GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

The bilateral relationship between India and the Maldives has recently faced challenges, especially after President Mohamed Muizzu's rise to power on an anti-India platform. In an effort to stabilize and enhance their ties, India and the Maldives held talks where they agreed to transform the bilateral relationship to a “Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership”.

Key Highlights of the Deal/Agreement

• Economic Assistance: India will provide USD 30 billion and USD 400 million as part of a bilateral currency swap agreement to support the Maldives’ economy. This financial aid aims to address ongoing foreign exchange challenges, as the Maldives faces a looming debt crisis.
  • The Maldives is facing a potential debt default as its foreign exchange reserves have dwindled to $440 million, enough for just 1.5 months of imports. 
• Defence and Security Cooperation: India will refit and repair a Maldivian Coast Guard vessel previously gifted to the Maldives. The two nations committed to enhance surveillance and monitoring capabilities for the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) through equipment provision and capacity building.
• Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Negotiations will be initiated for a Free Trade Agreement to harness economic potential and attract Indian investments in various sectors, particularly tourism.
• Joint Agreements and Initiatives: Five pacts were signed, including:
  • Training of judicial officers
  • Law enforcement training
  • Cooperation in sports and youth affairs
  • Measures to prevent corruption
• Launch of the Rupay card in the Maldives.
• Infrastructure and Social Projects: India handed over 700 social housing units and inaugurated a new runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport.
• Maritime Security Collaboration: Both nations agreed to cooperate on maritime security, addressing issues like piracy, illegal fishing, and drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Diplomatic Expansion: There are plans to establish a Maldivian consulate in Bengaluru and an Indian consulate in Addu City to facilitate trade and people-to-people connections.

Why Maldives assumes significance for India?

• Strategic location: The Maldives, situated in the Indian Ocean (a vital trade route), is strategically important to India, both for regional security and trade. The country lies at the crossroads of major shipping lanes. 
  • Maldives’ proximity to the west coast of India (barely 70 nautical miles from Minicoy and 300 nautical miles from India’s West coast), and its location at the hub of commercial sea-lanes running through the Indian Ocean (particularly the 8° N and 1 ½° N channels) imbues it with significant strategic importance to India.
• Security: The Maldives’ strategic location makes it essential for India’s national interests, particularly in terms of naval security and counter-terrorism.
• Countering China: Ensuring stability and security in this region is of paramount importance for India, especially in the context of rising Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean.
• India’s Foreign Policy: Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbour and an important partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’.
• India is one of the largest trading partners for the Maldives, and Maldivian exports to India include fish and other marine products, while India exports a variety of goods, including essential commodities and construction materials.

Case Study

• Relations between India and Maldives hit a rocky patch when the new President Mohamed Muizzu fought the 2023 Presidential election on the slogan of ‘India Out’.
• Anti-India sentiments were deployed and attempts were made to spread disinformation.
• India-Maldives relations since the last year have served as a case study of the interplay between public sentiment, economic interests, and diplomatic relations.
• The power of the Indian middle class in influencing international relations through consumer choices has been clearly demonstrated.
• This phenomenon is likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping India’s foreign policy and its relationships with neighbouring countries.

Areas of Cooperation: 

• Economic Cooperation:India is a major economic partner, providing financial support and being a vital trading ally. Tourism plays a significant role in the Maldivian economy, and Indian tourists are among the largest groups visiting the islands.  
• Infrastructure Cooperation:Projects like the Greater Male Connectivity Project, airport redevelopment, and strategic harbours demonstrate India's commitment to Maldives' sustainable development.
• Military and Security Cooperation: Joint exercises, comprehensive defence partnerships, and aid in maritime security highlight the military collaboration. India helped to prevent coup in 1988 which has the support of Tamil liberation forces.
  • Maldives is also the India’s first line of defence against terrorism, piracy on the high seas, drug trafficking, narcotics, and other maritime crime. 
• Humanitarian Assistance Cooperation: From socio-economic development projects to COVID-19 aid, India consistently supports Maldives in times of need.
• Socio-Economic development projects: India provided covishield vaccines, handing over of two sea ambulances and gave aid in building of Indira Gandhi memorial hospital.

These agreements signify a renewed commitment to cooperation in both economic and security domains, reflecting the strategic importance of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean and India's intention to maintain strong ties in the region.

India's agricultural sector has shown notable growth over the past two decades, especially in the last ten years. This growth has been analyzed in a recent paper published by NITI Aayog, focusing on the performance of the sector in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA).

Key Findings on Agricultural Growth

• Growth Rates Over Time:
  • 1984-85 to 1993-94: The average annual growth rate for agriculture was 9%.
  • 1994-95 to 2003-04: The growth rate remained the same at 9%.
  • 2004-05 to 2013-14: This period saw an increase in the growth rate to 5%.
  • 2014-15 to 2023-24: The growth rate further accelerated to 7%.
    • The increase in growth rates challenges the perception that the agricultural sector is in crisis, highlighting significant improvements over the last decade.
  • Production Estimates: Government estimates indicate that cereal production rose from 185.2 million tonnes in 2004-05 to 303.6 million tonnes in 2022-23.
    • However, household cereal consumption has remained relatively flat at around 153-156 million tonnes. This has raised questions about the accuracy of production estimates, with the gap between production and consumption widening significantly.
  • Subsector Performance:
    • Crops Subsector: The crops subsector grew at an average rate of 3% from 2014-15 to 2022-23, lower than the previous period's growth of 3.4%.
    • Livestock and Fisheries: These subsectors performed much better, with livestock growth at 8% and fisheries at 9.2% during the same period. This indicates a shift towards non-crop agricultural activities.
  • State-Level Insights:
    • Top Performing States: Thirteen states recorded an average agricultural growth of 4% or more from 2014-15 to 2022-23.
    • Underperforming States: Punjab, Haryana, and West Bengal showed much lower growth rates of 2%, 4%, and 2.8%, respectively, primarily driven by poor crop growth.

Key Drivers of Growth

• Market Demand: The increase in agricultural growth is largely driven by growing consumer demand for diverse products like fruits, vegetables, milk, meat, and fish.
• Diversification: Farmers have diversified into horticulture, livestock, and fisheries. This shift is supported by advancements in agricultural technology, such as:
  • High-yielding crop varieties.
  • Improved irrigation methods (e.g., drip irrigation).
  • Enhanced breeding techniques in livestock.
• Consumption Patterns: There has been a noticeable shift in household consumption from basic caloric foods to those rich in proteins and micronutrients, indicating a changing diet among consumers.

Challenges Faced

Despite the positive growth trends, challenges remain:

• Income Disparities: Not all farmers are involved in high-growth areas like livestock and horticulture. According to the NSSO’s 2018-19 survey:
  • 53% of farmers earned income from livestock.
  • Only 5% were engaged in horticulture.
  • 2% of agricultural households relied primarily on traditional crops (cereals, pulses, oilseeds).
• Low Yield in Certain Crops: Certain traditional crops like oilseeds and pulses still have low yields, leading to reliance on imports to meet domestic demand. In cotton, production levels have not improved significantly, remaining below previous highs.
• Support Price Impact: The existence of a minimum support price for crops like rice and wheat has not translated into improved growth for these sectors, indicating that demand-side factors and technological advancements may be more effective in driving agricultural growth.

The Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to two US scientists, Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun, for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA—a previously unknown type of genetic switch. This discovery holds promise for developing new medical treatments, although none are currently available to patients.

What is microRNA?

• Each cell in the human body contains the same genetic instructions, known as DNA.
• However, different cells (like brain cells and muscle cells) interpret these instructions differently.
• This process is called gene regulation, where certain parts of the DNA are activated or deactivated.
• Role of RNA: Ribonucleic acid (RNA) typically acts as a messenger, conveying instructions from DNA to proteins, which are essential for building and maintaining cells.
  • An example of this is the messenger RNA (mRNA) used in COVID-19 vaccines, which instructs cells to produce proteins that fight the virus.
• MicroRNA (miRNA) is a small, non-coding RNA molecule that plays a key role in regulating gene expression.
• Unlike messanger RNA (Mrna), which carries instructions to make proteins, microRNA works by binding to specific mRNA molecules and preventing them from being translated into proteins or by degrading the mRNA altogether.

The Discovery of microRNA

• Ambros and Ruvkun discovered microRNA while studying the interactions of genes in a tiny roundworm known as Caenorhabditis elegans in the 1980s.
• Their research led to the identification of microRNA as a new type of gene regulator, distinct from traditional RNA.
• Function of microRNA:
  • Unlike messenger RNA, microRNA acts as a switch that can turn other genes on or off.
  • This adds a new layer of complexity to gene regulation, revealing that areas of DNA previously thought to be non-coding actually play significant roles in controlling gene expression.
  • There are more than 1,000 genes in the human body that respond to microRNA.

Potential Applications of microRNA

MicroRNA has the potential to revolutionize medical treatments, particularly in the following areas:

• Cancer Treatment: Some microRNAs function as tumor suppressors, helping to prevent cells from dividing uncontrollably, while others can promote cell division, potentially leading to cancer. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new cancer therapies.
• Antiviral Drugs: Many viruses utilize microRNAs for their lifecycle, leading researchers to develop antiviral drugs targeting these interactions. Treatments for hepatitis C are among the ongoing developments.
• Biomarkers: Scientists hope to use microRNA as biomarkers to detect specific types of cancer, aiding in diagnosis and treatment strategies.

The conversation around sustainability in the building sector is increasingly crucial as buildings are significant contributors to global emissions. With urbanization accelerating, especially in countries like India, improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints in construction is vital for achieving climate goals.

The Challenge of Building Emissions

• Buildings account for nearly 40% of total final energy consumption globally, primarily for operational needs like heating, ventilation, and lighting.
• This energy usage results in approximately 28% of energy-related carbon emissions.
• In India, buildings contribute over 30% of national energy consumption and 20% of carbon emissions.
• As India’s urban population is projected to reach 600 million by 2030, addressing these issues becomes increasingly urgent.

What Are High-Performance Buildings (HPBs)?

• High-Performance Buildings (HPBs) and green buildings are terms often used interchangeably, but they have distinct objectives:
  • Green Buildings: Green buildings focus on reducing environmental impacts and energy consumption, often certified through established programs that assess sustainability across various categories, such as energy efficiency and water conservation.
  • High-Performance Buildings: HPBs aim for exceptional efficiency in all aspects, from energy and water use to occupant health and comfort. They utilize advanced technologies and smart design strategies to achieve results beyond local regulations, continuously tracking performance metrics.
• Key Features of High-Performance Buildings
  • Site-Specific Design: HPBs employ natural lighting, ventilation, and sustainable materials to maximize thermal efficiency and reduce energy demand.
  • Advanced Technologies: These include energy-efficient HVAC systems, greywater recycling, rainwater harvesting, smart lighting controls, and sophisticated building management systems (BMS) that optimize resource use in real-time.

Benefits of High-Performance Buildings

HPBs provide numerous advantages that extend beyond environmental impact:

• Operational Longevity: Smart systems help ensure that building infrastructure lasts longer, reducing the need for frequent upgrades.
• Economic Gains: HPBs typically have higher property values and lower maintenance costs, leading to better returns on investment.
• Intelligent Ecosystems: By using automation and artificial intelligence, HPBs can adjust conditions based on occupancy and environmental factors, optimizing energy use.

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) — an alliance of global zoo and aquarium associations suspended the membership of the National Zoological Park, informally known as the Delhi zoo, over concerns about the poor condition in which the lone African elephant at the facility has been housed.

About WAZA

• Founded: 1935
• WAZA is the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world.
• The membership consists of nearly 400 leading institutions and organisations around the world, and this number continues to grow.
• WAZA promotes cooperation between leading zoos, aquariums, national and regional associations, as well as with leading wildlife experts, academies, and universities.
• Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is India’s statutory zoo regulatory body.

SEBI has introduced the Mutual Funds Lite (MF Lite) framework to simplify the regulatory compliance for passively managed mutual funds. 

What is SEBI’s liberalised MF Lite framework?

• The Mutual Funds Lite (MF Lite) framework is a new set of rules introduced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to make it easier for companies to create and manage certain types of mutual funds, specifically passively managed ones like index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
• Simplified Rules: The MF Lite framework offers simpler regulations for passively managed funds.
  • These funds follow specific rules for investing, so they don’t require as much oversight compared to actively managed funds, where managers make more decisions about investments.
• Encouraging New Players: By making it easier to start these types of funds, SEBI hopes to attract more companies to enter the mutual fund market. This means more options for investors.
• Faster Approval Process: The framework aims to speed up the approval process for new passive funds. This means that companies can launch their funds more quickly and without having to provide as much detailed information upfront.
• Cost-Effective: With less paperwork and quicker approvals, it will be cheaper for companies to set up new funds. This could lead to lower costs for investors as well.
• More Competition and Innovation: As new companies enter the market, there will be more choices for investors. This competition can lead to better investment options and potentially lower fees.

Rwanda is currently facing a serious health crisis with the emergence of the Marburg virus, a deadly pathogen that poses a significant threat to the country's fragile healthcare system.

What is the Marburg Virus?

• Marburg virus is one of the deadliest known pathogens, with case fatality rates ranging from 24% to 88% depending on the outbreak and case management.
• The virus was first identified during an outbreak in Marburg, Germany, in 1967. Since then, outbreaks have predominantly occurred in Africa.
• Marburg belongs to the filovirus family, which also includes Ebola. Both viruses share clinical similarities and can cause outbreaks with high fatality rates.
• Spread: The initial human infections with Marburg virus were linked to prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by colonies of Rousettus bats, particularly the Egyptian fruit bat. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that the virus also spreads through human-to-human transmission. This can occur:
  • Directly: Through contact with the blood and bodily fluids of infected individuals.
  • Indirectly: Via surfaces and materials (such as bedding or clothing) that are contaminated with these fluids.
• Symptoms of Marburg Virus Disease: The incubation period for MVD ranges from 2 to 21 days. Initial symptoms include: High fever, Severe headache, Muscle aches, Severe watery diarrhea, Abdominal pain and cramping, Vomiting
• As the disease progresses, many patients develop hemorrhagic symptoms, which can include bleeding from the digestive system, nose, gums, and vagina. Most fatalities occur due to severe blood loss and shock, typically 8 to 9 days after symptoms begin.
• Prevention and Treatment of MVD: Currently, there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments for Marburg virus disease. However, the WHO recommends supportive care, which includes:
  • Rehydration: Using oral or intravenous fluids.
  • Symptom management: Treating specific symptoms to improve survival rates.

The Ukraine conflict has highlighted the vital role of battle tanks in contemporary warfare, emphasizing the necessity of armored vehicles alongside long-range firepower. In the backdrop of this, the stand-off between India and China in Eastern Ladakh has pushed both nations to adapt their military strategies, including the deployment of tanks at high altitudes.

India’s Military Build-Up

Following the 2020 Galwan clash, India significantly strengthened its military presence in Ladakh. The deployment strategy shifted from short-term rotations to longer tenures, ensuring a more acclimatized and prepared force. Key developments included:

• Tank Regiments: India deployed T-72 tanks and later reinforced these units with T-90s (also known as "Bhishma”) and other mechanized elements.
• T-90 is the main battle tank of India’s mechanised forces since 2003. It is renowned for its firepower, mobility and protection.
• T-90 Bhishma tank: The Indian Army has achieved a significant milestone in its modernisation efforts with the successful overhaul of the T-90 Bhishma tank. 
• Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun: It is a multi-laboratory programme of DRDO with CVRDE as the lead Laboratory. It is a state-of-the-art tank with superior fire power, high mobility, and excellent protection. 
• Ajeya tank: CI-Ajeya tank is the modernized version of T-72. The tank capability was enhanced with Global Positioning System (GPS), Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) and Integrated Fire Detection and Suppression System (IFDSS) to the level of contemporary combat vehicles.
• K9 Vajra: Although primarily a self-propelled howitzer, it has capabilities that complement tank operations. It is equipped with a 155-mm gun and advanced targeting systems. It has high mobility and rapid deployment features.
• Tank Upgrades: The Indian Army plans to upgrade T-72 tanks with enhanced engines to improve performance.
• Zorawar Tank: The Zorawar tank has been developed by DRDO’s Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The project, named after the historic General Zorawar Singh Kahluria, took approximately three years to complete.
• Key Features of Zorawar
  • Weight: 25 tonnes, making it light enough for air transport by helicopter.
  • Speed: Capable of traveling at about 60 kilometers per hour on land.
  • Deployment: Designed for high-altitude areas and able to perform effectively in both mountainous and desert terrains.
• Light Battle Tank (LBT): India announces to soon have its own indigenously developed Light Battle Tank (LBT).

One of the Amazon River's main tributaries has dropped to its lowest level ever recorded. The level of the Negro River at the port of Manaus is at 12.66 metres, compared to a normal level of about 21 metres. 

About

• The Rio Negro (Colombia) is one of the largest tributaries of the Amazon River and the largest blackwater river in the world.
• The Rio Negro starts as the Guainía River and flows along the Colombian and Venezuelan border before crossing into Brazil where it becomes the Rio Negro.
• The Negro River drains about 10 per cent of the Amazon basin and is the world's sixth-largest by water volume.
• Manaus, the biggest city in the rainforest, is where the Negro joins the Amazon River.

The population of Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur), found only in Gujarat, has risen from 6,082 in 2020 to 7,672 in 2024, an increase of about 26.14%, according to 10th Wild Ass Population Estimation – 2024. 

About Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus)

• The Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus), also called the onager, has five subspecies ((Equus hemionus hemionus, E. h. kulan, E. h. onager and E. h. hemippus), of which the khur(Equus hemionus khur), or ghorkhad as it is called in Gujarat, is one.
• It is an odd toed ungulate of the family Equidae.
• They are primarily found in the Little Rann of Kutch (LRK) in Gujarat, in a protected area called the Wild Ass Sanctuary.
  • The LRK has dual characteristics — that of a wetland and a desert. 
• Khurs are generalist herbivores, i.e., they consume a wide variety of plants for their nutrition. 
• It is solitary and shy animal, present in low densities across its distribution range.
• Conservation status:
  • It was classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in its 2008 report.
  • It is also listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval's diplomatic efforts, including meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlight India's balancing act in a complex geopolitical landscape. As India navigates its relationships with both Western powers and traditional allies like Russia, the implications for its foreign policy and regional stability are significant.

Strategic Balancing

• Quad Cooperation: India's engagement in the Quad represents an effort to strengthen security collaboration among major maritime democracies, aimed at countering threats to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
• Bargaining with China: Doval's meetings with Putin and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi signify India's commitment to resolving tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China while maintaining its strategic autonomy.
• Complex Diplomacy: India's security managers face the challenge of aligning its foreign policy to protect national interests amidst rising geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding its relations with Russia and the West.

Role of Mediator

• Peace Initiatives: Doval’s discussions, including India's peace plan for Ukraine, indicate New Delhi's aspiration to position itself as a global mediator, despite criticism from various quarters.
• Historical Relations: India's long-standing ties with Russia have historically provided military advantages, but Russia's pivot toward China complicates this relationship as New Delhi seeks to assert its strategic autonomy.
• Western Perceptions: India's independent stance in foreign policy, such as its purchase of Russian oil, has been viewed by the West with skepticism, emphasizing the normative costs of maintaining such relationships.

Russia-China Dynamics

• Deepening Ties: Russia's growing partnership with China poses challenges for India, particularly as China continues to support Pakistan and exacerbate security issues for India.
• Shift in Focus: As Russia prioritizes its relationship with China amidst global tensions, India's reliance on Moscow is diminishing, leading to a reevaluation of its strategic partnerships.
• Need for Rebalancing: India's diplomatic approach must now account for the Russia-China nexus, focusing on balancing its historical ties with Russia while enhancing relations with the U.S. and other partners.

Practice Question

Q. Discuss the implications of India’s strategic balancing between the Quad and its historical relationship with Russia amidst the evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly in relation to its stance on the Ukraine conflict and China. How should India navigate its foreign policy to enhance its strategic autonomy?

The recent decision by the Union Cabinet to recognize Bangla, Assamese, and Marathi as classical languages has reignited discussions about linguistic categorization in India. This move is viewed through the lens of India's historical "divide and rule" policy and raises concerns about the potential for vertical fragmentation within Indian society based on language, caste, and religion.

Historical Perspective

• Colonial Legacy: The British colonial regime employed a "divide and rule" strategy, fostering divisions among social segments. This historical approach has evolved in post-colonial India into a practice of vertical division, primarily for electoral gain.
• Concept of Classical Languages: The term "classical" is historically significant and reflects societal hierarchies. It denotes languages with a rich literary heritage but has also been used to marginalize non-classical languages, perpetuating discrimination and inequality.
• Linguistic Hierarchies: Historically recognized classical languages include Sanskrit, Pali, and Tamil, which produced extensive literary works. In contrast, the Prakrit languages represent regional variations but lack equal recognition, raising questions about their classification.

Linguistic Fragmentation

• Classical Languages List: The official recognition of classical languages creates a hierarchy among languages, with some languages viewed as superior to others. This categorization can exacerbate existing linguistic divisions and lead to societal fragmentation.
• Census Data Insights: The reduction in recognized "mother tongues" from 1,652 in 1961 to 1,369 in 2011 indicates a trend toward homogenization. However, the administrative classification of languages as "superior" or "inferior" complicates this landscape, with majoritarian languages gaining prominence.
• Societal Implications: As linguistic diversity is diminished, majoritarian pride can manifest as a tool for political gain, paralleling divisions based on caste and religion. This trend threatens to undermine the unique identities and worldviews represented by less-recognized languages.

Consequences and Concerns

• Vertical Division of Society: Broadening the list of classical languages can result in a vertical fragmentation of society, creating a hierarchy reminiscent of historical caste divisions. This fragmentation risks elevating certain languages while marginalizing others.
• Impact on Language Survival: As numerous languages edge toward extinction, the state's selective recognition undermines the inherent value of all languages. Such practices may lead to a society where only certain languages are honored, akin to Orwell's critique of equality.
• Call for Inclusivity: Every language represents a unique worldview deserving respect. An inclusive approach is essential for fostering linguistic diversity and preventing the emergence of a linguistic elite within the Indian Republic.

Practice Question

Q. Discuss how recognition of certain languages as “classical” can lead to vertical fragmentation of society. Also, suggest measures to promote inclusivity among all languages in India.

The Marital Rape Exception (MRE), as outlined in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, continues to be contested in the Supreme Court of India. The Centre has filed an affidavit supporting the MRE, which has sparked significant legal and social debate regarding its implications for women's rights and the institution of marriage.

Expectation of Sexual Access

• Legal Ambiguity: The Centre argues that marriage creates an ‘expectation of reasonable sexual access,’ but fails to define what constitutes this expectation, raising concerns about its vagueness as a legal standard.
• Subjective vs. Objective: The distinction between subjective (individual perception) and objective (uniform standard) definitions of this expectation remains unclear, complicating its legal applicability.
• Gender Norms: The assertion that marriage creates specific expectations ignores that other intimate relationships, like live-in arrangements, can also foster similar expectations, questioning the rationale behind differential treatment.

Sanctity of Marriage

• Institutional Integrity: The Centre claims that recognizing marital rape could undermine the institution of marriage. However, no evidence links the strength of marriage to the impunity of husbands who commit marital rape.
• Misuse Concerns: The argument concerning potential misuse of marital rape allegations is misleading, as all criminal offenses can be misused; thus, proving guilt or innocence is a judicial responsibility.
• Reform Necessity: If marital impunity is essential for marriage, it raises questions about the institution's value and necessitates reevaluation and potential reform rather than protection under law.

Jurisdictional Arguments

• Social vs. Legal Issues: The Centre contends that marital rape is a social issue beyond judicial jurisdiction. However, law governs all aspects of life, making it challenging to separate social from legal concerns.
• Legislative Competence: While the Centre argues that defining criminal offenses lies within legislative power, the Court's role is to assess whether existing laws, like the MRE, violate fundamental rights under the Constitution.
• Constitutionality Assessment: The Supreme Court's task is to evaluate the constitutionality of MRE, focusing on its alignment with Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, rather than debating the necessity of criminalizing marital rape.

Practice Question

Q. Critically evaluate the implications of the Marital Rape Exception in Indian law, focusing on its legal, social, and constitutional dimensions. What reforms, if any, would you suggest to address the issues surrounding this exception?