During the Artemis II journey, astronauts will face a 40-minute communication blackout as their Orion spacecraft passes behind the Moon, blocking signals with Earth. This moment of isolation echoes past missions like Apollo 11, when Michael Collins experienced similar solitude. While mission control awaits anxiously, teams track the spacecraft’s position. Astronauts will use the time for lunar observation and reflection. Experts highlight the need for continuous communication systems, with initiatives like Moonlight programme aiming to prevent future blackouts as lunar exploration expands toward sustained human presence. (PC: NASA)

Amid escalating US-Iran tensions, UAE diplomat Anwar Gargash stressed that access to the Strait of Hormuz must be guaranteed in any ceasefire deal, calling it a global economic necessity handling 20% of world energy flows. He warned against agreements that fail to address Iran’s nuclear programme, missiles, and drones, cautioning such gaps could worsen regional instability. Supporting US-led efforts to secure shipping routes, the UAE emphasized de-escalation but not at the cost of unresolved threats. Meanwhile, tensions intensified as Donald Trump threatened Iran, which responded with warnings of global energy disruption and regional instability.

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with Qatar Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani to review escalating military developments and their global security implications. Both sides emphasized peaceful conflict resolution and the urgent need to ensure freedom of navigation in critical maritime routes. The situation has directly impacted shipping, with 16 Indian-flagged vessels reportedly stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit chokepoint. The developments underline growing risks to international trade, energy supplies, and regional stability amid intensifying geopolitical uncertainty.

A major security breach occurred at the Delhi Legislative Assembly on April 6 when a masked man crashed a Uttar Pradesh-registered car through Gate No. 2, triggering high alert. The driver moved toward Speaker Vijender Gupta’s office, placed a flower bouquet near the porch, and fled. Despite CRPF deployment at the VIP gate, the less-secured entry was breached. Police, bomb disposal, and dog squads conducted thorough checks, finding no explosives. CCTV footage is being analyzed, and Special CP Ravindra Yadav supervised the probe. Authorities apprehended three individuals, including the driver, and recovered the vehicle, treating the incident as a serious security breach. (PC: Times Now)

The Artemis II astronauts entered the Moon’s gravitational sphere early Monday, advancing toward a record-breaking distance from Earth. Flying aboard the Orion spacecraft, the crew is set to reach about 252,757 miles from Earth, surpassing the Apollo 13 record by 4,102 miles. Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen will fly around the Moon’s far side, experiencing communication blackouts. The mission, a key step in Artemis program, aims to return humans to the lunar surface by 2028 and build a sustained presence for future Mars exploration. (PC: Reuters)

A security scare unfolded at the Delhi Legislative Assembly in New Delhi on Monday afternoon when a masked man drove a Tata Sierra with a Uttar Pradesh registration, crashing through Gate No. 2 around 2 pm and breaching the high-security complex. Delhi Police arrested the accused and recovered the vehicle. The driver approached Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta’s office, placed a bouquet near the porch, and fled. CRPF personnel were present, and no explosives were found in the bouquet. Authorities launched a search, scanning CCTV footage to determine motive. The incident, following recent bomb threats during the budget session, has raised serious security concerns and is being treated as a potential breach.

Bangladesh has started an emergency vaccination drive after a fast-spreading measles outbreak is suspected to have killed over 100 people, mostly children, since mid-March. Health officials reported more than 7,500 suspected cases, with over 900 confirmed. The surge is far higher than 2025 totals. Officials said many infected children are below nine months, the age for routine vaccines. “Vaccines are foundational to child survival,” said a Unicef representative, warning young children are at serious risk. Authorities linked the outbreak to gaps in immunisation, delayed campaigns since 2020, and vaccine shortages tied to procurement and political disruption. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump warned of major strikes on Iran if no deal is reached soon. He said, “we’re blowing up the entire country” if talks fail.   The threat includes attacks on key infrastructure like power plants and bridges. Experts say such actions could raise concerns under international law.   At the same time, the US, Iran and mediators are discussing a possible ceasefire. Talks include reopening the Strait of Hormuz.   Iran warned of retaliation. Its leaders said such moves would bring serious consequences as tensions remain high. (PC: X)

Members of Sikhs for Justice held protests outside Hindu temples in Brampton and Surrey. The rallies came days after Canada’s House of Commons passed Bill C-9 on hate crimes. The protests took place near Triveni Mandir and Lakshmi Narayan Mandir. Demonstrators raised slogans while police kept them at a distance. The proposed law will ban intimidation at places of worship. Hindu groups welcomed the move for safety. Police said they support peaceful protest but warned that unlawful acts will not be allowed. Security was tightened around both sites. (PC: India Today)

Iran mocked Donald Trump with a “we’ve lost the keys” remark during the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz. Posts by Iranian missions joked about access to the key shipping route.   The comments came after Trump warned Iran to reopen the strait or face major strikes. He said key infrastructure could be targeted if Tehran does not comply.   Iran has restricted shipping through the route since the conflict began. The disruption has hit global oil supply and raised prices.   Tehran warned of “devastating” retaliation if civilian sites are attacked, as tensions continue to rise. (PC: HT)