Security Forces & Agencies: Mandates & Reform Trajectory

1. MANDATES OF CENTRAL ARMED POLICE FORCES (CAPF)

Cue Words	Notes
Internal Security & Border-Guarding Forces	CRPF: Internal security & counter-insurgency; specialised CoBRA (jungle warfare) wing; nodal force for LWE/Naxal zones and active anti-terror operations in J&K; the largest CAPF globally at 300,000+ personnel. BSF: Guards the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders; Creek Crocodiles wing for marshland operations; checks trans-border infiltration, drug smuggling, and drone incursions. ITBP: Guards the China (LAC) border; specialised skiing and mountain-rescue capability for high-altitude, sub-zero operations. SSB: Guards the Nepal and Bhutan borders; manages "soft"/open-border challenges — human trafficking and fake-currency routing. Assam Rifles: Indo-Myanmar border and Northeast counter-insurgency; unique dual control — administrative under MHA, operational under the Army/Ministry of Defence.
Specialised & Elite Forces	CISF: Protects critical infrastructure — airports, ISRO space centres, nuclear sites, central government buildings; dedicated Fire Wing. NSG: Federal "Black Cats" elite counter-terrorism contingency force, raised post-1984, deployed for anti-hijack and hostage-crisis response via its Special Action Group. Operates regional hubs at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Jammu, with a 7th hub being established at Ayodhya. One Border, One Force: Guiding administrative principle assigning a single CAPF per international border segment to avoid overlapping mandates.

Cue Words

Notes

Internal Security & Border-Guarding Forces

**CRPF**: Internal security & counter-insurgency; specialised **CoBRA** (jungle warfare) wing; nodal force for LWE/Naxal zones and active anti-terror operations in J&K; the largest CAPF globally at 300,000+ personnel.
**BSF**: Guards the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders; **Creek Crocodiles** wing for marshland operations; checks trans-border infiltration, drug smuggling, and drone incursions.
**ITBP**: Guards the China (LAC) border; specialised skiing and mountain-rescue capability for high-altitude, sub-zero operations.
**SSB**: Guards the Nepal and Bhutan borders; manages "soft"/open-border challenges — human trafficking and fake-currency routing.
**Assam Rifles**: Indo-Myanmar border and Northeast counter-insurgency; unique dual control — administrative under MHA, operational under the Army/Ministry of Defence.

Specialised & Elite Forces

**CISF**: Protects critical infrastructure — airports, ISRO space centres, nuclear sites, central government buildings; dedicated Fire Wing.
**NSG**: Federal "Black Cats" elite counter-terrorism contingency force, raised post-1984, deployed for anti-hijack and hostage-crisis response via its Special Action Group. Operates regional hubs at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Jammu, with a **7th hub being established at Ayodhya**.
**One Border, One Force**: Guiding administrative principle assigning a single CAPF per international border segment to avoid overlapping mandates.

> **Summary**: Each CAPF is purpose-built for a specific terrain or threat — porous plains (BSF), high-altitude LAC (ITBP), open borders (SSB), critical assets (CISF), or hostage crises (NSG) — with the "One Border, One Force" doctrine reducing jurisdictional overlap.

2. DEFENCE COMMAND REFORMS: CDS & JOINTNESS

Cue Words	Notes
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)	A four-star General serving as permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC) and Principal Military Advisor to the Defence Minister, heading the Department of Military Affairs (DMA). Mandated to foster inter-service jointness, optimise procurement, and integrate tri-service operations.
Integrated Theatre Commands	Transition underway from 17 single-service commands (Army 7, Navy 3, Air Force 7) to 3-4 geography-based integrated commands (e.g., Maritime Theatre Command, Air Defence Command, land-based Western/Eastern Theatre Commands). Strategic Advantage: Unifies logistics, maximises resource utilisation, and gives a single commander operational control over all three service components within a theatre — reducing the coordination lag seen in past conflicts.

Cue Words

Notes

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

A four-star General serving as permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC) and Principal Military Advisor to the Defence Minister, heading the Department of Military Affairs (DMA).
Mandated to foster inter-service jointness, optimise procurement, and integrate tri-service operations.

Integrated Theatre Commands

Transition underway from 17 single-service commands (Army 7, Navy 3, Air Force 7) to 3-4 geography-based integrated commands (e.g., Maritime Theatre Command, Air Defence Command, land-based Western/Eastern Theatre Commands).
**Strategic Advantage**: Unifies logistics, maximises resource utilisation, and gives a single commander operational control over all three service components within a theatre — reducing the coordination lag seen in past conflicts.

> **Summary**: The CDS post and the still-incomplete shift to Integrated Theatre Commands together represent India's biggest post-Independence restructuring of military jointness, aimed at closing the inter-service coordination gaps exposed by past conflicts.

3. SPECIALISED SPACE, CYBER & MARITIME AGENCIES

Cue Words	Notes
Space & Cyber Commands	Defence Space Agency (DSA): Tri-service nodal agency protecting India's space assets (communication, navigation, weather satellites) and operationalising counter-space defence, validated by the 2019 Mission Shakti anti-satellite test. Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA): Tri-service command defending military digital networks and conducting cyber operations.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG)	Established under the Coast Guard Act, 1978 (Ministry of Defence); nodal agency for sea search-and-rescue, marine pollution control (oil-spill response), and EEZ patrolling. Increasingly central to counter-smuggling and maritime-domain-awareness missions given rising drone and vessel-based infiltration attempts along the western maritime boundary.

> **Summary**: DSA, DCyA, and ICG extend India's security perimeter beyond land borders into space, cyberspace, and maritime domains — each a young institution still building out doctrine and dedicated cadre strength.

4. MODERNISATION & BUDGETARY TRAJECTORY

Cue Words	Notes
2026-27 CAPF Budget Allocation	The seven CAPFs (CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, NSG, Assam Rifles, SSB) together received a combined allocation of roughly ₹1,16,789 Crore for 2026-27, with increases across all forces. Modernisation Plan IV allocates funds for modern weapons, equipment, and upgraded IT systems, alongside a sharply increased building-infrastructure allocation (over ₹5,000 Crore, up from ~₹1,895 Crore) for CAPF and Central Police Organisation projects.

Cue Words

Notes

2026-27 CAPF Budget Allocation

The seven CAPFs (CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, NSG, Assam Rifles, SSB) together received a combined allocation of roughly ₹1,16,789 Crore for 2026-27, with increases across all forces.
Modernisation Plan IV allocates funds for modern weapons, equipment, and upgraded IT systems, alongside a sharply increased building-infrastructure allocation (over ₹5,000 Crore, up from ~₹1,895 Crore) for CAPF and Central Police Organisation projects.

> **Summary**: The 2026-27 budget cycle shows a decisive capital push toward CAPF infrastructure and equipment modernisation, reinforcing the "One Border, One Force" doctrine with the physical and technological capacity to execute it.

5. CONSTITUTIONAL BASIS & INSTITUTIONAL/CADRE CHALLENGES

Cue Words	Notes
Constitutional & Federal Division of Roles	Seventh Schedule: List II (State List) Entry 1 (Public Order) and Entry 2 (Police) place ordinary law-and-order under state domain; List I (Union List) Entry 1 (Defence of India) vests external defence with the Union — CAPFs occupy the intermediate space, deployed at state request or Union discretion. Article 355 imposes a duty on the Union to protect every state against external aggression and internal disturbance, forming the constitutional basis for CAPF/Army deployment in aid of civil authority. CAPFs report administratively to the MHA, distinct from the Army/Navy/Air Force under the MoD; wartime SOPs allow border-guarding CAPFs (BSF, ITBP) to transition to tactical operational control under the Army.
Cadre Stagnation, Attrition & Welfare Gaps	IPS–CAPF Cadre Conflict: Directly recruited CAPF officers (via the UPSC CAPF exam) contest that senior command posts (IG/ADG/DG) are reserved for deputed IPS officers, causing chronic promotional stagnation. OGAS Status: The Supreme Court upheld granting CAPF officers Organized Group 'A' Services (OGAS) status, entitling them to Non-Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU) to partially offset stagnation. Human Cost: Lack of a formal peace-to-field rotation policy (unlike the Army), housing satisfaction historically under 45%, and continuous hostile-theatre exposure contribute to high suicide and voluntary-retirement rates; frequent diversion to election/law-and-order duty further erodes primary training cycles. SMAC (Subsidiary Multi-Agency Centre): District/state-level joint intelligence-sharing platform that feeds into the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) framework to close inter-force communication gaps during domestic terror containment; MAC itself was revamped in 2025 (₹500 crore) linking 28 organisations with AI/ML-GIS analytics and an Organised Crime Network Database shared between NIA and State ATS units.

Cue Words

Notes

Constitutional & Federal Division of Roles

**Seventh Schedule**: List II (State List) Entry 1 (Public Order) and Entry 2 (Police) place ordinary law-and-order under state domain; List I (Union List) Entry 1 (Defence of India) vests external defence with the Union — CAPFs occupy the intermediate space, deployed at state request or Union discretion.
**Article 355** imposes a duty on the Union to protect every state against external aggression and internal disturbance, forming the constitutional basis for CAPF/Army deployment in aid of civil authority.
CAPFs report administratively to the **MHA**, distinct from the Army/Navy/Air Force under the **MoD**; wartime SOPs allow border-guarding CAPFs (BSF, ITBP) to transition to tactical operational control under the Army.

Cadre Stagnation, Attrition & Welfare Gaps

**IPS–CAPF Cadre Conflict**: Directly recruited CAPF officers (via the UPSC CAPF exam) contest that senior command posts (IG/ADG/DG) are reserved for deputed IPS officers, causing chronic promotional stagnation.
**OGAS Status**: The Supreme Court upheld granting CAPF officers Organized Group 'A' Services (OGAS) status, entitling them to Non-Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU) to partially offset stagnation.
**Human Cost**: Lack of a formal peace-to-field rotation policy (unlike the Army), housing satisfaction historically under 45%, and continuous hostile-theatre exposure contribute to high suicide and voluntary-retirement rates; frequent diversion to election/law-and-order duty further erodes primary training cycles.
**SMAC (Subsidiary Multi-Agency Centre)**: District/state-level joint intelligence-sharing platform that feeds into the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) framework to close inter-force communication gaps during domestic terror containment; MAC itself was revamped in 2025 (₹500 crore) linking 28 organisations with AI/ML-GIS analytics and an Organised Crime Network Database shared between NIA and State ATS units.

> **Summary**: The constitutional design deliberately keeps CAPFs distinct from both state police and the armed forces, but this dual identity also produces real institutional friction — an unresolved IPS-CAPF cadre conflict and chronic welfare/rotation gaps — that budgetary modernisation (Section 4) alone cannot fix.

6. COUNTER-TERROR JOINT EXERCISES

Cue Words	Notes
Which bilateral/multilateral exercises specifically build counter-terrorism capacity?	Nomadic Elephant (India-Mongolia, annual, alternating host): Focuses on counter-terrorism operations and precision sniping in semi-urban/mountainous terrain under a UN mandate, simulating peacekeeping scenarios. SURYAKIRAN (India-Nepal, annual): Validation phase showcases joint tactics for counter-terrorism operations mandated under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, including ISR and synchronised mission planning. Achook Prahar: Indian Army's Spear Corps and ITBP conduct joint firepower drills under simulated battlefield conditions in Arunachal Pradesh.

Cue Words

Notes

Which bilateral/multilateral exercises specifically build counter-terrorism capacity?

**Nomadic Elephant** (India-Mongolia, annual, alternating host): Focuses on counter-terrorism operations and precision sniping in semi-urban/mountainous terrain under a UN mandate, simulating peacekeeping scenarios.
**SURYAKIRAN** (India-Nepal, annual): Validation phase showcases joint tactics for counter-terrorism operations mandated under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, including ISR and synchronised mission planning.
**Achook Prahar**: Indian Army's Spear Corps and ITBP conduct joint firepower drills under simulated battlefield conditions in Arunachal Pradesh.

> **Summary**: Beyond domestic CAPF deployment, India institutionalises counter-terror readiness through recurring bilateral drills (Nomadic Elephant, SURYAKIRAN) that combine UN-mandated CT doctrine with tri-force/CAPF interoperability training.

7. ITBP LAC OPERATIONS & FORCE MODERNISATION

Cue Words	Notes
ITBP LAC Deployment & New Initiatives	ITBP guards 3,488-km India-China LAC; established 1962, initially under CRPF Act, later under ITBPF Act (1992 parliamentary enactment; rules framed 1994). Force motto: "Shaurya-Dridhata-Karma Nishtha"; Crest features Ashoka's Lion Capital on Chakra crossed by two rifles. Presently guards border in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh from Karakoram pass to Jechap La. ITBP 64th Raising Day parade held in Jammu; establishing 10 all-woman border posts across LAC region. Two all-women BOPs being established in Ladakh's Lukung and Thangi (Himachal Pradesh).
ITBP Extended Mandate & International Peacekeeping	Provides security to national importance installations: Rashtrapati Bhavan, Vice-President House, Rumtek Monastery, Tihar Jail, LBSNAA. Excelled in UN peacekeeping operations; personnel deployed in Angola, Namibia, Cambodia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Mozambique, Kosovo. Provides security, communication, medical cover during Annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1981 (Gunji to Lipulekh Pass, coordinated with MEA); since 2015 also conducted from Nathula route. At forefront of preservation of Himalayan environment ecology.

Cue Words

Notes

ITBP LAC Deployment & New Initiatives

ITBP guards 3,488-km India-China LAC; established 1962, initially under CRPF Act, later under ITBPF Act (1992 parliamentary enactment; rules framed 1994).
Force motto: "Shaurya-Dridhata-Karma Nishtha"; Crest features Ashoka's Lion Capital on Chakra crossed by two rifles.
Presently guards border in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh from Karakoram pass to Jechap La.
ITBP 64th Raising Day parade held in Jammu; establishing 10 all-woman border posts across LAC region.
Two all-women BOPs being established in Ladakh's Lukung and Thangi (Himachal Pradesh).

ITBP Extended Mandate & International Peacekeeping

Provides security to national importance installations: Rashtrapati Bhavan, Vice-President House, Rumtek Monastery, Tihar Jail, LBSNAA.
Excelled in UN peacekeeping operations; personnel deployed in Angola, Namibia, Cambodia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Mozambique, Kosovo.
Provides security, communication, medical cover during Annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1981 (Gunji to Lipulekh Pass, coordinated with MEA); since 2015 also conducted from Nathula route.
At forefront of preservation of Himalayan environment ecology.

> **Summary**: ITBP's multi-domain role expands beyond LAC security to include critical-asset protection, UN peacekeeping, cultural-diplomatic support (Mansarovar Yatra), and environmental stewardship — positioning it as more than a border-guarding force but a comprehensive mountain-security institution.

8. MARITIME SECURITY & COASTAL FORCE REFORMS

Cue Words	Notes
CISF Seaport Security Regulation	CISF designated as security regulator for over 250 seaports to plug coastal-security gaps. CISF currently provides security to all 13 major seaports across India. Presently no uniform security template for seaports; handled by private agencies and local police at many locations. Hybrid security model: core functions at export-import ports handled by CISF; non-core duties undertaken by State Police or Private Security Agencies.

Cue Words

Notes

CISF Seaport Security Regulation

CISF designated as security regulator for over 250 seaports to plug coastal-security gaps.
CISF currently provides security to all 13 major seaports across India.
Presently no uniform security template for seaports; handled by private agencies and local police at many locations.
Hybrid security model: core functions at export-import ports handled by CISF; non-core duties undertaken by State Police or Private Security Agencies.

> **Summary**: Centralising seaport security under CISF reflects recognition of coastal vulnerability and smuggling routes; hybrid model balances professional security with state/private capacity constraints.

9. SPECIALIZED FORCE COMPOSITION & PERSONNEL SCHEMES

Cue Words	Notes
CAPFs Composition & Agniveer Reservation	CAPFs comprise CISF, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles; function under administrative control of MHA. Assam Rifles operational control under Ministry of Defence; AR, BSF, ITBP, SSB are border-guarding forces. NSG is commando-trained special-operations force; CISF provides security to industrial undertakings and vital installations. MHA enhanced reservation for ex-Agniveers in Group C CAPF posts from 10% to 50%; 50% vacant constable posts in BSF reserved for former Agniveers.

Cue Words

Notes

CAPFs Composition & Agniveer Reservation

CAPFs comprise CISF, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles; function under administrative control of MHA.
Assam Rifles operational control under Ministry of Defence; AR, BSF, ITBP, SSB are border-guarding forces.
NSG is commando-trained special-operations force; CISF provides security to industrial undertakings and vital installations.
MHA enhanced reservation for ex-Agniveers in Group C CAPF posts from 10% to 50%; 50% vacant constable posts in BSF reserved for former Agniveers.

> **Summary**: Agniveer integration into CAPFs (50% constable reservation) represents institutional absorption of contract-military talent into paramilitary structures, bridging the armed forces-CAPF pipeline.

10. MULTI-AGENCY COUNTER-TERRORISM EXERCISES

Cue Words	Notes
Joint Military & CAPF Drills (2025-26)	Yudh Kaushal 3.0: Conducted in high-altitude Kameng region (Arunachal Pradesh); showcased preparedness for next-generation warfare in extreme Himalayan conditions; featured operational debut of newly raised ASHNI platoons integrating advanced technology with traditional combat skills. Cold Start Exercise: Army, Navy, Air Force joint exercise to test drones and counter-drone systems; likely held in Madhya Pradesh; underscores India's focus on drone warfare, technological adaptation, integrated air defence. Tri-services Exercise Trishul: Led by Indian Navy with Army and Air Force; large-scale 12-day joint drills across creek and desert sectors of Rajasthan and Gujarat; includes maritime operations, amphibious landings via INS Jalashwa and LCU vessels, carrier operations, air-sea coordinated missions. Samudra Pradakshina: Historic tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition from Mumbai; 10 women officers aboard indigenous IASV Triveni (50-foot yacht); covers ~26,000 nautical miles in 9 months via easterly route crossing Equator twice, rounding Capes Leeuwin, Horn, Good Hope; showcases Nari Shakti, jointness, Aatmanirbhar Bharat in shipbuilding. 2025 First-Ever Batch of Women Cadets Passes Out of NDA (30 May 2025): The National Defence Academy's 148th Course (Spring Term 2025) Passing Out Parade included the first-ever batch of 17 female cadets among 336 cadets passing out (1,341 total cadets participated in the parade at Khetarpal Parade Ground, Khadakwasla, Maharashtra); Reviewing Officer was the Governor of Mizoram, General (Dr) VK Singh (Retd). Note: "passing out" of the NDA (completion of joint training) is distinct from — and precedes — the later commissioning into the Armed Forces of these same cadets (see below). 2026 First Women NDA Cadets Commissioned (June 2026): The first batch of 17 women cadets trained at the National Defence Academy (NDA) — who joined in August 2022 as part of the 148th Course — were commissioned into the Defence Forces: 9 into the Indian Army (158th Regular Course, Indian Military Academy Dehradun, 13 June 2026, parade reviewed by President Droupadi Murmu); 5 into the Indian Air Force (217th Course, Air Force Academy Dundigal Hyderabad, 13 June 2026, parade reviewed by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh); and 3 into the Indian Navy (Spring Term 2026, Indian Naval Academy Ezhimala, 28 May 2026) — a historic first since the NDA opened its gates to women cadets.

Cue Words

Notes

Joint Military & CAPF Drills (2025-26)

**Yudh Kaushal 3.0**: Conducted in high-altitude Kameng region (Arunachal Pradesh); showcased preparedness for next-generation warfare in extreme Himalayan conditions; featured operational debut of newly raised ASHNI platoons integrating advanced technology with traditional combat skills.
**Cold Start Exercise**: Army, Navy, Air Force joint exercise to test drones and counter-drone systems; likely held in Madhya Pradesh; underscores India's focus on drone warfare, technological adaptation, integrated air defence.
**Tri-services Exercise Trishul**: Led by Indian Navy with Army and Air Force; large-scale 12-day joint drills across creek and desert sectors of Rajasthan and Gujarat; includes maritime operations, amphibious landings via INS Jalashwa and LCU vessels, carrier operations, air-sea coordinated missions.
**Samudra Pradakshina**: Historic tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition from Mumbai; 10 women officers aboard indigenous IASV Triveni (50-foot yacht); covers ~26,000 nautical miles in 9 months via easterly route crossing Equator twice, rounding Capes Leeuwin, Horn, Good Hope; showcases Nari Shakti, jointness, Aatmanirbhar Bharat in shipbuilding.
2025 **First-Ever Batch of Women Cadets Passes Out of NDA (30 May 2025)**: The National Defence Academy's **148th Course (Spring Term 2025) Passing Out Parade** included the **first-ever batch of 17 female cadets** among **336 cadets** passing out (**1,341 total cadets** participated in the parade at **Khetarpal Parade Ground, Khadakwasla, Maharashtra**); Reviewing Officer was the **Governor of Mizoram, General (Dr) VK Singh (Retd)**. Note: "passing out" of the NDA (completion of joint training) is distinct from — and precedes — the later **commissioning into the Armed Forces** of these same cadets (see below).
2026 **First Women NDA Cadets Commissioned (June 2026)**: The first batch of **17 women cadets** trained at the **National Defence Academy (NDA)** — who joined in August 2022 as part of the **148th Course** — were commissioned into the Defence Forces: **9 into the Indian Army** (158th Regular Course, Indian Military Academy Dehradun, 13 June 2026, parade reviewed by President Droupadi Murmu); **5 into the Indian Air Force** (217th Course, Air Force Academy Dundigal Hyderabad, 13 June 2026, parade reviewed by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh); and **3 into the Indian Navy** (Spring Term 2026, Indian Naval Academy Ezhimala, 28 May 2026) — a historic first since the NDA opened its gates to women cadets.

> **Summary**: Recent exercises emphasise drone-warfare integration, gender-inclusive participation (Samudra Pradakshina, first women NDA cadets commissioned June 2026), and tri-service jointness — reflecting 2025-26 focus on technological edge and inclusive military culture.

11. CISF's FIRST ALL-WOMEN BATTALION (NOVEMBER 2024)

2024

Cue Words	Notes
What did Home Minister Amit Shah announce on 13 November 2024?	Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced approval of CISF's first-ever all-women battalion — an elite "Mahila Battalion" — on 13 November 2024. Tasked with protecting critical infrastructure (airports, metro rail) and providing VIP security as commandos. Women currently make up more than 7% of CISF's strength. The proposal originated from the Home Minister's direction at the 53rd CISF Day function.

Cue Words

Notes

What did Home Minister Amit Shah announce on 13 November 2024?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced approval of CISF's first-ever all-women battalion — an elite "Mahila Battalion" — on 13 November 2024.
Tasked with protecting critical infrastructure (airports, metro rail) and providing VIP security as commandos.
Women currently make up more than 7% of CISF's strength.
The proposal originated from the Home Minister's direction at the 53rd CISF Day function.

> **Summary**: The Mahila Battalion extends CISF's existing critical-infrastructure and VIP-security mandate (Section 1 above) into a dedicated all-women commando formation, reflecting the broader push for women's representation across CAPFs.

UPSC Mains PYQs

Border Guarding Forces & Transborder Crimes: Analyse the internal security threats and transborder crimes along India's borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, and discuss the roles of BSF, SSB, and Assam Rifles. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Jointness & Command Reform: Evaluate the strategic necessity of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) post and the ongoing transition to Integrated Theatre Commands in modernising India's defence architecture. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Specialised Agencies: Discuss the evolving roles of the Defence Space Agency, Defence Cyber Agency, and Indian Coast Guard in addressing non-traditional security threats. (10 Marks, 150 Words)
CAPF Institutional Challenges: "The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) play a vital role in border management and internal security, but face significant institutional and human resource challenges." Critically analyze these challenges, focusing on the cadre review issue and personnel stress. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Union-State Security Mandate: Analyze the division of roles between the Armed Forces of the Union and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with reference to the Seventh Schedule. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Gallantry awards: wartime honours (Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra, est. 1950) and peacetime honours (Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, renamed in 1967) are announced twice yearly on Republic Day and Independence Day.

Security Forces & Agencies: Mandates & Reform Trajectory ​

Security Forces & Agencies: Mandates & Reform Trajectory