Article 99 of the UN Charter

GS Paper 2: Important International institutions, agencies

Context-:
Amid Israel’s ongoing military attacks on the Gaza Strip, particularly in its southern region, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter in a bid to establish a ceasefire.

Guterres' Invocation:-

Guterres writes under Article 99, citing aggravation of threats to international peace and security.
Describes appalling human suffering, destruction, and trauma in Israel and the Occupied Palestine Territory.
Highlights casualties, healthcare system collapse, difficulties in humanitarian relief, and displacement due to IDF's constant bombardment.
Guterres urges the UN Security Council to help prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Appeal for Ceasefire:-
Urgent plea for a humanitarian ceasefire to avert a catastrophe.
Calls for sparing the civilian population from greater harm.
Stresses the need for a ceasefire to restore means of survival and deliver humanitarian aid safely.

About UN Charter-:
The UN Charter is the founding document of the United Nations.
Based on the powers conferred through it, the UN can take action on a wide variety of issues.
The Charter is considered an international treaty, meaning UN Member States are “bound by it”.
However, in practice, there is little that member countries can be forced to do.

Article 99 of the UN Charter-:
Article 99 states: “The Secretary-General may bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security.”
A discretionary power requiring political judgment, tact, and integrity.
The President of the Security Council is obligated to call a meeting if Article 99 is invoked.

Past Invocations-:
Rarely invoked in history.
Examples include the upheaval in the Republic of the Congo in 1960 and a complaint by Tunisia in 1961 against France.

Potential Impact on Conflict-:
UAE presented a draft resolution to the UNSC based on Guterres' letter, demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
A vote is expected on Friday, but unanimous support from permanent members (US, Russia, China, France, and UK) is unlikely.
The US and UK expressed support for Israel's military actions since October 7.

Related Search-:
About UNSC
Its Function and Significance

Prelims Specific-:
What is the UN Charter
Article 99 of the UN Charter
Past invocation
Power of Secretary-General Under Article 99

Krishna waters Dispute

GS Paper 3: Inter-State Relations & Water Resources

Context-:
The dispute over the sharing of the Krishna River waters between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana had come to the fore once again.

Details-:
On November 30, Andhra Pradesh took control of the Nagarjuna Sagar Project (NSP) citing its "legitimate territory."
Andhra Pradesh asserts that the step is in response to Telangana’s “continued unauthorized drawls and refusal to cooperate in transferring the NSP properties to the KRMB.”
It is said that the move seeks to regain control over the facilities in Andhra Pradesh’s territory and ensure compliance with the KRMB release orders.

Bifurcation Aftermath (2014):-
The inter-state water dispute stems from the complex aftermath of the bifurcation of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh in 2014, as mandated by the A.P. State Reorganisation Act.
Which deals with a host of challenges, including the sharing of water resources, particularly the Krishna waters.

Nagarjuna Sagar Project (NSP):-

The NSP is located on the Krishna River, which forms the boundary between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
It is one of the largest and most crucial projects in India, as it caters to the drinking water, irrigation, and power generation needs of both States.
With a staggering storage capacity of 312.045 tmc ft at Full Reservoir Level (FRL), the NSP significantly influences the agricultural landscape and livelihoods of millions.
The NSP is divided into two flanks — the left flank in Telangana and the right flank in Andhra Pradesh.
The Left Main Canal serves extensive areas in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, providing irrigation to 6.57 lakh acres in Telangana and 3.82 lakh acres in Andhra Pradesh.
Additionally, it caters to the drinking water needs with a contemplated utilization of 132 tmc ft.
The Right Main Canal serves an ayacut of 11.17 lakh acres, besides catering to the drinking water needs in the two erstwhile districts of Guntur and Prakasam.

Points of Contention:-
Unauthorised control by Telangana over the Left Power House at Srisailam Dam, located upstream of the NSP, affecting water-sharing dynamics.
Telangana's control over the Right Head Sluice of NSP in Andhra Pradesh causing operational issues.
Power connections for Right Main Canal allegedly disconnected by Telangana.

Rainfall Deficit Complication:-
Deficit rainfall in Krishna catchment areas escalates the issue.
Andhra Pradesh declares crop holiday in Nagarjunasagar Right Canal command area, reserving water for drinking.

Agreements and Jurisdiction:-

Various committees, including the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB), were involved.
In 2015, Agreement on sharing 811 tmc ft, with 512 tmc ft for Andhra Pradesh and 299 tmc ft for Telangana.
In 2021, the Ministry of Jal Shakti had notified the jurisdiction of the KRMB under which the Nagarjunasagar Right Canal head regulator (also called as Jawahar canal) is kept under the control of Andhra Pradesh.
During the 15th board meeting, it was decided that a total of 15 outlets of both the NSP and Srisailam projects should be handed over to the KRMB.
Despite the developments, Telangana is allegedly reluctant to hand over properties to the KRMB.

Related Search-:
About Krishna River
Cauvery Water Dispute

Prelims Specific-:
About Krishna River
Krishna water Dispute
Nagarjuna Sagar Project (NSP)

Special inquiry committees of Parliament

GS Paper 2: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary.

Context-:
The ethics committee of the Lok Sabha is believed to have recommended the expulsion of Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Mahua Moitra from the Lok Sabha for her “unethical conduct” and “breach of privileges”.

Details-:
This follows the ethics committee examining the complaints which accused her of asking questions to target a leading business house at the behest of a businessman in exchange for cash.
She was also accused of sharing her login credentials with the businessman.

Role of Ethics Committee:-

Formed in 2000 to monitor the moral and ethical conduct of Parliament members.
Examines cases of 'unethical conduct' referred to it, filed by members or outsiders.
The Committee makes a prima facie inquiry before deciding to examine a complaint and presents its report to the Speaker, who places it before the House for consideration.
The term 'unethical' is not explicitly defined; left to the Committee's discretion.
Example: In 2007, an MP accompanying a female companion, impersonating her as his wife, was deemed 'unethical,' leading to the recommendation of a 30-sitting suspension.

Privileges Committees:-

The Parliamentary privileges evolved in medieval Britain (14th-16th Century) to protect the interest of the House of Commons and its members from the excesses of the King.
It includes the power of the House to punish its members and outsiders for breach of privileges.
The privileges committee or special inquiry committee examines the more serious accusations against a member.
Example: In 1951, a special committee found a member guilty of promoting business interests for financial benefits.
A special committee inquired into the 'cash for query' scam of 2005, recommending expulsion for 10 MPs.

Expulsion and Constitutionality:-
The Constitution under Article 101 lists down the grounds for vacation of a seat by an MP.
It includes voluntary resignation, disqualification, and continuous absence from the House for 60 sittings.
Expulsion is not mentioned explicitly in the Constitution. However, the Supreme Court has provided conflicting judgments in this regard.
Raja Ram Pal versus Hon'ble Speaker (2007): Upheld Parliament's power to expel members for breach of privilege.
Amarinder Singh versus Special Committee, Punjab Vidhan Sabha (2010): Held expulsion by State Assembly as unconstitutional.

Balancing House Privileges and Democratic Representation:-
The allegations of ‘cash for query’ against Mahua Moitra are serious in nature.
Serious allegations, such as 'cash for query,' raises questions about expulsion's proportionality.
Concerns about leaving citizens without representation until the next elections or a bye-election.
Suggestion to establish fast-track courts for time-bound trials (60 days) in cases recommended by committees.
If convicted, disqualification under the Representation of the People Act, 1951; otherwise, continue as a House member.

Related Search-:
Representation of the People Act, 1951
Disqualification Of Members of Parliament.

Related Search-:
About Ethics Committee
Privileges Committees
Parliamentary Privilege
Art 101, 103.
Section 8 of the RPA

Hornbill Festival 2023

Context-:
The 24th edition of Hornbill Festival, an annual extravaganza in Nagaland, kicked off on December 1 and is set to conclude on December 10.

Details-:
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced the participation of an American music band.
International support with partnerships from the US, Germany, and Colombia.
Jointly organized by state tourism and art & culture departments.
Venue: Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, around 12 km from Kohima.
Primary objective: Revive and safeguard Nagaland’s cultural traditions across all tribes.

About Hornbill-:

Often referred to as the ‘Festival of Festivals,’ the Hornbill Festival serves as a platform to showcase Nagaland’s vibrant culture.
Organized by the Government of Nagaland, the event aims to foster inter-tribal interactions and promote the cultural heritage of the region.
The festival derives its name from the Indian bird, the concave-casqued hornbill, which holds cultural significance for the Naga people.
The bird, found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, is a cultural icon and features prominently in the folklore of most Naga tribes.

Economic and cultural significance-:

10-day celebration with diverse cultural displays, including music, dances, songs, and more.
Events: Stone pulling, craftscape exhibitions, film screenings, and musical performances.
Unity dance featuring participants from various Naga tribes.
Entrepreneurs showcase crafts, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere.
Economic driver: In 2019, generated Rs 75 Crore revenue, boosting the state’s economy.
In 2018, Rs 45 crore generated with the creation of 500 jobs during the festival.

Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar" project

Context-:
The government announced a new project in the Rajya Sabha aimed at highlighting the cultural richness of villages across the nation.

Details-:
Developed in partnership with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) under the Ministry of Culture.
The initiative, known as "Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar", seeks to explore the life, history, and ethos of Indian villages.
As a crucial component of the National Mission on Cultural Mapping, the project reflects the central government's commitment to document and map the cultural diversity inherent in villages across the country.

Objective-:
The main objective of the project is to culturally map India's 6.5 lakh villages, spanning 29 States and 7 Union Territories, on a comprehensive virtual platform.
Through MGMD, people will get an opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse and vibrant cultural heritage of India.
The core idea behind this project is to encourage appreciation for India's culture and traditions, paving the way for economic growth, social harmony, and artistic development in rural communities.

Categories-:
The collected information is categorized into seven broad categories:
1. Arts and Crafts Village
2. Ecologically Oriented Village
3. Scholastic Village Linked with Textual and Scriptural Traditions of India
4. Epic Village linked with Ramayana, Mahabharata, or Puranic legends and oral epics
5. Historical Village linked with Local and National History
6. Architectural Heritage Village
7. Any other characteristic that may need highlighting such as fishing village, horticulture village, shepherding village, etc.

Aspirational blocks programme

Context-:
NITI Aayog unveils inaugural delta ranking for aspirational blocks program.

Details-:
Tiriyani Block of Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district in Telangana has emerged as the frontrunner in the first delta ranking of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) unveiled by NITI Aayog in June 2023.
The second position was secured by Kaushambi Block in Kaushambi District, Uttar Pradesh, as per a statement released by NITI Aayog.

Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)-:
Launched on January 7, 2023, the ABP aims to enhance governance and improve the quality of life for citizens in the most challenging and relatively underdeveloped blocks across India.
Approximately 500 blocks from 329 districts across 27 states and 4 Union Territories are part of this program.
The rankings were determined based on the performance and progress of the blocks in achieving key performance indicators (KPIs).
This KPI-centric approach is integral to the program's core strategy, fostering a sense of competitive and cooperative federalism.
In consultation with various stakeholders, 40 key performance indicators (KPIs) were chosen to measure the progress of the blocks which have been grouped into 5 themes.

Significance-:
The block rankings under the aspirational blocks program and the aspirational district program provide a valuable tool to assess progress in governance improvement and enhanced quality of life in underdeveloped regions of India.
By pinpointing areas of strength and opportunities for improvement, these rankings foster healthy competition and collaboration among states and districts, ultimately contributing to the nation's overall development.

Green Rising initiative

Context-:
At the ReWired Summit at COP28 Dubai, the official launch of Green Rising took place—a platform aiming to empower youth-led climate actions and solutions.

Details-: