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The Lead An important Islamic seminary in Kashmir has been declared unlawful under anti-terror laws, prompting backlash from prominent religious and political leaders in the Indian-administered territory. Seminary Under Scrutiny Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg issued the order based on a police dossier that alleged “sustained and covert links” between the seminary, Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, and the banned political party Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), local media reported. The seminary, one of the largest in southern Kashmir, is recognised by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education and has over 800 students. The Data Analysis The seminary has more than 800 students and has “produced doctors, scholars and professionals from homes that could never afford private education”. The move was handed down under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), a much-criticised law that allows authorities to designate someone a “terrorist” without evidence. The Impact Analysis Leaders in Muslim-majority Kashmir criticised the move as part of an ongoing campaign of overreach by New Delhi. “Declaring Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom ‘unlawful’ under UAPA is the latest act in a calculated dismantling of Kashmir’s civic life,” wrote Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, a member of Jammu and Kashmir parliament, on X. The Prediction The decision is likely to escalate tensions in the region, where Kashmiri leaders have pushed back against what they describe as a curtailing of religious and other freedoms. Kashmir voters elected local officials in 2024, in the first elections in a decade. However, most powers remain with the New Delhi-appointed lieutenant governor, including control over police, public order and the transfer and posting of officials.

The Lead: From Sheffield Pub to Hollywood Film ScoreLast year, Jim Ghedi was having a chicken dinner at his mother's house in Sheffield when he checked his phone. A director had started following him on Instagram, and as a joke, Ghedi messaged him saying he wanted to do his next film score. To his surprise, the director, Michael Sarnoski, responded immediately, offering him the job to score the forthcoming A24 production "The Death of Robin Hood," starring Hugh Jackman and Jodie Comer.The Breakthrough: A Working-Class Folk Musician's Unexpected Hollywood OpportunityDespite having never scored a film before, Ghedi was given the gig. He bonded instantly with Sarnoski through video calls and a shared love of Steeleye Span, and ended up writing the songs and score. He describes the finished material as "quite doomy, earthy and dark" but also "quite light and orchestrated." Ghedi was invited out to LA to work on the project there, but instead chose to stay rooted in Sheffield. Even so, he had moments of impostor syndrome, acknowledging that "it's very rare for someone like me, and where I'm from, to get those kinds of opportunities."The Musical Journey: From Hip-Hop to Folk with Working-Class RootsGhedi, 35, was given a guitar when he was eight and quickly became a skilled player, but his teenage years were lit up by hip-hop and punk. The lyrical output of hip-hop proved formative for him. "Hearing people talk about being raised by a single mum was like, whoa," he recalls. "Here's someone artistically talking about something that I'm also experiencing in my life." Then came the revelatory discovery of Bert Jansch. "It was the first time I'd heard someone who played an acoustic guitar and it was not pretty," he says. "It was really heavy and aggressive."The Class Divide: Folk Music's Middle-Class DominanceWhile Ghedi favours metaphor and nuance rather than state-of-the-nation-style delivery, class is central to his music and ethos. "When I was younger, I was really naive and I tried to assimilate," he recalls. "But I realised: I need to own where I'm from. I'm not trying to be a spokesperson, but the folk scene is very middle class. The divide and the drop-off is huge, and in some ways, the disparity is worse now than when I started."The Future Outlook: Authenticity Over Commercial SuccessGhedi's trajectory to landing a huge project such as "The Death of Robin Hood" is a rare but heartening one. Despite having a memorable time working on the film, with a team on whom he heaps praise, he appears resolutely unmoved by the idea that he now needs to play any kind of game. "As long as I stick to focusing on creativity, nothing else matters," he says. "Whether I'm playing to 10 people in a room or 1,000, it's the same for me."

The first resident breeding pair of peregrines in Stevenage – VDT (male, born 2023) and VSR (female, born 2024) – have settled on the concrete cliffs of Vista Tower and are already demonstrating a diverse hunting repertoire, even targeting nocturnal waterbirds.The First Breeding Pair Takes Up Urban TerritoryAndy Day and the author met in an Asda car park and followed the birds to Vista Tower, a 50‑metre‑high block where the falcons nest. Their presence marks the first successful summer territory establishment in the town, although Stevenage hosts wintering peregrines.Feather Evidence Reveals a Broad Prey SpectrumCollected feathers from 46 different species.14 of those were waders, including lapwing, golden plover, jack snipe, whimbrel and oystercatcher.Image documentation shows feathers from 13 wading species found beneath the nest.The raptors are pulling prey from pavement cracks and drain grates, indicating they hunt both pigeons and larger waterbirds, sometimes at night under streetlights.Quantifying the Prey: Species Count and Seasonal TrendsThe high species count underscores a shift in urban predator diet, likely driven by the Stevenage‑Hitchin Gap migration corridor that funnels nocturnal migrants over the town.Urban Raptors Reshaping City EcosystemsThis predation pressure adds a new top‑down dynamic to Stevenage’s urban wildlife, potentially influencing pigeon populations and the survival rates of migrating waders that use the town as a stop‑over.What Lies Ahead for Stevenage’s Skyline PredatorsIf the pair continues to thrive, we can expect a more permanent raptor presence, prompting city planners to consider nesting platforms and mitigation measures for vulnerable migratory birds.

On the 60th day of the Iran‑Israel conflict, diplomatic activity accelerated as Donald Trump's national‑security team reviewed Tehran's peace proposal, Abbas Araghchi met Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg, and dozens of nations pressed for an immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.The Diplomatic Push on Day 60US review: Trump’s security advisers are evaluating an Iranian plan that would halt hostilities and reopen Hormuz, while considering a pause in nuclear‑programme talks.Iran‑Russia dialogue: Araghchi’s meeting with Putin produced a pledge of Russian support to end the war, signalling Tehran’s willingness to revisit US‑led negotiations.Gulf alignment: Gulf states, led by Bahrain, indicated they would welcome Tehran’s proposal that prioritises Hormuz reopening over a new nuclear deal.US internal debate: Senior advisers Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff and JD Vance face criticism for limited nuclear expertise, while former ambassador Gordon Gray warns of a strategic weakness.Oil Flow Stakes: One‑Fifth of Global Supply at RiskThe Strait of Hormuz transports roughly 20% of worldwide oil shipments; any prolonged closure could trigger sharp price spikes and supply‑chain disruptions.UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres warned of “the worst supply‑chain disruption since COVID‑19 and the war in Ukraine” if the waterway remains blocked.Geopolitical Ripple Effects Across the Gulf and BeyondRegional pressure: Iran blames the US for stalled talks and condemns the seizure of two Iran‑linked tankers as “high‑seas robbery”.Israeli front: Israel reports a soldier killed in southern Lebanon and claims Hezbollah’s arsenal is depleted, while Hezbollah rejects any direct talks with Israel.US political calculus: Analysts suggest a successful US exit could elevate JD Vance within the MAGA movement, whereas critics view the current negotiating team as overly loyal to Trump.Looking Ahead: Scenarios for the Next Phase of TalksSeparate tracks: Washington may decouple Hormuz reopening from nuclear negotiations, creating a “strategic victory for Iran” but easing global economic strain.Potential deadlock: If Tehran’s demands for military control of Hormuz are not met, talks could stall, prolonging the maritime blockade.Escalation risk: Continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon’s Bekaa region could widen the conflict, drawing in additional regional actors.

The Rise of Ultras: A Cultural Phenomenon Ultras, hardcore football fans known for their stunning stadium displays and gang-like loyalty, have evolved from a subculture confined to Italian stadiums to a global cultural obsession. The Event Details: A Documentary Exploration Ragnhild Ekner's documentary 'Ultras' takes viewers on a 90-minute journey through Sweden, Indonesia, Poland, Argentina, England, Egypt, and Morocco, showcasing the roots of ultra-mania. The film highlights thousands of people marching, singing, and celebrating in unison, with Ekner describing it as 'an uprising against loneliness.' The Data Analysis: Understanding the Appeal Ultras provide what contemporary society often lacks: collectivism in a period of atomization, danger and adrenaline in a society seen as bloodless, old-fashioned masculinity and muscle in a period of soft skills, and belonging in an era of rootlessness. As one ultra says, 'It's where I feel at home'; another notes, 'Inside, we're a family, and we take care of each other.' The Impact Analysis: Ultras and Their Role Ultras are the only vociferous link to the soil in which a club germinated, giving sanitized modern football a sense of passion and meaning. They played a significant role in the Arab spring in Egypt and claim to champion the excluded and dispossessed. The ultra lexicon, including 'faith,' 'presence,' and 'devotion,' mirrors ecclesiastical diction, offering a religion for the irreligious. The Prediction: The Future of Ultras As modern football continues to evolve, becoming increasingly rootless with teams having negligible connections to their cities or suburbs, the appeal of ultras is likely to grow. They offer a sense of community and passion that is missing in the sanitized, cinematic experience of modern football.

The Snooker Legend's Reflection Joe Johnson, the 1986 World Snooker Champion, sits down to reflect on his remarkable career and life experiences. Johnson, a 150-1 outsider at the time, won the world title 40 years ago, defeating Steve Davis in the final. Early Life and Career Johnson grew up in Bradford, where he faced racism due to his mixed-race heritage. Despite these challenges, he developed a passion for snooker and turned pro in 1979. Johnson's early career was marked by struggles, including a poor record at the World Championships. The 1986 World Championship Victory Johnson's victory at the 1986 World Championships was a turning point in his career. He recalls feeling like he was in a "strange dream" after winning the title, which came with a significant prize of £70,000. Health Struggles Johnson has faced significant health challenges, including seven heart attacks. He attributes these struggles to his fading career and the stress that came with it. A Life of Resilience Johnson's story is one of resilience and determination. From his early days as a factory worker to his rise as a snooker champion, Johnson has faced numerous challenges and come out on top. He continues to work as a commentator for TNT Sports, reflecting on his experiences and sharing his insights with fans.

Lead: Sawe’s historic sub‑two‑hour marathon On Sunday, Sabastian Sawe became the first athlete to complete a marathon in under two hours, crossing the London finish line in 1:59:30. Race director Hugh Brasher immediately framed the achievement as the 21st‑century equivalent of Sir Roger Bannister’s four‑minute mile. Sawe shatters the two‑hour barrier at London The 2026 London Marathon saw Sawe maintain a relentless 4:33 per‑mile pace for the full 26.2 miles. He wore a lightweight 97‑gram Adidas supershoe and consumed 325 g of carbohydrates via Maurten hydrogel, eliminating the classic “wall” that stalls most marathoners. Finish time: 1:59:30 Shoe weight: 97 g (Adidas) Carb intake: 325 g (Maurten hydrogel) Previous world record: 2:01:09 (Eliud Kipchoge, 2022) Numbers that rewrite marathon history Sawe’s time slices more than a minute off the prior world record, a margin unprecedented in elite distance running. The performance also highlights the cumulative effect of three technological trends: Supershoe foam – lighter, more responsive midsoles that return up to 30 % more energy. Advanced nutrition – hydrogel carbohydrate delivery that avoids gastrointestinal distress. Training methodology – middle‑distance athletes transitioning to marathon distances earlier, boosting speed endurance. Why Sawe’s run could reshape endurance sport Beyond the headline, the sub‑two hour marathon signals a new performance ceiling. As Hugh Brasher noted, the feat creates a clear “before and after” split in marathon history, much like the 1954 mile did for middle‑distance running. The convergence of shoe tech, nutrition, and elite training suggests that sub‑two‑hour marathons may become the new benchmark for world‑class competition. Looking ahead: Faster courses, lighter gear, and the next record Coaches such as Nick Anderson predict that even faster times will emerge on flatter courses like Berlin, Chicago or Valencia, especially as shoe foams become springier and clothing lighter. The “perfect storm” – optimal temperature, minimal wind, and a deep elite field – will still be required, but the odds of breaking further minutes off the record are rising sharply. In the coming years we can expect: More athletes targeting sub‑two‑hour attempts on fast courses. Continued iteration of supershoe designs, potentially dropping shoe weight below 90 g. Further refinement of hydrogel and other carbohydrate delivery systems. Increased crossover of middle‑distance speed into marathon training programs. Sawe’s achievement not only rewrites the marathon record books; it sets the stage for a new era where the two‑hour barrier is no longer a singular miracle but a realistic target for the sport’s elite.

The UK's Shift towards Renewable Energy Renewable energy will boost the UK's national security and make the country more resilient against potential aggression or sabotage, the government's energy minister has said. Decentralized Power Systems Michael Shanks said widely dispersed wind farms and solar panels were much harder to target than large-scale fossil fuel power stations. They are also not vulnerable to supply shocks, such as the current oil crisis caused by the US-Israel war on Iran and the soaring gas prices that followed Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Benefits of Renewable Energy Decentralized power systems are less of a risk of physical attack than large-scale power stations. Renewable energy can deliver energy security in an increasingly uncertain world. The Threat Landscape Shanks was speaking from Ukraine, where over the weekend he visited energy projects that the UK helped to fund. He highlighted the importance of building resilience into the Ukrainian energy system. UK's Renewable Energy Plans The Conservatives and Reform UK have pushed for more drilling in the North Sea, rather than renewables. However, the International Energy Agency has advised against new exploration licences on a commercial basis. The Future Outlook Governments from at least 56 countries are meeting in Colombia for the world's first conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels. The UK's climate envoy, Rachel Kyte, is attending.

BP’s first‑quarter earnings have more than doubled, driven by soaring oil and gas prices linked to the escalating US‑Israel conflict with Iran, while the company navigates heightened geopolitical risk and shareholder pressure.BP’s Q1 Profit Surge Amid Middle‑East ConflictUnderlying profit reached $3.2 bn (£2.4 bn), up from $1.38 bn a year earlier.Results beat City forecasts of $2.67 bn.CEO Meg O’Neill highlighted the “environment of conflict and complexity” and the firm’s role in keeping energy flowing.Financial Upswing: Underlying Profit Jumps to $3.2 bnProfit growth attributed to an “exceptional oil trading contribution”.Shareholder rebellion earlier in the week added pressure on governance.BP’s trading desk benefitted from price spikes after the Hormuz strait bottleneck intensified.Geopolitical Shockwaves: How the US‑Israel‑Iran Standoff Fuels Energy MarketsOil prices surged after the US‑Israel war on Iran began in late February.The vital Strait of Hormuz remains effectively blocked, tightening global supply.Fears of jet‑fuel shortages could trigger widespread flight cancellations.Critics, such as Global Witness head Patrick Galey, compare the profit surge to the post‑Ukraine‑invasion windfalls for oil majors.What’s Next for BP and Global Energy Supply?BP pledges to work with customers and governments to deliver fuel where needed.Continued volatility may pressure margins if conflict escalates or supply routes reopen.Investors will watch how the new CEO balances profit growth with ESG and shareholder expectations.