UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions 2021: GS3 Internal Security & Disaster Management | UPSC Mains: Internal Security & Disaster Management PDF Download

Q1: Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (Internal Security)
Ans: Understanding Money Laundering: Money laundering is the process used to conceal illegal profits without revealing the identities of the criminals involved, allowing them to benefit from the proceeds.

Role of Emerging Technologies in Money Laundering:

• Utilizing Multiple Channels: Criminals use various channels, known as smurfs, to structure deposits and evade anti-money laundering measures.

• Cryptocurrencies and Unregulated Finance: Unregulated cryptocurrencies and alternative financial systems become avenues for illegal activities due to their lack of government oversight.

• Digital Transactions: High volumes of digital transactions on online platforms are exploited to mask layered money movements.

Globalization's Impact on Money Laundering: Complexity in Global Financial System:
Placing money in the global financial system leads to coordination challenges across multiple jurisdictions.

• Shell Companies and Tax Havens: Shell companies within borders engage in illicit money movement through fake transactions and use tax haven countries like Cayman Island and Panama to evade taxes.

Measures Taken:

• National Level:
  (i) Laws like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and the Black Money Act, 2015, criminalize money laundering and undisclosed foreign income/assets.
  (ii) Agencies like the Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND) coordinate efforts against money laundering.

• International Level: Conventions like the Vienna Convention and bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and OECD work to set standards and promote measures to combat money laundering globally.

Money laundering poses a global challenge requiring concerted efforts by both national and international stakeholders. Collaboration, strengthened data sharing, and a multilateral approach are crucial to effectively eradicate this problem.

Q2: Keeping in view of India’s internal security, analyze the impact of cross-border cyber-attacks. Also, discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. (Internal Security)
Ans: 
Understanding Cyber-Attacks: A cyber-attack targets computer systems, networks, or personal devices using various methods, potentially part of cyberwarfare or cyberterrorism, and can be initiated by individuals, groups, or even sovereign states.

Impact of Cross-Border Cyber-Attacks:

• Impact on Critical Infrastructure: These attacks can severely disrupt Critical Information Infrastructure like power and nuclear plants, and telecommunications.
• Spyware and Information Gathering: Cyber-attacks can serve as spyware, gathering sensitive information for malicious purposes.
• Terrorist Use of Social Media: Social media can be exploited by terrorists for planning attacks, spreading propaganda, and inciting violence.

Defensive Measures Against Cross-Border Cyber-Attacks:

• National Level Coordination: Collaboration among different agencies at the national level is crucial.
• Government Alerts and Advisories: Regular issuance of alerts and advisories regarding cyber threats and countermeasures is necessary.
• Legal Framework and Cyber Centres:
  (i) The Information Technology Act, 2000, includes provisions to tackle cyber-attacks.
  (ii) Entities like the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC), and Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre) are established for cybersecurity.

• Promoting Cybersecurity Start-Ups: Initiatives by the Technology Development Board and Data Security Council of India (DSCI) aim to promote cybersecurity start-ups in the country.

A forward-looking National Cyber-Security Policy is imperative, allocating resources and addressing stakeholders' concerns to bolster cybersecurity in the country.

Q3: Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (Internal Security)
Ans: Understanding India's Internal Security Challenges:

• Importance of Internal Security:  As India aims for a global position, security complexities increase. Threats come from external states and non-state actors, including state representatives and non-state entities like NGOs, multinational companies, terrorist groups, and hackers.

• Challenges from External State Actors: Some bordering countries allegedly support insurgent groups, like China's alleged backing of insurgents in the North-East. Instances of cyber warfare, funding of proxies, and tarnishing India's global image are attributed to state actors.

• Challenges from Non-State Actors: Multinational Companies (MNCs) pose potential threats to national security, particularly in data security and policy influence, resulting in the recent blocking of certain Chinese apps. Non-state entities with fundamentalist ideologies challenge India's peaceful internal security. Propagandas funded by enemy countries and non-state groups aim to disrupt India's social fabric and instigate riots.

• Measures to Tackle Challenges: Enhance communication and coordination between intelligence and law enforcement agencies. Strengthen cybersecurity measures to prevent cyber attacks. Foster collaboration among the government, media, and the public to efficiently share information on suspicious activities. Broaden the understanding of national security beyond military aspects, addressing hidden non-state actors. Develop a comprehensive national internal security doctrine to address diverse challenges.

Q4: Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism. (Internal Security)
Ans.  

Understanding Terrorism and Its Complexities:

• Definition of Terrorism: Terrorism involves calculated violence or threats aimed at instilling fear, often driven by political, religious, or ideological goals.

• Causes of Terrorism: Lack of political legitimacy and integration, perceptions of deprivation and inequality, socio-economic factors like poverty and lack of education, as well as extreme ideologies, contribute to fostering terrorism.

• Linkages and Nexus of Terrorism: Terrorism and organized crime often collaborate, with proceeds from crimes funding terrorist activities. Terrorist groups may also engage in tax levies on illegal activities and operate as proxies for hostile governments.

Measures to Combat Terrorism: International efforts like the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism aim to address terrorism. Strengthening national coordination mechanisms, updating legislation to define terrorist and organized crime offenses, and promoting awareness and deradicalization among youth are key strategies.

Q5: Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. (Disaster Management)

Ans. 
Understanding Earthquakes: An earthquake occurs when the earth releases energy, generating waves that travel in all directions, leading to shaking and various hazards like ground shaking, surface rupture, landslides, and tsunamis.

Reasons for India's Earthquake Vulnerability:

• Tectonic Activity: India's movement into the Eurasian plate exposes it to moderate to very high-intensity earthquakes.

• Population Density and Unplanned Urbanization: Densely populated areas, unscientific constructions, and unplanned urban growth elevate risks.

• Himalayan Foothills: Vulnerability in these regions includes liquefaction and landslides triggered by earthquakes.

Significant Earthquake Disasters:

• 1993, Latur: Shallow depth led to substantial surface damage; causes remain debated due to lack of plate boundaries in the region.

• 1999, Chamoli: Thrust fault-induced disaster causing landslides, surface changes, and disconnected valleys.

• 2001, Bhuj: Associated with a reactivated fault, resulting in significant loss of life and property.

• 2004, Indian Ocean Tsunami: Underwater seismic activity leading to massive waves flooding coastal areas and causing long-term changes.

• 2005, Kashmir: Severe upthrust of Indian plate against Eurasian plate causing disruptions in infrastructure and communication.

Earthquake Safety in India: India has made progress in earthquake safety, yet much more needs to be accomplished. Developing a system and culture for constructing safe houses is not just possible but an absolute necessity in 21st century India.

Q6: Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (Disaster Management)
Ans: 

Understanding Landslides

• Definition: A landslide is the movement of rock, debris, or earth down a slope due to gravity, classified as a type of mass wasting.
• Factors Leading to Landslides: Causes include geological aspects (like weak or fractured earth material), changes in land structure (e.g., loss of vegetation), and human activities (such as agriculture and construction).
• Triggers: Landslides can be initiated by various factors like rainfall, snowmelt, seismic activity, water level changes, and human interference, among others. Underwater, earthquakes and similar factors can also induce landslides.

Impacts of Landslides:

• Destruction and Economic Impact: Landslides can destroy property, drain regional economies, and require rehabilitation efforts in affected areas.
• Infrastructure Damage: Roads, railways, buildings, and communication systems can suffer severe damage from landslides.
• Human Risk and Environmental Consequences: Communities near hills and mountains face higher risks, with landslides posing threats of casualties and carrying debris that can disrupt river habitats, impacting fish and other river life.

National Landslide Risk Management Strategy Components:

• Hazard Maps: Creation of user-friendly maps identifying landslide-prone areas.
• Early Warning System: Development of systems to monitor and warn about potential landslides.
• Awareness and Training: Programs to educate stakeholders and build capacity to respond to landslides.
• Regulations and Mitigation: Formulation of policies and regulations for mountain zones, along with measures to stabilize and mitigate landslides.

Specialized Management: Establishment of a dedicated body (Special Purpose Vehicle - SPV) to manage landslide-related issues.