Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

The event coordinator for the Global Sustainable Development Summit in Delhi faces a critical situation as widespread protests over the proposed sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) threaten to disrupt the event.

• With thousands of protesters blocking major roads and potential attempts to infiltrate the summit venue, the coordinator must ensure the safety of world leaders and delegates, protect against infrastructure damage, and maintain the summit’s schedule and integrity.

Body

• Who are the key stakeholders involved in this situation?

• What immediate steps will you take to ensure the summit’s security and smooth execution?
• Security Enhancement:
  • Coordinate with Local Law Enforcement:
    • Establish a joint command center with police, intelligence agencies, and private security firms.
    • Increase police presence around the summit venue, delegate accommodations, and key transit routes.
    • Implement a multi-layer security perimeter around the venue with strict access controls.
  • Intelligence Gathering and Analysis:
    • Intensify intelligence efforts to identify potential threats and protest leaders.
    • Monitor social media and other communication channels for real-time information on protest plans.
    • Conduct thorough background checks on all summit staff and service providers.
  • Technological Measures:
    • Deploy advanced surveillance systems, including AI-powered facial recognition at entry points.
    • Utilize drone technology for aerial monitoring of the surrounding areas.
    • Implement jamming devices to prevent unauthorized communication within secure zones.
  • Delegate Protection:
    • Assign personal security details to high-profile attendees.
    • Establish secure transportation corridors between airports, hotels, and the summit venue.
    • Prepare multiple contingency routes and safe houses in case of emergencies.
• Diplomatic and Political Measures:
  • High-level Government Engagement: Brief the Home Minister, concerned Chief Minister and key ministers on the situation and coordinate responses.
  • International Communication: Provide regular updates to participating countries' embassies and security teams.
• Protest Management and De-escalation:
  • Engage with Protest leaders: Coordinate with the local administration to initiate dialogue with key protest organizers and consider offering a platform for their representatives to present their issues to relevant authorities.
  • Create Designated Protest Zones: Establish safe, visible areas for peaceful demonstrations away from the summit venue.
    • Ensure these zones have adequate facilities and security to prevent escalation.
  • Public communication strategy: Develop a clear, empathetic messaging strategy that acknowledges the protesters' concerns while emphasizing the importance of the summit.
    • Utilize local media and social platforms to disseminate accurate information and counter misinformation.
• Summit Logistics and Continuity Planning:
  • Venue fortification: Enhance physical barriers and checkpoints around the summit location.
    • Implement redundant power systems and secure communication networks.
  • Alternative venues and virtual contingencies: Identify and prepare backup locations for critical sessions.
    • Develop a robust virtual conferencing system as a fallback for key discussions.
• Infrastructure Protection:
  • Critical infrastructure Assessment: Conduct a rapid vulnerability assessment of key infrastructure (power plants, water supply, telecommunications).
    • Implement enhanced security measures at identified vulnerable points.
  • Cyber Security: Strengthen firewalls and cyber defenses for summit-related digital infrastructure.
    • Establish a dedicated cyber security team to monitor and respond to potential threats.
  • Supply chain security: Vet and secure all supply chains related to the summit, including food, equipment, and services.
    • Implement stringent quality control measures to prevent potential sabotage.
• Post-Event Strategy:
  • Rapid Demobilization Plan: Develop a strategy for swift and secure dispersal of delegates post-summit.
    • Coordinate with airlines for potential charter flights if needed.
  • Local Community Engagement: Plan post-summit community outreach programs to address local concerns and mitigate any negative impacts.
• What contingency plans will you have in place if the protests escalate?
• Lockdown Protocol: Implement a full lockdown of the summit venue and delegate accommodations.
  • Activate secure communication channels for all delegates and staff.
• Evacuation Plans: Prepare multiple evacuation routes from the venue and hotels, including air evacuation options.
  • Have vehicles and helicopters on standby for rapid extraction of VIPs.
• Breach of Summit Security: Implement a color-coded alert system with predetermined actions for each level.
  • Train security personnel in non-lethal crowd control techniques.
• Tackling Cyber Attacks: Maintain offline backups of all critical data and systems. Prepare to switch to air-gapped systems if necessary.
  • Have a cyber security team ready to trace and neutralize cyber threats.
  • Prepare pre-approved protocols for shutting down compromised systems.
• Decontamination Facilities: Set up rapid decontamination units at key entry points.
  • Deploy staff trained in handling CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) incidents.
• Medical Support: Set up temporary medical facilities capable of handling mass casualties.
  • Ensure availability of critical care equipment and specialists.
• Legal and Diplomatic Contingencies: Have a team of international lawyers on standby to address potential legal issues arising from emergency actions.
  • Prepare protocols for rapid diplomatic engagement to manage international perceptions and responses.
• Post-Crisis Recovery: Develop a comprehensive PR strategy to address the summit's outcomes in light of any crises.
  • Prepare frameworks for addressing potential damages or injuries resulting from crisis events.

Conclusion

The successful management of the Global Sustainable Development Summit amidst widespread protests requires a multi-faceted approach. By coordinating with government agencies, implementing robust security measures, engaging with protesters, and having contingency plans in place, the event coordinator can ensure the safety of delegates, protect the summit's integrity, and contribute to the advancement of global sustainable development goals.