LINKAGES BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT AND SPREAD OF EXTREMISM
Naxalism/ LWE
Analyse the different phases of the Naxalite Movement from its inception to present day. What were the initial drawbacks of the movement? (90/10)
Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to administration of scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyse the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the Fifth schedule on the growth of Left Wing extremism. (200 words) (13/10)
The persisting drives of the government for 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) affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth. (15/12.5)
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. (2018/10)
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? (2020/15)
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. (22/15)
The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE? (2025/10)
ROLE OF EXTERNAL STATE AND NON-STATE ACTORS IN CREATING CHALLENGES TO INTERNAL SECURITY
What is the Tamil problem of Sri Lanka? Why is India involved in it? What efforts have been made by India to solve this problem? (84/15)
What is ‘Star Wars’? Explain the stand India has taken on this issue. (125 words) (85/15)
Highlight the role of the Indian peacekeeping contingent as part of MONUSCO. (10/5)
Measures taken by the Indian government to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean. (11/12)
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. (14/12.5)
“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. (14/12.5)
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. (2019/10)
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. (2021/15)
CHALLENGES TO INTERNAL SECURITY
Challenges to Internal Security
Differentiate between Collective security and Cooperative security. (00/2)
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. (14/12.5)
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. (15/12.5)
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. (16/12.5)
Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence. (17/15)
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. (2019/15)
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) (2023/15)
North-Eastern Insurgency
Analyse the situation in the North-eastern States and indicate what steps are being taken and could be taken to restore it to normalcy, having regard to the strategic location of these States, the interests and aspirations of the different communities and classes of people living there and the paramount importance of national integration. (About 500 words) (80/65)
When was the Mizoram Accord signed? What were the salient points in the memorandum of settlement? Set forth the main grounds on which the Mizoram Accord was criticised by the Opposition Parties. (86/35)
What does the Gorkha National Liberation Front seek? In what way are their demands different from the earlier demands of Mizo National Front and the demand for Khalistan? (200 words) (87/35)
What led to the signing of Tripartite Accord with TNV? What are its main points? (150 words) (88/20)
Describe the salient features of GNLF Accord with the Government. How does it differ from the original GNLF demands? (88/10)
Who are the Bodos? Why have they become restive recently? (89/10)
What is “Operation Rhino’? Why was it resorted to and to what extent you think it has been a success? (91/10)
The north-eastern 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. (17/10)
What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade. (2025/15)
State Autonomy
What is the scheme of division of powers between the Centre and the States under the Constitution of India? Discuss whether the grant of greater autonomy to the States would be in the interests of strengthening the integrity and promoting the economic development of the country. (About 500 words) (79/75)
What were the measures taken by the Government of India which preceded the Punjab Accord with the Akali Dal? What are the main points in the memorandum of settlement signed by the Prime Minister and the President of the Akali Dal on July 24, 1985? (85/35)
Why has the Jharkhand Movement acquired prominence? What are its main demands? (50 words) (89/10)
Examine whether the grant of greater autonomy to the States would be in the interest of strengthening the integrity and promoting the economic development of the country, especially in the light of recent happenings in our Country. (250 words) (91/40)
Discuss the justification for the creation of new states in U.P. and Bihar. (100 words) (98/10)
Examine the demand for greater State-autonomy and also its impact on the smooth functioning of the Indian polity. (250 words) (00/30)
Why is there a demand for making Uttarakhand a Separate Hill State in India? (97/15)
Examine the demand for greater state autonomy and its impact on the smooth functioning of Indian polity. (150 words) (08/15)
“While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy.” Comment. (22/15)
National Integration
What do you consider are the problems of National Integration in India? Suggest suitable remedies. (250 words) (88/40)
What is National Integration Council? What was the major outcome of the recent meeting of the National Integration Council? (91/4)
Is there a need for National Integration Council? (91/2)
Discuss the problems in achieving National Integration in India. (150 words) (08/15)
CHALLENGES TO INTERNAL SECURITY THROUGH COMMUNICATION NETWORKS, ROLE OF MEDIA AND SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES IN INTERNAL SECURITY CHALLENGES
What are social networking sites and what security implications do these sites present? (200 words) (13/10)
Discuss the advantage and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house machine-based hosting for government businesses. (15/12.5)
Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat. (16/12.5)
Social media and encrypting messaging services pose a serious security challenge. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of social media? Also suggest any other remedies to address the problem. (2024/15)
BASICS OF CYBER SECURITY
Basics of Cyber Security
Answer about Cyber-terrorism. (05/2)
Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same. (200 words) (13/10)
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. (15/12.5)
Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it. (2017/10)
Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber-crimes. The Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space? (2018/15)
What is CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India. (2019/10)
Discuss different types of cybercrimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace. (2020/10)
Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. (2021/10)
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. (22/15)
Describe the context and salient features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. (10) (2024/10)
MONEY-LAUNDERING AND ITS PREVENTION
Money-Laundering and its Prevention
Recall the important measures undertaken by the Government to reduce the operations of parallel economy in India. Do you think these measures have been effective? (84/20)
What is black money and why is it so called? Specify the main causes of its generation in India. (GS 2) (85/20)
The economic offenders often thrive in a parallel economy. Is it true or false? Explain your view. (87/3)
Discuss the economic effects of Black money (Parallel economy) in Indian economy. (GS 2) (00/15)
What do you mean by ‘Parallel Economy’? (00/3)
Money laundering poses a serious security threat to a country’s economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace? (200 words) (13/10)
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 countermeasures should be taken to prevent the same? (250 words) (2018/15)
Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (2021/10)
Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism. (2024/10)
SECURITY CHALLENGES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT IN BORDER AREAS, LINKAGES OF ORGANIZED CRIME WITH TERRORISM
Security Challenges and Their Management in Border Areas
What are India’s island territories? What efforts are being made to safeguard them? (100 words) (84/15)
What are the issues involved in solving the problem of refugees from Bhutan? (96/10)
Explain the problem of infiltration in eastern parts of India. (01/2)
How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management, particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar? (13/10)
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. (14/12.5)
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? (14/12.5)
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. (16/12.5)
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. (2019/15)
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. (2020/10)
Analyse 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. (2020/15)
What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve maritime security. (22/10)
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat. (150 words) (2023/10)
“Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos.” Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (2023/15)
India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme. (2024/15)
Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward. (2025/15)
Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism
What are organised crimes? Discuss the linkages of organised crimes with terrorism. (80/30)
What was ‘Operation Black Thunder’? When was it launched? What did it achieve? (88/10)
Discuss India’s policy towards international terrorism. (20 words) (03/2)
Write about: “Terrorism: Sources in Pakistan and Afghanistan”. (06/15)
What, in your opinion, are the causes of terrorism? Suggest suitable measures to deal with the threat of terrorism in India. (250 words) (08/30)
Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining the ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous for the internal security of our country? (15/12.5)
“Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyse the above statement. (16/12.5)
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) (GS 1) (17/15)
Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism. (2021/15)
Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels. (22/10)
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 Government in this respect as part of conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir. (150 words) (2023/10)
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) (2023/15)
‘Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security.’ Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level. (2024/15)
Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State? Explain. (2025/10)
VARIOUS SECURITY FORCES AND AGENCIES AND THEIR MANDATE
Various Security Forces and Agencies and Their Mandate
Name the para-military forces of the Government of India and their normal roles. (83/10)
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) (2023/15)
Different Agencies
What is Territorial Army? For what reasons has it been constituted? Who are eligible to join it? What incentives are given to the members of the Territorial Army? (100 words) (81/15)
What are the main tasks assigned to the Coast Guard Organisation? What is its setup? Where are its headquarters located? (82/10)
Why was the National Cadet Corps established in 1948? How is the Corps organised and who are eligible to join it? Who are responsible for running the organization? What incentives are available to those who join the N.C.C.? (100 words) (83/20)
What are the following and what are their functions? (i) Coast Guard (ii) Territorial Army (iii) Border Security Force. (87/15)
Committees and Boards
What are the important recommendations of the technical committee headed by Air Marshal Ramdass regarding operation of A-320 aircraft in Indian Airlines? (30 words) (90/5)
For what reasons have the parliamentarians recently stressed the importance of setting up a National Security Council in India? (100 words) (95/10)
What were the major recommendations of the ‘group of ministers’ on Indian National Security System? (150 words) (01/15)
Write brief note on National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). (09/5)