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Cardinal Kevin Farrell announces Pope Francis' death and assumes the role of camerlengo, the acting head of the Vatican during the transition. As camerlengo, he verifies the pope's death, destroys the fisherman’s ring, and oversees preparations for the conclave to elect a new pope. Appointed auxiliary bishop of Washington by Pope John Paul II in 2001, Farrell later becomes bishop of Dallas in 2007, serving key leadership roles in the Church.
Monday, 21 April, 2025
At least 26 tourists are killed in a deadly terror attack in Kashmir, India, after armed men open fire near Baisaran meadow, close to Pahalgam. According to police and eyewitnesses, attackers target non-Muslims, asking victims to recite the ‘kalma’ and checking for circumcision. A group called Kashmir Resistance claims responsibility, citing anger over the settlement of 85,000 “outsiders”. Indian agencies link the group to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif, with a news with Sky News, said that “Pakistan has been doing this dirty work for U.S., West & UK for 3 decades”.
Tuesday, 22 April, 2025
The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) reports that 84% of the world’s coral reefs are now experiencing harmful bleaching, marking the most widespread bleaching event in recorded history. This is the fourth global bleaching event since 1998 and has surpassed the 2014–2017 event, which affected two-thirds of reefs. Driven by record ocean warming, the crisis began in 2023 and shows no signs of stopping. Experts warn this could permanently alter marine ecosystems and threaten oceanic livelihoods worldwide.
Wednesday, 23 April, 2025
India takes seven strong measures against Pakistan following the terror attack in Pahalgam that kills 26. It suspends the Indus Waters Treaty, closes the Attari check post, and cancels SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme visas for Pakistanis. Defence advisors in both High Commissions are withdrawn, and staff strength is reduced. Visa services for Pakistanis are suspended, with orders to leave by April 27. The BSF scales down retreat ceremonies, halting symbolic handshakes at Punjab border posts.
Thursday, 24 April, 2025
Germany forecasts zero economic growth in 2025, blaming U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs for worsening its downturn. Outgoing Economy Minister Robert Habeck says the U.S. trade policy is hitting Germany harder than other nations, hurting key sectors like automobiles and pharmaceuticals. After two years of contraction, Germany faces a third year of stagnation. Meanwhile, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel warns that a slight recession cannot be ruled out, citing ongoing global uncertainties.
Friday, 25 April, 2025