Day 55 Mains Questions – Ace Answer Writing Program

Question 1: Examine the relationship between economic underdevelopment and the rise of extremism in India’s hinterlands. How can inclusive development strategies help mitigate the spread of extremism? (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

Economic underdevelopment in India’s hinterlands, marked by poverty, unemployment, and lack of infrastructure, is closely linked to the rise of extremism. Article 38 of the Indian Constitution mandates the state to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare, emphasizing the need for inclusive development.

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Relationship between Economic Underdevelopment and Extremism –

1. Poverty and Unemployment: Economic hardships drive individuals towards extremism as a means of expressing frustration, as seen in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas like Chhattisgarh.
2. Lack of Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure such as roads and communication networks isolates communities, making them vulnerable to extremist ideologies, as observed in the remote tribal areas of Jharkhand.
3. Social Inequality: The perception of social and economic injustice fosters resentment, which extremist groups exploit to recruit members, particularly among marginalized communities.
4. Displacement and Land Alienation: Forced displacement due to industrial projects without adequate rehabilitation fuels anger and makes people susceptible to extremist influence, evident in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
5. Weak Governance: In regions with weak governance and limited state presence, extremist groups fill the vacuum by providing basic services, thereby gaining local support.

Inclusive Development Strategies to Mitigate Extremism –

1. Employment Generation: Initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) can provide stable income, reducing the allure of extremism by addressing economic grievances.
2. Improving Infrastructure: Developing roads, schools, and healthcare facilities in underdeveloped areas enhances state presence and connectivity, reducing the isolation that extremists exploit.
3. Empowering Local Communities: Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) ensures local participation in governance, addressing grievances and promoting social inclusion.
4. Rehabilitation and Resettlement: Implementing fair and transparent rehabilitation policies for displaced populations can prevent alienation and resentment, as seen in the Forest Rights Act’s provisions.
5. Education and Awareness: Promoting education and awareness in vulnerable regions can counter extremist narratives and encourage youth to pursue constructive opportunities.

Conclusion

The relationship between economic underdevelopment and extremism in India’s hinterlands highlights the need for inclusive development strategies. By addressing the root causes of poverty, inequality, and marginalization, such strategies can play a crucial role in mitigating the spread of extremism. A focus on inclusive development not only promotes national security but also aligns with the broader goals of social justice and equity.

Additional Data and Committees for Value Addition –

1. D.Bandopadhyay Committee: Suggested measures for addressing LWE, including land reforms and strengthening local governance.
2. Integrated Action Plan (IAP): Focuses on the development of LWE-affected districts by improving infrastructure and providing employment.
3. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): Enhances connectivity in rural areas, crucial for integrating isolated regions into the mainstream economy.

Question 2: Analyze the impact of foreign funding on extremist activities in India. What measures have been taken by the Indian government to curb the influence of external state and non-state actors in fueling domestic terrorism? (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

Foreign funding plays a significant role in fueling extremist activities in India, as external state and non-state actors seek to destabilize the country. Article 51 of the Indian Constitution emphasizes the promotion of international peace, necessitating measures to curb such influences.

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Impact of Foreign Funding on Extremist Activities in India –

1. Financing Terror Networks: Foreign funds are used to finance terror networks in India, enabling groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) to carry out attacks.
2. Radicalization Efforts: Foreign funding supports radicalization efforts, particularly in vulnerable regions like Jammu & Kashmir, where youth are indoctrinated with extremist ideologies.
3. Procurement of Arms: External funding facilitates the procurement of arms and explosives, as seen in cross-border terrorism where militants are supplied with sophisticated weaponry.
4. Support for Separatist Movements: Funding from foreign sources bolsters separatist movements in India, particularly in the northeastern states, where groups seek to destabilize the region.
5. Propaganda and Recruitment: External funds are often funneled into propaganda campaigns and recruitment drives, as witnessed in the use of online platforms by extremist groups to attract followers.

Measures Taken by the Indian Government to Curb Foreign Influence –

1. Enforcement of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA): The FCRA regulates foreign donations to NGOs and individuals, ensuring that funds are not misused for activities detrimental to national security.
2. Strengthening Financial Intelligence: The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) monitors and analyzes suspicious transactions, tracking the flow of funds that could be used for terrorism.
3. Designation of Terrorist Organizations: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) empowers the government to designate organizations and individuals as terrorists, freezing their assets and cutting off funding sources.
4. International Cooperation: India collaborates with international agencies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to enhance global efforts in combating terror financing and money laundering.
5. Cyber Surveillance: Enhanced cyber surveillance and monitoring of online transactions help detect and intercept foreign funds aimed at fueling extremist activities, particularly in digital and dark web platforms.

Conclusion

Foreign funding significantly exacerbates extremist activities in India by supporting terror networks, radicalization, and separatist movements. The Indian government has implemented a range of measures, including regulatory frameworks, financial intelligence, and international cooperation, to curb the influence of external actors. These efforts are essential not only for national security but also for promoting global peace and stability.

Additional Data and Committees for Value Addition –

1. Financial Action Task Force (FATF): Global body that sets standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, with which India actively collaborates.
2. National Investigation Agency (NIA): Leads investigations into terror financing and related activities in India, strengthening domestic counter-terrorism efforts.
3. EAG (Eurasian Group): India’s membership in this regional anti-money laundering group enhances cooperation with neighboring countries to curb cross-border funding for terrorism.

Question 3: Discuss the role of technology and social media in the radicalization process. How can India leverage digital platforms to counter extremist narratives and promote social harmony? (15 Marks, 250 words)

Introduction

Technology and social media have become significant tools in the radicalization process, where extremist groups exploit these platforms to spread their ideologies, recruit followers, and incite violence. Article 19 of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech but also underscores the need to maintain public order, highlighting the challenges of balancing these rights in the digital age.

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Role of Technology and Social Media in the Radicalization Process –

1. Dissemination of Extremist Ideologies: Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are used to disseminate extremist content, reaching a global audience rapidly and bypassing traditional media controls.
2. Recruitment and Indoctrination: Extremist groups use encrypted messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp to recruit and indoctrinate individuals, particularly targeting vulnerable youth, as seen in the recruitment tactics of ISIS.
3. Echo Chambers: Algorithms on social media platforms often create echo chambers where users are exposed only to content that reinforces their existing beliefs, making them more susceptible to radicalization.
4. Anonymous Communication: The anonymity offered by the internet allows individuals to engage in radical discussions and activities without fear of immediate repercussions, facilitating the spread of extremist narratives.
5. Use of Multimedia Content: Extremist groups utilize multimedia content, including videos, memes, and infographics, to appeal to a broader audience, making their narratives more compelling and easier to spread.

Leveraging Digital Platforms to Counter Extremist Narratives –

1. Promoting Counter-Narratives: The government and civil society can collaborate to promote counter-narratives that emphasize peace, tolerance, and social harmony, using the same digital platforms that extremists exploit.
2. Digital Literacy Programs: Implementing digital literacy programs that educate users about the dangers of online radicalization and how to identify and avoid extremist content can help build resilience against radicalization.
3. Engaging Influencers: Engaging social media influencers and respected community leaders to spread positive messages and counter extremist propaganda can help reach a wider audience, especially the youth.
4. Strengthening Cyber Surveillance: Enhancing cyber surveillance and monitoring of online activities to detect and disrupt radicalization efforts early, while also protecting privacy rights, is essential for national security.
5. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with social media companies to ensure rapid identification and removal of extremist content, while also developing algorithms that reduce the spread of such content, can significantly curb online radicalization.

Conclusion

The role of technology and social media in the radicalization process is significant, but these platforms also offer opportunities to counter extremist narratives and promote social harmony. By leveraging digital platforms through counter-narratives, digital literacy, and strong public-private partnerships, India can mitigate the influence of extremist groups and strengthen social cohesion. This approach aligns with broader national security goals and the promotion of a peaceful, inclusive society.

Additional Data and Committees for Value Addition –

1. Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC): A government initiative that also addresses online radicalization threats among vulnerable groups.
2. Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT): An international consortium of technology companies working together to curb terrorist content online, which India collaborates with.
3. National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC): Proposed to monitor and respond to online radicalization and other forms of terrorism, enhancing India’s internal security framework.