UPSC Mains 2024 GS3 Q9: model answer
Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism.
What the question wants
How drugs fund terror in India and counter-measures.
How to structure it
Intro: define narco-terrorism and India's location. Body: (1) routes (Golden Crescent, Golden Triangle, sea); (2) how it funds terror and harms youth; (3) recent cases; (4) measures. Conclusion: whole-of-government approach.
- 1(1) routes (Golden Crescent, Golden Triangle, sea)
- 2(2) how it funds terror and harms youth
- 3(3) recent cases
- 4(4) measures
Model answer
Narco-terrorism is the use of drug trade to fund and further terrorism. India lies between the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle.
Why it is a serious threat
- Punjab and J&K: heroin dropped by drones from Pakistan funds militancy.
- North-East: drugs and arms from Myanmar sustain insurgent groups, as in Manipur.
- Sea routes: 2021 Mundra port seizure of about 3,000 kg of heroin from Afghanistan.
- Drug addiction destroys youth and creates recruits; hawala links finance terror.
Measures
- Anti-drone systems and smart fencing on borders.
- Strengthen NCB, NIA and the NCORD coordination mechanism; Anti-Narcotics Task Forces in States.
- Track money trails under NDPS Act, PMLA and UAPA.
- Port container scanning and coastal security.
- Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan for demand reduction.
Cutting both drug supply and demand cuts terror's purse.
Keywords, cases and data to drop in
Golden Crescent drone drops Mundra 2021 NCORD Nasha Mukt Bharat
Where most answers lose marks
- Ignoring the demand side.
Fresh examples from current affairs
First BIMSTEC Home Ministers Meeting adopts Delhi Declaration on security
India hosted the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers Meeting in New Delhi on 13 October 2026. The seven member States adopted the Delhi Declaration, condemning terrorism including cross-border terrorism, and called for full use of the BIMSTEC anti-terror and mutual legal assistance conventions. A Disaster Management Centre is planned in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
UPSC angle: Prelims: members, HMM, conventions and dates, Jamnagar centre. · Mains GS-II: regional groupings; India's neighbourhood and security cooperation.
13 Oct 2026
DRI seizes 54 ivory artefacts, busts trafficking syndicate
On 19 August 2026 the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence busted a wildlife trafficking syndicate in Lucknow and seized 54 carved ivory artefacts. Four people were arrested and handed over, with the items, to the UP Forest Department. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 bans trade in elephant ivory, in line with India's obligations under CITES.
UPSC angle: Prelims: CITES; WPA schedules.
19 Aug 2026
DRI busts ₹2,500-crore SAFTA misuse in areca nut imports
On 16 August 2026 the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence said it had broken a network that imported South-East Asian areca nuts by declaring them as Bangladeshi. This let importers claim full customs duty exemption under SAFTA instead of paying 100 per cent basic duty. Duty evaded is estimated at over ₹2,500 crore; nine people were arrested.
UPSC angle: Prelims: SAFTA; rules of origin.
16 Aug 2026
DRI seizes ₹35 crore of Chinese firecrackers hidden in mis-declared containers
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence said on 27 June 2026 that it had foiled smuggling of Chinese-origin firecrackers through Chennai Port and Mumbai, with seizures worth around ₹35 crore and 12 arrests. Containers were mis-declared as trolley bags and sprayers. Firecracker import is Restricted and needs DGFT and PESO licences under the Explosives Rules, 2008.
UPSC angle: Mains: challenges of smuggling and port security.
27 Jun 2026Learn the concept
Question text as printed in the official UPSC question paper: https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/QP_CSM_2024_GenStud_III_03102024.pdf The model answer is original Battle IAS work; use it to learn structure, not to memorise.