Assignment Code: MSD-015/TMA/2023

Course Code: MSD-015

Assignment Name: Institution, Governance and Policies

Year: 2023

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Answer all the questions. All questions carry 25 marks each.

Q1) Write an essay on Rio+20.

Ans) Rio+20, also known as the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, was a global summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 2012 to discuss the future of sustainable development and address the challenges of balancing economic growth, social equality, and environmental protection. The conference marked the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro and aimed to build upon the outcomes of the previous summit and create a new, more comprehensive framework for sustainable development.

The main objectives of Rio+20 were to secure renewed political commitment to sustainable development, assess the progress made towards achieving sustainable development goals, and identify new and innovative solutions to the challenges facing the world today. The conference was attended by over 190 heads of state and government, along with thousands of representatives from civil society, business, and academia. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including climate change, energy, sustainable consumption and production, poverty eradication, and the role of technology and innovation in promoting sustainable development.

One of the key outcomes of the conference was the adoption of the "The Future We Want" outcome document, which set out a new vision for sustainable development and committed world leaders to a range of new and existing initiatives and targets to achieve this vision. The document emphasized the importance of sustainable development in the context of economic, social, and environmental challenges and acknowledged the role of sustainable development in addressing poverty, promoting economic growth, and preserving the environment. The document also emphasized the importance of working together and forming partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals, and emphasized the need for action at all levels, from local to global.

The outcome document of Rio+20 also identified a number of specific actions that could be taken to achieve sustainable development. These included: improving the efficiency of energy use, increasing the use of renewable energy sources, strengthening the implementation of sustainable development goals, and promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns. Additionally, the document called for the creation of a new, intergovernmental platform to promote sustainable development, which would be tasked with facilitating international cooperation, monitoring progress, and facilitating the exchange of best practices.

One of the most notable outcomes of the conference was the creation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. The SDGs are a set of 17 interlinked goals that aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. The goals cover a wide range of areas, including poverty, health, education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and climate action, and aim to be universal, integrated, and transformative. The SDGs are designed to be a blueprint for action for governments, civil society, and the private sector, and are seen as an important tool for promoting sustainable development in the years to come.

While the outcomes of Rio+20 were generally positive, some have criticized the conference for not going far enough to address the challenges facing the world today. Critics argue that the outcome document was too vague and did not provide enough concrete action to address the challenges of sustainable development, such as climate change, energy security, and poverty eradication. Furthermore, many argue that the conference was too focused on the role of market-based solutions and did not give enough attention to the need for government action and regulation to achieve sustainable development.

Rio+20, held in June 2012, marked 20 years since the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. Although the conference did not result in significant commitments, it was a stepping stone towards continued global efforts to address environmental and sustainable development challenges. The international community must continue to work together towards creating a sustainable future for all.

Q2) What are the major challenges of governance in present day India? Explain.

Ans) Governance in present day India faces several major challenges. One of the primary challenges is corruption. Despite efforts by the government and the judiciary to curb corruption, it remains widespread and affects various sectors of society. This has led to public distrust and disenchantment with the political class, reducing their legitimacy and hindering the ability of the government to effectively implement policies.

Another major challenge is the inadequate delivery of basic services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. This is due to the lack of adequate resources and poor implementation of policies. Moreover, the lack of access to basic services leads to inequality and poverty, which exacerbates other challenges in governance.

The issue of regional disparities is another significant challenge. The pace of development in different regions of the country varies greatly, with some regions enjoying high levels of prosperity and others being mired in poverty. This exacerbates social and economic inequalities and undermines the legitimacy of the government.

In addition to this, the problem of declining law and order is also a major challenge. The inability of the government to provide adequate security and protect citizens from crime, terrorism, and other forms of violence undermines its credibility and the legitimacy of the state.

Furthermore, the lack of effective governance at the local level remains a major challenge. Local bodies are unable to provide basic services due to a lack of resources and inadequate capacity, leading to a lack of accountability and transparency. This also results in poor public participation in decision-making processes, reducing the effectiveness of governance.

The major challenges of governance in present day India are:

1. Corruption: Corruption remains a persistent challenge in India, leading to misallocation of resources and hindering the delivery of public services.

2. Poverty: India still struggles with high levels of poverty, which exacerbates inequalities and undermines the effectiveness of government programs designed to reduce poverty.

3. Lack of infrastructure: India faces a significant lack of basic infrastructure, including roads, power, and water, which limits economic growth and hampers the delivery of public services.

4. Unemployment: High levels of unemployment and underemployment continue to be a major challenge in India, especially among the country's youth.

5. Education: Despite efforts to improve access to education, the quality of education in India remains a major concern, with many students leaving school without basic skills.

6. Healthcare: India's public healthcare system faces significant challenges, including a shortage of healthcare providers and inadequate funding, which has resulted in inadequate access to quality healthcare for many citizens.

7. Environmental degradation: India is facing significant environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity, which threaten the country's long-term sustainable development.

8. Political polarization: India's political climate has become increasingly polarized in recent years, which has made it more difficult for the government to pass reforms and address key challenges facing the country.

Overall, the challenges of governance in India are complex and interrelated. Addressing them requires comprehensive and sustained efforts by the government, the judiciary, civil society, and the media. Only by addressing these challenges and acting upon them can the government ensure good governance and the well-being of the citizens.

Q3) What is Sustainable Development Goals? Briefly explain the different goals.

Ans) The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a worldwide call to action to put an end to poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people live in peace and prosperity. These goals were established in order to achieve the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of recommendations for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all people, and in 2015, they were accepted by all of the governments that are members of the United Nations. These goals are intended to be achieved by 2030 at the latest.

The 17 SDGs are:

1. No Poverty: to end poverty in all its forms everywhere.

2. Zero Hunger: to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

3. Good Health and Well-Being: to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

4. Quality Education: to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

5. Gender Equality: to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

6. Clean Water and Sanitation: to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

7. Affordable and Clean Energy: to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

10. Reduced Inequalities: to reduce inequality within and among countries.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities: to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

12. Responsible Consumption and Production: to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

13. Climate Action: to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

14. Life Below Water: to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

15. Life on Land: to protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss.

16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

17. Partnerships for the Goals: to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

These Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for solving the most important concerns facing the world today. These concerns include, but are not limited to, issues of poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, justice, and peace. These goals were established by the United Nations in 2015. If governments, corporations, and civil society all work together to accomplish these objectives, it is possible that each of these groups will play a role in the development of a world that is more environmentally friendly, more equitable, and more prosperous for all of its residents.

Q4) Define Strategic Impact Assessment. How it is different from EIA?

Ans) Strategic Impact Assessment (SIA) is a method for evaluating the effects of a proposed policy, plan, or programme on the environment. The goal is to make sure that these effects are considered and dealt with in the same way as social and economic factors as early as possible in the decision-making process.

SEA is a newer method. In the middle to late 1980s, it became clear that EIA procedures in many countries did not require EIA to be used for policies, plans, and programmes. But it became clear that putting these plans into action could have big effects on the environment. So, at first, SEAs were used informally for these kinds of actions. Over time, there have been several attempts to make administrative rules for using SEA and then to change or add to existing EIA laws or make new ones that focus on SEA.

SIA (Strategic Impact Assessment) and EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) are two different types of impact assessments used to evaluate the potential impacts of proposed projects or activities on the environment and society.

Strategic Impact Assessment (SIA) is a systematic evaluation process that aims to assess the potential impacts of proposed projects, policies, or plans on the environment, economy, and society, in a comprehensive and integrated manner. SIA is usually applied at the pre-planning or early decision-making stage, when the proposed intervention is still flexible, and alternative options can be considered.

SIA differs from Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in several ways. While both EIA and SIA aim to assess the potential impacts of proposed interventions, SIA provides a broader perspective, beyond just environmental impacts. SIA considers the economic, social, cultural, and political aspects of a proposed intervention and its consequences, while EIA focuses primarily on the environmental impacts.

Another difference between the two is the scale of analysis. EIA is site-specific and focuses on the impacts of a particular project, while SIA covers larger geographical areas and considers the cumulative impacts of multiple projects and policies. SIA provides a comprehensive picture of the effects of proposed interventions on a region or a country, including cross-border impacts and the interplay between different sectors.

Moreover, SIA focuses on the potential strategic impacts of a proposed intervention, such as its implications for national security, regional stability, and global environmental issues. SIA considers the long-term effects of a proposed intervention and considers the possible cumulative impacts of multiple interventions. SIA also assesses the political and institutional capacities of the implementing agency to deliver the intervention, and the potential for conflicts and resistance from stakeholders.

In conclusion, Strategic Impact Assessment is a more comprehensive and integrated evaluation process than Environmental Impact Assessment, providing a broader perspective that considers the potential impacts of proposed interventions on the environment, economy, and society. SIA is used to inform decision-making at the policy level, while EIA is used to inform decision-making at the project level.

Strategic Impact Assessment (SIA) is a process used to evaluate the potential impacts of a proposed project or policy at a strategic level. It is an integrated and comprehensive evaluation of the impacts of proposed projects and policies on the environment, economy, society, and governance. SIA is different from Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in that it considers the broader impacts of a project and considers the impact of a project in a holistic manner, while EIA focuses on the specific environmental impacts of a project.

SIA is important as it helps to ensure that projects and policies align with broader sustainability goals and objectives. It allows for early identification and mitigation of potential impacts, reducing the risk of negative consequences and ensuring that projects are sustainable in the long-term. SIA helps to ensure that projects and policies are developed in an integrated and sustainable manner, contributing to sustainable development and long-term success.