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

GS Paper II — Q20

'Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos' Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International…

'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 marks

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 marks

Q20 of the 2023 UPSC Mains General Studies GS Paper II, as printed
The question as printed in the 2023 General Studies paper
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Model answer

Written by UPSC Answer Check against this question's marking rubric, to the 250-word length. UPSC does not publish answers for Mains — this is one way to score well, not an official key.

The view of the sea as an essential component of the cosmos reflects its foundational role in planetary life support—regulating global climate, sustaining marine biodiversity, and driving global commerce. As the specialized UN agency, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) plays a central role in governing this shared ecological and economic commons.

Environmental Protection IMO mitigates human impacts on marine ecosystems primarily through the MARPOL Convention, addressing pollution from oil, chemicals, sewage, and garbage. Significant milestones include the 2020 Sulphur Cap reducing fuel sulphur content to 0.5%, the Ballast Water Management Convention preventing the transfer of invasive aquatic species, and the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy targeting net-zero emissions from international shipping by or around 2050.

Maritime Safety and Security Safety frameworks are anchored by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the Search and Rescue (SAR) Convention, the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), and the Polar Code for extreme environments, reinforced by mandatory casualty investigations. Security architecture is sustained through the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, Suppression of Unlawful Acts (SUA) treaties against piracy, and Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) systems.

India’s Engagement and Challenges India, continuously re-elected to Category 'B' of the IMO Council, harmonises IMO standards with domestic policy through the Sagarmala Programme, green port initiatives, and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications.

However, enforcement gaps persist due to open registries ('flags of convenience'), resource constraints in developing nations, and emerging threats involving maritime cybersecurity and Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). Moving forward, equitable green-technology transfers and robust compliance mechanisms are vital for the IMO to sustainably preserve oceanic health.

What "Discuss" is asking you to do

Lay the issue out from more than one side — how it arose, what is claimed for it, what is held against it, and where it now stands. UPSC attaches discuss to broad topics with several live dimensions, so coverage of the dimensions earns more than the strength of your opinion.

Structure that answers it

Set the issue up → the case as it is made → the case against → the dimension both sides leave out → where the balance now lies

Where marks are lost

Listing facts with no thread between them, or arguing one side throughout and calling it a discussion.

All UPSC directive words, compared →

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Framework: GS2 - International Institutions. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive analysis of IMO's role with specific conventions and mechanisms.

Key points expected

  • Define IMO's mandate and status as UN specialized agency
  • Detail environmental conventions (MARPOL, SOLAS, London Protocol)
  • Explain mechanisms for maritime safety (SOLAS, STCW, ISM Code)
  • Address maritime security (ISPS Code, piracy, counter-terrorism)

Evaluation rubric

Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.

  1. The answer Analyze IMO's role in environmental protection and maritime safety/security. 15 marks · 250 words

    discuss— intro → 3-4 dimensions → example → balanced close

    Must cover

    • Define IMO's mandate and status as UN specialized agency
    • Detail environmental conventions (MARPOL, SOLAS, London Protocol)
    • Explain mechanisms for maritime safety (SOLAS, STCW, ISM Code)
    • Address maritime security (ISPS Code, piracy, counter-terrorism)

    Loses marks

    • Reciting IMO history without linking to current role
    • Confusing IMO with other maritime bodies (e.g., ILO, UNCTAD)
    • Failing to distinguish between safety and security

    Earns more

    • Mention IMO's role in decarbonization (2023 Strategy)
    • Reference specific incidents (e.g., Deepwater Horizon, Maersk) as context
    • Discuss challenges in enforcement and compliance
    • Mention IMO's role in capacity building for developing nations

    Extra mark

    • Cite specific IMO resolutions or recent amendments
    • Reference specific data on maritime emissions or accidents

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