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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15‑year‑old sensation for Rajasthan Royals, was lauded as “amazing” and “fearless” after an audacious display against Indian pace ace Jasprit Bumrah during an IPL clash. Facing the 32‑year‑old Mumbai Indians bowler for the first time, Sooryavanshi launched a six over the wide long‑on fence on his very first ball. Bumrah smiled, but three deliveries later the teenager repeated the feat with a pull shot that cleared deep backward square leg. Continuing his blitz, Sooryavanshi amassed 39 runs from just 14 balls, forming an 80‑run opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who contributed an unbeaten 77. The duo steered Rajasthan to a 27‑run victory in a rain‑shortened 11‑over contest at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium. Rajasthan captain Hardik Pandya described the innings as “fascinating,” emphasizing the youngster’s fearlessness and range of shots. “Amazing to see the way he bats, the kind of fearlessness he has,” Pandya said. Sooryavanshi also took on New Zealand pacer Trent Boult, dispatching an attempted yorker for a boundary over backward square leg. His momentum was halted by a spectacular catch in the deep by Tilak Varma, taken off a big hit off Shardul Thakur. Visibly upset after his dismissal, Sooryavanshi covered his face and let out a scream before trudging back to the pavilion, while a watching Jaiswal expressed admiration for the teenager’s approach. “The way he has been playing, it’s tremendous,” Jaiswal, who earned player‑of‑the‑match honors, added. “He works hard, motivates me, and I’ll keep giving him positive messages – play freely.” Last season, Sooryavanshi announced his arrival with a 35‑ball century, the second‑fastest in IPL history. Former spin legend Anil Kumble has already urged that the prodigy be fast‑tracked into India’s senior side. His pedigree extends to the youth level, where he smashed 175 runs off 80 balls in the Under‑19 World Cup final against England, cementing his reputation as a future star.

President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday that a U.S. attack on Iran could cause "a whole civilization to die tonight," a statement that sparked immediate backlash from climate icon Greta Thunberg. The Swedish activist, known for her outspoken stance on climate change and the Gaza crisis, described the president’s remarks as a normalization of genocide and urged the public to reject such rhetoric. In an Instagram video posted shortly before a cease‑fire was announced, Thunberg lamented the "muted" reaction to the threat, asking, "What the f*** is anyone even doing at this point?" She emphasized that the world has become accustomed to "total annihilation of entire peoples" and the "systematic destruction of the biosphere," urging viewers to demand an end to these narratives. Poll data reveal a stark generational split on the war. A Pew Research Center survey released Tuesday showed that while 67 % of Republicans aged 65+ believe the conflict will curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions, only 25 % of Republicans aged 18‑29 share that view. When asked about the war’s impact on Iranians, just 7 % of older Republican voters said they would be worse off, compared with nearly 28 % of younger voters. Among Democrats, the age gap is less pronounced but still significant: 60 % of young Democratic respondents (18‑29) think the war will harm Iranians, versus 48 % of those over 65. Similar patterns emerge in other surveys. Emerson College found that 75 % of respondents under 50 fear a new world war within four years, compared with 54 % of those over 50. A Politico poll of self‑identified “MAGA Republicans” showed that only 49 % of those under 35 believe Trump has a concrete plan for the Iran conflict, versus 70 % of older supporters. These findings echo a broader historical trend: younger Americans, many of whom grew up in the shadow of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, display a more isolationist outlook. A December 2025 Pew poll indicated that only 39 % of 18‑29‑year‑olds consider active U.S. involvement in global affairs important, compared with 73 % of seniors. The generational divide also extends to attitudes toward Israel. The same Tuesday poll reported that 84 % of young Democrats and 57 % of young Republicans hold an unfavorable view of Israel, whereas older respondents are considerably less critical. Thunberg’s criticism of Trump aligns with her longstanding activism on Middle‑East issues. Last year she joined a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza, only to be detained and deported by Israeli forces. Her latest condemnation underscores a growing sentiment among Gen Z that calls for accountability and an end to war‑like rhetoric. In summary, the controversy surrounding Trump’s Iran threat has amplified existing generational tensions in the United States, with younger citizens increasingly questioning the efficacy and morality of U.S. military interventions while demanding a shift away from language that normalizes mass violence.

The mockumentary, a once-thriving film genre, seems to be losing its luster. Charli XCX's 'The Moment' and 'Spinal Tap II: The End Continues' are recent examples of films that have failed to recapture the magic of their predecessors.Historically, mockumentaries were a staple of comedy, with directors like Christopher Guest and Rob Reiner pushing the boundaries of the genre. Films like 'This Is Spinal Tap' and 'The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash' remain classics, celebrated for their improvisational style and satirical humor.However, the current crop of mockumentaries seems stale, relying on celebrity cameos rather than genuine comedic innovation. Even 'Spinal Tap II,' starring Guest, feels like a nostalgia exercise, struggling to recreate the original's charm.In contrast, smaller, independent projects like 'Rap World' and 'Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie' are breathing new life into the genre. These films, made on shoestring budgets, use mockumentary techniques to create authentic, humorous stories that resonate with audiences.The decline of the mockumentary genre raises questions about its future. Can it be revitalized, or has it become a relic of the past? Only time will tell, but for now, it seems that the mockumentary needs a fresh perspective to regain its former glory.

The Guardian is calling on readers to share their personal stories of how they have been impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. With Iran and the US agreeing to a two-week conditional ceasefire, the situation remains volatile and uncertain.Whether you are living, working, or traveling in the region, or have been impacted in other ways, the Guardian wants to hear from you. Your experiences can help provide a deeper understanding of the human impact of the conflict.Please note that your security is the top priority. The Guardian recognizes it may not always be safe or appropriate to record or share your experiences, so please consider this when deciding whether to get in touch.To share your story, you can:Fill out the online form provided, which is encrypted and confidential.Message the Guardian on WhatsApp or Signal at +447766780300.The Guardian assures readers that all responses will be kept secure and anonymous if desired. The information collected will only be used for the purpose of this feature and will be deleted when no longer required.Key form fields include:NameLocationBackground information (optional)Country locatedPersonal experience with the conflictPhoto upload (optional)Publication consentContact details (optional)For more information, readers can visit the Guardian's tips guide or privacy policy.

The documentary series 'Trust Me: The False Prophet' has shed light on the sinister activities of a polygamous Mormon cult led by Samuel Bateman, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence for luring minors into criminal sex acts.Director Rachel Dretzin, a former investigative journalist for Frontline, worked on the series, which follows a pair of documentary filmmakers, Christine Marie and Tolga Katas, who embedded themselves in Utah's Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) community. They earned the trust of the cult members and were invited into Bateman's home, where he presided over 20 'wives', many of them underage.The filmmakers' incriminating footage and witness testimony were essential to the FBI's case against Bateman and other men charged with crimes. The series transcends the true crime genre's typical sensationalism, presenting its revelations thoughtfully and honestly.Dretzin notes that documentary filmmaking can be more effective than the legal system in effecting change, particularly in cases like this where the community is fiercely insular. The series raises questions about the ethics of documentary filmmaking and the blurred lines between observer and participant.The story also highlights the manipulation and indoctrination of young women within the cult, including Naomi, a young woman who becomes a pivotal witness. Her aunt Carole, who defected from the FLDS, shares her insights on how the cult grooms girls for exploitation.Dretzin believes that the story has echoes in our ordinary lives and political landscape, particularly in the era of 'fake news' and echo chambers. The series serves as a reminder of the dangers of closed systems and the importance of critical thinking.

Stephen Fry opened his appearance on ITV’s The Assembly with a startling question: “You tried to kill yourself a couple of times. Are you happy to be alive now?” The boldness set the tone for a conversation that veered far from the usual celebrity‑friendly script.The programme distinguishes itself by placing a well‑known guest in front of a panel of young adults with neurodivergence or learning disabilities. Free from the conventional safeguards of mainstream talk shows, the panel asks questions that are simultaneously unconventional and deeply human, prompting guests to respond without the usual rehearsed veneer.For Fry, the format proved liberating. Known for translating complex ideas into accessible language, he used the platform to discuss suicidal ideation, likening the experience to the lingering memory of a broken limb—painful yet now distant. This candidness allowed him to reaffirm why he remains a cultural touchstone.One of the most memorable moments came when a participant asked, “I read that you are bipolar. One of my family has that. How can I help them?” Fry responded with a vivid analogy, describing bipolar disorder as a “rainstorm raging inside you—eventually the sun returns, and it’s the weather, not the person, that changes.” This explanation resonated as both compassionate and educational.The interview oscillated between gravitas and levity. Fry fielded whimsical queries such as “Can you help me meet Céline Dion?” and “How much have you spent on cocaine?” alongside the probing “Are you a top or a bottom?” The juxtaposition amplified the emotional weight of the serious topics.At one point, a young panelist named Luca chose not to ask a question, instead performing William Wordsworth’s poem “The World Is Too Much With Us” with theatrical flair—a rare blend of poetry and performance that underscored the show’s experimental spirit.Another highlight involved Jacob, a panel member who brandished a list of Fry’s past advertising gigs—Heineken, Twinings, Honda, and more—before delivering the punchline, “Is there anything you wouldn’t do for money?” The extended joke built a collective laugh that softened the subsequent, more probing inquiries.Critics have likened the show’s tone to a hybrid of Radio 4’s In the Psychiatrist’s Chair and the cheeky, irreverent style of classic British comedy interviews such as those with Dame Edna Everage or Mrs Merton, creating a unique space where vulnerability and humor coexist.The episode concluded with Nina Simone’s “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” playing as Fry reflected on his experiences with antisemitism and bipolar disorder. Moved by the music, he rose and danced, offering a visual testament to the therapeutic power of the format.The Assembly aired on ITV1 and is now available for streaming on ITVX.

Unai Emery has cautioned his Aston Villa side to approach Bologna with respect if they hope to progress in the Europa League with a victory over their Italian opponents. The Aston Villa manager described Bologna as a 'winner team' and emphasized the challenges of competing in Europe's top competitions.“To win in Europe is very, very difficult,” Emery said. “Firstly you must respect this competition. Because if you are not respecting the competition, if you are not focusing 100%, you are close to being out. And I have a lot of experiences with these situations.”Emery, who has won the Europa League a record four times as a manager, acknowledged that Villa could not be considered favorites for the quarter-final tie against Bologna. He highlighted Bologna's recent successes, including their 4-3 win away at Roma in the round of 16, which qualified them for the quarter-finals.“Bologna is a winner team, it’s a team that in the last years are playing fantastic and they are winning finals like last year [in the Coppa Italia],” Emery said. “I have respect for them as well as knowledge about the difficulties and this round for us is a huge challenge. We are ready but we are not going to send the message that we can be favourites because after the Roma tie it is 50-50.”Emery also anticipated a lively atmosphere at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, urging his players to be resilient and prepared for an intense match. “The supporters are always so important and they will create a great atmosphere here, which will be fantastic for them,” he said. “For us, it’s going to be very difficult. Every experience we are having in Europe, playing away, is more difficult than playing at home.”

The UK hospitality sector is reeling from a triple whammy of rising costs, including increased minimum wage, business rates, and energy prices. This has put immense pressure on businesses, particularly pubs and hotels, to maintain profitability.Nick Evans, co-owner of the Old Crown Coaching Inn in Oxfordshire, exemplifies the struggles faced by many in the industry. Despite a rich history dating back to 1645, Evans is finding it challenging to make ends meet. The pub's annual revenue stands at £1.4m, but rising costs, including a £350,000 wage bill and £80,000 energy bill, are eating into profits.The latest blow to the industry came on April 1, with increases in the minimum wage and business rates. Evans notes that the wage bill will rise to nearly £370,000, and the business rates increase will add another £24,000 to the bill. This comes on top of surging energy prices due to the Iran crisis, which will further exacerbate the cost burden.Evans argues that the national insurance change is misogynistic, as it disincentivizes employers from hiring part-time workers, often mothers seeking extra income. He also believes that the minimum wage increase will price young people out of the market, as employers may opt to hire adults for a pound more.Kate Nicholls, chair of UK Hospitality, warns that one in five businesses fear they may not survive the next 12 months. She emphasizes that the sector cannot absorb any more cost increases, and hikes will simply be passed through to consumers, driving inflation and hitting jobs.For now, Evans and his co-owner, Mike Webb, are seeking a more lenient payment plan for their VAT bill from HMRC. As Evans says, 'It’s tough, tough, tough.' The future of many hospitality businesses hangs in the balance as they struggle to navigate these unprecedented challenges.

The planet is in the grip of an unprecedented climate emergency. The past three years rank as the hottest on record, emissions remain at historic highs and the world is edging ever closer to the critical 1.5°C threshold that scientists warned must not be crossed. In response, a trio of creators – actor Megan Prescott, filmmaker Bree Essrig and self‑described “climate narrative strategist” Jessica Riches – have launched Headline Newds, a series of bite‑size videos released through the non‑profit arm of Adam McKay’s Yellow Dot Studios. The series pairs climate data with the visual style of OnlyFans models, aiming to capture attention where traditional messaging has struggled. The concept echoes McKay’s own gamble with The Big Short (2015), where he hired Margot Robbie to explain complex mortgage‑backed securities while bathing. By swapping finance for climate, the creators hope to avoid the “long, boring explanation” that often alienates viewers. The debut episode, titled The Sun is Daddy, features Prescott gradually disrobing while arguing that solar power could satisfy global energy demand using less land than the fossil‑fuel sector. She frames the argument with the line “Daddy is a giver,” blending sensuality with a factual claim. Provocation is intentional. The Yellow Dot website admits the clips are likely to be taken down on Instagram and YouTube for breaching content policies, but they will remain accessible on OnlyFans, a platform perceived as more tolerant of adult‑oriented material. That platform may also be where the series makes its biggest splash. While mainstream users might approach the videos with a pre‑formed understanding, OnlyFans subscribers are less likely to expect in‑depth climate analysis, potentially making the stark facts about “impending global collapse” more memorable. Only the first episode is currently live, and critics note that the solar‑energy message is already widely accepted, questioning whether the series is reaching beyond basic awareness. Future installments promise sharper focus. An upcoming episode, Spank Banks, will see dominatrix Eva Oh name the banks that profit most from fossil‑fuel projects while delivering a literal spanking. Another short clip features model Sabrina Jade outlining the oil industry’s tactics to downplay its environmental impact, all within a two‑minute runtime that includes more “pelvic grinding” than typical educational content. Whether Headline Newds proves a catalyst for change remains uncertain. It has already generated the media buzz it sought, but its capacity to translate provocation into concrete climate action will likely be judged by any follow‑up series and measurable shifts in audience behaviour. Headline Newds can be watched on YouTube, Instagram and OnlyFans.