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Handshake Standoff Sparks IPL TensionDuring the post‑match ceremony of the IPL clash, Virat Kohli walked past Travis Head without the customary handshake, turning a routine gesture into a headline‑grabbing moment. The refusal followed a heated exchange on the field when Kohli, opening for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, gestured at Head to bowl after the Australian’s dismissal of a Hyderabad batsman.Match Recap: Hyderabad's Dominant 55-Run VictorySunrisers Hyderabad posted a formidable total of 256, forcing RCB into a chase that quickly unraveled. Kohli’s early dismissal for 15 off 11 balls set the tone, and despite a brief resurgence from the Hyderabad bowlers, RCB fell short by 55 runs.Stat Sheet: Numbers That Shaped the ClashTarget set: 256 runsRCB’s margin of defeat: 55 runsVirat Kohli scored 15 off 11 ballsTravis Head bowled an over later, claiming the wicket of RCB captain Rajat PatidarBoth teams now sit on equal points, with RCB retaining the top spot on net‑run‑rateImplications for IPL Playoff Race and Player ConductThe result leaves Hyderabad and RCB tied on points, but RCB’s superior net‑run‑rate secures the league‑lead heading into the playoffs. Off the field, Kohli’s refusal to engage in the traditional handshake raises questions about sportsmanship standards in high‑pressure IPL fixtures and may prompt the league’s disciplinary committee to review conduct guidelines.Looking Ahead: What This Means for RCB and HyderabadBoth franchises have already qualified for the upcoming playoff stage, but the psychological edge could shift. Hyderabad’s confidence is bolstered by a decisive win against a top‑ranked side, while RCB must manage the fallout from the handshake incident to maintain team cohesion. Observers will watch whether the league issues any formal comment before the knockout rounds begin on Wednesday.

Israeli Forces Escalate Attacks in Southern Lebanon Israeli forces launched a new wave of air attacks in Lebanon on Saturday after earlier raids killed 10 people, targeting an area near the Syrian border and several villages in southern Lebanon. Lebanon's National News Agency reported five Israeli air attacks shortly before midnight in the mountainous Nabi Sreij area on the outskirts of Brital, which had been spared from attacks since April 17. On Saturday, the agency reported large explosions in the towns of Yohmor al-Shaqif in Nabatieh and Taybeh in the Marjayoun district, both in southern Lebanon. Hospital Infrastructure Targeted in Previous Strikes On Thursday, an Israeli attack near the Tebnine Hospital in southern Lebanon damaged all three floors of the building, including the emergency room, intensive care unit, surgical ward, and ambulances parked outside, according to the Ministry of Public Health. Israel's military had issued two forced displacement warnings since Friday night via its Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee, for the southern Lebanese village of Burj Rahal and the areas of Tyre and Zqouq al-Mufdi. Civilian Displacement and Psychological Impact Al Jazeera's Obaida Hitto, reporting from Tyre, southern Lebanon, at the edge of the 500-metre (550-yard) perimeter that Israel has designated as the danger zone, said: "There are ambulances here. There are also rescue teams and people who have fled their homes this evening following this forced [displacement] order." Many left in fear and panic, he said, seeing these orders as threats while being unsure of when they could return home. "People are here with their families and their children," Hitto said. "This is the kind of psychological terror that Israel is forcing people to live in, here in southern Lebanon." Rising Casualties Despite Ceasefire Declaration More than 3,100 people have been killed in Lebanon since Israeli forces escalated attacks on the country on March 2, and attacks have continued despite a ceasefire announced by United States President Donald Trump on April 16. The dead include 123 medics, more than 210 children and nearly 300 women, according to statistics shared by Lebanon's Health Ministry on Friday.

The acting Navy secretary Hung Cao told a Senate committee that the United States is temporarily pausing a $14 bn arms sale to Taiwan to ensure sufficient munitions for the Iran operation dubbed Epic Fury. The disclosure, coupled with a Washington Post report on interceptor usage, has sparked concerns that the U.S. may be exhausting its strategic missile stockpiles faster than they can be replenished. Senate Hearing Highlights $14 bn Taiwan Sale Pause and Iran‑War Munitions Demand During the hearing, Cao emphasized that the pause is a precaution, not a sign of a critical shortage, stating the U.S. has “plenty” of munitions for Epic Fury. Yet his own remarks underscored a broader tension: while officials publicly project confidence, internal data suggest a rapid drawdown of high‑value weapons used against Iran. Interceptors and Tomahawks: The Scale of US Depletion THAAD interceptors: >200 launched – roughly 50% of the U.S. inventory. SM‑3/SM‑6 missiles: >100 deployed. Tomahawk cruise missiles: >1,000 used out of an estimated 3,100. Overall, seven critical munitions saw more than half of their pre‑war stockpiles expended, according to a CSIS report dated April 21. Strategic Ripple Effects for Allies and Future Theaters The depletion has immediate implications for U.S. partners. Japan and South Korea, which rely on American missile‑defence systems, face heightened risk if the supply chain cannot keep pace. Gulf allies also worry about reduced availability of Patriot and THAAD systems should the Iran conflict reignite. Moreover, the same interceptors are needed for potential Indo‑Pacific contingencies involving China, amplifying the strategic stakes. Rebuilding the Arsenal: Timeline and Policy Choices Analysts from the International Institute for Strategic Studies and CSIS warn that restoring pre‑war levels for the seven most‑depleted munitions will require “one to four years” as production pipelines catch up. Factors such as supply‑chain bottlenecks, skilled‑labor shortages, and rare‑earth material constraints slow the ramp‑up. Until capacity improves, U.S. planners must factor stockpile depth into escalation calculations, potentially limiting the frequency or intensity of future strikes.

The Winning ‘People’s Tree’ Project Secures National Trust CommissionHelix Arts and George King Architects were announced as the winners of a public‑vote‑driven National Trust commission on Saturday. Their proposal, titled ‘The People’s Tree’, will repurpose preserved wood from the felled Sycamore Gap tree into a multi‑layered “living archive”.Project Blueprint: Living Archive from the Felled Sycamore Gap TreeThe initiative combines participatory storytelling, sound recordings and sculptural elements. Visitors and online contributors from Northumberland and across the UK will submit reflections on their relationship with trees, which will be stored in a national sound archive. Sections of the wood will become “seed pods” for digital recordings, a soundscape derived from growth‑ring data, and co‑created artworks for exhibitions and workshops.Numbers Behind the Initiative49 “trees of hope” saplings will be planted across the UK as part of the wider legacy programme.Public engagement is set to begin summer 2026 with completion targeted for autumn 2027.The commission was chosen from a shortlist of six proposals, receiving the highest combined public and judges’ score.The original tree was illegally felled in July 2025, prompting nationwide grief.Broader Cultural and Environmental ImpactThe project moves beyond a static memorial, fostering a dialogue between communities and nature. By embedding recordings in the wood and creating interactive installations along the full stretch of Hadrian’s Wall, it aims to increase access to nature for diverse groups, especially those historically underserved. The National Trust notes that shoots are already sprouting from the original stump for the third consecutive year, underscoring the site’s regenerative potential.Looking Ahead: Community Engagement and Legacy Through 2027 and BeyondBeyond the physical installations, a dedicated website will enable international participation, and a combined sound sculpture and time capsule near the original site will preserve the archive for future visitors. Annie Reilly, public engagement director at the National Trust, highlighted that the proposal “puts a real conversation between people and the tree at its heart”. The project is expected to shape how heritage sites respond to loss, emphasizing resilience, reflection and collective storytelling.

The Stalemate in US-Iran Peace Talks Iran's mission to the United Nations has accused Washington of 'excessive demands' that are pushing peace talks towards collapse. The development comes amid reports that the US administration is preparing for strikes on Iran if negotiations fail. Pakistan's Mediation Efforts Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, visited Tehran and met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. They 'exchanged views on the latest diplomatic efforts and initiatives to prevent escalation of tensions.' The US Stance on Iran US President Donald Trump confirmed that he would not attend his son's wedding and would stay in Washington due to 'circumstances pertaining to government.' This fueled speculation that the situation had entered a sensitive stage. The Road to a Potential Breakthrough Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei cautioned that Munir's visit did not mean 'we have reached a turning point or a decisive situation,' as 'deep and significant' disagreements remained. The Diplomatic Efforts Al Jazeera's Tehran correspondent reported that Araghchi had held phone calls with his Turkish, Iraqi, Qatari, and Omani counterparts, as well as with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, about the state of the peace talks. The Regional Impact The ongoing regional war has affected the global economy due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister are set to discuss efforts to resolve the crisis during their visit to China, Iran's top trading partner.

Lead: Historic Triumph on South Korean SoilIn a landmark match at Suwon’s stadium, Naegohyang Women’s FC lifted the Asian Women’s Champions League trophy, defeating Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1‑0. The win marks the first time a North Korean sports team has visited the South in eight years and returned with a continental title.Naegohyang Women’s FC Secures Historic 1‑0 Victory Over Tokyo Verdy BelezaThe decisive goal came from captain Kim Kyong Yong just before half‑time, after a swift counter‑attack orchestrated by Jong Kum. Coach Ri Yu Il celebrated on the bench, and the players embraced at the final whistle, underscoring the emotional significance of the triumph.Attendance Figures and Rankings Highlight Growing Interest7,087 general‑admission tickets for the semifinal sold out within hours.Final‑match tickets remained partially unsold, leaving visible gaps in the stands.North Korea is currently ranked 11th in the FIFA women’s world ranking, far above its men’s team (ranked 118th).Tokyo Verdy Beleza entered the final as former Asian champions (2019).Sporting Diplomacy Boosts Inter‑Korean Relations Amid Ongoing TensionsSouth Korean NGO director Cheong Wook‑sik described the visit as “emotionally overwhelming,” noting the potential for football to ease decades‑long hostility. About 3,000 spectators from civic groups, backed by Seoul’s Ministry of Unification, attended, while North Korean supporters were absent due to travel restrictions.Future Prospects: Naegohyang’s Path to the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions CupThe victory guarantees Naegohyang a place in next year’s FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, where they will face elite clubs from around the globe. Continued success could cement North Korea’s reputation in women’s football and further open channels for cultural exchange between the two Koreas.

The Lead: A New Kind of Celebrity Hot SeatThe Assembly brings together a 28‑strong panel of autistic, neurodivergent and learning‑disabled interviewers to grill high‑profile guests for up to three hours. The result is a mix of raw emotion, humour and unexpected intimacy that has quickly become ITV's most talked‑about chatshow. How "The Assembly" Merges Neurodiversity with Celebrity InterviewsThe format, adapted from France’s Les Rencontres du Papotin, opens each episode with a clear rule‑set: no question is off‑limits and every guest must answer honestly. Rylan Clark’s first appearance set the tone with blunt queries like “Are they your real teeth?” and “Did you ever consider having a real suntan?”. Subsequent guests—including Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Jade Thirlwall and Stephen Fry—have faced probing topics ranging from personal trauma to sexual preferences, often leaving them laughing, crying or both. Viewership, Awards and International Roll‑outHalf‑million YouTube views for Danny Dyer’s debut episode, the series’ most‑watched clip.Series nominated for a Bafta and winner of an RTS award.Commissioned in 20 countries across Europe, North America and Australasia.Three‑hour recording windows give guests space for genuine connection, a stark contrast to the typical 10‑minute segment on traditional chatshows. Why the Show Is Shaking Up the Talk‑Show LandscapeBy handing editorial control to neurodivergent interviewers, the programme challenges the “sound‑bite” culture of mainstream TV. Viewers report increased awareness of autism and learning disabilities, while celebrities appreciate the chance to be seen beyond PR‑driven narratives. The blend of entertainment and representation has created a “cult following” that even attracted selfies from Bafta‑winning stars. What’s Next for "The Assembly" and the Wider TV IndustrySeason 2 has already featured Stephen Fry, whose outrageous questions sparked viral moments. Producers hint at future political guests such as Keir Starmer and Tony Blair, and a possible spin‑off with former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. If the current trajectory holds, the format could inspire a new wave of inclusive programming, prompting rival broadcasters to experiment with longer‑form, unscripted interviews that prioritize authenticity over commercial sell‑through.

The Director’s Missed Moment: Hairy Armpits Cut from the Final EditAt the Hay Festival in Wales, Emerald Fennell explained that a scene featuring Margot Robbie's character Cathy with "extremely hairy armpits" did not survive the final cut of her 2026 adaptation of Wuthering Heights. She called the loss "unfortunate" because period pieces often sanitize female bodies.Why the Scene Was Intended and What Was LostFennell described the unshaven underarms as "so important" to her vision of a realistic 19th‑century woman.The director questioned the historical plausibility of razor‑free armpits in other period adaptations, especially those of Jane Austen.She also referenced other unconventional set details, such as the "skin room" and a controversial "fish scene" involving a dead fish.Contextual Numbers: Release Timing and Audience ReachThe film premiered on Valentine’s Day 2026, positioning it as a romantic‑gothic offering.Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, the movie attracted attention from both literary fans and mainstream audiences.Industry Impact: Shifting Standards for Body Authenticity in Period DramaFennell’s regret underscores a broader debate about how period films portray women’s bodies. Traditional productions often present hairless, polished figures, reinforcing a modern aesthetic rather than historical accuracy. By pushing for visible body hair, Fennell challenges the industry norm and invites future creators to reconsider the balance between visual appeal and authenticity.Looking Ahead: The Future of Unvarnished Period StorytellingIf directors continue to prioritize realism, we may see more productions that retain natural body features, prompting audiences to adjust expectations. Fennell’s upcoming, undisclosed project—described as "profoundly evil"—suggests she will keep testing the boundaries of comfort and authenticity, potentially influencing a new wave of bold, unfiltered period narratives.

The LeadGame of Thrones actress Hannah Murray shares her experience of being sectioned in a psychiatric hospital in her new memoir "The Make-Believe: A Memoir of Magic and Madness." The actress describes her mental health journey and the experience of being involuntarily admitted under the Mental Health Act.The Hospital ExperienceThe door to the room opens. A man enters the room. He is a Black man, bald and overweight. He is dressed in uniform. Blue uniform, a blue lanyard that reads "NHS". But I know Steve, the leader of the organisation that introduced me to magic, is a magician. I know he can appear in disguise.I approach the man and try to kiss him.He does not let me kiss him. Then no. It is not Steve.The man has brought me a plate of toast. He has brought me a cup of tea. I add sugar to the tea, which I would never have done in my former life, but a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down!I am a Ritual Master. And this, drinking my own urine, is a powerful ritual. This is all I need now to survive … I will never need to eat again. I survive on liquids and air and lightI do not eat the toast. I drink the tea. I am alone in the room again and I urinate into the cup and drink that too.I am a Ritual Master. And this, drinking my own urine, is a powerful ritual. This is all I need now to survive. It is the most potent of potions I can drink. I am a self-contained, utterly self-sufficient being. I will never need to eat again. I survive on liquids and air and light.I decide to explore outside the room. Outside my sanctuary. He has not come. So maybe I need to go searching for him …The Phone CallTime jumps. I am in a corridor lit by overhead strip lights. The electric light is pale yellow in tone. I am sat on one of three chairs in a row against the wall. The chairs are purple, curved plastic. I am still waiting for him to appear.There are two doors in front of me. One is the door to the blue room with the blue sofa and chair. Behind the other door is an office of some kind, and there is a woman in there, shuffling papers and talking on the phone.The woman comes out of the office. She is holding out my phone. My only possession now – the one artefact from my previous life. There is someone she wants me to speak to.Him.When I hold the phone to my ear, I hear a voice I recognise.But the voice belongs to my mother."Hannah?" she says. "Where are you? What's going on?"There is distress in her voice. Her voice is trembling with pain and anxiety.I do not want to hear it.This is a test. A horrible test, certainly, but one that I can pass. They are trying to tempt me back into the human. They are trying to lure me back into the past.I hang up the phone.But, after a moment, it starts to ring. The word Mum lights up the screen."Talk to her," says the woman.I answer the call.My mother sounds different now. Calmer. She asks again what's going on but gently, even cheerfully. I tell her everything's OK. That I'm fine. I tell her not to worry. I'm in a good place.This is the last time I will ever hear her voice, I think. This is the way I say goodbye.The DiagnosisThey tell me I am being sectioned.The words jar with my beliefs."Section 2 … the Mental Health Act … 28 days … right to appeal … "I cock my head.This does not fit at all. It does not fit in the world of Steve, of Ritual Master, of Shambhala and the invention of magic.I am not concerned. I am concerned only with the energy I can feel spiralling up through my body and the voices I can hear in my head.I pace the hospital corridors, delivering a tearful monologue, delivering the greatest performance of my life. A phrase comes to me. The Girl With All the Gifts. The title of a post-apocalyptic horror film released in 2016, starring Gemma Arterton.I am a magician. I am an actress. I am a writer. I have superhuman strength. I can fly. Anything that can be imagined, I can perform it. Every skill and every ability is mine.The film came out as a warning, and a prophecy.And because of me, the apocalypse has been averted.I am the saviour of the planet. I am the girl with all the gifts.The Journey to RecoveryIt was very hard, the journey to get here. It took 27 years. The path was twisting and full of setbacks, there were challenges and so much pain. There were times I wanted to give up. It was very hard. Everyone will have to make their own journey, and their journeys will be their own, unique as snowflakes or fingerprints. That is the beauty of it, the joy of it. Everyone has to figure it out for themselves.But I have laid the groundwork. I have walked the path. It starts with the energy healing, and it goes on and on through the seven dimensions, through increasingly magical planes. It goes on and on until you meet your soulmate, like I met mine.I was in a TV show called Game of Thrones, hidden in plain sight in the midst of a cultural phenomenon. I, the key to the world's salvation, wore the face of a character called Gilly, but really I played every role. Then I worked on a film called Detroit in Boston. David Benioff and Dan Weiss and Kathryn Bigelow were the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Numbers are irrelevant. Three counts as four. David and Dan and Kathryn cast me in the roles that brought about my destiny. The end and beginning of the world.I am the Ur-actress. I am every actress. Every performance ever given has been animated by my energy, my talent, by the gestures and facial expressions I am performing here and now.The Memoir and BeyondThis is an edited extract from The Make-Believe: A Memoir of Magic and Madness by Hannah Murray, published by Cornerstone (£18.99). To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.Hannah Murray will be in conversation with Jessie Cave at Kings Place in London on 5 June.