In a shocking incident on Tuesday, terrorists attacked a group of tourists in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. Initial reports confirm that at least five people have sustained injuries. The assault occurred in a remote area, making it difficult for security forces to reach the site promptly. Authorities are working to secure the area and evacuate the injured. Additional forces have been deployed, and the situation remains tense. The identities and nationalities of the injured tourists have not been disclosed yet. A search operation is underway to trace the attackers and secure the region. (PC: PTI)

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’s funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 local time in St Peter’s Square. The service will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and held outdoors in front of St Peter’s Basilica. Images released by the Vatican show Pope Francis lying in an open coffin, dressed in a red robe with a papal mitre and rosary. His body will be moved to St Mary Major for burial after the funeral. Numerous world leaders, including Trump, Macron, and Zelensky, have confirmed their attendance to pay respects to the late Pontiff. (PC: Reuters)

On April 21, 2025, a Delta Air Lines Airbus A330 scheduled to fly from Orlando to Atlanta caught fire during pushback at Orlando International Airport. The fire originated from the tailpipe of one engine, prompting the crew to initiate an emergency evacuation. All 282 passengers and 12 crew members safely exited the aircraft using emergency slides, with no injuries reported. Airport firefighters quickly extinguished the flames. Delta Airlines apologized for the incident, emphasizing passenger safety, and arranged an alternative flight for the affected travelers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the cause of the engine fire. This event adds to recent aviation safety concerns in the U.S.

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to stop a federal freeze on over $2.2 billion in grants. The university's president, Alan Garber, stated that the government's actions followed Harvard's refusal to comply with what it deems illegal demands. The lawsuit targets multiple agencies, including the Departments of Education, Health, Justice, Energy, and the General Services Administration. The Trump administration justifies the funding freeze as a response to alleged anti-Semitism on campuses, particularly related to protests against Israel's actions in Gaza. Harvard contends that there is no rational link between these concerns and the halted research funding, asserting that the government's actions are unlawful and overreach its authority. (PC: CNN & Reuters)

Pope Francis, the revered leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Monday morning at the age of 88 due to a stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure, the Vatican said in an official statement. The pontiff reportedly slipped into a coma before passing. In his final testament, also released by the Vatican, Pope Francis requested a simple burial at Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major, without ornate decorations. Unlike many previous popes buried at St. Peter’s Basilica, he asked only for his papal name, “Franciscus,” to be inscribed in Latin. His legacy of humility and compassion endures worldwide. (PC: Reuters)

In a surprising development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to hold direct peace talks with Ukraine for the first time since the war began in 2022, according to Russian state TV. Following a 30-hour Easter ceasefire, which he announced unilaterally, Putin said Moscow remains open to more ceasefires and peace initiatives. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that bilateral negotiations are on the table. Ukraine, meanwhile, has not responded directly to the offer but will attend peace talks in London with Western allies. Russia’s defence ministry claims Ukraine carried out 900 drone attacks during the truce, causing civilian casualties. (PC: AP)

The sudden death of Pope Francis during Easter has left the world in mourning, sparking global interest in the centuries-old tradition of the papal conclave. Coincidentally, Ralph Fiennes’ 2024 film 'Conclave'—which portrays a tense papal election following a pope’s death—has gained renewed relevance. Directed by Edward Berger, the film explores power struggles, ideological rifts, and spiritual dilemmas behind closed Vatican doors. As the real-life Sacred College of Cardinals prepares to elect a new pope, Conclave mirrors the Church’s internal complexities and the high stakes of its future. Art and reality intertwine at a historic moment for Catholicism.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, confirmed by the Vatican. Jorge Bergoglio, who became Pope in 2013, dedicated his life to promoting interfaith relations, environmental protection, and peace, notably calling for an end to the Gaza conflict. Following his death, thousands have gathered in St. Peter’s Square to mourn his loss and honor his legacy of compassion and service. A prayer service led by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti will take place in the square tonight to pay tribute to the beloved pope. (PC: BBC)

Efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine continue to fail, with the latest "Easter truce" collapsing within 30 hours. Despite calls from the US and President Zelensky's willingness to extend calm periods, mistrust rooted in years of broken agreements persists. Since Russia's 2014 invasion of Crimea, over 25 ceasefire deals have been violated. Key truces, including the Minsk accords, have failed almost immediately. Experts largely blame Russia for insincerity, while Ukraine also faces scrutiny. With ongoing fighting and no agreement in sight, peace remains elusive. Russia insists any ceasefire must resolve its original demands, including Ukraine’s demilitarisation. (PC: Reuters)

King Charles and Queen Camilla said they have “heavy hearts” after the death of Pope Francis at age 88. In a statement, the King said they were “deeply saddened” but felt comforted that the Pope was able to share an Easter message before he died. “He will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church, and his tireless commitment to people of faith,” the King said. The King and Queen met the Pope in Rome earlier this month. “We were greatly moved to have been able to visit him,” the King added. (PC: Getty)