[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 31 January 2024

NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same

General Studies – 1

Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.

1. Bolivar’s vision extended beyond the liberation of individual countries; he aspired to create a united and independent South America. Discuss. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: History of modern world by Jain & Mathur

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the contributions of Simon Bolivar to Latin American independence.

Directive word:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving brief description of Simon Bolivar – who is known as The Liberator.

Body:

First write about the political philosophy of Simon Bolivar and that penned two political treatises—the Cartagena Manifesto and the Letter from Jamaica.

Next write about his military achievements – encouraging the people of South America to rebel against Spanish colonial rule, leading multiple expeditionary forces against the Spaniards, liberated territories etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising that his contributions earned him the epithet – The Liberator from the Latin American people.

Introduction

Simon Bolivar lived a short but comprehensive life. History records his extraordinary versatility. He was a revolutionary who freed six countries, an intellectual who argued the problems of national liberation, a general who fought a war of unremitting violence. He inspired extremes of devotion and detestation. Bolívar was a product of the Enlightenment.

To liberal historians he was a fighter against tyranny. Marxists interpret him as the leader of a bourgeois revolution. Modern revolutionaries see him as a reformist who secured political change but left the colonial heritage of his continent virtually intact.

Body

Political treatises by Simon Bolivar

Cartegena manifesto: Prior to the document’s publication, Bolívar had been an officer in the Venezuelan army. The First Republic, however, was defeated due to a number of movements that confronted and exploited each other such as the royalists who fought for the old order, the supporters of independence who fought for creole supremacy, and the pardos, blacks, and slaves who fought for their liberation.
- The Cartagena Manifesto was written by Simón Bolívar during the Colombian and Venezuelan War of Independence, after the fall of the First Republic.
- In Cartagena Manifesto, Bolivar outlined a framework that would prevent New Granada from suffering the fate of Venezuela since the territory reproduced the prevailing pattern of colonial dissent from loyal juntas to independent governments.
Letter from Jamaica: Letter from Jamaica, written by Bolívar in 1815 while in exile in Jamaica in which he articulates his desire for Latin American unity and his vision of republican government.
- One of Bolívar’s most important pieces of writing and a landmark of Latin American political theory, the Letter from Jamaica revealed both Bolívar’s passionate commitment to independence for Spain’s Latin American colonies as well as an illiberal proclivity for oligarchical rule.

Military achievements of Bolivar

Spanish America’s independence movement started around 1810, when the first official declarations were asserted and battles were fought, the seeds for independence were planted about 20 years prior.
He envisioned independent countries brought together under a Pan-American entity.
Young Bolívar moved to Spain in 1799 after the deaths of his parents.
Bolivar returned to Europe in 1803 from Venezuela and kept company with Napoleon. Bolívar returned to Venezuela in 1807. When Napoleon named Joseph Bonaparte King of Spain and its colonies, which included Venezuela, Bolívar joined the resistance movement.
The resistance group based in Caracas gained independence in 1810, and Bolívar travelled to Britain on a diplomatic mission.
- The fight for control of Caracas, Venezuela and most of South American continued on back home.
- Finally, Bolívar returned to Venezuela and began a campaign to wrest control of that country from the Spanish.
He and his followers invaded Venezuela on May 14, 1813; this marked the beginning of his “Campana Admirable” (Admirable Campaign), which resulted in the formation of the Venezuelan Second Republic later that year.
Bolívar was hailed as El Libertador (The Liberator), though civil war soon erupted in the republic, forcing him to flee to Jamaica and seek foreign aid.
There he wrote his famous “Letter from Jamaica,” detailing his vision of a South American republic with a parliamentary setup modelled after England and a life-long president.
His idea of being a nation’s chief who could not be removed from power would be heavily critiqued by other leaders and intellectuals.
Gaining support from Haiti, Bolívar returned to his home continent and became involved in a number of military battles, eventually able to claim several territories.
1821 saw the creation of the Gran Colombia, under Bolívar’s leadership. This federation included much of what is now Venezuela, Colombia, Panama and Ecuador.
Further manoeuvres saw him named Dictator of Peru in 1824, followed by the creation of Bolivia in 1825.

Conclusion

Bolívar left his mark on history by leading independence movements in five countries in South America, despite the fact that he did not manage to create a well-established government or any type of Pan-American entity. Geography, not Bolívar, ultimately dictated the degree of cohesion between nations.

Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.

2. By the early twentieth century, European colonial powers had established control over most of Africa. The consequences of this colonial legacy continue to shape the social, political, and economic dynamics of many African countries today. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: History of modern world by Jain & Mathur

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about colonialism and pattern in which Africa was colonised and its impact.

Directive word:

Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving context.

Body:

First, write about the Colonisation of Africa – late as 1880 only 20 per cent of Africa had come under European rule. With the spread of the Industrial Revolution to other countries of Europe rivalries increased as did the search for colonies. The emerging industrial powers looked for a place in the sun. A continent of over 28 million square km was partitioned and occupied by European powers by a combination of two strategies, treaties and conquest.

Next, write about the impact of the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

Colonialism is the establishment, exploitation, maintenance, acquisition, and expansion of colonies in one territory by people from another territory. It is a set of unequal relationships between the colonial power and the colony, and often between the colonists and the indigenous population.

Body

Background

African continent was known by the name of Dark Continent till its interior areas were explored in the 19^th
Difficult terrains, non-navigable rivers and other such geographical features ensured that colonialism had a late entry in mainland Africa and was restricted for a long time to Coastal Africa.
In the 19th century, publications of the expeditions made by individual explorers raised the interest among the Europeans.
These publications included the accounts of the explorers who detailed the wealth of the Central Africa. They were able to chart the courses of important rivers like Congo. The navigability of rivers and knowledge of their course implied that the European companies and troops could now reach into the interiors and transport out the mineral wealth to the coasts for further export.

Colonization of Africa

King Leopold II of Belgium patronized the explorers and was the first to establish a colony in central Africa. In 1876, he had brought Congo under his control and managed it as his private colony (Congo was renamed as Congo Free State in 1885).
His success raised the interest of other European powers and they entered into a quest for colonies in Africa.
After colonization of Congo, the Scramble for Africa began. By 1914 whole of Africa was scrambled among Britain, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Portugal, except for Abyssinia (where the Italians were defeated by the nationalists in the 1876 Battle of Adowa), and Liberia.
There were many squabbles among the European powers for territory and trading rights in Africa.
French and British interests collided in Egypt and Sudan. Belgium opposed an agreement in 1884 signed by Britain and Portugal, demarcating their areas of influence, as it would have resulted in denial of sea access to Congo.
Finally, the overlapping claims of European colonists were resolved through negotiations in different conferences.

Berlin conference and sphere of influence

Niger river Valley was divided among the British and the French with the Lower Niger becoming a protectorate of Britain and the Upper Niger a protectorate of France.
- Niger river was made free for ships of all signatory nations.
The British agreed to French colonization of Tunis. Spain was awarded coastal area of present-day Western Sahara.
Also, the European powers promised to take steps for welfare and development of the Africans. The conference vowed to end Slavery by the Black and Islamist powers and this was to be ensured by each colonial power in their sphere of influence.
It was decided that the Congo Free State will be governed by the International Association for Exploration and Civilization of Central Africa.
- This association was setup by King Leopold II of Belgium and thus Congo was recognized as a private colony of King Leopold II (to be taken away from him by the Belgium government in 1908)
- Freedom of trade and navigation for all was guaranteed in the Congo River Valley.
Germany entered the scramble for Africa after unification of Germany in 1870. From 1882 to 1884, Germany was able to colonize South West Africa, the Cameroons and Togoland in Equatorial Africa and German East Africa.
Italy, like Germany was a late entrant. It failed to colonize Tunis because the French took control of it in 1881. It succeeded in colonizing Eritrea in North Eastern Africa. Through various treaties Italy acquired Eastern Somaliland in 1880s.
- Abyssinia (Ethiopia) lay between Eritrea and Eastern Somalia. Italy failed to colonize it and was defeated by the nationalists in 1896. I

Conclusion

Colonialism in Africa brought along with-it trading merchants, businessmen, missionaries, military and administrative officers. Many of them settled in Africa due to attractions of plentiful arable land and profits from trade. The missionaries stayed on and established Christian institutions for propagation of their religion. Thus, today we see many African countries divided into Muslim and Christian dominated regions. The European settlers were elites in Africa and they enjoyed luxuries of living, which they could not afford back home. The European settlers, like the Boers in South Africa, became wealthy and powerful in Africa. They controlled the government and denied Africans any political right. In almost every colony, the lands of Africans were taken away for cultivation and mining by settlers with Blacks working as slaves.

Topic: Government Budgeting.

4. The budget in India is not just a financial statement but a comprehensive policy document that guides the economic and social direction of the country. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India

Why the question:

To start the process, the budget division issues an annual budget circular around the last week of August or the first fortnight of September every year.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the weaknesses in the budgetary system and measures to overcome them.

Directive word:

Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by defining budget and major objectives of budgeting.

Body:

First, elaborate up on how budget provide framework of achieving annual objectives.

Next, write about the weaknesses in the budgetary system and its implementation – budget estimates, Skewed expenditure pattern, Poor planning and lack of long-term perspective etc.

Next, suggest measures to overcome the above weaknesses in order to ensure that budgetary objectives are achieved.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

A budget is a consolidated financial statement prepared by government on expected public expenditure and public revenue during a financial year. According to Article 112 of the Indian Constitution, the Union Budget of a year, also referred to as the annual financial statement, is a statement of the estimated receipts and expenditure of the government for that particular year.

The Interim Budget or the Vote on Account for 2024 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman this week on February 1, 2024.

Body

how budget provide framework of achieving annual objectives

Resource Allocation: Budgets outline financial resources allocated to various departments or projects, ensuring sufficient funding for achieving objectives.
Priority Setting: By assigning specific amounts to different initiatives, budgets prioritize objectives based on their importance and impact.
Cost Control: Budgets enforce cost management measures, preventing overspending and ensuring resources are used efficiently.
Performance Evaluation: Budgets serve as benchmarks for assessing performance against planned objectives, facilitating adjustments if necessary.
Strategic Alignment: Budgets align financial plans with strategic goals, ensuring that resources are directed towards activities that contribute to overall objectives.
Decision Making: Budgets provide a basis for decision-making, guiding leaders on where to allocate resources to maximize outcomes.
Flexibility: Budgets allow for adjustments throughout the year, accommodating changes in priorities or unforeseen circumstances while still working towards annual objectives.
Communication Tool: Budgets communicate organizational priorities and expectations, ensuring alignment across teams towards common objectives.

Weaknesses in budgetary system

Unrealistic budget estimates: The amounts budgeted are often not realistic. Weakness in preparing proper estimates leads to frequent revisions and supplementary budgets.
- On the other hand, there are major unspent provisions at the end of the year leading to march rush.
Delay in implementation of projects: Resources are being spread thinly with only token provisions in some cases, often leading to inordinate delays in execution of projects.
Skewed expenditure pattern: The expenditure pattern is skewed, with a major portion getting spent in the last quarter of the financial year, especially in the last month.
Inadequate adherence to the multi-year perspective and missing ‘line of sight’ between plan and budget: Though the Five-year Plan provides the basis for multi-year perspective, often ad hoc deviations from it distort the long-term plan objectives.
- The Plan schemes get dispersed into line-items in the budget estimates and there is no consolidation afterwards – both in the estimates and the final accounts.
- There is need for alignment between the plan, budgets and accounts.
No correlation between expenditure and actual implementation: The expenditure figures do not reflect actual expenditure made towards receipt of goods and services.
Mis-stating of financial position: Parking of funds by implementing agencies, outside the government accounts portrays an incorrect picture of the financial position of government. This also means that the Government’s financial position is not known with reasonable accuracy at any given point of time.
Ad hoc project announcements: Indiscriminate announcement of projects/schemes not included in the plan/budget is regularly made, often without proper consideration and detailing.

Measure needed

Realistic assumptions: The assumptions made while formulating estimates must be realistic. At the end of each year the reasons for the gap between the ‘estimates’ and ‘actuals’ must be ascertained and efforts made to minimize them.
- These assumptions should also be subject to audit.
The method of formulation of the annual budget by getting details from different organizations/units/ agencies and fitting them into a predetermined aggregate amount leads to unrealistic budget estimates. This method should be given up along with the method of budgeting on the basis of ‘analysis of trends’.
- This should be replaced by a ‘top-down’ method by indicating aggregate limits to expenditure to each organization/agency.
Projects and schemes should be included in the budget only after detailed consideration. The norms for formulating the budget should be strictly adhered to in order to avoid making token provisions and spreading resources thinly over a large number of projects/schemes.
No adhoc announcements: The practice of announcing projects and schemes on an ad-hoc basis in budgets and on important National Days, and during visits of dignitaries, functionaries to States needs to be stopped.
- Projects/schemes which are considered absolutely essential may be considered in the annual plans or at the time of mid-term appraisal.

Conclusion

When it comes to budgeting, identifying areas of weakness helps the govt to allocate resources in a useful and sustainable manner. This is one of the most fundamental objectives behind framing a government budget. It’s important for the government to ensure that funds reach where it’s required the most. Therefore, using past data to identify sections of the society in need of economic welfare policies and implementing those policies helps the government demonstrate efficient governance and achieve economic stability in the country. A good budget is backed by evidence and data analysis.

Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security

5. Maoist insurgency continues to pose a threat in some parts of India, despite efforts to curb their activities. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

Three personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), two of them commandos of the elite jungle warfare unit CoBRA, were killed and 15 injured in an encounter with Maoists along the boundary of Sukma and Bijapur districts in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the challenges posed by Maoism and government’s counter-insurgency measures but the need for further vigil and action to successfully overcome it.

Directive word:

Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by citing stats about the trends of Maoism and Maoist violence.

Body:

First, write the about the challenges posed by Maoist insurgency to internal security of India. Write how the Naxalist movement still remains a potent threat to the internal security of India in the various ways. Cite examples and data to substantiate your points.

Next, write about various measures taken by the government to tackle Maoist violence, successes and limitations of the same.

Next, suggest various measures that are further required to tackle this issue.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward on taking a multi-pronged approach to defeat Maoism.

Introduction

The left-wing extremism or Naxal insurgency in India originated in a 1967 uprising in Naxalbari, West Bengal by the Communist Party of India (Marxist). They are the group of people who believe in the political theory derived from the teachings of the Chinese political leader Mao Zedong. The Naxals strongly believe that the solution to social and economic discrimination is to overthrow the existing political system.

Three personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), two of them commandos of the elite jungle warfare unit CoBRA, were killed and 15 injured in an encounter with Maoists along the boundary of Sukma and Bijapur districts in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh recently.

Body

Causes of left-wing extremism in India

Inequitable development: The failure of land reforms especially land redistribution after independence.
- Socio-economic inequities, unemployment, despair about the future.
- Dishonest and self-serving dominant groups.
- Political deprivation leading to hopelessness or a sense of powerlessness.
- Lack of title to public land cultivated by the landless poor.
- Governance deficit in the remote parts of Red Corridor regions.
- Lack of food security – corruption in the Public Distribution System (which are often non-functional).
- Disruption of traditional occupations and lack of alternative work opportunities.
Displacement of people: Eviction from lands traditionally used by tribals.
- Forced Displacements caused by mining, irrigation and power projects without adequate arrangements for rehabilitation. As a result, livelihoods were lost.
- Large scale land acquisition for ‘public purposes’ without appropriate compensation or rehabilitation
Discrimination against tribals: Poor implementation of laws prohibiting transfer of tribal land to non-tribals in the Fifth Schedule areas.
- Non-regularisation of traditional land rights under FRA,2006.
- Hasty rejections of land grants to tribals.

Measures and change in strategy needed to solve Maoism

Home Ministry came up with the strategy of Samadhan. It is a strategy to frame short term and long-term policies to tackle LWE. It includes: S- Smart Leadership; A- Aggressive Strategy; M- Motivation and Training; A- Actionable Intelligence; D- Dashboard Based KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and KRAs (Key Result Areas); H- Harnessing Technology; A- Action plan for each Theatre; N- No access to Financing.

In lieu of this, governments must pro-actively tackle left wing extremism.

Modernizing the police force: The scheme focuses on strengthening police infrastructure by construction of secure police stations, training centres, police housing (residential) and equipping police stations with required mobility, modern weaponry, communication equipment and forensic set-up etc.
- On the administrative side, changes include separation of investigation from law and order, specialized wings for Social and Cyber Crimes are initiated in several states.
- Various technological reforms are pushed including modernization of the control room, fast tracking Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System (CCTNS), pushing for National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) and pushing for incorporation of new technology into policing
Social Integration:State Governments havesurrender and rehabilitation policy, while the Central Government supplements the efforts of the State Governments through the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme for LWE affected States.
- Additional incentives are given for surrendering with weapons/ammunition.
- The surrenderers are also impartedvocational training with a monthly stipendfor a maximum period of 36 months.
- Skill Development: Skill Development in 34 Districts affected by Left Wing Extremism” under implementation from 2011-12 aimsto establish ITIs and Skill Development Centresin LWE affected districts.
Infrastructure Development:Road Connectivity, communication needs to be rapidly scaled up in LWE affected districts. Eg: Mobile towers being set up in remote areas.
Major counter-insugency measures in states
- Andhra Pradesh established elite force called Greyhounds to successfully crack down on naxal leaders. It also squashed mass organisation activities through civilian “vigilante” groups that had been encourged through the surrender and rehabilitation package.
- West Bengal government implemented confidence building measures with the people living in the Maoist infested Jangalmaha region. It created a linkage between people and the institution.
- Odishaand Chhattisgarhtrained many local tribal youths as Special Police Officersagainst Maoist insurgency.
- Biharhad set up a 400-member special task force and Special Auxiliary Police for counter insurgency operations. Currently the naxal influence has come down from 22 districts to 4.
- Maharashtracreated adistrict level force called as C-60 Commando.
SMART Policing: Smart policing paradigm promotes integration & interoperability of information & communication systems.
- Broadly, smart policing involves interventions incorporating application of evidence-based and data-driven policing practices, strategies and tactics in order to prevent and control crime.
- Recruit specialized personnel: Specialized crimes require specialized approach and personnel to deal with them. There should be core technical team to handle modern technology related crimes.
- Community policing improves interface with citizens and makes police more sensitive. E.g. (i) Janamaithri Suraksha Padhathi, Kerala (ii) Friends of Police Movement (FOP), Tamil Nadu (iii) Suraksha Setu – Safe City Surat Project
- Improve communication network: There should be sharing of information & knowledge to improve the functioning of police force.
- Better Surveillance and Monitoringwith standardisation, deployment and integration of private security surveillance system.
- It promotes pro-active policing by preventing criminal activity through enhanced police visibility and public engagement.

Need of the hour

Central and State governments, the administration and the security establishment need to recognize that the movement cannot be approached from a purely law and order point of view.
The process of improving the conditions of the poor and the tribals clearly need to be speeded up if the movement is to be effectively checked.
Winning the hearts and minds of the tribal population and other marginalised groups will lie at the core of the counter-insurgency strategy
Development of road and rail infrastructure will not only enhance economic growth and development but will also help in countering Maoist propaganda
The improved road connectivity will also have a multiplier effect on the effectiveness of the security forces in carrying out operations.
Providing incentives and alternate life support system to those surrendered

Conclusion

An ideology based on violence and annihilation is doomed to fail in a democracy which offers legitimate forums of grievance redressal. Through a holistic approach focusing on development and security related interventions, the LWE problem can be successfully tackled.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.

6. Integrity is a crucial moral virtue that is foundational to building good character. It helps us establish trust and reliability in our interactions with others, cultivates self-respect and self-esteem, and guides us to act in accordance with our values and principles. Substantiate. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about how Integrity is at the core of good character.

Directive word:

Substantiate – When you are asked to Substantiate, you must pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question using suitable case studies or/ and examples.

Introduction:

Begin by defining what is Integrity and any relevant quote is possible.

Body:

Mention how integrity boosts the moral values such as honesty, fairness, decency etc that boosts one’s moral character and contributes to an ethical system. Use examples to support the argument.

Also, write about how with having Integrity as foundational value, we can add more virtues for ethical development.

Conclusion:

Mention that it further boosts self-awareness of individuals and aids for a just society.

Introduction

“In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. And if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.” (Warren Buffet)

Integrity is having a strong set of ethical principles, being able to tell the truth no matter the consequences, admitting to a wrong even if you could get away without doing it. Integrity is about doing the right thing; it is being incorruptible, honest, and above all, doing all these things when no one is around to see it.

Body

Integrity is a four-step process: keeping in mind the aim/ purpose of one’s action or inaction and acting consistently with that choice—even when it is inconvenient or unprofitable to do so; choosing the right course of conduct in conformity with moral principles; openly declaring one’s intentions or where one stands; and results of one’s actions.

In 1964, Mandela was sentenced to 27 years in prison at Robben Island. He accepted it with dignity. He knew that overthrowing apartheid called for struggle and sacrifice, and was prepared for the long walk to freedom.

Ten thousand days in prison failed to break Mandela and he refused to compromise on his beliefs or leave the struggle midway.

Importance of Integrity

The civil servants need to be people of absolute integrity because only then they can take the civil service as a ’vocation’. It strengthens the sense of mission which a civil servant is supposed to undertake to serve the public; perform duties and fulfil obligations.
A similar doctrine of vocation was enunciated several thousand years ago by Lord Krishna in Bhagwad Gita. It has been mentioned there, that ‘’Securing” universal welfare by one’s action is the ultimate measure of a human being but more so of those who hold the public office”.
Civil servants have to set out highest standards of integrity and morality. This requires self-sacrifice a concept that rises above individualism and ‘hedonism’to create an environment of public duty among the civil servants. An exemplary civil servant is not simply one who obeys the laws and behaves within the confines of law but is also one who strives for a moral government.
Integrity requires in a civil servant toincorporate the values of honesty, sympathy empathy, compassion, fairness, self-control and duty so that she/he will be able to uphold high personal and professional standards in all circumstances.

Conclusion

Honesty is telling truth to other people, but Integrity is about being truthful to oneself.

‘Civil Service Conduct Rules’ recommends ‘absolute integrity’ for civil servants, irrespective of their department. Also, every civil servant is supposed to take all possible steps to ensure the integrity of all government servants for the time being under his control and only be honest but should also have the reputation of being so. Integrity has been considerably widened by declaring that a civil servant must keep himself within bounds of administrative decency.

Topic: ethical issues in international relations and funding;

7. If we can uphold pluralism, responsibility, and fairness, then the ethics in international relations will transform from a normative theory to a practising principle. Elaborate. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Key Demand of the question:

To explain environmental ethics and how it has become an important dimension of ethics in the twenty first century.

Directive word:

Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by describing the ethical issues in international relations.

Body:

Write about as to how ethics in international relations remain a theory as they are seldom implemented in practice. Substantiate with examples.

Next, write about how pluralism, responsibility and fairness can make a difference in transforming ethic in international relations. Link these to recent happenings across the world.

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning the need of uphold ethics in international relations.

Introduction

In today’s borderless world, there are a lot of interactions at various levels (country, professional, personal). The difference in the value systems and diversity makes Ethics in International relations imperative. Ethics provides guidance to the people in their international affairs.

Ethical questions are central to the study of international relations, as it is a field of study concerned with war and peace, trade and production, and law and rights. Yet, a persistent conventional wisdom suggests ethics are marginal to international relations.

Realism, the dominant perspective in global politics, assumes that international relations are fundamentally conflictual and guided by national self-interest rooted in power. According to this tradition, morality is not an essential consideration in governmental action. Rather, what motivates and guides diplomats are the vital interests of states. Eg: Chinese conduct in South-China Sea, Galwan valley clash, and the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine are guided by narrow self-interest rather than fairness or morality.

Body

According to Thucydides, “Strong do what they can and weak suffer what they must”. This quote summarizes the relation between states in the international context. Hans Morgenthau, a noted Realist scholar said that nations do not give heed to universal acceptance of their action or judge their moves through a moral lens. National interest reigns supreme. Like, how man is a self-centric being, even nations are inward looking. Ultimately all nations look for national interest.

Eg: USA-China Trade war was detrimental to global trade, but the two nations still retaliated economically to show their hegemonic tendencies and power.

Another example is China’s policy of aggression against its smaller neighbours like Vietnam, Philippines, Taiwan. Its claim to south china sea is refuted by all, yet China’s heft had subdued them all. Pakistan’s policy of state sponsored terrorism against India tells us that there is no morality in international relations.

The United Nations failed to intervene effectively in the Syrian war and Yemen civil war because the nations involved, especially the P5 had divergent interest. And neither of them thought from humanitarian perspective or moral perspective with respect to human rights. This shows that, nations were acting selfishly for materialist gains in middle-east.

Ensuring pluralism, responsibility and fairness

Rights and Responsibilities: The UN Peackeeping mission is based on the principle of universal peace. This is the responsibility of the Security Council and all the nations to maintain universal peace. India believes in this ideology and has been the largest cumulative troop contributing nation.
Equality: Ethics aim at “Peaceful World”, “Respect for All” & “Equality” while forming international organizations, declarations & forums. E.g.: The demand for equality in IMF & UNO shows the demand of adhering to ethics in a way.
Resolving Tensions: Ethics helps to avoid the “Ego Clash” & “Ideological Clash” between two or more nations. For instance, the disruption between India & Pakistan relations can be avoided if both take a decision based on ethics.
Solidarity: Natural disasters and refugee crisis situations require a more compassionate view of the global community. These are not isolated events and rather, the duty of every global citizen to help in the times of crisis. g.- Aid during natural disasters (Nepal earthquake)
Human rights: Adherence to human rights is vital after the Decalaration of Human Rights in the UN Charter. Eg- lack of ethics in the international relation has been the cause of wars & genocide many times in history (Rwanda and Burundi) and also like the first world war.

Conclusion

Nations view their foreign policy as zero-sum game which leads to narrow thinking and destructive consequences. Morality must play a role in every aspect of human life, including international relations. International ethic is not just an ethic of some leading country, it is not simply an ethic of a powerful country having obligations towards others, because of the power they have over others. International ethics may be elaborated as, that which enables one to participate more actively in shaping and building good international community. Human rights and their dignity can be protected only when relations between nations become ethical and moral.