2017 · GS Paper 3 · Q20 · 15 marks
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 ?
In short
Terrorism can be curbed through strong laws, intelligence fusion, capable responders, deterrence by punishment and choking its finance, which flows from state sponsorship, narcotics, fake currency, hawala, charities and crypto. Pakistan's sponsorship kept it on the FATF grey list from 2018 to 2022.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 287 words
Strong laws
The 2019 UAPA amendment allows individuals to be designated terrorists, and the NIA can now probe attacks on Indians abroad; speedy trials must follow.
Intelligence fusion
The Multi-Agency Centre and NATGRID connect databases to catch reconnaissance like David Headley's before 26/11.
Deterrence by punishment
The 2016 surgical strikes, Balakot (2019) and Operation Sindoor (2025) raise the cost for sponsors.
State sponsorship
Pakistan's support for Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed kept it on the FATF grey list from 2018 to 2022.
Narco-terror and fake currency
The 2021 Mundra port seizure of nearly 3,000 kg of heroin and fake currency notes show drug and counterfeit money funding cells.
Hawala and charities
The NIA's 2017 Kashmir terror-funding case, ending in Yasin Malik's life sentence in 2022, exposed hawala routes.
Extortion and crypto
North-East insurgents and Maoists levy "taxes", while crypto and crowdfunding open new channels.
Follow the money
FIU-IND, the NIA and PMLA tools must track hawala and crypto, building on India's 2024 FATF evaluation.
Global and local
Push the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and the "No Money for Terror" agenda, and back community-led deradicalisation.
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Extremism17 questions
Asked in 11 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2026Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). Bring out actions taken by the Government to bring J&K into national mainstream. Discuss pre and post abrogation status of Articles 370 and 35A. Also bring out positive impacts of abrogation of both articles in mainstreaming the state. (Answer in 250 words)
- 2025The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it ? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE ?
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2017 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.