In a landmark move for national security, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officially launched ‘Prahaar’ on February 23, 2026. This is India’s first-ever comprehensive national counter-terrorism policy and strategy, elevating the country’s "pro-active and intelligence-guided" approach to a formal doctrine.
Key Highlights of ‘Prahaar’:
The policy is built upon a seven-pillar framework, represented by the acronym PRAHAAR:
- P - Prevention: Focus on stopping terror attacks before they occur through proactive measures.
- R - Response: Ensuring swift, proportionate, and effective response mechanisms to any threat.
- A - Aggregating Capacities: A "whole-of-government" approach to consolidate internal security resources.
- H - Human Rights: Adherence to the rule of law and human rights during mitigation processes.
- A - Attenuating Conditions: Addressing the root causes and conditions enabling terrorism, including radicalization.
- A - Aligning International Efforts: Shaping and coordinating global counter-terrorism strategies.
- R - Recovery: A "whole-of-society" approach to post-event recovery and resilience.
Focus on Modern Threats:
The doctrine specifically addresses 21st-century challenges, including cyber-attacks by state and non-state actors, the misuse of drones (especially in border areas like Punjab and J&K), and terror financing through cryptocurrency and the dark web. It emphasizes the role of the Multi Agency Centre (MAC) and the Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI) for real-time data sharing.
Other Significant Developments (Last 24 Hours):
- Namo Bharat RRTS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the 82-km Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor to the nation. It is India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System, designed for speeds up to 180 kmph.
- Diplomatic Advisories: India has issued an immediate evacuation advisory for its citizens in Iran due to escalating regional tensions. A separate caution was issued for Indians in Mexico following the killing of a major cartel leader.
- Colonial De-linking: In a symbolic move at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the bust of British architect Edwin Lutyens was replaced with that of C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji), the first Indian Governor-General of independent India.
- UGC Crackdown: The University Grants Commission (UGC) flagged 32 fake universities across India, with Delhi topping the list with 12 such institutions.
These updates are crucial for students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams, as they cover internal security, infrastructure, and international relations.