Despite sustained US and Israeli attacks and claims of decimation, US intelligence now confirms Iran still possesses a substantial missile and drone arsenal, with sources indicating thousands of drones remain available and capable of causing 'absolute chaos' in the region.
Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has been elected president by the country's junta-controlled national assembly, formalizing his grip on political power five years after he ousted an elected government, following a general election in December and January where he effectively made himself president.
The strait, an international waterway between Iran and Oman, controls a large volume of global oil flow and is in focus due to the war in West Asia.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has dismissed General Randy George, the Chief of Staff of the Army, as part of a reported string of high-profile dismissals since Hegseth took office. George's removal comes as the US is engaged in the Iran war, with the Pentagon confirming his departure without revealing further details.
The Cuban government has announced the pardon and release of over 2,000 prisoners as a 'humanitarian gesture' in connection with Holy Week, though it did not explicitly link the move to mounting pressures from the US.
The Artemis II mission's Orion spacecraft crew successfully performed a crucial engine burn, setting a 'free return trajectory' towards the Moon. Astronauts have shared video messages and experiences from space, including spectacular footage captured by an airplane passenger, as the mission sparks discussions on its potential to unite the US.
Iran has reported that it shot down a second US F-35 fighter jet over central parts of the country, according to Iranian media.
Experts analyze the US's dilemma in ending the war and the necessity of Iran agreeing to an 'off-ramp,' while former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif urges Iran to declare victory and negotiate an end to the conflict, proposing conditions such as limiting its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Meanwhile, President Trump has threatened to escalate attacks on Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, stating the US military 'hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran'.
Russia's Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov confirmed plans to send a second oil tanker to Cuba, following an earlier shipment this week, as the island nation continues to face a severe energy crisis exacerbated by a US fuel blockade.
A child who was injured in an accident at a daycare center in Vantaa, Finland, has tragically died.
The UN Security Council is set to vote on a Bahraini resolution aimed at protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with diplomatic sources confirming the vote has been postponed from Friday to Saturday, while Iran has warned the council against any 'provocative action' regarding the draft resolution.
Former President Trump has imposed 100% tariffs on prescription drugs from companies that have not agreed to lower prices, a move aimed at incentivizing domestic production and reducing drug costs in the United States.
As the NATO chief prepares to visit Washington amidst former President Trump's threats of a potential alliance exit, European nations, including leaders like Kallas and Tusk, are speculating whether his warnings are merely rhetoric, particularly after Trump expressed anger over partners' lack of involvement in the Strait of Hormuz.
Pam Bondi has departed as US Attorney General amid criticism over her handling of the Epstein files, with victims expressing distrust in the justice system following her ouster. President Trump dismissed Bondi, appointing Todd Blanche as acting Attorney General due to dissatisfaction with her performance, as the furor over the 'Epstein files' dogged her tenure.
Poland, South Korea, and France are actively participating in or agreeing to join UK-led discussions and efforts aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz for shipping, with experts expressing concerns about the effectiveness of these initiatives. French and South Korean presidents have now specifically agreed to cooperate on this effort, also deepening defense cooperation amid Middle East conflict.
Russia is escalating its online restrictions, blocking payments for Apple's digital services, causing internet outages in Moscow, and banning popular chat applications like WhatsApp and Telegram. The government is tightening censorship, enforcing strict data laws, and promoting its own monitored messenger app, Max, to control online freedom and steer users toward state-controlled platforms.
Storm Dave has been named, bringing severe wind warnings to both Ireland and the UK for the Easter bank holiday weekend, with gusts up to 90mph and 'blizzard conditions' expected in parts of the UK, alongside nationwide warnings issued for Ireland starting Saturday. The low-pressure system is also bringing strong winds and snow to Sweden, impacting Easter celebrations.
Pop star Olivia Rodrigo has announced her highly anticipated third album, titled 'You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love,' sharing the news on social media and setting a release date for June 12. The announcement has been widely reported internationally.
US intelligence agencies estimate that approximately 50% of Iran's missile launchers and thousands of drones remain operational, contradicting claims by Trump and Netanyahu that the war would end quickly and Iran's arsenal was largely destroyed.
The Orion spacecraft carrying the Artemis II crew has successfully executed a key thruster firing, propelling it out of Earth's orbit and officially beginning its journey toward the Moon, marking the first human departure from Earth orbit since 1972. Astronauts are now en route for the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years.
Microsoft has confirmed plans to invest approximately $10 billion in Japan by 2029, focusing on AI development, data center infrastructure, and cyber defense expansion, amidst growing competition in the region. This investment was announced during a meeting between Microsoft President Brad Smith and the Japanese Prime Minister in Tokyo.
A vast collection of well-preserved fossils discovered in China is providing groundbreaking insights into the evolution of early complex animals, challenging previous assumptions about the sudden flourishing of life on Earth.
President Donald Trump has threatened to escalate attacks on Iran’s civilian infrastructure, declaring the US military “hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran” as negotiations through intermediaries show limited progress and domestic pessimism about the war deepens nearly five weeks after it began. “Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants,” Trump wrote on social media […]
Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) claimed responsibility for an attack on an Amazon cloud computing center in Bahrain, which Bahrain's Interior Ministry confirmed caused damage and a fire at a company facility, with reports from Iranian state media reiterating the claim.
A new 'Cicada' Covid-19 variant, BA 3.2, is highlighted as a significant story, with questions arising about the efficacy of existing vaccines against its 70+ Omicron mutations, alongside updates on preventing fractures and the latest dating trends.
Netflix has unveiled the trailer for 'Beef' Season 2, the latest installment of Lee Sung Jin’s anthology series, which will star Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton, and Cailee Spaeny as two feuding couples, with the Serbian trailer also released.
Actress Hailee Steinfeld and NFL quarterback Josh Allen have announced the birth of their first child, a baby girl, confirming the news via Hailee's newsletter and expressing their gratitude and blessings. The couple had first announced they were expecting in December, and new details continue to emerge from various international sources.
The Middle East conflict continues to severely impact Cyprus's tourism sector, leading to widespread cancellations, slumping summer bookings, and a difficult Easter period for hoteliers. In response, the Cypriot government is presenting a support plan for the hotel industry, including wage subsidies and a layoff freeze, to mitigate the economic fallout.
A government has announced the withdrawal of blanket fuel subsidies, causing petrol prices to rise by Rs137 to Rs458 per litre and diesel by Rs184 to Rs520. The move also includes an increase in petroleum levy on petrol and a cap on biker subsidies.
Raghav Chadha's diminished role in AAP, marked by his replacement as Rajya Sabha deputy leader, signals a significant decline in his political clout, with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann calling his removal part of 'regular party functioning'.
Pune, India, has experienced its highest rainfall for an April day in 130 years, with 65 mm recorded in Shivajinagar, contributing to unseasonal rainfall that caused a tree to fall, killing a woman and leading to other incidents. An IndiGo flight was also diverted due to the heavy rain.
Ryan Gosling's sci-fi movie 'Project Hail Mary' is currently playing in cinemas, drawing attention to its source novel and inspiring greater confidence in Amazon MGM's upcoming blockbuster projects due to its success and critical acclaim.
Deadly Storm Erminio has caused widespread chaos across Greece, blanketing Crete and other Aegean islands with Saharan dust, creating apocalyptic red skies, and bringing heavy rain, strong winds, floods, and stormy seas that have led to at least one fatality and disrupted travel. The storm has prompted over 1,100 emergency calls and is now expected to weaken, with authorities managing the aftermath.
Financial markets and banks worldwide, including in India and Greece, are observing closures or operational changes for the Good Friday and Catholic Easter holidays. Wall Street concluded trading with mixed results ahead of the break, while specific bank holiday schedules for April 2026 are also being noted.