Feb 3rd 2025 Current Affairs

Index:

1. Escalating Conflict in Congo & Its Regional Implications

Background

M23 Rebels: Ethnic Tutsi-led insurgent group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Named after March 23, 2009 Accord that ended a prior Tutsi revolt but was allegedly not upheld by the Congolese government.
Resurgence in 2022 after accusing the DRC of failing to integrate Tutsis into governance.

Current Situation

M23 captured Goma (capital of North Kivu province) on January 27, 2024 and its airport on January 28.
Government forces and allied militia surrendered, leading to rebel control by January 30.
Rebels pushing southward into South Kivu, facing resistance from the Congolese army and Burundian troops.
UN reports suggest Rwandan troops have crossed into DRC, raising fears of a regional war.

M23 Rebels & Their Interests

Advocates for Tutsi interests, particularly against Hutu militias like the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
The FDLR was founded by Hutus who fled Rwanda after the 1994 genocide (which killed ~1 million Tutsis and moderate Hutus).
M23 has controlled coltan mines in Rubaya, generating ~$800,000 per month (coltan is essential for smartphone production).

Rwanda’s Alleged Involvement

DRC, UN, and Western powers (USA) accuse Rwanda of:
Deploying troops & heavy weapons in support of M23.
UN (2022) found “solid evidence” of Rwandan troops fighting alongside M23.
Rwanda denies backing M23, instead accusing Congo of attacking Tutsis and siding with the FDLR.

Significance & Impact

Humanitarian Crisis: Hundreds of thousands displaced due to M23 advances.
Resource Conflict: Control over mineral-rich areas (coltan, crucial for tech industry).
Regional Tensions: Potential for conflict to escalate between DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi.
UN & International Concern: Risk of further instability in Central Africa.

Key Point

Ethnic Conflict (Tutsis vs. Hutus, legacy of the Rwandan Genocide).
Resource-driven War (Mineral wealth, particularly coltan).
Geopolitical Implications (Regional security & international involvement).
Humanitarian Impact (Displacement, civilian casualties).

2. Illegal Immigration Issue: India-US Relations

Background

India’s Stand: India is ready to take back its citizens who entered the US illegally.
US Immigration Policy: The Biden administration is increasing deportations, targeting 30,000 detainees at Guantanamo Bay.

India’s Diplomatic Approach

Balanced Stance: India has assured cooperation but ensures that legal travel channels remain unaffected.
High-Level Talks:
PM Modi & Trump (Recent Call) – Discussed bilateral relations & upcoming Modi visit to the US.
Meetings with US Leaders – Jaishankar (EAM), Ajit Doval (NSA), and Commerce Secretary met US counterparts to align immigration policies.

Why India is Cooperating?

Low-Cost Gesture for New Delhi: Taking back illegal immigrants does not affect strategic or economic interests.
US-India Visa Dynamics:
Over 1 million US visas issued to Indians in 2024, reflecting high legal travel demand.
Only 100 illegal Indian immigrants deported in 2024.
India’s focus is on ensuring smooth H-1B visa

US Deportation Challenges

Scale of the Problem:
S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removed 217,484 non-citizens in FY 2024.
Around 20,000 illegals from India are in Florida alone, but total Indian illegal immigrant population in the US is ~725,000.
Trump aims to deport 2,500 people daily, requiring major enforcement efforts.

H-1B Visa & India’s Concerns

H-1B Visa Importance:
72% of new H-1B visas issued in 2023 went to Indians.
H-1B visa holders contribute to the US economy & tech sector.
India’s Priority:
Ensuring continued visa approvals for skilled professionals.
Preventing large-scale deportations that could impact Indian tech workers.

Geopolitical & Strategic Implications

Biden vs. Trump Policy Contrast:
Biden: Balanced approach with selective deportations.
Trump: Aggressive stance, preparing for mass deportations (potential MAGA influence).
India’s Strategy:
Maintain strong ties with both administrations.

Avoid economic fallout from visa restrictions.

3. NVS-02 Satellite Malfunction: ISRO's Navigation Mission

Context

ISRO launched NVS-02 on January 29, 2024, as part of its 100th mission from Sriharikota.
It is the second satellite in the NVS series, meant to replace IRNSS-1E in India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)

Issue & Malfunction

Problem: ISRO failed to conduct orbit-raising operations due to a valve malfunction in the thruster system.
Cause: Valves controlling oxidizer flow did not open, preventing orbit-raising maneuvers.
Current Status:
The satellite remains in an elliptical orbit instead of the intended Geostationary Orbit.
ISRO is exploring alternative mission strategies to utilize the satellite.

Mission Details & Importance

Launch Details: Successfully injected into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
Configuration:
Equipped with L1, L5 & S-band navigation payloads.
Has C-band ranging payload for precise tracking.
Uses indigenous atomic clocks for high-precision timing.
Planned Orbit:
Meant to be placed at 75°E.
Would enhance NavIC (Indian GPS alternative) for military & civilian applications.

Impact & Way Forward

ISRO’s Response:
Ground station communication remains intact.
Power generation and other systems are functional.
Alternative strategies for using the satellite in an elliptical orbit are being worked out.
Significance:
Strengthens India’s self-reliance in navigation.
Enhances disaster management, defense, and real-time positioning applications.
Challenges Ahead:
Need for more robust testing of thruster mechanisms.

Potential delays in NavIC expansion due to malfunction.

4. U.K. to Introduce Laws Against AI-Generated Sexual Abuse Images

Context:

The United Kingdom is set to become the first country to introduce laws against AI tools used for generating sexual abuse images.
The government announced measures to criminalize the possession, creation, and distribution of AI-generated child sexual abuse material.

Key Provisions of the Law:

Illegalization of AI-generated sexual abuse images

Possessing, creating, or distributing AI tools designed to generate sexualized images of children will be punishable by up to five years in prison.

Ban on AI ‘paedophile manuals’

Manuals that instruct individuals on how to use AI for sexual exploitation will be punishable by up to three years in prison.

Criminalization of online predators

Those running websites that promote sharing child sexual abuse content or advice on grooming will face up to ten years in prison.

Ban on AI models used for child abuse

The law includes a ban on certain AI models facilitating child abuse.

Government’s Justification:

Rapid Growth of Online Child Sexual Abuse Material
AI is amplifying the problem by making it easier for perpetrators to groom children.
Use of AI for Blackmailing
Perpetrators manipulate images of children to blackmail them into further abuse.
Call for Global Action

Other countries have yet to introduce similar laws, but the UK hopes they will follow suit.

5. Study Finds Microplastics in Delhi’s Groundwater

Context:

A first-of-its-kind study commissioned by the Delhi government has detected microplastics in groundwater across the city.
The study also found microplastics in the Yamuna’s water and soil samples from its banks.

Key Findings:

Microplastics in Groundwater:

Detected in samples from all 11 districts of Delhi.
Likely due to leaching from the Yamuna River.

Microplastics in Yamuna:

Found in both water and soil samples from the riverbanks.
Indicates contamination of groundwater due to river pollution.

Water Treatment Limitations:

Current water treatment systems cannot filter out microplastics, posing health risks.

Delhi Government’s Response:

Next phase of the study is underway; final report expected later this year.

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) conducting the study.

Health & Environmental Concerns:

Human Health Risks
Microplastics can be absorbed into the body, affecting organs and even the placenta of newborns (as per UNEP).
They contain harmful chemicals that may cause genetic changes, brain development issues, and respiratory problems.
Environmental Impact
Pollutes groundwater, affecting drinking water quality.
Can enter the food chain, leading to widespread ecological effects.

UNEP Report (2021) – ‘From Pollution to Solution’

Warned about the dangers of chemicals in microplastics.
Associated with serious health impacts, particularly in women.

6. Economic Survey 2024-25 Highlights

Context:

The Economic Survey 2024-25 was tabled in Parliament, assessing India’s economic performance and growth outlook.

Key Growth Projections:

GDP Growth Forecast:
Estimated growth of 4% in FY24.
Growth expected to be in the range of 3% – 6.8% in FY25 & FY26.

Growth remains robust but faces strong external downsides.

Key Findings:

Investment & Capital Formation:

“Green shoots” observed in capital formation, signaling positive future investment trends.
Private sector investment expected to rise gradually.
Investment rate to increase from 31% of GDP to 35% over time.

Private Consumption:

Expected to peak at 61.8% of GDP in FY25, the highest since FY03.
Urban demand remains uncertain, with mixed trends in Q3 of FY24.

External Challenges & Risks:

Global economic uncertainty and geopolitical risks pose challenges.
Investment slowdown is likely temporary but needs monitoring.

Deregulation & Trust Deficit:

The survey emphasizes deregulation and trust-building measures to sustain economic momentum.

Viksit Bharat (Developed India) 2047:

8% GDP growth required for the next two decades to achieve India’s developed country status.

Indigenisation in the EV Sector:

India must reduce dependence on China for raw materials and technology.
Focus on domestic production and R&D to build a self-sufficient EV industry.