General Studies 2023 GS Paper II 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Discuss

Q20

'Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos' Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

'समुद्र ब्रह्मांड का एक महत्वपूर्ण घटक है' उपरोक्त कथन के आलोक में पर्यावरण रक्षण और समुद्री संरक्षण एवं सुरक्षा को बढ़ाने में आई.एम.ओ. (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय समुद्री संगठन) की भूमिका पर चर्चा करें। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर) 15

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Directive word: Discuss

This question asks you to discuss. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'discuss' requires a balanced examination of IMO's multifaceted role, not merely listing conventions. Begin with a brief interpretation of the quotation linking oceans to planetary health, then systematically examine IMO's contributions to environmental protection (MARPOL, ballast water management), maritime safety (SOLAS, SAR conventions), and security (ISPS Code), before concluding with India's engagement and future challenges.

Key points expected

Interpretation of 'Sea as component of Cosmos' linking ocean health to climate regulation, biodiversity, and sustainable development
Environmental protection: MARPOL annexes, 2020 sulphur cap, Ballast Water Management Convention, and IMO 2023 GHG strategy
Maritime safety: SOLAS, SAR Convention, GMDSS, Polar Code, and casualty investigation mechanisms
Maritime security: ISPS Code, SUA treaties, and Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system
India-specific engagement: IMO Council membership, Sagarmala alignment, and coastal regulatory zone implementation
Critical assessment of implementation gaps: flag state enforcement, developing country capacity building, and emerging challenges (cybersecurity, autonomous vessels)

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	3	Demonstrates nuanced understanding that 'discuss' requires examining multiple dimensions of IMO's work with interlinkages, not isolated listing; connects the philosophical opening to practical governance	Addresses all three domains (environment, safety, security) but treats them separately without showing how IMO integrates them; superficial treatment of the quotation	Misinterprets 'discuss' as mere description or definition; ignores one or more domains entirely; fails to engage with the quotation
Content depth & accuracy	20%	3	Precise naming of conventions with years (MARPOL 1973/78, SOLAS 1974 as amended), specific technical mechanisms (EGCS, scrubbers), and accurate description of institutional structures (MEPC, MSC)	Correctly names major conventions but with inaccurate dates or conflated provisions; vague references to 'pollution control' without specifying annexes	Significant factual errors (confusing IMO with ILO or UNCLOS bodies); outdated information; incorrect attribution of conventions
Structure & flow	20%	3	Clear thematic progression from environmental to safety to security dimensions with explicit transitions; integrated treatment showing how conventions reinforce each other; disciplined 250-word economy	Three distinct paragraphs for each domain but abrupt transitions; some repetition or uneven weightage; minor word limit deviation	Disorganised jumping between topics; no logical sequencing; severe imbalance (e.g., 150 words on environment, 20 on security); exceeds or falls significantly short of word limit
Examples / case-law / data	20%	3	Specific Indian examples: IMO Council Category B membership 2024-25, implementation of Merchant Shipping Act 1958 amendments, DGS circulars on BWM; global instances like Mauritius oil spill 2020 or Red Sea shipping crisis 2024	Generic reference to 'India is a member' without specifics; outdated examples (pre-2020); no quantitative data on shipping emissions or accident rates	No Indian examples; irrelevant examples from other UN bodies; fabricated case law or conventions
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	3	Forward-looking assessment addressing decarbonisation tensions (IMO 2023 GHG strategy vs. developing country concerns), emerging cyber risks, and India's potential leadership in Indo-Pacific maritime governance	Standard summary conclusion restating main points without critical insight; generic call for 'strengthening cooperation'	No conclusion or abrupt ending; purely descriptive closing; irrelevant ideological statements unrelated to IMO's technical mandate

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