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Subject: Internal Security

  • Exercise Talisman Sabre, 2025

    Why in the News?

    India is taking part in Talisman Sabre 2025, the 11th and largest edition of the Australia-U.S.-led multinational military exercise, involving over 35,000 personnel from 19 countries.

    About Exercise Talisman Sabre:

    • Overview: It is a biennial multinational joint military exercise, co-led by Australia and the United States.
    • Inception: It began in 2005 and has been conducted every 2 years, typically during odd-numbered years.
    • Objective: The primary aim is to enhance combat readiness, improve interoperability, and strengthen the joint operations capability of participating armed forces.
    • Scope of Operations: It focuses on high-end warfighting, including:
      • Crisis-action planning
      • Contingency response
      • Multi-domain operations across land, air, sea, cyber, and space
    • Strategic Importance: It plays a key role in promoting regional security cooperation and supports the vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

    Key Features of the 2025 Edition:

    • Scale: The 2025 edition involves over 35,000 military personnel from 19 participating countries, making it the largest and most complex iteration of the exercise so far.
    • Participating Nations:
      • Full participants: Australia, the United States, India, Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom.
      • Observer nations: Malaysia and Vietnam.
    • Geographical Expansion: For the first time, parts of the exercise will be conducted outside Australia, with training also planned in Papua New Guinea.
    • New Defence Capabilities: The 2025 edition will showcase:
      • UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters
      • Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) system introduced by the Australian Defence Force
    • Multi-Domain Focus: Operations will span across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace, reflecting the modern, multi-domain nature of warfare.
    • Strategic Outcome: It aims to improve regional response capabilities, strengthen defence partnerships, and promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
    [UPSC 2008] ‘Hand-in-Hand 2007’, a joint anti-terrorism military training was held by the officers of the Indian Army and officers of the Army of which one of the following countries?

    Options: (a) China *(b) Japan (c) Russia (d) USA

     

  • Operation Med Max

    Why in the News?

    The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted a global drug network spanning four continents through secret Operation Med Max.

    Back2Basics: Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

    • Institutional Mandate: The NCB is India’s central drug law enforcement and intelligence agency, functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
    • Establishment: It was established on 14th November 1985 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
    • Role: The agency works closely with Customs, State Police, Intelligence Bureau, and international agencies like Interpol and the US DEA.
    • International Treaty Compliance: NCB is responsible for monitoring India’s compliance with global drug control conventions and facilitating cooperation with foreign drug enforcement bodies.
    • Operational Network: It maintains zonal offices nationwide and is staffed by officers from IPS, IRS, paramilitary forces, and direct recruits.
    • Financial Surveillance Role: The NCB is a member of the Economic Intelligence Council, reflecting its role in tracking financial transactions linked to drug crimes.
    • Digital Intelligence Focus: The agency is now expanding into cyber surveillance, targeting darknet networks, crypto-based payments, and online narcotics trade.

    About Operation Med Max:

    • Launch: It was initiated by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in May 2024, beginning with the interception of a car in Delhi, it seized 3.7 kg of Tramadol tablets.
    • Uncovering a Global Syndicate: Investigations revealed a transnational drug syndicate using encrypted apps, drop shipping, and cryptocurrency payments to smuggle controlled pharmaceutical drugs across four continents and over 10 countries.
    • Global Ramifications: The probe triggered international enforcement actions, including the arrest of a money launderer in Alabama (USA), closure of an illegal pill factory in Australia, and identification of a UAE-based drug kingpin.

    Also in News: Operation MELON

    • Overview: It was a coordinated crackdown on India’s top-rated darknet drug vendor, alias “Ketamelon”, active for over two years.
    • Drug and Crypto Seizures: The raid led to the seizure of 1,100 LSD blots, 131 grams of Ketamine, and ₹70 lakh worth of cryptocurrency, stored in a hardware wallet.
    • Darknet Threat: Ketamelon was classified as a Level 4 darknet vendor, the highest possible rank, underscoring the growing cyber-narcotics threat and NCB’s technical capacity to counter it.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following activities:

    1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft

    2. Monitoring of precipitation

    3. Tracking the migration of animals

    In how many of the above activities can the radars be used?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) All three (d) None

     

  • Induction of INS Udaygiri

    Why in the News?

    India has advanced its indigenous naval capabilities with the induction of INS Udaygiri, the second stealth frigate built under Project 17A.

    ins udaygiri

    About INS Udaygiri:

    • Overview: It is the second stealth frigate delivered under Project 17A, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous naval capabilities.
    • Legacy Name: Named after the decommissioned INS Udaygiri (F35), a Leander-class frigate that served from 1976 to 2007.
    • Construction: Delivered on July 1, 2025, by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) just 37 months after its launch, making it one of the fastest deliveries in the project.
    • Indigenous Technology: Contains homegrown sensors and combat systems, showcasing domestic defence manufacturing.
    • MSME Contribution: Over 200 Indian MSMEs participated in construction, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
    • Combat Features:
      • Blue-Water Capable: Designed for long-range operations, it can counter conventional and asymmetric threats, projecting Indian power in distant seas.
      • Stealth Features: Incorporates radar-absorbent materials and a low-infrared signature, making it hard to detect.
      • Arsenal: Equipped with supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range SAMs, a 76 mm main gun, and CIWS (30 mm and 12.7 mm).
      • Efficient Propulsion: Uses a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) propulsion system for both speed and efficiency.

    What is Project 17A?

    • Overview: It is the Indian Navy’s initiative to build seven stealth guided-missile frigates, launched in 2019 as a successor to Project 17 (Shivalik-class).
    • Shipbuilders Involved: Construction is shared between MDL (Mumbai) and GRSE (Kolkata) under Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB).
    • Modern Design Features: Ships feature stealth hulls, reduced infrared signatures, and modular weapon systems.
    • Timeline and Launches: The first frigate, INS Nilgiri, was launched in 2019, with all ships targeted for delivery by 2026.
    • Technology Upgrades: Includes advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and higher automation and survivability.
    • Indigenous Content: Project 17A emphasizes domestic components, supporting the Make in India defence policy.
    • Multi-Role Capabilities: Designed for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, suitable for high-threat scenarios.

     

    [UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    Options: (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel* (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

     

  • Induction of INS Tamal

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Tamal, a stealth multi-role frigate and the last warship commissioned outside India, on July 1, 2025, at Kaliningrad, Russia.

    About INS Tamal:

    • Overview: It is the 8th Krivak-class and 2nd Tushil-class stealth frigate from Russia.
    • Last to be imported: Final Indian Navy ship to be commissioned abroad, under the 2016 India-Russia IGA.
    • Built at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad; sister ship INS Tushil was commissioned in Dec 2024; designed by Severnoye Bureau; overseen by the Indian Navy.
    • Etymology: Name inspired by a mythical sword of Indra; mascot blends Jambavant and Eurasian Brown Bear.
    • Motto: “Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya” – Victorious Always, Everytime.

    Important Features:

    • Indigenous components: It uses Indian-made parts in 26% of its systems, including those from companies like BEL and Tata.
    • Stealth capacity: It has radar, sonar, and electronic systems to detect enemy ships and submarines.
    • Patrol features: It can carry helicopters that help in sea patrol and rescue missions.
    • Size: It is 125 metres long, weighs about 3,900 tonnes, and can move very fast, over 30 knots.
    • Digital warfare: It has modern control systems that allow all its weapons and sensors to work together.
    [UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    Options: (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

     

  • Navy inducts INS Arnala

    Why in the News?

    INS Arnala, the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), was officially commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.

    About INS Arnala:

    • What is it: INS Arnala is the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command on June 18, 2025, at Visakhapatnam.
    • Behind the name: It is named after the historic Arnala Fort near Vasai, Maharashtra.
    • Development: The vessel was designed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and built in partnership with L&T Shipbuilders under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
    • Project: It marks the beginning of the induction of 16 ASW-SWC class ships, aimed at enhancing India’s shallow water anti-submarine capabilities.

    Key Features:

    • Propulsion: 77.6 metres long; first Indian Navy warship powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination.
    • Indigenous Content: Over 80% indigenous systems, with contributions from BEL, L&T, Mahindra Defence, and over 55 MSMEs.
    • Arsenal: Equipped with a single centreline rocket launcher, lightweight torpedoes, anti-torpedo decoys, and mine-laying systems.
    • Sensor Suite: Incorporates Hull-Mounted Sonar (Abhay), Low-Frequency Variable Depth Sonar (LFVDS), and Underwater Acoustic Communication System (UWACS).
    • Multi-role Capability: Designed for ASW operations, Search and Rescue (SAR), low-intensity maritime operations, and subsurface surveillance in shallow coastal waters.

    Significance:

    • Strategic Defence Upgrade: Replaces ageing Abhay-class corvettes and significantly strengthens India’s anti-submarine warfare posture.
    • Enhanced Coastal Security: Ideal for detecting midget submarines and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) in waters less than 30 metres deep, where larger warships struggle to operate.
    • Make-in-India Milestone: Demonstrates India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and contributes to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
    [UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    Options: (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel* (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

     

  • Exercise KHAAN QUEST

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Army has deployed it’s contingent to participate in Exercise KHAAN QUEST 2025, a major multinational peacekeeping exercise being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

    Concurrently, India is also set to conduct Exercise SHAKTI 2025 with France.

    About Exercise KHAAN QUEST, 2025:

    • Overview: It is a multinational peacekeeping military exercise being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from June 14 to 28, 2025.
    • Origins: The exercise was initiated in 2003 as a bilateral drill between the United States and Mongolian Armed Forces and became a multinational event in 2006.
    • Indian Participation: India has sent a 40-member contingent, primarily from the Kumaon Regiment, along with personnel from other arms and services, including one woman officer and two women soldiers.
    • Focus: The exercise trains troops for Peacekeeping Missions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which deals with action regarding threats to peace and acts of aggression.
    • Key Training Drills: Participating forces will engage in checkpoint establishment, cordon and search operations, civilian evacuation from conflict zones, counter-IED tactics, and combat casualty care.
    • Objectives: The main goal is to build interoperability, promote joint planning, and strengthen tactical coordination among different participating nations.

    About Exercise SHAKTI, 2025:

    • Overview: It is a bilateral military drill between India and France, scheduled to take place at La Cavalerie, France, from June 18 to July 1, 2025.
    • Exercise Series: This marks the 8th edition of the biennial joint exercise, reflecting a strong and ongoing defence partnership between the two nations.
    • Objectives: The drill focuses on enhancing the joint capability to conduct multi-domain operations, especially in sub-conventional warfare scenarios.
    • Core Training Areas: It includes sessions on tactical coordination, joint operational planning, and counter-terrorism techniques.
    • Goals: To deepen military cooperation, foster mutual trust, and build interoperability and camaraderie between the Indian and French armed forces.

     

    [UPSC 2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?

    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.

    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).

    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.

    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

    Select the answer using the code given below:

    (a)  1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4

     

  • 17th Edition of Exercise Nomadic Elephant

    Why in the News?

    The 17th edition of the India–Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT is being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from May 31 to June 13, 2025.

    About Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT:

    • About: It is a bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces.
    • Launch Year: It was first conducted in 2004 in Mongolia, followed by the second edition in 2005 in Vairengte, Mizoram.
    • Frequency and Hosting: The exercise is held annually, with India and Mongolia alternating as hosts.
    • Recent Editions: The 15th edition was conducted in Ulaanbaatar in July 2023, and the 16th edition was held at Umroi, Meghalaya in July 2024.

    Objectives and Focus:

    • Interoperability: The main goal is to improve joint operational coordination between the two-armed forces.
    • Terrain Focus: It trains troops for task force operations in semi-urban and mountainous regions under a UN peacekeeping mandate.
    • Counter-Terrorism Training: The exercise enhances capabilities in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
    • Regional Cooperation: It helps build mutual trust, encourages regional peace, and supports strategic cooperation.
    [UPSC 2008] ‘Hand-in-Hand 2007’, a joint anti-terrorism military training was held by the officers of the Indian Army and officers of the Army of which one of the following countries?

    Options: (a) China (b) Japan (c) Russia (d) USA*

     

  • Arms deals: India moves away from Russia; Pakistan from the U.S

    Why in the News?

    Recently, India’s Operation Sindoor has put the spotlight on the evolving nature of India and Pakistan’s defence procurement strategies.

    What is the situation of India’s defence import pattern?

    • Russia’s share in Indian defence imports has decreased from 96.5% in the 1990s to 75% in the 2020s.
    • India now imports over 9% from France, 5.5% from the UK, nearly 5% from Israel, and 3% from the US. Over 55% of India’s air-power weapons in the 2020s have come from France, the UK, and Israel, indicating greater reliance on Western technology in a critical combat domain.

    Why is India moving away from Russia?

    • Strategic Diversification: To avoid overdependence on a single supplier, India is diversifying defence partnerships. Eg: India’s growing defence ties with France (e.g., Rafale jets) and the U.S. (e.g., Apache helicopters, Predator drones).
    • Technological Advancement and Reliability: Western nations and Israel offer more advanced, precise, and reliable weapon systems. Eg: Israeli-origin SkyStriker drone used in Operation Sindoor reflects a shift toward high-tech partners.
    • Geopolitical and Logistical Concerns: Sanctions on Russia post-Ukraine war have raised concerns about timely deliveries and spare parts. Eg: India faces delays in Russian S-400 missile system deliveries due to global sanctions and supply chain disruptions.

    What types of foreign weapons did India and Pakistan use during Operation Sindoor?

    • India’s Use of Israeli and Russian Weapons: India deployed Israeli-origin weapons like the SkyStriker drone and Russian-made systems such as the Pechoraand OSA-AK missiles. Eg: The SkyStriker was used for precision strikes, while Pechora missiles were used for air defence.
    • Pakistan’s Use of Chinese and Turkish Systems: Pakistan used Chinese-origin PL-15 missiles and Turkish-origin Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Eg: PL-15, a long-range air-to-air missile, reflects Pakistan’s military dependence on China.

    Why is China now the dominant arms supplier for Pakistan?

    • Strategic Partnership and Regional Alignment: China and Pakistan share a strong geopolitical alliance, rooted in regional rivalry with India. Eg: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has strengthened military and economic ties.
    • Decline of U.S. Defence Cooperation: Pakistan’s ties with the United States have weakened, especially due to shifting U.S. strategic priorities and concerns over terrorism. Eg: The U.S. share in Pakistan’s arms imports dropped from 67% in the 2000s to 0.85% in the 2020s.
    • Cost-Effective and Tailored Equipment: China offers affordable, adaptable military technology suited to Pakistan’s needs. Eg: Weapons like the JF-17 fighter jet and HQ-9 air defence systems are co-developed or exported specifically for Pakistan.

    Who leads the global arms export market?

    • United States – Global Leader: The United States dominates global arms exports, accounting for over 65% of the world’s exports in the 2020s. Eg: U.S. exports advanced systems like F-35 fighter jets, Patriot missile systems, and drones to allies worldwide.
    • Russia – Declining Influence: Russia’s share has significantly dropped to around 5% due to factors like the Ukraine war, sanctions, and reduced trust. Eg: Former major buyers like India have reduced reliance on Russian defence supplies.
    • China – Minimal Global Share but Focused Exports: China holds less than 2% of global exports but plays a critical regional role, especially with Pakistan. Eg: Nearly 33% of China’s limited arms exports go to Pakistan, highlighting strategic alignment rather than market dominance.

    What is the situation of Indian arms exports? 

    • Emerging Exporter with Limited Share: India is still a minor player in the global arms export market, contributing less than 1% of total global arms exports. Eg: India exports light arms and defence equipment to countries like Vietnam, Myanmar, and African nations.
    • Focus on Indigenous Defence Systems: India is boosting domestic production under initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and Defence Export Policy 2020, aiming to become an exporter. Eg: Systems like Akash missile, Pinaka rocket launcher, and BrahMos (jointly developed with Russia) are promoted for export.

    Way forward: 

    • Accelerate Indigenous Defence Manufacturing: Expand R&D investment and incentivize private sector participation to develop cutting-edge technologies and reduce reliance on imports. Eg: Fast-tracking indigenous programs like AMCA fighter jet and integrating startups under iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence).
    • Forge Strategic Export Alliances: Target defence exports through strategic partnerships and defence diplomacy, focusing on friendly nations in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Eg: Boost exports of systems like BrahMos and Akash missiles through government-to-government deals and defence expos.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2020] What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

    Linkage:  The article talks about the “India and Pakistan Arms Procurement Trends” explicitly notes that India has been gradually reducing its dependence on Russia and increasingly turning to Western countries such as the U.S., France, and the U.K., as well as Israel, for its arms imports.

  • E-Zero FIR to speed up action on Cyber Frauds

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a pilot project for the e-Zero FIR (First Information Report) system in Delhi to help police take faster action in high-value cyber financial frauds.

    What is Zero FIR?

    • Purpose: Zero FIR allows any police station to register an FIR for a cognisable offence without assigning a regular FIR number initially.
    • No diary: Whereas FIRs have serial numbers assigned to them, zero FIRs are assigned the number ‘0’. Hence the name.

    About the e-Zero FIR System:

    • Launch and Objective: The MHA has launched a pilot e-Zero FIR project in Delhi to speed up action in cyber financial frauds over ₹10 lakh.
    • System Developer: It has been developed by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the MHA.
    • How It Works: Victims can file complaints via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or by calling the 1930 helpline.
    • FIR Process: The e-Crime Police Station in Delhi registers the FIR digitally, which is then transferred electronically to the correct local police station.
    • Legal Basis: The project is implemented under Section 173(1) and 173(1)(ii) of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
    • Jurisdiction-Free Filing: Victims can report crimes without worrying about police station limits.
    • Digital Integration: The system connects the I4C’s NCRP, Delhi Police’s e-FIR portal, and NCRB’s CCTNS platform.

    Key Features and Victim Support:

    • Automatic Registration: FIRs are automatically registered for cyber frauds involving over ₹10 lakh.
    • Anywhere Access: Victims can file from any location, ensuring jurisdiction-free access.
    • Fast FIR Transfer: FIRs are sent electronically to the appropriate police station for follow-up.
    • Mandatory Visit: Victims must visit a cybercrime police station within 3 days to convert the Zero FIR into a regular FIR.
    • Improved Recovery: Early registration improves the chances of recovering lost funds in time-sensitive fraud cases.
    • Simplified Process: The system makes legal action easier and more accessible for cybercrime victims.
    [UPSC 2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:

    1. Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such an accused is locked up in a police station, not in jail.
    2. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Option: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only * (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • India-Pakistan tensions put strain on struggling Western Border Districts

    Why in the News?

    Most western border districts, except in Gujarat, had little or no growth in exports and saw slow poverty reduction. Now, recent tensions and shelling between India and Pakistan are hurting the economy in these 22 districts.

    What causes slower poverty reduction in border districts?

    • Geopolitical Tensions and Hostile Neighbours: Constant threats such as cross-border shelling along the LoC disrupt livelihoods, infrastructure, and public services. Eg: In Jammu & Kashmir, border districts face frequent disruptions due to tensions with Pakistan, limiting economic stability and job opportunities.
    • Limited Economic and Industrial Activity: Border districts often lack a strong industrial base or service sector, leading to low income-generation and underemployment. Eg: In Rajasthan and Punjab, several border districts showed slower poverty reduction than State averages due to stagnant economic growth.
    • Inadequate Infrastructure: Poor roads, communication networks, and market access hinder economic integration and development. Eg: Eastern States like Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland face challenges due to remote terrain and limited connectivity, contributing to persistent poverty.
    • Declining Development Fund: Post-pandemic, central funding under schemes like the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) has declined sharply. Eg: After FY20, both western and eastern border areas experienced reduced support, slowing poverty reduction efforts.
    • Landlocked and Isolated Geography: Many border districts, especially in the Northeast, are landlocked and rely on external transport hubs, limiting local trade and economic activity. Eg: In Assam, 75% of border districts had a slower decline in poverty than the State average between 2015–16 and 2019–21.

    Why are exports stagnant in most border districts except Gujarat?

    • Lack of Industrial and Export Ecosystem: Most border districts lack industrial clusters, export-processing zones, and supply chain infrastructure, which hampers export activity. Eg: Border districts in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir contribute only 0.3% to India’s total exports, showing minimal export potential.
    • Geopolitical and Security Constraints: Tensions with neighboring countries and border insecurities restrict cross-border trade and deter investment in export-oriented industries. Eg: Frequent cross-border shelling along the LoC in J&K and Rajasthan affects trade operations and discourages private sector involvement.
    • Gujarat’s Strategic Advantage and Policy Support: Gujarat benefits from a coastal location, developed infrastructure, and proactive industrial policies, enabling strong export growth. Eg: Border districts in Gujarat increased their export share from 1.9% in FY22 to 3% in FY24, in contrast to stagnation elsewhere.

    Which border districts performed better economically?

    • Gujarat is the  only western border State where all border districts saw a faster decline in poverty than the State average.
    • Eg: export share from border districts rose from 1.9% (FY22) to 3% (FY24) — indicating successful economic activity.

    Why did the government’s support to border areas decline?

    • Reallocation of Resources Post-Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic shifted national priorities toward healthcare, urban welfare, and fiscal recovery, resulting in reduced focus on border-specific programmes. Eg: Post FY20, schemes like the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) faced budget cuts as funds were redirected to pandemic-related needs.
    • Security-Centric Approach Over Development: In sensitive regions, the government adopted a more security-focused strategy, often at the cost of developmental spending in border districts. Eg: In J&K and Punjab, heightened defence and surveillance measures took precedence, sidelining economic initiatives and local development schemes.
    • Administrative and Logistical Challenges: Border areas, especially in the Northeast, face issues like difficult terrain, poor connectivity, and limited administrative reach, deterring consistent support. Eg: In Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, implementation hurdles led to underutilization of allocated funds, reducing the impact of central schemes.

    Way forward: 

    • Targeted Development & Infrastructure Boost: Prioritise region-specific infrastructure (roads, logistics hubs, digital connectivity) and promote border-based industrial clusters to generate employment and improve trade potential.
    • Revive and Expand BADP with Integrated Planning: Strengthen the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) with post-pandemic funding revival, and ensure convergence with state schemes for holistic socio-economic upliftment of border districts.

    Mains PYQ:

     [UPSC 2024] Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme.

    Linkage: The security problems along the border, such as India-Pakistan tensions and cross-border shelling, as seen in the “India’s Border Districts”. It also explores how development programmes address these issues, directly linking security challenges with economic and development concerns in border regions. It clearly connects border tensions with the economic struggles in these areas.