Satellite Phone

Source:  TH Subject:  Science and Technology Context: Security agencies have flagged the illegal use of undeclared satellite communication devices by vessels in Indian waters, citing national security concerns. About Satellite Phone: What is a Satellite Phone? A satellite phone (satphone) is a communication device that connects directly to orbiting satellites instead of terrestrial mobile towers, …

Explain why internal security threats increasingly demand anticipatory intelligence. Discuss the limitations of reactive security models.

Topic: Internal Security Q5. Explain why internal security threats increasingly demand anticipatory intelligence. Discuss the limitations of reactive security models. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question Due to the rapid transformation of internal security threats driven by technology, cross-border linkages and the increasing emphasis on preventive governance within a constitutional democracy. …

Examine the major cyber threats facing India, including cyber terrorism and cyber warfare. Analyse the challenges in attribution and deterrence. Outline measures to enhance national cyber security.

Topic: Challenges to Cyber Security Q6. Examine the major cyber threats facing India, including cyber terrorism and cyber warfare. Analyse the challenges in attribution and deterrence. Outline measures to enhance national cyber security. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question Escalating cyber incidents affecting critical infrastructure, governance systems, and economic networks have …

Earth Observation Satellite EOS-N1 (Anvesha)

Source: IT Subject: Science and Technology Context: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will begin 2026 with the PSLV-C62 mission, launching the advanced surveillance satellite EOS-N1 (Anvesha) along with 18 co-passenger payloads. About Earth Observation Satellite EOS-N1 (Anvesha): What it is? EOS-N1 (codenamed ‘Anvesha’) is an advanced hyperspectral Earth observation satellite developed primarily to support India’s …

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

Source:  ET Subject:  Defence Context: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth about ₹79,000 crore to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces. About Defence Acquisition Council (DAC): What it is? The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is the highest decision-making body for capital defence procurements …

What is GNSS spoofing? Assess its implications for national security and civilian systems. Identify immediate operational measures required to contain its risks.

Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks. Q6. What is GNSS spoofing? Assess its implications for national security and civilian systems. Identify immediate operational measures required to contain its risks. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question GNSS spoofing incidents over Delhi and globally have exposed vulnerabilities in satellite-based Positioning, Navigation …

White Collar Terrorism

Source:  NDTV Subject:  Terrorism Context: The Faridabad terror module bust — involving the arrest of doctors and engineers with 3,000 kg of explosives — has exposed a new wave of “white-collar terrorism.” About White Collar Terrorism: What is White-Collar Terrorism? White-collar terrorism refers to acts of violent extremism or radical activity planned and executed by …

“Jointness without joint command structures remains an illusion”. Explain the rationale behind theatre command reforms, discuss the major obstacles in their implementation, and suggest measures to ensure balanced inter-service coordination.

Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas Q6. “Jointness without joint command structures remains an illusion”. Explain the rationale behind theatre command reforms, discuss the major obstacles in their implementation, and suggest measures to ensure balanced inter-service coordination. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question: India’s ongoing efforts to establish …

The nexus between narcotics trafficking and organised crime poses a silent threat to national security. Analyse this statement and suggest multi-agency measures to disrupt such networks.

Topic: Linkages of organized crime with terrorism Q6. The nexus between narcotics trafficking and organised crime poses a silent threat to national security. Analyse this statement and suggest multi-agency measures to disrupt such networks. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question: The growing narco-terror nexus in India that threatens internal security and …

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

Source: DD News Context: Prime Minister of India extended greetings to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on its 64th Raising Day, lauding its courage, discipline, and humanitarian service in guarding India’s Himalayan frontiers. About Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): What it is? The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is a specialised Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) under …

The Dangerous Blind Spot in Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity

Syllabus: Cyber Security Source:  WEF Context: The World Economic Forum highlighted a major “blind spot” in cybersecurity — the vulnerability of critical infrastructure’s operational technology (OT) systems — following repeated global power outages such as the Spain–Portugal blackout. About The Dangerous Blind Spot in Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity: What is Operational Technology (OT)? Operational Technology refers …

Landslides

Syllabus: Disaster Management Source: IE Context: Heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides in Darjeeling and Kalimpong, killing at least 14 people and destroying vital infrastructure including the Dudhia bridge and Teesta Bazaar link road. About Landslides: What it is? A landslide is the downward movement of rock, debris, or soil along a slope under gravity. It …

“Critical technologies are instruments of both economic growth and national security”. Examine this duality in the Indian context with special reference to quantum technologies and defence innovation.

Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology. Q5. “Critical technologies are instruments of both economic growth and national security”. Examine this duality in the Indian context with special reference to quantum technologies and defence innovation. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question India is investing heavily in …

India’s extended neighbourhood is increasingly shaped by shifting security alignments. Discuss the implications of the Saudi–Pakistan defence pact. How should India recalibrate its strategic calculus?

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Q4. India’s extended neighbourhood is increasingly shaped by shifting security alignments. Discuss the implications of the Saudi–Pakistan defence pact. How should India recalibrate its strategic calculus? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question The recent Saudi–Pakistan defence pact …

“Strategic minerals are central to defence preparedness, energy transition and technological sovereignty”. Analyse the rationale behind India’s recent move to fast-track clearances for such projects. Do these exemptions dilute environmental accountability?

Topic: Environmental impact assessment Q6. “Strategic minerals are central to defence preparedness, energy transition and technological sovereignty”. Analyse the rationale behind India’s recent move to fast-track clearances for such projects. Do these exemptions dilute environmental accountability? (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question The exemption of strategic mineral mining projects from public …

Deterrence by information is emerging as a fourth pillar of national security alongside land, sea and air power. Explain this shift. Assess India’s readiness in integrating information warfare into national security strategy.

Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks. Q6. Deterrence by information is emerging as a fourth pillar of national security alongside land, sea and air power. Explain this shift. Assess India’s readiness in integrating information warfare into national security strategy. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question Information warfare has emerged …

Evaluate the strategic and economic significance of semiconductors for India. Examine the key challenges in building a domestic ecosystem. Propose policy measures to achieve long-term self-reliance.

Topic: Changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth Q5. Evaluate the strategic and economic significance of semiconductors for India. Examine the key challenges in building a domestic ecosystem. Propose policy measures to achieve long-term self-reliance. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question Semicon India 2025 and PM’s statements on …

Examine the key provisions of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. Analyse how the Bill seeks to balance innovation with regulation. Evaluate its potential implications for national security and digital governance.

Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT Q6. Examine the key provisions of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. Analyse how the Bill seeks to balance innovation with regulation. Evaluate its potential implications for national security and digital governance. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question In light of …

Quantum communication can transform both military and civilian sectors. Elaborate. What are the major technical challenges in scaling such networks in India?

Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers. Q6. Quantum communication can transform both military and civilian sectors. Elaborate. What are the major technical challenges in scaling such networks in India? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question With India entering a new phase of quantum-secure communication, this question is timely …

Anti-terror laws like UAPA, designed for national security, risk becoming tools of political repression. Evaluate the constitutional concerns and judicial responses in this context.

Topic: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. Q3. Anti-terror laws like UAPA, designed for national security, risk becoming tools of political repression. Evaluate the constitutional concerns and judicial responses in this context. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question: Growing criticism of UAPA’s misuse amid recent …