UPSC Mains GS-3 Internal Security Question

Q .  “Narco-terrorism is the silent war on youth.” Analyze how narco-terrorism affects India’s demographic dividend. Suggest preventive and rehabilitative measures to shield the young population from this menace. (250 words)

Answer:Narco-terrorism, the nexus of drug trafficking and terrorism, poses a multidimensional threat to India. By targeting youth, it silently corrodes the nation’s demographic dividend, where over 65% of the population is under 35 years.

Impact on Demographic Dividend:

1. Erosion of Human Capital: Drug abuse leads to poor health, low productivity, and rising healthcare burden, turning a potential workforce into a liability.
2. Crime and Violence: Addicted youth are drawn into trafficking and petty crimes, weakening law and order.
3. National Security Threat: Cross-border drug inflows, especially in Punjab and Northeast, finance extremist and separatist movements.
4. Social Disintegration: Family breakdown, school dropouts, unemployment, and stigma erode social cohesion.

Preventive Measures:

• Strengthening border management and intelligence coordination to curb trafficking.
• Effective implementation of the NDPS Act, targeting supply chains and financial networks of cartels.
• Awareness and education campaigns in schools, colleges, and communities to build resilience among youth.
• Promotion of sports, skill development, and employment opportunities to channel youth energy positively.

Rehabilitative Measures:

• Expanding de-addiction and mental health facilities, especially at district level.
• Integrating skill training and livelihood opportunities in rehabilitation programmes.
• Greater role for civil society, families, and peer groups in reintegration.
• Use of technology for real-time tracking and enhanced international cooperation against narco-networks.

Conclusion:
Narco-terrorism, though silent, is a potent internal security and developmental challenge. Safeguarding India’s youth through prevention, protection, and rehabilitation is essential to realize the true potential of the demographic dividend.

How to Approach UPSC Mains GS Paper-3 Questions

UPSC Mains is not about lengthy essays but structured, analytical answers within 200–250 words. For GS Paper-3, which covers topics like internal security, economy, environment, and technology, aspirants must:

• Understand the demand of the question (keywords like analyze, critically examine, evaluate).
• Write a brief introduction – can be a definition, fact, or recent example.
• Use subheadings and bullet points for clarity.
• Add dimensions – social, economic, political, security, environmental.
• Conclude with balance – both challenges and solutions.

For example, in the above question, starting with the meaning of narco-terrorism, linking it with India’s youth, and then suggesting preventive + rehabilitative measures makes the answer holistic.

Common Mistakes in UPSC Mains Answer Writing

Many aspirants lose marks not because of lack of knowledge, but due to poor presentation. Some common mistakes are:

1. Writing like an essay instead of crisp, exam-style answers.
2. Ignoring directives (e.g., writing only problems when asked for solutions).
3. Not using examples or case studies (e.g., Punjab drug crisis, Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan).
4. Poor time management – leaving questions unanswered.
5. Lack of conclusion – answers without closure feel incomplete.

Answer Writing Tips for GS Paper-3

• Quote reports and schemes: For internal security issues, citing NDPS Act, UNODC data, Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan adds value.
• Use flowcharts or diagrams: For example, a simple chart showing Drugs → Addiction → Crime → Terror Financing can fetch extra marks.
• Practice daily: Pick one GS-3 question from PYQs (Previous Year Questions) and answer it in 8 minutes.
• Revise model answers: Studying well-structured answers helps understand what UPSC expects.
• Keep introduction and conclusion short: 2–3 lines each is sufficient.

Strategy for Scoring Well in UPSC Mains

1. Integrate Current Affairs: Link static concepts with news (e.g., drug seizures in Gujarat coast, Punjab’s drug problem).
2. Interlink Papers: Narco-terrorism is not just GS-3 but also linked with GS-2 (border management, federalism).
3. Follow Ethics Angle: Mention rehabilitation, compassion, and human dignity in solutions – shows maturity.
4. Practice Previous Year Papers: Many GS-3 questions repeat themes (internal security, cyber threats, organized crime).
5. Stay within Word Limit: UPSC penalizes overly long answers.

Motivational Note for Aspirants

The journey of UPSC Mains is as much about discipline in answer writing as about knowledge. Every question is an opportunity to showcase clarity of thought, balanced reasoning, and problem-solving ability.

Remember:

• Introduction sets the tone.
• Body shows depth.
• Conclusion reflects maturity.

With consistent practice, aspirants can master GS Paper-3 answer writing and turn India’s challenges – like narco-terrorism – into opportunities to present visionary solutions.

Final Words

This model answer and strategy guide will help UPSC aspirants understand how to tackle GS Paper-3 internal security questions. Narco-terrorism is just one theme, but the approach remains the same: define → analyse → suggest → conclude.

With proper practice, structured answers, and awareness of current affairs, aspirants can maximize their UPSC Mains score and move closer to their IAS dream.