Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly define terror funding and its implications for national security in India. Mention recent developments highlighting the severity of terror financing (e.g., ED arrests in Kerala). State the purpose of the response: to outline sources of terror funding, ...
Model Annswer Introduction The recent attack on the Indian Air Force (IAF) base in Jammu using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has raised significant concerns about the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for illicit activities across borders. UAVs, or drones, are increasingly being utilizedRead more
Model Annswer
Introduction
The recent attack on the Indian Air Force (IAF) base in Jammu using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has raised significant concerns about the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for illicit activities across borders. UAVs, or drones, are increasingly being utilized to smuggle arms, ammunition, and drugs, posing a serious threat to India’s internal security and challenging national security frameworks.
Threats Posed by UAVs
- Facilitation of Terrorism: UAVs have been linked to the smuggling of arms and ammunition, particularly in border areas like Punjab. This equips militant groups, raising alarms about potential terrorist activities within India.
- Drug Trafficking: Instances of drones being intercepted while carrying narcotics across the India-Pakistan border have surfaced, exacerbating drug abuse issues, especially in Punjab.
- Surveillance and Espionage: UAV sightings in Jammu and Kashmir indicate their use for intelligence gathering on military movements, posing significant espionage risks.
- Safety Hazards: Drones pose risks to civilian aircraft, such as the 2017 incident at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, where a drone flew dangerously close to a commercial flight.
- Economic Implications: The illicit transport of counterfeit goods and drugs undermines local economies and public health, impacting communities along border areas.
- Psychosocial Impact: The presence of UAVs near conflict zones increases anxiety among local populations, contributing to a climate of fear regarding potential attacks.
Measures Taken to Tackle This Threat
- Anti-Drone Technologies: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing technologies to jam or disable rogue UAVs, deployed during the 2020 Republic Day celebrations in Delhi.
- Intelligence Sharing: India collaborates with international agencies like Interpol and the U.S. for monitoring UAV threats, enhancing proactive measures.
- Legal Framework: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has established guidelines for UAV operations, with strict penalties for violations to ensure compliance.
- Research and Development: Investments in “soft kill” technologies aim to disable UAVs without causing collateral damage, forming part of a broader initiative to develop indigenous countermeasures.
- Training and Capacity Building: Special military units, including the National Security Guard (NSG) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), receive training to counter UAV threats effectively.
- Collaboration with Tech Companies: Partnerships with companies like Tata and Reliance focus on developing geo-fencing technologies to restrict UAV access to sensitive areas.
- Community Engagement: Local communities, especially in Punjab, are encouraged to report suspicious UAV activities, creating a grassroots security network.
Conclusion
The illicit use of UAVs by adversaries presents a complex threat to India’s internal security. A multi-faceted approach, combining technology, intelligence, legal frameworks, and community engagement, is essential. By implementing these measures, India can effectively address the challenges posed by UAVs while promoting their responsible use.
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Model Answer Introduction Terror funding in India poses a significant threat to national security, involving both domestic and foreign sources that support terrorist activities through various channels such as hawala, NGOs, and counterfeit currency. Recent actions by the Enforcement Directorate (ED)Read more
Model Answer
Introduction
Terror funding in India poses a significant threat to national security, involving both domestic and foreign sources that support terrorist activities through various channels such as hawala, NGOs, and counterfeit currency. Recent actions by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have highlighted the severity of this issue, with arrests made in Kerala for hawala dealings worth ₹300 crore linked to terror financing. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered 105 cases related to terror funding, resulting in 796 arrests and 100 convictions [1].
Major Sources of Terror Funding in India
Efforts to Curtail These Sources
India has implemented several measures to combat terror financing:
No Money for Terror (NMFT) Conference
The ‘No Money for Terror (NMFT)’ Conference, hosted by India in November 2022, aimed to foster global collaboration against terror financing. Key objectives included:
Conclusion
Combating terror financing is a global imperative. Initiatives like the NMFT Conference represent significant steps toward pooling resources and knowledge to disrupt the financial lifelines of terrorist organizations, ultimately enhancing national and international security.
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