In News:

In February 2024, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India–Myanmar border, citing national security concerns. The decision is reportedly influenced by the former Manipur Chief Minister, who blamed unregulated cross-border movement for ethnic violence in Manipur. However, the decision has not yet been implemented, and no formal notification or bilateral agreement has been issued. Mizoram and Nagaland have opposed the move, highlighting socio-cultural concerns.

What is the Free Movement Regime (FMR)?

• Introduced: 1968
• Current Limit: Movement up to 16 km on either side of the 1,643 km-long India–Myanmar border
• Eligibility: Members of hill tribes on both sides with a border pass valid for one year, allowing stay for up to 2 weeks per visit
• Purpose:
  • Preserve historical, cultural, and familial ties between border communities
  • Facilitate local trade and people-to-people exchanges
  • Complement India’s Act East Policy by promoting cross-border cooperation
• Regulations: Initially 40 km (1968), reduced to 16 km (2004), with tighter checks from 2016
• Formal Implementation: 2018

Impact on Border Communities:

• Deep Ethnic and Familial Ties: Many communities across Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh share ancestry and cultural links with communities in Myanmar, such as the Chin and Mizo peoples.
• Local Trade & Livelihoods: FMR supports livelihoods through informal trade. Its removal could disrupt economic dependence in these remote areas.
• Perceived as Redundant: Locals report that cross-border interaction predates FMR and continues with or without official sanction.

Security Concerns and Contraband Issues:

• Despite increased military presence post the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) in the 1980s, smuggling of contraband such as drugs, gold, and areca nuts continues unabated.
• Centre’s View: FMR allegedly facilitates illegal migration, drug trafficking, and infiltration contributing to internal instability.
• Local View: Scrapping the FMR alone won’t stop cross-border crime without comprehensive border management and community engagement.

Challenges with Border Fencing:

• Difficult Terrain: The mountainous and forested landscape makes border fencing logistically and financially challenging.
• Social Sensitivity: Fencing may provoke protests as the border cuts across ethnically unified communities.
• Unified Homeland Demand: Risk of reviving separatist sentiments, especially in regions like Eastern Nagaland, where demands for Frontier Nagaland exist.

Legal and Strategic Concerns:

• The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 allows the use of forest land within 100 km of international borders for strategic projects, raising concerns about displacement and loss of ancestral lands.

Way Forward:

• Balanced Approach Needed:
  • Any changes must consider security needs as well as local sensitivities.
  • Community engagement and consultation are crucial to avoid unrest.
• Alternatives to Fencing:
  • Strengthen customs and intelligence units along the border.
  • Promote legal trade channels to formalize economic activities.
  • Enhance monitoring mechanisms without disrupting historical ties.
• Long-Term Strategy:
  • Address instability in Myanmar, Chinese influence, and Golden Triangle drug trade through coordinated regional efforts.
  • Align border governance with India’s Act East Policy, focusing on connectivity and cultural diplomacy.

In News:

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, has launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) to counter the growing menace of cyber-enabled financial frauds, especially those involving mobile numbers.

What is FRI?

The Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) is a multi-dimensional analytical tool developed under the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP). It classifies mobile numbers based on their risk level—Medium, High, or Very High—of being associated with financial fraud.

Purpose:

• To provide advance risk intelligence to financial institutions.
• To serve as a pre-transaction validation tool, flagging suspicious mobile numbers involved in digital transactions.

How It Works:

• The classification is based on data inputs from:
  • National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP)
  • DoT’s Chakshu facility
  • Intelligence from banks and NBFCs
• Risk-tagged mobile numbers are flagged in real-time to stakeholders, including banks, UPI platforms, and payment service providers.
• Acts as a cyber shield, preventing fraudulent digital payments before they occur.

Implementation and Use Cases:

• PhonePe, an early adopter, uses FRI to:
  • Block transactions involving "Very High" risk numbers.
  • Warn users during transactions with "Medium" risk numbers via its "PhonePe Protect" feature.
• Other UPI giants like Google Pay and Paytm (collectively handling 90% of UPI traffic) are integrating FRI-based alerts.
• Banks have begun introducing transaction delays and alerts to curb cyber fraud using FRI data.

Why FRI is Crucial:

• India lost over ?3,207 crore to approximately 5.82 lakh cyber fraud cases between FY 2020–2024.
• The short operational window of fraudulent mobile numbers makes advance detection vital.
• Common cyber frauds include:KYC scams, UPI frauds, investment scams, digital arrest frauds, and get-rich-quick schemes.

Supporting Mechanisms:

• Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP): Facilitates real-time intelligence sharing between law enforcement and financial institutions.
• Chakshu on Sanchar Saathi: Enables citizens to report suspicious communication.
• Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting System: Part of I4C, it allows real-time fraud reporting via the 1930 helpline or cybercrime.gov.in.
• E-Zero FIR: Automatically registers FIRs for cybercrime complaints involving more than ?10 lakh.
• Mulehunter (RBI): AI-based tool to identify and track money mule accounts.

In News:

According to the 16th Asiatic Lion Census (2025) conducted by the Gujarat Forest Department, the Asiatic lion (Panthera leopersica) population has grown from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025, marking a 32.2% increase in five years.

Key Highlights:

• Core Areas (Protected Forests & Sanctuaries): 384 lions
• Non-Forest Areas: 507 lions (up from 340 in 2020)
• 44.22% of the total population now lives outside traditional protected zones.
• Gir National Park, along with Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and Pania Wildlife Sanctuary, holds 394 lions—the core population.
• Amreli district leads with 257 lions, while Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary has seen its count double to 32.
• Barda Wildlife Sanctuary near Porbandar recorded 17 lions, marking a population return since 1879.
• New satellite populations identified near Jetpur and Babra-Jasdan.
• Adult Females: 330 recorded—a 27% increase since 2020, indicating strong reproductive potential.

Census Methodology

The 2025 census employed direct beat verification, a statistically rigorous method:

• The landscape was divided into zones and sub-zones.
• Personnel included officials, enumerators, supervisors, and volunteers.
• Unlike the tiger census (which spans 2 years), the lion census was completed in just 3 days.

Project Lion (Launched in 2020)

Aimed at ensuring the long-term conservation of Asiatic lions, Project Lion focuses on:

• Habitat restoration
• Strengthening the prey base
• Human-wildlife conflict mitigation
• Monitoring via advanced technology, including:
  • Radio-collars
  • Camera traps
  • Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking
  • GIS-based real-time surveillance
  • AI-driven tools likeSIMBA, e-GujForest, andAlert Generation System
  • Automated sensor grids (magnetic, motion, infrared)

Habitat and Legal Status

• Natural Habitat: Grasslands, open woodlands, savannas, and scrublands.
• Main Range: Gir Forests in Gujarat; Barda Wildlife Sanctuary emerging as a second habitat.
• Legal Protection:
  • Schedule I and IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
  • Appendix I of CITES
  • IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Distinctive Traits

• Smaller in size compared to African lions.
• Males have a moderate mane allowing visible ears.
• A distinct belly fold—rare in African lions.
• No fixed breeding season.

Global Conservation Context

India is a founding member of the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA), launched in 2023 to enhance global cooperation on big cat conservation, including lions.

Additionally, the IUCN’s Green Status of Species (2025) introduced a recovery-based conservation framework. Lions are currently classified as "Largely Depleted", highlighting the need for sustained and collaborative conservation actions.

IN News:

In a significant stride toward modernizing cybercrime response mechanisms, Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the e-Zero FIR system. This initiative ensures that complaints involving financial cyber frauds exceeding ?10 lakh—submitted via the 1930 helpline or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP)—are automatically registered as FIRs, eliminating the need for the complainant to visit a police station.

Objective and Operational Rollout

The project, developed under the guidance of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), is aimed at accelerating the registration and investigation of high-value cybercrime cases.

• Pilot Implementation: Initiated in Delhi as a testbed.
• National Expansion: Plans are underway to replicate the model across India.

Concept of Zero FIR

The Zero FIR mechanism permits the filing of an FIR at any police station, regardless of the location of the offence. This removes jurisdictional constraints and ensures prompt registration of cases.

• Legal Backing: Incorporated under Section 173 of the BharatiyaNagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
• Historical Context: Introduced following recommendations from the Justice Verma Committee post the 2012 Nirbhaya case, to address delays caused by jurisdictional rigidities.

Salient Features of Zero FIR

• No Jurisdictional Restrictions: Victims may file complaints at any police station or via electronic means.
• Initial Registration: The complaint is logged as a Zero FIR and then forwarded to the relevant jurisdictional police unit for investigation.
• Primary Goal: To facilitate timely intervention and prevent procedural delays for the complainant.

Integration with National Digital Systems

To enhance responsiveness and coordination, the e-Zero FIR system integrates with several key digital platforms:

• NCRP (National Cybercrime Reporting Portal) – Administered by I4C.
• Delhi Police’s e-FIR mechanism
• Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) – Maintained by theNational Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

This digital infrastructure enables real-time complaint registration at Delhi’s e-Crime Police Station, which then redirects the FIR to the appropriate jurisdiction.

Alignment with New Criminal Legislation

The initiative is fully aligned with India’s revised criminal justice framework effective from July 1, 2024, which includes:

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
• BharatiyaNagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023
• BharatiyaSakshyaAdhiniyam (BSA), 2023

Under the BNSS provisions:

• Mandatory Zero FIR registration under Section 173.
• Victim must visit a cybercrime police station within 72 hours to convert a Zero FIR into a formal FIR.
• Free copy of FIR to be provided to the complainant, ensuring transparency and empowering victims.

Vision for a Cyber-Secure India

The launch of the e-Zero FIR system underscores the government’s resolve to build a secure and digitally empowered India by:

• Ensuring easy and immediate access to justice for victims of cyber fraud.
• Facilitating quick action by investigative agencies without procedural bottlenecks.
• Strengthening citizen trust through digital governance and victim-friendly policing.

In News:

One of India’s most extensive anti-Naxal offensives in recent years, Operation Black Forest, resulted in the elimination of 31 Maoists. The operation was conducted in the Kurraguttalu Hills, a strategic Maoist stronghold located on the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border.

Key Features of Operation Black Forest

• Type: High-intensity counterinsurgency operation
• Duration: 21 days
• Area of Operation:Kurraguttalu Hills (approx. 1,200 sq km), known for rugged terrain and dense forest cover

Objectives:

• Dismantle key Maoist bases and operational infrastructure
• Neutralize senior Maoist leadership
• Re-establish state control in insurgency-affected zones
• Contribute to the national target of eliminating Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 31, 2026

Security Forces Involved:

• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) units
• Chhattisgarh Police, including:
  • Special Task Force (STF)
  • District Reserve Guard (DRG)

About Kurraguttalu (Karregutta) Hills

• Geographical Location: On the inter-state border of BhadradriKothagudem district (Telangana) and Sukma district (Chhattisgarh)
• Terrain Characteristics:
  • Extends over 25–50 km
  • Features include steep elevations (~5,000 feet), caves, waterfalls, and dense forest cover
  • Topography ideal for guerrilla warfare and concealment
• Local Terminology: Referred to by tribal communities as “Black Hills” or “Carregutta”

Demographic & Socio-political Aspects:

• Inhabited by Koya, Gond, and Chenchu tribes
• Tribal communities have historically been vulnerable in the conflict zone, often caught between insurgents and state forces

Other Key Maoist-affected Regions

• Abujhmad (Chhattisgarh)
• Malkangiri (Odisha)
• Gadchiroli (Maharashtra)

These areas, like Karregutta, serve as critical Maoist corridors with difficult terrain and limited state presence, posing ongoing challenges to internal security operations.

In News:

On 13 May 2025, the Indian Army, in coordination with the J&K Police and CRPF, launched Operation Keller, a targeted counter-terrorism operation in the Keller forests of Shopian district, Jammu & Kashmir. The operation led to the elimination of three terrorists, including Shahid Kuttay, the chief of The Resistance Front (TRF) and the alleged mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack.

Key Objectives:

• Neutralise terrorists affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
• Specifically eliminate Shahid Kuttay, involved in the April 2025 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.
• Secure volatile forested zones in South Kashmir to prevent future infiltrations and retaliatory threats.

Details of the Operation:

• Launch Date: 13 May 2025
• Location:Shoekal Keller forest area, Shopian district, J&K
• Conducted By: Indian Army (Rashtriya Rifles), J&K Police, CRPF
• Method: Intelligence-based search and destroy mission
• Outcome: Elimination of three hardcore terrorists after a fierce gunfight; operation ongoing.

Pahalgam Terror Attack Link:

• Posters announcing ?20 lakh bounty per terrorist involved in the Pahalgam killings were circulated in Pulwama.
• J&K Police released sketches identifying the three LeT-linked terrorists responsible.
• Operation Keller targeted the network allegedly behind this attack.

About Shopian District:

• Location: Southern Kashmir Valley; bordered by Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam, and PirPanjal mountains.
• Elevation: ~2,146 metres; experiences harsh winters (up to −7°C).
• Economy: Agriculture-based, especially apple orchards.
• History:
  • Upgraded to district status in 2007 (earlier part of Pulwama).
  • Lies along the historic Mughal Road connecting Lahore and Srinagar.
• Name Origin: Possibly from “Shah-payan” (royal stay) or “Shin-van” (snow forest).

In News:

On May 8, 2025, as part of Operation Sindoor, India reportedly used Israeli-made HAROP loitering munitions to destroy a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore, in response to Pakistan’s attempted attacks on Indian military installations.

What is HAROP?

• HAROP is an advanced loitering munition, also known as a suicide drone or kamikaze drone.
• Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), it combines features of a UAV and a missile.
• It is designed to loiter over an area, search for high-value targets, and crash into the target with an explosive payload.

Key Characteristics and Capabilities

Feature                                           Description

Function                                       Combines surveillance and attack roles; can loiter, identify, and

                                                strike autonomously or manually

Targets                                          Designed to hit air defence systems, radars, command posts,

                                                             tanks, and moving military assets

Sensor                                            Equipped with an Electro-Optical (EO) sensor for real-time

                                                 target tracking and acquisition

Endurance                                  Up to 9 hours of loitering capability for deep-target missions

Launch Platforms                  Can be launched from truck-mounted canisters,

                                                             naval vessels, or ground stations

Navigation Resistance       GNSS (GPS)-jam resistant, effective in communication-

                                                 denied environments

Strike Profile                                Executes attacks from various angles using

                                                              steep or shallow dive maneuvers

Evolution and Operational Use

• HAROP is an evolution of the earlier HARPY system, which was radio-frequency (RF) guided.
• Unlike the HARPY, HAROP uses EO sensors for improved visual target identification.
• HAROPs are "fire-and-forget" weapons, meaning they do not require active control after launch.
• The system has been described by IAI as the “King of the Battlefield”, with a claimed mission success rate of 98%.
• Proven effective in multiple combat scenarios, including suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD).

In News:

Mission Sankalp is a large-scale counter-insurgency operation launched jointly by security forces of Chhattisgarh Police, Telangana Police, CRPF, and the elite CoBRA unit. The operation targets the dense forested Karregutta hills along the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border, focusing on dismantling Maoist strongholds and disrupting their operational capabilities.

Key Objectives and Area of Operation

• Primary Aim: Neutralize senior Maoist leaders, especially targeting Battalion 1 of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), the armed wing of the CPI-Maoist.
• Geographical Focus: Forested, hilly terrain covering parts of Bijapur district (Chhattisgarh) and Mulugu district (Telangana).
• Goals: Destroy Maoist hideouts, bunkers, arms caches, and logistics networks to cripple the insurgency infrastructure.

Forces Involved and Operational Scale

• Personnel: Over 28,000 personnel including District Reserve Guard (DRG), Bastar Fighters, Special Task Force (STF), CRPF, CoBRA, and support from the Indian Air Force.
• Tactics: Precision strikes guided by aerial surveillance and intelligence inputs in challenging forest terrain.
• Scope: The operation spans approximately 800 square kilometres across the inter-state border area.

Achievements and Impact

• Casualties and Encounters: Since its launch on April 21, around 35 encounters have taken place. At least 26 Maoists, including several senior cadres and three women cadres with bounties of ?8 lakh each, have been killed. Approximately 168 Maoists have been eliminated across Chhattisgarh in 2025, with 151 in the Bastar region.
• Seizures: Security forces have recovered over 2 tonnes of explosives, 400+ improvised explosive devices (IEDs), around 40 firearms, and more than 6 tonnes of ration, medicines, and daily essentials. Hundreds of Maoist hideouts and bunkers have been destroyed.
• Casualties Among Security Forces: Six personnel, including a CoBRA officer, were injured in IED blasts but are now stable.
• Strategic Outcome: The operation has dealt a severe blow to the Maoist command structure, disrupted logistics, and restored state authority in previously inaccessible tribal areas.

Strategic Importance

• Inter-State Cooperation: Mission Sankalp marks one of the largest coordinated anti-Naxal operations in recent years, reflecting enhanced synergy between central and state security forces.
• National Security: It aligns with the Centre’s zero-tolerance policy towards Left Wing Extremism, aiming to weaken the Maoists’ influence and support the restoration of governance and development in affected tribal regions.
• Long-Term Goals: By neutralizing the insurgency's core military units, the operation seeks to create conditions for improved infrastructure, welfare delivery, and civilian confidence in law enforcement.

In News:

On May 7, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, a coordinated precision strike on terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was a response to the killing of civilians in Pahalgam by Pakistan-backed terrorists.

Key Facts:

• 21 terror camps across 9 locations were targeted.
• Advanced niche-technology weapons were employed to ensure minimal collateral damage.
• The operation highlights India's evolving capability in long-range, precision-guided weaponry.

Major Precision-Guided Weapons in India’s Arsenal

1. HAMMER (Highly Agile and Manoeuvrable Munition Extended Range)

• Origin: France (by Safran)
• Platform: Integrated with Rafale fighter jets
• Range: Up to 70 km
• Features:
  • All-weather precision
  • Autonomous guidance
  • Jamming-resistant
  • Operable at low altitude over rough terrains
• Role in Operation: Likely used for air-to-ground strikes on tactical targets.

2. SCALP (Storm Shadow in UK)

• Type: Air-launched stealth cruise missile
• Origin: Europe (by MBDA)
• Range: Up to 450 km
• Navigation: Uses INS, GPS, and terrain referencing
• Capabilities:
  • Bunker-penetration
  • Low radar signature
  • All-weather and night operable
• Relevance: Designed for deep precision strikes, ideal for hardened terrorist infrastructure.

3. METEOR

• Type: Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM)
• Origin: MBDA (Europe)
• Propulsion: Solid-fuel ramjet for sustained high-speed interception
• Special Feature: Large No-Escape Zone, effective in electronic warfare conditions
• Use Case: Enhances air superiority and can neutralize enemy aircraft before visual contact.

4. BRAHMOS Supersonic Cruise Missile

• Developed by: DRDO (India) and NPOM (Russia) under BrahMos Aerospace
• Speed: Mach 2.8–3.0
• Range: Initially 290 km, now extended to 450–500 km after India’s MTCR entry
• Warhead: 200–300 kg
• Platforms: Compatible with land, sea, and air platforms
• Features:
  • Fire-and-Forget
  • Precision strike at low terminal altitude (~10 m)
• Strategic Role: Provides rapid, stealthy, and accurate strikes across the services.

5. Loitering Munitions ("Kamikaze Drones")

• Function: Combines surveillance and strike capabilities
• Features:
  • Can loiter over target zones
  • Autonomous or semi-autonomous targeting
  • High precision against time-sensitive or mobile targets
• Adoption: Increasing induction across the Army, Navy, and Air Force

In News:

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched Operation Hawk in 2025 to combat international cybercrime networks involved in online child sexual exploitation (OCSE). The operation led to arrests in Delhi and Mumbai, following inputs from foreign agencies including the United States.

About Operation Hawk

Feature                         Details

Launched By            CBI’s International Operations Division

Year of Launch       2025

Main Objective       Target and dismantle cybercriminal networks engaged in OCSE

Scope                             International cooperation, digital forensics, and prosecution

Key Objectives

• Disrupt organized cyber-pedophile networks.
• Enhance coordination with agencies like Interpol, FBI, and foreign governments.
• Strengthen legal action under IPC, IT Act, and POCSO Act.
• Address complaints involving Indian nationals from foreign jurisdictions.
• Boost cross-border digital evidence collection and swift response systems.

Previous Related Operations

• Operation CARBON (2021):Targeted dark web CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) users globally.
• Operation MEGH CHAKRA (2022):Pan-India action based on Interpol alerts; resulted in large-scale arrests and digital data seizures.

In News:

The Inner Line Permit (ILP) system plays a significant role in regulating entry into certain states of India's Northeast. Originally derived from the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873, the ILP aims to protect indigenous communities and preserve their cultural identity by regulating the movement of non-residents into restricted areas. This system requires Indian citizens who are not permanent residents of these states to obtain an ILP to enter and stay in these areas for a limited period.

Currently, four states—Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur—require an ILP for entry. In recent years, the ILP system has become a topic of contention in Meghalaya, where local opposition to developmental projects, particularly railway expansion, has intensified.

What is the Inner Line Permit (ILP)?

The ILP is an official travel document issued by the respective state governments and regulates the entry of Indian citizens into restricted tribal areas. The system's primary aim is to safeguard indigenous communities from exploitation and prevent land alienation.

• Legal Basis: The Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, introduced by the British, created an "Inner Line" to restrict the movement of outsiders. The Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958 and Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, 1963 further delineated areas where foreigners and Indian citizens from other states require special permits to enter.
• Difference Between ILP and PAP: The Inner Line Permit (ILP) applies to Indian citizens in certain northeastern states, while the Protected Area Permit (PAP) is for foreigners wishing to enter restricted areas, including parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, and Rajasthan.

Current Status of Rail Connectivity in Meghalaya

Meghalaya has limited rail connectivity, with Mendipathar in North Garo Hills being the only operational railway station since 2014. Passenger services run daily between Mendipathar and Guwahati, and the station recently received its first freight shipment. However, several proposed railway projects in the state face significant opposition from local groups, particularly in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills.

The Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) had planned three key projects in Meghalaya:

1. Tetelia-Byrnihat Railway Line (21.5 km connecting Assam to Meghalaya)
2. Byrnihat-Shillong Railway Line (108.76 km)
3. Chandranathpur-Jowai Railway Line (connecting Assam to Jowai)

These projects are now at risk of being shelved due to local resistance, particularly from Khasi pressure groups such as the Khasi Students' Union (KSU).

Opposition to Railway Projects in Meghalaya

The opposition to these railway projects stems from fears of an influx of “outsiders” into the state, potentially threatening the cultural identity and livelihood of indigenous communities. The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) has been opposed to the extension of railway lines into the Khasi Hills since the 1980s, arguing that such projects would facilitate large-scale migration and overwhelm local populations. The group's concerns have now expanded to include other regions, such as the Jaintia Hills, where protests have emerged against the proposed Chandranathpur-Jowai line.

The KSU has long advocated for the introduction of the ILP system in Meghalaya to prevent non-residents from settling in the state. They argue that the ILP would serve as a safeguard against uncontrolled migration, offering a mechanism to regulate entry, especially at railway stations, where people can be monitored and restricted from staying beyond their designated period.

The KSUemphasized that while the group does not oppose railway development in principle, it seeks safeguards like the ILP to ensure that the state's indigenous communities do not become minorities.

Economic Considerations and Government Response

While the local opposition is strong, there is also significant support for railway connectivity, particularly from economic perspectives. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has argued that improved rail connectivity would reduce logistical costs and facilitate the movement of goods, benefiting both the state's economy and its local entrepreneurs. Toki Blah, a political commentator, noted that railway expansion could lower the cost of goods, particularly in a state where much of the population depends on small-scale agriculture and service-based industries.

Additionally, representatives from the Garo Hills, another major tribal region in Meghalaya, have advocated for expanding existing rail links from Mendipathar to Baghamara in the South Garo Hills, citing the need for better transportation infrastructure.

In News:

Between November 2023 and February 2025, 465 incidents of GPS interference and spoofing were reported, predominantly in the Amritsar and Jammu border regions. This was disclosed by Minister of State for Civil Aviation MurlidharMohol in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

What is GPS/GNSS Spoofing?

• GPS (Global Positioning System) and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) spoofing involves broadcasting false GPS signals that deceive receivers into calculating incorrect locations.
• It is a form of cyberattack exploiting weak satellite signal strength to override legitimate GPS data.
• It can mislead aircraft navigation systems, creating flight safety risks in sensitive regions like international borders.

How GPS Spoofing Works:

1. GPS satellites transmit weak signals to Earth.
2. Spoofers broadcast stronger fake signals mimicking these satellites.
3. Receivers (like those in aircraft) pick up false data, resulting in mislocation or navigation errors.

Types of Spoofing Attacks:

• GPS Spoofing – False location data.
• IP Spoofing – Hides origin of data, often used in DDoS attacks.
• SMS/Caller ID Spoofing – Disguises identity to deceive users.

Government Response:

DGCA Circular (Nov 2023):

• Mandated reporting of GPS interference.
• Issued mitigation guidelines for:
  • Aircraft operators
  • Pilots
  • Air Traffic Controllers
  • Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP)

Use of International Best Practices:

• Guidelines align with ICAO and EASA standards.
• NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) are issued in affected areas.
• Airlines implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to manage spoofing incidents.

Navigation Redundancy Measures:

• Retention of ground-based navigation systems as backups.
• Ensures continued navigation in the event of GPS disruption.

Role of AAI (Airports Authority of India):

• Sole Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) in India.
• Continuously upgrading air navigation infrastructure to counter emerging threats like spoofing.

In News:

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is reviewing the scope of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in the Northeast, especially in light of ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur and security reviews in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam.

What is AFSPA?

• AFSPA (1958) empowers the armed forces to maintain public order in ‘disturbed areas’.
• It authorizes armed forces to:
  • Use force or open fire after due warning.
  • Arrest without a warrant.
  • Conduct searches without a warrant.
  • Enjoy legal immunity from prosecution without prior sanction of the Central Government.

Declaration of Disturbed Area

• A region is declared ‘disturbed’ through a notification in the Official Gazette.
• The declaration can be made by:
  • Governor of a State, or
  • Central Government.
• Duration: Notifications are valid for 6 months, reviewed periodically for extension or withdrawal.

AFSPA in Manipur: Recent Developments

• AFSPA was withdrawn from all valley police stations between April 2022–April 2023 due to improved law and order.
• However, after ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023, the Act was reimposed in 6 police stations across 5 districts (mostly in valley areas) as of November 14, 2024.
• At a review meeting on March 20, 2025, the Indian Army proposed re-imposition of AFSPA in 12 more police station limits in Manipur Valley for operational efficiency.
• President’s Rule has been in force in Manipur since February 13, 2025.
• The final decision on AFSPA expansion in Manipur will be taken by the MHA.

Status in Other Northeastern States

• The MHA held a multi-agency review on March 19, 2025, regarding AFSPA coverage in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Manipur.
• Current Authority to Notify Disturbed Areas:
  • MHA: Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • State Governments: Manipur and Assam.
• Possible De-Notification: One district in Assam may be removed from AFSPA coverage based on the latest review.

Legal and Administrative Background

• AFSPA came into force in Manipur in 1981.
• Manipur attained Statehood in 1972, earlier being a Union Territory.
• The Imphal Municipality area has remained outside AFSPA since 2004.
• The most recent “disturbed area” notification for hill districts in Manipur was issued on September 26, 2024.

States Under AFSPA (as of February 2025)

• Manipur
• Nagaland
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Assam
• Jammu and Kashmir

In News:

Following inter-community clashes between the Hmar and Zomi tribes in Churachandpur district of Manipur, efforts have been initiated by tribal leaders to restore peace. These communities are constituents of the larger Kuki-Zo ethnic group, which has been in conflict with the non-tribal Meitei community since May 2023.

Key Developments:

• Peace Initiative:Leaders of the Hmar Inpui and Zomi Council, apex bodies of the two communities, issued a joint statement on March 18, 2025, expressing concern over the violence and agreed to:
  • Lift the shutdown in Churachandpur.
  • Resolve disputes through customary laws.
  • Work jointly for peace and normalcy.
• Government Response:
  • Restrictions under Section 163 of BNSS (BharatiyaNagarik Suraksha Sanhita) were imposed as a preventive measure.
  • President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, and the State Assembly was placed under suspended animation following Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's resignation.

Ethnographic Background

Zomi Tribe:

• Ethnic Affiliation: Tibeto-Burman (Mongoloid race).
• Distribution: Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam; also in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
• Language: Belong to the Kuki-Chin (Kukish) group of languages.
• Religion: Predominantly Christian (Baptist, Presbyterian); formerly animistic.
• Features: Short stature, straight black hair, dark brown eyes.

Hmar Tribe:

• Ethnic Affiliation: Part of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo group, Mongoloid stock.
• Distribution: Manipur, Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura.
• Language: Hmar language under Kuki-Chin group (Tibeto-Burman family).
• Traditional Beliefs: Animism; now mostly Christian.
• Social Structure: Clan-based; village led by a chief called “Lal”.
• Occupation: Mainly slash-and-burn (jhum) cultivators.
• Migration History: Folk traditions trace origin to Sinlung, believed to be in China.

In News:

The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA has proposed a significant joint anti-piracy naval exercise with the Indian Navy, scheduled for the end of May 2025. This initiative reflects the growing strategic cooperation between India and the European Union in maritime security, particularly in the Western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.

Key Highlights

Proposed Exercise:

• The exercise, if approved, will involve two European warships and the Indian Navy practicing advanced counter-piracy operations, tactical manoeuvres, and inter-naval communications.
• This drill goes beyond the routine Passage Exercises (PASSEX) and aims to enhance interoperability, coordination, and mutual confidence between the two navies.

Strategic Objectives:

• Strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean, ensuring it remains a free, open, sustainable, and inclusive area.
• Address resurgent piracy threats, especially off the Horn of Africa, amid ongoing instability in the Red Sea due to Houthi rebel activity.
• Build operational synergy to respond swiftly to piracy incidents-EUNAVFOR claims the capability to tackle pirate cases within 48–72 hours.

Recent Developments:

• Piracy incidents near the Horn of Africa have declined recently, but the threat persists, necessitating continued vigilance and cooperation.
• In 2024, joint anti-piracy efforts led to the apprehension of 70 suspected pirates, with the Indian Navy responsible for 44 captures.
• The Indian Navy is recognized as a major actor in the region, with both sides regularly coordinating through maritime information fusion centers.

Operation ATALANTA: Overview

Aspect                                           Details

Launch Year                               2008

Initial Focus                                Preventing piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast

Expanded Mandate         - Protecting World Food Programme (WFP) vessels
                                            - Enforcing UN arms embargo on Somalia
                                            - Monitoring drug and arms trafficking
                                            - Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing
                                            - Disrupting illicit charcoal trade

Area of Operations              Western Indian Ocean and Red Sea

Recent Activities               - Joint drills with Indian Navy
                                            - Successful coordination in anti-piracy operations, e.g., MV Ruen hijacking

India–EU Maritime Engagement: Significance

• Geopolitical Context:
  • The Indian Ocean is a critical global trade route, and its security is vital for international commerce.
  • The resurgence of piracy and instability in the Red Sea has heightened the need for robust maritime partnerships.
• Strategic Partnerships:
  • The EU and India share a vision of maintaining maritime order and security.
  • The vastness of the Indian Ocean requires significant assets and robust logistics, making cooperation essential.
• Professional Interactions:Encounters with other navies, including China, are described as professional, underscoring the importance of multilateral engagement.

In News:

NITI Ayog releases strategic paper on implication of quantum computing on national security.

What is Quantum Computing?

Quantum computing utilizes quantum bits (qubits), which leverage the principles of superposition and entanglement, enabling them to exist in multiple states simultaneously. Unlike classical bits (0 or 1), qubits can perform parallel computations, exponentially increasing processing power.

Global Landscape and India's Position

• Global Investments: Over $40 billion invested by 30+ nations.
  • China: $15 billion (leader)
  • USA and EU: Close followers
• India: Launched the National Quantum Mission (NQM) in 2023 with a budget of ?6,003 crore (~USD 750 million) to boost indigenous capabilities in computing, cryptography, communication, and sensing.

National Quantum Mission (NQM): Key Highlights

• Timeframe: 2023–2031
• Quantum Computers: Build systems with 50–1000 physical qubits using superconducting, photonic, and other platforms
• Secure Communication: Satellite-based secure quantum links over 2000 km within India and long-distance secure communication with other nations
• Quantum Sensing & Metrology: Development of precision navigation tools like atomic clocks and magnetometers
• Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs): To be established in premier R&D institutes in four domains:
  • Quantum Computing
  • Quantum Communication
  • Quantum Sensing & Metrology
  • Quantum Materials & Devices

Quantum Technology in Defence& National Security

• Cybersecurity
  • Existing encryption standards will become obsolete.
  • Urgent need for Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to protect critical digital infrastructure.
• Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) & Espionage
  • Quantum computers can decrypt communications at scale, risking exposure of classified diplomatic and military data.
  • Enables real-time data processing for advanced surveillance.
• Military Applications
  • Quantum materials improve stealth detection and weapon precision.
  • Enhances autonomous weapons and navigation in GPS-denied environments.
• Logistics & Planning: Quantum AI can optimize defence logistics, battlefield resource allocation, and strategic decision-making.
• Economic Security: Quantum computing can protect or exploit vulnerabilities in financial systems, posing potential risks to economic stability.

Challenges for India

• Funding Gap: India’s allocation is modest compared to global peers.
• Hardware Dependence: Relies on imports for cryogenic systems, high-purity materials, and specialized lasers.
• Limited Industry Participation: India's ecosystem is academia-driven, with limited private sector engagement.
• Cybersecurity Risk: Legacy systems vulnerable to quantum attacks.
• Talent Shortage: Lack of trained quantum scientists and engineers.
• Geopolitical Race: Export restrictions by advanced countries can limit India’s access to key technologies.

Recent Advances in Quantum Technology

• Atom Computing/ColdQuanta: Improved qubit coherence for stable computations.
• IBM/Quantinuum: Enhanced qubit control and error reduction.
• Google Willow Chip: Introduced self-correcting qubit system.
• Microsoft Majorana-1: Developed topological qubits to improve fault tolerance.

Recommendations by NITI Aayog

• Policy & Preparedness:
  • Form a National Quantum Task Force to monitor global trends and threats.
  • Develop an Early Warning System for quantum vulnerabilities.
  • Implement a PQC Transition Plan across critical sectors.
• R&D & Startups:
  • Increase funding to scale quantum startups and indigenous hardware.
  • Promote public-private partnerships to commercialize academic research.
• Supply Chain Development:Invest in domestic manufacturing for quantum components like chips and lasers.
• Global Engagements:
  • Strengthen partnerships with the US, EU, and Japan.
  • Advocate for easing export controls to access vital technologies.

In News:

In January–February 2025, Karnataka's property registration portal, Kaveri 2.0, faced major disruptions due to a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, severely affecting property registrations and revenue generation. The portal, launched in 2023, is a key component of the state's e-governance infrastructure.

What is a DDoS Attack?

A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack aims to disrupt a server, service, or network by flooding it with excessive traffic, rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users.

How it works:

• Botnet Formation: Hackers compromise multiple devices using malware, turning them into bots.
• Traffic Overload: These bots generate huge volumes of fake traffic directed at the target system.
• Service Disruption: The targeted service slows down or crashes, affecting user access.

Types of DDoS Attacks:

• Bandwidth Saturation – Exhausting the target's internet capacity.
• Protocol Exploitation – Abusing vulnerabilities in network protocols.
• Application Targeting – Crashing specific applications or services.

Kaveri 2.0 Case: AI-Based DDoS Attack

• The Stamps and Registration Department (SRD) of Karnataka confirmed that the portal was targeted using AI tools that generated over 20 lakh fake search queries per day—far beyond its capacity of 2.5 lakh.
• These queries mainly targeted services like Encumbrance Certificate (EC) searches, causing widespread slowdown and outages.
• On February 1, only 556 property registrations occurred, compared to the usual 8,000–9,000 daily, with revenue dipping to ?15.18 crore from an average of over ?62 crore.
• After mitigation, services were restored by February 7, returning to normal levels of 7,225 registrations and ?62.59 crore in revenue.

Impact of DDoS Attacks on Public Services

• Operational Disruption: Essential citizen services are halted, creating public inconvenience.
• Financial Loss: Delayed transactions and reduced revenue, as seen in the Kaveri 2.0 case.
• Reputational Damage: Public trust in digital governance platforms may erode.
• Cybersecurity Risks: DDoS attacks can mask more sophisticated intrusions.

Preventive Measures

• Traffic Filtering: Using AI tools to detect and block abnormal traffic.
• Rate Limiting: Restricting the number of queries per user/IP.
• Bot Detection: Implementing CAPTCHAs and behavior analysis.
• Robust Authentication: Enhancing security for administrative access.
• Incident Response Teams: Dedicated cybersecurity units to respond to threats promptly.

In News:

The Indian Navy’s biennial TROPEX-25is currently underway in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) from January to March 2025.

It is the Indian Navy’s largest maritime exercise, aimed at testing combat readiness and integrated warfighting capabilities across all domains.

About TROPEX

• Full Form: Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX)
• Frequency: Biennial (every two years)
• Lead Agency: Indian Navy
• Participants:
  • Indian Navy (all operational units)
  • Indian Army (IA)
  • Indian Air Force (IAF)
  • Indian Coast Guard (ICG)

Purpose and Strategic Objectives

TROPEX-25 aims to:

• Validate core warfighting skills of the Indian Navy.
• Ensure a synchronised, integrated response across services to defend India’s maritime interests.
• Simulate real-time operations in a contested maritime environment, including conventional, asymmetric, and hybrid threats.
• Enhance jointness, interoperability, and combat synergy among the three armed forces and the Coast Guard.

Duration and Operational Scope

• Timeline: January to March 2025 (Three months)
• Location: Various sectors across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
• Phases:
  • Harbour Phase: Planning and coordination activities.
  • Sea Phase: Execution of complex naval and joint operations.
  • Joint Work-Up Phase: Includes cyber and electronic warfare, and live weapon firings.
  • AMPHEX (Amphibious Exercise): Integrated amphibious operations.

Key Features

• Integrated Combat Operations: Real-time execution of multi-domain missions
• Cyber and Electronic Warfare: Tactical simulations of modern non-kinetic threats
• Live Weapon Firings: Enhancing target precision and battle readiness
• Inter-Service Jointness: High-level coordination across the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard
• Maritime Domain Awareness: Surveillance and security operations over vast maritime stretches

Strategic Significance

• Reinforces India’s commitment to safeguarding maritime sovereignty and strategic interests in the Indian Ocean.
• Enhances forward-deployment strategies, logistics, and sustained operations far from the mainland.
• Demonstrates India’s ability to operate “Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow” in support of national security.

In News:

The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently released the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report. The report examines cybersecurity trends, key challenges, and necessary strategies to enhance global cyber resilience.

About Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025

Produced in collaboration with Accenture, the report highlights major cybersecurity issues influenced by geopolitical tensions, emerging technologies, supply chain complexities, and cybercrime advancements.

Key Issues Highlighted

• Geopolitical Conflicts:

• Ongoing conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, have increased cyber vulnerabilities in critical sectors like energy, telecommunications, and nuclear power.
• Nearly 60% of organizations state that geopolitical tensions have impacted their cybersecurity strategies.

• Cybersecurity Readiness:

• Two-thirds of organizations foresee AI impacting cybersecurity, yet only one-third have the tools to assess AI-related risks.
• Smaller organizations face significant challenges in adopting AI-driven security measures.

• Cyber Skills Gap:

• As of 2024, there is a shortage of 4.8 million cybersecurity professionals globally.
• Only 14% of organizations have a skilled workforce to manage current cybersecurity threats.
• Public-sector organizations are notably impacted, with 49% reporting a shortage in cybersecurity talent.

• Supply Chain Interdependencies:

• Over 50% of large organizations identify supply chain complexity as a barrier to cyber resilience.
• Vulnerabilities in third-party software, cyberattacks, and enforcement issues in security standards are key concerns.

• Cybercrime Sophistication:

• Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging generative AI tools for automated and personalized attacks, including phishing and social engineering.
• In 2024, 42% of organizations experienced phishing and deepfake attacks.

• Regulatory Challenges: 70% of organizations reported that complex cybersecurity regulations cause compliance issues.

Impacts

• Critical Infrastructure:
  • Cyberattacks on essential infrastructure, such as water utilities, satellites, and power grids, pose severe risks to public safety.
  • Example: A 2024 cyberattack on a U.S. water utility disrupted operations, highlighting vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure systems.
• Biosecurity Risks:
  • Advancements in AI, cyberattacks, and genetic engineering create risks for bio-laboratories and research institutions.
  • Incidents in South Africa and the UK underscore these threats.
• Economic Disparities: Developed regions like Europe and North America demonstrate stronger cyber resilience compared to emerging economies such as Africa and Latin America.
• Transition Issues to Renewable Energy (RE): The shift to renewable energy introduces new cybersecurity risks, making power grids attractive targets for cybercriminals.

Factors Increasing Cybersecurity Complexity

• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Increasingly complex supply chains create risks with limited oversight, enabling cyberattacks to spread across interconnected systems.
• Geopolitical Tensions: Conflicts have driven advanced cyber strategies targeting critical infrastructure.
• AI-Driven Threats: Generative AI enables scalable malware deployment and sophisticated multilingual social engineering attacks.
• Cyber Skills Gap: A growing 8% skills gap leaves two-thirds of organizations unable to meet cybersecurity demands.
• Convergence of Cybercrime and Organized Crime: Rising cyber-enabled fraud has attracted organized crime groups, amplifying social impact.
• Climate-Linked Cyber Risks: Energy grids are increasingly targeted due to their reliance on evolving energy systems.
• Quantum Vulnerabilities: Quantum computing poses risks to public-key encryption, which is essential for securing digital systems.

Way Forward

Strategic Investment:

• Cybersecurity must be viewed as a strategic investment rather than a technical expense.
• Governments are encouraged to modernize legacy systems and upgrade operational technologies to protect critical sectors.

Public-Private Collaboration:

• Collaboration between business and cybersecurity leaders is essential for sharing threat intelligence and enhancing resilience.
• Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may require government incentives to enhance cybersecurity.

Skills Development: Expanding specialized training programs, certifications, and incentives is crucial to addressing the cybersecurity skills gap.

Focus on Resilience Over Prevention: Nations must prioritize resilience by enhancing response mechanisms, crisis management frameworks, and ensuring continuity of services.

International Cooperation:

• Collaborative efforts through forums like the United Nations (UN) and G20 can strengthen global cybersecurity frameworks.
• Developed nations should assist emerging economies in improving cyber resilience.

Current Framework for Cybersecurity in India

• Legislative Measures:
  • Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act)
  • Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
• Institutional Framework:
  • Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)
  • National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC)
  • Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
  • Cyber Swachhta Kendra
• Strategic Initiatives:
  • Bharat National Cybersecurity Exercise 2024
  • National Cyber Security Policy, 2013
• Sector-Specific Regulations:
  • Cybersecurity Framework for SEBI Regulated Entities
  • Telecommunications (Critical Telecommunication Infrastructure) Rules, 2024

In News:

In a major boost to India’s maritime defense capabilities, three frontline warships—INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer—were commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This marks a significant step in India's self-reliance in defense manufacturing and strengthens its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

INS Nilgiri: Project 17A Stealth Frigate

INS Nilgiri is the lead ship of the Project 17A class, an advanced version of the Shivalik-class frigates, designed for multi-mission capabilities in blue-water operations.

Key Features:

• Advanced stealth technology reducing radar and infrared signatures.
• Equipped with supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM), upgraded 76 mm guns, and rapid-fire close-in weapon systems.
• Versatile roles in anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.
• Constructed using integrated modular design for faster assembly.
• Other ships in this class—Himgiri, Taragiri, Udaygiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri—are under construction at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).

INS Surat: Project 15B Stealth Destroyer

INS Surat is the fourth and final guided missile destroyer under Project 15B, following INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, and INS Imphal. It represents an upgraded version of the Kolkata-class destroyers.

Key Features:

• AI-Enabled Operations: First Indian warship integrated with artificial intelligence solutions for enhanced combat efficiency.
• High-Speed Capability: Can exceed speeds of 30 knots (56 km/h).
• Advanced Armament: Equipped with modern surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and sophisticated network-centric warfare sensors.
• Strategic Role: Acts as a high-speed, maneuverable warship with increased strike capability and endurance.

Project 15B was initiated in 2011, with ships named after major Indian cities to symbolize national unity. These destroyers serve as critical assets in naval operations, ensuring dominance in maritime warfare.

INS Vaghsheer: Project 75 Scorpene-Class Submarine

INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final Kalvari-class submarine built under Project 75, designed for stealth and versatile naval operations.

Key Features:

• Scorpene-Class Design: Developed in collaboration with the French Naval Group.
• Diesel-Electric Propulsion: Silent and highly maneuverable, making it one of the world’s most advanced attack submarines.
• Mission Capabilities: Specializes in anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and special operations.
• Weapons Systems: Armed with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and state-of-the-art sonar systems.

The Kalvari-class submarines continue India's legacy of submarine warfare, named after decommissioned Soviet-origin Foxtrot-class submarines post-Independence.

In News:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the ‘Bharatpol’ portal, which aims to streamline international cooperation for law investigating agencies.

Key Highlights:

Bharatpol is a newly launched portal developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India to facilitate faster and more efficient international cooperation between Indian law enforcement agencies and Interpol. It was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, to streamline the process of sharing criminal intelligence and coordinating efforts in transnational crimes like cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, financial fraud, and organized crime.

The portal aims to address the current challenges in international collaboration, which previously relied on slower communication methods such as letters, emails, and faxes, often leading to delays in investigations.

Key Features and Functions of Bharatpol:

• Unified Platform: Bharatpol integrates CBI as the National Central Bureau (NCB-New Delhi) with all Indian law enforcement agencies, from state police forces to higher authorities. This allows better coordination and quicker access to international resources.
• Simplified Request Mechanism: The portal provides a standardized method for frontline police officers to request international assistance from Interpol member countries, using templates for efficiency.
• Rapid Information Dissemination: Bharatpol enables the CBI to quickly share criminal intelligence and other pertinent information with law enforcement agencies across India, helping to tackle international criminal activities in real-time.
• Increase in Utilization of Interpol Notices: The portal makes it easier for Indian law enforcement agencies to issue and manage Red Corner Notices and other Interpol notices, which are essential tools in tracking criminals globally.
• Capacity Building and Training: Bharatpol includes resources for training law enforcement personnel, improving their ability to conduct investigations abroad and seek foreign assistance via Interpol.

How Bharatpol Works:

• Key Modules of Bharatpol:
  • Connect: Facilitates the integration of Indian agencies with the Interpol NCB-New Delhi, creating a seamless communication channel.
  • INTERPOL Notices: Supports the rapid issuance and processing of Interpol Notices like Red Corner Notices to locate criminals globally.
  • References: Enables Indian agencies to seek and offer international assistance for investigations.
  • Broadcast: Ensures quick availability of assistance requests from Interpol member countries, facilitating faster responses.
  • Resources: Manages document exchanges and training materials to support the capacity-building efforts of law enforcement agencies.

Potential Benefits of Bharatpol:

• Enhanced Coordination: Bharatpol facilitates better collaboration between central, state, and Union Territory agencies, allowing for a more structured and efficient approach to international crime investigations.
• Faster Investigation: Real-time sharing of information and the use of Interpol notices will help in tracking criminals and criminal activities both in India and abroad.
• Simplified Extradition Process: By streamlining international communication, Bharatpol will assist in expediting the extradition of criminals to India for prosecution.
• Support for Transnational Crime Prevention: It will help address growing threats such as cybercrime, human trafficking, and organized crime by improving the ability of Indian law enforcement to collaborate globally.

In News:

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Address at NCC Republic Day Camp 2025.

Key Highlights

• PanchPran as the Foundation of India’s Transformation:
  • PanchPran (Five Resolutions) were outlined by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar as the guiding principles for India’s future development.
  • These principles are fundamental to India’s national progress, ensuring a balanced approach to development and societal transformation.

The Five Principles of PanchPran:

• Social Harmony:
  • Aims to strengthen unity by leveraging India’s diverse cultures and traditions as sources of national strength.
  • Promotes inclusiveness and national integration.
• Family Enlightenment:
  • Emphasizes the importance of families in nurturing patriotic and moral values.
  • Acts as a foundation for creating a cohesive, enlightened society that respects traditions.
• Environmental Consciousness:
  • Advocates for sustainable development and conservation of nature.
  • Focuses on protecting natural resources for future generations.
• Swadeshi (Self-reliance):
  • Encourages promoting indigenous products as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
  • Strengthens India’s self-reliance by focusing on domestic production and consumption.
• Civic Duties:
  • Instills responsibility among citizens to actively contribute to the nation’s growth.
  • Encourages participation in community and national development activities.

National Cadet Corps (NCC)

• The National Cadet Corps (NCC) is the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces, established in 1948.
• It is open to school and college students on a voluntary basis and is a Tri-Services organization, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Purpose and Training:
  • Cadets undergo basic military training in small arms and drills.
  • Officers and cadets have no obligation for active military service after completing their courses.
• Historical Background:
  • Traces its origins back to the ‘University Corps’ formed under the Indian Defence Act of 1917 to address shortages in Army personnel.
• Structure and Leadership:
  • The NCC is headed by a Director General (DG), a senior officer with a 3-star rank.
  • Its headquarters are located in New Delhi.

In News:

In its annual report, the Union Home Ministry has warned the public against getting trapped in organised 'pig-butchering scams'.

Key Highlights:

• What is it?
  • The Pig-Butchering Scam is a sophisticated form of cybercrime in which fraudsters deceive victims into investing in fake online trading platforms. The term "pig-butchering" is derived from the analogy of "fattening up" victims before stealing their money, much like preparing a pig for slaughter.
• How it works:
  • Initial Contact: Scammers typically reach out to victims through social media platforms, dating apps, or deceptive ads on websites like Google and Facebook.
  • Building Trust: Fraudsters create false friendships, using these connections to lure victims into investing in fake online trading apps. Cryptocurrency investments are often involved due to the ambiguity in the crypto market.
  • The Scam: Victims are shown fabricated profits to encourage further investment. However, when they try to withdraw their funds, the money is stolen, and they realize the trading platform was fake.
• Features of the Scam:
  • Use of fraudulent online trading platforms
  • Fabricated blockchain transactions, making fund recovery nearly impossible
  • Reliance on victims’ desire for quick financial gains
  • Linked to money laundering and cyber slavery in some cases
• Origin of the Scam:
  • The scam first appeared in China in 2016, where it was referred to as “sha zhu pan” (translated as "killing pig game").
  • It is a form of Ponzi scheme, wherein organized scammers exploit victims by using fake online identities and offering false investment opportunities.
• How Cybercriminals Lure Victims:
  • The scammer (host) contacts potential victims via social media, dating apps, or deceptive online advertisements.
  • They build trust with the victim, enticing them into exploring online investments and cryptocurrency trading, often capitalizing on the lack of clarity in the crypto space.
  • The victim is then persuaded to invest larger amounts in fake trades, believing they are making real profits.
• How the Scam is Executed:
  • The scammer uses fake online trading platforms to create the illusion of profit.
  • After building the victim’s confidence, the fraudster encourages larger investments.
  • When victims try to withdraw their funds, they realize their money is gone, often with blockchain transactions making it nearly impossible to trace or recover the funds.
• Statistics on Cybercrime in India:
  • In March 2024, the National Cybercrime Threat Analytical Unit recorded over 37,500 complaints related to cybercrime.
  • The highest number of complaints (42%) were associated with WhatsApp (14,746), followed by Telegram (7,651), Instagram (7,152), Facebook (7,051), and YouTube (1,135).
• Union Home Ministry’s Response:
  • The MHA has flagged pig-butchering scams as a global phenomenon that could involve large-scale money laundering and cyber slavery.
  • The Ministry is collaborating with Google for intelligence sharing to flag suspicious digital lending apps and other forms of fraud.
  • The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre is working on capacity building to combat such scams and improve the response to cybercrimes.

In News:

On December 20, 2024, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah attended the 61st Raising Day function of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Siliguri, West Bengal. During the event, he e-inaugurated the Integrated Check Point (ICP) Agartala and a newly constructed residential complex for the Border Guard Force (BGF) at Petrapole. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB), Secretary of Border Management (MHA), and the Director-General of SSB.

Key Highlights from the Speech:

• Tributes to Martyrs: Shri Shah paid tributes to SSB martyrs, highlighting their sacrifices in protecting the country's borders and eliminating Left Wing Extremism in the eastern region. He acknowledged the 4 Padma Shri, 1 Kirti Chakra, and other national awards received by SSB for their exceptional service.
• Role in Connecting Borders: The Home Minister praised SSB’s role in connecting the culture, language, and heritage of border villages with mainstream India. He emphasized that the SSB has fulfilled its motto of "Service, Security, and Brotherhood" while maintaining a strong relationship with Nepal and Bhutan.
• Security and Vigilance: SSB is responsible for securing a 2,450 km border with Nepal and Bhutan. Shri Shah noted that SSB's vigilance has helped in stopping narcotics, arms smuggling, and human trafficking. Additionally, the force has worked to ensure that Bihar and Jharkhand are now Naxal-free.
• Zero-Tolerance Policy: The SSB has a zero-tolerance policy on encroachments, narcotics, and smuggling. Over the last three years, the SSB successfully removed more than 1,100 encroachments from government land and seized significant amounts of narcotics, weapons, and counterfeit currency.
• Impact in Jammu & Kashmir: SSB has played a critical role in combating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, killing more than 19 terrorists and arresting 14 through various operations.
• Humanitarian Efforts: Besides security, SSB has actively participated in disaster relief operations during floods and landslides, often at great personal risk.
• Government Schemes for CAPF Personnel: Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, various welfare schemes like Ayushman Cards, CAPF e-Housing, and scholarships have been launched to support CAPF personnel and their families.
• Self-Employment Initiatives: SSB has promoted self-employment for border youth, training them in areas like beekeeping, mobile repairing, and driving. They have also contributed significantly to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, creating awareness about drug addiction among 36,000 youth.
• Environmental Contribution: The force has planted over 6 crore trees as part of its environmental efforts.

In News:

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of the Government of India has recently reinstated the Protected Area Regime (PAR) for the states of Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland, which are strategically located along the international border with Myanmar. This move comes amid growing security concerns, particularly the influx of migrants from Myanmar, which has been cited as a significant factor in the ongoing conflicts in the region.

What is Protected Area Permit (PAP)?

A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is a special permission required for foreign nationals to visit certain areas of India deemed sensitive due to their proximity to international borders or other security-related concerns. The regulations governing the PAP are laid down under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, which restricts the entry of foreigners to designated regions within India.

Purpose of PAP:

The PAP regime serves multiple critical objectives:

• National Security: It ensures the monitoring and regulation of foreign nationals in sensitive border areas.
• Preservation of Local Communities: The regime safeguards indigenous populations and their unique cultural heritage.
• Environmental Conservation: The permit helps minimize ecological disturbances in fragile regions, ensuring sustainable tourism and development.

Key Features of PAP Regime:

• Eligibility: All foreign nationals, excluding Bhutanese citizens, must obtain a PAP to enter these designated areas. The permit can be granted for specific regions, routes, and time periods.
• Validity: The PAP is typically valid for 10 days with the possibility of extension.
• Restricted Areas: Certain foreign nationals, particularly those from Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan, require prior approval from the MHA to enter these regions.
• Tourism and Other Permits: While foreign nationals can visit these regions for tourism purposes under the PAP, non-touristic visits require special permission from the MHA.
• Registration: Foreigners must register with the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 24 hours of arrival in the protected area.

Historical Context and Reimposition:

The PAP regime was lifted for Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland in 2011, as part of efforts to boost tourism in the region. However, due to rising security concerns related to illegal immigration and ethnic tensions, the MHA reimposed the PAP in 2025. The government’s move aligns with its broader national security strategy to better control foreign movements in sensitive border regions, particularly those with Myanmar, where the Free Movement Regime (FMR) had previously allowed easier cross-border travel.

Background on Security Concerns:

The influx of individuals from Myanmar, particularly members of the Chin community, which shares ethnic ties with the Kuki-Zomi communities in India, has been a source of tension. The Manipur government has repeatedly emphasized that uncontrolled migration has contributed to the unrest in the state. Additionally, the decision to end the FMR between India and Myanmar has further intensified the debate over border security and migration.

Impact on Tourism and Local Communities:

While the reimposition of the PAP is seen as a measure to strengthen security, it has raised concerns in states like Mizoram and Nagaland, which have been actively promoting tourism. For example, Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival recently attracted over 200,000 visitors, including foreign nationals. The reintroduced restrictions may dampen tourism in these states, which were previously exempt from the PAP to encourage foreign visits.

Key Legal Provisions Under the PAP Regime:

• Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958: This order mandates the requirement of a PAP for foreigners visiting areas close to international borders.
• Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, 1963: This order covers areas that require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for foreign nationals, such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

States Affected by the PAP Regime:

The PAP regime affects regions close to India’s international borders, including the entire states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand.

In News:

The annual ‘Smuggling in India - Report 2023-24’ report, which highlights DRI’s performance and experience over the last financial year as well as trends in the field of anti-smuggling and commercial fraud, will be released during the celebration.

Major Narcotics Hubs and Routes:

• Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan (The Death Crescent):
  • Primary source of heroin trafficked into India.
  • Routes via Africa, the Gulf, and India-Pakistan border.
• Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand (The Death Triangle):
  • Significant source of synthetic drugs and heroin.
  • Drugs often enter India through porous northeastern borders (e.g., Assam, Mizoram).
  • Vulnerable regions: Moreh, Churachandpur, Zokhawthar.
• Maritime Routes:
  • India’s vast coastline provides opportunities for drug trafficking, often through concealed shipping containers and fishing vessels.
• Air Routes:
  • Increased trafficking due to international air traffic.
  • Smuggled drugs often concealed in luggage, courier packages, or ingested by mules.

Major Narcotics Trends and Seizures (FY24):

• Cocaine:
  • Significant increase in trafficking, particularly from South America and Africa.
  • 47 seizures, up from 21 in the previous year.
  • Seized quantity: 107 kg.
• Methamphetamine:
  • Spiked in northeastern states like Assam and Mizoram.
  • Seized quantity in FY24: 136 kg; increased in the first half of FY25 with 123 kg.
• Hydroponic Marijuana:
  • Increasing smuggling from the US, Thailand, and other countries.
• Black Cocaine:
  • New form of cocaine coated with substances like charcoal or iron oxide to evade detection.
• Contraband Cigarettes:
  • Smuggling through sea routes, especially from Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
  • Seizures increased by 19% in FY25, reaching 3.95 crore sticks.
• Illicit Gold:
  • Significant destination for gold smuggling from West Asia (UAE, Saudi Arabia).
  • Seized quantity fell slightly (1,319 kg in FY24), with land and air routes being primary methods.
• Wildlife Smuggling:
  • Seizures included 53.5 kg of elephant tusks, leopard skins, live pangolins, and more.

Challenges and Issues:

• Porous Borders:
  • Smuggling across eastern borders with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal remains a significant challenge.
  • Difficult terrain in these regions aids traffickers.
• Air and Sea Routes:
  • Growing use of air and maritime routes due to faster movement of goods.
• Technology and Detection:
  • Emergence of “black cocaine” challenges traditional detection methods.

Anti-Smuggling and Drug Control Efforts:

• International Cooperation:
  • United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) lead global efforts.
  • Paris Pact Initiative targets Afghan opiate trafficking.
• Indian Initiatives:
  • Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (1985) provides legal framework.
  • Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) work together for enforcement.
  • National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan focus on awareness and rehabilitation.

ABOUT DRI

• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is the premier intelligence and enforcement agency on anti-smuggling matters under the aegis of Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), Government of India.
• It came into existence on 4th December 1957.
• With its Headquarters at New Delhi, 12 Zonal Units, 35 Regional Units and 15 Sub-Regional Units, DRI has been carrying out its mandate of preventing and detecting cases of smuggling of narcotic drugs & psychotropic substances, gold, diamonds, precious metals, wildlife products, cigarettes, arms, ammunitions & explosives, counterfeit currency notes, foreign currency, SCOMET Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies) items, hazardous & environmentally sensitive materials, antiques etc. and taking punitive action against the organised crime groups engaged therein.
• DRI is also engaged in unearthing commercial frauds and instances of customs duty evasion.

In News:

The Delhi Police recently initiated Operation Kawach, arresting and detaining around 1,000 people in an attempt to crack down on various gangs and their operations in the wake of the recent incidents of shootings reported in the city.

Overview of Operation Kawach

• Objective: A crackdown on gang-related violence, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities like possession of firearms, banned drugs, and liquor.
• Agencies Involved:Delhi Police (Local Police, Special Cell, and Crime Branch)
• Duration: Initiated on November 12, 2024 (5 PM) and continued until November 13, 2024 (5 PM).

Key Details of the Operation

• Arrests and Detentions:
  • Around 1,000 people detained.
  • 486 people apprehended in Outer North Delhi (20% juveniles).
  • Arrests made in Dwarka, Southwest, and North Delhi.
• Key Gangs Targeted:
  • Associated with notorious gangs led by Lawrence Bishnoi, Neeraj Bawana, Kaushal Chaudhary, TilluTajpuria, Kala Jatheri, Manjeet Mahal, and Nandu gangs.
• Charges: Involvement in activities like:
  • Possession of illegal firearms.
  • Trafficking of liquor and banned drugs (NDPS Act).
  • Theft and other criminal activities.

Significance of Operation Kawach

• Public Safety: Aimed at dismantling organized crime networks to enhance safety and reduce violence in Delhi.
• Impact on Gangs: Directly targets high-profile criminals, including those involved in gang wars and drug trafficking.
• Strategic Law Enforcement: Strengthens law enforcement capabilities, working in coordination across multiple police units.

In News:

• ?1.2 lakh crore is the projected financial loss due to cyber frauds in India over the next year (2024), according to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Union Home Ministry.
  • This could amount to 0.7% of India’s GDP.
• Mule Accounts:
  • Mule accounts are a significant contributor to cyber frauds. These accounts are used to facilitate money laundering and illegal transactions.
  • On average, around 4,000 mule accounts are identified daily by I4C.
  • Mule accounts typically facilitate the transfer of funds out of India, often through cryptocurrency transactions.
• Sources of Cyber Scams:
  • A majority of frauds are linked to Chinese entities or China-based operations, with about half of the cybercrime complaints originating from China.
  • Other major hubs for cyber frauds include Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos, which house call-centre-like scam compounds.
  • Azerbaijan has also been identified as a new hotspot for such scams.
• International Dimension:
  • Fraudulent withdrawals have been reported from ATMs in Dubai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Russia using mule accounts.
  • The international nature of these scams often involves routing stolen funds through various countries, using methods like cryptocurrency exchanges.
• Cybercrime and Terror Financing:
  • Cyber scams have potential ramifications beyond financial losses; they can be used for terror financing and money laundering.
  • Cryptocurrency is a common medium for laundering money, with an example cited of ?5.5 crore laundered through 350 transactions in a short span.
• ATM Hotspots and Fraudulent Withdrawals:
  • 18 ATM hotspots have been identified across India where fraudulent withdrawals occur.
  • Fraudsters exploit these locations to withdraw money, often using mule bank accounts and cross-border ATM networks.
• Government Response:
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is working to combat these frauds by convening meetings with the Union Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • The objective is to curb the operation of mule accounts and strengthen the banking system to prevent such frauds.
  • Banks are being urged to flag unusually high-value transactions or accounts with low balances that are engaging in suspicious activity.
• Fraudulent Calls and Scam Compounds:
  • Indian fraudsters, in collaboration with international scam rings, use Indian mobile phone numbers to deceive citizens.
  • Countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Azerbaijan have been identified as hubs for investment scams involving fraudulent calls.
• Helpline and Cyber Fraud Reporting System:
  • The Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (part of I4C) and the 1930 helpline provide mechanisms to report financial frauds.
  • ?11,269 crore in financial frauds was reported during the first half of 2024 via these channels.
  • The system also involves cooperation with over 200 financial intermediaries, including banks and wallets.

In News:

Seven people were killed in Jammu and Kashmir when suspected militants targeted the workers of infrastructure company APCO Infratech, which is constructing the Z-Morh tunnel on the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway. This is the first militant attack on a key infrastructure project in Jammu and Kashmir. In the past, militants have not targeted such infrastructure projects in the region.

What is the Z-Morh Tunnel?

• Length: 6.4 kilometers
• Connection: Links Sonamarg (a popular tourist destination) with Kangan town in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
• Construction Site: Located near Gagangir village, ahead of Sonamarg.
• Naming: The tunnel gets its name from the Z-shaped road near the construction site.

Importance of the Z-Morh Tunnel

• All-Weather Connectivity: The tunnel is crucial for year-round access to Sonamarg, particularly in the winter when the road is often blocked by snow avalanches.
• Location: Situated at 8,500 feet above sea level, the tunnel provides a safe, all-weather route for tourists and locals, especially during winter months when access to Sonamarg is typically limited.

Strategic Importance

• Part of Zojila Tunnel Project:
  • The Z-Morh tunnel is integral to the larger Zojila tunnel project, which aims to provide all-weather connectivity from Srinagar to Ladakh.
  • The Zojila Tunnel, under construction at an altitude of around 12,000 feet, will connect Sonamarg (Kashmir) to Drass (Ladakh) and is expected to be completed by December 2026.
• Military and Strategic Significance:
  • The Z-Morh tunnel is crucial for rapid military mobilization between Srinagar, Kargil, Leh, and Drass regions.
  • It ensures quick access for military personnel to the Ladakh border, particularly in areas of heightened security like Siachen Glacier and the Turtuk sub-sector (on the Pakistan border).
  • The tunnel will reduce dependence on air transport for troop and supply movements to forward areas, leading to cost savings and extended aircraft lifespan.