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The conflict between the US and Iran has taken a critical turn with mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey circulating proposals for an immediate ceasefire to both Washington and Tehran. The goal is to halt the five-week-old war and prevent further escalation, particularly in light of Donald Trump's threat to bomb Iran's power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened.The mediators are pushing for both sides to agree to suspend hostilities and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. This temporary ceasefire would be followed by a period of detailed negotiations aimed at reaching a more comprehensive peace agreement.Iranian officials have indicated that they would not agree to open the Strait of Hormuz as part of a temporary ceasefire. Additionally, reports suggest that Iran is wary of entering into an agreement that could be violated by periodic attacks from the US and Israel.Trump's ultimatum has been met with strong resistance from Iran. The country's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, stated that peace negotiations are incompatible with ultimatums and threats of war crimes. Iran's central military command has warned of a 'much more devastating' retaliation should the US and Israel escalate their actions.Lawyers and experts have condemned the potential bombing of power plants and bridges as a likely war crime due to the disproportionate impact on civilians. The international community remains on high alert as the situation continues to deteriorate.Oil prices have fluctuated in response to the developments, with Brent crude futures initially falling by $1.92 to $107.11 a barrel on hopes of de-escalation before rising again. The conflict has already led to significant increases in oil prices, which were at $70 a barrel before the US and Israel attacked Iran at the end of February.The situation on the ground remains volatile, with Israel claiming responsibility for strikes on Iranian petrochemical facilities and Iran's Revolutionary Guards. There have been reports of casualties on both sides, including a missile strike in Haifa, northern Israel, and bombings in Beirut's southern suburbs.

Warschau's neon signs, once symbols of hope and creativity during the communist era, have experienced a remarkable revival. The Neon Museum in Warsaw, founded in 2012 by Ilona Karwińska and David Hill, has been at the forefront of this movement, attracting over 100,000 visitors annually.During the cold war, neon signs were used as a form of Soviet propaganda, but they eventually became a creative outlet for Polish designers. After communism ended, many signs were discarded or destroyed. However, the Neon Museum has helped to revive interest in these iconic signs, with many historic signs being restored and new ones being created.The museum's founders, Karwińska and Hill, began their interest in neon signs in 2006, and their efforts have led to the preservation of many historic signs. The museum features neon signs from the former eastern bloc, and the founders plan to open a second museum in Budapest.The revival of neon signs has also inspired a new generation of architects and designers to work with neon. One notable example is the 4-meter-tall red cockerel sign, which was restored and returned to its original site. The neon signs have become beautiful symbols of Warsaw's history and culture, with many people from older generations remembering them fondly.

Thousands of independent UK businesses are preparing for heating‑oil expenses to more than double after the Iran war sent Europe’s fuel markets to fresh record highs.Roughly 7% of all small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) heat their premises with oil, and in many rural locations the figure climbs to about 17%, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), which represents around 200,000 firms and sole traders.With many rural firms off the gas grid, they depend on heating oil—a kerosene derivative linked to jet‑fuel prices. Prices have surged dramatically: a supplier charged 54.9p per litre in January and demanded 129p per litre by late March, a rise of 116%. One hotel and restaurant owner in North Yorkshire, Anthony Jenkins, reported that his annual oil bill, normally around £3,000, is now unaffordable.Jenkins said he has cut fuel usage by half and is asking guests to lower radiator settings rather than open windows. He also hopes to shift to solar‑heated water as daylight hours increase.The FSB has urged the UK competition watchdog to extend its probe of the heating‑oil market to include SMEs, noting that the same shock has lifted North‑west European jet fuel to $1,900 per tonne and diesel to $1,600 per tonne, according to Argus.Trade bodies warn that the volatility creates a fertile environment for rogue energy brokers who may push small firms into unfavorable long‑term contracts. Tina McKenzie, policy chair of the FSB, stressed the need for stricter broker regulations, noting that many SMEs lack the bargaining power of larger corporations.Small businesses also miss out on the government’s household energy‑price cap and other consumer protections, despite their energy usage resembling that of households. McKenzie added that the market’s rapid evolution leaves many firms “nervous and vulnerable”.Proposals to tighten broker oversight, including tighter scrutiny by Ofgem, are pending new legislation. An Ofgem spokesperson said the regulator has reminded suppliers and brokers to “treat customers fairly, prioritize transparent pricing and good consumer outcomes”, acknowledging the “concerning volatility” caused by the Middle‑East conflict.

The transition from live piano accompaniment in silent cinemas to recorded soundtracks marked a turning point for movie‑goers; the Vitaphone disc system of 1926 and the optical Movietone process that followed gave films a reliable, repeatable musical identity.Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927) was the first feature to have its music and sound effects printed directly onto the film strip, allowing audiences to hear orchestrated pieces by Chopin and Gounod in perfect sync with the picture.King Kong (1933) showcased Max Steiner’s pioneering use of the orchestra to drive narrative, mood and scene transitions, laying the groundwork for the symphonic Hollywood score that dominated the mid‑20th century.Citizen Kane (1941) gave Bernard Herrmann a platform to break from the lush, “Hollywood” sound, delivering a stark, atmospheric score that emphasized psychological tension and set a new standard for dramatic underscoring.Blackboard Jungle (1955) introduced Bill Haley’s Rock Around the Clock as the film’s musical spine, proving that popular rock could boost a movie’s commercial appeal and ushering in the era of song‑driven soundtracks.Forbidden Planet (1956) featured the first entirely electronic score, created by Louis and Bebe Barron using magnetic‑tape techniques; the pioneering use of the theremin and other electronic textures opened a fresh sonic frontier for sci‑fi cinema.Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) highlighted Henry Mancini’s “symphonic pop” style, marrying a timeless hit – Moon River – with a jazzy, contemporary score that demonstrated how pop sensibilities could coexist with traditional orchestration.2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) is remembered more for its curated classical pieces than Alex North’s original score, yet the film’s bold juxtaposition of Ligeti, Strauss and Khachaturian proved that pre‑existing music could become an integral narrative force.American Graffiti (1973) assembled over 40 period songs, weaving them into the story’s fabric and proving that a soundtrack could function as a cultural time‑capsule, influencing countless later productions.Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) revived the full‑orchestra tradition when John Williams delivered a heroic, leitmotif‑rich score that re‑ignited audience love for symphonic film music and set a template for blockbuster scoring.Crimson Tide (1995) marked Hans Zimmer’s breakthrough, blending aggressive electronic pulses with a powerful orchestral choir to create the modern, hybrid sound that now defines many high‑budget action films.These ten milestones illustrate how film music has continually evolved— from live accompaniment to electronic experimentation—while retaining a core purpose: to deepen storytelling and shape audience emotion. The legacy of these scores is celebrated each April at the London Soundtrack Festival, underscoring their lasting influence on both cinema and popular culture.

Sha’Carri Richardson, the Olympic 100m silver medallist and world‑ranked sixth‑fastest woman, delivered a thrilling victory at the 144th Stawell Gift on Easter Monday, crossing the finish line in a record 13.15 seconds to claim the $40,000 top prize.The 26‑year‑old American entered the historic Australian event – the nation’s oldest and richest running race – as a scratch runner, meaning she started from the zero‑metre mark while rivals enjoyed handicaps based on prior performance.In the women’s final, Richardson edged out Charlotte Nielsen (13.20s) and Chiara Santiglia (13.36s) after a false start by 17‑year‑old Grace Crowe forced the latter to move her blocks back a metre, effectively shortening Richardson’s target.Her semi‑final had been a nail‑biter; Richardson eased up at the line and won by a razor‑thin seven thousandths of a second over Halle Martin, prompting her coach Dennis Mitchell to stress the need for a stronger finish.“I think I realised I was going to win right past 90 metres,” Richardson said post‑race, adding, “The love, the support, the true enjoyment that I had on the track … you all made this moment happen. Thank you.”Richardson’s triumph makes her the third woman ever to win the Stawell Gift from scratch, underscoring the event’s growing international stature and the lucrative incentive for elite sprinters.In the men’s 120‑metre final, Australian Olufemi Komolafe – a 21‑year‑old medical student – secured victory in 11.93 seconds from a five‑metre handicap, with Jake Ireland second in 12.07 seconds. Komolafe expressed disappointment at not facing his idol, fellow American sprinter Christian Coleman, who failed to qualify for the final, finishing fifth in his semi‑final off scratch.Coleman reflected, “I gave it everything I got. You give them that much of a margin, it’s pretty tough. I hope everybody continues to watch and support athletics. I’m looking forward to a strong season and improving my 40‑to‑100 metre transition.”

Gaza City, Gaza – While Easter traditionally celebrates resurrection and renewal, Gaza’s dwindling Christian population spent the holiday in quiet reflection, confronting displacement, scarcity and the trauma of a conflict the United Nations has described as genocide. The enclave is home to fewer than 1,000 Christians, a community already small before the war that has suffered heavy casualties; more than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s offensive began on 7 October 2023. Inside the remaining churches, prayers and modest services carried profound meaning as families clung to hope for survival and peace. Yet basic necessities—electricity, water and food—remain in short supply, and even traditional Easter items such as eggs are virtually unavailable. Fouad Ayad, a bio‑energy trainer displaced from near al‑Rantisi Children’s Hospital, described searching the markets of Gaza City for eggs without success. “We decorate eggs for the children, and sometimes Muslim children visit us for colourful eggs,” he told Al Jazeera, highlighting the inter‑communal bonds that persist despite the siege. Shortages have also erased the customary communal lunch. “Meat is scarce and extremely expensive,” Ayad lamented, recalling how families once gathered to share meals, colour eggs and visit elderly neighbours of all faiths. The Church of the Holy Family, which Ayad once attended, has been struck multiple times. “Three of my relatives were killed in one attack, and another strike killed more than 20 Christians,” he recounted, illustrating the direct targeting of places of worship. Attendance at Easter services in Gaza’s sole Catholic church has dwindled as many believers have fled the Strip. Yet, as one worshipper put it, “We only performed the prayers, refusing to celebrate because of our martyrs,” affirming their resolve to remain rooted in the land despite the devastation. Israeli restrictions have prevented Christians from traveling to the Old City of East Jerusalem to attend the Holy Sepulchre for the past two years. Recent attempts by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa to enter the site were initially blocked, only to be reversed after international outcry. Elias al‑Jelda, a 60‑year‑old Orthodox council member, recounted sheltering in the Church of the Holy Family after his home was destroyed. “I lost friends, neighbours and relatives, many killed while staying close to their homes and faith,” he said, underscoring the personal toll of the conflict. Traditional Easter treats—coloured eggs, kahk, maamoul and Eidiya gifts—are largely absent this year. “There are no eggs anywhere in the Strip,” reported 74‑year‑old Amal al‑Masri, who recalled pre‑war celebrations filled with shared meals and festive sweets. Power outages compound the hardship. “Electricity continues to be a major problem, and the soaring cost of diesel and generator oil makes it worse,” al‑Jelda warned, highlighting the broader infrastructure collapse affecting all Gazans. Despite the bleak circumstances, the remaining Christians affirm their identity and solidarity with the broader Palestinian population. “No matter what your political agenda or religion is, all of us Palestinians are targeted by the occupation,” a worshipper declared, encapsulating the collective sense of victimhood and resilience.

Nepal’s cabinet approved a shift to a five‑day work week for government offices and schools, extending the weekend to both Saturday and Sunday in response to an escalating fuel crisis. Government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel told reporters that the decision was taken because “the present uncomfortable situation caused by fuel supply” necessitates closing public institutions for two days each week. Previously, civil servants enjoyed only a single day off on Saturday; offices will now operate 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Pokharel added that the government is also examining legal avenues to convert petrol and diesel vehicles to electric power, though details remain pending. Nepal, a landlocked country of roughly 30 million people, imports virtually all of its fossil fuels from India, leaving it highly vulnerable to international price shocks. The ongoing US‑Israel war with Iran has sharply curtailed global oil supplies, causing Nepal’s aviation fuel prices to almost double in a single day. The state‑owned Nepal Oil Corp reported heavy losses on petroleum products despite modest price hikes, prompting authorities to sell half‑filled cooking‑gas cylinders last month to deter hoarding and panic buying. Tourism, a cornerstone of Nepal’s economy, faces a new threat as airlines raise airfares following the steep rise in aviation fuel costs. Higher travel expenses could dampen inbound visitor numbers, compounding economic pressures. The fuel crunch stems from the broader Middle‑East turmoil that intensified after the United States and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on 28 February. Tehran’s retaliatory drone and missile strikes across the region have disrupted global markets and aviation, amplifying the scarcity of fuel supplies that ripple to landlocked neighbours like Nepal. By shortening the work week, the Nepali government hopes to reduce non‑essential fuel consumption, ease pressure on already strained energy imports, and buy time for longer‑term solutions such as electrification of transport.

Occupied East Jerusalem – While Holy Week traditionally fills the Old City’s Christian Quarter with pilgrims and worshippers, the streets are now eerily quiet and storefronts remain shuttered.Palestinian shopkeeper Boulos, a man in his mid‑30s who asked to remain anonymous, still drags himself to his modest stall a few times a week, selling religious garments behind a half‑closed door to avoid Israeli orders that mandate closure of businesses in the quarter amid the ongoing US‑Israel conflict with Iran.After six years of pandemic‑related setbacks and successive wars, his business had only begun to recover when the October Gaza ceasefire was followed by a new wave of restrictions. “Before the war with Iran, we barely made enough to survive,” he said. “Now there is no income at all.”His only customer that day was an Ethiopian Christian woman buying a kilo of prayer candles for 35 shekels (about $11.20). “What can 35 shekels do for me?” Boulos lamented, underscoring the stark economic squeeze.Unlike many West Jerusalem shops, which have been allowed to stay open because of nearby bomb shelters, the Old City lacks such protection, leaving Palestinian businesses in the Christian Quarter effectively forced to shut. The area, heavily dependent on tourism, shows the least sign of life.Brother Daoud Kassabry, principal of the College des Frères school, described the scene as “the saddest Jerusalem I have ever seen.” Classes have been suspended for over a month, and the community feels the weight of an unprecedentedly difficult period.For the first time in centuries, Israeli police barred Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and other senior clergy from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday Mass. The Latin Patriarchate called the incident “unprecedented in centuries.”At a press conference, Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized that while “all celebrations” have been cancelled for security reasons, “no one, not even the Pope, can cancel the liturgy of Easter.”Following the incident, leaders from Italy, France and the United States condemned the police action. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later defended the measure as a safety precaution, citing the absence of bomb shelters near the holy site, despite the cardinal’s residence being only metres away.Netanyahu’s justification raises questions about the long‑standing “status‑quo” arrangement that places custodianship of Christian and Muslim holy sites under the heads of their respective religious institutions and Jordan’s Waqf. Palestinian Christians interpret the rhetoric as evidence of an increasingly hostile environment under Israeli control.Bishop Emeritus Munib Younan recounted being spat on by Jewish yeshiva students in the Old City without any legal consequences. He now prefers to attend services in Bethlehem or a small church outside Jerusalem, where he feels “no one is pointing a gun at you.”“They want to show the world that this country is only meant for them – not Christians, not Muslims,” Younan said, reflecting a sentiment shared by many locals.Netanyahu later announced that religious ceremonies at the Holy Sepulchre would be permitted during Holy Week, but only for clergy, keeping the general public out. Observers noted the inconsistency, pointing out that Muslim worshippers have been barred from the Al‑Aqsa compound since late February, including during Ramadan, with only minimal international rebuke.The cumulative restrictions have crippled the already dwindling Palestinian Christian community, which now makes up less than 2 % of the population in Israel and the occupied territories. Traditional events such as the Way of the Cross procession and Holy Fire Saturday have been cancelled, eroding communal cohesion.Father Faris Abedrabbo of the Annunciation Latin Parish linked the current hardships to the Passion narrative, urging congregants to view their suffering through the lens of “steadfastness” – an active, spiritual resistance rather than passive endurance.Economic despair is prompting a new wave of emigration. Bishop Younan reported that many young Christians ask for help obtaining visas to the United States, Canada or Australia, fearing there is “no future” in Jerusalem. Boulos, the shopkeeper, admits he has considered leaving, noting that “they try to make us lose hope and abandon this land.”Despite the bleak outlook, Boulos continues to visit his shop, saying, “I come here to prove to myself that I still have hope, even if it feels endless.”

The missing crew member of a US F‑15E jet, described by President Trump as a colonel, was located and rescued after a heavy firefight that involved hundreds of special‑forces operators, according to a US official speaking to Al Jazeera.Trump has set a 48‑hour deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint through which 20% of global oil and gas transits. Iran’s central military command dismissed the ultimatum as “helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid.”Iran reports that US‑Israeli strikes have killed five people and wounded 170 at the Mahshahr Petrochemical Zone, while more than 30 universities have been targeted since the war began on 28 February.The rescued airman was the second of the two‑person crew; Iran has not yet issued a comment, though officials had previously urged citizens to help locate the missing officer in hopes of gaining leverage against Washington.During the rescue operation, Iranian media said strikes killed five civilians in the southwest. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it shot down a US aircraft searching for the officer near Isfahan and destroyed an MQ‑9 Reaper drone, labeling the US effort a “desperate attempt to cover up a huge defeat.”Additional US‑Israeli attacks in Ardabil province near the Azerbaijani border killed three people, and the IRGC warned that the United States’ “target bank is inaccurate,” dismissing Trump’s threats to strike bridges as “laughable.”Russia has evacuated another 200 staff from the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant after a deadly perimeter attack, while Iran’s foreign minister warned that such raids could expose the region to radioactive contamination.Tehran’s prosecutor’s office ordered the seizure and freezing of assets belonging to more than 100 high‑profile individuals accused of supporting the enemy abroad.In the Gulf, Iranian drones damaged two Kuwaiti power and desalination plants, shutting down two electricity‑generating units but causing no injuries. Bahrain’s civil‑defence teams extinguished a fire at an unspecified facility, also without casualties. Abu Dhabi halted operations at Borouge’s petrochemical plant after debris‑induced fires, and the UAE’s air defences responded to missile and drone attacks aimed at its aluminium industry. Former IAEA director‑general Mohamed ElBaradei urged Gulf nations to act before the situation “turns the region into a ball of fire.”President Trump confirmed the rescue on Truth Social, calling it “one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History.” Meanwhile, former Army chief of staff General Randy George submitted a farewell letter after his removal, and satellite‑imaging firm Planet Labs announced an indefinite blackout of Iranian and regional imagery at the request of the Trump administration. Two individuals claiming to be relatives of the late Iranian general Qassem Soleimani were detained in the US, though Iranian media later disputed the familial link.Israel reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen—the fifth such attack since the war’s start—and the Houthis, together with Iranian forces and Hezbollah, claimed a joint long‑range strike on Lod airport. Explosions were heard over Jerusalem, and missile attacks on Tel Aviv and central Israel wounded five civilians.In Lebanon and Syria, Israeli forces bombed the town of Kfar Hatta in Sidon, struck the southern city of Tyre after issuing evacuation warnings, and caused casualties in Maarakeh, where at least five people were reported killed.Energy markets are under pressure: OPEC is set to meet to decide May output policy after a modest April boost of 206,000 barrels per day. The war has driven crude prices above $100 per barrel, up from $65 before hostilities. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Saudi Arabia and Qatar and is expected to travel to the UAE as oil supplies remain disrupted. Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines reported that its LPG tanker Green Sanvi resumed Gulf crossing after being stranded. Iran announced it would allow Iraqi vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz despite maintaining a broader blockade, a move aimed at easing Iraq’s severe economic distress.