NASA’s Artemis II mission has reached an important phase as its astronauts enter the Moon’s sphere of influence. It is an important development in the mission since the region where the Moon’s gravity becomes stronger than Earth’s pull, guiding the spacecraft closer to the lunar surface. It marks humanity’s return to deep space travel after more than 50 years since the Apollo missions. The crew The crew includes three Americans- Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch and one Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen represent a diverse and experienced team chosen to lead humanity’s return to deep space are now preparing for a close flyby of the Moon, a key highlight of the mission. As the @NASAArtemis II crew approaches the Moon, they will get a firsthand view of the Moon's surface. One of the most striking (pun intended) features they will see is the craters which mark its surface, and are especially numerous on the far side, which the crew will be able to… pic.twitter.com/k6gXNjdEGv — Chris Williams (@Astro_ChrisW) April 6, 2026 Breaking records in deep space The Artemis II mission is set to rewrite history as it travels farther from Earth than any human mission before. The crew is expected to surpass the record set by Apollo 13 in 1970, which reached 248,655 miles (400,171 km) from Earth. NASA estimates Artemis II will go over 4,100 miles (6,600 km) farther, setting a new benchmark for human spaceflight. This is part of a six-hour manoeuvre using a free-return trajectory, allowing the spacecraft to loop around the Moon and naturally head back towards Earth. As the mission progresses, the astronauts are not just witnessing the moon—they are observing a preserved record of cosmic history, offering insights into both the Moon’s past and Earth’s origins. Meanwhile, the crew continues intense preparation for the flyby, NASA shared, “No days off when you're Moonbound… the world watches in anticipation as the crew presses on toward the Moon.” No days off when you’re Moonbound.@Astro_Christina continues prep for tomorrow’s lunar flyby after completing her workout.Meanwhile, our entire world watches in anticipation with hope and excitement as the @NASAArtemis II crew presses on toward the Moon. pic.twitter.com/iIiAiXHej0 — NASA (@NASA) April 6, 2026 What will the astronauts see? The day (April 6) is one of the most exciting moments of the mission. As the Artemis II crew approaches the Moon, one of the most remarkable sights awaiting them is the lunar surface itself—covered in countless craters that tell the story of the solar system’s past. NASA astronaut Chris Williams explained that these craters will be among the most striking features visible to the astronauts. He said: “As the NASA Artemis II crew approaches the Moon, they will get a firsthand view of the Moon's surface. One of the most striking (pun intended) features they will see is the craters which mark its surface, and are especially numerous on the far side, which the crew will be able to see direct.” Out of their windows, they will see: The Moon’s far side, which is never visible from Earth Thousands of craters formed over billions of years Massive features like the Orientale Basin, a huge impact crater Distant views of planets like Venus, Mars and even Satur As the @NASAArtemis II crew approaches the Moon, they will get a firsthand view of the Moon's surface. One of the most striking (pun intended) features they will see is the craters which mark its surface, and are especially numerous on the far side, which the crew will be able to… pic.twitter.com/k6gXNjdEGv — Chris Williams (@Astro_ChrisW) April 6, 2026 Experts say these craters provide valuable insights because Earth’s own impact history has largely been erased by natural processes like weather and tectonic activity. The crew is also expected to capture thousands of images of key locations, including the Orientale Basin and past Apollo landing sites. How will they return safely? Instead of landing, Artemis II is following a “free-return trajectory.” This means the spacecraft will swing around the Moon using its gravity and automatically head back towards Earth. This path reduces fuel use. It’s the same technique used during Apollo 13, ensuring a reliable and safe return. During the flyby, the Orion capsule will come within about 4,000 miles of the Moon before turning back. The entire return journey is expected to take around four days. What does this mission mean for the future? Artemis II is not just a test flight, it is a crucial step toward future missions. NASA plans to send astronauts to land near the Moon’s south pole in the coming years. This mission follows in the footsteps of Apollo 8 and Apollo 13, combining exploration with safety-focused planning. Future missions like Artemis III and IV aim to bring humans back to the Moon’s surface. For the crew, it’s also a moment of reflection. Looking back at Earth from such a distance, they see it as a small, fragile world in a vast universe—a reminder of how connected humanity truly is. As the mission continues, Artemis II is not just exploring space, it’s opening the door to the next era of human exploration. (With AP and ANI Inputs)
06 April,2026 07:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndia's warship INS Trikand, a frontline guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy, arrived at Dar es Salaam on April 3, 2026, an official statement said. The visit is part of its ongoing deployment in the South West Indian Ocean Region and aims to strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Tanzania, it said. During the port call, the crew will take part in professional exchanges and joint training activities with the Tanzania Navy. These exercises are aimed at improving interoperability and enhancing coordination between the two naval forces, the statement, issued by the Defence PRO said. A series of social and community engagements are also planned, including friendly sports matches and yoga sessions. Cultural exchange and outreach A cultural evening will be hosted onboard the ship to promote goodwill and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations. The visit reflects efforts to deepen cultural understanding alongside defence cooperation. The ship will also hand over critical stores transported from India during its visit, further supporting cooperation between the two countries, the statement said. High-level meetings Captain Sachin Kulkarni, Commanding Officer of INS Trikand, is scheduled to meet senior officials from the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces and the Government of Tanzania, it said. The port call is in line with India’s MAHASAGAR vision—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—aimed at promoting security and cooperation across the Indian Ocean Region. INS Trikand concludes Seychelles visit Last month, INS Trikand had successfully completed an engaging and productive port call. During the visit, Captain Sachin Kulkarni called on senior government officials of Seychelles, as well as the High Commissioner of India to the island nation. The ship also handed over critical spares and essential stores to the Government of Seychelles as part of ongoing cooperation. The port call, which began on March 16, concluded on March 20 and featured a range of operational and collaborative engagements between the two countries. INS Trikand also participated in the first tri-services edition of Exercise Lamitiye 2026, alongside personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). This marked the maiden participation of the Indian Navy in the exercise. As part of the harbour phase, specialised Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training was conducted onboard, including joint boarding drills involving personnel from both sides. The exercise then progressed to the sea phase, during which INS Trikand operated alongside SCGS Le Vigilant and carried out joint boarding operations at sea. These operations involved a combined team of Indian Navy Marine Commandos and special forces from the Seychelles Defence Forces. Subsequently, troops from the Indian Army and the Seychelles Defence Forces carried out coordinated landing operations on Praslin Island, demonstrating joint operational capabilities.
06 April,2026 05:11 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIndia has stressed the importance of restoring stability and security in West Asia, and expressed support for ongoing efforts aimed at stopping the war, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has said. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar held a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, on Sunday and discussed the recent developments about the situation in West Asia. "Iran's Foreign Minister, referring to what he described as grave crimes committed by US and Israeli forces against the Iranian people -- including attacks on industrial and production infrastructure, as well as peaceful nuclear facilities under safeguards -- also highlighted continued rhetoric by US officials openly threatening strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure," read a statement by Iran's Foreign Ministry after the phone conversation between the two leaders. During the conversation, Araghchi emphasised the responsibility of the international community and the United Nations to "confront violations of international law and prevent the normalisation of war crimes". The Iranian Foreign Minister stressed the "firm determination" of the country's people and armed forces to defend the national interests and security, "warning about the broader consequences of US and Israeli military actions for regional and global stability". "India's Foreign Minister, noting the importance of restoring stability and security in the region, expressed support for ongoing regional and international efforts aimed at stopping the war," the Ministry statement read. Earlier on Sunday, EAM Jaishankar said he received a call from Araghchi, during which the two leaders discussed the prevailing situation in the region. EAM Jaishankar, in a post on X, said, "Received a call from Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi of Iran. Discussed the present situation." He, however, did not elaborate on the specifics of the conversation. The interaction comes amid rising tensions in West Asia, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. The region has seen heightened military activity and sharp rhetoric from multiple sides, fuelling concerns of a wider conflict. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 April,2026 04:53 PM IST | Tehran | IANSIran's military said on Sunday that the US operation to rescue an airman from a downed American fighter jet had been "completely foiled", without suggesting he had been captured. The statement came after US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the officer had been rescued in a search and rescue operation and was "SAFE and SOUND". "The so-called US military rescue operation, planned as a deception and escape mission at an abandoned airport in southern Isfahan under the pretext of recovering the pilot of a downed aircraft, was completely foiled," said Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for the military's central command, Khatam Al-Anbiya. In a video statement carried by state television, he said that "two C-130 military transport planes and two Black Hawk helicopters were destroyed" during the operation. He added that Trump went ahead with "empty rhetoric and diversion although the reality on the ground demonstrates the superior position of Iran's powerful armed forces." State media shared images of charred wreckage scattered across a desert area, with smoke still rising from the site. Iranian media reported that strikes during the rescue operation killed five people in the southwest, although it was not immediately clear whether they were civilians or military. Since Friday, Iranian media has also shared footage showing local residents, some carrying flags and rifles, searching for the aviator after authorities offered a bounty for information. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 April,2026 03:32 PM IST | Tehran | AgenciesThe United States and Iran have received a plan to end hostilities, which could come in effect on Monday and result in the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, sources familiar with the proposals told Reuters. As per the report by Reuters, the framework has been put together by Pakistan and exchanged with Iran and US overnight, the source said, noting of a two-tier approach with an immediate ceasefire followed by a comprehensive agreement. "All elements need to be agreed today," the source said, adding that the initial understanding would be structured as a memorandum of understanding finalised electronically through Pakistan, which as per the Reuters report is the sole communication channel in the talks. According to the report, the proposal would see a ceasefire to take effect immediately, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with 15-20 days to finalise a broader settlement. The deal, tentatively dubbed the "Islamabad Accord," would include a regional framework for the strait, with final in-person talks in Islamabad, Reuters noted. While there was no immediate response from the American and Iranian officials, Pakistan's foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi declined comment. Reuters reported that Iranian officials had previously told Reuters that Tehran was seeking a permanent ceasefire with guarantees they will not be attacked again by the US and Israel and that Iran received messages from mediators including Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt. According to the source cited by Reuters, Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, has been in contact "all night long" with US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. The report further noted the final agreement is expected to include Iranian commitments not to pursue nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets, the source said. Two Pakistani sources said Iran is yet to commit despite intensified civilian and military outreach. "Iran has not responded yet," one source said, and mentioned that proposals backed by Pakistan, China and the United States for a temporary ceasefire have drawn no commitment so far. There was no immediate response from Chinese officials to requests for comment. The recent development comes amid the backdrop of the deadline set by US President Donald Trump fast approaching for Iran, Axios reported on Sunday (local time), citing sources that the US, Iran and a group of regional mediators are discussing the terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could result in a permanent end to the war. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
06 April,2026 03:03 PM IST | London | ANIPope Leo celebrated his first Easter Mass as pontiff with a call Sunday to exercise hope against “the violence of war that kills and destroys,’’ saying “we need this song of hope today” as conflicts spread around the world. Leo addressed the faithful from an open-air altar in St Peter’s Square flanked with white roses, while the steps leading down to the piazza were filled with spring perennials, symbolically resonating with the pope’s message of hope. With the US-Israeli war on Iran, and Russia’s ongoing campaign in Ukraine, Leo has repeatedly called for a halt in hostilities. In his Easter homily, the pope singled out those who wage war, abuse the weak and prioritise profits. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 April,2026 01:28 PM IST | Vatican City | AgenciesBangladesh has said that suspected measles has killed at least 98 children over the past three weeks, according to official data released on Sunday, as authorities step up vaccination efforts in the worst-affected areas, news agency AFP reported. Last week, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed two senior ministers to travel across the country to assess the scale of the crisis and help coordinate a response. Data from the health ministry showed that suspected measles cases among children aged between six months and five years have risen sharply to 6,476. "Compared with past years, the number of affected children is higher, and the death toll is higher too," Halimur Rashid, director at the Communicable Disease Control, told AFP, referring to the number of suspected cases. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, the highest number of suspected cases on record was in 2005 at 25,934, though the figures had declined significantly until this year. Rashid attributed the possible outbreak to "multifactorial causes, including a shortage of vaccines". The number of confirmed measles cases in this age group stands at 826, with 16 deaths reported. Experts said that in many instances, testing is either not carried out or patients die before tests can be conducted. WHO flags measles as highly contagious; delayed vaccination drive worsens Bangladesh outbreak Measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases, according to the WHO, and spreads through coughing or sneezing. While it can affect people of any age, it is most common among children and can lead to serious complications, including brain swelling and severe respiratory problems. Bangladesh has made significant progress in vaccination against infectious diseases, but a measles immunisation drive scheduled for June 2024 was delayed due to a deadly uprising that year, which led to the ousting of the autocratic government of Sheikh Hasina. Officials said most Bangladeshi children are vaccinated at nine months, although many of those infected in the current outbreak were as young as six months. Mahmudur Rahman, chief of the National Verification Committee of Measles and Rubella, said, "We committed to reducing the number to zero by December 2025 but failed to achieve the target due to poor vaccination programmes". Authorities in Dhaka have identified 30 of the worst-affected areas and have launched a vaccination drive. Health Minister Sardar Shakhawat Hossain Bakul said the campaign would first cover the "worst affected areas" before being expanded to other regions. Tajul Islam A Bari, a former official at the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) and a public health expert, told AFP that although funds had been allocated for vaccine procurement, authorities had failed to purchase them. "Now we see the result — the situation is scary," Bari added. According to the WHO’s latest estimates, measles causes around 95,000 deaths globally each year, mostly among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children under the age of five. There is no specific treatment for measles once it is contracted. (With AFP inputs)
06 April,2026 12:59 PM IST | Dhaka | mid-day online correspondentMeet the shellear fish from Congo, Africa: a tiny creature with extraordinary rock-climbing aspirations. Its existence was recorded for the first time in a recent study. The shellear fish developed the skill to swim up solid rock 50-feet high, thanks to ingenious hooks in their fins. But they take many breaks, demonstrating the invaluable role that rest plays in physical exertion. While they are not the only fish capable of climbing significant heights, this species had not been recorded in Africa until now. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 April,2026 12:27 PM IST | Africa | AgenciesIsrael and the United States carried out a wave of attacks Monday that killed more than 25 people in Iran. Tehran responded with missile fire on Israel and its Gulf Arab neighbours as US President Donald Trump's deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz loomed. Explosions rang out into the night in Tehran and low-flying jets could be heard for hours as the capital was pounded. Thick black smoke rose near the city's Azadi Square after one airstrike hit the Sharif University of Technology grounds. Two people were found dead in the rubble of a residential building in Haifa, according to Israeli authorities. The search was ongoing for two more even as new Iranian missile attacks hit the northern Israel city early Monday. Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates both activated their air defence systems to intercept incoming Iranian missiles and drones, as Tehran kept up the pressure on its Gulf neighbours. Iran's regular attacks on regional energy infrastructure and its stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil is shipped in peacetime, has sent global energy prices soaring. Under pressure at home as consumers are growing increasingly concerned, Trump gave Tehran a deadline that expires Monday night, Washington time, saying if no deal was reached to reopen the strait the US would hit Iran's power plants and other infrastructure targets and set the country "back to the stone ages." "Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran," he threatened in a social media post, adding that if Iran did not open the strait "you'll be living in Hell." Trump's deadline to open Hormuz strait looms but no signs of Tehran backing off Tehran has shown no signs of backing down off of its stranglehold on shipping through the strait, which was fully open before Israel and the US attacked Iran on February 28 to start the war. Following Trump's expletive-laced posts on Easter Sunday, Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf called the threats of targeting Iran's infrastructure "reckless." "You won't gain anything through war crimes," Qalibaf wrote on X. "The only real solution is respecting the rights of the Iranian people and ending this dangerous game." Brent crude oil, the international standard, rose to USD 109 in early Monday spot trading, some 50 per cent higher than it was when the war started. Iran has let some vessels through the strait since the war began, but none belonging to the US, Israel or countries perceived as helping them. Some have paid Iran for passage and the overall flow of traffic is down more than 90 per cent over the same period last year. Beyond Trump's military threats, diplomatic efforts are still underway to see if a solution can be reached to open the waterway. Oman's Foreign Ministry said that deputy foreign ministers and experts from Iran and Oman met to discuss proposals to ensure "smooth transit" through the strait.Egypt said that Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty had spoken with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and with Turkish and Pakistani counterparts. Russia said that Araghchi also spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Airstrikes kill more than 25 across Iran One of Monday's morning airstrikes targeted Tehran's Sharif University of Technology, where Iranian media reported damage to the buildings as well as a natural gas distribution site next to the campus. It wasn't immediately clear what had been targeted on the grounds of the university, which is empty of students as the war has forced all schools into the country into online classes. However, multiple countries over the years have sanctioned the university for its work with the military, particularly on Iran's ballistic missile programme, which is controlled by the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. A strike near Eslamshar, southwest of Tehran, killed at least 13 people, the semiofficial Fars news agency reported. Five others were killed when a residential area in the city of Qom was hit, and six more were killed in strikes on other cities, the state-run IRAN daily newspaper reported. Three more people were killed when an airstrike hit a home in Tehran, Iranian state television reported. War's death toll in the thousands More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, but its government has not updated the toll for days. In Lebanon, which Israel has invaded by ground, more than 1,400 people have been killed and more than 1 million people have been displaced. Eleven Israeli soldiers have died there while targeting Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants. In Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank, more than two dozen people have died, while 19 have been reported dead in Israel and 13 US service members have been killed. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
06 April,2026 12:10 PM IST | Dubai | APA new study presents evidence that the earliest known dice were made and used by Native American hunter-gatherers more than 12,000 years ago. These objects were found on the western Great Plains near the end of the last Ice Age and are far older than the earliest dice previously identified in Bronze Age societies in the Old World. The research shows that dice, gambling, and games of chance have been part of Native American cultures for at least 12,000 years. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 April,2026 11:56 AM IST | Texas | AgenciesTwo people have been killed while search operations are underway for two more individuals after an Iranian ballistic missile struck a residential building in Haifa, Times of Israel reported on Monday. The information was provided by Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy tells reporters at the scene. "We are focusing all efforts on the four family members who are supposed to be here, using all means at our disposal," he said. Levy also noted that the warhead of the ballistic missile that struck the residential building may not have exploded upon impact, "and therefore we evacuated several buildings, so that in the unlikely case that the missile explodes, nobody will be hurt." The country's emergency service, Magen David Adom, also said on Monday (local time) that several people were injured following the missile strike on a residential building in Haifa. Number of people injured, including at least one in serious condition, following missile strike on residential building kn Haifa region. pic.twitter.com/9VTujz8Z8l — Magen David Adom (@Mdais) April 5, 2026 Meanwhile, Al Jazeera Breaking reported that over 10 sites were hit in Haifa in the latest round of Iranian strikes. Damage was also reported in central Israel after an apparent cluster munition impact in Haifa, Times of Israel reported, citing rescue services. It mentioned that one of the suspected bomb impacts sparked a car fire, while another flipped over a vehicle, as per the footage. As per the MDA, following the missile fire toward northern Israel, paramedics are providing medical treatment and evacuating four mildly injured patients with signs of smoke inhalation to Rambam Hospital. Following the missile fire toward northern Israel:At a scene in Haifa, MDA EMTs and paramedics are providing medical treatment and evacuating 4 mildly injured patients with signs of smoke inhalation to Rambam Hospital. A man and a woman in their 40s, and two 5-year-old girls. pic.twitter.com/YvvHssOLZ1 — Magen David Adom (@Mdais) April 6, 2026 As tensions escalate in the region, the Israeli Defence Forces said on Monday that it completed a wave of strikes targeting the infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in Tehran. Meanwhile, it also mentioned that a mosque and a gas station were damaged near Tehran's Sharif University after US-Israeli strikes. A gas outage hit several parts of Tehran, it reported, citing the Iranian state broadcaster. The developments come as the US-Israel and Iran stand 37 days into the conflict, which began on February 28 after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and top-ranking commanders of the Islamic republic with subsequent attacks in West Asia and the Gulf's civilian, industrial, and strategic infrastructure. With the deadline set by US President Donald Trump fast approaching for Iran, Axios reported on Sunday (local time), citing sources that the US, Iran and a group of regional mediators are discussing the terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could result in a permanent end to the war. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
06 April,2026 11:55 AM IST | Haifa | ANIADVERTISEMENT
-1775479940839_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Moon is seen in the window of the Orion spacecraft by the Artemis II crew. PIC/X")
-1775467988605_d.png "Talks intensify as US, Iran review ceasefire plan with Strait of Hormuz reopening. File Pic")
-1775456883701_d.png "Pic/AFP")
-1775456537356_d.png "Pic/AFP")