MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. By 2100, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects a one-meter rise in sea level worldwide. What effects might it have on India and the other nations surrounding the Indian Ocean?
GS III – Environmental Conservation
Introduction:
- Once considered educated conjecture, global warming and its related issues are now recognised as real issues. Since the IPCC report was issued, there has been much discussion concerning the rise in sea level globally and its effects.
Effects on the region and India:
Impact on the environment:
- Coastline Shrinkage: India’s long coastline is a major source of economic benefits. If the shores begin to sag into the water, it will be in danger.
- Degradation of Coastal Wetlands: There is a risk of degradation and perhaps extinction for wetlands that are close to the coast.
- Coral Bleaching: As the sea level rises, fresh water dilution will inevitably lead to coral bleaching.
- Displacement of Fauna: When animals and biodiversity are uprooted from their natural habitat, it leads to suffering.
- Groundwater Salination: The inflow of saltwater from the ocean contaminates the water table, lowering the amount of usable groundwater available.
Impact on the economy:
- Property and Resource: The nation will bear a heavy financial burden from damage to property and resources resulting from the increased frequency of coastal disasters.
- Loss of Livelihood: People in coastal-based professions would have less employment opportunities since they will have to migrate. There will be changes in employment trends as well.
Impact on society:
- People Displaced: Those forced to flee their homes due to the devastating effects of climate change are known as climate refugees. Every year, more and more individuals lose their homes as a result of climate change.
- Stress on Inland Location: People who are uprooted by coastal region changes will inevitably relocate inland, placing further strain on already-stressed resources.
Actions:
- Mangrove plantations are one kind of activity that can assist lessen the effects of the sea surface rising.
- The goal of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan and the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Rules is to control resource use and management in coastal areas.
Way Forward:
- International and regional cooperation are essential to addressing these issues. The Indian Ocean region’s people, ecosystems, and economy will be less negatively impacted by sea level rise if sustainable adaptation and mitigation measures are developed and put into action.
Q2. How can diplomats use emotional intelligence in the framework of international relations to promote amicable conflict resolution?
GS IV – Ethics related issues
Introduction:
- The capacity to recognise, comprehend, and regulate one’s own feelings as well as those of others in a variety of contexts is known as emotional intelligence (EI). Diplomats who frequently engage in delicate and complicated discussions, where feelings may impact the results and the relationships between the parties, may find emotional intelligence (EI) to be a useful talent.
In order to promote amicable conflict resolution, diplomats can use EI in the following ways:
- Empathy: By using empathy to comprehend the viewpoints of the other party, diplomats promote mutual respect, understanding, and trust. This strategy eliminates antagonism, increases cooperation, and exposes common ground for mutually beneficial solutions.
- For example, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, the first woman president of the UN General Assembly in 1953, championed human rights, decolonization, and international peace through empathy and social awareness.
- Self-awareness: Diplomats gain from self-awareness, enabling them to control emotions, overcome biases, and minimise conflict escalation. It aids in evaluating strengths, flaws, and pursuing development, promoting healthier relationships.
- Self-management: Diplomats benefit from self-management to control impulses, communicate emotions politely, keep composure, and adjust to changing situations, enabling successful communication and conflict avoidance.
- Social awareness: Diplomats harness social awareness to comprehend and understand emotional clues like facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. This talent enables them to anticipate and satisfy the emotional needs of the other party, preventing misunderstandings and altering their approach based on the situation’s dynamics.
- Relationship management: Diplomats employ relationship management to convince, persuade, and build durable favourable ties. It facilitates successful communication, active listening, dispute resolution, and handling criticism. Additionally, it stimulates collaboration, aiming for mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Nirupama Rao, India’s foreign secretary from 2009-2011, adeptly addressed sensitive situations like the China border conflict, US nuclear accord, and Sri Lankan civil war by good relationship management and communication abilities.
- EI enables diplomats in conflict resolution by recognising and managing emotions, creating beneficial results. It fosters relationships, promoting a culture of peace and cooperation in the international arena.
