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APPROACH – ANSWER: G. S. MAINS MOCK TEST - 1832 (2022)

1. Highlighting the vulnerability of India's critical infrastructure to cyber attacks, discuss the
various steps taken by the government to boost cyber security. (150 words) 10
Approach:
• Briefly write about India’s critical infrastructure.
• Highlight the vulnerability of India’s critical infrastructure to cyber attacks.
• Mention the steps taken by the government to boost cyber security in India.
• Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
Critical infrastructure (CI) refers to those essential physical and information technology facilities,
networks, services and assets, which, if disrupted or destroyed, would have a serious impact on the
health, safety, security, economic or social well-being or the effective functioning of government and
the country.
Critical infrastructure in India remains vulnerable to cyber attacks due to the following
factors:
• Import dependence: Use of imported electronic devices from cell phones to equipment used in
power sector, defence, banking, communication etc. puts India in a vulnerable position to cyber
attacks.
• Poor human resources: India lacks infrastructure and trained staff to deal with the rising
incidents of cybercrime.
• Lack of inter-agency coordination: There is a lack of coordination among various agencies
working for cyber security. Further, the private sector, despite being a major stakeholder in
cyberspace, has not been involved proactively for the security of the same.
• Poor penetration: There is a lack of adoption of new technology. For example, banking
infrastructure is not robust to cope with rising digital crime, which results in data theft related
to credit cards and other online frauds.
• Inherent design issues: Critical infrastructure is deeply interconnected and complex by design
and geographically dispersed. These infrastructures are especially vulnerable to attacks, as
dedicated weapons systems or armies are not required to disable these systems. Any delays or
disruptions in the functioning of these systems can have a rippling effect across multiple
infrastructures, resulting in political, economic, social or national instability.
In this regard, the government has taken the following steps to boost cyber security:
• Information Technology Act, 2000: It provides a legal framework for transactions carried out
by means of electronic data interchange and other means of electronic communication.
• Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in): It has been established to enhance
India’s Communications and Information Infrastructure security through proactive action and
effective collaboration. CERT-fin has also been launched exclusively for the financial sector.
• National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC): The centre aims
to battle cyber security threats in strategic areas such as air control, nuclear and space.
• National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC): It is being set up to scan internet traffic coming
into the country and provide real time situational awareness and alert various security agencies.
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 • Indian Cyber-Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and Cyber Warrior Police force have been
established under the Ministry of Home Affairs to tackle internet crimes such as cyber threats,
child pornography and online stalking.
• Controller of Certifying Authorities: It is established under IT Act to license and regulate the
working of Certifying Authorities. The Certifying Authorities (CAs) issue digital signature
certificates for electronic authentication of users.
• Digital Army Programme: It is a dedicated cloud to digitize and automate processes,
procedures and services for the Indian Army, launched as a part of Digital India. It is similar to
Meghraj, the national cloud initiative.
Looking at the criticality of securing its critical infrastructure, India needs to develop a credible
cyber security framework which will provide capability of cyber deterrence.

2. Discuss the role that space technology can play in strengthening India's border security.
(150 words) 10
Approach:
• Briefly give the context in the introduction.
• Mention the role that space technology can play in strengthening India’s border security.
• Discuss a few challenges also which need to be overcome in this context.
• Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
In 2019, the Union government created a task force for identifying areas for use of space
technology in improving border management. The task force consulted all stakeholders
including BGFs (Border Guarding Forces), ISRO, National Security Council Secretariat and Ministry
of Defense. It identified five areas where the technology can be put to use i.e., for island
development and security, border surveillance, communication and navigation, GIS and operations
planning system and border infrastructure monitoring.
Induction of space technology in border management can play a crucial role in the following
ways:
• Complementing the existing system: At present, border guarding is almost fully dependent on
human surveillance. This makes border management a time-consuming and complex task. Space
technology will help reduce human effort in surveillance.
• Checking infiltration: It can be of help to detect infiltration via land, underwater, air and
tunnels by deploying close circuit television cameras, thermal imagers, night vision devices etc.
In this regard, the active deployment of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned
Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs will improve India’s
surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
• Real-time monitoring: Satellites will help equip forces guarding borders with real-time
information directly to their headquarters. With the borders between India and China seeing
increased activity over the last few years, enhanced surveillance will help the country devise
better strategies in the future to combat any unforeseen situation.
• Improved intelligence: Inputs and surveillance through remote sensing satellites, radar
satellites and satellites with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors which are capable of
providing day and night all-terrain and all-weather inputs will strengthen border management
in the country.
• Deployment of forces: Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-based GPS may provide
navigation facilities for operational parties in high altitude, remote and difficult borders and
Naxal areas. The Home Ministry has stated that deployment of the Central Armed Police Forces
in remote areas will be also coordinated by satellite communications.
However, there will be challenges which need to be tackled to fully realize the potential of space
technology in border management. Experts argue that the existing detection, surveillance and
communication technologies as well as physical structures are lying largely underutilized in the
border areas. The effectiveness of the technological equipments is further curtailed by the lack of
training, inadequate repair and maintenance facilities and lack of smart users.
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 The aforementioned issues can be resolved through capacity building of existing staff, enhancing
private sector participation, and knowledge exchange and experience sharing with international
experts. One of the main aspects of national sovereignty is the safety and security of state borders. If
the borders are safe and stable, only then can the country enjoy socio-economic prosperity.

3. Discuss the challenges associated with inclusion of women in armed forces, particularly in
combat roles in India. How can these challenges be addressed? (150 words) 10
Approach:
• Give an overview of the participation of women in the armed forces.
• Discuss the challenges associated with their inclusion in India, especially in combat roles.
• Highlight the measures that can be taken in this regard.
• Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
In the 1.4-million-strong Indian Army, women constituted a minuscule 0.56%, while the
corresponding figure was about 1.08% in the Air Force and 6.5% in the Navy in 2021. At present, all
wings of the Indian armed forces allow women in combat roles (junior ranks) and combat
supervisory roles (officers), except Indian Army (support roles only) and Special Forces of India
(trainer roles only).
While many institutions in the country have become more gender-inclusive, India has long resisted
including women in combat roles, citing the following challenges:
• Low acceptance of women in leadership roles among male soldiers: The government has
cited the reasons that most of the soldiers in the Indian army come from rural backgrounds and
have patriarchal and orthodox mindsets. Therefore, they are not used to taking
orders/commands from women.
• Vulnerability of women soldiers to sexual harassment:
o In Western militaries where women constitute about 10-20% of the armed forces, sexual
assault and harassment have been observed as a major issue.
o Though both men and women are vulnerable to sexual and physical assaults, capture of a
woman soldier by enemies may leave the armed forces in a compromising situation.
• Physical limitations: The courses designed for armed personnel during training are mostly
centered around men, and women have to keep up with training modules that are not designed
around their physiology.
• Lack of infrastructure: Soldiers’ quarters often lack basic infrastructure facilities, especially in
tough terrains. Non-availability of separate sleeping arrangements and toilets for women would
be an additional problem.
• Challenges of confinement, motherhood and childcare: Men far outnumber women in the
army. Hence, women soldiers often feel isolated. Also, prolonged separation from family and
children may affect women.
o Further, it is perceived that certain situations such as pregnancy can affect the deployability
of a unit when the unit has a disproportionate number of women.
These challenges can be addressed by taking the following measures:
• Fitness criteria: As per the Supreme Court’s verdict, women should be tested in fitness criteria
in combat roles at par with men and those who qualify must not be deprived of any role. Thus,
women as a class must not be excluded in combat roles.
• Infrastructure: The government should create both administrative and social infrastructure for
smooth induction of women in the armed forces.
• Code of conduct: The framework for the induction of women in the armed forces should be
incorporated into a policy. As for the concern of preserving the female officers’ modesty and
dignity, there should be elaborate codes of conduct to ensure that no adverse incident occurs.
• Change in mindset: Military training is about fundamentally reshaping norms and attitudes
that soldiers bring from their social backgrounds. They should be trained accordingly to follow
orders and trust the decisions of their women commanders and soldiers.
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 • Equal opportunity: The armed forces’ roles must be made more broad-based. Women should
be given equal opportunities and benefits as their male colleagues, including ranks, promotions
and pensions, and should be allowed to serve longer tenures without any gender discrimination.
As weapons and war strategies are getting more sophisticated and technologically advanced, there
is a need to exploit the large skilled women recruitment pool available and enhance their induction
in all ranks.

4. What do you understand by hybrid warfare? Discuss India's preparedness in this context.
(150 words) 10
Approach:
• Explain what you understand by hybrid warfare.
• Discuss India’s preparedness in the context of hybrid warfare.
• Conclude by suggesting a way forward.
Answer:
Hybrid warfare is a military strategy in which conventional means are employed and integrated
with unconventional methods to achieve dominance or inflict damage, to subvert or influence or
to wage war. These methods include covert operations, cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns
etc. This strategy enables adversaries to disrupt and disable an opponent’s actions without
resorting to direct military action.
India’s preparedness in the context of hybrid warfare:
• Military expenditure: India has invested heavily on operational/logistical/tactical fronts like
modernising its armed forces, border surveillance mechanisms etc. Despite India being one of
the top-five largest spenders on military, the expenditure in proportion to GDP has remained
fairly constant.
• Integrated Theatre Commands: On the recommendations of several committees like the
Kargil War Committee, Naresh Chandra Committee, Shekatkar Committee etc., certain changes
have been brought to streamline the organizational structure but there still remains work to be
done with respect to creation of Joint Theatre Commands.
• Complex cyberwarfare and defence capabilities: Despite being a large digital economy,
India’s structure of surveillance and monitoring cyber capabilities are decentred and
characterised by multiple agencies playing a role in cyber security related functions:
o India has a Central Monitoring System, administered by the Centre for Development of
Telematics (C-DOT).
o The National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) is the lead body responsible for
technical intelligence in India. The NTRO reports to the National Security Adviser and falls
under the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre, which is
deemed as the designated nodal agency (under Section 70A of the Information Technology
Act, 2000) to protect all critical information infrastructure.
o The Defence Research and Development Organisation is responsible for protecting the
information infrastructure of defence and intelligence agencies.
o The Computer Emergency Response Team–India (CERT–IN) is responsible for
protecting all noncritical information infrastructure and collecting all reports on
cyberattacks and incidents. It is also supposed to serve as the national agency for incident
response under Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
o The Defence Ministry has approved the creation of an information warfare branch for the
Indian Army. In 2019, the Indian government approved the formation of the Defence Cyber
Agency.
• Lack of a comprehensive cyberwarfare policy: India needs a clear doctrine and a
dedicated policy directive to deal with both information warfare and cyberwarfare in an
effective manner beyond the narrow sense in which the terms are mentioned in the Land
Warfare Doctrine, 2018. Also, Section 66F of the Information Technology Act, 2000, is not
adequate to deal with these threats. Even the National Cyber Security Policy (2013) does not
address the aspect of risks arising out of social media interference.
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 o Further, following the recommendations of the Committee of Experts on Data Protection,
the Personal Data Protection Bill introduced in the Lok Sabha in 2019 has still not been
passed and it remains uncertain as to how well the Data Protection Authority envisaged
by it will perform.
• Anti-satellite missile capability: In 2019, India successfully test-fired an anti-satellite missile
(Mission Shakti), thereby joining a small group of countries i.e. the US, Russia and China, to
possess such a capability.
Endeavours templated on concepts of ‘state-on-state warfare’ are likely to have limited impact
towards gearing up for future challenges of the hybrid kind. Therefore, the need of the hour is to
calibrate strategic and operational level responses by establishing international framework to
facilitate cooperation and collaboration across borders, develop institutional measures, estimate
threats, upgrade the armed forces by providing training etc.

5. Discuss the rationale behind delegating policing powers to Central Armed Police Forces
(CAPFs) in border states. Highlight the issues arising from it. (150 words) 10
Approach:
• State the recent delegation of policing powers to the CAPF in border states.
• Discuss the rationale behind the move.
• Mention the issues arising from the same.
• Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)’s notification set the jurisdiction of the Border
Security Force (BSF) at a uniform limit of 50 km in almost all the states that share borders with
Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. This will enable the BSF to search, seize and arrest to
prevent offences that fall under a variety of Acts.
Rationale behind the delegation:
• Limitation of state police: There is an external dimension to the country's security
scenario which limits the role of the state police forces and necessitates the intervention of the
Central government.
• Policing of border areas: BSF, being the only law enforcing agency present in remote border
areas in Gujarat and Rajasthan, requires that police powers delegated to it be vast in these two
states.
• Enhancing effectiveness: The extended powers enable the forces to chase and apprehend
trans-border criminals who may have managed to escape detection.
• Other reasons: These powers were considered essential in view of circumstances like the
terrain, population composition, crime pattern besides presence and effectiveness of the
police in border areas.
Issues arising from the delegation of such powers:
• Challenging federalism: It is against the federal structure as states argue that law and order is
a state subject and enhancing BSF’s jurisdiction infringes upon the powers of the state
government.
• Lack of accountability and sensitivity to locals: National accountability mechanisms, at the
level of the MHA, are inherently less accessible than the regional accountability mechanisms
offered by a state police force (for example, the ability to walk into a local police station).
• Lack of coordination with the state police: It may lead to tense situations as the concurrent
jurisdiction of two forces, controlled by two different governments may lead to turf wars,
especially if the ruling parties in the state and the Centre are different.
• Increased human rights violations: Apprehensions have been raised that increased
jurisdiction of the BSF, without adequate safeguards, might lead to arbitrary use of their powers
and result in increased human rights violations.

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 Way Forward:
• Enhancing police capacity and facilitating grounds for greater cooperation between the CAPF
and state police should be initiated jointly by the Centre and states.
• Institutional channels of federal communication, like the Inter-State Council, should be
rejuvenated for much-needed dialogue and consultation between the Centre and the states.
A country of India’s size and importance with multiple porous and sensitive international
borders in a region as volatile as South Asia needs to be cautious about its border security.

6. Discuss the factors that have helped sustain Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. What steps
has the government taken in recent times to counter LWE? (150 words) 10
Approach:
• Give a brief introduction about history of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India.
• Briefly discuss the factors which help in the sustenance of LWE.
• Enlist the measures taken by the government in this regard.
• Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
Left-wing extremism (LWE) is a form of armed insurgency against the state and is known by various
other names such as Naxalism and Maoism. In India, it originated in a 1967 uprising in Naxalbari,
West Bengal.
The breeding grounds of Naxalism are most glaring in forest areas predominantly inhabited by
tribal population who thus become the main instruments and victims of left-wing extremism.
Following are some of the factors which help in the sustenance of LWE:
• An appealing ideology and organisational strength: The ideological dedication, cadre-based
organisational set-up, and understanding of the micro socio-economic situation in the various
regions of India make the extremists plan, operate, and implement their strategies efficiently.
• Funding sources: To finance their activities, Naxalites impose illegal levies on projects in their
areas and extort vast amounts from businesses, industries, political leaders, government
officials, rich landlords, and professionals. The Naxals exercise monopolistic control over the
forest produce and government contracts in their areas of dominance.
• Continuous availability of recruits: Lack of employment opportunities for the youth lures
them towards Naxalism. Apart from economic security, it gives them a sense of empowerment
and dignity.
• Tribal discontent: This has been due to various reasons like encroachment and occupation of
government and community lands by powerful sections of society, poor implementation of laws
prohibiting the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals in the Fifth Schedule areas, non-
regularisation of traditional land rights, denial of dignity and poor implementation of special
laws on prevention of atrocities, protection of civil rights and the abolition of bonded labor, etc.
Faced with these challenges, the government has taken the following steps:
• National Policy and Action Plan: Launched in 2015, it consists
of a multi-pronged approach comprising security measures,
development initiatives, and ensuring rights & entitlements of
local communities.
• SAMADHAN: Launched in 2017, it encompasses the entire
strategy of government from short-term policy to long-term
policy formulated at different levels. It is the one-stop solution
for the LWE problem.
• Aspirational Districts Programme: It was launched in 2018
and aims at rapidly transforming such districts which have
shown relatively lesser progress in key social areas.
• Skill Development related Schemes: ROSHNI is a special
initiative under Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen
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 Kaushalya Yojana which envisages training and placement of rural poor youth from affected
districts. ITIs and Skill Development Centres have been established in LWE affected districts.
Further, multiple Sub–Schemes under the Scheme of Modernization of Police Forces for 2017-
21 like the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme, Special Central Assistance, Special
Infrastructure Scheme, Civic Action Programme, Media Plan Scheme have been started to counter
the Maoist propaganda.

7. Provide an account of the statutory and institutional framework for preventing money
laundering in India. (150 words) 10
Approach:
• Briefly introduce the concept of money laundering.
• Highlight both the statutory and institutional framework set up for preventing money
laundering in India.
• Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
Money laundering is the process of taking money earned from illicit activities, such as drug
trafficking or tax evasion and making it appear to be earnings from legal business activity.
The process of money laundering involves placement i.e. deposit of criminal proceeds into the
financial system, layering i.e. concealment of origin of fund and integration i.e. creation of
apparent legal origin for the proceeds. It has potentially devastating economic, security, and social
consequences for the nation.
Statutory mechanism for preventing money laundering in India:
• Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002: It is a comprehensive law to prevent
money-laundering and prescribes the formation of a three-member Adjudicating Authority for
dealing with matters relating to attachment and confiscation of property under the Act.
o Further, the recent Amendment to the PMLA (2019), widens the definition of proceeds of
crime and makes concealment of proceeds of crime, possession, acquisition, use, projecting
as untainted money, or claiming as untainted property as independent and complete
offences under the Act.
• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967: It was updated to bring it in line with the UN
Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.
• The Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax, 2015:
It sets out the procedure for dealing with illicit income and assets and provides for the
imposition of tax on any undisclosed foreign income and assets held outside India.
• Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018: The Act empowers authorities to attach any illicit
property or the benami property owned by an individual who is a fugitive economic offender.
• Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985: The act provides a penalty on
property derived from, or used in illegal traffic of narcotic drugs.
• Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999: This statute prescribes checks and limitations on
various foreign exchange remittances.
Institutional Framework
• Enforcement Directorate (ED): It investigates offences of money laundering under the
provisions of the PMLA and can take actions like confiscation of property, prosecuting the
persons involved in the offence of money laundering, etc.
• Financial Intelligence Unit-IND: It is responsible for coordinating and strengthening efforts of
national and international intelligence, investigation and enforcement agencies in pursuing the
global efforts against money laundering and related crimes.
• Regulatory Bodies like RBI, SEBI, IRDAI have laid down anti-money laundering guidelines for
banks, financial institutions, investors in the securities market, insurers, etc. to combat money
laundering.

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 Besides this, India has also been part of international initiatives combating money laundering
activities such as being an active member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Egmont
Group of Financial Intelligence Units, United Nations Global Programme against Money
Laundering, etc. India must constantly take efforts to bring different countries on the same
platform in order to deal with the menace of money laundering.

8. Highlight the critical role that the National Security Guard (NSG) plays in ensuring internal
security of India. (150 words) 10
Approach:
• Briefly mention about National Security Guard (NSG) and its mandate.
• Substantiate the critical role it plays in ensuring the internal security of the country.
• Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
National Security Guard (NSG) was established in 1984 under the National Security Guard Act as
the federal contingency force to deal primarily with specialized situations that were beyond the
level and scope of local police forces and the Indian armed forces. Its primary mandate is to engage
and neutralize terrorist threats in specific situations and to undertake counter hijacking and
hostage rescue missions.
Critical role of NSG in ensuring internal security of India:
• Counter-terrorism: Established in 1984, NSG or Black Cats are considered the premier
counter-terrorism bodies. After the Mumbai attacks, regional NSG hubs have been created to
ensure proper coordination.
• VVIP security: Initial duties of the NSG were limited in scope. In 1986-87, the scope was
expanded to include VVIP security, anti-sabotage checks at venues of VVIP public meetings.
NSG commando protection is reserved for individuals deemed most at risk. This includes
people who are provided the Z+ security cover.
• Anti-hijacking: They provide anti-hijack duties in international and domestic flights as well as
sky marshalling for onboard flights.
• Protection of critical infrastructures: They are responsible for the mitigation of threats to
vital and sensitive installations, including India’s nuclear facilities.
• Security during special occasions: NSG personnel are also deployed to provide security on
special occasions such as Independence Day, Republic Day celebrations, and during visits
by heads of state.
• Bomb disposal: NSG plays a crucial role in bomb disposal, creation and management of bomb
data centres, etc. It includes search, detection, and neutralization of IEDs.
• Training: They are involved in the training of local, state, and federal police personnel in NSG
core capabilities and specialties. For example, NSG’s role in training the Special Operations
Group (SOG) of Jammu & Kashmir police.
Along with these, NSG has conducted specialized operations, for example, it played a critical role in
Operation Black Thunder I and II, Operation Mousetrap, diffusing communal tensions in Ayodhya
(1992), Operation Ashwamedh among others.

9. Do you agree with the view that India needs to establish a dedicated Space Force to address its
military needs? (150 words) 10
Approach:
• Giving a brief introduction about the space force, mention India’s initiatives in this regard.
• Discuss the need for a dedicated Indian Space Force and the challenges associated with it.
• Conclude appropriately.

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Answer:
Space has become vital to the security and prosperity of nations as services dependent on space are
fundamental to their defence and economic systems. A space force is a dedicated arm of defence
services like the army, navy, and air force, which is responsible for protecting our satellites,
communication networks, and other space assets; and also actively respond and neutralise any
threat coming from space.
After Mission Shakti (anti-satellite weapon, ASAT) in 2019, the government has decided to set up a
Defence Space Agency (DSA) to protect Indian interests in outer space and deal with potential space
wars. The need for a dedicated Indian Space Force (ISF) arises due to:
• Threats from other nations: The proven space military capability of countries such as China
poses a significant threat not only to India’s space assets but also to the civilian and military
services dependent on them.
• Space a strategic sector: With the successful test of the ASAT, India needs to consider space
defence as a strategic sector and the best way to achieve that would be through a dedicated
space force.
• Need for a credible space deterrence: Unlike nuclear deterrence, space deterrence has not
established itself objectively in the security realm and there is ambiguity in this regard.
• Ancillary benefits: A dedicated space force would give thrust to research and development
in the space-based defence and technology domains.
However, the creation of such a force is faced with many challenges:
• Against the principle of peaceful use of outer space: India has long advocated peaceful use
of outer space. A dedicated space force may promote the militarization of space technology
and go against the above-stated policy.
• Fear of arms race: Already, the USA, China, Russia, India, and France have a demonstrable
capability in this domain. There is a threat of a new arms race in the space domain with
more countries joining in the fray.
• Technological and financial limitations: Creating a dedicated space force would require huge
financial resources and technical know-how from both the public and the private sector.
• Fear of diversion from our pressing defence needs: India’s armed forces are believed to be
short of sufficient equipment and technologies, especially in wake of a two-front war scenario
and increased assertiveness of China. Creation of a new force might impact the preparedness of
our armed forces.
Despite these challenges, a dedicated space force is a nation's requirement due to emerging threats
in space. Therefore, India should adopt a pragmatic approach and work towards removing
bottlenecks at the strategic and operational levels to secure both its territorial borders and also its
space frontiers.

10. Discuss how cryptocurrencies can become a tool of money laundering in India. Also, highlight
the steps taken by the government in this regard. (150 words) 10
Approach:
• Explain what you understand by cryptocurrency in the introduction.
• Throw some light on cryptocurrency as a tool of money laundering.
• Highlight the steps taken by the government in this regard.
• Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that is protected by encryption, making
counterfeiting and double-spending practically impossible. It is distinguished by the fact that it is
not issued by any central authority, making it potentially resistant to manipulation or government
intervention. However, greater anonymity and lack of regulation and supervision pose sufficient
concerns related to its potential misuse, market failures or risks to financial stability. The use of

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 cryptocurrency as part of criminal schemes is increasing and the uptake of this payment medium is
accelerating.
Cryptocurrency is used as a tool of money laundering due to the following:
• Highly complex: To conceal the origin of payments, criminals use a variety of strategies
involving cryptocurrency, each of which relies upon one or more of cryptocurrency’s features,
such as its intrinsic pseudonymity, ease of cross-border transactions, decentralised
payments etc.
• Peer-to-peer crypto networks: Money launderers use these decentralised networks to
transmit funds to a different location, frequently in another country where there are crypto
exchanges with lax anti-money laundering legislations.
• Virtual crypto currency exchanges: These exchanges are designed to avoid regulatory law
enforcement scrutiny, which helps criminals distribute, store and launder the proceeds of credit
card fraud, identity theft, investment fraud, etc. by enabling them to conduct anonymous and
untraceable financial transactions.
o For instance, the Enforcement Directorate in 2021 alone unearthed Rs. 4,000 crore of such
transactions on these exchanges.
• Use of dark web: Crypto-assets and cryptocurrencies are now being extensively used on the
dark web for the purposes of perpetuating various cyber-criminal activities including money
laundering.
• Lower transaction costs: Cryptocurrencies being primarily based on P2P mechanism attract
launderers for having the total cost of cash out strategy at less than 15% of the proceeds of
crime, compared to other money laundering methods costing up to 50%.
• Anonymity and accessibility: Information relating to the transaction, or the source of funds
mostly are anonymous, making it next to impossible to bring it within the ambit of the
Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
Faced with these challenges, the government has taken the following steps:
• The Supreme Court of India in 2020 lifted the curb on cryptocurrency imposed by RBI, which
restricted banks and financial institutions from providing access to banking services to those
engaged in transactions in crypto assets.
• Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), India’s digital rupee was announced in Budget 2022
speech. It is to be launched by the RBI in the financial year 2022-23.
• The Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021 was introduced
seeking regulation of cryptocurrency in India.
• The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has made amendments to rules in the Companies
Act, 2013, mandating firms to disclose their investments in cryptocurrencies.
India needs to build appropriate legal, regulatory and supervisory frameworks to effectively
regulate the misuse of blockchain-based technologies for the purposes of committing cybercrimes
and cyber security breaches. Furthermore, close coordination with the Financial Action Task Force
(FATF), specifically in context of cryptocurrency regulation is necessary.

11. Radicalisation of youth by extremist organisations poses a serious security risk to India.
Discuss. Also, suggest measures for de-radicalisation. (250 words) 15
Approach:
• Briefly explain the concept of radicalisation.
• Mention how radicalisation of youth poses a security risk to India.
• Suggest some measures to counter radicalisation.
• Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
Radicalisation is a process of modifying people’s perception, where it may manifest in the form of
violence or curbing the freedom of others. The spurt of internet and social media have facilitated
online radicalisation of youth, which have been quickly adopted by various extremist organizations.
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 Radicalisation of youth has been assessed as a major security threat to India because of the
following factors:
• Scope of increased attacks: Easy access to radicalised literature via the internet such as social
media, propaganda videos and mass communication technology, may lead to decentralized
recruitment, which can manifest in ‘lone wolf’ attacks. Through such literature, the underlying
sectarian and religious divides are harvested and past events are exploited to gain sympathies.
• Building upon existing socio-religious and extremist networks: The existing networks
provide a base for new organizations like ISIS to build upon the vulnerable regions and persons.
‘Sleeper Cells’ of various radical organisations perform the underlying work and recruit youth to
carry out their attacks.
• Failure of the society to integrate all sections: Alienation, discrimination and humiliation
becomes a part of life for many people from minority and backward communities. They seek
solace in radicalisation agencies, which motivate them to become violent for a cause ‘just’ to
them. This poses a security risk to India.
Radicalised youth pose a serious challenge to internal security and hence, the government needs to
take serious measures to counter radicalisation. Key pillars of such de-radicalisation measures
will include:
• Presenting a counter narrative through the online medium by increasing the online
presence of the government and taking the help of various religious leaders and social media
influencers to present an alternative narrative to counter extremist propaganda.
• Closely monitoring online content by partnering with social media and telecom companies to
monitor radical propaganda. In this regard, detection of patterns using big-data analysis can
prove to be an effective tool.
• Socio-behavioural communication and counselling of the radicalized individuals need to be
done. It includes assessing the accused profile and counselling by community leaders and
elders.
• Sensitisation of officials engaged in law enforcement should be done to train them to deal with
communities whose individuals are prone to radicalisation with sensitivity and empathy. This
would build trust within the community and will result in better cooperation.
• Sensitisation of the community through community outreach programmes in schools, colleges
and sporting events will act as an antidote against extremist propaganda.
• Deradicalisation helpline in the form of a counselling facility which will enable parents,
teachers and friends of vulnerable and indoctrinated youth to seek professional help needs to be
established.
Apart from the above, long-term measures to counter radicalisation must focus on addressing the
root causes, which lead to marginalization and alienation of youth. Radicalization is an emerging
threat for the country and a nuanced approach is needed to tackle this threat effectively.

12. Recent events have highlighted that nations with weak militaries cannot sustain themselves
against technologically advanced adversaries. Discuss. What lessons can India learn from
these events? (250 words) 15
Approach:
• Give a brief introduction by contextualising the given statement.
• Discuss with examples, that a technically superior adversary can inflict existential threat to a
country with weak military.
• Highlight the lessons India must take from the recent Ukraine crisis.
• Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
Presence of a strong military improves diplomacy with adversaries, strengthens alliances, signals
credibility, resolves and deters aggression, and enhances national morale. History has shown that
the nations with weak militaries were never able to sustain themselves. For instance, India was a
power to reckon with during the days of Ashoka and Akbar who had strong militaries. However, it
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 fell to the hands of the technologically advanced Central Asian invaders and European imperialists
whenever it lacked military capabilities.
Following recent events have also highlighted that the nations with weak militaries cannot
sustain themselves:
• Takeover of Afghanistan: As soon as the US withdrew from Afghanistan, the deterrence posed
by a superior military was gone. The weak Afghan army did not even show the will to fight, as it
knew that it would not be able to give a tough resistance to the well-trained and motivated
Taliban forces.
• Rise of ISIL and civil unrest after Iraq war: Iraq was attacked by the much technologically
advanced USA on the alleged premise of possessing weapons of mass destruction. After the end
of the dictatorial regime of Saddam Hussein, civil war has become a continuous phenomenon
and Iraq has been living under constant threat of the insurgents like ISIL who have acquired
military grade weapons.
• Chinese aggression: Under its One China Policy, the technologically advanced and aggressive
People’s Republic of China (PRC) was able to subjugate militarily weaker autonomous regions of
Tibet, Hongkong and Xinjiang, and the potential of military conflict with Taiwan always remains
high.
• Ukraine conflict: The militarily advanced Russia was able to acquire Crimea in 2014 and
despite several efforts by Ukraine in multiple forums, nothing could be changed. The recent
attacks and belief of Russia that Ukraine has no genuine history, puts the sovereignty of the
entire nation under threat.
These crises provide following lessons to India:
• No third country is going to come to New Delhi’s aid, militarily, in case a war is forced upon
by China or Pakistan. While a lot of global verbal condemnation can be expected in favour of
India, like what is happening against Russia, the US and the European powers will arguably stay
away from any direct intervention.
• While Russia has been a close ally of India for decades, in the new global scenario, Moscow and
Beijing are enjoying proximity. Hence, any possibility of the Russians playing an active role
on behalf of India cannot be expected.
• India may not be able to carry on with its balancing act in geopolitics for long. As the
world gets divided afresh into blocks - the US, China and Russia, India has to strategically decide
who it wants to be close to. Also, considering such a scenario, India needs to enhance its own
defence capabilities and cannot rely on another country to cater its defence needs.
• In the absence of strong military capabilities, if India faces an external attack, it may also have
to face internal resistance from insurgent groups, or a rise in the left-wing extremism or
influence of terrorist groups like ISIS, which can threaten the sovereignty of India.
Thus, in view of the aforementioned lessons and changing war dynamics, the government should
strongly push for its own R&D to develop a strong military.

13. The dark web can be an ideal platform for several criminal and terrorist activities. Discuss with
examples. Also, suggest measures to tackle the misuse of dark web. (250 words) 15
Approach:
• Define dark web in the introduction.
• With examples, explain how the dark web can be an ideal platform for planning and
coordinating dangerous criminal and terrorist activities.
• Suggest measures that can be taken to tackle the misuse of dark web.
• Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
Dark web is that part of the World Wide Web (WWW) that is only accessible by means of special
software, allowing users and website operators to remain anonymous or untraceable. It is also
known as the invisible or the hidden web.
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 The anonymous chat rooms and communication services on the dark web make it an ideal platform
for planning and coordinating dangerous criminal and terrorist activities. It poses new and
formidable challenges for law enforcement agencies around the world, such as:
• Terrorist activities: Terrorist organisations like the ISIS extensively use the dark web to
carry out their nefarious activities like spreading propaganda, recruiting and radicalising, or
raising funds more secretly.
• Counterfeiting: WHO warned people against the sale of counterfeit Covid-19 vaccines,
particularly on the dark web. Fraud services like fake vaccines have the potential to exploit the
huge unmet global demand for Covid-19 vaccines criminally.
• Money laundering: It is done via encrypted transactions on the dark web. Cryptocurrency
mixing systems such as SmartMixer or Dark Wallet are a primary instrument of money
laundering used by criminals active in the dark web and seeking anonymity.
• Drug trafficking: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) unearthed three major drug markets as
it busted a pan-India drug trafficking network that used the dark web and cryptocurrency to
courier narcotics at home.
• Ransomware: Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has become a franchise offered through
darknet marketplaces, allowing aspiring cybercriminals to take part in this dubious economy.
• Data breaches: Domino's India data breach (2021) involved sensitive information of around
18 crore orders released on the dark web for sale as a searchable database.
In India, accessing the dark web is not illegal. But because of the clandestine nature of the dark web,
many state and local law enforcement agencies are generally unaware of its existence and its
capacity for engendering crime in their jurisdictions. Therefore, following measures must be
taken to tackle the misuse of dark web:
• Training and capacity building: Initiating more and better training to equip officers to identify
dark web evidence and activity and creating special investigation units with advanced
knowledge of dark web.
• Research on crime connections: Researching the increasingly connected nature of crime to
help law enforcement recognize and address both highly visible traditional crime and the less-
visible crime on the dark web.
• New forensic standards: There is a need to develop new standards for forensic tools to collect
dark web evidence on computers.
• New laws for package inspection: Researching ways to modernize laws facilitating inspection
of packages shipped by mail or other services.
• Information sharing: The multi-jurisdictional nature of the crimes on the dark web requires
improved information-sharing among agencies, both domestically and internationally.
• Awareness generation: Raising awareness of the dark web among state and local authorities.
It is easier for authoritarian regimes to block access to the dark web, however, democratic countries
like India have to consider protection of privacy and free speech before taking any drastic step. The
reality of the dark web is much more complicated, requiring a nuanced approach from supervisors
and law enforcement agencies to thwart activities that are considered illegal and immoral in free
societies, all the while protecting the very real benefits of an anonymized network.

14. What are Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs)? Discuss the importance of setting up ITCs in
India and challenges in this regard. (250 words) 15
Approach:
• Introduce by explaining what you understand by Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs).
• Highlight the importance of setting up ITCs in India.
• Discuss the challenges with respect to operationalization of ITCs in India.
• Conclude by giving a suitable way forward.
Answer:
An Integrated Theatre Command (ITC) envisages jointness and integration amongst the armed
forces, leading to unified military assets fused into one single command under one operational
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 head who is responsible for directing and controlling their activities in a given situation. Such
command could be geographical or thematic. While the idea is not a new one, it was the
Shekatkar Committee that most recently recommended the creation of 3 integrated theatre
commands - northern for the China border, western for the Pakistan border, and southern for the
maritime role.
Importance of setting up ITCs in India are:
• Greater efficiency in resource sharing and joint operations: Joint organisation will improve
the performance of forces on the operational aspect as well rationalise the peacetime and
wartime management of defence resources. By reducing unnecessary duplication of
functions and by undertaking training and establishing bodies on a wider integrated level,
the Ministry of Defence can further optimise the use of its resources.
• Quick decision-making: The integrated theatre commander will be free to train, equip and
exercise his command to make it a cohesive fighting force capable of achieving designated goals
in the shortest time.
• Changing nature of warfare: The changing nature of warfare from a linear land-based one to
one that is spread over to fast emerging critical domains such as those of cyber, space, and
psychological merits cooperation and synergy among the forces to achieve a unified approach
with enhanced combat preparedness and interoperability during peace time.
• Hostile borders: The possibility of an active Line of Actual Control (LAC), alongside of an
already active Line of Control (LOC) has heightened in many ways the call for augmenting
defence capabilities i.e. land, air, and sea capabilities through operational integration of all three
services.
Challenges in operationalization of ITCs in India include:
• Structure of command: The major challenge is clarity in structure of command especially
operational command over personnel and machinery including service chiefs.
o Further, there is challenge with respect to assessment of how internal and external security
will be managed under the theatre commands, given that there are paramilitary personnel
and the Indian Coast Guard with similar functions.
• Interoperability of troops and equipment: Interoperability of troops and equipment from
dormant sectors to the active areas during a war will be difficult.
• Intra-service rivalry: In India, the proportion of the three services as part of the overall
military is heavily skewed in favour of the Army. Because of their small size, there may rise
apprehensions in the Air Force and the Navy that they may be swamped by the Army and, thus,
lose their relevance to some extent.
• Investment: Creating infrastructure for the theatre commands will also require a huge amount
of funding. There is also challenge of shortage of military infrastructure. For example, with only
34 out of 45 fighter squadrons present in the Indian Air Force, dividing already scarce resources
is infeasible.
To address the above concerns, the government has formed an eight-member panel under the
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to fine-tune the plans and bring all stakeholders on board. Further,
steps should be taken to enable systems such as a robust and vibrant defence- industrial
manufacturing complex, recognition of the changing nature of warfare, greater reliance on
technological capabilities, etc. to enhance India’s defence capabilities.

15. Decoupling organized crime from terrorism requires a holistic approach. Comment.
(250 words) 15
Approach:
• Briefly define and write about the inter-linkages between organised crimes and terrorism.
• Give arguments to bring out the requirement of a holistic approach to break the link between
organized crime and terrorism.
• Also highlight some measures taken by India in this regard.
• Conclude accordingly.

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Answer:
Organized crime is a complex of highly centralized enterprises set up for the purpose of engaging in
illegal activities which involves a group of people who are involved in one or more serious criminal
activities for making financial profits. Whereas terrorism is the unlawful use of violence and
intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.
The linkages between terrorism and organized crime are complex, multifaceted and benefitting
each other. In this context, decoupling organized crime from terrorism requires a holistic approach
due to the following reasons:
• Organised crimes are used to finance terrorism: Organised crimes include trafficking in
persons and migrant smuggling; trafficking in drugs, firearms; kidnapping for ransom and other
illicit acts and the money generated through these activities is often used to fund terrorism. For
example, smuggling of drugs in Punjab is directly linked to terrorism financing from across the
border.
• Mutually supportive relationship: For example, illegal trade in arms is used to deliver arms to
carry out both types of activities. In some cases, returning foreign terrorist fighters have taken
part in organized criminal activities, while in others, organized criminal groups have been
involved in transporting terrorists across borders.
• Their relationship is difficult to trace: Linkages between terrorism and organized crime may
be complex and opportunistic, based upon shared territory or other mutual interests. Some
States could not confirm the existence of links, citing limited terrorist activity in their countries,
or constraints with investigative capacities. This makes establishing the relationship between
the two difficult, for example, money laundering activities are sometimes used to finance
terrorism and are not limited to the offenses of tax evasion.
• Hampers social fabric: Both organized crimes and terrorism cause unwanted disruption to the
social fabric, these create psychological and physical distress in the society. The relationship
between the two also provides impetus to radicalization and mistrust in society.
• Erode public trust in the government: If allowed to go unchecked, their relationship could
compromise public trust in democracy and the State’s ability to deliver justice to its citizens.
Identifying the multifaceted nature of the relationship between the two, India has taken
comprehensive measures to decouple organized crime from terrorism, such as:
• Ratifying UN Conventions: It has ratified the United Nations Convention against Transnational
Organised Crime (UNTOC) and its three protocols.
• Financial Action Task Force (FATF): India as a full member of FATF is actively involved in
setting standards for dismantling and stifling of terror-financing mechanisms globally,
especially in countries that use terrorism as a proxy for state. Further, by being its member, it
has upgraded its own regulations regarding money laundering and terror financing.
• Legislative measures: Recently, amendments were made to the National Investigation Agency
(NIA) Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act to further strengthen these acts.
• Confidence-building measures: India often undertakes such measures among people of
border regions to seek their support in weeding out the nexus between the two.
However, India lacks a national law on organized crimes which is needed for better control of such
crimes. Also, comprehensive and cooperative responses are required at the international level to
prevent radicalization and build public trust. Given the threat these two illegal activities pose, there
is a need to take effective measures to break the nexus between the two.

16. India faces a number of security threats and challenges that originate from the seas. Discuss.
Also, give an account of the initiatives taken to strengthen the coastal security of India in recent
times. (250 words) 15
Approach:
• Present a brief introduction about India’s maritime border.
• Highlight the security threats and challenges originating from the coastal border.
• Highlight the initiatives taken to strengthen the coastal security in India.
• Conclude accordingly.
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Answer:
India has an approximately 7,516 km long coastline which is managed by the Union Government
and 9 coastal states. The security of coastal areas and seas is eminent because of economic and
strategic interests. About 90% of India’s foreign trade by volume and nearly 70% by value of
external trade is conducted through the seas, important urban centres, and industries along with
scientific research centres, nuclear power stations, defence installations, energy infrastructure, etc.
are located across India’s coastal boundaries.
Following are the security threats and challenges that originate from the seas:
• Threat of terrorism: The Mumbai serial blasts in 1993 and terrorist attacks of 26/11 in
Mumbai happened due to the infiltration of terrorists and explosives through the sea. Due to the
remoteness and vastness of the coastline, it often remains unguarded and provides ideal spots
for infiltration.
• Challenge of smuggling: The creeks along the coasts of Gujarat and West Bengal’s Sundarbans
are the most preferred routes for smuggling. Boats can easily land and disappear in stealth, and
avoid detection by taking advantage of the topography. India’s coasts have been vulnerable to
the smuggling of goods, gold, narcotics, explosives, arms, and ammunition. The physical
proximity of India’s coasts to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Gulf countries adds to its
vulnerability.
• Human trafficking and infiltration: The dense mangroves provide refuge to infiltrators during
low tide and numerous islands and sandbars which are present along the entire coastline
provide the ideal hideaways for infiltrators and their contraband. Thus eastern India has been
increasingly witnessing a steady increase in illegal migration from Bangladesh.
• Threat of piracy and armed robbery: The threat of piracy to international trade and the
safety of the sea lanes of communication has emerged as a major problem, especially on India’s
western sea border.
• Aggression by other states in the ocean surrounding India: China’s evolving military profile
in the immediate and extended neighbourhood and its opposition to freedom of navigation and
rule-based order has raised tensions along India’s sea boundary.
To counter the above threats, the following are some recent initiatives taken by India to strengthen
coastal security:
• Use of its United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Presidency: As the President of UNSC,
India organized a UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate on “Enhancing Maritime
Security: A Case For International Cooperation” which was chaired by the Indian Prime
Minister. The objective of the debate was to highlight effective international maritime
cooperation to respond holistically to natural and manmade threats to maritime security.
• India introduced Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), policy: It is India’s
policy for cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The policy is based on five pillars and
calls for cooperation, coordination, and collective action for advancing peace and security in the
region, by resident states of the IOR.
• Coastal Security Scheme (CSS): The Department of Border Management under the Ministry of
Home Affairs introduced the CSS in a phased manner with the objective of strengthening the
infrastructure of the Coastal Police Force for patrolling and surveillance of coastal areas.
• Various exercises by Navy and Coast Guard: Various exercises at different levels, such as
Exercise Sea Vigil, Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX), etc. are undertaken
regularly by the Navy and the Coastguard to build cooperation and an environment of security
in the region.
There exists a multi-tier arrangement for protection and maritime security of India involving the
Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Police of coastal States and Union Territories. The need of the
hour is strengthening national and international cooperation, coordination, and undertaking
capacity-building measures so as to ensure that our coasts are better monitored, infiltrators are
caught and piracy and smuggling happening through coastlines are effectively checked.

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17. Discuss the extent of the problem of narco-terrorism in India. What measures have been taken
by the government to counter and control this problem? (250 words) 15
Approach:
• Introduce by giving a definition of narco-terrorism.
• Bring out the extent of the problem it poses for India.
• Briefly discuss the measures taken by the government to counter and control this problem.
• Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
Narco-terrorism refers to the nexus between narcotics and terrorism. Traffickers, terrorist, and
insurgent groups cooperate to a full or limited scale for trafficking of narcotics and allegedly use
funds obtained from it to exert military, political and economic pressure against the countries in
which they operate.
It has become a major security concern across the globe and India’s geographical location with
hostile neighbours has raised several external as well as internal challenges. The extent of the
problem of narco-terrorism in India is as follows:
• With its long porous borders, lengthy coastline, and location being wedged between the
Golden Crescent of Southwest Asia and the Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia, India is
greatly susceptible to the drug trade and has long figured as an important transit point in the
international drug trade.
• Terrorist groups have aided and promoted the narcotics trade to fund anti-India activities. As
per the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), more than 25% of the money spent on terrorist
activities in India by the ISI comes from the narcotics drug trade. Conflict in Jammu and
Kashmir and the separatist movement in Punjab State were funded by narcotics money.
• This strategic location has also made it vulnerable to various terror networks such as
Lashkar-e-Taiba, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam
(LTTE), and Naxalites working inside as well as outside India and using narcotics to fund their
operations.
• Illicit opium cultivation and reported cases have also been on the rise in states like Punjab,
Bihar, Jharkhand, WB, Arunachal Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, J&K, etc. Most of these states are
hotbeds of insurgency in varying forms.
• This has also been responsible for giving rise to parallel black economies nurturing colossal
crime syndicates like human trafficking, prostitution, theft etc.
• Adverse health outcomes in illicit drug users can cause mental disorders, psychosis, road
traffic accidents, violence, drug overdose, suicides and even death. It becomes a major
concern for India whose majority of the population is youth as it may turn demographic
dividend into disaster.
Faced with the above challenges, the following measures have been taken to counter and control the
threats emerging from narco-terrorism:
• The Indian Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act was brought in 1985 which
criminalizes the possession of illicit drugs and provides for a minimum punishment of 10 years.
• The main office of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) South Asia is
based in New Delhi, India which helps its member states to address the issues of illicit drugs,
crime, and terrorism.
• Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is a nodal agency for the enforcement of laws concerning
narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
• India has entered into various arrangements like bilateral agreements, Memorandum of
Understandings, Joint Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism, and Judicial Cooperation
with the countries in the South Asian region. For instance, bilateral agreements with USA, UK,
Myanmar, Afghanistan, UAE, Mauritius, Zambia, and Russia for ‘drug control’. India is even a
signatory of the UN and SAARC convention on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
• Gauging the gravity of the problem, an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has been set up in
J&K to tackle the emerging threat of narco-terrorism in the region.

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 After the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, there is now concern that there could be a surge in drug
smuggling. A multidimensional and coordinated approach is the need of the hour to tackle the
menace of narco-terrorism as this syndicate is becoming more dangerous.

18. A mix of internal and external factors pose security threats in North-East India. Discuss. What
steps has the government taken to maintain peace and stability in this region? (250 words) 15
Approach:
• Giving a brief introduction, discuss the major security threats faced in North-East India due to
internal and external factors.
• Mention the steps taken by the government to ensure peace and stability in the region.
• Conclude appropriately.
Answer:
India’s northeast region shares international boundaries with neighbours like Bangladesh, Bhutan,
China, and Myanmar. North-East India has witnessed one of the most significant challenges of
insurgency across several states. Several domestic and international factors, sometimes working in
conjunction, have created security threats in the region and for India, i.e.:
Internal factors:
• Insurgencies in the North East: Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, have interstate and intra-state
insurgencies which range from secession to autonomy, against foreigners and immigrants, and
among different tribal groups within and between states.
• Inter-state border disputes: They have affected the northeast region since the 1960s when
states like Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram were created from undivided
Assam.
External factors:
• Logistical support to insurgents: Intelligence agencies of Pakistan and China have often been
suspected of promoting secessionist tendencies and providing moral and material support to
insurgent groups. For example, Bangladesh, Myanmar at times have provided tacit or open
support to insurgent groups such as ULFA, NSCN(IM), NSCN(K), etc.
• International boundary and associated issues: The influx of immigrants from Bangladesh in
1971 and recently from Myanmar to states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, led to a feeling
of resentment in locals and has even resulted in violence.
• Threat to sovereignty and territorial integrity: China claims all of Arunachal Pradesh as part
of Tibet and its activities in the border areas such as the development of border villages and
outposts, pose a direct threat to India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Drugs and human trafficking: The proximity to the golden triangle leads to the smuggling of
drugs in the region. Also, trafficking and smuggling are other challenges with implications for
the human and economic security of the region.
The economic and political significance of the region has a direct bearing on India’s overall national
security and the government of India has adopted a comprehensive policy including developmental
and security measures.
• Strengthening of security: Coordinated efforts of the Indian Army, Paramilitary Forces, State
Police, and Intelligence Agencies.
• Diplomatic initiatives: The cooperation from Bangladesh as well as Bhutan, in dealing with
Indian insurgent groups must be appreciated. These two countries have taken strong action to
evict Indian militants from their soil.
• Confidence building measures: Rehabilitation of people affected by militancy, bringing
underground outfits to the mainstream through negotiations etc have been taken up by the
Government.
• Political efforts: The Central government looks to resolve the long-lasting ethnic and border
disputes between different states of the region. The most recent example is the role played by
the government to resolve the border dispute between Mizoram and Assam.
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 • Other efforts: Initiatives such as North East Council, National Bamboo Mission, NEIIPP-2007
for investment promotion, infrastructure creation, etc. have been taken for a balanced
development of the region.
Through the sustained efforts of the national and the state governments, the feeling of alienation
has been declining and the region has witnessed a significant period of relative peace and calm and
this has facilitated the effective implementation of the policies of the government. The continued
thrust on this region should continue in the future as well and hard-fought gains should be further
consolidated.

19. In light of the increasing security challenges faced by India, state the need for achieving self-
reliance in defence manufacturing. Also, discuss the challenges in this context. (250 words) 15
Approach:
• Give an overview of the increasing security challenges in India.
• Discuss the need for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
• State the issues faced in achieving the same.
• Conclude by mentioning the steps taken and needed to overcome the challenges.
Answer:
With a population over 1.2 billion, India constitutes the world’s largest democracy, the seventh
largest country, has the fourth largest military, and is a nuclear-armed state. Yet, India confronts a
wide spectrum of strategic challenges to its security and economic growth. These national security
challenges include not only traditional military and nuclear threats, but a multitude of other threats,
including terrorism, energy security, cyber security, economic crimes etc.
In this context, there is a need to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing, owing to the
following reasons:
• High import burden: India holds the distinction of being the second largest arms importer in
the world with our arms import during 2015-19 accounted for nearly 10 per cent of the
world’s total arms import. Though India’s arms import decreased by 33 per cent between
2011–15 and 2016–20, there is a long way to go before self-reliance in defence and security is
achieved.
• Strategic reasons: India procures 60% of its weapon systems from foreign markets, which
increases its strategic vulnerability. Considering the geo-political situation around the Indian
borders, external dependence and extra dependence on a single player is worrisome.
• Harnessing domestic potential: The defence sector has the potential for tremendous growth,
create employment opportunities and reduce import burden because of the large talented pool
of skill sets in terms of human resources and large-scale modernisation requirements of the
armed forces.
• National vision: Indigenisation would help in furthering the objectives of ‘Make in India’ in the
intermediate term which is in accordance with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative’ of the
government.
• Defence technology related IPR: It is debatable if India will readily get state-of-the-art
technology in weapons production owing to high level of protection of intellectual property
rights (IPR) across military industrial complexes in other countries.
Challenges in achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing:
• Absence of an overarching policy framework: The main challenge in achieving self-reliance
is the absence of a pragmatic overarching policy. Notification issued by the Department of
Defence Production (DDP) in 2019 in this regard suffers from many conceptual and procedural
inadequacies.
• Absence of a mechanism to monitor self-reliance: There is no institutional mechanism to
enable the review the progress in this direction. The procurement data is given under
numerous procurement sub-heads, and each sub-head is sketchy regarding the precise level of
indigenous contribution.
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 • Cosmetic emphasis on Qualitative Requirements (QRs): Unlike in other counties where QRs
are prepared by an integrated, professional agency, in India the task is performed by the
individual service headquarters whose officers often lack the necessary training or expertise.
• Limited private sector participation: Private sector participation in India’s Military Industrial
Complex (MIC) growth so far has largely been marginal. The MIC proliferation will take place
only if supplemented by private sector’s volitional and enhanced investments in all sectors.
• Compartmentalisation of sub-sectors: Defence R&D, education, and production are all
compartmentalised in the Indian context where networked and reciprocal arrangements do not
co-exist. The Rama Rao Committee (2008) pointed out the lack of synergy between the R&D
agency, the industry, and the users in the context of some of the major projects undertaken by
the DRDO.
To overcome these challenges, the Indian government has raised limits on foreign direct
investment in the defence sector, brought out the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020,
created an Export Promotion Cell in the Department of Defence Production, launched SRIJAN
portal etc. Furthermore, there is a need to take steps like fostering innovation through the Board of
Research for Advanced Defence Sciences (BRADS) as recommended by the Rama Rao Committee,
creating defence services estimates as a data bank to estimate the level of self-reliance in defence
procurement, etc.

20. Data privacy laws require a balancing act between personal liberty and sovereign security.
Discuss in the context of India. (250 words) 15
Approach:
• Give a brief overview of the right to privacy in the introduction.
• Discuss the need of data privacy laws for preserving personal liberty.
• State the importance of sovereign security in this context.
• Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
The Supreme Court has recently recognised the right to privacy as an integral part of the
fundamental right to life and liberty and other fundamental rights. However, it also noted that the
right is not absolute and has to be balanced with the legitimate concerns of the State. The quantum
of privacy to be given up is to be determined on the principles of necessity and proportionality.
In this context, India needs a data privacy law which preserves personal liberty because:
• Importance of personal liberty: Individual liberties and free societies often translate into
economic gains. When individual liberties are granted, individuals are encouraged to
experiment and offer different products and services which can benefit society as a whole since
there are more choices available.
• Threat perception and consent: The future and success of the diffusion of digital services will
be determined by belief in or distrust of the internet by its users. Therefore, processing of
personal data by private entities or profit-seeking public bodies must require explicit consent
from the data subject(s).
• Increasing sophistication of cyber-crimes: Cyber-crimes are now becoming extremely
organised and collaborative. Moreover, volume of data generated on the internet and the spread
of new technologies like artificial intelligence, internet of things, big data poses a threat of
misuse of data.
• Data as the new currency: With the increase in user-generated data and the exponential
industrial value of data, it is becoming vital that the government bodies take necessary steps to
protect the data of the citizens.
On the other hand, there is a need to uphold sovereign security as well due to the following reasons:
• Low awareness of privacy: India has more than 600 million internet users who spend
significant time online. Extremely personal aspects can be shared with different stakeholders
without user consent, which can be exploited by terrorists/extremist organisations to wreak
havoc and destruction.
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 • To protect digital sovereignty: Data generated by citizens is considered a national asset
which may be required to be stored and guarded within national boundaries, subject to the
security and strategic interests of India.
• To check the economic dependence: Perceived market dominance of technological companies
from the US and China may lead to new forms of hegemony and exploitation, deemed as digital
imperialism or digital colonialism.
• Guaranteed access to data: Data privacy laws must uphold digital sovereignty to ensure
political autonomy of the nation, the innovativeness of businesses, and the freedom of research
institutions so that relevant technologies and data are not compromised, even in times of crisis.
With the increase in user-generated data and the exponential industrial value of data, it is becoming
vital that the government takes necessary steps to protect the data rights of the citizens, thereby
preserving their personal liberty as well as maintaining sovereign security. For this, a robust
personal data protection law is the need of the hour. Such a law must incorporate the particular
concerns and aspirations of the citizens as well as of the State.

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