馃嚥馃嚭MauritiusEast Africa
Neurologist discusses "brain rot" and its impact on cognitive health in the digital age
via Le Mauricien5 min read
Dr. Afzal Curimbacus, a neurologist at Life Medical Clinic Forbach, addresses the phenomenon of "brain rot," a popular term describing mental fatigue and cognitive decline linked to excessive consumption of short, repetitive, and low-quality digital content on social media. While not a recognized medical condition, the concept highlights concerns among specialists regarding mental exhaustion, cognitive fog, loss of motivation, and attention difficulties. Dr. Curimbacus explains that constant easy stimulation makes the brain struggle with complex tasks. He observes that while Mauritian patients often suffer from burnout related to their occupations, Generation Z and Alpha individuals who overuse screen time frequently exhibit symptoms of "brain rot," as reported by parents. The impact includes concentration problems, demotivation, and mental exhaustion, as the brain becomes conditioned to easy visual stimuli. Social media and constant smartphone presence can lead to compulsive obsession and disrupt concentration for long-term tasks. Long-term effects may include decreased concentration, attention decline, difficulty assimilating new information, and mental fog. Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable due to their extensive use of IT, screens, smart devices, and platforms like TikTok and AI tools for leisure. Distinguishing "brain rot" from simple mental fatigue lies in symptom evolution; while fatigue from depression may improve with treatment of the cause, "b
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Business Mauritius and the Indian Ocean Commission IOC are collaborating to engage businesses in the sustainable management of chemicals and hazardous waste. This initiative is part of the GEF-ISLANDS Indian Ocean regional project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme UNDP. The project supports companies in Comoros, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles to improve hazardous waste management, reduce environmental and health impacts, and promote non-toxic circular value chains. Business Mauritius, co-piloting the private sector component with the IOC, facilitates dialogue among stakeholders, identifies innovative solutions, and fosters experience sharing and partnerships. A recent meeting brought together businesses, experts, and partners to discuss challenges and solutions. Ralph Connery, international consultant for the GEF-ISLANDS project, highlighted the opportunities of a regional approach, citing initiatives like the Moana Taka shipping partnership in the Pacific for collecting and transporting hazardous waste. He emphasized the need to identify technically, economically, and regulatory viable regional solutions for the Indian Ocean, considering challenges in maritime transport, logistics costs, insurance, and compliance with the Basel Convention. Mauritian companies, including Cernol Taylor Smith Group and Ecostril, shared their experiences in chemical and medical waste management, respectively, along with discussions on lithium-ion battery reuse. Amandi
Must ReadThe Independent Broadcasting Authority IBA has requested Top FM take disciplinary action against Habib Mosaheb, leading to his suspension for two upcoming editions of his show, "Koz茅 do Mo Pep." This action follows Mosaheb's comments on the May 10 broadcast, where he suggested drivers campaign against the Ministry of Land Transport, calling for the removal of "incompetent people" within the ministry. The IBA had previously targeted Mosaheb and Top FM, with the Alliance du Changement having pledged during their election campaign to reform the IBA's perceived partiality against private radio stations and their hosts. A disciplinary committee meeting is pending.
Shakeel Mohamed, Minister of Housing and Land, represented Mauritius at a high-level United Nations meeting in New York on July 16, focusing on the mid-term review of the New Urban Agenda. He called for measurable commitments from the international community regarding housing, climate resilience, and small island states. The meeting, held ten years after the agenda's adoption in Quito, aimed to assess progress towards inclusive, safe, and sustainable cities. Concerns remain, with 1.16 billion people living in slums or informal settlements, an increase of 170 million since 2016, and nearly three billion lacking adequate housing. Mohamed stated, "We are not just behind: we are moving in the wrong direction," emphasizing the vulnerability of small island states to climate change, which they have contributed little to. He described the New Urban Agenda as a "survival document" for these nations, where rising sea levels threaten homes, infrastructure, economic activities, and even the existence of some villages. The Minister also highlighted displaced populations due to conflicts, asserting that the right to adequate housing cannot be defended while ignoring the destruction of entire neighborhoods. Mauritius proposed three demands: quantified international objectives with precise deadlines, faster and concessional access to climate financing, and recognition of the global nature of the housing crisis. The meeting concluded with a political declaration calling for accelerated affor