Focus on advanced AI

This refers to ‘Deep Disruption’ (January 31). China’s development of DeepSeek, a large language model (LLM), serves as a wake-up call for India to develop its own AI model. However, what is distinctly noticeable is India’s reactive approach to such ventures, often only taking action after China has made significant strides in various fields.

In December 2024, when China tested its sixth-generation Chengdu J-36 fighter aircraft, India was abruptly reminded of the urgent need to advance its air defence systems. Now, there is a renewed focus on developing an advanced AI model. Progress in such critical fields must be preceded by an in-depth research system. From determining whether to pursue an Open-Source or Closed-Source AI model, to ensuring control, transparency and security, numerous challenges lie ahead for AI experts seeking alternatives.

Srinivasan Velamur

Chennai

Economic situation

Former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao has said today’s economic situation is not of stagflation — a stagnant growth and high inflation — and observed that India’s growth is 6.5 per cent and not stagnant. What India needs is sustained creation of productive jobs and goods and services. Viewed from this angle, India’s progress or growth is not satisfactory. The governments (Centre and States) have to address this on a war footing.

S Ramakrishnasayee

Chennai

Irrational fertilizer use

This refers to ‘Sustainable nitrogen management in agri’ (January 31). The issue is not confined to nitrogen management alone, but judicious and crop based fertilizer application, paying due attention to timing. Farmers must be fully informed about selection of fertilizer vis-à-vis the crop and not on its market price alone, since urea prices are more or less constant, DAP and MoP prices fluctuate and are expensive.

Rajiv Magal

Halekere Village, Karnataka

Water conservation

The news ‘Deficient rainfall drags level in key reservoirs’ (January 31), is of concern and calls for definite, decisive action targeted at preserving water bodies, their maintenance and upkeep along with sustainable practices in water conservation and management of available water resources. The statistics on water level in major reservoirs and shortfall in rainfall, though not warning of any immediate threat to standing crops as of now, should not be taken lightly.

Serious efforts aimed at inculcating a ‘reduce, recycle and reuse’ culture in water usage at individual, family and societal levels cannot wait.

Jose Abraham

Vaikom, Kerala

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