General Studies 2023 GS Paper III 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Describe

Q19

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. (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

भारत द्वारा सामना की जाने वाली आंतरिक सुरक्षा चुनौतियाँ क्या हैं? ऐसे खतरों का मुकाबला करने के लिए नियुक्त केंद्रीय खुफिया और जाँच एजेंसियों की भूमिका बताइए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)

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Directive word: Describe

This question asks you to describe. 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 'describe' requires a systematic portrayal of India's internal security challenges followed by the specific roles of central intelligence agencies. Structure as: brief introduction defining internal security → categorized challenges (terrorism, insurgency, cyber threats, left-wing extremism, communal violence) → agency-wise roles (IB, RAW, NIA, CBI, ED) → concluding with coordination gaps or reforms needed.

Key points expected

Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in Red Corridor states and declining but persistent violence
Cross-border terrorism and Pakistan-sponsored infiltration in J&K and Punjab
Insurgency in Northeast (ULFA, NSCN) and ethnic conflicts
Emerging cyber threats, radicalization, and narco-terrorism linkages
IB's domestic intelligence, RAW's external intelligence, NIA's terror investigations, CBI's anti-corruption, ED's financial crimes
Need for intelligence coordination and legal framework strengthening (NATGRID, CCTNS)

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	3	Covers both parts of the question proportionally—diverse internal security challenges AND specific agency roles—without conflating external security with internal; maintains 250-word discipline	Addresses both parts but disproportionately; either overemphasizes challenges or lists agencies without clear functional roles	Misses one part entirely or confuses internal/external security; treats as single vague narrative
Content depth & accuracy	20%	3	Accurately categorizes 4-5 distinct challenge types with current status; precisely delineates agency mandates under relevant acts (NIA Act 2008, DSPE Act, PMLA) without mixing IB/RAW functions	Lists challenges and agencies correctly but with generic descriptions; minor errors in agency jurisdiction or outdated threat assessment	Factually incorrect agency roles (e.g., calling RAW domestic) or obsolete threat perception; conflates CBI with intelligence agency
Structure & flow	20%	3	Clear demarcation between challenges and agency responses; logical progression from traditional to emerging threats matching with agency specialization; seamless transitions	Basic structure present but uneven weightage; some mixing of challenge-agency mapping; readable but not optimized for 250 words	Disorganized listing without thematic grouping; abrupt shifts; exceeds or falls significantly short of word limit
Examples / case-law / data	20%	3	Specific references: 2019 Pulwama attack (NIA role), 26/11 Mumbai (intelligence failure lessons), UAPA amendments, NATGRID operationalization; recent LWE casualty data or drone threats from Pakistan	General references to Mumbai attacks or Maoist violence without specificity; no recent data or legislative updates	No concrete examples; purely theoretical description; incorrect case references
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	3	Critical insight on intelligence reforms (Kargil Review Committee, Shekatkar Committee), multi-agency coordination gaps, or 5G/cyber warfare preparedness; forward-looking recommendation	Standard conclusion summarizing points; generic call for 'better coordination' without specific reform reference	No conclusion or abrupt ending; mere repetition of points; no analytical value addition

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