Q.Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages, and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to eradicate the menace of terrorism.
How to approach: Address the "Why" and "How" behind each sub-part of the question using structured PESTEL or stakeholder dimensions.
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Introduction
Terrorism is the systematic use of violence or intimidation to coerce governments or societies to achieve political, religious, or ideological goals. Its growing complexity and intensity present a severe challenge to global peace and India's sovereign integrity.
Body Analysis
Causes, Linkages, and the Obnoxious Nexus of Terrorism
1. Key Causes of Terrorism
- Extreme Ideologies: Deep-seated ideological hatred and religious fundamentalism drive individuals toward radicalization (e.g., ISIS, Al-Qaeda).
- Perceived Socio-Economic Inequality: Marginalization, lack of development, and economic deprivation create fertile ground for recruitment into terror and insurgent groups.
- Political Disenfranchisement: A lack of political integration, democratic representation, or governance deficits can fuel violent separatist movements.
- Regional Spillover: Unstable neighborhoods and state-sponsored terror networks (such as those in Pakistan) actively export militancy into India.
2. The Obnoxious Nexus
- State Sponsorship: Hostile foreign states provide financial backing, advanced weaponry, and diplomatic cover to proxy terror groups.
- Organized Crime & Money Laundering: Terror networks thrive by collaborating with transnational crime syndicates, utilizing hawala channels and shell companies to launder funds.
- Drug Trafficking (Narco-Terrorism): Terrorist organizations partner with drug cartels (especially along the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle) to secure steady funding in exchange for protection.
Measures Required to Eradicate Terrorism
- International Conventions: Actively support global frameworks like the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) and strictly enforce FATF guidelines to choke terror financing.
- Stringent Legislative Actions: Effectively implement domestic laws such as the UAPA (1967) and PMLA (2002) to prosecute terrorists and freeze their financial assets.
- Smart Border Management: Deploy advanced technological solutions (CIBMS, thermal imaging, smart fencing) to prevent cross-border infiltration.
- Institutional Coordination: Foster seamless intelligence sharing and operational synergy among the NIA, IB, RAW, and state police forces.
- Comprehensive Legislative Reforms: Periodically update national security laws to address emerging threats like cyber-terrorism and drone-based smuggling.
Conclusion
Eradicating terrorism requires a multi-pronged strategy that combines hard security measures with soft-power interventions, such as de-radicalization programs, socio-economic development in marginalized areas, and robust international diplomatic cooperation.
Question Specifications, Marking Rubric & Syllabus Mapping
| Examination & Year | UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2021 (Question 4) |
|---|---|
| Paper & Syllabus Topic | General Studies Paper III — Economy, Environment, S&T & Security → Internal Security, Cyber & Border Management |
| Marks, Word Limit & Ideal Time | 10 Marks • 150 Words • Ideal Writing Time: 7–8 Minutes |
| Directive Word & Core Demand | Analyze: Deconstruct the question into its core components and explain how they interact with each other. |
| Recommended Structure Split | Intro: ~20–25 Words • Body: ~100 Words (3–4 dimensions) • Conclusion: ~20–25 Words |
| AI Practice & Evaluation Tools | Upload Handwritten Answer for 3-Min Vision AI Evaluation | Generate Custom Answer & Mind Map |
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Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism.
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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.
Analyze the major challenges in effective border management in India, particularly focusing on cross-border crimes, illegal migration, and infrastructural deficits. Suggest measures to strengthen India's border security framework.
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 the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.
Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Mains 2021 GS3 (Internal Security)
How should I structure the answer for this UPSC Mains 2021 GS Paper III question on Internal Security?
This 2021 GS Paper III question carries 10 marks with a 150-word limit and uses the "Analyze" directive. Address the "Why" and "How" behind each sub-part of the question using structured PESTEL or stakeholder dimensions. Follow the ideal word split (Intro: ~20–25 Words • Body: ~100 Words (3–4 dimensions) • Conclusion: ~20–25 Words) and aim to finish within 7–8 Minutes.
Which UPSC Mains syllabus topic does this 2021 question belong to?
This question is part of General Studies Paper III — Economy, Environment, S&T & Security under the syllabus module "Internal Security, Cyber & Border Management". You can explore all repeated questions from Internal Security in Acme AI's 3D PYQ Realm or filter all Internal Security PYQs on the Mains PYQ Directory.
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