MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. Internal security is seriously threatened by our enemies’ use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to transport weapons, ammunition, drugs, and other materials over international boundaries. Discuss the steps being done to address this issue.
GS III – Internal Security related issues
Introduction:
- A “remotely piloted or self-piloted aircraft that can carry cameras, sensors, communications equipment, or other payloads like arms/ammunitions, drugs” is known as an unmanned aerial vehicle, or UAV. It poses a significant risk to domestic security and can be exploited by our enemies over the border.
Reason for worry:
- They may fly at low speeds and high altitudes, making it challenging for border security personnel to identify and intercept them.
- Their ability to be operated remotely and flown from a secure distance lessens the danger to human operatives participating in infiltration operations.
- Unauthorised persons may obtain private information about military sites, vital infrastructure, and other important objectives by using drones for espionage.
The Indian government’s actions to address threats:
- Technological Upgradation: Anti-drone weaponry, radar detecting systems, jammers, and other systems (such as the French-developed DroneGun Tactical CHIMAERA anti-drone system and the SkyWall 100 anti-drone system).
- Military Intelligence: The BSF established floodlights, a border fence, and patrols, checkpoints, and observation stations to carry out round-the-clock surveillance.
- Institutional: To assess the technology available to stop rogue drones, MHA established the Anti Rogue Drone Technology Committee (ARDTC).
- Governmental Cooperation: Active cooperation on high-end drones with nations such as Israel.
- DRDO Nishant: Designed primarily to acquire intelligence over enemy territory, it is also utilised for damage assessment, target designation, training, surveillance, and artillery fire correction.
- Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) strategy: This entails taking down unwelcome drones and cutting off communication channels.
Way Forward:
- Internal security is at risk due to the development of technology. Thus, a thorough drone strategy that involves the private sector in the development of premium drones is urgently needed.
Q2. Describe the reasons behind the rise in young female suicides in Indian society.
GS I – Indian Society
Introduction:
- According to the National Crime Records Bureau, women made up 27% of suicides in India in 2021, with homemakers, students, and daily wage workers being the most impacted. This emphasises a crucial social issue.
Several factors contribute to this:
- Economic Dimensions: Hopelessness and helplessness are brought on by inadequate economic prospects and excessive reliance on the economy.
- Early Marriage and Post-Marriage Issues: Despairing and isolating experiences are brought on by forced early marriages, dowry demands, marital and family disputes, marital rape, emotional abuse, and the shame associated with mental health.
- Sexual Harassment and Violence: Trauma and mental health issues are brought on by sexual harassment and violence that go unreported.
- Media Influence and Unrealistic Expectations: Cyberbullying, internet harassment, and idealised portrayals of success and beauty lead to low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction.
Several Potential Remedies Involve:
- Programmes for Emotional Fitness: Curriculum development in schools and colleges should incorporate emotional intelligence, resilience, and stress management techniques.
- Accessible Mental Health treatments: Utilise telemedicine, community-based initiatives, and mobile clinics to offer mental health treatments in remote and underprivileged areas.
- AI-Powered Upskilling Platforms: Create online tools that allow stay-at-home moms to customise skill-building courses.
- Social Media Literacy: Encourage young women to enrol in social media literacy programmes that equip them with critical thinking abilities.
Way Forward:
- With prompt and effective interventions, the tragedy of teenage suicide can be prevented. Regardless of age, background, or socioeconomic status, it is the collective duty of society to provide a safe, caring environment for all young women and to look out for their mental health and wellbeing.
