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Australia's women's cricket team made history by posting a record women's one-day team total in the Caribbean, 341 from 49.5 overs, en route to a convincing 103-run victory over West Indies in the first of three one-day internationals.The tourists' opener, Phoebe Litchfield, top-scored with 77, while five other teammates reached the 40s. This significant total was achieved on Saturday in St Kitts.Following their sweep of the three-game T20 series, Australia continued their dominance by restricting West Indies to 238-8 from their 50 overs. West Indies' Stafanie Taylor scored a breakthrough one-day century, 105 not out from 129 balls, but her efforts were not enough to secure a win for her team. Taylor's knock featured 10 fours and a six.Australia's Georgia Wareham was named player of the match for her contributions with both bat and ball, scoring 42 from 21 balls and taking 1 for 39 from 10 overs. Additionally, Kim Garth took 3 for 37 from her 10 overs, removing the West Indies openers.The Australian team underwent significant changes from their previous XI, with Tahlia Wilson making her one-day debut as wicketkeeper in place of Beth Mooney, who withdrew due to quad tightness. Wilson impressed with her sharp stumping of Aaliyah Allene off Garth.

An active oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has spread across seven nature reserves, covering an area of more than 600km (373 miles). The spill, which originated from an unidentified vessel and two natural sources, has had devastating effects on local wildlife and ecosystems.Mexican authorities have confirmed that the spill has killed sea turtles, a manatee, and various fish species. Additionally, reports from communities in the area indicate that approximately 17 reefs have been damaged. Oceana, an international organization focused on ocean conservation, highlighted these findings, emphasizing the severity of the environmental impact.The sources of the spill have been identified as a vessel docked off the coast of Coatzacoalcos in Veracruz, a geological site known as a 'chapopotera' 8km from the Coatzacoalcos port, and another natural leak site in the Bay of Campeche. The Navy Secretary, Admiral Raymundo Morales, confirmed that the spill point remains active, with a greater flow of contaminants observed in the last month.Environmental organizations, including Greenpeace Mexico, have denounced the alleged inaction by state authorities, calling for faster communication and mitigation of the damage. The Gulf of Mexico has been treated as a 'sacrifice zone for the oil industry,' according to Greenpeace, which urged the government to design and implement effective protocols to prevent and respond to environmental risks associated with oil activities.At least six species, including sea turtles, birds, and fish, have been contaminated so far. The incident has also raised concerns about the potential impact on oysters in the connected Mecoacan lagoon and the fishermen harvesting them, particularly after an explosion occurred at the Olmeca refinery on March 17, resulting in five fatalities.

The ongoing United States-Israeli conflict with Iran has triggered severe disruptions to global LNG supplies in the Gulf, creating the most significant energy market disruptions in recent years. The critical Strait of Hormuz, through which 27 percent of the world's maritime oil trade and 20 percent of LNG shipments pass, has been brought to a near standstill.In response to the conflict, oil-producing nations such as Saudi Arabia have rerouted oil through alternative pipelines, while Qatar has completely halted LNG production at its Ras Laffan and Mesaieed facilities following attacks on its energy infrastructure. This disruption comes as natural gas makes up about a quarter of global energy consumption, raising widespread concerns about the impact on nations heavily reliant on gas imports.Natural gas is formed over millions of years from decomposed organic matter subjected to intense heat and pressure beneath the Earth's surface. LNG represents natural gas that has been cooled to -162 degrees Celsius through cryogenic processing, shrinking it to a 600th of its gaseous volume. In its liquid state, LNG is colorless, odorless, and non-flammable, making it safe and efficient to transport across vast distances.Before liquefaction, the gas undergoes purification through water-based solvents and molecular sieve beds to remove impurities including carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, water, and mercury. Heavier hydrocarbons are then separated from methane and ethane through fractionation. The resulting fuel is typically composed of 85 to 95 percent methane, with small amounts of ethane, propane, butane, and nitrogen.LNG is stored in large insulated tanks without requiring high-pressure infrastructure, then pumped onto double-hulled carriers for shipment to terminals worldwide. At destination facilities, LNG is heated using seawater or warm water baths until it vaporizes—a process known as regasification—before being distributed through pipelines for consumption.Once returned to a gaseous state, LNG serves multiple purposes globally. Residential applications include cooking, heating, and electricity generation, while supporting hot water systems in homes and heating for commercial buildings. In power generation, LNG offers a comparatively low-carbon alternative to coal and oil. Industrial applications span fertilizers, plastics, paints, and medicines, with LNG also used to fuel heavy-duty vehicles and ships.The disruption has particularly affected agricultural production, as Gulf nations export close to half the world's traded urea—a key fertilizer component. Natural gas serves as both the primary feedstock and fuel for fertilizer manufacturing, with the halt in production forcing producers across the region to suspend or reduce operations.While primarily valued as an energy source, LNG processing yields significant by-products with industrial and medical applications. The most notable is helium, extracted during cryogenic processing. With global helium production estimated at 180 million cubic meters annually, the disruption to Qatar's LNG facilities has removed approximately 5.2 million cubic meters from the market each month—accounting for about a third of global monthly production.Helium is critical for cooling superconducting magnets in MRI and CT scanners, with the average MRI machine requiring about 1,700 liters of liquid helium. The element is also vital to the data center industry, where it conducts heat away from silicon components, preventing damage to semiconductors. Additionally, the natural gas value chain generates petrochemical derivatives that serve as feedstock for manufactured goods, including medical-grade plastics.According to the International Gas Union's 2025 World LNG Report, 411.24 million tonnes of LNG were traded in 2024. The United States emerged as the largest exporter with 88.4 million tonnes, followed by Australia (81 million tonnes), Qatar (77.2 million tonnes), Russia (33.5 million tonnes), and Malaysia (27.7 million tonnes). Together, these top five suppliers account for more than three-quarters of global LNG supply.China was the largest importer with 78.6 million tonnes in 2024, followed by Japan (67.7 million tonnes), South Korea (47.1 million tonnes), India (26.1 million tonnes), and Taiwan (21.8 million tonnes). These top five importers constituted nearly 59 percent of all global LNG imports that year.South Asian nations face particularly severe risks from the current conflict. Pakistan, where natural gas accounts for 28 percent of electricity generation for its 250 million people, and Bangladesh, where gas supplies half of all electricity for its 176 million population, are heavily dependent on Gulf imports. Qatar and the United Arab Emirates supply approximately 99 percent of Pakistan's LNG imports and 72 percent of Bangladesh's.In response to the energy crisis, Pakistan has implemented emergency measures including a four-day workweek for government employees and extended school holidays. Bangladesh has reduced gas supplies and is seeking nearly $2 billion in international loans to fund energy inputs and maintain price stability. India, which relies on Gulf nations for about half of its LNG and generates 5 percent of its electricity from gas, has shifted toward coal usage as LNG disruptions continue.

Balendra Shah, Nepal's youngest prime minister, has been officially sworn in following his party's decisive election victory that came after months of youth-led protests which resulted in the government's collapse in September.The rapper-turned-politician was appointed prime minister by President Ram Chandra Paudel on Friday, after his three-year-old Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured 182 seats in the 275-member parliament during the March 5 election. This vote marked Nepal's first election since the anticorruption Gen Z-led demonstrations that tragically claimed 76 lives.The 35-year-old leader made a distinctive appearance during his swearing-in ceremony at the President House, wearing black trousers, a matching jacket, his signature black Nepali cloth cap, and sunglasses, in the presence of diplomats and senior government officials.A day prior to his formal appointment, the new premier, better known as Balen, released his first public statement since the historic election through a rap song shared on social media platforms. Titled Jay Mahakaali (Victory to Goddess Mahakali), the song features lyrics such as 'Nepal is not scared this time, the heart is full of red blood … Laughter and happiness will reach every household this time.' The accompanying music video, showcasing large crowds cheering during his campaign, has garnered nearly three million views.'The strength of unity is my national power,' Shah raps in the track that emphasizes his political message of national cohesion.A former mayor of Kathmandu, Shah holds the distinction of being Nepal's first Madhesi premier – representing people from the southern plains bordering India – to lead the Himalayan nation.China extended its official congratulations to Nepal on Shah's swearing-in, with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing support for its Himalayan neighbor in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.The political transition follows months of protests driven by widespread discontent over unemployment and systemic corruption in the nation of 30 million people. Approximately one-fifth of Nepal's population lives in poverty, with an estimated 1,500 citizens leaving the country daily for work abroad.Although Shah did not directly participate in the demonstrations, he publicly expressed solidarity with the largely Generation Z protesters who spearheaded the movement that brought down the previous administration.Political instability has long plagued Nepal, with 32 governments taking office since 1990, none of which have completed a full five-year term. The Nepali Congress party, the country's oldest political organization, secured only 38 seats in the recent election, placing it a distant second. The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) of KP Sharma Oli, who resigned following the Gen Z unrest, now controls 25 parliamentary seats.Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki had been leading the nation through the interim period preceding the parliamentary election that brought Shah to power.

The UK government has introduced new guidelines on screen time for children under five, developed by a panel led by the children's commissioner for England, Rachel de Souza, and children's health expert Prof Russell Viner. Children under two years old should avoid screen time except for shared activities that encourage interaction, while children between two and five years old should limit screen time to no more than one hour a day. The guidance also advises against fast-paced, social-media style videos and AI tools, which may affect how young children learn to concentrate. Instead, it suggests 'safe screen swaps' such as replacing screens at mealtimes with background music, conversation, table games, or coloring. Parents are encouraged to prioritize activities that promote language, problem-solving skills, self-control, and social understanding, such as reading together, playing simple games, and back-and-forth conversations. The guidance acknowledges that some children with special educational needs or disabilities may need to use screens to help them communicate and participate in everyday activities. Experts warn that excessive screen time can harm children's development, with 90% of brain growth happening before the age of five. The advisory panel emphasizes the importance of parental example, as children's brains are like 'sponges' and will mimic their screen use habits. Examples of shared screen activities include video calls with relatives or looking at family photos together, which represent constructive joint screen use. The guidance also recommends avoiding screens for an hour before bedtime and reading stories together instead. By adopting these guidelines, parents can help promote healthy screen use habits and support their child's overall development.

US international forward Catarina Macario has made a significant move in the world of women's soccer, joining the San Diego Wave on a five-year deal worth $8m. This contract is reportedly the largest by total value in women's soccer history.The 26-year-old forward is expected to immediately become the focal point of the Wave's attack. Macario's contract with Chelsea was set to expire at the end of the WSL season, and she will now use the NWSL's new high impact player rule to pay her salary.Macario's move to San Diego represents a homecoming for the player, who began her development in Brazil before relocating to San Diego with her family at the age of 12. She spent five years with the local San Diego Surf, setting the youth league's all-time scoring record, before playing collegiately for Stanford.The addition of Macario to the Wave's roster is expected to greatly benefit the team's system, which often features extensive buildup sequences and passing into the heart of the box. Macario's complete approach to playing striker, including her ability in buildup and difficulty to dispossess, will likely make her a valuable asset to the team.This move also represents an opportunity for Macario to reassert her case to be part of the US women's national team core, particularly with the 2027 World Cup being held in Brazil, her nation of birth. Macario has scored 16 goals across her 29 international caps, including eight goals from 10 national team appearances in 2025.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated investigations into five companies, including Autotrader and Just Eat, due to concerns about their handling of online reviews. The CMA is examining whether these companies have failed to adequately address fake and misleading reviews on their platforms. The investigations focus on several key issues: Autotrader and Feefo are being looked into for potentially excluding one-star reviews from being published; Dignity is under scrutiny for allegedly asking staff to write positive reviews; Just Eat is being investigated for possibly inflating star ratings; and Pasta Evangelists is accused of offering discounts in exchange for five-star reviews. CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell emphasized the importance of genuine reviews, stating, 'Fake reviews strike at the heart of consumer trust – with many of us worrying about misleading content when looking at reviews online.' The CMA has not yet reached any conclusions but aims to ensure that companies comply with UK consumer law. The investigations bring the total number of businesses under review to 14. If the CMA finds that a company has broken the law, it can enforce changes and impose fines of up to 10% of global turnover. The UK consumer body Which? has highlighted that 89% of people rely on reviews when making purchasing decisions, underscoring the significance of this issue. The CMA's new powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act allow it to address unfair practices related to online reviews without needing to go to court. This crackdown is part of a broader effort to protect consumers and maintain trust in online marketplaces.

Billy Loughnane, on track to become Britain's youngest champion jockey on the Flat since 1909, has had his bid hit by a 21-day ban imposed by stewards at Southwell. The ban was for riding a horse back to the unsaddling enclosure after it had been scratched from a race on vets' orders.Loughnane's mount, Beelzebub, was deemed lame following a veterinary examination after being kicked at the start. Loughnane has appealed against both the finding and the penalty. If his appeal is unsuccessful, he will be sidelined from April 9 to April 30, missing key meetings like the Craven meeting at Newmarket and the Greenham Stakes at Newbury.The 20-year-old jockey, currently 6-4 to take the 2026 jockeys' championship, aims to win the title. A three-week absence early in the turf campaign will be frustrating for Loughnane. The current market sees Oisin Murphy, the reigning champion, at 4-6, with Rossa Ryan at 10-1 and others at 12-1.In other racing news, Eternal Force is a strong contender for the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster, with trainer William Haggas having a strong record in the race. Haggas has won the Lincoln a record five times, with four of those successes coming since 2007.

Five Guys' chief executive officer, Jerry Murrell, revealed that he gave a $1.5m bonus to employees of his US-based burger restaurant chain to make up for the chaos caused by a recent promotion. The buy-one-get-one-free offer, which was intended to celebrate the company's 40th anniversary, proved to be much more popular than expected, causing the chain's app to crash and many locations to become overwhelmed.Murrell stated that he gave the bonus because "I didn't want anybody shooting me in the back or anything … because we really screwed it up." The comment was made in an interview with Fortune, where he also joked that he preferred the employees receiving the bonus over his wife getting "a new fur coat."The promotion, which was launched in February, was initially met with intense criticism on social media, prompting Five Guys to apologize and restart the offer for four days. Murrell attributed the chaos to the company's underestimation of the promotion's popularity, stating that "we had no idea that we were going to get that kind of response."Five Guys currently operates 1,900 locations and employs 30,000 people in 28 countries worldwide. The company's CEO since its founding in 1986, Murrell has taken steps to address the backlash and improve customer satisfaction.