06 Mar 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

CNA 06 March 2023:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. What are ‘bio-computers’ and how do they function?
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Utilising India's moment under the diplomatic sun
2. Libya’s outlook remains bleak
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. The hardships of a career in Ayurvedic Practice
F. Prelims Facts
1. United Nations High seas treaty
2. Megha-Tropiques-1 (MT1) satellite
G. Tidbits
1. ‘Regulator’s proposal on Rajasthan power lines flouts SC orders, threatens bustard’
2. Government approves launch of IFFCO’s nano DAP fertiliser
3. Sri Lanka fishermen ‘fiercely oppose’ proposal to issue licence to Indian fishermen
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

2. Libya’s outlook remains bleak

Syllabus: Effect of Policies & Politics of Developed & Developing Countries on India’s Interests

Mains: International Efforts to solve Libyan Crisis

Context: On February 28,2023, the UN special representative for Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily announced plans to create a new mechanism in support of crucial elections in the country.

Libya after Gaddafi:

  • After the death of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya experienced a period of political instability and conflict. 
  • Various factions vied for power, and a civil war erupted between the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by General Khalifa Haftar.
  • The GNA, based in the capital city of Tripoli, was formed with the support of the United Nations and the international community. It claims executive authority.
    • It was meant to be a temporary government until new elections could be held. However, the GNA struggled to establish its authority over the entire country and faced challenges from other armed groups and militias.
  • The House of Representatives (HOR) in Tobruk under General Haftar, who had previously served under Gaddafi, led the LNA in a campaign to take control of the country. Haftar’s forces controlled much of the eastern and southern parts of Libya, including the major oil fields. 
  • The growth of the Libyan economy is projected to be 17.9% this year, the highest in Africa, but despite this some estimates show that nearly a third of Libyans, especially in the south, live at, or below, the poverty line.
  • Most Libyan politicians have amassed extraordinary wealth which has resulted in the situation called “redistributive kleptocracy.”

Ongoing conflict:

  • The conflict between the GNA and the LNA continued for several years, with various countries and foreign actors supporting different sides.
  • Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members Qatar and the UAE backed rival factions in the civil conflict.
    • Qatar supported the Islamist government in Tripoli, while the UAE, backed by Egypt, backed the HOR in Tobruk.
  • To obtain a military settlement, from 2014, the UAE supported General Khalifa Haftar.
    • From April 2019, he launched a major assault on Tripoli. The UAE backed the offensive with hundreds of drone strikes, weaponry and jet fuel, and funded Sudanese and Russian mercenaries as part of his forces.
  • This was countered with the entry of Turkey. 
    • In November 2019, Turkey signed an agreement with Tripoli administration and provided it with drones, air defence systems and mercenaries from pro-Turkish militia groups in Syria. 
  • In October 2020, a ceasefire agreement was reached between the GNA and the LNA, leading to the establishment of a new interim government called the Government of National Unity (GNU). 
  • The GNU is led by interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. 
  • In February 2022, the HOR declared that the term of the incumbent prime minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah was over and appointed former Interior Minister Fathi Bashaga in his place. 
    • But Mr. Dbeibah refused to give up his position, forcing Mr. Bashaga to function from the town of Sirte. 
  • In February 2023, the UN representative for Libya announced the setting up of a “high-level steering panel to bring together relevant stakeholders who would adopt a legal framework for elections, address matters relating to code of conduct and election security, and prepare a time-bound road map for elections to be held in 2023.

Road Ahead:

  • The involvement of external actors is expected to play a critical role in Libya’s future. 
  • The UAE has recently switched its allegiance from the Tobruk administration to Mr. Dbeibah in Tripoli, leading Mr. Dbeibah to exclude Islamists from his government and offer the UAE lucrative contracts in energy, construction, and telecom.
  • Conversely, Qatar has shifted its support to Tobruk, establishing ties with Mr. Haftar and officers from previous anti-Gaddafi groups, as well as members of the HOR. 
  • Meanwhile, Qatar and Egypt have improved their relationship since October 2022, with Qatar seen as a significant player in Cairo to mitigate the Islamist challenge from Tripoli.
  • Russia, through its Wagner Group mercenaries, has entrenched itself in Libya and views the country’s oil-rich resources as an invaluable base to extend its influence in Africa.
  • Libyan politicians, aligned with various foreign groups, seem to hinder the unification of their country and the establishment of a democratic order and a more equitable distribution of national wealth which might result in re-emergence of military conflict in the country.

Nut Graf: Despite the ceasefire and the establishment of the Government of National Unity, Libya continues to face challenges, including ongoing violence, economic instability, and a lack of basic services. The international community continues to support the country’s transition to a stable and democratic government.
Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. The hardships of a career in Ayurvedic Practice

Syllabus: Issues Relating to Development & Management of Social Sector/Services-Health

Mains: Key Challenges associated with Ayurveda

Context: This article discusses hardships of a career in Ayurvedic Practice.

Introduction:

  • Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India thousands of years ago. It is based on the principles of balancing the body, mind, and spirit to achieve optimal health and wellness. 
  • While it can be a rewarding career for those who are passionate about natural health and healing, it can also present its share of challenges and hardships.
  • Despite the publicity campaigns to promote Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH), there is a trust-deficit in these systems. 

Challenges:

  • There is widespread scepticism in the public mind about the soundness of Ayurvedic theories and the fruitfulness of its practices. 
  • The Ayurveda establishment has failed to keep pace with the intellectual and scientific advances of the times as treatments are made to escape experimental scrutiny because of their supposed rootedness in such theories.
    • Thus, a major reason for the trust-deficit in Ayurveda is its diminished evidence-based quality.
  • That Ayurveda treatments are slow to heal as Ayurveda on patient benefit and not just on instant patient gratification. Sustainability of treatments requires a gradual transition from illness to wellness. 
  • An Ayurveda practitioner has to depend on himself to discover treatments and approaches that actually work. The process involves a lot of trial and error with patients and predictably leads to an erosion of the practitioner’s reputation.
  • Ayurveda can be used safely and efficiently only in about 60%-70% of primary-care illnesses. Ayurveda practitioners would necessitate complementing Ayurveda with modern medicine. 
    • However, most States prohibit the practice of modern medicine by Ayurveda graduates.
  • Ayurveda is still not widely recognized as a mainstream medical practice in many parts of the world. Additionally, the lack of standardisation in training and education can make it difficult for practitioners to be recognized and respected.
  • In many countries, Ayurvedic practice is not regulated by the government, which can lead to unscrupulous practitioners offering substandard or even dangerous treatments.
  • With the rise of natural and alternative medicine, there is an increasing number of Ayurvedic practitioners, which can lead to stiff competition in the market

Way Forward:

  • Ayurveda graduates can contribute enormously towards rejuvenation of primary care in India if trained properly. 
  • Government must promote a vigorous evidence-based appraisal of Ayurvedic theories and practices in order to sift the usable from the obsolete.
  • Government must  invest in providing high-quality education and training from reputable institutions which meet the standards set by it.
  • Practitioners must obtain the necessary licences and certifications to practise Ayurveda legally. They can Join professional organisations such as the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) to stay up-to-date on industry developments and standards.
  • The government can provide financial support and incentives to Ayurvedic businesses, including funding for research and development, and tax incentives for Ayurvedic products.
  • The government can launch public awareness campaigns to educate people about the benefits of Ayurveda and encourage them to adopt Ayurvedic practices as a part of their daily lives.
  • The government can also collaborate with other countries to promote Ayurveda globally. This can include joint research studies, training programs, and exchange programs for Ayurvedic practitioners.

Read more on National Ayush Mission

Nut Graf: Although practising Ayurveda can be a rewarding career for those passionate about natural health, it comes with its share of challenges.Lack of standardisation in training and education can make it difficult for practitioners to be recognized and respected. If trained properly, Ayurveda graduates can contribute significantly to the rejuvenation of primary care in India.

F. Prelims Facts

1. United Nations High seas treaty

Syllabus: GS-2; International Relations; Regional and global agreements involving India.

Prelims: About High Seas Treaty

Context:

The United Nations members have agreed on a unified treaty to safeguard biodiversity on the high seas for the first time.

United Nations High Seas Treaty

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Image Source: The Guardian

  • The treaty on the high seas which was under discussion for about 15 years was finally agreed upon in the U.N.-led negotiations that took place in New York.
  • The high seas treaty is a legally binding pact that aims to conserve and ensure the sustainable use of ocean biodiversity.
  • The U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) came into force in 1994 and the High Seas Treaty is an updated framework to protect marine life in the regions outside national boundary waters known as the high seas.
  • The treaty will facilitate the establishment of a new body to manage and look after the conservation of ocean life.
  • The treaty also provides a legal framework for establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) to protect against the loss of wildlife and share out the genetic resources of the high seas.
    • The High Seas Treaty places 30% of the world’s oceans in potected areas.
  • The treaty will introduce arrangements for sharing marine genetic resources like biological material from plants and animals in the ocean. 
  • The treaty further puts in place various rules for conducting environmental impact assessments for commercial activities in the oceans.

2. Megha-Tropiques-1 (MT1) satellite

Syllabus: GS-3; Science and Technology; Awareness in the field of space

Prelims: Megha-Tropiques-1 (MT1) satellite

Context:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is undertaking a controlled re-entry of the decommissioned Megha-Tropiques-1 (MT1) satellite on March 7th, 2023.

Megha-Tropiques-1 (MT1) satellite

  • The Megha-Tropiques-1 (MT1) satellite was launched in October 2011 through ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
  • The launch of MT1 Satellite was a joint satellite venture of ISRO and the French space agency.
  • The key objective of the satellite was to study tropical weather and climate conditions and provide data services to support regional and global climate models till 2021.
  • MT1 Satellite has provided key scientific data about the role of the water cycle on the tropical atmosphere, with data such as the influence of condensed water in clouds, water vapour in the atmosphere, precipitation, and evaporation.
  • The Megha-Tropiques had day, night and all-weather viewing capabilities.
  • The payload of the satellite consisted of:
    • Microwave Analysis and Detection of Rain and Atmospheric Structures (MADRAS)
    • Sounder for Probing Vertical Profiles of Humidity (SAPHIR)
    • Scanner for Radiation Budget (ScaRaB)
    • Radio Occultation Sensor for Vertical Profiling of Temperature and Humidity (ROSA)
  • In April 2022, ISRO announced the end of the mission for the MT1 satellite due to the issues with the attitude control sub-system. 
  • As per UN/IADC space debris mitigation guidelines, it is recommended that a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) object at its end-of-life should be deorbited preferably through controlled re-entry to a safe impact zone, or by bringing it to an orbit where the orbital lifetime is less than 25 years.
  • The re-entry experiment of MT1 has been undertaken as a part of the ongoing efforts as this satellite with sufficient left-over fuel offered a unique opportunity to test the relevant methodologies.

G. Tidbits

1. ‘Regulator’s proposal on Rajasthan power lines flouts SC orders, threatens bustard’

  • The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has recently come up with a proposal that only power lines below 33kV must be placed underground and the rest are to be fitted with bird-diverters.
    • This move is expected to help solar power projects in Rajasthan but hinder the conservation efforts for safeguarding the critically endangered Great Indian Bustards which is the State Bird of Rajasthan.
  • Conservationists and environmental experts have raised concerns regarding the move and say that the move could lead to the “extinction” of the bird.
    • In 2019, environmentalists approached the Supreme Court, which in 2021 ordered all the low-voltage power lines in Thar and Kutch deserts be pushed underground.
  • High-tension power lines in Rajasthan and Gujarat from solar plants lie on the flight path of the birds and this issue requires immediate attention as only about 150 Great Indian Bustards survive currently.
  • A large number of power lines from Rajasthan’s solar projects have a rating above 33kV and they are expected to pass through the priority and potential habitats of the Great Indian Bustards. 
    • Thus the court’s order would have required several existing and proposed lines to move underground, which aggravates the cost of supplying solar power.

2. Government approves launch of IFFCO’s nano DAP fertiliser

  • The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), which introduced nano liquid urea in 2021 announced that the government has approved the launch of its nano DAP (di-ammonium phosphate) fertiliser in the market.
  • The Indian Prime Minister has said that the approval of nano DAP fertiliser is an important step towards making life easier for farmers.
  • The introduction and approval of nano DAP fertiliser are also seen as a big step towards self-reliance (aatma nirbharta) in the fertiliser sector as India imports DAP and MoP (muriate of potash) in huge quantities to meet its domestic demand.
  • IFFCO is also planning to launch nano potash, nano zinc and nano copper fertilisers.

Read more about – IFFCO’s Nano Urea Liquid

3. Sri Lanka fishermen ‘fiercely oppose’ proposal to issue licence to Indian fishermen

  • The Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka had told the Parliament that licences could be possibly issued to Indian fishermen, as part of Sri Lanka’s efforts to find a solution to the fisheries conflict through “cordial” bilateral talks. 
  • However, Sri Lanka’s northern fishermen have opposed the government’s proposal to issue licences to Indian fishermen to enter Sri Lankan waters as it would be a serious setback to their 15-year-long struggle.
  • Further, the fisherman communities have also urged the Sri Lankan government to fully implement laws that ban bottom trawling and illegal fishing.
    • A Bill against bottom trawling was passed by Parliament in 2017 and legislators across parties had agreed that no permits must be issued to Indian trawlers.
  • The fisheries conflict between the fishermen of Sri Lanka and India on either side of the Palk Strait has remained a key issue in the bilateral ties between the two countries. 
    • The Tamil fishermen of Sri Lanka have protested against Indian trawlers fishing along their coastline as they believe that Indian trawlers have destroyed marine biodiversity and their livelihoods.
  • The Indian government had proposed the licensing system as a possible solution to the issue.

For more information on the issue, refer to the following article:

UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis dated 26 Feb 2022

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. How many of the statements is/are true? (Level – Difficult)
  1. India has the 4th highest renewable energy installed capacity in the world.
  2. India has committed to achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050.
  3. India updated its INDCs in 2022.
  4. The LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment) campaign was proposed by India during COP 26.

Options:

  1. 1 statement only
  2. 2 statements only
  3. 3 statements only
  4. All 4 statements
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is correct, India stands 4th globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity as per Renewables 2022 Global Status Report. 
  • Statement 2 is not correct, India during COP26 promised to cut its emissions to net zero by 2070.
  • Statement 3 is correct, India had submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2015 which India revised and updated in August 2022.
  • Statement 4 is correct, The concept of ‘Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) was introduced by the Indian Prime Minister at COP26 in Glasgow.
Q2. Which of the following countries surround the Black Sea? (Level – Difficult)
  1. Turkey
  2. Russia
  3. Armenia
  4. Georgia

Options:

  1. 1, 2 and 3
  2. 1, 2 and 4
  3. 1 and 2
  4. 3 and 4
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation:

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Q3. The term structural transformation, seen in economics, means? (Level – Moderate)
  1. Compositional shift of labour from low to high productivity areas.
  2. Shift of the industries from a raw material centric to a market centric locations.
  3. Shift from the monetary policy to the fiscal policy to control inflation.
  4. Transformation from an import dependent to a self-sufficient nation.
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation:

  • Structural transformation is defined as the transition of an economy from low productivity and labour-intensive economic activities to higher productivity and skill intensive activities.
  • The driving force behind structural transformation is the change of productivity.
Q4. Which of the statements are true? (Level – Easy)
  1. The Term “Hindu Growth Rate” was coined by C. Rangarajan.
  2. It is used to describe the growth rates of India between 1950s-80s.

Options:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is not correct, The term “Hindu rate of growth” was coined by Professor Rajkrishna.
  • Statement 2 is correct, The Hindu rate of growth is a term referring to the low annual growth rate of the economy of India before the economic reforms of 1991, which stagnated around 3.5% from 1950s to 1980s, while per capita income growth averaged around 1.3%.
Q5. With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus
Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct? (Level – Moderate)
PYQ 2017
  1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.
  2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron.
  3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only 
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only 
  4. 1, 2 and 3 
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

    • Statement 1 is correct, Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.
      • However, there is evidence of people of Indus Valley Civilization using axes, chisels, arrows, spears, knives, etc.
  • Statement 2 is not correct, Rigvedic Aryans were aware of gold, silver and copper
    • On the other hand, Indus valley civilization people were not aware of iron but they knew about gold, copper, silver, and bronze.
  • Statement 3 is correct, Generally, it has been accepted that the Indus Valley people were not aware of the horse. However, there have been studies recently which have indicated that they were aware of this animal.

Read the previous CNA here.

CNA 06 March 2023:- Download PDF Here

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