UPSC Mains 2023 GS3 Q19: model answer
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.
What the question wants
Main internal security threats and the role of IB, RAW, NIA, CBI, NCB, NTRO, MAC etc.
How to structure it
Intro: Internal security as a precondition for development. Body: (1) Challenges: cross-border terrorism (J&K), Left Wing Extremism, North-East insurgency and ethnic conflict (Manipur), radicalisation, cyber threats, organised crime, narco-terror, fake currency, drones, communal violence; (2) Agencies: IB (domestic intelligence), RAW (external), NTRO (technical), NIA (terror investigation), CBI, NCB, ED, DRI, NATGRID, MAC; (3) Gaps: coordination, police being State subject, capacity. Conclusion: intelligence-led, coordinated approach.
- 1(1) Challenges: cross-border terrorism (J&K), Left Wing Extremism, North-East insurgency and ethnic conflict (Manipur), radicalisation, cyber threats, organised crime, narco-terror, fake currency, drones, communal violence
- 2(2) Agencies: IB (domestic intelligence), RAW (external), NTRO (technical), NIA (terror investigation), CBI, NCB, ED, DRI, NATGRID, MAC
- 3(3) Gaps: coordination, police being State subject, capacity
Model answer
Internal security is the base on which development and democracy rest. India faces a wide range of threats.
| Agency | Role |
|---|---|
| IB | Domestic intelligence; Multi-Agency Centre |
| RAW | External intelligence |
| NTRO | Technical intelligence |
| NIA | Investigates terror cases |
| ED, NCB, DRI | Money laundering, drugs, smuggling |
| NATGRID | Linked databases |
Internal security challenges
- Cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, supported from Pakistan.
- Left Wing Extremism in central India, though the number of affected districts has fallen sharply.
- Insurgency and ethnic conflict in the North-East, such as the Manipur violence since May 2023.
- Radicalisation through online propaganda.
- Cyber attacks on critical infrastructure and financial fraud.
- Organised crime and narco-terror networks; drones dropping drugs and arms in Punjab.
- Fake currency and terror financing.
- Communal violence and misinformation.
Role of central intelligence and investigative agencies
- Intelligence Bureau (IB): domestic intelligence and counter-terrorism; runs the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) for real-time intelligence sharing with States.
- Research and Analysis Wing (RAW): external intelligence on threats from abroad.
- National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO): technical and signals intelligence.
- National Investigation Agency (NIA): set up after 26/11 (2008) to investigate terror cases across States; powers widened in 2019.
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): serious crimes and corruption.
- Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and DRI: drugs and smuggling.
- Enforcement Directorate (ED): money laundering and terror funding.
- NATGRID: links databases for investigators.
- CERT-In and NCIIPC: cyber threats.
Gaps
- Coordination problems among agencies and with State police (police is a State subject).
- Staff shortages and limited tech capacity.
- Concerns over political misuse of some agencies.
An intelligence-led, well-coordinated approach, with modern State police and accountability, is the best defence against internal threats.
Keywords, cases and data to drop in
IB RAW NIA MAC NATGRID LWE
Where most answers lose marks
- Only listing threats.
- Confusing roles of agencies.
Fresh examples from current affairs
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20 Oct 2026Learn the concept
Question text as printed in the official UPSC question paper: https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/QP-CSM-23-GENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-III-180923.pdf The model answer is original Battle IAS work; use it to learn structure, not to memorise.