Times of India

Following Pope Francis's death on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican's camerlengo, announced the news and assumed leadership during the 'sede vacante.' Farrell will oversee the Church's daily operations, prepare for the funeral, and facilitate the election of a new pope. As camerlengo, he now plays a vital administrative role during this period of transition for the Catholic Church.

Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2025 campaign faces dire straits after a crushing defeat to Mumbai Indians, marking their sixth loss. Suresh Raina criticised the team's auction strategy, lamenting the missed opportunities to acquire key players like Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul. Harbhajan Singh echoed these concerns, questioning the impact of the youth selections.

Legal challenges are mounting against US agencies for terminating international students' SEVIS records, with courts increasingly granting temporary restraining orders. Immigration attorneys are discussing the agencies' attempts to downplay the irreparable harm caused to students.

Virat Kohli's unbeaten 73 guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a crucial victory over Punjab Kings. Kohli anchored the innings with Devdutt Padikkal, who scored 61, forming a match-defining partnership. Virender Sehwag praised Kohli's ability to finish games under pressure, highlighting his match-winning temperament and consistency in chases, making him a true legend.

Following Pope Francis's death at 88, the Vatican is observing the Novendiale, a nine-day mourning period. Preparations are underway for the Papal Conclave, where 135 cardinals will elect the new Pope. Among them, four hail from India: Cardinals Filipe Neri Ferrao, Baselios Cleemis, Anthony Poola, and George Jacob Koovakad.

Investment strategist Saurabh Mukherjea warns of a decline in white-collar employment in India due to automation and AI. He suggests that traditional salaried jobs are becoming unsustainable, particularly in sectors like IT and finance. Mukherjea advocates for entrepreneurship, supported by India's digital infrastructure, as a viable alternative for the educated workforce.

Russia's recent conscription surge, the largest in 14 years, aims to bolster its military amid the Ukraine conflict, with reports indicating forced recruitment in occupied territories like Donetsk and Luhansk. Men are coerced into service through passport requirements and economic pressure, facing deployment to the front lines after brief training.

The BJP has strongly criticised West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for her absence from violence-affected Murshidabad, alleging anti-Hindu bias. BJP MP Sambit Patra claimed Banerjee would have reacted differently if Muslims were victims. The party also accused CPI (M) of disowning deceased Hindu workers, highlighting the politicization of the Murshidabad clashes following protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

Former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi has strongly condemned BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's communal remarks, denouncing it as an attempt to exploit religion for divisive politics. Quraishi defended his tenure and commitment to secularism, emphasizing that individuals should be valued for their contributions, not their religious identity.

In Bengaluru, an Indian Air Force officer, Wing Commander Aditya Bose, and his wife, Squadron Leader Madhumita, were allegedly assaulted on Sunday evening. According to reports, a biker tailed their car, verbally abused them, and attacked Wing Commander Bose with a key, causing a head injury. The biker further threw a stone, hitting Bose again.

China has strongly condemned growing US pressure on its trading partners, pledging to retaliate against actions harming its interests. Washington is reportedly urging allies to reduce trade with Beijing for tariff exemptions, which China views as coercive. Beijing insists on equality in trade talks and warns against protectionism, emphasizing its resolve to defend its rights amidst escalating tariffs.

Several high-priced players in IPL 2025 are yet to debut despite hefty price tags. Mayank Yadav (LSG), T Natarajan (DC), Jacob Bethell (RCB), Gerald Coetzee (GT), and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (KKR) were signed for substantial amounts but haven't featured due to team dynamics, fitness, or strong performances from existing players. Their potential inclusion could impact team strategies as the tournament progresses.

Amidst escalating trade tensions with the US, fueled by Trump's tariffs, China is seeking new markets, particularly India. Despite past border clashes and investment restrictions, Chinese companies are now showing flexibility, accepting minority stakes and technology transfers to access India's growing market and potentially bypass US tariffs through Indian manufacturing.

Pope Francis, at the age of 88, passed away at 7:35 am, as announced by the Vatican. Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed his passing, noting his dedication to the Church and its vulnerable members. The College of Cardinals, consisting of 115 eligible members, will convene in Rome for a secret conclave to elect his successor, following centuries-old traditions.

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. His papacy, which began in 2013, was defined by his focus on mercy, inclusiveness, and environmental concerns. World leaders are mourning the loss of a figure who championed justice and compassion, while the Vatican prepares for the election of a new pope.

Former Karnataka DGP Om Prakash was allegedly murdered by his wife Pallavi and daughter Kriti at their HSR Layout home. His son Kartikesh filed a complaint, citing prior threats. Om Prakash was found with fatal injuries. Both accused have been arrested, and further investigation is ongoing to uncover the motive.

Isro has achieved a second successful docking of its SpaDeX satellites, marking a significant advancement in space technology. Chairman V Narayanan hailed the operation as smooth, emphasizing its importance for future missions. Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced the docking, following the initial docking on January 16 and subsequent undocking on March 13.

Former Karnataka police chief Om Prakash was fatally stabbed by his wife, Pallavi, at their HSR Layout residence following a heated argument. Pallavi, who reportedly has schizophrenia, attacked Prakash with chili powder and then inflicted multiple knife wounds. The homicide stemmed from ongoing disputes, including a property disagreement, and authorities are investigating Pallavi's mental state.

Infosys recently terminated 240 entry-level employees after they failed to clear internal assessment tests, following a similar layoff of over 300 trainees in February. Despite additional preparation and multiple attempts, these System Engineers and Digital Specialist Engineers did not meet the required standards.