UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 3 : Questions on counter-terrorism and Lancet report on Health and Climate Change (Week 77)Sign In to read

UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today’s answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-3 to check your progress.

In the context of the global fight against terrorism, how can India strengthen its counter-terrorism efforts through international cooperation and multilateral institutions?

Climate change is increasingly affecting the global environment and economies. Discuss the key findings from the latest report “Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change”, and assess India’s preparedness to deal with these challenges.

Introduction

— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.

— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.

— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.

— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.

— Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer.

— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required.

Way forward/ conclusion

— The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction.

— You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers.

Self Evaluation

— It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers.

QUESTION 1: In the context of the global fight against terrorism, how can India strengthen its counter-terrorism efforts through international cooperation and multilateral institutions?

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised the importance of working together to combat terrorism, terrorists, and their ecosystem, stating that the Centre will shortly release a national counter-terrorism policy and strategy.

— Addressing the Anti-Terror Conference-2024, organised by the NIA and attended by chiefs of state police forces and other top security officials from states and the Centre, Shah stated that while law and order is a state subject with geographical boundaries and constitutional limitations, terrorism does not, and thus all security agencies — central and state — must work in close coordination, devise joint strategies, and share intelligence.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

— The Home Minister discussed various aspects of terrorism and counter-terrorism, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs) for central and state forces, developing synergies among various stakeholders, agency coordination, the use of emerging technologies, a whole-of-government approach, and so on. The seminar was attended by 21 DGPs, as well as representatives from all central investigative and intelligence organisations.

— The steps will enhance the country’s law-and-order system. It is also envisaged that the policy, in its ultimate form, will include various other characteristics that go beyond the area of law and order, which are primarily concerned with what happens after the bullet is fired or the bomb detonates. To address the aspects relating to the “whats,” “whys,” and “hows” of manifestations prior to a terror attack, the preventative aspect must be incorporated into a counter-terror policy. The goal of prevention should be to lessen the obstacles that arise when terror hits, much like nipping the challenge in the bud.

— Prevention should be at the centre of a counter-terrorism policy in order to protect and support vulnerable people while also preventing them from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

— It should be structured similarly to programs aimed to protect people from gangs, drug misuse, and physical and sexual abuse. Successful prevention requires a reaction to combat radicalisation in communities and online, ongoing support for those who are prone to radicalisation, and disengagement from terrorist operations by those who are already involved or supporters of terrorism.

— Prevention should also protect people who are at risk of radicalisation by identifying and supporting them early on. A well-structured prevention programme, as part of national policy, must be delivered through a diverse network of partners, including communities, civil society organisations, public-sector institutions such as local governments, schools and universities, health organisations, police, prisons, religious teachers, and the private sector.

Conclusion:

— A request for a whole-of-government strategy must include grassroots governance, such as local rural and urban bodies. The country’s decentralised and layered governance system provides an opportunity to turn counterterrorism into a people’s movement.

— “Combating terrorism requires a very comprehensive approach – not just the perpetrators of heinous acts of terrorism, but the facilitators, financiers, and sponsors of terrorism – they all need to be identified and punished,” Jaishankar said during the 24th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State.

(Source: How to tackle terror: National counter-terrorism policy must look at root causes by Shashank Ranjan, National counter-terrorism policy soon, terror incidents down 70% in last 10 years: Shah)

Points to Ponder

Read about SCO Summit

Suggest measures to fight against global terrorism