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The ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for about a fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies and a third of global fertilisers necessary for food production.Before the conflict, an average of 138 ships a day transited the strait. However, following the escalation, 100 vessels have exited the Gulf and only 40 have entered in the past month, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence.Despite over 20 reported attacks on ships in the region, including near-misses and damage to vessels, some ships are still attempting to cross, with Iran permitting 'non-hostile vessels' to use a 'safe corridor' in its territorial waters. This route allows Iranian authorities to visually verify vessels and potentially demand payment for safe passage.The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has raised concerns about the 20,000 seafarers stranded in stressful conditions with dwindling supplies. Over 30 countries have agreed to work together to safeguard the strait, with the UK offering to host an international security summit to devise a plan to reopen it.

Renowned violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter continues her dedication to contemporary music with a bold new series on Alpha Classics titled 'East Meets West'. This album brings together four works specifically written for her, reflecting the diverse heritages of the composers.The album opens with Aftab Darvishi's 'Likoo', a six-minute solo piece that evokes a folk poetry genre from Iran. Originally composed before recent global conflicts, it now resonates with poignant significance. Next is Unsuk Chin's 'Gran Cadenza', a nine-minute duo with Mutter and Chinese-American violinist Nancy Zhou, characterized by a high-wire performance.The textures expand as Mutter is joined by Ye-Eun Choi, Muriel Razavi, and Pablo Ferrández for Jörg Widmann's 'String Quartet No 6'. Titled 'Studie über Beethoven', this piece reinterprets Beethoven's music with coruscating and often uproarious effects. The album concludes with Thomas Adès' 'Air', subtitled 'Homage to Sibelius', performed with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Adès himself.Stream the album on Apple Music or Spotify.

The relationship between dogs and humans has long been a subject of fascination, and recent groundbreaking research has shed new light on the origins of this enduring bond. Published in the journal Nature, the study reveals that the genetic evidence for domestic dogs dates back an astonishing 15,000 years, a full 5,000 years earlier than previously thought.Ancient DNA analysis of dog remains has provided unprecedented insight into the early days of dog domestication. The oldest specimen, a 15,800-year-old dog buried alongside human remains in Anatolia, Turkey, and a 14,300-year-old jawbone from Gough's Cave in Somerset, England, are key findings that have helped researchers reevaluate the timeline of dog domestication.According to Dr. Lachie Scarsbrook of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, the study suggests that dogs with diverse ancestries already existed across Eurasia 15,000 years ago, from Somerset to Siberia. This raises the possibility that domestication occurred during the last ice age, more than 10,000 years before the emergence of other domestic plants and animals.The research, conducted by international teams, analyzed DNA from bones at various sites, including Gough's Cave, Pınarbaşı in Turkey, and two sites in Serbia. Advanced sequencing techniques allowed researchers to piece together tiny fragments of ancient DNA, enabling clear species identification for the first time.Key findings include:Dogs were widespread across Europe and western Asia by at least 14,000 years ago.Isotopic analysis revealed dogs consumed a diet rich in fish, matching the local human diet in Turkey.Evidence of deep emotional bonds between humans and dogs, including the burial of puppies over human remains.The study's authors suggest that dogs may have increased hunting efficiency or served as an early warning system against predators. The genetic relationship between dogs across sites implies that they may have spread rapidly across Europe, possibly through trade between unrelated groups.As Prof. Laurent Frantz notes, the fact that people exchanged dogs so early suggests these animals must have been important, serving purposes beyond being pets. The research provides a fascinating glimpse into the ancient partnership between humans and dogs, highlighting the significance of this bond in human history.

Tansy Davies's intriguing score for 'The Passion of Mary Magdalene' premiered with the Dunedin Consort, conducted by John Butt. This brand new Passion, co-commissioned with the Edinburgh international festival, explores the enigmatic figure of Mary Magdalene through a tautly written 90-minute work divided into seven episodes.The composition features eight singers, including four women and four men, with Mary Magdalene herself portrayed by Anna Dennis. The narrative weaves together texts from various sources, including the non-canonical Gospel of Mary and poetry by Ruth Fainlight. The music is characterized by intricate instrumental layers and a blend of traditional and modern elements, such as the use of an electric guitar.Davies's work is described as a meditation rather than a traditional Passion-setting, with a focus on the mystical and sensual aspects of the story. The performance is set to be featured at the Edinburgh international festival on August 8.

More than 250 players from the southern hemisphere are now integral to European rugby, fundamentally shaping the landscape of top-flight competitions across France, Scotland, England, Italy, Ireland and Wales. These athletes, drawn from 12 nations including Chile, Zimbabwe and the Cook Islands, have been drawn north by the gravitational pull of financial security and career opportunities, with over 60 hailing from South Africa and 56 from Argentina.Their presence has transformed European rugby, both in terms of quality and the development of local players who compete alongside and against them. This southern exodus continues despite the cultural and rugby significance of these nations, creating a complex dynamic where talent flows north while the sport's soul remains rooted in the south.Fiji exemplifies this tension. While 31 Fijian players currently compete in Europe, the Fijian Drua, with 40 players on their books, recently demonstrated the passion and potential of homegrown talent by defeating the ACT Brumbies 42-27 in front of 10,000 fans in Ba. The match, played despite challenging conditions including a previously flooded pitch, showcased rugby's authentic connection with its supporters.However, this authentic expression of rugby faces an uphill battle against commercial realities. When the Nations Championship brings hemispheres together later this year, Fiji's "home" fixtures will be staged offshore – against Scotland in Edinburgh, England in Liverpool and Wales in Cardiff. Despite Fiji Rugby Union chief executive Koli Sewabu's determination to "make it feel every bit like a home game," the relocation speaks to larger priorities.The financial imperative extends beyond Fiji. At a recent World Rugby meeting, representatives from New Zealand and Australia pushed for greater tempo and less emphasis on set-piece power, only to be blocked by France and South Africa, who possess the most intimidating packs. This diminished influence reflects a broader shift in power dynamics.South Africa, despite exporting more talent to Europe than any other nation and winning four World Cups, faces significant constraints. SA Rugby's chief executive, Rian Oberholzer, acknowledged that neither South Africa nor New Zealand are presently viable World Cup hosts because they "do not generate the revenue World Rugby requires." The Rugby World Cup, he explained, "is the only revenue stream for World Rugby that must fund the whole ecosystem."Argentina faces similar challenges. The Pumas, despite being a formidable international side, struggle to host major tournaments due to the absence of a professional domestic league and the fact that all but three of their most recent squad members play in Europe.This creates a fundamental tension in modern rugby: the sport's most compelling talent and authentic experiences emerge from the southern hemisphere, yet financial decisions increasingly favor northern markets. While rugby needs these financial resources to fund competitions and maintain grassroots development, the balance between authentic connection and commercial imperatives will ultimately determine the game's future trajectory.

The international football break has arrived, and with it, a chance for national teams to play friendly matches against a variety of opponents. The FIFA Series 2026 is a new initiative that brings together teams from different continents in a series of four-team tournaments.Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has stated that the series is 'about unlocking development potential for players, coaches and fans, while promoting football's universality and diversity through meaningful matches'. The series features a range of matches, including Puerto Rico hosting the curtain-raiser against the US Virgin Islands and American Samoa.The tournaments will be held in various locations around the world, including Rwanda, China, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan. Some of the participating teams include England, Brazil, Argentina, and Spain, who will be playing against a range of opponents from different continents.The FIFA Series 2026 aims to strengthen the game at every level and bring local communities to the global stage. As Infantino says, 'By connecting nations through competition, the Fifa Series aims to strengthen the game at every level – bringing local communities to the global stage.'

A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology has revealed that small changes to daily habits can have a significant impact on cardiovascular health. The research, conducted by experts from Australia, Chile, and Brazil, examined data on more than 53,000 middle-aged UK adults taking part in the Biobank study.The study found that sleeping for 11 minutes more each night, doing 4.5 additional minutes of brisk walking, and eating an extra 50g of vegetables each day can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, by about 10%. These small behavior changes were found to be more "achievable and sustainable" compared to attempting major changes in a single behavior.According to the study, the "optimal" way to avoid cardiovascular incidents includes getting eight to nine hours of sleep each night, a good diet, and a minimum of 42 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. Combining these measures leads to a 57% lower risk of heart attacks and strokes.Dr. Nicholas Koemel, the study's lead author, noted that "making a few small, combined changes is likely more achievable and sustainable for most people when compared with attempting major changes in a single behavior." He encouraged people to make small changes to their daily routine, as they can have a surprisingly large positive impact on cardiovascular health.Prof Emmanuel Stamatakis, a senior author of the study, plans to build on these findings to develop new digital tools that support people in making positive lifestyle changes and establishing sustained healthy habits.Commenting on the study, Emily McGrath, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said that "small tweaks – like getting a little more sleep, adding a few extra minutes of activity to your day or eating a bit more veg – can work together to have a meaningful positive impact on your heart health."

Surrender to It is a film that seems to have been made without regard for the clichés that have been established by similar movies in the past. Writer-director Tim Bryn Smith appears to have ignored the criticism that greeted films like Peter's Friends back in 1992, which featured a similar premise of actors reuniting.The story revolves around a group of former thespians who met at a drama workshop and are now reuniting for a hiking weekend. The cast includes Daemian Greaves, Melissa May Smith, Fletcher Graham, and Chantelle Lee, among others. However, their performances are marred by stiff gestural quality and amateur production values.The script, credited to Bryn Smith and Chris Wetton, feels disjointed and like it was cobbled together from improv exercises and random suggestions. The film tries to balance maudlin tones with comic subplots, but the result is a mess. One subplot involves a bereaved couple mourning their dead son, while another focuses on a movie star recovering from a scandal.The film's production values are also lacking, with scissorhand editing and poorly executed plot twists. Despite its flaws, Surrender to It will be available on digital platforms from 30 March.

Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders are to reunite on stage for the first time in 17 years, playing the Ugly Sisters in the London Palladium pantomime production of Cinderella. The duo, who began performing together almost 50 years ago, predicted that their performance “won’t be pretty”, but expressed their excitement at finally fulfilling their dream of playing the iconic roles.The pair have a long history of collaboration, starting with their meeting as students at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. They went on to create a hugely successful sketch comedy series for the BBC and have toured together several times, including their last tour, French and Saunders: Still Alive!, in 2008-09. In 2020, they teamed up again for a podcast, Titting About.Michael Harrison, the producer of the Palladium panto, expressed his delight at having French and Saunders on board, citing their legendary chemistry and razor-sharp humour as a guarantee of a special experience for audiences. The production will also star Dex Lee as Prince Charming, Hope Dawe as Cinderella, and several other notable actors who have previously starred in pantos at the venue.The London Palladium has a history of hosting successful pantomimes, including Clary's 2016 production of Cinderella, described by the Guardian as a “tsunami of smut”. More recently, Catherine Tate joined the cast for the 2025 panto, Sleeping Beauty, which broke records with over 137,000 theatregoers attending.French and Saunders' production of Cinderella runs from 5 December to 10 January, with tickets going on sale on 2 April.