UPSC CSE 2025/26
GS-3
MAINS MODULE
By Dr. Shivin Chaudhary
Security
1) Linkages between Development & spread of Extremism;
Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS
Article 244 of Indian Constitution relates to Administration of Scheduled areas and tribal
1 2013 areas. Analyze the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of fifth schedule on LWE 10
the growth of Left Wing Extremism.
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
2 2015 displacements with Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies LWE 12.5
needed to win the left wing extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into the
mainstream of social and economic growth.
Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts
3 2018 of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the LWE 10
challenges posed by LWE.
What are the sound determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What
4 2020 strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to LWE 15
counter the threat in the affected areas?
Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal
5 2022 security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered LWE 15
strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.
The north-eastern region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time.
6 2017 North East 10
Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region.
The banning of ‘Jamaat-e – islaami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of
over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role
7 2019 Terrorism 10
played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas.
Discuss measures to neutralize the influence of OGWs.
Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism affected areas is an essential step in restoring
8 2023 the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this J&K 10
respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.
2) Linkages of Organized crime and Terrorism
Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious
1 2021 nexus. Also, suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of Terrorism 15
terrorism.
Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and
2 2022 Organised Crime 10
organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels.
Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and the efforts being made to
3 2023 curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the No Terrorism 15
Money for Terror (NMFT) Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022.
Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining the ISIS.
4 2015 What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous for the internal security of our Terrorism 12.5
country?
The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you
5 2017 Terrorism 15
suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding?
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
6 2019 Anti-Terrorism 15
in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and
reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations.
Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable
7 2017 Mob Violence 15
examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence.
The diverse nature of India as a multireligious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to
8 2014 the impact of radicalism which has been in her neighbourhood. Discuss along with the Challenge 12.5
strategies to be adopted to counter this environment.
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
9 2018 Linkage 15
illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What
counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same?
The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are often used in connection with armed
10 2016 Forces 12.5
action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions.
“Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyse the
11 2016 Terrorism 12.5
above statement.
Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country.
12 2024 Terrorism 10
Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism.
1) Border Areas (security challenges and management thereof)
Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS
How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management,
1 2013 particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Border 10
Myanmar?
International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive
sovereignty over the airspace above the territory. What do you understand by airspace?
2 2014 Forces 12.5
What are the implications of these laws on the space above this airspace? Discuss the
challenges which this poses and suggests ways to contain the threat.
How illegal transborder migration does pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the
3 2014 Border 12.5
strategies to curb this, bring out the factors which give impetus to such migration.
In 2012, the longitudinal marking of the high-risk areas for piracy was moved from 65°
4 2014 East to 78° east in the Arabian Sea by International Maritime organisation. What impact Maritime 12.5
does this have on India’s maritime security concerns?
China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic
5 2014 Border 12.5
corridor. What thread does it dispose for India’s security? Critically examine.
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
6 2015 Forces 12.5
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.
Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with
7 2016 some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border Border 12.5
management.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s
8 2018 larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate Border 10
the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.
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
9 2019 Border 15
currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter
the challenges.
Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh
10 2020 and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by Border 15
various security forces in this regard
For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny
11 2020 local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception Border 10
among locals
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to
12 2023 ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc, is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment Border 10
on the measures being taken to tackle this threat.
What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical
13 2022 Maritime 10
and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security.
India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with
contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along
14 2024 the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under Border 15
the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and
Management (BIM) Scheme.
2) Security forces & agencies (mandate)
What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of
1 2023 Challenges 15
Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats.
3) Role of External State & Non-State actors in creating internal security challenges
Analyse the multidimensıonal challenges posed by external state and non-state actors,
1 2021 to the internal security of India. Also, discuss measures required to be taken to combat Actors 15
these threats
Money laundering & Prevention
Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS
Money laundering poses a serious threat to country’s economic sovereignty. What is its
1 2013 Steps 10
significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace?
Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering.
2 2021 Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and Technologies 10
international levels.
1) Basics of Cyber Security
2) Role of media and social-networking sites in internal security challenges
3) Internal security challenges through communication networks.
Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS
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
1 2013 Terrorism 10
threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness
to deal with the same.
3 2013 What are social networking site and what security implications do these sites present? Social Network 10
Discuss the advantage and security implications of cloud hosting of server vis-a-vis
4 2015 Concept 12.5
in-house machine-based hosting for government businesses.
Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed
5 2015 Force” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 Policy 12.5
outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation.
Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major
6 2016 concern. How have these have misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines Social Network 12.5
to curb the above threat.
7 2017 Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it. Cyber Attack 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
8 2018 Data Security 15
data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weakness sof the Report relating
to protection of personal data in cyber space?
What is the CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet
9 2019 Project 10
crimes in India.
Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber
14 2021 Attacks 10
attacks. Also, discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks.
Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the
10 2020 Cyber Crime 10
menace
What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in
11 2022 cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a Cyber Security 10
comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.
Describe the context and salient features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act,
12 2024 Act 10
2023.
Social media and encrypting messaging services pose a serious security challenge.
What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security
13 2024 Social Media 15
implications of social media? Also suggest any other remedies to address the
problem.
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