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PRAHAAR — National Counter-Terrorism Policy & Strategy | GK Current Affairs

February 23, 2026 EDU BYTEZ
PRAHAAR — India's National Counter-Terrorism Policy & Strategy | GK Current Affairs | EDU BYTEZ This post covers one of the most important Current Affairs topics of 2026 — PRAHAAR, India's first-ever National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy. This is essential reading for students preparing for competitive examinations, CBSE Social Science, and General Knowledge tests. What Is PRAHAAR? PRAHAAR is India's National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy, released by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 23rd February 2026. It is India's first comprehensive doctrine integrating counter-terrorism, counter-radicalization, cybersecurity, and coordinated security response mechanisms into a unified national framework. The word PRAHAAR means "strike" in Hindi — reflecting India's shift from a defensive to a proactive security approach. What Does PRAHAAR Stand For? PRAHAAR is an acronym that stands for: Prevention of terror attacks to protect Indian citizens and interests; Responses that are swift and proportionate to the threat posed; Aggregating internal capacities for a whole-of-government approach; Human Rights and Rule of Law based processes; Attenuating the conditions enabling terrorism and radicalisation; Aligning and shaping international efforts to counter terrorism; and Recovery and resilience through a whole-of-society approach. Why Is PRAHAAR Important? PRAHAAR marks a paradigm shift from a reactive security stance to a proactive, intelligence-driven doctrine. Rather than simply responding to terror attacks after they happen, India now focuses on identifying and neutralising threats before they occur. The policy is anchored in the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and newly enacted criminal codes, supported by the National Investigation Agency which maintains a conviction rate of around 92 percent. Key Points for Exam Preparation This topic is important for students preparing for UPSC, SSC, NDA, and state-level competitive exams. Remember: PRAHAAR was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs, it is India's FIRST national counter-terrorism policy, and it follows a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. This GK article is part of the EDU BYTEZ free resource series. Bookmark this blog for more current affairs, GK updates, and CBSE study materials.

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PRAHAAR — National Counter-Terrorism Policy

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India’s new “National Counter-Terrorism Policy & Strategy – PRAHAAR” is a clear plan for how the country will stop terrorism, fight attacks (including cyber‑attacks), and help people recover, while respecting human rights and the Rule of Law.​

What is PRAHAAR?

  • PRAHAAR is India’s national “Counter-Terrorism Policy & Strategy”.​

  • It is based on zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and it does not link terrorism with any religion, ethnicity, nationality or civilization.​

  • Its goal is to protect Indian citizens and interests, both inside India and abroad.​

What threats does India face?

  • India has long faced sponsored terrorism from across the border, including jihadi terror outfits and their frontal organizations.​

  • Global groups like Al‑Qaeda and ISIS try to create sleeper cells and incite violence in India.​

  • Terrorists use drones, organized crime networks, social media, instant messaging, encryption, dark web and crypto wallets to plan, fund and guide attacks.​

  • Agencies are worried about terrorists using CBRNED (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive, Digital) materials, drones, robotics and cyber‑attacks against India.​

Seven main parts of PRAHAAR

  1. Prevention of terror attacks

    • India follows a pro‑active, “Intelligence‑Guided” approach to find threats early and stop them.​

    • The Multi Agency Centre (MAC) and Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI) share real‑time inputs with Central and State agencies.​

    • Police and agencies disrupt misuse of internet, online propaganda, recruitment, over ground workers (OGWs), illegal arms and terror funding networks.​

    • Borders on water, land and air, and critical sectors like power, railways, aviation, ports, defence, space and atomic energy are specially protected.​

  2. Response

    • Local Police are the first responders, helped by special State counter‑terror forces and the National Security Guard (NSG).​

    • A Standard Operating Procedure of the Ministry of Home Affairs guides coordination after any attack.​

    • The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and State Police investigate cases to achieve high prosecution rates and deterrence.​

  3. Aggregating capacities

    • Security and Law Enforcement Agencies are modernized with better tools, technology, weaponry and training.​

    • Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D), CAPFs and NSG train State Police and special CT units, especially for urban combat.​

  4. Human rights and ‘Rule of Law’ based processes

    • Anti‑terror laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 and new criminal laws work under the ‘Rule of Law’ and give importance to human rights.​

    • The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 and an independent judiciary from District Courts to the Supreme Court safeguard rights and provide remedies.​

  5. Attenuating the conditions conducive to terrorism

    • Agencies work to stop radicalization and violent extremism, especially among youth.​

    • Community and religious leaders, moderate preachers and NGOs spread awareness and support de‑radicalization, including inside prisons.​

    • Government schemes on education, housing, jobs, scholarships and loans for youth and women reduce the impact of poverty and unemployment.​

  6. Aligning and shaping the international efforts

    • India uses MLATs, Extradition Treaties/Arrangements, Joint Working Groups and MoUs for intelligence, evidence sharing and extradition of fugitives.​

    • India also pushes for UN designations of terrorists and shares best practices in various counter‑terrorism forums.​

  7. Recovery and resilience through a whole-of-society approach

    • A “whole-of-society” and public‑private partnership model supports quick recovery after attacks.​

    • Doctors, psychologists, lawyers, NGOs, religious and community leaders help victims and communities to heal and reintegrate, while administration rebuilds and police reassure people through stronger security.​

Cyber and the way ahead

  • India will continue to work with the international community to counter misuse of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for terrorist purposes.​

  • It will invest in technology and build partnerships with private enterprise to tackle new and futuristic terror threats, including cyber‑attacks and digital tools.​