2021 · GS Paper 3 · Q20 · 15 marks
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.
In short
Terrorism in India is complex because cross-border, Maoist, Northeast and online-radicalised threats run together, sustained by drug money, crime syndicates and political cover. The Vohra Committee (1993) exposed the nexus of criminals, politicians and bureaucrats that shields such networks.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 297 words
Many theatres
Cross-border terror in Jammu and Kashmir, Left Wing Extremism, Northeast insurgency and urban modules need different responses.
Shape-shifting actors
Proxies like The Resistance Front give sponsors deniability, and drones, encrypted apps and online radicalisation let small cells strike.
Uneven intensity
Over 350 civilians and 600 security personnel died in cross-border terror in a decade (Government briefing on Operation Sindoor, May 2025), while LWE-affected districts fell from 126 in 2018 to 8 by December 2025.
Grievance meets sponsorship
Pakistan's proxy war feeds on alienated youth, and Maoism on tribal displacement.
Crime and drug linkages
The NIA traced 532 kg of heroin seized at Attari in 2019 to Hizbul Mujahideen, and Dawood Ibrahim's network landed the RDX for the 1993 Bombay blasts.
The obnoxious nexus
The Vohra Committee (1993) exposed a criminal, political and bureaucratic nexus that shields such networks.
Institutions and money
Revive the NCTC, integrate NIA, NATGRID and the Multi-Agency Centre, and enforce FATF standards through the PMLA.
Frontiers and minds
Complete CIBMS smart fencing and a counter-drone grid, pair de-radicalisation with development, and press for the UN's CCIT.
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This chapter in the exam
Organized Crime and Terrorism6 questions
Asked in 6 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2026Discuss counterfeit currency and money laundering as major sources of terror funding in India. State the actions being taken at International level to check these menaces. Highlight the role of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and methods of compliance by its member states in preventing terror funding. (Answer in 250 words)
- 2024Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2021 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.