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At a Pentagon briefing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted that Iran’s request for a temporary cease‑fire was a direct result of the United States’ intensive air campaign, which he described as having reduced Iran’s weapons factories to rubble and rendered its military ineffective for years to come. Hegseth, standing beside Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine, said the final wave of strikes before President Donald Trump announced a two‑week pause had completely destroyed Iran’s defense industrial base. While Iran can still fire from existing stockpiles, it can no longer replace lost munitions, according to the secretary. President Trump posted on Truth Social that he had agreed to suspend hostilities less than two hours before his self‑imposed deadline to “decimate the entirety of Iranian civilization.” The decision followed a last‑minute diplomatic push by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Gen Asim Munir. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Tehran’s acceptance of the pause, and the country’s supreme national security council announced it would send a delegation to Islamabad for formal talks starting Friday. Both sides claimed victory: Iran’s security council said it had achieved “nearly all the objectives of the war,” while the United States highlighted the crippling of Iran’s military capabilities. The cease‑fire ends a conflict that began on 28 February, when the U.S. and Israel launched nearly 900 strikes in a 12‑hour window against Iranian military infrastructure, missile sites, and leadership. The opening day saw the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with his son Mojtaba Khamenei named successor on 8 March. Hegseth warned that the United States had prepared additional strikes on Iran’s power plants, bridges and energy infrastructure—targets he said Iran could not defend or rebuild for decades—if Tehran had refused the pause. According to Joint Chiefs Chairman Caine, 13 U.S. service members were killed during the fighting. Total casualties across the region exceed 5,000, including over 1,600 Iranian civilians and at least 1,497 deaths in Lebanon. By the sixth day of the war, U.S. military spending had reached roughly $12.7 billion, with a pending supplemental request of $200 billion before Congress. The future of a lasting settlement remains uncertain. Trump later announced that Iran would hand over its enriched uranium and cease all enrichment activities, while Iran’s supreme national security council released a 10‑point counter‑proposal that explicitly demands the right to continue enrichment. Disagreements also persist over the cease‑fire’s scope. Israel maintains that the pause does not apply to Lebanon, where ground and air campaigns are at their most intense since Israel’s northern invasion. Both Pakistan and Iran, however, have stated that Lebanon is included in the cease‑fire. Subsequent reports indicated Iranian missile and drone attacks on Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, as well as strikes on Iran’s oil infrastructure on Lavan Island. Iran’s supreme national security council warned that its forces remain on high alert, stating, “our hands are on the trigger, and any mistake by the enemy will be met with full force.” When asked about the long‑term U.S. presence in the region, Hegseth replied unequivocally: “We’re not going anywhere.”

The Masters gnome drama has taken another twist, with Augusta National chair Fred Ridley admitting he is in the dark about the future of the must-have items. Despite repeatedly asking about the gnomes' status, Ridley revealed that there is internal secrecy even towards him.At the annual Masters media address, Ridley responded to a question about the gnomes' future, saying, "I've been asking that question for several years and they won't tell me the answer. So I can't help you." This has sparked intrigue about who is behind the decision-making process and why Ridley is being excluded.The Masters gnomes, which typically sell out within one hour, have become a highly sought-after item, with a resale value significantly higher than their $49.50 price tag. This has raised concerns among officials about the spectator experience in merchandise outlets.On a more serious note, Ridley maintained Augusta's position on a potential rollback of the ball, which has met resistance from equipment manufacturers and several leading players. He emphasized that Augusta's stance is "grounded on much more than protecting the Augusta National golf course" and that the club will continue to make modifications to react to increasing driving distances.

Evelyn Araluen has been named among the six finalists for the 2026 Stella Prize with her second poetry collection, The Rot. This marks her second appearance on the shortlist, four years after becoming the first poet to win the award as an Australian woman and non‑binary writer. The $60,000 prize will be contested alongside five diverse titles: Geraldine Brooks’ memoir Memorial Days, Miranda Darling’s novel Fireweather, Lee Lai’s graphic novel Cannon, Marika Sosnowski’s hybrid nonfiction 58 Facets: On Violence and the Law, and Tasma Walton’s novel I Am Nannertgarrook. Each shortlisted author receives a $5,000 advance. Earlier this year, Araluen’s The Rot captured the top prize and a $125,000 award at the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, praised for its exploration of grief and collective anxiety amid the global coverage of the Gaza conflict. The collection was sparked by an incident at Adelaide Writers’ Week in 2024, where Araluen was heckled for describing the Israeli bombardment of Gaza as genocide. She told Guardian Australia that the poems aim to document a "panicked, distressed window of time" that future readers might view with horror and regret. "I wanted the book to clearly record what we knew and did not stop," Araluen said. "If it reads as naive, let it still serve as a record of an uncomfortable truth we all must face." Araluen, a Goorie and Koori poet, first won the Stella Prize in 2022 for her debut collection Dropbear. This year’s shortlist was selected from 212 submissions, underscoring the depth of contemporary Australian women’s and non‑binary writing. Chair of judges Sophie Gee praised the list, noting that the books “move us to the core through language, the truth of their emotion, and the honesty of what it means to be human, across time and space.” The winner will be announced on 13 May 2026. Last year’s prize went to Michelle de Kretser for her novel Theory and Practice.

Ian Cheshire, a seasoned City veteran and former CEO of Kingfisher, has been appointed as the new chair of Ofcom, the UK's media regulator. Cheshire, who previously served as the chair of Channel 4 until last year, will lead Ofcom through a critical period marked by rapid growth in online content and rising concerns over politically partisan broadcasting.Cheshire's appointment comes at a time when Ofcom is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Online Safety Act, legislation aimed at regulating social media in the UK. He will serve a four-year term, pending approval from a parliamentary hearing. The new chair has expressed his commitment to effective regulation, stating that he has 'seen first-hand how much effective regulation matters – for consumers, for businesses and for the wider economy.'The technology secretary, Liz Kendall, praised Cheshire's 'proven track record of leading complex organisations through periods of significant change,' highlighting his suitability for the role. Cheshire's extensive experience includes leadership positions at Landsec, Barclays, and Debenhams. He is expected to succeed Michael Grade, who will step down at the end of the month.As chair of Ofcom, Cheshire will be responsible for guiding the regulator's efforts to ensure online safety and maintain fair and impartial broadcasting standards. His appointment was chosen over other candidates, including Margaret Hodge and Jeremy Wright. The role of Ofcom chair comes with an annual salary of £120,000 for a commitment of three days a week.

Bill Ackman's Pershing Square has unveiled a €55.75 bn cash‑and‑shares bid to acquire Universal Music Group (UMG), valuing the label at €30.40 per share – a 78% premium over the previous close of €17.10. The proposal translates to roughly $64.31 bn, positioning it as one of the largest recent takeovers in the entertainment sector. The offer is tied to a strategic plan to relocate UMG’s primary listing from Amsterdam to New York. A U.S. listing would broaden the investor base, potentially attracting index funds and enhancing liquidity, which Ackman argues could lift earnings and drive a higher market valuation. In a letter to UMG’s board, Ackman praised chairman‑CEO Lucian Grainge while criticizing what he described as an “underutilized balance sheet” and the company’s €2.7 bn investment in Spotify Technology. He suggested that a refreshed governance structure – including former Hollywood super‑agent Michael Ovitz as board chair and two Pershing Square directors – would better position the label for future growth. Market reaction was immediate: UMG shares jumped 13% on the news, while Bollore Group’s stock rose 5% and Vivendi’s shares climbed over 10%. Pershing Square currently holds a 4.7% stake in UMG, making it the fourth‑largest shareholder. Key shareholders whose support is essential include Bollore Group (18.5% stake), Vivendi (13.4%), and China’s Tencent. Notably, the Bollore family controls about 80% of UMG’s voting rights, giving it decisive influence over any transaction. Industry analysts point to several headwinds that have pressured UMG’s share price, which has fallen nearly one‑third since its 2021 IPO. Streaming growth is decelerating, and concerns about AI‑generated music – from copyright disputes to fully synthetic songs – are reshaping the competitive landscape. A recent survey found that 97% of listeners can differentiate between AI‑created tracks and human‑composed music. Despite these challenges, global music revenues continue to rise year over year, prompting major labels such as Sony and Warner Music to double‑down on streaming partnerships with platforms like Spotify, Amazon, Apple and Deezer. Under the proposed structure, Pershing’s SPARC Holdings would merge with UMG, creating a Nevada‑incorporated entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. If approved, the deal could set a precedent for how legacy entertainment firms adapt to evolving technology and investor expectations.

Glass Lewis, a leading proxy adviser, has advised investors to vote against BP's chair Albert Manifold because the board chose to exclude a climate‑strategy resolution from the upcoming annual general meeting.The resolution, put forward by activist shareholder group Follow This, sought a discussion of BP's long‑term strategy under scenarios of declining oil and gas demand.BP, currently pivoting back to oil and gas after a faltering renewable push, appointed Manifold in October with a promise to help the company “reach its full potential”.In a parallel leadership change, the firm named Meg O’Neill, a former ExxonMobil executive, as chief executive – making her the first woman to lead BP and its fourth CEO since 2023.Glass Lewis argued that the board’s decision to drop the climate proposal raises serious questions about transparency, shareholder communication and responsiveness, according to a note first reported by Reuters.Manifold responded on BP’s website, stating that the board concluded the Follow This proposal was invalid and would be ineffective if passed.Another proxy adviser, ISS, also recommended voting against BP’s request to retire two older climate‑impact reporting resolutions, contending that the proposals remain relevant despite newer reporting frameworks.Follow This disclosed that 12 institutional investors plan to oppose BP’s move to scrap its climate disclosures, and its CEO Mark van Baal warned that more than 25% of shareholders could vote against the resolution, enough to block it.O’Neill, addressing staff, highlighted the “significant complexity” of today’s environment – geopolitical tension, rapid technological change, and shifting global energy demand – and reaffirmed BP’s mission to deliver energy safely, reliably and efficiently.

Richard Walker, chair of Iceland and cost of living tsar for the UK government, has offered a job to Walker Smith, a 54-year-old former Waitrose employee who was sacked for confronting a shoplifter at a Clapham Junction store. Smith had worked at Waitrose for 17 years before being fired after stopping a shoplifter from taking Easter eggs, including Lindt chocolate bunnies, from the store. The incident led to a public outcry, with many criticizing Waitrose's decision to sack Smith. In a LinkedIn post, Walker wrote: “You’re welcome to a job with us. We even share the same name …” An Iceland spokesperson confirmed that the supermarket chain had been in touch with Smith and offered him a job. Waitrose has doubled down on its decision to sack Smith, citing the danger to life in tackling shoplifters. However, politicians, including Nigel Farage and Chris Philp, have criticized the supermarket's decision, with Farage saying that the UK now favors criminals over law enforcers. A fundraiser for Smith has raised over £7,500 to help with his rent and bills. Smith had apologized to his manager for his role in the incident and had previously been instructed not to approach suspected shoplifters.

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world's largest music company, has received a takeover offer from billionaire Bill Ackman's hedge fund, Pershing Square. The deal values UMG at over €50bn (£44bn). Pershing Square, based in New York, has offered a cash and stock deal to acquire the business, which is home to renowned artists such as Taylor Swift and Elton John.Ackman stated that while UMG, led by British-born Sir Lucian Grainge, has done an excellent job in nurturing its artist roster and generating strong business performance, its share price has lagged due to issues unrelated to the performance of its music business. He specifically mentioned the delay in UMG's US listing, underutilization of its balance sheet, and uncertainty around the French conglomerate Bolloré Group's 18% stake in the company.Shares in UMG, listed in Amsterdam since 2021, have lost more than a quarter of their value in the past year. The company is one of the 'big three' record labels, alongside Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group, with a diverse roster ranging from classical music to stars like Adele, Drake, and Ariana Grande.Ackman also cited a 'lack of investor credit' in the company's valuation of its €2.7bn stake in the music streaming service, Spotify. Pershing Square, which Ackman established in 2004, controls over $26bn in assets and bought a 10% stake in UMG in 2021.As part of the proposed deal, Pershing Square would add Michael Ovitz, a veteran talent agent, as chair, along with two representatives from Pershing Square to UMG's board. The deal would also involve a new employment contract and compensation arrangement for Sir Lucian Grainge. Under the terms, UMG would merge with a blank-cheque company set up by Pershing Square and then list on the New York Stock Exchange. Shareholders would receive a total of €9.4bn in cash and 0.77 shares in the new company for every Universal share they own, representing a 78% premium compared to the company's closing share price on Thursday.

Match details: Real Madrid will host Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, 7 April, kick‑off at 21:00 GMT, in the first leg of the Champions League quarter‑finals. Bayern, under Vincent Kompany, arrive in Madrid riding a wave of confidence, having dispatched Atalanta 10‑2 on aggregate in the last‑16 and gone 14 matches without defeat since a January loss. Harry Kane’s potential comeback adds extra intrigue. The England striker, who has netted 48 goals in 40 games across all competitions this season, missed Bayern’s 3‑2 Bundesliga win at Freiburg with an ankle problem. Joshua Kimmich quipped that Kane “would play in a wheelchair,” while Kompany expressed a “feeling” that the striker will be fit for Tuesday. Despite Real’s storied pedigree – 15‑time European champions featuring stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham – many analysts view Bayern as the slight favourites, citing their aggressive, high‑pressing approach and the recent form of newcomers Michael Olise and Luis Diaz. Real Madrid, meanwhile, grapple with a spate of injuries. Thibaut Courtois is sidelined with a thigh issue, handing Andriy Lunin the starting goalkeeper role. Rodrygo is also out, while Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos remain doubtful. Midfielder Federico Valverde is expected back after serving a suspension, and Jude Bellingham may start on the bench as he recovers from a hamstring strain. Coach Álvaro Arbeloa downplayed the recent La Liga defeat to Mallorca, insisting it will not affect the team’s performance in Europe. He stated, “I know what my players are capable of, and they understand the importance of Tuesday’s game.” Bayern’s side will also miss several players through injury – goalkeepers Sven Ulreich and others – while a final fitness test will determine whether Kane can lead the line. If he is unavailable, Nicolas Jackson is slated to spearhead the attack. Predicted line‑ups (subject to change):Real Madrid – Lunin; Alexander‑Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Pitarch, Güler; Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.Bayern Munich – Neuer; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Gnabry, Díaz; Kane. The Bernabeu atmosphere is expected to be a decisive factor. Bayern veteran Karl‑Heinz Rummenigge warned that the stadium’s “hurricane” of fans demands “nerves of steel” from both sides. Historically, the two clubs have met 28 times, each securing 12 victories with four draws. Recent head‑to‑head encounters have favored Madrid, including a 2‑1 win in the 2024 semi‑finals. Bayern hope to rewrite that narrative after their 2012 triumph over the Spanish giants. With both teams boasting a blend of experience and emerging talent, the first leg promises a tactical battle that could set the tone for the remainder of the tournament.