General Studies 2022 GS Paper III 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Discuss

Q9

Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

संगठित अपराधों के प्रकारों की चर्चा कीजिए। राष्ट्रीय और अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर मौजूद संगठित अपराध और आतंकवादियों के बीच संबंधों का वर्णन कीजिए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

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Directive word: Discuss

This question asks you to discuss. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'discuss' requires a balanced treatment of both parts: first, enumerating types of organised crimes with brief elaboration; second, analysing the multifaceted linkages between terrorism and organised crime at national and transnational levels. Structure as: brief intro → types of organised crime (2-3 lines) → national-level linkages → transnational-level linkages → concluding synthesis on security implications.

Key points expected

Types of organised crime: drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering, cybercrime, extortion/racketeering
National-level linkages: terror groups using organised crime for funding (e.g., counterfeit currency, extortion in J&K); shared networks for logistics and recruitment
Transnational-level linkages: global drug trade financing terror (e.g., Taliban-opium nexus, ISI-Afghan heroin route); arms proliferation through criminal syndicates
Convergence mechanisms: use of hawala/parallel banking, shell companies, maritime piracy corridors, dark web coordination
India-specific context: Northeast insurgency-drug cartel nexus, Mumbai underworld-terror links (1993 blasts), Pakistan-based terror-crime syndicate collaboration
Security implications: erosion of state authority, weaponisation of criminal justice gaps, challenges for UNTOC and FATF frameworks

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Covers both parts proportionately: distinct types of organised crimes enumerated AND explicit bifurcation of linkages into national vs transnational levels with clear comparative treatment	Addresses both parts but conflates national/transnational levels or gives disproportionate space to one section; types listed without elaboration	Misses one part entirely or treats linkages generically without level-specific analysis; confuses organised crime with terrorism
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Precise terminology (e.g., narco-terrorism, hybrid threats, crime-terror nexus); accurate reference to UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) or FATF standards; distinguishes tactical vs strategic alliances	Correct but generic content; mentions funding/logistics links without specifying mechanisms; no reference to international frameworks	Factual errors (e.g., equating all organised crime with terrorism); vague assertions without operational specifics; exceeds word limit significantly
Structure & flow	20%	2	Clear two-part architecture with visible signposting; smooth transition from types to linkages; maintains 150-word discipline with density of information	Recognisable structure but uneven paragraphing; some repetition or abrupt shifts; minor word limit deviation	Disorganised stream of points; no separation between types and linkages; severe under/over-length disrupting evaluability
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	At least two specific illustrations: India-relevant (e.g., 1993 Mumbai blasts-Dawood nexus, NSCN-K drug networks, Pathankot infiltration using criminal routes) AND one transnational (e.g., ISI's use of D-Company, Hezbollah-Latin American cartels)	One generic or partially accurate example; OR Indian example without specificity; OR international reference without Indian context	No concrete examples; hypothetical scenarios; incorrect attribution of cases
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Synthesises crime-terror convergence as evolving hybrid threat; suggests policy response (e.g., NIA-ED coordination, international intelligence sharing, strengthening Prevention of Money Laundering Act) in 1-2 crisp lines	Generic conclusion on need for cooperation; no forward-looking element; merely restates points made	Missing conclusion; or abrupt ending; or introduces new unrelated content; purely descriptive closure without analytical uplift

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