Astronauts aboard Artemis II have seen the far side of the Moon for the first time and called the view “absolutely spectacular”.   The crew includes Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. They are travelling aboard the Orion spacecraft.   Koch said, “Something about you senses that is not the Moon that I’m used to seeing.”   The team shared images of the Orientale basin. NASA said it is the first time the full area has been seen by humans.   The spacecraft is now over 2,89,000 km from Earth.

Iran said at least five people were killed during a US mission to rescue a crew member from a downed F-15E Strike Eagle. Iranian forces claimed they hit several “flying objects” during the operation.   Officials said a C-130 Hercules and two Black Hawk helicopters were targeted in southern Isfahan. Iran also said it downed an Israeli drone.   US President Donald Trump called the rescue “one of the most daring operations”. He said the injured airman “will be fine”.   The rescue involved dozens of aircraft and special forces. The crew member was missing for two days before being safely extracted. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump said the military carried out a “daring” mission to rescue an airman after an F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down in Iran.   The rescue involved dozens of aircraft and special forces. The airman was found injured but safe. Trump said, “He will be just fine.”   The jet crashed on Friday after Iran claimed it hit it with air defences. The second crew member was located after more than a day.   Officials said the CIA ran a deception plan to confuse Iranian forces. US commandos later carried out the extraction.   The airman was taken to Kuwait for treatment. (PC: HT)

Christina Koch has become the farthest-travelled woman from Earth during the Artemis 2 mission. She crossed the record after the Orion spacecraft performed a key engine burn to leave Earth orbit. The crew was about 1,60,000 km away from Earth on Friday. The spacecraft is now in the trans-lunar phase and heading for a flyby on April 6. NASA said the crew may reach over 4,00,000 km, breaking the Apollo 13 record. Koch also repaired a toilet system onboard. The mission is testing systems for future Moon landings under NASA’s Artemis programme. (PC: India Today)

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the successful rescue of a missing crew member from a downed F-15 fighter jet in Iran, declaring “We got him” after a high-risk operation. The airman, a colonel, had been stranded for two days after the jet was shot down amid escalating conflict. U.S. forces deployed dozens of aircraft and conducted an intense search-and-rescue mission under hostile conditions. The officer sustained injuries but is now “safe and sound.” Another crew member had been rescued earlier. The operation highlights rising tensions between United States and Iran. (PC: X)

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a sharp warning to India, stating that any “future misadventure” by New Delhi could lead to retaliatory strikes, specifically mentioning Kolkata as a potential target. The remark comes amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, following strong statements from Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about an “unprecedented response” to provocations. Asif also suggested a “false flag” narrative, further intensifying the war of words. The exchange highlights growing volatility in bilateral relations and increasing concerns over regional security. (PC: X)

Tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply escalated after former US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face severe military action. Iran dismissed the warning as “helpless” and “nervous,” with military officials ridiculing the threat and vowing strong retaliation. Tehran warned that any US aggression would trigger devastating consequences, declaring that the “gates of hell” would open in response. The standoff comes amid ongoing conflict in the region, with both sides intensifying rhetoric and military posturing, raising fears of a wider war and disruption to global oil supplies. (PC: X)

Minerva Academy FC delivered a historic performance by thrashing Liverpool FC U-15 team 6-0 in the Round of 16 of the MIC Cup 2026. The Indian side dominated from the start, with early goals setting the tone for a one-sided contest. Captain Raj Singh scored a hat-trick, while Azam Khan netted twice and Amarson Singh added another. The emphatic win secured Minerva a place in the quarter-finals and marked a major milestone for Indian grassroots football, highlighting the growing quality of youth development and raising optimism about the country’s football future. (PC: X)

Two days into the escalating US-Iran conflict, one crew member of a downed US F-15 fighter jet remains missing inside Iran. While one pilot has been rescued, both US forces and Iranian authorities are racing to locate the second airman. Iran has reportedly mobilised local tribesmen and “popular forces,” even offering rewards for capturing the pilot. The US has launched high-risk rescue missions using helicopters and special forces, facing hostile fire. The incident marks a major escalation, being the first confirmed US jet loss inside Iran during the war, intensifying tensions and military operations across the region. (PC: NDTV)

A tragic road accident in Gurugram claimed two lives after a speeding car driving on the wrong side rammed into a bike taxi. The collision was head-on and severe, leaving both victims with critical injuries. They were rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed during treatment. Police said the car driver fled the scene immediately after the crash, prompting a manhunt. An FIR has been registered for rash and negligent driving, and CCTV footage is being examined to identify the accused. The incident has once again raised concerns over reckless driving and poor traffic rule enforcement in the city. (PC: HT)