UPSC Themes

UPSC CSE Mains 2026 · GS3 · 10 marks · 150 words

Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss demand of promulgation of provision of the Sixth Schedule of constitution for Ladakh.

Theme

T168 Border management: China & Pakistan borders, BADP, drones, airspace, Ladakh

What UPSC asks in this theme

Repeated: China and Pakistan border issues with BADP and BIM, denying local support to militants, transborder crime along Myanmar, Bangladesh and LoC, border management challenges, drones, airspace sovereignty, and Ladakh's Sixth Schedule demand.

What to cover

Writing the answer

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 8 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.

This question also needs

T89 Special provisions & asymmetric federalism: J&K, Delhi, Art 371A

On the map

Map module 1: Physical IndiaMap module 10: Neighbourhood & sea routesMap module 11: Borders & internal security

More PYQs from this theme

  1. GS3202415 marks

    India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme.

  2. GS3202310 marks

    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.

  3. GS32020

    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.

  4. GS32020

    Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard.

  5. GS32016

    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.

  6. GS32014

    International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above their territory. What do you understand by ‘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.

  7. GS32013

    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?

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