đŸ’„Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Subject: Internal Security

  • Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major concern. How have these have misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.

  • Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence.

  • The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding?

  • Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it.

  • The north-eastern region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region.

  • Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber crimes. The Justice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weakness sof the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space?

    The Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee’s 2018 report – “A Free and Fair Digital Economy” – was India’s foundational attempt to translate the privacy jurisprudence of Puttaswamy (2017) into statutory architecture.

    The Rising Scale of Cybercrime in India

    Cybercrime cases rose from 10.29 lakh in 2022 to 28.15 lakh in 2025 (MHA, I4C).

    Indians lost approximately

    Cybercrime complaints have grown by over 623% between 2021 and 2024 on the NCRP portal.

    77% of fraud losses stem from investment scams; digital arrests (9%) and sextortion (4%) are the fastest-growing categories (I4C, 2025).

    I4C has frozen 24.67 lakh mule accounts and blocked 9.42 lakh SIM cards linked to cyber fraud

    Key Recommendations of the Srikrishna Committee Report

    Citizen reframed as data principal; entity as data fiduciary with trust obligations.

    Enshrined principles of consent, purpose limitation, data minimisation, and storage limitation.

    Heightened protection for sensitive personal data – health, biometric, financial, religious, genetic

    Created an independent Data Protection Authority (DPA) with adjudicatory powers.

    Mandated data localisation for critical and sensitive personal data within India.

    Recognised new-age rights – confirmation, correction, portability, right to be forgotten.

    Special safeguards for children’s data, including parental consent and a ban on profiling.

    Cross-border transfer permitted only via adequacy mechanisms or contractual safeguards.

    Strengths of the Report

    Constitutional anchoring in Puttaswamy – privacy treated as a fundamental right, not a regulatory courtesy.

    Fiduciary framing imposes a trust-based duty on data handlers, drawing from common law traditions.

    GDPR-aligned principles of purpose limitation and accountability bring India to global standards.

    Independent regulator (DPA) institutionalises enforcement beyond executive discretion.

    Empowerment of citizens through actionable rights – correction, portability, erasure.

    Sectoral sensitivity through layered protection for health, financial, biometric, and children’s data.

    Digital sovereignty advanced through data localisation provisions for critical data.

    Balanced approach – does not stifle innovation; permits research, journalism, and reasonable business processing.

    Weaknesses of the Report

    Broad State exemptions – surveillance under Section 35 permits processing in the interest of national security, public order, etc., without prior judicial oversight.

    Weak independence of the DPA – appointment process dominated by the executive raises capture concerns.

    Ambiguity on “critical” personal data – left to executive notification, creating regulatory uncertainty.

    Data localisation costs disproportionately affect MSMEs, startups, and global service providers.

    No clear remedy framework for data breaches – compensation provisions remain vague and non-deterrent.

    Inadequate provisions on non-personal data – a critical gap addressed only later by the Kris Gopalakrishnan Committee.

    No special framework for emerging threats – AI profiling, deepfakes, biometric coercion are underaddressed.

    Limited attention to journalistic and whistleblower data, raising press-freedom concerns.

    Way Forward

    Operationalise the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, with timely framing of subordinate rules.

    Establish the Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) as a genuinely independent authority, on the lines of TRAI or SEBI.

    Bring State surveillance under judicial pre-authorisation, in line with the Puttaswamy proportionality test.

    Strengthen CERT-In, I4C, and NCIIPC capacities with sustained funding and inter-agency coordination.

    Mandate algorithmic transparency and AI-impact assessments for high-risk processing.

    Operationalise the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) to scale real-time fraud interception.

    Launch a national digital literacy mission focusing on Tier-2/3 cities, senior citizens, and first-time users.

    Promote international cooperation through Budapest Convention engagement and bilateral data-sharing protocols.

    “Data is the new oil.” Thus, protection of personal data is no longer a technological concern but a constitutional one.

    2019 – What is CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India.

    (10)

    The CyberDome Project is a high-tech PPP initiative of Kerala Police, established as a “Centre of Excellence” to combat emerging cyber threats through collaborative research and development.

    Rising Internet Crimes in India

    Cybersecurity incidents rose from 10.29 lakh in 2022 to 22.68 lakh in 2024 (120% increase in two years)

    Massive Financial Toll- over as per NCRP.

    Significant rise in AI-driven phishing and “Digital Arrest” scams

    Enforcement agencies have blocked over 9.42 lakh SIM cards and 2.63 lakh IMEIs linked to fraudulent activities by early 2025.

    Over 86% of households are now connected to the internet – High vulnerability

    13.7% of global incidents target India (Cyfirma report)

    Importance of CyberDome in Controlling Internet Crimes

    Shift from “reactive investigation” approach to “proactive defense” model

    Public-Private Collaboration bridges the talent gap by involving over 2,500 volunteers, including ethical hackers and IT experts

    Real-Time Threat Intelligence using AI and machine learning. In 2024, it successfully thwarted a major DDoS attack on an Indian financial institution.

    Combatting Online Exploitation through initiatives like “Hac’KP 2025” and the “KID GLOVE” program (international recognition from INTERPOL)

    In September 2024, it launched a Security Operation Centre (SOC) to monitor police networks and prevent sensitive data breaches.

    Specialized Cyber-Wings- It operates niche units like the “Ransomware School” and a Malware Analysis Lab, creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

    Academic Synergy- Collaborations with institutions like NIT Calicut (2024 MoU)

    Financial Fraud Mitigation detected vulnerabilities in 4 out of 10 banking apps tested (CAG report)

    Officers and volunteers act as “Online Police Patrols,” monitoring social media for extremist propaganda, radicalization efforts, and the spread of fake news.

    The CyberDome Project has transformed the Kerala Police into a tech-forward force, achieving a 25% increase in case resolution between 2022 and 2024.

  • India’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same?

    India lies between the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle

    Narco-Terrorism as a Serious Threat in India

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

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

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

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

    .

    Maritime security concerns –

    Overburdens law enforcement and judicial systems.

    Creates parallel illicit economies, undermining governance.

    Linkages between Drug Trafficking and Other Illicit Activities

    Drug Trafficking-Gunrunning Nexus – Eg- Heroin smuggling via Punjab border linked with arms drops using drones from across the border.

    Drug Trafficking-Money Laundering Nexus – Drug proceeds are laundered through hawala networks, shell companies and benami assets.

    Drug Trafficking-Terrorism Nexus (Narco-terrorism)– Eg- Heroin trade from Afghanistan funding terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir.

    Drug Trafficking-Human Trafficking Nexus- Eg- Rohingya and migrant trafficking routes in Northeast India overlapping with narcotics corridors.

    Drug Trafficking-Organised Crime Nexus– Eg- Mafia networks in border states controlling drug distribution and extortion.

    Drug Trafficking-Counterfeit Currency Nexus – Fake currency used to settle drug deals and destabilise economy.

    Drug Trafficking-Cybercrime Nexus– Eg- Use of encrypted messaging apps and crypto wallets for narcotics trade.

    Measures to Counter Narco-Terrorism

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

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

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

    International Cooperation – Cooperation under FATF framework and bilateral mechanisms.

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

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

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

    Community Policing – Involve border communities in intelligence gathering.

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

  • Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE.

    LWE refers to violent insurgency driven by Maoist or Naxalite ideologies, with an objective of overthrowing the government and establishing a communist society.

    LWE showing downward trend

    In 2025 alone, 317 Naxals neutralised (including top leadership), 800+ arrested, and nearly 2,000 surrendered

    From 2004-14 to 2014-24

    Violent incidents declined 53%

    Security force deaths fell 73%

    Civilian deaths dropped 70%

    However, it still affects some part of country

    Red corridor in 11 districts in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, MP and Andhra pradesh

    Urban Front Strategy – Urban Naxals aim to gain legal and logistical support from cities-referred to as the “.”

    Tactical Asymmetry and “Contactless” Warfare – Eg- use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and drones

    Dandakaranya region along Chhattisgarh-Maharashtra-Odisha remains a key guerrilla base due to its difficult terrain.

    Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE

    Security Measures

    Operation Black Forest – killing 27 Naxals, including the top Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao

    Naxal’s Financial chocking

    Security Related Expenditure and Special Infrastructure Scheme for strengthening State Special Forces and Special Intelligence Branches

    Technology Use – Use of UAVs/drones, AI-based tracking, GPS, satellite imagery, and modern communication systems to locate hideouts and camps.

    Civic Action Programme (CAP) under ‘Modernization of Police Forces’ scheme to bridge the gaps between Security Forces and local people. Eg- community policing like “Jan Maitri”

    Developmental measures

    Building Critical Infrastructure in LWE Areas – Eg- Road Requirement Plan (RRP-I) constructing 14000 km of roads

    Socio-economic development

    Financial Inclusion- over 1,00 bank branches have been opened in LWE affected districts since April 2015.

    Aspirational districts program

    ROSHNI Scheme for skill development and employment-linked training for youth

    Surrender and rehabilitation policy – attractive incentives and assured livelihood. Eg- stipend for professional training

    Panchayat Extension To Scheduled Areas Act (PESA) and Forest Rights Act 2006 for strengthening tribal self-governance

    To realise the goal of achieving a “Naxal-free Bharat” by March 2026, security measures need to go hand in hand with participatory and tribal led governance.

  • The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.

    The CPEC is a flagship connectivity and infrastructure project linking China’s Xinjiang province to Pakistan’s Gwadar port through roads, railways, pipelines and industrial zones.

    Description of CPEC

    Around 3,000 km corridor from Kashgar (China) to Gwadar (Pakistan).

    Investment Scale – over USD 60 billion across energy, transport and industrial sectors.

    Infrastructure Focus – Roads, railways, ports, power plants and Special Economic Zones.

    Solves ‘Malacca Dilemma’ of China – Provides access to the Arabian Sea, bypassing the Malacca Strait.

    It is the link between the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road.

    Reasons behind India distanced itself from CPEC

    Strategic Encirclement Concerns (String of Pearls) – Eg- Chinese control and presence at Gwadar port.

    Military and Security Implications – Dual-use infrastructure can support Chinese naval and military operations.

    Economic Non-Viability – India has concerns regarding the “debt trap” nature of BRI projects. Eg- Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port experience.

    Lack of Transparency and Consultation – CPEC and BRI lack open, multilateral consultation and standardised norms.

    Undermines Rules-Based International Order – Projects ignore environmental, social and legal standards.

    Geo-Strategic Marginalisation – Expansion of CPEC into Afghanistan could undermine India’s alternative connectivity initiatives like Chabahar Port and the INSTC.

    Due to CPEC, China may emerge as a ‘direct party’ in the Kashmir dispute in future.

    As Robert Kaplan observes, “Geography is the canvas on which history is painted.” By opposing CPEC, India seeks to uphold a rules-based approach to regional integration.

  • Indian government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the unlawful activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations.

    In response to the evolving internal security threat posed by terrorism, GoI amended the UAPA, 1967 and NIA Act in 2019 to strengthen ‘zero tolerance for terrorism’ strategy.

    Amendment to UAPA,1967

    The central government can designate an individual as a terrorist (under Schedule IV of the Act)

    Empowers the NIA officers of the rank of Inspector or above to investigate cases of terrorism

    Adds the International Convention for Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005) to the schedule

    Empowers the Director-General, NIA to grant approval of seizure of property when the case is being investigated by the agency.

    Amendment to NIA Act

    Widen the authority of the NIA – Includes human trafficking, counterfeit currency, manufacture or sale of prohibited arms, cyber-terrorism, and offences under the Explosive Substances Act.

    Extends the NIA’s jurisdiction outside India

    Constitution of special courts by the Centre in order to conduct trials

    Significance of the changes in the context of the prevailing security environment

    Shifts counter-terror strategy from reactive to preventive – Enables early disruption of terror ecosystems.

    Allows designation of individuals like Masood Azhar as terrorist

    Brings Clarity and uniformity by removing inter-state jurisdictional constraints

    Addresses evolving terror threat landscape – Responds to decentralised, module-based and lone-wolf terrorism.

    Targets terror support networks – Focuses on financiers, facilitators, propagandists and over-ground workers. Eg- NIA Raids on separatist leaders in J&K

    Improves investigation of transnational terror networks. Eg- Khalistan movement in Canada

    Extend powers of NIA to investigate terrorist-organised crime linkage

    Alignment with Global Counter-Terror Norms. Eg- Action against terror financing and international networks.

    Ensures timely and speedy prosecution of terrorists through special courts

    Criticism and Opposition by Human Rights Organisations

    Violation of Personal Liberty – Stringent bail provisions and prolonged detention (180 days) affect Article 21.

    Risk of Misuse – Broad definitions allow targeting of activists, journalists and dissenters.

    Absence of Prior Judicial Oversight – Individual can be designated as terrorist without conviction or trial.

    Departure from criminal jurisprudence norm of innocent until proven guilty – Burden of proof shifts to accused.

    Low conviction rate for UAPA cases between 2019 and 2023 (only 3.1%)

    Vague Definitions – Terms like “unlawful activity” and “terrorist act” are broadly defined

    Lack of procedural safeguards – The government is not required to provide grounds for arrest or detention.

    Against the federal structure – amendment has made the NIA “a parallel police structure”

    Way Forward

    Strengthen Procedural Safeguards

    Clear Legal Definitions

    Periodic review

    Time-Bound Investigations and Trials

    A law and institution as powerful as UAPA and NIA respectively, must be wielded with precision, accountability, and a deep commitment to constitutional values.