In a major breakthrough, Cambridge University scientists have detected potential signs of life on the distant exoplanet K2-18b. Using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, the team identified molecules like dimethyl sulphide (DMS) in the planet’s atmosphere — gases on Earth typically produced by microorganisms. Though the findings are not yet conclusive, they mark the strongest evidence so far of extraterrestrial life. Lead researcher Prof Nikku Madhusudhan believes confirmation could arrive within two years. The discovery, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, could bring humanity closer to answering one of science’s biggest questions: Are we alone in the universe? (PC: Cambridge University)

Dr Mumtaz Patel, an Indian-origin nephrologist from Manchester, has been elected the 123rd president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), becoming the first Indo-Asian Muslim and fifth woman to hold the post. The RCP, with 40,000 members worldwide, praised her commitment to modernising the institution. Born to Indian immigrant parents in Lancashire, Dr Patel brings over 20 years of RCP experience. She has served as senior censor and vice-president for education and training since June 2024. Her leadership aims to restore the RCP’s voice in medicine and support doctors throughout their careers. (PC: X/Royal College of Physicians)

The Trump administration has threatened to ban Harvard University from enrolling foreign students, accusing it of "threatening national security" and fostering antisemitism. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanded reforms to hiring, admissions, and teaching practices, along with records on visa holders' alleged illegal activities. Harvard President Alan Garber rejected the demands, vowing to protect the university's independence. The government has already frozen $2.2 billion in federal funding, and Trump has threatened to remove key tax exemptions. International students currently make up 27% of Harvard’s enrollment. The move is part of a broader crackdown on universities linked to pro-Palestinian protests. (PC: BBC)

Following India’s disastrous Test series loss in Australia and failure to reach the World Test Championship final, the BCCI has reportedly sacked batting coach Abhishek Nayar and fielding coach T Dilip. Nayar, who joined only eight months ago, and Dilip, known for his fielding medal innovation, were informed last week. Strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai has also been relieved. Adrian le Roux is expected to take over Desai’s role. With the England Test series looming in June, changes are underway as BCCI looks to revamp the support staff after consecutive overseas setbacks. Official confirmation is awaited. (PC: AP)

Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir reignited the Two-Nation Theory during a speech at a convention for overseas Pakistanis, asserting stark differences between Hindus and Muslims. "Our forefathers believed we were different in every aspect—religion, customs, ambitions," Munir said, urging citizens to pass on this ideology to future generations. He emphasized the Islamic roots of Pakistan and warned against forgetting its founding sacrifices. Munir’s remarks come amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, especially following Pakistan’s recent comments on Kashmir at the UN. He also warned Baloch rebels of a strong crackdown, stating that “even ten generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan.” (PC: India Today)

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the 2010 Equality Act refer to biological sex, not legal gender. Independent MP Rosie Duffield called the decision a “victory for feminists,” asserting it protects women’s rights without affecting trans rights. However, Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman warned the ruling could “stoke the culture war” and endanger access to services for trans individuals. The judgment follows an appeal by For Women Scotland, which welcomed the decision. While Lord Hodge emphasized protections for trans people remain, critics fear the ruling may embolden discriminatory actions and rollback of rights. (PC: Reuters)

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on PM Narendra Modi and the BJP over the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, accusing them of double standards. "You are against Muslims, but in Saudi Arabia, you meet Muslims… You say one thing in your country and another outside," Banerjee said while addressing Muslim clerics in Kolkata. She urged the INDIA bloc to unite against the Act, warning, “Today, it is happening against you. Tomorrow, it will be against someone else.” Her comments follow violent protests in Murshidabad that left three dead. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the incident. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Time Magazine’s 2025 list of the world’s 100 most influential people includes US President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. Notably, no Indian citizen featured on the list this year, breaking a recent trend of Indian representation. Indian-origin biotech CEO Reshma Kewalramani was included, recognized for her role at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Other global figures on the list include UK PM Keir Starmer, US Vice President JD Vance, and WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom. The list spans leaders, icons, and titans from politics, science, business, and entertainment. Time released five international covers for the 2025 edition. (PC: India Today)

An Indian man’s dream vacation to Florida was cut short at the US Embassy in New Delhi when his B1/B2 visa application was rejected in just 40 seconds. The man shared on Reddit that he was denied after answering three questions honestly—he wanted a vacation, had never traveled abroad, and had a girlfriend in Florida. The officer issued a 214(b) refusal, suspecting strong US ties and risk of overstay. Reddit users advised that zero travel history and a US-based girlfriend typically raise red flags. The man asked for tips on improving his chances for a future application. (PC: NDTV)

Top US officials, including Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and diplomat Marco Rubio, are meeting European leaders in Paris to discuss the Ukraine war. The talks, attended by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and French President Emmanuel Macron, mark the highest-level transatlantic engagement since February. The US delegation will brief allies on Witkoff’s recent meeting with Russian President Putin. European leaders are expected to urge Washington to exert more pressure on Russia for an unconditional ceasefire. Meanwhile, Trump stirred controversy by blaming Ukrainian President Zelensky for prolonging the war, a move likely to spark diplomatic tension. (PC: AFP)