SEIZE THE MAINS | Day - 144 | Counter Terrorism | UPSC CSE |

Summary

In this video, the speaker introduces a daily answer writing initiative to help students prepare for UPSC and state civil services exams. The session discusses counter-terrorism, focusing on global challenges and strategies, including the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS). It highlights issues such as the lack of a universal terrorism definition, emerging technologies used by terrorists, funding methods, and state-sponsored terrorism. The speaker encourages students to actively engage with model answers on the website and emphasizes the importance of continued Mains preparation alongside Prelims. The session concludes with a call for a renewed, collective approach to combat terrorism globally.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Daily Answer Writing Initiative is aligned with Academy.com, where UPSC and state civil services aspirants can improve their answer writing skills by posting their responses and receiving feedback.
• 😀 The initiative includes model answers and sample questions that are regularly uploaded to the website, offering high relevance to current affairs and Mains examination preparation.
• 😀 Participating regularly in answer writing on the website can lead to significant improvement, with many students reporting that their progress reduces the need for extensive further practice.
• 😀 The importance of covering multiple aspects and presenting information intelligently is emphasized for writing effective answers, including using data, quotes, and newly relevant terms.
• 😀 The global issue of counter-terrorism is discussed, with a focus on the rising threat from groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and those supported by the Taliban after their takeover of Kabul in 2021.
• 😀 New challenges in counter-terrorism include the emerging use of technologies like drones and cryptocurrencies by terrorist groups, along with the influence of the dark web in spreading propaganda.
• 😀 The difficulty in defining terrorism universally complicates global counter-terrorism efforts, with varying national stances making it harder to take unified actions.
• 😀 Methods of funding terrorism are evolving, with platforms like crowdfunding and cryptocurrencies complicating the tracing of financial flows supporting terrorist activities.
• 😀 The use of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) for surveillance and carrying out terrorist attacks, including on critical infrastructure, adds a new layer of complexity to counter-terrorism efforts.
• 😀 The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS), which was adopted in 2006, provides a framework for member states to combat terrorism through strengthening state capacity, coordination, and respect for human rights.
• 😀 The necessity for a renewed, collective approach to tackling transnational terrorism is emphasized, especially by condemning all forms of terrorism regardless of motivation or justification, as highlighted in recent Indian-led discussions.

Q & A

What is the main objective of the daily answer writing initiative discussed in the transcript?

The main objective of the daily answer writing initiative is to help students prepare for the UPSC and state civil services Mains examinations. The initiative involves discussing model answers to important questions and encouraging students to write their own answers, which are then evaluated for improvement.

How does the answer writing initiative on the website help students improve?

Students can submit their answers on the website, where they receive feedback from the initiative's team within 48 hours. Regular participation leads to noticeable improvements in writing skills, with some students reaching a level where further improvements are minimal.

What are some current global threats posed by terrorism as mentioned in the script?

The script highlights several terrorist outfits that have posed threats in recent years, such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent, and groups sheltering in Afghanistan, especially after the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in August 2021.

What is the 'next frontier' in terrorism as discussed in the transcript?

The 'next frontier' in terrorism refers to the emerging use of new technologies, including drones and virtual currencies, by terrorist groups. These advancements present new challenges for counterterrorism efforts.

Why is the lack of a universally accepted definition of terrorism a challenge for counterterrorism initiatives?

Without a universally accepted definition of terrorism, it becomes difficult to classify certain activities as terrorist acts. This ambiguity provides terrorists with an advantage and allows some countries to veto actions in international institutions.

What role does the dark web play in the activities of terrorists?

The dark web provides a relatively unregulated space where terrorists can spread propaganda, recruit new members, and organize their activities. It is a critical tool in the dissemination of extremist content and coordination.

How have new forms of terrorist funding affected counterterrorism efforts?

Emerging forms of terrorist funding, such as crowdfunding platforms and cryptocurrencies, make it difficult to trace the origin and destination of financial resources used to support terrorism, complicating efforts to disrupt terrorist activities.

What challenges are posed by the evolving methods of terrorism?

The evolving methods of terrorism, including cyber terrorism, bioterrorism, and attacks on food security, make it harder for counterterrorism agencies to keep up. As these methods evolve quickly, counterterrorism strategies need to be constantly updated.

What is the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy (GCTS), and what are its main pillars?

The GCTS is a global framework adopted in 2006 by UN member states to enhance efforts against terrorism. Its four main pillars are: addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, measures to prevent and combat terrorism, building states' capacities, and ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law.

What is the 'Way Forward' suggested in the transcript regarding global counterterrorism efforts?

The transcript suggests that the global response to terrorism should be more collective and inclusive, emphasizing that terrorism is a transnational threat. A renewed, collective approach that condemns all forms of terrorism, regardless of the motivations behind them, is necessary to effectively combat terrorism.