Indian Polity: October 2023 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

One Nation, One Student ID

Central Idea

• The state governments in India have taken steps to acquire parental consent for the issuance of a groundbreaking student identity card called the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR). 
• This development is a key element of the 'One nation, One Student ID' initiative, which is derived from the National Education Policy of 2020 and is spearheaded by the Union government.

What is APAAR?

• APAAR's Purpose: APAAR functions as an exclusive identification system for students throughout India, starting from their early years in education.
• Lifelong Student ID: Each student is allocated a perpetual APAAR ID, streamlining the monitoring of academic advancements from early education to higher education.
• Access to Digilocker: APAAR serves as an entry point to Digilocker, a digital storage platform. Here, students can securely preserve essential documents like exam results and report cards, ensuring easy retrieval for future undertakings such as pursuing higher education or applying for jobs.

How does APAAR ID function?

• Distinct Identification: Every person is assigned a distinctive APAAR ID, connected to the Academic Bank Credit (ABC). This digital archive stores a student's accumulated credits across their entire academic path.
• Effortless Data Migration: In cases of school transfers, whether within the same state or to a different state, the APAAR ID facilitates the seamless transfer of data stored in the ABC to the new school. This eliminates the necessity for physical submission of documents.
• Comprehensive Repository: APAAR enables students to archive certificates and credits obtained from both formal and informal learning experiences. Authorized institutions can digitally certify these accomplishments, contributing to an all-encompassing repository.

Rationale behind APAAR

• Streamlined Education: APAAR’s introduction aims to streamline education processes, reducing the burden on students to carry physical documents.
• NEP 2020 Initiative: This initiative was launched as part of the National Education Policy 2020 by the Ministry of Education.
• Empowering State Governments: APAAR empowers state governments to monitor literacy rates, dropout rates, and educational improvements effectively.
• Combatting Fraud: It seeks to combat fraud and the proliferation of duplicate educational certificates by providing a single, reliable reference for educational institutions, ensuring authenticity through first-party verification.

How to get an APAAR ID?

• Registration Process: To enrol for APAAR, students provide basic details such as name, age, date of birth, gender, and a photograph, all of which are verified using their Aadhar number.
• Aadhar Authentication: The Aadhaar number is used solely for verification purposes to match the name and date of birth, with no sharing of this data during registration.
• Parental Consent for Minors: For minors, parental consent is mandatory for using the student’s Aadhar number for authentication with UIDAI.
• Voluntary Registration: Registration for creating an APAAR ID is voluntary, not mandatory.

Concerns surrounding APAAR

• Data Security Concerns: Parents and students express concerns about sharing their Aadhar details, fearing potential leaks of personal information to external parties.
• Government Assurance: The government assures that shared information will remain confidential and will only be disclosed to entities engaged in educational activities, including UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus), scholarships, academic record maintenance, educational institutions, and recruitment agencies.
• Data Control: Students retain the option to cease sharing their information with these entities at any time, with a halt in data processing. However, previously processed data remains unaffected if consent is withdrawn.

Atal Bhujal Yojana and Ground Water Management

Why in News?

Recently, the 5th meeting of the National Level Steering Committee (NLSC) of Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL) was held to review the overall progress of the scheme.

• The World Bank has been involved in the review of the program. The committee encouraged states to integrate Water Security Plans (WSPs) into the Gram Panchayat Development Plans which will ensure the sustainability of the scheme's approach even after the program's completion.

What is Atal Bhujal Yojna?

• About:
  • ATAL JAL is a Central Sector Scheme for facilitating sustainable ground water management with an outlay of Rs. 6000 crore.
  • It is being implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti .
  • The scheme is being funded by the Government of India and the World Bank on a 50:50 basis.
  • The entire World Bank's loan component and central assistance will be passed on to the States as grants.
• Objectives:
  • It aims to improve the management of groundwater resources in select water stressed areas in identified states viz. Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
  • ATAL JAL promotes panchayat led groundwater management and behavioural change with a primary focus on demand-side management.

What is the Status of Groundwater Depletion in India?

• Groundwater Depletion in India is a major concern because it is the primary source of drinking water. Some of the main causes of groundwater depletion in India include over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation, Urbanisation, and Climate Change.
• India is the world’s largest user of groundwater, exceeding the use of the United States and China combined according to recent UN report .
• According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) of India, approximately 70% of the total water used in India is from groundwater sources.
  • However, the CGWB also estimates that around 25% of the country's total groundwater extraction is unsustainable, meaning that it is being extracted at a faster rate than it can be replenished.
• Overall, groundwater depletion in India is a serious problem that needs to be addressed through sustainable water management practices, such as improved irrigation techniques and conservation efforts.

What are the Major Causes of Groundwater Depletion in India?

• Over-Extraction of Groundwater for Irrigation:
  • Irrigation accounts for around 80% of total water use in India, and much of this water is sourced from groundwater.
  • As demand for food continues to grow, more and more groundwater is being extracted for irrigation, leading to depletion.
  • According to the UN’s Interconnected Disaster Risks Report 2023, 78% of wells in Punjab are considered overexploited, and the north-western region as a whole is predicted to experience critically low groundwater availability by 2025.
• Climate Change:
  • Rising temperatures and Changing Precipitation Patterns can alter the recharge rates of Groundwater Aquifers, making them more vulnerable to depletion.
  • Droughts, flash floods, and Disrupted Monsoon Events are recent examples of climate change events that are placing pressure on India's groundwater resources.
• Poor Water Management:
  • Inefficient use of water, leaky pipes, and inadequate infrastructure for capturing and storing rainwater can all contribute to groundwater depletion.
• Decrease in Natural Recharge:
  • The natural recharge of groundwater aquifers can be decreased by factors such as Deforestation, which can lead to Soil Erosion and reduce the amount of water that is able to seep into the ground and replenish the aquifers.

What are the Issues Associated with Depleting Ground Water?

• Water Scarcity: As groundwater levels drop, there may not be enough water available for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use. This can lead to water shortages and conflicts over water resources.
  • A study led by the University of Michigan warns that if Indian farmers continue to draw groundwater at the current rate, the rate of groundwater depletion could triple by 2080. This could have severe implications for the country's food and water security, as well as the livelihoods of over one-third of its population.
• Land Subsidence: When groundwater is extracted, the soil can become compacted, leading to Land Subsidence (the sinking or settling of the land). This can cause damage to infrastructure, such as roads and buildings, and can also increase the risk of flooding.
• Environmental Degradation: Depleting groundwater can also have negative impacts on the environment. For example, when groundwater levels drop, it can cause Saltwater Intrusion in coastal areas, leading to the contamination of freshwater resources.
• Economic Impacts: Groundwater depletion can also have economic impacts, as it can lead to reduced agricultural production and increased costs for water treatment and pumping.
• Lack of Depletion Data: The Indian government regulates groundwater exploitation by "notifying" highly overexploited blocks in water-stressed states.
  • However, only about 14% of overexploited blocks are currently notified.
• Earth's Axis to Tilt: According to a recent study in Geophysical Research Letters, it is claimed that excessive pumping of groundwater has caused the Earth's axis to tilt nearly 80 centimeters east between 1993 and 2010 alone and contributes to sea level rise.

Way Forward

• Embrace comprehensive and sustainable water management strategies that address both immediate needs and long-term challenges.
• Foster meaningful engagement with local communities, incorporating their perspectives and knowledge in water management decisions.
• Prioritize investments in water infrastructure and capacity-building programs to build resilience against future water crises.
• Establish robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of water management initiatives.
• Promote responsible groundwater management and conservation practices to ensure water availability for future generations.

The 5T Initiative of Odisha

Context

The 5T initiative in Odisha is a governance model that stands for Teamwork, Transparency, Technology, Time, and Transformation, launched with the aim of improving governance and ensuring efficient delivery of public services.

5T Initiative Overview

• Teamwork:
  • Emphasizes inter-departmental collaboration within the government for effective problem-solving.
  • Promotes cooperation and coordination among different government agencies.
• Transparency:
  • Focuses on enhancing the openness and accountability of government processes and decisions.
  • Aims to provide easier public access to information and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
  • Encourages ethical and accountable behavior within the government.
• Technology:
  • Advocates the adoption of modern technology and digital solutions to streamline government operations.
  • Aims to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Time:
  • Highlights the importance of delivering government services promptly and reducing delays.
• Transformation:
  • Seeks to revolutionize the functioning of government departments.
  • Aims to create a government that is more responsive, citizen-centered, and results-driven.

Achievements of the 5T Initiative

• As of March 2023, 6,872 high schools have been transformed under the 5T initiative.
• Private schools had 1,605,000 students in the 2019-20 academic year, but this number decreased to 1,462,000 in 2021-22. This suggests an increase in the enrollment of students in government schools.

Mo Sarkar Initiative

• A governance program focused on transforming government service delivery and enhancing transparency and accountability.
• “Mo Sarkar” translates to “My Government” in the local language.
• Features real-time feedback mechanisms allowing citizens who interact with government offices to provide feedback.
• Citizen phone numbers are made available to top officials, including the Chief Minister, to facilitate feedback.
• Aims to shift power from bureaucracy to citizens, making governance more evidence-based, efficient, and equitable.

Agenda for Implementing Niti Aayog-like Bodies in States

• NITI Aayog's Facilitation Role: NITI Aayog will aid states in establishing new entities to replace planning boards, aiming to accelerate economic growth inclusively and achieve developed nation status by 2047.
• Phased Implementation: Initially, 8-10 states are targeted for the establishment of these bodies, with plans to extend the initiative to all states by March 2023.
• States in Progress: States like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam have already begun work in this direction. Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat are anticipated to follow suit.
• Structural Examination: NITI Aayog will support the creation of teams to assess the existing structures of state planning boards.
• Formation of SITs: The development of State Institutions for Transformation (SITs) will be conceptualized over the next 4-6 months.
• Professional Inclusion: Encouraging the lateral entry of professionals into SITs is planned to enhance analytical capabilities and offer valuable policy recommendations.
• SIT Functions: SITs will play a pivotal role in policy formulation, the evaluation of policies and programs, and the proposal of enhanced technology or delivery models.

Need for Setting up NITI Aayog-like Bodies in States

• States are the drivers of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to the national GDP.
• Many critical areas like health, education, and skilling fall under state governments’ purview.
• State governments play a crucial role in improving ease of doing business, land reforms, infrastructure development, credit flow, and urbanization.
• Most state planning departments or boards have become nonfunctional and lack clarity regarding their roles and responsibilities.
• The move is essential for the economic growth and development of states and the country as a whole.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

Why in News

Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (PMKSY) till 2026, with an outlay of Rs 93,068 crore.

• The government also approved the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Har Khet ko Pani (HKKP), and watershed development components of the PMKSY for four years to 2025-26.

Key Points

• About:
  • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (Core Scheme) launched in 2015. Centre- States will be 75:25 per cent. In the case of the north-eastern region and hilly states, it will be 90:10.
  • It will benefit about 22 lakh farmers, including 2.5 lakh scheduled caste and two lakh scheduled tribe farmers.
  • In 2020, the Ministry of Jal Shakti launched a mobile application for Geo-Tagging of the components of projects under PMKSY.
  • It has three main components namely the AIBP, HKKP and Watershed Development.
  • AIBP was launched in 1996 with the aim of accelerating the implementation of irrigation projects that exceed the resource capabilities of states.
  • HKKP aims to create new water sources through Minor Irrigation. Repair, restoration and renovation of water bodies, strengthening carrying capacity of traditional water sources, construction rain water harvesting structures.
• It has sub components: Command Area Development (CAD), Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI), Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies, Ground Water Development.
  • Watershed Development is the effective management of runoff water and improved soil & moisture conservation activities such as ridge area treatment, drainage line 5 treatment, rain water harvesting, in - situ moisture conservation and other allied activities o n watershed basis.
• Objectives:
  • Convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level.
  • To expand the cultivable area under assured irrigation (Har Khet ko pani).
  • To improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of water.
  • To enhance the adoption of precision-irrigation and other water saving technologies (More crop per drop).
  • To enhance recharge of aquifers and introduce sustainable water conservation practices by exploring the feasibility of reusing treated municipal based water for peri-urban agriculture and attract greater private investment in a precision irrigation system.
  • An aquifer is a body of porous rock or sediment saturated with groundwater. Groundwater enters an aquifer as precipitation seeps through the soil. It can move through the aquifer and resurface through springs and wells.
  • Peri-urban agriculture refers to farm units close to town which operate intensive semi- or fully commercial farms to grow vegetables and other horticulture, raise chickens and other livestock, and produce milk and eggs.
  • Precision Irrigation is an innovative technique that uses water wisely and helps farmers achieve higher levels of crop yield in a minimal amount of water
• Formulation: It was formulated by amalgamating following schemes:
• Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) - Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (now Ministry of Jal Shakti).
• Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) - Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development.
• On-Farm Water Management (OFWM) - Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC).
• Implementation: Decentralized implementation through State Irrigation Plan and District Irrigation Plan.

Regulation of OTT Platforms

News

• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recently invited responses to a consultation paper released on a regulatory mechanism for over-the-top (OTT) communication services. 

About

• The paper mentions the selective banning of OTT services, the discussion on which came after a Parliamentary Standing Committee suggested exploring this option due to the unrest caused by these platforms which have mass reach and impact.
• It is important to note that only OTT communication services like WhatsApp, Signal, Meta, Google Meet, Zoom, X, etc. were discussed in the consultation paper and not the ‘content’ OTTs such as Netflix, Amazon Prime etc.
  • Content regulation is an altogether different subject and it comes under the ambit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and not the TRAI.
• The TRAI has also asked stakeholders to define OTT, and a proposal on cost-sharing mechanisms between Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and OTT services.

What is the Conflict Between TSPs and OTTs?

• Telecom Service Providers are of the opinion that OTTs should be regulated and charged because they use and thrive on the infrastructure built by operators over the years. Currently, they aren’t.
• OTT communications services have led to erosion of revenues for the telcos. 
  • These platforms offer users an array of services (MMS, instant messaging to voice and video calls) which circumvents the need for traditional telecom services, particularly voice calls and text messages, leading to a significant reduction in the revenue streams of telecom companies.
• OTT communication service providers neither contribute to the exchequer nor make investments like the TSPs in the spread of network infrastructure in the country. 
• The OTT communication service providers take a free ride on TSP funded networks without contributing to the setting up and maintaining digital infrastructure for access networks.

What is the Demand?

• There should be a policy framework to enable fair share contribution from large OTT service providers to telecommunication network operators based on assessable criteria like number of subscribers or data usage. 
• To ensure fairness and compensate for the increased data demands, OTTs should pay a fair and reasonable fair share charge to TSPs.
• The funds received by TSPs from OTTs will support the expansion of networks and enhance contribution to the exchequer. 
• OTT services should be considered as the same services offered under the telecom licence granted by the Government.
• All OTT services should be governed by the same set of rules irrespective of whether they are provided by an operator on its own network or through the internet.

What is the Argument for Banning OTT Services?

• OTTs obtain the location of the customers and can easily bar access. Once the OTT communication services are under license this barring will be much easier to implement. 
• TSP’s networks are capable of selectively blocking the OTT subject to details like IP addresses provided by the Competent Authority.
• The IAMAI believes that there is no need to implement additional regulations governing OTT services, or even a regulatory framework for the selective banning of OTT services, as they are adequately regulated under the existing IT Act, 2000, Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and other associated Acts and Rules.

Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal Dispute

What should you know about Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal?

The proposed canal transfer water from Punjab to Haryana.

• 122 kilometre stretch of it falls under Punjab and the remaining 92 kilometre is in Haryana.
• It starts at Palla village, near Delhi.
• The canal though designed to carry a maximum of 10, 500 cusecs of water, will actually carry 6, 500 cusecs of water from Punjab to Haryana, as per an agreement of water sharing.
• The canal takes off from the tail of Anandpur Sahib Hydel Channel near Lohand Khad, a few miles away from Kiratpur Sahib in Ropar district and enters Haryana near Kapoori village in Patiala district.
• Besides water transfer, the canal will also cater to the irrigation needs of the agriculture based villages of Rupar and Patiala districts.
• Two hydel projects are also planned to generate power.
• Another major advantage is that the canal would make available shipping from India’s east coast to west coast, thus drastically reducing the freight related expenditure.
• The digging began in 1984. A major part of the canal was completed in the Punjab territory in 1990s itself, spending around 750 crores of rupees. Only a small part is left to be completed, which has a story for itself.
• The unattended canal, though, is almost in ruins now, with the brick lining peeling off at places, bushes invading the channel, causing floods and destruction in the rainy season.
• The canal comes under the Bakra- Baes Management Board, BBMB, constituted under the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966, which is a central legislation, (like the Andhra Pradesh   Reorganization act, creating Telangana).

Controversies about the SYL Canal: Chronology

Now let us see the chronology of controversies surrounding the canal

1. 1966:

• Following the Indus Water Treaty 1960, between India and Pakistan, India got the unrestricted right to use the waters of three rivers: Ravi, Beas and Sutlej.
• The waters were shared among Punjab, Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir.
• The history of the current dispute can be traced back to the mid-1960s, when the Punjab state was reorganised.
• On 1966 October 31, the state of Punjab was divided; and a new state of Haryana was created. Some parts were also transferred to Himachal Pradesh, then a Union territory, and the city of Chandigarh became a Union territory and served as the capital of both the residual Punjab and Haryana.
• When the state was bifurcated, the sharing of the river water also became a bone of contention. Being a successor state, Haryana had the eligibility to receive a share of Punjab’s waters.

2. 1976:

• In 1976, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi brokered a deal to divide the water, such that each state received 3.5 million acre feet (MAF) of water.
• Also Rajasthan was to get 8 MAF and Delhi 0.20 MAF.

3. 1979:

• But this deal was not furthered by the Punjab government of the time, following which Haryana approached the Supreme Court in 1979.
• Punjab also challenged this litigation.

4. 1980s:

• Needing a political solution rather than a judicial one, once again Indira Gandhi intervened and at her behest, Punjab withdrew its suit from the Supreme Court.
• But Shiromani Akali Dal, SAD continued to campaign against the canal. SAD’s Anandpur Sahib Resolution of 1973 had also condemned the canal.
• The foundation stone of the canal was laid on April 8, 1982, by the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at Kapoori village, in Patiala.
• But the construction of the link canal had to be halted, following militancy in Punjab in the 1980s. The labourers working there were attacked, and two engineers were shot dead,  the superintending engineer, and the chief engineer.

5. 1985:

• Another peace brokering was achieved as part of the Rajiv-Longowal Accord of 1985 (The Punjab Accord), but not with any lasting effect.
• A Tribunal under Justice V Balakrishna Eradi was also set up that year, to specify the quantum of Ravi-Baes waters (another dispute) to be shared among Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

6. 2002:

• Acting in 2002, the Supreme Court directed the Punjab government to continue digging for the project.

7. 2004:

• Punjab state legislature refrained from its upper-riparian commitment and passed the ”Punjab Termination of Agreement Act, 2004″, whereby it sought to de-notify the land acquired for the project.
• The Act annuls the 1981 Indira Gandhi award and also subsequent agreements relating to the distribution of Ravi- Beas waters among Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
• The validity of the law was questioned, as it was in direct confrontation to a Supreme Court judgement (a PIL by Mr. Naresh Kumar Kadyan has questioned the validity of the Act of 2004, passed by the Punjab Assembly. He has sought quashing of the Act. He has also asked that the judgement of the Supreme Court regarding the completion of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal be immediately ordered to be complied with.)
• In 2004, the President of India, made a reference to the Supreme Court, (under the powers bestowed up on him by Article 143 of the Constitution), regarding the validity of this state law.

8. 2016:

• In 2016 March only, the Supreme Court took up the matter for hearing.
• Meanwhile, adding fuel to the fire, the Punjab legislature passed another act, the Punjab Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal (Rehabilitation and Re-vesting of Proprietary Rights) Bill 2016, which seeks to restore the land (around 5376 acres) acquired for the canal, back to the farmers free of cost.
• Even though, it is unlikely that the Governor will give assent to this bill, work has already been started by the frenzied land-owners to level the land and reclaim it, thus wilfully destructing the canal, on which hundreds of crores have already been spent.
• Presently, the Supreme Court has ordered status quo on the Bill.
• But even after that, the Punjab assembly has unanimously passed a resolution that the SYL canal cannot be allowed to be built.
• Punjab defends its act, stating that under Article 143, the Supreme Court has only advisory functions, and hence cannot pass an assumptive interim order.

Present status of the SYL canal

Issues associated with the SYL controversy

1. Water Wars:

• Water wars are the order of the day, nationally and internationally. We have seen it in Chinese plans for building dams across Brahmaputra, the conflict over the use of Nile waters etc.
• To their merit, the political leadership of Punjab, including current Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and former CM Amarinder Singh, have been asserting that the state has no surplus water to give to Haryana.
• Punjab also claims that the SYL award was based on the water flow statistics of 1920s; and now the situation is at variance to those figures.
• They also claim that Punjab needed more water than its younger brother, Haryana, owing to the pivotal role of surface irrigation in the state’s agricultural sector.
• Fingers also point to the flawed agricultural policy of the region including Punjab and Haryana, growing water intensive crops like wheat, rice, sugar cane etc. in an other-wise water scarce region.

2. Inter-state disputes:

• At a time when the Government at the centre aims to achieve co-operative federalism, to realise the dream of Team India, many states are moving in the wrong direction.
• Many ongoing disputes include the Cauvery water dispute among Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry; Mullaperiyar dispute between Tamil Nadu and Kerala; Mhadeyi dispute, the never ending Krishna and Godavari river water disputes etc.
• Currently, there is no established mechanism which has proved to be effective in amicably resolving the disputes.

3. The validity of a state law by-passing Supreme Court judgement:

• By our understanding and going through precedents, such a law is ultra-vires the constitution.
• We have seen it in the 2015 judgement on Mullaperiyar dam case. The Kerala legislature had passed an act to by-pass an adverse 2006 SC judgement on the dam. In 2015, SC declared the act to be ultra-vires.
• In the present SYL case though, an additional condition is that the SC is hearing the matter within the contours of article 143 of the constitution (regarding the Presidential reference).

Article 143 of the Constitution

(1) If at any time, it appears to the President that a question of law or fact has arisen, or is likely to arise, which is of such a nature and of such public importance that it is expedient to obtain the opinion of the Supreme Court upon it, he may refer the question to that Court for consideration and the Court may, after such hearing as it thinks fit, report to the President its opinion thereon. (2) The President may, notwithstanding anything in … the proviso to Article 131 [Original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court], refer a dispute of the kind mentioned in the said proviso to the Supreme Court for opinion and the Supreme Court shall, after such hearing as it thinks fit, report to the President its opinion thereon.

• Such a report is only advisory in nature, which the President is free to follow or not to follow ( Keshav Singh case, 1975); and hence it cannot issue a binding order saying the state law is ultra-vires. If the Supreme Court indeed pronounces such a verdict, it would be venturing in to the unchartered waters for the first time.
• Further, Contempt of Court provisions, can also be invoked by the court against the Punjab assembly, for not heeding to its directive.

The Role of a Common Governor

• As per the 7th constitutional amendment act, there is provision for a common Governor to two states. Currently there is a common governor for both states.
• Kaptan Singh Solanki is the current common governor.
• His predicament can be seen from the recent turn of events, when he had to first speak in favour of the Punjab assembly’s stand and then in a week’s time, favour Haryana’s stand while addressing its Assembly session!
• He has so far not given his assent to the Punjab bill, and is likely to refer to the President.

Time Limit for Presidential Reference

• The SYL issue was referred to the Supreme Court, under Article 143, in 2004.
• Under Article 143 (1), it is discretionary for the Supreme Court to answer or not to answer the questions put to it (held so in Kerala Education Bill case, 1957). But for those references under 143 (2), it is bound to give advice. Here it is under Article 143 (1) only.
• Also there is no time limit mentioned for disposing off the request.
• In this case, the court took 12 years to take up the matter.
• There are suggestions that there must be proper time limit prescribed for such references.

Conclusion

The Central government has its role cut-out, to resolve the issue before it assumes gigantic proportions. The fact that, one of the contending states is going for elections in the near future, adds political overtone to the already complex situation. The issue needs a political solution, as even Supreme Court appears to be in a dilemma. It is time for the leaders to show wisdom and non-partisanship, giving due credits to the claims of all contending parties involved.

Krishna Water Dispute

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the issue of further Terms of Reference (ToR) to the existing Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II) under the ISRWD (Inter State River Water Disputes) Act, 1956 for its adjudication between the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh (AP).

What is the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II)?

• Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II was constituted by the Centre in April 2004 under Section 3 of the ISRWD Act, 1956 to adjudicate and resolve water-sharing disputes related to the Krishna River.
• It was constituted to address the allocation of Krishna River waters among the riparian states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
• KWDT-II made recommendations and allocations of Krishna River waters based on the availability of water, the demands of the states, and other relevant factors. It provided specific quantities of water to each state, outlining the share they were entitled to receive.

What is Krishna Water Dispute?

About

• The Krishna Water Dispute centers on the equitable sharing of Krishna River waters among the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
• The Krishna River flows through these states, and disputes arise due to differing needs, historical disagreements, and changes in the political and administrative landscape.

Background

• Point of Contention: The Srisailam reservoir, situated on the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh, is a major point of contention. Andhra Pradesh contested Telangana's use of Srisailam reservoir water for power generation.
• Dispute Background: Disputes trace back to the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1956 and were addressed through the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT) in 1973. A second KWDT was set up in 2004 to reallocate Krishna water.
• KWDT Allocation (2010): The second KWDT delivered its report in 2010, which made allocations of the Krishna water at 65% dependability and for surplus flows as follows:
  • 81 TMC for Maharashtra, 177 TMC for Karnataka, and 190 TMC for Andhra Pradesh.
• Andhra Pradesh's Challenges: In 2011, Andhra Pradesh challenged the KWDT's allocation through legal proceedings, including a Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court.
  • In 2013, the KWDT issued a ‘further report’, which was again challenged by Andhra Pradesh in the Supreme Court (SC) in 2014.
• After the creation of Telangana, in 2014, Andhra Pradesh demanded a review of Krishna water allocations among four states.
  • Maharashtra and Karnataka argued that Telangana was created following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. Therefore, allocation of water should be from Andhra Pradesh’s share which was approved by the tribunal.

Constitutional Framework

• Article 262 of the Indian Constitution provides for the adjudication of inter-state water disputes, allowing Parliament to create laws for this purpose.
• The Inter-State Water Disputes Act (1956) empowers the Central government to establish ad hoc tribunals for resolving water disputes between states.

Current Status

• KWDT will provide new terms of reference under which the tribunal will divide the water of the Krishna River among both states, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, in the future.
• It will allocate water on a project-wise basis for the proposed projects in both states that are intended for developmental or future purposes.

State of Global Internet Freedom in 2023

Context 

A new report by Freedom House reveals that global Internet freedom has been on the decline for the 13th consecutive year. 

• This decline is seen in 29 countries, while only 20 countries have registered improvements in Internet freedom.
• The report, titled ‘Freedom on the Net 2023: The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence,’ highlights the growing use of artificial intelligence by governments for censorship and the spread of disinformation.

Some key findings include

• Iran witnessed a sharp increase in digital repression.
• China ranked as the world’s worst environment for Internet freedom for the ninth consecutive year, followed by Myanmar.
• A record 55 countries this year imposed legal consequences for online expression.
• Elections were identified as a trigger for digital repression.

Regarding India, the report noted

• The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules require large social media platforms to use AI-based moderation tools for various types of content.
• The report expressed concerns about the impact of India’s expanding censorship regime on democracy.
• India was evaluated on various censorship methods, including Internet connectivity restrictions, blocks on social media platforms, website blocking, and the forced removal of content.

India scored 50 on a scale of 1 to 100, with higher scores representing greater digital freedom, while Iceland received the highest score of 94, indicating the best climate of Internet freedom.