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For the first time, scientists have observed a 'civil war' in wild chimpanzees, where a once unified group turned on itself, leading to a years-long conflict. In a study published in the journal Science, researchers detail the dramatic shift in behavior among the Ngogo chimpanzee group in Uganda's Kibale national park.Primatologist Aaron Sandel, who led the research, noted that the conflict began in 2015 when the group's dynamics started to change. A change in social hierarchies, the death of key older individuals, and a disease outbreak in 2017 contributed to the group's fracture. By 2018, two distinct groups had emerged: the western chimps and the central chimps.The conflict escalated into 24 sustained and coordinated attacks by the western group on the central group over seven years, resulting in the deaths of at least seven adult males and 17 infants. This level of in-group violence is rare in the animal kingdom and has significant implications for understanding human conflict.Sandel suggests that human activities disrupting social cohesion, such as deforestation, climate change, or disease outbreaks, could make such inter-group conflicts more common among chimpanzees, who are already threatened with extinction. The study highlights the fragility of social ties and the potential for group cohesion to be disrupted under specific circumstances.Brian Wood, an evolutionary anthropologist, noted that the western chimps increased their Darwinian fitness by decreasing the survival and reproduction of their former community members. This conflict has resulted in the lowest survivorship ever documented in a wild chimpanzee community.

The debate over space exploration has sparked intense discussion, with critics arguing that the vast sums of money spent on it could be better used to address pressing global issues. The Artemis programme, with its $100bn budget, has been singled out as a prime example of such misallocation. This programme's cost could, for instance, fully fund the UN World Food Programme for 10 years, a global initiative that benefits over 150 million people annually in more than 120 countries.On the other hand, proponents of space exploration argue that it is crucial for humanity's long-term survival. They contend that as Earth faces environmental challenges, space could provide a necessary escape route. Moreover, the advancement of technology and knowledge gained through space exploration could have unforeseen benefits for human society.Critics also point out the short-sightedness of prioritizing space travel over solving Earth's problems, such as war and environmental destruction. They suggest that parenting-like responsibility should be applied to space exploration, implying that humanity should focus on solving its current issues before venturing further into space.However, supporters emphasize that space exploration represents a 'shining light of hope' for humanity's future, especially in a world threatened by autocrats and environmental crises. They argue that even small steps in space exploration are necessary for our long-term existence.Ultimately, the question of whether space exploration is worth the money and effort remains a complex and contentious issue. While some see it as a luxury we cannot afford, others believe it is an investment in our future survival.

Oil tanker workers stuck in the Gulf for six weeks are reaching their limit, with mental health concerns escalating due to the prolonged standoff. A crew member, who spoke to the Guardian, revealed that the situation is becoming increasingly unbearable.The worker, one of 20,000 seafarers trapped by Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, expressed frustration and despair, stating that any hope of being freed had evaporated. The crew member's tanker is anchored near dozens of loaded tankers, with many feeling unwilling and unable to traverse the strait, even if a ceasefire allowed them to do so.90% of the crew on the tanker want to exercise their right to refuse to sail, citing safety concerns. The situation has taken a toll on the crew's mental health, with one member suffering a 'mental breakdown' and being checked on regularly by colleagues.The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has received about 1,000 inquiries from seafarers on 300 different vessels, with 20% seeking repatriation. The union and other organizations are trying to provide support, but the situation remains dire.The shipping companies are expected to find new crew members willing to work in hazardous areas, offering double pay and promotions. However, the workers stuck on the tankers hope that their vessel will be taken to anchorage to allow new crew to take their places.The situation has reignited calls for shipowners to replace their crews with mariners willing to offer relief, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.

British Airways announced that, when it resumes operations in July, its Middle East timetable will be significantly scaled back, with a portion of the freed‑up fleet redirected to launch additional direct services to India and Kenya. The carrier has suspended all flights to the region following the outbreak of the Iran‑related war. It plans to restart flights to Riyadh in mid‑May and to reopen routes to Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv on 1 July. However, the airline will reduce Dubai flights from three to one per day and cut the frequency to Doha, Tel Aviv and Riyadh from two daily services to a single flight each. In a permanent move, BA will drop Jeddah as a destination from 24 April. Service to Bahrain and Amman will remain on hold until 25 October, while flights to Larnaca, Cyprus are slated to return on 22 May. Speaking on the adjustments, BA said, “Given the ongoing situation in the Middle East, we have revised our schedule to give customers clearer options. We continue to monitor the situation closely and are in direct contact with affected passengers to provide alternatives.” Since the conflict began, the airline has facilitated the repatriation of thousands of travelers, operated humanitarian relief flights, and increased capacity on key long‑haul sectors. Looking ahead, BA will deploy larger aircraft on its Delhi route from 1 June and similarly upscale the Hyderabad service. The summer schedule will also see additional daily flights to Bengaluru and Nairobi through late October. Further expansion includes new flights to Delhi and Mumbai, a development first reported by the Financial Times, underscoring BA’s strategy to offset reduced Middle East capacity with growth in high‑demand Asian and African markets.

The UK government's spending on foreign aid has hit its lowest level in nearly two decades, with provisional data showing 0.43% of national income allocated to official development assistance (ODA) in 2025, down from 0.5% in 2024 and matching the level in 2008. The total ODA spend in 2025 was just over £13bn, an annual decrease of £1bn, or 7.4%. This decline has raised alarms among humanitarian experts, who warn that the cuts are having severe consequences, particularly for marginalized communities across Africa. Gideon Rabinowitz, director of policy and advocacy at Bond, emphasized that life-saving humanitarian programs, including education provision in Syria and healthcare programs across Africa, have already been forced to close. He warned that with even deeper cuts expected, the worst consequences are yet to be realized. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) noted that a projected 9% to 17% drop of ODA among its members in 2025 would hit the poorest countries hardest. The UK's reduction in aid spending has been criticized by campaigners and aid organizers, who argue it will cause widespread damage and weaken the UK's influence overseas. In response, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated that national security is the government's first duty and that the decision to reduce ODA spending to 0.3% of GNI by 2027 was necessary to fund an increase in defense spending. However, they emphasized that the UK remains committed to safeguarding standards and protecting women and girls.

Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, has made a strong call to action for the UK government to withdraw its trade agreement with Israel in light of the recent Israeli strikes on Lebanon. Polanski expressed his concerns about Israel's actions, accusing them of 'behaving in a completely uncontrolled way.'During the launch of the Green party's local election campaign in London, Polanski urged the government to take a firmer stance against Israel, stating that it is 'outrageous that Israel is still enjoying diplomatic and trade privileges from the international community.' He emphasized the need for robust sanctions against Israel and an end to the 'genocide.'Polanski also criticized the UK government's claim of not being involved in the conflict with Iran, arguing that its bases had been used to aid US bombers attacking Iran. He called for the disentanglement of UK and US military operations and a ban on the US using UK airspace.When asked about the economic implications of ending the trade deal with Israel, Polanski prioritized human lives over financial concerns, stating that the UK should not put 'a cost on people's lives.'In addition to his comments on Israel, Polanski criticized Labour's housing policies, arguing that Green-run councils would focus on building new council houses and 'stand up' to property developers who resist building affordable homes. He accused Labour councils of building 'luxury, unaffordable buildings that no one's ever going to live in.'Labour responded by accusing Green party councillors of trying to block 42,000 homes across the country since 2018 and said they were not delivering social rented housing in areas where they were in power.

Bayern Munich shattered a quarter‑century‑old barrier at the Santiago Bernabéu, securing a 2‑1 victory over Real Madrid – their first win in Madrid since May 2001. Manager Vincent Kompany praised goalkeeper Manuel Neuer for nine crucial saves, noting that such performances are essential for any trophy chase. Harry Kane’s clinical finish and the dazzling wing play of Luis Díaz and Michael Olise evoked memories of the club’s modern legends, though Kompany admitted the team may regret not extending their lead. In Lisbon, Arsenal delivered a stark contrast to the Madrid showdown, clinching a dramatic injury‑time win through Kai Havertz. The German, once sidelined by injury, once again proved his big‑game temperament – a trait he displayed in Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League final. Arsenal’s renewed confidence was also bolstered by the return of David Raya, whose early save against Sporting’s Maximiliano Araújo underscored his impact, prompting Havertz to hail him as “the best keeper in the world” over the past two seasons. Atlético Madrid ended a 20‑year wait for a victory at Barcelona’s Camp Nou, winning 2‑0 after a red card reduced the hosts to ten men. The dismissal of Pau Cubarsí for a last‑man foul on Giuliano Simeone set the tone, with Julián Alvarez converting the ensuing free‑kick. Alexander Sørloth’s goal – his first in a month – completed the triumph, while veteran Antoine Griezmann reflected on the emotional significance of the win before his impending MLS move. Among individual stand‑outs, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia earned “Player of the Week” honors after his solo strike helped Paris Saint‑Germain defeat Liverpool, reinforcing his role in PSG’s European success since joining in January. Quotes from the night highlighted the human side of the competition: Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori spoke of playing through disappointment after Italy’s World Cup miss, while former England captains Stuart Pearce and Steven Gerrard lauded Mohamed Salah for his professionalism despite limited minutes. Looking ahead, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk urged supporters to rally after a 16th‑place league defeat, and Bayern’s emerging talent Lennart Karl hinted at future involvement despite missing the Madrid fixture.

Federal weather data reveal that March 2026 was the hottest March ever recorded across the continental United States in a 132‑year dataset, with average temperatures soaring to 50.85 °F (10.47 °C), a staggering 9.35 °F (5.19 °C) above the 20th‑century March norm. This anomaly eclipsed the previous record of an 8.9 °F excess set in March 2012, marking the most extreme departure from average temperatures for any month in U.S. history. The month’s daytime highs were equally extreme, averaging 11.4 °F above the long‑term benchmark—almost a degree hotter than the typical April high, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Such extreme warmth is part of a broader trend: six of the ten most abnormal heat months have occurred within the last decade, and February 2026, at 6.57 °F above normal, ranked as the tenth most anomalous month on record. “The March heat wave was unprecedented across the United States,” noted Shel Winkley of Climate Central, emphasizing the sheer volume of records broken. In just two days (March 20‑21), roughly one‑third of the nation experienced temperatures that would have been virtually impossible without human‑induced climate change, according to Climate Central’s analysis. Data compiled by meteorologist Guy Walton shows that more than 19,800 daily temperature records were surpassed in March, and over 2,000 locations set new monthly heat records—a volume of record‑breaking events usually spread across entire decades. Jeff Masters of Yale Climate Connections warned that “climate change is kicking our butts,” adding that the January‑March period was the driest on record for the contiguous United States. The combination of extreme heat and historic dryness threatens water supplies, agriculture, river navigation, and overall ecosystem health. Looking ahead, both the European Copernicus climate service and NOAA project the formation of a “super” El Niño in the coming months, with the potential to amplify global temperatures into late 2026 and 2027. Meteorology professor Victor Gensini of Northern Illinois University cautioned that such an event could push the planet to new record‑high temperature thresholds.

Argentina's congress has approved a bill promoted by President Javier Milei that authorizes mining in ecologically sensitive areas of glaciers and permafrost, sparking widespread environmental protests. The bill, which was already approved by the senate in February, will make it easier to mine for metals such as copper, lithium, and silver in frozen parts of the Andes mountains.The chamber of deputies approved the amendment with 137 votes in favor, 111 against, and three abstentions after nearly 12 hours of debate. Environmentalists argue that the legislative changes will weaken protections for crucial water sources, with thousands protesting outside parliament, holding banners with slogans such as “Water is more precious than gold!” and “A glacier destroyed cannot be restored!”Seven Greenpeace activists were arrested earlier in the day after scaling a statue outside parliament and unfurling a banner urging lawmakers “not to betray the Argentine people”. The passage of the amendment is a new coup for Milei, who pushed through looser labor laws in February despite repeated street protests.Environmental activists, such as Flavia Broffoni, argue that there is no possibility of creating a 'sustainable mine' in a periglacial environment. Argentina has nearly 17,000 glaciers or rock glaciers, with glacial reserves in the north-west shrinking by 17% in the last decade due to climate change.Milei, a free-market radical who does not believe in human-made climate change, says the bill is necessary to attract large-scale mining projects. The Central Bank of Argentina estimates that the country could triple its mining exports by 2030. Supporters argue that the bill will provide legal certainty and clear definitions, while critics, such as Enrique Viale, warn that it threatens the water supply for 70% of Argentinians.