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Subject: Internal Security

  • CERT-In makes Annual Cybersecurity Audit Mandatory for Companies

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has mandated annual third-party cybersecurity audits for both private and public-sector organisations operating digital infrastructure.

    Cybersecurity Directive: Key Highlights:

    • Annual third-party cyber audits are mandatory for all digital infrastructure.
    • Sectoral regulators may require more frequent checks based on risk.
    • Audits must be risk-based, domain-specific, and aligned with business context.

    About the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In):

    • Parent Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
    • Established: January 2004
    • Constituency: All entities operating in Indian cyberspace
    • Core Responsibilities:
      • Collect, analyse, and disseminate cybersecurity incident data
      • Forecast and alert about emerging cyber threats
      • Provide emergency response support to affected entities
      • Issue security guidelines, advisories, and best practices
    • International Role: Signs MoUs with other countries to:
      • Share real-time cyber threat intelligence
      • Collaborate on incident response and recovery
      • Exchange knowledge on global cybersecurity practices

    India’s Cybersecurity Ecosystem:

    • Institutional Framework:
      • National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC): Protects key sectors like telecom, banking, and power
      • National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC): Monitors real-time cyber threats across public and private domains
      • National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC): Ensures coordination across ministries and departments
      • Sector-Specific Response Teams (CSIRTs): For domains like finance (CSIRT-Fin), power (CSIRT-Power)
    • Legal and Policy Measures:
      • Information Technology Act, 2000: Core law for cybercrime and electronic governance
      • National Cyber Security Policy, 2013: Strategic vision for securing cyberspace
      • Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: Ensures privacy, mandates breach reporting
      • Cyber Crisis Management Plan: Framework for cyber incident response in government agencies
    • Capacity Building Programs:
      • Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA): Promotes digital literacy in rural areas
      • Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative: Trains Chief Information Security Officers of public sector organisations
      • Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Multi-agency platform to handle cybercrimes
    [UPSC 2017] In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? 1. Service providers 2. Data Centres 3. Body corporate Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3*

     

  • Exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra’, 2025

    Why in the News?

    The 14th edition of the India–Singapore Joint Military Exercise — Exercise Bold Kurukshetra — commenced in Jodhpur.

    About Exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra’

    • Launch Year: 2005, after the 2003 India–Singapore Defence Cooperation Agreement.
    • Purpose: Strengthen bilateral defence ties, boost operational coordination, and enhance regional security.
    • Frequency: Held annually or biannually, alternating between Indian training zones like Babina and Jodhpur.
    • Participants: Focuses on armoured and mechanised infantry units from India and Singapore.
    • Framework: Conducted under United Nations Peacekeeping mandates, simulating mechanised warfare and joint operations.

    Key Features:

    • Format:
      • Tabletop wargaming and computer-based simulations.
      • Validates doctrines and standard operating procedures in mechanised warfare.
    • Operational Objectives:
      • Improve interoperability and tactical planning.
      • Execute joint manoeuvres and enhance command-level coordination.
      • Build mutual understanding of combat and operational doctrines.
    • Evolution Over Time:
      • Progressed from basic drills to complex command post exercises and live-fire missions.
      • Includes scenario-based planning and real-time decision-making via digital simulations.
    [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

     

  • [26th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Kargil, Pahalgam and a revamp of the security strategy

    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: The article explicitly talks about the India’s shift in counter-terrorism strategy, mentioning the surgical strikes after the Uri attack (2016) and the Balakot strikes (2019) following Pulwama as “a strong reply” and “statement of intent”. The article culminates in discussing Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam attack (2025), which involved striking terror bases and military air-bases deep in Pakistan, setting a “new threshold” for India’s response to terror.

     

    Mentor’s Comment: This year, in light of the recent Operation Sindoor (May 7–10, 2025), launched by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation demonstrated India’s enhanced conventional military strength and shift in counter-terrorism doctrine, drawing parallels with the Kargil War’s legacy of structural reforms, military modernisation, and strategic assertiveness.

    Today’s editorial analyses the Indian Military strength. This topic is important for GS Paper III (Internal Security) in the UPSC mains exam.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    July 26, 2025, marks the 26th anniversary of the Kargil War, a key moment in India’s military history.

    What key shortcomings did Kargil expose?

    • Intelligence Failure: There was a complete lack of actionable intelligence about Pakistani infiltration. Eg: Neither RAW nor military intelligence anticipated the large-scale intrusion in the Kargil sector, resulting in delayed response.
    • Lack of Real-time Surveillance and Reconnaissance: India lacked advanced aerial and satellite surveillance capabilities. Eg: Absence of drone surveillance led to Pakistani troops occupying key heights undetected.
    • Operational Unpreparedness in High-altitude Warfare: Indian troops were not fully equipped or trained for fighting in extreme mountain conditions. Eg: Soldiers lacked snow boots, high-altitude tents, and artillery support during initial engagements.
    • Inadequate Military Modernisation and Logistics: Outdated weaponry and logistical weaknesses slowed the military’s response. Eg: Lack of precision-guided munitions and night-vision equipment hampered operations in the early phase of the conflict.

    How did they influence India’s military reforms?

    • Revamp of the Intelligence Infrastructure: The intelligence failure in Kargil led to the creation of dedicated and tech-enabled intelligence agencies. Eg: Establishment of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in 2002 and the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) in 2004 improved surveillance and early warning systems.
    • Modernisation and Capability Building: Recognising operational gaps, India focused on military modernisation and indigenous defence production. Eg: Induction of Rafale fighters, Apache helicopters, and BrahMos missiles, along with enhanced focus on ‘Make in India’ defence projects.
    • Structural and Doctrinal Reforms: The need for faster, joint response led to organisational restructuring and new doctrines. Eg: Appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in 2019 and development of the Cold Start Doctrineenabled swift, coordinated operations across services.

    How has India’s counter-terror strategy evolved from Kargil to Operation Sindoor?

    • Shift from Strategic Restraint to Active Retaliation: Initially, India responded passively to terror attacks, but now adopts swift and punitive action. Eg: In Operation Sindoor (2025), India launched precision strikes on nine terror bases and eleven military airbases inside Pakistan within 96 hours of the Pahalgam attack.
    • Use of Air Power and Missile Strikes: India has moved beyond surgical ground raids to deep-strike capabilities using air and missile assets. Eg: The BrahMos missile strike on Nur Khan Base in Pakistan reportedly crippled a nuclear weapons storage facility, sending a strong strategic signal.
    • Preemptive and Coordinated Operations: Focus has shifted to pre-empting terror threats through real-time intelligence and coordinated special operations. Eg: In 2023, India conducted a pre-emptive operation in Kashmir’s Gurez sector, dismantling a terror launchpad before infiltration.
    • Internationalising the Terror Narrative: India increasingly leverages diplomacy and global platforms to isolate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terror. Eg: Following the Pulwama attack (2019), India worked with global powers to get Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council.
    • Integration of Technology and Intelligence Networks: There is now enhanced use of surveillance drones, cyber intelligence, and inter-agency coordination. Eg: Operation Black Thunder II (2024) used real-time intelligence sharing between NTRO, RAW, and special forces to eliminate a high-value terrorist in less than two days.

    What are the challenges for India? 

    • Persistent Cross-border Terrorism: Despite reforms, Pakistan-based terror groups continue to pose a threat, using proxy warfare and non-state actors to destabilize regions like Jammu & Kashmir.
    • Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: India is increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks on its military, energy, and communication infrastructure by hostile state and non-state actors. Eg: In 2023, a suspected Chinese-origin cyberattack targeted the power grid in Ladakh, exposing gaps in cyber defence preparedness.
    • Delays in Defence Modernisation: The slow pace of procurement, bureaucratic hurdles, and over-dependence on imports affect India’s combat readiness. Eg: Delays in acquiring high-altitude drones and next-generation tanks have impacted operational planning in sensitive border areas like Eastern Ladakh.

    Way forward: 

    • Promote Jointness and Modernisation: Implement integrated theatre commands and upgrade military technology to ensure faster, coordinated responses.
    • Strengthen Border and Cyber Security: Deploy smart surveillance systems and enhance cyber defence to counter both conventional and hybrid threats.

  • The reality of the changing dimensions of warfare

    Why in the News?

    India needs to urgently revamp its defence modernisation plans in the face of emerging challenges from China and Pakistan, especially after the India-Pakistan conflict of May 2025, which revealed gaps in India’s preparedness.

    How has warfare changed since the Cold War?

    • Shift from Large-Scale Wars to Regional Conflicts: After the Cold War, global tensions gave way to smaller, localized wars rather than global showdowns. Eg: The Gulf War (1991) marked the start of precision-based, limited military operations instead of prolonged world wars.
    • Rise of Technology-Driven Warfare: Modern conflicts rely heavily on AI, drones, cyber tools, and precision weapons instead of traditional manpower-heavy combat. Eg: The Russia-Ukraine war has prominently used drones, cyberattacks, and satellite-guided missile systems.
    • Multi-Domain and Asymmetric Warfare: Warfare now involves land, air, sea, cyber, and space, blending conventional and irregular tactics. Eg: The use of cyberattacks alongside physical strikes in Israel-Hamas and India-Pakistan skirmishes reflects this evolution.

    Why is traditional military power becoming outdated?

    • Emergence of Asymmetric Threats: Traditional armies are less effective against non-state actors, insurgents, and cyber warriors who don’t follow conventional battle rules. Eg: The Taliban’s return in Afghanistan despite 20 years of U.S. military presence shows the limits of conventional power.
    • Dominance of Cyber and Information Warfare: Modern conflicts are increasingly fought in the digital space through disinformation, cyberattacks, and AI tools. Eg: The Russia-Ukraine war witnessed widespread cyber sabotage, showing that keyboard warriors can now cripple systems without firing a bullet.
    • Cost-Effectiveness of Smart Technologies: Drones, automated systems, and AI-based surveillance offer greater impact at lower cost than tanks or large troop deployments. Eg: The use of Turkish Bayraktar drones in Ukraine showed how low-cost tech can neutralize expensive military hardware.

    What challenges does India face in countering China’s military rise?

    • Infrastructure Gap along the Border: China has superior military infrastructure in Tibet and Xinjiang, including roads, airstrips, and logistics networks, giving it faster mobilization capability. Eg: The LAC standoff in Eastern Ladakh (2020) exposed India’s slower troop movement due to underdeveloped border infrastructure.
    • Defence Budget and Modernisation Lag: India’s defence spending is lower in proportion to GDP compared to China, limiting rapid modernisation and procurement of high-end military tech. Eg: China’s 2024 defence budget is over 3 times larger than India’s, enabling faster upgrades in hypersonic weaponsand naval expansion.
    • Two-Front Security Challenge: India faces the risk of simultaneous conflicts with China and Pakistan, straining its military resources and strategic planning. Eg: Joint China-Pakistan military exercises and China’s presence in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) increase pressure on India’s western and northern fronts.

    How should India update its defence strategy? (Way forward)

    • Focus on Cyber and Space Capabilities: India must strengthen its cyber defence, space surveillance, and satellite-based warfare tools to deal with non-traditional threats. Eg: The formation of Defence Cyber Agency and Defence Space Agency is a step towards tackling emerging cyber and space-based challenges.
    • Promote Indigenous Defence Innovation: Shifting from imports to Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence production is vital for self-reliance and strategic autonomy. Eg: Development of Tejas fighter jets and DRDO’s missile systems shows India’s move toward building its own defence ecosystem.
    • Modernise Armed Forces with Smart Technology: Upgrading with AI-enabled systems, drones, and robotics will enhance operational efficiency in both border and hybrid warfare. Eg: Indian Army’s deployment of drones for surveillance in the LAC region demonstrates the use of tech-driven force multipliers.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2022] What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.

    Linkage: The article highlights that “The advent of cyber and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has seen battle elds morph into complex multi-domain conflict zones, involving advanced technologies, AI and cyber warfare methodologies”. It further emphasizes that “digital strategies and autonomous systems are tending to make traditional concepts of how battles are won… outdated” and that “Future warfare is increasingly set to become digitally autonomous and interconnected.

  • MiG-21s to retire by September

    MiG-21s to retire by September

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Air Force’s longest-serving combat aircraft, the Russian-origin MiG (Mikoyan and Gurevich)-21, is set to be phased out by September 2025.

    About MiG-21:

    • Type: Single-engine, single-seater, multi-role fighter and ground attack aircraft.
    • Origin: Originally inducted as an interceptor; later upgraded for multi-role capabilities.
    • Key Indian Variants: Type-77, Type-96, MiG-21 BIS and MiG-21 Bison (most advanced variant with upgraded radar, avionics, and missile systems).
    • Safety Concerns:
      • High accident rate, especially in recent decades.
      • Earned the nickname “flying coffin” due to frequent crashes and pilot fatalities.
    • Combat Features:
      • Performance: Known for high speed, agility, and rapid climb capability.
      • Armament: Capable of deploying both air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.
      • War Record: Played key roles in- 1965 War with Pakistan; 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War; 1999 Kargil Conflict.
    • Notable Operation: In 2019, a MiG-21 Bison piloted by Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16 during aerial combat.

    Induction and Retirement:

    • Induction:
      • Timeline: Inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963 during tensions with China and Pakistan.
      • Assembly: First units assembled in India at Chandigarh with Soviet assistance.
      • Scale: Over 700 MiG-21s were procured, forming the backbone of the Indian Air Force for decades.
    • Retirement:
      • Current Status: As of now, three MiG-21 Bison squadrons remain, each with 16–18 aircraft.
      • Replacement: To be replaced by the indigenously developed Tejas Mark-1A aircraft.

    Back2Basics: LCA Tejas

    • Type: Indian single-engine, fourth-generation, multirole light fighter aircraft.
    • R&D: Designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency in collaboration with the Aircraft Research and Design Centre of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
    • Origins: Developed under the Light Combat Aircraft programme launched in the 1980s to replace India’s ageing MiG-21 fleet.
    • Indigenous Content:
      • By Value: 59.7% of the aircraft’s components are sourced indigenously.
      • By Units: 75.5% of the line replaceable units are domestically produced.

     

    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following aircraft:

    1. Rafael 2. MiG-29 3. Tejas MK-1

    How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft?

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

     

  • [pib] INS Nistar Diving Support Vessel

    Why in the News?

    Indian Navy commissioned INS Nistar, the country’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV).

    [pib] INS Nistar Diving Support Vessel

    About INS Nistar:

    • Project Origin: First of two Diving Support Vessels (DSVs) ordered by the Navy in 2018.
    • Developer: Built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd with input from 120 Indian MSMEs.
    • Commissioning: Inducted at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
    • Legacy Name: Named after the Soviet-origin INS Nistar (1971–1989).
    • Indigenization: Over 80% indigenous content, in line with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
    • Sister Ship: INS Nipun, launched in 2022, will join soon.

    Key Features:

    • Rescue Depth: Supports diving and submarine rescue operations up to 300 metres.
    • Rescue Equipment: Equipped with ROVs, Hyperbaric Lifeboats, and Diving Chambers.
    • DSRV Role: Functions as mothership for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles.
    • Size: 120 metres long with a displacement of ~10,500 tonnes.
    • Endurance: Can stay at sea for over 60 days.
    • Utility Gear: Fitted with a 15-tonne subsea crane and helipad facilities.
    • Medical Support: Includes OT, ICU, hospital beds, and hyperbaric treatment units.

    Significance for India:

    • Submarine Rescue: Provides independent submarine rescue capability.
    • Operational Autonomy: Ends reliance on leased rescue platforms.
    • Strategic Status: Places India among 12 countries with full submarine rescue capability.
    • Regional Role: Strengthens India’s position as Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean.
    [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

     

  • A better terror fight with J&K police under state reins

    Why in the News?

    On June 16, 2025, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha declared that eradicating terrorism from Jammu & Kashmir is the government’s foremost priority, during the passing-out parade at Sher-e-Kashmir Police Academy, Udhampur.

    What limits central forces in handling terrorism in J&K? 

    • Lack of Local Intelligence: Central forces often lack deep familiarity with local terrain, dialects, and community networks, which limits their real-time response and prevention capability. Eg: In 2022, a CRPF convoy in Pulwama district was attacked despite heavy deployment, partly due to lack of localized inputs.
    • Limited Civil Engagement: Being outsiders, central forces struggle to build community trust and rapport, which is crucial in identifying radical elements or suspicious activity. Eg: In Shopian, several villages refused to cooperate during a combing operation, affecting the credibility of the forces.
    • Operational Dependence on Local Police: Central forces depend on J&K police for actionable intelligence, language support, and legal procedures. Without local coordination, operations falter. Eg: A planned raid in Anantnag in 2023 failed due to miscommunication between central teams and local law enforcement.

    Why is the local police important in counter-terrorism in J&K?

    • Deep Local Knowledge: The J&K Police understand the terrain, dialects, and social dynamics far better than external forces, enabling precise operations. Eg: In 2020, the local police identified and neutralised a Hizbul Mujahideen module in Kulgam using ground-level intel.
    • Strong Community Links: Their trust-based relationship with local residents helps in gathering timely human intelligence (HUMINT) against militant activities. Eg: Tip-offs from locals helped prevent a planned terror strike in Pulwama in 2022.
    • Proven Operational Experience: The J&K Police have decades of counter-terrorism experience, including intelligence gathering, search operations, and deradicalisation efforts. Eg: The Special Operations Group (SOG) of JAKP has led several successful anti-terror raids in Anantnag and Baramulla.

    How does excluding elected leaders affect security in J&K?

    • Weakens Grassroots Intelligence: Elected leaders act as a bridge between citizens and security forces, providing local insights into suspicious movements. Their exclusion disrupts this intelligence flow. Eg: After the dilution of Article 370, the absence of panchayat leaders in parts of South Kashmir reduced early warnings of militant regrouping.
    • Erodes Public Trust: Marginalising elected representatives creates a governance vacuum, leading to alienation and making youth more vulnerable to radicalisation. Eg: In 2021, areas with fewer active local leaders saw a spike in recruitment by terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba.
    • Hampers Local Problem-Solving: Without democratic leadership, local issues like unemployment or land disputes remain unaddressed, creating fertile ground for terrorist narratives. Eg: In Kupwara, lack of local mediation escalated minor disputes into violent protests, exploited by separatist elements.

    Why is democratic governance key to counter-terrorism in J&K?

    • Enhances Local Legitimacy: Democratic governance empowers elected representatives who enjoy public trust, making it easier to mobilize communities against terrorism.
    • Improves Intelligence Gathering: Leaders at the grassroots level, like panchayat members, act as the eyes and ears of the state, helping identify suspicious activities early.
    • Counters Alienation: Political inclusion addresses grievances, reducing the appeal of extremist ideologies and promoting peaceful participation in governance.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian government? 

    • Abrogation of Article 370: Revoked the special status of J&K in 2019 to fully integrate the region with the Indian Union and ensure uniform application of laws.
    • Increased Security Deployment: Strengthened the presence of central paramilitary forces, enhanced surveillance, and improved infrastructure to curb terrorism.
    • Development Initiatives: Launched major schemes like PMDP (Prime Minister’s Development Package) and back-to-village programmes to boost infrastructure, education, and employment.

    What reforms are needed for better governance and security in J&K? (Way forward)

    • Strengthening Local Bodies: Empowering Panchayati Raj institutions with real authority and resources ensures decentralized governance and community involvement. In 2020, delays in fund disbursal to panchayats led to poor development outcomes, hampering trust in state mechanisms.
    • Police Reforms: Investing in modern training, surveillance tech, and better coordination between local and central forces improves counter-terror operations. During a 2021 operation in Baramulla, timely tech-driven coordination between police and intel units led to the arrest of a top militant.
    • Restoring Electoral Processes: Holding timely Assembly elections boosts political engagement, giving people a voice and reducing radicalization risks. The absence of an elected government since 2018 has widened the disconnect between administration and public sentiment.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2023] Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Linkage: The article talks about the emphasizes that the eradication of terrorism in J&K is a top priority, and that the J&K Police (JAKP) should utilize strategies like community engagement, intelligence, and inter-agency collaboration. This directly relates to the PYQ’s theme of “winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’” and “restoring the trust of the population” in terrorism-affected areas.

  • 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