UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 24th May 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Why in News?

Prime Minister recently concluded his visit to Papua New Guinea where he co-hosted the first Forum for India-Pacific Islands cooperation (FIPIC) summit.

About Papua New Guinea:

• Location:  It is an island country that lies in the south-western Pacific.
• It includes the eastern half of New Guinea (the world’s second largest island) and many small offshore islands.
• Neighbours:  Indonesia to the west, Australia to the south and Solomon Islands to the south-east.
• Capital: Port Moresby
• Terrain: It is mainly mountainous but has low-lying plains in southern New Guinea.
• The islands that constitute Papua New Guinea were settled over a period of 40,000 years by the mixture of peoples who are generally referred to as Melanesians.
• Language:
  • English is the main language of government and commerce. In most everyday contexts the most widely spoken language is Tok Pisin. 
  • Linguistically, it is the world's most diverse country, with more than 800 languages.
• Religion: The majority of Papua New Guinea’s people are at least nominally Christian.
• Government:
  • Papua New Guinea became self-governing on 1 December 1973 and achieved independence on 16 September 1975.
  • The country is a constitutional monarchy and a member of the Commonwealth.
  • The British monarch, represented by a governor-general, is head of state, and the Prime Minister is head of government.

What is Forum for India-Pacific Islands cooperation (FIPIC)?

• It is a multinational grouping for cooperation between India and 14 Pacific Islands nations.
• It include 14 islands named- Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
• The FIPIC initiative marks a serious effort to expand India's engagement in the Pacific region.

Source: The Hindu

Update NPR to enumerate self during next Census

Why in News?

According to a collection of reports released by the Union Home Minister, self-enumeration for Census will be provided to only those households that have updated the National Population Register (NPR) online.

• These reports were released on May 21 at the inauguration of a new Census building in Delhi.

National Population Register (NPR)

• The NPR is a register of usual residents of the country. It is mandatory for every usual resident of India to register in the NPR.
  • According to the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, a usual resident is:
    • a person who has resided in a local area for the past 6 months or more; or
    • a person who intends to reside in that area for the next 6 months or more.
  • It includes both Indian citizens as well as a foreign citizen.
• The objective of the NPR is to create a comprehensive identity database of every usual resident in the country.
• The first National Population Register was prepared in 2010 and updating this data was done during 2015 by conducting door to door survey.
  • The next National Population Register was to be held along with the Census 2021. Due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, the work of NPR updation and other related field activities got postponed.
• NPR is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General of India (RGI) under the Home Ministry.
• As per the Union Home Ministry, data collected under the NPR are shared with States. It is also used by the Central government for various welfare schemes at the individual level.

Legal basis of NPR

• NPR is prepared under Rule 3 of the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.
  • These rules were framed under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
• The NPR is different from the National Register of Citizens (NRC) which excludes the foreign citizens.
  • NRC is a register containing details of Indian Citizens living in India and outside India.

Census in India

• About
  • Population Census provides basic statistics on state of human resources, demography, culture and economic structure at local, regional and national level.
  • Beginning in the year 1872, when the first census was conducted non-synchronously, the census enumeration exercise in India is carried out in every 10 years.
    • The first synchronous census was taken under British rule in 1881, by W.C. Plowden, Census Commissioner of India.
  • The responsibility of conducting the decadal census rests with the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, Ministry of Home Affairs.
• 2021 Census
  • The Census enumeration, which was scheduled to take place in 2021, has been postponed indefinitely due to Covid-19 pandemic.
    • The government has not announced when the next Census will be held, with a January, 2023 notification ruling out the exercise at least till September.
  • When it is conducted, it will be the 16th in series and 8th after independence.
  • Also, it will be the first digital Census giving citizens an opportunity to “self-enumerate”.

Legal/Constitutional basis of Census

• Population census is listed in Union List (entry 69) of Seventh Schedule in Indian Constitution.
• Census is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948.

Process of census enumeration

• The Census Operations in India have been carried out in two phases:
  • House-listing and Housing Census and
  • Population Enumeration.
• The Population Enumeration follows the Housing Census within a gap of six to eight months.
• In Population Enumeration phase each person is enumerated and her/his individual particulars like Age, Marital status, Religion, mother tongue etc are recorded.

News Summary: Update NPR to enumerate self during next Census

• If citizens want to exercise the right to fill the Census form on their own rather than through government enumerators, they will have to first update their National Population Register (NPR) details online.
• This was highlighted by the collection of reports released by the Union Home Minister during the inauguration of a new Census building in Delhi.

Key highlights

• Web-based self-enumeration (SE) portal developed
  • The Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI), which conducts the Census, has developed a “self-enumeration (SE)” portal.
  • This portal is presently available in English only.
• Mobile-friendly portal yet to be launched
  • The yet-to-be-launched mobile-friendly portal will allow users to register the mobile number in the NPR database, self-enumerate and fill the details under House-listing Operations.
• Benefits
  • With this, respondents can update the details of their family members online without the help of an enumerator.
  • This will ensure privacy and will also help to reduce financial and administrative burden incurred in collection of field data.

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Van Gogh 360° exhibition is going on in Delhi showcasing the paintings by Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. His one of the most famous painting is the Starry Night.

About 

• The Starry Night, painted in 1889 by Vincent van Gogh, is one of the most recognised paintings in the world, depicting the dreamy star-filled night sky that appeared before van Gogh from the window of his asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
• Interestingly, the yellow that Van Gogh used to paint the radiant moon in The Starry Night had travelled all the way from India. 
• The Starry Night is considered to be among the last masterpieces to have used it, before its production was outlawed in India.

Production of Indian Yellow

• The colour came from the urine of cows that were given a special diet of mango leaves and water, occasionally mixed with turmeric, to get a bright yellow urine. 
• The urine would be collected in earthen pots and placed over fire nightlong to attain a more condensed liquid, which was then strained and hand-pressed into sediment balls that were further dried in the heat. The piuris reached Europe through merchants sailing from Kolkata.

Usage

• Indian Yellow was popular across Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. 
• The colour was widely used in India since the 15th century and is seen in traditional Mithila paintings of Bihar as well as Pahari and Mughal miniatures in the 16th to 19th centuries. 
• A yellow pigment called gorocana, also believed to have been made from cow’s urine, was also used for several rituals in India and also applied as tilak.

Banning the colour

• Animal cruelty during the process of procuring the colour eventually led to a ban on its production in the early 1900s.
• Mango leaves are known to contain the toxin urushiol, which would also take a toll on the bovine animal’s health.

Source: Indian Express

GS-II

Why in News?

PM Modi addressed a community event in Sydney, emphasizing the strong foundations of trust and respect between India and Australia.

• He credited the Indian diaspora for the success of this relationship.
• The event aimed to strengthen cultural ties and was attended by over 21,000 people, including Australian PM Anthony Albanese.

India-Australia Relations: A Backgrounder

• The India-Australia bilateral relationship has undergone evolution in recent years, developing along a positive track, into a friendly partnership.
• The two nations have much in common, underpinned by shared values of a pluralistic, Westminster-style democracies, Commonwealth traditions, expanding economic engagement etc.
• Several commonalities include strong, vibrant, secular and multicultural democracies, free press, independent judicial system and English language.

Historical Perspective

• Early colonization: The historical ties between India and Australia started immediately following European settlement in Australia from 1788.
• A penal colony: All trade, to and fro from the penal colony of New South Wales was controlled by the British East India Company through Kolkata.
• Diplomatic ties: India and Australia established diplomatic relations in the pre-Independence period, with the establishment of India Trade Office in Sydney in 1941.
• Expansion of ties: The end of the Cold War and simultaneously, India’s decision to launch major economic reforms in 1991 provided the first positive move towards development of bilateral ties.

Various dimensions of ties

[A] Political partnership

• Both countries are members of-

1. G-20
2. ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF),
3. IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association),
4. Asia Pacific Partnership on Climate and Clean Development,
5. East Asia Summit and
6. The Commonwealth
7. QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue)

• Australia has been extremely supportive of India’s quest for membership of the APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation).
• Australia wholeheartedly welcomed India’s joining of the MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime).

[B] Trade and Economy

• 5^th largest trade partner: India is the 5th largest trade partner of Australia with trade in goods and services.
• Huge trade volume: Two-way trade between India and Australia was worth A$ 24.3 billion ($18.3 billion) in 2020, up from just $13.6 billion in 2007, according to the Australian government.
• Uranium exports: After a series of attempts, in 2016, Australia opened the door for uranium exports to India.
• R&D: An Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) which was established in 2006, supports collaboration between scientists in India and Australia on cutting-edge research.

[C] Cultural ties

• P2P ties: There is a longstanding people-to-people ties, ever increasing Indian students coming to Australia for higher education.
• Bond over cricket and tourism: Growing tourism and sporting links, especially Cricket and Hockey, have played a significant role in further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
• Skilled workforce: India is one of the top sources of skilled immigrants to Australia.
• Indian students: The number of Indian students continue to grow with approximately 105,000 students presently studying in Australian universities.
• Diaspora: After England, India is the second largest migrant group in Australia in 2020.

[D] Strategic Partnership

• In 2009, India and Australia established a ‘Strategic Partnership’, including a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation which has been further elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020.
• The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement has been signed during the summit that should enhance defence cooperation and ease the conduct of large-scale joint military exercises.
• There is a technical Agreement on White Shipping Information Exchange.
• Both nations conduct bilateral maritime exercise AUSINDEX. In 2018, Indian Air Force participated for the first time in the Exercise Pitch Black in Australia.
• Foreign and Defence Ministers of both countries agreed to meet in a ‘2+2’ format
• The first-ever Quad Leaders’ Virtual Summit held on 12 March 2021 saw the participation of Prime Ministers of India, Australia, Japan and President of USA.
• A Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement between the two countries was signed in September 2014 during the visit of then PM Tony Abbott to India.

Significance of the ties

• COVID Management: Australia is one of the few countries that has managed to combat COVID-19 so far through “controlled adaptation” by which the coronavirus has been suppressed to very low levels.
• STEM: From farming practices through food processing, supply and distribution to consumers, the Australian agribusiness sector has the desired R&D capacity, experience and technical knowledge.
• Natural resources: Australia is rich in natural resources that India’s growing economy needs. It also has huge reservoirs of strength in higher education, scientific and technological research.
• Alliance with US: The two countries also have increasingly common military platforms as India’s defence purchases from the US continue to grow.
• Affinity with ASEAN: Australia has deep economic, political and security connections with the ASEAN and a strategic partnership with one of the leading non-aligned nations, Indonesia.
• Containing China: The Indo-Pacific region has the potential to facilitate connectivity and trade between India and Australia. Both nations can leverage their equation in QUAD to contain China.

International cooperation

• Support at UNSC: Australia supports India’s candidature in an expanded UN Security Council.
• APEC: Australia is an important player in APEC and supports India’s membership of the organisation. In 2008, Australia became an Observer in SAARC.

Some irritants in ties

• Trade imbalance: India’s trade deficit with Australia has been increasing since 2001-02 due to India-Australia Free Trade Agreement. It is also a contentious issue in the ongoing RCEP negotiations which India left.
• High tariff on agri products in India: India has a high tariff for agriculture and dairy products which makes it difficult for Australian exporters to export these items to India.
• Non-tariff barriers in Australia: At the same time, India faces non-tariff barriers and its skilled professionals in the Australian labour market face discrimination.
• Visa Policy: India wants greater free movement and relaxed visa norms for its IT professionals, on which Australia is reluctant.
• Future of QUAD: Australian lobby has sparked speculation over the fate of the Quadrilateral Consultative Dialogue (the ‘Quad) involving India, Australia, Japan and the United States.
• Nuclear reluctance: Building consensus on non-nuclear proliferation and disarmament has been a major hurdle given India’s status as a nuclear power.
• Racism against Indians: Increasing Racist attacks on Indians in Australia has been a major issue.

Way forward

• Upgradation of 2+2 format: It is prudent too for New Delhi and Canberra to elevate the ‘two plus two’ format for talks from the Secretary level to the level of Foreign and Defence Ministers.
• Removal of trade barriers: Both nations need to resolve disputes at the WTO with regard to the Australian sector can act as a serious impediment.
• Balancing China: An ‘engage and balance’ China strategy is the best alternative to the dead end of containment.

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The dispute over the water share of the Krishna River between Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Telangana has remained unresolved for nine years since the bifurcation of the combined state.

About Krishna River

What is Krishna Water Dispute?

• The dispute dates back to the formation of AP in November 1956.
• Before the formation of AP, a Gentlemen’s Agreement was signed in February 1956 by four senior leaders from different regions of Andhra.
• The agreement aimed to protect Telangana’s interests and ensure equitable distribution of water resources based on global treaties.
• However, the focus on irrigation facilities favored Andhra, which had existing systems developed by the British at the expense of drought-prone areas in Telangana.

Resolution achieved till now

(1) Bachawat tribunal

• In 1969, the Bachawat Tribunal (KWDT-I) was established to settle the water share dispute among Maharashtra, Karnataka, and AP (before bifurcation).
• The Tribunal allocated 811 tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) of dependable water to AP.
• The water was later divided in a 512:299 tmcft ratio between Andhra and Telangana, respectively, based on the command area developed by each region.
• The Tribunal recommended diverting water from the Tungabhadra Dam to the drought-prone Mahabubnagar area of Telangana, but this recommendation was not implemented, leading to discontent.

(2) Water-sharing arrangement after bifurcation

• The AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, did not mention water shares, as the KWDT-I Award was still in force and had not specified region-wise allocations.
• In 2015, the two states agreed to an ad hoc arrangement of sharing water in a 34:66 ratio (Telangana: Andhra) during a meeting convened by the Ministry of Water Resources.
• The arrangement was supposed to be reviewed annually.
• The Act focused on the establishment of the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) and the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) for water resource management.

Claims by each state

• Telangana argues that it is entitled to a minimum of 70% share in the allocation of the 811 tmcft based on global practices and basin parameters.
• Telangana highlights how AP diverts around 300 tmcft of water from within the basin, affecting drought-prone areas in Telangana.
• AP also claims a higher share of water to protect the interests of already developed command areas.

Centre’s position

• The Centre convened two meetings of the Apex Council in 2016 and 2020, involving the Union Minister and Chief Ministers of Telangana and AP, but no substantial progress was made.
• In 2020, following a suggestion by the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), Telangana withdrew its petition from the Supreme Court with the assurance that the matter would be referred to a Tribunal.
• However, the Centre has not taken any action on the issue for over two years, while the two states continue to engage in ongoing disputes.

Way Forward

Considering the prolonged dispute and the failure to reach a resolution, it is crucial for all stakeholders to take proactive steps. The following measures could be considered:

• Mediation: Appoint an independent body or mediator to facilitate negotiations between the two states and assist in finding a fair and mutually agreeable solution.
• Scientific assessment: Conduct a comprehensive scientific assessment of the basin parameters, water requirements, and the impact of existing water utilization practices to inform the allocation of water shares.
• Public awareness: Raise public awareness about the importance of water conservation, efficient utilization, and sustainable practices to reduce the overall demand for water resources.
• Implementation of recommendations: Act upon the recommendations of previous tribunals and committees to ensure equitable distribution of water resources and address the grievances of both states.
• More deliberations: Foster a spirit of cooperation and collaboration between AP and Telangana to jointly manage and sustainably utilize the Krishna River water resources for the benefit of both regions.

It is crucial for the central government to play an active role in facilitating dialogue, providing necessary support, and expediting the resolution process to ensure a fair and just outcome for all parties involved.

Source: The Hindu

GS-III

Why in News?

Science and Technology Minister recently said that India is working on new technologies such as the small modular reactors.

About Small Modular Reactors (SMRs):

• They are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, which is about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors. 
• SMRs, which can produce a large amount of low-carbon electricity, are:
  • Small– physically a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor.
  • Modular – making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation.
  • Reactors – harnessing nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy.
• Advantages:
  • Relatively small physical footprints;
  • Reduced capital investment;
  • Can be factory-built unlike the conventional nuclear reactors that are built on–site;
  • Ability to be sited in locations not possible for larger nuclear plants;
  • Provisions for incremental power additions;
  • It also offer distinct safeguards, security and nonproliferation advantages.
• They can be used for power generation, process heat, desalination, or other industrial uses. 
• SMRs can offer a carbon free, clean energy alternative to fossil fuels.

Source: Economic Times

Unraveling Social Fabric: The Impact of Social Media on Public Discourse

Why in News?

The recent wave of violence in Manipur serves as another grim reminder of the deterioration of our social fabric. The Finance Minister’s recent expression of sorrow over the lack of personal regard among politicians despite ideological differences resonates with many of us. We reminisce about a time when meaningful conversations and differing opinions could coexist without animosity. However, in today’s landscape, we find ourselves drifting apart from those with whom we disagree and nurturing a deep aversion towards them.

The phenomenon of polarization

• Ideological Divisions: Polarization refers to the growing ideological divisions within societies. It is characterized by an increasing separation of people into distinct ideological camps, often with extreme views and a lack of willingness to engage with opposing perspectives.
• Us vs. Them Mentality: Polarization fosters an us vs. them mentality, where individuals identify strongly with their own group and view those outside their group as adversaries. This mentality fuels hostility, animosity, and a deep sense of distrust towards those who hold different beliefs or opinions.
• Echo Chambers: Polarization is exacerbated by the prevalence of echo chambers, which are created by social media and other platforms. Echo chambers are virtual spaces where like-minded individuals reinforce each other’s beliefs and shield themselves from differing viewpoints. This reinforces preexisting biases and prevents exposure to alternative perspectives.
• Confirmation Bias: Polarization is fueled by confirmation bias, whereby individuals seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs and dismiss or ignore contradictory evidence. This selective exposure to information further entrenches people in their ideological positions and prevents the formation of nuanced opinions.
• Emotionalization of Issues: Polarization often leads to the emotionalization of issues, where discussions become heated and personal. Emotions such as anger, fear, and resentment drive the discourse, making it difficult to engage in rational and constructive conversations.
• Loss of Civil Discourse: Polarization erodes civil discourse and respectful disagreement. Rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue, individuals tend to resort to personal attacks, demonization, and dehumanization of those with differing views. This breakdown of civility undermines the foundations of a healthy democratic society.
• Political Gridlock: Polarization can result in political gridlock, where the inability to find common ground hinders policy-making and governance. As political parties become more polarized, finding compromises and reaching consensus becomes increasingly challenging, leading to a stalemate in decision-making processes.
• Social Fragmentation: Polarization contributes to social fragmentation, dividing communities and societies along ideological lines. It undermines social cohesion, trust, and cooperation, making it harder to address common challenges and work towards collective goals.
• Threat to Democracy: Polarization poses a significant threat to democratic processes. It undermines the principles of compromise, inclusivity, and consensus-building that are essential for a functioning democracy. When polarization intensifies, it can lead to social unrest, political instability, and a breakdown of democratic institutions.
• Implications for Social Well-being: Polarization has negative consequences for societal well-being. It can contribute to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and social isolation. It impedes constructive problem-solving, stifles innovation, and hampers social progress.

Impact of Social Media

1. Positive Impact:

• Connectivity and Communication: Social media platforms have revolutionized communication, allowing individuals to connect and stay in touch with friends, family, and communities across geographical boundaries.
• Information Sharing: Social media provides a platform for the rapid dissemination of information, enabling users to access news, updates, and educational content from various sources.
• Amplification of Voices: Social media empowers marginalized individuals and communities by providing them with a platform to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives, thereby amplifying their voices and fostering inclusivity.
• Business and Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Social media platforms offer businesses and entrepreneurs the ability to reach a global audience, market their products or services, and build brand awareness at a relatively low cost.
• Awareness and Activism: Social media plays a crucial role in raising awareness about social and environmental issues, mobilizing communities, and facilitating social and political activism.

2. Negative Impact:

• Spread of Misinformation: Social media platforms are susceptible to the rapid spread of misinformation, fake news, and rumors, which can lead to confusion, polarization, and manipulation of public opinion.
• Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: Social media platforms have provided a platform for cyberbullying, hate speech, and online harassment, causing emotional distress and harm to individuals, especially young people.
• Privacy and Data Security Concerns: Social media platforms collect and store vast amounts of user data, raising concerns about privacy breaches, data misuse, and unauthorized access to personal information.
• Impact on Mental Health: Excessive use of social media has been linked to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem, as individuals compare themselves to others and seek validation through online interactions.
• Erosion of Civil Discourse: The anonymity and distance provided by social media can lead to the erosion of civil discourse, with conversations turning hostile, polarized, and lacking empathy and respect for diverse opinions.
• Addiction and Time Management Issues: Social media addiction can disrupt daily routines, affect productivity, and lead to an excessive focus on virtual interactions at the expense of real-life relationships and activities.

How Social media amplifies narcissistic tendencies?

• Social media has the potential to amplify narcissistic tendencies and prioritize personal opinions over the feelings of others in several ways:
• Self-Centric Nature: Social media platforms often encourage users to present curated versions of their lives, focusing on self-presentation and self-promotion. This self-centric nature can fuel narcissistic tendencies, as individuals seek validation, attention, and admiration from their online peers.
• Selective Self-Presentation: Social media allows individuals to carefully select and highlight aspects of their lives that project a positive image. This selective self-presentation can contribute to a self-centered mindset, where individuals prioritize their own opinions and perspectives without fully considering or empathizing with the feelings and experiences of others.
• Validation through Likes and Followers: Social media platforms often employ metrics such as likes, followers, and shares as measures of popularity and social validation. This can incentivize users to prioritize personal opinions and content that garners attention and positive feedback, further reinforcing self-centered behavior and disregarding the impact on others.
• Echo Chambers and Confirmation Bias: Social media algorithms create echo chambers, where individuals are exposed to content that aligns with their existing beliefs and perspectives. This reinforces confirmation bias, leading users to seek out and engage with content that supports their own opinions.
• Disinhibition and Online Anonymity: Social media platforms often provide a sense of anonymity and detachment from real-life consequences. This can lead to disinhibition, where individuals feel freer to express their opinions without the social norms and inhibitions present in face-to-face interactions.
• Limited Non-Verbal Cues: Social media communication lacks non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and tone of voice, which are crucial for understanding others’ emotions and maintaining empathy. The absence of these cues can make it easier for individuals to prioritize their own opinions without fully recognizing or acknowledging the impact their words may have on others.

Way forward: A Citizen-Led Solution

• Critical Media Consumption: Develop critical media literacy skills to discern reliable information from misinformation or fake news. Be vigilant about verifying information before sharing it and actively seek out diverse perspectives to avoid falling into echo chambers.
• Mindful Social Media Usage: Be mindful of your social media usage and the impact it has on your well-being. Set boundaries, allocate specific times for social media engagement, and prioritize real-life interactions and relationships over virtual ones.
• Responsible Sharing: Before sharing content on social media, consider the accuracy, credibility, and potential impact of the information. Share content responsibly, ensuring that it contributes positively to public discourse and avoids the spread of misinformation or hate speech.
• Promote Civil Discourse: Engage in respectful and constructive discussions online. Foster empathy and understanding, even when encountering differing opinions. Be open to listening and learning from others, while maintaining a respectful tone.
• Support Digital Literacy Initiatives: Advocate for and support initiatives that promote digital literacy and critical thinking skills. Encourage educational institutions, policymakers, and community organizations to prioritize digital literacy programs that equip individuals with the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.
• Advocate for Responsible Platform Practices: Encourage social media platforms to prioritize responsible content moderation practices, transparency, and user privacy. Support efforts that combat hate speech, misinformation, and cyberbullying on these platforms.
• Engage in Positive Online Activism: Use social media as a platform for positive activism and constructive dialogue. Support causes, campaigns, and initiatives that promote inclusivity, tolerance, and social justice. Share stories and content that uplift and inspire others.
• Foster Digital Empathy: Cultivate empathy in online interactions by considering the perspectives and feelings of others. Treat online interactions as you would face-to-face conversations, with respect, kindness, and consideration for others’ emotions.
• Promote Offline Connections: Encourage offline interactions and relationships. Invest time in meaningful face-to-face conversations, community engagement, and real-world connections. Strengthening offline relationships can help balance and reduce dependence on social media.
• Advocate for Ethical Tech Practices: Support efforts to regulate and hold social media companies accountable for their practices. Advocate for ethical tech practices, user privacy protection, and responsible use of user data.

Conclusion

• The impact of social media on public discourse and the unraveling of our social fabric cannot be underestimated. It is imperative that individuals take responsibility and break free from the addictive allure of social media platforms. By prioritizing genuine human connections, engaging with diverse perspectives, and rebuilding our social bonds, we can mitigate the threats posed by social media and restore a healthier, more respectful public discourse.

Source: The Hindu