NASA astronaut Sunita Williams was welcomed back to Earth after spending nine months in space. The small village of Jhulasan in Gujarat celebrated her safe return following the successful splashdown of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Williams, along with Crew-9 members Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, was greeted with prayers, aarti, and firecrackers. Prior to her return, Williams' family held a special 'Yagna' in Ahmedabad. The astronauts underwent medical checks aboard the rescue ship and will receive further evaluations at NASA's facilities in Houston.    

On March 17, 2025, protests organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal in Nagpur demanding the demolition of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's tomb escalated into violent clashes. The situation intensified when protesters allegedly burned a 'chadar' inscribed with Quranic verses, provoking members of the Muslim community. The ensuing violence affected areas including Ganeshpeth, Bhagalpur, and Hansapuri, resulting in injuries to 33 police personnel and five civilians, with one civilian in critical condition. Authorities imposed a curfew in several parts of Nagpur, registered five FIRs, and detained 50 suspects. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the violence, labeling it a "pre-planned conspiracy," and vowed strict action against those responsible. 

India’s nuclear sector has been praised as one of the most dynamic globally by Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Speaking at the 67th IAEA General Conference, Grossi highlighted India’s substantial advancements in nuclear energy and its commitment to utilizing nuclear technology for sustainable development. India’s role in promoting nuclear energy safety and its growing infrastructure in the sector were also acknowledged. The nation’s efforts are seen as integral in addressing global energy demands and climate goals while ensuring nuclear safety and security.

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have safely returned to Earth after a nine-month mission to the International Space Station. The duo, along with NASA’s Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, flew to space aboard a Boeing Starliner on June 5, 2024, and returned in SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft on March 19, 2025. The spacecraft deployed parachutes and splashed down off Florida’s coast. Williams, seen waving and giving thumbs-up, underwent a deorbit burn before a successful splashdown. They are now headed for a 45-day rehabilitation program.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally returning to Earth after over nine months in space. Their mission, initially a short test flight aboard Boeing’s Starliner, was extended due to propulsion issues, forcing them to stay on the ISS. The duo undocked from the ISS aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule and is set to splash down off Florida’s coast at 3:27 AM IST on Wednesday. NASA confirmed their return journey, highlighting the technical challenges faced. Williams' homecoming is closely watched, marking the end of an extended mission that tested human endurance and spacecraft reliability.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to land at 3:27 AM IST after spending 286 days on the International Space Station. Their return was delayed due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule. The duo undocked at 10:35 AM IST and will splash down in the Gulf of Mexico after a 17-hour journey. Williams’ ancestral village, Jhulasan in Gujarat, is preparing grand celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended prayers for their safe return. NASA has planned a 45-day rehabilitation program for the astronauts post-landing.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally returning to Earth after 286 days in space. Their mission, originally an 8-day test flight aboard Boeing’s Starliner, was prolonged due to critical technical failures, including helium leaks and propulsion issues. NASA eventually decided to send Starliner back uncrewed, stranding them on the ISS. During their extended stay, they contributed to over 150 experiments. Williams and Wilmore will return aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon after Crew-10’s arrival. Their splashdown off Florida’s coast marks the end of an unexpectedly prolonged mission.

Israel intercepted a missile launched from Yemen on Tuesday evening, according to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). The missile, reportedly fired by Houthi forces, was destroyed before entering Israeli airspace. Residents in southern Israel witnessed the interception. The attack follows intensified Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, which killed over 400 people in multiple areas, including Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah. The escalation raises concerns about widening regional conflicts as tensions persist between Israel and various armed groups. The IDF has not disclosed further details on possible retaliatory measures against the Houthis in response to the attack.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticized the United Nations’ handling of Kashmir, calling it a historical blunder, at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. He condemned the UN for equating India, the victim, with Pakistan, the aggressor, in the 1947 invasion of Jammu and Kashmir. Jaishankar urged for a strong, fair, and reformed UN, stating that global norms must be applied consistently. Highlighting selective global responses, he questioned Western support for military rule in some regions while opposing it elsewhere. He emphasized the need for a new world order, reflecting today’s geopolitical realities and ensuring fairness in international governance.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 2-hour call discussing a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine and a prisoner swap of 175 captives from each side. Putin agreed to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities and begin talks on maritime security in the Black Sea. He also emphasized stopping foreign military aid to Ukraine. Trump proposed mutual cooperation on global security and Middle East stability. Putin welcomed Trump's appeal to spare Ukrainian troops surrounded in Kursk. Both leaders expressed interest in improving US-Russia relations, with Trump supporting Putin’s idea of hockey matches between NHL and KHL teams.