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GS Paper: GS3

  • What are the reformative steps taken by the Government to make food grain distribution system more effective?

    India’s Public Distribution System is the world’s largest food transfer programme and India’s most far-reaching social safety net, accounting for around 50% of the overall social assistance budget.

    Objectives of PDS

    Food security

    Stabilise foodgrain prices

    Prevent hunger and malnutrition

    Safety net during emergencies

    Reformative Steps to Strengthen India’s Food-Grain Distribution System

    National Food Security Act, 2013 – Expanded the PDS coverage to 67% of population

    End-to-End Digitalisation of PDS

    All 20.4 Cr household ration cards digitised

    Aadhaar seeding – over 47 million bogus ration cards removed (2013-21).

    Implementation of Warehouse Inventory Network and Governing System (WINGS) application to automate tagging of mills

    5.33 lakh e-PoS devices installed in all Fair Price Shops.

    One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) – Ensures nationwide portability of PDS benefits.

    Doorstep Delivery of Foodgrains in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi etc.

    Strengthening Storage & Supply Chain

    GPS-based tracking of trucks. Eg- Chhatisgarh

    Expansion of warehouses under PEG Scheme (Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee).

    Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in Chandigarh, Puducherry, Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

    Decentralised Procurement in states like Punjab, Haryana, MP, Chhattisgarh, Telangana.

    Nutritional Improvements in PDS

    Introduction of fortified rice under NFSA, ICDS and PM-POSHAN.

    Some states (Tamil Nadu, Odisha) supply pulses, millets, oil and eggs through PDS.

    However, despite these steps there are few challenges

    As per study by Crisil using a ‘thali index’, up to 50% of rural and 20% of urban Indians cannot afford two balanced meals a day

    Even with PDS support, food deprivation remained 40% in rural and 10% in urban areas

    Weak supply chain management – Storage Losses due to poor warehousing and handling. Eg- 40% of the food wasted (1.5 lakh crore or 1% of the GDP)

    Open ended procurement leads to overflowing of FCI godowns

    Diversion – Eg- 28% of allocated foodgrains fail to reach beneficiaries as per HCES 2022-23.

    Inclusion and exclusion errors due to faulty beneficiary identification.

    Corruption and ghost beneficiaries – Over 47 million bogus ration cards cancelled between 2013-2021

    Corruption at Fair Price Shops (FPS) – Issues of under-weighing, overcharging etc

    Fiscal Burden – Food subsidy budget @ 2.1 lakh cr in 2025-26

    Way Forward

    Shanta Kumar Committee Recommendations on Revamping of PDS

    Direct Procurement by States

    Private Sector Involvement in procurement, storage, and distribution

    Diversify the food basket – Include millets, pulses, edible oil and iodised salt for nutritional security.

    Strengthen grievance redressal – Set up toll-free helplines, social audits and citizen charters at FPS level.

    Community monitoring – Involve self-help groups, local bodies and civil society in supervision.

    Universal PDS similar to Tamil Nadu’s model.

    Optimise buffer stock norms to reduce food grain wastage.

    The PDS remains a vital tool for India’s food security and realise SDG 1,2,3,and 12

  • How was India benefited from the contributions of Sir M.Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively?

    India’s foodgrains production has surged from 50.8 million tons in 1950-51 to over 357 million tons in 2025. Sir Visvesvaraya and Dr. Swaminathan played a prominent role in this transformation.

    Contribution of Sir M. Visvesvaraya in Water Engineering

    Modernisation of Irrigation Systems – Eg- Invented the automatic weir water floodgates, first installed at KRS Dam

    Major Dams and Multipurpose Projects – Designed the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam, which irrigated 1.2 lakh+ hectares in Mandya region

    Developed water supply and drainage systems for Hyderabad, Pune, Nagpur, Belagavi

    Promotion of Scientific Water Management – Pioneered ideas like integrated river valley development

    Advocated planned economic development through irrigation, power generation, and industrialisation. Eg- Mysore Iron & Steel Works.

    International Projects– worked on water supply and drainage systems in the British Colony of Aden (now Yemen)

    His Mysore State Flood Report in 1909 provided crucial insights on flood management

    Contributions of Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in Agricultural Science

    Chaired the National Commission on Farmers and recommended policies like the MSP formula (C2 + 50%).

    Father of the Green Revolution – Introduced high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice. Eg- “Swarna” rice variety

    Achieving Food Self-Sufficiency – foodgrain production rose from ~72 million tonnes (1965) to over 130 million tonnes (1980s), ending “ship-to-mouth” dependence.

    Promotion of Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Agriculture – Advocated genetic conservation, bio-fortification, and evergreen revolution principles

    He played an instrumental role in developing the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act of 2001.

    Institutional Building

    ICAR modernisation – Director-General from 1972 to 1979.

    Setting up MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF)

    Promoting biotechnology. Eg- research on cryogenetics in potato crops.

    Together, they shaped India’s progress in water management, agriculture, and national development.

    Agriculture Technology

  • How far is Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production?

    Integrated farming system refers to the integration of multiple components of agriculture in a single farm unit to enhance productivity, sustainability and resilience while optimising resource use.

    Resource Use Efficiency by recycling farm by-products into inputs.

    Improved Soil Health through addition of organic matter. Eg- Vermi-composting + green manuring in rice-vegetable-livestock systems.

    Water use efficiency – Eg- .

    Reduction in Pests & Diseases due to practices like crop rotation, intercropping, and mixed cropping.

    Higher Productivity per Unit Area compared to monocropping due to synergistic systems.

    Income Security – Multiple income sources reduce climate and market vulnerability. Eg- crop loss can be offset by milk/poultry/fish income.

    Doubling Farmers income – Eg- paddy cultivation + fish farming + poultry in Tamil Nadu saw income rise by over 100%. (ICAR study)

    Employment Generation – Labour demand increases year-round due to diversified activities

    Enhanced Biodiversity by offering homes for a variety of plant and animal species. Eg- Agroforestry

    Challenges in IFS

    Small and Marginal Land Holdings (86%) restricts integration of enterprises like ponds or livestock.

    High Initial Investment requirement in biogas units, sheds and fish ponds require capital.

    Limited Knowledge & Skills at village level – IFS demands multi-disciplinary expertise.

    Lack of Market Linkages and assured procurement channels for surplus milk, fish, vegetables

    Policy Gaps – Schemes operate in silos rather than landscape-based integrated planning.

    Way Forward

    Promote climate and region-wise IFS models (dryland, coastal, hill).

    Financial Support – low-interest loans + integrated crop-livestock insurance.

    Rural Agri-Logistics Nodes under Gati Shakti Framework to develop cold chains, aggregation centers

    Extension Support through Krishi Sakhis, FPOs and Agri-Startups for training and backward-forward linkages.

    Raising R&D Investment to 1% of GDP

    Budget 2025-26 emphasised Agriculture as the ‘first engine’ for India’s development journey. IFS can be the backbone of this journey.

  • The public expenditure management is a challenge to the Government of India in context of budget making during the post liberalization period. Clarify it.

    Post-1991 liberalisation transformed India’s economy from a state-controlled to a more market-driven system. This expanded public spending needs while simultaneously demanding fiscal discipline.

    Need for Public Expenditure

    Provision of Public Goods – Eg- spending on health, education

    Social Welfare & Equity – Eg – Poshan 2.0, PM-Jan Arogya Yojana.

    Infrastructure Development – Eg – National Infrastructure Pipeline.

    Poverty Alleviation & Employment – Eg – MGNREGA wage payments.

    Reducing Regional Imbalances – Eg – Aspirational Districts Programme.

    Counter-cyclical spending during downturns. – Eg – Pandemic stimulus packages.

    Human Capital Development – Eg – PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana.

    Technological & R&D Support – Eg – Funding for ISRO, Digital India.

    Major challenges in Public Expenditure management

    Interest Payment obligations – The budgetary estimate for 2025-26 – Rs 12.76 lakh crore on interest payments forming 25 % of the government’s total expenditure.

    Low Tax Buoyancy: The tax-to-GDP ratio in India is around 10-12%, lower, while for OECD its 33%.

    Expanding Welfare Commitments – Growth in health, education, pensions, MGNREGA raises recurring liabilities.

    FRBM Constraints – FRBM mandates FD of 4.4% of GDP, limiting fiscal space.

    Poor Budgetary Forecasting : Budgets often overstate revenue projections (15 out of 20 years since fiscal 1998) and understate expenditures (12 out of 20 years since fiscal 1998).

    Fiscal Populism – eg loan waivers to farmers

    Rise in Off-Budget Expenditure – Eg: Food subsidy via FCI, UDAY bonds by states.

    Rise in Public Administration Costs – Eg: 8th Pay Commission can increase salary & pension burden.

    Need for Infrastructure Investment in transport, energy, and urbanisation, but fiscal space remained limited. Eg- As per WB, $2.2 trillion by 2030 is needed

    Public Sector Inefficiencies – Persistent losses in PSUs require budgetary support, reducing room for developmental expenditure.

    External Challenges

    Volatile Crude Oil Prices due to geopolitical instability. India imports 85% of its crude.

    Rising International Commitments under Paris Agreement, SDGs, Sendai Framework etc. Eg- Renewable energy targets.

    Rupee depreciation increases the cost of external debt servicing and capital imports.

    Rising Protectionism and Trade Wars have impacted exports. Eg- Trump H1B visa restrictions

    Increased Defence spending due to External Threat. Eg- 5% increase in defence spending in 2025 than 2024.

    Way Forward for Effective Fiscal Policy in India

    Establish an independent fiscal council to provide unbiased analysis of fiscal policy and enhance transparency and accountability. (15th FC Report)

    Scrutiny of Populist Policies and Outcome-Oriented Budgeting (NITI Aayog)

    Leveraging PPP for mobilizing private sector investment for infrastructure projects. (Economic Survey)

    Reforming Social Welfare Programs: Eg- Shanta Kumar Committee estimated that reforms in PDS could

    Cut down administrative costs by 10-15% through e-governance. (2nd ARC)

    Enhance Tax Buoyancy – to achieve a medium-term growth trajectory of 6.5-7.0% and realize Viksit Bharat vision, tax buoyancy needs to be in the 1.2-1.5 range. (EY Report)

    Improve Centre-State Fiscal Coordination – Encourage states through capex-linked incentives, as in Union Budget 2023-24’s 50-year interest-free loans.

    Strategic Disinvestment – Use proceeds to fund infrastructure, logistics, transport, not for recurring expenditure. (NITI Aayog)

    Efficient expenditure is critical for sustainable budgeting and Viksit Bharat 2047.

  • Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the goods and services tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017.

    The Goods and Services Tax (GST), implemented on 1 July 2017, unified India’s fragmented indirect tax system into a single, destination-based tax, aimed at creating a ‘one nation, one tax’ System.

    Indirect Taxes Subsumed under GST

    Revenue Implications of GST Since July 2017

    Rising Revenue Collections – Eg – Average monthly collections rose from to .

    Formalisation – E-invoicing, ITC matching and GSTN integration improved compliance, pushing MSMEs into the formal economy

    Reduction in Cascading – Unified tax with seamless input credit reduced the tax-on-tax effect, improving supply-chain efficiency and indirectly boosting revenues.

    Support for Manufacturing: Correcting inverted duty structures enhances domestic value addition, strengthens export competitiveness, and boosts revenue.

    Ease of Compliance – lower rates under GST 2.0 combined with better compliance can increase GST collections in the medium term.

    Challenges

    Post GST 2.0 revenue shortfall of . Due to reduced rates and zero-rating of many goods.

    PRS Report– the aggregate revenue under GST has declined from 6.5% of GDP in 2015-16 to 5.5% of GDP in 2023-24. (below the 7% GST-to-GDP ratio projected by the 15th FC)

    Initial Revenue Volatility – States faced shortfalls despite compensation, indicating

    High Compliance Burden – Multiple monthly, quarterly, and annual returns, e-invoicing, and ITC reconciliation increase administrative load, especially for SMEs.

    State Revenue Concerns – Dependence on compensation cess and delays in payments strain state finances

    Evasion and fraud through fraudulent activities like fake invoices persist.

    Nearly half of the economy remains outside the GST framework. Eg- petroleum products, real estate, and electricity duties are excluded from GST.

    For higher, predictable and efficient revenue generation, the need is to

    Include petroleum and electricity under the GST

    Anti-Evasion Measures: Eg- Utilizing advanced data analytics

    Bring emerging sectors- crypto-assets, carbon credits under GST

  • Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments.

    India is projected to sustain GDP growth of 6.5% between FY28-30, positioning it as the world’s third-largest consumer market by 2026 and the third-largest economy by 2028. (UBS)

    Arguments Supporting the View (Indian economy in good shape)

    High GDP Growth – India remains the fastest-growing major economy. 7% in FY 2025.

    Moderating Inflation – Eg- Retail inflation fell to a historic low of 0.25% in October 2025, due to GST rate cuts

    Forex reserves at over $689 billion provide external stability.

    Fiscal Consolidation Path- Fiscal deficit targeted to reduce to 4.8% of GDP in 2025-26.

    Robust Financial Sector- Gross NPAs have declined from 9.11% (2021) to 2.8% (2025).

    Production-linked incentives (PLI) has raised India’s manufacturing attractiveness. Eg: Electronics exports at a record $38 billion in 2024-25. (32% increase)

    Arguments Against the View (Macro vulnerabilities persist)

    Jobless Growth –Service sector contributes 55% of GDP but employs less than 30% workforce

    High food inflation due to climate shocks, hurting the poor.

    Rural Distress due to weak agriculture real wages and uneven monsoons.

    Global slowdown, protectionism, and China’s dominance limit India’s merchandise exports.

    High Public Debt- General government debt remains around 82% of GDP (IMF, 2024), limiting fiscal room.

    The share of Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) was about 34.6% of GDP in 2023-24 and slipped to 29.61% of GDP in 2024, indicating weak investment.

    Way Forward

    Enhance R&D (2.5% of GDP), reduce logistics costs (PM Gati Shakti), and expand PLI schemes to boost manufacturing.

    Promote labour-intensive manufacturing (textiles, toys, food processing) and expand services exports (IT, GBS, health tourism).

    Improve ease of doing business, accelerate contract enforcement, and reduce regulatory uncertainty to crowd-in private capital.

    Strengthen FOREX buffers and expand rupee trade settlement

    Encourage domestic production of critical inputs (electronics, APIs, green tech) to reduce vulnerability to global shocks.

    As highlighted by the Economic Survey, India must prioritise blue-sky thinking and foster a virtuous cycle of investment to achieve Viksit Bharat@2047.

  • It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objectives of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement.

    As per OECD, inclusive growth is economic growth distributed fairly across society and creates opportunities for all.

    Inclusive Growth Promoting Inclusiveness

    Expands economic opportunities with focus on education, health, skilling, and access to markets. Eg- PM-JANMAN for tribal inclusion.

    Balanced regional growth with targeted interventions.

    Income security – Social protection systems like MGNREGA, NFSA, PM-KISAN reduce vulnerability and support inclusive livelihoods.

    Strengthens financial inclusion – Eg- PM Jan Dhan Yojana opened 500 million+ bank accounts

    Equality of Opportunity – Eg- the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016

    Ayushman Bharat: Provided free healthcare to 23 crore people.

    Inclusive Growth Ensuring Sustainability

    Affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) – PM Ujjwala Yojana distributed 10 crore LPG connections

    Encourages sustainable consumption and production patterns (SDG 12). Eg- Mission LiFE

    Supports protection of natural resources-forests, soil, and biodiversity (SDG 15). Eg: Compensatory Afforestation Funds

    Sustainable Livelihoods – Promotes climate-resilient agriculture, water conservation, and diversified livelihoods.

    Institutional Sustainability (SDG 16, SDG 17) through decentralisation, cooperative federalism and data-driven governance. Eg- Aspirational Districts Programme.

    Interlinking between Inclusiveness and Sustainability

    Inequality weakens long-term economic growth

    Environmental degradation hits the poorest hardest – Eg- Disaster induced Migration

    Inclusive growth strengthens environmental stewardship

    Sustainable livelihoods reduce vulnerability

    Intergenerational equity depends on both

    Challenges to Inclusive Growth under a Market Economy

    Rising inequality– Eg- the top 1% control 40% of net personal wealth.

    Regional disparities due to unequal investment and infrastructure. Eg- BIMARU States

    Jobless growth – Service sector contributes 55% of GDP but employs less than 30% workforce

    Weak social protection for informal workers (over 85% of India’s workforce).

    Market failures in public goods. Eg- Digital Apartheid in Education

    Way Forward

    Capability Approach (Amartya Sen) – increase Education and health spending to 6% and 2.5% of GDP respectively

    Strengthen progressive taxes, wealth taxes and targeted subsidies to reduce income inequality and expand welfare spending.

    Align national policies with Paris Agreement targets

    Universalise social security, pensions, maternity benefits, and unemployment allowance

    A nexus approach towards sustainability and inclusiveness is needed for ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’

  • Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace

    The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal defines Cybercrime as any unlawful act where a computer, computer network, or electronic device is used as a tool or target to commit or facilitate a crime.

    Types of cybercrimes

    Authorized Push Payment- Deceiving victims into voluntarily transferring funds to fraudulent accounts. Eg- “Digital Arrest” scams in 2024-25 – losses of over .

    Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)- Deploying malicious software that encrypts critical data, demanding payment for the key. Eg- attack on Delhi’s Sant Parmanand Hospital

    AI-Enabled Deepfakes & Phishing- Eg- rise in “Deepfake Voice Cloning” used to authorize fraudulent bank transfers.

    Digital Espionage- Unauthorized exfiltration of sensitive personal or strategic data from state or corporate servers.

    State-Sponsored Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)- Eg- Pakistan-linked actors used “Dance of the Hillary” malware to infiltrate DRDO systems during “Operation Sindoor”

    Cryptocurrency Heists – Eg- theft of $230 million from WazirX exchange

    Cyber-Slavery – Trafficking individuals to foreign “fraud factories” to operate transnational scam centers. Eg- “Cyber Slavery” hubs in Cambodia and Myanmar

    Cyber Stalking and Harassment – Eg- Women targeted through doxxing and revenge porn.

    Online Radicalisation – Eg- ISIS recruitment through social media.

    Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks- Intercepting and potentially altering communications between two parties without their knowledge. Eg- Pune businessman losing Rs 6.49 cr

    Measures to Strengthen Cyber Security in India

    Legal Measures

    Stringent implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act to hold “Data Fiduciaries” (companies) accountable for breaches.

    Replacing the IT Act, 2000, with the proposed Digital India Act to address modern threats like Deepfakes, AI-driven extortion.

    Institutional Measures

    Expanding the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre to serve as a 24/7 national “War Room” for real-time threat mitigation and interstate coordination.

    Strengthening the NCIIPC to secure “Critical Information Infrastructure” (CII) such as power grids, nuclear plants, and banking systems.

    Establishing dedicated cyber-police stations in every district, integrated with the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (1930).

    Policy Measures

    Implementing the National Cyber Security Strategy focusing on Sovereign Cyber Defense and building a “Cyber-Resilient” ecosystem.

    Adhering to the CERT-In Cyber Security Audit Policy, which mandates annual third-party audits for all government and critical sector entities.

    Promoting the Golden Hour Protocol to report financial frauds within the first 2 hours.

    Technological Measures

    Zero-Trust Architecture (ZTA)- Transitioning from traditional perimeter security to a “Never Trust, Always Verify” model for all digital access requests.

    AI-Driven Threat Intelligence- Deploying machine learning algorithms for real-time detection of anomalies and Automated Incident Response (AIR).

    Promoting the “Atmanirbhar” development of indigenous operating systems and security software. Eg- Maya OS

    Global Measures

    Leveraging partnerships like the Quad Senior Cyber Group to share threat intelligence on state-sponsored APTs (Advanced Persistent Threats) in the Indo-Pacific.

    Collaborating with Interpol (Project Gateway) and FATF to track and dismantle the financial backbones of transnational “Cyber Slavery” hubs.

    Social Measures

    Digital Literacy (Cyber Shikshaa)- awareness campaigns like #CyberDost

    Capacity building of the judicial and police workforce through the CyTrain portal

    Cyber Hygiene- Eg- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and use of the “Chakshu” portal for reporting suspicious communications.

    As cybercrimes move into the realm of “Grey Zone Warfare,” India’s cyber defense must be proactive rather than reactive.

  • For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals

    Border Management involves securing a nation’s frontiers against unauthorized movement of people and goods while facilitating legitimate trade and commerce.

    Steps to Deny Local Support to Militants

    Neutralizing Overground Workers to prevent “3L” support to terrorists- Logistics, Location (shelter), and Liaison (intelligence)

    Strengthening the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) to share real-time data between central and state forces to identify local sympathizers.

    Curbing Online Radicalization- Monitoring Telegram and social media pages used for indoctrination.

    Strict Enforcement of UAPA to create a high legal cost for aiding terrorists.

    Monitoring NGOs and Hawala channels that funnel foreign funds to border areas.

    Community Policing- Eg- Project Prahari in Assam.

    Counter-Propaganda- Using local radio and influencers to highlight the personal costs of supporting violence.

    Surrender & Rehabilitation Policy to mainstream misguided youth. Eg- 2024 Revised Surrender Policy in J&K.

    Ways to manage favourable perception among locals

    Army-led goodwill initiatives – Eg- Army Goodwill Schools under Operation Sadbhavana.

    Skill development, entrepreneurship push – Eg- Mission Youth and Himayat

    Social infrastructure development under Operation Sadbhavanaibrant Village program

    Connectivity initiatives for tourism promotion. Eg- Chenab Bridge, and running Vande Bharat trains

    De-radicalisation Centres – Counselling sessions for first-time offenders.

    Targeted Security Approach – Eg- Focus on OGWs and hybrid militants without mass crackdowns.

    Grassroots Democracy- Empowering PRIs to give locals a say in development.

    “Bharat Darshan” Tours- Sponsoring trips for border youth to major Indian cities to foster a sense of national integration.

    Building cooperation and trust ensures the population becomes the “First Line of Defence”

  • Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard

    With 15,106.7 km of land borders, the sanctity of India’s frontiers is the primary shield against unconventional “hybrid” warfare and transnational organized crime.

    Myanmar Border (1,643 km)

    Safe Havens for Insurgent Groups (IIGs)- Groups like ULFA-I and NSCN-K utilize “ungoverned spaces” in Myanmar to train and retreat.

    “Golden Triangle” Narcotics- Myanmar is a global hub for Methamphetamines. Eg- ED raids in Champhai (Mizoram) uncovering a network.

    Precursor Chemical Smuggling- Sending pseudoephedrine from India to Myanmar for drug production.

    Weapon Proliferation- Smuggling of sophisticated Western and Chinese arms from Myanmar’s black markets into Manipur.

    Bangladesh Border (4,096 km)

    Illegal Migration- Movement of undocumented individuals

    Illegal Cattle Smuggling (billion-dollar) – leads to border skirmishes.

    Bangladesh acts as a transit point for high-quality Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN).

    Human Trafficking- A major route for trafficking women and children for forced labor.

    Radicalization Spillover- groups like Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) attempting to establish sleeper cells in West Bengal and Assam.

    Pakistan Border & LoC- The “Hybrid Warfare” Zone (3,323 km)

    Drone-Based Narco-Terrorism in Punjab through Golden Crescent

    Infiltration of “Hybrid” Terrorists- Eg- The April 2025 Pahalgam attack which killed 26 tourists.

    Loitering Munition Attacks to target military infrastructure dueing ‘Op Sindoor’

    Role of OGW – generate pro-terror content, circulate videos and organise protests to delegitimise the state.

    Role Played by Various Security Forces

    India follows the “One Border, One Force” principle to ensure specialized guarding.

    Indian Army (Line of Control & Siachen)

    Mandate- High-intensity combat and maintaining the sanctity of the LoC and LAC.

    Counter-Infiltration through Anti-Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS) (a multi-layered fence equipped with sensors)

    Siachen Defense- Guards the world’s highest battlefield at heights above 20,000 feet.

    Border Security Force (BSF)

    Guards the International Borders (IB) with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

    Anti-Smuggling Operations- Intercepts narcotics, cattle, and arms smuggling.

    Implements the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS).

    Anti-Drone Warfare- Operates specialized jammers and “hard-kill” interceptors

    Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

    Guards the Indo-China Border (LAC) from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.

    Acts as the first responder for avalanches and landslides in the Himalayan region.

    Assam Rifles (AR)

    Guards the Indo-Myanmar Border and conducts counter-insurgency operations in N-E.

    Responsible for implementing the 2024-25 scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and biometric profiling of border-crossers.

    Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

    Guards the Nepal and Bhutan Borders.

    Acts as the Lead Intelligence Agency (LIA) to identify “Third-Country Nationals”

    Other Steps taken

    Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) for intelligence sharing

    Vibrant Villages Programme

    The integration of modern technology with civil-military cooperation is essential to create “Multi-layered Security Shield.”