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Caster Semenya, the two‑time Olympic 800‑metre champion, has pledged to fight the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) newly announced gender‑testing policy that would apply to all female athletes competing in strength, power or endurance events. The South African athlete says the rule "undermines women’s rights" and lacks scientific justification. The IOC unveiled the policy last week, stating that including “androgen‑sensitive XY‑DSD athletes” in the female category "runs fundamentally counter to ensuring fairness, safety and integrity in elite competition." The measure is expected to become a universal requirement across Olympic sports, replacing a patchwork of national regulations that have sparked controversy for years. Semanya, who has been embroiled in a long‑running legal dispute with World Athletics over her right to compete despite having a Difference of Sexual Development (DSD), told Reuters, "We’re going to be vocal about it, we’re going to make noise until we’re heard". She added, "Enough is enough – women will not be told how to compete". DSDs are rare conditions involving variations in genes, hormones and reproductive anatomy. Some individuals with DSDs are raised as female yet possess XY chromosomes and testosterone levels typical of males. The IOC’s testing protocol will involve a cheek‑swab or saliva sample to detect the SRY gene on the Y chromosome, with further investigation for any positive results. Semanya rejected the scientific premise of the rule, stating, "There’s no science that XY‑DSD gives an athlete an advantage". She emphasized that athletic success stems from hard work, not genetics, and criticized those who claim intersex conditions confer a performance edge. She also criticized IOC President Kirsty Coventry, the first woman and first African to hold the position, for failing to consult athletes with DSDs before issuing the policy. "They sent us a letter the day they were going to publish the new policy," Semanya said, urging genuine stakeholder engagement rather than a perfunctory "tick‑the‑box" approach. By labeling the policy as a breach of women’s dignity and rights, Semanya aims to rally broader support for intersex athletes and challenge what she describes as a historically flawed testing regime.

The Israeli parliament's approval of a legislation seeking the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks has stoked fears among Palestinians and drawn condemnation from the international community. The law, which does not apply to Jewish citizens of Israel, has been met with jubilation among its backers in the country's far right.France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom have all raised concerns over the overtly racist nature of the bill, whose wording appears to exclusively target Palestinians. Rights groups have also criticized the bill, with Amnesty International saying it would make the death penalty 'another discriminatory tool in Israel's system of apartheidThe law targets Palestinians by limiting its application to military courts that only try Palestinians under occupation. Under the new legislation, anyone found guilty of killing an Israeli citizen within the occupied West Bank will, by default, be sentenced to death by the military courts. In contrast, Israeli settlers who kill Palestinians in the occupied West Bank are tried in civilian courts in Israel and have not been prosecuted since the start of this decade.Critics argue that the law is discriminatory by design and that lawmakers have no legal authority to impose it on Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank, who are not Israeli citizens. The Association of Civil Rights in Israel has taken the matter to Israel's highest court, arguing that the measure undermines Israel's commitments to democratic principles.Human rights groups have long argued that the legal systems applying to Palestinians and Israeli settlers in the West Bank are fundamentally unequal, enabling discriminatory detention practices and selective enforcement of laws. Approximately 9,500 Palestinians are currently detained in Israeli prisons under harsh conditions, with about half held under administrative detention or labeled 'unlawful combatants,' denied trial and unable to defend themselves.

A prominent pro-Palestine activist in the United Kingdom has been re-arrested merely weeks after being released on bail, raising questions about the treatment of activists and the limits of free speech.The activist, who had been released on bail following a previous arrest, was taken into custody again, highlighting the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and pro-Palestine advocacy groups in the UK.The re-arrest has sparked concerns among human rights groups and activists, who argue that it undermines the right to peaceful protest and free expression. The UK government has faced criticism for its handling of pro-Palestine activism, with many accusing authorities of suppressing dissenting voices.

The Israeli Knesset has approved a law allowing the death penalty for Palestinians, a move likely to exacerbate tensions in the region and draw international criticism. The decision comes amid ongoing debates about human rights and capital punishment.The new law has sparked concerns among human rights groups and Palestinian communities, who argue that it undermines the principles of justice and equality. The international community is also expected to weigh in on the issue, with many countries likely to express their disapproval of the death penalty.

The struggle to unwind at the end of the day is a familiar one for many of us. Insomnia is a common problem, and music is often recommended as a way to relax. Max Richter's Sleep, an eight-hour long piece designed to mirror the phases of sleep, has become a popular choice, currently ranking No 2 in the official classical artist albums chart.But where did this genre of instrumental sleep music begin? The term "nocturne" was first used by John Field to describe his short, standalone piano pieces. These pieces were designed to evoke a tranquil evening mood, often featuring a slow and lyrical melody in the right hand with a rippling accompaniment in the bass. Field's Nocturnes were born out of his time in Russia, where he was inspired by the pearly light of the long summer nights.Chopin later expanded the form to include a range of moods and themes, from stormy and passionate to meltingly beautiful. The piano remained the pre-eminent instrument for nocturnes, with composers like Gabriel Fauré and Erik Satie making significant contributions to the genre.Nocturnes have had a lasting impact beyond music, influencing art, literature, and even perfumes. The word "nocturne" has come to symbolize a dreamlike, peaceful night, and the concept has been used in various forms of creative expression. As Susan Tomes notes, nocturnes are "tiny three-minute narratives" that ask us to follow as the story unfolds, standing on the threshold between "day mind" and "night mind".

Dame Carole Jordan, who has died aged 84, was a prominent figure in astrophysics, celebrated for her groundbreaking research on the outer atmosphere of the sun and other cool stars. Her contributions to the field have left a lasting impact, and her legacy extends beyond her scientific achievements as a champion for women in science.Jordan's fascination with astronomy began at a young age, inspired by books from authors like Arthur Eddington and Fred Hoyle. She pursued her passion for astronomy at University College London, where she was interviewed by CW Allen, professor of astronomy, and offered a place. Her academic journey led her to become a leading expert in ultraviolet spectroscopy of the sun and other stars.In 1962, a rocket-borne experiment led by US astronomer Richard Tousey measured the EUV spectrum of the sun, discovering a dozen unidentified emission lines. Jordan dedicated her research to understanding these lines, eventually becoming the world expert on the subject. Her 1965 PhD thesis, Analysis of the Solar Ultraviolet Spectrum, concluded that several lines were due to transitions in highly ionized iron.Jordan's most-cited paper, The Ionization Equilibrium of Elements Between Carbon and Nickel, published in 1969, laid out the ionization equilibrium as a function of temperature for the main ionized states of common heavy elements. This work became a definitive guide to EUV spectroscopy. The launch of the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) in 1978 enabled her to extend her analyses to other stars, solidifying her position as an expert on the chromospheres of cool stars.Jordan's achievements extended beyond her scientific contributions. In 1994, she became the first female president of the Royal Astronomical Society, a testament to her dedication to promoting women in science. She was also a staunch supporter of the Royal Astronomical Society, serving as secretary and vice-president of the Institute of Physics.Throughout her career, Jordan received numerous accolades, including the RAS's gold medal in 2005 and being made a dame in 2006. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations of scientists, particularly women, to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Brandy's highly anticipated memoir, Phases, co-written with Gerrick Kennedy, provides an intimate look at the singer's life, detailing her formative years, meteoric rise to fame, and struggles with addiction, bullying, and trauma.Brandy, known as the 'Vocal Bible,' has been in the music industry for over 30 years, with a discography that includes undeniable classics like 'Sittin’ Up in My Room', 'The Boy Is Mine', and 'What About Us?'. Despite her success, she has often been underrated, and her memoir aims to set the record straight.The book delves into Brandy's early life in Mississippi and California, where she developed her singing skills in church choirs and youth groups. It also explores her experiences as a teenage superstar, including her role on the hit sitcom Moesha and her struggles with addiction.Brandy shares stories of bullying, including being targeted by a bully named Shanice, and her complicated relationships with musical idols like Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson. She also opens up about a toxic relationship with Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men and her side of the story about her highly publicized feud with Monica.The memoir also touches on Brandy's involvement in a fatal car accident in 2006, which left her with survivor's guilt and a deep sense of responsibility. Through it all, Brandy's love for music remained a constant, and she reflects on her journey to becoming one of the most respected vocalists in the industry.Phases is now available on HarperCollins in the US and will be released in Australia on April 1 and in the UK on April 23.

The recent ruling that Meta and YouTube are liable for creating addictive products has intensified the debate on restricting social media use for under-16s. However, there's another crucial aspect to consider: 85% of kids and teens interact online through video games. The suggestion to curb online gaming alongside social media restrictions raises significant concerns about feasibility and impact.Some online games, like Roblox, have proven to be unsafe environments for children, with cases of grooming and child exploitation. Nevertheless, implementing a ban on online gaming would be a regulatory nightmare. Games like Minecraft or EA Sports FC have different online components, making a blanket restriction difficult to enforce.Banning teens from playing games online entirely would be detrimental. Online games are vital social spaces for millions of teens, offering a few arenas where they can interact without adult surveillance. With two-thirds of council-run youth centers lost since 2010, video games fill a critical gap.The core problem lies in the internet's heterogeneous nature. Games, social media, and YouTube are distinct, making it hard to cancel out potential harms without also eliminating benefits. Instead of banning young people, the focus should be on taking back the internet from manipulative big tech companies.Parents concerned about their children's safety can use existing parental controls to mitigate risks. Features like chat restrictions, time limits, and age-appropriate settings can ensure children enjoy games while staying safe. A ban would introduce no further benefit and could cause significant harm.

David Attenborough’s voice returns to British screens in ‘Secret Garden’, a BBC One series launched to celebrate the network’s 100th birthday. Unlike his classic wildlife documentaries, the show turns the lens toward the UK’s own backyards, exploring how gardens can rival tropical rainforests in biodiversity.Series producer Bill Markham explains that the programme deliberately avoids the usual “lions and tigers” spectacle, aiming instead for a relatable, garden‑centred narrative. He notes that British gardens collectively cover more area than all national nature reserves combined, and that an average garden can host up to 2,600 different species.The series tackles the contentious issue of domestic cats. With 9.5 million pet cats in Britain, Attenborough reveals they may kill around 55 million birds each year. Simple measures—such as fitting cats with bells—can slash hunting success by one‑third, while raising bird feeders reduces fatalities further.Markham stresses that the current predator‑prey balance is “unfair on the prey”, noting that cats are “the biggest predator in our gardens” yet are constantly fed, leading to an unsustainable population. He cites ecologist Dr Davide Dominoni, who suggests that keeping cats indoors during the breeding months of April and May could dramatically lower bird deaths.Beyond cats, the series examines other garden‑linked wildlife challenges. Each year, over 30 million pheasants—an Asian species—are released into the countryside, where they prey on native insects, reptiles, and amphibians. Markham argues that despite the countryside lobby’s claim that pheasant shooting sustains rural jobs, the practice “mess‑es with the ecology”.‘Secret Garden’ also showcases rare footage, including a pine marten hunting sand martins, an otter preying on ducks, and intricate mayfly battles reminiscent of the famed “snakes vs. iguana” scene from Planet Earth II. These moments underline the hidden drama unfolding in everyday green spaces.Markham hopes the series will soothe the growing eco‑anxiety many feel about climate change. He points out that the UK boasts roughly 25 million gardens, with 80 % of the population having access. Simple actions—like planting a native tree to boost caterpillar supplies for birds—can make a measurable difference.While the show may provoke cat owners and countryside advocates, Markham believes the nation’s love for “animals, gardens and David Attenborough” will drive a collective re‑thinking of garden stewardship. As Attenborough reflects, his first encounter with nature likely occurred in his own garden, setting him on the path to becoming the world’s most renowned naturalist.‘Secret Garden’ airs from 5 April on BBC One and iPlayer.