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MHA Unveils PRAHAAR: India's First Comprehensive Counter-Terrorism Strategy with Seven-Pillar Framework

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
29 Sept 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:February 202613th rankScore 6.43~43% drop~2% global deaths28 drone incidents
Bodies:Ministry of Home AffairsRAND CorporationInstitute for Economics and Peace
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.PRAHAAR is India's first comprehensive national counter-terrorism policy and strategy, announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs in February 2026.

2.The strategy is built on a seven-pillar framework including intelligence-led prevention, swift proportionate response, capacity aggregation, human rights adherence, graded de-radicalisation, international cooperation, and recovery & resilience.

3.Examiners will focus on the seven pillars, legal definitions of terrorism under UAPA Section 15 and BNS Section 113, the concept of 'perimeter fallacy', and the shift from deterrence by punishment to deterrence by denial.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

India's first comprehensive counter-terrorism policy, PRAHAAR, was launched by the MHA in February 2026. Built on a seven-pillar framework of zero tolerance, intelligence-led prevention, and whole-of-society approach, it addresses emerging tech-enabled threats like drones and crypto-financing. For UPSC aspirants, this is a critical internal security topic with direct Prelims and Mains implications.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Policy NamePRAHAAR
Announced ByMinistry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Announcement DateFebruary 2026
Global Terrorism Index Rank (2026)13th (Score 6.43)
Terror-related Incidents Drop~43%
India's Share of Global Terrorism Deaths~2%
UAPA Section Defining Terrorist ActSection 15
BNS Section Defining Terrorist ActSection 113
Drone-smuggling Incidents (3 years till Feb 2023)28

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Policy Name: PRAHAAR
  • ›Announced By: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
  • ›Target this Data: India ranks 13th on Global Terrorism Index 2026 with score 6.43; ~43% drop in terror incidents; India accounts for ~2% of global terrorism deaths.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) - announced PRAHAAR in February 2026.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Section 15 of UAPA and Section 113 of BNS define terrorist acts; 'Perimeter fallacy' concept by Rajnath Singh.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which ministry is primarily responsible for implementing the PRAHAAR counter-terrorism strategy?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding PRAHAAR:

1. It is India's first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy, announced in February 2026.

2. It is based on a seven-pillar framework that includes intelligence-led prevention, human rights and rule of law, international cooperation, and recovery and resilience.

3. PRAHAAR emphasizes 'deterrence by punishment' over 'deterrence by denial' as its primary deterrence strategy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the Global Terrorism Index 2026, what is India's rank and what percentage of global terrorism deaths does India account for?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary objective of the PRAHAAR strategy's emphasis on 'deterrence by denial'?

All 15 MCQs ▸
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