BharatNotes Trafficking
noun (also the present participle / gerund of the verb "traffic")Usage in a UPSC answer
Despite a robust statutory framework, the trafficking of women and children across porous borders persists, exposing the gap between India's de jure commitments under the Palermo Protocol and the de facto enforcement capacity of its frontline agencies.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
traffic (n/v), trafficker (n), trafficked (adj), traffickers (n pl), anti-trafficking (adj)
Root
Italian traffico = trade, commerce; via Old French; -ing suffix; illegal-persons sense formalised in Palermo Protocol (2000)
Etymology
From Italian traffico ("trade, commerce"), via Old French; originally a neutral term for trade/commerce; the specific meaning of illegal trade in persons emerged in the 19th century with anti-slavery movements and was formalised in international law through the Palermo Protocol (2000).
Memory Hook
Think "traffic" — illegal goods and people being moved through covert channels just like vehicles through traffic; the "-king" reminds you a kingpin runs the illicit network.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Prelims 2025 — Internal Security
- Prelims 2023 — Internal Security
- Prelims 2021 — Internal Security
- Prelims 2019 — Internal Security
- Mains 2018 · GS3 · 15 marks — Security
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Trafficking” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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