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The WHO declared the Mpox outbreaks in Congo and other African countries a global health emergency.

Congo Region

Boundaries of Congo Region

• North: Central African Republic and South Sudan
• East :Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania
• Southeast :Zambia
• Southwest :Angola
• West : Short Atlantic coastline, the Angolan exclave of Cabinda, and Congo (Brazzaville)

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Countries Wholly or Partially in the Congo Region

• Angola
• Gabon
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Central African Republic
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Republic of the Congo
• Rwanda
• Tanzania
• Zambia

Important Features

• Niari Valley: Fertile valley in the southwest.
• Mayombe Massif: Mountainous region in the west, known for dense forests.
• Cuvette Region: Low-lying basin in the north, covered by tropical rainforests and rivers.
• Congo River :It is the second Longest river in Africa.
  • It flows north and then south in a great arc, crossing the Equator twice.
  • Ubangi and Sangha rivers are Important tributaries of the Congo River.
• Lakes: Albert, Edward, Kivu, Tanganyika, and Mweru.
• Highest Point: Mount Nabemba (1,020 meters).

Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Location: Central Africa, straddling the Equator.
• Dominant Feature: Congo Rainforest (second-largest in the world).
• River System: Congo River (second-largest in Africa, 4,398 km long).
• Highest Point: Mount Stanley (5,110 metres).
• Bordering Countries: Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola (Cabinda exclave).
• DRC is endowed with exceptional natural resources
  • Minerals such as cobalt and copper, hydropower potential, significant arable land, immense biodiversity, and the world’s second-largest rainforest.

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A Trade Pact Review between India and ASEAN nations during the India-ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (IAEMM) was recently held in Vientiane, Laos.

Background

• Existence of AITIGA : The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) came into effect on January 1, 2010, establishing one of the largest free trade areas globally.
  • The need for a review was first raised by India in 2015, and ASEAN agreed to it in 2019.
• Trade Deficit Concerns: The trade deficit with ASEAN has increased significantly, from $4.98 billion in 2010-11 to $38.4 billion in 2023-24, although it has shown a decrease from $43.5 billion in the previous year.

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Key Points from the 21st India-ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (IAEMM)

• Trade and Investment: In 2023, two-way trade between India and ASEAN reached USD 100.7 billion, with India being ASEAN’s eighth largest trade partner.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): India contributed USD 5.6 billion in FDI to ASEAN in 2023.
• Action Plan for Review: A detailed action plan was finalised, with a target deadline of 2025 for completing the review process.
• Urgency in Upgrading AITIGA: India noted the necessity of upgrading AITIGA to prevent diversion of bilateral trade to other regions as India integrates with other economies through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

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Specific Demands by India

• Non-Reciprocity Issues: India asserts that its exports to ASEAN are hindered by non-reciprocity in FTA concessions, non tariff barriers, import regulations and quotas in FTA concessions etc.
• Rules of Origin: Strict adherence to the Rules of Origin provisions of the agreement is a critical demand from India.
• Rules of origin are the rules to attribute a country of origin to a product in order to determine its “economic nationality”.

Future Engagements

• Upcoming Meetings: India is set to participate in the 12th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers Meeting (EAS EMM) and will hold bilateral discussions with counterparts from ASEAN nations, including Laos, Korea, Malaysia, Switzerland, and Myanmar.
• Focus on Strengthening Business Ties: Discussions will also involve enhancing business engagement through meetings with the ASEAN-India Business Council delegation.

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Conclusion

India is actively pursuing reforms to AITIGA to better align trade practices with its economic interests, emphasising the need for equitable tariff structures and reduced trade barriers to bolster its position in the ASEAN market.

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Starlink’s satellite network is disrupting radio astronomers by creating unwanted electromagnetic radiation (UEMR), known as “radio noise.”

More on the news

• Starlink currently has over 6,300 satellites orbiting Earth at around 550 km altitude.
  • These satellites provide high-speed internet to remote areas with limited access.
    • The work of radio astronomers is disrupted by interference from satellites.

About Starlink satellites

• It is a large constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
• Developed by: SpaceX, led by Elon Musk.
• Purpose: Provide global high-speed internet, especially in remote and underserved areas.
• Applications: Rural internet, disaster zones, military applications, and potential support for 5G networks.

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• Starlink’st-Generation Satellites:
  • The first-generation Starlink satellites:
    • It was launched as part of the initial phase of SpaceX’s satellite internet constellation.
      • These satellites operate in low Earth orbit (LEO) to provide internet connectivity.

• • Second-Generation Satellites:
    • Starlink’s second-generation satellites emit UEMR 32 times brighter than the first generation.
      • It has also  worsened the problem despite efforts to reduce radio leaks.

Benefits of Starlink Satellites

• Global Coverage: Brings internet access to remote and underserved areas, reducing the digital gap.
• Low Latency: Provides low latency (20-40 ms) because of the satellites’ low Earth orbit which make it good for real-time activities like video calls and online gaming.
• Quick Setup: Can be set up faster than traditional ground-based networks which  makes it ideal for emergencies and disaster zones.

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Limitations

• Limited coverage: starlink satellites are not suitable for crowded cities due to its high demand and its infrastructure. 
• Radio Pollution: It can interfere with  radio signals  which can make its study hard for that period. 
• Visibility: These satellites are highly reflective and visible which can disrupt astronomical observations. 

Need for Regulations on Satellite Emissions

• Increasingly bright satellites: Starlink’s new generation of satellites is significantly brighter than the previous one, despite efforts to reduce radio frequency interference (RFI).
• Growing number of satellites: The number of satellites in orbit is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years which can exacerbate the problem of RFI.
• Lack of regulations: Currently, there are no specific regulations governing satellite emissions.

• • There is only  voluntary cooperation between satellite operators and astronomers.
• Need for regulation: To minimize the impact of satellite emissions on astronomical observations, regulations are necessary to set limits on RFI levels and ensure compliance.

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The Bombay High Court has struck down the Centre’s amended Information Technology (IT) rules, 2023 that established a Fact Check Unit (FCU) under the Press Information Bureau (PIB) to flag social media content about its functioning as fake, false or misleading. 

• The Court found the unit unconstitutional due to its vagueness and potential effect on free speech and trade.

Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules 2023

• Amendment to IT Rules, 2021: The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules 2023, amended the IT Rules, 2021.

• Amendment changed FCU Status: An official fact-checking unit has operated under the PIB for over four years. 
  • However, this amendment granted the FCU legal authority and the power to enforce a legal obligation on online platforms like Facebook and Twitter to remove any content labeled as “fake” by the FCU.
  • The government designated the Fact Checking Unit (FCU) of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) as the fact check unit of the Central Government.
• Safe Harbour Condition: The content marked by the Fact Check Unit (FCU) as “fake or misleading” will have to be taken down by online intermediaries if they wish to retain their “safe harbor” (legal immunity against third-party content).

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Reasons cited by the Court for striking down Fact Check Unit (FCU)

• Ultra vires the IT Act: The rule was “ultra vires”, or beyond the powers, of the Information Technology (IT) Act. 
  • The amendment was ultra vires as it did not comply with the IT Act, 2000, nor was it laid before Parliament according to Section 87 of the 2000 Act. 
  • The Amendment was a delegated legislation.
• Violation of Article 14 and 19: Rule 3(1)(b)(v) of the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2023 violated key provisions of the Indian Constitution specifically, Article 14 (equality before the law), Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression), and Article 19(1)(g) (freedom to practise any profession or business).
• Violation of Reasonable Restrictions under Article 19(2): The amendment placed restrictions on free speech that were not aligned with the reasonable restrictions permitted under Article 19(2).
• Vagueness of “Fake, False, or Misleading”: The expressions “fake, false, or misleading” in the amended IT Rules are too vague and overbroad, leading to uncertainty in their application.
• Failure to Meet the Test of Proportionality: The rule failed the test of proportionality, meaning it imposed excessive restrictions on free speech and expression that were not justified or balanced.
• No Right to the Truth Under Article 19(1)(a): There is no constitutional “right to the truth” under freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(1)(a)).
  • It was also “not a responsibility of the state to ensure that the citizens are entitled only to ‘information’ that was not fake, false or misleading as identified by FCU”.
• Inconsistent Treatment of Digital and Print Media: There was no basis or rationale for treating information in digital form differently from print media, creating inconsistencies in how information related to the Central Government is assessed.
• Chilling Effect on Intermediaries: The rule resulted in a “chilling effect” on intermediaries due to the threat of losing “safe harbour”, or their legal immunity, for hosting third-party content.
• Inadequate Safeguards: The Centre’s argument that decisions by the FCU could be challenged in a constitutional court was deemed an inadequate safeguard.

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As per Coffee Board CEO, export of value-added coffees is projected to be 60% of total coffee exports in volume by 2047.

Coffee and Rubber Board

• Both Coffee and Rubber Board are under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• Rubber Board will unveil a portal to register exporters of natural rubber and products made of natural rubber.

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The controversy surrounding the use of adulterated ghee in the famous Tirupati laddus has sparked concerns over food quality and safety

• Allegations surfaced that ghee supplied to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) was mixed with cheaper vegetable oils and even animal fats, undermining its authenticity and purity.

What is Food Adulteration?

• The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 defines adulteration as the replacement of a food substance by a low-grade or inexpensive material, rendering it injurious to health.

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Different Kinds of Food Adulteration

• Vegetable Oils: Ghee is often adulterated with cheaper oils like palm, soyabean, and sunflower oil, which cost significantly less.
• Animal Fats: Allegations in the Tirupati laddu case include adulteration with beef tallow and pork lard, which are cheaper than ghee.
• Synthetic Additives: Chemicals and synthetic substances are used to enhance appearance or shelf life, often at the cost of nutritional value.

Reasons of Food Adulteration

• Economic Factors: Food businesses may add cheaper ingredients to increase their profit margin. 
  • For example, adding water to milk, sawdust to spices, or synthetic colours to fruits and vegetables are common forms of adulteration.
• Regulatory Factors: Weak food laws, understaffed or poorly trained food regulators, or corruption can create an environment where food adulteration can thrive.

• Misrepresentation: Adulteration can mimic a more well-known food to improve its aesthetic appeal or include false claims about the origin of a food. 
  • Labelling a synthetically derived flavour chemical as naturally derived.
• Improper Handling: Improper handling practices during harvesting or processing can cause defects in grains and other food items.

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Health Impact of Food Adulteration

• Nutritional Deficiency: Adulteration deprives consumers of essential nutrients, as in the case of ghee replaced by vegetable fats.
• Digestive Issues: Consumption of adulterated fats can lead to digestive problems, especially for those sensitive to certain oils or fats.
• Long-Term Health Risks: Regular intake of adulterated food can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart ailments, hypertension, and obesity due to poor-quality fats.

Provisions to Curb Food Adulteration

• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: This act provides the legal framework to ensure food safety, repealing older laws like the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. It empowers authorities to regulate food production and ensure safety standards.
• Licensing & Regulation: The act mandates food businesses to obtain licences and adhere to safety regulations.
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Imposes penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for food adulteration offences, with severe penalties for unsafe food practices.

FSSAI and its role

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, of 2006.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• It regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food articles, while also establishing standards to ensure food safety.
• Monitoring and Testing: FSSAI has established platforms like DART (Detect Adulteration with Rapid Test), which allows for real-time testing of food products for contaminants.
• Coordination with State Bodies: FSSAI works in collaboration with state-level food safety officers and commissioners to ensure compliance with food safety laws.
• Consumer Protection: Through standards and regulations, FSSAI aims to protect public health by minimising the risk of food adulteration.

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Initiatives for better food choice

• The Eat Right India movement is a government initiative aimed at promoting healthy eating habits and food safety in India. 
• It encourages people to make informed food choices and adopt a balanced diet. Key components of the movement include:
• Public awareness campaigns: Promoting healthy eating through various channels like social media, print media, and television.
• Healthy food environments: Creating environments that support healthy eating choices, such as promoting healthy food options in schools and workplaces.
• Nutrition education: Providing nutrition education to individuals and communities to help them make informed food choices.

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India’s third home-built 700 MWe nuclear power reactor has achieved criticality and is expected to start commercial electricity generation soon.

• Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR):A pressurised heavy water reactor (PHWR) is a nuclear power reactor, commonly using unenriched natural uranium as its fuel, that uses heavy water (deuterium oxide D2O) as its coolant and moderator
• PHWR Development in India: India’s first PHWR was constructed in the late 1960s at the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS-1), built through Indo-Canadian collaboration.

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Criticality of a Nuclear Reactor

• Criticality is the point where a nuclear reactor achieves a self-sustaining chain reaction, with nuclear fission occurring at a steady rate.

• Significance: Achieving criticality marks the reactor’s readiness to generate power, as it indicates stable, controlled nuclear reactions. For India, this represents the progression of its nuclear energy capacity.
• The successful achievement of criticality of RAPP-7 is third after the smooth operation of Kakrapar Atomic Power Station(KAPS) Reactor 3 and 4, the first two 700 MWe PHWRs.

Significance of PHWR in India’s Energy Sector

• Energy Independence: PHWRs can use natural uranium, avoiding reliance on enriched uranium imports.
• Alternate Fuel Cycles: The technology allows the efficient use of alternate fuel cycles, making it versatile and sustainable for long-term energy generation.
• India’s first PHWR, RAPS-1, began the nation’s journey in nuclear power, which continues with advancements like the recent 700 MWe reactor.

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Other Types of Nuclear Reactors

• Light Water Reactors (LWR): Use ordinary water as both coolant and moderator, typically fueled by low-enriched uranium. LWRs come in two types:
  • Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR): Water circulates in a closed loop and transfers heat to a steam generator.
  • Boiling Water Reactor (BWR): Water boils in the reactor core, and the resulting steam directly drives turbines.
• Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR):
  • Fuel: Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel, made from plutonium and depleted uranium.
  • Coolant: Liquid sodium, with no moderator.
  • Example: The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam is part of India’s second stage in its three-stage nuclear program.

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The people of Bison Valley at the foothills of Chokramudi hills are protesting against construction activities carried out by land buyers on these ecologically sensitive slopes, home to the endangered Neelakurinji and the Nilgiri Tahr

About Nilgiri Tahr

• The Nilgiri Tahr (also known as Nilgiri Ibex or Varaiaadu) is the state animal of Tamil Nadu. 
• It holds significant cultural and ecological value, as mentioned in the Tamil Sangam literature Silapathikaram and Seevagasinthamani, dating back 2,000 years. 
• Adult males are known as Saddlebacks due to the distinctive light grey patch on their backs. 
• This is the only mountain ungulate species found in southern India.

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Habitat and Distribution

• Distribution: Endemic to the southern Western Ghats, primarily in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• Habitat: Nilgiri Tahr thrives in tropical montane grasslands, Shola forests, and rocky high-altitude regions.
• Key Location: The Eravikulam National Park in Kerala has the largest surviving population with the highest density of Nilgiri Tahr.
• Adaptation: Adapted to the cold, wet environments of high elevations, the species is diurnal and has a high stress tolerance.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Status: Endangered
• Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972: Listed in Schedule-I, providing the highest level of protection.
• The population of the Nilgiri Tahr has drastically declined due to habitat loss and hunting.
• According to a 2015 WWF report, the wild population was estimated at 3,122 individuals, although they once roamed the entire Western Ghats.

Project Nilgiri Tahr

• Launched by the Tamil Nadu Government in December 2022 for a duration of five years (2022-2027).
• It aims to conserve the state animal by expanding its habitat and raising public awareness with an estimated cost of ₹25.14 crore
• Objectives:
  • Conduct surveys and radio telemetry studies to better understand the population.
  • Reintroduce Nilgiri Tahr to its historical habitats.
  • Address immediate threats to the species.

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Four nations, including India, Nicaragua, Eswatini and, Somalia, have become the IBCA members now.

About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

• Launched by:  It was launched by the Prime Minister in 2023 at an event commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger in India.
• Objective: To reach out to 97 range countries covering the natural habitats of the seven big cats.
  • Seven cats include tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma
  • Among the seven big cats, five Big Cats; tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard and cheetah are found in India, excluding puma and jaguar.
• Twenty-four (24) countries (including India) have consented to be members of IBCA. 
  • All UN member countries are eligible for becoming the member of IBCA.
• IBCA governance: It is governed by a General Assembly made up of all member nations, an elected member nations Council, and a Secretariat.
• Funding of IBCA: IBCA has secured Government of India’s initial support of Rs. 150 crore for five years (2023-24 to 2027-28)
• Headquarters:  India

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The Australian government is planning to legislate a minimum age for children to access social media platforms.

• The Federal government of Australia has committed $6.5 million towards a trial of age verification technology with a view to ban children under 16 years of age to social media accounts.

Ban/Regulation Attempts in India and World

• Karnataka High Court: The Karnataka High Court in an oral order suggested to the Union Government to bring in an age limit for the use of social media. 
• India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (‘DPDPA’ or ‘Act’): 
  • Section 9 sets three condition for children’s data under the age of 18
    • Obtaining verifiable consent of the parent.
    • Processing of personal data to be in alignment with the well-being of a child.
    • Ban on tracking or behavioural monitoring of children or targeted advertising directed at children.
• Utah, USA: It became the first US state to adopt laws regulating children’s access to social media.
• Florida Social Media Regulation Law: Social-media companies are required to close accounts believed to be used by minors under 14 or cancel accounts at the request of parents or minors, and all information from the accounts must be deleted.
• Law on Child Artist: 
  • India: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights guidelines for child and adolescent participation in the entertainment industry in 2023 require producers to obtain permission from district magistrates before a child can perform in any audio visual content. 
  • France: As per a law,  if a child under the age of 16 is an influencer and earns an income, their parents cannot access that income until the child turns 16.

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Reasons for Advocating Bans on Social Media Use

• Cyber Bullying: Young children, especially girls are the easiest target for cyberbullying and Social media platforms act as a catalyst to it.
  • Example: The Chinese App TikTok is frequently in news for exposing young girls to cyberbullying.
• Pornography: Children can come across pornographic materials on these social media platforms which can negatively impact their impressionable minds as they risk getting easily addicted to it.
• • Example: In 2022, India recorded over one thousand cases of Child Pornography with Karnataka reporting the highest numbers
• Addiction and Danger of Falling into Feedback Loops: Social media is designed to exploit users’ attention which poses a risk as young children will easily fall prey to such dopamine-driven feedback loops and get addicted.  
• Mental Instability: Increasing online presence is negatively affecting the children’s cognitive development as it isolates them, impacting their socialisation skills which affects their future mental peace and stability.
  • A psychology book by Professor Jonathan Haidt called ‘The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness’, provides a direct link to the cause for poor youth mental health and wellbeing and the rise of smartphones and social media.
• Violence: Children coming in contact with violent viral content on social media like sexual abusive content , bullying, cuss words, soft porn, hate speech etc can develop violent tendencies amongst themselves.
  • Example: Mumbai-based Association of Adolescent and Child Care in India (AACCI) surveyed schools in Mumbai and Gurgaon and found that aggression was on the rise. 
• Health Impacts: Social Media Addiction can be manifested as ADHD (Attention Deficit/hyperactivity Disorder),aggression, memory issues, headaches, eye and back discomfort, stress, communication difficulties, lethargy, and even depression.
  • The sleep pattern of children is affected due to excessive use of social media.
• Falling Prey to Misinformation: Social media is a hub for false information. Children can be brainwashed easily through propaganda.
  • As per a study of UNICEF, only 2% of children and young people have the critical literacy skills they need to judge whether a news story is real or false.

Arguments Against Ban on Social Media Use

• Enforcement Challenges: Bans are challenging to enforce in a digital environment as  children can easily bypass these barriers. 
  • Example: As South Korea passed Cinderella Law banning gaming from midnight to 6:00 a.m there was a rise in identity theft by children to be able to access the gaming platforms.
• Shared Device Usage: In India, as digital literacy is quite low, children help their parents navigate the internet, therefore to expect parents to guide children on safe online usage is not feasible.
  • Example: A survey of 10,000 children in Tier 2 and  Tier 3 cities and in government schools in Delhi and found out that 80% of children helped their parents navigate online platforms.
• Low Digital Literacy: Using Age Verification Technologies like ID-based verification would be difficult for people who are less literate.
  • Example: The NSSO (National Sample Survey Office) data, only 40% Indians knew how to copy or move files on a computer (2021). 
• Absolving Accountability: An outright ban will discourage the technology companies in taking responsibility and will have less imperative to design platforms keeping in mind child safety parameters.
• Negation of Positive Digital Engagements: Social media can help children to think critically and engage with people of similar interests building critical socialisation, communication skills for the future with its wide resources 
  • Example: Children Climate activist like Greta Thunberg used Social Media for propagating her message and build a community of like minded children. 
• A Learning Tool: The digital age and social media have created unprecedented opportunities for children and young people to communicate, learn, socialize, and play, exposing them to new ideas and more diverse sources of information.

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Way Forward

Banning the Use of Social Media for Children is not advisable as internet is omnipresent in today’s age, therefore focus should be on certain measures like,

• Adopt Age-Appropriate Design: Follow the U.K’s 2020 Age-Appropriate Design Model, where children have better default settings when they join the platform and are exposed to minimum risk.
• Continuous Feedback on Technology Designs: Platforms should perpetually engage in technology design upgradation as and when any new risk  arrives, also there should be a feedback mechanism in place to monitor the changes seen in children’s behaviour.
  • A recent study found that platforms such as Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snapchat have made 128 changes related to child safety and privacy.
• Digital Safety Literacy: Children as a part of their core curriculum should be taught Digital Safety Practices like how we teach them safety practices in physical world.
• Discussion on Law on ‘Sharenting’: It is a practice where the parents publicising a large amount of potentially sensitive content about their children on Internet platforms.
  • Example: The Assam Police, have been using their social media to warn parents against ‘sharenting’
• Parents as Role Models: Restricting the use of Social Media to children while using it for one’s own amusement will only make the child more resentful and deceptive. Therefore, the parents have to regulate their own use of platforms as well.
  • Research shows that when a parent is able to support their child to really maximise the benefits of being online, this also works to mitigate the harms.
• Evidence-Based Policy: High-quality, child-centred research should guide policies and designs by major platforms and develop industry-wide standards defining as to what type of content are appropriate for children of different ages.
  • This includes faster research processes that keep pace with emerging digital risks
• Implement Safety-By-Design Principles: The Principle popularised internationally by the Australian eSafety Commissioner is to inculcate  safety features into the DNA of technological products and platforms to eliminate sexual, violent and other age-inappropriate content from their feeds.
  • To give minors privacy by default
  • To provide standardised, easily accessible and well-explained reporting processes across diverse platforms
  • To use AI to detect bad actors attempting to interact with children.

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