The life and legacy of Pope Francis: Facts you may not know about him Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, was a man of diverse experiences. His multilingualism, love of tango, and compassionate responses to global crises highlighted his multifaceted personality. Read on to learn more facts about Pope Francis.
What happens when a Pope dies? The traditions and transition explained Following Pope Francis’ death, the Vatican observes a detailed protocol. The camerlengo confirms the death and a nine-day mourning period (Novemdiales) commences, featuring public viewings and masses. The papal burial follows, and the “sede vacante” period begins until a new pope is elected via the conclave in the Sistine Chapel. This process, steeped in tradition, ensures the continuity of the Catholic Church.
World Heritage Day 2025: How India is preserving its cultural legacy On World Heritage Day 2025, India reaffirms its commitment to preserving its rich cultural and natural legacy. The country safeguards its past for future generations through initiatives like monument restoration, digital heritage mapping, classical language status, and international collaboration.
World Heritage Day 2025: Why is it important to preserve heritage? Observed on April 18, World Heritage Day highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage—from historic monuments to living traditions. It promotes awareness about protecting our shared history, fostering cultural identity, encouraging sustainable tourism, and creating educational opportunities for future generations.
Indian Rail Transport Day: On track since 1853 — The evolution of Indian Railways Indian Railways, the fourth-largest railway network in the world, marks 172 years since its first passenger train ran in 1853. From steam engines to Vande Bharat Express, explore the historical journey of this lifeline of India.
Rare golden tiger sighted in Kaziranga: Key facts about the unique big cat A rare golden tiger, a colour variant of the Bengal tiger due to a recessive “wideband” gene, was recently sighted in Kaziranga National Park. This gene reduces melanin, resulting in pale golden fur and red-brown stripes. Golden tigers are genetically normal but larger than average Bengal tigers with softer fur. Their lifespan is around 18 years in captivity, but shorter in the wild. The sighting highlights India’s rich biodiversity and the ongoing importance of wildlife conservation efforts.
Kasturba Gandhi’s life: Sacrifice, strength & the Indian freedom struggle Kasturba Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s wife, played a pivotal role in India’s independence movement. Beyond being a devoted wife and mother, she was a courageous Satyagrahi, actively participating in protests and advocating for women’s involvement. From enduring hardship alongside her husband to leading protests in his absence, Kasturba’s life exemplifies strength, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom. Her legacy continues to inspire generations.
Tahawwur Rana Extradition: Revisiting the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks Tahawwur Rana, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, has been extradited to India. His return follows a failed last-ditch legal bid in the US. The article details the timeline of the attacks, including Rana’s alleged presence at the Taj Mahal Hotel before the attacks and the subsequent events at multiple locations across Mumbai, resulting in significant loss of life.
Explained: What is a tourist entry fee and why is it charged? Sikkim has introduced a Rs 50 tourist entry fee under the Sikkim Registration of Tourist Trade Rules, 2025. This fee, collected at hotels during check-in, will fund tourism infrastructure, cleanliness, and environmental conservation. With this initiative, the state aims to balance tourism growth while preserving its fragile ecosystem.
Unique India: This is the only district in the country which is situated across two states Chitrakoot, meaning “hill of many wonders,” is uniquely divided between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Its division stems from its location straddling the Vindhya mountain range. While most of the district lies in Uttar Pradesh, a smaller portion is part of Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district.
