Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan, an Indian-origin astrophysicist, leads a team that has found compelling evidence of biological activity on exoplanet K2-18b, 120 light-years away. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, they detected dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a molecule only produced by living organisms on Earth. This revolutionary discovery marks the first potential biosignature detection on a habitable planet.
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India has sought extradition of 178 fugitives from various countries over the past five years, with 23 successfully extradited since January 2019. Sixty-five requests, including those for individuals accused of terrorism, are pending with US authorities. India has extradition treaties with 48 countries and arrangements with 12 others, and continues to pursue diplomatic efforts to bring fugitives to justice.
Russia and Ukraine have agreed to halt military actions in the Black Sea and on energy infrastructure after US-mediated talks in Riyadh. The agreement includes safe navigation and a ban on using commercial vessels for military purposes. However, Russia stipulates that the deal will be effective only if Western restrictions on its agricultural sector are lifted, with the US offering concessions on Russian agriculture trade.
The UGC informed the Supreme Court that no suicides were reported from central, state, private, or deemed universities and colleges. However, petitioners, whose children died by suicide, claim that IITs, IIMs, and national law universities did not provide data. An expert committee has submitted draft regulations to promote equity in higher educational institutions.
In a shocking verdict, a Suryapet court sentenced B Bharathi to death for the 2021 ritualistic murder of her infant daughter. Bharathi sacrificed her child to supposedly eliminate her 'sarpa dosham,' an astrological belief. This conviction was influenced by her prior imprisonment for assaulting her husband with a stone.
Mumbai police have recovered new CCTV footage from a mobile shop where Saif Ali Khan's alleged attacker bought headphones after stabbing the actor. The footage, taken about six hours after the incident, shows the attacker in a blue shirt with a backpack. Saif survived multiple injuries, including one near his spine, and is recovering well following surgery.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has unexpectedly swapped roles of Politburo members Li Ganjie and Shi Taifeng. This significant move, seen as part of Xi’s strategy to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 party congress, puts Li in charge of the United Front Work Department and Shi the Organisation Department, signaling Xi’s ongoing drive to eliminate rivals and reinforce loyalty.
A Mumbai court has remanded Hitesh Mehta, a former general manager of New India Cooperative Bank, and Dharmesh Paun in police custody until February 21 for allegedly misappropriating Rs 122 crore. The Reserve Bank of India has taken control of the bank's board and imposed withdrawal restrictions amid ongoing investigations.
Former cricketer Surinder Khanna humorously addressed the controversy over Yograj Singh’s comments on Kapil Dev, who allegedly considered shooting Kapil after being dropped from the team. Yograj attributed his cricket exit and focus on son Yuvraj's career to this incident. Kapil Dev calmly dismissed the claims, asking, 'Kaun hai?' at a golf event in Delhi.
The Champions Trophy format leaves little room for mistakes, with even one loss potentially leading to elimination. In Group A, India stands strong after defeating Bangladesh, while Pakistan is under pressure following their defeat against New Zealand. Pakistan's upcoming clash with India is critical for their survival in the tournament.
India and Mauritius have upgraded their relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Modi emphasized cooperation in defense, maritime security, trade, and development. India will support Mauritius with a new Parliament building and a rupee-denominated line of credit for water pipeline replacement. Both countries reaffirmed commitment to a secure and open Indian Ocean.