Articles on 20 April 2025

What’s in Today’s Article?

• US Visa Revocations Affecting Indian Students Latest News
• Background of the Issue
• Implementation of ‘Catch and Revoke’
• Indian Students Among the First Affected
• Human Rights and Legal Concerns
• Diplomatic Outlook and Upcoming Visit
• US Visa Revocations Affecting Indian Students FAQs

US Visa Revocations Affecting Indian Students Latest News

• India has formally expressed its concerns over the revocation of visas of Indian students studying in the United States, through diplomatic channels. 
• This comes just days ahead of a high-level visit by the U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and other senior U.S. officials to India on April 21, 2025.

Background of the Issue

• Large-scale visa revocations:
  • A recent survey by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) found that 50% of the visa revocation notices sent in the past two months were received by Indian students.
  • Other affected nationalities include students from China (14%), South Korea, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
• Denial of targeting by U.S. authorities:
  • U.S. officials denied any discriminatory targeting, stating that the “continuous vetting and visa revocation actions” apply to all nationalities equally.
  • The revocations are part of a new AI-assisted initiative called “Catch and Revoke”, aimed at identifying visa holders with views perceived as inimical to U.S. foreign policy, especially through social media monitoring.

Implementation of ‘Catch and Revoke’

• AI-powered surveillance:
  • Initiated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the program uses AI to monitor social media and assess the political views of students.
  • It is linked to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which records visa status.
• Homeland security crackdown: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is also terminating the status of students whose names appear in police databases, even for minor infractions or as victims of crime.

Indian Students Among the First Affected

• Two Indian students, Ranjani Srinivasan and Badar Khan Suri, were among the first to be asked to “self-deport”.
• Many other Indian students have since approached courts for the restoration of SEVIS status.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) initially cautioned Indian students to follow U.S. laws, but is now actively assisting affected students through Indian embassies and missions.

Human Rights and Legal Concerns

• Unjust revocations:
  • The AILA report noted many revocations were based on minor offences such as traffic violations or campus infractions.
  • In some extreme cases, even victims of domestic abuse had their visas cancelled due to their names appearing in police reports.
  • Only 2 out of 327 cases involved any alleged political activity.
• Expert criticism: AILA Executive Director Ben Johnson highlighted the economic and scientific contributions of international students, warning that such actions threaten U.S. national interest.

Diplomatic Outlook and Upcoming Visit

• High-level meetings in India:
  • U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, along with Assistant Secretary of State Ricky Gill, will be in Delhi for bilateral talks.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to host Mr. Vance.
  • Though MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that all bilateral issues will be discussed, he did not specify whether the visa issue or U.S. tariffs will be directly raised.
• Engagement beyond Delhi:
  • Mr. Vance is also scheduled to visit Jaipur and Agra.
  • U.S. State Department officials will participate in the India-U.S. Forum, organized by the Ananta Centre in collaboration with MEA.

US Visa Revocations Affecting Indian Students FAQs

Q1. What is the SEVIS system, and why has it been in the news recently?

Ans. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a U.S. government database tracking international students, and it has been in the news due to mass visa revocations, with a significant number affecting Indian students.

Q2. What is the 'Catch and Revoke' program launched by the U.S., and what are its implications?

Ans. The 'Catch and Revoke' program is an AI-assisted U.S. initiative to identify and cancel visas of students with views deemed hostile to U.S. foreign policy, raising concerns over civil liberties and racial profiling.

Q3. How has India responded to the recent visa revocations of its students in the U.S.?

Ans. India has raised concerns diplomatically, and the MEA is actively supporting affected students through embassies and missions.

Q4. Discuss the significance of the issue in the context of India-U.S. bilateral relations.

Ans. The visa revocation issue could strain India-U.S. ties, especially in areas of educational exchange, diaspora engagement, and soft power diplomacy.

Q5. What broader concerns have been highlighted by the AILA report regarding the visa revocations?

Ans. The AILA report highlights that many visa revocations were based on minor infractions or flawed police records, risking the academic future and legal rights of international students.

Source: TH

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Criminalisation of Civil Disputes Latest News
• CJI's Remarks on Converting Civil Disputes into Criminal Cases
• Modus Operandi of Converting Civil Disputes into Criminal Cases
• Reasons Behind the Shift to Criminal Cases
• Courts' Stance on Civil vs. Criminal Disputes
• Way Forward: Court's Recommendations to Curb Abuse of Criminal Law
• Criminalisation of Civil Disputes FAQ’s

Criminalisation of Civil Disputes Latest News

• Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna recently criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for the increasing practice of converting routine civil disputes into criminal cases. 
• His remarks came during a hearing on an appeal by two individuals involved in a cheque bounce case, who were additionally charged with serious criminal offenses such as breach of trust, intimidation, and criminal conspiracy. 
• The Chief Justice expressed concern over the misuse of criminal law to pressurize parties in civil matters.

CJI's Remarks on Converting Civil Disputes into Criminal Cases

• Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna expressed strong disapproval of the growing trend of converting civil disputes into criminal cases, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. 
• The Chief Justice emphasized that disputes over civil issues should not be treated as crimes and warned of a breakdown of the rule of law in the state.

Misuse of Criminal Law in Civil Matters

• The Chief Justice highlighted the concerning trend where civil cases—such as cheque bounce, money recovery, contractual disagreements, inheritance issues, property partitions, and commercial transactions—are increasingly being framed as criminal cases. 
• This shift often aims to apply pressure on the opposing party, undermining the fairness of the legal process.

Modus Operandi of Converting Civil Disputes into Criminal Cases

• A common tactic in these cases is to accuse the opposing party of dishonest intentions from the outset of a civil arrangement, such as a loan, contract, or agreement. 
• For example, if Mr. A lends money to Mr. B, and Mr. B fails to repay, the matter typically falls under civil law. 
• However, Mr. A may claim that Mr. B never intended to repay the loan and obtained the money through deceit.
• This leads to criminal charges under Section 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code, now included under Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Reasons Behind the Shift to Criminal Cases

• Legal experts suggest that many individuals perceive civil law as an ineffective remedy due to the prolonged nature of civil litigation. 
• This is particularly evident in family disputes, where extended legal battles often result in the breakdown of marriages or family relationships. 
• There is also a belief that criminal cases can prompt quicker settlements. In some instances, people with influence or by incentivizing police officials get FIRs registered to pressure the opposing party.

Growing Backlog in Civil and Criminal Cases

• As per the National Judicial Data Grid, there are currently over 1.08 crore civil cases pending in District Courts across India, with more than 68% of these cases being older than one year. 
• Additionally, out of the 4.52 crore total pending cases, 76% (3.44 crore) are criminal cases.

Courts' Stance on Civil vs. Criminal Disputes

• The Supreme Court has consistently cautioned against the misuse of criminal law for matters that are essentially civil in nature. 
• In January 2000, in the case of G. Sagar Suri vs. State of UP, the Court warned that criminal proceedings should not be used as a shortcut for civil remedies. 
• It emphasized that criminal courts must exercise great caution before issuing processes, as criminal charges carry serious consequences for the accused.

Court's Observations in C. Subbiah @ Kadambur Jayaraj vs. The Superintendent of Police (May 2024)

• The Supreme Court remarked, "It cannot be doubted that a dispute which is purely civil in nature has been given a colour of criminal prosecution alleging fraud and criminal breach of trust by misusing the tool of criminal law."
• This highlights the growing concern over the misuse of criminal law in civil matters.

Way Forward: Court's Recommendations to Curb Abuse of Criminal Law

• In the Indian Oil Corpn. vs. NEPC India Ltd. (2006) case, the SC emphasized that while individuals with legitimate grievances should have access to criminal law remedies.
• However, those who initiate or continue criminal proceedings knowing they are unwarranted should be held accountable. 
• The Court suggested that such complainants should face legal consequences after the criminal proceedings are found to be baseless and civil remedies should be pursued instead.

Practical Solution: Use of Section 250 Cr.P.C.

• To prevent the misuse of criminal law, the Court recommended a practical solution: frequent use of Section 250 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.). 
  • Section 395 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, deals with orders to pay compensation to victims of crimes.
• This section allows courts to grant compensation to innocent parties who are subjected to unwarranted accusations. 
• The Court proposed that judges should exercise this power more often when they discern malice, frivolousness, or ulterior motives behind criminal complaints. 
• This would help deter unnecessary prosecutions and prevent harassment of innocent individuals.

Criminalisation of Civil Disputes FAQ’s

Q1. What is Criminalisation of civil disputes?

Ans. It refers to using criminal law to settle civil issues like loans, contracts, or inheritance through pressure or intimidation.

Q2. What did the Chief Justice say about civil disputes?

Ans. CJI criticized converting civil issues into criminal cases, calling it a threat to rule of law, especially in Uttar Pradesh.

Q3. Why are civil disputes turned into criminal cases?

Ans. Due to delayed civil trials, people misuse criminal charges to pressure opponents into quicker settlements or compromises.

Q4. What has the Supreme Court ruled on this misuse?

Ans. The Court warned against criminal courts being used as shortcuts for civil remedies and stressed cautious process issuance.

Q5. What is the court's recommended solution?

Ans. Frequent application of BNSS Section 395 (formerly CrPC 250) to penalize false complainants and prevent legal harassment.

Source: TH | AL | B&B

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Exoplanet Latest News
• Introduction
• Understanding K2-18b and Its Discovery
• Hycean World Hypothesis and Atmospheric Composition
• The Significance of Dimethyl Sulphide (DMS)
• Caution Against Premature Conclusions
• Challenges in Confirming Life on Exoplanets
• Conclusion
• K2-18b Exoplanet FAQs

Exoplanet Latest News

• On April 17, an international research team published a paper in which it reported that the distant exoplanet K2-18b may be habitable.

Introduction

• In a significant development in space science, an international research team has reported signs that exoplanet K2-18b, located 124 light-years away from Earth in the Leo constellation, may exhibit characteristics of a habitable world. 
• The recent findings, based on data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), suggest the presence of potential biomarkers in its atmosphere, sparking cautious optimism within the scientific community.

Understanding K2-18b and Its Discovery

• K2-18b is a distant exoplanet discovered in 2015 by the Kepler telescope. It is about 5.2 times wider and nine times more massive than Earth. 
• Orbiting its host star K2-18, the planet receives a comparable amount of stellar radiation as Earth receives from the Sun, making it a strong candidate for further habitability studies.
• In 2019, NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope detected signs of water vapour in K2-18b’s atmosphere. 
• Later, in 2023 and 2024, the James Webb Space Telescope provided stronger evidence of carbon dioxide and methane, essential components in the quest to find life-supporting planets.

Hycean World Hypothesis and Atmospheric Composition

• Researchers theorize that K2-18b could be a Hycean world, a type of planet enveloped by a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and potentially hosting a liquid water ocean beneath. 
• Computer simulations suggest that such worlds may possess moderate greenhouse conditions and even a stratosphere, despite their exotic environment.
• The JWST has indicated the presence of carbon-based molecules like carbon oxides and even dimethyl sulphide (DMS) or dimethyl disulphide (DMDS). 
• On Earth, DMS is primarily produced by marine phytoplankton, indicating that its presence in extra-terrestrial atmospheres could point to biological activity.

The Significance of Dimethyl Sulphide (DMS)

• The detection of DMS or DMDS is considered the most exciting outcome of the K2-18b analysis. 
• On Earth, DMS is almost exclusively of biological origin, released when oceanic phytoplankton decompose. 
• It is also produced when bacteria break down plant matter. The detection of DMS in large quantities, up to 1,000 times higher than on Earth, suggests there may be an active production source on K2-18b's surface.
• However, distinguishing between DMS and DMDS is complex due to their overlapping spectral signals. 
• Moreover, the possibility of non-biological sources, such as volcanic eruptions or cometary chemistry, complicates direct interpretation.

Caution Against Premature Conclusions

• Despite these intriguing findings, the scientific community urges caution. 
• The JWST data have limitations, including detection thresholds and reliance on computer models that may not perfectly simulate unknown atmospheric dynamics.
• There have been prior instances of premature claims in exoplanet studies. 
• For instance, in 2024, researchers discovered that comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko contained DMS of abiotic origin, raising the possibility that DMS may not always be a biosignature.
• Additionally, a U.S.-based study suggested K2-18b could be a "mini-Neptune" with a gas-rich envelope, not necessarily requiring biological processes to explain its chemical composition. 
• Another reanalysis published in early 2025 challenged earlier findings, claiming there is no statistically significant evidence of carbon dioxide or DMS.

Challenges in Confirming Life on Exoplanets

• Detecting potential life-supporting conditions from vast distances relies heavily on indirect evidence. 
• These include signs of specific molecules, thermal conditions, and radiation levels. 
• However, confirmation of extraterrestrial life would require direct detection, something that current technologies like JWST cannot provide conclusively.
• Hence, while K2-18b remains a promising candidate, claims of it being habitable must be tempered with scientific rigour and scepticism.

Conclusion

• K2-18b presents a compelling case for habitability, with its hydrogen-rich atmosphere, the presence of water vapour, and signs of carbon-based molecules. 
• The potential detection of dimethyl sulphide lends further intrigue to this distant world. 
• However, with conflicting studies and technological limitations, scientists continue to investigate the data with caution. 
• K2-18b may or may not host life, but its study will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of planetary atmospheres and the parameters for life beyond Earth.

K2-18b Exoplanet FAQs

Q1. Where is K2-18b located?

Ans. It is located 124 light-years away in the constellation Leo.

Q2. What makes K2-18b a potential candidate for life?

Ans. It has a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and signs of water vapour, carbon dioxide, and possibly dimethyl sulphide.

Q3. What is the significance of detecting DMS on K2-18b?

Ans. On Earth, DMS is primarily produced by marine life, making it a potential biomarker.

Q4. Has K2-18b been confirmed as habitable?

Ans. No, scientists have not confirmed it as habitable; current findings only suggest possible life-supporting conditions.

Q5. What challenges exist in confirming life on K2-18b?

Ans. Instrumental limits, model uncertainties, and alternative non-biological explanations make confirmation difficult.

Source : TH

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Ride-Hailing Market in India Latest News
• BluSmart's Uncertain Future: Key Developments
• Winners from BluSmart’s Exit
• Legal Hurdles Facing India’s Ride-Hailing Sector
• Growth Potential Amid Legal Uncertainty
• Ride-Hailing market in India FAQ’s

Ride-Hailing Market in India Latest News

• India’s $1-billion ride-hailing market is undergoing major disruption. BluSmart, a leading electric cab service, has paused operations amid regulatory scrutiny of its associate firm, raising concerns about the future of its 8,000 EVs. 
• Meanwhile, rivals like Rapido and Namma Yatri are challenging Uber and Ola by ditching commission-based models in favor of driver-friendly daily subscriptions. This shift is reshaping the industry but also raising legal questions, especially around GST applicability. 
• Adding to the churn, the Karnataka High Court has ordered bike taxi services to shut down by mid-May, potentially influencing other states.

BluSmart's Uncertain Future: Key Developments

• BluSmart has halted services in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. 
• Customers have been told it could take up to 90 days to refund their in-app wallet balances, raising concerns amid the company’s financial troubles.

Liquidity Crunch Deepens

• Ratings agency ICRA flagged debt servicing delays and confirmed BluSmart is loss-making. 
• The suspension of operations is expected to worsen its liquidity crisis.

Gensol’s Loan Defaults Impacting Fleet

• Gensol Engineering, promoted by BluSmart’s founders, is in default on EV procurement loans from IREDA and PFC. 
• Since the vehicles were kept as security for the loans, the lenders can now take back the vehicles and sell them to recover their money.

Complications in Vehicle Ownership

• While some EVs were sourced via BluSmart’s “Assured” leasing programme, the majority are leased from Gensol. 
• This creates ownership uncertainties, complicating any potential fleet partnerships with companies like Uber.

Deal with Refex Falls Through

• A proposed sale of 3,000 EVs to Refex Green Mobility has not materialised. 
• With SEBI now probing Gensol for financial misconduct, future transactions may also be stalled.

Bottom Line

• BluSmart’s operational pause, combined with mounting financial and legal troubles, has cast serious doubt on its revival and potential asset monetisation.

Winners from BluSmart’s Exit

• Uber and Ola Could Regain Market Share
  • With BluSmart out, giants like Uber and Ola may attract more users—but competition remains stiff.
• New Players Enter the Scene
  • Startups like Shoffr, now active in Delhi, are gaining popularity, especially for airport transfers, thanks to better service and reliability.
• Subscription-Based Models Gain Ground
  • Rapido and Namma Yatri, with their driver-friendly daily or weekly subscription fees, are attracting more auto and cab drivers, challenging the commission-heavy models of Uber and Ola.
• Pressure Mounts on Uber and Ola
  • These challengers have already forced Uber and Ola to adopt subscription pricing for autos. 
  • A similar move for cabs may follow, though replacing commission revenue with flat fees poses a challenge.
• BluSmart’s exit creates space for growth, but the winners will be those who adapt quickly to changing driver preferences and pricing models.

Legal Hurdles Facing India’s Ride-Hailing Sector

• GST Confusion Over Subscription Model
  • Platforms using the subscription model don’t collect the 5% GST from passengers, as drivers receive payments directly. 
  • However, the legality of this remains uncertain, with conflicting rulings:
    • Karnataka AAR (Authority for Advance Rulings) (Nov 2024): Held Uber must collect GST under the subscription model.
    • Earlier Ruling (Sep 2023): Exempted Namma Yatri, stating it only connects drivers and riders.
  • The industry is now seeking clarity from tax authorities on GST rules for subscription-based ride aggregators.
• Crackdown on Bike Taxis
  • The Karnataka High Court has ordered all bike taxi services in the state to stop by mid-May due to a lack of regulations. 
  • This has affected thousands, including women drivers who have petitioned the government to:
    • Provide temporary permits
    • Establish a clear regulatory framework
    • Hold consultations with stakeholders
• Call for Policy Reform
  • The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has urged the government to form a joint committee to draft bike taxi guidelines.

Growth Potential Amid Legal Uncertainty

• Despite regulatory issues, the ride-hailing market in India is expected to grow from $951 million in 2023–24 to nearly $4 billion by 2031–32, at a CAGR of over 18%.
• India’s ride-hailing sector is growing fast, but tax ambiguity and lack of regulation—especially for subscription-based models and bike taxis—pose significant legal challenges that need urgent policy attention.

Ride-Hailing Market in India FAQ’s

Q1. Why did BluSmart halt operations in major cities?

Ans. BluSmart paused operations due to financial distress, loan defaults, and legal scrutiny of associate company Gensol's financial practices.

Q2. How are subscription models changing the ride-hailing market?

Ans. Subscription models allow drivers to pay daily fees, challenging commission-based platforms like Uber and Ola with better earnings.

Q3. What legal issues are threatening ride-hailing startups?

Ans. Confusion around GST on subscriptions and the Karnataka High Court’s bike taxi ban are key legal concerns for startups.

Q4. Who stands to gain from BluSmart’s market exit?

Ans. Uber, Ola, and new players like Shoffr could gain users, while subscription-based platforms attract more drivers.

Q5. What’s the market outlook for ride-hailing in India?

Ans. Despite challenges, India’s ride-hailing market could grow to $4 billion by 2031–32, driven by evolving business models.

Source: IE | FE