UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions 2023: GS3 Internal Security & Disaster Management | UPSC Mains: Internal Security & Disaster Management PDF Download

Q1: Winning ‘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. (Internal Security)
Ans: 'Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ refers to the government-backed people-centric approach aimed at gaining the support of local residents to restore their trust in the system, particularly in conflict-ridden regions like Kashmir, where the goal is to counteract the influence of terrorism.

Measures adopted by the government with respect to Kashmir:

• Abrogation of Article 370: The special status of Jammu & Kashmir was abrogated to promote greater integration with the rest of India and bring the youth into the mainstream.
• Youth participation: Initiatives like project Sadhbhavana, Army Goodwill Schools (AGS), hostels, vocational courses, 'Bharat Darshan' tours, and cricket tournaments were organized to engage teenagers and the elderly in the Valley. Projects such as Himayat and Umeed were launched for capacity building and empowering women in J&K.
• Infrastructure Developments: Emphasis has been placed on creating infrastructure in transportation, health, etc. This includes initiatives like the PM’s development package for J&K and establishing Khelo India centers in J&K.
• Development of Tourism, Arts, and Crafts Sectors: The adoption of the new Wool Processing, Handicrafts, and Handloom Policy, 2020 aims at promoting and developing the handicrafts and handloom sector.
• Anti-Radicalisation Drives: Initiatives have been launched to reduce alienation and promote a sense of incorporation among the people of Kashmir towards the Indian cause.
• Political Engagements: Encouraging political dialogues and fostering regional youth participation in local politics by engaging with the younger generation of political leaders.

While the government's approach aims to restore peace, stability, and development in the region, the situation in Kashmir remains complex. It is crucial for the government to implement more policies for the complete integration of the state's people with the rest of India.

Q2: The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat. (Internal Security)
Ans: An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a remotely piloted or self-piloted aircraft capable of carrying various payloads, including cameras, sensors, communications equipment, or arms/ammunitions. This technology poses a significant threat to internal security and can be utilized by adversaries across the border.

Cause of concern:

• Ability to fly at high altitudes and low speeds, making detection and interception challenging for border security forces.
• Remote control capability allows operation from a safe distance, minimizing risks to human operatives during infiltration attempts.
• Potential use for espionage, enabling unauthorized individuals to gather sensitive information about military installations, critical infrastructure, and other key targets.

Measures taken by the Indian government to tackle threats:

• Technological Upgradation: Deployment of anti-drone weapons and detection systems, including radars and jammers. Examples include anti-drone systems like the SkyWall 100 and the DroneGun Tactical CHIMERA anti-drone system, developed using French technology.

• Military Intelligence: Continuous surveillance by the BSF through patrolling, checkpoints, observation posts, border fencing, and floodlights.

• Institutional: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has established the Anti Rogue Drone Technology Committee (ARDTC) to evaluate technology for countering rogue drones.

• Governmental Collaboration: Actively collaborating with countries like Israel for advanced drone technology.

• DRDO Nishant: Primarily designed for intelligence-gathering, it is also utilized for reconnaissance, training, surveillance, target designation, artillery fire correction, and damage assessment.

• Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) strategy: Involves blocking communication lines and neutralizing unwanted drones.

With the advancement of technology, the threat to internal security increases. Therefore, a comprehensive drone strategy, including private participation in developing high-end drones, is the need of the hour.

Q3: What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats. (Internal Security)
Ans: A sovereign nation's primary duty is safeguarding its citizens from both internal and external threats. Since gaining independence, India has confronted various internal security challenges, including insurgency, militancy, and externally influenced rebellions.

Internal Security Challenges for India:

• Separatist Movements: Feelings of separatism persist since the nation's inception, causing unrest in law and order. Examples include Nagaland separatism and Kashmiri separatism.
• Communalism: Strife between major religious groups often breeds hatred and conflicts, fueling separatist tendencies and making citizens vulnerable to terrorist activities.
• Illegal Migration: Over the years, illegal migration has led to associated problems like demographic changes and increased unemployment, straining the nation's resources.
• Left-Wing Extremism: Noted in central and eastern India, marked by Marxism or Maoism as its political ideology. Socio-economic disparities and land alienation contribute to its emergence.

Various Intelligence and Investigative Agencies Operate in India with Different Mandates:

• National Investigation Agency (NIA): Premier counter-terrorism law enforcement agency investigating offenses affecting India's sovereignty, security, and integrity.
• Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): Apex body coordinating between narcotics and drug law enforcement agencies, working to prevent drug trafficking across India.
• Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI): Deals with intelligence on smuggling contrabands, investigating related cases, and aims to prevent black money proliferation and money laundering.
• Intelligence Bureau (IB): Apex intelligence body responsible for collecting information within the country, executing counter-terrorism operations, and handling matters of domestic intelligence and internal security.
• Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW): Handles foreign intelligence operations, conducts counter-terrorism operations, and provides advice to Indian policymakers.

• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): Premier investigating police agency established on the recommendation of the Santhanam Committee, conducting investigations and acting as the point of access for Interpol.

Internal security is crucial for a nation's growth. Indian Intelligence and Investigative Agencies, often unsung heroes, have played a significant role in securing our lives.

Q4: Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and the efforts being made to curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the No Money for Terror (NMFT) Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022. (Internal Security)
Ans: Since its establishment in 1947, India has witnessed various forms of terrorist and insurgent activities. Over the years, the country has learned from its mistakes and developed numerous strategies to address terror funding and related activities.

Major Sources of Terror Funding:

• State Sponsorship: The use of terrorism to advance diplomatic interests is a known practice, with states supporting terrorists for their purposes.
• Counterfeit Currency: Involves the direct printing and circulation of fake currency in the market, often used by neighboring states to destabilize the Indian economy.
• Organized Crime: Criminal organizations collaborate and are frequently connected to larger terrorist groups, creating a two-way flow of resources.
• Extortion: Remains a significant source of terrorism funding in India, particularly in the North-East.
• Hawala System: An illegal method of money transfer, usually across international borders, utilized by criminal networks.

Efforts to Curtail Sources:

• National Investigation Agency (NIA): The premier agency in India for combating terrorism across states without requiring special permission.
• Unlawful Activities Prevention Act: Anti-terror legislation aimed at designating individuals as "terrorists."
• National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID): A centralized data library of terror and crime-related information.
• SAMADHAN Doctrine: Developed to address Left-Wing Extremism problems, it also aims to restrict the access of terrorist organizations to funds.

Recently, the third No Money for Terror (NMFT) Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing was held in New Delhi, India, with objectives to:

• Collaborate with countries worldwide to reduce terror and extremist funding.
• Establish a secretariat in the country, not as an investigative body but based on collaboration and cooperation principles.
• Investigate new and emerging threats and methods of propagating terrorism.

Being surrounded by two hostile neighbors leaves India no room for complacency regarding internal security. Through various measures, India continues to combat the battle against terrorism.

Q5: Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and property. Analyze the various causes of dam failures. Give two examples of large dam failures.(Disaster Management)
Ans: A dam failure refers to the uncontrolled release of water from a reservoir through a dam, resulting from structural failures or deficiencies in the dam. India, ranked third in building large dams, faces the potential risk of releasing substantial water, posing dangers to people and property downstream.

Causes of Dam Failures:

• Overtopping: Poor spillway design can cause overtopping, especially during heavy rainfall, leading to the reservoir filling too high.
• Foundational Defects: Slope instability can result in water seepage beneath the dam.
• Operational Failures: Valve and conduit failures can cause improper functioning, leading to inadequate water discharge.
• Geological Instability: Tectonic-induced events like landslides and earthquakes can pose a threat to dam structures.
• Ageing Dams: Increasing flooding frequency and environmental changes can accelerate the ageing process of dams.
• Structural Failure: Inadequate design, construction materials, or maintenance can lead to dam collapse.

Examples of Large Dam Failures:

• Machchu II Dam Failure (1979): Due to heavy rainfall and improper design, the Machchu II Dam in Gujarat burst, causing a catastrophic flood and claiming over 2,000 lives.
• Tiware Dam Failure (2019): Located in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, the Tiware dam breached due to excessive rainfall, flooding seven villages and resulting in several casualties.

Initiatives like the Dam Safety Act 2021 and the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) represent positive steps toward preventing catastrophic dam failures in India.