INDIA AND WORLD PROBLEMS

Chapter 3
INDIA AND WORLD PROBLEMS
The growth of Science and Technology have brought a number of changes
in the world. It is because of this there is a change in the way of life of human
beings. However, such progress is proving to be contrary to human life. Hence,
the world is faced with the problems of Human Rights, Terrorism, Apartheid, use
of dangerous weapons, and economic inequality.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Human rights are essential for individual’s existence and development. All
individual should enjoy human rights without any distinction of race, religion, caste,
colour or sex. It is a pity that throughout history, we find that large sections of
humans are denied of these rights. The struggle to achieve them is carried by the
writers, poets, philosophers and social reformers.
In this direction, two important incidents are note worthy. The American War
of Independence in 1776 and the French Revolution of 1789. On both the occasions
it was announced that all men are equal and continue to be equal. The two great
wars during the last century strengthened the faith in democracy which believes
in human rights. The U.N.O. which was established after the Second World War
to protect peace in the world declared its faith in human rights in 1948. There are
thirty human rights. However certain important rights are explained here.
The announcement of these rights by a world body is a bold step in the field
of protection of these rights. The General Assembly of the United Nation proclaimed
on December 10, 1948 as follows: The human beings are born free and equal in
dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act
towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. The human rights are classified
in two groups. In the first group we come across right to life which is considered
as a natural right, which cannot be confiscated by anyone. In the second group
we come across freedom which means all men are born free and are equal to each
other. Hence, every one has liberty and security of person. No one shall be held
in slavery or servitude. The slave trade in all the forms is prohibited. All are equal
before law and laws are equally applicable to all - freedom of movement, freedom
of thinking, right to live as free citizens. Further, these rights assure social security,
rights to work and leisure, standard of life and education.
India became a member of UNO even before attainment of independance.
India stressed Human Rights later it was given important in our constitution. India’s
95
firm desire to follow peaceful methods in settling the disputes confirms her support
to the U.N.O. and its policies. India believes in co-existence and human dignity and
these things can be seen in the Directive Principles of state policy of the Indian
Constitution.
DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE NATIVE AFRICANS
Abraham Lincoln was the first person who condemned racial discrimination
and the practice of slavery. As no one is a slave, no one is a master was his belief.
Till recently, the Negroes were denied the basic right of vote in South Africa and
elsewhere. But African National Congress leader Nelson Mandela fought against
this and was in jail for 26 years. Even after the declaration of Human rights, the
practice was still in vogue in South Africa. India and many other countries opposed
the Apartheid in South Africa, and many nations severed their diplomatic links with
South Africa. The UNO also imposed military and economic sanctions. Finally, the
South African Government freed Mandela and the President F.W.Clark entered into
an agreement to end the Apartheid in 1993 with Mandela becoming the President
of South Africa.
Another person who fought against the discrimination against the African
Americans in the U.S.A. was Martin Luther King Jr., popularly known as Gandhi
of America.
DISARMAMENT
The growth of science has given impetus to the production of dangerous
weapons like atom bomb etc. The development of nuclear power and its use in
war is detrimental to human race. One cannot forget the damage caused by the
explosion of atom bomb in the Second World War. Increased production of nuclear,
chemical and biological weapons on mass scale and the competition among nations
in their production had brought the world to the brink of a major war. The very
existence of humanity is under threat. Such weapons can fall into the hands of
terrorists also. In this direction an agreement was reached by the nations of the
world to stem this competition in 1955 and the Disarmament Treaty was signed.
However, the world today is threatened with nuclear stock pile and the world is
aware of the nuclear danger of arms race and nuclear war. Steps should be taken
to prevent such course which may cause the total articulation of human race.
To save the world from war, a number of treaties are concluded between
America, Soviet Union and other countries of the world. Prominent among them
are given below:
1. During 1963, an agreement was concluded between U.S.A., England and
96
Soviet Russia over limited inspection of Atomic Weapons and their test.
According to this Nuclear Test Ban Treaty use of atomic weapons and their
test in space, under sea and in open environment was banned. However it
does not restrict underground test.
2. In 1967, a space treaty was signed by U.S.A. and Soviet Union. Under this
treaty no military activity is permitted in the outer space; 63 nations have
signed this treaty.
3. In 1970, Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was signed between U.S.A., England
and Russia by which helping other nation to produce nuclear weapons and
supplying nuclear weapons to others was banned. Russia and U.S.A. have
concluded a treaty to reduce the atomic weapons under their control in 2002.
It is a welcome feature that American President George Bush and Soviet
Prime Minister Putin have signed this agreement. Despite the Treaty of 1970,
India, China, France and Pakistan have acquired the knowledge to produce
the nuclear weapon. So far only 43 nations have given their consent to the
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The prominent development in this direction
is the Biological Weapon Convention of 1975 which accepted the prohibition
of production of biological weapons and stock-piling them. However, despite
all these efforts the world is not free from the fear of nuclear weapons. The
other important development in the direction of disarmament is the Treaty of
1988 between USA and Russia to destroy the Inter-Continental Ballistic
Missiles of far and medium ranges. Another development in this direction is
the treaty between N.A.T.O. and Warsaw Pact nations to reduce their armies.
This agreement was signed in 1992.
4. It is a pity that despite all such agreements the race for arms is not reduced.
India, no doubt, agrees for total ban on nuclear weapons. But it is not willing
to sign a treaty because of her own security risks. However India upholds the
principle of ‘Atom for peace’. It is for this reason a misunderstanding developed
between India and U.S.A. However, terrorist attacks all over the world has
made U.S.A. realize the Indian position in this regard. Amercia attacked Iraq
in March 2003 thinking that Iraq has possessed banned nuclear weapons.
ECONOMIC INEQUALITY
The problem of economic inequality among the nations of the world is a
serious problem that the contemporary world is facing. This problem is not limited
only to the developing nations, because even among the developed nations there
is a race for development. As America is an economically advanced nation, the
other developed nations wish to catch up with America. When this is the attitude
97
of developed nations, what can be the attitude of developing nations of Asia, Africa
and Latin America? They are struggling to achieve economic self-sufficiency
because mere political independence has no value unless it is supported by
economic independence. The matter that we have to bear in mind is that these
countries were totally backward in matters like science and technology. When they
achieved independence, their standard of living was far below when compared to
the developed nations. So they were totally backward in fields of education, health,
agriculture etc. Hence, they were dependent on other advanced countries.
Unfortunately, this led to a new form of imperialism and colonialism because the
developed nations impose various conditions while trying to help backward nations.
1. The nations who receive the help are required to purchase the readily
available products of the helping country.
2. The country receiving the aid has to provide the country helping them
with their resources like minerals and other raw materials.
3. The nations which receive help are required to keep their doors open for
investment of foreign capital from the nation extending help.
This leads to economic slavery though the nations are politically independent.
In this regard, the only way left to the developing nations is to depend on self help;
but this is not easy. In the face of such situation, globalization and open market
systems have posed serious problems to the developing nations due to import of
cheap goods from technically advanced countries and creating crisis in local
industries. It is because of these reasons the ‘Third World’ concept has emerged.
These newly independent countries can achieve expected progress through mutual
co-operation and exchange. It is this concept of mutual help that has given rise
to various regional organizations in the recent past. Some existing organizations
are also utilized. An attempt is made here in a brief manner to explain them.
COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS
The Commonwealth came into existence during 1931. The members of the
Commonwealth were earlier imperial possessions of the British Empire. They had
close relationship with Britain. Later when they became independent, they wanted
to retain their relationship. Some of the countries like Australia and Canada wanted
to continue their loyalty to the British Crown as their sovereign head of the state.
Their wish initiated this Commonwealth of Nations. However, countries like India
and others continued to be the members of Commonwealth to have mutual
relationship like members of a family to protect mutual interests like Trade, Commerce,
Education and Cultural connections.
98
Under this union it is easy to secure financial loan and sharing of technology
for the progress of such nations. Further the commonwealth promotes the sharing
and exchange of information and technology in matters of radio, television education,
sports, health and the development of scientific research etc. It is because of these
reasons relationship has developed among the nations of Commonwealth, which
serves as a good example of co-existence among the member nations.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY
The other organisation which has come into existence for regional co-operation
among the European nations is the European Community. It is an union of the
countries belonging to Western Europe which came into existence in 1957. It is
meant mostly for economic co-operation. It aimed at lifting of tariff barriers to facilitate
free flow of trade. It acts as a coordinating agency to bring about unity among the
European nations. It has attempted to create some kind of political federation also
with a common parliament. The notable achievement of this organisation is the
introduction of ‘Euro’ a new currency system in Europe. This is not a small
achievement. This has helped promotion of free trade among European nations and
is a great progressive step.
THE ASEAN
Association of South-East Asian Nations consists of nations like Singapore
and Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc., These countries after securing the political
freedom established this association during 1967 by assembling in the city of
Bangkok. Its aim was to promote political and economic relations among the nations
which were subjected to maltreatment by the U.S.A., particularly, Vietnam and
the political crises seen in nations like Indonesia, Cambodia, Loas etc. The main
aims are (1) To establish peace in South-East Asia; (2) To develop socio economic
co-operations; (3) To improve education, technology and science by imparting
training in the field of research; (4) Mutual exchange and help in matters concerning
industry and agriculture; (5) Work with co-ordination in other matters of international
forum.In the recent past, India has established her contact with the ASEAN and
Prime Minister paid a visit to these countries to strengthen our ties.
THE OAU
The Organisation for African Unity came into being in 1963. The chief objectives
of the organizations are fostering unity and solidarity among the African States,
elimination of colonialism and defending the independence of member states.
O.A.U. was started by 32 African states but at present the number is increased
to 53 in 2000.
99
SAARC
South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation comprises of India, the
Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal. The seven South
Asian countries launched this organisation during 1985 by assembling in Dhaka.
The aim of this organisation is to identify the problems in mutual relations and find
solution through co-operation in the fields of agriculture, health, rural development,
science and technology and transport.
The headquarters is located in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. The
ministers of the member states meet from time to time and take useful decisions.
The annual meeting is called once in a year. In 1986, second SAARC Conference
was held in Bangalore.
SAARC has launched a number of programmes and there is no trade barrier
among these nations as they have agreed to a treaty named South Asian Preferential
Trade Agreement (SAPTA). Fur ther, for the Economic development an organisation
by name South Asian Development (SAD) is also established. In the recent past
SAARC sports and games have been organized. To promote the social and cultural
relationship among the member of states of SAARC, an audio-visual exchange
organisation is established. But strained Indo-Pak relations have caused some setback
to the organisation.
INDIA AND ITS ROLE IN THE THIRD WORLD
After the Second World War, two blocs, one belonging to U.S.A. and the other
to Soviet Union came into existence. This was the cause for cold war. But there
are certain nations which did not belong to any group. Such underdeveloped
countries belonging to Asia, Africa and Latin America were called “Third World”
by a person belonging to Algeria by name Frantz Fanon. These nations have evolved
foreign policies of their own.
The division of the world into blocs has not undermined international relations
with the third world. To avoid war and achieve economic progress peace and coexistence,
these nation have created a new model and an economic order which
is popularly known as New International Economic Order.
India being a leader of the Non-Aligned Movement has taken the leadership
in promoting quality and economic progress. Further it has extended the necessary
technological help through Colombo Plan, SAARC etc. India is thus marching
forward to find its own place among the nations of the world.
100
EXERCISES
I. Write answers in a sentence or two:
1. Name a few important Human Rights.
2. What is meant by the Apartheid?
3. What is meant by Arms Race?
4. What is the stand taken by India in the case of Nuclear powers?
5. What is meant by ASEAN?
6. Explain SAARC. When did it come into being?
7. How are Human Rights protected under the Indian Constitution?
8. Why has not India given her consent to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty? What are
the reasons? Why
9. Explain the concept of Biological Convention.
10. What makes you think that India is wedded to non-alignment?
II Write a short note on:
1. Racial discrimination policy followed in South Africa.
2. Nelson Mandela.
3. The New Economic Order.
4. How can the regional inequalities can be removed?
5. A note on Commonwealth of Nations.
III Activities:
1. Arrange a discussion on SAARC.
2. Conduct a group discussion on Human Rights.
* * * * *