NASA announced that the astronauts who orbited the Moon as part of the Artemis II mission have returned to Earth. The crew included NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor Glover (Pilot), Christina Koch (Mission Specialist), and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist), who successfully landed off the coast of San Diego after a 10-day mission.

NASA posted on X welcoming Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy back home. The Artemis II astronauts landed at 8:07 PM Eastern Time (5:37 AM Indian Time on April 11), marking the end of their historic 10-day mission around the Moon. The spacecraft was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on the evening of April 1.

NASA reported on April 6 that the spacecraft was over 406,000 kilometers away from Earth. The four-member Artemis II crew, led by Reid Wiseman, completed the ten-day lunar flight, representing the first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years and the longest human spaceflight.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a 32-hour ceasefire on the occasion of Orthodox Easter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed this peace initiative.

Following the Iran-America ceasefire, another piece of good news has emerged globally with the announcement of a temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. However, this measure is not permanent but is implemented for a limited duration. According to a statement from the Kremlin, the decision has been made to halt all military activities from 4 PM on April 11 until the end of April 12, resulting in a total ceasefire of approximately 32 hours.

Russia has expressed hope that Ukraine will also adhere to this initiative and cooperate in maintaining peace. Orthodox Easter is an important festival for the Christian community, celebrated according to the Julian calendar in Russia and Ukraine, and this year it falls on April 12. The ceasefire has been announced with this religious occasion in mind, allowing people some relief during the festival.

On the other hand, President Zelensky has responded to this announcement, stating that Ukraine has previously proposed a ceasefire during Easter and is ready to take similar steps now. He emphasized that ordinary people should have a safe and peaceful Easter, and this ceasefire could be an opportunity in that direction. He also indicated that Russia has the chance to refrain from resuming attacks after Easter.

Putin's move comes at a time when Zelensky recently proposed halting attacks on energy infrastructure, with reports indicating that the United States has played a mediating role in the negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. This war has now entered its fifth year, affecting both countries and global stability.

The Russia-Ukraine war has been ongoing since 2022, resulting in significant loss of life and property. While this temporary ceasefire may be a small step, it is seen as a positive signal towards peace.

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U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his criticism of NATO after a closed-door meeting with Secretary General Mark Rutte, stating that NATO was not with the U.S.

When needed. Before the meeting, Trump hinted that the U.S. Might consider withdrawing from NATO if it did not receive support during the Iran war.

After the meeting, he posted on social media in capital letters that NATO was not with the U.S. When it was needed and would not be in the future. The White House did not provide any additional information on this.

Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt mentioned that Trump was discussing the issue of withdrawing from NATO. This meeting between Trump and Rutte took place at a time when the U.S. And Iran had agreed to a two-week ceasefire, paving the way for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. Congress had already passed a law in 2023 stating that no president can withdraw from NATO without congressional approval. Trump has long criticized NATO and had indicated during his first term that he might exit the alliance.

NATO was established in 1949 for the security of Europe and has a collective defense agreement among its 32 member countries. Trump also accused NATO countries of not supporting the U.S. In securing the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran war, stating that the responsibility for securing this vital route lies with those countries that depend on oil through it.

According to reports, some NATO member countries like Spain and France imposed restrictions on the use of their airspace or military bases by the U.S. During the Iran war, which reportedly angered Trump. He also expressed dissatisfaction regarding Greenland, an autonomous territory of NATO member Denmark, mentioning earlier this year the idea of U.S.

Control over Greenland but later backed down. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed issues related to the Iran war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and increasing NATO cooperation in a separate meeting with Rutte.

Senior Senate leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement in support of NATO, noting that after the September 11, 2001 attacks, NATO allies fought alongside the U.S. In Afghanistan and Iraq.

He urged Trump to adopt a clear and balanced stance regarding relations with allies. Experts believe that tensions between Trump and NATO have increased due to issues like the Iran war, policy regarding Ukraine, and the Greenland dispute.

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Washington, April 8. A significant relief has emerged amid the ongoing tension between the United States and Iran, as both countries have agreed to a ceasefire for two weeks.

During this period, Iran has also consented to open the Hormuz Strait under certain conditions. U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform that following Iran's agreement to fully, immediately, and safely open the Hormuz Strait, the U.S.

Is prepared to halt all bombings and military attacks for two weeks. He referred to this as a 'ceasefire by both parties.' According to Trump, the U.S. Has achieved most of its military objectives, and discussions regarding a long-term peace agreement with Iran have progressed significantly.

He mentioned that Iran has proposed ten points, which are considered a practical basis for negotiations. Most contentious issues have been agreed upon, while the next two weeks will be crucial for finalizing the remaining points. Pakistan and China have also played significant roles in this entire development.

President Trump expressed gratitude for the conversations held with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir. Meanwhile, Iran has also thanked Pakistan and China. This temporary ceasefire is believed to be an important step towards reducing long-standing tensions in the Middle East and moving towards lasting peace.

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The ongoing intense war between the US-Israel and Iran has entered its 39th day. US President Donald Trump has set a deadline for Iran, warning that if an agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz and a ceasefire is not reached by Tuesday night (Eastern Time), the US will begin to completely destroy Iran's critical infrastructure, including power plants and major bridges.

However, under pressure from intermediary countries, this deadline has been slightly extended to Wednesday evening at 5:30 PM Indian time. Meanwhile, attacks from both sides on the battlefield have intensified. Intermediaries from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey have prepared a 'ceasefire plan,' referred to as the 'Islamabad Agreement.' This plan proposes a two-phase peace restoration process, starting with a potential 45-day ceasefire and ultimately leading to a permanent agreement to end the war.

A key condition of this deal is the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for shipping. As per agency report, this proposal has been shared with Iran and the US, but due to the stringent conditions from both sides, the likelihood of reaching a definitive outcome in the next 48 hours appears low. The number of casualties from attacks between Israel and Iran has rapidly increased in the last 24 hours, surpassing 3,400.

The Israeli Defense Minister has claimed that they have attacked Iran's largest petrochemical facility, halting production by up to 50 percent. Additionally, Israel has claimed to have killed Major General Majid Khademi, the intelligence chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

On the other hand, significant damage has also occurred from attacks by Iran and Hezbollah on Israeli cities, including Haifa. In Lebanon, at least 15 people have been killed due to Israeli bombings, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has given Iran until April 7, warning that if the Hormuz Strait is not opened, he will target critical infrastructure such as power plants and bridges in Iran.

Trump declared April 7 as 'Power Plant Day' and 'Bridge Day' on his Truth Social account, suggesting he is prepared to focus on the everyday life and economy in Iran to compel compliance. He stated that Tuesday in Iran would be 'Power Plant Day' and 'Bridge Day,' emphasizing that this has never happened before. He further expressed that Iran should open the Strait, warning that otherwise, they would face dire consequences.

The Hormuz Strait is a vital maritime route for the global economy, with nearly 20 percent of the world's crude oil passing through it. Since the onset of conflict in February 2026, Iran has tightened its control over this route, disrupting oil supplies worldwide and causing prices to surge. Trump's call to 'open it' serves as a final warning to resolve this global crisis.

Previously, Trump had extended deadlines after issuing threats, initially giving Iran just 48 hours on March 21, then extending it by 10 days on March 26, citing positive discussions through mediators regarding peace talks and postponing potential attacks on energy plants until April 6. Now, through this latest post on April 5, Trump has once again threatened Iran to open the Hormuz Strait.

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The Pentagon has publicly released official figures regarding military casualties in 'Operation Epic Fury' for the first time. These figures have been added to the Defense Department's Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS), making the confirmation of casualties in this operation publicly available.

According to the Pentagon, 13 American soldiers have died and 365 have been injured in this joint military operation that began on February 28, 2026, under the orders of the U.S. President. This is the first time that official and verified details of casualties related to this operation have been disclosed.

The data recorded in the DCAS indicates that the injured soldiers come from various military branches, with the highest number being 247 from the U.S. Army, followed by 63 from the Navy, 36 from the Air Force, and 19 from the Marine Corps. 'Operation Epic Fury' was initiated on February 28 amid rising tensions with Iran.

However, limited information has been made public regarding the objectives of this operation and the ground situation. The release of official figures provides a clearer understanding of the actual severity of this conflict. Until now, only estimates had been made regarding casualties, but the situation has become clearer following the Pentagon's confirmation.

The DCAS is maintained by the Defense Manpower Data Center and presents verified data on soldiers killed for the Department of Defense. It serves as the official repository for the names of American personnel who have been killed, injured, missing, or otherwise harmed in military operations.

This system collects reports from different services to ensure that the figures released to the public are accurate and meet established standards. The database provides detailed information based on conflict, branch, type of casualty, and year, including definitions and explanatory notes for context.

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The ongoing intense conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance has put not only the global economy but also the Earth's delicate ecosystem on the brink of disaster. This war, which has been ongoing for 34 days, has resulted in the emission of massive amounts of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen oxides due to millions of tons of ammunition and missile attacks.

Experts estimate that this war could lead to a rise in global temperatures by 2.3 to 2.5 degrees Celsius. The black smoke and toxic particles released from attacks on oil refineries and gas depots are causing serious health issues, including cancer, heart, and lung diseases. 'Black toxic rain' has been reported in several areas, including Tehran, which is a deadly mixture of chemicals and ash from burning oil.

Military activities in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea have caused irreparable damage to marine life. The targeting of each other's naval vessels and ports by the US and Iran has led to massive oil spills in the sea, threatening the existence of rare marine creatures, turtles, and coral reefs. Additionally, attacks on desalination plants have disrupted the supply of fresh water, exacerbating the drinking water crisis in Gulf countries.

In the first 14 days of the war alone, over 5 million tons of carbon emissions occurred, equivalent to the annual pollution from approximately 1.1 million cars. This polluted debris and heavy metals have the potential to contaminate soil and water sources for decades. The impact of the Iran conflict is now also being felt in the weather patterns of South Asia.

Recent unseasonal rains and hailstorms in North India and the Delhi-NCR region are being attributed to atmospheric changes caused by the war. The issue of this toxic smoke reaching India has also been raised in the Rajya Sabha, raising concerns about air quality being affected in border states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Punjab.

However, meteorologists state that the geographical distance between India and Iran, along with the vast Himalayan mountain range, acts as a protective shield, preventing toxic clouds from directly entering Indian territory. Nevertheless, if the jet stream strengthens, fine soot particles could pollute the Indian atmosphere.

Washington, April 3 — The US military has attacked a significant highway bridge in Iran, escalating tensions between the two nations. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to negotiate, warning that further actions could follow if they do not.

The strike targeted the B1 bridge, which connects Tehran to the nearby city of Karaj and was a known route for transporting military supplies. According to a US military official, this bridge was a designated path for Iran's missile and drone forces, making it a target. However, Iranian state media reported that the bridge was not operational and was not being used by the military.

Officials stated that at least eight people were killed in the attack, with several others injured, including civilians who were outside during the Nowruz celebrations. Trump praised the attack on social media, stating that Iran's largest bridge has been destroyed and will never be used again, adding that much more is yet to come. He also warned Iran to reach an agreement before it is too late.

US officials indicated that this action is part of a broader plan to weaken Iran's military infrastructure, aimed at disrupting the movement of missile and drone-related supplies within the country. Iranian leaders reacted strongly, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagheri stating that every citizen would become a soldier when it comes to national defense. Tehran has currently rejected negotiations with the US, with a foreign ministry spokesperson declaring that discussions are not possible under the current circumstances.

Alongside this attack, other strikes occurred, including an airstrike targeting the Pasteur Institute of Iran, a major public health center, which the health ministry spokesperson described as a direct attack on international health security. The conflict appears to be spreading throughout the region, with Israel claiming it intercepted missiles fired from Iran, while Houthi rebels in Yemen also launched missiles towards Israel. Diplomatic efforts have not improved, as Russia, China, and France blocked a proposal in the UN Security Council to authorize the use of force to open the Strait of Hormuz.

New Delhi, April 3 — Pakistan is experiencing a worsening energy crisis, with local media reporting that LNG supplies are expected to drop to nearly zero next month, significantly affecting overall electricity production. A report published in Karachi's Business Recorder indicates that the LNG shortage could impact over 20 percent of total electricity generation, while pressure on coal supplies may affect around 30 percent.

To address the situation, the government is forced to rely on furnace oil, which significantly increases electricity production costs. Generating electricity from furnace oil is more expensive compared to gas and coal. The report states that the government plans to implement daily load shedding of 2 to 3 hours, increase electricity rates, and promote energy conservation, although the success of these measures will depend on their effective implementation.

Experts suggest that simple measures like closing markets early and restricting high-energy lighting have proven effective in the past but have not been prioritized in the current strategy, potentially placing a greater burden on the public and industries. The report also highlights domestic mismanagement as a major cause of the crisis. A dispute between Pakistan Railways and coal-based power plants has put 1500 to 1800 megawatts of electricity production at risk.

Obstacles in coal transportation, delays in wagon loading, and lack of coordination have further exacerbated the situation. This not only raises the likelihood of additional load shedding but also increases reliance on expensive fuel. Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways may also suffer losses in freight revenue.

The report concludes that while the current crisis may have originated from external factors, its severity will largely depend on domestic policies and decisions. If demand management and supply systems are not improved, the cost of every crisis will continue to rise.

London, April 3 — A meeting of over 30 countries will be held to discuss diplomatic and political pressure to reopen the crucial shipping route of the Hormuz Strait, which was closed following attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel.

The United States will not be participating in this meeting, which is taking place after President Donald Trump clarified that reopening the waterway is not America's responsibility. Trump has also criticized America's European allies for not supporting the war. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that this digital meeting, chaired by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, will evaluate all possible diplomatic and political measures to restore freedom of movement, ensure the safety of stranded ships and sailors, and resume the transport of essential goods.

Meanwhile, a total of 35 countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan, and the UAE, have signed a joint statement urging Iran to cease its efforts to block the Hormuz Strait. These countries have expressed their commitment to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the waterway.