Pope Francis was laid to rest at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, breaking a centuries-old Vatican tradition. Over 200,000 mourners, including 54 world leaders and 12 royals, gathered to bid farewell to the first Latin American Pontiff, who died at 88. His funeral began with a solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica before his coffin was carried out to thunderous applause. Pope Francis had requested a simple tomb outside the Vatican walls. His final message, posted hours before his death, called for global peace and reminded the world, "Christ is risen! Life, not death, defines our existence." (PC: Reuters)

Cricket legend Steve Waugh believes China could become a major force in world cricket as the sport moves towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Speaking at an exclusive event at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, hosted by Manish Tiwari, Waugh said, "As soon as cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics was announced, China started building a team. They are serious about winning gold."   Waugh, who was interviewed by Manish Tiwari during the evening, explained how T20 cricket is changing the game. "T20 is massive now. It’s billions of dollars, and it’s growing every day," he said. "Test cricket will survive, but T20 will dominate. Players will soon be contracted mainly to franchises. Test matches might even need special permissions."   He also shared his thoughts on how countries like Saudi Arabia and the USA are investing heavily in cricket. "It’s exciting," Waugh said. "The game is reaching new parts of the world, and the Olympics will take it even further."   While the future of cricket was the highlight of the start of the evening, the conversation soon turned to Waugh’s deep connection with India. Manish Tiwari introduced him warmly as "Steve Da," a name given by the children at Udayan Home in Kolkata.   "When Manish called me Steve Da, it felt special," Waugh said, smiling. "India is like a second home. The people, the culture, the passion — it stays with you forever."   Waugh spoke fondly about his many trips to India, not only as a cricketer but also as a photographer and humanitarian. He described India as "the best place in the world for photography," and recalled how one of his photos from Rajasthan won a World Photography Award. "In India, you really can't take a bad photo," he joked.   The evening then moved to Waugh’s charity work, both in India and Australia. Speaking about the Steve Waugh Foundation, he shared a powerful story of a young boy who could not walk or talk but, after receiving therapy supported by the foundation, went on to win two Paralympic gold medals.   "It’s great when you see lives being changed," Waugh said. "You realize how much impact you can have by simply getting involved and giving people a chance."   Waugh also reflected on how he helped inspire other cricketers to take up charity work in India. "Back then, not many sportspeople were doing it," he said. "But I think seeing someone take the first step made others realize they could too."   The event was supported by State Bank of India (UK), Rainforest Water, Aaj Tak, and NDTV 24x7. The sponsors were later thanked by the organizers for making the special evening possible.   Manish Tiwari closed the session by saying, "Steve Waugh’s story is not just about cricket. It’s about leadership, humility, and using your fame to make a real difference."

Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakina Itoo met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand, urging immediate measures to protect Kashmiri students and business communities after rising incidents of harassment following the recent terror attack. The governor assured full cooperation, according to ANI. Meanwhile, Kashmiris across India have reported facing evictions, threats, and even physical violence in the aftermath. Many students, particularly in Haryana, have returned home fearing for their safety. Calls for urgent action have intensified as organizations highlight the need for stronger protections for Kashmiris nationwide.

Jammu and Kashmir leader Omar Abdullah has firmly rejected Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer for a "neutral and transparent" investigation into the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. Abdullah criticized Pakistan’s initial reaction, highlighting that Islamabad first denied the incident and even accused India of fabricating the attack. He questioned the credibility of Pakistan’s sudden change of stance and dismissed the probe proposal as insincere. The Pahalgam attack has significantly worsened India-Pakistan relations, triggering diplomatic expulsions and the suspension of key treaties amid growing accusations over cross-border terrorism.(PC: India Today)

Ahead of local elections, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer addressed concerns about a rift within the party regarding trans rights. The issue arose when her fellow co-leader, Adrian Ramsay, declined to affirm the statement "trans women are women." Denyer emphasized that the Green Party's policy is clear and inclusive, stating "trans women are women, trans men are men, and non-binary identities exist and are valid." She also clarified that despite their different ways of expressing themselves, Ramsay and she are united in their commitment to advocating for trans and women’s rights. (PC: PA)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump met for a 15-minute discussion inside St. Peter's Basilica before Pope Francis' funeral. The White House called the meeting "very productive," while Zelensky later described it as "very symbolic," with the potential to be historic. The meeting occurred after Trump claimed Russia and Ukraine were "close to a deal." This marked their first encounter since a tense February meeting at the White House. Zelensky shared the meeting was constructive, emphasizing the importance of achieving joint results for peace. (PC: Telegram)  

Following the deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 people, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese, Pakistani citizens have condemned the violence while stressing the need to "spare common people." Many Pakistani voices called for a distinction between militants and innocent civilians in the ongoing conflict. As tensions rise, India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty and expelled Pakistani defense officials, while Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian flights. The situation remains volatile, with both nations engaged in a diplomatic standoff. (PC: PTI)

US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky came face-to-face at the Vatican on Saturday ahead of Pope Francis' funeral, weeks after a public spat in Washington DC. Their private meeting, described as "very productive" by the White House, was their first since Zelensky sought US security guarantees amid the Ukraine conflict — a move Trump criticized as "gambling with World War III." Trump and First Lady Melania attended the funeral alongside world leaders. A Ukrainian official confirmed the leaders plan another meeting soon, signaling a possible thaw in tensions. (PC: Andriy Yermak/Telegram)

On April 26, 2025, Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged gunfire for the second day in a row along the Line of Control in Kashmir. The clashes followed a deadly attack on April 22 that left 26 tourists dead in Kashmir, which India attributes to militants linked to Pakistan. The Indian Army reported unprovoked fire from Pakistani posts, though no casualties were reported on the Indian side. In response to the attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani defense personnel, and Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian flights, escalating tensions between the two nations. (PC: Reuters)  

On April 26, 2025, a devastating explosion occurred at a firecracker manufacturing unit in the Sattur area of Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu. The blast resulted in the deaths of two workers and left three others injured. The explosion is suspected to have originated during the chemical mixing process, a critical stage in firecracker production. The impact of the blast was so severe that it flattened several rooms within the facility. Emergency response teams, including local police and fire services, swiftly arrived at the scene to assist the injured and initiate rescue operations. The injured were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to assess compliance with safety regulations at the facility. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety standards in the firecracker manufacturing industry in Tamil Nadu, which has experienced similar tragedies in the past. (PC: ANI)