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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15/03/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS - 15/03/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15/03/2024

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  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15/03/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15/03/2024

Panel recommendssimultaneous polls

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

Former President Ram NathKovind led a high-level committee which has recommended the implementation of simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

  • The committee submitted its report, comprising over 18,000 pages, to President DroupadiMurmu.
  • However, a shorter 321-page version has been made public.

Key Highlights

  • Phased Approach
    • The committee proposes a phased approach to synchronize elections, suggesting municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days of the general election as the next phase.
    • The upcoming Lok Sabha polls will not be influenced by the recommendations of the committee.
    • The committee suggests the President set an ‘Appointed Date’ through a notification after the first sitting of the Lok Sabha following general elections.
    • State Assemblies formed after the Appointed Date but before the Lok Sabha’s term completion should conclude before the subsequent general elections.
    • All elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies would then be held simultaneously.
  • Handling Hung House or No-Confidence Motion
    • In the event of a hung House or a no-confidence motion, fresh elections could be conducted to constitute a new Lok Sabha.
    • However, the tenure of the House will be limited to the remaining term of the preceding full term.
  • Tenure of Legislative Assemblies
    • Fresh elections for Legislative Assemblies will extend until the end of the full term of the Lok Sabha unless dissolved earlier.
  • Constitutional Amendments
    • The committee recommends amendments to Article 83 (duration of Houses of Parliament) and Article 172 (duration of State legislatures) of the Constitution.
    • Importantly, these amendments will not require ratification by the States.
  • Ratification by States for Simultaneous Elections
    • The committee recommends amendments to Article 324A of the Constitution for simultaneous elections in panchayats and municipalities.
    • Additionally, amendments to Article 325 are proposed to empower the Election Commission of India (ECI), in consultation with State election authorities, to prepare a unified electoral roll and issue voter ID cards.
    • These constitutional amendments would necessitate ratification by the States, according to the report.
    • Currently, the ECI oversees Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, while municipal and panchayat polls are managed by State election commissions.
  • Burden of Multiple Elections
    • The panel highlights the significant burden imposed by multiple elections held throughout the year.
    • This burden affects various stakeholders, including the government, businesses, workers, courts, political parties, candidates, and civil society.
    • The committee emphasizes the need for a legally tenable mechanism to restore the cycle of simultaneous elections.
  • Implementation Group
    • An implementation group is recommended to oversee the execution of the committee’s recommendations.
    • This group will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation of proposed reforms.
  • Response from Political Parties
    • Outreach Efforts: The committee reached out to 62 political parties, receiving responses from 47 parties.
    • Support and Opposition: Among the respondents, 32 parties expressed support for simultaneous elections, while 15 parties opposed the idea.
    • National Parties’ Stance: Notably, the BJP and the National People’s Party were the only national parties in favor, whereas the Congress, AamAadmi Party, BahujanSamaj Party, and Communist Party of India (Marxist) were among those opposing it.
    • Non-Response: Fifteen parties did not submit a response to the committee’s inquiry.
  • Consultation with Jurists
    • Supportive Jurists: The committee consulted jurists, including four former Chief Justices of India, namely Justice Dipak Misra, Justice RanjanGogoi, Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde, and Justice U.U. Lalit, who supported the proposal.
    • Opposing Voices: However, objections were raised by three former High Court Chief Justices and one former State Election Commissioner.
  • Study of International Election Processes
    • The committee analyzed election processes in various countries, including South Africa, Sweden, Germany, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Belgium.
    • This study informed the recommendation for simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies in India.
  • The committee has also sought public responses and had received a significant engagement, with 21,558 citizens providing feedback.

About Article 83 of the Indian Constitution

  • Article 83 of the Indian Constitution outlines the duration of the two Houses of Parliament, the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
  • Council of States (Rajya Sabha):
    • The Council of States, also known as the Rajya Sabha, is not subject to dissolution.
    • However, approximately one-third of its members retire every second year as per the provisions made by Parliament by law.
  • House of the People (Lok Sabha):
    • The House of the People, unless dissolved earlier, continues for five years from the date of its first meeting.
    • After the completion of this five-year period, the House stands dissolved.
    • In case of a Proclamation of Emergency, the duration of the Lok Sabha can be extended by Parliament by law for a period not exceeding one year at a time, but not beyond six months after the Emergency ends.
  • Summoning and Dissolution of Parliament:
    • Article 85 details the President’s role in summoning and dissolving Parliament, ensuring that there is not a gap of more than six months between sessions.

About Article 172 of the Indian Constitution

  • Article 172 of the Indian Constitution pertains to the duration of State Legislatures.
  • Duration of Legislative Assembly:
    • Every Legislative Assembly of every State, unless dissolved earlier, shall continue for five years from the date appointed for its first meeting.
    • After the completion of this five-year period, the Assembly stands dissolved.
    • The expiration of the said period of five years operates as a dissolution of the Assembly.
  • Extension During Emergency:
    • In case a Proclamation of Emergency is in operation, Parliament has the authority to extend the functioning of the Legislative Assembly by law for a period not exceeding one year at a time.
    • This extension cannot go beyond six months after the Emergency ceases to operate.
  • Legislative Council:
    • The Legislative Council of a State is not subject to dissolution.
    • Approximately one-third of its members retire as soon as possible on the expiration of every second year in accordance with provisions made by Parliament by law.

Bhutan’s opening move, its Gelephu gambit

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

Bhutan’s Prime Minister TsheringTobgay is actively pursuing plans for a regional economic hub in Gelephu, a town bordering Assam in India.

  • This initiative, launched by King Jigme KhesarNamgyelWangchuck in December 2023, aims to establish a “Gelephu Mindfulness City” (GMC) spanning 1,000 square kilometers.
  • The city will feature a unique Bhutanese architectural blueprint and operate as a special administrative zone with investor-friendly laws.

Key Highlights

  • Characteristics of Gelephu Mindfulness City
    • Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is envisioned as a carbon-neutral urban center, focusing on non-polluting industries such as IT, education, hospitality, and healthcare.
    • The city seeks to position itself as both an investment destination and a hub for health and wellness within the region.
    • Unlike traditional financial centers with skyscrapers, GMC draws inspiration from planned cities like Neom in Saudi Arabia and Nusantara in Indonesia, prioritizing sustainable development over sheer economic growth.
  • Geopolitical Significance
    • Gelephu’s strategic location places it at the crossroads of India’s “Act East” plans for regional connectivity, extending to Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
    • It also aligns with India-Japan connectivity initiatives, including projects linking India’s northeastern states through Bangladesh to the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean.
  • Challenges and Considerations
    • Despite its ambitious vision, the Gelephu project faces significant challenges.
    • The region’s geography, characterized by a rare broad plain in an otherwise mountainous terrain, poses obstacles such as high rainfall and flooding during the monsoon season.
    • Additionally, the area is home to forests and wildlife, including elephant corridors, complicating urban development efforts.
    • Historical concerns regarding insurgencies in Assam, northeastern states, and neighboring Myanmar add to the complexity.
    • Gelephu’s landlocked nature also necessitates dependence on neighboring countries, particularly India, for infrastructure and trade facilitation.
  • Economic Imperatives for Bhutan
    • The Gelephu project is driven by Bhutan’s economic challenges, where tourism and hydropower represent the main sources of revenue.
    • However, Bhutan has traditionally favored a “high value, low volume” tourism model to ensure sustainability.
    • To increase tourism revenue, Bhutan needs to enhance its capacity to accommodate more tourists and larger planes, necessitating a larger airport than the current one in the narrow Paro valley.
    • The initial phase of the Gelephu project involves upgrading the Gelephu airport and tarmac to international standards, requiring financing and expertise from India.
    • Additionally, Bhutan faces the challenge of “outmigration” of its youth in search of job opportunities abroad, which the government hopes the Gelephu project will help mitigate.
  • Geopolitical Considerations
    • Bhutan’s most pressing geopolitical concern is pressure from China to resolve boundary issues and establish diplomatic ties.
    • Gelephu offers Bhutan a controlled means to open up to the world while continuing negotiations with China for a stable border.
    • India, Bhutan’s closest ally, has an interest in supporting the Gelephu project to maintain its influence in the region and prevent Bhutan from drifting into China’s orbit.
    • India’s Strategic Interest
      • India’s support for the Gelephu project aligns with its own regional plans, including railway lines up to the Bhutanese border, better road connectivity for the trilateral highway to Myanmar and Southeast Asia, and cooperation with Japan for infrastructure development in Bangladesh to access ports.
      • Additionally, India’s plans for a South Asian power grid, drawing electricity from Nepal and Bhutan, could provide consistent power supply for Gelephu’s needs.
    • Opportunities for Recasting Ties
      • Despite the current geopolitical complexities, there is potential to recalibrate relationships and foster regional cooperation.
      • India’s recent support to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis and its enduring relationship with Bangladesh exemplify this approach.
      • Similar initiatives, such as assisting Nepal with new airport costs through overflight rights and maintaining commitments to the Maldives despite recent challenges, can enhance regional goodwill.
    • The Gelephu Project: A Catalyst for Regional Transformation
      • Despite the uncertainties, the Gelephu project presents an opportunity for the region to envision a future beyond current challenges.
      • While it represents a significant gamble for Bhutan, it also holds the potential to be a game-changer for regional dynamics, especially with India’s support.
      • By fostering cooperation and investment in projects like Gelephu, the region can aspire towards a more prosperous and interconnected future, transcending present-day limitations and fostering enduring partnerships.

About Bhutan

  • Location: Bhutan is a landlocked country located in the eastern Himalayas in South Asia, bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west.
  • Capital: Thimphu
  • Official Language: Dzongkha
  • Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
  • Geography:
    • Terrain: Bhutan’s terrain ranges from subtropical plains in the south to subalpine and alpine regions in the north, including the eastern Himalayas with peaks exceeding 7,000 meters (23,000 feet).
    • Biodiversity: The country’s diverse ecosystems support a rich array of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, snow leopard, and black-necked crane.
  • Bhutan is deeply rooted in Buddhist culture and traditions, with Mahayana Buddhism being the predominant religion.
  • Political System:
    • Bhutan is a democratic, constitutional monarchy with a population of approximately 700,000.
    • The King of Bhutan, Jigme KhesarNamgyelWangchuck, serves as the head of state, while executive power is vested in the cabinet, led by Prime Minister Jigme Thinley.
    • The country transitioned to a constitutional monarchy on July 18, 2008, adopting its first modern Constitution in 2008, which established a democratic multi-party system.

CAA and status of judicial proceedings

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

Four years after its passage, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has finally notified the rules to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, on March 11.

  • This legislation facilitates fast-tracked citizenship for undocumented immigrants belonging to six minority communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
  • These communities include Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, Christians, and Jains.

Key Highlights

  • Provisions and Requirements of the CAA Rules
    • The rules stipulate that applicants must furnish six types of documents and specify their “date of entry” into India to be eligible for citizenship under the CAA.
    • Despite the Act receiving assent from the President on December 12, 2019, its implementation was delayed due to the absence of formulated rules.
    • The MHA had initially announced the Act’s enforcement from January 10, 2020, but sought multiple extensions from the Parliamentary Committee on Subordinate Legislation to draft the rules.
  • Amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955
    • The CAA, passed as an amendment to The Citizenship Act, 1955, introduces a new proviso to Section 2(1)(b), which defines “illegal migrants.”
    • It grants eligibility for citizenship to individuals belonging to specified religious communities from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.
    • These individuals, exempted under the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, or the Foreigners Act, 1946, are not to be considered “illegal migrants” and are eligible for citizenship under the 1955 Act.
    • Essentially, the amendment relaxes the eligibility criteria for certain classes of migrants from neighboring Muslim-majority countries based on religious affiliations.
    • This provision has sparked debates regarding its constitutionality and its alignment with the principles of secularism and equality enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
  • Eased Citizenship Process
    • With the newly notified rules, the Centre has simplified the process of granting Indian citizenship to members of specified communities by removing the requirement for a “valid passport” from their origin countries or a valid visa from India.
    • Instead, “any document” showing lineage to one of the specified countries, such as a parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent, is sufficient to prove nationality.
    • Additionally, a certificate issued by an elected member of a local body can serve as a replacement for a visa, streamlining the citizenship application process.
  • Exemptions and Protected Areas
    • Certain tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura, included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and areas covered under “the Inner Line” notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations of 1873, were exempted from the Citizenship Amendment Act’s ambit.
    • Access to these protected areas requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP) from the respective State governments.
  • Legal Challenges
    • The CAA is currently facing legal challenges before the Supreme Court, with several petitioners filing fresh pleas seeking a stay on the implementation of the rules.
    • Critics argue that the Act discriminates on religious lines and violates the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
  • Constitutional Challenge: Violation of Article 14
    • Following the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) initiated a legal challenge by filing a petition in the Supreme Court.
    • Subsequently, nearly 200 petitions were tagged to the IUML plea, collectively challenging the constitutionality of the law.
    • These petitions primarily argue that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) violates Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of law to all “persons,” not just citizens.
    • The inclusion of religion as a criterion for citizenship is seen as contradictory to the secular principles enshrined in the Constitution.
  • Grounds for Constitutional Scrutiny
    • To withstand constitutional scrutiny, any differentiation between groups of persons must be based on an “intelligible differentia” and must have a “reasonable nexus” with the objective sought to be achieved by the legislation.
    • The petitioners argue that the preferential treatment given to specific “persecuted religious minorities” from Muslim-majority neighboring countries fails to meet the criteria of “reasonable classification” under Article 14.
    • Additionally, they point out instances of other persecuted groups, such as Tamil Hindus in Sri Lanka, Rohingyas in Myanmar, and minority Muslim sects like the Hazaras in Afghanistan, who are not afforded similar protection under the CAA.
    • The petitions contend that the law’s provisions lack coherence and fairness, particularly in light of its impact on the demographic and social fabric of India.
    • Concerns and Assam Accord
      • Critics also view the CAA as a challenge to the Assam Accord of 1985, which does not discriminate on religious grounds in determining citizenship.
      • The All Assam Students’ Union, among others, argues that the CAA will exacerbate the issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh to Assam, contradicting the spirit of the accord and potentially leading to socio-political tensions in the region.
    • Centre’s Defense of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
      • The Centre defended the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as a “benign piece of legislation” aimed at providing amnesty to specific communities from designated countries with a clear cut-off date.
      • In its affidavit submitted before the Supreme Court, the government asserted that the CAA does not impinge upon the legal, democratic, or secular rights of any Indian citizen.
      • It clarified that the legislation does not aim to address persecution worldwide but rather focuses on addressing persecution on the grounds of religion in certain specified countries.
      • According to the affidavit, the CAA is a narrowly tailored legislation designed to address a specific problem: religious persecution in designated countries with theocratic constitutional positions and systematic functioning.
      • The government emphasized the wide latitude available to Parliament in matters concerning foreign policy, citizenship, and economic policy, among others.
    • Legal Proceedings before the Supreme Court
      • The Supreme Court has been seized of multiple petitions challenging the constitutionality of the CAA.
      • On December 18, 2019, a Bench comprising former Chief Justice of India (CJI) S.A. Bobde and Justices B.R. Gavai and Surya Kant declined to stay the operation of the law but urged the government to clarify the Act’s intent to alleviate public confusion.
      • A similar plea for a stay was rejected on January 22, 2020, with the Court emphasizing the need to hear the government’s perspective.
      • The Centre was given four weeks to file its response to the petitions.
    • Dependence on Challenge to Section 6A
      • The fate of challenges against the CAA hinges on the outcome of the challenge to Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, which was introduced in furtherance of the Assam Accord signed in 1985.
      • Last December, a five-judge Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud reserved its verdict on the validity of Section 6A, which establishes March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for determining foreigners in Assam.
      • The provision was enacted in the aftermath of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and is intricately tied to the country’s history.
      • If the March 24, 1971, cut-off date is upheld, the CAA could be deemed violative of the Assam Accord, as it establishes a different timeline for granting citizenship.

About the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution

  • The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides autonomy and self-governance to Scheduled Tribes in the hill regions of Northeast India, specifically in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
  • Historical Context:
    • During the British Raj, tribal areas in Assam were designated as “excluded areas,” allowing tribes to govern themselves through traditional systems while participating in imperial interests like taxation.
    • The Sixth Schedule was devised during the formulation of the Indian Constitution to continue this mode of governance, granting tribes autonomy to maintain their traditional self-governance systems.
  • Key Provisions:
    • The Sixth Schedule establishes autonomous district councils (ADCs) in these regions to safeguard tribal culture and identity.
    • It prohibits the transfer of tribal land and resources to non-tribal individuals or communities, ensuring protection against exploitation and marginalization.
    • Each autonomous district has a District Council with elected and nominated members, responsible for governing the area.
    • The Governor has the authority to organize or reorganize autonomous districts, divide them into autonomous regions if multiple tribes exist, and make changes to boundaries or names.
    • District and Regional Councils have the power to enact laws on specific matters like land, forests, agriculture, inheritance, and more within their purview.
    • These councils can also regulate money-lending or trading activities within their jurisdictions.

What is “The Inner Line”?

  • “The Inner Line” refers to a special permit system established under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations of 1873 in colonial India.
  • Historical Context:
    • During British rule, the northeastern region of India, including present-day states like Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur, was characterized by diverse ethnic and tribal communities.
    • The British colonial administration, concerned about maintaining control over these remote and strategically important areas, enacted various regulations to manage and regulate the movement of people, trade, and resources.
  • Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations of 1873:
    • The Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations of 1873 were promulgated to address concerns related to law and order, security, and administration in the frontier regions of northeastern India.
    • These regulations introduced the concept of the Inner Line, which delineated certain areas where entry and movement were restricted and required special permits for non-tribals to enter or reside in those regions.
  • Inner Line Permit (ILP) System:
    • The Inner Line Permit (ILP) system required non-tribals, particularly British subjects and Indian nationals from outside the region, to obtain a special permit to enter or reside in the Inner Line areas.
    • The permits were issued by designated authorities, typically government officials, and were subject to conditions such as duration of stay, purpose of visit, and restrictions on employment or land ownership.

What are the causes of the flare-up in eastern Congo?

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

Recent clashes in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have sparked global concern and worsened the existing humanitarian crisis in the region.

  • The fighting has resulted in numerous casualties and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, with escalating violence between the Congolese army and the Rwandan-backed M23 group near the town of Sake, close to the capital city of North Kivu province, Goma.

Key Highlights

  • Context and Implications
    • These heightened hostilities occur within the backdrop of a long-standing conflict in the region.
    • Furthermore, they coincide with the gradual withdrawal of United Nations peacekeepers from the eastern South Kivu province as part of a prearranged disengagement plan.
    • Additionally, recent devastating floods have further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leaving over two million people in need of urgent aid.
  • Origins of the Conflict
    • The conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has deep roots, stemming from two civil wars in the 1990s.
    • The initial spark occurred in 1994 with the Rwandan genocide, where extremist Hutus killed an estimated eight lakh minority ethnic Tutsis and Hutu moderates in a span of 100 days.
    • This genocide prompted approximately two million people, primarily Hutus, to flee into the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu in Congo.
    • Within these refugee camps, former Rwandan government soldiers, including Hutu extremists responsible for the genocide, re-armed themselves.
    • Additionally, Tutsi militias formed to counter the presence of extremist Hutus.
    • Ethnic tensions heightened between local Congolese and Rwandan immigrants, leading to further violence and conflict.
  • First Congo War
    • The situation escalated into the First Congo War, where Zairean soldiers clashed with Tutsi militias and the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFDL), supported by Rwanda and Uganda.
    • The goal was to root out perpetrators of the genocide.
    • In 1997, the AFDL captured Kinshasa, and Zaire was renamed the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
    • However, tensions persisted, leading to the Second Congo War in 1998.
    • This conflict involved multiple foreign armies and militant groups and became known as ‘Africa’s world war.’
    • Rwanda-backed rebel groups, such as the Rally for Congolese Democracy (RCD), clashed with Congolese forces.
    • President Laurent-Désiré Kabila’s decision to allow armed Hutu refugees to fight against Rwanda further fueled the violence.
  • Attempts at Resolution
    • Despite numerous peace agreements, the conflict has endured.
    • Territorial disputes, resource conflicts, extrajudicial killings, and tensions with neighboring countries have perpetuated the crisis.
    • The ongoing violence has resulted in a staggering humanitarian toll, with millions killed and millions more displaced internally.
  • Who are the M23 Rebels?
    • The March 23 Movement, or M23, is one of the numerous insurgent groups operating in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
    • It emerged in 2012 and claims to defend the interests of the Tutsi ethnic group against Hutu militias.
    • Origins and Formation
      • The group derives its name from a 2009 ceasefire agreement between the DRC government and the Tutsi-led National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP).
      • The agreement aimed to integrate CNDP fighters into the Congolese army and administration.
      • However, dissatisfaction with the implementation of the agreement led some CNDP soldiers to break away and form the M23 group in 2012.
    • Objectives and Offensives
      • M23 accuses the government of failing to fully integrate Congolese Tutsis into the army and administration as promised in the ceasefire agreement.
      • In response, the group launched a major offensive, seizing control of Goma and other towns near the Rwandan border in 2012.
      • Although a peace deal brokered in 2013 temporarily ended the rebellion, M23 resurfaced in 2022.
      • The group cited attacks by Hutu-led Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (DFLR) as justification for its new offensive, accusing the Congolese army of collaboration with DFLR.
    • Recent Escalation
      • In their recent offensive across North Kivu province, M23 intensified attacks to capture eastern Congo, particularly targeting Goma, an economic hub.
      • The fighting forced thousands to flee as the group blocked main roads and conducted indiscriminate bombings, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
    • Humanitarian Impact
      • The conflict has led to a significant increase in displacement, with over 135,000 people displaced in just five days in early February.
      • Goma, which now hosts nearly two million people fleeing violence, has seen a drastic population surge in recent years.
      • The resurgence of M23 has prompted protests within the country, with demands for the international community to pressure Rwanda, accused of supporting the rebels, to withdraw its support.
      • The Norwegian Refugee Council has highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the affected areas.
    • Escalation of Tensions Between Rwanda and Congo
      • The deteriorating situation in eastern Congo has heightened tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.
      • The DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels with funds, troops, and arms, while Rwanda vehemently denies these allegations, despite a United Nations report supporting Congo’s claims.
      • Rwanda’s Perspective
        • Rwanda attributes the escalation to the DRC’s decision to repatriate regional peacekeepers and its own efforts to combat local militia groups along its border for national security reasons.
      • International Response
        • The international community has strongly condemned Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebels.
        • The U.S. Department of State issued a statement condemning Rwanda’s actions and called for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan Defense Force personnel from the DRC and the removal of surface-to-air missile systems.
        • Similarly, France has urged Rwanda to cease its support for the M23 rebels.
      • Potential Escalation and Regional Implications
        • The ongoing conflict could escalate regional tensions and involve more countries, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
        • The International NGO Forum in Congo has raised alarm about the impact of the fighting on civilian populations and the withdrawal of essential services due to security concerns.

Why government sareseeing red on Rhodamine Bin street food?

(General Studies- Paper II and III)

Source : The Hindu

In response to the discovery of traces of industrial dye Rhodamine-B in cotton candy samples, the Tamil Nadu government implemented a ban on the sale of cotton candy in Chennai.

  • The ban was imposed nearly a month ago, on February 17.
  • Following this, the Food Safety Department has intensified efforts to regulate the use of non-permitted food colors across the city.

Key Highlights

  • Rigorous Inspections and Sample Collection
    • Over the past few days, teams of food safety officials have conducted inspections at more than 200 eateries in Chennai.
    • These inspections aim to monitor the use of food coloring agents, particularly in dishes such as cauliflower manchurian, chicken 65, grilled chicken, and rose milk.
    • During the raids, food samples are randomly collected for analysis to detect the presence of non-permitted food coloring agents.
  • Regulations and Compliance
    • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has established regulations governing the use of coloring agents in food.
    • Permitted synthetic colors and their recommended levels are specified in these regulations.
    • The aim of the ongoing drive is to identify and eliminate the use of non-permitted food coloring agents, ensuring the safety of food consumed by the public.

What are food coloring agents?

  • Food coloring agents, also known as food colorants or food dyes, are substances added to food or beverages to impart color, enhance visual appeal, and sometimes to offset color loss due to processing or storage.
  • These additives are used extensively in the food industry to achieve desired shades and hues in a wide range of products.
  • Food coloring agents can be derived from natural sources, such as plants, fruits, vegetables, and minerals, or they can be synthetic compounds manufactured in laboratories.
  • Types of Food Coloring Agents:
    • Natural Food Colorings:
      • Derived from natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, plants, and minerals.
      • Examples include beet juice (red), turmeric (yellow), spinach extract (green), and anthocyanins (purple/blue).
    • Synthetic Food Colorings:
      • Manufactured artificially through chemical processes.
      • Examples include tartrazine (E102, yellow), sunset yellow (E110, yellow), carmoisine (E122, red), and brilliant blue (E133, blue).

What is Rhodamine B?

  • Rhodamine B is a synthetic organic compound and a type of fluorescent dye that belongs to the family of rhodamine dyes.
  • It is commonly used as a colorant in various applications, including inks, textiles, cosmetics, and as a fluorescent tracer in biological and medical research.
  • Chemical Structure:
    • Rhodamine B is a heterocyclic compound with a molecular formula of C28H31ClN2O3.
    • It has a distinctive pink to red color in its solid or powdered form.
    • One of the notable characteristics of Rhodamine B is its fluorescent properties.
    • When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, Rhodamine B emits intense fluorescence in the orange-red range of the spectrum, making it useful as a fluorescent tracer in microscopy and fluorescence imaging techniques.
  • Applications:
    • Textile Industry: Rhodamine B is used as a dye in the textile industry to impart vibrant pink or red colors to fabrics and garments.
    • Inks and Markers: It is commonly used as a colorant in inks, markers, and highlighters due to its bright and intense color.
    • Cosmetics: Rhodamine B is sometimes used in cosmetics, such as lipsticks and nail polishes, to add pink or red hues.
    • Biological Staining: In biological and medical research, Rhodamine B is employed as a fluorescent dye for labeling and staining cells, tissues, and proteins in microscopy and fluorescence-based assays.
    • Fluorescent Tracers: It is also used as a fluorescent tracer in various industrial and scientific applications, including flow cytometry, immunoassays, and DNA sequencing.
  • Safety Concerns:
    • While Rhodamine B has many useful applications, there are safety concerns associated with its use in certain products, particularly in food and cosmetics.
    • In some countries, Rhodamine B is prohibited or restricted for use in food products due to potential health risks, including toxicity and carcinogenicity.
    • In cosmetics, Rhodamine B may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, and its use is regulated by cosmetic regulatory authorities in many countries.