Current Affairs – January 16, 2025

{GS1 – A&C – Architecture} 2025 World Monuments Watch

• Context (TH): The Musi River Historic Buildings in Hyderabad and Bhuj’s Historic Water Infrastructure have been included in the 2025 World Monuments Watch, highlighting their vulnerability to environmental and developmental changes.

Musi River Historic Buildings: Hyderabad’s Civic Heritage

• These buildings reflect the city’s architectural legacy, particularly along the Musi River waterfront.
• Important landmarks: High Court of Hyderabad, State Central Library, Osmania General Hospital (OGH), City College and Former British Residency (now a women’s university)
• Environmental and Developmental Threats: Faces risks from climate change and the water crisis.

Bhuj’s Historic Water Infrastructure

• Hamirsar Lake: Built in the 16th century by Rao Khengarji, it is an artificial reservoir central to the city’s water management system.
• Rainwater Harvesting: Stepwells (Vav), tanks & canals to collect rainwater & recharge groundwater.
• Cultural Significance: Overflowing of the lake is celebrated in local festivals, symbolising the city’s historical water practices.
• Threats: Urbanisation, climate change, and reliance on imported or extracted water have strained Bhuj’s traditional water systems.

Importance of Being on the 2025 WMF Watch

• Heritage as Sustainable Development: Preservation of these sites is integral to sustainable urban growth and climate resilience.
• Significance in Environmental Conservation: The inclusion highlights the role of heritage preservation in environmental conservation and adaptation efforts.
• Future Potential of Key Sites: Sites like Osmania General Hospital could become valuable assets.
• Cultural Identity and Riverfront Revitalization: Preserving these heritage sites can revitalise the riverfront and strengthen Hyderabad’s cultural identity.
• Government Rejuvenation Program: The government’s initiative to rejuvenate the Musi River aligns with this recognition, supporting the preservation effort.

{GS2 – IR – China} China’s Expansionist Policies

• Context (TH): China’s recent actions, including border disputes and water control projects, have intensified regional tensions in South Asia, raising concerns for India’s sovereignty and security.

China’s Aggressive Expansionism

• Border and Territorial Disputes: China asserts territorial claims over regions like Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh (India), Bhutan, and Nepal.
• Hydropower Projects: The proposed massive Yarlung Zangbo dam (Brahmaputra) threatens India and Bangladesh’s water security, with the potential to disrupt agriculture, fisheries, and flood risks.
• Cartographic Aggression: China uses map renaming, settlement building, and territorial assertions to claim disputed areas (e.g., 11 locations in Arunachal Pradesh).

South Asian Strategic Response

• Bilateral Engagement: Due to power imbalances, South Asian countries, including India, Nepal, and Bhutan, have addressed China’s aggression on a bilateral basis.
• India’s Hydropower Investments: India is accelerating its hydropower projects, including a $1 billion investment to build 12 stations in Arunachal Pradesh to counter China’s water control efforts.

Way Forward

• Need for Regional Cooperation: India, as the dominant power, must lead a collective response to strengthen South Asia’s position against China’s territorial expansion.
• Regional Forums: A unified approach through regional forums or diplomatic coordination can enhance South Asia’s leverage against China.

{GS2 – IR – India-US} US AI Export Rule

• Context (IE): The US administration’s new export regulation framework places India in the second tier, limiting its access to high-powered AI hardware like GPUs, potentially impacting its AI plans.

Three-Tier Framework for AI Hardware Export Restrictions

Tier 1: Closest US Allies

• Includes 18 countries like Australia, Canada, Japan, and the UK.
• No significant export restrictions on AI chips and GPUs.
• Minimal security requirements for deploying computing power.

Tier 2: Majority of Countries (Including India)

• Includes most countries, with India placed in this category.
• Restriction of importing 50,000 advanced AI chips by 2027, possibly doubling this limit if a specific agreement is made with the US.
• India’s AI infrastructure, such as the IndiaAI Mission, may be impacted as it aims to procure 10,000 GPUs.
• Smaller firms are unlikely to be affected by the export restrictions.

Tier 3: Countries of Concern

• Includes Russia, China, North Korea, Libya, and other nations with severe export restrictions.
• Export of AI technology from the US to these countries is almost prohibited.

General Validated End User (GVEU): A Special Provision

• Indian companies with this authorisation can use exported AI technology for civilian and military purposes, excluding nuclear use.
• Chinese companies can only use the technology for civilian applications.
• India and China are the only countries with this special provision.

Rationale Behind Export Restrictions

• Preventing Adversary Access: Designed to limit access to advanced AI technology by adversarial countries such as China, Iran, and Russia.
• National Security Concerns: Protect US technological leadership and secure the technology ecosystem.
• Balancing Innovation and Security: The framework aims to safeguard national security while maintaining global competitiveness in AI innovation.

Criticism of the AI Diffusion Rules

• Excessive and Restrictive Rules: The regulatory framework is excessive, secretive, lacks proper legislative review, imposing unnecessary bureaucratic controls over AI semiconductors & software.
• Delays in AI Infrastructure Expansion: Export restrictions could delay India’s large-scale AI infrastructure development and GPU procurement for data centres.
• Licensing and Trade Uncertainties: Regulatory uncertainties surrounding the licensing process could disrupt business operations and long-term planning.
• Policy Enforcement Uncertainty: The policy’s enforcement will depend on the incoming Trump administration, adding unpredictability to the situation.
• Impact on Global Competitiveness: The new rules would weaken US competitiveness, limiting innovation and growth in the AI industry, unlike the successful approach of the first Trump administration, which allowed industry competition to thrive without compromising national security.

Potential Impact on India

Short-Term Effects

• India’s current GPU procurement for the IndiaAI Mission may face limited impact.
• The country’s initial plan to procure 10,000 GPUs to build AI computing capacity is still feasible.
• Startups, academia & research institutions will continue to receive subsidised GPUs for AI model training.

Long-Term Concerns

• Licensing uncertainties may challenge large-scale AI deployments.
• Companies aiming to build AI data centres, like Reliance and Yotta, could face delays.
• Scaling up infrastructure requiring hundreds of thousands of GPUs could become difficult.
• The restriction could slow down India’s AI infrastructure growth despite its rapidly growing AI market, which is projected to reach $17 billion by 2027.

India’s Response and Future Options

• India’s AI market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 25%-35%, potentially leading to increased demand for GPUs. Despite restrictions, India is poised to become a major player in the global AI market.
• India may seek Securing General National Validated End User Authorization, given its status as a non-re-exporter of sensitive technologies.
• Collaboration with global GPU leaders like Nvidia and AMD could help India secure required technology.

Way Forward

• Alternative Avenues: Companies may need to explore alternative sources or negotiate directly with the US government to secure necessary AI hardware.
• Exploring Alternative Sources: India could diversify AI technology sources by collaborating with global firms and startups, reducing reliance on the US.
• Focus on Domestic AI Development: India should prioritise developing its own AI ecosystem, ensuring robust hardware and software infrastructure for future growth.

{GS2 – Polity – Laws} Wife’s Maintenance Rights

• Context (IE): SC ruled that maintenance and restitution of conjugal rights are independent legal matters. A wife can claim maintenance despite non-compliance with the conjugal rights decree.

Legality of Restitution of Conjugal Rights

• Section 9, Hindu Marriage Act (HMA), 1955: Allows a spouse to seek a court decree to restore the other spouse to their matrimonial society if withdrawn without reasonable excuse.
  • Intended to protect traditional family unity but criticised for its relevance in an egalitarian society.

Historical Challenges

• 1983: Andhra Pradesh HC struck down the provision, terming it archaic.
• 1984: SC reversed this decision, stating it serves a social purpose by preventing marital breakdown.
• 2019: Constitutionality challenged in the SC; the case is pending.

Pending Constitutional Debate

• Arguments Against the Provision: Section 9 is archaic, violates privacy and equality principles, and enforces outdated gender roles.
• Arguments in Favour: Maintains Section 9 is gender-neutral and provides a conciliatory mechanism for resolving marital disputes.

• Current Status: Substantive hearings in the case are yet to commence.

SC Observations

SC Ruling in the Present Case

• Restored maintenance order, emphasising the independent nature of conjugal rights & maintenance.
• Conjugal rights findings were given undue weightage by the Jharkhand HC.

Maintenance vs. Conjugal Rights

• These are separate legal issues. Refusal to comply with a restitution decree doesn’t automatically disqualify the wife from maintenance.
• Reference to prior judgments reinforced the dilution of Section 125(4) CrPC restrictions.

Case-Specific Considerations

• Each case must be assessed on individual facts.
• Just cause, such as alleged ill-treatment, can justify a wife’s refusal to return to the matrimonial home.

Issues with Restitution of Conjugal Rights

• Coercion and Violation of Privacy: Section 9 is criticised for coercing marital relations, infringing on bodily autonomy rights and violating privacy.
• Reinforcement of Patriarchy: Perpetuates patriarchal norms and stereotypes women as subordinate in marital relationships.
• Gender Discrimination: Conflicts with Article 15 of the Constitution by enabling practices that reinforce gender inequality.

Way Forward

• Modernize Marital Laws: Align laws with equality, privacy, and individual autonomy; reform outdated provisions like Section 9.
• Judicial Approach: Emphasize case-by-case evaluations to ensure justice in marital disputes.
• Fair Maintenance Decisions: Avoid reliance on outdated societal expectations in rulings.
• Evolving Rights: Reflect the balance between legal provisions, constitutional principles, and individual dignity in marital laws.

Also refer Supreme Court’s Alimony Guidelines.

{GS3 – Agri – Sustainability} Evolution and Adaptation of Indian Agriculture

• Context (IE): The Centre for Science and Environment’s recent report highlights the benefits of organic and natural farming compared to chemical-dependent methods.

Challenges in Indian Agriculture

• Soil Degradation: Excessive fertiliser use and inadequate soil conservation methods.
• Water Scarcity: Shrinking freshwater reserves and dependency on rainfall.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Poor storage, cold chains & transport facilities lead to post-harvest losses.
• Credit Constraints: Limited access to loans for small and marginal farmers.
• Dependence on Monsoon: 55% of cropped areas rely on monsoon (Especially southwest monsoon). El Niño and La Niña cause erratic rainfall, untimely precipitation, and flooding.
• Fragmented Land Holdings: Over 86% of agricultural land in India consists of small (<1 hectare) and marginal (1-2 hectares) holdings, driven by urbanisation, population growth, and limited capital access, leading to reduced productivity, low mechanisation, and limited farming investments.

Evolution of Agriculture: Shift from Subsistence to Market-Oriented Farming

• Pre-Independence: Farming focused on meeting family needs (subsistence farming).
• Post-Independence: Introduction of reforms like tenancy laws, land consolidation, and community programs (1952).
• Green Revolution (1966): Introduction of high-yielding varieties and advanced farming techniques.
• Economic Reforms: Shift towards market-driven practices, cultivation of cash crops, and integration with global markets.

Benefits of Adaptive Agriculture

• Improved Soil Health: Enhances water retention and nutrient absorption.
• Resilient Crops: Builds resistance to climatic shocks and environmental stress.
• Increased Productivity: Promotes better plant growth and aggregate stability.
• Sustainability: Reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals, promoting ecological balance.

Examples of Adaptive Practices

• Climate-Resilient Crops: Weather-resistant varieties for extreme conditions.
• Agroecology: Mimics natural ecosystems, promoting biodiversity.
• Conservation Tillage: Minimizes soil disturbance and reduces erosion.
• Natural Farming: Based on Masanobu Fukuoka’s “do-nothing farming” philosophy, emphasising minimal intervention. Eg- Zero-budget Natural Farming by Subhash Palekar.
• Organic Farming: Avoids synthetic inputs, focusing on natural processes.

Steps Taken for Climate Smart Agriculture

• PM-KISAN: Income support to farmers.
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: Crop insurance against losses.
• Agriculture Infrastructure Fund: Financing infrastructure projects.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana: Promotion of organic farming practices.
• Namo Drone Didi: Advanced irrigation and pest management using drones.

Way Forward

• Strengthen FPOs: Enhance Farmer Producer Orgs (FPOs) to pool resources & improve market access.
• Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage crop diversification, agroecology, and organic farming for better resilience.
• Develop Infrastructure: Improve cold chains, warehouses, and transport networks to support agricultural efficiency.
• Adopt Climate-Smart Agriculture: Integrate AI and IoT and develop drought- and pest-resistant crop varieties for precision farming.

{GS3 – Envi – Issues} Relocating Villages from Tiger Reserves

• Context (IE): Ministry of Tribal Affairs has directed states to compile data on families and villages inside tiger reserves following complaints of alleged evictions from reserves like Tadoba, Durgavati and Buxa.

Village Relocation

• Colonial Relocations: Initiated for timber production during British rule.
• Post-Independence: Focus shifted to wildlife conservation, especially tigers, with Project Tiger (1973) establishing protected areas like Kanha, Jim Corbett, and Bandipur.

Need for Village Relocation

• Tiger Survival: Solitary predators needing large territories for breeding & sustaining populations.
• Core Areas: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) specifies 800-1,200 sq km for a viable population of 20-22 breeding tigresses.
• Inviolate Spaces: Human-free zones essential for ecological balance and tiger conservation.

Legal Framework

• Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006: Grants forest-dwelling communities rights to land and non-timber produce like mahua and tendu leaves.
• Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 2006 Amendment: Empowers creation of inviolate spaces while safeguarding voluntary and mutually agreed relocations.
• NTCA Guidelines (2008): Details on relocation, compensation (₹15 lakh/family), and rehabilitation, including agricultural land, housing, and basic amenities.

Implementation Challenges

• Coercion Allegations: Communities report harassment & pressure to relocate, undermining the voluntary process.
• Pending Rights: Delays in processing land claims and forest access under FRA.
• Insufficient Support: Poor execution of relocation schemes, leaving families worse off post-relocation.
• Inequitable Treatment: Villages opting to stay face neglect and lack essential amenities and support.

Way Forward

• Action Plans: States must draft detailed plans for relocation, ensuring rights are upheld.
• Community Involvement: Transparent dialogue and participatory planning with affected communities.
• Enhanced Support: Improve rehabilitation schemes with timely compensation, basic amenities, and skill development.
• Monitoring Mechanisms: Independent bodies to oversee relocation processes and address grievances.
• Research and Evaluation: Regular studies to assess ecological and social outcomes of relocations.

{GS3 – IE – Securities} Unnati Zero Coupon Zero Principal Bonds

• Context (TH): SEBI allowed the issuance of Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) bonds on Social Stock Exchanges (SSE), facilitating social enterprises to raise funds for social welfare initiatives.

What are Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) Bonds?

• ZCZP bonds are securities issued by non-profit organisations (NPOs) listed on SSE.
• These bonds neither pay interest nor return the principal amount.
• The funds raised are considered donations, not investments, and are non-refundable.
• The bonds mature either after 12 months or once the funded project concludes.

Features of Unnati ZCZP Bonds

• SGBS Unnati Foundation, an NPO, was the first entity to be listed on the National Stock Exchange’s (NSE) Social Stock Exchange (SSE) with the issuance of ZCZP bonds worth Rs 2 crore.
• Objective: Training 10,000 underprivileged youth from govt colleges in 5 states (UP, MP, Karnataka, AP, TN) for employment.
• Training Program: 165 hours of training, with 90 hours classroom learning & 75 hours via a mobile app.
• Fundraising Goal: ₹2 crore with each bond priced at ₹1.
• Minimum Issuance Size: ₹1 crore for NPOs, ₹2 lakh minimum application size.
• Issuer: SGBS Unnati Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation since 2011.
• Minimum Subscription: A min. of 75% of the target funds must be raised for the bond issue to proceed.
• Issuance and Trade: Issued in demat form, not tradable in secondary markets but transferable to heirs.
• Market Scope: For-profit ZCZP instruments can be listed on the main or SME platforms of the exchanges.
• Transparency: Funds raised must be used for the declared social project, with detailed disclosures required on usage and balance funds.

Benefits of ZCZP Bonds

• Donation to Social Causes: ZCZP bonds act as donations without expecting financial return.
• Increased Visibility: Listing on the SSE provides visibility and trust, enhancing access to regular funding.
• Accountability: Social enterprises must disclose how funds are utilised, ensuring transparency and accountability.

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Indian Army Day 2025

• Context (IE): 77th Indian Army Day will be celebrated in Pune for the first time, shifting from Delhi, amidst 2025 being declared the Year of Defence Reforms.

Key Events and Celebrations

• Location: Pune will host the Army Day Parade for the first time, making it the third city after Bengaluru (2023) and Lucknow (2024) to host the event.
• Parade & Ceremonial Events: Showcase of military regiments, advanced weaponry, tanks, and missiles.
• Gallantry Awards: Recognition of bravery with gallantry awards and unit citations.
• Cultural Programs: Celebrates the diversity of the Indian Army & its connection to India’s rich traditions.

Significance of Pune as Venue

• Pune holds a strong historical & military heritage dating back to the Maratha Empire.
• Hosts key defence establishments like the Southern Command, National Defence Academy, Armed Forces Medical College, and Bombay Engineer Group.
• Home to critical DRDO facilities, including ARDE, HEMRL, and R&D Engineers, place Pune at the forefront of defence research.

Indian Army Day

• Celebrated on January 15 every year to mark the appointment of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Indian Army in 1949, replacing British General Sir Francis Butcher.
• Symbolizes India’s military autonomy post-independence.

Armed Forces Veterans’ Day

• Celebrated on January 14 to honour the selfless service and sacrifices of armed forces veterans.
• Marks the retirement of Field Marshal Cariappa in 1953, who became a veteran after his distinguished service to the nation.

Legacy of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa

• Born on January 28, 1899, in Coorg, Cariappa is a pivotal figure in Indian military history.
• He was awarded the Legion of Merit by the US and is remembered for his leadership in transforming the Indian Army post-independence.
• His famous quote: “The Army is the servant of the people and exists to defend democracy and protect the country’s newly won freedom.”

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer Commissioned

• Context (IE | PIB): Three major frontline combatants, INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer, were commissioned into the Indian Navy, marking a historic step toward enhancing India’s maritime capabilities and defence production.

Source: HT

INS Surat: Advanced Guided Missile Destroyer (Project 15B)

• Most advanced Stealth destroyer with advanced strike capabilities & network-centric warfare features.
• Equipped with surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes.
• First AI-enabled warship in India, enhancing operational efficiency with indigenous AI solutions.
• Features state-of-the-art weapons and sensors for comprehensive defence.
• Speed: Over 30 knots (56 km/h) with a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion system.
• Part of Project 15B, developed by the Warship Design Bureau and built by MDL, Mumbai.
• Commissioned as the fourth and final vessel of the class.

INS Nilgiri: Advanced Stealth Frigate (Project 17A)

• Multi-role, multi-mission frigate designed for deep-sea operations in blue water.
• Anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
• Equipped with supersonic surface-to-surface missile system and MRSAM system; Features 76mm upgraded gun and rapid-fire close-in weapon systems.
• First of seven ships in the Project 17A class. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
• Integrates “integrated construction” philosophy, reducing overall build time.

INS Vaghsheer: Stealth Submarine (Scorpene Class, Project 75)

• One of the world’s quietest diesel-electric submarines, designed for anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare, armed with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar systems.
• Can undertake a variety of missions, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, special operations.
• Future upgrades planned with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology from 2026 for enhanced submerged endurance.
• Built in collaboration with the French Naval Group, designed under Project 75.
• Commissioned as the sixth and final submarine in the Scorpene class.
• Enhances India’s submarine capabilities with increased stealth and versatility.