UPSC Mains 2024 GS3 Q19 — Border management
India has a long and trobled border with China and pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and management (BM) Scheme. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Examinegive out
- Scope keywords
- long and trobled borderChina and pakistancontentious issuessecurity challengesBorder Area Development Programme (BADP)Border Infrastructure and management (BM) Scheme
- Implicit sub-parts
- Differentiate between the nature of issues at the Line of Control (LoC) vs. Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- Analyze the hybrid nature of security threats, including infiltration, smuggling, and gray-zone warfare.
- Evaluate the shift from traditional surveillance to technology-led infrastructure under the BM scheme.
- Assess the strategic importance of socio-economic development of border populations for national security.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much time on historical wars (1962, 1971) rather than current 'contentious issues'.
- Failing to distinguish between the BADP (socio-economic) and the BM Scheme (physical infrastructure/tech).
- Ignoring the 'China' aspect of the question to focus solely on Pakistan and cross-border terrorism.
- Neglecting to mention recent developments like the Vibrant Villages Programme or the Border Roads Organization's recent projects.
- Dimensions required
- GeopoliticalInternal SecuritySocio-economicTechnological/InfrastructureDiplomatic
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 7-8 marks to the examination of border issues and security challenges, ensuring a balanced view of both the western and northern frontiers. The remaining 7-8 marks must be dedicated to a factual and analytical description of BADP and BM schemes, emphasizing their role in addressing the aforementioned challenges.
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