Editor’s Pick
- In what ways can Artificial Intelligence (AI) be viewed as both a potential threat and a valuable asset in combating biological warfare? ( 200 Words)
- Explain how shell companies facilitate money laundering. Discuss the measures implemented to limit their use in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)
UPSC PYQs
Extremism
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
- Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. (250 words) [UPSC 2022].
- What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? (250 words) [UPSC 2020]
- Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE. (150 words) [UPSC 2018]
- The North-East region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region. (150 words) [UPSC 2017]
- The persisting drives of the Government for the development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements. With Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) doctrine-affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
Role of External State & Non-state Actors
Editor’s Pick
- What are the key factors that have led to the reduction of insurgency-related violence in North-East India? ( 200 Words)
- How do proxy wars waged by foreign countries against India create challenges for the country’s internal security? ( 200 Words)
- What are the risks associated with the use of commercially available technologies by non-state actors, and what global measures have been implemented to address these risks? ( 200 Words)
- Discuss the significant security challenges posed by the new and evolving tactics employed by non-state actors in Jammu and Kashmir. ( 200 Words)
UPSC PYQs
- Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also, discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (250 words) [UPSC 2021]
- Indian Government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations. (250 words) [UPSC 2019].
- The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (150 words) [UPSC 2018]
- Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat. (200 words) [UPSC 2016]
- “The diverse nature of India as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which is seen in her neighbourhood.” Discuss along with strategies to be adopted to counter this environment. (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
Role of Communication Networks
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
Cyber Security
Editor’s Pick
- What further measures can be taken to strengthen the security of India’s Critical Infrastructure, given its ongoing vulnerability to cyber threats despite the country’s significant efforts? ( 200 Words)
- Given the evolving cybersecurity challenges in India, which require continuous innovation and adaptability, explain the role of CERT-In in protecting cyberspace in India. ( 200 Words)
UPSC PYQs
- What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (250 words) [UPSC 2022]
- Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyze the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also, discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. (150 words) [UPSC 2021]
- Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace. (150 words) [UPSC 2020]
- What is CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India. (150 words) [UPSC 2019]
- Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it. (150 words) [UPSC 2017]
- Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Force” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
Money-Laundering
Editor’s Pick
- How has India performed in implementing the recommendations from the most recent Financial Action Task Force (FATF) assessment regarding money laundering and terror financing? ( 200 Words)
- Evaluate how the growing complexity of financial transactions and the misuse of technology by criminals are rendering traditional anti-money laundering (AML) strategies insufficient. ( 200 Words)
- Explain the harmful effects of money laundering on India’s economy and national security. Also, discuss the challenges encountered in combating this issue. ( 200 Words)
UPSC PYQs
Border Management
Editor’s Pick
- What insights can India gain about border management from the recent Hamas attack on Israel? ( 200 Words)
- How can India enhance its defense against hostile cross-border drones in light of the rising drone sightings along its borders? ( 200 Words)
- What makes controlling drug trafficking in India challenging, and what multi-faceted strategy can be implemented to address this issue effectively? ( 200 Words)
- How can the development of infrastructure in border areas serve as a catalyst for both enhanced border security and regional development? ( 200 Words)
- Analyze the impact of illegal migration on India’s internal security and discuss the measures in place to address the security challenges it poses. ( 200 Words)
- How does the vulnerability of India’s coasts to illegal activities pose threats to national security, and what is the current security system in place to address these threats?
UPSC PYQs
- What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organizational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security. (150 words)[UPSC 2022]
- For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals. (150 words) [UPSC 2020]
- Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (250 words) [UPSC 2020]
- Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges.(250 words) [UPSC 2019]
- Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management. (200 words) [UPSC 2016]
- International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above their territory. What do you understand by ‘airspace? What are the implications of these laws on the space above this airspace? Discuss the challenges which this poses and suggest ways to contain the threat. (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
- How does illegal transborder migration pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bringing out the factors which give impetus to such migration. (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
- In 2012, the longitudinal marking for high-risk areas for piracy was moved from 65 degrees east to 78 degrees east in the Arabian Sea by the International Maritime Organization. What impact does this have on India’s maritime security concerns? (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
- China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic corridor. What threat does this pose for India’s security? Critically examine. (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
Organized Crime with Terrorism
Editor’s Pick
- What is the significance of the Delhi Declaration, adopted at the 2022 special meeting of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), in addressing the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist activities?( 200 Words)
- Analyze the relationship between transnational organized crime groups and terrorist organizations, providing two examples to illustrate your answer. ( 200 Words)
- How has the connection between drugs, the internet, and terrorism become a growing threat to India?
UPSC PYQs
- Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir. (150 words)[UPSC 2023]
- The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat. (150 words)[UPSC 2023]
- Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and the efforts being made to curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the ‘No Money for Terror (NMFT)’ Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022. (250 words) [UPSC 2023]
- Discuss the types of organized crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organized crime that exist at the national and transnational levels. (150 words)[UPSC 2022]
- The banning of ‘Jamaat-e-Islami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize influence of OGWs. (150 words) [UPSC 2019]
- India’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same? (250 words) [UPSC 2018]
- The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding? (250 words) [UPSC 2017]
- “Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyze the above statement. (200 words) [UPSC 2016]
- Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous for the internal security of our country?(200 words) [UPSC 2015]
- Analyze the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages, and obnoxious nexus. Also suggests measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism. (250 words) [UPSC 2021]
Security Forces & Agencies
Editor’s Pick
- How has the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) evolved in scale and capabilities to become a versatile security force over the years? ( 200 Words)
- What role does the National Investigation Agency (NIA) play in ensuring India’s security? ( 200 Words)
- What role does the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) play in ensuring India’s maritime security? ( 200 Words)
- What is meant by ‘grey zone warfare,’ and what strategies can India adopt to counter and mitigate its impact? ( 200 Words)
- Can the coordination and collaboration among the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) help address the significant security challenges faced in different regions of India?
UPSC PYQs
- What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats. (250 words) [UPSC 2023]
- The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions. (200 words) [UPSC 2016]
- Human rights activists constantly highlight the view that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human rights abuses by the security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by the Apex Court. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]