Forest ServicesInternal Security
National Security
Welcome to the comprehensive study hub for National Security, a critical and ever-evolving domain essential for any aspiring civil servant. In the context of UPSC preparation
50 articles in this topic
Articles on National Security
AI in National Security: India's Strategic Imperatives & Challenges (UPSC GS-III)
India is increasingly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its national security framework to gain strategic advantage in intelligence, cyber defence, and logistics. This necessitates a careful balancing act between rapid technological innovation and establishing robust ethical and regulatory safeguards to address the dual-use dilemma and ensure responsible deployment.
CISF (Central Industrial Security Force): Mandate, Challenges, and Modernization for UPSC Civil Services
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is pivotal to India's national security, protecting critical industrial infrastructure, airports, and public sector undertakings. Evolving from its 1968 Act, its mandate now extends to the private sector, yet faces challenges in modernization, manpower, and adapting to hybrid threats while balancing security with operational efficiency.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): Mandate, Challenges, and Future Trajectory for UPSC
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has evolved from safeguarding public sector industries to securing critical national infrastructure and private assets, reflecting India's dynamic security landscape. While its 'pay and use' model for private entities showcases adaptive policy, challenges persist in manpower, technological modernization, and maintaining consistent operational standards across its diverse mandate, demanding continuous strategic strengthening.
Iran's Kheybar Shekan Missile: Strategic Implications, Technology & UPSC Analysis for GS-III
Iran's Kheybar Shekan missile, a domestically developed medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM), significantly enhances its regional deterrence capabilities. This article analyzes its strategic implications, technical specifications, and challenges to global non-proliferation efforts, framing its relevance for UPSC aspirants within the context of West Asian geopolitics and international security.
Defence Forces Vision 2047
Context The Minister of Defence released the document “Defence Forces Vision 2047: A Roadmap for a Future-Ready Indian Military”, prepared by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff. Objectives of Defence Forces Vision 2047 Future Warfare Preparedness: The vision emphasises preparing the military for multi-domain warfare, including cyber, space, artificial intelligence and information warfare. Alignment with National Development Goals: The transformation of defence capabilities is linked with
AI and the national security calculus
Source: The Hindu(Page8) | Syllabus: GS2(IR)/GS3(Science and Tech)
The lesson is national security cannot be outsourced
Source: The Hindu(Page8) | Syllabus: GS2(IR)
Centre inks ₹5,000-cr. deal to strengthen maritime security
India's ₹5,000-crore deal strengthens maritime security, crucial for national defence and trade. This investment reflects a strategic shift towards preventive defence in the Indo-Pacific.
Centre Directs Expedited Deportation of Foreign Drug Offenders
In News The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed all law enforcement agencies to speed up the deportation of foreign nationals involved in drug cases. Statistics on Foreign Offenders In 2024, 660 foreign nationals were arrested for drug offences, mostly from Nepal, Nigeria, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Ivory Coast, and Ghana. NCRB (2023) reports 6,956 foreign inmates in Indian jails: 1,499 convicts, 5,167 undertrials, and 25 detenues.
MHA unveils ‘PRAHAAR’, India’s First National Counter-terror Policy
Context The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) unveiled India’s inaugural National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy, titled ‘PRAHAAR’. About It is this principled approach which informs the Indian policy of zero tolerance’ against terrorism. The counter-terrorism strategy of India, ‘PRAHAAR’, flows from these ideals: Prevention of terror attacks to protect Indian citizens and interests; Read More
Satellite-Based Communication in India and Emerging Threats
In News Recently, Security agencies have raised alarms over the illegal use of satellite communication devices in Indian waters, citing potential national security threats. About In an era defined by digital connectivity, terrestrial networks (fiber optics, mobile towers) often face limitations due to difficult geographical terrains and vulnerability to natural disasters. Satellite-Based Communication (SATCOM) has emerged as the critical infrastructure bridging these gaps.
Maritime Security of India
In News Recently, the Defence Minister called on the global maritime community to cooperate in addressing evolving and complex challenges at sea while inaugurating Exercise MILAN 2026 in Visakhapatnam, emphasizing mutual trust, shared responsibility, and adherence to international law. Maritime Security of India Maritime security involves protecting the nations sovereignty from threats arising from the oceans and seas. It includes protecting coastal areas, safeguarding the available ocean resour
Biosecurity Threat in India
Context In 2025, the Gujarat ATS uncovered an alleged ricin-based bioterror plot, marking India’s first suspected ricin-linked bioterror case with possible international links. What are Biological Weapons? Biological weapons use pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi) or toxins (like ricin, botulinum toxin) to cause disease or death in humans, animals, or crops.
India-Saudi Arabia: Deepening Strategic Partnership in Security
Context The 3rd India–Saudi Arabia Security Working Group meeting was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Key Highlights of the India–Saudi Security Dialogue Focus Areas: Counter-terrorism cooperation, including emerging threats. Countering extremism and radicalisation.
71 Fugitives Located Abroad in 2024-25
Context According to the 2024-25 annual report of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) located 71 people wanted by India in foreign countries, the highest in the last 12 years. About Fugitives are individuals who are accused or convicted of a crime and deliberately evade the legal process by fleeing from the jurisdiction of the country where the offence was committed. They escape to avoid arrest, trial, conviction, or punishment by law enforc
Border fence issue and Farmers concerns
In News The Union government has agreed in principle to shift the border security fence in Punjab closer to the International Border. Present status Punjab shares a 532-kilometre-long border with Pakistan and is fenced with barbed wire, with the distance from the International Border varying from a few feet to 2 km. The electrified barbed wire fence was first installed in 1988 in Gurdaspur, Amritsar, and Ferozepur to prevent infiltration, militancy, and drug smuggling during Punjab’s militancy.
Modern Warfare and India’s Emerging Security Challenges
Context The Chief of the Army Staff during his address to the the UAE National Defence College (NDC) highlighted the changing character of modern warfare, marked by the convergence of conventional and non-conventional threats. What Is Modern Warfare? Modern warfare refers to contemporary conflict conducted simultaneously across land, sea, air, cyber, space, and information domains.
‘Natgrid’: The Search Engine of Digital Authoritarianism
In News Authorities started using the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) to trace and track suspects and criminals, though several practical challenges remain on the ground. Background The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks (“26/11”) exposed intelligence lapses, particularly the failure to connect disparate data about the attackers, including David Coleman Headley. In response, institutional and technological reforms were initiated, with NATGRID (National Intelligence Grid) emerging as the “crown jewe
Rise in Police Social Media Monitoring Cells Across India
Context States across India have witnessed a steady rise in the use of Social Media Monitoring Cells (SMMCs) by state police forces to counter misinformation, maintain law and order, and pre-empt digital threats. Key Findings, based on data collected between 2019 and 2023 Expanding Digital Surveillance in Policing: The number of dedicated social media monitoring cells has risen from 262 as of January 1, 2020, to 365 as of January 1, 2024, a nearly 40% increase in just four years. States Leading
National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID): Strengthening India’s Internal Security Architecture
Context The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has begun receiving nearly 45,000 requests per month, reflecting a significant rise in its use by central and state security agencies. What is the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)? NATGRID is a real-time intelligence and data-access platform developed after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks (2008) to enable seamless information-sharing across agencies.