India will observe a three-day state mourning following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88 due to complications from double pneumonia, the Vatican confirmed. As a mark of respect, the national flag will fly at half-mast from April 22-23 and on the day of the Pope's funeral. Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, was known for his humility, compassion, and global influence during his 12-year papacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute, recalling their meeting and the Pope’s message of peace and inclusion. Official entertainment is suspended during the mourning period.( PC: Getty)

Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has approached a Delhi court seeking permission to communicate with his family. The court has issued a notice to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for its response. Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman, was extradited from the US to India on April 20 after a prolonged legal process. He is currently in 18-day NIA custody and under CCTV surveillance. Investigators are focusing on his role in the 2008 attacks, his ties to Pakistan’s ISI, and his connection with Lashkar-e-Taiba and co-accused David Headley. The case resumes on April 23. (PC: News18)

Disturbing messages have surfaced allegedly sent by Pallavi, wife of former Karnataka DGP Om Prakash, before his murder. In the messages, she claimed she was “poisoned” and “held hostage,” and believed she was constantly being watched. Pallavi is the prime accused in the murder of her husband, who was found stabbed at their home. The messages suggest she may have been suffering from mental distress and paranoia leading up to the crime. Police are investigating both her psychological state and the circumstances of the killing. The case has shocked the state and drawn widespread attention. (PC: India Today)

A Reddit user recently shared a disheartening experience aboard an Indian train, highlighting the poor maintenance and cleanliness of the coach. The user posted images showing littered floors and unclean conditions, expressing frustration over the state of public transport. This post sparked a broader discussion on social media about the lack of civic sense among passengers and the challenges faced by Indian Railways in maintaining hygiene standards. Many users echoed similar sentiments, sharing their own experiences and calling for greater accountability and awareness. The incident underscores the ongoing issues within the railway system and the need for collective responsibility to ensure better travel experiences. 

Former Karnataka DGP Om Prakash, 68, was found murdered at his residence in Bengaluru's HSR Layout on Sunday. The retired IPS officer, who served as DGP from 2015 to 2017, was allegedly stabbed multiple times. His wife, Pallavi, and daughter are being questioned by police, although no arrests have been made. Authorities recovered the murder weapon and confirmed a 112 call was made before the police arrived. Sources say Pallavi confessed to another retired officer’s wife. The motive remains unclear, but investigators suspect domestic discord played a role. Om Prakash hailed from Champaran, Bihar, and had a distinguished policing career. (PC: News18)

Meenakshi Raghavan, 82, affectionately known as Meenakshi Amma, is the oldest known female practitioner and teacher of Kalaripayattu, India’s ancient martial art. Based in Vadakara, Kerala, she trains around 50 students daily at her Kalari school, founded by her husband in 1950. Amma began learning at age seven and has been a beacon of discipline, resilience, and empowerment ever since. Despite her age, she performs, teaches, and inspires students across Kerala, many of whom have gone on to open their own schools. She hopes to one day pass the torch to her eldest son, Sanjeev. (PC: Meenakshi Raghavan)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed frustration over a flight diversion at Delhi airport, criticizing the lack of communication and transparency from airport authorities. His Air India flight, en route from Srinagar to Delhi, was diverted to Jaipur due to fog. Abdullah stated he was not informed about the diversion until after landing in Jaipur. He voiced his dissatisfaction on social media, highlighting the inconvenience caused and the absence of timely updates from the airline and airport officials. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about passenger communication during flight disruptions in India.(PC: X/@OmarAbdullah)

Rakhaldas Banerjee, a brilliant yet controversial Indian archaeologist, discovered the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro in the early 1900s, revealing the vast Indus Valley Civilisation. Working under British colonial rule with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), his contributions were downplayed, with ASI chief John Marshall allegedly taking credit. Known for his bold independence and clashes with authority, Banerjee faced financial scrutiny and a false idol theft accusation, leading to his resignation in 1927. Despite these setbacks, he later taught at Banaras Hindu University. Banerjee died in 1930 at age 45, his pivotal role in Indian history still largely forgotten. (PC: Getty Images)  

On April 19, 2025, a multi-storey building in Delhi's Mustafabad area collapsed, leaving at least four people dead. Over 12 individuals are still trapped under the rubble, and rescue operations are being led by agencies including NDRF, DDMA, and Delhi Fire Services. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has called for an immediate investigation into the incident, pledging strict action against those responsible. The collapse, which occurred early in the morning, has also seen 14 people rescued, while the search continues for survivors amidst the rubble. (PC: Deccan Herald)

A four-storey building collapsed in Delhi’s Mustafabad on April 19, 2025, killing at least four people and trapping several others under the rubble. The collapse occurred in the early morning hours, with local authorities and rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Delhi Fire Services, working to free those trapped. So far, 14 individuals have been rescued, with 8–10 people still feared to be trapped. The incident is believed to have been caused by heavy rain and thunderstorms the previous night. Authorities are investigating possible structural violations. (PC: The Hindu)