On a Tuesday afternoon in Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley, newlyweds Shubham Dwivedi and Aishanya Pandey rented horses to view the scenic landscape. Tragically, Dwivedi was among 26 people killed by militants who attacked sightseers near Pahalgam, marking one of the worst civilian attacks in decades. Despite efforts to stabilize the region, Kashmir remains vulnerable to violence. The massacre left 17 injured and highlighted the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and horror, with victims pleading for their lives amidst the bloodshed. Penelope Kingsley 24/04/2025 2:00 am
Following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, India, which killed 26 tourists, India has closed its border with Pakistan, downgraded diplomatic ties, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty. The treaty, crucial for water distribution between the two nations, will remain suspended until Pakistan ceases support for cross-border terrorism. India has also restricted Pakistani nationals’ entry and is expelling military advisers. Pakistan denies involvement in the attack, attributing it to India’s internal issues. Tensions over the disputed Kashmir region, claimed by both countries, continue to escalate. Ava Sinclair 24/04/2025 2:00 am
Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized China’s commitment to climate action while subtly criticizing Donald Trump’s protectionist policies during a virtual meeting with global leaders. Xi highlighted China’s advancements in renewable energy and criticized unilateralism impacting international order. UN Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres echoed the sentiment, asserting that no government could hinder the clean energy transition. The meeting, which excluded the US, underscored China’s strategic positioning as a stable global leader amid US-China trade tensions. China’s control over critical clean energy materials was also noted. Ava Sinclair 24/04/2025 2:00 am
Mourners are paying respects to Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 after a stroke and pneumonia. His body was moved from his Vatican residence to St Peter’s Basilica for a funeral on Saturday. An open coffin procession through St Peter’s Square drew 20,000 pilgrims, with applause and tolling bells marking respect. The Pope, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church, served for 12 years. His body will lie in state until Friday evening, with public viewing starting Wednesday. Visitors, including honeymooners from Mexico, expressed their connection and admiration. Penelope Kingsley 23/04/2025 10:30 pm
A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul and surrounding areas, causing widespread panic but no serious damage. Over 150 people were hospitalized with injuries from fleeing buildings. The quake’s epicenter was in the Sea of Marmara, 40 km southwest of Istanbul, and was felt in nearby provinces and Izmir. Several aftershocks followed, including one of 5.3 magnitude. The incident occurred during a public holiday, prompting the disaster agency to advise residents to avoid buildings. Injuries were mostly from people jumping from heights, but none were life-threatening. Penelope Kingsley 23/04/2025 10:30 pm
Political parties are expected to be informed that trans women cannot be on women-only shortlists, but trans men can, following a Supreme Court ruling defining women by biological sex under equalities law. The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is anticipated to update guidance on this issue. Previously, trans women with a Gender Recognition Certificate could access these shortlists, but the ruling clarifies they are only for those born female. Labour has suspended all-women shortlists for the 2024 election due to having more female MPs. Penelope Kingsley 23/04/2025 10:30 pm
French PM François Bayrou is shocked by his daughter HĂ©lène Perlant’s revelation of abuse at Notre-Dame de BĂ©tharram, a scandal-hit Catholic school. Perlant, now 53, alleges a priest beat her at 14. The school, in Bayrou’s political stronghold, has faced abuse allegations spanning decades. Bayrou, who was an MP and education minister, denies knowing about the abuse. Perlant remained silent for 30 years, citing the school’s oppressive environment. Bayrou is set to appear before a parliamentary inquiry. Ava Sinclair 23/04/2025 7:00 pm
Pope Francis, who passed away at 88, is lying in state at St Peter’s Basilica until Friday, with tens of thousands paying respects ahead of his Saturday funeral. The funeral mass, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, will occur at 10 am in St Peter’s Square. World leaders, including Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, and Volodymyr Zelensky, will attend. Pope Francis showed signs of illness before passing, following a hospitalization for double pneumonia earlier this year. Public viewings continue until Friday evening. Noah Prescott 23/04/2025 7:00 pm
In Israel, Barak Tzach, a father of four, died after a shark attack while snorkeling in a Mediterranean area known for its shark presence. Despite swimming bans, people frequently enter the waters, often interacting with the sharks. Tzach’s wife stated he was documenting, not disturbing, the sharks when attacked. Authorities have condemned such interactions and urged separation between people and sharks. This incident marks only the third recorded shark attack in Israel, according to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. Noah Prescott 23/04/2025 7:00 pm
From April 23, Pope Francis’ body will be displayed in St. Peter’s Basilica for public veneration until April 25. To preserve his body, the technique of thanatopraxis, a modern, less invasive form of embalming, is used. This method maintains the natural appearance of the deceased for several days, allowing Catholics to pay their respects. Unlike traditional embalming, thanatopraxis involves injecting preservative fluids and applying corrective makeup without removing internal organs. Pope Francis chose a simple zinc coffin, avoiding the traditional triple coffin, for his display. Penelope Kingsley 23/04/2025 3:30 pm
