski resorts and Disney World are also implementing paid 'fast-track' options to skip lines, while the healthcare sector is seeing a rise in 'concierge medicine' with membership fees as high as $50,000 a year. These developments are widening the gap between those who can afford premium experiences and those who cannot.The author, Arwa Mahdawi, argues that this trend is part of a broader shift where corporate greed is making everyday life more expensive and less accessible to the masses. As a result, people are opting to stay home rather than pay high prices for experiences that were once affordable.This shift towards premiumization raises questions about the impact on society and the economy. While it may benefit corporations and shareholders, it risks exacerbating existing inequalities and reducing social mobility.

The England national team is gearing up for the World Cup with a massive 35-player squad selected by Thomas Tuchel, including late additions like Ben White. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold is still noticeably absent from the roster.The team's chances of winning the World Cup are being discussed, with some players like James Garner being touted as potential game-changers. The squad also includes recalled players Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo, who will be looking to secure a spot in the final group.Moving on to the English Football League (EFL), Coventry City is being tipped for promotion to the Premier League. The Championship is heating up, with teams like Middlesborough, Ipswich, Millwall, and Hull vying for a spot in the top tier.At the bottom of the Championship, Oxford, Leicester, Portsmouth, West Brom, and Blackburn are all fighting to avoid relegation. In League One, Lincoln City is on the brink of promotion, while Cardiff is set to join them.The League Two promotion battle is intense, with Bromley almost certainly securing an automatic spot. A four-way scrap is underway to avoid relegation and stay in the Football League.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is facing a severe crisis after a stunning 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on Sunday. The loss has left his team reeling, with only seven Premier League games remaining to salvage the season.The defeat, which saw Brian Brobbey score a 90th-minute winner for Sunderland, has raised serious questions about Howe's tactics and team selection. The manager's often chaotic attacking approach has been criticized, with some suggesting he should have opted for a more pragmatic approach to secure a point.Howe's future at Newcastle United is now uncertain, with the club's Saudi Arabian ownership set to conduct a thorough performance review this summer. The manager's in-game management and player selection will come under intense scrutiny, particularly his decision to play Anthony Gordon as a centre-forward.The team's defensive frailties were exposed in a 7-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League, and their inability to keep clean sheets has been a major concern. With a summer rebuild likely, Howe's position as manager may depend on his ability to address these issues and deliver European football next season.

James Garner has described this year as a defining moment in his career, and his recent first England call-up is a testament to his hard work. The 25-year-old Everton midfielder could make his international debut in upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.Garner had a clear goal at the start of the season: to showcase his abilities and prove himself. Despite facing challenges, including serious back injuries and Everton's relegation battles, he has emerged as an integral member of David Moyes's side, who currently sit eighth in the Premier League.His versatility, playing both as a central midfielder and right-back, and his expertise in set-pieces, make him a valuable asset. Garner expressed his satisfaction with the season's progress, stating, “I told myself at the start of the season that this season has to be the season that I can show everyone what I can do and I think so far I have done.”Having previously represented England at youth levels and winning the Under-21 European Championship in 2023, Garner aims to make a significant impact with the senior team. He shared his excitement about the opportunity, mentioning his family's pride, especially his father's, who is a Liverpool supporter.Garner's journey from Manchester United's youth ranks to Everton and now to the England squad highlights his determination and talent. As he prepares for a potential debut, he remains focused on contributing to England's success and hopes to win a trophy with the senior team.

Mohamed Salah has been a pivotal figure at Liverpool FC for nine remarkable years. His journey with the team has been marked by numerous accolades and memorable moments.As one of the most skilled players in the Premier League, Salah has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the field, earning him a special place in the hearts of Liverpool fans.This article, presented in pictures, takes a look back at Salah's glorious nine years at Liverpool, showcasing his contributions to the team's success.