UPSC Mains 2025 GS3 Q9 — Internal security, Terrorism
Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- How has it manifestedElaborateWhat are the counter measuresExplain
- Scope keywords
- Terrorismglobal scourgemanifested in Indiacontemporary examplescounter measures adopted by the State
- Implicit sub-parts
- Typology of terrorism in India (cross-border, hinterland radicalization, LWE, and insurgency-linked terrorism).
- The transition from traditional terror attacks to hybrid threats like lone-wolf attacks or cyber-terrorism.
- Institutional, legislative, and technological response mechanisms by the Indian state.
- The linkage between international terror networks and local manifestations.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much space on a generic definition of terrorism instead of diving into the Indian context.
- Failing to provide 'contemporary' examples, such as the Dhangri attack or recent targeted killings in J&K, opting instead for outdated 2008-era examples.
- Confusing general crime or internal security issues (like minor communal riots) with actual terrorism manifestation.
- Focusing only on kinetic/military measures while ignoring legislative (UAPA) and institutional (NIA/NATGRID) measures.
- Dimensions required
- Geopolitical (Cross-border)Legislative (UAPA, NIA Act)Technological (Surveillance, FinTech monitoring)Institutional (Intelligence sharing, Multi-Agency Centre)Socio-Psychological (Deradicalization programs)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 30 words to the manifestation typology, 50 words to specific contemporary examples to ground the theory, and 60 words to the multi-pronged state counter-measures, leaving 10 words for a forward-looking conclusion on global cooperation.
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