General Studies 2023 GS Paper III 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Comment

Q10

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

सीमा पार से शत्रुओं द्वारा हथियार/गोला-बारूद, ड्रग्स आदि मानवरहित हवाई वाहनों (यू० ए० वी०) की मदद से पहुँचाया जाना हमारी सुरक्षा के लिए गंभीर खतरा है। इस खतरे से निपटने के लिए किए जा रहे उपायों पर टिप्पणी कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)

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Directive word: Comment

This question asks you to comment. 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 'comment' requires a balanced, opinion-backed analysis of measures against UAV threats, not mere description. Structure: brief context on UAV threat nature → multi-layered countermeasures (detection, neutralization, regulatory, international) → critical assessment of gaps and way forward.

Key points expected

Mention of specific UAV incidents: Pakistan-based drone arms drops in Punjab/J&K (2020-2023), drug trafficking via drones across western border
Detection technologies: radar upgrades (BFSR-SR), acoustic sensors, RF scanners, integration with NATGRID
Neutralization measures: anti-drone systems (DRDO's D4 System), laser-based hard-kill, soft-kill (jamming/spoofing), 'Garuda' anti-drone system
Regulatory framework: Drone Rules 2021, NPNT (No Permission No Take-off), geofencing, UTM (Unmanned Traffic Management)
Institutional coordination: MHA's Counter-Drone Guidelines, BSF/IA deployment, need for inter-agency synergy and R&D indigenization

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Recognizes 'comment' demands evaluative analysis of measures, not just listing; balances achievements with critical gaps; addresses both technological and policy dimensions	Describes measures adequately but treats 'comment' as 'describe'; lacks evaluative stance or misses either tech/policy aspect	Misinterprets as 'enumerate' or 'explain'; purely descriptive or focuses on threat description rather than countermeasures
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Covers detection, neutralization, regulatory layers with accurate specifics (DRDO D4, Drone Rules 2021, NPNT); mentions both border contexts (Pakistan/China); notes indigenous vs imported systems	Mentions 2-3 measure categories correctly but lacks specificity or conflates technologies; omits either detection or regulatory aspect	Generic content like 'using radar' or 'strict laws' without specifics; factual errors about agencies or systems; ignores multi-domain nature
Structure & flow	20%	2	Logical progression: threat context → layered response (detect-neutralize-regulate) → critical assessment; smooth transitions; 150-word discipline maintained	Identifiable structure but uneven weightage (overlong threat description); some abrupt jumps between tech and policy measures	Disorganized listing; no clear intro-conclusion; disproportionate space to threat rather than countermeasures; exceeds word limit significantly
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Cites specific incidents (Tarn Taran arms drop 2019, Jammu airbase attack 2021); names systems (BFSR-SR, D4, Garuda); references Drone Rules 2021 provisions	Vague reference to 'Punjab drone incidents' or 'anti-drone technology' without naming; one specific example with generic others	No Indian examples; purely theoretical; incorrect attribution (e.g., citing Israeli systems as Indian without context)
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Critical insight: gap in integrated C-UAS architecture, need for AI-powered swarm detection, indigenization push, or asymmetrical cost advantage of adversaries; forward-looking recommendation	Generic positive closing like 'measures are improving'; or purely problem-focused ending without constructive element	No conclusion; abrupt end; or unrelated conclusion on general border security; mere summary of points made

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