Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Q7. Comment on the role of the Indian defence forces as the net
provider of regional security in the Indian Ocean region
The Indian Ocean region is strategically important due to its location
between Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. As one of the major
powers in the region, India plays a significant role in ensuring the
security and stability of the Indian Ocean region. The Indian defense
forces, comprising the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force,
have a crucial role to play in this regard.
The Indian Navy is one of the most powerful naval forces in the
region and is responsible for safeguarding India's maritime interests.
It is also actively involved in providing maritime security to other
countries in the region through joint patrols and exercises. The Indian
Navy regularly conducts patrols in the Indian Ocean to ensure the
safety of maritime trade routes, prevent piracy, and combat
terrorism.
In addition to the Navy, the Indian Army and Air Force also play
important roles in providing regional security. The Indian Army has a
significant presence in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are
strategically located near the Strait of Malacca, one of the busiest
shipping lanes in the world. The Indian Air Force also has a significant
role in ensuring the security of the Indian Ocean region, with its
strategic assets and air bases located across India.
The Indian defense forces have also been involved in several regional
security initiatives, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). These initiatives aim
to promote regional cooperation and enhance the collective security
of the Indian Ocean region.
In conclusion, the Indian defense forces have a critical role to play as
the net provider of regional security in the Indian Ocean region. With
its powerful navy, strategic army, and air force assets, India has the
capacity to ensure the security and stability of the region, promote
regional cooperation, and protect its maritime interests.
6. Current Missions:
(a) Lebanon (UNIFIL) (Since December 1998)
(b) Congo (MONUC/MONUSCO) (Since January 2005)
(c) Sudan (UNMIS/UNMISS) (Since April 2005)
(d) Golan Heights (UNDOF) (Since February 2006)
(e) India has deployed Staff Officers, Experts on Mission,
Military Observers and Independent Police Officers in UNOCI,
UNAMA, UNFICYP, UNTSO, MINURSO and UNISFA.
India's participation in UN peacekeeping missions has several
benefits. It enhances India's image as a responsible and reliable
member of the international community, promotes global peace and
security, and provides valuable training and experience to Indian
troops and personnel. India's participation in UN peacekeeping
missions also helps to strengthen its diplomatic ties with other
countries and demonstrates its commitment to multilateralism and
international cooperation.
In conclusion, India's role in UN peacekeeping forces has been
significant and vital to maintaining international peace and security.
Through its contributions of troops, commanding positions, training,
and financial support, India has played an active and important role
in promoting global peace and security.
• India held the G20 presidency in 2022, marking the first time it has
hosted the G20. During its presidency, India focused on the theme
of "People, Planet, Prosperity" and identified four key priority
areas: digitalization, sustainable development, resilient
infrastructure, and inclusive growth.
• Under India's leadership, the G20 held several meetings and
summits throughout the year, with a focus on issues such as
climate change, global economic recovery, and COVID-19 response
and vaccination efforts. India also sought to promote the interests
of developing countries within the G20, calling for increased
financial and technological support for these countries.
• India's presidency of the G20 was seen as an important
opportunity for the country to showcase its global leadership and
strengthen its role in international economic governance. It was
also seen as a recognition of India's growing economic influence
and potential as a global power.
• Overall, India's presidency of the G20 was seen as successful in
promoting a focus on sustainable and inclusive growth and
prioritizing the needs of developing countries within the group. It
also helped to strengthen India's position in the global economic
and political arena.
Q16. Explain the evolution and functions of the World Economic
Forum
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is a non-profit organization
founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab, a Swiss economist and professor.
The organization's stated mission is to "improve the state of the
world" by bringing together leaders from business, government, civil
society, academia, and other sectors to engage in dialogue and
collaboration on key global issues.
Evolution:
The WEF was originally founded as the European Management
Forum, with a focus on improving management practices in Europe.
Over time, the organization expanded its focus to include global
issues such as economic growth, environmental sustainability, and
social development.
In the 1990s, the WEF began to gain prominence as an important
platform for global leaders to discuss and address key issues facing
the world. The annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, which brings
together political and business leaders from around the world, has
become a widely recognized event and has helped to elevate the
profile of the WEF.
Functions:
The WEF serves several functions, including:
1. Providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration: The WEF
brings together leaders from different sectors and regions to
engage in dialogue and collaboration on key global issues.
2. Conducting research and analysis: The WEF conducts research
and analysis on a range of global issues, including economic
growth, environmental sustainability, and social development.
It also publishes reports and studies to inform policy and
decision-making.
3. Advocating for change: The WEF advocates for policy changes
and reforms to address global challenges, such as climate
change, inequality, and economic instability.
4. Hosting events and initiatives: The WEF hosts a range of events
and initiatives, including the annual meeting in Davos, as well as
regional summits and industry-focused initiatives.
In recent years, the WEF has also sought to increase its focus on
social and environmental issues, including gender equality, climate
change, and sustainable development.
Overall, the World Economic Forum plays an important role in
shaping global dialogue and policy on key economic, social, and
environmental issues. While its influence and effectiveness have
been subject to some criticism, it remains a widely recognized and
influential organization in the global arena.
India’s culture, heritage and its pluralism are its strengths. We have
the potential to be world leaders in not only economic terms but as a
free, vibrant and dynamic nation. India must use its soft power to
leverage and accelerate its growth. India's growing soft power is
expected to continue to play an important role in shaping the
country's relationship with the world in the years to come.
Q20. Explain the concept of Soft Power and comment on the impact
of yoga and the diaspora in enhancing India’s soft power status
Soft power refers to the ability of a country to influence others
through its cultural and social values, as opposed to military or
economic power. It is the power of attraction that a country exerts
over others through its ideas, values, and culture.