Terrorism and Security — Current Affairs 2026
Current Affairs Connections
Article 370 Abrogation and Security Transformation in Jammu & Kashmir
August 2019The abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir into two Union Territories fundamentally altered India's counter-terrorism landscape in the region. This constitutional change removed the special status that had complicated security operations and legal proceedings. The move was accompanied by massive security deployment, communication restrictions, and preventive detentions. Post-abrogation data shows significant reduction in terrorist incidents, infiltration attempts, and stone-pelting cases. However, new challenges emerged including international criticism, diplomatic tensions with Pakistan and China, and the need for long-term political reconciliation. The security architecture was restructured with enhanced central control, improved intelligence coordination, and accelerated infrastructure development. The integration of Jammu & Kashmir's police and administrative services with All India Services represents a major shift in governance approach.
UPSC Angle: UPSC can examine the constitutional aspects of Article 370 abrogation, its impact on federalism, security implications, international reactions, and the balance between security measures and democratic rights in conflict zones.
Pulwama Attack and Balakot Airstrikes: New Paradigm in Counter-Terrorism
February 2019The Pulwama attack killing 40 CRPF personnel and India's retaliatory Balakot airstrikes marked a paradigm shift in India's counter-terrorism strategy. For the first time since 1971, India conducted airstrikes across the Line of Control, targeting terrorist training camps in Pakistan. This represented a move from defensive to proactive counter-terrorism, demonstrating political will to escalate beyond traditional diplomatic protests. The incident highlighted vulnerabilities in convoy security, intelligence gaps, and the challenge of preventing suicide attacks. The international community's support for India's right to self-defense, including from traditional Pakistan allies, indicated changing global perceptions of cross-border terrorism. The episode also showcased the role of social media in modern conflicts, with both countries engaging in information warfare alongside military operations.
UPSC Angle: Questions may focus on the evolution of India's counter-terrorism doctrine, the concept of 'new normal' in India-Pakistan relations, international law aspects of cross-border strikes, and the role of public opinion in security policy decisions.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Emerging Security Challenges
March 2020The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented security challenges, revealing new vulnerabilities and requiring adaptive counter-terrorism strategies. Lockdown measures disrupted traditional intelligence gathering methods, while economic distress created conditions for radicalization and recruitment by extremist groups. Cyber-terrorism incidents increased dramatically, with attacks on healthcare infrastructure, government systems, and critical services. The pandemic also highlighted the interconnection between health security and national security, leading to the concept of 'comprehensive security.' Border management became more complex with health screening requirements, while the economic impact affected security force modernization budgets. Terrorist groups attempted to exploit the crisis through disinformation campaigns and targeting of healthcare workers. The pandemic accelerated digital transformation in security agencies, enhancing surveillance capabilities while raising privacy concerns.
UPSC Angle: UPSC may examine the concept of human security, the relationship between health emergencies and national security, cyber-terrorism during the pandemic, and the adaptation of security agencies to new operational environments.