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.
Russia has launched an extensive missile and drone attack on the Kyiv region, resulting in at least one fatality, according to Ukrainian military officials.
European NATO members are increasing their defense spending to reduce reliance on the United States, a move prompted by renewed threats from Donald Trump to withdraw the US from the alliance. Trump's "NATO tantrums" and his approach to the Iran war are compelling America's allies to re-evaluate their dependence on the US.
The Iran war and Gulf oil supply crisis are raising fears of global stagflation and driving up fuel prices across Europe. Experts warn that despite claims of energy independence, US consumers will also pay the price, as European governments consider new measures to tackle soaring petrol costs.
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, amid reports of Hegseth targeting specific demographics.
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.
Burkina Faso's junta leader, Ibrahim Traoré, stated that the country's inhabitants should 'forget' democracy and not discuss elections, following the dissolution of the electoral commission and political parties. He declared that 'democracy is not for us' and 'democracy kills', signaling a firm rejection of democratic processes.
The Artemis II mission, NASA's first crewed journey around the Moon in 50 years, continues its trajectory after astronauts left Earth's orbit and set course for the moon. This critical maneuver involved a 6-minute burn of the Shuttle-era Orbital Manoeuvring System engine, with astronauts also sharing experiences from space.
French households and businesses are expressing significant worry and adopting cost-saving measures, such as carpooling and reducing discretionary spending, in response to soaring fuel prices driven by the Middle East conflict.
A widespread storm, intensified by Saharan dust, has caused apocalyptic red skies, heavy rain, strong winds, and floods across Western Greece, the Peloponnese, Cyclades, Crete, Santorini, and the eastern Aegean. The severe weather has led to at least one fatality near Athens, disrupted air travel, and prompted over 1,100 emergency calls, with authorities managing the aftermath as the storm is expected to weaken.
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 over 40 countries now meeting virtually to discuss ways to ensure shipping in the critical waterway. Montenegro's Foreign Ministry also condemned Iran's actions in the Strait as a threat to global stability, while Iran asserts its intent to gain permanent leverage over the Middle East through control of the strategic waterway.
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.
John Travolta's directorial debut, 'Propeller One-Way Night Coach,' an ode to the golden age of commercial aviation, is confirmed to have its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival before its Apple TV release, with Travolta presenting the film himself.
Storm Dave has been named, bringing severe wind warnings to Ireland, the UK, Sweden, and Norway for the Easter bank holiday weekend, with Met Éireann indicating warnings for Ireland may be upgraded due to "very strong" winds. Gusts up to 90mph and 'blizzard conditions' are expected in parts of the UK, while Norway braces for a 'rarely powerful' storm with potential red danger levels, and Sweden anticipates strong winds and snow.
Elon Musk's SpaceX has confidentially filed for a stock market listing, reportedly targeting a $1.75 trillion valuation, potentially making it the largest U.S. public offering. The company is holding talks with a Saudi fund for a possible $5 billion investment, and its IPO could allocate triple the usual shares to everyday investors.
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.
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.
Iran is seeking permanent leverage over the Middle East with new rules for the strategic waterway.
The Italian Council of Ministers is meeting to discuss extending the fuel excise duty cut, which is set to expire on April 7, in an effort to stabilize prices.
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.
As Hungary's general election approaches next week, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is actively campaigning in Romania, while analysts are examining the potential impact of Peter Magyar's victory on the country's relations with the EU and Ukraine.
Istat reports Italy's tax burden reached an 11-year high in 2025, while growth in household disposable income slowed, contributing to the country's deficit remaining above 3% and an ongoing EU infringement procedure.
Lawyer Aleksandar Olenik has reacted to news of a planned state-church university in Serbia, stating that the Serbian Orthodox Church and President Vučić are violating the Constitution.
U2 has released a surprise new six-track EP titled 'Easter Lily,' following their previous EP 'Days Of Ash,' with The Edge discussing the unexpected collection of new music. Bono also stated that the band is still working towards a "noisy, messy" studio album intended for live performance, separate from the recently released EP.
The global energy crisis, exacerbated by the Middle East conflict, continues to drive a cost crisis for households and businesses worldwide, leading to rising fuel and food prices and prompting governments in Malaysia, Italy, and Pakistan to implement subsidies and policies, while Malaysia also explores green energy solutions.
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.
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has softened his stance on North Sea drilling, citing energy security concerns amidst soaring oil prices. The debate has further intensified with leading UK climate scientists now warning against new drilling projects, urging the British government to respond to the energy crisis.
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.
The Kremlin's initiative to develop and promote the state-backed messaging application MAX has reportedly caused unease and frustration among some segments of the Russian population, who view its mandatory use with suspicion.
Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are advocating for data centers in space to scale AI, but experts warn that while power might be free in orbit, the overall costs could quickly become prohibitive.
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 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.
India has significantly boosted its naval capabilities with the commissioning of the indigenous stealth frigate INS Taragiri, an advanced warship equipped with BrahMos missiles and featuring cutting-edge stealth technology and multi-role functionalities.
Iran's IRGC has reportedly targeted an Oracle data center in the UAE, part of a broader pattern of drone strikes on data centers that signal a new war frontier, with Iran's state media also stating intent to target major American tech companies.