Strong south-easterly winds on Tuesday and Wednesday will draw more warm air from the European continent.
Temperatures in early April will be about 6 to 10C above average.
Temperatures will rise to between 20°C and 20°C across most parts on Tuesday.
Temperatures are expected to reach 22°C in the southern Midlands and west coast of Wales, making it the hottest day of the year so far.
The previous highest temperature this year was 20.9°C, recorded on March 31 in Pershore, Worcestershire.
Tuesday will be a mostly sunny day, especially in England and Wales, but there will be cloud cover and some rain in Northern Ireland and western Scotland.
Temperatures will rise further to 23°C by Wednesday, perhaps even 24°C in south-east England.
With the sunshine continuing, temperatures will still be in the low twenties across England and Wales, so it will feel like a typical summer’s day for most of us.
However, conditions over western Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Irish Sea coasts will become slightly cooler with more cloud cover and rain in the afternoon.
The soldier in Milan belied his inexperience with a stunning victory in the Boyle Sports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.
The Emmett Mullins-trained seven-year-old had run just five times under the headline rules in the Easter Monday feature, including a bumper success at the Punchestown Festival last spring followed by four runs this season.
Although he finished fourth as a hot favourite for a Grade Three Novice at Thurles last month, confidence remained high ahead of this acid test, as he was a well-backed 6-1 favourite when the tapes went up and raced at full speed under Donagh Miller.
Leaving the back straight last time after taking the lead from British raider Moonbag Genius, Soldier made his way from home to the third fence at Milan before a heavy fall from his closest pursuer and main market rival Kissville left him clear.
ShorePrecision and The Enabler did their best to close the gap, but neither could put the gloves on the hugely impressive winner, who passed the post 16 lengths in hand, seeing him quoted at 33-1 for next year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup with some bookmakers.
“It really hasn’t hit home yet. “I was jumping myself on the last lap; he was jumping and travelling, and everything was going so smoothly,” Mullins said.
“The biggest problem was bypassing the fourth last and hitting the front.
“I warned Donagh to wait as long as he could if everything was going well. He did everything brilliantly; it was a brilliant ride.
“I think it was a risk to skip the hurdles campaign. We always hoped he had the class to overcome the inexperience.
Image: The soldier’s contacts in Milan celebrate the glory of the ferry house.
He added: “He was fit and well. The funny thing is, I know he’s been a favourite, but I told Paul, ‘Everything is good; he’s happy, he’s healthy, he’s fit but I’ve seen him in better shape.’
“I was only 95 per cent. I was 100 percent happy to go for the bumper at Punchestown last year, and it proved to be a very strong form, beating King Rasco Grey.
“Fingers crossed we can get it back to 100 per cent again another day!
“It’s something special for a well-backed favourite to win the Irish National and he was given a fantastic reception here today. It’s both an honour and a privilege.
“It’s been the plan, there’s no hiding the fact, from the start of the season when we decided we were going over the fence.
“We decided to keep the mileage low and get the four runs we needed to qualify. I think it was executed well. There are a lot of plans that go awry but this was magic.
You hope the horse has the right mindset and the rider has the courage to come down early and get a good position.
On a potential Gold Cup campaign, Mullins added: “He’s a great individual, but it’s been a way to enter Grand Nationals in the past.”
“We won’t nail our colours to the mast just yet.”
Energumene goes back years.
Dual Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Energoman proved the fire still burns with a resounding victory in the Underwriting Exchange Fairyhouse Chase.
The Willie Mullins-trained veteran claimed the two-mile chase crown at the Cheltenham Festival in 2022 and 2023 and while he is now in the twilight of his career at 12, he clearly retains plenty of ability and enthusiasm for the sport.
Going over two and a half miles for the first time since November 2020, Energumene was a 9-4 chance in the hands of Paul Townend and the extra stamina test was clearly suited as he travelled strongly and was not hard pressed to score by six lengths from stablemate Blood Destiny, with Gordon Elliott’s F-13 finishing third in the favourite.
Image: Energumene won gold for Willie Mullins at Fairyhouse.
There was a tragic postscript to the Grade Two contest, in which Mullins’ third runner, St. Sam, was seriously injured when he fell three fences from home.
Of Energumene, the champion trainer said: “I don’t know what he’s doing at 12 but I’m going to get something out of him!
“I couldn’t believe how well he was going. You could see Paul absolutely tanking and the further he went, the better he got.
“I’m surprised he could put in a performance like that today. I’m also happy with Blood Destiny and very sorry for St. Sam and the connections.”
Energumene has won the Punchestown Festival three times and a return to County Kildare looks to be on the agenda before deciding whether he will run next season.
Mullins added: “I think he’ll be in at Punchestown and then we’ll assess the situation and see what Tony Bloom [the owner] wants to do.”
“Energumene stole the show today. To put in a performance like that at the age of 12 – he ran like a seven- or eight-year-old.”
Immediately after Iran’s ceasefire proposal was rejected, “They’re going to pay a big price for this,” US President Donald Trump said on Monday as he sought to end a five-week war in the Middle East, confirming Tuesday as the deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“If they do what they need to do, the war could end rapidly,” Trump said. He said Tehran’s counteroffer was “important, but not good enough.”
The US president said, “The war is about one thing – Iran cannot have nuclear weapons.” “Until a deal is reached, Iran will have no power plants,” he said.
Trump made this comment on the occasion of the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn.
The US President is increasing threats to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to Tehran, vowing to target Iranian energy facilities and civilian infrastructure. They set the deadline for Tuesday, 8:00 pm ET (Wednesday, 5:30 am IST).
Before the war began, this narrow waterway provided one-fifth of the global energy supply. Iran effectively blocked the maritime chokepoint after the US-Israeli attack on February 28, triggering a global energy crisis.
According to earlier reports, the US and Iran had reportedly received Pakistan’s outline of a peace plan to end the conflict. Last week, Tehran rejected the US’s 15-point ceasefire plan.
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Iran has rejected the ceasefire proposal
Iran rejected a ceasefire proposal to end the conflict ahead of a deadline set by US President Donald Trump to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s response consists of ten clauses, including a cessation of conflicts in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, removal of sanctions, and reconstruction. Reuters reported that the Iran Islamic Republic News Agency is state-owned.
More than 180 ships have transited the strait since the war began, according to CNN, which reported this news on Sunday, quoting Iran’s semi-official Tasneem News Agency. About 70 percent of these ships are owned by Iran and its allies and countries like China, India, Pakistan and Türkiye.
Pakistan’s two-tier peace plan
Upon receiving the outline prepared by Pakistan, Tehran said the talks were “inconsistent with ultimatums and threats of committing war crimes.”
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Tehran rejected a proposal to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been a Trump priority and the cause of the growing threats. Iran also said it would not accept the deadline as it reviewed the proposal.
Tehran demanded a permanent ceasefire, ensuring that the US and Israel would not attack them again.
The plan reportedly called for a two-tier approach, including immediate ceasefire talks but “a comprehensive agreement to be concluded within 15 to 20 days,”, the news agency reported. Reuters informed.
Islamabad hosted high-level delegations from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt last week in an effort to ease tensions, but Iran said it did not participate in the meetings.
The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express provides authoritative, verified and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policies, and migration trends.
The desk focuses on stories of direct relevance to Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis.
A major focus area of ​​the desk is U.S. immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residence pathways, executive actions, and court decisions.
The Global Desk also closely monitors Canada’s immigration, visa and study policies, including changes to study permits, post-study work options, the permanent residence programme, and regulatory updates affecting immigrants and international students.
All reporting by Global Desk follows The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources.
The Desk prioritises clarity, accuracy and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team
A team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy leads the Express Global Desk.
Anirudh Dhar is a senior assistant editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership.
Nishchay Vatsa – Deputy copy editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage.
Mashkoora Khan is a subeditor with an emphasis on Canada’s visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage, focusing on global development. … read more
For those new to bodybuilding, it would probably be a good idea to know how an athlete competes for the Mr Olympia title – bodybuilding’s highest honour. How exactly does a bodybuilder compete among the best in the world?
I’m going to tell you, but first let me preface it with the following for clarity: While the “Olympia” today consists of 11 divisions and most eligibility requirements to compete in them are the same, my focus here is on the original men’s open Mr. Olympia, on which the entire fitness industry rests.
While what I discuss here is in many ways relevant to other IFBB divisions, subtle situations can arise and raise certain limits. Accordingly, it is about them – the basic elements – and the process by which one can find their way among them.
Like competing in a world championship in any sport, the first thing you have to do is qualify. And in bodybuilding, it involves the culmination of everything you’ve been doing for years – the dedication, the suffering, the avoidance, the sacrifice, the gruelling workout after gruelling workout, the fatigue and the starvation, not giving up even for a second. Because if you do that, someone else will move ahead and pass you by. Bodybuilding is the best option to leave no stone unturned. In our world, those stones are the size of gravel and large enough to create a circular path. Every single one of them matters, and if fate leaves just one to chance and it goes awry, the entire row of dominoes collapses.
This phenomenon is why there is less accommodation on top of Mount Olympus. Since Larry Scott first won the title in 1965, the honour has been fought for a total of 62 times, producing only 19 champions. Let me say it another way: In 61 continuous years, only 19 men have earned the title of Mr Olympia. This makes the Sandow Trophy the rarest award in modern sports – and you’ll want one.
Studio Peace/Adobe Stock
Conquer the Amateurs and Earn IFBB Pro Card
Well, while you’re spaced on the mantle, you’d better free up some space for the many other trophies you’ll have to win first. And that’s just to rule out amateurs. Once you’ve got the hang of the pros, you’re starting to climb to the top.
Olympia is the proverbial world championship of bodybuilding. That’s as high as you can go, and there’s no other competition at its level—it’s the peak of Everest. It represents the ultimate achievement in all body sports. Critics will decry the Arnold Classic as being equivalent to Olympia, saying that the honour is the same. But it’s not like that. It’s just not. Mr Olympia is the historical centre of our universe. Any kid who ever dreamed of being a bodybuilder has dreamed of becoming Mr Olympia. Now, you can win the Arnold to qualify for the Olympia, but not the other way around. There are no two sides in this. Sir, oh, it is.
As far as it is concerned, those who want to grace its platform have to start somewhere. In IFBB pro bodybuilding, this means obtaining a Pro Card – your ticket to entry. The pro card has become ubiquitous these days – it’s entirely possible that the girl with the beer tub at a trendy pool bar is a card-carrying IFBB bikini pro – it doesn’t make it any easier to get a card, especially among the men chasing Sando. Specifically for the Men’s Open, to “pick up” your pro card, you must earn an overall win at one of the USA Championships, NPC Nationals, Junior Nationals, North American or Universe competitions. There are also international pathways through the Arnold Amateur and other international Arnold events in Ohio, the IFBB World Championships, and the NPC Worldwide Pro Qualifiers in various countries.
The road to Olympia is narrow due to heavy traffic
You must win the national qualifiers to compete in any of these US shows. These days, many state-level shows are open national qualifiers.
This stage is where you can struggle for years to climb, or you can get on the fast track. If you bide your time and wait to compete until you’re ready – unless you’re Olympia calibre – you can literally win a state-level show, sometimes even just your weight class, which will qualify you for the NPC national show. Win overall there, and you’ll get your Pro Card. If you are an aggressive and talented monster who gets federation approval, you can immediately enter your first pro show – an Olympia qualifier —and win it, and thus qualify for Olympia. No one has ever done this, but it can happen. The way is there. But to get on this stage you have to be a hitherto unseen freak.
flex/instagram
No matter what kind of monster you think you are, to compete in the big show, you have to win the Olympia Qualifiers. Apart from the Arnold, there are a lot of events held in the US – the New York Pro, Tampa Pro, Toronto Pro, Pittsburgh Pro, etc., to name a few. There have also been some events around the world—for example, there was a recent Arnold UK Olympia qualifier.
I made that path look easy, but it is not. While there are—and have been—outsiders who came from nowhere and made it to the top, it is a tough task for most. I know people who have spent a decade or more trying to become professional. It’s not simple—especially today. Competition is still as fierce today, especially among professionals. Many people become professionals and you never see them again.
To add more stress to the equation, qualifying for the Olympia is also a strategic consideration in managing your professional career. Should you try to qualify as soon as possible after Olympia or try to get as close to it as possible? How do you best manage your situation? This decision is one of the many gambles that athletes take to compete at the Olympia. Some people blow it, don’t make it and have to try again the next season.
Competing at the Olympia is a serious endeavour. Nothing is being allowed to slide. If you have any doubts, remember: In 61 years, only 19 people have been crowned Mister Olympia. Just 19 out of eight billion people in the world.
The United States has revoked the permanent residence of a woman identified as a relative of slain Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani. (File/AP Photo)
The United States has revoked the permanent residence of a woman identified as a relative of slain Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying the move was based on her alleged support for Iran’s government.
In a statement, the State Department said Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were detained by immigration officials and are being processed for removal from the country.
Rubio said he had “terminated the legal status of both Afshar and his daughter”
, describing him as “an outspoken supporter of the Iranian regime who celebrated attacks on Americans”.
The department further alleged that such views would not be tolerated under President Trump, adding that the administration would not allow the US to become a base for individuals supporting an “anti-American terrorist regime.”
Family denies link
However, Iranian media rejected the claim by Soleimani’s daughter, Zainab Soleimani, saying that the detained individuals had “no connection” to the former Quds Force chief.
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The case has raised questions about the protection of freedom of expression and whether individuals can face punitive action based on perceived political views or family ties.
The development comes amid heightened tensions following the ongoing hostilities between the US, Israel and Iran, which escalated in late February.
U.S. In recent weeks, U.S. officials have taken similar action against individuals linked to senior Iranian officials, reflecting growing domestic pressure to expel them.
This approach is how you leave a lasting impression. A half-slugfest for the ages, Derek Chisora ​​couldn’t have given his fans much on his farewell fight, assuming that is the case.
It wasn’t a fairytale ending, with Deontay Wilder winning by split decision after 12 rounds of back-to-back fights. But Chisora ​​is not the fairy type. He’s a lovable beast with a crazy smile, and after a tumultuous career, victory on this night didn’t seem essential for “Deal Boy”. Chaos was what we asked for, and that’s what we got.
“I’ll go home with the boss lady and see,” Chisora ​​said, a little nervous before suggesting whether his 50th fight would be his last. May it be his last fight. “I’m going to go home and drop the kids off, run the school.
Derrick Chisora ​​finally seemed to be retiring after his loss to Deontay Wilder. (Getty Images)
“Thank you very much; I sincerely appreciate it. Thank you very much; I sincerely appreciate you in the United Kingdom. I was born in Zimbabwe. I came to the UK when I was 16, got into trouble, and became addicted to boxing. I didn’t know that I would become addicted to it. Thank you very much; I sincerely appreciate it.”
For a man who was allegedly on the brink of retirement, Chisora ​​felt like he was allowing himself to enjoy the final build-up of his career. He was romanticising the “scumbag” world he was about to step out of and using his last media duties to tick something off the “deal boy’s” bucket list. Whether it’s arriving at his press conference at the iconic York Hall on a tank with controversial Reform UK leader Nigel Farage or having Piers Morgan say a certain four-word profanity to his face.
But Chisora ​​also didn’t feel anxious about selling his boxing fame as a tribute to the legacy. His mantra during the week leading up to the fight was “Fuck it, let’s go”; he had spoken and was at peace with leaving everything within the ropes. Perhaps that’s why London’s O2 Arena wasn’t completely sold out for what turned out to be a fight-of-the-year contender.
Chisora ​​(left) arrives at his press conference with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage in a tank (Adam Davey/PA) (PA Wire)
Wilder, meanwhile, was hardly a pillar of peace in the days and weeks ahead. His future was much less clear after the night of the fight and whether it had blown up in front of him. The conversation host Simon Jordan, 58, appeared to be struggling with his thoughts on the Tyson Fury trilogy, which necessitated security intervention, or his uncomfortable appearance on Piers Morgan’s Uncensored, where he made allegations about being pregnant with his child. After witnessing the recent decline in Wilder’s momentum, it seemed like a pivotal moment for his career, and his emotions reflected that.
The circumstances created a perfect storm, ensuring the fight would come to fruition. Wilder, in need of a giant performance, has been knocked out in four of his six losses since being dropped by Fury but certainly once boasted the reputation of being the hardest-hitting heavyweight to ever live. Chasora promised to empty the tank for better or worse in his final hurray.
Chisora, right, and Wilder entertain the O2 Arena (Adam Davey/PA) (PA Wire)
Chisora ​​before dropping into “Delboy” on the ropes,
Things started out looking like they were going in that direction, with Wilder unloading on Chisora ​​before dropping into “Delboy” on the ropes, refusing to disengage. Chisora’s coaches came to the ring to rectify the situation. This was the first round, a sign of things to come.
Chisora ​​knew he had to avoid the early strikes, as the best time to finish Wilder was expected to be in the first three or four rounds. But Chisora ​​began to turn the tide, hitting Wilder before the end of the fourth. Wilder came back with counterpunches, but “Del Boy” was driving his American foe to the corners and landing serious punishments. The home crowd roared as “Oh, Derrick Chisora” chants stood up to each other.
Much to Chisora’s dismay, Wilder’s chin held firm and soon the 42-year-old began to tire. Then came the year so far. The eight-year-old Wilder responded with a powerful uppercut with two clean crosses before punching Chisora ​​through the ropes, scoring the first knockdown of the fight. Literally and figuratively, Chisora ​​looked like Rs.
He managed to beat the count, but he was only waiting for Wilder’s next move – a push – to be deemed illegal by the referee. The referee was deducted a point and Chisora ​​was given a crucial few extra seconds to regain his composure and survive the round.
Chisora ​​was knocked out in the eighth round (Adam DAvy/PA) (PA Wire)
With both men gassing but still dropping bombs, they seem to trade knockdowns in the 11th, only to be ruled out for both rounds after the fact. Somehow, a war of attrition seemed to be going the distance.
As their cracked skulls continued to drip with sweat, the final 10 seconds of the final round sent the crowd into a frenzy. Everyone looked for a Hail Mary knockout that didn’t come, and the bell rang on a barnstormer and maybe Chisora’s storied career. The result kept Wilder’s career alive, but it didn’t really matter when it came to being the hero of the hour. This bout was the culmination of Chisora’s voyage of confirmation. A pointless firefight.
Doubt will still hover over the certainty of his boxing departure, but the fight should answer the question of his retirement once and for all. He’s earned his money and “Delboy”, still with a true love for the sport, just can’t deny that his time in the ring has to end like this.
Iran’s national internet shutdown entered its 37th consecutive day this week, the longest nationwide blackout ever recorded, according to London-based global internet monitor NetBlocks. The report comes a day after the war escalates, with the US claiming to have rescued a second airman behind enemy lines, while Tehran claims to have shot down several US aircraft, including two C-130 planes and two Black Hawk helicopters.
The article continues below the video.
data from monitor netblocks. It indicates that the outage in Iran has lasted more than 864 hours, a period longer than any previous disruption in global history.
ground effect
The blackout mirrors a similar move by the Iranian government in January, when authorities cut off access for weeks amid widespread protests. Analysts speaking to CNN warned that lack of connectivity creates a “fog of war.”
The current shutdown prevents citizens from messaging family members, documenting local events or receiving real-time updates on the ongoing conflict.
An open internet is essential for information to flow in and out of the country, allowing millions of people to stay connected as the crisis continues.
national isolation
Iran’s shutdown differs from North Korea’s permanent isolation. It transformed from a fully connected state to a closed national network, isolating the country from other regions facing long-term disruptions.
Earlier, due to conflict and unrest in Myanmar, Sudan and Tigray, the region had seen a severe decline in connectivity. However, blocks Confirmed that no other event, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, has kept the entire country offline for so long
The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express provides authoritative, verified and context-driven coverage of key international developments that shape global politics, policies, and migration trends.
The desk focuses on stories of direct relevance to Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis.
A major focus area of ​​the desk is U.S. immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residence pathways, executive actions, and court decisions.
The Global Desk also closely monitors Canada’s immigration, visa and study policies, including changes to study permits, post-study work options, the permanent residence programme, and regulatory updates affecting immigrants and international students.
All reporting by Global Desk follows The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources.
The Desk prioritises clarity, accuracy and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence.
Core Team: The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy:
Anirudh Dhar is a senior assistant editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership.
Nishchay Vatsa is a deputy copy editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policies, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor with an emphasis on Canadian visa, immigration and study-related policy coverage, focusing on global development … read more
