Pooja Yadav, a 20-year-old from Gangapur village in Varanasi, has become the first woman from Benaras to join the Indian women's hockey team. Her journey began when her father, Mahendra Yadav, a milkman and farmer secured her first pair of hockey shoes by delivering milk to the shopkeeper until the cost was covered. Pooja's early days involved playing cricket with boys, fostering her belief in gender equality in sports. Despite societal skepticism, her family's unwavering support propelled her forward. After joining the SAI hostel in Lucknow five years ago, Pooja honed her skills, leading to her national selection. Her achievement has inspired pride in her village and hopes to encourage more girls to pursue sports. (PC: Social News XYZ)

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha and their three children, visited Jaipur's historic Amber Fort on Tuesday morning. The family received a traditional Rajasthani welcome, featuring folk dances and decorated elephants. They are staying at the Rambagh Palace hotel. Later today, Vance is scheduled to deliver a lecture on U.S.-India relations at the Rajasthan International Centre. Their itinerary includes a visit to Agra on Wednesday morning, followed by a return to Jaipur to tour the City Palace. Earlier, the family explored Delhi's Akshardham Temple and the Central Cottage Industries Emporium. Vance expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's hospitality, describing him as a "great leader" and emphasizing the importance of strengthening U.S.-India ties.

FBI Director Kash Patel affirmed that "justice will be done" following the arrest of Harpreet Singh, an Indian-origin terrorist apprehended in the U.S. Singh, associated with the Khalistan movement, was detained for his involvement in violent activities targeting Indian interests. Patel emphasized the FBI's commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring perpetrators face consequences. He highlighted the agency's dedication to upholding justice and protecting communities from threats. The arrest underscores the FBI's ongoing efforts to address international terrorism and maintain national security. Patel's statement reinforces the bureau's resolve to pursue justice and safeguard the nation against extremist actions. The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to assess Singh's activities and affiliations. (PC: Wikipedia)

India's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is reshaping the IT hardware landscape, attracting global giants like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Acer to manufacture laptops domestically. The initiative offers 4-6% cash incentives on incremental sales, aiming to reduce reliance on Chinese imports, which accounted for over $9 billion in 2023/24. The government has approved incentives for 27 IT hardware manufacturers, targeting $42 billion in production. Local firms like Dixon Technologies plan to meet 15% of domestic laptop demand by FY26. An import management system requires companies to register laptop and tablet imports, signaling a push towards self-reliance and bolstering India's position in the global electronics market. (PC: Vecteezy)

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.

In November 2024, Pope Francis met a nine-member delegation from Kerala's Sivagiri Mutt at the Vatican during an all-religion conference commemorating the centenary of Sree Narayana Guru’s first All Religions’ Conference. The Pope expressed eagerness to visit the mutt in 2026, donning a yellow shawl inscribed with Narayana Guru’s teachings and engaging deeply with the swamis. However, his passing has left this wish unfulfilled. Swami Rithambarananda recalled the Pope's warmth and interest in Indian culture. The Sivagiri Mutt plans to extend a fresh invitation to his successor. Kerala's Christian community mourns the Pope's demise, remembering his respect for Indian traditions. (PC: Travelsetu & The Telegraph)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia on April 22, 2025, marked a significant enhancement in bilateral relations. Co-chairing the inaugural Strategic Partnership Council meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, both leaders signed eight agreements spanning energy, digitalization, desalination, and anti-corruption. They reaffirmed a $100 billion investment commitment, including $50 billion for the West Coast Refinery project. New collaborations were identified in space, semiconductors, and fintech, with plans to implement UPI and RuPay in Saudi Arabia. Discussions also covered regional issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict and maritime security. The leaders endorsed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, aiming to boost connectivity and economic growth across regions. (PC: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR)

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)

Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, the Vatican has entered the traditional nine-day mourning period, Novendiale. The papacy is now vacant, and a Conclave will soon be held to elect the next Pope. Of the 252 Cardinals in the College, 135 are eligible to vote, including four from India. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis from Kerala, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao from Goa, Cardinal George Koovakad from Kerala, and Cardinal Anthony Poola from Andhra Pradesh will represent India. Cardinals Oswald Gracias (Mumbai) and George Alencherry (Kerala), both over 80, are ineligible. Over a billion faithful await their next spiritual leader. (PC: Diocesan Family Service Centre Goa/Malankaratvm/Archdiocese of Hyderabad/National Catholic Register)

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)