Israel has supported US President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend military strikes against Iran for two weeks, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, reported the PTI. The pause is conditional on Iran opening the Strait of Hormuz and stopping attacks on the United States, Israel and other countries in the region. The statement said Israel supports US efforts to ensure that Iran no longer poses a nuclear, missile or terror threat to the region and beyond. It added that the United States has reaffirmed its commitment to these goals during upcoming negotiations. Lebanon not included in ceasefire However, Israel made it clear that the ceasefire does not apply to its operations in Lebanon, according to the PTI. The government said military action against Hezbollah will continue, particularly in southern Lebanon and other strongholds, to prevent attacks on northern Israel. The two-week ceasefire was proposed by Pakistan and accepted by both sides. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed it would enter negotiations with the US in Islamabad to resolve ongoing tensions. Trump announces pause Trump announced the suspension of strikes, stating that it would depend on Iran ensuring the safe and immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz. He described the move as a temporary and conditional ceasefire. Iran’s response Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would halt defensive operations if attacks stopped, as per the PTI. He also confirmed that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be allowed during the ceasefire period, in coordination with Iran’s military. The conflict between the US and Iran escalated earlier this year over Tehran’s nuclear programme, leading to heightened tensions across the West Asian region. The ceasefire Trump pulled back on his threats to launch devastating strikes on Iran late Tuesday, as the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump swerved to de-escalate the war less than two hours before the deadline he set for Tehran to capitulate to a deal or face attacks on its bridges and power plants meant to destroy the Iranian civilisation. Trump made the dramatic announcement on Truth Social on Tuesday evening (US time) even as Democrats called for his removal over unhinged threats to wipe out the Iranian civilisation. (with PTI inputs)
08 April,2026 01:50 PM IST | Jerusalem | mid-day online correspondentThe Artemis II mission is more than just a test flight it is a major step towards returning humans to the Moon. For the first time in decades, astronauts will travel around the Moon aboard the powerful Orion spacecraft, launched by the Space Launch System. This roughly 10-day journey tested systems in deep space and prepared for future missions that aim to land humans on the lunar surface again. But beyond the technology, what truly makes this mission special is the crew four individuals bringing skill, courage and strong will to this historic journey. Reid Wiseman: The quiet power of a single father Commander Reid Wiseman is no stranger to space. A U.S. Navy veteran and engineer, previously spent 165 days aboard the International Space Station, conducting hundreds of experiments and even performing spacewalks. But beyond his impressive career, Wiseman’s personal life tells a story of resilience. A single father of two after his wife Carrol passed away due to Cancer in 2020, he considers raising his children especially through challenging times as his greatest achievement. Away from the spotlight, Wiseman is someone who leans on learning and reflection. He is known to turn to books and expert insights when faced with challenges, maintaining a mindset focused on growth and adaptability. Victor Glover: Breaking barriers and reaching new heights Pilot Victor Glover has already made history as part of a previous SpaceX mission to the International Space Station. A naval aviator and test pilot, he has flown advanced fighter jets and served in both combat and peace missions. The pilot balances the high-pressure world of spaceflight with his role as a devoted husband and father. Glover’s journey reflects determination and service. From being a student-athlete to a space explorer, he has always balanced excellence with community values. His role as pilot on Artemis II places him at the heart of navigating this complex mission. Christina Koch: Pushing limits and redefining possibilities Mission Specialist Christina Koch grew up in Michigan and North Carolina, spending summers on her family’s farm. Her upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and a passion for challenges, which carried her through record-breaking spaceflights, including the longest single spaceflight by a woman, 328 days and the first all-female spacewalk Raised with a love for the outdoors and challenges, Koch’s personality shines through her adventurous spirit. Whether it’s climbing, surfing or exploring space, she thrives in demanding environments. Her journey represents how persistence and passion can redefine what’s possible. Jeremy Hansen: Grounded in family, Canadian roots and love for sleep Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen represents the Canadian Space Agency, making Artemis II a truly international mission. Raised on a farm in Canada, Hansen’s path to space was shaped by curiosity and discipline. A military officer and space science graduate, he balances his professional life with a strong family connection. Known for his humility and humour, he jokes in an interview that his “superpower” is sleeping—a skill his wife will happily confirm. Hansen often credits his family’s support as his strength something he carries with him into space. "I am pretty lucky in this job that I have the support of this family," says the only Canadian crew member. More than astronauts: A team that represents humanity In a touching tribute during their historic journey, the crew named a lunar crater after Commander Reid Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll, and also designated another crater “Integrity” to reflect the spirit of their spacecraft. "It's a bright spot on the Moon. And we would like to call it Carroll," Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen told a live broadcast. Together, these four astronauts reflect a blend of experience, diversity, and shared purpose. They will launch from Kennedy Space Center, travel beyond Earth’s orbit, and return after testing critical systems for future lunar mission. Their journey includes high-speed reentry into Earth’s atmosphere and a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean bringing them back home after pushing the boundaries of exploration. As the crew prepared to leave Earth behind, they remind us that space exploration is not just about rockets and technology or just about its 4 member crew—it’s about families ready to support, people willing to take risks, explore the unknown and expand what humanity can achieve together.
08 April,2026 12:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUS President Donald Trump in a social media post declared the ceasefire agreement a "big day for World Peace" and that the US "will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz." "There will be lots of positive action!" Trump predicted in his post. "Big money will be made. Iran can start the reconstruction process. We'll be loading up with supplies of all kinds, and just hangin' around' in order to make sure that everything goes well. I feel confident that it will." Trump's message on his Truth Social website signals Washington's concern about Iran maintaining its chokehold over the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, through which 20 percent of all oil and natural gas passes in peacetime. 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.
08 April,2026 12:38 PM IST | Washington | APUS Ambassador to New Delhi, Sergio Gor, has said that he has discussed with President Donald Trump ways to build a "strong future" for India and the US. Gor met Trump over dinner on Tuesday. His meeting with President Trump coincided with the US and Iran agreeing to a two-week ceasefire following nearly six weeks of military hostilities. Gor also mentioned Trump's unwavering determination to bring global stability."Just had an outstanding dinner with President Trump. We discussed his unwavering determination to bring global stability, the historic achievements of his presidency, the strong future of India-US ties, and so much more! A very memorable evening as history unfolded in real time," Gor posted on X on Wednesday. The dinner comes as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reached Washington DC on Wednesday to review bilateral trade and defence ties, and discuss the escalating crisis in West Asia. The visit comes as both sides work to stabilise the ties after a spell of uncertainty and strain. The relations witnessed a major downturn after Washington imposed punitive tariffs on India, and President Donald Trump made controversial assertions regarding his role in de-escalating the India-Pakistan military clashes last May. Meanwhile, US envoy Gor earlier met US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick here and discussed the commercial roadmap for the two countries and the opening up of a market of 1.4 billion people for American products. Gor said he discussed with Lutnick a new Memorandum of Understanding that seeks to connect India's AI scale with the American AI ecosystem, and also strong participation from New Delhi in the upcoming SelectUSA Summit near here. 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.
08 April,2026 12:27 PM IST | Washington | PTISeoul said North Korea has fired an additional ballistic missile toward its eastern waters. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff gave no further details about Wednesday's launch. But it came after South Korea detected several ballistic missile launches by North Korea earlier Wednesday. 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.
08 April,2026 12:01 PM IST | Seoul | APAfter announcing a two-week ceasefire with Iran, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that it was a "big day for World Peace". He said that Iran wanted this to happen as "they have had enough", while adding that Tehran can start the reconstruction. In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump stated that the US will be helping the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz and mentioned that American troops will "hang around" to ensure everything "goes well", reported IANS. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "A big day for World Peace! Iran wants it to happen, they’ve had enough! Likewise, so has everyone else! The United States of America will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz. There will be lots of positive action! Big money will be made. Iran can start the reconstruction process. We’ll be loading up with supplies of all kinds, and just 'hangin' around' in order to make sure that everything goes well. I feel confident that it will. Just like we are experiencing in the US, this could be the Golden Age of the Middle East!" According too IANS, Trump stepped back from the brink of a major military escalation with Iran, announcing a conditional two-week pause in planned attacks tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a development that came as a big relief to people across the world. The decision came 90 minutes before the self-imposed 8 p.m. EST deadline set by Trump for Iran to reach a deal, after backchannel diplomacy. Trump offers two-week pause in attacks if Iran reopens Hormuz, cites progress toward peace Reported by IANS, Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday (local time), said he would “suspend” an escalation of attacks for two weeks if Iran agrees to open the key shipping route. In a social media post, he said talks with Pakistan led to what he called a “double-sided ceasefire.” “The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning long-term peace with Iran, and peace in the Middle East,” Trump wrote. He added that the United States had received “a 10-point proposal from Iran” that was “a workable basis on which to negotiate.” Trump said “almost all of the various points of past contention” had been agreed, and the two-week pause would allow the agreement “to be finalised and consummated.” The ceasefire is conditional. Trump said it depends on Iran agreeing to the “complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz.” Iran signals conditional pause as Israel also backs two-week halt in attacks Iran signalled tentative acceptance. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would halt operations if attacks stop. “If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations,” he said, reported IANS. “For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations,” he added. A White House official said Israel had also agreed to the two-week pause, though details remain unclear, reported IANS. The pause followed a sharp escalation earlier in the day. Trump warned that “a whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again” if Iran did not reach a deal. The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the crisis. Its closure has disrupted oil supplies and pushed up prices, reported IANS. (Inputs from IANS)
08 April,2026 11:25 AM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondentUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the release of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who had been kidnapped a week earlier by the Iran-backed Kata'ib Hizballah militia in Baghdad. In a statement issued on Tuesday (local time), Rubio said, "I am pleased to announce the release of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was recently kidnapped by members of the foreign terrorist organisation Kata'ib Hizballah near Baghdad, Iraq." He credited coordinated efforts by US agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with Iraqi authorities, for securing her release. He further stated that the arrangement included conditions that ensured her immediate departure from Iraq following her release. "The US Department of State extends its appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of War, US personnel across multiple agencies, and the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council and our Iraqi partners, for their assistance in securing her release," Rubio said. He added that the development underscores the US Department of State's commitment to protecting American citizens worldwide. Rubio said the resolution reflects the Trump administration's "steadfast commitment" to the safety and security of US nationals, regardless of where they are located. Under President Donald Trump, he said the "wrongful detention or kidnapping of US nationals will not be tolerated". "We will continue to use every tool to bring Americans home and to hold accountable those responsible," he said. "We are relieved that this American is now free and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq," he added, highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure her secure return. Shelly Kittleson, a freelance reporter, is widely known for her extensive coverage from conflict zones, particularly in Syria and Iraq, where she has been working independently for several years, reporting on ground realities in volatile regions. 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.
08 April,2026 11:01 AM IST | Washington | IANSThe Artemis astronauts hurtling back home after circling the Moon have been in regular communication with their team on Earth, but on Tuesday, they also spoke with colleagues aboard the International Space Station (ISS). “We have been waiting for this like you can't imagine,” said Artemis II mission commander Reid Wiseman as his crew began the call with astronauts on the ISS. “It’s fun to be up in space with you at the same time!” added Canadian astronaut and Artemis II crewmember Jeremy Hansen. The call came a day after the Artemis crew completed a packed schedule, including breaking a space travel distance record, conducting the first lunar flyby in more than 50 years, and delivering over six hours of detailed observations of the Moon’s surface. Unsurprisingly, the ISS team had questions. “We know how fortunate all of us are as humans to come up here and look down at the Earth from above,” said ISS Crew-12 commander Jessica Meir. “Every astronaut who goes to space remarks on that.” “And we really wanted to hear what that felt like—how different it feels now from your new perspective around the Moon.” Artemis astronaut Christina Koch—who, along with Meir, was part of the first all-female spacewalk—said viewing Earth from near the Moon, which is roughly 1,000 times farther away than the ISS, was especially striking due to the surrounding “blackness.” “It truly emphasised how alike we are, how the same thing keeps every single person on planet Earth alive,” she said. The astronauts also reflected on life in space, noting how their ISS missions—each of the three American Artemis astronauts has previously served on the station—helped prepare them for the historic lunar voyage. “Basically every single thing that we learned on ISS is up here,” Koch said. “And then, of course, there are the practical and fun aspects—how to eat, how to do silly things with water, how to move around. We’ve brought all of that with us too.” Wiseman also shared a light-hearted moment involving Hansen, for whom the lunar mission marked his first time in space. As they prepared to fire their engines and leave Earth’s orbit, there was a moment when the view of Earth appeared to grow rapidly in the window, Wiseman recalled. “Jeremy turned to us and said, ‘I’m not sure—I think we’re going to run right into it!’” he added. “We were all laughing.” Following their lunar flyby, the Artemis II astronauts are now on their journey back to Earth and are expected to splash down late Friday. 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
08 April,2026 09:48 AM IST | | AFPIsrael has backed the US decision to suspend strikes against Iran as the two nations look to work out a lasting peace formula. A statement from the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Office said, "Israel supports President Trump's decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks' subject to Iran immediately opening the straits and stopping all attacks on the US, Israel and countries in the region. Israel also supports the US effort to ensure that Iran no longer poses a nuclear, missile and terror threat to America, Israel, Iran's Arab neighbours and the world." However, Israel will continue its offensive in South Lebanon aimed at neutralising the threat from Hezbollah which has been backed by Iran. "The United States has told Israel that it is committed to achieving these goals, shared by the US, Israel and Israel's regional allies, in the upcoming negotiations. The two-weeks ceasefire does not include Lebanon," the statement said. Earlier, US President Donald Trump suspended the "bombing and attack" campaign on Iran, announcing a two-week double-sided ceasefire and saying that the 10-point proposal from Iran was workable. In a post on Truth Social, Trump, said that ten-point proposal will serve as ground to negotiate for a permanent deal, while reiterating that US has achieved most of its military objectives. "Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double-sided CEASEFIRE!" Trump said. "The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Long-term PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East. We received a 10-point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate," he added. The Iranian side then accepted US President Donald Trump's peace overture and agreed to safe passage via the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks as well as a pause in military operations. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi posted the Islamic Republic's response on X and said Iran would cease its military operations if it was not attacked. "Considering the request by the U.S. for negotiations based on its 15-point proposal as well as announcement by POTUS about acceptance of the general framework of Iran's 10-point proposal as a basis for negotiations, I hereby declare on behalf of Iran's Supreme National Security Council: If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations. For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran's Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations," Araghchi wrote. With all sides agreeing to a pause in the Military campaign hope springs that the conflict which started on March 28 will now come to an eventual end peace will prevail in West Asia. 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
08 April,2026 09:34 AM IST | Jerusalem | ANIResearchers have developed a solar-powered reactor that transforms hard-to-recycle plastic waste into clean hydrogen fuel and industrial chemicals. The system uses acid recovered from discarded car batteries, offering a novel way to tackle multiple waste streams at once. The system employs a specially engineered photocatalyst designed to withstand highly corrosive acidic conditions. Waste plastics are first treated with the recovered acid, breaking down long polymer chains into smaller chemical components such as ethylene glycol. When exposed to sunlight, the photocatalyst converts these intermediates into hydrogen fuel and acetic acid, a widely used industrial chemical. 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
08 April,2026 09:24 AM IST | London | AgenciesUS Vice President JD Vance arrived in Hungary’s capital on Tuesday in a bid to turn the tide of an election campaign where long-serving Prime Minister Viktor Orban — a close ally of US President Donald Trump — is trailing in the polls. Vance’s two-day trip, where he is scheduled to hold an official visit with Orban and later appear at one of his campaign rallies, was the clearest sign yet that the Trump administration was going all-in for an Orban victory when Hungarians go to the polls on Sunday. In power since 2010, Orban is running for his fifth-straight term. 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
08 April,2026 09:20 AM IST | Budapest | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
-1775554417343_d.png "NASA's ultimate Artemis II crew. PIC/NASA")
-1775631828388_d.png "US Preident Donald Trump. File Pic")
-1775631227482_d.png "Sergio Gor. File Pic")
-1775629648664_d.png "Representational image")
-1775627129237_d.png "US President Donald Trump. File Pic")
-1775626049825_d.png "Shelly Kittleson. Pic/X")
