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Subject: Internal Security

  • Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels.

    As per FATF, “Money laundering is the processing of criminal proceeds to disguise their illegal origin in order to legitimize the ill-gotten gains of crime.”

    As per UNODC, money laundering costs around 2-5% of global GDP ($2 to $5.5 trillion)

    Role of emerging technologies

    Cryptocurrencies and Virtual Assets – Enable anonymous, borderless and rapid transfers. Eg- Laundering through Bitcoin and privacy coins.

    Dark Web and Encrypted Platforms – Facilitate illegal marketplaces and untraceable transactions. Eg- “Hydra Market”

    Fintech and Digital Payments – Micro-transactions and layering obscure audit trails. Eg- Use of mule accounts in UPI scams.

    AI Tools – Creation of fake digital identities to open mule accounts.

    Online Gambling and Gaming Platforms – Convert illicit funds into in-game assets and winnings. Eg- betting apps linked to Mahadev Book

    NFT Markets – Buying and selling NFTs at inflated prices to legitimise funds.

    DeFi Platforms – use mixers, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and cross-chain bridges to obscure the origins of illicit funds. Eg- internationally sanctioned Tornado Cash

    Impact of Globalisation on Money Laundering

    Ease of Cross-Border Capital Mobility. Eg- Nirav Modi-PNB scam funds traced across Hong Kong, Dubai and the UK

    Offshore Financial Centres and Tax Havens. Eg- Eg- Pandora Papers (2021) revealed shell companies in British Virgin Islands used to hide assets.

    Complex Global Trade Networks – Trade-based laundering through invoice manipulation.

    Multinational Corporate Structures launder money through Shell companies. Eg- Eg- Adani-Hindenburg case (2023)

    Migration and Remittance Networks – Eg- Hawala networks in Gulf-Kerala corridor linked to gold smuggling and laundering.

    Measures taken

    At national Level

    PMLA, 2002 and Amendments

    Definition of “proceeds of crime” expanded to include assets held abroad.

    Virtual digital assets (VDAs) like cryptocurrencies, online gaming and betting platforms brought under PMLA.

    PMLA linked with National Financial Information Registry (RBI) to improve real-time data monitoring.

    ED- Investigates offences under PMLA, including attachment and confiscation of properties. Eg- over 6000 cases filed

    Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND)- Receives and analyses suspicious transaction reports from banks and financial institutions.

    Regulatory Measures by Financial Regulators (KYC norms)

    RBI for banking

    SEBI for capital markets

    IRDAI for insurance

    At international level

    Vienna convention on money laundering 1988.

    FATF – Intergovernmental body setting global AML standards. (India in “regular follow-up” category – highest rating by FATF)

    Egmont Group – International network of FIUs for sharing of financial intelligence across borders.

    Basel AML Index – Ranks countries on AML risk.

    OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS) – Information exchange among countries to detect offshore tax evasion and illicit financial flows.

    India has signed DTAA with 85 countries to prevent illegal activities like tax evasion & money laundering.

    These measures India’s commitment to zero tolerance for money laundering and terror funding.

  • Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels.

    As per UNODC, organized crime is a continuing criminal enterprise that rationally works to profit from illicit activities that are often in great public demand.

    Types of Organised Crime

    Drug Trafficking (Narco-Trade)- Eg- Recent high-volume seizures of “Meth” in the Arabian Sea via the Makran Coast route.

    Illicit Arms Smuggling- Eg- The use of “Payload Drones” in Punjab to transport pistols and grenades from across the border.

    Human Trafficking- Forced labor and sexual exploitation. Eg- syndicates trafficking Indians to Southeast Asian “Cyber-Slavery” hubs.

    Money Laundering- The process of “cleansing” criminal proceeds. Eg- Use of Layering techniques via Shell companies and Virtual Digital Assets (Crypto).

    Cybercrime (Crime-as-a-Service)- Eg- The 2024 surge in “Digital Arrest” scams operated by transnational gangs.

    FICN (Counterfeiting)- Smuggling Fake Indian Currency Notes to trigger monetary instability.

    Contract Killings & Extortion- Use of violence to “tax” businesses. Eg- Bishnoi gang

    Environmental Crime- Eg- Illegal Red Sandalwood trade in the Seshachalam forests.

    National Level Linkages (Operational & Tactical)

    Infrastructure Sharing- Terrorists use established criminal “rat-lines” for the clandestine movement of personnel. Eg- use of drug networks for terrorist infiltration in J&K

    Logistics support – Eg- D-Company’s role in 1993 Bombay Blasts

    Resource Appropriation- Terror groups adopt criminal tactics like “Tiger Kidnapping” (kidnapping for ransom) to create immediate liquidity.

    Corruption of Local Governance- Both groups collaborate to “buy” local administrative silence, creating pockets of lawlessness.

    Transnational Level Linkages (Strategic & Financial)

    Narco-Terrorism- Terrorist groups taxing or controlling drug trade routes to finance global jihad. Eg- The Taliban using opium revenue from Afghanistan to fund operations.

    Global Hawala Networks- Terror funding is moved across borders using the same illegal financial networks established by crime syndicates.

    The “Black Hole” Effect- In “gray zones,” criminal and terror groups merge into a single entity. Eg- ISIS-K using illegal mining of talc to fund global operations.

    Specialized Alliances- Terrorists outsource technical needs to professional transnational syndicates. Eg- use Dark Net markets by LeT to receive “anonymous” donations.

    Transnational crime acts as a tool of “Grey Zone Warfare” by hostile neighbors to destabilize the economy via drug-pushing.

    Diversion of humanitarian aid in conflict zones (Sahel, Middle East) into the hands of organized terror groups via criminal intermediaries. (FATF report)

    The Crime-Terror nexus creates Black Hole of instability. Addressing this requires Whole-of-Government approach.

    Cyber Security

  • What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security.

    11,098 km coastline, an Exclusive Economic Zone of over 2 million sq km, and over 95% of its trade by volume via sea, highlights the need for robust maritime security architecture

    Maritime Security Challenges in India

    The Indian ocean region is ‘New Hotbed’ of security threats – Fareed Zakaria

    Maritime Terrorism- Eg- the 26/11 Mumbai attacks

    Geopolitical Competition from China challenging India’s role as a “Net Security Provider.”

    “dual-use” ports like Hambantota (Sri Lanka) and Gwadar (Pakistan)

    Chinese spy ships in Indian Ocean (Tianwen I)

    Piracy and Armed Robbery-

    Somali piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea

    Houthi disruptions in the Red Sea

    Transnational Organized Crime- The “Golden Crescent” and “Golden Triangle” routes converge in the IOR. (MHA)

    Human Trafficking- Illegal migration routes across the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.

    Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing- Eg- Large foreign deep-sea trawlers encroaching on India’s.

    Offshore Asset Vulnerability- Eg- Mumbai High oil rigs and the Great Nicobar Project from state and non-state sabotage.

    Nuclearization of IOR due to AUKUS

    Rising sea levels and the increasing frequency of “Super Cyclones” threaten critical coastal infrastructure. Eg- naval bases and nuclear plants.

    IOR emerging as theater of great-power rivalry – Eg- US-UK base in Diego Garcia

    Initiatives to Improve Maritime Security

    Organisational Initiatives

    Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) for unified regulatory oversight for port and ship security

    National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC) to improve coordination between the Navy, Coast Guard, and various ministries.

    Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) as a global hub for real-time information sharing on “White Shipping.”

    Three-Tiered Security Architecture- *

    Indian Navy- Deep-sea and International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

    Indian Coast Guard (ICG)- Intermediate waters and EEZ (up to 200 nm).

    Marine Police- Coastal waters (up to 12 nm).

    Technical Initiatives

    Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) Phase-II- Completion of a chain of 46 static radar stations and AIS (Automatic Identification System).

    Mandatory installation of NavIC-enabled Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) on all fishing vessels.

    Induction of MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones for surveillance of sensitive chokepoints.

    Utilization of ISRO’s GSAT-7 series (Rukmini) for “dark vessel” tracking.

    Project 75I – for more indigenous scorpian class submarine

    Procedural Initiatives

    Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025- formally recognizes “No-War, No-Peace” as a distinct operational category, emphasizing readiness for grey-zone conflicts.

    MAHASAGAR (2025)- fostering security partnerships with IOR littoral states.

    Exercise Sea Vigil- to test the “SOPs” of over 15 different agencies.

    Issuance of biometric ID cards to over 300,000 fishermen.

    A proactive Maritime Domain Awareness is needed for resilient “Blue Economy” and “maritime surakshit Bharat”.

  • 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.

    As per IT Act, 2000, “cyber security” means protecting information, equipment, communication device and information stored therein from unauthorised access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification or destruction.

    Elements of cyber security

    Core Principles (The CIA Triad)

    Confidentiality– Keeping sensitive data private from unauthorized access. Eg- encryption

    Integrity– Ensuring data is accurate, trustworthy, and hasn’t been altered. Eg- digital signatures.

    Availability– Ensuring systems are accessible to authorized users when needed. Eg- backups.

    Key Security Domains & Functions

    Network Security– Protecting network infrastructure (firewalls).

    Endpoint Security– Securing devices like laptops, phones (antivirus).

    Application Security– Securing software and apps.

    Data Security- Implementing encryption and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools.

    Identity & Access Management (IAM)– Eg- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

    Incident Response– Planning for and managing security breaches.

    Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity– Planning for system restoration.

    Security Operations Center- A centralized unit that monitors, detects, and responds in real-time

    Steps Taken to Strengthen Cybersecurity

    DPDP Act, 2023 – imposing penalties up to on Data Fiduciaries for security lapses.

    Centralized Command – designated the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) as the nodal agency.

    Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre – provide a real-time platform for banks, and police to freeze fraudulent funds.

    Dedicated CERT-In have been established for critical sectors like Power and Finance.

    CERT-In guidelines mandating annual cybersecurity audits for all critical sector entities by empanelled auditors.

    Zero-Trust Integration- mandatory “Never Trust, Always Verify” architecture for all G2G and G2C digital services.

    Sovereign Technology- deployment of Maya OS across defense and critical ministries.

    The National Quantum Mission (2025) – piloting Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) for high-security government communications.

    Cyber Jagrit Bharat- A nationwide awareness campaign, including a “Cyber Pledge” and webinars for citizens.

    Quad Senior Cyber Group to counter state-sponsored APTs in the Indo-Pacific.

    Signing of UN Convention on Cybercrime (Hanoi convention) to streamline cross-border digital evidence sharing and extradition.

    Challenges That Remain

    Workforce Shortage- 30% talent gap in high-end cybersecurity roles (forensics, malware analysis).

    Legacy Infrastructure- Nearly 57% of Indian organizations still lack basic cyber hygiene (India Cyber Threat Report 2025)

    AI-driven “double extortion” ransomware and Deepfake-as-a-Service are evolving faster than defensive protocols.

    Federal Coordination issues- many State-level cyber cells lack the funding and technical expertise to handle transnational crimes.

    Cross-Border Anonymity- use of proxy servers in non-extradition jurisdictions makes prosecution nearly impossible.

    Import dependency – India imports over 70% of its telecom and IT hardware from China.

    Low Digital literacy – Eg- limited awareness about using MFA, identifying phishing links.

    Compliance Burden – The stringent requirements of the DPDP Act impose a heavy financial burden on small businesses.

    Data Colonization – India generates 20% of global data, yet most of it is processed in offshore data centers

    Addressing these challenges requires viewing cybersecurity not as a technical IT issue but as a National Security Priority that demands a “Whole-of-Society” response.

  • Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.

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

    Naxalism issue

    Social Issues Driving Naxalism

    Jal, Jungle, Jameen – Forced labour, expropriation of resources by outsiders, evasion of land ceiling laws, denial of land claims

    Maoist ideology of armed class struggle, anti-state revolution, and redistribution of resources appeals to sections alienated by inequality and exclusion. Eg- narrative of a “people’s war.”

    Land Displacement – Eg- Mining-induced displacement in Jharkhand’s coal belt (Ramgarh, Hazaribagh).

    Historical Socio-Economic Deprivation– Eg- LWE districts like Malkangiri, Sukma have some of the lowest HDI indicators.

    Economic Issues Driving Naxalism

    Unemployment & Lack of Livelihood Options- Eg- Jharkhand’s rural districts have among the highest youth unemployment in Eastern India.

    Resource Extraction without benefit sharing- Mining projects with low local hiring.

    Absence of Market Linkages – Eg- Bamboo and lac sold at low prices.

    Developmental Issues Driving Naxalism

    Governance Vacuum – poor service delivery and law enforcement.

    Poor Infrastructure – Lack of roads, telecom, electricity, and markets leaves communities isolated.

    Low Human Development Indicators – High malnutrition, low literacy, and inadequate health facilities.

    Poor implementation of welfare schemes – Leakages, corruption, and absence of monitoring. Eg- Nearly 15% of forest and community land claims under the FRA are pending.

    Emerging issues

    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.

    Recruitment of Minors and Vulnerable Youth – Eg- Reports of child soldiers in southern Bastar.

    Inter-State Coordination Challenges in intelligence sharing and joint operations.

    Over 78,000 hectares of forest land was approved for diversion across India for non-forest usage in the last four years.

    Multilayered strategy

    Policy level

    Implement the “National Policy and Action Plan (2015)” in timely manner

    Accelerate Development – Road Requirement Plan (RRP-I), mobile towers, banking, health centres, PDS reforms in LWE belts.

    Strengthening PESA –

    real-time digital dashboards for fund utilization to Gram Sabhas

    “Bottom-Up” planning model – from “state imposition” to “participatory development”

    Economic development

    “Forest-to-Market” Value Chain development through Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs)

    Promotion of Tribal-Start-up Ecosystem in food processing – Eg- export of products like Mahua and wild honey

    Governance level

    “The only way to end insurgency is to win the hearts and minds of people through inclusive governance.” – Rajnath Singh

    Transparent and Participatory Mining & Resource Management- Eg- share of mineral royalties to local communities through the DMF Funds

    Technology for Governance – Use GIS mapping, drones, and e-governance platforms for service delivery and monitoring.

    Transparency and accountability in project implementation to address Politician-bureaucrat-corporate nexus (vohra committee)

    Security level

    Strengthen Intelligence & Tech-Enabled Policing – Use of drones, satellite mapping, GPS-based tracking, communication intercept tools.

    Capacity building – Eg- fortified police stations, all-terrain vehicles for deep forest movement.

    Inter-State Coordination – Coordination between Chhattisgarh-Odisha-Jharkhand-Maharashtra in tri-junction zones.

    Community Policing – Initiatives like Jan Maitri, sports outreach, and anti-propaganda programmes.

    Progress anchored in justice and inclusion is the best antidote to extremism.

  • The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms / ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat.

    UAVs have emerged as “aerial dimension” of asymmetric warfare along Indian Maritime and Land Borders.

    Threat of UAVs to Internal Security

    Narco-Terror Financing- Drones ferry heroin and “ICE” to fund cross-border insurgencies.

    Small Arms Proliferation- Quadcopters drop Turkish-made pistols and grenades for sleeper cells.

    Explosive-laden drones target high-value military assets. Eg- 2021 Jammu Air Force Station attack

    Radicalization via Propaganda- Drops of subversive literature and inflammatory digital devices in border districts. Eg- Materials recovered in J&K (2025).

    Intelligence and Reconnaissance- map border outposts, fence gaps, and troop movement

    Swarm Overload Tactics- Deploying multiple UAVs to saturate and confuse conventional radar systems. Eg- “Operation Sindoor” .

    Smugglers use “dark vessels” (drones with lights/transponders off) that switch frequencies to evade standard radio-frequency (RF) scanners.

    Small DJI-type drones fly below 100 feet at night, exploiting the “radar gap” where traditional air defense is ineffective.

    Measures Taken to Tackle the Threat

    Mission Sudarshan Chakra – AI-driven air-defense shield for major cities and critical border belts.

    Drone Rules, 2021 – For regulating civilian drone rules. Eg- strict import norms

    Indrajaal – AI-powered Anti-Drone Patrol Vehicle t0 detect and neutralize drones within 10 km.

    Anti-Drone Grid (ARDS) along the Punjab border featuring “Soft Kill” (jammers/spoofers) and “Hard Kill” (lasers/kinetic interceptors).

    DRDO-developed D-4 systems and Bhargavastra – use lasers to destroy targets within 2 km.

    Integration of thermal imagers and radar into the CIBMS.

    Drone Forensics Centers to trace flight paths, launch points, and “Digital Signatures” of captured foreign UAVs.

    Indigenous “Kamikaze” “Zombee” Drones designed to crash into hostile drones mid-air.

    BSF and State Police have set up mobile checkpoints 5–10 km inside the border to intercept ground-level “receivers.”

    Community Rewards Scheme to report drone sounds (contributes to 40% of recoveries)

    Aatmanirbhar Defense Push- Funding startups via iDEX

    Baaj Akh (2025)- Punjab government’s anti-drone system as a second line of defense behind BSF

    Role of private sector

    Nagastra – Loitering munition (suicide drones)

    Bhargavastra – Counter drone system for swarm detection

    A comprehensive National Security Doctrine covering anti-drone measures is needed to ensure “secure skies”

  • What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats.

    India’s internal security landscape has become increasingly complex, characterized by the convergence of traditional threats and high-tech “Grey Zone” challenges.

    Traditional Internal Security Challenges

    Cross-Border Terrorism- Eg- The 2025 Pahalgam attack by the TRF (a proxy of LeT).

    Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)- The “Red Corridor” remains a threat in core districts of Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

    Insurgency in the North-East- Ethnic militancy and secessionist movements like NSCN (IM).

    Communal and Sectarian Violence- Eg- Delhi Riots, 2020

    Illegal Migration & Infiltration along Bangladesh and Myanmar borders. Eg- Rohingya

    Organized Crime Syndicates-

    Extortion and smuggling networks. Eg- D-Company

    Drug Trafficking from Golden Crescent and Golden Traingle

    Hawala & Fake Currency (FICN)- Illegal financial channels used to destabilize the economy.

    Coastal Security Vulnerabilities

    Piracy

    Illegal deep sea fishing

    Emerging Internal Security Challenges

    Drone-Enabled Smuggling- Use of UAVs for drug and weapon drops.

    Cyber-Warfare-

    Rise in “Digital arrest” cases

    13.7% of global incidents target India (Cyfirma report)

    Deepfakes & AI-Disinformation- Eg- Manipulated videos during the 2025 state elections.

    Online Radicalization and “white-collar” terrorism. Eg- 2025 “Doctor Module” of Red Fort Blast.

    Cryptocurrency for Terror Funding- Use of “Privacy Coins” to bypass banking regulators.

    Role of agencies

    Intelligence Agencies

    Intelligence Bureau (IB)-

    India’s premier internal intelligence agency

    Manages the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) to coordinate real-time terror alerts

    Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW)- External intelligence agency. Monitors cross-border launch pads, foreign political developments, and global terror financing.

    National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO)-

    The apex body for technical intelligence

    Manages spy satellites, UAVs, and “Cyber-Surveillance”.

    Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)- Integrates intelligence from the Army, Navy, and Air Force

    Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND)- receive and analyze reports on suspicious financial transactions to track money laundering and terror funding.

    Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)- India’s premier anti-smuggling agency. Monitors trafficking of gold, firearms, and counterfeit currency (FICN). Eg- Operation Molten Metal to bust gold smuggling racket

    Investigative Agencies

    National Investigation Agency (NIA)-

    The federal counter-terrorism agency

    Has Suo Motu powers to investigate terror cases without state consent.

    Eg- “Operation Octopus” Against PFI

    Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)-

    Probes high-profile corruption, economic offenses, and serious inter-state crimes

    Acts as the nodal agency for Interpol in India.

    Enforcement Directorate (ED)- enforce the PMLA

    Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)- Apex coordinating body for the drug trade

    Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO)- investigate complex white-collar crimes and large-scale corporate frauds.

    Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)- curbing organized wildlife crime and illegal trade in endangered species.

    Advanced intelligence, investigative precision, and grassroots socio-economic development need to work in tandem to safeguard the nation’s democratic fabric.

  • Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and the efforts being made to curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the ‘No Money for Terror (NMFT)’ Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022.

    Funding is the lifeblood of terrorism. The “No Money for Terror” conference was started in 2018 by the French government, to enhance cooperation between countries to choke terror funding.

    As per FATF Report‘Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks’, the major sources of terror funding include

    Traditional Methods

    Hawala Networks – Informal money transfers bypassing banks.

    State-Sponsored Funding – Eg- Pakistan’s ISI financing LeT and JeM operations in India.

    Narco-Terrorism – Eg- Heroin smuggling via Punjab linked to terror networks.

    Counterfeit Indian Currency (FICN) – Fake currency to fund operations and destabilise economy.

    Extortion and Illegal Levies – Eg- Maoist levies on mining contractors in Chhattisgarh.

    Charities and NGO Fronts – Eg- PFI-linked organisations routing funds for radicalisation.

    Organised Crime Nexus – Eg- Arms and timber smuggling in Northeast India.

    Emerging Methods

    Social media – used to promote donation campaigns and share payment instructions, including wallet addresses.

    Cryptocurrencies and Virtual Assets – Eg- Bitcoin wallets.

    Encrypted Payment Apps and E-Wallets – Eg- PayPal

    Dark Web Transactions – Anonymous marketplaces for funds, weapons and logistics.

    Gaming Platforms – Eg- EoRMT organisations, Hezbollah, creating and selling their own video games

    Microfinancing models utilized by lone actors – through small, legitimate sources of income.

    Efforts made to curtail these sources

    India has declared zero tolerance towards terror financing and money laundering

    Legal measures – Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) are used to designate individuals and seize funds linked to terrorism.

    Institutional measures – National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigate terror funding, while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) pursues money-laundering cases.

    The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) tracks and analyses suspicious financial transactions and shares data with law-enforcement.

    Specialised units such as the Terror Funding and Fake Currency (TFFC) Cell focus on disrupting terror finance links.

    India collaborates with bodies like Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Egmont Group to share intelligence and align standards against terror financing.

    Monitoring of NGOs for FCRA compliance. Eg- Ban on NGOs linked to Zakir Naik

    Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROGA) 2025 – bans all real-money online gaming (RMG), including games of skill

    National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), has been created as an IT platform to assist the intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

    Aim and Objective of the ‘No Money for Terror (NMFT)’ Conference

    Global Cooperation on Terror Financing

    Focus on Trends in Terror Funding – Deliberations focused on formal and informal channels, and the evolving methods of terror finance.

    Regulating and countering use of Emerging Technologies like cryptocurrencies and digital platforms for terror financing

    Mobilise resources to enable LDCs and developing countries to counter terror financing

    Enhance information sharing, harmonise legal measures, and bolster mutual assistance between countries to intercept and prosecute terror financing.

    India stressed a uniform and zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and its financing, rejecting distinctions between “good” and “bad” terrorism.

    NMFT 2022 built on earlier conferences (Paris 2018, Melbourne 2019) to maintain continuity and momentum in international action against terror finance.

    “Money is the oxygen of terrorism. Cut the oxygen, and you suffocate the threat.” – Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General

  • 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.

    The “Hearts and Minds” approach in counter-terrorism is a strategic doctrine that emphasizes building trust, and popular support within local populations to defeat terrorist movements.

    Importance of Hearts and Minds

    Prevention of Radicalization by deligitimising terrorism

    Community Intelligence Gathering

    Reducing Support for Terrorist Activities

    Enhanced Legitimacy of the State – state as ‘development partner’ rather than ‘occupying force’

    Long-Term Stability and Peace as ‘residual anger’ is addressed

    Measures adopted by the Government

    National integration through abrogation of Article 370

    Operation Sadbhavana – Army-led goodwill initiatives focusing on education, healthcare and youth engagement.

    Civic Action Programme (CAP) – Police and CAPFs hold public meetings, sports events and grievance redress camps. Eg- Jan Sampark melas

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

    Social infrastructure development – Eg- IIT and AIIMS in jammu

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

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

    Surrender and Rehabilitation policy for former militants through financial assistance, education and job support.

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

    Community Policing – Eg- Village Defence Groups in Rajouri-Poonch.

    For long-term peace and stability in the region 4-pronged stategy is needed

    Strengthening HUMINT (Human Intelligence) and TECHINT (Technological Intelligence).

    SMART Boders (Madhukar Gupta Committee)

    Raising cost of terrorism for Pakistan. Eg- Operation Sindoor

    Human-centric Counterinsurgency

  • India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. 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.

    India’s borders with China (3,488 km) and Pakistan (3,323 km) are among the most militarized and volatile in world. It is marred by territorial disputes and a transition toward high-tech “hybrid warfare”

    Conflicting Issues and Security Challenges

    India-China Border (Line of Actual Control – LAC)

    Strategic Encirclement- CPEC passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is seen by India as a violation of sovereignty.

    High-Altitude Standoffs- heavy troop deployments post 2020 Galwan clash. Despite a disengagement agreement in October 2024, mutual distrust remains high.

    China’s rapid construction of “Xiaokang” (dual-use model villages) and airfields near the LAC puts tactical pressure on Indian defenses.

    India-Pakistan Border (International Border & Line of Control – LoC)

    State-Sponsored Terrorism- Continued support for militant groups like LeT and JeM.

    Unresolved status of Jammu & Kashmir and frequent ceasefire violations along the LoC

    Recent Military Escalation- Following the Pahalgam attack, India launched “Operation Sindoor”

    Drone-Based Narco-Terrorism in Punjab through Golden Crescent

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

    Sir Creek Issue remains unresolved

    Development Initiatives- BADP and BIM Schemes (“Development-as-Defense” strategy)

    Border Area Development Programme (BADP)

    Centrally Sponsored Scheme to meet the special developmental needs of people living within 0–50 km of the International Border.

    “Model Villages” with socio-economic infrastructure

    Infrastructure Development- Eg- Construction of link roads, bridges, and PHCs

    Livelihood & Skill Development- vocational training in hospitality, agriculture, and handicrafts

    Convergence with the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP).

    Promotion of Border Tourism- Develops “Border Haats” and tourism circuits

    Digital Connectivity- Implementation of e-Chaupals and Wi-Fi hotspots

    Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme

    For the period 2021-22 to 2025-26 with an outlay of .

    Central Sector Scheme (100% funding by MHA) focused on “Hard Security Infrastructure” and technological modernization.

    Smart Fencing (CIBMS)- uses laser walls, thermal imagers, and unattended ground sensors to detect intrusions.

    All-weather Connectivity- Construction of strategic roads and tunnels by the Border Roads Organization (BRO). Eg- Sela Tunnel and Shinku La Tunnel.

    Frontier Highways- Eg- 1,800 km Highway in Arunachal Pradesh

    Creation of new Border Outposts (BOPs) and Company Operating Bases (COBs) with advanced “hard-kill” anti-drone systems.

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