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GS Paper: GS3-23.Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism.

  • Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism.

    Narco-terrorism refers to the use of drug trafficking and narcotics trade to finance terrorist and insurgent activities. In India, it has emerged as a serious challenge due to porous borders, regional instability and rising drug demand.

    Narco-Terrorism as a Serious Threat in India

    India lies between the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle, making it vulnerable as a transit and destination country.

    Nexus between Terror Groups and Organised Crime to move drugs and launder money.

    Destabilisation of Border States– Eg- Rising drug addiction and arms recovery in Punjab.

    Use of Advanced Technology– Eg- Drone-based drug and arms drops across the Punjab border.

    Threat to Youth and Social Fabric – Eg- as per AIIMS report, 15.4% of Punjab’s population was engaged in some form of substance use (over 3 million people)

    .

    Maritime security concerns –

    Measures to Counter Narco-Terrorism

    Strengthening Border Management – Enhance surveillance, fencing, anti-drone systems and coastal security.

    Integrated Intelligence – Seamless coordination among NIA, NCIB, ED, DRI, state police and intelligence agencies.

    Targeting Financial Networks – Crackdown on money laundering, hawala and benami assets linked to drug trade.

    International Cooperation – Cooperation under FATF framework and bilateral mechanisms.

    Legal and Institutional Strengthening – Swift prosecution under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985

    Technological Solutions – Use of AI, data analytics and drone monitoring to track trafficking routes.

    Fast track implementation of National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)

    Community Policing – Involve border communities in intelligence gathering.

    A multi-pronged strategy under zero tolerance for narcotics is essential to dismantle the narco-terror ecosystem and ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’.

  • 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.

    As per Bruce Hoffman, “Terrorism is the deliberate creation and exploitation of fear through violence or the threat of violence in the pursuit of political change.”

    Terrosim as a global scourge (Global Terrorism Index 2025)

    over 8,000 terrorism-related deaths globally (2024)

    Islamic State (IS) expanded its operations to 22 countries

    Terrorist attacks jumped by 63% in the West

    India witnessed Pahalgam terrorist attack in 2025

    Manifestations of Terrorism in India

    State-Sponsored Terrorism – Pakistan-backed groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen.

    Insurgency in Jammu & Kashmir – Radicalisation, infiltration, and hybrid terrorism

    Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) – Naxalite-Maoist insurgency in ‘Red Corridor’

    Ethno-Nationalist Militancy in the N-E – Insurgent groups like ULFA (Assam), NSCN (Nagaland).

    Urban & “Lone-Wolf” Terrorism – Eg- Recent Delhi Blast

    Narco-Terrorism along Golden Traingle and Golden Crescent

    Financing of Terrorism – Use of Hawala, Fake Currency, NGOs, and Cryptocurrency

    Digital and Cyber-Terrorism – Online recruitment, fundraising and encrypted communications.

    Counter-Measures Adopted by the State

    Legislative Measures

    UAPA, 1967 – empowers State to designate individuals as terrorists.

    NIA Act, 2008 – established National Investigation Agency with nationwide jurisdiction.

    PMLA, 2002 – to curb money laundering and terror financing.

    Institutional Mechanisms

    National Security Council Secretariat headed by the NSA for inter-agency coordination

    NATGRID and Multi-Agency Centre for real-time intelligence sharing and coordination

    Operational Measures

    Operation Sindoor, Surgical Strikes (2016) and Balakot airstrikes (2019) as deterrence.

    Operation All-Out in J&K to neutralize militants.

    Border & Internal Security Measures

    Fencing and electronic surveillance along the Indo-Pak and Indo-Bangladesh borders.

    Use of drones, radars, and thermal imaging to detect infiltration.

    Community Engagement

    De-radicalisation programmes in J&K.

    Heart and mind strategy – Eg- Operation Sadbhavana (Goodwill) of Indian Army

    Employment and Skill Development to mainstream youth. Eg- Udaan Scheme

    International Cooperation

    Active role in FATF to blacklist terror-financing states.

    UN sanctions listing of terrorists like Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed.

    The zero tolerance against terrorism strategy needs 4-pronged approach

    Strengthening HUMINT (Human Intelligence) and TECHINT (Technological Intelligence).

    SMART Borders (Madhukar Gupta Committee)

    Raising cost of terrorism for Pakistan. Eg- Operation Sindoor

    Human-centric Counterinsurgency

  • Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.

    Maritime security is the “silent guardian” of India’s economic prosperity. The safety of Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) is not just a military concern but a vital economic imperative.

    Importance of maritime security for India’s sea trade

    Economic Lifeline- Approximately 95% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value is conducted via the sea.

    Energy Security- India imports over 88% of its crude oil and 51% of its natural gas from chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and Malacca Strait.

    Global Hub Aspirations- Secure seas are essential for India to emerge as a global transshipment hub

    Protection of “Blue Economy”- to protect fisheries, offshore oil/gas (Mumbai High), and seabed minerals in India’s 2.3 million sq. km. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

    Strategic Connectivity- Initiatives like Sagarmala and IMEC rely on secure seas.

    Submarine Cable Safety- Almost 99% of India’s internet data travels through undersea fiber-optic cables.

    Regional Leadership under SAGAR Vision – Eg- India as a “First Responder”.

    Climate Resilience- Security agencies like the Indian Coast Guard play a critical role in responding to oil spills and natural disasters.

    The Indian ocean region is ‘New Hotbed’ of security threats – Fareed Zakaria

    Maritime Terrorism- Eg- the 26/11 Mumbai attacks

    Geopolitical Competition from China challenging India’s role as a “Net Security Provider.”

    “dual-use” ports like Hambantota (Sri Lanka) and Gwadar (Pakistan)

    Chinese spy ships in Indian Ocean (Tianwen I)

    Piracy and Armed Robbery-

    Somali piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea

    Houthi disruptions in the Red Sea

    Transnational Organized Crime- The “Golden Crescent” and “Golden Triangle” routes converge in the IOR. (MHA)

    Human Trafficking- Illegal migration routes across the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.

    Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing- Eg- Large foreign deep-sea trawlers encroaching on India’s.

    Offshore Asset Vulnerability- Eg- Mumbai High oil rigs and the Great Nicobar Project from state and non-state sabotage.

    Nuclearization of IOR due to AUKUS

    IOR emerging as theater of great-power rivalry – Eg- US-UK base in Diego Garcia

    Way Forward

    Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)- Strengthening the NC3I Network and Information Fusion Centre (IFC-IOR)

    Fishermen as “Eyes & Ears”- Speeding up the issuance of Biometric ID cards and distress alert transmitters.

    Apex committee to coordinate all maritime operations (Kargil Review Committee)

    Technological Modernization

    Deploying AI-powered systems for 24/7 surveillance.

    Utilizing ISRO’s RISAT and UAVs like the Heron for all-weather, day-and-night imaging.

    Accelerate the induction of P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft and Sea Guardian drones.

    Global collaboration under UNCLOS to ensure Rules based Order in IOR

    Strengthening Marine Police with specialized training, equipments and proper legal powers.

    Regular joint exercises like Sagar Kavach and Sea Vigil to build synergy among various agencies

    Strengthening regional cooperation through Indian Ocean Naval Symposium

    Environmental Resilience- Integrating climate risk management into maritime strategy

    Maritime security is the backbone of India’s strategic autonomy, leadership (“Net security provider”) and Navy’s ambition of Blue Water Navy

    Science and Technology

    IT, Defence and Space

  • [9th May 2026] The Hindu OpED: A watershed moment in India’s defence posture

    PYQ Relevance[UPSC 2016] The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions.Linkage: Operation Sindoor directly reflects India’s evolving doctrine of calibrated retaliation, cross-border counter-terror operations, and escalation management under a nuclear overhang. The topic links with GS-III microthemes of Internal Security, Border Management, Counter-Terrorism, Defence Preparedness, and Strategic Deterrence.

    Mentor’s Comment

    Operation Sindoor marks a major shift in India’s national security doctrine. The operation reflects the movement from “strategic restraint” to calibrated military retaliation against cross-border terrorism. India reportedly carried out deep, coordinated strikes against terror infrastructure and military assets in Pakistan despite the risks associated with escalation between two nuclear-armed neighbours. It signals the emergence of a new strategic doctrine centred on deterrence, rapid response, military integration, and indigenous defence preparedness.

    How does Operation Sindoor signify a shift from “strategic restraint” to proactive deterrence?

    1. Doctrinal Shift: Replaces India’s earlier “dossier diplomacy” and restrained retaliation approach with direct punitive military action against terror infrastructure.
    2. Zero-Tolerance Policy: Treats cross-border terrorism as an “act of war,” thereby lowering India’s threshold for calibrated retaliation.
    3. Political Resolve: Demonstrates political willingness to undertake high-risk military operations despite nuclear escalation concerns.
    4. Deterrence Signalling: Establishes costs for state-sponsored terrorism through visible and rapid retaliation.
    5. Strategic Messaging: Signals that India will no longer remain constrained by fears of nuclear blackmail.
    6. Pahalgam Trigger: Uses the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack as the immediate catalyst for doctrinal transformation.

    How did integrated military operations enhance India’s operational effectiveness?

    1. Jointness: Ensures coordinated functioning of the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, and Indian Navy during multi-domain operations.
    2. Air Dominance: Facilitates deep strikes against targets including Nur Khan, Sargodha, Murid, and Bholari.
    3. Naval Deployment: Strengthens maritime deterrence through Indian naval positioning near Karachi.
    4. Drone Neutralisation: Enables interception of Pakistani drone attacks through integrated air-defence systems.
    5. S-400 Deployment: Enhances layered air defence and denies hostile access to Indian airspace.
    6. Escalation Control: Maintains calibrated military pressure while avoiding uncontrolled conflict expansion
    7. Rapid Response Capability: Demonstrates India’s ability to execute simultaneous high-intensity operations across theatres.

    How does the operation reflect evolving escalation management under a nuclear overhang?

    1. Escalation Dominance: Demonstrates India’s ability to impose military costs while controlling conflict intensity.
    2. Calibrated Retaliation: Ensures proportional targeting focused on terror and strategic infrastructure.
    3. Coercive Diplomacy: Pressurises Pakistan into requesting a ceasefire after sustained military setbacks.
    4. Nuclear Threshold Management: Challenges the earlier assumption that nuclear deterrence would prevent conventional retaliation.
    5. Strategic Signalling: Communicates India’s willingness to act despite risks associated with nuclear adversaries.
    6. Termination Timing: Concludes operations after achieving limited strategic objectives, thereby preventing prolonged escalation.
    7. Military Preparedness: Reflects enhanced readiness for high-tempo warfare under complex strategic conditions.

    Why is Operation Sindoor considered a major strategic and psychological signal?

    1. New Normal: Institutionalises rapid punitive retaliation as part of India’s future counter-terror doctrine.
    2. Psychological Deterrence: Increases uncertainty for terrorist groups and their state backers.
    3. Global Signalling: Demonstrates India’s military capability before the international strategic community.
    4. Narrative Shift: Challenges Pakistan’s long-standing use of proxy warfare under nuclear cover.
    5. Domestic Confidence: Reinforces public confidence in India’s military and political leadership.
    6. Transparency Era: Limits information control through digital scrutiny, satellite imagery, and global defence analysis.
    7. Civil-Military Synergy: Highlights coordination between political leadership and military command structures.

    How can Operation Sindoor accelerate indigenous defence reforms and Atmanirbharta?

    1. Defence Industrialisation: Strengthens the need for rapid expansion of indigenous defence manufacturing.
    2. Atmanirbharta: Encourages domestic production under the “Innovate, Design and Manufacture” framework.
    3. Private Sector Participation: Expands the role of MSMEs, startups, and private firms in defence ecosystems.
    4. Technological Innovation: Boosts investments in aerospace, cyber systems, Artificial Intelligence, and drones.
    5. DRDO Integration: Reinforces the role of Defence Research and Development Organisation laboratories in defence modernisation.
    6. Public-Private Collaboration: Enhances integration between Defence Public Sector Undertakings and private industry.
    7. Operational Readiness: Ensures sustained military preparedness through indigenous supply chains.
    8. Innovation Ecosystem: Encourages startup-led military innovation following operational success of indigenous systems.

    What are the broader geopolitical and strategic implications for India?

    1. Regional Deterrence: Strengthens India’s credibility as a decisive regional power.
    2. Counter-Terror Framework: Reframes terrorism as a direct national security threat requiring military response.
    3. Strategic Autonomy: Demonstrates independent decision-making without excessive external dependence.
    4. Military Modernisation: Accelerates reforms relating to theatre commands and integrated warfare.
    5. Global Perception: Positions India as a state willing to defend strategic red lines.
    6. Hybrid Warfare Preparedness: Highlights the growing role of drones, cyber capability, and precision systems.
    7. Civil Defence Awareness: Underlines the importance of societal preparedness during high-intensity conflicts.

    Conclusion

    Operation Sindoor marks a structural evolution in India’s national security doctrine. The operation reflects a transition toward integrated, technology-driven, and deterrence-oriented warfare. It also reinforces the importance of indigenous capability, political resolve, and civil-military coordination in addressing contemporary security threats. The long-term significance of the operation lies in its attempt to redefine strategic thresholds and establish a credible deterrence framework against cross-border terrorism.

  • India’s maritime policy: how it has evolved and what lies ahead

    Why in the News

    India’s maritime policy has gained fresh focus after the release of The Routledge Handbook of Maritime India, which traces India’s maritime past and its current strategic shift. The book highlights India’s move from land-focused thinking to active maritime engagement in the Indian Ocean and the Indo-Pacific. This contrasts with earlier decades when India underused its maritime advantage. The shift is wide-ranging, covering naval expansion, island outreach, sea lane security, and responses to China’s maritime rise.

    How Has Geography Shaped India’s Maritime Outlook?

    1. Peninsular Advantage: India’s peninsular geography places it astride major sea lanes connecting East Africa, West Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia.
    2. Indian Ocean Centrality: The Indian Ocean has historically functioned as a conduit for trade, migration, and civilizational exchange.
    3. Strategic Exposure: Maritime geography enables both connectivity and vulnerability, making sea control essential for national security.

    What Does History Reveal About India’s Maritime Consciousness?

    1. Ancient Maritime Tradition: Pre-colonial India sustained extensive maritime trade networks across the Indian Ocean.
    2. Colonial Disruption: European dominance transformed the Indian Ocean into an arena of imperial competition, marginalising indigenous naval power.
    3. Post-Independence Shift: Early strategic thinking prioritised land borders despite maritime trade dependence.
    4. Nehruvian Insight: Historical analysis recognised that control of the Indian Ocean shapes India’s strategic autonomy.

    How Has India’s Maritime Strategy Evolved Institutionally

    1. Doctrine Expansion: Maritime strategy now integrates trade security, naval diplomacy, and regional stability.
    2. Island Engagement: Strengthened ties with Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Seychelles enhance forward presence.
    3. Indo-Pacific Framing: Adoption of the Indo-Pacific concept aligns maritime policy with economic and strategic corridors.
    4. Pakistan Exception: Maritime cooperation progressed with most neighbours except Pakistan due to persistent security mistrust.

    What Is India’s Approach to Power Projection at Sea?

    1. Naval Transformation: India emerged as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean during the first decade of the 21st century.
    2. Operational Reach: Increased naval deployments across the Arabian Sea and Eastern Indian Ocean.
    3. Deterrence Logic: Maritime power strengthens strategic autonomy without territorial escalation.
    4. Comparative Advantage: India’s approach contrasts with coercive maritime strategies elsewhere.

    How Does India Respond to China’s Maritime Assertiveness?

    1. Strategic Competition: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) alters regional maritime governance.
    2. Neighbourhood Impact: Countries joining BRI weaken collective maritime coordination mechanisms.
    3. Risk Assessment: Avoids framing maritime engagement as a zero-sum rivalry.
    4. Consultative Mechanisms: Emphasises cooperative security frameworks over confrontation.

    What Are the Emerging Domains of India’s Maritime Policy?

    1. Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA): Strengthens surveillance and early warning capabilities.
    2. Technological Development: Maritime innovation supports security and economic resilience.
    3. Blue Economy Strategy: Integrates sustainable resource use with maritime growth.
    4. Climate Security: Coastal vulnerability and ocean health influence strategic planning.

    Conclusion

    India’s maritime policy reflects a strategic rebalancing aligned with geography and global realities. The transition from continental bias to maritime integration enhances India’s role as a stabilising power in the Indian Ocean. Sustained institutional coordination, regional trust-building, and technological investment will determine the effectiveness of this maritime turn.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2022] What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security.

    Linkage: This question directly aligns with GS Paper III (Internal Security), where UPSC has repeatedly tested maritime security and coastal management. The article provides analytical depth on India’s shift from continental focus to integrated maritime security and power projection, making it highly exam-relevant

  • Samudra Pratap

     Why in the News?

    The Indian Coast Guard inducted Samudra Pratap, the first indigenously built Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), under the 02 PCV project of Goa Shipyard Limited.

    About Samudra Pratap

    • First indigenously designed and built Pollution Control Vessel of the Indian Coast Guard
      • Largest ship in the ICG fleet
      • Built to enhance marine pollution response, firefighting, and high-precision operations

    Advanced Onboard Systems

    • Integrated Bridge System (IBS)
      • Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)
      • Automated Power Management System (APMS)
      • High capacity external firefighting system

    Prelims Pointers

    • Samudra Pratap is a Pollution Control Vessel, not an offshore patrol vessel
       • Built by Goa Shipyard Limited
       • First ICG ship with Dynamic Positioning DP 1
       • Focused on pollution response and firefighting, not combat dominance
    Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? (2016)

    (a) Amphibious warfare ship 

    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine 

    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel 

    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

  • Anjadip Inducted into Indian Navy  

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Navy received Anjadip, the third of eight Anti Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), on December 22, 2025 at Chennai.

    About Anjadip and ASW SWC Project

    • Type: Anti Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft
    • Role: Anti submarine warfare, coastal surveillance, mine laying
    • Length: Around 77 metres
    • Propulsion: Waterjets
    • Distinction: Largest Indian naval warships propelled by waterjets

    Builder and Collaboration

    • Designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
    • Project executed under Public Private Partnership
    • Private partner: Larsen and Toubro Shipyard, Kattupalli
    • Classification: Built as per Indian Register of Shipping rules
    [2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? 

    (a) Amphibious warfare ship 

    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine 

    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel 

    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier 

  • Does India need to upgrade its biosecurity measures

    Introduction

    Biosecurity refers to institutional and regulatory measures designed to prevent the intentional misuse of biological agents, toxins, or technologies. Unlike biosafety, which focuses on preventing accidental release of pathogens, biosecurity addresses deliberate threats to human, animal, and agricultural health. The expansion of biotechnology has increased human control over biological systems, simultaneously raising the risk of malicious exploitation and necessitating upgraded governance mechanisms.

    Understanding Biosecurity in the Indian Context

    1. Conceptual Scope: Ensures prevention, detection, and response to intentional misuse of biological agents across laboratories, agriculture, and public health systems.
    2. Differentiation from Biosafety: Addresses deliberate misuse rather than accidental pathogen release.
    3. Sectoral Coverage: Extends protection beyond human health to livestock, crops, and supply chains.

    Evolution of Global Biosecurity Norms

    1. Biological Weapons Convention (1975): Prohibits development, use, and stockpiling of biological weapons and mandates destruction of existing arsenals.
    2. Normative Significance: Establishes the first global legal framework banning an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.
    3. Implementation Gap: Lacks a verification mechanism, increasing reliance on national biosecurity systems.

    Drivers of Biosecurity Risks in India

    1. Geographical Exposure: Facilitates cross-border transmission of pathogens due to porous borders and ecological diversity.
    2. Agrarian Dependence: Increases vulnerability of food systems to agro-terrorism and livestock disease outbreaks.
    3. Population Density: Amplifies impact of biological incidents on public health infrastructure.
    4. Non-State Actor Threats: Highlights risks from terror groups, illustrated by reported Ricin toxin preparation cases.

    Role of Emerging Biotechnologies

    1. Dual-Use Nature: Enables legitimate research while lowering entry barriers for malicious experimentation.
    2. Technological Diffusion: Expands access to genetic manipulation tools beyond state laboratories.
    3. Risk Amplification: Increases probability of low-cost, high-impact biological incidents.

    India’s Existing Biosecurity Architecture

    1. Department of Biotechnology: Oversees research governance and laboratory safety frameworks.
    2. National Centre for Disease Control: Manages disease surveillance and outbreak response systems.
    3. Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying: Monitors livestock biosecurity and transboundary diseases.
    4. Plant Quarantine Organisation of India: Regulates agricultural imports and exports to prevent pest and pathogen entry.
    5. Legal Frameworks:
      1. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Regulates hazardous microorganisms and GMOs.
      2. WMD and Delivery Systems Act, 2005: Criminalises unlawful biological weapons activities.

    Institutional and Legal Gaps Highlighted

    1. Fragmented Governance: Dispersed responsibilities across multiple ministries without unified coordination.
    2. Surveillance Asymmetry: Strong outbreak response but weaker preventive intelligence mechanisms.
    3. Non-State Actor Focus: Limited emphasis on bio-terrorism preparedness compared to conventional security threats.

    Conclusion

    India’s internal security landscape is being reshaped by the convergence of emerging technologies, porous borders, and the growing role of non-state actors. While the country has built sectoral capacities in health, agriculture, and research governance, the absence of an integrated biosecurity framework leaves critical gaps in prevention and early detection. Strengthening biosecurity is therefore not only a public health or scientific necessity but a core internal security imperative, requiring coordinated regulation, intelligence integration, and sustained institutional preparedness.

  • INAS 335 (Ospreys) and MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Navy will commission its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335 (Ospreys), on December 17 at INS Hansa, Goa, marking a major step in naval modernisation.

    MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter

    • It is a US made, advanced multi role maritime helicopter.
       • Equipped with state of the art avionics, sensors and advanced weapon systems.
       • Capable of addressing both conventional and asymmetric threats.
       • Fully integrated with Indian Navy fleet operations.
       • Designed for sustained operations in open seas.

    Strategic Significance

    • Significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s operational readiness.
       • Extends the Navy’s operational reach, supporting blue water navy capabilities.
       • Strengthens India’s maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
       • Acts as a deterrent against potential maritime threats.

    Prelims Pointers

    • INS Hansa is the Indian Navy’s premier naval air station located in Goa.
       • MH-60R helicopters form a key component of India’s maritime aviation modernisation programme.
    Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? (2016)

    (a) Amphibious warfare ship 

    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine 

    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel 

    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

  • DRI Seizes 32 kg Methamphetamine in North East

    Why in the News?

    The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 32 kg methamphetamine tablets worth ₹32 crore in two separate operations in Assam and Tripura, exposing the continued use of the Indo–Myanmar route for drug trafficking. Three persons have been arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.

    About Methamphetamine  

    • A synthetic psychostimulant
    • Known as Ya Ba / Speed pills in Southeast Asia
    • Highly addictive
    • Controlled under Schedule of NDPS Act, 1985

    What is Hydroponic Weed?

    • Marijuana grown in nutrient-rich water systems, not soil
    • Higher potency due to controlled conditions
    • New smuggling trend: carried by air passengers into NE India

    NDPS Act, 1985  

    • Regulates narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
    • Provides for seizure, arrests, forfeiture
    • Commercial quantity offences: 10–20 years imprisonment
    • Empowered agencies: DRI, NCB, Customs, State Police, BSF, Assam Rifles
    Q: India’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What countermeasures should be taken to prevent the same? (UPSC 2018)