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Double Win for Debut Authors at Women's Prize Debut novelist Virginia Evans has won this year’s Women’s prize for fiction, while the BBC’s chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet took home the nonfiction award, also for her debut. Evans' 'The Correspondent' Takes Fiction Award Evans’s The Correspondent and Doucet’s The Finest Hotel in Kabul were announced as the winners at a ceremony in central London on Thursday evening, with each author awarded £30,000. Julia Gillard, former Australian prime minister and chair of judges for the fiction award, described The Correspondent as “a remarkable novel, with an exemplary combination of originality, excellence and accessibility”, adding that it “captured our hearts, and should be read and savoured by all”. Doucet's 'The Finest Hotel in Kabul' Wins Nonfiction Canadian journalist Doucet puts the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul at the centre of her “people’s history” of modern Afghanistan. She charts the lives of the people who pass through the hotel, where she stayed while reporting from the country as a foreign correspondent, against a backdrop of decades of war and political upheaval. William Dalrymple, reviewing the book for the Guardian, described it as “witty, observant and sometimes heartbreaking”, adding that Doucet “succeeds in making the hotel an oddly successful frame for a sweeping social history of Afghanistan over the last half century”. The Judges' Perspectives Thangam Debbonaire, former Labour MP and nonfiction chair of judges, described Doucet's book as “a perfect work of narrative nonfiction … cleverly constructed and brilliantly researched”, adding that “it will move you to tears or make you laugh, or perhaps both”. About the Women's Prize The creation of the Women’s prize for nonfiction in 2023 was prompted by research that found only 35.5% of winners across seven major UK nonfiction awards over the previous decade were women.

The Lead Scientists have revealed the surprising mechanism behind the Venus flytrap's rapid snap, a problem that stumped Charles Darwin and many researchers after him. The carnivorous plant's ability to capture insects with lightning speed is triggered by a hair-trigger detection that causes the cells on the outer surface of the leaf to soften. The Mechanism Behind the Venus Flytrap's Rapid Snap In an intricate series of experiments, scientists found that when a bug lands on the leaf, it triggers an electrical signal that spreads across both sides of the trap within one-tenth of a second. This signal causes the cells on the outer surface of the leaf to soften, prompting the flytrap to flip into a closed position within a second. The Data Analysis Researchers used a device called a nanoindenter, a metal tip, to poke the outer surface of the leaf to measure its pressure. The results showed that the leaf's outer surface softened immediately after the trap was activated, due to the cells becoming more flexible rather than deflating due to the movement of water within the leaf. The Impact Analysis The discovery provides new insights into the fascinating world of plant biology and the complex mechanisms that allow plants to sense their surroundings, transport information, react, defend themselves, and feed. According to Dr. Yoël Forterre, a physicist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and Aix-Marseille University, 'Plants are just amazing. It makes you realise how all plants can sense their surroundings, transport information, react, defend themselves, feed.' The Prediction This breakthrough may lead to further research into the properties of plant cells and their ability to rapidly change their mechanical properties. As Dr. Forterre noted, 'I'm not aware of any other plants with this kind of very rapid change of mechanical properties of the cells.' The findings are published in the journal Science.

The Hidden Web: Earth's Fungi Networks Span 110 Quadrillion KilometresOur planet’s soils contain a biological infrastructure of staggering magnitude, capable of sustaining life and regulating the climate on a scale previously unimaginable. A groundbreaking new study published in Science has calculated that the total length of subterranean fungi networks is approximately 110 quadrillion kilometres.The First Global Map of Subterranean LifeThe research, led by the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (Spun), marks the first time scientists have mapped the distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi globally. By utilizing machine-learning models on data from over 16,000 soil cores, the team has visualized the density of these hyphal networks across the globe.Partnership Scale: These networks form symbiotic relationships with more than 70% of all plant species.Age of the Network: These fungal systems have been sustaining life for about 475 million years.Density: There can be up to 10 metres of mycorrhizal network in just a single teaspoon of soil.The Scale of the Underground WebThe sheer magnitude of this biological web is difficult to comprehend. If stretched end-to-end, the fungi networks would reach a distance of 110 quadrillion kilometres, which is almost 750 million times the distance from the Earth to the sun.The study identified grasslands as the ecosystems with the densest hyphal systems. Exceptionally high densities were found in the Everglades in Florida, the Sudd flooded grasslands of South Sudan, and global prairie and steppe ecosystems.Agriculture's Silent DisruptionDespite their critical importance, the study highlights a significant threat to this infrastructure: modern agriculture. Researchers found that network densities in cropland are on average 47.3% lower than in wild ecosystems.Physical Damage: Practices like tilling physically rip up the soil, destroying the fungal networks.Chemical Disruption: Fertilizers and fungicides can disrupt the symbiosis between plants and fungi.Dr. Toby Kiers warned that the loss of these networks could lead to increased chemical runoff into waterways and a reduced capacity for soil to store carbon.Restoring the Earth's Biological InfrastructureThe researchers are advocating for a shift in agricultural practices to protect these underground allies. By reducing the reliance on heavy fertilizers and adopting soil-friendly farming methods, farmers could potentially boost yields naturally while improving carbon sequestration.The study’s data is set to be presented to governments at the upcoming desertification COP in Mongolia in August, aiming to influence policy and conservation strategies for the future.

Elliot Anderson has gone from a relegation‑battling Forest midfielder to the focus of a record‑breaking transfer saga, with Manchester City reportedly tabled a £106m bid plus £16m in add‑ons after an earlier £80m offer was rejected. Manchester City’s £106m bid ignites transfer saga for Elliot Anderson After flying to Florida for England’s pre‑World Cup camp, Anderson featured in the warm‑up friendly against Costa Rica, where he posted a game‑high 74 successful passes and 94 touches. His performance reinforced City’s belief that he can fill the No 6 role for both club and country. Financial stakes: £80m initial offer to £106m plus £16m add‑ons Initial bid: £80 million (City’s opening offer) Rejection: Nottingham Forest turned it down, demanding a nine‑figure fee. Second bid: £106 million plus £16 million in performance‑related add‑ons. Benchmark: The £105 million Arsenal fee for Declan Rice and the £125 million Liverpool‑Newcastle deal set the market ceiling. Implications for Nottingham Forest, England’s midfield and the Premier League market The bid puts Forest in a delicate position: cashing in could fund a rebuild, but losing a key player may jeopardise their recent FA Cup semi‑final run and near‑Champions League qualification. For England, Anderson’s emergence offers Thomas Tuchel a versatile No 6 who can free Declan Rice to operate as a true No 8. The size of the offer also signals a new era of spending power for City and raises the bar for future British transfer fees. Anderson’s defensive stats vs Costa Rica: 3 tackles, 7 ball recoveries, 8 of 9 duels won. His versatility stems from early roles as a No 10 and winger, now translated into a box‑to‑box midfield profile. Forest’s chairman Evangelos Marinakis is reportedly aiming for a fee at least equal to the British record. What lies ahead for Anderson and the City project? If City secure the deal, Anderson will join a squad that routinely competes for domestic and European trophies, offering him a platform to develop under Pep Guardiola’s system. However, the pressure of a nine‑figure price tag could test his composure, especially with the World Cup looming. Should Forest hold out, they risk losing a player whose market value is only set to rise after the tournament. In either scenario, Anderson’s trajectory will shape England’s midfield dynamics and could redefine transfer‑fee expectations for home‑grown British talent.

The Escalation of Unmanned Warfare in SudanDrone strikes have emerged as a deadly and increasingly prominent feature of the conflict in Sudan, with recent attacks targeting the key hub of el-Obeid. The overnight assault on the capital of North Kordofan state has resulted in a significant loss of life, illustrating how modern technology is reshaping the dynamics of the war between the military government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).Targeting Civilian Infrastructure in El-ObeidThe latest incident involved coordinated attacks on residential areas, a funeral gathering, a truck carrying food supplies, and positions near the army. While the RSF has not claimed responsibility, local rights group Emergency Lawyers have placed the blame squarely on the paramilitary group. Reports indicate a discrepancy in casualty figures, with the rights group reporting 23 killed and 19 wounded, while health officials at el-Obeid Hospital reported 15 killed and more than 10 wounded.Target Locations: Residential areas, funeral gathering, food supply truck, near army positions.Accused Party: Rapid Support Forces (RSF).Verification: Independent verification of the claim is pending.Quantifying the Cost of Drone WarfareThis tragedy is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing trend of aerial bombardment. Just days prior, a drone strike on the main market in Abu Zaeima killed at least 11 people. The United Nations has documented a sharp increase in these incidents, reporting that at least 880 civilians were killed in drone strikes nationwide between January and April. The convergence of attacks on food supplies and markets suggests a strategy aimed at exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.Strategic Significance of the Kordofan RegionThe conflict in Kordofan is strategically critical. El-Obeid remains a vital link connecting RSF strongholds in Darfur to army-controlled areas in eastern Sudan. The city has been partially encircled by paramilitary forces for months, making it a focal point of the ongoing struggle for territorial control. The intensification of fighting in this region follows the RSF's capture of el-Fasher last October, the army's last major stronghold in western Darfur.Future Outlook: The Proliferation of Drone TechnologyAs the war enters its fourth year, the use of drones is likely to become a standard tactic for both sides, increasing the difficulty of distinguishing between military and civilian targets. The lack of accountability—neither side claiming responsibility for recent strikes—highlights the challenges of international intervention. With nearly 13 million people displaced and the UN describing the situation as the world's largest displacement and hunger crisis, the strategic gains from drone warfare are coming at an immense human cost.

The Erosion of Legal Protections in the West BankRecent reports indicate a critical failure in the legal safeguards designed to protect Palestinian property. As settler violence intensifies, the traditional reliance on property deeds is proving insufficient, leaving landowners vulnerable to physical encroachment and dispossession.Deeds Losing Legal Standing Amid EscalationThe core issue lies in the inability of legal documentation to deter physical aggression. Despite the existence of property deeds, settlers are reportedly bypassing these legal titles through force, leading to a situation where written ownership is no longer a reliable defense against land seizure.Property Deeds: No longer serving as a primary barrier against violence.Settler Violence: Spreading to areas previously considered protected or stable.Legal Framework: Appears unable to enforce property rights against physical force.Impact on Civil Order and Property RightsThis trend signifies a shift in the power dynamics of the region. When physical force supersedes legal documentation, the rule of law effectively breaks down for specific demographics. The inability to protect property rights undermines the stability of communities and suggests a broader pattern of systemic disregard for Palestinian legal claims.Future Outlook for West Bank StabilityWithout a change in enforcement mechanisms, the trend of violence is likely to continue, potentially leading to further displacement of Palestinians. The failure of deeds to act as a shield suggests that future land disputes will be resolved through physical confrontation rather than legal recourse.

Knicks Erase 29‑Point Deficit to Take 3‑1 Lead in NBA Finals New York City awoke Thursday buzzing after the New York Knicks completed the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history, overturning a 29‑point shortfall against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 and moving within one win of a championship. How the Comeback Unfolded Spurs led 73‑44 midway through the third quarter. Knicks rallied with a 20‑2 run to close the third. OG Anunoby hit the decisive jumper with 2.3 seconds left. Final score: Knicks 108, Spurs 106. Numbers Behind the Night 29‑point deficit – largest ever erased in a Finals game. Series now 3‑1 in favor of the Knicks. Police reported 56 people detained; 15 arrested, 41 issued summons. 10 NYPD officers injured during post‑game disturbances. Impact on the City and the League The victory sparked citywide celebrations: the Empire State Building lit in orange and blue, spontaneous street parties across all five boroughs, and a surge of Knicks apparel among commuters. At the same time, heightened security from the previous game’s political controversy remained, with a “frozen zone” around Madison Square Garden and isolated incidents of violence, highlighting the fine line between jubilation and unrest. Looking Ahead: Game 5 and the Championship Quest With the series now a single win away from a first title since 1973, the Knicks must manage the emotional high and the physical toll of a grueling schedule. Analysts point to the need for disciplined defense against Victor Wembanyama and continued bench production. If New York can replicate the resilience shown in Game 4, a historic championship appears within reach; otherwise, the Spurs’ depth could force a decisive Game 6.

The Rise of PayphoneGo A game called PayphoneGo has been created to encourage people to explore and interact with payphones across Australia. The game, developed by 19-year-old Kris Norris, assigns players a nine-digit ID, which they enter after calling the website's number from a payphone, allowing them to accrue points and leave voicemails. The Details of PayphoneGo Players can earn points by visiting payphones, with the first person to call from a payphone receiving 20 points and the ability to leave a voicemail. The game has attracted a cult following online, with over 1,000 users registered to play Payphone Tag, a 'real-world territory capture game'. The Impact of Free Calls on Payphone Usage Since mid-2021, calls on Telstra payphones have been free, leading to a significant increase in usage. Telstra's payphone product owner, Pete Manwaring, reports that more than 100m calls have been made since fees were scrapped, with usage tripling. In Sydney alone, 4m calls were made from 1,918 payphones in the past year. The Continued Importance of Payphones Despite the rise of smartphones, payphones remain an essential service in Australia. About 37% of calls are to emergency services, helplines, and government support numbers, while another 33% go to utilities. Associate Prof Mark Gregory from RMIT's school of engineering argues that payphones should be reinstalled in 'black spots' and all payphones should offer free wifi. The Future of Payphones As payphones continue to decline, games like PayphoneGo are helping to preserve their relevance. With 14,000 payphones remaining across Australia, it's clear that they still hold a special place in the country's culture and infrastructure.

The Economic Impact of the US-Iran Conflict The conflict in the Middle East is set to bring global economic growth to its slowest since the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Bank has warned. In its latest Global Economic Prospects report, published on Thursday, the Washington-based institution cut its global growth forecast for 2026 to 2.5 percent from the 2.9 percent it had predicted in January, citing surging energy prices, rising inflation and higher borrowing costs. Global Growth Forecast Downgraded The report highlights the significant economic costs of the conflict, which is at risk of flaring up again, as the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran is tested on both sides. The analysis warns that the outlook could decline further if supply disruptions worsen. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz – a vital passageway for oil and gas transit – in response to the hostilities launched by the US and Israel has put huge stress upon global energy and other supply chains. Energy Price Surge and Inflation The World Bank estimates that Brent crude prices — the international oil benchmark — will average $94 a barrel this year, 36 percent above last year’s average. Fertiliser prices are forecast to increase significantly this year, with knock-on effects for food prices. Overall, the closure of the strategic waterway will help to push global inflation to 4 percent this year, a substantial increase from last year’s rate of 3.3 percent. Developing Countries on the Front Line The World Bank report also cautions that developing countries are on the front line of the potential impact. In its report, the institution has downgraded its growth forecasts for two-thirds of countries since January. Global growth is expected to improve to 2.8 percent in 2027, but will remain 0.4 percentage points below the average during the 2010s, during which the world economy was recovering from the global financial crisis. World Bank's Response The World Bank is pledging to assist any developing country experiencing the economic fallout of the Middle East conflict. The organisation says it has set aside up to $60bn to help. It added that if the conflict persists, it can increase its support to $100bn.