GS Paper III · Internal Security
Security Forces Current Affairs for UPSC (GS Paper III)
From the syllabus: Linkages between development and extremism; role of external state and non-state actors; communication networks, media and social networking in internal security; cyber security; money-laundering; border areas and organized crime with terrorism; security forces and agencies
Why it matters: Questions assess the operational readiness of armed units and coordination mechanisms required during internal security emergencies.
In the news
September 2026
20 Sep 2026
India Cites Protocol Violation Following Maritime Incident in North Arabian SeaIndia raised diplomatic concerns following a maritime encounter in the North Arabian Sea, invoking Article 10 of the 1991 bilateral agreement on advance notice of naval exercises. The agreement requires prior notification for naval...
16 Sep 2026
India Protests Naval Collision Involving Pakistani VesselThe Ministry of External Affairs summoned Pakistan's envoy in New Delhi to lodge a strong protest following a collision between Indian and Pakistani naval vessels. India characterized the maneuver by Pakistani naval units as...
06 Sep 2026
Bihar Mandates Prior State Sanction for CBI Probes Against State EmployeesThe Bihar government has withdrawn its general consent to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), making prior state permission mandatory before investigating state government employees. However, the notification clarifies that the...
04 Sep 2026
U.S. Military Restricts Ad-Tracking Data Amid National Security ConcernsThe U.S. military curtailed commercial advertising trackers on official devices following intelligence assessments that commercially available location data sold by data brokers could compromise military personnel in operational zones....
August 2026
26 Aug 2026
Union Home Minister calls for proactive threat identificationUnion Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that India's security policy must adapt to emerging global challenges such as geopolitical instability, resource insecurity, and cyber misinformation. He urged security agencies to identify and...
22 Aug 2026
Cochin Shipyard Delivers INS Mangrol to Indian NavyCochin Shipyard has delivered the indigenously built warship INS Mangrol to the Indian Navy. The vessel is named after the coastal township of Mangrol in Gujarat, representing continued progress in domestic defence shipbuilding. It...
20 Aug 2026
India and Japan to Strengthen Maritime Security and Defence TechnologyDefence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart will hold high level discussions to expand strategic trust in the Indo-Pacific region. The meeting will focus on enhancing joint naval cooperation, defense technology sharing,...
17 Aug 2026
Indian Army Contingent Departs for Exercise MAITREE-XV in ThailandThe 15th edition of the joint military exercise MAITREE-XV between India and Thailand is set to take place in Surat Thani, Thailand. The exercise focuses on enhancing defense cooperation, tactical interoperability, and counter-terrorism...
July 2026
29 Jul 2026
Indian Coast Guard unveils reforms for gender equalityDefence Minister Rajnath Singh announced new reforms within the Indian Coast Guard to promote gender parity and streamline welfare measures. Key changes include enhanced roles for women and a simplified process for granting ex-gratia...
24 Jul 2026
DRDO Conducts Flight Test of Project Kusha Air Defence SystemThe Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a flight test of Project Kusha, India's indigenous long-range air defence system. Designed to detect and destroy incoming enemy aircraft, drones, and...
20 Jul 2026
Public Protests and the Legal Framework of Police PermissionsUnprecedented gatherings at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and Mumbai's Azad Maidan have highlighted the legal requirements for public protests in India. Under the Code of Criminal Procedure and police acts, organizers must seek prior permission...
19 Jul 2026
Right to Protest and the Requirement of Police PermissionA series of protest marches in major cities have highlighted the legal balance between the fundamental right to peaceful assembly under Article 19(1)(b) and reasonable restrictions imposed by the state under Article 19(3). Under Indian...
19 Jul 2026
Kerala Launches 'Operation Toofan' to Combat Drug CartelsThe Kerala state government has launched a coordinated multi-agency campaign named 'Operation Toofan' to target organized narcotics cartels and drug abuse hubs. The operation aims to disrupt interstate supply chains, strengthen...
18 Jul 2026
Kerala Proposes Helicopter Relocation for Schedule I AnimalsThe Kerala Forest Department has proposed using Indian Air Force helicopters to relocate captured Schedule I animals, such as tigers and leopards, from conflict areas to secure forests. This move has sparked intense debate among...
17 Jul 2026
Security forces revise strategy in ManipurFollowing recent ambushes, the CRPF has directed its forces in Manipur to use armored vehicles for all movements and avoid sudden, uncoordinated deployments. The new strategy emphasizes strict action against armed miscreants to restore...
16 Jul 2026
Kochi to Host Major Multinational Maritime ExerciseThe Indian Navy is scheduled to host a highly anticipated multinational maritime exercise in Kochi starting July 20, 2026. The exercise is designed to improve joint operational capabilities, strengthen maritime domain awareness, and...
13 Jul 2026
Commissioning of INS Mahendragiri highlights India's self-reliance in warship buildingThe commissioning of INS Mahendragiri, an advanced stealth frigate built under Project 17A, showcases India's growing indigenous naval design and shipbuilding capabilities. Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the vessel is...
12 Jul 2026
NATO Adapts Structure to Deepen European Defense AutonomyConfronted with persistent geopolitical friction and internal political transitions in the United States, European member states are taking active steps to play a larger role within NATO. The shift is designed to ensure the alliance...
06 Jul 2026
Indigenous Stealth Frigate Mahendragiri to be CommissionedThe Indian Navy is set to commission the indigenous stealth frigate Mahendragiri this week. Part of Project 17A, the vessel incorporates advanced stealth features, indigenous weapons, and sensors, strengthening India's maritime security...
06 Jul 2026
Strategic Retention Shift in the Agniveer SchemeThe government is considering increasing the retention percentage of Agniveers to ensure more experienced manpower within the armed forces. The move aims to address concerns regarding the training time required for complex new defense...
05 Jul 2026
The Enduring Role of Main Battle Tanks in Modern High-Tech WarfareDespite the widespread use of armed drones, precision-guided missiles, and loitering munitions in contemporary conflicts, military strategists argue that Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) remain indispensable. Drawing lessons from the war in...
Practise Security Forces
10 of our latest questions on this topic (out of 22).
Question 1 of 10
Which country recently announced the creation of its first centralized national intelligence agency to counter foreign espionage operations on its soil?
Mains practice
Emerging non-traditional security risks, ranging from maritime threats and critical space infrastructure vulnerabilities to cyber risks and supply chain disruptions, pose severe challenges to developing nations. Discuss how India can balance domestic structural reforms with strategic multilateral partnerships to build resilience against these multifaceted threats.
15 marks
Effective public administration and national resilience require a dual approach: leveraging modern technological systems while deepening grassroots community involvement. Discuss this statement with reference to healthcare tracking, energy infrastructure management, and internal security challenges in India.
15 marks
Previous years' questions
Past exam questions sorted by topic are coming here. Until then, the full papers are in our previous papers library.