The general studies III paper in the UPSC civil services mains examination is considered to be the most diverse among the 4 general studies papers, as it includes topics as diverse as economics, internal security, disaster management, science and technology, and agriculture.
Among these topics, internal security and disaster management is a newly listed topic that is of high importance as the internal security and disaster management act is something that civil service officers have to deal with quite frequently in their careers.
Both the facts of the events as well as the analyses and knowledge on topics like the National Disaster Management Authority will be relevant for this topic along with the static portions of the rules and regulations to follow. Questions from this section will test your analytical ability and critical thinking along with your basic knowledge about the topic.
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Internal Security and Disaster Management Syllabus as per the Latest UPSC Mains Pattern
The topics listed by UPSC under internal security and disaster management are as follows:
Disaster and Disaster Management
Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal social security.
Challenges to internal security through communication networks, the role of media and social networking sites in internal social security challenges, basics of cybersecurity; money-laundering and its prevention.
Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Various security forces and agencies and their mandate.
Marks Allotted for Each Section
| Subject | Subtopic | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
| Disaster Management | Disaster Management | 10 | 12.5 | 12.5 | 25 |
| Security | Development and Extremism | 10 | 0 | 12.5 | 12.5 |
| Security | External Actors and Border Management | 10 | 62.5 | 25 | 25 |
| Security | Cyber Security and Money Laundering | 35 | 0 | 25 | 12.5 |
Disaster Management for UPSC
This topic is dynamic and gains prominence with every natural disaster that occurs in the country be it floods, earthquakes or landslides.
The cyclone Amphan in 2020 and Fani in 2019 set an example for the planned management of natural disasters by which huge human loss was averted. This is an area that you should prepare.
Apart from natural disasters, man-made disasters such as fires, chemical spills, groundwater contamination, etc. are also studied.
You should stick to one standard textbook for the static part and refer to a good newspaper for the dynamic content.
NDMA publications and NCERT Class XI textbook ( Natural Hazards & Disaster Management ) are major sources for this section.
UPSC Questions from the Last Few Years
Poor development and lack of growth opportunities is the primary reason for the spread of extremism in India. Discuss.
Apart from external factors, India’s security is challenged equally by internal factors. Critically examine.
The latest developments in science and technology and new media has made combating terrorism a more difficult task. Critically analyze.
Is money laundering a major threat to the present-day Indian Economy? Discuss the possible steps that can be taken to control it.
Management of security challenges in border areas is a delicate but crucial area. What are the practical measures in this regard?
Are Indian Disaster Management Agencies properly equipped to handle a major disaster? Critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the Indian Disaster Management Framework.
Is India becoming repeatedly prone to cyber-attacks? Analyze the vulnerability in the area.
How equipped is India in combating a threat in terms of terrorism or war? Discuss the security machinery of India.
2013 UPSC Mains Examination
How important is vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management? As an administrator, what are key areas that you would focus on disaster management?
2014 UPSC Mains Examination
Drought has been recognized as a disaster in view of its party expense, temporal duration, slow onset and lasting effect on various vulnerable sections. With a focus on the September 2010 guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority, discuss the mechanism for preparedness to deal with the El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India.
2015 UPSC Mains Examination
The frequency of earthquakes appears to have increased in the Indian subcontinent. However, India’s preparedness for mitigating its impact has significant gaps. Discuss various aspects.
Also Read: Sendai Framework: Check Out the UPSC Notes on Disaster Risk Reduction
2016 UPSC Mains Examination
With reference to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines, discuss the measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of the recent incidents of cloudbursts in many places of Uttarakhand.
The frequency of urban floods due to high-intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods. Highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.
2017 UPSC Mains Examination
In December 2004, the tsunami brought havoc on 14 countries including India. Discuss the factors responsible for the occurrence of a Tsunami and their effects on life and the economy. In the light of guidelines of the National Disaster Management Authority (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.
2018 UPSC Mains Examination
Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)’. How is this framework different from ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005?
2019 UPSC Mains Examination
Vulnerability is a crucial factor in determining disaster impacts and the threat they pose to people. How and in what ways can disaster vulnerability be defined? Discuss various types of vulnerability in the context of disasters.
2020 UPSC Mains Examination
Explain the recent initiatives taken by the Indian government for disaster management and also discuss how it differs from the previous reactive approach.
Internal Social Security for UPSC
This topic is subdivided and discussed in different subsections briefly below:
Development and Spread of Extremism
This social security topic has a very narrow scope but is very important as Naxal issues are often seen in the news.
Explore the relationship between poverty, lack of development, unemployment and the rise of left-wing terrorism such as Naxalism and Maoism. The issue’s origins, development, the response of the government and current situation should be studied. Since this topic has a narrow scope, you can make good notes for them and refer to them as and when needed.
Sources:
The Hindu newspaper
Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) website
Challenges to Internal Security of India by Ashok Kumar
Questions from the Last Few Years
2013 UPSC Mains Examination
Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to the Administration of Scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyze the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the fifth schedule on the growth of Left Wing Extremism.
2013 UPSC Mains Examination
The persisting drives of the government for the development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements with Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the left-wing extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth.
2017 UPSC Mains Examination
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.
2018 UPSC Mains Examination
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.
2019 UPSC Mains Examination
Over-ground workers which are also known as OGWs, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, were assisting the terrorist organisation and this was brought into focus after banning ‘Jamaat-e-Islami.’ Evaluate the role of OGWs and their insurgency affected areas. Also, give an opinion of the measures that should be taken to neutralise OGWs.
2020 UPSC Mains Examination
Discuss the steps that must be taken to refuse local help to militants and ways to organize a favourable awareness among residents for effective border area supervision.
Cybersecurity, Social Media and Internal Security Challenges, Money-Laundering
This is a very relevant topic for the times. Many terrorists claim to have been influenced by social media sites and social media preachers for their terrorist acts.
With easy accessibility and a wide reach, social media is proving to be a challenge in tackling crimes of all natures.
Mob violence is also fuelled by social media messages that take no time to go viral.
Also Read: What Relevant Topics Should be Read from the Newspaper? Know How to Manage Time
Questions from the Last Few Years
2013 UPSC Mains Examination
Money laundering poses a serious threat to the country’s economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace?
What is a digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Give various salient built-in features of a digital signature.
What are social networking sites and what security implications do these sites present?
Cyberwarfare is considered by some defence analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand about Cyber Warfare? Outline the cyber threats to which India is vulnerable and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same.
2015 UPSC Mains Examination
Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining ISIS. What are ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous for the internal security of our country?
Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Force” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation.
Discuss the advantage and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house machine-based hosting for government businesses.
2016 UPSC Mains Examination
Use of the Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.
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2017 UPSC Mains Examination
Discuss the potential threats of Cyberattack and the security framework to prevent it.
2018 UPSC Mains Examination
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 countermeasures should be taken to prevent the same?
Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cybercrimes. Justice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to the protection of personal data in cyberspace?
2019 UPSC Mains Examination
One of the security challenges faced by border policing in North-East India is the Insurgent cross-border movement. Evaluate the several issues that are currently created on the India-Myanmar border. Also, talk about how you’re going to deal with the problems.
2020 UPSC Mains Examination
Discuss the various types of cybercrime and the steps that must be taken to combat the threat.
Examine cross-border crimes and internal security threats along with Bangladesh’s, Myanmar’s, and Pakistan’s borders, including the Line of Control (LoC). Discuss the role of various security forces in this regard as well.
Terrorism
A very important topic and dynamic too.
The newspapers are the most important sources of material. The IDSA website is also a good source.
Management of border areas, linkages between organized crime such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, human trafficking and their links with terrorism are to be studied.
Questions from the Last Few Years
2013 UPSC Mains Examination
How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management, particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar?
2014 UPSC Mains Examination
China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for the development of an economic corridor. What thread does it dispose of for India’s security? Critically examine.
In 2012, the longitudinal marking of the high-risk areas for piracy was moved from 65° East to 78° east in the Arabian Sea by the International Maritime Organization. What impact does this have on India’s maritime security concerns?
How illegal transborder migration does pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bring out the factors which give impetus to such migration.
The diverse nature of India as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which has been in her neighbourhood. Discuss along with the strategies to be adopted to counter this environment.
International civil aviation laws provide all countries with complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above the territory. What do you understand about airspace? What are the implications of these laws on the space above this airspace? Discuss the challenges which this poses and suggest ways to contain the threat.
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2016 UPSC Mains Examination
Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management.
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.
“Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyze the above statement.
2018 UPSC Mains Examination
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.
2019 UPSC Mains Examination
The Indian government recently amended the National Investigation Agency Act (NIA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) of 1967 to strengthen anti-terrorism laws. Analyze the changes in the current security environment while discussing the reasons and scope for human rights organisations’ opposition to the UAPA.
2020 UPSC Mains Examination
What factors influence left-wing extremism in India’s eastern states? What strategy should the civil administration, Indian government, and security forces use to combat the threat in the affected regions?
Security Forces and Their Mandate
External and internal security forces such as the military forces (army, navy, air force), CAPF, IPS, intelligence agencies such as IB, RAW, etc.
You can refer to the official websites of these agencies for authentic information. Check out this link which gives precise information on them for a quick reference.
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Indian Armed Forces
The Indian Armed Forces are the military forces of India. The defence services in India consist of three uniformed services:
The Indian Army
The Indian Navy
The Indian Air Force
Paramilitary Forces of India
The term “paramilitary forces” in India has not been defined in any act of parliament or by the authorities. Since 2011, the Government of India uses an unofficial definition that the Paramilitary forces are the ones that assist the military forces and are headed by Military officers, not by IPS officers.
Assam Rifles
Special Frontier Force
Indian Coast Guard
Central Armed Police Forces
Central Armed Police Forces were formerly referred to as Paramilitary Forces. From March 2011, the Ministry of Home Affairs adopted a uniform nomenclature of Central Armed Police Forces to avoid confusion. There are seven central armed police forces. Each of these forces performs a separate function. They operate under the Ministry of Home affairs. Each of the forces is led by an IPS officer with the notable exception of the Assam Rifles which has been covered under paramilitary forces.
Border Security Force (BSF)
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
Special Forces of India
Apart from the Special Forces operating under various agencies in the country, the special forces of India also have the following units reporting directly to the Home Ministry for counter-terrorism and VIP protection activities:
National Security Guards (NSG)
Special Protection Group (SPG)
Other Important Security Agencies In India
Railway Protection Force (RPF)
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
Internal Security and Disaster Management are one of the most scoring topics in General Studies Paper 3. It is also one of the easiest to prepare for as most of the questions are covered under current affairs. UPSC aspirants should read more on the Armed Forces of India, their mandate and important operations to score well in this topic.
Questions from the Last Few Years
For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals. (2020)
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. (UPSC Civil service Main (written) Examination 2016)
2015 UPSC Mains Examination
Human rights activists constantly highlight the view that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human rights abuses by the security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by the Apex Court.
Also Read: What is FCRA? Checkout this Important Topic for UPSC Preparation 2021
Suggested Strategy for Disaster Management Preparation for UPSC
Identify and study the probable natural disasters from the Indian perspective. Example – earthquakes, Tsunamis, landslides, floods, drought, epidemics, etc.
Don’t forget to include Human induced disasters. for Example – nuclear reactor explosion, dam collapse, gas leakage, oil spill, war, terrorism, extremism, communal carnage, cyber breakdown, etc.
Gather knowledge on the National Food Security Act.
Understand the national policy on disaster management.
Understand the structure and functions of present disaster management authorities in the country – at national, state and district levels.
Prepare notes on various proactive and reactive steps to be followed to tackle various disaster management situations.
Online Study Materials for Social Security and Disaster Management for UPSC Mains Exam
National Policy on Disaster Management.
National Disaster Management Authorities and other authorities in the country.
Proactive and Reactive steps.
IGNOU notes on disaster management, cybersecurity, international relations
Conclusion
Internal security and disaster management, these two topics are very important for both the prelims and the mains examinations and are both highly linked with current affairs and as a result, quite dynamic in nature. Thus, apart from the static content in textbooks, you will also need to study heavily from and with the help of newspapers.
Now when you have all the required information required to start preparing for the exam, how are you planning to start? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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