NASA successfully launched Artemis II on April 2, sending four astronauts aboard the Space Launch System from Kennedy Space Center. The mission marks the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years, carrying three Americans and one Canadian. The roughly 10-day journey will orbit the Moon without landing, testing spacecraft systems and manual piloting. The crew includes the first woman, first person of color, and first non-American on such a mission. Despite delays, the launch proceeded under near-ideal conditions, witnessed by thousands. Artemis II aims to validate systems ahead of a planned Moon landing mission later this decade.

US President Donald Trump warned that Iran could be pushed “back to the Stone Age” if it fails to reach a deal, as the conflict enters its fifth week. In a national address, he said US forces are close to achieving core objectives, including dismantling Iran’s military capabilities and preventing nuclear weapon development. Trump highlighted rapid battlefield gains but signalled intensified strikes within two to three weeks if negotiations fail. He also warned of potential attacks on critical infrastructure and urged global powers to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Despite progress claims, concerns persist over escalation, oil supply disruption, and prolonged regional instability. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has denied a claim by Donald Trump that it sought a ceasefire. Iran’s foreign ministry called the statement “false and baseless”, according to state media. Trump had said Iran’s “new regime president” requested a ceasefire but gave no details. He also said the US would consider a truce only if the Strait of Hormuz is “open, free, and clear”. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian made no mention of any ceasefire in a message to Americans. He said Iran “never initiated a war” and spoke about choosing between “confrontation and engagement”. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security meeting to review the impact of the Iran conflict on supplies. He stressed ensuring enough LPG and expanding sourcing from multiple countries. Officials said new LPG and LNG supplies are being arranged, while prices remain unchanged. The government also launched drives to stop hoarding and diversion. Coal stocks are adequate, and steps are taken to support power supply. Fertiliser availability was reviewed with focus on urea, DAP and NPK. Monitoring is being done under the Essential Commodities Act. States were asked to act against black marketing and ensure smooth supply. (PC: India Today)

Met Office has issued a yellow warning for very strong winds across parts of the UK. Gusts could reach up to 90mph in some areas. The warning is in place from Saturday evening to Sunday afternoon. Scotland, Northern Ireland, North Wales, and parts of northern England will be affected. Officials said travel delays are likely on roads, rail, and flights. There is also a risk of power cuts and service disruptions. High-sided vehicles may face problems on exposed routes. Authorities have asked people to stay alert and plan journeys carefully during the Easter weekend. (PC: PA)

Donald Trump said the US will be “out of Iran pretty quickly” after meeting its goals. He said American strikes have stopped Iran from getting nuclear weapons. Trump added the US could return for “spot hits” if needed. His comments suggest a short and limited military role. He also criticised NATO and said he is considering a US withdrawal from the alliance. The remarks came before his national address. Officials say the US does not want a long war. However, tensions remain high as military action continues and concerns grow among allies in Europe.

Dinesh K Tripathi said the Indian Navy was “minutes away from striking Pakistan” during Operation Sindoor. He said the strike was stopped after Pakistan requested a halt in action. The operation followed the Pahalgam terror attack last year. The Navy maintained a “highly aggressive posture” and showed strong readiness. Speaking at a ceremony in Mumbai, he praised naval forces for quick deployment. He also said global tensions have increased at sea due to ongoing conflicts. Many ships remain stranded in West Asia. The Navy continues to stay alert and prepared for any future threats.

NASA is set to launch Artemis-II with four astronauts on board. It will be the first crewed Moon mission in over 50 years. The spacecraft will take the astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon. Officials said final checks are complete and weather is 80% favourable. The crew includes Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. The mission will not land on the Moon but test key systems. NASA called it a “historic liftoff”. The mission will help prepare for future human missions to Mars and deep space exploration.

Narendra Modi chaired a key security meeting to review fuel and energy supply amid the West Asia crisis. He discussed LPG and LNG supply, fuel duty cuts, and power measures. The government said steps are being taken to diversify energy and fertilizer sources. Officials also reviewed efforts to stop hoarding and black marketing. States have been asked to take strict action. The Centre said LPG prices remain unchanged. Food prices are also stable for now. Control rooms have been set up for monitoring. The government aims to ensure steady supply and avoid shortages during the crisis. 

Amazon’s cloud facility in Bahrain was damaged in an Iranian strike as tensions escalate between Tehran and US-linked technology firms. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned it would target major American companies, including Apple, Google and Meta, if further Iranian officials are killed. The statement alleged these firms assist in tracking and designing assassination operations. Employees and nearby residents were urged to evacuate areas around such facilities. The incident follows earlier drone strikes on Amazon data centres in the region. The developments highlight a widening conflict scope, with corporate infrastructure increasingly drawn into the confrontation amid ongoing US-Iran hostilities and rising regional instability concerns. (PC: Times Now)