GS Paper 3
Internal Security
Linkages between development and spread of extremism, external state and non-state actors, cyber security, money laundering, border management.
2026
Explain how fake news and disinformation pose threat to Internal Security and Public Order in Indian context ? In this regard, discuss salient features of amendments in respect of Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.
Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss demand of promulgation of provision of the Sixth Schedule of constitution for Ladakh.
Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu & Kashmir (J & K). Bring out actions taken by the Government to bring J & K into national mainstream. Discuss pre and post abrogation status of Articles 370 and 35A. Also bring out positive impacts of abrogation of both articles in mainstreaming the state.
Discuss counterfeit currency and money laundering as major sources of terror funding in India. State the actions being taken at International level to check these menaces. Highlight the role of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and methods of compliance by its member states in preventing terror funding.
2025
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.
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 ?
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.
Why is maritime security vital to protect India's sea trade ? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.
2024
Social media platforms and encrypted messaging services have emerged as serious national security challenges by facilitating recruitment, terror financing, and fake news propagation. Discuss comprehensive countermeasures.
Analyze the key features and safeguards under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023. To what extent does it balance individual privacy with legitimate state surveillance requirements?
Discuss the menace of narco-terrorism along India's western and northeastern borders. How do Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle cartels threaten internal security?
Examine India's persistent border security vulnerabilities with China and Pakistan. How does the "Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System" (CIBMS) enhance electronic surveillance?
2023
Winning of 'Hearts and Minds' in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss in the context of Jammu and Kashmir.
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) by our adversaries for weapon delivery and surveillance poses a grave border threat. Discuss countermeasures.
Cross-border cyber-attacks targeting critical national infrastructure (CNI) have become a weapon of hybrid warfare. Discuss India's cybersecurity preparedness.
Examine the nexus between transnational organized crime, money laundering, and illicit financing of terrorist outfits. How does the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) counter this menace?
2022
Discuss the different types of cyber crimes and measures required for comprehensive cyber hygiene among citizens and government organizations.
Naxalism is a socio-economic and developmental issue manifested in armed insurgency. Discuss the government's two-pronged strategy to eradicate Left Wing Extremism (LWE).
Analyze the internal security implications of illicit arms smuggling, counterfeit currency, and drug trafficking in India's northeastern border states.
Maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region is critical for India's energy and trade flows. Discuss the role of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard in establishing Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).
2021
Analyze the external state and non-state actors in promoting cross-border terrorism in India. What measures have been undertaken to disrupt terror financing?
What are the maritime security challenges faced by India? Discuss the organizational and technological steps taken to ensure coastal security post-26/11.
Discuss the cyber security threats posed by ransomware attacks on critical health and financial infrastructure. What legal and technical frameworks exist to combat cyber extortion?
Analyze the internal security challenges arising out of the influx of illegal immigrants and cross-border ethnic linkages along India's eastern borders.
2020
What are the internal security challenges being faced by India in the cyber domain? Discuss the organizational framework established to combat them.
For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to pacify a local population and integrate them into the national mainstream.
Analyze the internal security challenges of illegal weapons trafficking and drug money laundering along India's western border corridor.
Discuss the historical background and key provisions of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958. Examine the arguments for and against its phased withdrawal.
2019
The cross-border movement of insurgents in the Northeast is a major security challenge. Discuss the topography, ethnic ties and international border agreements that influence this.
What is CyberDome Project? Explain how it assists the police in tracking internet crimes and countering radicalization.
The banning of certain organizations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is a vital weapon against terrorism. Discuss the recent amendments to UAPA and the human rights concerns raised.
Cross-border smuggling of narcotics and psychotropic substances is directly linked with illicit terror funding. Discuss India's multi-agency institutional response.
2018
Data security has assumed utmost importance in the digital world. Discuss the key recommendations of Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee on data protection.
Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects several states. Briefly explain the Government of India's approach to counter the LWE challenge.
Discuss the role of social media in spreading fake news, communal discord, and mob lynchings in India. What regulatory measures can check this menace without violating free speech?
India's border management is a multifaceted challenge due to porous borders, complex terrain, and hostile neighbours. Analyze the challenges in securing the Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Pakistan borders.
2017
The North-East region of India has been infested with insurgency since independence. Analyze the major reasons for the survival of insurgent groups in this region.
Mob violence and vigilantism pose a grave challenge to internal law and order. Discuss the socio-legal mechanisms needed to curb mobocracy.
Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive propaganda and radicalization is a grave internal security concern. Suggest comprehensive counter-measures.
The coastal security framework of India was revamped following the 26/11 attacks. Evaluate the existing institutional coordination between the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Police.
2016
The use of technology in border management has become indispensable. Discuss the role of laser walls, thermal imagers and smart sensors along international borders.
The problem of international terrorism has been aggravated by illicit funds generated through drug trafficking and arms trade. Discuss.
Cyber warfare has emerged as the fifth domain of warfare. Analyze the vulnerabilities of India's critical infrastructure and evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy.
Left Wing Extremism (LWE) thrives on exploitation of tribal grievances regarding land, water and forest rights. Discuss how forest rights implementation can help eliminate LWE.
2015
Cross-border infiltration along the western border is aided by tunnels and difficult terrain. Discuss the technological countermeasures deployed under smart border management.
Human trafficking has emerged as a major form of organized crime affecting women and children. Discuss the socio-economic factors and legal frameworks to prevent trafficking.
Analyze the internal security challenges posed by maritime piracy in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. How does the Indian Navy protect merchant shipping lines?
Left Wing Extremism (LWE) cannot be resolved through military action alone. Discuss the socio-economic, administrative and forest rights measures essential for eliminating Naxalism.
2014
Cross-border terrorism remains India's primary national security challenge. Discuss the institutional measures established to coordinate intelligence sharing among security agencies.
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has undergone several amendments to combat financial terrorism. Discuss the powers of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under PMLA.
Left Wing Extremism (LWE) poses a severe internal security challenge. Discuss how security operations like 'Operation Green Hunt' coupled with developmental schemes can permanently neutralize LWE.
Analyze the threats posed by cyber espionage and advanced persistent threats (APTs) to India's national security and evaluate the capabilities of the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO).
2013
Discuss the internal security threats arising from the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons in conflict zones of India.
Money laundering through hawala channels provides the lifeblood for terrorist networks. Discuss the international and domestic frameworks established to combat hawala financing.
Discuss the strategic threat of cyber attacks launched by state-sponsored actors against national security installations. Evaluate the mandate of the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC).
The vast and porous Indo-Nepal border has been exploited for smuggling of fake Indian currency notes (FICN) and infiltration of terrorists. Analyze the border management challenges along this open frontier.