Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, passed away at 88 after battling double pneumonia. Just a day before his death, he greeted Easter worshippers in St. Peter’s Square. Global leaders mourned his passing, highlighting his humility and dedication to the marginalized. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni called him “a great shepherd,” while Argentina's President Javier Milei acknowledged his efforts in interfaith dialogue. European Commission's Ursula von der Leyen praised his commitment to peace. U.S. leaders, including President Trump and VP JD Vance, offered condolences. Russia's President Putin noted his role in bridging Orthodox-Catholic relations. India's PM Modi remembered him as a beacon of compassion. Spain declared three days of mourning. (PC: Reuters)

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, died at 88 on April 21, 2025, following a battle with double pneumonia. Elected in 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio's papacy was marked by humility and reform. He chose modest living quarters over traditional papal apartments, emphasizing care for the poor. Facing internal Church scandals and bureaucracy, he aimed to restore order but encountered criticism from both conservatives and progressives. Francis championed interfaith dialogue and supported marginalized groups, including migrants. His tenure overlapped with predecessor Benedict XVI until 2022. By appointing nearly 80% of future papal electors, his influence is poised to shape the Church's direction. His legacy intertwines reform, resistance, and global admiration. (PC: Reuters)

Just hours after a 30-hour "Easter truce" declared by President Putin expired, Ukraine reported renewed Russian drone and missile strikes across several regions, including Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Air raid alerts were issued and explosions were heard, though no casualties have been confirmed. Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized the ceasefire as a "PR stunt," citing over 1,800 violations during the truce. Russia denies the claims, saying it observed the ceasefire. The brief pause in hostilities was seen by many as symbolic. The U.S. continues to urge a lasting peace, despite skepticism about Putin’s intentions and ongoing military aggression. (PC: Reuters)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia broke its 30-hour Easter truce more than 2,000 times. He claimed there were 67 attacks, over 1,300 shellings, and 673 drone strikes. In response, Zelenskyy offered a deal: Ukraine would pause long-range missile strikes on civilian sites for 30 days, if Russia agrees. He said if Russia refuses, it proves they want to keep the war going. The UK confirmed RAF jets stopped Russian planes near NATO airspace. The US welcomed a truce extension, but Russia hasn’t agreed. Many fear the ceasefire was just a show with no real effort for peace. (PC: Reuters)

A fire early Easter morning killed three men and hurt four others in Queens, New York City. The fire broke out around 1:40 am at a home on Chevy Chase Street in Jamaica Estates. The men who died were aged 45, 52, and 67. Three injured people were taken to Jamaica Hospital and one to Queens Hospital. One person is in critical condition. Firefighters quickly reached the scene and put out the flames. FDNY called it a tragic day. The cause of the fire is still under probe. Names of the victims have not been shared yet. (PC: FDNYFC/X)

Ukraine and Russia traded accusations over breaking a 30-hour Easter truce initiated by Russian President Putin. Ukrainian President Zelensky claimed over 46 Russian assaults since Sunday, while Russia's defense ministry reported repelling Ukrainian attacks. The truce, from 16:00 BST Saturday to midnight Sunday, was intended to cease hostilities, but both sides accused each other of violating it. Zelensky called Putin's announcement a "PR exercise," while Russia maintained it upheld the ceasefire. The conflict, ongoing since February 2022, has led to devastating casualties on both sides. (PC: Reuters)

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) admitted that an “operational misunderstanding” and breach of orders led to the deaths of 15 emergency workers in Gaza on March 23. An internal inquiry found that IDF troops mistakenly fired on a convoy of ambulances, a UN vehicle, and a fire truck, suspecting hostile activity in low-visibility conditions. Video evidence later disproved the IDF’s claim that the vehicles lacked emergency lights. A deputy commander was dismissed for an inaccurate debrief, and another officer was disciplined. The incident has sparked calls for an independent probe from the Red Crescent and global humanitarian agencies. (PC: BBC)

The British royal family attended the annual Easter Sunday service at St George's Chapel, Windsor, on April 20. King Charles III and Queen Camilla led the gathering, joined by Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Prince Andrew, marking his second consecutive Easter appearance after stepping back from public duties. Absent were Prince William and Princess Kate, who chose to spend the holiday privately with their children in Norfolk. The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, led the sermon in place of Justin Welby. Crowds cheered as the royals exited, with children presenting flowers to Queen Camilla. (PC: AP)

On April 20, 2025, Kheal Das Kohistani, Pakistan's Hindu Minister for Religious Affairs, was attacked in Sindh's Thatta district during protests against government irrigation canal projects. Protesters hurled potatoes and tomatoes at his motorcade; Kohistani remained unharmed. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the assault, labeling it "unacceptable" and pledged a thorough investigation. Sindh's Chief Minister also demanded the arrest of those responsible. The incident highlights escalating tensions in Sindh, a province with a significant Hindu minority, amidst growing unrest over infrastructure initiatives. (PC: Facebook)

Chinese researchers have developed a hydrogen-based explosive that produces a fireball lasting over two seconds—15 times longer than a TNT blast—without using nuclear materials. The 2-kilogram device, tested by the 705 Research Institute under China State Shipbuilding Corporation, reached temperatures exceeding 1,000°C. Its prolonged thermal effect is attributed to magnesium hydride, a solid-state hydrogen storage material that releases hydrogen gas upon heating, sustaining combustion. Although its blast force is about 40% of TNT's, the weapon exhibits a significantly greater thermal damage radius, capable of melting materials like aluminium alloys. Potential applications include covering wide areas with intense heat or targeting high-value assets, though specific military deployment plans remain unspecified. (PC: Sciencing & The Indian Express)