At least seven tourists were injured in a suspected terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley, located in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday. Gunfire was reported in the area, prompting an immediate response from security forces, including the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police. The popular tourist destination, accessible only on foot or horseback, was swiftly cordoned off as an operation was launched. Initial reports suggest the attack was targeted at civilians. Authorities are continuing combing operations, and the situation remains tense. The incident raises fresh concerns over security in the Valley amid the upcoming tourist season.

US Vice President JD Vance announced that India and the US have finalised the terms of reference for trade negotiations, laying the foundation for a future trade agreement. Speaking during his India visit, Vance called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "tough negotiator" and praised his leadership. The announcement comes after a temporary pause on Trump-era tariffs. Vance emphasized that the US seeks partnership, not to preach, and acknowledged Modi’s popularity, joking that his approval ratings made him jealous. The development marks a significant step forward in strengthening economic and strategic ties between the world’s two largest democracies. (PC: India Today)

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)

A tragic aircraft crash in Gujarat's Amreli district claimed the life of a trainee pilot on Tuesday. The trainer aircraft, belonging to a private aviation academy, took off from Amreli airport and crashed around 12:30 pm in the Shastri Nagar residential area. According to police, the aircraft hit a tree before crashing into an open plot and catching fire. No civilians were harmed, as the area was fortunately unoccupied. The trainee pilot was flying solo. Firefighters quickly responded to extinguish the flames. Police have registered a case of accidental death and initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash. (PC: PTI)

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, speaking at Delhi University, reinforced his criticism of judicial overreach and asserted the supremacy of Parliament. He emphasized that elected representatives are the "ultimate masters" of the Constitution, not the judiciary. Citing conflicting Supreme Court rulings on the constitutional status of the Preamble, Dhankhar questioned judicial consistency. He urged democratic discourse and accountability, warning that silence could endanger democracy. His remarks follow recent criticism from BJP leaders over perceived judicial encroachment, and a Supreme Court comment expressing concern over such accusations during a hearing on President's Rule in West Bengal.(PC:India Today)

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)

Yuvraj Singh played a key role in Abhishek Sharma's rise, says Yograj Singh, revealing the former all-rounder mentored him through tough times. Abhishek, now a Grade C BCCI contract holder, was once steered away from distractions like late-night parties and girlfriends by Yuvraj. Yograj recounted how Yuvraj identified Abhishek's talent early, despite PCA initially labeling him a bowler. He compared Abhishek’s transformation under Yuvraj’s guidance to that of Shubman Gill, crediting Yuvraj’s strict discipline and support. “A diamond in the hands of a diamond becomes Kohinoor,” Yograj said, praising Yuvraj’s influence on young cricketers.

India has declared a three-day state mourning following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. The mourning will be observed on April 22 and 23, and on the day of the Pope’s funeral. During this period, the national flag will fly at half-mast, and there will be no official entertainment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, highlighting Pope Francis’ compassion, humility, and commitment to inclusive development. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also paid tribute, remembering the Pope's efforts to build a better world. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, was elected as the 266th Pope on March 13, 2013, following Pope Benedict XVI's resignation. 

On April 21, 2025, U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to advance bilateral trade discussions. Their talks focused on finalizing a trade agreement ahead of the July expiration of President Trump's 90-day tariff pause, which threatens a 26% tariff on Indian exports. The leaders also discussed defense cooperation, energy, and critical technologies. Modi hosted Vance and his family for dinner, gifting peacock feathers to their children. This visit marks the first by a U.S. vice president to India since 2013 and sets the stage for President Trump's anticipated visit later this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the strengthening of India-Saudi Arabia relations ahead of his visit to Jeddah. Highlighting Saudi Arabia as one of India's most important strategic partners, Modi noted the evolving dimensions of this partnership in line with changing times. The two nations have identified several initiatives to elevate their close partnership to the next level, aiming to infuse new direction and energy into their relationship. The India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, established in 2019, serves as a platform to enhance cooperation in critical areas. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on a state visit to India following the G20 Summit, expressed optimism about working together to create a prosperous future for both countries. (PC: News18 & Siasat)