Theme T163 · Internal Security

Terrorism & external state/non-state actors

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What UPSC asks

Questions ask how terrorism manifests in India, external state and non-state actors, causes and nexus, solutions and funding, terrorism as an industry, ISIS and digital radicalisation, and UN's CTC.

Prepare these

• Types of terrorism
• UAPA, NIA
• Global cooperation (CTC, FATF)
• Online radicalisation

Answer writing

• Use contemporary examples

Directive words in these PYQs: Analyse (3), Suggest (2), Elaborate (1), Evaluate (1), Discuss (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Comes back later in

Later themes that take this one further.

On the map

Syllabus lines covered

• GS2-L20 — Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
• GS3-L17 — Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

All 7 PYQs, newest first

1. GS3202510 marks · 150 wordsGS3-SEC-02-M2025-Q09

   Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State?

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2. GS2202415 marks · 250 wordsGS2-IR-06-M2024-Q19

   "Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security." Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council's Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level.

   Also needs: T124 UN reform, Bretton Woods & global governanceCopyReport a typo
3. GS32021GS3-SEC-02-M2021-S01

   Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats.

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4. GS32021GS3-SEC-02-M2021-S02

   Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism.

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5. GS32017GS3-SEC-02-M2017-S01

   The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding?

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6. GS32016GS3-SEC-02-M2016-S02

   ‘Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyse the above statement.

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7. GS32015GS3-SEC-02-M2015-S01

   Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining the ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous to the internal security of our country?

   Also needs: T167 Social media, disinformation & public order: mob violence, IT RulesCopyReport a typo