Today's Brief 25/12/2024

IE Analysis: https://youtu.be/q5-RRQxdMbM?feature=shared

JN Analysis: https://youtu.be/ZuwwPLRa8GE?feature=shared

1 Ken-Betwa River: are two tributaries of the Yamuna River in India. The Ken-Betwa Link Project is a major river interlinking project that aims to transfer surplus water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh. This project is significant because it will help to irrigate the drought-prone Bundelkhand region, which is spread across the two states.

The Ken-Betwa Link Project involves the construction of a 77-meter-tall dam on the Ken River, as well as a 230-kilometer-long canal. The project is expected to provide irrigation to over 1 million hectares of land and generate 103 MW of hydropower. However, the project has also faced criticism from environmentalists and wildlife conservationists, as it will impact the Panna Tiger Reserve.

2 .NHRC Chief: Former Supreme Court judge V Ramasubramanian has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

He was appointed by President Droupadi Murmu on December 24, 2024. Justice Ramasubramanian will serve a three-year term until December 2027. He succeeds Justice (retd) Arun Kumar Mishra, who completed his tenure on June 1, 2024.

The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) is an independent statutory body established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.   

Key Functions:

• Investigate Human Rights Violations: The NHRC can investigate allegations of human rights violations, either on its own initiative (suo moto) or based on petitions received from individuals or organizations.   

• Intervene in Judicial Proceedings: The Commission can intervene in legal cases where human rights issues are involved.   

• Make Recommendations: Based on its investigations, the NHRC can make recommendations to the government, state governments, and other authorities on measures to prevent and redress human rights violations.   

• Promote Human Rights Awareness: The NHRC conducts awareness campaigns and educational programs to promote human rights among the public.   

• Visit Prisons and Institutions: The Commission can visit prisons and other institutions to observe the living conditions of inmates and ensure their human rights are being respected.   

Composition:

• Chairperson: Usually a former Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the Supreme Court.   

• Members: Include former Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and individuals with expertise in human rights.   

Significance:

• The NHRC plays a crucial role in protecting and promoting human rights in India.   

• It acts as a watchdog, monitoring the actions of the government and other authorities to ensure they are respecting human rights.   

• The NHRC provides a platform for individuals and communities to voice their concerns about human rights violations and seek redress.