1. Mount Kanlaon: The Towering Fire Giant of Negros

Context: In a recent dramatic display of nature’s power, Mount Kanlaon, one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes, erupted with a forceful ash plume rising 4,000 meters (approximately 2.5 miles) into the sky. The explosion, though typical for the volcano, served as a stark reminder of its volatile nature and the constant monitoring required for the safety of surrounding communities.

About Mount Kanlaon:

Geographical and Geological Highlights:

• Mount Kanlaon is a stratovolcano situated in the north-central region of Negros Island, Philippines.
• Towering at 2,465 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak on Negros and ranks as the 42nd tallest island peak in the world.
• As part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, Kanlaon is frequently active due to tectonic movements along this seismically volatile region.

Structure and Composition:

• The volcano is composed of multiple pyroclastic cones and craters, showcasing a complex geological history.
• Its summit features a broad, elongated northern caldera that contains a crater lake, alongside a smaller but higher southern crater known for historical eruptions.
• Kanlaon’s base spans approximately 30 km by 14 km, underlain by layers of lava flows, lahar (volcanic mudflow) deposits, airfall tephra, and pyroclastic materials.

Ecological and Hydrological Importance:

• Mount Kanlaon is a biological hotspot, hosting diverse flora and fauna, including several endemic and endangered species. It forms part of the Mount Kanlaon Natural Park, a protected area established to conserve its rich biodiversity.
• The lush slopes of the volcano serve as vital headwater catchments, feeding major river systems that sustain life and agriculture across Negros Island.

Eruption History and Volcanic Activity:

• Documented eruptions date back to 1866, most of which have been phreatic—steam-driven explosions resulting from water coming into contact with hot volcanic material.
• These eruptions are typically moderate in scale, producing minor ashfall in nearby areas but often prompting precautionary evacuations and flight warnings.

Extra Insights:

• Kanlaon is a favorite among trekkers and mountaineers, offering scenic trails—but hiking activities are often suspended during volcanic unrest.
• The volcano plays a cultural role in local folklore, sometimes revered as a sacred mountain by indigenous groups.

Safety Note: The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) closely monitors Kanlaon for signs of increased activity. Residents and visitors are advised to follow official advisories and respect the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone around the summit.

2. UGC’s New Equivalence Regulations for Foreign Degrees (2025)

Context: In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled the “Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications Obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions Regulations, 2025.”
Effective from April 2025, this reform replaces the role of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) in issuing equivalence certificates and introduces a structured, transparent, and globally aligned framework for recognizing foreign academic qualifications in India.

What the New UGC Regulations Cover:

These regulations are applicable to academic qualifications—degrees, diplomas, and certificates—obtained from:

• Foreign institutions, including their offshore campuses
• Online or distance learning programs (based on public feedback to 2023 draft regulations)
• School-level qualifications abroad, provided the student has completed 12 years of education

The recognized foreign qualifications are valid for:

• Admission into Indian higher education institutions
• Research opportunities in India
• Employment, where UGC-recognized degrees are required

Note: Professional degrees like medicine, law, nursing, pharmacy, and architecture still fall under their respective statutory councils and are not covered under this regulation.

Eligibility Criteria: What Makes a Qualification Valid?

The UGC lays out clear guidelines for granting equivalence:

1. The foreign institution must be recognized by accrediting bodies in its home country.
2. The entry-level and academic standards (e.g., credits, internships, thesis) should be comparable to Indian programs.
3. The program must be completed in full compliance with the foreign institution’s norms.
4. Distance and online degrees are eligible—but must come from properly accredited institutions.
5. Franchise-based arrangements—where a local institution operates under the name of a foreign university without real affiliation—will not be recognized.

 A New Online Process for Students:

UGC will streamline the process through a dedicated online portal:

• Students submit applications with required documents.
• A standing committee of subject experts reviews within 10 working days.
• UGC communicates its decision within 15 days.

• If rejected, a review committee can re-examine the application upon appeal.
• Once approved, the equivalence certificate is valid for academic and professional use across all UGC-regulated institutions.

From AIU to UGC: Why the Shift Matters

Previously, equivalence was managed by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)—a non-statutory body.
While functional, it lacked a formal regulatory structure, causing inconsistencies and delays.

Now, under UGC:

• The process becomes statutory and standardized
• Accountability is increased
• It directly aligns with India’s push for global academic mobility

UGC Chairperson M. Jagadesh Kumar emphasized that this move supports the NEP 2020’s goal of internationalization.

Maintaining Quality and Safeguarding Trust:

By insisting on accreditation from legitimate bodies and rejecting franchise setups, UGC ensures:

• Credibility of foreign degrees
• Protection from fraudulent or substandard courses
• A robust review mechanism for redressal

This strengthens overall confidence among students, educators, and employers alike.

Conclusion: A Step Toward a Globally Aligned Education System

The 2025 UGC Equivalence Regulations represent a bold and forward-looking reform that strengthens India’s educational foundation:

• Promotes transparency and fairness
• Facilitates international academic exchange
• Supports India’s ambition to become a global education hub

With more Indian students heading abroad and foreign learners looking to study in India, this framework is timely, transformative, and truly global in vision.

3. Lesotho: The Mountain Kingdom in the Spotlight

Context: Lesotho, with its capital at Maseru, has recently found itself at the heart of a major international trade dispute. The United States has imposed a staggering 50% tariff on goods imported from Lesotho — the highest tariff rate applied to any country at present. This move has sparked concerns about the economic implications for this small but strategically significant African nation.

Political Overview:

Nestled entirely within the borders of South Africa, Lesotho is a landlocked and mountainous country often referred to as “The Mountain Kingdom”. It maintains its sovereignty despite its geographic dependency, with a constitutional monarchy as its form of government. Lesotho is one of only three enclaved countries in the world — the others being San Marino and Vatican City.

Geographical Highlights:

Lesotho’s unique topography is dominated by high-altitude terrain, with its lowest point at 1,400 meters — the highest “lowest point” of any country in the world.

Climate:

Thanks to an average elevation of 3,096 meters, Lesotho experiences a cooler climate than typically expected at its latitude of 30°S. The country’s weather is influenced by both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, creating significant temperature variations and making it one of the few sub-Saharan countries that receives snowfall in winter.

Mountains:

Lesotho is home to the Drakensberg and Maloti mountain ranges, which offer breathtaking landscapes and are essential to both biodiversity and local tourism.

Rivers:

The Orange River, one of southern Africa’s largest and most vital rivers, originates in the Lesotho Highlands. It plays a critical role in providing water to South Africa, especially through the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a major bi-national infrastructure initiative.

World Heritage Site:

Lesotho shares the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with South Africa. This transboundary protected area includes the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg National Park and Sehlabathebe National Park. It is renowned for its biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and San rock art, which dates back thousands of years.

Did You Know?

• Lesotho is the only country in the world that lies entirely above 1,000 meters in elevation.
• The country relies heavily on the export of textiles and water, making recent tariff decisions particularly impactful.
• Its blanket-wearing culture, horseback herders, and Basotho hats (Mokorotlo) are iconic symbols of its rich heritage.

4. UNHRC Affirms Link Between Ocean Protection and Human Rights

5. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree: A Sacred Symbol of Enlightenment and Legacy

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently paid a visit to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka — a site of immense spiritual, historical, and cultural significance.

About the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree:

• Located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is believed to be the oldest living cultivated tree in the world with a known planting date.
• It is a direct descendant of the original Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya, India, under which Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.
• The sacred branch was brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE by Sanghamitra, daughter of Emperor Ashoka and a Buddhist nun.

Uduvapa Poya Festival:

• Sanghamitra’s arrival with the Bodhi sapling is celebrated as Uduvapa Poya, held annually on a full moon night in December.
• The festival commemorates the spread of Buddhism to Sri Lanka and the planting of the sacred tree.

Anuradhapura: A Cradle of Sri Lankan Civilization

• Anuradhapura was the political and spiritual capital of Sri Lanka for over 1,300 years.
• Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it flourished as a hub of Buddhist learning and monastic culture.
• The city was abandoned in 993 CE following an invasion by the Chola Empire from South India.

The Mission of Sanghamitra and Mahinda:

• Sanghamitra arrived in Sri Lanka at the invitation of the king, following the suggestion of her brother Mahendra (Mahinda).
• Their journey was part of a larger mission following the 3rd Buddhist Council during Emperor Ashoka’s reign, aimed at spreading Buddhism across Asia.
• Mahinda led the initial mission and met King Devanampiya Tissa in Anuradhapura, eventually converting the king and his court to Buddhism.

The Mahabodhi Tree in Bodhgaya, India:

• The original Bodhi Tree, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, is believed to have been destroyed—some legends attribute this to Tishyarakshita, a queen of Ashoka.
• However, the present tree at Bodhgaya is believed to have grown from the genetic lineage of the original, continuing the legacy of enlightenment.

Did You Know?

• Bodhi trees (Ficus religiosa) are revered in Buddhism as symbols of wisdom, peace, and awakening.
• The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is so sacred that it is protected 24/7, and only designated caretakers are allowed near its trunk.
• Anuradhapura was once home to one of the largest monastic complexes in the world, with thousands of monks in residence.

6. Urban Transport in India: Moving Towards or Away from Inclusive Mobility?

Context: In February 2025, Bengaluru’s Namma Metro became the costliest metro service in India after a sharp fare hike, sparking nationwide concerns over the affordability of urban transport. Without fair and accessible pricing, public transport systems risk losing commuter trust and driving users towards private, less sustainable options.

Key Challenges Facing Urban Transport in India:

1. Rising Costs and Affordability Crisis:

• Fares like 90 for trips over 30 km (Bengaluru) are increasingly unaffordable for low- and middle-income commuters.
• Surge pricing by ride-hailing apps during peak hours or rain adds further economic pressure.
• This contradicts the goals of the National Urban Transport Policy (2006) and the Smart Cities Mission, which prioritize equitable mobility access.

2. Neglected Non-Motorised Transport (NMT):

• Cities lack safe and continuous infrastructure for walking and cycling.
• Over 40% of road fatalities in cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru involve pedestrians.
• Where NMT infrastructure exists, it is often encroached, poorly designed, or dilapidated.
• Weak implementation of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) means land use and transport remain disconnected.

3. Traffic Congestion and Inefficient Road Use:

• Private vehicles, which serve <20% of urban commuters, consume 90% of road space.
• Infrastructure has not kept pace with rising urban population and vehicular load.
• Results in longer commutes, lost productivity, and higher stress levels.

4. Environmental Degradation:

• The transport sector accounts for 14% of India’s energy-related CO₂ emissions (2020).
• It is a leading contributor to PM2.5 and NOx, especially in metros like Delhi.
• Lack of clean fuel adoption and slow EV integration hinder progress toward India’s Net Zero target (2070).

5. Inadequate Public Transport:

• Only 63 out of 458 cities (with population >1 lakh) have formal bus services.
• India has just 1.2 buses per 1,000 people, far behind the global ideal of 5–8.
• Poor last-mile connectivity in peri-urban areas, with reliance on unregulated modes like autos and e-rickshaws, raises security concerns.

6. Financial and Institutional Gaps:

• Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) lack financial power and depend heavily on higher government funding.
• Limited capacity to raise revenue via tools like:
  • Land value capture

• Green bonds
• Congestion pricing
• Parking charges

The Way Forward: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Mobility:

1. Invest in Non-Motorised Transport:

• Nearly 50% of urban trips are under 5 km — ideal for cycling and walking.
• Develop dedicated lanes, safe crossings, and NMT-friendly zones.
• Promote awareness campaigns around active commuting.

2. Learn from Best Practices:

• Kochi: Awarded for the Most Sustainable Urban Transport System.
• Bhubaneswar: Recognized for Best Public Transport.
• Srinagar: Noted for its Non-Motorised Transport initiatives.
• Replication and scaling of these models can accelerate progress.

3. Ensure Affordable Access:

• Promote monthly passes and smart cards for affordability.
• Generate non-fare revenue from station advertisements, retail spaces, and leasing.

4. Push for Clean Mobility:

• Support faster roll-out of EVs through schemes like:
  • FAME II
  • PM e-Bus Sewa
• Offer tax breaks and subsidies for electric buses and two-wheelers.
• Develop charging infrastructure in coordination with private sector players.

5. Empower Urban Local Bodies (ULBs):

• Equip ULBs to use the Value Capture Finance (VCF) Policy 2017 tools:
  • Congestion pricing
  • Green bonds
  • Land monetization
• Build institutional capacity for planning and execution of urban mobility solutions.

6. Create Integrated and Multimodal Transit Systems:

• Promote seamless transfers between metro, buses, and other modes.
• Use smart ticketing, real-time tracking, and multi-modal hubs.
• Implement Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) under MoHUA’s 2017 policy.
• Strengthen Unified Metropolitan Transport Authorities (UMTAs) for coordinated planning.

Conclusion: India stands at a critical juncture in urban mobility. Without bold reforms, investment in public and non-motorised transport, and affordable fare structures, the country risks locking itself into unsustainable, unequal, and inefficient urban systems. But with smart planning, policy support, and community participation, a green and inclusive urban transport future is well within reach.