2023 · GS Paper 2 · Q20 · 15 marks
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.
In short
The IMO protects the sea through MARPOL, ballast water and net-zero rules, and makes it safe and secure through SOLAS, STCW and the ISPS Code. Its sulphur cap cut the limit in ship fuel from 3.5 to 0.5 percent in 2020.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 284 words
Pollution from ships
MARPOL 73/78 covers oil, chemicals, sewage, garbage and air, and "IMO 2020" cut fuel sulphur from 3.5 to 0.5 percent.
Decarbonisation
The 2023 GHG Strategy targets net-zero by about 2050, though the Net-Zero Framework was deferred in October 2025.
Ballast and recycling
The Ballast Water Convention (2017) curbs invasive species, and the Hong Kong Convention, in force from 2025, governs yards such as Alang.
Safety at sea
SOLAS 1974, COLREG and STCW govern ship design, navigation and seafarer training.
Security
The ISPS Code (2004) secures ships and ports, and the Djibouti Code of Conduct, which India joined as an observer in 2020, fights piracy.
Limits
Flags of convenience, the shadow "dark fleet" and Red Sea attacks since 2023 expose a body that cannot enforce its own rules.
Enforce and fund
Link flag registration to audits, strengthen the Indian Ocean MoU, and adopt the Net-Zero Framework with support for developing states.
India's role
As a Category B Council member, India can lead through SAGAR and MAHASAGAR.
This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.
Practise this question
1Get the answer sheet
Sized for this question.
2Write your answer
Timed, by hand.
3Get it marked
Your score and what to fix.
This chapter in the exam
Institutions12 questions
Asked in 10 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2025"The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance." Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard.
- 2024Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security.' Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council's Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level.
All 12 questions, sorted by sub-topic, with model answers and practice.
Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2023 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.