1. “A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.” Examine the statement in the context of governance in India.
Introduction:
Openness, accountability, and honesty define government transparency. In a free society, transparency is government’s obligation to share information with citizens. It is at the heart of how citizens hold their public officials accountable.
Transparency is broadly accepted as a major principle of good governance (World Bank (2000) the UNDP has perceived that transparency means “sharing information and acting in an open manner” (1997).
Absence of transparency results into:
The public is only able to truly participate in the democratic process when they have information about the activities and policies of government, and when people can see what benefits and services they are entitled to and whether they are receiving what should be expected. Absence of, or inaccessibility to, information often creates a sense of disempowerment, mistrust and frustration.
Importance of transparency:
Improved governance:
Increased efficiency and effectiveness:
Transparency is also considered to be a key component of public policy and efficiency.
A weapon against corruption:
Conclusion:
Transparency is thus critical for good governance as it ensures to hold government and/or key decision-makers to account, improve public policy and efficiency and combat corruption. The International Human Rights NGO Article 19 has rightly described information as “the oxygen of democracy”.
Best answer: One_focus
Best answer: Atom
2. Financial institutions, the corporate world and civil society – all must uphold high standards of probity in their working. Only a genuine partnership between the Government and its people can bring about positive change to create a just society.
SYNOPSIS:
Probity means honesty and uprightness in working. Probity in governance is basic requirement for successful operation of governance and for socio-economic growth of country. It is defined as a risk management approach ensuring procedural integrity. It is concerned with procedures, processes and systems rather than outcomes. Financial institutions, corporate world and civil society are an integral and interdependent part of the wider society and there is a need for each one of them to exercise thorough probity in their working.
PROBITY IN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS:
For financial institutions probity is of utmost importance as they deal with public money it entails not only accountability and transparency but also a sense of responsibility, there must thorough probity in maintaining books of record, lending practices, thorough back ground checks, regulatory compliance through audit, maintaining statutory norms and timely recovery and issuance of annual reports to ensure public of their credibility.
Eg: The recent issue of rising NPAs questioned banks of their improper lending practices similarly Demonetisation banks were questioned of their fraudulent deposits and aiding black money hoarders( axis bank issue) and of money laundering in Jan dhan accounts.
PROBITY IN CORPORATE WORLD:
Probity is of prime value in corporate governance as it not only effects their profits but also the image of the country corporates must ensure independent directors on their board, follow internal democracy (Infosys issue), avoid conflict of interest (BCCI issue), clearly defined roles and responsibilities, thorough audit through independent sources (Satyam and PWC issue), annual General body meetings to keep stakeholders in their loop, ensure professionalism and strict adherence to law( companies act 2011).
PROBITY IN CIVIL SOCIETY:
Traditionally private sector and the civil society have been considered as the external to the governance mechanism. But it must ensure probity by thorough participation, choosing leadership (honest and upright individuals), tackling problems use of various platform such as RTI, bringing to the notice of the Government an honest civil society is the bedrock of a just society to prevent abuse of money, position or power
More simply put, governance is concerned with network of relationships of three actors– state, market (financial and corporate institutions) and civil society and each of which are a check on one another and also interdependent to ensure our thrust towards an egalitarian society .
BEST ANSWER: LOKMANYA
3. Ancient Indian scriptures have provided the philosophical basis of governance. Quote at least two such Indian texts along with their teachings on governance.
Introduction
Indian ethos has a very rich and old tradition which is more than 3500 years old as against the modern governance principles which are at a much more infant stage. Much of these ethos is derived from the ancient Indian scriptures like the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, Manusmriti, Arthashastra, etc. The ancient Indian ethos which has stood the test of time can help modern governance to create a more sustainable model.
Bhagavada Gita
It is a poem which depicts lessons on spirituality and ethics through a dialogue between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna who is at a great crisis of his life. The Karma Yoga, Samkhya Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and the notion of three Gunas (Sattwa, Rajas, Tamas) have very important implications in the context of ethical leadership, decision making and governance.
“Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana Ma Karma Phala Hetur Bhurma tey Sangostva Akarmani”
It means that “we have only the right to work, right on our actions but not on the consequences or fruits of that action. So we should be not be attached to either fruits of the action or inaction.
Arthashastra
The qualities a leader must possess was well laid down by Chanakya, According to Chanakya, a King (a leader) should be a “Rajarishi” which means a king (a leader) who is wise like a sage. Like a sage, a leader must have self-control having conquered his senses and at the same time should be well-educated in the various branches of knowledge. He should cultivate his intellect by associations with elders and keep his eyes open through spies. He should ensure the observance of dharma (righteousness) by the people by authority and should avoid associations with harmful persons and indulging in harmful activities.
Conclusion
Sages like Yajnavalkya or Buddha; and writings of scholars like Kautilya (Chanakya) can teach a lot on ethical and responsible leadership. These can be incorporated in the existing models to create more sustainable, ethical and responsible leadership and governance models.
Best Answer: Red fang https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/54fe90d508360b328041458efbbbf89802ad301a9aed3e4c951f5950db6ed38c.jpg
4. What importance does Germany hold for India in terms of India’s economic, strategic and security imperatives? Also discuss the role that Germany can play in the expansion of India’s renewable energy share in the total energy mix.
Best Answer: Redeemer.
5. Diplomacy is the pursuit of national interests in one’s interaction with the world. Do you agree? Is this understanding fundamentally opposed to the notion of ethics in international relations. Critically examine the issue
Introduction:
Diplomacy is a skill, activity or profession of managing international relations in tactful way, keeping one’s own country’s interest in point of view. Here the national interest is kept in mind and the dealing or interaction happens to get the maximum benefits for one’s own country.
Body:
For instance, we historically supported Palestine because for our energy requirements from Middle Eastern countries. But we are supporting Israel because of our national interests for supply of Defense equipment’s, Agricultural growth etc.
It is not against ethics in majority of cases:
For instance with same Israel relationship, the cross border terrorism is putting Jews under threat not just in Israel but they are targeted elsewhere in world. But supporting them we are supporting the rights of Jews for safe place.
We are providing asylum to Tibetan government in exile, Bangladeshi migrants, Balochistan refugees even when we are not signatories of UNHCR. We were upholder of NAM principles when world was divided between two poles where both went hand in hand.
In some cases like resending Rohingya Muslims refugees back to their country might be against ethics but keeping in National internal security in mind it can be justified as they say one’s own citizens’ interest and safety comes first.
Conclusion:
Self-interest takes over everything else, it’s the same case in diplomacy too but moral rights and ethics are to be kept in mind even while keeping national interest so that there is balance between both and not one gains more precedence than the other for safe and secure world.
Best Answer: Redeemer911
