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Iranian government supporters have taken to the streets to celebrate the anniversary of the 1979 referendum that solidified the Islamic Republic's hold on power. The celebrations come as the United States and Israel continue their attacks on the country.President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi joined pro-establishment rallies in Tehran, marking Islamic Republic Day with 98.2 percent of the popular vote in favor of the Islamic Republic in 1979.The US and Israel targeted Iran's top steel manufacturing companies, threatening thousands of jobs and exacerbating economic hardship under harsh US sanctions. Other attacks hit civilian nuclear sites, a university, and military installations.The Iranian state remains defiant, with authorities saying their defenses are prepared for potential US military action. Ahmad Reza Pourdastan, head of the Iranian army's research center, warned of 'heavy casualties' in response to any aggression.Iranians face an unprecedented near-total internet shutdown lasting over a month, creating a black market for VPN access and raising concerns about the future.The authorities have issued calls to action for people to participate in group marches while waving flags, with religious singers and eulogists performing religious songs drawing on Shia Islam's influence.

Turkiye's football team has finally qualified for the World Cup after a 24-year wait, marking a significant milestone for the nation's football history. The team's 1-0 playoff win against Kosovo on Tuesday secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup, sparking wild celebrations among players and fans. The winning goal was scored by Kerem Akturkoglu in the 53rd minute, with Kenan Yildiz and Orkun Kokcu playing crucial roles in setting up the goal. This victory has brought immense joy to Turkish fans, with many taking to the streets to celebrate, waving flags and honking cars. Coach Vincenzo Montella expressed his pride and gratitude towards the players, stating, 'I am incredibly proud... I wouldn’t change my players for a thing. Anyone who does this job dreams of the World Cup.' Montella's sentiments were echoed by Kerem Akturkoglu, who said, 'We always dreamed of moments like this... Now we will give the next generation something to dream about at the 2026 World Cup.' Turkiye will be part of Group D in the World Cup, alongside Australia, Paraguay, and cohosts the United States. This will be Turkiye's third World Cup appearance, following their previous participations in 1954 and 2002, where they achieved a notable third-place finish.

Dozens of professional clowns paraded through the streets of La Paz on Monday, demanding the repeal of a government decree that would restrict extracurricular activities in schools and jeopardise their earnings.Clad in full face paint and their trademark red noses, the performers gathered outside the Ministry of Education to denounce a February‑issued mandate that obliges schools to deliver 200 days of instruction annually. The rule effectively bans holiday parties and other special events—the primary venues where clowns are hired to entertain children.“This decree will economically affect all of us who work with children,” warned Wilder Ramírez, a union leader known as Zapallito. He added that “children need to laugh,” questioning whether the education minister had ever experienced a childhood.The decree, signed by President Rodrigo Paz, stipulates that celebrations may no longer be authorised on regular school days, though they could be organised voluntarily on weekends. Officials said they would consider the clowns’ feedback when drafting the 2027 school‑year regulations, but the promise offered little consolation to the protesters.Elías Gutiérrez, spokesperson for the Confederation of Artisanal Workers of Bolivia, stressed that the measure will shrink their income at a time when the country faces its worst economic crisis in decades. Revenues from natural‑gas exports have plummeted, and a shortage of US dollars has driven up import costs, deepening the financial strain on informal workers.Joining the clowns were tailors who create costumes for children’s events, photographers who cover school festivities, and other artisans dependent on the seasonal market. The demonstrators marched through central La Paz, blowing whistles and setting off small fireworks, while one participant brandished a sign accusing the government of “taking away smiles, and taking work away.”

On Palm Sunday, Christians in Lebanon gathered in churches to commemorate Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, but the celebrations were overshadowed by the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The Maronite Catholic church near Dahiyeh in Beirut's southern suburbs was filled to capacity, despite being close to a largely deserted district due to Israeli evacuation orders and ongoing air strikes.In the coastal city of Tyre, church bells tolled and choral music filled the air as residents sought solace in preserving their sacred traditions amid the devastation. Worshippers prayed earnestly for peace, aware of Lebanon's history of sectarian tensions rooted in the 1975-1990 civil war between Christians and Muslims.Mahia Jamus, a 20-year-old university student in Beirut, expressed concern that no one is safe from the conflict's effects. "There's no bombing here right now, but no one is safe from this—not the Christians, not anyone," she said. "No one is spared from its effects."In Tyre, Roseth Katra, 41, emphasized the importance of preserving traditions despite the surrounding devastation. "Amid the wars, the tragedies, and the destruction happening around us, we remain on our land," she said. "Today is Palm Sunday, and we are celebrating."The conflict has resulted in at least 1,238 people killed and over 3,500 wounded in Israeli attacks since March 2, according to Lebanon's Ministry of Health. Israeli troops have launched a ground invasion advancing towards the Litani River, while Hezbollah has claimed dozens of operations against Israeli forces.

The UK television landscape has undergone a significant change this Easter, as new regulations banning junk food advertising before 9pm have taken effect. For the first time, viewers will not be subjected to a barrage of advertisements for chocolate eggs and hot cross buns during their Easter celebrations.The regulations, which came into force at the beginning of the year, aim to tackle rising childhood obesity by prohibiting products high in fat, sugar, and salt from appearing in TV ads before 9pm. This move has resulted in a sugar-free viewing experience for UK audiences during Easter.The impact on the advertising industry has been notable, with TV advertising spending by confectionery and snacks brands almost halving year-on-year between October and February. Overall TV ad spend is down at least 15% year-on-year.Industry bodies and broadcasters have argued that the ban is more political PR than an effective policy, with the chief executive of ITV, Carolyn McCall, and former Channel 4 boss, Alex Mahon, pointing out that the government’s own research showed that the number of calories saved would be 1.7 a day, about a third of a Smartie.Campaigners argue that big food companies are compensating for the ban by upping marketing budgets on other media, such as outdoor media and radio. A battle is already brewing over the likely introduction of further restrictions, with the government launching a consultation on adopting a newer nutrient profiling model that would deem a far wider range of products too high in fat, salt, and sugar.

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.

Eid al-Fitr, typically a time of joy and celebration at the end of Ramadan, has taken on a somber tone in Gaza this year. The day, usually filled with prayer, feasting, and visits to loved ones, has become a procession through loss as families grapple with the aftermath of the war.The rituals of Eid remain, but the feeling of joy has gone. People exchange greetings of 'Eid Mubarak,' but the words feel hollow. The streets are filled with people observing Eid, but the lightness and celebration are missing. Instead, it feels like a somber procession through grief.Families visit one another, but the visits are tinged with sorrow. Homes that were once filled with laughter and warmth now bear the weight of loss. Many have lost loved ones, and the pain of their absence is palpable. The Eid celebrations have become an act of protection, a way to hold on to tradition and community in the face of devastation.The author's own family has not been immune to the suffering. They visit relatives, each house bearing witness to the devastating impact of the war. They see the faces of surviving children, their first Eid without a parent, and the pain is overwhelming. The author's mother has lost her brother, grandchildren, sons-in-law, and daughter, and the weight of her grief is shared by all who visit.In the end, the Eid celebrations in Gaza have become a testimony to the enduring power of love and kinship in the face of unimaginable loss. The day is a long walk through love, kinship, and ruin, a day that begins with blessings and ends as a somber reminder of what has been lost.

Muslim communities around the globe observed Eid al-Fitr on Friday, signifying the conclusion of the sacred month of Ramadan, during which devotees abstain from food and drink from dawn till dusk. The culmination of Ramadan is marked by the sighting of the new moon, heralding the onset of Shawwal. However, variations in moon sighting practices lead to discrepancies in the timing of Eid celebrations across different countries. In several nations, including Mali, Niger, and Afghanistan, Eid al-Fitr was observed on Thursday, whereas in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, it was celebrated on Friday. This joyous occasion, which extends over two days, is distinct from Eid al-Adha, which occurs during the Hajj pilgrimage. Traditionally, Eid al-Fitr commences with congregational prayers in open spaces, providing an opportunity for families and friends to unite for collective prayers and festivities. The celebrations this year are overshadowed by conflicts and instability in numerous Muslim-majority countries. In Iran, the ongoing war has resulted in widespread disruptions, while regions in the Gulf have experienced repercussions from escalating tensions. The United Nations reported that over one million people have been displaced in Lebanon due to Israeli attacks. Furthermore, Sudan has evolved into the world's largest humanitarian crisis as the conflict enters its third year.