Internal Security
National Security
Welcome to the comprehensive study hub for National Security, a critical and ever-evolving domain essential for any aspiring civil servant. In the context of UPSC preparation
52 articles in this topic
Articles on National Security
Rise in Police Social Media Monitoring Cells Across India
Context States across India have witnessed a steady rise in the use of Social Media Monitoring Cells (SMMCs) by state police forces to counter misinformation, maintain law and order, and pre-empt digital threats. Key Findings, based on data collected between 2019 and 2023 Expanding Digital Surveillance in Policing: The number of dedicated social media monitoring cells has risen from 262 as of January 1, 2020, to 365 as of January 1, 2024, a nearly 40% increase in just four years. States Leading
National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID): Strengthening India’s Internal Security Architecture
Context The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has begun receiving nearly 45,000 requests per month, reflecting a significant rise in its use by central and state security agencies. What is the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)? NATGRID is a real-time intelligence and data-access platform developed after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks (2008) to enable seamless information-sharing across agencies.
Modernisation of Police
In News Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 60th All India Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police in Chhattisgarh under the theme “Viksit Bharat: Security Dimensions”. India’s Police Modernisation Police and law and order are State subjects under the Constitution, making State Governments primarily responsible for them. However, due to financial constraints, many States have struggled to modernize their police forces.
White-collar Terrorism
In News The term “white-collar terrorism” has gained sudden popularity in mainstream media and public discourse after the Delhi Red Fort blast by radicalised doctors linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad. What is White-collar Terrorism? White-collar terrorism refers to terrorist activities carried out by highly educated professionals — such as doctors, engineers, professors, IT experts who use their expertise, social networks, and trusted societal positions to plan, support, and execute terror operations.
Recurring Rail Tragedies in India
Context India has witnessed a worrying recurrence of train accidents caused by technical failures human error in the recent. What are the Major Causes of Accidents? Staffing Shortages in Safety-Critical Roles: Out of the one million positions that are directly engaged in operations and maintenance, there are more than 1.5 lakh vacancies in safety/operational posts.
Mass Surrender of Maoists
Context 210 Maoists surrendered in Dandakaranya region of Chhattisgarh, following a similar event in Maharashtra, as a part of a broader strategy by the Union and state governments to abandon violence and embrace rehabilitation. About Maoism, or Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) It was rooted in radical communist ideology, advocating armed struggle to overthrow the state and establish a classless society. LWE in India traces its roots to the Naxalbari uprising of 1967 in West Bengal, inspired by Mao Zed
Strengthening India’s Extradition Framework: Call for Special Prisons and Coordinated Action
Context Union Home Minister, at a conference on “Extradition of Fugitives: Challenges and Strategies” organised by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), urged States to construct special prisons for fugitives in line with international standards. Need for Special Prisons Extradition Obstacles: Many fugitives wanted by Indian authorities resist extradition in foreign courts, arguing that Indian prisons do not meet international human rights and safety standards. Courts in several countries h
AFSPA extended in parts of Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal
In News The Ministry of Home Affairs extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in parts of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland for another six months. Criticisms Alleged human rights violations including cases of extrajudicial killings, torture, and disappearances. Considered against democratic ethos, limiting fundamental rights such as life and liberty (Article 21).
Defence Minister Urges Armed Forces to be Ready for Unconventional Threats
Context Defence Minister Rajnath Singh encouraged the armed forces to remain alert and ready to counter “invisible” challenges from information, ideological, ecological and biological warfare. About The turbulent global order, regional instability and evolving security landscape demanded constant assessment and preparedness. He urged commanders to work towards building the Sudarshan Chakra vision articulated by Prime Minister Modi.
Need of Underwater Domain Awareness Amid Red Sea Cable Disruption
Context Recent disruptions in submarine communication cables in the Red Sea, highlights India’s urgent need to strengthen its Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA), the ability to monitor, detect, and assess activities beneath oceans and seas. Why is UDA Critical for India? National Security and Regional Stability: China’s “Underwater Great Wall” project, involving seabed sensors and unmanned vehicles, has enhanced surveillance in the Indo-Pacific.
India Releases 3 Joint Doctrines For Armed Forces
Context The Indian Armed Forces are moving steadily towards greater jointness, integration, and theaterisation. Joint Military Doctrines released Joint Doctrine for Special Forces Operations: Brings together Army’s Para (SF), Navy’s MARCOS, and IAF’s Garuds under a unified framework. Seeks common understanding, shared terminology, and standard operating procedures.
India To Launch Demographic Mission to Tackle Illegal Infiltration
In News On Indias 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a high-powered demography mission to protect the country from the dangers posed by illegal immigrants. Illegal immigration in India It is a multifaceted issue involving unauthorized entry, overstaying of visas, and undocumented migration across porous borders. India faces challenges from cross-border migration, especially in northeastern states like Assam and West Bengal, leading to concerns over jobs, social stabili
Money Laundering
In News As per a report submitted in the Rajya Sabha, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken up 5,892 cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) since 2015 but only 15 have resulted in convictions. Money Laundering Money laundering is the process of making illegally obtained money appear legitimate by channeling it through complex financial transactions. Under Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, it involves concealing, possessing, acquiring, or us
Women’s Inclusion in Armed Forces a Priority
In News The Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Defence, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, was briefed on the growing representation of women in the armed forces. Women’s Inclusion in Armed Forces Employment in the Indian Armed Forces is gender neutral, with no distinction in deployment or working conditions between male and female soldiers within their respective arms and services. Postings are based on organizational needs and individual qualifications.
Protecting Digital Infrastructure and Maritime Interests: India’s Sovereign Imperative
As the world leans heavily into data-driven economies, India needs to safeguard its digital infrastructure and maritime interests as both a sovereign imperative and a technical necessity.
Maharashtra’s ‘Urban Maoism’ Bill
In News The Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill, 2024—commonly referred to as the ‘Urban Maoism’ Bill—was passed by the Maharashtra Assembly recently. Background and Rationale The Bill was introduced in response to the perceived inadequacy of existing laws (like the UAPA) to deal with the evolving tactics of Maoist organizations, which increasingly use urban fronts—NGOs, intellectual circles, students, and media—to support rural armed struggle and undermine state institutions. Mahara
Great Nicobar Projects: Strategic Imperatives
The Great Nicobar Island has emerged as a focal point for Indias strategic and developmental ambitions, as the government pushes forward with a massive infrastructure overhaul.
Modern, Asymmetric & Hybrid Warfare
A recent asymmetric strike by Ukraine under the Operation Spiderweb, which involved long-range drone assaults on Russian air bases has drawn significant attention, offering key lessons in modern warfare.
ED Listed CPM in Money Laundering Case
Context The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has listed the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM as an accused in the Karuvannur Cooperative Bank money laundering case. Impact of Money Laundering Reduces Tax Revenue: As illicit funds are hidden from authorities, governments suffer significant losses in tax collection, weakening their ability to fund public services. Creates Asset Bubbles: Laundered money is often invested in real estate, gold, or luxury goods, leading to artificial inflation an
Gallantry Awards
In News President Droupadi Murmu conferred Kirti Chakras and Shaurya Chakras to the personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces and State/Union Territory Police during Phase-I of the Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Gallantry awards The Ministry of Defence invites recommendations twice in a year from the Armed Forces and Union Ministry of Home Affairs for gallantry awards. They were given to the personnel for displaying raw courage, unparalleled bravery and tota