Pope Francis has died at 88. Remembered for his humility and reforms, he led the Catholic Church with compassion. Tributes flow globally as the Vatican and believers mourn his passing. His legacy of inclusivity and justice will endure.

Pope Francis Dies at 88, Vatican Confirms

The Vatican announces the death of Pope Francis at 88. Known for progressive reforms and his compassionate leadership, his passing marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church and its followers. Tributes honor his lasting influence.

Pope Francis has passed away at 88, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and reform within the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis, an energetic reformer who inspired widespread devotion from Catholics but riled traditionalists, died on Monday aged 88.
The Argentine pontiff, leader of the Catholic Church since March 2013, spent 38 days being treated for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli hospital before seeming to recover and leaving the facility on March 23.
His death came just a day after he delighted the crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter's Basilica.
"Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.
"This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.
"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church."
His death sets in motion centuries-old traditions that will culminate in the gathering of a conclave of cardinals to choose a successor.
In the meantime, the day-to-day running of the tiny Vatican City state will be handled by the camerlengo, a senior cardinal, currently Dublin-born Kevin Farrell.
 - 'Humble pastor' -
Francis, whose real name was Jorge Bergoglio, was the first Jesuit to lead the world's almost 1.4 billion Catholics and the first from the Americas.
He took over after Benedict XVI became the first pontiff since the Middle Ages to step down -- and cut a sharply different figure from the German theologian.
A football-loving former archbishop of Buenos Aires who was often happiest among his flock, Francis sought to forge a more open and compassionate church.
He strongly defended social justice, the rights of migrants and the environment, while also pushing through governance reforms and tackling the scourge of clerical sex abuse of children.
But critics accused him of creating doctrinal confusion and failing to defend traditional Catholic beliefs on key issues such as abortion and divorce.
Francis's desire to chart a different path was evident right to the end, with his decision to be buried not in St Peter's Basilica but in Rome's Santa Maria Maggiore basilica.
He will become the first pope in more than 100 years to be laid to rest outside the Vatican.
Francis also rejected the tradition of popes having three coffins, instead choosing to buried in just one, made of wood and zinc, to reflect his role as a humble pastor.
 - Health issues -
Francis had left open the possibility of stepping down if he felt unable to do his job, following the example of Benedict, who quit citing his ailing health.
But he insisted for years that time had not yet come, and maintained a busy schedule, right up to hosting the prime minister of Slovakia shortly before his hospital admission.
Francis, who had part of his lung removed as a young man, was visibly breathless in the days before going to the Gemelli, delegating aides to read his homilies at public audiences.
Questions will now be asked whether the pontiff, known for being stubborn and refusing to take rest, should have been admitted to hospital earlier.
Even after he was released from hospital and ordered to rest for two months, Francis did not wait long before making public appearances.
He had been hospitalised with a respiratory infection in March 2023. That same year he also underwent surgery for a hernia, and in 2021 he had colon surgery.
He suffered knee pain that required him to use a wheelchair, and had fallen twice in recent months.
Yet he never took a day off and made frequent trips abroad, including a four-nation Asia-Pacific tour only last September.
Huge crowds gathered wherever he went, a testament to his popularity and human touch, which saw him finish his Sunday Angelus prayer each week urging followers to pray for him and to have a good lunch.
 - Who am I to judge? -
When Francis took over, the Catholic Church was mired in infighting and beset by a global scandal over clerical sex abuse of children and decades of cover-ups.
He promised an end to impunity and changed Vatican law to help tackle abuse, though victims said he could have gone further.
More widely, he initiated a major shake-up of the Vatican's powerful governing body, including improving financial responsibility and allowing lay Catholics to lead Vatican offices.
Throughout his papacy, Francis championed the poor and vulnerable and emphasised love over doctrine.
"If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?" he said at the start of his papacy.
However, his detractors accused him of failing to uphold established Church doctrine, and his final months were marked by increasingly outspoken attacks by senior cardinals.
Tensions with conservative Catholics marked the Synod congress that met at the Vatican at the end of 2023, part of a years-long global consultation on the future of the church -- that Francis now leaves unfinished.

Pope Francis has passed away at 88, initiating the Vatican's interregnum. The Catholic Church faces a profound transition as cardinals convene for the papal conclave to elect a new pope, with the world watching for the symbolic smoke signal.

Pope Francis Dies at 88: Vatican's New Chapter

Pope Francis's death marks the beginning of the Vatican's interregnum. The Catholic Church commences this transitional phase as cardinals prepare to elect a new pope. Watch for the iconic smoke signal from the Sistine Chapel.

Pope Francis, 88, has died, marking the start of the Vatican's interregnum. Tradition and ritual guide the Church as Cardinals prepare for the conclave to elect a new pope, concluding with the announcement from St. Peter&rsquo;s.

In a somber moment for the global Catholic community, Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. After battling numerous age-related health issues and spending over a month in the hospital, his passing marks the end of an era while ushering the Vatican into an interregnum phase. During this period, the intricate process of selecting a new pope begins, leaving the highest position within the Catholic Church temporarily vacant.
Procedures following the Pope&rsquo;s passing
Upon a pope's death, the Vatican enters the interregnum, the interval between papacies. Traditionally, this process begins with the camerlengo, the Vatican's administrator responsible for property and revenues, confirming the pope's passing. This involves calling out the pope&rsquo;s baptismal name three times. The historical ritual of tapping the pope's forehead with a small silver hammer, however, was discontinued after 1963.
The Vatican then communicates the solemn news to the world via its official channels.
Next, the papal apartment is ceremonially sealed by the camerlengo&mdash;a practice originally intended to prevent looting. The camerlengo also oversees the symbolic destruction of the Fisherman's Ring and the pope&rsquo;s official seal, signifying the end of his papal authority.
According to the constitution *Universi Dominici Gregis*, which outlines the papal transition procedure, the pope's funeral must take place within 4 to 6 days of his death. Traditionally, the pope is laid to rest at St. Peter&rsquo;s Basilica, unless he has indicated a different final resting place. A prescribed nine-day mourning period follows the funeral.
Selection of a new Pope**
The papal conclave, tasked with electing the new pope, commences approximately 15 to 20 days after the pope&rsquo;s death. Cardinals under the age of 80 convene at the Vatican to undertake this secretive and sacred responsibility. Inside the hallowed walls of the Sistine Chapel, they are isolated from the outside world, devoid of media or phone contact.
The cardinals engage in several voting rounds, each followed by the burning of ballots. The world watches for the symbolic smoke from the chapel chimney: black indicating deliberation continues, and white heralding the successful election of a new pope.
Proclaiming the new Pope
Upon election, the chosen candidate is formally asked to accept the papal mantle. If he consents, he selects a new papal name, often inspired by saints. Then, from the balcony of St. Peter&rsquo;s Basilica, the Senior Cardinal Deacon announces, "Habemus Papam" ("We have a pope"). Shortly thereafter, the newly elected pope steps forward to greet the faithful gathered in St. Peter&rsquo;s Square, bestowing his first blessings as the leader of the Catholic Church.

A Columbia University study warns that climate change increases arsenic in rice, boosting cancer and health risks in Asia by 2050.

Climate Change Raises Arsenic in Rice and Cancer Risks

Study links climate change to higher arsenic levels in rice, posing increased cancer and health risks in Asian populations by 2050.

A new study in The Lancet warns that climate change may increase arsenic levels in rice, elevating cancer risks in Asia by 2050.

Climate change could be resulting in higher levels of arsenic in rice, potentially increasing lifetime cancer and health risks for people in Asian countries by 2050, according to a new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal.
Researchers from Columbia University, US, explained that an increase in temperatures above 2 degrees Celsius and rising levels of carbon dioxide could be causing changes in soil chemistry, favouring arsenic, which gets more easily absorbed into a rice grain.
Contaminated soil and irrigated water while growing rice are known to increase inorganic arsenic in rice.
An increased exposure to arsenic is known to heighten the risk of cancers of the lung, bladder and skin, among others. Rice can also absorb additional arsenic from water used for cooking.
"Our results suggest that this increase in arsenic levels could significantly elevate the incidence of heart disease, diabetes, and other non-cancer health effects," author Lewis Ziska, associate professor of environmental health sciences, Columbia University, said.
"As rice is a dietary staple in many parts of the world, these changes could lead to a substantial rise in the global burden of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other arsenic-related health issues," Ziska said.
Studies have revealed rice consumption to be a major health threat to people in South and Southeast Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam, where rice is the staple food.
The combined effects of rising CO2 and temperatures on arsenic accumulation in rice have not been studied in detail until now, the team said.
In this study, the researchers measured the effects of rising temperatures and carbon dioxide on 28 rice strains over 10 years in the field. Using models, inorganic arsenic doses and health risks for seven Asian countries -- Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam -- were estimated.
"We found that temperature and CO2 act synergistically to increase arsenic concentrations in rice, compounding dietary arsenic exposures for rice consumers and leading to projected cancer cases in the tens of millions among populations of Asian countries in 2050," according to the study.
Projected average cases of bladder and lung cancer in 2050 were found to increase in proportion with exposure to arsenic, with the highest risk projections (44 per cent) seen for rising temperatures and carbon dioxide levels.
China was projected to see 1.34 crore cases of cancer attributable to arsenic in rice in 2050 -- the highest among the seven countries studied.
"Emerging evidence also suggests that arsenic exposure may be linked to diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, neurodevelopmental issues, and immune system effects," Ziska said.
The authors suggested measures to reduce arsenic exposure, including breeding plants to minimise arsenic uptake and improved soil management in rice paddies, along with public health initiatives.

Witness the rare exposition of the sacred tooth relic at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka, open from noon to 5 p.m. daily until April 27, promoting national unity and recovery.

Kandy Hosts Rare Buddhist Tooth Relic Exposition

Experience a historic event in Kandy, Sri Lanka as the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is displayed after 16 years, highlighting cultural reverence and national unity.

The sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is on rare display in Kandy, marking a cultural and religious event while promoting Sri Lanka's unity and economic recovery.

A rare exposition of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha began on Friday in Sri Lanka's central town of Kandy after a gap of 16 years, according to an official statement.
The event will continue for 10 days until April 27, and the relics will be available to the public for viewing from noon till 5 pm local time, said a statement by the office of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Ambassadors from 17 nations including India were arranged to travel by train to Kandy to view the exposition, according to the statement.
Tens of thousands of Buddhist devotees are expected to venerate the relic, Mahawela Rathanapala, a senior monk in the holy shrine of the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, told reporters.
The tooth relic holds special spiritual, historical and cultural significance for the 74 per cent Sinhala Buddhist majority in the island nation of 21 million people.
&ldquo;Thousand have been lining up since two days ago at all three access roads to the temple,&rdquo; Rathanapala said.
According to historical records, the tooth relic which came to Kandy in 1590, came to symbolise Buddhist holiness, becoming Sri Lanka's most treasured possession and the seal of sovereignty.
It is said that no one was ever allowed to view the actual tooth relic. What could be seen behind a gilt railing and a silver table at the Temple of the Tooth is a gold-plated reliquary- the outermost of seven caskets.
For most of its history, the inner sanctum housing the caskets was only accessible to the King and certain powerful Buddhist monks. In the modern day, visitors are allowed to view the reliquary from a distance.
&ldquo;The initiative aims to convey a message to Sri Lanka&rsquo;s friendly nations that the country is recovering economically overcoming previous challenges and fostering national harmony. The event also seeks to strengthen international support for Sri Lanka,&rdquo; a statement said.

In the first foreign secretary-level talks in 15 years, Bangladesh raised unresolved issues with Pakistan, demanding a public apology for the 1971 atrocities and $4.3 billion compensation from assets.

Bangladesh demands apology and compensation from Pakistan for 1971 atrocities

In the first foreign secretary-level talks in 15 years, Bangladesh raised unresolved issues with Pakistan, demanding a public apology for the 1971 atrocities and $4.3 billion compensation from assets.

Bangladesh on Thursday raised "historically unresolved issues" and demanded a public apology from Pakistan over the 1971 atrocities as the two countries held their first foreign secretary-level talks in 15 years in Dhaka.
Dhaka also asked Islamabad to pay USD 4.3 billion as its share from the combined assets at the time when East Pakistan split from West Pakistan in 1971 to form an independent Bangladesh.
"We have raised the historically unresolved issues with Pakistan," Bangladesh Foreign Secretary M Jashim Uddin told reporters after the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) meeting with Pakistani counterpart Amna Baloch held at state guest house Padma.
Their talks came days ahead of Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's visit to Dhaka on April 27 and 28.
Jashim Uddin said the issues included "the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, equitable distribution of undivided assets, transfer of foreign aid funds sent for the victims of the 1970 cyclone, and a formal public apology for the genocide committed by the then Pakistani military in 1971&rdquo;.
"We said this is the right time to settle the historical unsettled issues,&rdquo; he said, adding these issues needed to be resolved to have a &ldquo;solid foundation of our relations" for mutual benefits and interests.
Asked about Pakistan's response to the call, Jashim Uddin said they would like to "remain engaged" with a positive outlook to discuss the unsettled issue in future.
In a statement, Pakistan's Foreign Office said that both sides had a "constructive and forward-looking engagement in a cordial environment where the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations came under discussion, including political, economic and trade relations".
It added that cooperation in agriculture, environment and education, cultural exchanges and defence relations were also discussed and new avenues of cooperation were explored by the two sides.
Later, Baloch called on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain separately.
Yunus emphasised strengthening relations with Pakistan to boost mutual cooperation and explore trade and business potentials.
"There are certain hurdles. We have to find ways to overcome those and move forward," he told Baloch.
Acknowledging past issues, Baloch said Bangladesh and Pakistan must find ways to &ldquo;harness the potentials between the two countries." "We kept missing each other for a long time as our relationship was frozen. We have to overcome the barriers,&rdquo; Yunus said as he recalled his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in New York on the sidelines of the UNGA in September last year and in Cairo on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit in December.
Baloch later called on Advisor on Foreign Affairs MD. Touhid Hossain and discussed regional issues, including revival of SAARC and trade and economic relations between the two countries, the Pakistani Foreign office said.
The foreign secretary-level talks come amid a thaw between the two countries after the ouster of prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year.
The Yunus-led interim government appears to be playing down the role of Hasina's father Mujibur Rehman in the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. The Indian Army took over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers as prisoners in that war.
According to the foreign secretary, Dhaka also asked Pakistan to pay the unpaid USD 200 million foreign donations for victims of the then East Pakistan after the 1970s cyclone.
Asked if the money devaluation over the decades was taken into consideration, he said the issue was just tabled during the FOC and the details are expected to come up during the subsequent talks.
Jashim Uddin said Dhaka also underscored the importance of strengthening economic and trade relations with Islamabad.
&ldquo;We stressed the need for enhanced market access for Bangladeshi products in Pakistan, simplifying trade procedures, removing tariff barriers, and boosting Pakistani investment in Bangladesh,&rdquo; he said.
The two sides also discussed enhancing cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock through the transfer of technology, improved breeds, and experience-sharing to boost productivity.
The two sides hoped that direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan would be launched soon.
Jasim Uddin said Dhaka reiterated the importance of regional cooperation under the SAARC framework and called for its revitalization to ensure stability, connectivity, and development in South Asia.
When asked if Dhaka was leaning towards Pakistan as it was being said Bangladesh was tilted towards New Delhi in the past, Jashim Uddin said Bangladesh intended to build relations with Pakistan based on &ldquo;mutual respect&rdquo; and &ldquo;mutual benefit&rdquo; and not an issue of tilting towards a particular country.
"We believe comprehensive discussions held today on bilateral, regional, and global issues will help move our cooperation forward and contribute to resolving priority concerns through mutual goodwill and consensus,&rdquo; he said.

The FBI arrested Harpreet Singh, a key figure in Punjab terror attacks, in the US. Singh is linked to two international terrorist groups and entered the US illegally, using burner phones to evade capture.

FBI arrests Harpreet Singh, linked to Punjab terror attacks

The FBI arrested Harpreet Singh, a key figure in Punjab terror attacks, in the US. Singh is linked to two international terrorist groups and entered the US illegally, using burner phones to evade capture.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested Harpreet Singh, a terrorist involved in attacks in Punjab, on Friday in the United States.&nbsp;
The FBI confirmed that Singh, linked to two international terrorist organizations, had entered the US illegally and used burner phones to evade detection.&nbsp;
In a post shared on X, FBI Sacramento stated, "Today, Harpreet Singh, an alleged terrorist responsible for terror attacks in Punjab, India, was arrested by the FBI and ERO in Sacramento. Linked to two international terrorist groups, he entered the U.S. illegally and used burner phones to evade capture."
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today, Harpreet Singh, an alleged terrorist responsible for terror attacks in Punjab, India, was arrested by the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FBI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FBI</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ERO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ERO</a> in Sacramento. Linked to two international terrorist groups, he entered the U.S. illegally and used burner phones to evade capture. <a href="https://t.co/vObj2xPa8Q">pic.twitter.com/vObj2xPa8Q</a>
&mdash; FBI Sacramento (@FBISacramento) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBISacramento/status/1913029634473570766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
On March 23, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet against four operatives of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist group in connection with the 2024 Chandigarh grenade attack.&nbsp;
The accused include Pakistan-based Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda and US-based Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia. Both Rinda and Passia were key conspirators behind the attack, providing logistical support, funds, weapons, and ammunition to operatives in India to execute the attack.&nbsp;
The grenade assault, which took place in September 2024, was intended to target a retired Punjab Police officer, though the assailants mistakenly believed him to be the current occupant of the house.
The attack was part of a larger strategy to spread fear among law enforcement and the general public, and to further the agenda of BKI. Investigations revealed that Rinda and Passia orchestrated the plot and enlisted local operatives, Rohan Masih and Vishal Masih, who were instructed to conduct reconnaissance on the target twice before carrying out the attack.&nbsp;
The NIA chargesheet, filed before the Special NIA Court in Chandigarh in case RC15/2024/NIA/DLI, charges all four accused with multiple violations of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act, and other related provisions.
Ongoing investigations are focused on dismantling the BKI network in India, with the NIA continuing efforts to track down additional members.&nbsp;
Earlier, in December of the previous year, Punjab Police had successfully dismantled a terror module linked to BKI, led by Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia and Shamsher alias Honey, arresting five members, including mastermind Abhijot Singh. This group was responsible for a grenade attack on two police establishments in Batala and Gurdaspur.

A student and son of a local deputy opened fire on Florida State University’s campus, killing two and injuring five, sparking renewed debate on gun access and safety in schools.

Two dead as police officer's son opens fire at US university

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A student and son of a local deputy opened fire on Florida State University&rsquo;s campus, killing two and injuring five, sparking renewed debate on gun access and safety in schools.
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A mass shooting allegedly carried out by the son of a local deputy sheriff with her old service weapon left two people dead at a university in Florida, police in the southeastern US state said Thursday.
Five people were hospitalized when the gunman -- identified as Phoenix Ikner -- rampaged through Florida State University, shooting at students, before he was shot and injured by local law enforcement.
The campus was locked down as gunfire erupted, with students ordered to shelter in place as first responders swarmed the site moments after the lunchtime shootings.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil told reporters Ikner, 20, was a student at the university and the son of a an "exceptional" 18-year member of his staff.
"Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene.
He added that the suspect was part of Sheriff's Office training programs, meaning "it's not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons."
Ikner was taken to hospital after being shot. His condition was not immediately known.
Bystander footage aired by CNN appeared to show a young man walking on a lawn and shooting at people who were trying to get away.
Witnesses spoke of chaos as people began running through the sprawling campus as shots rang out near the student union.
"Everyone just started running out of the student union," a witness named Wayne told local news station WCTV.
"About a minute later, we heard about eight to 10 gunshots."
The eyewitness said he saw one man who appeared to have been shot in the midsection.
"The whole entire thing was just surreal. I just couldn't believe what I was seeing.
"Everything was really quiet, than all chaotic."
 - 'Make them take time' -
The two people who died were not students, police said, but refused to give further details.
The university, a public institution with more than 40,000 students, cancelled all classes and told students who did not live on campus to leave.
FSU President Richard McCullough said the university was working to support those affected by the attack.
"This is a tragic day for Florida State University," he said.
"We're absolutely heartbroken by the violence that occurred on our campus earlier today."
Student Sam Swartz told the Tallahassee Democrat he had been in the basement of the student union when shooting started.
"Everyone started freaking out," Swartz said, adding he had heard around 10 shots.
A group of eight people huddled in a hallway and barricaded themselves with trash cans and plywood.
"I remember learning to do the best you can to make them take time," Swartz said, adding that mass shooters are "just trying to get as many people" as they can.
Footage on social media showed a stream of young adults walking through corridors with their hands in the air as they evacuated the building.
Mass shootings are common in the United States, where a constitutional right to bear arms trumps demands for stricter rules.
That is despite widespread public support for tighter control on firearms, including restricting the sale of high-capacity clips and limiting the availability of automatic weapons of war.
President Donald Trump called the shooting "a shame, a horrible thing," but insisted that Americans should retain unfettered access to guns.
"I&rsquo;m a big advocate of the Second Amendment. I have been from the beginning. I protected it," he said, referring to the part of the US Constitution gun advocates say protects firearm ownership.
"These things are terrible, but the gun doesn't do the shooting -- the people do."
A tally by the non-profit Gun Violence Archive shows there have been at least 81 mass shootings -- which it defines as four or more people shot -- in the United States so far this year.

Donald Trump and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni express optimism over a potential US-EU trade agreement, showcasing conservative solidarity and addressing global issues including tariffs, NATO, and Ukraine.

Trump and Italy's Meloni talk up EU tariff deal hopes

Donald Trump and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni express optimism over a potential US-EU trade agreement, showcasing conservative solidarity and addressing global issues including tariffs, NATO, and Ukraine.

Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni hit an optimistic note about a possible US-EU tariffs deal Thursday as the far-right Italian prime minister mounted a charm offensive at the White House.
Casting herself as the only European who can de-escalate Trump's trade war, Meloni highlighted their conservative common ground and said she wanted to "make the West great again."
"There will be a trade deal, 100 percent," Trump said during her visit. Meloni said she was "sure" they could reach a deal.
The two leaders struck a warm tone during a working lunch and a meeting in the Oval Office, with Trump hailing the 48-year-old Italian premier as "fantastic."
Meloni is the first leader from Europe to visit the Republican since he slapped 20 percent tariffs on EU exports, which he has since suspended for 90 days.
The Italian leader said Trump had accepted an invitation to visit Rome in the "near future" and that he might also meet European leaders there.
"Even if we have some problems between the two shores of the Atlantic, it is the time that we try to sit down and find solutions," she said.
Meloni highlighted their shared views on immigration and "woke" ideology and added: "The goal for me is to make the West great again, and I think we can do it together."
 - 'Get smart' -
But while Trump expressed confidence about an eventual deal with the 27-nation bloc he accuses of trying to "screw" the United States, he said he was in "no rush."
"Everybody wants to make a deal -- and if they don't want to make a deal, we'll make the deal for them," Trump added.
Trump also returned to his administration's familiar criticisms of Europe, saying it needed to "get smart" on immigration and boost defense spending on NATO.
The US leader said separately that superpower rival China had "reached out" about a possible deal to end the bitter trade war between the world's biggest economies.
Trump has slapped eye-watering 145 percent tariffs on Chinese goods after it retaliated to his worldwide "Liberation Day" tariffs announcement on April 2.
"I think we're going to make a very good deal with China," he added.
Russia's war in Ukraine meanwhile remained a touchy subject between the US and Italian leaders.
Meloni has been a staunch ally of Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky since Russia's invasion of the country in 2022, most recently calling Moscow's Palm Sunday attack on the city of Sumy "horrible and vile."
Trump however has stunned allies with a pivot toward Moscow and repeated attacks on Zelensky, whom he berated in an Oval Office meeting in February.
The US leader said with Meloni beside him that "I don't hold Zelensky responsible but I'm not exactly thrilled with the fact that that war started," adding that he was "not a big fan" of the Ukrainian.
 - Uncertainty -
Meloni had earlier acknowledged the uncertainty weighing on her trip as Europe reels from repeated blows from a country that has been the continent's defender for decades.
"I am aware of what I represent and I am aware of what I am defending," Meloni said Tuesday.
Italian newspapers reported that one of the goals of Meloni's visit was to pave the way for a meeting between Trump and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen.
Meloni's decision to personally intercede with Trump has caused some disquiet among EU allies, who are concerned that her visit could undermine bloc unity.
"If we start having bilateral discussions, obviously it will break the current dynamic," France's Industry Minister Marc Ferracci warned last week.
A European Commission spokeswoman said that while the EU alone could negotiate trade agreements, Meloni's "outreach is very welcome" and was coordinated with Brussels.
Following Thursday's meeting with Trump, Meloni will fly back to Rome on Friday in time to host US Vice President JD Vance, with whom she has a meeting planned.
Trump's threatened tariffs could have a major impact on Italy, the world's fourth-largest exporter, which sends around 10 percent of its exports to the United States.

Meghna Alam, ex-beauty queen, faces extortion claims involving a Saudi diplomat in Bangladesh. Amidst media scrutiny, Alam denies wrongdoing, detained under controversial law.

Beauty Queen Accused in Diplomat Extortion

Meghna Alam, a former beauty queen, detained in Bangladesh over claims of extorting a Saudi diplomat. Charges spark media and rights group backlash. Alam denies claims, citing marriage proposal.

Meghna Alam, a former beauty queen, faces allegations of extortion against a Saudi diplomat. Detained under the Special Powers Act, she claims innocence. The case sparks media and human rights scrutiny.

Bangladesh police on Thursday said that a former beauty queen has been detained for setting up a honey trap for a former Saudi ambassador in Dhaka in an attempt to extort USD 5 million, an allegation rejected by the woman who claimed that the diplomat wanted to marry her.
"Meghna Alam, her close associate Dewan Samir and two to three others were involved in luring foreign ambassadors into love affairs with beautiful girls," police said in a petition filed before a Dhaka court seeking her to be shown arrested in an extortion case in the interest of fair investigation.
Police, however, did not name the Saudi diplomat or any other envoy but said she was detained for "disrupting state security" and "prejudicing the country's financial interests".
The 30-year-old model and former "Miss Earth", Alam, who runs a charity as well, was initially detained without charge under the controversial Special Powers Act that allows police to detain a suspect for several months.
Her arrest, however, sparked a media outcry and concerns by rights watchdogs. Law Adviser of the interim government, Asif Nazrul, said that due process was not followed when police took her into custody on April 9.
"We call on the authorities to either charge Meghna with an internationally recognizable crime or release her," Amnesty International last week said in a statement.
Police spokesman Muhammad Talebur Rahman said the court granted the petition ordering her to be sent to prison. She was accused of a primary charge of alleged extortion attempt through blackmail.
The Bengali language newspaper Prothom Alo and other media outlets reported that Alam told the court that she was contacted by the diplomat, who had asked her to commence a relationship.
Public prosecutor Omar Faruq Faruqi told reporters that Alam claimed in the court that the Saudi diplomat had proposed they be locked in nuptial cord and frequently called and messaged her while she never initiated the contact.
Some two million Bangladeshi expatriate workers, the highest in a single country, work in Saudi Arabia - a major source of the South Asian nation's remittance earnings. Interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus does not want to jeopardise diplomatic ties.
Alam appeared without legal counsel during the court hearing on Thursday and defended herself on her own, urging her arrest to be nullified.
Her father, Badrul Alam, earlier told reporters that the ambassador wanted to marry her, but she refused the proposal as he already had a wife and children.
The Saudi embassy in Dhaka did not make any comment, but media reports suggested the envoy left Bangladesh as the scandal was unfolded in public.

General Asim Munir emphasizes the two-nation theory and vows to combat terrorism in Balochistan, highlighting sacrifices made for Pakistan and urging the diaspora to maintain ties.

Pakistan Army chief general Asim Munir rakes up the two-nation theory 

General Asim Munir stressed the importance of remembering the sacrifices made for Pakistan. He also noted the distinct identities of Pakistan and India.

General Munir highlights two-nation theory, emphasizing historical legacy and vows to combat terrorism in Balochistan. He assures overseas Pakistanis of the army&rsquo;s dedication.

Islamabad, April 16 &mdash; Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir on Wednesday raked up the two-nation theory, stating that Pakistan and India are fundamentally different nations.
Speaking at the Overseas Pakistani Convention in Islamabad, Munir urged citizens to pass on the history of Pakistan&rsquo;s creation to future generations.
&ldquo;Our forefathers believed we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life,&rdquo; Munir said.
&ldquo;Our religion is different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different. That&rsquo;s where the foundation of the two-nation theory was laid. We are two nations, we are not one nation.&rdquo;
The army chief emphasised the importance of remembering the sacrifices made for Pakistan and preserving the national identity among overseas Pakistani communities.
&ldquo;Our forefathers have sacrificed immensely, and we have sacrificed a lot for the creation of this country, and we know how to defend it,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;Please don&rsquo;t forget the story of Pakistan and don&rsquo;t forget to narrate the story of Pakistan to your next generation, so that their bond with Pakistan never weakens.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir spews hate against &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hindus?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#Hindus&lt;/a&gt; and propagates the &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TwoNationTheory?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#TwoNationTheory&lt;/a&gt;, which failed in 1971 when Bangladesh got independence from Pakistan. He asserts that children must be taught such &amp;quot;falsehoods&amp;quot; since it&amp;#39;s easier to brainwash youth. Shameful! &lt;a href="https://t.co/vaVZhEK4v8"&gt;pic.twitter.com/vaVZhEK4v8&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Taha Siddiqui (@TahaSSiddiqui) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/TahaSSiddiqui/status/1912498421174280536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 16, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He also vowed to crack down on terrorists in Balochistan, stating that "even ten generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan and Pakistan," reported ANI, citing local media.
Munir emphasised the army's determination to tackle terrorism and praised overseas Pakistanis for their dedication and commitment to the nation.
"We will beat the hell out of these terrorists very soon ...you think, these 1500 terrorists belonging to BLA, BLF and BRA, etc, can take away Balochistan from us&hellip;" Munir asked, according to ANI.
&ldquo;Do Pakistan's enemies think that a handful of terrorists can decide the fate of Pakistan?...even ten generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan and Pakistan.&rdquo;

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US President Donald Trump on Wednesday pardoned 73 people, including his former aide Steve Bannon, the White House said, just hours before he was due to leave office. Bannon was accused of defrauding donors to a group that supposedly planned to build a border wall with Mexico. The rapper Lil Wayne and Republican fundraiser Elliott Broidy also received pardons, while former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and the rapper Kodak Black had their prison terms commuted. The pardons were the third big groups of grants of executive clemency issued by Trump since his election loss in November to Joe Biden.

Trump's parting gift: Pardons 73, including ex-aide Bannon

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday pardoned 73 people, including his former aide Steve Bannon, the White House said, just hours before he was due to leave office.

Trump's parting gift: Pardons 73, including ex-aide Bannon  

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday pardoned 73 people, including his former aide Steve Bannon, the White House said, just hours before he was due to leave office. Bannon was accused of defrauding donors to a group that supposedly planned to build a border wall with Mexico. The rapper Lil Wayne and Republican fundraiser Elliott Broidy also received pardons, while former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and the rapper Kodak Black had their prison terms commuted. The pardons were the third big groups of grants of executive clemency issued by Trump since his election loss in November to Joe Biden.

Understand the multifaceted role of the pope: spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics, sovereign of Vatican City, and a global moral authority influencing Church and world affairs.

What exactly does a pope do?

The word pope comes from the Greek "pappas", which means "father, patriarch," which is why believers call him the Holy Father.

The pope is the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City, with roles including doctrinal leadership, global diplomacy, and moral influence.

With the death of Pope Francis, the world's cardinals will now head to Rome to elect a successor. So what exactly does a pope do?
Here is a rundown of the main responsibilities of the pontiff, the head of the worldwide Catholic Church.
Catholic leader
The word pope comes from the Greek "pappas", which means "father, patriarch," which is why believers call him the Holy Father.
He is considered the successor of St Peter, to whom Jesus Christ is said to have entrusted the mission of leading the Church.
Today, this makes the pope the spiritual guide of the estimated 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
His role is to preserve, interpret and teach the Christian faith, as well as ensuring the unity of the Catholic Church.
Head of State 
The pope is head of state and also ruler of the Vatican City state, the smallest in the world at just 44 hectares, located within the Italian capital of Rome.
He exercises absolute power in all areas, from hiring and firing to decisions on the Vatican's extensive property portfolio, but he delegates many decisions to senior clergy.
The pope has his own diplomats but often meets world leaders at the Vatican, in what are known as private audiences.
Moral guide 
The pope has influence well beyond the world's Catholics, as a pre-eminent moral voice on the global stage.
Many non-Catholic leaders seek an audience at the Vatican, while his pronouncements often carry more weight than those of many elected politicians.
The Vatican has a non-member observer status at the United Nations and is often called in as a neutral party in conflict zones.
Doctrine and Teaching Through his homilies and written texts, Pope Francis provided guidance on everything from daily life -- for example, urging against gossip -- to weighty doctrinal issues.
He published several encyclicals, open letters written by the pope to the Church worldwide, covering subjects such as social friendship or climate change.
Other formal texts include apostolic exhortations, which are teaching documents, and the motu proprio, which means "by his own motion" and is a legal change delivered on the pope's initiative.
During his time as pope, Francis paved the way for the blessing of same-sex couples, restricted the use of the Latin Mass and took measures to combat sexual abuse of children by clergy, among other things.
Appointments The pope approves the appointment of bishops, the approximately 3,000 clergy who lead Catholic dioceses around the world, and also cardinals.
Cardinals, sometimes known as princes of the church, are the most senior clergy and those under the age of 80 can vote in the election of a new pope.
The pope also has the final say in elevating individuals to become "blessed" or a "saint", following an investigation conducted on the grounds of miracles and virtues.
He has the power to convene Synods -- worldwide gatherings that Francis opened to lay people for the first time -- to discuss specific issues.
Travel
The pope travels to connect with the faithful around the world. John Paul II conducted the most apostolic voyages, counting 104 visits abroad in 26 years as pope.
Francis followed with 47, using the visits to shine a spotlight on marginalised communities or issues he wanted to highlight, such as migration or inter-religious dialogue.
Bishop of Rome As Bishop of Rome, the pope is responsible for administering his diocese. The constraints on his time mean that this is in fact delegated to a Vicar General.
The pope, however, takes part in local events, regularly visiting churches in Rome for celebrations or other symbolic sites in the city.

World leaders, including Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Benjamin Netanyahu, strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, offering condolences and reaffirming their support for India in the fight against terrorism.

Trump, Putin, Netanyahu, other global leaders condemn Pahalgam terror attack

World leaders, including Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Benjamin Netanyahu, strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, offering condolences and reaffirming their support for India in the fight against terrorism.

US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were among world leaders who condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people, expressing solidarity with India.
In a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of the "heinous attack".
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
President Donald Trump <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> called PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and conveyed his deepest condolences at the loss of innocent lives in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. President Trump strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring&hellip;
&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1914768541951385637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He "conveyed his deepest condolences at the loss of innocent lives in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir,&rdquo; Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.
"India and the United States stand together in the fight against terror,&rdquo; said the post.
In an earlier post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism."
<iframe class="truthsocial-embed" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114382687269815844/embed" width="600" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
&nbsp;
"We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!" he added.
In a communication to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, Putin extended condolences over the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and said the "brutal crime" has no justification whatsoever and its perpetrators will face a deserved punishment.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
✉️ President of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> Vladimir Putin extended condolences to President of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> Droupadi Murmu <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rashtrapatibhvn</a> and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> over the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pahalgam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pahalgam</a>, Jammu and Kashmir. <a href="https://t.co/GXJV7y9VnY">pic.twitter.com/GXJV7y9VnY</a>
&mdash; Russia in India 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/RusEmbIndia/status/1914734822024470868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He expressed "sincere condolences over the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam whose victims were civilians &mdash; citizens of various countries".
Putin reiterated Russia's commitment to further increasing cooperation with Indian partners in fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I would like to reiterate the readiness for further strengthening of cooperation with the Indian partners in the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism.
&mdash; Russia in India 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/RusEmbIndia/status/1914734836612297147?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the near and dear ones of the deceased as well as wishes for a speedy recovery of all injured," he added.
Terrorists opened fire on Tuesday at a famed meadow near Pahalgam town in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 people, mostly tourists, in what is the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.
The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group.
Prime Minister Modi, who had arrived in Saudi Arabia on a two-day visit earlier in the day, cut short his visit and departed for New Delhi on Tuesday night following the attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu took to X and said he was "deeply saddened by the barbaric terrorist attack" that killed and injured dozens of innocents.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
My dear friend <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>, I am deeply saddened by the barbaric terrorist attack in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pahalgam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pahalgam</a>, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, that killed and injured dozens of innocents. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims &amp; their families. Israel stands with India in its fight against terrorism.
&mdash; Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/1914784984784634104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims &amp; their families. Israel stands with India in its fight against terrorism," he said.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was "deeply saddened" by the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and expressed solidarity with the affected families, the injured, the government, and the entire Indian people.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Profondamente addolorata per l&rsquo;attacco terroristico avvenuto oggi in India, che ha causato numerose vittime. L&rsquo;Italia esprime vicinanza alle famiglie colpite, ai feriti, al Governo e a tutto il popolo indiano.
&mdash; Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) <a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1914729987644776574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The attack came during US Vice President J D Vance&rsquo;s maiden visit to India.
Vance posted his condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack. <a href="https://t.co/cUAyMXje5A">https://t.co/cUAyMXje5A</a>
&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/1914708743771861151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack,&rdquo; he posted on X.
In a post on X, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said his country was "deeply saddened" by the terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Deeply saddened by the heinous terror attack on tourists in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pahalgam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pahalgam</a>, Jammu &amp; Kashmir. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Israel stands united with India in the fight against terror. 🇮🇱🇮🇳
&mdash; Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) <a href="https://twitter.com/gidonsaar/status/1914691840189550688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Deeply saddened by the heinous terror attack on tourists in #Pahalgam, Jammu &amp; Kashmir. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Israel stands united with India in the fight against terror," he said.
In a post on X, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas also condemned the attack.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I condemn today&rsquo;s heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed many innocent lives. Our deep condolences go to the victims, their families and the people of India. The EU stands firm against terrorism.
&mdash; Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) <a href="https://twitter.com/kajakallas/status/1914766949197771109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"I condemn today&rsquo;s heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed many innocent lives. Our deep condolences go to the victims, their families and the people of India. The EU stands firm against terrorism." The German Foreign Office called it a "brutal attack" and said there is "no justification for the killing of innocent people".
"Germany stands with India in these difficult hours. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims," it said in a post on X.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the terrorist attack.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
الإمارات تدين الهجوم الإرهابي على سياح في باهالجام في جامو وكشمير<a href="https://t.co/eOVbY93LBX">https://t.co/eOVbY93LBX</a> <a href="https://t.co/znDfk7Uwmw">pic.twitter.com/znDfk7Uwmw</a>
&mdash; MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) <a href="https://twitter.com/mofauae/status/1914737717294084336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
It affirmed that the UAE "expresses its strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability in contravention of international law".
The ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of India, and the families of the victims of this heinous attack, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.
In a post on X, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack and condoled the loss of lives.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sri Lanka strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu &amp; Kashmir today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. (1/2)
&mdash; MFA SriLanka 🇱🇰 (@MFA_SriLanka) <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_SriLanka/status/1914748596823708066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Sri Lanka strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu &amp; Kashmir today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.
"Sri Lanka stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We reiterate our unwavering commitment to regional peace and security," it said.&nbsp;

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging a federal funding freeze and alleging unconstitutional interference in academic affairs.

Harvard sues Donald Trump over US federal funding cuts

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging a federal funding freeze and alleging unconstitutional interference in academic affairs.

Harvard sued US President Donald Trump's administration Monday in a sharp escalation of the fight between the prestigious university and the Republican, who has threatened its funding and sought to impose outside political supervision.
Trump has sought to bring several prestigious universities to heel over claims they tolerated campus anti-Semitism, threatening their budgets, tax-exempt status and the enrolment of foreign students, but Harvard has refused to bow.
"This case involves the Government's efforts to use the withholding of federal funding as leverage to gain control of academic decision making at Harvard," the Ivy League university said in a lawsuit filed in a Massachusetts federal court that named several other institutions targeted by Trump.
"The Government's actions flout not just the First Amendment, but also federal laws and regulations," said the complaint, which called Trump's actions "arbitrary and capricious."
Trump is furious at Harvard for rejecting government supervision of its admissions, hiring practices and political slant and last week ordered the freezing of $2.2 billion in federal funding to the storied institution.
The lawsuit calls for the freezing of funds and conditions imposed on federal grants to be declared unlawful, as well as for the Trump administration to pay Harvard's costs.
Trump and his White House team have publicly justified their campaign against universities as a reaction to what they say is uncontrolled "anti-Semitism" and a need to reverse diversity programs aimed at addressing historical oppression of minorities.
The administration claims protests against Israel's war in Gaza that swept across US college campuses last year were rife with anti-Semitism.
Many US universities, including Harvard, cracked down on the protests over the allegations at the time, with the Cambridge-based institution placing 23 students on probation and denying degrees to 12 others, according to protest organizers.
"Harvard can no longer be considered even a decent place of learning, and should not be considered on any list of the World's Great Universities or Colleges," Trump said on his Truth Social platform last week.
"Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds."
 - 'Sweeping freeze' -
Harvard President Alan Garber said that Trump's administration had launched "numerous investigations" into the university's operations.
Last week, Garber flatly refused to "negotiate over (Harvard's) independence or its constitutional rights."
Other top institutions, including Columbia University, have bowed to less sweeping demands from the Trump administration, which claims that the educational elite is too left-wing.
The Department of Homeland Security has also threatened Harvard's ability to enroll international students unless it turns over records on visa-holders' "illegal and violent activities."
International students made up 27.2 percent of Harvard's enrollment this academic year, according to its website.
"Make no mistake: Harvard rejects anti-Semitism and discrimination in all of its forms and is actively making structural reforms to eradicate anti-Semitism on campus," said Monday's lawsuit.
"But rather than engage with Harvard regarding those ongoing efforts, the Government announced a sweeping freeze of funding for medical, scientific, technological, and other research that has nothing at all to do with anti-Semitism."
Trump's claims about diversity tap into long-standing conservative complaints that US university campuses are too liberal, shutting out right-wing voices and favoring minorities.
In the case of Harvard, the White House is seeking unprecedented levels of government control over the inner workings of the country's oldest and wealthiest university -- and one of the most respected educational and research institutions in the world.

China cautions against trade deals favoring the US during the ongoing trade war, emphasizing potential global economic impact.

China Warning on US Trade Deals Amid Intensified Tariff War

Amid escalating trade war tensions, China warns nations about trade deals favoring the US, citing risks to global economic stability.

China urges nations to avoid trade deals with the US at its expense amid escalating tensions, as both impose tariffs.

Beijing is cautioning other nations against forging expanded trade agreements with the United States that could undermine Chinese interests, as tensions escalate in the ongoing tariff war between the world's two largest economies. China's latest warnings follow reports that the Trump administration intends to pressure countries seeking tariff negotiations with the US to reduce trade with China.
While US President Donald Trump has imposed a general 10 percent tariff on global imports, China faces much steeper tariffs, with levies as high as 145 percent on several of its products. In retaliation, China has implemented duties of up to 125 percent on US goods.
The Trump administration claims several countries are currently negotiating lower tariffs with the United States. However, China&rsquo;s Commerce Ministry made a firm statement on Monday, expressing strong opposition to any economic deals that other nations might make with Washington at China&rsquo;s expense.
"Appeasement will not bring peace, and compromise will not be respected," a spokesperson from China&rsquo;s Commerce Ministry declared. "To seek one&rsquo;s own temporary selfish interests at the expense of others' is to seek the skin of a tiger," the ministry warned, indicating that such an approach is destined to fail and cause widespread harm.
"China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China's interests," the spokesperson emphasized. "If such a situation arises, China will never accept it and will resolutely take reciprocal countermeasures."
Beijing also criticized Washington for "abusing" tariffs on all trading partners under the guise of "equivalence," while compelling countries into "reciprocal tariffs" negotiations.
China remains steadfast in defending its rights and interests and is eager to build solidarity with global partners, according to the ministry.
**The US-China Trade War Escalates**
President Trump&rsquo;s aggressive tariff strategy has resulted in both Washington and Beijing imposing significant duties on each other's imports, exacerbating a standoff that has raised fears of a global economic downturn and caused market upheaval.
Recently, Bloomberg reported that the Trump administration plans to pressure nations seeking tariff reductions or exemptions to limit their trade with China, including the potential imposition of monetary penalties.
Despite the tensions, Trump has stated that the United States is engaged in tariff discussions with China and expressed optimism about reaching a favorable agreement to resolve the trade conflict.
"We're in talks with China... they have reached out several times," Trump remarked to reporters at the Oval Office. "I think we're going to make a very good deal with China."
While China has pledged to fight the trade war to the end, it has not confirmed any negotiations with the US, although it has advocated for dialogue.
Beijing has vehemently criticized the US for what it terms "unilateralism and protectionism" and warned against a regression to an international order dominated by the "law of the jungle."
"In a world where the strong prey on the weak, all countries will ultimately become victims," Beijing stated on Monday.

After announcing Pope Francis's death, the Vatican initiates rituals marking the transition to a new papacy, including public viewing, mourning, and a conclave. Cardinal Farrell directs preparations, while the College of Cardinals handles Church operations.

Pope Francis' Passing: Church Rituals Explained

The Vatican confirms Pope Francis's death, sparking time-honored rituals for transitioning to a new papacy. Cardinal Farrell oversees preparations, including the destruction of the Fisherman's Ring and a nine-day mourning period, with an upcoming conclave for election.

The Vatican confirms Pope Francis's death, initiating traditional rituals for papal transition. Cardinal Farrell leads preparations for public viewing, mourning, and funeral, while the College of Cardinals manages operations until a new pope is elected.

Following the announced passing of Pope Francis by the Vatican on Monday, a series of time-honored traditions mark the transition from one papacy to the next in the Roman Catholic Church.
First, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, will officially confirm the Pope's death. He is responsible for sealing the Pope's private apartment and organizing the funeral preparations.
A critical task for the camerlengo and his three assistants is deciding when the late Pope's coffin will be displayed for public viewing in St. Peter's Basilica. They will also ensure that the Pope's "Fisherman's Ring" and lead seal are destroyed to prevent misuse. In line with custom, no autopsy will be conducted.
The Church will observe nine days of mourning, with the funeral's date to be set by the cardinals, typically occurring four to six days post-mortem. Unlike many former popes, Pope Francis expressed his wish not to be interred in St. Peter's Basilica's crypt, but rather in St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, and requested a simple wooden casket for his burial.
During this period, the College of Cardinals manages the Church's daily operations, though with restricted authority, leading to a temporary slowdown in central administration.
The conclave to elect a new pope will commence in the Sistine Chapel, occurring between 15 to 20 days after the Pope's death, with the precise start date determined by the cardinals. Participating in the secretive ballot are all cardinals under the age of 80, necessitating a two-thirds plus one vote majority to elect the new pope. The election process may involve multiple rounds over several days. Upon election, the new pope is asked to confirm his acceptance and declare his chosen papal name.
The successful election is communicated to the world through the burning of ballots with chemicals that produce white smoke from the chapel's chimney. Black smoke, meanwhile, signifies an inconclusive vote.
Next, the dean of the College of Cardinals will announce "Habemus Papam" (We have a pope) from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, introducing the new pope, who will offer his blessing to the gathered crowd in the square.

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