ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 team bagged the esteemed 2024 John L. 'Jack' Swigert Jr. Award for Space Exploration. Their remarkable achievement in raising space exploration standards was recognized. Last August, Chandrayaan-3 nailed a historic landing on the Moon's south pole, marking India's pioneering success in the feat. India’s Consul General in Houston, DC Manjunath, accepted the award at the Space Symposium in Colorado. Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle praised India's leadership in space, calling it a global inspiration.

An official investigation into foreign meddling in Canada's elections concludes India didn't attempt to influence the 2021 polls, per a panel of Canadian officials. While China was found to interfere in past elections, no evidence implicates India. Prime Minister Trudeau faces scrutiny as Canada's Security Intelligence Service alleged Indian and Pakistani interference in prior elections. India refuted claims, emphasizing its commitment to non-interference in democratic processes. Tensions rise between India and Canada amid strained ties, exacerbated by previous allegations and diplomatic fallout. Trudeau's testimony before the probe panel looms, heightening scrutiny on foreign interference allegations.

US President Joe Biden criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza conflict, stating, "I think what he's doing is a mistake. I don't agree with his approach," in an interview. Biden advocates for six to eight weeks of unrestricted access to food and medicine for Gaza, amid ongoing talks and escalating international pressure. The condemnation follows strikes killing aid workers, prompting calls for a ceasefire and increased aid access. Biden faces domestic criticism over US military support to Israel amid the conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives.            

Apple significantly ramps up iPhone production in India, assembling $14 billion worth of devices in fiscal 2024. Approximately 1 in 7 iPhones is now made in India, with major Taiwanese manufacturers Foxconn and Pegatron playing key roles. Foxconn leads with 67% of India-made iPhones, while Pegatron contributes 17%. Remaining devices produced at Wistron's Karnataka plant, now under Tata Group. Apple aims to diversify supply chain amid China tensions. Pegatron in talks to transfer Chennai facility control to Tata. Tata constructing new plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. Apple yet to comment on Bloomberg report.

Australia's foreign minister, Penny Wong, suggests recognizing Palestine while excluding Hamas, aiming for peace. Opposition and Zionist Federation caution against haste. Wong emphasizes a two-state solution to end violence, criticizes Netanyahu's stance. Simon Birmingham opposes, fearing security risks. Jeremy Leibler of the Zionist Federation calls talks premature. Wong argues recognition could enhance Israel's security by sidelining Hamas. Currently, 140+ nations recognize Palestine, but key players like the US, UK, Germany, and Australia hesitate. UN considers granting Palestine full membership. Gaza conflict kills over 33,000 Palestinians, with widespread destruction and famine threat.            

In the midst of a concerning trend of missing students in the US, 17-year-old Indian-American student Ishika Thakore, reported missing earlier, has been found safe by Frisco Police. Ishika, last seen on Monday night in Texas, sparked worry amid a string of mysterious student deaths. Police located her later on Tuesday, expressing gratitude for support. The incident adds to the growing list of missing or deceased Indian-American students in the US this year, raising questions about student safety and well-being. Details regarding Ishika's recovery and circumstances remain undisclosed.      

Following allegations by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) that a BJP member visited an NIA Superintendent of Police (SP) with cash, the NIA calls the officer to its Delhi headquarters. TMC accuses BJP of misusing NIA, submitting a visitor's register allegedly showing the BJP member's visit. The officer, DIG Rakesh Roshan, is sent from Patna to supervise cases in West Bengal. BJP's Jitendra Tiwari denies allegations, threatening defamation if not proven. TMC demands apology. NIA asserts routine transfer, while the officer remains unavailable for comment.          

Apple unveils plans to build housing units for its factory employees in India, aiming to enhance their well-being and productivity. With the majority located in Tamil Nadu, where the largest iPhone manufacturing plant resides, the initiative aims to provide better living conditions, particularly for the predominantly female workforce. The project, a collaboration with entities like SIPCOT, Tata Group, and SPR India, aims for completion by March 2025. This move reflects Apple's commitment to supporting its workers and fostering a positive working environment, aligning with its broader strategy of diversifying manufacturing locations.            

US Ambassador Eric Garcetti lauds India's developmental journey, inviting individuals to experience the future firsthand by visiting the country. He expresses gratitude for his role as leader of the US Mission in India, facilitating his engagement with India's forward-thinking initiatives. Additionally, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan highlights the deepening partnership between the two nations, particularly in technology and security realms. Amid recent scrutiny over a foiled assassination plot, Garcetti commends India's cooperation in the investigation but underscores the importance of maintaining diplomatic boundaries.            

Skymet Weather predicts an "average" monsoon for India, transitioning from El Nino to La Nina conditions. The shift may result in a slow start to summer rains, followed by heavier spells later. Uneven rainfall distribution is anticipated, impacting agriculture and the economy. Last year's below-normal forecast proved correct. While South, West, and Northwest regions expect good rains, Bihar and Odisha may face shortages. The Indian Meteorological Department's official forecast is due on April 15.