GS3 2023 Q10 10 marks 150 words Border Security

UPSC Mains 2023 GS3 Q10 — Border Security

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UA Vs) 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. (Answer in 150 words )

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Question Decoded — examiner's intent

Directive verbs
Comment
Scope keywords
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)adversaries across the bordersferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc.serious threat to the internal securitymeasures being taken to tackle this threat
Implicit sub-parts
  • The tactical shift: Why UAVs have become a preferred tool for asymmetrical warfare (low cost, high deniability).
  • Categorization of threats: Distinguishing between narco-terrorism, weapons smuggling, and reconnaissance/espionage.
  • Technological and Institutional response: Soft-kill and hard-kill measures, and legal/regulatory frameworks like Drone Rules.
  • Challenges in implementation: Geographical constraints (Punjab vs. J&K) and detection limitations for low-flying/small drones.
Common pitfalls
  • Focusing too much on the 'utility' of drones for India instead of the 'threat' posed by adversaries.
  • Failing to mention specific border agencies involved, such as the BSF, and their role in local coordination.
  • Ignoring the 'drugs' and 'arms' aspect specifically mentioned in the prompt, focusing only on border incursions.
  • Providing a generic list of technologies without mentioning specific Indian initiatives like 'D4' systems or indigenous R&D.
Dimensions required
Technological (Electronic warfare, kinetic interception)Legal/Policy (National Counter Rogue Drone Framework)Geopolitical (State-sponsored non-state actors)Collaborative (Civil-Military coordination and community participation/Village Defence Committees)
Marks allocation hint

Devote 30-40 words to contextualizing the gravity of the UAV threat (the 'Why'). Spend the bulk of the response (90-100 words) on a structured analysis of measures, categorized into technological, institutional, and border management strategies. Use the final 10-20 words for a forward-looking conclusion emphasizing the need for 'Drone-as-a-Service' for surveillance.

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