Maoist insurgency is declining, with key leaders surrendering or killed. UPSC cares because it highlights internal security challenges and governance gaps in affected areas.
Maoism (also called Naxalism) has been one of India's most serious internal security threats. The movement, rooted in communist ideology and armed struggle, gained significant ground in tribal and rural areas across multiple states.
| Metric | 2009-10 | Current |
|---|---|---|
| Districts affected | 223 | ~11 |
| States affected | 20 | Fewer |
| "Most affected" districts | — | 3 |
Interpretation: The Maoist movement has contracted dramatically, now confined to a handful of districts.
| Name | Position | Date | Location | Killed By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madvi Hidma | Commander, Central Military Commission | November 18, 2025 | Andhra Pradesh | Greyhounds (AP police) |
| Ganesh Uike | Commander & Central Committee Member (Odisha unit) | December 25, 2025 | Kandhamal, Odisha | Security forces |
| Patiram Manjhi | Central Committee Member, Bihar-Jharkhand Secretary | January 22, 2026 | Jharkhand | Security forces |
| 14 other Maoists | Various ranks | January 22, 2026 | Jharkhand | Security forces |
Total Central Committee losses in last year: At least 15 killed + 6 surrendered
According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal (partial data):
Total: Over 2,100+ surrenders in 2025 alone
The article identifies multiple contributing factors:
The article's title — "Governance must fill vacuum" — highlights a crucial concern:
The Problem: As Maoist military threat declines, the areas they controlled are now "cleared" by security forces. However, this creates a governance vacuum.
The Risk: If the government does not quickly establish effective administration and development, these areas could become vulnerable to:
The article compares this to Punjab's defeat of terrorism (Khalistan movement):
The article references a recent Supreme Court judgment on development in cleared areas:
Key principle: Development cannot be an "absolute goal." The right to a healthy environment and tribal rights must not be sacrificed for economic benefits.
Implication: As corporations seek to enter Maoist-affected areas (often rich in minerals and forests), the government must balance:
Direct Question Format:
Governance & Development Angle:
Comparative Analysis:
Tribal Rights & Development:
Leadership & Organizational Dynamics:
✓ Maoist influence reduced from 223 districts (2009-10) to ~11 districts (2025)
✓ 15 central committee members killed + 6 surrendered in last year
✓ 2,100+ surrenders in 2025 alone
✓ PLGA (armed wing) has been disintegrated
✓ Home Minister's target: Complete decimation by March 2026
✓ Success factors: Political will + Security ops + Intelligence + Governance + Development
✓ Critical challenge: Governance vacuum in cleared areas must be filled to prevent resurgence
✓ Lesson from Punjab: Military victory ≠ permanent peace; long-term governance essential
✓ Supreme Court principle: Development cannot override environmental and tribal rights
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Maoist movement in India: 1. According to data collected by the South Asia Terrorism Portal, Chhattisgarh recorded 1,425 surrenders in 2025. 2. Madvi Hidma, commander of the central military commission, was killed in an encounter with the Special Task Force (STF) of Chhattisgarh on November 18, 2025.
The option at index 0 is correct because statement 1 is factually correct as per the provided text. The option at index 1 is incorrect because Madvi Hidma was killed in an encounter with the Greyhounds of Andhra Pradesh, not the STF of Chhattisgarh. The date is correct.
Q2. What is the minimum total capital ratio, including the Capital Conservation Buffer (CCB), required for banks under the Basel III framework?
Under the Basel III framework, the minimum total capital ratio is 8%. Additionally, a Capital Conservation Buffer (CCB) of 2.5% is required. Therefore, the minimum total capital ratio including the CCB is 8% + 2.5% = 10.5%. The option at index 0 (8%) represents the total capital ratio without the CCB. The option at index 2 (6%) is the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio. The option at index 3 (4.5%) is the minimum Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio.
Q3. What is the target year set by the Home Minister for security forces to completely decimate the Maoist insurgency in India?
The option at index 2 (2026) is correct because the Home Minister has set March 2026 as the target date for security forces to decimate Maoists. The option at index 0 (2025) is incorrect; while 2025 saw significant setbacks and surrenders for Maoists, it was not the target year for complete decimation. The options at index 1 (2027) and index 3 (2024) are incorrect as they are numerically adjacent years but not the stated target year.
Q4. Which of the following is NOT typically a direct responsibility of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the context of addressing internal security challenges like Maoist insurgency?
Option at index 2 is correct because directly conducting anti-Maoist operations is the responsibility of the state and central governments' security forces, not the RBI. The option at index 0 is wrong because RBI promotes financial inclusion to integrate marginalized communities into the formal economy. The option at index 1 is wrong because RBI encourages banks to expand their reach in underserved areas. The option at index 3 is wrong because RBI has a crucial role in preventing financial crimes that could support illegal activities.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Maoist insurgency in India: 1. The number of districts affected by the insurgency has reduced from 223 in 2009-10 to 11 currently. 2. Malla Raji Reddy, a politburo member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), recently surrendered to the authorities. 3. Ganesh Uike, a central committee member of the Maoist party, was killed in an encounter in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The statement at index 0 is correct. The article states that the Maoist fire had engulfed 223 districts during 2009-10, and today hardly 11 districts are affected. The statement at index 1 is correct. The article mentions, 'Malla Raji Reddy, politburo member of CPI(M), has also surrendered along with 50 cadres before the Telangana police.' This refers to the Communist Party of India (Marxist), a mainstream political party, as specified. The statement at index 2 is incorrect. While Ganesh Uike was a central committee member and was killed in an encounter, the article specifies that he was killed in the Kandhamal district of Odisha, not Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. Dantewada is a known Maoist-affected area, making it a plausible but incorrect distractor.
Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the Maoist insurgency in India: 1. As of late 2025, the most affected area of the Maoist insurgency was confined to approximately 11 districts. 2. Madvi Hidma, commander of the central military commission of the Maoists, was killed in an encounter with the Special Task Force (STF) of Chhattisgarh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The option at index 0 is correct because the Maoist insurgency was largely confined to approximately 11 districts as of late 2025. The option at index 1 is incorrect because Madvi Hidma was killed in an encounter with the Greyhounds of Andhra Pradesh, not the STF of Chhattisgarh.