Prelims – 8th Nov 23

Poly Metallic Nodules:

• Geologically speaking, nodules are defined as round or spherical concretions of rock. In marine geology, more specifically, the term usually refers to manganese nodules or polymetallic nodules.
• Polymetallic nodules are small potato-like rounded accretions largely porous nodules found in abundance carpeting the sea floor of world oceans in deep sea.
• Besides manganese and iron, they contain nickel, copper, cobalt, lead etc which are of economic and strategic importance.
• They can occur at any depth, but the highest concentrations have been found between 4,000 and 6,000m.

Citizen participation

Citizen Participation refers to citizens acting individually and directly in political decisions and policies that affect their lives, rather than through elected representatives. It is necessary for a healthy democracy as it ensures

• improved governance,
• better dialogue between communities,
• improved quality of services through public awareness,
• and capacity building of the public bodies.

Citizen Participation manifests itself in the form of Social Accountability. Social accountability is an obligation and responsibility on the part of the government to be answerable to the citizens for its actions.

NATO

also called the Washington Treaty) of April, 1949, by the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union. There are currently 30 member states.

Aims and objectives:

• NATO’s essential and enduring purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military means.
• NATO promotes democratic values and enables members to consult and cooperate on defense and security-related issues to solve problems, build trust and, in the long run, prevent conflict.
• NATO strives to secure a lasting peace in Europe, based on common values of individual liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
• NATO is committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes. If diplomatic efforts fail, it has the military power to undertake crisis-management operations.