Context:

• Recently, ‘Freedom on the Net 2023: The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence’ report was released by Freedom House.
•  It evaluates Internet freedom in 70 countries, accounting for 88% of the world’s Internet users.

More on News:

• The report, the 13th edition of an annual study of human rights online, covers developments between June 2022 and May 2023.
• The report evaluates countries on five censorship methods:
  • Internet connectivity restrictions
  • blocks on social media platforms
  • blocks on websites
  • blocks on VPNs
  • forced removal of content
• Freedom House is a Washington DC-based non-profit, global Internet freedom.

Key Findings:

• On a range of 1 to 100 where ‘100’ represented the highest digital freedom and ‘1’ the worst repression, India scored 50, while Iceland, with 94, emerged as the country with the best climate of Internet freedom.
• World’s worst environment for Internet freedom
  • China
  • Myanmar
• Digital Repression Surges in Iran: The sharpest rise in digital repression was witnessed in Iran, where authorities shut down Internet service and increased surveillance in a bid to quell anti-government protests. 
• Global Increase in Widespread Arrests: The number of countries where authorities carry out widespread arrests and impose multi-year prison terms for online activity has risen sharply over the past decade, from 18 in 2014 to 31 in 2023.
• Elections & digital Repression: Ahead of election periods, “many incumbent leaders criminalized broad categories of speech, blocked access to independent news sites, and imposed other controls over the flow of information to sway balloting in their favor.
• Internet-Blockade: India also figured among the list of countries that “blocked websites hosting political, social, or religious content”, and deliberately disrupted ICT networks. 
  • Use of Pro-Government Commentators: India used pro-government commentators to manipulate online discussions, and conducted “technical attacks against government critics or human rights organizations”

News Source: The Hindu

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Context:

• Prime-Minister performed ‘bhoomi poojan’ of ‘Veerangana Rani Durgavati Smarak aur Udyaan’ in Jabalpur in line with the 500th birth centenary celebrations of Durgavati. 

Who was Rani Durgavati?

• Rani Durgavati was born on 5 October 1524 in Kalinjar, one of the most impregnable forts of medieval India, which lies in the Banda, Uttar Pradesh.
  • The Fort was held by her father Raja Salbahan of Ratha and Mahoba, a descendant of the famous Chandelas who had built the Khajuraho temples.

• Assisted by two able ministers, Adhar Kayastha, and Man Brahman, Rani Durgavati administered the kingdom after Her Husband, Dalpat Shah’s death in 1548.
• She constructed reservoirs such as the Ranital, Cherital, and Adhartal.
• She was a patron of learning and allowed Acharya Bitthalnath to establish a seat of the Pushtimarg Cult at Garha. 
• According to a contemporary Persian source, the Tarikh-i-Firishta, Durgavati repulsed Baz Bahadur, the ruler of Malwa, who had attacked her kingdom between 1555 and 1560. 
• A memorial to Durgavati has been built in Jabalpur, at the same place where the Rani had attained martyrdom. 
• 24th of June each year, is celebrated as `Balidan Divas’ or Martyr’s Day, in honour of the Rani.
• In 2018, the Indian Coast Guard commissioned the 3rd Inshore Patrol Vessel (IPV) called ‘ICGS Durgavati’ at its district headquarters in Visakhapatnam.
  

News Source: PIB

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Context:

• Recently, the Supreme Court asked the Union government to conduct a survey of the land allocated for construction of part of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal.

What is SYL?

• SYL or Sutlej- ­Yamuna Link Canal is a 214 km waterway proposed to connect the Sutlej River in Punjab to Yamuna Canal in Haryana for effective allocation of water between these two states.

What is the issue of SYL Canal?

• The  Sutlej- ­Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal issue  dates back to 1966, from the time of the reorganization of Punjab.
• When Haryana was formed, a need arose to share river waters with the newly formed state. 
• But Punjab opposed sharing the waters of Ravi and Beas with Haryana, citing the riparian principle. 
  • The riparian principle says that the state through which a river passes has the right to its waters.

Timeline of SYL Canal Dispute

• 1981: A water-sharing agreement was signed between Punjab and Haryana for the effective allocation of water.
• 1981: The agreement envisaged the construction of 214 km Sutlej- ­Yamuna Link Canal of which 122 km was to be constructed in Punjab and 92 km in Haryana.
• 1982: Construction of 214-km SYL Canal launched in Kapoori village in Punjab
  • While Haryana constructs its portion of SYL Canal, Punjab stops work after the initial phase, leading to multiple cases.
• 1996: Haryana moves Supreme Court seeking directions to Punjab to complete work on Sutlej- ­Yamuna Link Canal.
• 2002: SC decrees Haryana’s suit and orders Punjab to honor its commitments on water-sharing
• 2004: SC rejects Punjab’s original suit and asks the Centre to take over the remaining work of SYL canal project
• 2017: Punjab returns land — on which Sutlej- ­Yamuna Link Canal was to be constructed — to landowners
• 2020: SC asks Centre to mediate between CMs of Punjab and Haryana to find an amicable solution to Sutlej- ­Yamuna Link Canal dispute
• 2023: Centre tells SC that talks between the two states have failed as Punjab refused to construct its part of the canal

Punjab Government’s Stand on SYL Canal

• As per a state government study, many areas in Punjab may go dry after 2029. 
• As reports, water in about 79% of the state’s area is over-exploited. 
  • For Example: Out of 138 blocks, 109 blocks are “over-exploited”, two blocks are “critical” five blocks are “semi-critical” and only 22 blocks are in the “safe” category. 
• In such a situation, the government says sharing water with any other state is impossible.

Haryana Government’s Stand on SYL Canal

• Haryana has been staking claim to the Ravi-Beas waters through the SYL Canal on the plea that providing water for irrigation was a tough task for the state. 
• In southern parts, where underground water had depleted up to 1700 feet, there was a drinking water problem. 
• Haryana has been citing its contribution to the central food pool and arguing that it is being denied its rightful share in the water as assessed by a tribunal.

Ravi & Beas Tribunal

• The Ravi & Beas Water Tribunal or the Eradi Tribunal, headed by Supreme Court Judge V Balakrishna Eradi, was set up in 1987.
• It recommended that the shares of Punjab and Haryana be increased to 5 MAF and 3.83 MAF, respectively.

Source: The Hindu

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Context:

• This article is based on the report “Caring for Our Elders – Institutional Responses – UNFPA India” which was published in the UNFPA-India. UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) India, in collaboration with the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), released the India Ageing Report 2023. 

What are key highlights of the  India Ageing Report 2023?

• It highlights the challenges, opportunities, and institutional responses related to elderly care in India, as India navigates a demographic shift towards an aging population.
  • Population ageing is associated with a rise in the proportion of the population termed as ‘old’, usually at 60 or 65 years and above.
• It represents a thorough review of the living conditions and welfare of older individuals in India.
• It leverages the latest data available from the Longitudinal Ageing Survey in India (LASI), 2017–18, Census of India, Population Projections by the Government of India (2011–2036), and World Population Prospects 2022 by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

India Ageing Report 2023: Levels and Trends:

• Prospects of the older population:
  • According to the India Ageing Report, the share of the population over the age of 60 years is projected to increase from 10.5 percent in 2022 to 20.8 percent in 2050 (Figure 2.3). 
  • By the end of the century, the elderly will constitute over 36 percent of the total population of the country.
  • Four years before 2050, the population size of the elderly in India will be higher than the population size of children aged 0–14 years (Figure 2.3). 
  • By that time, the population share of 15–59 years will also see a dip. Undoubtedly, the relatively young India today will turn into a rapidly ageing society in the coming decades.
    
• State differentials:
  • Accordion to the India Ageing report, most of the states in the southern region and select northern states such as Himachal Pradesh and Punjab reported a higher share of the elderly population than the national average in 2021.
    • This gap is expected to widen by 2036.

• Decadal growth of the elderly population
  • The decadal growth of the elderly population in India declined slightly from 32 percent between 1961 and 1971 to 31 percent in 1981–1991 (Figure 2.5). 
  • Growth picked up pace during 1991–2001 (35 percent) and is projected to shoot to 41 percent between 2021 and 2031. 

What are the challenges of an ageing population?

• Feminization of the aging population: Women, who generally outlive men, are at the centre of this crisis. 
  • As a high share of them are out of the labour force, they lack savings and thus, are more prone to health issues.
  • They are also less aware of government schemes than men.
  • The share of the elderly population is estimated to double to 20.8% by 2050.
• Ruralization: According to the Census of India 2011, on average, 71 percent of older persons live in rural areas.
  • Large parts of rural India are still remote with poor road and transport access. 
  • Income insecurity, lack of access to adequate and quality healthcare and isolation are, therefore, more acute for the rural elderly than their urban counterparts. 
• Ageing of the aged: During 2000–2022, the total population of the country grew by 34 percent, while the population of 60+ years grew by 103 percent. 
  • The population growth of older persons aged 80+ years has been even higher at 128 percent during the same period. 
• Poor health: Ageing is associated with poor health status due to chronic morbid conditions and degenerating physiological capacity.
• • With the increase in age, disability becomes a major concern thus, increasing the caregiving burden. 
  • Over 30 percent of the elderly women and 28 percent of the men suffered from one chronic morbid condition and nearly one-fourth suffered from more than two morbid conditions.
• Physical impairment and disabilities:  Women over 80 years reported a far higher incidence of impairments (179 per 1,000) than their male counterparts (119 per 1,000).
• • Among the 60+ years, the incidence of any impairment was found to be 105 per 1,000 population.
• Mental health: As per the LASI survey, the Incidence of depression was seen to be rising with increasing age and was higher among elderly women than men.
• Pension-related issues and income security: There is no dedicated funding available for the care of older persons. 

What are the existing laws for older persons in India?

• Maintenance and Welfare of Senior Citizens Act, 2007: The act lays down measures for providing maintenance and support to elderly parents and senior citizens.
• National Policy on Older Persons(NPOP) 1999: It acknowledges population ageing and lays down a strategy to address the demographic change. 
• National Council of Senior Citizens: It suggested forming an advisory body for framing policies and programmes for senior citizens.
• Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund: It provides financial assistance to schemes that promote financial security, healthcare, and nutrition of senior citizens. 

What are the government schemes for elderly people?

• Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana: It provides financial assistance for the running and maintenance of Senior Citizen Homes/ Continuous Care Homes.
• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana: It provides physical aids and assisted living devices to below-poverty-line (BPL) senior citizens suffering from age-related disabilities and infirmities.
• Vayoshreshtha Sammans:  This scheme is applicable to eminent senior citizens and institutes involved in rendering distinguished services for the cause of elderly persons.
• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS):  It provides social assistance for old age persons.
• National Social Assistance Programme: It provides support to aged persons, widows, disabled persons, and bereaved families on the death of a primary breadwinner, belonging to BPL households.

Learn more about: National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)

Way Forward

• Mobile clinics for the elderly: It should provide free healthcare to the elderly, including free medicines, and palliative care. Ex- On the lines of the Vayomithram project of Kerala.
• Regulatory body for old age homes: Numerous private old age homes remain out of the purview of any form of scrutiny. 
  • Hence, these should be brought under government monitoring, and a regulatory body should be set up for the same.
• Elderly self-help groups(ESHG): They should be actively promoted and supported. 
  • They should also be linked with the Livelihood Mission, wherein senior citizens may be provided with raw materials to make finished products for sale in the market.
  • Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction(AGRASR )Programme is to create and make Senior citizens SHG functional and self-sufficient at each village level.
• Creche for the elderly: Creche-like facilities or equipped day-care centres may be developed for them where they may stay for the duration that their family members are away. 
• Mental health programs: They should include companionship to senior citizens during the daytime through day-care centres. Ex- Pakal Veedu project of Thrissur.
• Digital literacy:  Exposure to computers, the internet, and new modes of communication is very important, particularly amongst the elderly. 
  • This requires regular training as technology gets updated frequently. 
• Awareness Programs: It is imperative that the benefits of the schemes reach the rural areas and also address the needs of elderly women.
  • As per the LASI Report, only 12 percent elderly were aware of the Annapurna Scheme.

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Context:

• This article is based on the news “Why is the government pushing for regulatory mechanisms for OTT platforms?” which was published in the Hindu. Recently, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) invited responses to a consultation paper it released on a regulatory mechanism for over-the-top (OTT) communication services.

Content vs. Communication: Regulatory Scope for OTT Platforms in India

• Discussion on selective banning of OTT services initiated after a Parliamentary Standing Committee’s notice to DoT.
• Concerns arose due to unrest caused by widely-used OTT communication platforms.
• Scope of Consultation:
  • Consultation paper exclusively addressed OTT communication services (e.g., WhatsApp, Signal, Meta, Google Meet, Zoom).
    • Over-the-top (OTT) communication services refer to services that provide real-time person-to-person telecommunication services.
  • Not applicable to ‘content’ OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, as content regulation falls under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB).
• TRAI’s Inquiries:
  • TRAI asked stakeholders to provide definitions of OTT.
  • Also sought proposals on cost-sharing mechanisms between Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and OTT services.

What are the OTT platforms?

• OTT platforms, or over-the-top platforms, refer to audio and video hosting and streaming services that have evolved from content hosting platforms to creators and distributors of various types of content. Here are key characteristics of OTT platforms
• Notable examples of OTT platforms include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and many others. 
• Current Regulation of OTT Platforms in India: 
  • As of now, there are no specific laws or rules regulating OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms in India. 
  • These platforms, considered digital media or social media, have operated with little to no government regulation, unlike traditional media such as television, print, or radio.

What are the pros and cons of OTT platforms?

Why regulations are needed for the OTT platforms?

• Conflict Between TSPs and OTTs: The key points of contention are:
  • Regulation and Charges:
    • TSPs argue that OTT platforms in India should be subject to regulation and fees because they heavily rely on the existing telecom infrastructure developed by TSPs over the years.
    • Currently, OTTs operate without specific regulations and charges in place.
  • Revenue Erosion:
    • TSPs claim that OTT communication services have resulted in a decline in their revenue streams.
    • This shift in consumer behavior has led to a significant reduction in revenue for telecom companies.
• Regulatory Parity: TRAI contends that telecom operators and OTT platforms, like WhatsApp, provide similar services but are subject to different regulatory requirements.
• Licensing Requirements: Telecom operators are required to obtain service licenses for offering voice and SMS services.
  • In contrast, OTT communication service providers offer voice calls, messaging, and video call services without holding similar licenses.
• Legal Framework: Telecom service providers in India are governed by various laws, including the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
  • These laws establish legal frameworks that govern telecom operators’ operations, including requirements such as lawful interception, which do not currently apply to OTT platforms or services.
• Financial Contribution: TRAI notes that OTT platforms do not make financial contributions to support the expansion of telecom services in the country.
  • In contrast, telecom operators are obligated to contribute to the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), which is aimed at promoting telecom services penetration in underserved areas.
• National Security and Public Order: OTT platforms should be subject to lawful interception and monitoring by security agencies to prevent the dissemination of misinformation, incitement of violence, or facilitation of criminal activities.

ALSO READ: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

What are the challenges in regulating OTT platforms?

• Volume and Accessibility: The sheer volume of content on OTT platforms and its on-demand nature make monitoring and regulation complex.
  • India’s OTT viewership stands at 43 million people and is projected to rise up to 50 million by the end of 2023.
• Media Freedom Concerns: Regulation efforts have faced backlash due to concerns over media freedom, with critics fearing it could stifle free speech and expression.
• Differences from Traditional Media: Digital content differs significantly from conventional media, covering more liberalized and diverse themes, and challenging conventional censorship paradigms.
• Foreign Content and Enforcement: Regulating content from foreign countries poses enforcement challenges, leading to concerns about piracy.
• Increasing Legal Challenges: Producers of web series and films face legal challenges and petitions for content removal, adding to the complexity of regulation.
  • Ex., the makers of the web series Tandav were charged with offenses under the IPC,6 and the IT Act. 

What are the possible solutions for OTT platforms?

• Hybrid Governance Model: A hybrid model that involves self-regulation by industry stakeholders could be considered. It involves:
  • Independent Self-Regulatory Body: Establishing an independent self-regulatory body comprising industry stakeholders to address grievances and complaints related to OTT content.
  • Appeal Mechanism: Recommendations by the self-regulatory body can be appealed before an appellate committee with independent members.
  • Quasi-Judicial Body: The final level of regulation could involve a quasi-judicial body with industry experts and judicial members, whose decisions would be conclusive.
  • Speedy Resolution: Such a structure aims to ensure speedy resolution of content-related issues and reduce the burden on higher courts.
• Unbiased Regulatory Body for OTT Content: To address the current scenario, there is a pressing need for an impartial regulatory body to oversee content on OTT platforms.
• Draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022:
  • Inclusion of OTT Communication Services: The current draft of the Bill proposes expanding the definition of “telecommunication services” to encompass OTT communication services.
  • Licensing Parity with TSPs: This expansion would mean that OTT communication services may face the same licensing conditions as Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).
  • Unified Access Service Licence (UASL): TSPs are required to hold a Unified Access Service Licence (UASL) to provide telecom services in India.
  • Implications for OTT Communication Services: If OTT communication services are mandated to obtain the same UASL, they would also be subject to various conditions, including;
    • Maintaining ‘know your customer’ (KYC) details of their users.
    • Compliance with encryption regulations.

Conclusion

The evolving landscape of OTT platforms in India necessitates a balanced regulatory approach, addressing the concerns of telecom operators while safeguarding media freedom. The proposed hybrid governance model and the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022, reflect ongoing efforts to establish a comprehensive framework for the regulation of OTT communication services, ensuring fair contributions and licensing parity with traditional telecom services.

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