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SC Upholds UP Madarsa Act 2004

Source: BS

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court partially upheld the constitutional validity of the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004, overturning the Allahabad High Court ruling (March 2024) which declared it unconstitutional.

• However, the SC declared the Provisions pertaining to higher education (Kamil and Fazil) unconstitutional as they conflict with the University Grants Commission Act (UGC Act) 1956 which is governed by Entry 66 of List 1.

Why has the Supreme Court Upheld the UP Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004?

• Constitutional Validity: The Madrasa Act, 2004 effectively regulates the standards of education which aligns with the state’s obligation to ensure that students achieve a level of competency to participate actively in society.
• Legislative Competence: The Supreme Court affirmed that the Madarsa Act falls within the legislative competence of the State Legislature, specifically under Entry 25 of List 3 (Concurrent List) of the Constitution.
• Religious Education vs Religious Instruction: The Court distinguished between religious education and religious instruction.
  • The Court in Ms. Aruna Roy vs Union of India, 2002 defined religious education as promoting communal harmony is permissible, while religious instruction, like mandatory worship, is prohibited in state-recognised institutions under Article 28.
• Immunity to Basic Structure: The constitutional validity of a statute cannot be challenged for the violation of the Basic Structure of the Constitution (Indira Nehru Gandhi vs Raj Narain Case, 1975), the statute must violate the Constitutional provisions pertaining to secularism to declare it unconstitutional.
  • Allowing courts to strike down legislation for violating undefined concepts like democracy, federalism, and secularism introduces uncertainty in constitutional adjudication.
• State Regulation: The Court stated that the state government can make rules under the Act to ensure madrasas teach secular education along with religious instruction, without violating secularism.
• Minority Rights and Quality Education: The state should issue suitable directions to ensure that students studying in madrasas are not deprived of the quality of education that is made available by the State in other institutions.
• Minority Rights: By upholding the Act, the court has reinforced the right of religious minorities to establish educational institutions under Article 30 of the Indian Constitution.
• Focus on Inclusivity: The court’s directive to ensure that madrasa students can access quality education supports the integration of madrasa education within the broader educational framework of the state.

What is the UP Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004?

• About: It is a legislative framework aimed at regulating and formalising madrasa education in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
  • It ensured that madrasas operate within a set of defined educational standards and norms.
• Madarsa Education: It aimed to integrate religious education alongside the secular curriculum prescribed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), blending formal education with Islamic teachings.
• Board of Madarsa Education: The Act led to the creation of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education, which was tasked with overseeing and regulating madrasa education in the state.
• Examination: It provides for conducting exams for madrasa students, with courses ranging from the ‘Maulvi’ level (equivalent to Class 10) to the ‘Fazil’ level.

Why did Allahabad HC Declare UP Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004 Unconstitutional ?

• Secularism: The Allahabad HC found that the Madarsa Act, 2004 violated secularism by making Islamic education compulsory at all levels while offering modern subjects as optional or absent.
  • The government must provide secular education and cannot prioritize religious-based education over modern education.
• Violation of Fundamental Rights: Right to Education (Article 21A): The Act violated Article 21A, which mandates free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14. The court rejected the claim that traditional education with a nominal fee met constitutional obligations.
  • The Act violates Article 14 by creating discrimination between madrasa and mainstream school students.
  • The Act violates Article 15 by establishing a separate, unequal education system for madrasa students.
• Conflict with Central Law: The court found that the Madarsa Act, 2004 conflicted with the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (UGC Act).
  • Only universities or institutions deemed to be universities under the UGC Act, 1956 have the authority to grant degrees.

What are Implications of the SC Ruling on UP Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004?

• Regulation of Education Standards: Reinforces the state’s role in setting education standards to maintain quality.
• Protection of Minority Rights: Affirms the rights of religious minorities to establish educational institutions as long as they adhere to educational standards.
• Quality Education: Reinforces the state’s obligation to ensure all children receive quality education as per Article 21A of the Constitution.
• Inclusivity: Supports madrasas' integration into the broader educational framework.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004, emphasises the balance between religious education and secular standards. While affirming minority rights, it reinforces the state's authority to regulate education. The ruling may influence the regulation of religious education nationwide, ensuring inclusivity and quality.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. Examine the implications of the Supreme Court's ruling on the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004, particularly in relation to minority rights and the state's responsibility to provide secular education

First Advance Estimates for Kharif Crop Production

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has recently announced the First Advance Estimates for Kharif crop production for the year 2024-25, revealing a record-breaking output in foodgrains and oilseeds.

• The report reflects the government’s growing use of technology and stakeholder input in agricultural planning and underscores a significant rise in production, especially in staple crops such as rice and maize.

What are the Key Highlights of the First Advance Estimates for Kharif Crop Production?

• Digital Crop Survey (DCS): For the first time, the DCS under the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) was used to estimate crop areas, replacing the manual Girdawari method in four states (Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha).
• Record Foodgrain Production: The total Kharif food grain production for 2024-25 is projected at 1647.05 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT), which is higher by 89.37 LMT as compared to 2023-24 and 124.59 LMT higher than average kharif foodgrain production, due to good production of Rice, Jowar and Maize.
• Crop-Wise Estimates:

• Implications:
  • Food Security: The robust production across essential crops strengthens India’s food security by ensuring a steady supply for domestic consumption and potential exports.
  • Economic Impact: Higher yields can benefit the economy by supporting rural income, stabilising prices, and boosting agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contributions.
  • Policy Planning: The data-backed estimates assist policymakers in designing effective support programs and supply chain strategies.

What is the Digital Agriculture Mission?

• About: The DAM is aimed at transforming the agricultural sector through digital innovation and technology-driven solutions. This mission has a budget allocation of Rs. 2,817 crore and is structured to modernise agriculture by integrating data, digital tools, and technology to make farming more efficient, transparent, and accessible.
• Components of the DAM:
  • AgriStack: A comprehensive Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) focused on farmers.
    • AgriStack includes: Farmers' Registry (includes farmers’ IDs, similar to Aadhaar), and Geo-referenced Village Maps (accurate mapping of agricultural lands), and Crop Sown Registry (database recording which crops are planted and their locations).
    • AgriStack aims to streamline government services, reduce paperwork, and simplify the process for farmers to access benefits.
    • Pilot projects have been conducted in six states to test the creation of Farmer IDs and the DCS.
      • The six states include Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu.
    • Key Targets Include: Creating digital identities for 11 crore farmers over three years (6 crore in FY 2024-25, 3 crore in FY 2025-26, and 2 crore in FY 2026-27)
      • Launching the DCS nationwide within two years, covering 400 districts in FY 2024-25 and all districts in FY 2025-26
  • Krishi Decision Support System (DSS): A geospatial system that combines remote sensing data on soil, weather, water, and crops. The system offers real-time, data-driven insights to aid farmers in making informed decisions.
  • Soil Profile Mapping: High-resolution soil maps will be created for agricultural land to improve soil health understanding and support sustainable farming.
  • Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES): Utilises technology to enhance the accuracy of crop yield estimates, supporting productivity and policy planning.
• Benefits:
  • Enhanced Transparency: Accurate data enables more efficient and transparent processing for crop insurance, loans, and government schemes.
  • Disaster Response: Improved crop maps will help in faster response during natural disasters, aiding disaster relief and insurance claims.
  • Targeted Support: With digital infrastructure, farmers can receive real-time advisories, pest management guidance, and irrigation advice tailored to their needs.
  • Employment Opportunities: The mission is expected to create direct and indirect jobs in agriculture, supporting around 2,50,000 trained local youth.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. Analyse the economic implications of food grain production in India, particularly in terms of food security and rural income.

World Cities Report 2024

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Recently, the UN-Habitat has released the World Cities Report 2024: Cities and Climate Action.

• The report highlighted that the cities are among the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, yet they face disproportionately severe impacts of climate change.

What are the Key Findings of the World Cities Report 2024?

• Temperature Increases: By 2040, nearly two billion people in urban areas will experience a 0.5°C rise in temperature.
  • 14% of cities are expected to transition to drier climates while at least 900 cities could transition to more humid climates, especially tropical ones.
• Sea-Level Rise: By 2040, over 2,000 cities in low coastal areas, many under 5 metres above sea level, will expose more than 1.4 billion people to higher risks from sea-level rise and storm surges.
• Disproportionate Impact: Urban areas are disproportionately affected by climate change but are also significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) making them more vulnerable to climate shocks like floods and cyclones.
• Investment Gap: To build climate-resilient systems, cities need an estimated USD 4.5 to USD 5.4 trillion per year. However, current financing stands at just USD 831 billion, highlighting a massive funding shortfall.
• Riverine Flooding: Flood exposure in cities has grown significantly, increasing 3.5 times faster than in rural areas since 1975.
  • By 2030, 517 million people in cities will be exposed to riverine flooding, representing 14% of the global urban population.
• Decline of Green Spaces: Urban green spaces have significantly declined from 19.5% in 1990 to 13.9% in 2020 contributing to both environmental and social challenges in cities.
• Increased Vulnerability: Informal settlements (slums) are key drivers of vulnerability, as they are often located in flood-prone, low-lying, or precarious areas.
  • Lack of protective infrastructure, and legal recognition make them more exposed to climate impacts and unable to invest in upgrades due to eviction fears.
• Green Gentrification: Some climate interventions, like the creation of parks, have resulted in green gentrification leading to displacement of underprivileged communities.
  • Gentrification means a low-income neighborhood changes due to an influx of wealthier residents and businesses, leading to rising property values and rents.

How Urban Areas Contribute to Global Warming?

• Energy Consumption: Urban areas account for 71 to 76% of CO2 emissions from global final energy use due to concentration of energy-intensive industries, transportation, and high-density residential and commercial buildings.
  • Urban lifestyles tend to be energy-intensive, with high demand for electricity, heating, and cooling systems in buildings.
• Industrial Activities: Factories and power plants that burn fossil fuels, contributing to the release of various GHGs, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).
• Land Use Changes: Clearing land for housing, infrastructure, and industrial developments reduce the Earth's ability to absorb and store carbon.
  • The growth of urban land areas is projected to more than triple between 2015 and 2050 which will lead to deforestation and habitat destruction.
• Waste Generation and Landfills: As organic waste decomposes in landfills, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential many times greater than CO_2.
• Urban Heat Island Effect: Cities, particularly those with large areas of concrete, asphalt, and buildings, absorb and retain heat more than rural areas, creating the urban heat island effect.

How Cities are Affected by Global Warming?

• Heatwaves: Global warming is causing an increase in global temperatures and the frequency of heatwaves. E.g., Heatwaves are becoming more severe in India.
• Urban Heat Islands (UHIs): UHIs are metropolitan areas significantly warmer than surrounding regions due to heat-absorbing surfaces and energy use.
• Coastal Flooding: As temperatures rise, glaciers and ice sheets melt, adding water to the oceans and causing sea levels to rise.
  • This inundates coastal areas, displaces communities, and disrupts ecosystems.
• Wildfire Season: Wildfire season has been prolonged and intensified due to warming temperatures and long-term drought, increasing the risk of fires.

Way Forward

• Resilient Infrastructure: Infrastructure plays a central role in reducing GHGs, responsible for 79% of total emissions and is key to meeting 72% of SDG targets.
  • Infrastructure should be designed to withstand climate impacts and address the social and environmental factors that heighten community vulnerability.
• Green Energy: Electrification of public transport and the promotion of electric vehicles reduce the carbon footprint of personal and mass mobility.
• Diverse Financing Mix: To bridge finance gaps, well-structured loans and credit facilities can help cities invest in long-term climate solutions.
  • Affordable financing models, including climate-friendly loans and green bonds, that can help cities secure the capital needed for climate projects.
• Urban Carbon Sinks: Cities can offset emissions by investing in nature-based solutions such as green roofs, urban forests, and parks that absorb carbon dioxide.
  • Compact urban planning reduces urban sprawl, cutting the need for extensive travel and associated emissions.
• Circular Waste Management: Effective waste management practices, such as recycling and composting, prevent methane emissions from landfills.
• Whole-of-Society Approach: Vertical coordination between government levels and horizontal coordination across sectors and stakeholders is key to ensuring consistent, inclusive, and effective climate action.

• Strengthening Local Capacities: Local governments are best positioned to develop tailored, locally appropriate solutions as they understand the specific challenges and needs of their communities.
  • Encouraging lifestyle changes, such as opting for walking, biking, and carpooling over private vehicle use, can further reduce demand.

Conclusion

The World Cities Report 2024 underscores the urgent need for cities to address climate change impacts, highlighting both their vulnerability and contribution to global warming. Effective solutions require resilient infrastructure, green energy, and circular waste management, supported by diverse financing and localised actions to create climate-resilient and inclusive urban environments.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. Discuss how urban areas contribute to global warming and the measures required to mitigate their impact.

Urbanisation and Industrialisation Depleting Groundwater

Source: DTE

Why in News?

A recent study titled Detection and Socio-Economic Attribution of Groundwater Depletion in India, highlighted the significant impact of urbanisation and industrialisation on groundwater depletion in five Indian states.

What are the Key Findings of the Study?

• Affected States: The study raises serious concerns for five hotspots namely Punjab and Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Kerala:
  • Punjab and Haryana (Hotspot I): Most affected, with 64.6 billion cubic metres of groundwater lost in two decades.
  • Uttar Pradesh (Hotspot II): Irrigation demand fell by 8%, while domestic and industrial use rose by 38%, causing a 4% groundwater decline.
  • West Bengal (Hotspot III): Minimal irrigation growth (0.09%), but a 24% rise in other uses, led to a 3% groundwater drop.
  • Chhattisgarh (Hotspot IV): Increased use in all sectors led to declining groundwater levels.
  • Kerala (Hotspot V): Groundwater declined by 17% despite high rainfall, due to a 36% irrigation drop and 34% increase in other uses.
• Primary Cause:
  • Rapid Urbanisation: It increased by 10 per cent between 2001 and 2011 and industrialisation, especially in urban areas like Faridabad and Gurgaon which are not heavily reliant on agriculture, but saw sharp declines in groundwater levels since 2012.
  • Rising Demand: Increased domestic and industrial water consumption, coupled with only a slight decrease in rainfall during the study period.

What are the Major Causes of Groundwater Depletion?

• Over-Reliance on Groundwater: Irrigation accounts for approximately 80% of India's total water usage, with a significant portion of this water drawn from groundwater. As the demand for food rises, the extraction of groundwater for irrigation is increasing, leading to its depletion.
• Poor Water Management: Inefficient water use, leaking pipes, and inadequate infrastructure for capturing and storing rainwater all contribute to the depletion of groundwater.
• Decline in Traditional Water Conservation Methods: Practices like rainwater harvesting, step wells, and check dams have decreased, leading to missed opportunities for groundwater recharge.
• Climate Change: Rising temperatures and shifts in precipitation patterns can impact the recharge rates of groundwater aquifers, making them more susceptible to depletion.
  • Factors like deforestation, which leads to soil erosion, can reduce the amount of water able to seep into the ground, diminishing the natural recharge of groundwater aquifers.
  • Climate change events such as droughts, flash floods, and disrupted monsoon seasons are intensifying pressure on India's groundwater resources.

What are the Impacts of Groundwater Depletion?

• Reduced Crop Yields: Depleted groundwater limits irrigation, impacting crop productivity and food security.
• Urban Water Scarcity: Cities increasingly rely on groundwater, and depletion leads to higher costs, reduced water availability, and strain on municipal services.
• Public Health Risks: India is home to 18% of the world’s population, but only holds 4% of the world’s freshwater resources.
  • Declining water quality from overuse and contamination increases the spread of waterborne diseases and heavy metal exposure.
• Ecosystem Loss: Lowered water tables affect wetlands, forests, and aquatic ecosystems, disrupting biodiversity.
• Increased Drought Risks: Groundwater depletion reduces resilience to droughts, which are projected to become more frequent with climate change.

What are the Challenges in Groundwater Management in India ?

• Overexploitation:The Green Revolution increased the need for groundwater to support food security, leading to widespread borewell installations.
  • The Central Groundwater Board reports 17% of blocks are overexploited, with significant depletion in north-western, western, and southern India.
• Climate Induced Challenges: Erratic rainfall and increased pollution have exacerbated water scarcity.
  • Groundwater serves 85% of rural domestic water, 45% of urban water, and over 60% of agricultural irrigation, impacting multiple sectors.
• Weak Regulatory Framework: Regulations currently cover only 14% of overexploited blocks, allowing unchecked groundwater extraction.
  • Lack of local regulatory enforcement in early stages of depletion exacerbates water scarcity.
• Community Involvement and Institutional Weaknesses:
  • Participatory Groundwater Management (PGM) has empowered communities in some regions, but success is limited by weak institutions and supply failures.
  • Informal groundwater committees often become inactive after project completion, lacking sustainability in the long term.
• Subsidies and Usage:
  • Subsidized power for water pumping encourages excessive groundwater extraction, leading to rapid depletion.
  • Industrial and domestic usage rose by 34%, while irrigation-related groundwater demand dropped by 36%.

What are the Strategies for Sustainable Groundwater Management?

• Address Demand and Supply:
  • Supply Side: Initiatives like watershed management and aquifer recharge are vital but need complementary demand-side measures.
  • Demand Side: Promoting water-efficient irrigation (e.g., drip systems) and encouraging less water-intensive crops can reduce stress on groundwater resources.
• Community Participation:
  • Enhanced community involvement in governance improves sustainability, as shown by the PGM approach in regions with defined aquifers.
  • Empowering local institutions and supporting capacity development at the community level is essential for effective management.
• Regulatory Enhancements:
  • Comprehensive regulatory measures at local levels before blocks reach the overexploited stage can prevent further depletion.
  • Long-term viability of institutions like Water User Associations (WUAs) is crucial for sustained groundwater management.
• Cross Sectoral Reform:
  • Cross-sectoral reforms that reduce incentives for groundwater overexploitation, such as revising power subsidies, are critical for sustainable usage.
  • Repurposing support for climate-smart agriculture and aligning energy policies with water conservation objectives can aid in sustainable resource use.

Drishti Mains Question Q. Analyze the impact of urbanization and industrialization on India’s groundwater resources, noting states with significant depletion. Discuss associated challenges and propose mitigation measures.

1st Asian Buddhist Summit

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the first Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) was organised by India’s Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in New Delhi, India.

What are the Key Highlights of the 1st ABS?

• About: It's a significant international gathering aimed at fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and addressing contemporary challenges in the Buddhist community across Asia.
• Theme: “Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia” which emphasises Asia's collective, inclusive, and spiritual development.
• Key Themes of the Summit:
  • Buddhist Art, Architecture, and Heritage: Highlights the rich cultural legacy of Buddhist landmarks like Sanchi Stupa and Ajanta caves.
  • Buddha Cārikā and Dissemination of Buddha Dhamma: Focuses on Buddha’s travels (Buddha Cārikā) and his role in spreading teachings across India.
  • Role of Buddhist Relics and its Relevance in Society: Buddha relics inspire devotion and mindfulness, support local economies through pilgrimage tourism, and promote peace and compassion.
  • Role of Buddhist Literature and Philosophy in the 21^st Century: Demonstrates Buddhism’s enduring relevance in modern philosophical discourse.
  • Buddha Dhamma in Scientific Research and Well-being: Integrates Buddhist principles with scientific research to enhance mental and physical health.
• Exhibition: A special exhibition titled "India as the Dhamma Setu (Bridge) connecting Asia" highlighted India's role in spreading Buddhism across Asia.
• Significance for India: The summit supports India’s Act East Policy and Neighborhood First Policy, focusing on collective, inclusive, and spiritual development in Asia.

What are India’s Recent Initiatives to Support Buddhism?

• Buddhist Tourism Circuit in India
• First Global Buddhist Summit
• Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace
• Classical Status to Pali Language
• International Abhidhamma Diwas

Tardigrades Genes for Innovation

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, researchers are exploring a range of unique tardigrade features to inspire advancements in medicine, biotechnology, and space exploration.

What are the Key Facts About Tardigrades?

• About: Tardigrades (Tardigrada), also known as water bears or moss piglets, are microscopic, eight-legged creatures without a backbone.
• Species and Evolution: They belong to the phylum Tardigrada.
  • The earliest known fossils date from around 90 million years ago, in the Cretaceous Period (145 - 66 million years ago).
  • Molecular dating suggests they originated at least 600 million years ago.
• Adaptations: Tardigrades are known for their ability to withstand extreme radiation, starvation, lack of oxygen and water, and subzero temperatures.
  • They can inhabit extreme ecosystems like the Arctic, deep-sea floors, deserts, and even the vacuum of space.
• Cryptobiosis: Tardigrades can enter cryptobiosis, halting biological activity to survive extreme conditions like dehydration, freezing, and radiation damage.
  • The DODA1 gene helps synthesise betalains, a type of antioxidants that likely protect cells from radiation damage and allows them to recover and resume normal activities afterward.

How Tardigrade Properties Could be Applied for Human Use?

• Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs): Secretory-abundant heat-soluble IDPs synthesised in microbes improve desiccation (completely drying up) tolerance, potentially enabling resilient microbes and organisms.
• Small Heat Shock Proteins: When cloned into microbes, these proteins can improve microbial survival and stability in hot or dry environments.
• Protein Stability: Tardigrades’ ability to stabilise their proteins in extreme environments could be used to improve the shelf life and effectiveness of vaccines, antibodies, and enzymes used in medicine.
• Cell Preservation: Tardigrades' mechanisms to resist cellular damage could be used for cell therapies, aiding in transport and storage, and ultimately improving treatment delivery.
  • Researchers may develop enhanced protective measures for humans and materials in outer space.

India Bids to Host the 2036 Olympics

Source: HT

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) submitted a formal Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), expressing the nation's desire to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

• India’s bid aligns with the IOC’s sustainability policy, which encourages using existing infrastructure and minimal new construction to lower costs and reduce the carbon footprint.
• Only three Asian countries have ever hosted the Olympics- China, South Korea and Japan, with Japan hosting the games twice in 1964 and 2020.
• IOA is registered as a Non-Profit Organisation under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
  • It governs the Olympic Movement and Commonwealth Games in India; oversees athletes' participation in Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and related multi-sport events.
• The IOC is a non-governmental international organisation based in Lausanne, Switzerland that came into existence in 1894.
  • The IOC aims to ensure the regular holding of the Olympic Games and foster Olympism and the Olympic movement.

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Differential Rotation of the Sun

Source: TH

The Sun exhibits a unique rotational pattern called differential rotation, where different parts rotate at varying speeds.

• The Sun's rotation period varies by latitude, with the equator rotating in 26.5 days, the sunspot zone (16° north) in 27.3 days, and the poles in 31.1 days.
  • The Sun has a north and south pole, and rotates on its axis. However, unlike Earth which rotates at all latitudes every 24 hours, the Sun rotates every 25 days at the equator and takes progressively longer to rotate at higher latitudes. This is known as differential rotation.
    • Sunspots are areas that appear dark on the surface of the Sun. They appear dark because they are cooler than other parts of the Sun’s surface.
  • The Sun's core temperature is 15 million degrees K, and its surface temperature is 6,000 degrees K, creating a high-pressure gaseous state known as plasma.
• Despite extensive research, the underlying cause of differential rotation remains an unsolved puzzle for solar physicists.

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3rd Edition of MAHASAGAR

Source: PIB

Recently, the 3^rd edition of MAHASAGAR, an Indian Navy’s flagship outreach for virtual interaction among IOR littorals, was conducted.

• MAHASAGAR stands for Maritime Heads for Active Security And Growth for All in the Region. It was started in 2023 and is conducted bi-annually.
• Theme – “Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)”.
• The 3rd edition of MAHASAGAR was attended by IOR Littorals viz. Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.

Read More: SAGAR Vision

DCGI's New Regulations for Imported Cosmetics

Source: LM

Recently, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) established new guidelines to enhance the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of imported cosmetics in India.

• The cosmetic market in India was valued at USD 8.1 billion in 2023, with projections to reach USD 18.4 billion by 2032.
• Guidelines:
  • Cosmetics can only be imported if their expiration date is at least six months from the date of import.
  • Cosmetics containing hexachlorophene or those tested on animals after post-November 2014 are banned from being imported.
    • Hexachlorophene, a topical antibacterial cleanser previously used to clean skin before surgery and prevent infections, has been banned in cosmetics due to safety concerns.
  • No cosmetics banned in the country of origin can be imported unless for specific purposes (e.g., testing, analysis).
    • The Cosmetic Rules, 2020 state that no cosmetic should convey any false or misleading information to the user.
  • Importers of new cosmetic products must seek approval from the Central Licensing Authority, with proof of safety and efficacy.
• DCGI: The DCGI heads the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), which is responsible for ensuring quality drugs supply across the country.

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