Internal Security - 2 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Left Wing Extremism in Chhattisgarh

Context

• Recently, the Union Government answered that incidents of Naxal violence in the country have dropped by 77 percent between 2009 and 2021.

About

• Although such incidents have dropped, deaths of security force personnel due to Maoist violence have more than doubled in Chhattisgarh in the past three years.
• The resultant deaths (civilians + security forces) have reduced by 85 percent from all-time high of 1,005 in 2010 to 147 in 2021.
• States data: 
  • In 2021, Chhattisgarh accounted for 90 percent (45 out of 50) of all security personnel deaths in the country. 
  • Jharkhand is the only state that recorded security personnel deaths (5) besides Chhattisgarh in 2021. In 2019, when 52 security force personnel deaths were recorded in the country, Chhattisgarh accounted for just 42 percent (22) of those with Maharashtra accounting for 16 deaths and Jharkhand for 12 deaths.
  • Other states for which data has been provided by the government are Bihar, Odisha and Telangana. All recorded zero deaths in 2021. In 2022, Odisha recorded three deaths while Jharkhand recorded two.
• Geographical Spread: The geographical spread of the violence has reduced as only 46 districts reported LWE-related violence in 2021 as compared to 96 districts in 2010.
  • Decline in geographical spread is also reflected in the reduced number of districts covered under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme. 
  • The number of SRE districts was reduced from 126 to 90 in April 2018 and further to 70 in July 2021. 
  • Similarly, the number of districts contributing approximately 90 percent of the LWE violence, categorised as ‘most LWE-affected districts’ came down to 30 from 35 in 2018 and further to 25 in 2021.

Left-wing extremism in India

• Left-wing extremists, popularly known as Maoists worldwide and as Naxalites/Naxalism in India, has been a major threat to India since the 1960s. 
• Genesis:
  • The term Naxalism derives from the name of the Naxalbari village in West Bengal where a peasant revolt took place against local landlords over a land dispute in 1967.
  • The origins of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India goes back to the Telangana peasant rebellion (1946-51), the movement was at its peak in 1967, when the peasants, landless labourers, and Adivasis raided the granaries of a landlord in the Naxalbari village in West Bengal.
  • The Naxal rebellion was led by Charu Majumdar and his close associates, Kanu Sanyal and Jangal Santhal.
  • These rebels not only were assisted by the people from nearby villages but also from the People’s Republic of China. The Chinese Media had called this movement the “Spring Thunder”.
  • The movement initially took inspiration from China’s founding father, Mao Zedong, but had later become radically different from Maoism.

Reasons for Left Wing Extremism

• Tribal Discontent:
  • The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 has been used to target tribals, who depend on forest produce for their living.
  • Massive displacement of tribal population in the Naxalism-affected states due to development projects, mining operations and other reasons.
  • Also poor implementation of FRA, eviction of the land ceiling.
• Lack of Livelihood: 
  • Such people who do not have any source of living are taken into Naxalism by Maoists.
  • Maoists provide arms and ammunition and money to such people.
• Governance related issues:
  • Government measures its success on the basis of the number of violent attacks rather than the development done in the Naxal-affected areas.
  • Absence of strong technical intelligence to fight with Naxalites.
  • Infrastructural problems, for instance, some villages are not yet connected properly with any communication network.
  • No Follow-Up from Administration: It is seen that even after police take hold of a region, the administration fails to provide essential services to the people of that region.
• Most affected Areas:
  • The severely affected areas of India are known as ‘Red Corridor’, It is situated in the eastern part of the nation across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. (23 districts at the moment).
• Reasons for decline in violence:
  • Greater presence of security forces across the LWE affected States.
  • Loss of leaders on account of arrests, surrender and desertions.
  • Rehabilitation programs by the governments
  • Better monitoring & shortage of funds and arms.

Government Initiatives to Fight LWE

• Greyhounds: It was raised in 1989 as an elite anti-Naxal force.
• Operation Green Hunt: It was started in 2009-10 and massive deployment of security forces was done in the Naxal-affected areas
• Aspirational Districts Programme: Launched in 2018, it aims to rapidly transform the districts that have shown relatively lesser progress in key social areas.
• SAMADHAN doctrine is the one-stop solution for the LWE problem. It encompasses the entire strategy of government from short-term policy to long-term policy formulated at different levels. SAMADHAN stands for-
  • S- Smart Leadership,
  • A- Aggressive Strategy,
  • M- Motivation and Training,
  • A- Actionable Intelligence,
  • D- Dashboard Based KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and KRAs (Key Result Areas),
  • H- Harnessing Technology,
  • A- Action plan for each Theatre,
  • N- No access to Financing.
• ROSHNI is a special initiative under, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (Formerly Aajeevika Skills), launched in June 2013 for training and placement of rural poor youth from 27 LWE affected districts in 09 States
• Intelligence sharing and raising of a separate 66 Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBs), CRPF battalions like COBRA battalion, Bastariya battalion etc were done by the government to curb the menace of LWE organisations.

Countering Measures

• Crackdown on Maoists in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) states started mainly in 2005.
  • The number of districts declared Naxal-affected is now just 90, down from over 200 in the early 2000s. Yet, Chhattisgarh struggles.
• In the state, the Salwa-Judum militia campaign was launched which proved to be counterproductive.
• The DRG, a special counter-Maoist force, was raised and trained by the CRPF to take lead with support from CRPF, however, CRPF continues to be the spearhead till date in Chhattisgarh.
  • DRG has tribal recruits from Bastar and employs surrendered Maoists too, which gives it the advantages of local knowledge and intelligence gathering.
  • However, it is relatively new and lacks combat capabilities of the Greyhounds (Andhra Pradesh).
• The elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) of the CRPF, a unit specially trained for operations in areas affected by LWE.
• Involvement and modernisation of state police forces. Successful examples,
  • Andhra Pradesh: Greyhounds.
  • Maharashtra: Local police and the C60 force.
  • West Bengal: Ingenious strategy adopted by the state police.
  • Jharkhand: Jharkhand Jaguars.
  • Odisha: Broad administrative interventions in Koraput.

Suggestions 

• The political will of the state is of paramount importance. There should be policies and authorities to coordinate government schemes for development of these regions in a coherent manner.
  • In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the government had created a Remote and Interior Area Development Authority.
• Development of infrastructure including schools, hospitals and most importantly roads for connectivity along with job creations and marketing of forest products.
• More frequent joint operations between central forces and local police to avoid confusion of command and coordination and casualties.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs, in a document on LWE violence, has highlighted the importance of administration reaching remote areas.
• The local police need to take up the leadership position with the help of the central forces which have the numbers and the training to strengthen the joint operations.
• Special forces should be provided with the freedom to operate otherwise no amount of training will help.

Drug Trafficking and Threat to Security

Context

• Narcotics trade is a global social problem that has harmful effects on the youth and families. This trade generates money that is diverted to disruptive activities having bearing on national security, keeping the law enforcement agencies on tenterhooks. India is also facing the problem of drug trafficking, and the issue is assuming dangerous proportions.

What is Narcotics trade?

• The narcotics trade refers to the illegal production, distribution, and sale of drugs such as opium, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
• It is a global issue that poses a serious threat to public health and safety, as well as national security.
• The trade is often controlled by criminal organizations, and the money generated from it is often used to fund other illicit activities such as terrorism and money laundering.

Prevalence of Narcotics trade in India

• Significant challenge: The Narcotics trade is a serious problem in India, affecting the youth and families, and leading to the diversion of money for disruptive activities that have a bearing on national security.
• Sandwiched between golden Crecent and golden triangle: India is a big market and a transit route for other countries. India has been seen as sandwiched between the Death (Golden) Crescent and Death (Golden) Triangle.
• Use of drones to supply drugs: The use of drones to supply drugs and weapons across the border in Punjab is a new phenomenon.
• Hot destination for cocaine: India has surprisingly become a hot destination for cocaine, which is controlled by South American drug cartels. Investigations have revealed the connection of these cartels with NRIs based in Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and several European countries along with local drug lords and gangsters in India.

Concerns regarding the Narcotics trade in India

• Social and health impact: Narcotics trade harms youth and families, leading to addiction and health problems.
• Diversion of funds for disruptive activities: The money generated from the narcotics trade is diverted for disruptive activities that have bearings on national security.
• Increase in terrorism: Drug traffickers from across borders have been found to have connections with terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, and the illegal money is used for terror activities sponsored by the ISI.
• Infiltration of organized crime: Organized gangs, which primarily used to carry out extortion activities in their local areas, are getting hooked to the narcotics trade network, and are being used for drug trafficking and gun running. This creates a nexus between terrorists and organized gangs/underworld, which poses a new and disturbing trend that needs to be tackled effectively by security agencies.
• Proliferation of darknet markets: Studies reveal that 62 per cent of the darknet is being used for illicit drug trafficking. The anonymity and low risks of darknet transactions are disrupting traditional drug markets.
• Border security: The heroin and methamphetamine-producing areas have porous borders and are reportedly under the control of rebel groups indirectly supported by intelligence setups. Illicit arms are manufactured here and supplied to underground groups active in India.

Facts for prelims

• The Golden Crescent: The Golden Crescent is a region in South Asia that is known for the production of illicit drugs, particularly opium. The region includes parts of Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. It is one of the two major drug-producing areas in the world, along with the Golden Triangle, which is located in Southeast Asia.
• The Golden Triangle: The Golden Triangle is a region in Southeast Asia that encompasses parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It is one of the world’s largest opium-producing areas and is named after the shape formed by the overlapping mountains of these countries.
• Nearly 90% of the world’s demand for heroin and methamphetamine is being met from these regions.

Why drug trafficking is a serious security issue?

• Illegal money: Drug trafficking generates a significant amount of illegal money, which can be used to fund other illegal activities such as terrorism, money laundering, and human trafficking.
• Social and economic consequences: Drug addiction and abuse can have severe social and economic consequences, including increased crime rates, loss of productivity, and strain on the healthcare system.
• Organized crime syndicates: Drug trafficking often involves organized crime syndicates, which can undermine the rule of law and weaken the state’s ability to maintain law and order.
• Impacts regional stability: Drug trafficking can create instability in regions that are already vulnerable to conflict and violence, as rival groups compete for control of the lucrative trade.

Steps taken by India to address the issue of drug trafficking

• National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances: India has a comprehensive policy framework to address the issue of narcotics trade. The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances provides a framework for controlling the illicit traffic in drugs, preventing drug abuse, and providing care and rehabilitation to drug addicts.
• Narcotics Control Bureau: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is the nodal agency for combating drug trafficking in India. It works closely with other law enforcement agencies to prevent drug trafficking, intercept drug shipments, and prosecute drug traffickers.
• International cooperation: India has been cooperating with other countries to combat the narcotics trade. It has signed several bilateral and multilateral agreements to strengthen cooperation on drug trafficking, including the SAARC Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and the UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
• Seizure of drugs: Law enforcement agencies have been seizing large quantities of drugs in recent years. In 2020, the NCB seized over 9,500 kg of drugs and arrested over 5,000 people in drug-related cases.
• Awareness campaigns: The government has been running awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse. It has also been working with NGOs and civil society organizations to provide care and rehabilitation to drug addicts.
• Use of technology: Law enforcement agencies are using technology to track drug trafficking. For example, the NCB has been using social media and the dark web to track drug trafficking.
• Strengthening border security: India has been strengthening its border security to prevent the entry of drugs into the country. The government has been using modern technology, such as drones and sensors, to monitor the borders.
• Use of financial intelligence: Law enforcement agencies are using financial intelligence to track the money trail of drug traffickers. They are working closely with banks and financial institutions to identify suspicious transactions and freeze the assets of drug traffickers.

Way ahead

• International cooperation: India needs to engage with its neighboring countries to ensure that they take steps to prevent the production and transit of narcotics through their territories. India should also collaborate with international agencies like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to share intelligence and develop a coordinated approach towards combating the drug menace.
• Strengthening law enforcement: India should strengthen its law enforcement agencies and provide them with the necessary resources and training to effectively tackle the narcotics trade. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) should be given more teeth and made more proactive in tracking down drug traffickers and seizing drugs.
• Public awareness: India needs to launch a sustained public awareness campaign to educate people about the harmful effects of drugs and the links between drug trafficking and terrorism. The government should also work with civil society organizations to mobilize communities to report drug-related activities in their neighborhoods.
• Stricter punishment: India needs to introduce stricter punishment for drug traffickers and increase the penalties for drug-related crimes. This will act as a deterrent and make it more difficult for drug traffickers to operate in India.
• Use of technology: India needs to leverage technology to track and intercept drug shipments. The use of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles can be explored to monitor the movement of drugs across borders.
• Monitoring darknet activities: India needs to monitor activities on the darknet and take action against those engaged in drug trafficking through this channel. The NCB can work with international agencies to track down drug traffickers operating on the darknet.
• Rehabilitation: India needs to focus on rehabilitating drug addicts and providing them with the necessary support to overcome their addiction. This will help in reducing demand for drugs and prevent people from getting into the trap of drug trafficking.

Conclusion

• The problem of drug trafficking is a growing threat to India’s security, and the issue needs to be addressed urgently. Concerted and coordinated efforts of all the agencies will be required to tackle this growing threat. The nexus between terrorists and organized gangs/underworld is a new and disturbing trend and the law enforcement agencies must develop new strategies to counter the new trends.

National Investigation Agency 

Context

Recently, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered an FIR (First Information Report) against two men who were previously arrested for allegedly Radicalizing youth.

• The NIA has charged the two men under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967.

What is the National Investigation Agency (NIA)?

• About:
  • The NIA is a federal agency of the Indian government responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes related to Terrorism, Insurgency, and other national security matters.
    • Federal agencies in a country typically have jurisdiction over matters that affect the country as a whole, rather than just individual states or provinces.
  • It was established in 2009 following the Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008, under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008, operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
    • The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019 was passed in July 2019, amending the NIA Act, 2008.
  • The NIA has the power to take over investigations of terrorism-related cases from state police forces and other agencies. It also has the authority to investigate cases across state boundaries without obtaining prior permission from state governments.
• Functions:
  • Collecting, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence related to terrorism and other national security matters.
  • Coordinating with other law enforcement agencies, both within India and internationally, in matters related to terrorism and national security.
  • Conducting capacity building programs for law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders.
• Probe:
  • The NIA can take up a probe in different ways. The State government can refer cases related to scheduled offences to the Central government for NIA investigation under Section 6 of the NIA Act 2008.
  • The Central government can also direct the NIA to investigate a scheduled offence, either within or outside India, on its own accord.
  • For prosecuting the accused under the UAPA and certain other scheduled offences, the NIA seeks the sanction of the Central government.
  • There is a special cell to deal with LWE (Left Wing Extremism) cases related to terror financing. During the investigation of a scheduled offence, the NIA can also investigate any other offence connected to it. Finally, after investigation, the cases are presented before the NIA Special Court.

What are the Changes Made under NIA (Amendment) Act 2019?

• Offenses Outside India:
  • The NIA originally had the power to investigate crimes within India, but the amended Act now allows it to investigate crimes committed outside of India, as long as it follows international treaties and the laws of the countries involved.
  • If the Central Government believes a crime has been committed outside of India but falls under the jurisdiction of the Act, it can instruct the NIA to investigate the case as if it was committed in India.
• Widened Scope of the Law:
  • The NIA can investigate crimes listed in the Schedule of the NIA Act.
    • The Schedule originally included Acts like The Atomic Energy Act, 1962, The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and The Anti-Hijacking Act, 1982, among others.
  • With the amendment, the NIA can now also investigate cases related to,
    • Human Trafficking,
    • Counterfeit currency or banknotes,
    • Prohibited arms,
    • Cyber-terrorism,
    • Crimes under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.
• Special Courts:
  • The 2008 Act created Special Courts to try cases under the Act.
  • The 2019 amendment allows the central government to designate Sessions Courts as Special Courts to try Scheduled Offences under the Act.
  • Before doing so, the central government must consult with the Chief Justice of the relevant High Court. If multiple Special Courts exist in an area, the most senior judge will assign cases.
  • State governments can also designate Sessions Courts as Special Courts for trying scheduled offences.

Rohingya Refugees in India

Context

A recent report titled 'A Shadow of Refuge: Rohingya Refugees in India' sheds light on the challenges faced by Rohingya refugees in India.

• The report was jointly prepared by The Azadi Project, a women’s rights non-profit and Refugees International, an international NGO that advocates for the rights of stateless people

What is the Rohingya Crisis?

• The Rohingya people have suffered decades of violence, discrimination and persecution in Myanmar.
  • Rohingya are not recognized as an official ethnic group and have been denied citizenship since 1982. They are one of the largest stateless populations in the world.
• Since the early 1990's, the Rohingya have fled successive waves of violence in Myanmar.
  • Their largest and fastest exodus began in August 2017 when violence broke out in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, driving more than 742,000 people to seek refuge in neighbouring countries —the majority of whom were women and children.

What are the Concerns and Recommendations Outlined in the Report?

• Concerns Related to Rohingya:
  • Denied Exit Permissions for Resettlement:
    • India's refusal to grant exit visas to Rohingya refugees who have completed refugee status determinations and gained approval for resettlement in third countries is a significant concern.
  • Stigmatisation and Anti-Refugee Sentiment:
    • The Rohingya refugees in India face various challenges, including being labelled as "illegal migrants" .
    • This stigmatisation not only hampers their integration into society but also places them at risk of being deported back to Myanmar, where they fled from a genocidal regime.
• Fear of Deportation:
  • Actual and threatened deportations have instilled a sense of fear within the Rohingya community, compelling some to return to camps in Bangladesh.
  • International conventions, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, obligate India not to return the Rohingya to Myanmar.
    • However, the Supreme Court has accepted the government's arguments regarding national security threats, allowing deportations to proceed.
• Harsh Living Conditions:
  • The report details the dire living conditions of Rohingya refugees in India, residing in slum-like settlements without safe running water, toilets, or access to basic healthcare and education.
    • Without valid travel documents, obtaining an Aadhaar card for essential services such as school admissions has become impossible.

Recommendations:

• Formal Recognition and Domestic Laws: India should formally recognize Rohingya refugees as individuals with a right to asylum rather than as illegal migrants.
  • Signing the 1951 Refugee Convention and establishing domestic laws on refugees and asylum can be the crucial steps to achieve this.

Acknowledgment of Residency: India can recognize UNHCR cards as sufficient for accessing basic education, work, and health services.

• UNHCR cards refer to identification documents issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to individuals who have been recognized as refugees or asylum seekers.
  • UNHCR is the United Nations agency responsible for protecting and supporting refugees worldwide.
  • UNHCR cards serve as proof of the individual's status as a refugee or asylum seeker and may grant them certain rights and access to services in the country where they reside.
• Global Credibility and National Security: Treating refugees better would enhance India's global credibility and serve national security interests by documenting new arrivals and discouraging them from remaining under the radar.
  • The report suggests that India can play a proactive role in facilitating resettlement opportunities for Rohingya refugees by advocating for their acceptance in ally countries such as the U.S., Canada, Australia, Germany, and other European nations.

What can be the Reasons behind India's Decision not to Sign the 1951 Refugee Convention?

• Issue with Definition of Refugee: According to the 1951 convention, refugees are defined as people who have been deprived of their civil and political rights, but not their economic rights.
  • If the violation of economic rights were to be included in the definition of a refugee, it would clearly pose a major burden on the developed world.
• Sovereignty Concerns: Countries may be reluctant to sign international agreements that they believe could compromise their sovereignty or interfere with their domestic policies and decision-making processes.
  • By not signing the convention, India retains the freedom to implement its own refugee policies.
• Limited Resources: India is one of the most populous countries in the world and already faces significant challenges in providing basic services and resources to its own population.
  • Signing the convention might result in increased responsibilities and resource burdens related to the protection and support of refugees.
• Regional Dynamics: India is located in a region that has been historically affected by various conflicts and displacement situations.
  • The country has faced influxes of refugees from neighbouring countries, due to the porous nature of borders in South Asia.
  • However, India is still bound by other international human rights treaties and customary international law principles.

What is the Current Legislative Framework in India to Handle Refugees?

• India treats all foreigners whether illegal immigrants, refugees/asylum seekers or those overstaying visa permits under
  • Foreigners Act of 1946: Under Section 3, the central government is empowered to detect, detain and deport illegal foreign nationals.
  • Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920: Under Section 5, authorities can remove an illegal foreigner by force under Article 258(1) of the Constitution of India.
  • Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939: Under this, there is a mandatory requirement under which all foreign nationals (excluding overseas citizens of India) visiting India on a long-term visa (more than 180 days) are required to register themselves with a Registration Officer within 14 days of arriving in India.
  • Citizenship Act, 1955: It provided provisions for renunciation, termination, and deprivation of citizenship.
    • Further, Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA) seeks to provide citizenship to Hindu, Christian, Jain, Parsi, Sikh, and Buddhist immigrants persecuted in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
• India issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be followed by all concerned agencies while dealing with foreign nationals who claim to be refugees.

Innovations for Defence Excellence

Context

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence, has signed its 250th contract – first under Mission DefSpace – and 100^th SPRINT (Navy) contract.

What are Mission DefSpace and SPRINT Navy Contracts?

• Mission DefSPace Contract:
  • Space startup InspeCity has been awarded the first iDEX contract of Mission DefSpace.
  • InspeCity had emerged as the winner of a challenge conducted by the Defence Space Agency focused on developing a gas based Micropropulsion system for cubesats.
    • Cubesats are a class of small satellites and are easy to manufacture, modular, modular, low cost, integrate and launch. The cubesats are critical for launch-on-demand capabilities and are good for Imagery, Reconnaissance/communication, and also Intelligence Surveillance.
  • This technology will enable precise manoeuvring and orbit correction for satellites, including the cubesat swarm being developed under Mission DefSpace.
• SPRINT (Navy) Contract:
  • Siliconia Technologies Pvt Ltd, has emerged as the winner of a SPRINT (Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through iDEX, NIIO and TDAC) Challenge focused on developing a lightweight Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) based communication system for phased-array radars.
  • The system provides multiple independent receiver/transmitter sources crucial for satellite tracking.
  • It utilizes software-defined antennas for communication with Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit, and Geostationary Satellites.

What is iDEX?

• About:
  • iDEX, launched in 2018, is an ecosystem to foster innovation & technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging innovators & entrepreneurs to deliver technologically advanced solutions for modernizing the Indian Military.
  • It provides funding/grants to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, individual innovators, R&D (Research and Developments) institutes and academia to carry out research and development.
  • The iDEX-Prime aims to support projects requiring support beyond Rs 1.5 crore up to Rs 10 crore, to help ever-growing start-ups in the defence sector.
    • iDEX portal was launched to provide wider publicity and better visibility of iDEX activities and enable more efficient running of future challenges through better information management.
• Objectives:
  • Indigenization: Rapid development of new, indigenized and innovative technology.
  • Innovation: Creates a culture of engagement with innovative startups to encourage co-creation.
• Funding:
  • iDEX is funded and managed by “Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO)”.
  • iDEX will function as the executive arm of DIO, carrying out all the required activities while DIO will provide high level policy guidance to iDEX.
• Achievement:
  • iDEX has been awarded the prestigious Prime Minister Award for Public Policy in Innovation Category for the year 2021.

What is Mision DefSpace?

• It was inaugurated by Prime Minister of India during the October 2022 edition of India’s DefExpo.
• It aims to nurture the Indian Private Space industry through challenges addressing every stage of a space mission – from mission planning to satellite data analytics.
• This mission encompasses 75 Defense Space Challenges that directly suit the needs of end users.
• These challenges have been categorised into the existing DDP initiatives of iDEX, Make-I, and Make-2, allowing participation from private industries, including startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators.
• The challenges are categorized into five different domains:
  • Launch System
  • Satellite System
  • Communication & Payload System
  • Ground System, and Software System.
    • Together, they offer an in-depth and complete understanding of space from a 360-degree perspective.

India Approves Acquisition of MQ-9B Armed Drones from the US

Context

• Recently, a joint statement issued by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, and the President of the U.S.A. Joe Biden welcomed India’s plans to procure the MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial vehicles from General Atomics.
• India plans to acquire 31 armed UAVs including 15 SeaGuardians for the Navy and eight SkyGuardians each for the Army and Air Force.
• The Indian Navy had previously leased two MQ-9As from General Atomics in 2020 which have completed 10,000 flight hours and covered over 14 million square miles of operating area in two years.

What is the cost of the MQ-9B UAVs?

• The Ministry of Defense stated that the deal for the UAVs from General Atomic would cost an estimated $3,072 million.
• However, the price is not final and will be negotiated as per the established procedure once the U.S. Government provides policy approval.
• The Ministry will compare the cost of acquisition with the best price offered to other countries in order to get an optimum price.

What is the process of acquiring UAVs?

• The deal for the MQ-9B UAVs will be executed through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route of the U.S. government and will be concluded in a few months.
• The first step in the process was the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh according to the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN).
• Under the FMS route, a Letter of Request (LOR) would be sent to the U.S. government which would include the tri-services requirements, as well as the details of equipment and the terms of the procurement.
• On the basis of the LOR, the U.S. government and the Ministry of Defense will finalize the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA).
• The LOA will include details of equipment while the terms of the procurement would be negotiated and finalized based on the FMS program and the price and terms offered to other countries.
• The U.S. Government will then have to notify the U.S. Congress of the sale.
• The deal must then be approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security after which the contract will be concluded.
• India is negotiating to increase the indigenous content under the deal from the proposed 8-9% to 15-20%.

MQ-9 Predator

• The MQ-9 is a much-improved version of the original RQ-1/MQ-1Predator.
• It was armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and deployed extensively in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s tribal areas in the early 2000s as part of the U.S. war on terror.
• The RQ-1 Predator was first flown in 1995 and replaced by the MQ-9 Reaper.
• The MQ-9 Reaper is used primarily for intelligence collection and secondarily against dynamic execution targets.
• It has a significant loiter time, wide-range sensors, a multi-mode communications suite, and precision weapons and can perform strike, coordination, and reconnaissance against high-value, fleeting, and time-sensitive targets.

Why does India want to acquire the MQ-9B UAVs?

• Depending on the configuration, MQ-9Bs can fly over the horizon via satellite for up to 40 hours in all weather conditions.
• It can also be safely integrated into civil airspace.
• The SeaGuardian configuration can also include a 360° surface-search maritime radar, automatic identification system, sonobuoy monitoring system, and sonobuoy dispensers for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions.
• It can provide 80% of the capability of a large human-flown maritime patrol aircraft at 20% of its cost.
• Using the SeaGuardian is more economical for navies to clear big volumes of air or sea. It also reduces the time, cost, wear, and tear involved with such operations.
• It significantly reduces the wear and tear of manned aircraft including the Indian Navy’s fleet of 12 P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft.
• As an unmanned craft, it contributes to reduced crew fatigue among the armed forces.

Army and Airforce

• The MQ-9Bs can provide round-the-clock surveillance in areas beyond the borders to allow the Army and Air Force to be prepared for military buildup and troop movement by neighboring countries, particularly China.
• It can be used to support counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir and other regions.
• It can also integrate with other U.S.-origin platforms operated by the Indian armed forces such as the P-8Is, AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, and MH-60R multi-role helicopters.

Other deals between India and General Atomics

• General Atomics is in talks with several Indian companies for the domestic manufacture of components for the MQ-9B which could expand to potentially include the manufacture of electronics, sensors, and avionics.
• In February 2023, HAL and General Atomics announced that they are looking to develop a comprehensive engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) programme for the HALE Remotely Piloted Aircraft project.
• The engines for the MQ-9B will be supported by the engine division of HAL for the foreign market.

Left Wing Extremism in India

Context

In a recent announcement, the Ministry for Home Affairs revealed that starting from 2022, India is maintaining separate data for incidents involving Left Wing Extremists.

• LWE has been a significant security challenge in India for several decades, particularly in regions affected by civil unrest and armed conflicts.

What is Left Wing Extremism?

• About:
  • Left-wing extremism, also known as left-wing terrorism or radical left-wing movements, refers to political ideologies and groups that advocate for significant societal and political change through revolutionary means.
  • LWE groups may target government institutions, law enforcement agencies, or private property to further their agenda.
  • The LWE movement in India originated in a 1967 uprising in Naxalbari, West Bengal.
• Status in India:
  • Union Home Ministry has stated that violence related to LWE had come down by 76% in 2022 as compared to 2010
    • Also, there has been a decrease in the geographical spread of violence as only 46 districts reported LWE-related violence in 2021, compared to 96 districts in 2010.

Responsible Factors for LWE: The 2006 D Bandopadhyay Committee identified governance gaps and extensive discrimination against tribals in economic, socio-political, and cultural spheres as the primary causes of Naxalism's proliferation.

• Socio-economic Disparities: India has significant socio-economic disparities, with large sections of the population living in poverty and facing issues such as, unemployment, and lack of access to basic amenities.
  • Left-wing extremist groups have historically capitalized on these grievances and used them to gain support among the marginalized communities.
• Land Alienation and Displacement: The issue of land rights and land alienation has been a major concern for many rural communities in India.
  • The development projects and acquisition of land for industrial purposes have sometimes led to the displacement of local communities without adequate compensation or rehabilitation.
    • This has been a focal point of Naxalite agitation.
• Adivasi Rights: India is home to a significant number of Adivasis, who are indigenous communities with their distinct cultures and traditions.
  • Left-wing extremist groups often advocate for Adivasi rights and resist perceived exploitation of their resources and displacement from their ancestral lands.

Government Initiatives:

• 'National Policy and Action Plan to address Left Wing Extremism 2015: The plan adopted a comprehensive approach that involved various facets of governance, security, and development.
  • It aims to enhance the capabilities of security forces to combat LWE and contain its spread.
  • It ensures that the rights and entitlements of local communities are safeguarded, thereby reducing grievances that fuel extremist ideologies.
  • It also focuses on socio-economic development in affected regions to address the root causes of extremism and improve the lives of local communities.
• Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: The Juvenile Justice Act, enacted in 2015, plays a crucial role in protecting children affected by LWE, particularly those in distress situations, including:
  • Children in Conflict with Law (CCL): Children involved in illegal activities related to LWE are provided with care and protection through this act.
  • Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP): Children who are victims of or affected by armed conflicts, civil unrest, or natural calamities are recognized as needing care and protection under this act.
  • Criminal Prosecution: The act makes it clear that any non-state, self-styled militant group or outfit recruiting or using children for any purpose will face criminal prosecution.
  • SAMADHAN: It is the one-stop solution for the LWE problem. It encompasses the entire strategy of government from short-term policy to long-term policy formulated at different levels. SAMADHAN stands for-
    • S- Smart Leadership,
    • A- Aggressive Strategy,
    • M- Motivation and Training,
    • A- Actionable Intelligence,
    • D- Dashboard Based KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and KRAs (Key Result Areas),
    • H- Harnessing Technology,
    • A- Action plan for each Theatre,
    • N- No access to Financing.

Way Forward

• Community Engagement and Dialogue: There is a need to foster open channels of communication between the government, security forces, and affected communities.
  • Also, there is a need to encourage community leaders, NGOs, and religious institutions to play a role in mediating conflicts and addressing local issues.
• Youth Entrepreneurship and Startup Incubation: Establish entrepreneurship and startup incubation centers in affected regions to encourage young people to channel their energy and creativity into business ventures.
  • This can provide an alternative path to economic growth and self-sufficiency.
• Ecological and Sustainable Development Initiatives: Introduce projects that focus on sustainable development and conservation of natural resources in areas affected by extremism.
  • By involving local communities in environmental protection efforts, a sense of ownership and responsibility can be fostered, leading to reduced extremism.
• Empowering Local Peace Ambassadors: Identify and empower influential individuals within communities who are committed to promoting peace and countering extremist narratives.
  • Provide them with resources and support to spread messages of harmony and understanding.
• Social Impact Bonding: Introduce social impact bonds to attract private investments in social initiatives focused on countering extremism.
  • Investors will receive returns based on the success of these initiatives, creating incentives for impactful programs.