The Karnataka caste census has revealed 99 sub-castes among Muslims and 57 among Christians, shedding light on the deep social stratification within religious minorities. In response, the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes has proposed 8% reservation each for Muslims and Christians in government jobs and education. The data, aimed at ensuring equitable development, is expected to influence affirmative action policies. However, the proposal may stir political debate and resistance from other communities. This move marks a significant step in reshaping Karnataka’s approach to social justice by recognizing intra-religious caste dynamics among minority populations. (PC: iStock Photo)

Violent clashes erupted in Murshidabad, West Bengal, over opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leaving three dead and hundreds arrested. The protests escalated into communal violence, with arson and attacks on infrastructure, prompting the Calcutta High Court to deploy central forces. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opposed implementing the Act, calling it discriminatory, while BJP leaders accused her of appeasement politics. Analysts warn that using religious issues for political mileage could spiral out of control. The violence highlights how fragile communal harmony becomes when politics, religion, and law are recklessly entangled in a volatile electoral climate. (PC: ANI)

On April 17, 2025, India issued a strong rebuttal to Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir’s statement calling Jammu and Kashmir the "jugular vein" of Pakistan. Responding firmly, India’s Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an inseparable part of India and demanded that Pakistan vacate the territories it illegally occupies. General Munir’s remarks, invoking the two-nation theory and expressing solidarity with Kashmiris, were condemned by India as baseless. India questioned the logic, stating, “How can anything foreign be in a jugular vein?” highlighting the enduring diplomatic tension. (PC: India Today)

In a historic first, a juvenile colossal squid was filmed alive in its natural habitat near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Captured at a depth of 600 meters by a remote-controlled vehicle aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Falkor (too), the sighting marks a century since the species was first identified. The squid, estimated at 30cm long, could grow to 7m and 500kg as an adult. The expedition, led by University of Essex scientist Dr. Michelle Taylor, also documented a glacial glass squid. The discovery highlights how little is still known about deep-sea marine life. (PC: Schmidt Ocean Institute)

A travel vlogger from Instagram channel ‘On Road Indian’ has gone viral after venting his frustration over the limitations of traveling with an Indian passport. In the video, viewed over 7 million times, he expressed dismay at repeated visa issues and being denied entry despite having money, documents, and a strong travel history. He cited Jordan’s recent refusal to let him in, and the increasing number of countries withdrawing visa-free access for Indian citizens. The video reignited debate online after India’s passport dropped to 85th in the Henley Passport Index 2025, down five places from last year.

The Supreme Court has allowed West Bengal to retain "untainted" assistant teachers for classes 9–12, offering partial relief following the annulment of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching appointments over the 2016 school jobs-for-cash scam. While upholding the Calcutta High Court’s earlier decision, the apex court mandated the state to advertise fresh recruitment by May 31 and complete the process by December 31. The ruling excludes Group C and D staff due to widespread irregularities. The scam involved OMR sheet tampering and excess appointments, prompting a CBI probe and nationwide attention on corruption in educational recruitment. (PC: India Today)

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)