“Cyber resilience is the new frontier of national security in a digitised economy”. Discuss.

Topic: Basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention. Q6. “Cyber resilience is the new frontier of national security in a digitised economy”. Discuss. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question: Amidst the unfolding security concerns arising from tensions at the border with Pakistan, Finance chaired a meeting to review the cybersecurity …

UPSC Editorial Analysis: Pahalgam Terror Attack

General Studies-3; Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.   Introduction A brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, led to the death of at least 26 civilians, sending shockwaves across the nation. Unique and unprecedented was the shutdown call by Kashmiris themselves — marking the first …

Discuss the role of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in strengthening India’s counter-terrorism capabilities. What limitations hinder its operational efficiency in international investigations?

Topic: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate Q6. Discuss the role of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in strengthening India’s counter-terrorism capabilities. What limitations hinder its operational efficiency in international investigations? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question Recent developments like NIA’s takeover of the Pahalgam terror attack case (2025) …

Examine the objectives behind the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025. Analyse how it seeks to modernise India’s immigration framework.

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Q3. Examine the objectives behind the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025. Analyse how it seeks to modernise India’s immigration framework. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question: The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, …

Mapping India’s Geospatial Intelligence

Syllabus: Space Sector Source:  DH Context:  China recently launched two high-resolution satellites under its Siwei Commercial Remote Sensing Satellite System, enhancing its geospatial capabilities. This development raises concerns for India, given its border disputes and economic tensions with China, highlighting the need for robust indigenous geospatial intelligence. India and Its Geospatial Intelligence: Strategic Importance: Geospatial …

Gold smuggling poses a multifaceted challenge to India’s economic stability, national security, and law enforcement frameworks. Discuss. Also suggest comprehensive measures to address these concerns.

Topic: linkages of organized crime with terrorism Q6. Gold smuggling poses a multifaceted challenge to India’s economic stability, national security, and law enforcement frameworks. Discuss. Also suggest comprehensive measures to address these concerns. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TOI Why the question: Concealed under his shirt’: Day after Ranya Rao arrest, visually impaired man …

Malaria

Source:  TH  Context: The World Malaria Report 2024 by WHO highlights India’s significant progress in reducing malaria cases but underscores the country’s continued burden in Southeast Asia.  About Malaria: What is Malaria? A life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, primarily falciparum and P. vivax, transmitted through infected female Anopheles mosquito bites. How it Spreads: Non-contagious; …

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

Source:  DH  Context: The Smuggling in India Report 2023-24 by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) sheds light on evolving narcotics smuggling routes and the major drug hubs impacting India. About Smuggling in India Report 2023-24: Major Narcotics Hubs: The Death Crescent (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan) as a primary heroin source. The Death Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, …

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Bank

Source:   DD News  Context: The Ministry of Science and Technology launched India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Bank at the 7th Edition of the ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024. About India’s First Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Bank: Launched By: Minister of Science and Technology. Event: Unveiled during the ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024. Purpose: To …

Why did the govt ban more China-linked apps?

GS Paper 3: Topics Covered: Internal security related issues.   Why did the govt ban more China-linked apps? Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has banned 54 more apps which have either originated in China or have some Chinese connection. These apps were banned for being a threat to national security.   …

The convergence of technology and terrorism represents the worst kind of feedback loop between the real and the virtual. States, meanwhile, are struggling to respond to this convergence and to balance the imperatives of national security and the freedoms afforded in cyberspace. Critically Analyse.

Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism. 6. The convergence of technology and terrorism represents the worst kind of feedback loop between the real and the virtual. States, meanwhile, are struggling to respond to this convergence and to balance the imperatives of national security and the …

Insights into Editorial: An opportunity for India to pitch for holistic maritime security

    Context: In an innovative departure from normal practice, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside (in virtual mode) over an open debate at the global high-table, namely the UN Security Council, on August 9 when India holds the President’s chair for one month. This will mark a diplomatic first for an Indian PM: This …

National Security Act (NSA), 1980

Topics Covered: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention. National Security Act (NSA), 1980: Context: A petition was filed in the Supreme Court to invoke the National Security Act (NSA) against hoarding, profiteering, adulteration and black-marketing …

The human rights agenda in the world is facing a major challenge from terrorism, in this context discuss the challenges posed by Terrorism  and suggest steps to be taken by the world countries to combat the menace.

Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism. 5. The human rights agenda in the world is facing a major challenge from terrorism, in this context discuss the challenges posed by Terrorism  and suggest steps to be taken by the world countries to combat the menace. (250 …

Biological warfare is a potent threat to the countries across globe. Are the existing mechanisms robust enough to prevent biological warfares? Analyse.

Topic : Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money laundering and its prevention. Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism. 7. Biological warfare is a potent threat to the countries across …

With respect to Indian foreign policy, Do you think it’s time for India to strengthen its national security structures and introduce flexibility? Examine.

Topic:  India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. 2. With respect to Indian foreign policy, Do you think it’s time for India to strengthen its national security structures and …