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Islamabad – Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to Beijing, reaffirming the “all‑weather strategic cooperative partnership” between the two nations, according to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The visit follows a high‑profile quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad that brought together foreign ministers from Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, all aiming to coax the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table amid a war that has already spiked global energy prices.Despite a recent hairline shoulder fracture, Dar pressed on with the trip, signalling the urgency of Pakistan’s diplomatic push. In a March 27 call, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised Islamabad’s “untiring efforts to cool down the situation,” a sentiment echoed by spokesperson Mao Ning, who said China is ready to “enhance communication… for a cease‑fire and peace in the region.”Analysts argue the mission is less about collecting praise and more about testing whether Beijing will move from rhetoric to concrete action in the US‑Iran mediation. The central question: can China become an active partner rather than a silent observer?Former Wilson Center fellow Baqir Sajjad Syed explains that Dar will brief Chinese leaders on the recent Islamabad quadrilateral and seek to turn five draft principles – immediate ceasefire, resumption of talks, civilian protection, maritime security, and UN Charter compliance – into a binding framework.Pakistani scholars view the outreach as classic intermediary behaviour: Pakistan leverages China’s permanent‑member status to stay relevant, while China, unlike the United States, mainly engages with Gulf states and Tehran.Iran specialist Vali Nasr suggested Tehran may be looking for a Chinese “guarantor” for any US‑Iran deal, a premise disputed by professor Ishtiaq Ahmad, who calls the expectation “analytically weak” given China’s reluctance to back a declining regime.The strategic stakes are stark. The Strait of Hormuz moves roughly 20 % of global oil. Kpler data show China imported about 1.38 million barrels per day of Iranian crude in 2025 – roughly 12 % of its total oil imports. The IEA estimates 15 million barrels per day passed through the strait in 2025, with China and India accounting for 44 % of that flow.China‑Iran trade hit about $41.2 billion in 2025, and a 2021 25‑year strategic cooperation pact promised up to $400 billion in Chinese investment for discounted Iranian oil, much of which remains unrealised due to U.S. sanctions.Syed describes China’s motivations as “clear and self‑interested”: protecting energy security, safeguarding Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, and bolstering its image as a global peace broker. A prolonged war would hurt China’s economy through higher oil prices and disrupted trade routes.While Beijing is unlikely to deploy military forces, it may employ diplomatic tools – public endorsements, joint statements, and economic levers – to push for a cease‑fire. Its pragmatic stance means it will weigh the benefits of deeper involvement against the risk of being drawn into a conflict.The diplomatic backdrop includes a postponed Trump visit to Beijing and a slated summit for mid‑May, as well as a future Xi‑to‑U.S. trip, which observers say could signal a broader alignment between the two great powers.Meanwhile, the United States continues to amass forces in the Gulf, with thousands of Marines and Army troops positioned for possible ground operations, underscoring the volatility that Pakistan and China are trying to mitigate.In sum, Dar’s Beijing mission tests whether China will remain a passive supporter or become an active broker in a war that threatens global energy markets and regional stability.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has taken a devastating turn, with sexual violence being used as a weapon against women and girls. A report by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has documented 3,396 survivors of sexual violence seeking treatment in MSF-supported health facilities across North and South Darfur between January 2024 and November 2025.The MSF report, titled 'There is Something I Want to Tell You…', highlights the pervasive nature of sexual violence in the conflict, with women and girls accounting for 97% of survivors treated in MSF programmes. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias were found to be primarily responsible for the systematic abuse.Children are also among the survivors, with one in five survivors in South Darfur being under 18, including 41 children younger than five. The report describes attacks not only during fighting but also in everyday settings, such as fields, markets, and displacement camps.MSF has called on the international community to urgently scale up health and protection services in Darfur and all of Sudan, and on all parties to the conflict to cease and prevent sexual violence and hold perpetrators accountable. The organisation's emergency health manager, Ruth Kauffman, stated that 'sexual violence is a defining feature of this conflict – not confined to front lines, but pervasive across communities.'The conflict in Sudan has resulted in widespread displacement and human rights abuses, with the RSF's capture of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, on October 26, 2025, leading to a significant increase in survivors seeking treatment.

On 30 December 2023, Brooklyn‑based musician Wendy Eisenberg emerged from an all‑night rave in Bushwick feeling physically ill and mentally rattled. A spontaneous, anxiety‑driven walk that lasted the entire day became the catalyst for what Eisenberg later described as a personal “exorcism”.During the trek, an old friend suggested Eisenberg pick up a guitar, prompting the artist to return home and begin writing the material that would become their self‑titled album. Eisenberg recalled the intensity of Cat Power’s rapid‑fire creation of Moon Pix, noting that many of the new songs were drafted in a similar dream‑state over the following three to four months.Since the debut Time Machine, Eisenberg has built a reputation as a multi‑instrumentalist who oscillates between confessional folk and avant‑garde improvisation. Collaborator Bill Orcutt praised their guitar work as “musical MSG”, capable of elevating any ensemble. Yet the forthcoming record deliberately steps back from experimental excess, drawing instead on the playful melodies and graceful harmonies of 70s folk‑rock while retaining the ambition of earlier projects.The album’s orchestration, co‑produced with partner Mari Rubio (aka More Eaze), emphasizes beauty through complexity. Eisenberg explains that the “harmonic vocabulary reflects a newfound sense of comfort and happiness”, aiming for an “earned, adult sound of happiness” that mirrors the messy process of self‑acceptance.At the heart of the record lies a deeply personal narrative. A breakup that shattered Eisenberg’s sense of identity forced them to confront both heartbreak and the pressure to conform to “straight” norms. The experience sparked a decisive embrace of their queer, non‑binary, lesbian identity, a transformation Eisenberg describes as a “revelatory moment”.Music has long served as Eisenberg’s refuge; their father’s lullabies and an early fascination with Joni Mitchell, Gram Parsons, and the Everly Brothers laid the groundwork for a lifelong devotion to songcraft. After years of intensive study at the New England Conservatory and experimental collaborations, Eisenberg’s new work channels those influences into a more accessible, yet still richly textured, sound.Beyond the music, the album’s backstory includes an unexpected romance sparked by the British quiz show Only Connect. After meeting Rubio in August 2023, the pair bonded over the show on Valentine’s Day, leading to their first kiss and, months later, cohabitation. Eisenberg credits this partnership with providing the emotional stability needed to complete the album.Critics have already hailed the record as “one of the best things you will hear this year”, noting its blend of 70s singer‑songwriter sensibility with modern lyrical honesty. Tracks such as “Meaning Business” confront PTSD and past trauma, while others explore the joy of self‑realization.The album will be released on Joyful Noise on 3 April 2024, offering listeners a window into Eisenberg’s journey from “exorcism” to artistic renewal, and solidifying their place as a compelling voice in contemporary indie folk.

UConn’s last‑second victory over Duke – a freshman buzzer‑beater by Braylon Mullins – will be replayed for years, but the post‑game scene stole the headlines. Coach Dan Hurley approached referee Roger Ayers and touched the official’s forehead while staring intently at him, an act some social‑media users labeled a “head‑butt.”Ayres later told ESPN the incident was “absolutely nothing,” and officials chose not to assess a technical foul that could have given Duke two free throws with 0.4 seconds left. Hurley later claimed he believed Ayers was trying to “chest‑bump me to celebrate.”This was not Hurley’s first brush with controversy. Earlier in March he was fined for “unsportsmanlike conduct” after confronting an official during a game against Marquette, and he has previously taunted opponents and warned Baylor players after a loss to Florida.While many fans describe Hurley as “passionate” or “fiery,” the episode raised a broader question: would a Black coach receive the same leniency? Tennessee State’s Black head coach Nolan Smith responded to a video of the incident on Instagram, joking, “I’ll never try this. I’ll be coaching in Pelican Bay,” and then noting that a Black coach would likely be labeled out of control or even handcuffed.The concern is not hypothetical. In 2025 Tuskegee coach Benjy Taylor was handcuffed by police while trying to calm a heated situation, an outcome many argue would have been unlikely for a white counterpart. Similarly, veteran white coach Rick Pitino survived a major scandal involving an assistant’s escort‑paying scheme and continues to coach at a high‑profile program, a trajectory that would be far less probable for a Black coach in the same circumstance.These examples illustrate what the author describes as a systemic double standard that extends beyond the basketball court, echoing broader societal patterns of white privilege. The piece juxtaposes the flawless public image demanded of Black leaders like Barack Obama with the comparatively permissive treatment of white figures such as Donald Trump, whose legal and personal controversies have not barred him from the highest office.By linking these disparate cases, the article argues that the rules governing behavior and accountability differ for Black individuals across American institutions, including college sports, and that this disparity continues to shape careers and public perception.

Amnesty International has raised concerns that the 2026 Fifa World Cup, set to take place across the US, Canada, and Mexico, may become a 'stage for repression' rather than a celebration of football and unity. The organization published a report titled 'Humanity Must Win,' calling on Fifa and the host countries to take immediate action to protect fans, players, and local communities.The report highlights that while Fifa has promised a tournament where everyone feels safe, included, and free to exercise their rights, the reality on the ground, especially in the US, tells a different story. Amnesty International describes the US as facing a 'human rights emergency' under the Donald Trump administration, marked by mass deportations, arbitrary arrests, and 'paramilitary-style' Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.ICE has announced it will be a key part of the security apparatus for the World Cup, despite concerns over its actions, including the killing of two American citizens by ICE agents in Minneapolis in January. Amnesty International also noted that none of the published US host city plans address how fans or local communities will be protected from ICE operations.The organization pointed out that fans from several countries, including Côte d'Ivoire, Haiti, Iran, and Senegal, face US travel bans, and LGBTQ+ fan groups from England and Europe have expressed concerns about attending matches in the US due to risks to transgender supporters. The report emphasizes that urgent efforts are needed to bridge the gap between Fifa's original promise of a safe and inclusive tournament and the current reality.Fifa stands to earn $11bn from the tournament cycle, but Amnesty's head of economic and social justice, Steve Cockburn, stressed that 'fans, communities, players, journalists, and workers cannot be made to pay the price' for the tournament's success. 'It is these people – not governments, sponsors, or Fifa – to whom football belongs, and their rights must be at the centre of the tournament.'

The documentary 'Being Ola' offers a poignant look into the life of Ola Henningsen, a man in early middle age with learning and developmental disabilities residing in a village community in eastern Norway. Director Ragnhild Nøst Bergem provides an intimate portrayal of Ola, who describes himself as 'slow' yet appears intelligent and articulate.The film primarily focuses on Ola's relationship with Lasse, a Danish care worker who was part of the community. Ola considered Lasse his 'best friend,' but was deeply hurt when Lasse had to leave due to the end of his employment term. The documentary follows Ola on a trip to see Lasse, where he confesses his feelings of abandonment.While the film resolves Ola's story in a seemingly painless manner, it leaves the audience wondering if there's another, more complex story to be told. The documentary refrains from delving deeper into Lasse's perspective on their relationship, opting for a more straightforward narrative.'Being Ola' will be released in UK and Irish cinemas from April 3, 2026.

In a 1926 diary entry, Janet Case vividly describes a moment of natural beauty in New Forest. As she cycled down the Manor drive, flanked by towering rhododendrons, she caught glimpses of the woodland beyond. The green walls of foliage ended abruptly, revealing the sunlit forest floor starred thick with white anemones.The sight was breathtaking, with the white stars of anemones lifting above their green, deep-cut leaves, maintaining their individuality much like stars in the sky. Case noted that unlike primroses or bluebells, which form a uniform carpet or sea of color, wood anemones create a crowd of distinct flowers.The description paints a serene picture of springtime in New Forest, highlighting the unique beauty of wood anemones and their ability to retain their individual charm even in large numbers. This century-old account offers a timeless appreciation for nature's simple yet profound beauty.

Iran-linked hackers have claimed responsibility for breaching the personal emails of Kash Patel, the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The hackers, known as the Handala Hack Team, shared photographs and documents from Patel's emails online.The breach, confirmed by Reuters and CNN, appears to have released documents over a decade old, including Patel's travel and business correspondence and personal photos. The hacking group describes itself as pro-Palestinian hacking vigilantes and claimed the attack was in retaliation for a US-Israeli strike on a children's school in Minab, Iran, which killed over 170 people, mostly schoolgirls.Patel's leadership of the FBI has been marked by controversy, with critics accusing him of misusing the federal law enforcement agency for personal travel and to carry out President Donald Trump's priorities. The FBI and Department of Justice have yet to comment on the incident.The Handala Hack Team also claimed credit for a recent cyberattack on the medical device company Stryker. Iran has threatened to step up attacks on Western economic interests as a form of pressure amid the US-Israel war against the country.

George Fouracres, a name that's been making waves in the comedy and theatre scenes, has finally found a mass audience for his expansive talent with Saturday Night Live UK. This 36-year-old comedian and actor has been known to comedy- and theatre-watchers for years, particularly with his viral video '“What kind of Irish is your grandad?”' and his portrayal of Keir Starmer on the show.Fouracres' journey to stardom began as a sketch comic and solo performer. He was part of the sketch group Daphne, alongside Phil Wang and Jason Forbes, which gained success on the fringe and led to a Radio 4 series. Wang describes Fouracres as having a 'real mastery of comedic timing, tone and just pure comedic instinct'. His ability to bring characters to life has been a hallmark of his performances.Fouracres' theatre career includes playing Hamlet at the Globe and various roles at Shakespeare's Globe, including Puck, one of the Dromios, and Falstaff in The Merry Wives of Windsor. His performance in Hamlet was described as 'a wild, wild ride' by Time Out London. Sean Holmes, associate artistic director of Shakespeare's Globe, praises Fouracres as 'a bit of a genius' with an 'incredibly alive intelligence'.His recent role as Andrew Lloyd Webber in Flo & Joan's musical was noted for its gale-force performance and sardonic joy. The Dempsey sisters praised Fouracres for bringing 'all of those different qualities to a human being'. With SNL UK, Fouracres' anarchic energy has drawn comparisons to John Belushi, the legendary originator of SNL.As seven more episodes of SNL UK are set to air, Fouracres' moment in the spotlight is just beginning. His distinctive career has already garnered attention, and fans are eager to see more of his talent on display.