WO2 (Ret’d) Satyasagar Ghale has been awarded the British Empire Medal for his service to the Gurkha community. The honour recognises his long work supporting veterans and their families. After a 21-year career with the Brigade of Gurkhas, he joined the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Since 2005, he has helped 94 ex-servicemen and their families in India. Officials said his work reflects “the highest standards of public service.” The award highlights his continued role in welfare efforts after retirement. Authorities also congratulated him on receiving the honour. (PC: X)

The Artemis II crew is heading back to Earth after a historic fly-by of the Moon. The astronauts travelled 252,756 miles from Earth, setting a new human distance record. Commander Reid Wiseman said they “saw sights that no human has ever seen.” Pilot Victor Glover said there are “no adjectives” to describe the view. The crew also witnessed a total solar eclipse from space. Contact with Nasa was lost for about 40 minutes while the spacecraft passed behind the Moon, as expected. “It is so great to hear from Earth again,” said Christina Koch. Splashdown is planned in the Pacific Ocean on Friday. (PC: BBC)

Mojtaba Khamenei is reportedly unconscious and undergoing treatment in Qom after sustaining injuries in US-Israeli strikes that killed his father, Ali Khamenei. According to reports citing intelligence shared with Gulf allies, he is in severe condition and unable to participate in decision-making. His absence from public view since assuming leadership had already fuelled speculation about his status. While Iranian officials maintain he remains in charge, earlier statements attributed to him and released visuals suggested continued involvement. The report marks the first disclosure of his location, raising fresh questions about Iran’s leadership stability amid ongoing regional conflict. (PC: AP)

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has begun a visit to India aimed at resetting bilateral ties with Bangladesh after a period of strain. He is scheduled to meet S Jaishankar, Hardeep Singh Puri and Ajit Doval to discuss strategic, economic and security cooperation. Talks will focus on expanding energy collaboration, including an existing diesel supply agreement, and reviving delayed infrastructure projects in rail and road sectors. The visit follows a slowdown during Bangladesh’s interim government phase, with both sides aiming to restore trust, accelerate projects and strengthen engagement across key sectors. (PC: X)

Campbell Wilson has resigned as chief executive of Air India but will continue in the role until a successor is appointed, according to reports. The leadership transition comes at a challenging time for the airline, which is facing mounting operational pressures, increasing costs and the likelihood of a significant financial loss this year. Despite stepping down, Wilson’s interim continuation is expected to ensure stability during the transition period. The development raises questions about the airline’s strategic direction as it navigates financial strain and operational hurdles, with management changes adding to uncertainty around its near-term performance and long-term turnaround plans. (PC: X)

Border Security Force is reportedly assessing a proposal to deploy venomous snakes and crocodiles along unfenced stretches of the India–Bangladesh border where terrain makes fencing difficult. The 4,096-km border remains about 20% incomplete, with 175 km unsuitable due to marshy, flood-prone conditions. An internal memo, linked to directions from Amit Shah, asked field units to evaluate feasibility and risks. Officials flagged safety concerns for local communities and logistical challenges. The move comes amid heightened border security measures under Narendra Modi’s government, alongside criticism from rights groups over its handling of migration and alleged targeting of minorities. (PC: MSN)

The Embassy of India in Vietnam has advised Indian travellers visiting Phu Quoc Island to be cautious about visa restrictions and passport-related risks. While the island offers visa-free entry to Indians, this exemption applies only within Phu Quoc and does not permit travel to mainland cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City without a valid visa. The advisory warns that emergencies requiring departure from the island may lead to complications for those without visas. It also highlights that losing a passport requires filing a police report and obtaining emergency documents, followed by a mandatory wait of three to five working days for an exit permit from Vietnamese authorities.

Israel launched strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field, targeting key energy infrastructure and killing IRGC intelligence chief Majid Khademi, officials confirmed. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the operation aimed at “terrorist leaders.” The strikes were part of broader US-Israeli attacks that reportedly killed 25 people. Iran retaliated with drones and missiles, hitting targets in the Gulf and Israel, with casualties reported in Haifa. South Pars, the world’s largest gas reserve, supplies 70% of Iran’s gas. The International Atomic Energy Agency warned of strikes near Bushehr nuclear plant, raising serious nuclear safety concerns despite no confirmed damage.

The Orion spacecraft successfully re-established contact with Mission Control after a 40-minute communication blackout during the Artemis II. The signal was regained at 5:12 a.m. IST as the capsule emerged from behind the Moon’s far side, where its bulk had blocked all transmissions with Earth. The four astronauts, who have travelled farther than any humans before, expressed relief upon reconnecting, with one remarking it was “so great to hear from Earth again.” The moment marked a critical milestone in the mission, highlighting both the challenges of deep-space travel and the success of communication tracking systems. (PC: NASA)

As tensions escalate ahead of the Strait of Hormuz deadline, Iran has urged citizens to form symbolic “human chains” around key power plants to signal protection of national infrastructure. Youth groups, artists, and students are expected to participate in the coordinated action. The move comes amid heightened rhetoric from Donald Trump, who expanded threats to target Iran’s bridges and power facilities if demands are unmet. Tehran has rejected a temporary ceasefire, pushing instead for a permanent end to the conflict. Diplomatic efforts continue through intermediaries, but tensions remain high, raising concerns over potential escalation and risks to regional stability and global energy security.