75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – GS3 Full Length
Q2. Shed light on the evolving role of NIA (National Investigation Agency) as a premier anti-terror investigation agency in India since its foundation. Do you think the agency needs to be further strengthened? (15M)
Key Demand of the Question:
Mention the development and expansion of the NIA’s role as an anti-terror agency, discuss the powers and jurisdiction of the agency, and evaluate the need for further strengthening in light of evolving security threats.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
- Define the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and its creation under the NIA Act of 2008, highlighting its purpose in counter-terrorism following the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
- Mention its headquarters and regional presence across India.
Body:
- Powers of the NIA:
- Mention the agency’s core objectives and its powers to investigate and prosecute offences related to terrorism, smuggling, and nuclear facilities.
- Mention its role in implementing international treaties and agreements.
- Jurisdiction of the NIA:
- Mention the scope of the NIA’s jurisdiction, including scheduled offences under various acts and its applicability both within and outside India.
- Evolution by Amendment:
- Mention the 2019 amendment to the NIA Act, which expanded the agency’s powers to investigate human trafficking, counterfeit currency, cyber-terrorism, and more.
- Mention the ability to designate Special Courts for trial of scheduled offences.
- Evolving Role:
- Mention how the NIA has transformed from an anti-terror agency to a comprehensive body addressing organized crime, arms trade, and terrorism.
- Need for Further Strengthening:
- Mention the potential need for enhancing the NIA’s capabilities to address new and emerging security challenges, ensuring that its powers remain balanced with civil liberties.
Conclusion:
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Mention the NIA’s critical role in India’s internal security framework.
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Suggest the importance of periodic reviews and legal safeguards to ensure that the agency’s powers are used effectively and responsibly.
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Introduction:
NIA or the National Investigation Agency is the Central Counter-Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency of India created by the NIA Act of 2008 after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. It is headquartered in New Delhi with 8 regional branches across India.
Body:
Powers of the NIA:
- Its core objective is also to combat terror in India, for which it is provided with powers to investigate and prosecute offences:
- Affecting the sovereignty, security and integrity of India, the security of the State, and friendly relations with foreign States.
- Against atomic and nuclear facilities.
- Smuggling in High-Quality Counterfeit Indian Currency.
- It also implements international treaties, agreements, conventions, and resolutions of the United Nations, its agencies, and other international organizations.
Jurisdiction of the NIA:
- ‘Scheduled offences’ under statutes provided in the schedule of the Act, including:
- Explosive Substances Act, 1908
- Atomic Energy Act, 1962
- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967
- Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005
- NIA Act extends jurisdiction to the whole of India and also applies to Indian citizens outside the country.
- Persons in the service of the government wherever they are posted.
- Persons on ships and aircraft registered in India wherever they may be.
Evolution by amendment:
The NIA Act went through a major amendment in 2019. This expanded its powers as follows:
- Extension of jurisdiction to apply to persons who commit a scheduled offence beyond India against the Indian citizen or affect the interest of India.
- It has allowed the NIA to investigate cases related to
- Human trafficking
- Counterfeit currency or banknotes
- Manufacture or sale of prohibited arms
- Cyber-terrorism
- Offences under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.
- It allowed the central government to designate Sessions Courts as Special Courts for the trial of scheduled offences under the Act.
Therefore, it has evolved from just an anti-terror agency to a comprehensive body to fight many serious offences that are interlinked such as organised crime, arms trade and terrorism.
Should it be further strengthened?
Way Forward:
The NIA has become the prime agency fighting terror and other serious offences in India. Its role has evolved as the government has gradually taken a more holistic understanding of terror and threats to national security. Its further strengthening should pass the legal-judicial test of “reasonable restrictions” where the powers of the agency are in balance with civil liberties.
ETHICS
3Q. Distinguish between ethics and morality. Why is it important to understand both in the context of public administration? [10M, 150words]
Key Demand of question:
Write the difference between ethics and morality in detail.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction: Use can use some quotes or write a simple introduction about ethics and morality.
Body:
- Tabulate and write the difference between ethics and morality using parameters like scope, nature, source, and flexibility.
- Explain how ethics and morality important in public administration.
Conclusion:
Conclude by highlighting the significance of ethics and morality.
Introduction:
Ethics and morality guide human behavior by defining what is right and wrong, shaping our decisions and interactions. While ethics is often grounded in societal norms, morality is deeply rooted in personal beliefs. Together, they form the foundation of a just and harmonious society.
Body:
| Aspect | Ethics | Morality |
| Origin | Derived from the Greek word ethos, meaning character. | Derived from the Latin word Mos, meaning custom. |
| Definition | Refers to a set of standards, norms, or principles imposed by society to regulate its functioning. | Refers to a set of standards, norms, or principles that an individual applies to themselves. |
| Meaning | A collective set of standards that society enforces. | A personal compass of what is right and wrong. |
| Source | Influenced by external factors, such as social environment. | Guided by internal factors, such as inherent conscience. |
| Purpose | Determines what is considered “right” or “wrong” behavior in a group or society. | Reflects whether an individual feels “good” or “bad” about their actions. |
| Application | Dictates acceptable practical behaviors within a society. | Reflects individual preferences, intentions, and internally set standards. |
Understanding morals and ethics in public administration is crucial because:
- Guidance: They offer a moral compass for making decisions that are just and fair, ensuring actions align with the public good.
E.g. Judges using impartiality and integrity in office.
- Public trust: Upholding ethical standards fosters trust between the public and administrators, reinforcing confidence in government institutions.
E.g. ISRO public organisation with the highest public trust.
- Accountability: Ethics ensure that public officials are transparent and accountable, reducing corruption and misuse of power.
E.g. Answerability to public and media.
- Conflict resolution: They provide frameworks to navigate conflicts of interest and ethical dilemmas, promoting integrity in decision-making.
E.g. Non-partisanship values play a role in conflict resolution.
- Equity: Ethics ensure that decisions are made impartially, preventing discrimination and ensuring fairness for all citizens.
Conclusion:
The significance of ethics and morality lies in their ability to foster trust, cooperation, and social order. They are essential for the well-being of individuals and communities, ensuring that justice and fairness prevail in human interactions.
4Q. What causes intolerance in society? Explain how tolerance and harmony can be fostered in a diverse country like India. [10M, 150words]
Key Demand of question:
Write causes of intolerance in society and explain how tolerance and harmony can be fostered in India.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction: Define intolerance by giving context.
Body:
Your answer should have the following structure for each term:
- First, explain the causes of intolerance in society.
- Then, explain how tolerance and harmony can be fostered in a diverse country like India.
Conclusion:
You can conclude by writing an ethical philosophy.
Introduction:
Intolerance refers to an unwillingness or refusal to accept or respect differences in opinions, beliefs, cultures, or identities, often leading to prejudice, discrimination, or violence. It stems from deep-seated biases, lack of understanding, and fear of the unknown, and can be exacerbated by social, economic, and political factors.
Body:
Reasons for intolerance in society are:
- Stereotypes and prejudices: Intolerance often arises from preconceived notions and stereotypes about other communities, leading to discrimination and social exclusion.
E.g. Stereotype on transgender.
- Lack of education and awareness: A lack of proper education and awareness about other cultures, religions, and identities can foster ignorance and promote intolerance.
E.g. Low literacy states like UP and Bihar have a high incidence of intolerance.
- Economic and social inequalities: Economic disparities and social inequalities can breed resentment and hostility, especially when one group feels marginalized.
E.g. Manipur ethnic violence.
- Influence of media and social networks: Sensationalist media coverage and the spread of misinformation on social networks can fuel intolerance.
E.g. UP mob lynching case.
- Political manipulation: Intolerance can be exacerbated when political leaders exploit differences for their own gain, using divisive rhetoric to polarize communities.
Tolerance and harmony in a diverse country like India can be fostered through:
- Promoting inclusive education: Incorporating lessons on diversity, empathy, and mutual respect in school curricula can foster a culture of tolerance from a young age.
E.g. Secular education curriculum.
- Encouraging inter-community dialogue: Facilitating dialogues between different communities can help dispel myths, and reduce prejudices.
E.g. Community Networks Against Protected Area (CNAPA) inter-community group for the rights of indigenous tribes.
- Media responsibility: The media should play a constructive role in promoting positive images of different cultures and communities.
E.g. Responsible journalism.
- Enforcing just and impartial laws: The state must ensure that laws are fair and that they are enforced impartially to protect the rights of all citizens.
E.g. Imposing the rule of law and Art 14.
- Empowering marginalized groups: Providing equal economic and social opportunities to all groups can reduce feelings of exclusion and foster a sense of belonging.
Conclusion:
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.“ In a diverse country like India, fostering tolerance and harmony is not just a moral imperative but a necessary condition for peace, development, and democracy.
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