MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
What is your opinion about this statement that India benefits from the growth and fortification of NATO as well as a more robust US-European strategic agreement? Provide arguments and examples to back up your response.
GS II – International issues
Introduction:
- Although the idea of a multipolar world appears to be widely accepted, NATO and the European Union continue to be the major international power centres. While India hopes to rise to prominence in the years to come, it will also gain from a closer alliance between the US and Europe and NATO.
Why it is effective for India:
- China Issue: India should establish strategic alliances with NATO and the EU as they appear to agree on the need to address Chinese aggression.
- Economic Returns: These nations control a colossal portion of the global GDP. In addition to the trading links with these nations, India will gain from the political and economic stability resulting from their collaboration.
- Democratic Values: When compared to India’s two adversarial neighbours, these groups’ shared democratic ideologies are in line with India’s interests.
- Defence Capabilities: India stands to gain technological know-how, sophisticated military training, and strategic collaboration from increased interaction with the western military.
- Combating Terrorism: As a nation that has experienced terrorist attacks in the past, India would be extremely grateful for any efforts made to eradicate or at the very least reduce terrorism. This would be an unintended benefit of the strategic alliance between the US and Europe.
Few difficulties:
- Relations between India and Russia: Maintaining a tight relationship with Western nations would need to be done without hurting India’s long-term alliance with Russia. The USA and Russia’s balancing is an Indian diplomat’s challenge.
- Enhanced Competition: In industries like IT and pharmaceuticals, which India is attempting to expand, a closer partnership between the US and the EU would imply more competition.
- In summary
- If it can overcome the obstacles, India would ultimately gain a great deal from a stronger NATO and a stronger US-European strategic cooperation.
Q2. The sea is a vital part of the cosmos. In light of this, talk about the IMO’s (International Maritime Organisation) role in environmental protection and improving maritime security and safety.
GS III – Environmental Conservation
Introduction:
- Given their vast biodiversity and the abundance of resources they offer for transportation, seas are vital to both the environment and humankind. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), a specialised agency of the United Nations, strives to reduce ship pollution and enhance the safety and security of international shipping.
Preservation of the environment:
- Ballast Water Management Convention: The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) established and standardised rules for the handling, purification, and release of ballast water, which is stored in ship tanks for stability.
- The MARPOL Convention is an international agreement designed to stop pollution from ships, including chemical and oil spills.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Ships are subject to strict sulphur and nitrogen oxide emission limitations. These contribute to lessening pollution, particularly in coastal regions.
- EEXI and CII: In an effort to lower the environmental cost of the shipping industry, the IMO adopted the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).
Security and safety in the maritime environment:
- ISPS Code: Ship and port facility security procedures are outlined in the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
- The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, or SOLAS, makes sure that a ship’s design, machinery, and operation all comply with its regulations.
- Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW): Seafarers are required to complete standard training and certification programmes in order to attain a minimum level of competency.
- Search and Rescue (SAR): The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) SAR Plan guarantees the availability of SAR services worldwide, saving lives and enhancing the general safety of maritime navigation.
The International marine Organisation (IMO), which operates under the auspices of numerous conventions and exercises numerous laws, is a key player in promoting marine safety and security and environmental protection.
