Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai

Just two days before the ceasefire deadline expired, Iran hardened its stance on talks with the United States, saying that keeping the door open to talks does not mean negotiating at any cost.“The announcement came at a time when US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that a US delegation would travel to Islamabad on Monday for fresh talks with Iran, state media Tasnim news agency reported. “We are offering a very fair and reasonable deal, and I hope they will accept it, because if they don’t, the United States will destroy every single power plant and every single bridge in Iran. Mr. Good Man will be no more!” He added.Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai said on Monday that “Tehran currently has no plans for the next round of talks.” Despite this, Iran has not completely refused diplomacy. Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee, said in an interview with Al Jazeera, as quoted by ANI, that engagement with Washington would depend entirely on national priorities. He said that “Iran acts based on national interests” and is ready to do whatever is necessary to “safeguard the country’s interests and security.”Azizi stressed that continued dialogue is not without limits, saying, “It does not mean negotiating at any cost”. He stressed that Iran has defined red lines that “must be followed” and that sending a delegation to Islamabad would depend on receiving a “constructive response” and “positive signals” from the United States.Describing Tehran’s approach, Azizi said diplomacy is closely linked to its military stance. “We see the current talks as a continuation of the battlefield and we see nothing more than a battlefield in this,” he said. He said the talks would only be meaningful “if it delivers achievements that maintain the battlefield”, warning that this would not be the case “if the Americans intend to turn it into an area of ​​extreme demands based on their bullying approach.”“He also pointed to key conditions for any progress, noting that “the issue of Lebanon has been very important to us” and that “the release of frozen assets” remains a priority. Azizi warned that any move “contrary to the interests of the resistance front” would signal Iran’s rejection of the conditions and would have consequences.US-Iran ceasefire talks held in Islamabad on 11 April ended without any agreement. discussion, mediation by PakistanIt lasted for about 21 hours but failed to achieve success. The standoff centered on disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program.Iranian state outlets said the US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains a central problem, with Tehran arguing it amounts to collective punishment.

Private school students are not included in the UK Royal Academy scheme, which provides funded training to five state-educated musicians/Image: Getty Images

The UK-based Royal Academy of Music has sparked debate after introducing a scheme that limits access to state-educated students, raising concerns that some less affluent private school pupils are being left out, according to The Times (UK).The Academy, established in 1822, is offering a fully funded foundation year for musicians aged 18 to 20. The course is aimed at those who are seen as under-represented, particularly students who have missed out on music training due to the long-term decline in provision in state schools.Only five students will be selected each year, with the program starting in July. Those selected will receive personal tuition, academic guidance, group training and assistance with university applications.The eligibility rule has been questioned by school leaders, who say background cannot be assessed solely by what type of school a student attends. Philip Britton said, “There are a lot of less affluent people in independent schools and a lot of privileged people in government schools.” He pointed out that some schools, including Bolton School, provide full fee support to families earning less than £20,000.Richard Jones, head of Bryanston School in Dorset, described the approach as “naïve” and said it risked reinforcing perceptions about private education. He said many independent schools have students on scholarships and said applications must be assessed individually.The academy has defended its position. Its principal, Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, said the focus is on students who “desperately need and deserve” support, particularly those who do not have adequate access to training but show strong potential.Funding for the first three years comes from the Clore Duffield Foundation. Its president, Vivian Duffield, said the program aims to give talented young musicians the time, training and guidance they need to move forward.The academy said students from independent schools are already more likely to have access to structured music education. It also highlighted its extensive work, supporting over 500 young people each year and providing £5.8 million of financial support to students last year.

Universities in England will face fines of up to £500,000 or 2% of income for free speech failings under the new system.

Universities in England will face tougher scrutiny over free speech under a new complaints system that allows staff to take their concerns straight to the Office for Students (OfS), with them facing huge financial penalties if they fail to protect free speech, the BBC reports. From the next academic year, university staff will be able to bring complaints to the regulator, which can review cases, order changes and direct compensation. From April 2027, universities could be fined up to £500,000 or 2% of their income, raising the possibility of fines of several million pounds for larger institutions.“Freedom of expression is the foundation of the success of every university,” Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson was quoted as saying by the BBC. He said a number of incidents have created an “unacceptable culture of fear and stifling the pursuit of knowledge”. The system is based on free speech laws introduced in August 2025, although students will not be able to use the new route and will have to continue with existing complaint channels. An earlier proposal to allow individuals to take universities to civil courts has also been dropped. After many controversies, the pressure for reform has increased. The Free Speech Union said it has handled more than 5,700 cases over the past six years, in almost one in ten of which universities have failed to protect free speech. A previous fine of £585,000 imposed on the University of Sussex, which is now subject to legal challenge, has highlighted the scale of enforcement. Sector bodies have urged caution. Universities UK said the powers should be used “fairly, transparently and proportionately”. Malcolm Press said “complex and balanced decisions” are needed to prevent harassment, hate speech and radicalization, as well as protect free speech. Political reactions remain divided. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott said universities have been left subject to censorship with no clear routes to redress, adding that research has been silenced, controversial work stopped and institutions have been able to avoid accountability.

Waterfalls remain attractive sites around the world and attract tourists not only because of their natural beauty but also because of their height. While some may be wide, other waterfalls are narrow and flow from great heights. In fact, height becomes the primary aspect of comparison between different waterfalls of the world. They can be found in a wide variety of habitats, from rainforests to mountainous areas. There are notable waterfalls around the world that have gained popularity due to their extraordinary height.The top 10 tallest waterfalls in the world, according to World Atlas and WorldStats, are listed below in order of height.

list of highest waterfalls in this world

Highest waterfalls in the world: Angel FallsTugela Falls, Olo’upena Falls and more

Angel Falls

Angel Falls remains the tallest waterfall in the world with a total height of 3,212 feet and is also recognized by the Guinness World Records. It falls from Auyan-Tepui, one of many flat-topped mountains in the region. The height is so high that water does not always fall as a continuous stream. The waterfall falls into the Carao River below. Its location inside the Canaima National Park makes it relatively remote, usually requiring river travel or small aircraft to reach.

Tugela Falls

Tugela Falls is the second tallest waterfall globally, reaching a height of approximately 3,110 feet. It is located in the Royal Natal National Park, part of the larger Drakensberg mountain range. Unlike Angel Falls, Tugela Falls does not have a single vertical drop. It is formed by a series of waterfalls that descend from the mountain. The Tugela River supplies its flow, and the amount can vary depending on rainfall patterns and seasonal changes.

tres hermanas

Tres Hermanus Falls is in third place, with a height of about 2,999 feet. It is located within the Otishi National Park. The waterfall descends in several steps amidst dense vegetation, giving it a fragmented appearance.

Olo’upena Falls

Olo’Upena Falls, located on the island of Molokai in Hawaii, ranks fourth in the world. Its length is approximately 2,953 feet. The waterfall is largely inaccessible from land, limiting direct observation.

Yumbila Falls

Yumbila Falls ranks fifth globally. Its height is approximately 2,940 feet and it is formed by the Utubamba River. The structure is tiered, with several visible drops that together make up its total height.

vinfosen

Vinnufossen is the tallest waterfall in Europe, reaching a height of approximately 2,822 feet. It is located in a valley where water flow largely depends on snow melting. This water flows into the Vinnu River, descending for about 990 meters before spilling over the banks. It eventually joins the Dryava River below.

Balåifossen

Balåifossen descends from a height of 2,789 feet. The waterfalls are influenced by the region’s cool climate and mountainous terrain, which maintain flow during the warmer months when the snow begins to melt.

Pu’uka’oku Falls

Pu’u’uka’oku Falls in the United States shares a similar environment, falling along steep coastal cliffs with a drop of 2,756 feet. Pu’u’uka’oku Falls falls from one of the world’s tallest sea cliffs, contributing to its total height.

James Bruce Falls

James Bruce Falls, in Canada, is the tallest waterfall in North America. It originates in an ice field and flows into Princess Louisa Inlet, maintaining a strong seasonal flow.

Brown Falls

Brown Falls is at number ten on the list. It has a height of 2,743 feet and is located in the Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand. The waterfall originates from a glacial lake and descends into Doubtful Sound. The surrounding area is covered with dense rainforest, which contributes to a stable water supply throughout the year.

The way senior leaders run companies is changing in quiet but noticeable ways. Some of the biggest names in business are moving away from long-standing office habits and replacing them with routines that may seem unusual from the outside. CEOs at companies like Nvidia, Airbnb, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Twilio are shaping their workdays in ways that don’t always match traditional corporate expectations.This idea seems to be stronger in roles where decisions are heavy. Not everyone agrees with these methods, but they are gaining attention in the business world. Some of these methods may not be appropriate for every workplace. They also don’t take away the pressure or workload. Nevertheless, they suggest a gradual change in the way top executives manage time at the highest levels.Here’s what unconventional work-life rules some top CEOs have set.

Top CEOs’ secret work rules are changing corporate culture

Jensen Huang – Nvidia: No face-to-face meeting

The work culture at Nvidia is fast-paced. Jensen Huang reportedly avoids face-to-face meetings with his direct reports. The approach is unusual for a company operating at the center of the global AI race.Instead of private catch-ups, information is kept open between teams. Huang has mentioned in public discussions that he prefers transparency over filtered communication. Everything shared with leaders is shared widely within the organization. There are still negotiations with officials, but the structure is different. Short exchanges replace long scheduled meetings. If something urgent comes up, he reportedly responds immediately. Not scheduled. More reactive.In theory the aim is simple: ‘Less time in meetings and more time creating.’

Brian Chesky – Airbnb: Rejecting Email Habits

At Airbnb, communication has taken a different turn. Brian Chesky has moved away from email as an everyday tool. Instead he relies on calls and messaging, which he describes as more direct and less expensive.He also avoids morning meetings. For them work starts late in the day, often after 10 am. This is not a rule that he expects others to follow, it is simply a personal structure that fits his working rhythm. A simple idea runs through it. When meetings start matters as much as what happens inside them.

Scott Kirby – United Airlines: Power zaps inside corporate offices

At United Airlines, the leadership approach is even more physical. Scott Kirby has talked about taking short naps during the workday.Not long periods of rest, but the habit of 20-minute naps are linked to mental clarity. Once the employees noticed this habit of his, due to which a sofa was also placed in his office. Since fatigue affects decisions, less sleep reportedly helps reset focus. This is not a typical leadership image. A CEO is resting during the day. Still, it appears that this is part of how he works long hours in a demanding industry.

Bob Jordan – Southwest Airlines: Stopped the whole afternoon for time to think

At Southwest Airlines, time management has taken a different direction. Bob Jordan has introduced protected blocks into his calendar where no meetings are allowed. Some afternoons throughout the week are kept free. The purpose is not to relax alone. This is a time to think, plan and review priorities without interruption.He described the modern working program as being full of activities which may not always equate to progress. Meetings can fill up a calendar quickly, but don’t always advance strategy.‘This approach suggests a change in leadership style.’

Khozema Shipchandler – Twilio: Short meetings and movement breaks

Time is also strictly controlled in Twilio. Khozema Shipchandler prefers shorter meetings, often cutting several minutes off the standard slot.A 30 minute slot may become 25 minutes. A one hour slot may end at 50. Unused time is not wasted but is used for movement, stretching or a quick walk. Its purpose is to keep the energy constant throughout the day. Avoid sitting for long periods of time where possible. Even short breaks are considered part of work performance.

Elon Musk – Tesla: No big meeting

According to a Forbes report, Elon Musk at Tesla has repeatedly emphasized on reducing unnecessary large meetings. He described these as inefficiencies common in large organizations, which often grow in size and lose focus over time.His view is that meetings should only happen if they clearly add value to everyone in the room. If they don’t, they should be avoided or cut down on. A one-hour meeting with eight people effectively consumes eight group work hours. As the group grows larger, the time cost increases rapidly, sometimes amounting to several full workdays for a single meeting.‘Protecting productive time and keeping discussions purposeful rather than routine.’

There was chaos inside the White House including the President after the American jet was shot down over Iran. donald trump As officials planned a high-risk rescue operation, she began yelling at colleagues and stormed out of the room, The Wall Street Journal reported.The incident came to light on Good Friday when Trump was informed that two US airmen were missing. According to the report, he demanded that the military “capture them immediately”, insisting on prompt action despite the complexities of operating inside Iranian territory.The U.S. military had not operated on the ground in Iran for decades, forcing officials to assess how to enter hostile territory and avoid detection by Iranian forces before launching any rescue efforts.Also read: Iran has rejected the second round of talks with America in PakistanThe report, quoting a senior administration official, said aides were worried that Trump’s impatience could disrupt the plan, so they kept him out of detailed discussions as he received minute-by-minute updates, briefed only at critical moments.The incident also raised Trump’s fears of a repeat of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis under Jimmy Carter, which he had previously described as a political disaster. Trump reportedly described the situation as “messy” in March, saying, “If you look at what happened to Jimmy Carter…with the helicopters and the hostages, it cost him the election.”One airman was quickly recovered. The second remained behind enemy lines for more than 24 hours and was rescued late on Saturday night in a high-risk extraction that could have dealt a major blow to the administration.Within hours of the defense, Trump returned to a more aggressive posture, drawing attention to his language and tone while issuing a profane warning to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz in a social media post.Critics say this approach lacks strategic coherence. Corey Schack told the Journal that battlefield victories have not translated into a clear path to victory.The White House has defended the president’s handling of the situation, with press secretary Carolyn Leavitt saying he has remained a steady leader during the conflict.Meanwhile, in the latest developments, tensions have increased around the Strait of Hormuz with the US military Seizing an Iranian ship in the strait of hormuz

a post included Elon Musk And a teen’s last wish has been circulating widely on social media, garnering attention on Xx (formerly Twitter) and other platforms. The story focuses on 15-year-old Liv Perrotto, who reportedly dreamed of meeting Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk before he passed away after battling cancer. The situation gained attention after political commentator Glenn Beck shared details online, including handwritten questions left by Liv. The exchange that followed and Musk’s reactions quickly went viral. It has been widely described as emotional and unusual on social media, with users sharing the thread repeatedly. The conversation focused on Liv’s questions, which were answered sequentially. This post went viral with millions of views within no time.

Elon Musk responds to late 15-year-old Liv Perrotto’s final questions

Liv Perrotto, who was 15 years old, reportedly kept a list of eight questions near her bed. His mother later shared him through Glenn Beck. The questions were not only personal in the emotional sense, but also based on technology, entertainment and space-related topics.He asked questions about whether Musk would ever make his own phone and whether Tesla updates would include new games. There were also light-hearted curiosities about anime and Japan, as well as references to characters and design inspiration.The list reflects what he was interested in during his illness, mixing everyday curiosity with a fascination with technology and pop culture.According to details shared in the viral thread, Liv had previously spoken briefly with Musk during her treatment. It was reported that she was too unwell to continue the conversation and asked to call back later.The handwritten questions were passed after his death. Glenn Beck posted them publicly along with images of Liv and her notes. The message quickly attracted the attention of the entire X.

Elon Musk answers Liv Perrotto’s questions on Tesla, anime and space concepts

Elon Musk replied to the post and read Liv’s eight questions in order. The answers were short and direct, matching the informal tone of the original list. They commented on topics ranging from potential Tesla updates to pop culture references like anime and Japanese culture. One question also referenced a design idea related to space missions.The conversation remained simple without any extended statements. Just reactions to each point.

Social media reactions to Elon Musk’s response to Liv Perotto’s final questions

The post was shared widely on social media. Users reacted in different ways, with many focusing on the fact that the questions were answered after Liv passed away.Some people described this exchange as emotional. Others pointed to the unusual nature of a tech CEO directly responding to a teenager’s personal list of final questions. Glenn Beck, who originally shared the post, also contributed to its visibility. Liv’s mother Rebecca Perrotto later responded, saying she wished her daughter could have seen the reactions.Comments varied across the forum, but the thread continued to circulate.

Excavations by an Egyptian archaeological team at the Tell el-Faramah site in North Sinai have ended and have resulted in the discovery of a rarely seen round temple within the ruins of the ancient city of Pelusium, which also has a new identity than previously thought. According to the Biblical Archeology Society, although the temple was believed to have served as a town hall when it was discovered in 2019, it has now been determined to have a different purpose after archaeologists found evidence of hydraulic technology associated with temple use.The Round Temple was built in the second century and remained in use until the sixth century AD. Its main feature was a circular basin approximately sixty-five feet in diameter, where water from the Nile was stored to be used as a source of water to irrigate the land near the temple. As a result of research conducted on this temple and its features, experts now believe that this temple was dedicated to the worship of the local god Pelusius, and that the construction of the temple and its surrounding structures present an extraordinary blend of ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman architectural styles.

A rare circular temple built for water worship discovered at Pelusium

As noted in the State Information Service, the structure has a diameter of 35 meters and has a square base that probably served as the foundation for a large statue of the deity it represents. Baked red brick, which was used primarily in Roman hydraulic works, has allowed the site to remain a functioning water complex for thousands of years. The builders used the Pelusiak branch of the Nile River to equip the basin with living water, which played an important role in ancient Egyptian rituals of purification and was a symbol of fertility and cosmic balance.

Why was this not an administrative building

In 2019, archaeologists discovered the site’s circular walls, which were previously thought to be political functions, but the interpretation of the site has largely changed as more excavations have been conducted. Complex drainage systems, cisterns and multiple gateways indicate that the site was a specialist religious site, rather than a political administrative building as originally speculated. The association of the deity Pelusium and the Greek word for ‘silt’ or ‘soil’ suggests that the site was closely associated with the fertile silt of the Nile River and the life-giving forces of nature.

Historical importance of Pelusium site

Pelusium was a culturally rich site and a place of safety for travelers for over a thousand years; As a result, it has played an important role in the collective history of humanity. For those traveling through the Sinai desert region, the port city marked the beginning of their journey into Egypt and provided access to goods that would be sold in Egypt. Furthermore, the unique and beautiful buildings of the Temple of Pelusium are ‘an excellent reflection of human interaction’ by blending the traditions of the indigenous Egyptians with the architectural designs that were brought to Egypt during the time of the Hellenists and later the Romans. Additionally, this long-standing tradition demonstrates how the waters of the Nile remain a source of spiritual and cultural nourishment in the eastern Mediterranean region long after its creation.

A 44-year-old Iranian businesswoman who led a life of luxury travel and alleged secret deals is now at the center of a serious US federal case.Authorities say Shamim Mafi was arrested Saturday night at Los Angeles International Airport on charges of smuggling arms on behalf of the Iranian government.According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Mafi is a resident of Woodland Hills and is accused of brokering deals involving Iran-made drones, bombs, bomb fuses and millions of rounds of ammunition that were allegedly destined for Sudan. The case has been registered under a violation that relates to sanctions and prohibited foreign transactions.