World

Finland and Sweden are moving closer to joining NATO, driven by security concerns after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. With majority public support, both countries are reviewing their traditional military non-alignment stance and exploring NATO membership options.

US and Japanese warships, led by USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, perform first joint naval exercise in five years near Korean Peninsula, demonstrating military alliance and deterrence against potential North Korean provocations.

A gunman wearing a gas mask set off smoke grenades and fired multiple bullets inside a Brooklyn subway train during rush hour, wounding at least 10 people. Police are investigating Frank R. James, the renter of a potentially connected van, and examining his social media posts.

President Joe Biden traveled to Iowa to announce a modest measure aimed at reducing gasoline prices by waiving ethanol blending restrictions. The move comes as inflation reaches a 40-year peak, with consumer prices rising 8.5% in March compared to the previous year.

Massive rallies erupted nationwide as Imran Khan's supporters took to the streets, waving party flags and expressing solidarity. The youth-dominated protests highlighted widespread public anger over the parliamentary no-trust vote that removed Khan from power, signaling deep political tensions in Pakistan.

In a calculated attempt to sow discord, Russian-inspired vandalism in Krakow targeted Ukrainian and Polish national symbols, using reversed flag colors and mixed-language messaging to potentially trigger ethnic hostility between the two countries.

President Biden and Prime Minister Modi are set to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. India's neutral position has drawn attention, with recent abstentions from UN votes criticizing Russia's actions. The conversation aims to address international tensions and potential diplomatic approaches.

Standard & Poor's downgraded Russia's credit rating to "selective default" after Russia attempted to pay foreign bond payments in rubles instead of dollars. The rating agency believes sanctions will further impede Russia's ability to meet its international financial obligations, increasing the likelihood of a historic default.

The US believes General Alexander Dvornikov's appointment won't significantly improve Russia's military performance in Ukraine, citing his brutal tactics and the ongoing challenges faced by Russian forces.

SpaceX launched three wealthy businessmen to the International Space Station for a historic private charter flight, paying $55 million each for a week-long orbital experience. The mission includes travelers from the US, Canada, and Israel, representing a new era of commercial space tourism.