News In Short- 17 June 2026

Researchers used the GRAPES-3 telescope’s 22 years of muon data to monitor real-time changes in Earth’s upper atmosphere.

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Key Findings of the GRAPES-3 Experiment

• Discovery of Hardening in the Cosmic-Ray Proton Spectrum: GRAPES-3 detected a distinct “kink” or hardening in the cosmic-ray proton spectrum at around 166 Tera electron Volt (TeV).
  • The finding provides important evidence about the sources and acceleration mechanisms of cosmic rays in the universe.
• Observation of Small-Scale Cosmic-Ray Anisotropy: The experiment identified small-scale anisotropic structures in the arrival directions of cosmic rays at TeV energies.
  • This suggests that cosmic rays do not arrive completely uniformly and may be influenced by local magnetic fields and nearby astrophysical sources.
•  Real-Time Monitoring of the Upper Atmosphere: Analysis of 22 years of muon data by Indian and Japanese researchers enabled real-time monitoring of temperature and density changes in Earth’s upper atmosphere.
  • It demonstrated the potential of cosmic-ray muons as a tool for atmospheric and space-weather research.

About GRAPES-3

• • GRAPES-3 (Gamma Ray Astronomy Peta-electron volt (PeV) EnergieS Phase-3) is a cosmic-ray observatory and muon telescope located in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, at an altitude of about 2,200 metres.
    • Muons are high-energy subatomic particles produced when cosmic rays collide with atoms in Earth’s atmosphere.
      • Muons share the exact same negative electrical charge as an electron but boasts a mass roughly (207) times greater.
    • Cosmic Rays are highly energetic charged particles originating from outer space with energies ranging from about 10⁸ to 10²⁰ eV.
  • Conducted By: The experiment is operated by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
• Objectives

• • • To study the origin, acceleration, and propagation of cosmic rays in the Galaxy and beyond.
    • To investigate the “knee” in the cosmic-ray energy spectrum.
    • To examine the production and acceleration of the highest-energy cosmic rays.
    • To conduct astronomy of multi-TeV gamma rays from neutron stars and other compact objects.
    • To study the Sun as a source of energetic particles and its effects on Earth.
• Key Components

• • Air Shower Detector Array: Detects extensive air showers produced when cosmic rays interact with Earth’s atmosphere.
  • Large Area Muon Detector: Measures high-energy muons generated by cosmic-ray interactions.
  • Proportional Counters: Gas-filled detectors that record muon-induced electrical signals.
  • Concrete Absorbers: Filter low-energy particles, allowing only high-energy muons to reach the detectors.

Evolution of GRAPES

The project is a continuation of pioneering cosmic ray research at the Cosmic Ray Laboratory in Ooty.

• GRAPES-1: Began in 1992 as the initial cosmic ray extensive air shower experiment.
  • Over the years, researchers upgraded its detector systems in various stages.
• GRAPES-2: An upgraded iteration of the original setup that followed GRAPES-1, expanding the scientific capabilities of the detector array.
• GRAPES-3: The third and current generation of the observatory. Because of physical and administrative constraints limiting further expansion at the old site, GRAPES-3 was established 8 km away at the Radio Astronomy Centre (RAC) site.
  • It has been fully operational since January 1, 2000

Significance

GRAPES-3 enables real-time monitoring of atmospheric changes, advances cosmic-ray research, and improves understanding of space weather and solar-terrestrial interactions.

India and China are in advanced discussions for a joint UNESCO nomination of “The Great Tang Records on the Western Regions”, the travel account of the 7th-century Chinese Buddhist monk-scholar Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang).

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• Panchatantra: India and Iran.

• Panchatantra became an integral part of Persian literature and folklore.

• Philosophy of Satyagraha: India and South Africa.

• Satyagraha was first developed and practised by Mahatma Gandhi during his struggle against racial discrimination in South Africa.

About Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang): 

• Xuanzang (c. 602–664 CE) was a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, and pilgrim of the Tang Dynasty.
• Journey Across India: 

• He left China in 629 CE to obtain authentic Buddhist scriptures and study Buddhism at its source.
• He travelled through Central Asia and reached India during the reign of Harshavardhana.
• He travelled across India for 19 years during the 7th century CE.

• Association with Nalanda: He studied Buddhist philosophy at Nalanda University under the renowned scholar Śīlabhadra.

• Nalanda was the foremost centre of Buddhist learning in Asia.
• The Faxiang School: The Faxiang (Weishi) School was a Chinese Buddhist school based on the Yogācāra (Vijñānavāda) tradition of Mahayana Buddhism.

• • It emphasised the doctrine of “Consciousness-Only” (Vijñaptimātratā), which holds that reality is experienced through consciousness.
  • The school was significantly influenced by Xuanzang, who introduced and systematised Yogācāra teachings in China.

• • Literary Contribution: He authored The Great Tang Records on the Western Regions (Datang Xiyu Ji), a detailed narrative and travel account of his journey through medieval India in the 7th century.
• Information Recorded in His Work: 

• Political conditions and administration.
• Social customs and everyday life.
• Religious traditions, especially Buddhism.
• Geography, climate, and trade routes.
• Descriptions of over 100 kingdoms across Central and South Asia.
• Relation with Harshavardhana: Xuanzang enjoyed Harshavardhana’s patronage and attended religious assemblies organised by him.
• Significance of his writings: His writings help reconstruct the political, social, religious, and cultural history of 7th-century India.

• • His account is one of the most important sources for the study of Harsha’s reign.

Reasons For Joint Nomination: 

• Skip the Queue: Joint nominations help countries overcome delays in the UNESCO nomination process.
• Overcome Dossier Limits: Each country is allowed only two dossiers during a two-year UNESCO heritage cycle.
• Facilitate Multi-Country Participation: There is no limit on the number of countries that may file joint nominations.

• A dossier can be led by one country and supported by others.
• Leverage Shared Heritage: BRICS countries share overlapping heritage traditions. Examples: Ramayana traditions shared by India and Indonesia.

• • • Buddhist scriptures common to India and China.
    • Panchatantra fables shared by India and Iran.
• Avoiding Heritage Ownership Disputes: Joint nominations can prevent competing claims over shared heritage.

• • Example: In 2017, both India and China submitted separate UNESCO nominations for Sowa-Rigpa (the Tibetan system of medicine), each claiming it as part of its heritage.

India and Japan have adopted the Rules of Implementation for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.

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• • The Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) is a bilateral cooperation framework between India and Japan established under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
    • Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement provides for cooperative approaches involving Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) between countries.
  • Origin : JCM originated on August 7, 2025, when both nations signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC).
• Objective: To facilitate the transfer of leading decarbonization technologies, green investments, and infrastructure 
• Key Components:

• • • Technology Transfer: Facilitates the deployment of advanced Japanese low-carbon and energy-efficient technologies in India.
    • Climate Mitigation: Supports projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the climate goals of both countries.
    • Investment Mobilisation: Encourages public and private investments in sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel and energy efficiency.
    • Support for NDCs: Assists India and Japan in achieving their respective Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
• Key Structure and Procedure

• • Joint Committee: A bilateral Joint Committee comprising representatives of both governments oversees the implementation of the mechanism.
  • Project Approval Process: Establishes transparent procedures for the registration and approval of eligible climate projects.
  • Validation and Verification: Requires independent third-party validation and verification to ensure environmental integrity and credibility of emission reductions.
  • National Registries: Maintains dedicated registries to track the issuance, transfer and accounting of carbon credits.
  • Sustainable Development Safeguards: Ensures that approved projects contribute to sustainable development outcomes in India.

Significance:

The JCM promotes climate finance, technology transfer and carbon market cooperation while accelerating India’s low-carbon transition and sustainable development goals.

The government has tightened cough syrup regulations following contamination-linked child deaths and safety concerns.

More About the News:

• The move follows multiple incidents involving diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG) contamination in cough syrups.

• Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG) are toxic industrial solvents and accidental use in medicines can cause acute kidney failure, neurological damage, and death, especially in children.

• Global Safety Concerns: Since 2022, Indian-made cough syrups have been linked to child deaths in countries such as Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon, prompting WHO alerts.

About the Change in Rule:

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has amended the Drugs Rules, 1945, making doctor’s prescription mandatory for the purchase of cough syrups and other medicinal syrups. 
• Amendment: As per the amendment, the word “Syrup” has been removed from Schedule K of the  Drugs Rules, 1945.
• Earlier Provision: Earlier, Schedule K allowed certain exemptions for the sale of cough syrups, particularly in villages with populations below 1,000.

• Objective: The move aims to improve monitoring, quality control, and safe distribution of cough syrups across the country. 
  • Intended to enhance consumer safety and prevent misuse, contamination, and unregulated sale of syrup formulations. 

• Sale Only Through Licensed Pharmacies: Cough syrups can now be sold and dispensed only through duly licensed pharmacies as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
• Schedule K: Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945 lists classes of drugs exempted from certain provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 under specified conditions.

• Available OTC Options: The restriction specifically targets syrup-based formulations and cough lozenges, tablets, and pills continue to be available over the counter.

India launched WT-MARUT, the country’s first dedicated Wind Turbine Supply Chain Management Portal, to strengthen domestic wind-energy manufacturing.

About Wind Turbine Materials and Resources Utility Tracker ( WT-MARUT )

• • WT-MARUT is India’s first dedicated digital platform for managing and strengthening the wind turbine supply chain ecosystem.
  • Ministry: The portal has been launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
    • It was developed under the aegis of MNRE with support from the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA).
  • Objective: WT-MARUT aims to strengthen India’s domestic wind-energy manufacturing ecosystem by improving supply-chain visibility, facilitating local sourcing, enhancing stakeholder collaboration, and boosting export competitiveness 
• Key Features

• • Supply Chain Visibility: Provides end-to-end visibility across the wind turbine manufacturing and component supply chain.
  • Supplier Discovery and Qualification: Enables identification, assessment and onboarding of domestic suppliers and manufacturers.
  • ALMM Compliance Support: Facilitates compliance with the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework through improved traceability and documentation.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Promotes coordination among manufacturers, component suppliers, project developers and government agencies.
  • Export Readiness: Supports Indian manufacturers in meeting global standards and enhancing participation in international wind-energy markets.

Status of Wind Energy in India

• India has over 56 GW of installed wind-energy capacity, making it the fourth-largest wind energy market globally.
• India’s estimated wind-energy potential is about 1,164 GW.
• The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), have projected that India would require more than 100 GW of wind energy capacity by 2030 to ensure a successful, affordable and sustainable energy transition.
  • The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) is the apex institution for wind-energy research and resource assessment in India.

With wind equipment exports surpassing ₹12,000 crore in FY 2025–26, WT-MARUT is expected to strengthen India’s wind manufacturing ecosystem and support its goal of achieving 10% of global wind turbine exports by 2030 and 20% by 2040.