Rajasthan

• 23 Jan 2025

UGC Halts PhD Admissions in Three Rajasthan Universities

Why in News? 

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has prohibited three universities in Rajasthan from enrolling new Ph.D. students. This action follows investigations into allegations of issuing fake and backdated degrees. 

 Key Points 

• Universities Affected: The institutions barred from enrolling new Ph.D. scholars are OPJS University, Churu, Sunrise University, Alwar and Singhania University, Jhunjhunu. 
• Allegations: A Standing Committee appointed by UGC has found that the three Universities did not follow the provisions of the UGC PhD Regulations and the academic norms for awarding of PhD degrees. 
• UGC's Action: The Standing Committee has recommended that the UGC may debar these Universities from enrolling PhD students for the next five years. 
• Implications: This incidence raises concerns about the quality and credibility of higher education institutions in Rajasthan.  
  • It underscores the need for stringent oversight to maintain academic standards and protect students' interests. 

University Grants Commission (UGC) 

• UGC came into existence on 28^th December, 1953 and became a statutory Organisation of the Government of India under the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 for the coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of teaching, examination and research in university education. 
• The UGC operates under the Ministry of Education, the Central Government appoints a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, and ten other members to the UGC. 
  • The Chairman is chosen from people who are not officers of the Central Government or any State Government. 
• Apart from providing grants to eligible universities and colleges, the Commission also advises the Central and State Governments on the measures that are necessary for the development of Higher Education. 
• It functions from New Delhi as well as its six Regional offices located in Bangalore, Bhopal, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune. 
• It also regulates the recognition of fake universities, autonomous colleges, deemed to be universities and distance education institutions. 

Mount Abu Records Lowest Temperature at 2.4°C

Why in News? 

Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station, recorded a temperature of 2.4 degrees Celsius, marking the state's lowest temperature. 

Note: The highest peak in the Aravalli Range is Guru Shikhar, located on Mount Abu. 

Key Points 

• Other Regions: In the plains, Sangaria of Hanumangarh recorded a minimum of 5.8°C followed by 6.8°C in Lunkaransar, 7.3°C each in Sirohi and Fatehpur. 
  • According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Pilani recorded 7.6°C followed by 7.8°C in Churu, 8.2°C each in Sikar and Sriganganagar and 8.8°C in Nagaur. 
• Weather Conditions: The cold conditions have affected various parts of Rajasthan, with temperatures significantly lower than usual for this time of year. 
• Impact: The unusual cold has prompted discussions about its effects on daily life, agriculture, and tourism in the region. 

India Meteorological Department (IMD) 

• About: 
  • IMD was established in 1875. It is the National Meteorological Service of the country and the principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects. 
    • It works as an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India. 
  • It is headquartered in New Delhi. 
  • IMD is also one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization. 
• Roles and Responsibilities: 
  • To take meteorological observations and to provide current and forecast meteorological information for optimum operation of weather-sensitive activities like agriculture, irrigation, shipping, aviation, offshore oil explorations, etc. 
  • To warn against severe weather phenomena like tropical cyclones, norwesters, dust storms, heavy rains and snow, cold and heat waves, etc., which cause destruction of life and property. 
  • To provide meteorological statistics required for agriculture, water resource management, industries, oil exploration and other nation-building activities. 
  • To conduct and promote research in meteorology and allied disciplines.