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European carmaker Stellantis has issued a recall for 44,000 vehicles in the UK due to a fault that could result in the cars catching fire. The issue affects certain models across its Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Vauxhall, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, and Fiat brands, produced between 2023 and 2026.The fault is related to a lack of clearance between the gas filter pipe and a component of the belt starter generator, which could cause water to leak into the engine bay during wet driving conditions. This creates a potential risk of fire in the engine.In response, Stellantis will immediately contact affected car owners to schedule a free appointment with their dealer. This recall comes as the company faces challenges, including a €22bn charge and the sale of a stake in its battery joint venture due to slower-than-expected growth in electric vehicles.The recall is a significant setback for Stellantis, which had previously planned to launch an electric truck, the Ram 1500 BEV. Meanwhile, sales of electric vehicles in Europe have soared, but demand in the US has collapsed following the withdrawal of a consumer tax credit.In contrast, rival Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) reported a recovery in sales over the past quarter, with a 61.1% jump in sales to 95,300 vehicles. However, quarterly sales were still down 14.5% compared to the same period a year earlier, largely due to a cyber-attack that halted production.

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.

Beirut, Lebanon – On 24 March, Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi announced that Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mohammad Reza Sheibani, was declared persona non grata and ordered to depart by 29 March. Two days after the deadline, the envoy remained in Beirut, refusing to leave. The episode unfolds against a broader conflict that has already claimed more than 1,000 lives and displaced over 1.2 million people within a single month of Israeli military action in Lebanon. It also highlights a deepening schism in Lebanese politics between supporters of the pro‑Iranian Shia militia Hezbollah and those demanding its disarmament. Imad Salamey, a political scientist at the Lebanese American University, told Al Jazeera that the ambassador’s defiance is a symptom of a larger contest over legitimacy and authority. IRGC’s Strategic Role Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) helped forge Hezbollah in 1982 as a response to Israel’s invasion. Over the decades, Tehran’s billions of dollars in funding elevated Hezbollah to Lebanon’s most powerful political and military force. Hezbollah’s popularity peaked in 2000 after driving Israeli forces from south Lebanon, but subsequent engagements—including the 2006 war, the 2008 Beirut street battles, the Syrian civil war, and the 2019 domestic protests—have eroded its broader support. When Hezbollah entered open conflict with Israel on 8 October 2023, it enjoyed limited backing beyond the Shia community. By the November 2024 cease‑fire, the group was at a low point, with Israel having killed more than 4,000 Lebanese, including leader Hassan Nasrallah and much of Hezbollah’s command. International pressure then mounted for Hezbollah’s disarmament, prompting Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Joseph Aoun to prioritize the issue. According to several analysts, the IRGC exploited the cease‑fire lull to dispatch officials to Lebanon, restructuring Hezbollah’s command and possibly ordering its re‑entry into the war on 2 March—just days after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was assassinated. Prime Minister Salam has publicly claimed the IRGC is “managing the military operation in Lebanon” and even accused Tehran of launching an attack on Cyprus. Ambassador Refuses to Exit In response to the perceived IRGC influence, Raggi’s declaration stripped Sheibani of diplomatic immunity. Dania Arayssi, senior analyst at the New Lines Institute, described the move as a “landmark decision” given Iran’s entrenched role in Lebanese politics. Iran’s Foreign Ministry, however, maintains that Sheibani will not depart, and Hezbollah has openly pledged to protect him, warning that any government attempt to disarm the militia will be met with “punishment.” Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri—longtime Hezbollah ally—initially backed the government’s ban on Hezbollah’s military activity after the March re‑entry, illustrating the fluidity of alliances within Lebanon’s power‑sharing system. State Authority Tested Hezbollah’s renewed campaign, which includes dozens of cross‑border attacks and direct engagements with Israeli forces on Lebanese soil, is reshaping the political calculus. The militia’s revived confidence challenges the Lebanese government’s ability to enforce disarmament. While the ambassador remains protected inside the Iranian diplomatic compound—effectively beyond the reach of Lebanese law—critics argue that Tehran’s refusal to honor the expulsion order undermines the state’s authority, already weakened by months of war. Salamey summed up the dilemma: “The state is asserting its authority on paper, but internal divisions and competing claims of legitimacy constrain its practical power, testing the limits of Lebanon’s fragile power‑sharing arrangement.”

Coordinated strikes by United States and Israeli forces hit Tehran, Isfahan and several other Iranian cities on Tuesday, prompting widespread power outages and extensive damage to civilian sites. The Ministry of Energy confirmed that shrapnel from the raids ruptured a primary power‑transfer line, but the outage was restored within a few hours. Among the most critical targets was the Tofigh Darou pharmaceutical complex in the Karaj industrial zone. The facility, which supplies over 90% of Iran’s domestically produced medicines—including cancer and multiple‑sclerosis treatments—sustained heavy damage from multiple projectiles. In central Iran, Isfahan endured a barrage of heavy bunker‑buster bombs over a nearby mountainous area, likely aimed at military installations. The explosions triggered secondary blasts that illuminated the night sky and produced reverberating shockwaves across the city. North‑west of Tehran, in Zanjan, a building identified as the administrative department of the Hosseinieh Azam religious centre was struck, resulting in at least four fatalities and several injuries. Iranian authorities now claim that more than 2,000 people have been killed by US‑Israeli attacks since the conflict erupted on 28 February, with residential blocks, schools, hospitals and historic sites also affected. Additional targets this week included civilian nuclear facilities, major steel producers, petrochemical plants, and the Iran University of Science and Technology, where an imaging satellite was developed. A professor linked to Iran’s missile programme and his two children were assassinated at their home in northern Tehran. U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated threats to strike Iran’s oil and gas infrastructure, power plants and water‑desalination facilities. Despite the onslaught, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continues to project defiance. A spokesperson for the Khatam al‑Anbiya Central Headquarters declared that Tehran’s adversaries are “humiliated and on the path of destruction,” while senior commander Ali Fadavi warned that American warships are vulnerable and allegedly transmit false transponder signals. The IRGC also released footage of ballistic missiles aimed at Israel and surrounding nations, and claimed to have downed two U.S. MQ‑9 Reaper drones, promising retaliatory strikes against technology firms linked to the United States and Israel. Domestically, the judiciary announced the execution of two members of the foreign‑based Mojahedin‑e‑Khalq (MEK) group, labeling them terrorists. This follows a series of recent executions tied to the January protests and broader dissent. Authorities also issued new indictments against roughly 200 individuals accused of assisting the U.S. and Israel, including alleged “mercenaries” who disseminated strike footage abroad. Penalties for national‑security offenses now encompass asset confiscation and capital punishment. President Masoud Pezeshkian convened his first cabinet meeting since the war’s onset in a makeshift, blue‑covered space, emphasizing that any peace negotiations will safeguard Iran’s “dignity, security and national interests.” Israel’s Channel 14 reported that Pezeshkian sought greater negotiating leverage with the United States, a request allegedly rebuffed by IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi.

Roger Casement's life was a complex web of contradictions. He was an imperial administrator who exposed imperial atrocities in the Belgian Congo and South Africa, a diplomat who worked tirelessly to bring attention to the plight of rubber workers. However, he also became a key figure in Ireland's fight for freedom, enlisting German help and rallying support in the US.TE Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, described Casement as a 'broken archangel'. This label captures the essence of a man who was both a hero and a flawed individual. Casement's life was marked by his struggle with his own identity, as a closeted gay man who left behind detailed records of his sexual adventures.The book 'A Rebel and a Traitor' by Rory Carroll masterfully situates Casement's story within the broader context of World War I. Carroll's deeply researched account reveals the intricate duel between Casement and his nemesis, Reginald 'Blinker' Hall, a naval captain who tracked Casement's attempts to enlist German support. This duel is set against the backdrop of the Easter Rising and the birth of the Irish state.Casement's attempt to lead Ireland to freedom ultimately ended in failure, but it helped create a mood of defiance that led to open war and the dream of an Irish state becoming a reality. Carroll's biography humanizes Casement, giving credit for his strengths while never hiding his flaws. The book is a fascinating account of a complex and improbable man who left an indelible mark on history.

The barnacle geese of Norfolk continue to fascinate and surprise. What was once a rare winter sight, with only a few individuals from the Siberian population visiting, has turned into a spectacle with 700 birds now calling Holkham Park home. Their presence is a testament to their adaptability and the changing climate.The author's fond history with these geese dates back to 2021 when they helped ring 400 of the birds as part of an ornithologist's study. The process involved herding the flightless, moulting flock onto a lake and guiding them into a corral. Each bird received a numbered Darvic ring, allowing for monitoring in the wild.The geese's journey to their wintering grounds is remarkable. After leaving Holkham in August, they flew 70 miles to Southwold, where they joined a breeding flock from Pensthorpe. This flock consists of descendants from deliberate releases in the 1980s.The author expresses a deep affection for these birds, admiring their chalk-faced, velvet-hooded appearance and their quiet defiance in the face of their transplanted ancestry. From the Arctic tundra to Norfolk, they have made a new home, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability.The presence of barnacle geese in Norfolk is not just a local phenomenon but also a reflection of broader environmental changes. Their story serves as a reminder of the complex relationships between species, climate, and human activity.

Oliver Bearman's terrifying crash at the Japanese Grand Prix has sent shockwaves through the Formula One community, prompting an urgent need for solutions to mitigate such incidents in the future. Bearman's Haas car was traveling at a staggering 307km/h (191mph) when he was forced to swerve off track to avoid a collision with Franco Colapinto's Alpine car.The closing speed between the two cars was 50km/h, highlighting the risks associated with the current engine regulations. The deployment of electrical energy and its recovery has become a critical aspect of F1, but it also poses significant challenges. Bearman's car crashed into the barriers with a 50G impact, from which he remarkably escaped with only bruising.F1 and the FIA are under intense scrutiny to find solutions to this complex problem. The McLaren team principal, Andrea Stella, emphasized that 'a simple solution does not exist,' while Haas team principal, Ayao Komatsu, stressed the need for a calm and collective approach to address the issue. The sport has a month to work on potential fixes before the next Grand Prix in Miami.The safety concerns are compounded by the varying approaches teams take to managing energy recovery and the intricate relationships between engine manufacturers, teams, and the governing body. Any changes to the regulations, such as altering the power distribution or fuel flow, would require significant adjustments and may not be feasible until next season.Despite the challenges, there is a genuine commitment to finding solutions, driven by the collective will of the F1 community and the urgency highlighted by Bearman's crash. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved and the need for swift and effective action to ensure safety in the sport.

Donald Trump's Iran war has ended in a humiliating defeat, with the US president now being held hostage by the very country he sought to dominate. Despite his initial boasts of a "short-term excursion", Trump's military adventure has failed to achieve any of its stated objectives, including regime change and access to oil wealth. The Iranian military has successfully asserted its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments, and has demonstrated its capacity to wreak havoc on the Gulf states. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has forecast a spike in inflation to 4.2% in the US, a 40% increase since Trump returned to office, and the stock market has dived into correction territory. Trump's attempts to justify his blunder and extricate himself from its dire consequences have been met with skepticism. His denial of any wrongdoing is too vehement to be convincing, and his calls for NATO countries to rescue him while insulting them as "cowards" have fallen flat. Iran has leveraged its control of the Strait of Hormuz to secure concessions from Trump, including the lifting of oil sanctions and safe passage for eight oil tankers. The Iranian government has rejected Trump's latest offer of negotiations "until complete victory", and Trump's threats of "obliteration" have been met with defiance. The Trump administration's decision-making process has been marred by ignorance, incompetence, and self-interest. Trump's advisors, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have been accused of lacking expertise and misunderstanding key technical realities, leading to a series of catastrophic mistakes. In the end, Trump's Iran war has been a classic example of a conflict launched willfully through ignorance and sheer stupidity, with devastating consequences for the US economy and global stability.

Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening to "obliterate" its power stations and fresh water plants if a peace deal is not reached soon. This comes as the US and Israel's joint war against Iran enters its second month, with Tehran remaining defiant in the face of US peace proposals.The conflict has already had significant repercussions, including a record monthly rise in oil prices and concerns over a potential US ground operation to seize Kharg Island. Trump's threat to destroy civilian infrastructure, such as power and water facilities, has been condemned by human rights groups as a potential war crime.The White House has also suggested that Arab countries may be asked to help foot the bill for the war, adding a new dimension to the conflict. "It's an idea that I know that he has," said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.International pressure is mounting, with Spain closing its airspace to US planes involved in the conflict and the UK's prime minister reiterating that "this is not our war and we are not going to get dragged into it". Egypt's president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has called on Trump to end the war, warning that "no one will be able to stop the war in our region".The conflict threatens to plunge the global economy into recession and trigger shortages of food and pharmaceuticals. The International Monetary Fund has warned that "all roads lead to higher prices and slower growth worldwide" if the conflict continues.