February 25, 2026 - Current Affairs

India Unveils PRAHAAR, First National Anti-Terror Doctrine

February 25, 2026

India has introduced PRAHAAR, its first structured National Anti-Terror Doctrine, aimed at strengthening the country’s counter-terror framework. Announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the policy lays out a coordinated and intelligence-driven strategy to prevent, detect and respond to terrorist threats. It focuses on better inter-agency cooperation, faster operational response, and tackling emerging challenges such as cyber-radicalisation and cross-border terrorism. The doctrine also highlights adherence to constitutional principles and legal safeguards while maintaining a firm stance against terrorism. PRAHAAR reflects India’s effort to modernise its security architecture in response to evolving national and global threats.

What Is PRAHAAR, and Why Was It Introduced?

PRAHAAR is India’s first comprehensive National Anti-Terror Doctrine, introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs to strengthen the country’s counter-terror framework.
It provides a structured strategy focused on prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery in dealing with terrorist threats.
The doctrine was formulated to address emerging security challenges such as cross-border terrorism, online radicalisation, terror financing, and misuse of advanced technologies.
It promotes intelligence-driven operations and better coordination among central and state security agencies.
PRAHAAR emphasises faster response mechanisms and improved crisis management capabilities.
The policy also underlines adherence to constitutional principles, human rights, and the rule of law while combating terrorism firmly.
Strengthening inter-agency data sharing and operational synergy is a core objective of the doctrine.
It encourages international cooperation to counter global terror networks and financial channels.
Overall, PRAHAAR aims to modernise India’s national security architecture to respond effectively to evolving threats.

Most Previous Year Questions

Exam	Year	Question (With Options)	Correct Answer
UPSC Civil Services (Prelims)	2017	The term “money laundering” is related to which of the following? (a) Terror Financing (b) Tax Evasion (c) Counterfeit Currency (d) All of the above	(d) All of the above
UPSC Civil Services (Prelims)	2018	The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was established in which year? (a) 2006 (b) 2008 (c) 2010 (d) 2012	(b) 2008
CDS Exam	2019	The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is primarily related to: (a) Cybercrime (b) Terrorism (c) Drug Trafficking (d) Human Trafficking	(b) Terrorism
SSC CGL	2020	The Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) is related to: (a) Disaster Management (b) Intelligence Sharing (c) Election Monitoring (d) Border Trade	(b) Intelligence Sharing
State PSC	2021	The National Security Council in India deals primarily with: (a) Financial Policy (b) Foreign Trade (c) Strategic and Security Issues (d) Judicial Reforms	(c) Strategic and Security Issues

Conclusion (India Introduces PRAHAAR Security Policy)

India’s introduction of PRAHAAR marks a significant step in strengthening its national security framework. The policy brings a structured and coordinated approach to countering terrorism, focusing on prevention, intelligence sharing, rapid response, and recovery. By addressing emerging threats such as cyber-radicalisation and cross-border networks, PRAHAAR aims to modernise security mechanisms. The doctrine reflects India’s firm stance against terrorism while reinforcing cooperation between agencies and upholding constitutional principles.

Union Cabinet Approves Renaming of Kerala to Keralam

February 25, 2026

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a proposal to officially change the name of Kerala to Keralam. The decision begins the formal constitutional procedure required to amend the First Schedule of the Constitution under Article 3. As part of the process, the proposed legislation will be referred by the President to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its opinion. The move follows a unanimous resolution passed by the Assembly seeking to adopt “Keralam”, the state’s name in Malayalam, as its official designation, aligning the constitutional name with its cultural and linguistic identity.

What Is the Reason Behind Renaming Kerala to Keralam?

The Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution requesting that the state’s name be officially changed to Keralam, the term used in Malayalam.
The proposal aims to ensure that the constitutional name reflects the pronunciation and usage in the state’s native language.
The move is intended to strengthen recognition of Kerala’s linguistic heritage and cultural identity.
The Union Cabinet approved the proposal, initiating the formal constitutional procedure required for altering a state’s name.
As per Article 3 of the Constitution, a bill will be referred to the State Assembly for its views before being placed before Parliament for final approval.

What Is the Process Behind the Kerala Name Change to Keralam?

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to rename Kerala as Keralam, formally initiating the constitutional procedure.
Under Article 3 of the Constitution, Parliament has the authority to change the name of a state.
After Cabinet approval, the proposed legislation is sent by the President to the concerned State Legislative Assembly for its views.
The Kerala Legislative Assembly will examine the bill and submit its opinion within the prescribed time.
Once this step is completed, the bill can be introduced in Parliament.
If both houses pass the bill and it receives presidential assent, the First Schedule of the Constitution will be amended to reflect the new name.

PYQs on the Schedule of the Constitution

Exam	Year	Question (With Options)	Correct Answer
UPSC Civil Services (Prelims)	2016	The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India makes provisions for the administration of tribal areas in which of the following states? (a) Assam (b) Meghalaya (c) Tripura (d) Mizoram Select the correct answer using the code below: (1) (a), (b) and (c) only (2) (a), (b) and (d) only (3) (a), (b), (c) and (d) (4) (b), (c) and (d) only	(3) (a), (b), (c), (d)
UPSC Civil Services (Prelims)	2022	If a particular area is brought under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which of the following statements best reflects the consequence of it? (a) It becomes a Union Territory. (b) It gets autonomous statehood. (c) It comes under special administration for Scheduled Areas and Tribes. (d) It is governed directly by Parliament	(c) It comes under special administration for Scheduled Areas and Tribes
SSC CGL	2017	The Anti-Defection Law in India is included in which schedule of the Constitution? (a) Eighth Schedule (b) Ninth Schedule (c) Tenth Schedule (d) Eleventh Schedule	(c) Tenth Schedule
CDS Exam	2019	The distribution of powers between the Union and the States is mentioned in which Schedule of the Constitution? (a) Fifth Schedule (b) Seventh Schedule (c) Ninth Schedule (d) Twelfth Schedule	(b) Seventh Schedule
State PSC (Various)	2018	How many Schedules are there in the Constitution of India at present? (a) 10 (b) 11 (c) 12 (d) 13	(c) 12

Conclusion (Cabinet Renaming Kerala to Keralam)

The Union Cabinet’s decision to approve the renaming of Kerala to Keralam marks an important constitutional and symbolic step. The move reflects the state’s linguistic identity and aligns its official name with the Malayalam usage. While the final change depends on parliamentary approval and presidential assent, the development highlights how constitutional provisions allow states to assert cultural representation within the federal framework. If completed, the amendment will formally update the First Schedule of the Constitution, giving the state its traditional name in official records.

Sachin Tendulkar Becomes UN Global Champion for Road Safety

February 25, 2026

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has been appointed as a Global Champion for Road Safety by the United Nations, strengthening global efforts to tackle rising traffic-related deaths. The recognition is part of a wider UN initiative encouraging safer driving habits across countries. Through public outreach and advocacy, Tendulkar will promote responsible road behaviour, including the use of helmets and seat belts, adherence to speed limits, and avoidance of distractions while driving. His involvement aims to amplify awareness and support the international goal of significantly reducing road fatalities and injuries by the end of this decade.

Sachin Tendulkar Named UN Global Champion: What It Means

The United Nations has appointed Sachin Tendulkar as a Global Champion for Road Safety to strengthen awareness efforts worldwide.
His role involves promoting responsible road behaviour and encouraging people to adopt basic but life-saving safety practices.
The campaign highlights the urgent need to reduce road traffic deaths, which remain a major public health concern globally.
Tendulkar’s influence as a respected sports icon is expected to amplify key safety messages across diverse audiences.
The initiative supports the broader goal of significantly reducing road fatalities and serious injuries by 2030.
Public outreach under this programme focuses on wearing helmets and seat belts, follow

By involving global personalities, the UN aims to make road safety a shared responsibility rather than just a policy issue.
Tendulkar’s appointment signals India’s active participation in global road safety advocacy and awareness campaigns.

Most Repetitive PYQs on Sachin Tendulkar & UN

Exam	Year	Question (With Options)	Correct Answer
UPSC Civil Services (Prelims)	2013	Which one of the following cricketers was nominated to the Rajya Sabha? (a) Kapil Dev (b) Sunil Gavaskar (c) Sachin Tendulkar (d) Rahul Dravid	(c) Sachin Tendulkar
SSC CGL	2014	Sachin Tendulkar is associated with which sport? (a) Hockey (b) Cricket (c) Tennis (d) Football	(b) Cricket
CDS Exam	2012	Sachin Tendulkar scored his 100th international century against which country? (a) Australia (b) Pakistan (c) Bangladesh (d) Sri Lanka	(c) Bangladesh
State PSC (Various)	2014	In which year did Sachin Tendulkar receive the Bharat Ratna? (a) 2012 (b) 2013 (c) 2014 (d) 2015	(c) 2014
UPSC Civil Services (Prelims)	2016	The headquarters of the United Nations is located at: (a) Geneva (b) Paris (c) New York (d) Vienna	(c) New York
SSC CGL	2018	The United Nations was established in which year? (a) 1942 (b) 1945 (c) 1950 (d) 1939	(b) 1945
CDS Exam	2019	Which of the following is not a principal organ of the United Nations? (a) Security Council (b) International Court of Justice (c) World Bank (d) General Assembly	(c) World Bank

Conclusion (Sachin Tendulkar Appointed UN Global Road Safety Champion)

The appointment of Sachin Tendulkar as UN Global Road Safety Champion highlights the growing role of influential public figures in promoting social causes. By partnering with the United Nations, he brings wider visibility to the urgent need for safer roads and responsible driving habits. His involvement is expected to inspire millions to adopt simple safety measures. The move reinforces global efforts to reduce road accidents and save lives through awareness, advocacy, and collective responsibility.