UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 20th April 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Science and Technology

K2-18b: Tracing the Possibility of Life Beyond Earth

Why in News?

Recently, an international research team published a paper indicating that the distant exoplanet K2-18b, located 124 light-years away from Earth in the Leo constellation, may have characteristics that support habitability. This conclusion is based on findings from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which suggest the presence of potential biomarkers in its atmosphere, generating cautious optimism within the scientific community.

• K2-18b was discovered in 2015 by the Kepler telescope.
• It is approximately 5.2 times wider and nine times more massive than Earth.
• The planet orbits its host star K2-18, receiving comparable stellar radiation to that which Earth receives from the Sun.
• The JWST has provided evidence of carbon dioxide and methane in its atmosphere.

Additional Details

• Hycean World Hypothesis: Researchers theorize that K2-18b could be a Hycean world, characterized by a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and possibly a liquid water ocean beneath its surface. This type of environment could support moderate greenhouse conditions.
• The detection of dimethyl sulphide (DMS) or dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) is particularly significant, as DMS is primarily produced by marine phytoplankton on Earth, suggesting a potential biological activity if found in excess on K2-18b.
• Caution is advised due to the complexities in distinguishing DMS from DMDS and the existence of non-biological sources for these compounds.
• Recent studies have raised questions about the previous findings, prompting the scientific community to approach claims of habitability with skepticism and rigor.

In summary, while K2-18b presents intriguing possibilities for habitability, including the presence of a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and signs of essential carbon-based molecules, the scientific community remains wary of drawing premature conclusions. Continued research is essential to better understand this distant world and the potential for life beyond Earth.

GS2/International Relations

India Raises Concerns Over U.S. Visa Revocations Affecting Indian Students

Why in News?

India has officially raised its concerns regarding the revocation of visas for Indian students studying in the United States through diplomatic channels. This issue has emerged just days before a high-level visit by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and other senior U.S. officials to India on April 21, 2025.

• Recent visa revocations disproportionately affect Indian students, with 50% of notices in the last two months issued to them.
• The U.S. denies discriminatory targeting, claiming the initiative applies to all nationalities.
• Indian officials are now actively assisting affected students amid growing concerns over human rights implications.

Additional Details

• Background of the Issue: A survey by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) indicated that Indian students received a significant portion of visa revocation notices, with other affected nationalities including students from China (14%), South Korea, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
• Implementation of ‘Catch and Revoke’: This AI-assisted initiative aims to identify visa holders with views seen as contrary to U.S. foreign policy, particularly through social media monitoring.
• AI-powered Surveillance: The program, initiated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, utilizes AI to monitor social media and assess students' political views.
• Homeland Security Crackdown: The Department of Homeland Security is terminating student statuses linked to minor infractions or police database mentions.
• Human Rights and Legal Concerns: Many visa cancellations stem from minor offenses, including traffic violations, raising concerns about the fairness of the process.
• Diplomatic Outlook: High-level discussions in India will include bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though specific issues regarding visas may not be directly addressed.

In conclusion, the revocation of visas has significant implications for Indian students in the U.S. and raises serious concerns about human rights and the potential economic impact on U.S. interests due to the contributions of international students.

GS3/Economy

Ride-Hailing Shake-Up: BluSmart Exit & Legal Tussles

Why in News?

India's $1-billion ride-hailing market is experiencing significant disruption. BluSmart, a prominent electric cab service, has suspended its operations due to regulatory scrutiny of its associated firm, raising concerns regarding the future of its fleet of 8,000 electric vehicles (EVs).

• BluSmart has paused services in major cities, including Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.
• Rival companies like Rapido and Namma Yatri are introducing driver-friendly subscription models, challenging traditional commission-based systems.
• The Karnataka High Court has mandated the shutdown of bike taxi services by mid-May, which may influence regulations in other states.

Additional Details

• BluSmart's Operational Pause: Customers have been notified that refunds for in-app wallet balances could take up to 90 days due to the company's financial difficulties.
• Liquidity Issues: Ratings agency ICRA has highlighted delays in debt servicing and confirmed that BluSmart is currently loss-making. The operational suspension is anticipated to exacerbate its liquidity crisis.
• Gensol's Loan Defaults: Gensol Engineering, associated with BluSmart's founders, is defaulting on loans for EV procurement, leading to potential repossession of vehicles by lenders.
• Ownership Complications: Most EVs are leased from Gensol, creating uncertainties regarding vehicle ownership and complicating future partnerships with companies like Uber.
• Failed Sale with Refex: A proposed transaction involving the sale of 3,000 EVs to Refex Green Mobility has not occurred, with ongoing investigations into financial misconduct by SEBI complicating future dealings.

The operational halt of BluSmart, coupled with its mounting financial and legal challenges, raises serious doubts about its ability to recover and effectively monetize its assets. This exit could allow Uber and Ola to reclaim market share, although competition from new entrants remains robust.

Market Dynamics

• Emerging Competitors: New companies, such as Shoffr, are gaining traction, particularly in the airport transfer segment due to superior service.
• Subscription-Based Models: Startups like Rapido and Namma Yatri are leveraging subscription models to attract drivers, posing a challenge to Uber and Ola's commission-heavy practices.
• Pressure on Established Players: The rise of subscription models has compelled Uber and Ola to consider similar pricing strategies for their services.

Legal Challenges and Tax Implications

• GST Confusion: Companies utilizing subscription models are not collecting the 5% GST from passengers, as payments are made directly to drivers. However, the legality of this practice is under scrutiny, with conflicting rulings from tax authorities.
• Karnataka AAR Rulings: The Authority for Advance Rulings in Karnataka ruled that Uber is required to collect GST under its subscription model, while a previous ruling exempted Namma Yatri.
• The industry is seeking clarity regarding GST regulations applicable to subscription-based ride aggregators.

Regulatory Developments

• Crackdown on Bike Taxis: The Karnataka High Court has ordered all bike taxi services to cease operations by mid-May, citing regulatory gaps. This decision impacts many drivers, including women, who have called for policy reforms.
• Policy Reform Advocacy: The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has urged the government to create a joint committee to establish guidelines for bike taxi services.

Despite regulatory hurdles, the ride-hailing market in India is projected to grow from $951 million in 2023-24 to nearly $4 billion by 2031-32, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 18%. However, the ongoing ambiguity regarding taxation and regulation, particularly for subscription models and bike taxis, necessitates immediate policy attention.

GS2/Polity

Criminalisation of Civil Disputes

Why in News?

The Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, has recently expressed strong criticism towards the Uttar Pradesh government regarding the increasing trend of converting civil disputes into criminal cases. His remarks were made during a hearing concerning an appeal by two individuals involved in a cheque bounce case, who were also charged with serious criminal offenses such as breach of trust, intimidation, and criminal conspiracy. He highlighted the misuse of criminal law to exert pressure on parties in civil matters.

• The Chief Justice's concern over the conversion of civil disputes into criminal cases.
• Misuse of criminal law for civil disputes can undermine the legal process.
• The Supreme Court's historical warnings against such practices.

Additional Details

• Misuse of Criminal Law: The Chief Justice pointed out that civil cases such as cheque bounce, money recovery, and property disputes are increasingly framed as criminal cases. This practice often aims to pressure the opposing party and compromises the fairness of legal proceedings.
• Example of Tactics: A common tactic involves accusing the opposing party of having dishonest intentions in civil agreements. For instance, if Mr. A lends money to Mr. B and Mr. B fails to repay, Mr. A might claim that Mr. B intended to defraud him, leading to criminal charges under Section 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code.
• Growing Case Backlog: According to the National Judicial Data Grid, there are over 1.08 crore civil cases pending in District Courts across India, with 68% of these being older than one year. Additionally, 76% of the 4.52 crore total pending cases are criminal cases.
• Supreme Court's Warnings: The Supreme Court has consistently cautioned against using criminal law for civil matters, as seen in the case of G. Sagar Suri vs. State of UP, where it stated that criminal proceedings should not replace civil remedies.

In summary, the Chief Justice's remarks underscore the need for a careful and principled approach to legal disputes, emphasizing that criminal law should not be misapplied to civil matters. The recommendations from the Court, including the frequent use of Section 250 of the Criminal Procedure Code to deter misuse, highlight a path forward to address this issue effectively.

GS3/ Science and Technology

Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease

Why in News?

Researchers at Kyoto University have initiated a Phase I/II clinical trial to evaluate the safety and potential side effects of stem cell therapy for Parkinson's disease. This innovative approach involves using dopaminergic progenitor cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

About Parkinson’s Disease

• Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.
• Dopamine is a crucial neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in regulating motor functions.
• Traditional treatments primarily involve dopaminergic medications. However, these medications do not restore the lost neurons and may have long-term adverse effects.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

• iPSCs are a type of pluripotent stem cell that is generated from adult somatic cells, such as skin or blood cells.
• The process involves reprogramming these cells to an embryonic-like state, which enables them to develop into any human cell type.
• Applications of iPSCs include:
  • Diabetes: iPSCs can be converted into insulin-producing beta cells.
  • Leukaemia: iPSCs can be used to generate new blood cells for patients undergoing treatment.
  • Neurological diseases: iPSCs hold potential for developing new treatments for various neurological conditions.
• iPSCs are valuable tools in drug testing, disease modelling, and transplantation medicine due to their ability to differentiate into various cell types.

Stem Cells

• Stem cells are undifferentiated primitive cells with the potential to develop into specialized cells, such as blood, muscle, or liver cells.
• Their unique ability to self-renew and differentiate makes them essential for regeneration and repair processes in the body.
• Stem cells are found in various locations within the body, including:
  • Bone marrow: A primary source of adult stem cells.
  • Gastrointestinal tract: Stem cells in this area divide regularly to maintain tissue integrity.
  • Organs like the pancreas and heart: Stem cells in these organs are less active and divide under specific conditions.
• Types of Stem Cells:Embryonic vs Adult Stem Cells

GS1/Geography

Davis Strait Proto-Microcontinent

Why in News?

•  The Davis Strait proto-microcontinent is a newly identified submerged landmass resulting from the tectonic evolution of the Davis Strait. 
•  The strait itself was formed millions of years ago due to the shifting of tectonic plates between Baffin Island and Greenland, leading to a reconfiguration of the Earth’s crust. 
•  This process created a thick continental crust in the ocean, which has now been recognized as a primitive microcontinent. 
•  The microcontinent features thinned continental crust, measuring between 19 to 24 kilometers in thickness, and is bordered by narrow bands of thinner continental crust, ranging from 15 to 17 kilometers in thickness. 
•  These thinner crustal bands separate the microcontinent from mainland Greenland and Baffin Island. 

Key Facts about the Davis Strait

•  The Davis Strait is a bay in the northern Atlantic Ocean, situated between southeastern Baffin Island (Canada) and southwestern Greenland. 
•  It separates the depths of Baffin Bay to the north from those of the Labrador Sea to the south and is part of the Northwest Passage, which connects the Atlantic and Arctic oceans through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. 
•  The strait is approximately 400 miles (650 km) long from north to south and varies in width from 200 to 400 miles, making it one of the broadest straits in the world. 
•  The Davis Strait features complex geological formations, including underwater basins and ridges, formed due to strike-slip faulting along the Ungava Fault Zone between 45 to 62 million years ago. 
•  This geological activity triggered plate tectonic movements in the Labrador Sea and Baffin Bay, leading to the formation of the strait. 

GS1/ History 

Aryabhata

Why in News?

• Aryabhata was India’s first satellite, launched on April 19, 1975.
• It was named after a famous ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer.
• The satellite was sent into space with the help of the Soviet Union.

Joining the Elite Club

• With the launch of Aryabhata, India became one of 11 countries capable of sending satellites into orbit.
• Other countries in this group included the USA, USSR, UK, France, China, West Germany, Australia, Canada, Japan, and Italy.

Purpose of Aryabhata

• Aryabhata was designed to conduct experiments in solar physics and X-ray astronomy.
• These experiments aimed to study the sun and celestial objects using X-ray observations.

Initial Success and Challenges

• Initially, Aryabhata successfully made X-ray observations shortly after its launch.
• However, five days into the mission, the satellite experienced a power failure, which affected its operations.
• Despite this setback, Aryabhata continued to transmit data for a few more days.

Lifespan and Re-entry

• Aryabhata had an orbital lifespan of nearly 17 years, re-entering Earth’s atmosphere on February 10, 1992.

Naming and Recognition

• The satellite was unnamed until shortly before its launch.
• Prime Minister Indira Gandhi chose the name ‘Aryabhata’ from a shortlist, reflecting India’s cultural and diplomatic values.
•  A special commemorative postal stamp was issued by India’s Posts and Telegraphs Department within hours of the launch. 
•  The Soviet Union also recognized the achievement by issuing an Aryabhata commemorative stamp in 1976, highlighting the spirit of scientific cooperation between the two countries. 

GS3/ Defence and Security

INS Sunayna

Why in News?

Recently, INS Sunayna arrived at Nacala Port in Mozambique while deployed to Africa as part of the Indian Ocean Ship IOS SAGAR.

About INS Sunayna

• Class and Role: INS Sunayna is the second vessel of the Saryu-class offshore patrol ships in the Indian Navy. These ships are designed for various roles, including fleet support, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance, and monitoring sea lines of communication and offshore assets.
• Indigenous Construction: The ship was designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited, showcasing India's growing capabilities in naval shipbuilding.
• Commissioning and Base: INS Sunayna was commissioned into service on October 15, 2013, and is based under the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.

Features of INS Sunayna

• Propulsion: The ship is powered by two diesel engines, allowing it to achieve speeds exceeding 25 knots.
• Technology: INS Sunayna is equipped with an automatic power management system and the latest navigation, communication, and electronic support systems.
• Armament: The ship's armament includes a 76 mm gun with an electro-optic fire control system, Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS), and CHAFF launchers.
• Helicopter Capability: INS Sunayna has the capacity to carry a helicopter, enhancing its operational capabilities.

What is IOS SAGAR?

• Initiative Overview: IOS SAGAR is an initiative aimed at uniting the navies and maritime agencies of the Southwest Indian Ocean Region on an Indian Naval platform. This mission focuses on providing comprehensive training to sea-riders from Friendly Foreign Nations (FFNs) and represents a significant collaboration in maritime security.
• SAGAR Concept: The mission is based on the Indian government's regional initiative of maritime collaboration known as SAGAR, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region. This concept underscores India's commitment to regional security and cooperation.
• India as a Security Partner: IOS SAGAR highlights India's role as a "preferred security partner" and the "first responder" in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This reinforces India's position as a key player in regional maritime security.
• Tagline: The tagline of IOS SAGAR is 'One Ocean One Mission,' emphasizing the unified approach to maritime security in the region.