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Artemis 2 launch: What astronauts do the night before liftoff; NASA’s pre-launch ceremony

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Artemis 2 launch: What astronauts do the night before liftoff; NASA's pre-launch rituals

The night before a major event, whether in life or in space, is often a time of intense energy, and astronauts are no exception. NASA is preparing for its historic lunar mission, which marks a return to the moon after more than 50 years, a high-stakes, and timeless event. But, unlike what one might think, the night before a major event like this does not involve a dramatic countdown or any kind of intense training, but rather a highly structured and highly personal day filled with medical, family and highly balanced activities designed to soothe the mind and body in preparation for one of the most epic adventures that humanity has to offer.

NASA’s pre-launch routine the night before a lunar mission

The astronaut preparations for launch depicted in the movie are far from reality. In the past, the last night before launch was spent conducting routine medical checks, including monitoring the astronauts’ vital signs to ensure they were physically ready for launch.NASA has always emphasized the need to ensure that astronauts are physically and mentally prepared before launch. according to manned space program According to the guidelines, pre-launch stability is critical to mission success. The last night before launch was therefore spent in a relaxed atmosphere, allowing the astronauts to conserve their energy and stay alert.Unlike the situation described in the movie, the last night before launch is not about preparation, but about rest, hydration and mental preparation to ensure that the astronauts are in the best condition to face future challenges.

JFK Beach House: A NASA Legacy

One of the most cherished aspects of NASA’s launch tradition is staying Kennedy Space Center Beach House. This beach house on Merritt Island was built in 1962 and has been reserved for astronauts since its inception.This beach house is significant because it has been a destination for generations of astronauts, from Apollo missions to the International Space Station and even SpaceX missions. The importance of the beach house lies not in its luxury, but in the sense of tranquility and familiarity that the astronauts derive from the location.The beach house overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and has a large balcony where astronauts can relax and take a break from the stress of the mission. NASA says such facilities are critical to helping astronauts “maintain emotional balance” before a mission, highlighting the importance of an astronaut’s mindset.

Family time before launch: The human side of space missions

However, the most important part of the evening may be the quality of time spent with loved ones. For their part, the crew of the Artemis 2 mission spent the night before launch at their beach house with their families, as stated at the Artemis 2 L-2 Countdown Status press conference on March 30.This provides astronauts with the opportunity to spend quality time with those closest to them, which can be a source of emotional grounding before they embark on their journey into space.NASA emphasizes the important role that astronaut families play during missions. In various interviews conducted with astronauts and posted on official NASA channels, astronauts talked about the importance of spending time with their families before a mission.

Artemis 2 mission: The calm before historic launch

As the Artemis 2 astronauts prepared to head to the launch pad, their final night before launch was a mixture of discipline and calm. After spending time with their families on Tuesday (March 31), the astronauts will begin preparations for launch day, initiating a journey around the moon and ultimately landing on the moon.The contrast between a night of tranquility and a journey decades later that would take astronauts farther than Earth’s orbit cannot be overstated.The night before a space launch isn’t about fanfare; Instead, it’s about stability, connection, and preparation. From physicals to beach houses, these are long-standing traditions designed to holistically nourish astronauts.Space exploration is essentially a victory of the human spirit, not a victory of science and technology. Sometimes the most important preparation for a giant leap begins on a quiet night by the sea.

Three British-Pakistani teenagers arrested for arson attack on Jewish community ambulance in London, among others

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Three British-Pakistani teenagers arrested for arson attack on Jewish community ambulance in London, among others

Three men, including a British-Pakistani teenager, were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of arson in an attack on a Jewish community ambulance in Golders Green, north London, police said.The three suspects, aged 20, 19 and 17, were detained at separate addresses in east London on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life, the Metropolitan Police confirmed. Two of them are British nationals and the third holds dual British and Pakistani citizenship.The attack took place in the early hours of March 23 in Golders Green, a neighborhood with a large Jewish community. Oxygen and gas tanks inside the ambulance caused an explosion that shattered nearby windows and forced some residents to evacuate. The four targeted ambulances belong to Hatzola, a volunteer-led Jewish emergency service.Earlier, two British men in their 40s were also arrested but were later released on police bail. The investigation is being led by the London Counter-Terrorism Police Service, but the incident is not currently being treated as a terrorism incident.Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack as a “deeply shocking anti-Semitic arson attack” and stressed that “anti-Semitism has no place in our society”.Commander Helen Flanagan, London’s head of counter-terrorism policing, said authorities were working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice and reassure the local Jewish community.

New Zealand create historic chase, break India women’s ODI record

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New Zealand create historic chase, break India women's ODI record
Amelia Kerr (Photo Getty Images)

The New Zealand women’s team made history in the second ODI against South Africa at Wellington Basin Reserve, successfully equaling the highest total in women’s ODI history and breaking the record set by India during the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup. Amelia Kerr New Zealand scored an unbeaten 179 off 139 balls, recording the highest successful chase success rate in women’s ODI history, beating South Africa to level the series.Top 5 most successful chases in Women’s ODIs347 – New Zealand vs South Africa (Wellington, 2026): NZ 350/8339 – India vs Australia (Navi Mumbai, 2025): IND 341/5331 – Australia vs India (Vishakhapatnam, 2025): AUS 331/7302 – Sri Lanka vs South Africa (Potchefstroom, 2024): SL 305/4289 – Australia vs New Zealand (North Sydney, 2012): AUS 289/6India defeated Australia by 5 wickets in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup in Navi Mumbai on October 30, 2025, ahead of New Zealand’s most intense chase against South Africa. India finished with 339 runs at 341/5 with 9 balls remaining, recording the highest success rate in the history of Women’s ODI World Cup. Jemimah Rodrigues scored an unbeaten 127* to lead India into the final.

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Match summary: NZW vs SAW

Chasing a daunting 348 runs, New Zealand lost Suzie Bates early, putting immediate pressure on the hosts. Kerr’s 52-run partnership with Georgia Plimmer steadied the innings, but South Africa tightened their grip as New Zealand slid to 130/4 at mid-off.The turning point came with Kerr’s extraordinary collaboration with Isabella Gates. The duo scored 120 runs off just 81 balls, with Gates playing a key supporting role, scoring 68 quick runs off 48 deliveries. Kerr hit his fifth ODI hundred off 90 balls and then accelerated further, hitting 23 fours and a six in a masterclass controlled attack.Kerr’s 120-run partnership with Gates came off just 81 balls and decisively changed the game, with the New Zealand captain picking up her fifth ODI ton off 90 balls before accelerating. Kerr hit 23 fours and a six, first with the bats and then with the attackers, to keep up with the required run-rate, even as wickets fell to her side. It was fitting that she hit the winning boundary to seal the result with a few balls to spare.earlier, Laura Walvater Anneke Bosch added 132 for the second wicket to set the stage for South Africa’s 347-run stand. Tazmin Brits fell early, but the pair steadily rebuilt. Chloe Tryon then smashed an unbeaten 52 off 25 balls to push the total to what looked like the winning score.Brief score:South Africa 346/6 (Bosch 91, Walvat 69, Tryon 52*; Bree Iling 3/60)New Zealand 350/8 (Amelia Kerr 179*; Ayabonga Khaka 3/51)New Zealand won by 2 wickets

Explosion outside Punjab PPP office; police cordon off area

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New Delhi: Suspected explosion outside Punjab office bjp in Chandigarh, prompting a response from security agencies.Security officials have since launched an investigation and cordoned off the surrounding area. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vineet Joshi said the sound was heard around 5 p.m.Senior police officers, including Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardip Kaur, and the CFSL team reached the scene to assess the situation.

Did Kid Rock join the military? Here’s what you need to know amid helicopter flyover controversy

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A U.S. Army helicopter draws attention after flying near Kid Rock tennessee Back home, questions surfaced again about whether the musician had a military background.

Kid Rock has maintained visible ties to the military over the years. (Bloomberg)
Kid Rock has maintained visible ties to the military over the years. (Bloomberg)

Short answer: He’s not there U.S. military.

Did Kid Rock join the military?

rock kidHis real name was Robert Rich, and he had no record of serving in any branch of the United States Armed Forces. He is primarily known for his music career and political activities, and there is no official indication that he ever enlisted in the military.

Despite not serving in the military, Kidd Locke has maintained visible ties to the military over the years.

He has performed for U.S. troops in the U.S. and overseas, including at Fort Campbell, according to BBC News.

Also read: Why is an Army helicopter flying over Kid Locke’s home causing controversy? explain

“I think they know it’s a very friendly place,” he told WKRN-TV, referring to the helicopters flying near his home, adding that “pilots are always welcome to come over and cruise.”

Why this question is hot right now

The topic came into focus over the weekend after two AH-64 Apache helicopters were seen circling near his Nashville-area home. He shared the incident in a video that went viral, prompting scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the flyby.

NBC News reported that the Army initially suspended the crew involved, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later said there would be “no punishment” and “no investigation.”

Also read: Kid Rock Festival canceled? Creed and Shinedown explain ‘rock country’ controversy after exiting

Earlier, the Army said pilots must adhere to “strict safety standards, professionalism and established flight regulations” and that a review was underway.

Kid Rock also remains politically active and is an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump. He has performed at major political events and often expressed pro-military views in public statements.

In a video of the flyby, he saluted the aircraft and wrote: “God bless America and all those who make the ultimate sacrifice to defend her.”

PCB cracks down on PSL hotel security breach, issues new guidelines

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PCB cracks down on PSL hotel security breach, issues new 24-hour guidelines
PCB releases new guidelines (screenshot)

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issues new directives to everyone pakistan super league (PSL) franchise made it clear it will not tolerate any further violations after breaching safety protocols at the team hotel.The move comes after the Zimbabwe captain Sikandar RazaThe player, who currently represents Lahore Qalandars, shared on social media that he was grateful to the PCB for allowing him to meet his family at the team hotel.In response, the PCB issued a formal notice to all teams and stakeholders stating that players and team officials will not be allowed to meet their families at the team hotel without prior approval. The Board provides that any such request must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance. “The board has made it clear that anyone who wants to meet a family member at a hotel must obtain permission 24 hours before the family plans to visit,” a source close to the PCB said. He said the board has further clarified that it will try to arrange a suitable meeting place for players and their families at the team hotel. The source added: “The board has also made it clear that only the players’ wives, parents, siblings will be allowed in the players’ rooms and that will only be allowed after obtaining permission from the board 24 hours in advance.” He said senior police officials had taken a serious look at Lahore captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sikandar’s violation of security rules on Saturday night when four guests were found in the latter’s room late at night. “Police officials advised the board that they would not be able to provide a safe and secure environment for all players and officials at team hotels unless all teams strictly adhere to safety protocols.” It is understood that the PCB’s security manager and anti-corruption head also expressed his concerns about the breach to PSL CEO Salman Naseer.See also: DC vs LSG live score

‘If his wife needs help…’: Indian H-1B technician ‘working’ at Texas food truck sparks major controversy

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“如果他的妻子需要帮助……”:印度 H-1B 技术人员在德克萨斯州的餐车“工作”引发重大争议

After Indian techie Naveen Tummala got into a viral spat with a Texas reporter, a major row broke out over whether H-1B visas can help his spouse start a business.

indian technician Naveen Tumala Texas journalist Sara Gonzales became the focus of a major feud after she visited his Golconda Xpress food truck in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and confronted him, saying he couldn’t operate a food truck while on an H-1B visa sponsored by Flexera Global. Tumala countered that he neither owned the truck nor worked there – the food business belonged to his wife and he was just helping her after get off work. The wife was not at the food truck, and Gonzalez claimed that on some permit documents, Tumala claimed to be the owner of the food truck. After the video went viral, a major brawl erupted on social media after Tumala retorted to Gonzalez, saying he was well aware of his H-1B regulations and that Gonzalez could do whatever he wanted. The Indian-American community lashed out at Gonzales and defended Tumala. The Indian-American community said H-1B visa holders cannot collect fees from any other source but they can help their spouse start a small business. Sidharth, co-founder of the Indian American Advocacy Council, said it is not illegal for H-1B holders to be indirectly involved in business activities, but Sara Gonzales acted in the video as if Tumala was a criminal/ “Let me be clear – this man works a full-time tech job, pays taxes, and his wife runs a small business that serves the local community and potentially employs Americans. His wife runs the business. He helps out from 9 to 5. He is not paid. Is there a technical gray area in immigration law regarding helping a spouse’s business? Yes. Immigration attorneys can argue where the line is,” Sidharth wrote.“But this is an immigrant family creating jobs, serving their neighbors, contributing to the local economy. This is the American dream in action. Instead of recognizing that, why show up with cameras and turn a hard-working family into anger bait,” Sidharth added.

“If the wife needs help, she can hire an American worker”

Indian-origin Republican Rohit Joy dismissed Sidharth’s defense and said there was no gray area and it was illegal. “This is illegal. If his wife needed help running her food truck, she could hire a U.S. worker. And, while the H-4 EAD may have allowed his wife to operate her food truck business, it was an illegal program created without congressional authorization,” Joy wrote.Another wrote: “He can also operate a food truck under an LLC as long as he doesn’t draw any wages from it. The H1B restriction is about collecting wages. If he doesn’t collect wages, there’s not much to see here. He can donate his labor to family, friends or even strangers.”

‘Double Gurami government’: Priyanka Gandhi calls PM a ‘slave’ of the US, Assam Chief Minister Himanta calls Modi a ‘slave’

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New Delhi: congress Leader Priyanka Vadra on Wednesday lashed out at the BJP-led central and state governments. assamaccused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of running a “double-slavery government”.Addressing a rally in Nazira, Priyanka took aim at the BJP’s core campaign pitch, saying the party had failed to deliver on its promises. “They said they were going to have a twin-engine government. Didn’t they say that in the last election? Modi had come and said now they will run a twin-engine government. But they are running a twin-slavery government. Modi has become a slave to America and the entire country is in crisis because of his policies today.” And Hemantaji was Modiji’s slave. Most importantly, they want this dual-slavery government to enslave and subjugate the people of this beautiful and self-respecting state of Assam,” she said.Priyanka urged voters to reject what she said was a politics driven by fear and self-interest. “They work for you only when they see benefit for themselves. This is not the tradition of this country. Even today, we hope that the government in Assam will not scare you, will not threaten you, will not serve its own selfish interests, but will serve you, work for you honestly, advance and strengthen your culture and civilization,” she added.She further alleged that the BJP government in Assam operates through intimidation and corruption and alleged that public resources were being misused. “It’s not just the success of one leader. The biggest thing that happens due to corruption is having your money taken away from you. This money was meant to serve you – schools, hospitals, roads, running water – but instead it was used to build palaces and enrich families,” she said.Targeting the state leadership, Priyanka claimed that “only one family is looting everything in Assam” while ordinary citizens continue to struggle. She also accused the BJP of failing to fulfill key promises, including raising wages for tea garden workers and granting scheduled tribe status to several communities. “Various tribal communities have been demanding ST status for years. The BJP had promised to give them ST status but they have not given it,” she said.She raised concerns about governance, claiming people were being forced to attend rallies. “Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Himanta are ruling the country and state with fear and threats. Our fight is to fight this fear and protect the culture and civilization of Assam,” she said.Priyanka highlighted the Congress’ commitment, outlining the welfare measures her party would implement if elected. “If you want this kind of Assam, go for the Congress government. Our first guarantee is that for women, if you want to start some small job or business, you will get Rs 50,000. Whatever scheme we provide for women, the cash will be transferred directly into the bank account of the woman,” she said.She also pledged to expand health care support. “You will get health insurance up to Rs 25 lakh. No matter what ailment you suffer from, the government provides free treatment up to Rs 25 lakh. Our government has shown this in Rajasthan,” she said.Priyanka also raised the issue of justice for Assamese singers Zubin Gargclaiming it was a legitimate public concern. “The Congress government wants justice for Zubeen Garg ji. Within 100 days, once our government is formed, we will get justice for him. Today, all local ‘Bhumiputras’ received provisional land deeds. We will provide permanent deeds to the local one million sons of the soil, not temporary ones,” she said.She denied accusations of politicizing the issue, saying: “Honestly, I don’t think something like this should be politicized. But I think when the public demands justice for someone they respect and respect, then don’t we have a responsibility as politicians to say, yes, we will do whatever it takes to get justice? How can that be politicization?”She called for political change, urging voters to envision a “new Assam”. “Lift your heads, hold your chest high and make up your mind that the new government will bring about a new Assam. Your Assam, Zubin Gargji’s dream, Assam in your hearts, everyone’s dream, the future of your children becomes bright and corruption stops,” she said. PM Modi: Congress opposes developmentMeanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hit back hard at the Congress during a rally in the state. Addressing a rally in Biswanath, he accused the party of being the “source” of corruption in independent India. “The entire country knows that the Congress Party is anti-development and has been the source of corruption in post-independence India. In Assam, the people are well aware of what the Congress Party has done. The Congress party exploits the identity, pride and security of Assam. Since Independence, it has compromised Assam’s identity for the sake of power and has repeatedly ignored the interests of Assam,” he said.He further alleged that Congress encouraged illegal infiltration for political gain. “They (Congress) have compromised on the ‘aatma’ (soul), ‘shaan’ (pride), ‘pehchan’ (identity) and ‘suraksha’ (security) of Assam,” Modi said, adding that the BJP government has taken steps to remove encroachments and protect local identity.The prime minister also reiterated the PPP’s record of governance, saying the party’s “dual-engine government” has ushered in development and stability. “Ten years of BJP rule heralds a new dawn of ‘seva’ (services) and ‘sushasan’ (good governance) in Assam,” he said.Modi further promised to take key policy steps if the BJP returns to power, including implementation of the Uniform Civil Code and protection of tribal rights under the Sixth Schedule. He also expressed confidence in being reelected for a third consecutive term in the state.The political confrontation comes as Assam is about to enter a high-stakes assembly election, with voting in all 126 constituencies scheduled for April 9 and vote counting scheduled for May 4. The contest is expected to be a head-to-head contest between the ruling National Development Alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, and the Congress party, with both sides ramping up their campaigning efforts and intensifying their attacks in the final stages.

Pakistan’s Akmal makes bold claim on Suryavanshi’s India future

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Pakistan's Akmal makes bold claim on Vaibhav Suryavanshi's India future
Kamran Akmal opens up to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

New Delhi: Teenage Indian batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is fast becoming one of the hottest topics in India cricket. The teenage batsman has been in explosive form during the tournament intense pulsed lightdelivering a performance far beyond his years. former pakistan goalkeeper Kamran Akmal I believe this is just the beginning. He feels that Sooryavanshi is ready for the international stage and will be able to represent India soon.

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“In just eight IPL games, he has already set several records – he already has 100. I think he will get a chance in the next international matches in India, after the IPL. He will be a young player in the T20 international team. He has proven himself everywhere. If he keeps performing, he will definitely get a chance,” Akmal said on Gameplan.

The meteoric rise of Sooryavanshi

Sooryavanshi’s fearless approach is striking. Even in a low-scoring game, his offensive game made a big impact. Highlighting his maturity, Akmal said: “His composure, game awareness, the way he plays – he can handle everything at such a young age. It’s remarkable… We talk more about his performance because it was a (low-scoring) match of 128. But his performance was visible because he scored 50 runs off 15 balls.”Behind his success is the strong support of his family and coaches. “His family and his father should be proud – the way he worked with him and others like the coaches who taught him in school cricket and club cricket,” Akmal noted.With the kind of performance he’s already had, expectations have skyrocketed. As Akmal concluded: “My fear is that when he turns 25, the bowlers won’t know what to do with him.”From hitting a century off just 35 balls to hitting six off the first ball of his debut, he has been attracting attention. His last batting was a 15-ball 50 against chennai super kings And chasing the small target of 128 will only add to the hustle and bustle around him.

Artemis 2 launch: Why did the United States stop its moon landing mission? Everything you need to know about your new journey

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The United States is preparing to send astronauts to the moon for the first time in more than 50 years artemis iimarking an important step in human lunar exploration after a long pause since the Apollo era.

NASA's Artemis 2 flyby mission to the moon, including the next-generation lunar rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion crew module, is located on launch pad 39B ahead of the launch of the Artemis 2 mission from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on March 31.
NASA’s Artemis 2 flyby mission to the moon, including the next-generation lunar rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion crew module, is located on launch pad 39B ahead of the launch of the Artemis 2 mission from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on March 31.

NASA’s original moon landing program, the Apollo program, ended in 1972, primarily due to budget constraints and changing political priorities.

The agency originally planned nine missions but was forced to cancel several due to financial constraints, the New York Post reported.

A month after the Apollo 12 moon landing, a top aide to then-President Richard Nixon spoke of limits on space spending. He noted that “the president says he doesn’t have enough money… and must accept funding constraints” [space] activities,” as quoted by space policy expert John Logsdon.

Also read: Who are Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen? All about Artemis 2 mission experts

NASA’s budget was soon reportedly cut by 15 percent, and the risks became even more apparent after the Apollo 13 near-disaster.

Now that the United States had “won” the space race with the Soviet Union, public and political interest declined, further weakening the incentive for costly moon missions.

When was the last mission to the moon?

The last human journey to the moon occurred during the Apollo 17 launch on December 7, 1972.

Astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmidt became the last humans to walk on the lunar surface, while Ron Evans remained in orbit.

Since then, no humans have returned to the moon.

Also read: Who are Reed Wiseman and Victor J. Glover Jr.? Meet the commanders and pilots of the Artemis 2 mission

Why is NASA going back now?

More than 50 years later, NASA passed artemis projectdriven by scientific goals and geopolitical competition.

The new push comes amid continued progress by China, which has successfully sent a robotic mission to the moon and plans to send astronauts to the moon by 2030, the New York Post reported.

The Artemis program also aims to establish a long-term human presence, including a potential lunar base.

What is Artemis II?

Artemis 2 is a planned 10-day manned mission that will send astronaut Fly around the moon without landing. The cast includes Reed Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Henson.

The mission is expected to test critical systems and pave the way for future lunar landings, currently targeted for later this decade.

If successful, Artemis 2 will mark a major milestone in humanity’s return to deep space exploration. NASA’s ultimate goal is to land astronauts on the moon again and establish a sustainable presence.