Musi River Historic Buildings on 2025 World Monuments Watch
Source: The Hindu
Syllabus: GS I Art and Culture
Context: The Musi River Historic Buildings in Hyderabad and Bhuj’s Historic Water Infrastructure have been included in the 2025 World Monuments Watch (WMW), underlining their vulnerability to environmental and developmental changes. This recognition by the World Monuments Fund highlights the need for preserving architectural and cultural heritage in the face of modern challenges.
World Monuments Watch (WMW):
- Launch and Objectives: Established in 1996 by the World Monuments Fund, this biennial program identifies endangered heritage sites globally to garner support and raise awareness for their preservation.
Musi River Historic Buildings: Hyderabad’s Civic Heritage
- Architectural Significance: These buildings showcase Hyderabad’s rich architectural legacy, especially along the Musi River waterfront.
- Key Landmarks: High Court of Hyderabad, State Central Library, Osmania General Hospital (OGH), City College, and Former British Residency (now a women’s university).
- Threats: Environmental risks such as climate change and water crises pose significant challenges to their preservation.
- Osmania General Hospital (OGH):
- Historical Importance: Completed in 1925, this institution exemplifies Indo-Saracenic architecture and has served as a cornerstone of public health as one of India’s oldest and largest hospitals.
- Preservation vs Modernisation Debate: Decades of neglect and recurrent flooding have sparked calls for demolition, pitting heritage preservation against the need for modern infrastructure.
Bhuj’s Historic Water Infrastructure
- Hamirsar Lake:
- Built in the 16th century by Rao Khengarji, this artificial reservoir is central to Bhuj’s traditional water management system.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Includes stepwells (Vavs), tanks, and canals designed for rainwater collection and groundwater recharge.
- Cultural Significance: The lake’s overflowing is celebrated in local festivals, symbolising Bhuj’s historical water practices.
- Threats: Rapid urbanisation, climate change, and reliance on imported or extracted water are undermining Bhuj’s traditional water systems.
Importance of Inclusion in the 2025 WMW
- Heritage and Sustainable Development: Preserving these sites is crucial for sustainable urban growth and enhancing climate resilience.
- Environmental Conservation: Highlights the intersection of heritage preservation and environmental adaptation efforts.
- Future Potential of Heritage Sites: Structures like Osmania General Hospital can be transformed into valuable public assets with proper conservation.
- Cultural Identity and Riverfront Revitalisation: Preserving heritage sites can rejuvenate the Musi Riverfront and reinforce Hyderabad’s cultural identity.
- Government Initiatives: The government’s Musi River rejuvenation program aligns with this recognition, offering an opportunity to integrate heritage preservation into broader urban development plans.
New US AI export rule excludes India from benefits of closest allies. What could be the impact?
Source: The Indian Express
Syllabus: GS II International Relations
Context: The US administration’s new export regulation framework places India in the second tier, restricting its access to advanced AI hardware like GPUs. This development could potentially affect India’s AI infrastructure and broader strategic ambitions.
Three-Tier Framework for AI Hardware Export Restrictions:
- Tier 1: Closest US Allies
- Includes 18 countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, and the UK.
- No major export restrictions on AI chips and GPUs.
- Minimal security requirements for deploying computing power.
- Tier 2: Majority of Countries (Including India)
- India is placed in this category along with most countries.
- Import restrictions limit access to 50,000 advanced AI chips by 2027, with a possible doubling of this limit through bilateral agreements.
- India’s flagship AI initiatives, such as the IndiaAI Mission, may face challenges in achieving their goals to procure 10,000 GPUs.
- Smaller firms and academic institutions are unlikely to experience significant disruptions.
- Tier 3: Countries of Concern
- Includes nations like China, Russia, North Korea, and Libya.
- Near-complete prohibition of AI technology exports to these countries.
General Validated End User (GVEU): A Special Provision
- India’s Access: Indian entities with GVEU authorization can use exported AI technology for both civilian and military purposes, excluding nuclear applications.
- China’s Restrictions: Chinese companies can utilize the technology only for civilian applications.
- Strategic Implications: India and China are uniquely placed to benefit from this provision, highlighting a nuanced policy stance by the US.
Rationale Behind Export Restrictions:
- Preventing Adversary Access: Aimed at curbing access to advanced AI technology by adversarial nations like China, Russia, and Iran.
- National Security Concerns: Ensures US technological leadership and safeguards its strategic ecosystem.
- Balancing Innovation and Security: Strives to maintain global competitiveness while addressing security concerns.
Criticism of the AI Diffusion Rules:
- Excessive Regulation: The rules are criticized for being overly restrictive, opaque, and lacking legislative review.
- Delayed Infrastructure Development: Could slow India’s AI infrastructure expansion and GPU procurement efforts.
- Uncertainty in Licensing: Ambiguities in the licensing process may disrupt business operations and long-term planning.
- Global Competitiveness: Restrictive policies might weaken US innovation and global market position in AI.
Potential Impact on India:
- Short-Term Effects:
- Immediate plans for procuring 10,000 GPUs under the IndiaAI Mission are unlikely to be severely impacted.
- Startups, academia, and research institutions will continue benefiting from subsidized GPUs for AI model training.
- Long-Term Concerns:
- Licensing uncertainties could hinder large-scale AI deployments.
- Companies aiming to establish AI data centers, such as Reliance and Yotta, may face operational delays.
- Scaling AI infrastructure requiring hundreds of thousands of GPUs might become a significant challenge, slowing India’s AI sector growth.
India’s Response and Future Options:
- AI Market Growth: With a projected annual growth rate of 25%-35%, India’s AI market is expected to reach $17 billion by 2027, underlining the importance of addressing these restrictions.
- Securing Authorizations: India could seek expanded General Validated End User authorizations to facilitate hardware access, leveraging its reputation as a non-re-exporter of sensitive technologies.
- Collaboration with Global Firms: Strengthening partnerships with global AI leaders like Nvidia and AMD to secure technological needs.
Way Forward:
- Exploring Alternative Sources: Diversify AI technology imports through partnerships with other nations and startups, reducing reliance on the US.
- Focus on Indigenous Development: Prioritize building domestic AI ecosystems, enhancing both hardware and software capabilities for sustained growth.
- Strategic Negotiations: Engage in bilateral negotiations with the US to secure relaxed restrictions and foster mutual technological collaboration.
Wife can get maintenance even if she defies court order to go back to husband: what SC has ruled and why
Source: The Indian Express
Syllabus: GS II Polity
Wife’s Maintenance Rights: Judicial Perspective on Conjugal Rights
Context
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court (SC) clarified that a wife’s right to maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC is independent of the restitution of conjugal rights. The court ruled that a wife can claim maintenance despite the non-compliance of her husband with a court’s decree for restitution of conjugal rights. This case sheds light on the ongoing legal discourse surrounding marital laws, particularly Section 9 of the Hindu Marriage Act (HMA), 1955, which deals with restitution of conjugal rights.
Legality of Restitution of Conjugal Rights
Section 9 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, allows a spouse to seek a court decree to restore the other spouse to their matrimonial home if they have withdrawn without reasonable cause. The provision aims to preserve traditional family unity, which has come under scrutiny for its relevance in a modern, egalitarian society.
- Historical Evolution:
The provision has been a subject of legal and societal debate. In 1983, the Andhra Pradesh High Court struck down Section 9 as archaic, but this decision was overturned by the SC in 1984, which held that the provision serves a social purpose by preventing marital breakdown. However, a constitutional challenge to the provision was raised in 2019, and the matter is still pending before the SC. - Debate on Constitutionality:
Proponents of Section 9 argue that it is gender-neutral and offers a conciliatory mechanism to resolve marital disputes. On the other hand, critics assert that it violates constitutional principles like privacy, equality, and individual autonomy. They claim that the provision perpetuates outdated gender roles and imposes coercion on the marital relationship, potentially infringing on fundamental rights.
SC Observations in the Present Case
The SC ruling on the wife’s maintenance rights in the present case emphasized that maintenance and restitution of conjugal rights are separate legal matters. The Court found that the Jharkhand High Court had wrongly equated the wife’s refusal to comply with the restitution order as a reason to deny her maintenance. This highlights the need to treat these issues as distinct: failure to comply with a decree for conjugal rights does not automatically disqualify the wife from claiming maintenance.
- Case-Specific Considerations:
The SC also highlighted that each case should be assessed based on its individual facts. For instance, if a wife’s refusal to return to the matrimonial home is based on just cause, such as ill-treatment, she may still be entitled to maintenance. This reflects a more nuanced approach to resolving marital disputes, ensuring that the welfare of the parties involved is considered.
Challenges with Restitution of Conjugal Rights
Section 9 has faced significant criticism for its potential to coerce individuals into marital relations, disregarding their autonomy and privacy. Some of the key concerns include:
- Coercion and Violation of Privacy:
Critics argue that the provision could be used to force one spouse into physical and emotional intimacy, infringing on bodily autonomy and the right to privacy. - Reinforcement of Patriarchal Norms:
The provision is also criticized for perpetuating patriarchal norms, portraying women as subordinate in the marital relationship, thereby reinforcing gender stereotypes. - Gender Discrimination:
Section 9, by mandating a return to the marital home without considering the underlying reasons for withdrawal, may disproportionately affect women, conflicting with the Constitution’s guarantee of equality (Article 15). This raises concerns about the reinforcement of gender-based inequalities within the institution of marriage.
Way Forward: Reforming Marital Laws
To ensure the protection of individual dignity, privacy, and equality, marital laws in India need to be reformed. This includes:
- Modernizing Marital Laws:
The legal framework surrounding marriage should be aligned with contemporary values of gender equality, privacy, and individual autonomy. Outdated provisions like Section 9 must be reconsidered in light of evolving social norms. - Judicial Approach:
The judiciary should continue to take a case-by-case approach when evaluating marital disputes, considering the specific facts and circumstances of each case to ensure justice. In doing so, it must ensure that decisions reflect fairness and respect for the rights of both parties, rather than relying on societal expectations. - Fair Maintenance Decisions:
In maintenance cases, courts must avoid using outdated societal norms to justify rulings. The focus should instead be on ensuring that both parties are treated with dignity and that financial support is provided based on the needs and circumstances of the individuals involved.
Conclusion
The evolving discourse on marital laws in India underscores the importance of balancing legal provisions with constitutional principles of equality, privacy, and individual autonomy. As societal norms evolve, it is essential that the law adapts to ensure justice and fairness in marital disputes, particularly in matters of maintenance and restitution of conjugal rights. This process involves reassessing outdated provisions and fostering a more equitable legal system that upholds the dignity and rights of all individuals within marriage.
How agriculture evolves and adapts to current challenges
Source: The Indian Express
Syllabus: GS III Agriculture
Evolution and Adaptation of Indian Agriculture: A Pathway to Sustainability
Context
A recent report by the Centre for Science and Environment has emphasized the benefits of organic and natural farming as compared to conventional chemical-dependent farming methods. The report underscores the importance of transitioning towards sustainable agricultural practices to tackle the multifaceted challenges that Indian agriculture faces today.
Challenges in Indian Agriculture
Indian agriculture grapples with a variety of challenges that hinder its growth and sustainability:
- Soil Degradation:
Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has led to soil degradation, depleting essential nutrients, reducing organic matter, and harming soil biodiversity. The lack of proper soil conservation methods further exacerbates this problem, leading to reduced agricultural productivity in the long term. - Water Scarcity:
India’s agricultural sector is heavily reliant on water, but shrinking freshwater reserves and overexploitation of groundwater have worsened water scarcity. Additionally, the dependence on monsoonal rainfall (which accounts for about 55% of cropped areas) exacerbates the vulnerability of farming to irregular rainfall patterns caused by climatic phenomena like El Niño and La Niña. - Inadequate Infrastructure:
The poor state of agricultural infrastructure—such as inadequate storage facilities, inefficient cold chains, and weak transport networks—results in significant post-harvest losses, estimated to be as high as 30-40% of total production. This inefficiency reduces the profitability of farming and hampers food security. - Credit Constraints:
Small and marginal farmers face difficulties in accessing credit. Limited access to formal financial institutions and high interest rates from informal sources create barriers for these farmers to invest in improved farming techniques, technology, and infrastructure. - Dependence on Monsoon:
Approximately 55% of India’s agricultural land relies on the monsoon, particularly the southwest monsoon, for irrigation. Variability in rainfall due to climate change, such as erratic precipitation and floods, further intensifies the risk to agriculture, making it vulnerable to the impacts of global climate patterns. - Fragmented Land Holdings:
Over 86% of agricultural land in India is fragmented into small (less than 1 hectare) and marginal (1-2 hectares) holdings. This fragmentation, coupled with urbanization and population growth, leads to reduced productivity, low mechanization, and limited capital access, which in turn hampers investments in agricultural advancements.
Evolution of Agriculture: From Subsistence to Market-Oriented Farming
Indian agriculture has undergone a profound transformation over the past century:
- Pre-Independence:
Agriculture primarily focused on subsistence farming, where crops were grown to meet the needs of the family rather than for market exchange. - Post-Independence Reforms:
The government introduced land reforms, including tenancy laws, land consolidation, and community-based programs, starting in 1952, to increase agricultural productivity and equity. However, challenges in land distribution and the marginalization of small farmers remained. - Green Revolution (1966):
The Green Revolution marked a paradigm shift with the introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of crops, modern irrigation techniques, and the extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. While it led to significant increases in food production, the benefits were not evenly distributed, and environmental concerns arose due to the over-reliance on chemical inputs. - Economic Reforms:
The post-1991 economic reforms saw a shift towards market-driven agricultural practices, with increased cultivation of cash crops, integration with global markets, and a focus on export-oriented agriculture. However, this shift has exacerbated issues such as uneven distribution of resources and increasing vulnerability to global market fluctuations.
Adaptive Agriculture: Ensuring Resilience and Sustainability
In response to the growing challenges posed by climate change, soil depletion, and water scarcity, adaptive agriculture has emerged as a key strategy for promoting sustainability. It focuses on building resilience in farming systems by integrating environmentally friendly practices that enhance productivity without compromising ecological balance.
- Benefits of Adaptive Agriculture:
- Improved Soil Health: Practices like organic farming and conservation tillage enhance soil structure, water retention, and nutrient absorption.
- Resilient Crops: Adaptive practices promote the cultivation of climate-resilient crops that can withstand extreme weather events and fluctuating environmental conditions.
- Increased Productivity: Through better land and water management, adaptive farming systems can significantly increase productivity while minimizing the need for external inputs.
- Sustainability: By reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals, adaptive farming promotes ecological balance, helping to conserve biodiversity and minimize environmental degradation.
- Examples of Adaptive Practices:
- Climate-Resilient Crops: Development and promotion of drought- and flood-resistant crop varieties that can withstand extreme climatic conditions.
- Agroecology: A holistic approach that mimics natural ecosystems to promote biodiversity, soil health, and ecosystem services.
- Conservation Tillage: Techniques that minimize soil disturbance, reduce erosion, and improve water retention in the soil.
- Natural Farming: Based on the philosophy of minimal intervention, such as Zero-Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) promoted by Subhash Palekar, which focuses on building soil health and reducing input costs.
- Organic Farming: The use of organic inputs and natural processes to foster soil health and ecological balance.
Steps Taken for Climate-Smart Agriculture
The Indian government has taken several initiatives to support the transition to climate-smart agriculture, focusing on improving farmer welfare, promoting sustainable practices, and addressing the impact of climate change:
- PM-KISAN: A direct income support scheme to provide financial assistance to farmers.
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Crop insurance to protect farmers against losses due to natural calamities.
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund: Financing for the development of infrastructure projects to improve storage, transportation, and processing facilities.
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana: A program focused on promoting organic farming and enhancing soil health.
- Namo Drone Didi: Utilizing drones for efficient pest control, irrigation, and crop monitoring, reducing the dependence on manual labor and improving precision in agriculture.
Way Forward: Strategic Recommendations for a Sustainable Agricultural Future
- Strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs):
By enhancing FPOs, small farmers can pool resources, improve market access, and gain bargaining power, leading to better profitability and market integration. - Promote Sustainable Practices:
Government policies should encourage crop diversification, agroecology, and organic farming to build resilience against climate change and environmental degradation. - Develop Infrastructure:
Investment in rural infrastructure, including cold chains, warehouses, and transport networks, is crucial to reduce post-harvest losses and improve agricultural efficiency. - Adopt Climate-Smart Agriculture:
The integration of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) for precision farming, as well as the development of drought- and pest-resistant crop varieties, can significantly enhance agricultural productivity while mitigating the effects of climate change.
Conclusion
The evolution of Indian agriculture from a subsistence to a market-oriented approach has brought both opportunities and challenges. Moving forward, the emphasis must shift towards sustainable agricultural practices that ensure long-term resilience to climate change, environmental stresses, and economic volatility. Adaptive agriculture, supported by robust policies, infrastructure development, and technological innovation, will be critical in securing the future of Indian agriculture, ensuring food security, and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the country.
