Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Briefly introduce the key elements of the question: drugs, internet, and terrorism. Explain how the convergence of these three factors has become a growing threat to India’s national security. Mention the challenges India faces due to its geographic position ...
Model Answer Introduction The coordination and collaboration among India's Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) can indeed play a pivotal role in addressing the country's diverse and dynamic security challenges. India has seven CAPFs, including the NSG, ITBP, SSB, CRPF, CISF, Assam Rifles, and BSF, eRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The coordination and collaboration among India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) can indeed play a pivotal role in addressing the country’s diverse and dynamic security challenges. India has seven CAPFs, including the NSG, ITBP, SSB, CRPF, CISF, Assam Rifles, and BSF, each with distinct responsibilities. While BSF, ITBP, and SSB focus on border security, CRPF and CISF manage internal security and critical infrastructure. The integration of these forces can significantly enhance their operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Enhanced Interoperability and Efficiency
The integration of these forces under a unified command structure can improve interoperability and coordination, allowing for more synchronized operations in border and internal security. A common operational framework can help in the effective management of threats, such as insurgency or cross-border terrorism. For example, the joint operational planning between the BSF, ITBP, and SSB can streamline their functions and improve their ability to respond to security challenges quickly.
Resource Optimization and Intelligence Sharing
Jointness will allow CAPFs to optimize resources by standardizing training, administration, and procurement processes. This can lead to significant cost savings, such as creating shared logistics and repair nodes. Furthermore, improved intelligence sharing, as seen in the coordination between CRPF and BSF in Kashmir, enhances situational awareness and ensures faster responses to threats.
Adaptability to Changing Geopolitical Dynamics
Given the changing security landscape, integrating CAPFs will allow forces that primarily operate in peacetime, like the SSB, to be better prepared for wartime duties. This jointness will ensure that all forces are well-equipped to handle evolving threats.
Challenges to Overcome
Despite these benefits, challenges such as the limited commonality between forces with different roles and responsibilities, coordination issues, and the need for re-training must be addressed to achieve seamless integration.
Highlights:
- Seven CAPFs with distinct roles.
- Enhanced interoperability: Unified command structure and operational integration.
- Resource optimization: Standardized training and logistics.
- Intelligence sharing: Improved response to threats, e.g., CRPF and BSF in Kashmir.
- Adaptability: Prepares forces for wartime duties.
- Challenges: Coordination difficulties, role differences, re-training.
Model Answer 1. Narco-terrorism: Funding Terrorist Activities The convergence of narcotics trafficking and terrorism poses a significant security threat to India. Drug trafficking routes between major opium and cannabis-producing regions (such as Afghanistan and the Golden Triangle) pass through IndRead more
Model Answer
1. Narco-terrorism: Funding Terrorist Activities
The convergence of narcotics trafficking and terrorism poses a significant security threat to India. Drug trafficking routes between major opium and cannabis-producing regions (such as Afghanistan and the Golden Triangle) pass through India. Terrorist organizations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, ULFA, Naxalites, and Maoists, exploit the narcotics trade to fund their operations. This not only destabilizes the nation but also sustains terrorist activities, undermining security efforts.
2. Cyber-Terrorism and Vulnerability
With over 820 million active internet users, India faces a heightened vulnerability to cyber-attacks. Cyber-terrorism can disrupt critical infrastructure, finance terrorism, or compromise national security. India is the most targeted country in the world, facing 13.7% of global cyber-attacks, as per the “India Threat Landscape Report 2023” by Cyfirma. Terrorist groups can exploit cyber platforms for communication, coordination, and even funding their operations, making India a key target for cyber-terrorist activities.
3. The Role of Crypto-Markets in Drug Trafficking
The rise of the dark web and crypto-markets has facilitated the illicit drug trade, making it easier for drug traffickers to operate across borders without detection. According to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023, the sale of illegal drugs on these platforms has surged, providing a new means for terrorist organizations to finance their activities. The anonymity offered by crypto-markets further complicates enforcement efforts.
4. Internet as a Tool for Terrorism
The internet serves as a powerful tool for terrorist groups to spread propaganda, recruit new members, and coordinate logistics for both drug trafficking and terror activities. In Kashmir, terrorist organizations have used social media to recruit youth, particularly after the rise of Burhan Wani in 2013, significantly increasing the scope and reach of terrorist activities.
Conclusion
The integration of drug trafficking, cyber-terrorism, and the internet has compounded India’s security challenges. To counter this, a multifaceted approach involving technological advancement, global cooperation, and strict monitoring of drug routes is essential for national security.
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