CNA 15 Feb 2023:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related C. GS 3 Related ECONOMY 1. Leveraging J&K’s lithium reserves D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. Shaping a more disabled-friendly digital ecosystem 2. Education, more than wealth, determines women’s marital age INDIAN CONSTITUTION AND POLITY 1. Ladakh, a fragile region, needs autonomy F. Prelims Facts 1. Marburg virus disease (MVD) G. Tidbits 1. In meeting with Raisi, Xi vows ‘unswerving’ support 2. Govt inaugurates two Nano Urea units 3. U.S. Air Force’s B-1B Lancer lands at Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
C. GS 3 Related
1. Leveraging J&K’s lithium reserves
Syllabus: Indian Economy and issues relating to mobilization of resources
Prelims: About the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Lithium reserves across the world
Mains: Discovery of Lithium reserves in India – significance, geostrategic and socio-environmental, and the way forward
Context
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has announced that Lithium inferred resources of 5.9 million tonnes have been discovered in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir.
Significance of the discovery
- Lithium is one of the most important components for manufacturing Lithium-ion batteries which are extensively used in wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles, all of which are critical for the green economy.
- As per the World Bank, the demand for critical metals like lithium (Li) and cobalt is expected to increase by almost 500% by 2050.
- Further, the global electric vehicle market is estimated to cross the $823.75 billion mark by 2030, achieving a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.2% from 2021 to 2030. India’s market is also estimated to achieve a CAGR of 23.76% by 2028.
- In this context, the discovery of lithium would help India secure its critical mineral supplies and ensure self-sufficiency in this sector.
- At present, India imports all of its lithium from Australia and Argentina and about 70% of its Li-ion cells from China and Hong Kong.
- The discovery of lithium reserves in India provides a much-needed boost to the domestic battery-manufacturing industry and plays a crucial role in import substitution.
- Additionally, domestic lithium reserves will help provide momentum to the Government’s ambitious plan of 30% EV penetration in private cars, 70% for commercial vehicles, and 80% for two and three-wheelers by 2030 for the automobile industry and help strengthen India’s National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage.
For more information on the significance of the discovery, refer to the following article:
UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis dated 11 Feb 2023: Lithium deposits in India
Geostrategic concerns
- Dependencies on critical mineral resources are still a major geostrategic concern in the transition to net-zero carbon energy systems.
- A high level of reliance on China for lithium and other critical resources poses significant energy security risks.
- China at present controls over 77% of the global lithium-ion battery manufacturing capacity and is home to six of the world’s 10 manufacturing companies.
- To overcome this challenge, countries such as the U.S., Canada, India, and the EU countries are undertaking efforts to leverage alternative supplies that can challenge China’s geopolitical dominance.
- The increasing geopolitical tensions with China in the wake of escalations in territorial disputes make it much more important for India to act immediately in this regard.
- In order to dilute its dependence on China, the Indian government and domestic industries are trying to push for a “Rare Earths Mission” which helps in exploiting critical mineral reserves in the country.
- However, the new discovery of lithium reserves in India comes with geostrategic implications considering the geopolitical sensitivity of its location.
- The J&K region has historically been a site of cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. The region has also been affected due to domestic insurgency and terrorism.
- Further, there are concerns about the risk of a socio-environmental conflict if the local populations are not engaged in the lithium extraction project.
Environmental consequences
- The viability of applications of lithium in renewable energy infrastructure has often been debated as concerns have been raised over its environmental consequences.
- The extraction of lithium from hard rock mines involves open-pit-mining followed by the roasting of the ore using fossil fuels.
- According to experts, this process requires over 170 cubic metres of water and releases nearly 15 tonnes of carbon-di-oxide for every tonne of lithium extracted.
- Furthermore, the disposal of waste generated in processes of open-pit mining and refining degrades the environment.
- Such wastes contaminate waterways and groundwater, degrade biodiversity, and release significant amounts of air pollutants.
- Also in the geological context, there is a huge difference in mining in J&K from mining in Australia (which has the largest lithium stock in hard rock mines).
- In Australia, lithium-bearing pegmatite deposits are found in the ancient geological regions of the Pilbara and Yilgarn cratons, whose continental rocks have been stable for over a billion years.
- However, the lithium reserves found in the Himalayan region which is one of the youngest mountain ranges in the world are very unstable.
Case study: Lithium mining in South America
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Safeguarding the local interests
- Acknowledging the importance of involving local communities in mining as well as protecting the local interest, the Lok Sabha in 2015 amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 and introduced provisions to set up the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).
- The DMF is a non-profit statutory trust set up in every district of the country which is affected by mining-related operations.
- DMF is mandated to work for the interest and benefit of persons, and areas affected by mining-related operations.
- Officials of the State government in J&K have announced that plans are underway for involving local communities who will be prioritised for jobs in exploration and mine development.
- However, critics still believe that providing employment opportunities in the mining sector may not fully negate the consequences of mining on local agriculture, animal husbandry, and tourism sectors.
Read about – Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015
Nut graf: The domestic exploration and extraction of lithium are of extreme geostrategic significance. However, it is equally important to ensure that the extraction of resources is done in the public interest and there are no serious environmental and social problems as the socio-environmental effects of mining can be extreme in densely populated countries such as India.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
1. Shaping a more disabled-friendly digital ecosystem
Syllabus: GS-2, Welfare schemes for the vulnerable sections of the population
Mains: Building a disabled-friendly education system.
Details:
- As per the World Health Organization, 16% of the global population is disabled.
- However, 2.21% of the disabled population in India estimated in Census 2021 appears to be a gross underestimation.
- Technology has great potential to level the playing field for the disabled. However, it can also reinforce barriers, if not designed as per their needs.
- It was found in 2020 that India has 750 million Internet/smartphone users.
- If the 16% figure is applied, it implies that there are roughly 12 crore internet/smartphone users with disabilities.
Also read: Persons with Disability
Assessment of the situation through a study:
- For an evidence-based assessment of the situation of technology and its accessibility for the disabled section, a report was prepared.
- In the study, ten widely used apps across five sectors were studied. These apps are Zomato, Swiggy, PayTM, PhonePe, Amazon, Flipkart, Uber, Ola, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
- Moreover, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines were used to evaluate the app.
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines is a set of globally recognized parameters to determine disabled-friendly attributes of an app or website.
- It was found that 4 apps were ranked “low” in accessibility and 5 apps were ranked “medium”.
- The results highlight the immediate need to work on creating a disabled-friendly infrastructure both physical and digital.
- The aim of launching this report and rating index is to start discussions on digital accessibility, product design, and the development process.
- In the second phase of this report, the research group would collaborate with service providers and help them design practices and processes for improving app accessibility and educate the stakeholders about people with disabilities.
- It will further help in changing attitudes around disability, specifically within the business community, as they will move away from a charity-based approach to a rights-based and investment outlook.
Use of Artificial Intelligence:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) can further help in automating the accessibility testing process.
- It can also help in analyzing the feedback from users with disabilities at a scale to provide insights to developers and manufacturers.
Also read: Sansad TV Perspective: Episode on 2nd Dec 2021
Nut Graf: To make digital ecosystems more disabled-friendly, it is important to incorporate the principles of accessibility and inclusive design into every digital offering. All the stakeholders like organizations, companies, civil society, the government, and the judiciary should come together in this endeavour.
2. Education, more than wealth, determines women’s marital age
Syllabus: GS-2, Issues related to women and children.
Mains: Child marriages.
Context: Assam Government is cracking down on child marriages.
Details:
- The Assam government is cracking down on child marriages. Though some activists have supported the move, others argue that the root cause of the issue which is limited access to education among women is still not addressed.
- As per the data of NFHS-5, it is found that better-educated women have more of a say on when they should get married.
- A survey was conducted in 2019-21 for finding the age of marriage of women across various wealth quintiles, and years of school education completed.
For more information on the Assam case, read here: CNA dated Feb 11, 2023: The battle against child marriage
Findings of the survey:
- The median marriage age of women who have completed over 11 years of schooling and are presently aged 25-29 and 45-49 was 23 and 22.5 respectively.
- This implies that education has long been a controlling factor in deciding a woman’s marital age.
- However, the outcomes were surprising, when the wealth of the household was considered. It was found that the median marriage age of women who belonged to the richest 20% of households and are presently aged 25-29 and 45-49 was 22.8 and 19 respectively.
- This implies that earlier even wealthier families married women at a younger age.
- Wealth has only recently gained relevance as a controlling factor in deciding a woman’s marital age.
- Moreover, the average marriage age of women from the wealthiest households was still lower than that of women who completed over 11 years of schooling.
- With respect to caste and location, it was found that the median marriage age for women belonging to SC/ST/OBC was below 20 even among younger generations, while that of non-SC/ST/OBC women was above 20.
- The difference in the median age of rural and urban women was wider among younger generations (25-29 age group).
- This means that the negotiating power of urban women has improved at a much higher pace in comparison to rural women.
- A similar analysis for men showed that:
- Education is not a major factor in pushing up the marriage age of men.
- Moreover, the median age of marriage among men was above the legal age of 21 across all backgrounds as against women, where it is below 18 (legal age in India) among all categories.
- A new trend is also observed in the past few decades that men belonging to poorer households and with fewer years of schooling are marrying at an earlier age than before.
Also read: Prohibition of Child Marriage Act
Nut Graf: It is found that education has been a major factor in determining the median marriage age of women. It is thus suggested that apart from taking strict action against incidents of child marriage, the government should take enough steps to provide adequate educational opportunities to women and increase their negotiating power in taking marriage decisions.
Category: INDIAN CONSTITUTION AND POLITY
1. Ladakh, a fragile region, needs autonomy
Syllabus: GS-2, Government policies and interventions.
Mains: Demand for the special constitutional status of Ladakh.
Context: Ladakh residents demanding special constitutional status.
Details:
- The residents of Ladakh would gather in Delhi (on 15th February 2023), as they agitate for a special constitutional status for Ladakh.
- A special constitutional status for the region would allow its residents to decide on a development approach that protects the fragile ecological and cultural heritage of Ladakh.
- Recent developments in this direction:
- Sonam Wangchuk, a renowned educationist and inventor, began a fast in the open in sub-zero temperatures on 26 January 2023.
- On 31st January 2023, a large demonstration was held in lay with over 20000 people. Almost a fortnight before this demonstration, the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (the two most powerful political and cultural organizations) rejected a committee established to examine the status issue.
- Moreover, student groups and civil society groups have ramped up their demand for constitutional safeguards.
Also read: Former Special Status of Jammu and Kashmir
Background details about Ladakh:
- Ladakh was an independent kingdom for almost 1000 years. It was later integrated into Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
- It has a cold desert ecosystem that harbours rare mammals such as the wild yak and the snow leopard apart from diverse flora.
- The economy and society of the region are mainly dependent on high-altitude pastoralism, agriculture, and trade.
Associated concerns:
- The people of Ladakh always demanded the region’s status as a Union Territory (UT). However, after it was granted in 2019, it was soon realized that the real need for a relatively free and autonomous region with substantial local employment opportunities was a distant dream.
- The Union Government in 2019 announced that Ladakh would be granted a special constitutional status. Even the Sixth Schedule status was promised to the region.
- Due to the fragile ecosystem, the region cannot bear heavy human activity. Additionally, it is already reeling under the pressure of heavy infrastructure development, intense armed forces presence, and excessive tourism. For instance,
- There is an increasing commercial interest in tourism, mining, hydropower, and other natural resources in the region.
- Big corporations are raising their investments.
- A new airport is being constructed and roadways into the unexploited Zanskar region are also being ramped up.
- A large mega-solar power project is also proposed in the ecologically fragile region of Changthang.
- Such developments have increased the risks of landslides, erosion, wildlife disturbance, etc.
- According to a study by Kalpvriksh in 2019, it was found that despite having an Autonomous Hill Development Council (AHDC) since 1995, the decision-making is mainly dominated by Srinagar and Delhi.
Way Ahead:
- Ladakh and Delhi should work together. For instance, a Hill Council decision for organic agriculture in Ladakh can be supported by the centre by asking the armed forces to purchase locally grown and made items.
- Communities should be supported in their collective rights over grasslands through the Forest Rights Act.
- Tourism in the region should consider ecological sensitivity and should be majorly run by the community.
- Initiatives like livelihoods sensitive to Ladakh’s ecology, decentralized solar energy, and sustaining the food and agricultural heritage of the region should be supported.
Also read: Part XXI of the Constitution | Article 371 | Special Provisions for States
Nut Graf: The residents of Ladakh are demanding a special constitutional status for the region so as to protect the fragile ecosystem, culture, and heritage of the region. It is suggested that the centre should grant some amount of autonomy to Ladakh, addressing the demands of local residents.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Marburg virus disease (MVD)
Syllabus: GS-3; Science and Technology; Awareness about various diseases
Prelims: About Marburg virus disease (MVD)
Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the first-ever outbreak of Marburg disease in Equatorial Guinea.
Marburg virus disease (MVD)
- Marburg is a highly infectious virulent disease that causes haemorrhagic fever.
- Marburg virus disease (MVD) was earlier known as Marburg haemorrhagic fever.
- This disease was first identified in 1967.
- Marburg virus belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola.
- Transmission: the Marburg virus can be transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces, and materials.
- Symptoms: high fever, severe headache, severe malaise, severe haemorrhagic symptoms, etc.
- Treatment: at present, there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved to treat the disease.
- However, the patients are administered symptom-specific treatment such as rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids.
Read more about – Marburg virus disease (MVD)
G. Tidbits
1. In meeting with Raisi, Xi vows ‘unswerving’ support
- The Chinese President has assured “unswerving” support to the Iranian President who has visited Beijing and both countries have committed to undertake measures to step up trade ties despite the threat of American sanctions.
- The Chinese President has said that China has always seen and developed its relations with Iran from a strategic perspective and no matter how the international and regional situation changes, China will unswervingly develop friendly cooperation with Iran.
- China is also expected to support talks for an early resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue and implementation of the 2015 nuclear deal and China has criticised the US’s withdrawal from the agreement.
- Discussion over the 25-year cooperation agreement signed in 2021 which is yet to be implemented was on the agenda.
- As per this agreement, China will consider long-term investments of up to $400 billion in various sectors of Iran’s economy such as infrastructure, oil and gas, in return for supplies of Iranian oil.
- The Chinese-run Global Times has further noted that “Iran was still under severe sanctions by the U.S. and China is the main target of U.S. strategic suppression”.
2. Govt inaugurates two Nano Urea units
- The Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers has inaugurated two IFFCO Nano Urea Liquid Plants at Aonla and Phulpur in Uttar Pradesh.
- According to the Minister, Nano Urea in the coming times will facilitate the progress of the farmers and play a key role in increasing their income thereby acting as a catalyst in changing the future of the farmers.
- Highlighting the benefits of Nano Urea, the Minister has regarded it as the best green technology as it not just saves the soil from pollution but also enhances productivity of the soil.
- Similar to Nano Urea, the Government’s Expert Committee has also provided approval to Nano DAP (Diammonium phosphate) which will be available at half the cost of DAP.
Know more about – IFFCO’s Nano Urea Liquid
3. U.S. Air Force’s B-1B Lancer lands at Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru
- The United States Air Force (USAF) has added two more aircraft to its fleet at Aero India 2023 as two supersonic heavy bombers, the B-1B Lancer landed at Bengaluru.
- B-1B Lancer, which is also called “Bone (for B-one)”, carries the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the USAF.
- B-1B Lancer is also regarded as the backbone of America’s long-range bomber force.
- Only B-1B Lancer had also participated during the last edition in 2021 and the return of the long-range, supersonic, heavy bomber to participate in Aero India 2023 underscores the importance the United States places on the growing strategic partnership with India according to the US Consulate General.
- Assistant Deputy Under Secretary (International Affairs), USAF said that B-1 offers flexible options to senior leaders and commanders and enhanced integration with our allies and partners throughout the region in recent years is a positive step towards greater interoperability.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Which of the statements are true regarding the Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana? (Level – Moderate)
- It provides vocational training to the unemployed spouses/children of railway employees.
- It does not include the provision of providing employment to the candidates.
Options:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct, Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana aims to provide entry-level training with a special focus on jobs that are relevant to the Railways through railway training institutes across the country.
- Candidates who have passed the 10th standard and are aged between 18-35 years are eligible to apply for the scheme.
- Statement 2 is correct, Participants in the scheme shall have no claim to seek employment in Railways on the basis of this training.
Q2. Which of the following Articles regarding special provisions to states are correctly matched? (Level – Moderate)
- 371 B – Arunachal Pradesh
- 371 C – Manipur
- 371 F – Sikkim
- 371 H – Goa
Options:
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 and 4 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Pair 1 is not correct, Article 371B deals with the special provision with respect to the State of Assam.
- Pair 2 is correct, Article 371C of the Constitution deals with the special provision with respect to the State of Manipur.
- Pair 3 is correct, Article 371F deals with the special provision with respect to the State of Sikkim.
- Pair 4 is not correct, Article 371H of the Constitution deals with the special provision with respect to the State of Arunachal Pradesh.
Q3. Which of the following agencies released the report “Global Sea level rise and Implications”? (Level – Easy)
- World Bank
- The World Economic Forum
- World Meteorological Organisation
- Green Peace
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- The report on “Global Sea-level Rise and Implications” was released by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
- According to the latest report, India, China, Bangladesh and the Netherlands face the highest threat of sea-level rise globally.
Q4. Which of the following statements are true regarding Geo-Heritage sites? (Level – Moderate)
- They are declared by the Archaeological Survey of India.
- The Parliament has passed the law “Geo-Heritage Sites and Geo-Relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Act” to protect such sites.
Options:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct, The Geological Survey of India (GSI) declares geo-heritage sites in India.
- The GSI has so far declared 32 geo-heritage sites which include the Siwalik Fossil Park, Himachal Pradesh; Stromatolite Fossil Park, Jharmarkotra Rock Phosphate deposit, Udaipur district, Akal Fossil Wood Park, Jaisalmer.
- Statement 2 is not correct, The Union Ministry of Mines has formulated a draft of the Geoheritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill, 2022 which aims to protect geo-heritage sites in the country.
- The draft Bill is yet to be passed in the parliament.
Q5. From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India? (Level – Difficult) [PYQ 2021]
- The Guptas of Magadha
- The Paramaras of Malwa
- The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
- The Maukharis of Kanauj
- The Yadavas of Devagiri
- The Maitrakas of Valabhi
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1, 2 and 5 only
- 1, 3, 4 and 6 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 5 and 6 only
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- The most prominent kingdoms that were holding power in Northern India from the decline of the Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana were the later Guptas of Magadha, Pushyabhutis of Thaneshwar, Maukharis of Kannauj, Maitrakas of Valabhi.
- The Paramaras of Malwa ruled the areas in west-central India between the 9th and 14th centuries.
- The Yadavas of Devagiri ruled the western part of the Deccan region between 850 A.D. to 1334 A.D.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Ladakh’s demand for constitutional autonomy is driven by its unique cultural and ecological needs. Elaborate. (250 words, 15 marks) (GS II – Polity)
- The discovery of lithium reserves in J&K presents a geo-strategic opportunity as well as a socio-environmental challenge. Discuss. (250 words, 15 marks) (GS II – Economy)
Read the previous CNA here.
CNA 15 Feb 2023:- Download PDF Here
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