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NASA's Artemis II mission is set to send astronauts around the moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972. Analysts note the half-century gap stems from shifting political priorities, shrinking budgets, the costly Space Shuttle and station programs, and scrapped return programs like Constellation. The mission marks a renewed push toward sustained lunar exploration under the Artemis program.

Italy's parliament has approved a move toward restarting nuclear power, reversing a stance the country has held since abandoning nuclear energy after referendums following the Chernobyl disaster. The vote opens the way for new nuclear technology, including small modular reactors, as Italy seeks stable low-carbon energy supplies. Supporters frame it as energy security and climate policy; critics recall Italy's long-standing public opposition to nuclear power.

SpaceX has launched its Starship rocket toward orbit, a test flight with major stakes for the company's ambitions in deep space and for NASA's plans to return astronauts to the Moon. The launch is drawing wide attention across the US and UK, with commentators focusing on how much rides on the vehicle's success.

Haze has returned to Singapore, with the National Environment Agency issuing situation updates as air quality slipped back into the unhealthy range overnight. Reports say two regions of the island recorded unhealthy readings, prompting residents to check Pollutant Standards Index levels and health advisories. The deterioration is typically linked to smoke drifting from regional forest and land fires, and officials are monitoring conditions closely.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly weighing uncertain security arrangements as the world marks the anniversary of Princess Diana's death. Harry has long sought police protection while visiting the UK, a dispute that remains unresolved, making any return trip complicated. The timing draws renewed attention to Diana's legacy and her sons' complicated relationship with royal security arrangements.

The core stage rocket for NASA's upcoming Artemis III mission has arrived at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking a key step in preparations for the crewed lunar landing. The Artemis III mission aims to return astronauts to the moon's surface, and delivery of the core stage allows engineers to begin stacking and integration work ahead of launch.

Federal Reserve official Michael Barr said further interest rate increases are likely needed to bring inflation back to the central bank's target. The comments signal that policymakers remain cautious about declaring victory over price pressures, and markets and analysts are weighing what a longer tightening path would mean for borrowing costs and the economy.

South Africa and Australia are contesting an ODI series, with the Proteas claiming a series-clinching win after David Miller and Temba Bavuma struck centuries in a high-scoring match. Australia earlier posted 322 on fifties from Alex Carey and Mitchell Marsh, while Pat Cummins returned to the side. Cricket fans across India, the UK, the US and Australia are closely following the contest.

Diplomacy between the United States and Iran has resumed, but the two sides are projecting very different messages. American officials struck a confident tone, declaring 'we're going to win', while Iranian representatives described the negotiations as 'more serious'. The contrasting rhetoric highlights continued distrust even as both governments return to the table, leaving observers uncertain whether the talks can produce a breakthrough.

President Trump is calling on Congress to cut short its recess and return to Washington to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security, according to the White House. The appeal comes as the government shutdown continues, leaving the department partially unfunded and intensifying pressure on lawmakers to reach a deal.

The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time in several years, a shift in monetary policy that affects borrowing costs across the economy. Coverage is focused on what the move means for everyday finances, including credit card bills, mortgage rates, savings returns and loan payments.

SpaceX's Starship, the largest rocket ever built, is preparing for its first orbital test flight. The mission marks a major milestone for Elon Musk's company and for NASA's plans to return astronauts to the Moon. A successful launch would demonstrate capabilities no current rocket possesses, though the trial carries significant risk of failure.

Donald Trump said negotiations between the United States and Iran will resume next week, adding that Tehran had 'overplayed their hand'. The remark suggests he believes Iran is negotiating from a weakened position as the two sides return to the table.

Iran has put forward a new proposal offering a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping chokepoint for much of the world's oil. The pitch has drawn attention across regional and international outlets, with analysts weighing what Tehran wants in return and how the United States and Gulf states might respond. Details of the proposed terms remain limited, but the move signals an attempt to de-escalate tensions over the vital waterway.

The Pope called on Europe to return to the path of dialogue rather than military buildup, saying this is the only way to end what he described as a 'senseless slaughter'. His remarks push back against rising rearmament across the continent and argue that diplomacy, not arms, offers a real route to peace.

A federal judge has temporarily paused the Trump administration's media ban, allowing CNN journalists back into the White House press areas. The ruling interrupts the administration's effort to restrict certain outlets' access, and the network returned to cover events in the building. The case is being closely watched as part of broader legal fights over press access to the administration.

Venezuela's president has returned from a visit to the United States without securing any agreements and without announcing a firm date for the country's elections, according to Reuters. The outcome leaves open questions about Venezuela's political timeline and its relations with Washington, and is drawing attention as observers watch for movement on both diplomatic and electoral fronts.

SpaceX has launched its enormous Starship into orbit for the first time, successfully delivering the newest and most advanced Starlink satellites yet. However, flight controllers brought the spacecraft back to Earth early on Monday rather than completing six full laps around the planet as planned. The milestone flight is being closely watched as a major step for the rocket programme.

US national security adviser Mike Waltz says a rejected nuclear proposal showed Iran wanted sanctions relief up front while offering little in return. Iranian officials dispute that account, insisting their counterproposals were balanced. The disagreement highlights the widening gap between Washington and Tehran as diplomacy stalls over sequencing of concessions.

SpaceX launched its Starship spacecraft on a crucial orbital test flight, a mission widely described as make-or-break for the company's next-generation rocket program. The test is a key step in SpaceX's efforts to prove the vehicle can reach orbit and eventually support deep-space missions, including NASA's plans to return humans to the Moon.

Iranian children are returning to school while the country remains under the shadow of war. The start of the academic year comes against the backdrop of ongoing regional conflict, raising questions about how students, families and teachers are coping with the situation and what conditions await pupils in classrooms this year.

SpaceX's Starship, the most powerful spacecraft ever built, is preparing for a launch that would attempt to reach Earth orbit for the first time. A successful flight would mark a major milestone for the rocket program, which is central to SpaceX's ambitions for deep space travel and NASA's plans to return astronauts to the Moon.

Italy has approved a law allowing the country to produce nuclear energy again, reversing a ban in place for nearly four decades. The move ends a prohibition dating back to referendums after the 1987 vote, and opens the way for new reactors as Italy seeks reliable, low-carbon power and reduced dependence on imported energy.

Crowds of Venezuelans have taken to the streets demanding the return of an exiled opposition leader and fresh presidential elections. Demonstrators are calling for an end to the current government's hold on power and for the results of the disputed 2024 presidential vote to be respected. The rallies reflect continued public anger over the political and economic crisis, with opposition figures urging supporters to keep pressure on authorities despite the risk of arrest and repression.