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Subject: Internal Security

  • Civil Defence under the Civil Defence Act, 1968

    Why in the News?

    The Union Home Ministry directed all states and Union Territories to conduct a Civil Defence Mock Drill, aimed at assessing and enhancing the readiness of India’s civil defence mechanisms.

    About Civil Defence under the Civil Defence Act, 1968

    • The Civil Defence Act, 1968 was enacted to ensure measures for civil defence to protect citizens, properties, and establishments from hostile attacks or natural disasters.
    • It aims to prepare the population to respond to emergencies such as military attacks, terrorist activities, and natural calamities.
    • Civil Defence Corps is formed at both national and state levels. Volunteers from various sectors are enlisted and trained.
    • The corps operates under the Central Government’s rules for civil defence.
    • Key functions include- Evacuation of civilians; Protection from danger and destruction; Salvage of property; Managing hazardous materials.
    • The Central Government has the authority to:
      • Make rules for civil defence across India.
      • Enforce evacuation procedures, control over dangerous substances, and manage disaster relief.
    • Penalties for non-compliance with the civil defence regulations.

    Recent Context: Civil Defence Mock Drill on 7th May 

    • This exercise assesses and enhances the readiness of India’s civil defence systems to respond promptly during emergencies.
    • The drills will occur across nearly 300 civil defence districts, including sensitive locations like Mumbai, Uran (Jawaharlal Nehru Port), and Tarapur (nuclear power plant).
    • The mock drill aims to improve response time for rescue and relief operations, focusing on critical situations in the first few minutes of an emergency.
    [UPSC 2010] With reference to the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007, consider the following statements:

    1. This policy is applicable only to the persons affected by the acquisition of land for projects and not to the involuntary displacement due to any other reason.

    2. This policy has been formulated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • Government revamps National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)

    Why in the News?

    The Union Government has reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), appointing Alok Joshi, former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), as its new chairman.

    About National Security Advisory Board (NSAB):

    • The NSAB is a high-level advisory body to the National Security Council (NSC).
    • It plays a crucial role in shaping national security policies and responses to both internal and external threats.
    • Composition: The NSAB includes eminent individuals from sectors like the armed forces, IPS, IFS, academia, and civil society, selected for expertise in areas such as defense, foreign affairs, internal security, economic affairs, and science & technology.
    • Key Functions:
      • Provide expert analysis on long-term security issues to the NSC.
      • Recommend solutions and policies on matters referred by the NSC.
      • Contribute significantly to India’s Nuclear Doctrine, Strategic Defence Reviews, and other critical policy frameworks.

    Back2Basics: National Security Council (NSC)

    • The NSC is the apex body advising the Prime Minister on national security and foreign policy matters, coordinating the government’s efforts to ensure the nation’s security.
    • It was established on 19 November 1998 by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
    • Members: National Security Advisor (NSA), Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Ministers of Defence, External Affairs, Home, and Finance, Deputy NSA, Additional NSAs, and the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog.
    • Three-Tier Structure:
      • Strategic Policy Group (SPG): Highest decision-making body.
      • NSAB: Provides advisory support.
      • NSCS: Implements NSC decisions.
    • In July 2024, the NSCS was revamped to fill the Additional NSA post, delegating internal security management and threat analysis to enhance the NSA’s focus on broader challenges.

     

    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    1. According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government has a duty to protect States from internal disturbances. 2. The Constitution of India exempts the States from providing legal counsel to person being held for preventive detention 3. According to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002, confession of the accused before the police cannot be used as evidence.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

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

     

  • [24th April 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Responding to the terror attack in Pahalgam

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2024] 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 Pahalgam attack occurred in Jammu and Kashmir. This question directly addresses strategies for building trust and resolving conflict in terrorism-affected regions, which is a crucial aspect of responding to such attacks in the long term.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, is not just an act of violence; it’s a calculated political move, carefully timed to cause both human casualties and strategic disruption. The attack took place shortly after the Kashmir Valley started welcoming tourists for the season and while U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance was visiting India. This is not a random attack, but part of a long-standing pattern of cross-border terrorism supported by Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies. At a time when Pakistan had faded from India’s diplomatic focus, it has now returned, aiming to disrupt what India holds dear.

    Today’s editorial analyzes the recent terrorist attack in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This discussion will be useful for GS Paper 2 on International Relations and GS Paper 3 on Border Management.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    On April 22, 2025, terrorists attacked a group of tourists in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killing dozens and injuring many others. This was the first major attack on civilians in Kashmir since the government removed the region’s special status in 2019.

    Why is the Pahalgam attack seen as a political signal beyond terrorism?

    • Strategic Timing: The attack was carefully timed to coincide with major diplomatic events, aiming to internationalize the Kashmir issue and undermine India’s global image. Eg: It occurred during U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance’s visit to India, drawing global attention and signaling instability in Kashmir.
    • Undermining Normalcy: Targeting a tourist destination was meant to damage the perception of peace, hurt local livelihoods, and instill fear among potential visitors. Eg: The attack happened in Baisaran near Pahalgam, a scenic spot often described as ‘mini Switzerland’, during peak tourism season.
    • Proxy Warfare: It reflects Pakistan’s continued reliance on non-state actors to wage asymmetric warfare against India while maintaining deniability. Eg: The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and ISI, claimed responsibility—mirroring past attacks like the 2019 Pulwama bombing.

    What intelligence and security lapses does the attack reveal?

    • Failure of Local Intelligence Gathering: Security forces lacked timely and actionable intelligence about militant movement in a high-tourist zone. Eg: Despite a large number of tourists in Pahalgam, there were no alerts about possible threats in the area prior to the attack.
    • Inadequate Perimeter Surveillance: The attackers exploited gaps in area surveillance and patrol routines around tourist spots. Eg: The militants attacked near Baisaran meadow—an open and vulnerable area with limited surveillance despite being a tourist hotspot.
    • Weak Coordination Among Agencies: Lack of seamless coordination between intelligence, police, and paramilitary forces led to poor threat anticipation and response. Eg: Local police reportedly had not received central alerts, reflecting weak inter-agency information sharing.
    • Overreliance on Static Security Checks: Security was concentrated at checkpoints, but attackers used off-road routes to bypass these. Eg: Militants avoided heavily guarded roads and struck a moving vehicle, indicating knowledge of patrol patterns.
    • Neglect of Civilian Vulnerability Mapping: No dynamic assessment of soft targets such as unescorted tourist groups in sensitive areas. Eg: The victims were on a pony ride, unprotected, with no security escort in a forested zone open to ambush.

    How does Pakistan’s instability under Gen. Munir fuel cross-border terrorism?

    • Military-Civil Power Struggle: The weakening of civilian institutions and dominance of the military creates an environment where the Army uses external conflicts to maintain control. Eg: Gen. Munir’s growing influence post-Imran Khan’s ousting has coincided with increased militant activity in Kashmir to divert attention from domestic unrest.
    • Use of Terrorism as Strategic Depth: The Pakistani military views proxy groups as tools to counterbalance India without engaging in direct war. Eg: Groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed have resurged in training and logistics activities near the LoC.
    • Diverting Attention from Internal Crises: Facing economic collapse and political chaos, Pakistan’s deep state stokes tensions with India to unify the populace and distract from internal failures. Eg: After IMF bailout troubles and mass protests, there was a spike in infiltration attempts into J&K.
    • Weak Civilian Oversight on Terror Networks: Political instability weakens civilian checks on terror outfits, allowing the military and ISI to operate with impunity. Eg: Banned terror outfits continue to function under new names and operate training camps openly in PoK and Punjab regions.
    • ISI’s Tactical Shift Toward Lone Wolf or Hybrid Militants: The ISI, under Munir’s tenure as ex-ISI chief, has adapted to deploy hard-to-trace, localised operatives, making it harder for India to track networks. Eg: Attacks like Pahalgam have shown signs of hybrid militancy—locals radicalised online but supported logistically from across the border.

    How can India align its external stance with internal outreach in Kashmir?

    • Promote Development as a Security Strategy: Emphasize infrastructure, education, and employment to win hearts locally and showcase progress internationally. Eg: The Srinagar Smart City project and new medical colleges can be highlighted in diplomatic forums to counter negative narratives.
    • Empower Local Governance: Strengthen democratic institutions like Panchayats and urban bodies to demonstrate political normalization. Eg: Conducting timely local body elections and empowering DDCs reflects ground-level participation, reinforcing India’s democratic image globally.
    • Consistent Narrative Management: Maintain a unified communication strategy to counter misinformation from hostile actors. Eg: India’s MEA and J&K administration issuing joint statements during crises can reduce confusion and reinforce India’s position internationally.
    • Engage Diaspora and Global Media: Leverage Indian diaspora and media outreach to project a balanced narrative on Kashmir reforms and security. Eg: Indian embassies organizing Kashmir-focused briefings in the US/EU to highlight post-Article 370 investments and peace-building.
    • Cultural and Religious Diplomacy: Promote Kashmir’s syncretic traditions like Sufism to counter radical narratives. Eg: Organizing international Sufi festivals or Buddhist circuit promotion in Ladakh can portray Kashmir as culturally inclusive and peaceful.

    What steps has taken by the Indian Government?

    • Diplomatic Measures: India has downgraded its diplomatic and logistical ties with Pakistan.Eg: The Indus Waters Treaty has been suspended, the Attari-Wagah border crossing has been closed, and Pakistani defense advisors have been expelled. Additionally, Pakistani nationals in India under regional visas have been given 48 hours to leave, and India’s embassy staff in Islamabad has been reduced.
    • Security Enhancements: The Indian government has increased security measures in Jammu and Kashmir. Eg: Security forces are conducting a major manhunt in the region to apprehend the perpetrators of the attack. The government is also reviewing and strengthening security protocols to prevent future incidents.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhanced Security Infrastructure: Strengthen intelligence networks and surveillance systems in vulnerable regions like Jammu and Kashmir to preempt cross-border terrorism and ensure rapid response capabilities.
    • Diplomatic Pressure on Pakistan: Intensify international diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan by leveraging global platforms, pressing for accountability, and fostering stronger alliances to counter terrorism.

  • Exercise Desert Flag 10

    Why in the News?

    Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has recently departed for the Desert Flag-10 exercise, being held at the Al Dhafra air base in the UAE.

    About Exercise Desert Flag:

    • Exercise Desert Flag is a multi-nation air combat exercise held at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE.
    • It offers participating air forces the opportunity to engage in complex fighter operations and enhance combat capabilities in a collaborative environment.
    • Focus Areas: Fighter engagements, interoperability, and the exchange of operational knowledge.
    • Participants: Air forces from United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, and India.

    Significance of the Exercise:

    • Improving Interoperability: Enhances the ability of air forces from different nations to work together seamlessly, sharing information and responding to regional security challenges.
    • Learning from Global Air Forces: Provides the IAF with exposure to advanced combat tactics and air defence technologies from the world’s top air forces.
    • Diplomatic and Strategic Influence: India’s participation underscores its role in global security and enhances its defence diplomacy.
    [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

     

  • 6th Edition of Exercise DUSTLIK

    Why in the News?

    The 6th edition of India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-6 commenced at the Foreign Training Node at Aundh in Pune, Maharashtra.

    About Exercise DUSTLIK

    • Exercise DUSTLIK is an annual event alternating between India and Uzbekistan.
    • It is named after Dustlik, a town in the Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan.
    • The first edition of the exercise was held in 2019 near Tashkent.
    • The 5th edition was held in Termez District, Uzbekistan.
    • 4th edition held in Pithoragarh, India, in February 2023.

    Objectives and Focus Areas:

    • Focus on physical fitness, joint planning, and tactical drills.
    • Emphasis on special arms skills and multi-domain operations.
    • Tactical drills include establishing command posts, intelligence centers, heliborne operations, and room intervention.

    Back2Basics: India’s bilateral exercises with Central Asian Countries

    Country Exercise
    Kazakhstan Ex PRABAL DOSTYK, Ex KAZIND
    Kyrgyzstan Ex KHANJAR
    Mongolia Ex NOMADIC ELEPHANT
    Tajikistan Ex Farkhor

     

    [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

     

  • DRDO successfully tested Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)

    Why in the News?

    India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system, marking a major achievement in the country’s defense capabilities.

    About Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) System 

    • The Mk-II(A) Laser-DEW system, also known as Sahastra Shakti, is an indigenously developed Laser weapon with an operational range of 5km.
    • It is designed to neutralize threats like drones, missiles, and remotely piloted aircraft using a 30-kilowatt laser.
    • It is developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), in collaboration with other DRDO labs, academic institutions, and Indian industries.
    • It focuses primarily on neutralizing aerial threats such as drones and missiles, offering a cutting-edge solution against modern warfare tactics.

    How does it work?

    • It utilizes radar and Electro-Optic (EO) systems for target detection.
    • The laser engages the target at the speed of light, causing structural failure or significant damage.
    • It delivers rapid, precise strikes with lethal impact in seconds.
    • The energy used for a few seconds of firing costs as little as a couple of litres of petrol, making it cost-efficient.
    • The 30-kilowatt laser ensures quick target neutralization with minimal collateral damage.

    Significance of the Mk-II(A) Laser-DEW System

    • Cost-Effective: Far more affordable than traditional missile systems, providing sustainable defense options.
    • Reduced Ammunition Dependence: Reduces reliance on expensive ammunition, offering a long-term sustainable defence solution.
    • Precision & Speed: Engages targets almost instantaneously, minimizing collateral damage and ensuring high-value targets are neutralized quickly.
    • Strategic Advantage: Enhances India’s defence capabilities, providing an advanced method for protecting infrastructure and addressing evolving aerial threats.
    [UPSC 2011] With reference to Indian defence, which one of the following statements is NOT correct?

    (a) With the induction of Prithvi-II, the IAF is the only air force in the world with surface-to-surface ballistic missiles under its command.

    (b) Sukhoi-30 MKI jet fighters can launch air-to-air and air-to-surface precision missiles

    (c) Trishul is a supersonic surface-to-air missile with a range of 30 km

    (d) The indigenously built INS Prabal can launch surface-to-surface missiles

     

  • India’s 16-year wait ends: 26/11 conspirator Tahawwur Rana flown to Delhi, will face trial

    Why in the News?

    Over 16 years after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Tahawwur Rana, a key planner, was finally brought back to India from the US to face trial.

    Who is Tahawwur Rana? 

    Tahawwur Hussain Rana is a Pakistani-Canadian terrorist, businessman and former military doctor, who is known for his involvement in terrorism-related activities.

    What role did he play in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks?

    • Cover Identity: Tahawwur Rana provided a false business cover to David Headley, enabling him to enter India multiple times without raising suspicion. Eg: Rana’s immigration company, First World Immigration Services, was used to justify Headley’s visits to India as “business trips” while he was actually surveying 26/11 attack targets like the Taj Mahal Hotel and Chabad House.
    • Operational Support: Rana helped facilitate key documentation and communication links between Headley and terrorist organizations. Eg: He assisted Headley in obtaining a new passport with a false identity and supported contacts with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives, maintaining secrecy for the attack planning.
    • Logistical and Financial Assistance: Rana’s actions indirectly enabled the planning and execution of the attacks through financial backing and logistical coordination. Eg: He supported Headley’s multiple reconnaissance trips to Mumbai and funded arrangements that helped terrorists carry out the coordinated assault which killed 166 people and injured over 238.
    Note: David Headley is a Pakistani-American terrorist who conducted reconnaissance for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks on behalf of Lashkar-e-Taiba.

    What is the extradition treaty between India and the USA?

    • Bilateral Legal Framework: It is a formal agreement signed in 1997 that allows both countries to request and surrender individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes. Eg: India requested the extradition of Tahawwur Rana under this treaty for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
    • Dual Criminality Principle: A person can be extradited only if the offense is a crime in both India and the United States. Eg: Conspiracy to commit terrorism is punishable in both countries, fulfilling the condition for Rana’s extradition.
    • Judicial and Diplomatic Process: The extradition process involves legal scrutiny by courts and coordination between diplomatic and law enforcement agencies of both nations. Eg: US courts reviewed Rana’s case and, after rejecting multiple appeals, extradited him with cooperation from the US Department of Justice.

    What legal processes did Tahawwur Rana undergo in the US before being extradited to India?

    • Extradition Hearing: A US District Court evaluated India’s request to determine if the charges met the treaty’s conditions and legal standards. Eg: In May 2023, the District Court for the Central District of California approved Rana’s extradition after reviewing evidence and charges.
    • Appeals and Legal Challenges: Rana filed multiple appeals to delay extradition, including petitions in higher courts and emergency applications. Eg: He moved the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and later the US Supreme Court with habeas corpus petitions, all of which were denied.
    • Final Clearance and Custody Transfer: After exhausting all legal options, US authorities coordinated with Indian officials to hand over Rana formally. Eg: The US Department of Justice and US Sky Marshal teams worked with Indian NIA and MEA for his secure transfer to Delhi.

    What is the role of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)? 

    • Legal Designation of Terrorist Organizations: UAPA provides the legal framework to declare organizations as terrorist outfits and take action against their members and supporters. Eg: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI), associated with Rana and Headley, are banned under UAPA.
    • Prosecution of Conspirators and Supporters: UAPA enables prosecution not only of terrorists but also of individuals who aid, abet, or conspire in terrorist acts. Eg: Tahawwur Rana is being charged under UAPA for facilitating logistics and shelter to Headley, who conducted reconnaissance for the 26/11 attacks.
    • Empowering NIA to Investigate: UAPA empowers the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate and prosecute terrorism cases across India. Eg: The NIA formally arrested Rana under UAPA after his extradition, and is now interrogating him to expose the full conspiracy.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen International Counter-Terror Cooperation: Enhance collaboration on intelligence sharing, joint operations, and faster legal coordination under extradition treaties. Eg: Streamlined communication between NIA and FBI can prevent delays in apprehending fugitives and tracking transnational terror networks.
    • Fast-Track Trial and Victim Justice: Ensure expedited judicial proceedings to bring long-pending terrorism cases like 26/11 to closure and deliver justice to victims. Eg: A special fast-track court under the NIA Act can help conclude Rana’s trial swiftly, reinforcing public trust and legal deterrence.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2021] Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also, suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism.

    Linkage: The issue of terrorism, its multifaceted nature, and the measures needed to combat it, which aligns with the context of the 26/11 attacks.

  • INS Varsha Naval Base

    Why in the News?

    India is set to operationalise INS Varsha, a highly strategic naval base designed specifically to house nuclear-powered submarines, on the eastern coast near Rambilli in Andhra Pradesh by 2026.

    About INS Varsha

    • INS Varsha is being developed as a specialized base to house India’s growing fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, including both Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs) and Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine (SSNs).
    • It will be situated near the coastal village of Rambilli, about 50 km south of Visakhapatnam, home to the Eastern Naval Command.
    • The naval bases lies on the confluence of Sarada and Varaha rivers.
    • The facility will have underground pens and tunnels to ensure stealthy operations for nuclear submarines.
    • This design will allow submarines to enter and exit the base undetected, maintaining their stealth, particularly important for SSBNs which carry nuclear missiles during long patrols.
    • The base will cover an area of 20 square kilometers and is designed to accommodate at least 10 nuclear submarines.
    • Like China’s nuclear submarine base at Hainan Island (in the South China Sea), INS Varsha will be situated in waters that allow submarines to operate without detection from satellite surveillance.

    Project Varsha

    ins varsha

    • INS Varsha is part of Project Varsha, a top-secret initiative aimed at bolstering India’s maritime deterrence capabilities by building a dedicated facility for its nuclear-powered submarines.
    • This project is crucial to countering the growing naval presence and strategic expansion of China in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
    • It will support the fleet of Arihant-class submarines, which are crucial for India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent

     

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

    (a) Amphibious warfare ship

    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine

    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel

    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

     

  • CAPTCHA: a digital border between Humans and Bots

    Why in the News?

    This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in The Hindu.

    What is CAPTCHA?

    • CAPTCHA stands for Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart.
    • It is a security measure used to differentiate humans from automated bots on websites.
    • It helps protect websites against spam and misuse by ensuring that the user performing actions is a human.
    • It was developed in the early 2000s by Luis von Ahn, Manuel Blum, Nicholas J. Hopper, and John Langford as a response to the proliferation of automated bots on the internet that created fake accounts, spammed websites, and stole data.
    • The first patent for CAPTCHA was filed in 2003.

    How Does CAPTCHA Work?

    • CAPTCHA presents tasks that are easy for humans to solve but hard for machines.
    • These tasks typically involve recognizing distorted text, images, or sounds that machines cannot interpret as reliably as humans.
    • It operates on the principle of the Turing test, designed by British mathematician Alan Turing in the 1950s.
      • This assesses a machine’s ability to exhibit human-like behaviour.
    • Over the years, CAPTCHA has evolved from simple text recognition to more complex tests:
    1. Image Recognition CAPTCHA: Users are asked to identify specific objects within images, such as cars, traffic lights, or storefronts.
    2. reCAPTCHA: Launched by Google in 2009, this system not only serves as a CAPTCHA but also helps digitize text from scanned documents. Users transcribe words that OCR software has been unable to recognize.
    3. Invisible reCAPTCHA: Introduced by Google in 2014, this version analyzes the user’s interaction with the website, such as mouse movements, to determine if they are human without needing them to complete a specific challenge.

    Limitations of CAPTCHA

    • Accessibility Issues: CAPTCHA can be challenging for people with disabilities, such as visual or hearing impairments.
    • User Inconvenience: The need to solve CAPTCHAs can be cumbersome, particularly on mobile devices, and may detract from user experience.
    • Advancing Bot Technology: As bots become more sophisticated with AI, they are increasingly capable of bypassing CAPTCHA systems, necessitating more complex solutions.
    [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements: A digital signature is

    1. an electronic record that identifies the certifying authority issuing it

    2. used to serve as a proof of identity of an individual to access information or server on Internet.

    3. an electronic method of signing an electronic document and ensuring that the original content is unchanged

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

  • Exercise INDRA 2025

    Why in the News?

    The bilateral naval exercise INDRA 2025 between the Indian and Russian navies was held from 28 March to 02 April 2025.

    About Exercise INDRA

    • INDRA is a biennial joint military exercise that began in 2003.
    • Over time, INDRA transformed into a tri-service exercise involving Army, Navy, and Air Force, making it more comprehensive and multifaceted.
    • Recent Editions of INDRA:
      • 2021 (12th Edition): Held in Volgograd, Russia; Focused on counter-terrorism operations and enhancing operational synergy.
      • 2023 (13th Edition): Conducted in the Bay of Bengal, India; Involved naval forces from both countries, enhancing maritime cooperation and joint operations.
      • 2025 (14th Edition): It is being conducted in two phases: Harbour phase at Chennai and Sea phase in the Bay of Bengal.

    Strategic Importance 

    • The exercise reinforced jointmanship between the Indian and Russian forces, strengthening their ability to collaborate in maritime security operations.
    • It highlighted the shared commitment to upholding maritime order and promoting global peace and stability.
    • Best practices were exchanged, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s operational doctrines and enhancing the capacity to respond effectively to contemporary maritime security challenges.