When considering the array of 51 optional subjects for the UPSC Mains Examination, Sociology consistently stands out as a top choice. Its inherent appeal lies in its accessibility and intriguing exploration of humanity and society, catering even to students from Science and Commerce backgrounds. With a well-defined UPSC sociology syllabus comprising only 13 units, Sociology can be comprehensively covered within 4 to 5 Month Comprehensive “Foundation to Finale” Classroom Programme, Many of Our Sociology Foundation Course Students have Cleared CSE 2023- Kajal Singh, First Attempt (Age 22) Mahi Sharma, First Mains (Age 23), Anand Sharma First Mains and Many Others. Previously also Many students like IAS Pradeep Singh, IAS Ashish, IPS Bindu Madhav, IPS Aparna Gautam, IPS Shahnaz Illyas got Success in CSE in First Attempt with Sociology Optional.

IAS Medha Anand, has get 310 marks in her optional subject sociology, 156 in paper – 1 & 154 marks in Paper-2 in CSE 2023. Notably, Sociology for UPSC has garnered a reputation as one of the Highest scoring optional subjects in the UPSC Main Examination, with numerous candidates consistently achieving 300+. Its popularity is evident in the fact that a significant proportion of top 100 rankers opt for Sociology as their optional subject, showcasing its high scoring potential, particularly for those not from sociology backgrounds. Moreover, relevance of Sociology Optional Syllabus for UPSC extends beyond the examination hall, enriching understanding across various aspects of life, from social and economic to political and cultural domains. In recent times, Sociology Optional has gained traction, aligning with the evolving trend of the UPSC Mains towards conceptual analysis. Unlike other optional subjects with unpredictable question patterns, Sociology offers stability and predictability, making it an attractive choice. This adaptability, coupled with its concise syllabus and relevance to both academic and social spheres, positions Sociology as the ideal optional subject for engineers as well as optional subject for commerce graduates and optional subject for  science graduates seeking success in the Civil Services Examination. For those pursuing Sociology as an optional subject, accessing comprehensive Sociology optional notes and few good Sociology optional books, and previous years’ UPSC sociology optional question papers is pivotal for thorough preparation. Additionally, for aspirants seeking guidance, renowned  educator Vikash Ranjan Sir at TRIUMPH IAS coaching institutes in Delhi, offer valuable support and resources. Vikash Ranjan Sir is the Best Sociology Teacher and Triumph IAS is the
best sociology coaching in Delhi. If you are away from Old Rajendra Nagar, Delhi, you can still complete Journey of UPSC civil service preparation through online Sociology class The scientific nature of Sociology, coupled with its direct applicability to daily social interactions, renders it a subject that can be comprehended without extensive reference materials, distinguishing it from other optional subjects requiring extensive reading and research.

Cyber Slavery: A New form of Slavery

Recent reports reveal that more than 30,000 Indians are currently trapped in ‘cyber slavery’ in countries such as Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Data from the Bureau of Immigration, under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), shows that between January 2022 and May 2024, 73,138 Indians traveled to these Southeast Asian nations on visitor visas. Of these, 29,466 have not yet returned. The report highlights that many of them are victims of ‘cyber slavery’ in the region.

What is cyber slavery?

• This situation refers to individuals who are often enticed by promises of high-paying jobs abroad but end up being forced into illegal online activities such as cyber fraud, hacking, or scamming. Upon arrival in these countries, their passports are confiscated.
• Victims are typically held in guarded locations with little freedom, and their earnings are withheld. Control is maintained through threats of violence or being reported to authorities.
• A significant number of these individuals are believed to be involved in digital fraud, including investment scams and online dating scams. Reports indicate that these schemes have caused significant financial losses for victims in India, as the fraudsters often exploit language similarities.

While traditional slavery involves physical captivity, cyber slavery takes place in the virtual world, where individuals are manipulated, controlled, and exploited through online platforms.

• Coercion: Cyber slavery entails deceiving or coercing individuals into exploitative situations through false promises of employment, threats, manipulation, or other forms of pressure to force them into performing certain tasks.
• Online Exploitation: This form of exploitation leverages digital platforms, technology, and communication tools to manipulate individuals for profit or illegal activities.
• Virtual Captivity: Though individuals may not be physically restrained, they are often held captive through digital means, such as threats to their personal information, financial assets, or reputation, making escape or seeking help difficult.
• Global Reach: Cyber slavery transcends geographic boundaries, as perpetrators can operate from any location, targeting vulnerable individuals around the world through the internet.
• Diverse Forms: It can manifest in different ways, such as forced labor in online scams, coerced involvement in cybercrime, exploitation within the digital gig economy, or involuntary servitude through online platforms.
• It is estimated that Indians have lost approximately ₹800 crore due to fraudulent activities carried out by these cyber slaves.

Challenges in cyber slavery

Challenges in Detection: Cyber slavery operates in the digital shadows, making it hard to track down perpetrators. Their use of pseudonyms, encrypted communication, and virtual private networks (VPNs) allows them to remain anonymous and evade capture.

Jurisdictional Issues: The internet crosses national borders, complicating legal jurisdiction. Perpetrators may operate from one country while targeting victims in another, making law enforcement efforts difficult.

Pseudonymity: Offenders often hide behind fake identities, complicating efforts to identify and trace them.

Ephemeral Evidence: Digital evidence can quickly disappear due to data deletion, encryption, or rapid changes in online platforms, making it hard to gather proof.

Resource Limitations: Law enforcement agencies often lack the necessary resources, both in personnel and technology, to effectively combat cyber slavery.

Implications of cyber salavery

The impact of cyber slavery reaches far beyond individual victims, fostering a rising culture of cybercrime that heavily targets Indians. Notably, 45% of these crimes are traced back to Southeast Asia.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has registered nearly 100,000 complaints since January 2023, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address and mitigate this growing threat.

What steps government has taken

The Union Ministry of Telecommunications has announced plans to:

• Disconnect approximately 2.17 crore mobile connections obtained using forged documents or involved in cybercrime.
• Block 2.26 lakh mobile handsets.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has also instructed telecom companies to block all incoming international spoofed calls that display Indian mobile numbers. This initiative has already led to a 35% reduction in such calls, with full implementation expected by December 31 of this year.

Additionally, the DoT is working to track roaming phone numbers involved in scams in Southeast Asia. Between April and June 2023, over 6 lakh Indian SIM cards were detected roaming in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, over 1.4 lakh point of sale (PoS) agents across India were identified for selling SIM cards used in scam operations in countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.

Telecom service providers (TSPs) are now required to submit weekly reports on Indian mobile numbers using roaming services in regions such as Hong Kong, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, and Myanmar.

What can be done to deal with this issue 

• Raising Awareness: Raising awareness about cyber slavery is essential. Public campaigns, educational programs, and media coverage can educate individuals about the risks and warning signs of exploitation.
• Legislation and Enforcement: Governments should implement and enforce strong legislation specifically targeting cyber slavery. These laws must address both domestic and international cases, tackling jurisdictional issues effectively.
• International Cooperation: Global collaboration is crucial. Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) can promote information sharing, extradition, and joint investigations to combat cyber slavery.
• Victim Support: Empowering victims is key. Establishing helplines, counseling services, and safe spaces will encourage victims to come forward and seek help.
• Ethical Technology Practices: Technology companies must ensure ethical supply chain practices, preventing their products and services from being linked to cyber slavery.
• Collaboration between social media platforms and regulatory authorities is essential to combat emerging cybercrimes and develop effective safeguards against the misuse of technology. Strengthen international cooperation to overcome jurisdictional and anonymity challenges in cyber human trafficking cases.
• Enforce stringent legislation addressing both national and international trafficking, with severe penalties for offenders. Increase awareness among internet users about cybercriminal tactics, such as fake job offers, and encourage individuals to stay vigilant by verifying information through reliable sources to protect themselves.
• Enhance specialized government operations to ensure the timely rescue of cyber trafficking victims, building on ongoing efforts by the Indian government and its agencies. Support mechanisms through government bodies, cybersecurity experts, and NGOs should be promoted to empower citizens in online safety.

Additionally, establish helplines or support centers for reporting suspicious activities, ensuring a safer online environment while bolstering defenses against cyber threats.

The End of the Blog- Cyber Slavery: A New form of Slavery