1. Centre unveils PRAHAAR policy to tackle terror threats
For the first time, India has formalised its counter-terrorism approach into a structured policy document. It shifts India’s stance from a reactive model to a proactive, intelligence-guided framework.
The Seven Pillars of PRAHAAR
The policy is built on the acronym PRAHAAR, representing a "whole-of-government" and "whole-of-society" approach:
- (P)Prevention of terror attacks: Focus on protecting critical infrastructure and citizens.
- (R)Responses (Swift & Proportionate): Moving beyond restraint to active deterrence.
- (A)Aggregating Internal Capacities: Synergy between State and Central agencies (MAC/JTFI).
- (H)Human Rights & Rule of Law : Balancing security with constitutional safeguards.
- (A) Attenuating enabling conditions: Addressing root causes like radicalization and social media influence.
- (A)Aligning International Efforts: Using global platforms (UN, FATF) to isolate terror sponsors.
- (R) Recovery and Resilience: Ensuring society bounces back quickly post-incident.
Key Threat Dimensions Identified
- Three-Front Threat: The policy explicitly mentions threats across Land, Air, and Water.
- Technological Asymmetry: Use of drones, encryption, the dark web, and crypto-wallets by terror groups to maintain anonymity.
- Hybrid Warfare: Targets include critical economic sectors like Power, Railways, Aviation, Space, and Atomic Energy.
- Cross-Border Sponsored Terrorism: Direct mention of "State-sponsored" threats and outfits like Al-Qaeda and IS attempting to incite violence through "sleeper cells.”
Institutional & Legal Framework
- Intelligence-Guided: Primacy is given to the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI) under the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
- First Responders: Local police remain the first line of defense, supported by specialized State units and the National Security Guard (NSG).
- Legal Expertise: The policy recommends involving legal experts from the FIR stage to ensure high conviction rates under laws like UAPA.
Practice MCQ
Q. With reference to the recently released 'PRAHAAR' policy
by the Ministry of Home Affairs, consider the following statements:
- It is India's first-ever formal National Counter Terrorism Policy and Strategy.
- It mandates the creation of a new central agency that replaces the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for all terror probes.
- The policy adopts an 'Intelligence-Guided' approach involving the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC).
- It identifies the protection of critical sectors like Atomic Energy and Space as a core priority.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 3, and 4 only
C) 2, 3, and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Correct Answer: B
2. Kaziranga fishing cat survey report released
On February 23, 2026, the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) released its first-ever scientific assessment of the Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus). The study identified 57 unique individuals, positioning Kaziranga as a major stronghold for this elusive wetland predator.
Key Findings of the Report
- Population Density: 57 individuals were identified using camera-trap images from previous All India Tiger Estimations.
- Methodology: The report relied on "by-catch" data (data collected while looking for tigers). Experts suggest the number is likely an undercount due to the camera grid size being optimized for tigers, not smaller cats.
- Ecological Significance: The Fishing Cat acts as an "ecological sentinel" or indicator species. Its presence in high numbers signifies a healthy, functioning wetland ecosystem.
- Habitat: In Kaziranga, they are primarily found in wet alluvial grasslands, shallow beels (lake-like wetlands), and marshes.
About the Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus)
- Characteristics: Roughly twice the size of a house cat; it is a "wetland specialist" with partially webbed feet, allowing it to dive and hunt fish.
- Protection Status:IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (Highest protection, same as tigers/rhinos).CITES: Appendix II.
- Distribution: Patchy distribution across South and Southeast Asia. In India, they are found in the Sundarbans, Chilika Lake, and the floodplains of the Ganga and Brahmaputra.
- Threats: Habitat loss (wetland reclamation), poaching for skin/meat, and human-wildlife conflict.
Potential Prelims Question
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus):
- It is the only wild cat in India that is considered a wetland specialist.
- It is classified as 'Critically Endangered' under the IUCN Red List.
- It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Recent surveys have identified Kaziranga National Park as a vital stronghold for this species in the Brahmaputra floodplains.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 3 and 4 only
C) 1, 3, and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Correct Answer: C
