Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on X that he spoke with Elon Musk, discussing the immense potential for collaboration in technology and innovation. This conversation revisited topics from their earlier meeting in Washington, D.C., where they explored areas like space, mobility, and governance reforms. Musk, who leads Tesla, SpaceX, and X, has shown significant interest in entering the Indian market, particularly in electric vehicles and satellite internet services. Their dialogue aligns with ongoing India-U.S. trade negotiations and precedes an upcoming visit by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to India. Modi emphasized India's commitment to advancing partnerships with the U.S. in these domains. (PC: Rediff & BBC)

Scientists may be on the verge of discovering life beyond Earth, as signs of a gas linked to marine organisms on Earth have been found on exoplanet K2-18b. Led by Prof. Nikku Madhusudhan, the research hints at biosignatures in the planet’s atmosphere, potentially the strongest evidence yet of alien life. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope made the detection, while future missions aim to search Mars and icy moons for life. Experts suggest that even simple life discovery would reshape human self-perception and unite humanity. The possibility of life in the universe is now seen as a question of “when,” not “if,” marking a transformative shift in science and society.

Indian-origin astrophysicist Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan, a professor at the University of Cambridge, has led a team that detected dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b, located 120 light-years from Earth. On Earth, DMS is produced exclusively by living organisms like marine algae. This discovery, made using the James Webb Space Telescope, suggests K2-18b could be a Hycean planet—ocean-covered with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere—potentially supporting life. Dr. Madhusudhan, known for introducing the Hycean planet concept, emphasized the need for caution, stating, “It is in no one’s interest to claim prematurely that we have detected life.” The findings are published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. (PC: PBC & India TV)

Marvel Studios has unveiled the trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, marking the MCU debut of Marvel’s First Family. Set in a 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world, the film stars Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm). The team faces a cosmic threat from Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his herald, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Personal stakes rise as Sue and Reed expect a child, hinting at Franklin Richards. The trailer amassed 202 million views in 24 hours, becoming the most-watched for a non-sequel Marvel film. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film releases on July 25, 2025, launching Phase Six of the MCU.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir did not oppose the BCCI's decision to end assistant coach Abhishek Nayar's contract prematurely. Despite their successful collaboration at Kolkata Knight Riders, Nayar struggled to connect with senior players in the national team. Feedback from key batters indicated dissatisfaction with his role in the dressing room. Nayar, appointed on Gambhir's recommendation, was intended to serve as the batting coach. However, following India's 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand and a 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, the BCCI began scrutinizing the support staff's performance. Consequently, Nayar's contract was not renewed, and Sitanshu Kotak is set to continue as the batting coach. (PC: India Today)

Over 170 individuals have been arrested across Pakistan following a series of over 10 mob attacks on U.S.-based KFC outlets, driven by anti-American sentiment and opposition to Israel's military actions in Gaza. Incidents occurred in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Protesters vandalized KFC locations, often armed with sticks. In one incident near Lahore, a KFC employee was fatally shot; the motive remains unclear. Security measures have been heightened at numerous KFC locations, especially in Lahore. While the Islamist political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) distanced itself from the violence, one of its members was among those arrested. The unrest reflects broader protests in Muslim-majority countries against Western brands perceived as supportive of Israel. (PC: Reuters)

An FIR has been filed against Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, and the makers of the upcoming film Jaat for allegedly hurting Christian sentiments. The complaint, lodged by a Christian group, cites the film's content as offensive to their religious beliefs. The FIR was registered at the Barnala Sadar police station under Section 295-A of the IPC, which pertains to deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings. The filmmakers have not yet responded to the allegations. This incident adds to the growing list of controversies in the Indian film industry concerning religious sensitivities. The case is currently under investigation, and further details are awaited. (PC: Radiocity & YouTube)

On April 18, 2025, U.S. airstrikes targeted Yemen's Ras Isa oil port, resulting in at least 38 deaths and 102 injuries, according to Houthi-affiliated media. The U.S. Central Command stated the strikes aimed to disrupt the Houthis' economic resources. Al Masirah TV broadcasted footage of the aftermath, showing significant destruction and casualties. The Ras Isa port is vital for Yemen, handling approximately 70% of imports and 80% of humanitarian aid. Houthi official Mohammed Nasser al-Atifi condemned the attack, asserting it would not deter Yemeni support for Gaza. Shortly after the strikes, Israel reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen, amid ongoing Houthi attacks on vessels linked to Israel since November 2023. (PC: CSIS & Al Jazeera)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke with Elon Musk, revisiting topics from their earlier Washington DC meeting. The discussion centered on enhancing collaboration in technology and innovation. Modi emphasized India's commitment to reforms and the principle of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.' The conversation also touched upon potential cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and good governance. While specific details of the conversation's timing remain undisclosed, the dialogue underscores the ongoing engagement between India and Musk's ventures. (PC: X/ Narendra Modi)

Astronomers have detected potential signs of life on exoplanet K2-18b, located 124 light-years away. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, they identified dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in its atmosphere—a compound on Earth primarily produced by marine organisms. K2-18b, over twice Earth's size and eight times its mass, resides in its star's habitable zone. While the presence of DMS is intriguing, scientists caution that further research is needed to confirm its biological origin and rule out non-biological sources. This discovery represents the most compelling evidence yet of potential extraterrestrial life, prompting calls for continued observation and analysis to validate these findings. (PC: NBC & Reuters)