Topics
- Supreme Court ruling on Self Respect Marriages
- Evolution of G-20
- Hollongappar Gibbon Sanctuary
- Electrified Flex-fuel Engine
SUPREME COURT RULING ON SELF RESPECT MARRIAGES
Context
- The recent verdict from the Supreme Court concerning marriages based on ‘self-respect’ within the framework of Section 7(A) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, has offered a clear legal perspective on the status of these unions.
- This judgment carries significant implications for the acceptance and legality of such marriages, especially within Tamil Nadu.
Marriages of ‘Self-Respect’
- Amendment: The Hindu Marriage (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act, 1967, introduced Section 7-A into the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, exclusively applicable in Tamil Nadu.
- Validation of ‘Self-Respect’ Marriages: Section 7-A validates and legitimizes ‘self-respect’ or ‘suyamariyathai’ marriages, permitting their solemnization without the requirement of customary practices or officiants.
- Ceremony Description: These marriages occur in the presence of family, friends, or relevant parties, where couples affirm their union in a language they understand. While the exchange of rings, garlands, or the tying of a ‘thali’ (mangal sutra) is necessary, registration remains obligatory.
Legal Controversy
- Madras High Court Decision (2014): In 2014, the Madras High Court declared marriages conducted by advocates as null, contending that ‘self-respect’ marriages should not be concealed and ought to be celebrated publicly.
- Recent Supreme Court Judgment: The recent ruling by the Supreme Court, delivered by Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Arvind Kumar, reversed the 2014 Madras High Court’s verdict.
Supreme Court’s Interpretation and Verdict
- The Supreme Court elucidated that there exists no comprehensive prohibition against advocates officiating ‘self-respect’ marriages under Section 7(A) of the Hindu Marriage Act.
- The court determined that ‘self-respect’ marriages can indeed be solemnized and acknowledged, nullifying the 2014 Madras High Court’s decision.
- This pronouncement was issued in response to a plea by Ilavarasan, who sought the acknowledgment of his ‘self-respect’ marriage and the emancipation of his wife from parental custody.
- The Supreme Court’s judgment is rooted in its understanding of Section 7(A) and its relevance in the context of ‘self-respect’ marriages.
Precedents and Prior Decisions
- In the matter of Nagalingam vs. Sivagami (2001), the Supreme Court had already acknowledged the legitimacy of ‘self-respect’ marriages under Section 7(A) of the Hindu Marriage Act.
- The court highlighted that a priest’s presence is not obligatory for a valid marriage and that individuals can enter matrimony with the involvement of family, friends, or other parties.
Conclusion
The recent pronouncement by the Supreme Court has dispelled the uncertainty surrounding the legality of ‘self-respect’ marriages performed by advocates under Section 7(A) of the Hindu Marriage Act.
By overturning the earlier ruling of the Madras High Court, the Supreme Court has clarified the legality and acceptance of such marriages, ensuring that ‘self-respect’ marriages can take place without conforming to traditional customs or the presence of priests in Tamil Nadu.
EVOLUTION OF G-20
Context
- The forthcoming G20 conference in Delhi signifies the apex of a year-long sequence of gatherings involving leaders of G20 nations.
- As a crucial platform for global economic collaboration, the G20 has become a vital influencer in shaping worldwide economic administration.
Rise of G20
Unplanned Formation: The establishment of the G20 was not meticulously planned but rather emerged as a result of a blend of circumstances and necessity.
Adjusting to Global Changes: The waning of the division between economically developed nations and those from the Global South, along with the ascent of economically potent countries in the latter, underscored the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive worldwide economic discussion platform.
Transition from G22 to G20
Reaction to Crisis: The crisis in the late 1990s pertaining to the Asian financial system laid bare vulnerabilities in the existing framework for worldwide economic administration.
Origin of G22: The precursor to the G20, known as the G22, was formed in 1998 as a response mechanism to crises.
Evolution into G20: Discontent with the informal nature of the G22 and G33 meetings prompted the establishment of the more structured G20 in 1999.
Global Economic Crisis of 2008: A Catalyst for Transformation
- The concept of a leaders’ forum for the G20 was first put forth by the Prime Minister of Canada, Paul Martin, in 2005, although it encountered opposition, particularly from the United States.
- The worldwide economic crisis in 2008, akin to the Great Depression, hastened the creation of the G20 leaders’ summit.
- Recognizing the intricacy and enormity of the crisis, the G20 emerged as an appropriate platform to address and alleviate the repercussions of the crisis.
Inaugural G20 Leaders’ Summit
Summit in Washington DC (2008): The first-ever G20 leaders’ summit, named the ‘Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy,’ occurred in November 2008.
Expanded Participation: In addition to the G20 member nations, leaders from institutions such as the IMF, World Bank, and UN were extended invitations. Spain and the Netherlands were also in attendance.
Conclusion
The evolution of the G20, spanning from its unforeseen origins to the imminent conference in Delhi, exemplifies its role as a responsive mechanism that fosters international economic collaboration.
HOLLONGAPAR GIBBON SANCTUARY
The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary has transformed into an isolated woodland area as it has lost its connections with the surrounding forest fragments.
Geographical Details:
- This sanctuary is positioned in the Jorhat district of Assam, India.
- Initially acknowledged as Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary or Hollongapar Reserved Forest.
Historical Background:
- It was recognized as a potential sanctuary during the late 1980s.
- Established in 1881, linked to the foothills of the Patkai mountain range.
Highlights of Biodiversity:
- Encompasses India’s exclusive gibbons – the hoolock gibbons.
- Serves as the habitat for the Bengal slow loris, the solitary nocturnal primate found in Northeast India.
Prominent Flora:
- The upper canopy is dominated by the hollong tree (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus).
- The middle canopy features the nahar tree (Mesua ferrea).
- The lower canopy consists of evergreen shrubs and herbs.
Name Change and Uniqueness:
- Rebranded as the “Gibbon Sanctuary, Meleng” in 1997 due to the gibbon population.
Later corrected to “Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary” in 2004.
ELECTRIFIED FLEX-FUEL VEHICLE
Context
- In a groundbreaking event, Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, has introduced the world’s inaugural prototype of the BS 6 Stage II ‘Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle’.
- This significant step is aimed at addressing stricter emission standards and promoting innovative vehicle technology.
Collaboration with Toyota Kirloskar Motor
- The pioneering vehicle is a result of a collaboration between Indian authorities and Toyota Kirloskar Motor.
- This partnership has yielded a vehicle that not only aligns with India’s stringent emissions requirements but also showcases the potential of advanced automotive engineering.
A Paradigm Shift in Emission Standards
- The newly launched vehicle, developed from the Innova Hycross model, signifies a shift towards India’s more rigorous emission standards. By incorporating cutting-edge technology, the vehicle sets a benchmark for future automobile designs in line with environmental considerations.
The Evolutionary Path Ahead: The journey of the ‘Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle’ is set to progress through several key stages. These include refinement, homologation, and certification processes, all of which are essential to ensure the vehicle meets the highest standards of performance, safety, and compliance.
Flex Fuel Engines: Powering Innovation
Versatile Fuel Compatibility
A hallmark of flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) is their remarkable ability to operate using a variety of fuels, typically a blend of ethanol, methanol, and gasoline, all conveniently stored within a single tank. This versatility offers consumers a practical solution to changing fuel availability and environmental concerns.
Intelligent Engine Management
Modern FFV engines have intelligent systems that dynamically adjust fuel injection and ignition timing based on the fuel blend in use. This adaptive approach is made possible through an oxygen sensor located in the exhaust system, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency across different fuel types.
Setting FFVs Apart
Unlike bi-fuel vehicles that necessitate separate tanks for distinct fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), FFVs represent a more integrated solution. This design choice enhances convenience for users and contributes to a streamlined driving experience.
Global Adoption and Beyond
Ethanol’s Global Impact
Ethanol flexible-fuel vehicles have witnessed widespread adoption globally, with an impressive sales figure of over 60 million units by March 2018. Prominent markets for these vehicles encompass countries such as Brazil, the United States, Canada, and Europe, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
Exploring New Fuel Frontiers
Innovative experimentation has extended the possibilities of flex-fuel technology beyond ethanol. Successful tests involving methanol and P-series fuels underscore the adaptability and potential of FFVs to embrace emerging fuel sources.
Optimization for Efficiency
FFVs in North America and Europe have taken a progressive step by optimizing their performance for E85, an ethanol-gasoline blend. By tailoring their engines to this specific mixture, these vehicles reduce emissions and overcome cold weather challenges, contributing to both environmental preservation and operational reliability.
