UPSC 360°

The Hindu Unwrapped – Daily Current Affairs Mastery for UPSC CSE (Clear that it’s based on The Hindu editorials / news analyses – very aspirant-friendly)
 

Significance

PRAHAAR is a landmark initiative as it provides India with a unified, technology-driven national counter-terrorism framework, making it highly relevant for GS Paper 2, GS Paper 3, Essay, and Ethics papers in UPSC CSE.

 

Introduction

India has been one of the major victims of terrorism in South Asia due to its geopolitical location, internal diversity, and historical conflicts. The country has faced cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in central India, insurgency in the North-East, separatist movements, and emerging cyber-enabled radicalisation. Earlier, India’s counter-terror response was largely reactive and fragmented, with different agencies working in silos. To overcome these structural gaps and prepare for 21st-century hybrid and technology-driven terrorism, India introduced its first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy named “PRAHAAR.”

PRAHAAR marks a paradigm shift from reactive counter-terrorism operations to a proactive, integrated, intelligence-driven, and technology-enabled national security framework.

What is PRAHAAR?

PRAHAAR is a holistic national counter-terrorism strategy designed to integrate policy, intelligence, law enforcement, military response, technology, and society into a single coordinated framework. It adopts a Whole-of-Government Approach (Centre, States, security agencies, judiciary) and a Whole-of-Society Approach (citizens, private sector, civil society, academia, media) to prevent and combat terrorism.

It recognises terrorism as not only a security threat but also a social, ideological, technological, and financial challenge.

Objectives of PRAHAAR

The core objectives of the strategy are based on the global “5P Model” of counter-terrorism:

1. Prevention

• Early identification of terrorist threats using intelligence, surveillance, AI, and predictive analytics.
• Disrupting recruitment, funding, and propaganda networks.

2. Protection

• Safeguarding critical infrastructure such as airports, railways, power grids, digital networks, financial systems, and smart cities.
• Strengthening border security and maritime security.

3. Prosecution

• Strengthening legal frameworks to prosecute terrorists, sympathisers, and financiers.
• Fast-track investigation and trial mechanisms for terror-related cases.

4. Response

• Rapid response systems for terror attacks, hostage situations, and mass casualty incidents.
• Integrated crisis management involving armed forces, CAPFs, police, and disaster agencies.

5. De-radicalisation

• Countering extremist ideology through education, digital literacy, community engagement, and counter-narratives.
• Rehabilitation and reintegration of vulnerable individuals.

Key Pillars of PRAHAAR

1. Intelligence and Technology Integration

PRAHAAR emphasises technology-driven intelligence gathering and data fusion.
Key features include:

• Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and Facial Recognition Systems.
• Cyber intelligence and monitoring of dark web, encrypted platforms, and social media.
• Integration of intelligence agencies such as:
  • Intelligence Bureau (IB)
  • Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
  • National Investigation Agency (NIA)
  • National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO)
  • State Intelligence Units

Goal: Move from post-attack investigation to pre-attack prediction.

2. Legal and Institutional Strengthening

PRAHAAR proposes strengthening India’s counter-terror legal framework:

• Strengthening laws such as:
  • Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
  • NIA Act
  • Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
• Establishment of special fast-track courts for terror cases.
• Strengthening witness protection, forensic capabilities, and digital evidence laws.

Focus: Swift justice to dismantle terror ecosystems.

3. Border and Internal Security Architecture

PRAHAAR recognises borders and internal fault lines as major terror entry points.

Key measures:

• Smart Border Management using drones, sensors, and smart fencing.
• Strengthening coastal security and maritime surveillance.
• Coordination between:
  • Armed Forces
  • Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
  • State Police
• Focus on Left-Wing Extremism zones and insurgency-prone areas.

Aim: Prevent infiltration and internal insurgency expansion.

4. Counter-Radicalisation and Community Engagement

PRAHAAR recognises that terrorism is not only military but also ideological warfare.

Key strategies:

• Community policing and trust-building programmes.
• Education reforms and digital literacy to counter online propaganda.
• Counter-narratives against extremist ideology.
• Role of religious leaders, NGOs, youth groups, and media.

Goal: Prevent youth radicalisation and lone-wolf terrorism.

 

5. International Cooperation

Terrorism is transnational; hence PRAHAAR focuses on global cooperation:

• Intelligence sharing with friendly countries.
• Extradition treaties and Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs).
• Active participation in:
  • FATF (Financial Action Task Force)
  • UN Counter-Terrorism Committees
  • Regional security forums (SCO, Quad, ASEAN)

Aim: Disrupt global terror financing and safe havens.

Significance of PRAHAAR

PRAHAAR is significant for India due to multiple reasons:

• First Unified National CT Policy: India earlier lacked a comprehensive formal policy document.
• Integrated Security Governance: Brings military, intelligence, police, judiciary, and society on one platform.
• Tech-Driven Security: Addresses cyber-terrorism, AI-driven propaganda, and digital recruitment.
• Global Leadership: Strengthens India’s credibility as a global counter-terrorism leader.
• Exam Relevance:
  • UPSC GS Paper 3 (Internal Security)
  • Essay topics on terrorism, technology, governance
  • IR and Security Studies

Challenges in Implementation

Despite its ambitious nature, PRAHAAR faces several challenges:

1. Federal Structure Constraints

• Law and order is a State subject, requiring strong Centre–State coordination.

2. Privacy and Civil Liberties

• Surveillance technologies raise concerns about data privacy, misuse, and civil rights.

3. Resource and Capacity Constraints

• High cost of technology, training, and infrastructure.
• Shortage of skilled cyber and intelligence professionals.

4. Cyber and Lone-Wolf Terrorism

• Decentralised, online radicalisation is difficult to detect and prevent.

5. Global Terror Financing Networks

• Complex cross-border financial channels and crypto-based funding.

Way Forward

To ensure effective implementation of PRAHAAR:

• Strengthen Centre–State intelligence coordination mechanisms.
• Establish robust data protection laws and accountability frameworks.
• Invest in capacity building of police, judiciary, and intelligence agencies.
• Promote public awareness, digital literacy, and youth engagement programmes.
• Strengthen global counter-terror diplomacy and financial surveillance.

Conclusion

PRAHAAR represents a paradigm shift in India’s counter-terrorism strategy—from reactive counter-terror operations to a comprehensive, proactive, intelligence-driven, and technology-enabled national security doctrine. If implemented effectively, PRAHAAR can significantly enhance India’s internal security architecture, counter emerging hybrid threats, and position India as a global leader in counter-terrorism governance.
 

UPSC/Satet PCS PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS (MCQs)
 

Q1. PRAHAAR, recently in news, is related to:

A. India’s missile defence system
B. India’s national counter-terrorism policy
C. India’s cyber security framework
D. India’s border infrastructure project

Answer: B

Q2. Which of the following is NOT a core objective of India’s counter-terrorism strategy?

A. Prevention
B. Protection
C. Prosecution
D. Privatisation

Answer: D

Q3. Which of the following laws is associated with counter-terrorism in India?

1. UAPA

2. NIA Act 

3. PMLA

4. Right to Information Act

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer: B

Q4. Consider the following statements about counter-terrorism strategy:

1. Terrorism is considered only a military threat.

2. Community engagement is important in de-radicalisation.

3. International cooperation is necessary to curb terror financing.

Which of the statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Q5. FATF is important in counter-terrorism because it deals with:

A. Border security
B. Terror financing and money laundering
C. Military cooperation
D. Cyber warfare

Answer: B
 

UPSC/Satet PCS MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS
 

GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance / IR)

Q1. Discuss the challenges of implementing a national counter-terrorism policy in a federal polity like India. Suggest measures to strengthen Centre–State coordination. (250 words)

Q2. Examine the role of international cooperation in countering terrorism and terror financing with reference to India’s global engagements. (250 words)

GS Paper 3 (Internal Security)

Q3. “India’s first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy marks a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive security governance.” Discuss. (250 words)

Q4. Explain the key pillars of India’s counter-terrorism strategy. How does technology strengthen counter-terror operations? (250 words)

Q5. Terrorism is no longer only a military challenge but also a social and technological one. Analyse with reference to India’s counter-terrorism framework. (250 words)
 

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