Polity & Governance

AI Governance Alliance

The AI Governance Alliance is an initiative under the World Economic Forums Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, launched to promote collaborative AI governance globally. It focuses on creating frameworks for responsible AI use, ensuring ethical standards, and encouraging multi-stakeholder cooperation. The alliance supports regions and nations in designing holistic AI strategies that balance innovation with societal needs. It emphasizes transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability in AI development. The alliance also facilitates knowledge sharing, pilot projects, and policy alignment to address AI challenges such as data privacy, infrastructure, and talent shortages. It launched the AI Competitiveness through Regional Collaboration initiative in 2024.

Why in news?

In 2024, the AI Governance Alliance introduced the AI Competitiveness through Regional Collaboration initiative to help regions develop holistic AI strategies and boost global competitiveness through cooperative efforts.

AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (AI RAM)

The AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (AI RAM) is a diagnostic tool developed by UNESCO and MeitY to evaluate a country’s AI ecosystem. It assesses infrastructure, legislation, key stakeholders, and institutional capacities. AI RAM identifies opportunities and challenges for AI policy and governance, emphasizing ethical AI adoption. The methodology supports governments in regulatory and capacity-building efforts, promoting transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness. AI RAM reports provide actionable insights tailored to national contexts, aiming to encourage safe, accountable, and trustworthy AI ecosystems. It forms part of a series of consultations to build comprehensive AI strategies globally.

Why in news?

AI RAM was discussed during a two-day consultation in India, organized by UNESCO and MeitY, to shape Indias AI policy and promote responsible AI development aligned with ethical principles.

Khasra (Land Records)

A khasra is a land parcel or plot number recorded in Indian revenue records, particularly in rural areas. It is used to identify agricultural or non-agricultural land in official documents such as land ownership, tenancy, and taxation. Khasras are maintained by local revenue departments and are crucial for land disputes, property sales, and government schemes. Each khasra number corresponds to a specific area and land type. The term is commonly used in northern and central India. Khasra records help trace land history and ownership, making them important in legal and administrative processes.

Why in news?

150 khasras linked to a stone crushing plant in Sidhi district, Madhya Pradesh, were attached by the IT Department after being held in the names of proxies in a Benami transaction.

Krishna River Management Board (KRMB)

The Krishna River Management Board was established under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, to oversee water management and dispute resolution between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It monitors water allocation, dam safety, and irrigation projects in the Krishna Basin. The board includes representatives from both states and central government officials. KRMB is responsible for installing telemetry equipment to track water diversion and usage, ensuring transparency. It also addresses security concerns, such as the deployment of CRPF personnel at key dams. The boards decisions are advisory until KWDT-II finalizes water shares, making it a critical interim institution for basin management.

Why in news?

KRMB held a meeting discussing Telanganas demand for increased water share, telemetry installation, dam safety, and the withdrawal of CRPF personnel from Nagarjunasagar dam.

Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT)

The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal was constituted in 1969 to adjudicate water sharing conflicts among Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra over the Krishna River. The tribunal initially allocated water shares based on catchment area, population, and irrigation needs. KWDT-Is award was implemented in 1976. KWDT-II was set up in 2004 to revisit the allocations due to changed circumstances, including the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. The tribunals decisions are legally binding but often contested, leading to prolonged disputes. Its rulings influence irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower projects in the basin, affecting millions. The tribunal also considers inter-basin diversions and environmental sustainability.

Why in news?

The Telangana government demands allocation of 71% water in the Krishna Basin based on the catchment area, pending fresh adjudication by KWDT-II, amid ongoing disputes with Andhra Pradesh over water sharing.

Laken Riley Act

The Laken Riley Act is a 2025 US law mandating detention of undocumented immigrants charged with theft-related crimes. It is named after Laken Riley , a 22-year-old nursing student ...