World leaders plan to attend Pope’s funeral in spite of previous differences
As tributes flood in for Pope Francis, attention turns to his legacy of engaging controversial issues such as migration, climate change, and global conflict – and therefore clashing with world leaders. Notably, Francis clashed with Donald Trump over immigration, denouncing his border wall and mass deportation policies. Tensions also emerged with Argentina’s Mauricio Macri and Javier Milei; Milei even called Francis ‘evil’, but softened his tone after taking office. The Pope also criticised Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro over Amazon deforestation and championed Indigenous rights. On Gaza, Francis condemned Israel’s military actions, suggesting possible genocide - a statement that drew harsh rebukes from Israeli officials. He also condemned the Ukraine war without naming Vladimir Putin directly, while urging dialogue. His ‘white flag’ comment upset Ukrainian leaders. Yet many world leaders - including Trump, Milei, and Zelensky - plan to attend the funeral, honouring a pontiff who never shied from challenge.
Earth Day: highlighting different types of pollution
To celebrate Earth Day (22 April), environmental activists gathered at a beach in Cape Town to clean the coastline and raise awareness about plastic pollution. Organiser Lyniel Traut called for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040, urging corporations to both act and educate. Another activist said she wanted her children and grandchildren to grow up in a safe, pollution free, environment. Earth Day also spotlighted hidden plastic pollution from synthetic clothing. Rachael Z Miller, founder of the Rozalia Project, explained how polyester garments shed microfibres which end up in oceans, harming marine life and potentially entering the human food chain. To combat this, she has developed the Cora Ball - a laundry tool which reduces fibre shedding and captures microplastics before they reach waterways. Though helpful, such tools are just a start: the UN has urged the textile industry to shift towards a more sustainable production model to reduce its climate impact. See
Kashmir: 26 killed in terrorist attack
A brutal terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir has left 26 people dead, including tourists and locals, and sent shockwaves across India. On 22 April gunmen opened fire at a popular resort in Pahalgam, targeting visitors gathered at Baisaran meadow. Among the victims were an Indian naval officer on his honeymoon, a tourist guide supporting his family, and multiple members of one family vacationing together. Eyewitnesses report that some attackers questioned victims about their religion before opening fire, although motives remain unconfirmed. Survivors and families describe scenes of chaos, loss, and unthinkable grief. Locals fear the attack could devastate tourism-dependent livelihoods. Kashmir's streets fell silent as businesses shut in protest, while Indian leaders, including prime minister Modi, vowed a strong response. A manhunt is under way, and as families bury their dead and demand justice, the nation mourns a deep and painful wound. India has already closed the border with Pakistan, which has denied involvement with the terrorists, and there are fears that there will be further military escalation. See
USA: Hegseth under pressure after second Signal chat group blunder
According to an anonymous official, the White House is searching for a new Pentagon chief to replace Pete Hegseth, after claims that he shared classified military details via the Signal app with his wife, brother, and lawyer, potentially jeopardising operations in Yemen. This follows his error in March when he mistakenly included a journalist in a similar chat. Donald Trump and press secretary Karoline Leavitt have publicly defended Hegseth, calling the uproar a media smear, and Hegseth has denied wrongdoing, blaming disgruntled ex-employees. Four senior Pentagon advisers have recently departed; three of them were forcibly removed for leaking information to the press, a charge they have denied. Senators have criticised both Hegseth’s conduct and Trump’s judgment in appointing someone lacking high-level leadership experience. Meanwhile, in another controversy, Trump has stated that he has no intention of firing Jerome Powell, chair of the Federal Reserve, even after calling him a ’major loser’ for his refusal to cut interest rates. See
