19 April 2025 Current Affairs

James Webb Telescope Founds Possible Life on Exoplanet

In a significant leap for astrobiology, scientists from Cambridge University have detected potential biosignatures on a distant exoplanet named K2-18b. Using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, they identified life-associated molecules like DMS and DMDS in its atmosphere. Though not yet conclusively proven, the discovery marks a promising step toward finding extraterrestrial life.

• Exoplanet K2-18b: Located 124 light-years away in the Leo constellation, K2-18b is 2.6 times larger than Earth and orbits a red dwarf star.
• Detection of Biosignatures: Scientists detected Dimethyl Sulphide (DMS) and Dimethyl Disulphide (DMDS) — gases on Earth linked to marine microorganisms.
• Tool Used: The discovery was made through spectral analysis using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which examines starlight filtered through planetary atmospheres.
• Certainty Level: The detection has a statistical confidence of three sigma (99.7%), whereas five sigma (99.9999%) is required for scientific confirmation.
• Scientific Significance: If verified, this could be the first confirmed evidence of life beyond Earth and would profoundly impact our understanding of life in the universe.

Trump vs Federal Bank of USA

U.S. President Donald Trump reignited controversy over the Federal Reserve’s independence by harshly criticizing Fed Chair Jerome Powell for not cutting interest rates. Trump accused Powell of “playing politics” and hinted at removing him “real fast,” raising concerns over the central bank’s autonomy. The situation has unsettled markets and reignited debates over political interference in monetary policy.

Key Points:

• Criticism of Fed Chair: Trump accused Jerome Powell of failing to reduce interest rates and labeled his recent speech a "complete mess."
• Threats of Removal: Trump claimed he had the power to remove Powell quickly and expressed eagerness for Powell’s departure.
• Legal Uncertainty: It is unclear if Trump can legally fire Powell, who was appointed by the president but confirmed by the Senate.
• Fed Independence: Powell defended the Fed’s independence at a business event, stating that interest rate decisions must be free from political pressure.
• Market Impact: Online betting platforms noted a rise in the probability of Powell's removal; market observers warned that firing Powell could shake investor confidence.
• Recession and Inflation Concerns: While Trump wants lower rates to boost the economy, Powell and other Fed officials warn that tariff-driven inflation could prevent rate cuts.
• Global Perspective: IMF and other global leaders stressed the importance of central bank credibility and warned against political meddling.
• Treasury’s Caution: Treasury Secretary reportedly advised against Powell’s removal to avoid destabilizing financial markets.
• Current Interest Rate: The Fed’s benchmark rate stands at 4.25%-4.50%, with no immediate changes expected amid inflation concerns and economic uncertainty.
• Policy Outlook: Fed officials, including Powell and John Williams, signaled a cautious approach, waiting for more clarity before adjusting rates.

The Once-Extinct Dire Wolf Back

Colossal Biosciences, a biotech firm in Texas, has claimed to "resurrect" the extinct dire wolf by genetically modifying gray wolves. The birth of three such pups on April 7 sparked global curiosity, with videos of their howls going viral. However, scientists caution that the animals are far from true dire wolves, and the ethics and ecology of de-extinction remain heavily debated.

Key Points:

• Genetic Claim: The dire wolf and gray wolf genomes are 99.94% similar, but even this tiny difference accounts for 1.47 million genetic variations — enough to make them distinct species.
• Editing Process: Colossal edited 20 loci across 14 genes in a gray wolf genome, mainly altering physical traits like size and fur to resemble dire wolves — not behavioral or internal characteristics.
• Scientific Dispute: A 2021 Nature study reclassified dire wolves as a separate lineage, Aenocyon dirus, differing fundamentally from modern wolves in behavior, ecology, and evolution.
• Ecological Concerns: Reintroducing extinct animals poses risks as current ecosystems have changed drastically, potentially disrupting existing biodiversity instead of restoring it.
• Conservation Ethics: Critics argue that such de-extinction efforts can divert focus from protecting endangered species today, and may influence policy decisions in ways that undermine environmental protection.

The India Justice Report (IJR) 2025

The India Justice Report (IJR) 2025 offers a comprehensive analysis of justice delivery across Indian states. It assesses four key pillars-Police, Prisons, Judiciary, Legal Aid & SHRCs—on multiple performance parameters. States are ranked and compared based on size for an equitable assessment.

About IJR:

• First-of-its-kind periodic national ranking of states' justice system capacity.
• Assesses four pillars: Police, Prisons, Judiciary, Legal Aid & SHRCs.
• Parameters: Human resources, infrastructure, budgets, workload, and diversity.
• States classified into large/mid-sized (>1 crore population) and small (<1 crore).

Top Performers (2025 Rankings):

• Large/Mid-sized states: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana.
• Small states: Sikkim leads.
• Most Improved: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha.

Police System:

• Women officers: Only 8% share; <1,000 women in 4,940 senior IPS roles.
• Presence: Only 120 police per lakh population (global norm: 222).
• Shortfall: 28% officer deficit; 1 cop for every 831 people.
• Spending: Highest among justice pillars—₹1,275 per capita.
• Women Help Desks: Present in 78% of police stations.

Judiciary System:

• Judges: ~21,000 (15 per million vs. 50/million recommended by Law Commission).
• Vacancies: 33% in High Courts; 21% in district courts.
• Spending: ₹182 per capita; no state spends over 1% of budget on judiciary.
• Legal Aid: Just ₹6 per capita; Paralegal Volunteers (PLVs) declined 38% in 5 years.
• PLVs: Only 3 per lakh population; vital for rural legal awareness.

Prison System:

• Occupancy rate: 131% (overcrowded).
• Projected Inmate Overload by 2030: +1.65 lakh.
• Undertrials: 76% of prison population, many in jail for 3–5 years.
• Staff shortages: 28% (officers), 44% (correctional), 43% (medical).
• Doctor-Inmate Ratio: 1:775 (norm: 1:300).
• Rehabilitation: Only 6% of inmates educated; 2% in vocational training (2022).
• Caste Segregation: Continues despite SC ruling in 2024 banning it.

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