Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Karnataka has informed the Supreme Court that it released water to Tamil Nadu due to good rainfall, despite being a distress year. Tamil Nadu, however, claims the release was not voluntary and is seeking additional water.
Key points
- Karnataka cited good rainfall and El Niño conditions' impact in its decision to release water.
- Water was released from Kabini and KRS reservoirs to Tamil Nadu at the Biligundlu border.
- Karnataka claims to have ensured more water at the inter-state border than mandated.
- Tamil Nadu has filed an affidavit arguing the release was not voluntary and is demanding more water.
- A bandh called in Karnataka over the issue received a lukewarm response.
Background & context
The Cauvery River water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is a long-standing inter-state water dispute. The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) are bodies established to manage and regulate the water sharing as per tribunal awards and Supreme Court directives.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The dispute involves sharing of water from the Cauvery river basin among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Geography (Distribution of natural resources), GS Paper II: Polity (Inter-state disputes, role of tribunals and Supreme Court).
Why in news?
The Supreme Court will hear a case involving a seven-judge Bench to determine whether legislative privileges can override the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression.
Key points
- The case dates back to 2003, involving an editorial published by The Hindu criticizing a former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
- The Tamil Nadu Assembly had passed a resolution alleging breach of privilege and sought the arrest of The Hindu's editorial staff.
- The legal question is whether Article 194 of the Constitution (legislative privileges) can be used to suppress press freedom under Article 19(1)(a).
- A seven-judge Constitution Bench will hear the case to resolve this complex constitutional question.
Background & context
Article 194 of the Constitution grants freedom of speech and immunities to Members of State Legislatures. Article 19(1)(a) guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression to all citizens. This case examines the potential conflict between these two constitutional provisions.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Article 194 deals with the powers, privileges, etc., of the House of Legislatures and of the members and committees thereof.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity (Fundamental Rights, Separation of Powers, Parliamentary Privileges, Constitutional Provisions, Freedom of Press).
Why in news?
The Supreme Court will examine the use of facial recognition technology and surveillance measures against students protesting the NEET-UG exam paper leaks, following a plea by an MP.
Key points
- An MP has moved the Supreme Court questioning the deployment of facial recognition and mass surveillance on NEET-UG protesters.
- The petition alleges automated extraction of biometric identifiers and linking them to national criminal databases.
- Concerns raised include data hosting by private agencies and potential violation of data protection rules.
- The plea will be tagged with existing petitions challenging the police crackdown on students.
- The use of such technology on peaceful protesters is argued to be unconstitutional.
Background & context
The NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Undergraduate) is a crucial medical entrance examination. Paper leaks and related protests have been a recurring issue, leading to significant public and judicial scrutiny. Facial recognition technology (FRT) is a biometric surveillance tool.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Data Protection Board of India is a proposed body to enforce data protection laws.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity (Governance, Technology in Governance, Right to Privacy, Fundamental Rights), GS Paper IV: Ethics (Use of technology in law enforcement).