GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security·Internal Security
Counter-Terrorism and Insurgency for UPSC
60 notes · updated 29 Sept 2026
In the news
- NIA cracks down, arrests 13 in extremist JMB offshoot plot across three states
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested 13 individuals across Assam, Kerala, and West Bengal for conspiring with a Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) offshoot to spread extremist ideology.
- Shahzad Bhatti, a Pakistani accused of running a terrorist network, used social media
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad intercepted two men in Gujarat who were recruited by a Pakistani accused, Shahzad Bhatti, via Instagram to join a terrorist network.
- The digital recruiter
A Pakistani social-media influencer, Shahzad Bhatti, has been linked to terror-related investigations across 14 Indian States for mobilizing followers to perform subversive tasks.
- NIA Searches 10 Sites in J&K, Cracks Down on Cross-Border Terror Network
The NIA conducted raids in J&K to dismantle a cross-border terror network involving Pakistan-based handlers and local Over Ground Workers (OGWs).
- Over 250 Arrested in Nationwide Operation Targeting Shahzad Bhatti's Terror Recruitment Network
Indian agencies dismantled a nationwide terror recruitment network led by Shahzad Bhatti, highlighting the use of social media for radicalization.
- Kashmiri Pandit workers sent on leave after Lashkar-e-Taiba threats, police investigate
Kashmiri Pandit employees were sent on leave and relocated to Jammu following a threat letter linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) targeting minority workers.
- In a NEW DELHI address, Rizwan Hanif, a senior Lashkar-e-Taiba operative, confirmed
A senior Lashkar-e-Taiba operative confirmed the targeted killing of over 30 militants by Indian intelligence in Pakistani cities, highlighting the ongoing cross-border security dynamics.
- Terrorists Kill 2 Labourers, Spark J&K Manhunt Detaining Over 3,000 Suspects
Terrorist attack on migrant labourers in South Kashmir led to a massive security crackdown and the detention of over 3,000 suspects.
- Lashkar-e-Taiba Commander Suspected in Kulgam Killings, Spreading Fear in Kashmir
Security agencies linked Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Latif Bhat and the Resistance Front (TRF) to recent targeted killings in Kulgam, J&K.
- NIA Court Frames Charges Against 10 in Cross-Border Narcotics-Terror Funding Case
A Special NIA Court framed charges against 10 accused in a cross-border narco-terror case involving the funding of Pakistan-based terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba.
- Bengaluru Hacker Now Mastermind Behind Terror Plots, On MHA's List
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) designated Mohammed Shahid Faisal as a terrorist, identifying him as a tech-savvy mastermind behind terror plots in South India.
- How ISI Handlers Were Directing Punjab Recruits For Delhi Terror Plot
The Delhi Police Special Cell dismantled a Pakistan-backed terror network by arresting four suspects and uncovering a drone-based weapons smuggling route from Pakistan.
- Massive Anti-Terror Agency NIA's Crackdown Across Manipur, 10 Arrested
The NIA, Manipur Police, and CRPF conducted a coordinated crackdown in Manipur, arresting 10 individuals including members of the Arambai Tenggol group for robbery, murder, and attacks on security forces.
- Delhi Police arrest seven, bust Pakistan-backed terror syndicate
Delhi Police dismantled a Pakistan-backed terror-crime syndicate led by Shahzad Bhatti and Ajmal Gujjar involved in arms and narcotics smuggling.
- Dawood Still Operating From Karachi's Clifton Road: Delhi Police Probe
The Delhi Police Special Cell revealed that a terror module planning attacks in Delhi and Mumbai was being operated by the Dawood Ibrahim syndicate from a command centre in Karachi.
- From Social Media Star To Terror Suspect: Pakistan’s Shahzad Bhatti Under Indian Security Scanner
Indian security agencies are monitoring Pakistani social media influencer Shahzad Bhatti, who is accused of radicalizing unemployed youth and linking to cross-border terror networks.
- Anti-terror operation enters 8th day, search efforts intensified
The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police are conducting 'Operation Sheruwali' in the Dori Maal forests of Rajouri district to neutralize terrorists.
- Major terror module linked to Dawood and ISI busted in Delhi; 9 arrested
Delhi Police's Special Cell busted a terror module linked to Dawood Ibrahim and Pakistan's ISI, arresting nine individuals for plotting attacks on critical installations and religious places.
- Manipur CM assures NIA probe into abduction of Naga men
Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh assured an NIA probe into the alleged abduction of six Naga men amidst ongoing unrest and a shutdown by Kuki Inpi Manipur.
- NIA arrests Hizb-ul-Mujahideen linked ‘narco-terrorist’ after extradition from Portugal
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Iqbal Singh (Shera), a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen-linked 'narco-terrorist', following his extradition from Portugal for terror financing and heroin smuggling.
- LeT module busted, 5, including 2 Pakistani terrorists, held by J&K Police
Jammu and Kashmir Police busted an inter-state terror module linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) following the suspected escape of a Pakistani terrorist from Rajasthan.
- Pakistani handler was planning ‘Jihadi activities’, say police
Andhra Pradesh West Zone police arrested 12 individuals and an alleged Pakistani handler, Al-Hakim-Sukoor, for planning 'Jihadi activities' and attempting to establish a Caliphate in India.
- NIA, ED bust Maoist extortion, money laundering rackets
The NIA and ED disrupted Maoist extortion and money laundering rackets, targeting the financial networks of banned outfits and splinter groups like The People’s Liberation Front of India.
- Transnational terror case: J&K Police's Counter Intelligence Wing carries out raids in three districts
The J&K Police Counter Intelligence Wing conducted raids in Srinagar, Shopian, and Ganderbal to dismantle a transnational terror module linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
- Eight persons with alleged links to Pakistan, Bangladesh terror outfits arrested from Bengal, Tamil Nadu
Delhi Police arrested eight individuals, including Bangladeshi nationals, for alleged links to Pakistan and Bangladesh-based terror outfits following a security alert regarding a potential explosion near the Red Fort.
- NIA nabs man from Kochi airport for links with PFI
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a former PFI coordinator at Kochi airport for his role in a conspiracy to radicalize youth and establish Islamic rule by 2047.
- Jammu Kashmir: Army Chief reviews counter-terror ops, deliberates on infusion of advanced tech
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Jammu and Kashmir to review counter-terrorism operations and discuss the infusion of advanced technology in security measures.
- NIA raids suspect's house in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids in the Kashmir Valley on February 3, 2026, to investigate a terror ecosystem involving former leaders and government employees.
- Security forces re-establish contact with terrorists in J&K’s Kishtwar, operation underway
Security forces re-established contact with terrorists in the Dolgam area of Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, during a coordinated operation.
- NIA raids nine locations in Kerala as part of probe against PFI
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids on nine locations in Kerala to gather evidence against the proscribed Popular Front of India (PFI) regarding a criminal conspiracy case.
- Forces widen search operation in J&K’s Kishtwar to hunt down terrorists
Security forces expanded a combing operation in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, following a gunfight in the Janseer-Kandiwar forest area involving suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists.
- Manipur killing case to be handed over to NIA: Governor
Governor of Manipur announced the transfer of the investigation into the killing of Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
- Fresh encounter breaks out in J&K’s Kishtwar
Security forces are engaged in an ongoing encounter with Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists in the Singhpora forests of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir.
- Search operations resume to hunt down terrorists in Kishtwar
Security forces, including the Jammu-based White Knight Corps, resumed search operations in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, to locate terrorists following a grenade attack.
- Security forces fully prepared to tackle emerging challenges in J&K: Dulloo
Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Dulloo, stated that security forces are fully prepared to tackle emerging challenges and counter Pakistan-sponsored drone activities in the region.
- Security forces intensify search operation in J&K’s Kathua
Security forces intensified search operations in Kathua district, J&K, to track a terrorist who escaped during an operation in Najote forest.
- Five more government employees sacked in Jammu and Kashmir for suspected terror links
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha terminated five government employees in Jammu and Kashmir for alleged militant links to Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.
- NIA chargesheets two more accused for involvement in plot to carry out IED blast in Assam
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet against two more individuals for their involvement in a plot to carry out IED blasts in Assam.
- Probe into Manipur twin blasts handed over to NIA
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation into twin blasts in Manipur's Bishnupur district following explosions at an abandoned house.
- NIA shifts a Delhi blast accused to Kashmir, scans forest area in Shopian
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) shifted a Red Fort blast accused to Shopian, Kashmir, and attached property belonging to a Pakistan-based terror handler in Poonch.
- Secured over 92% conviction rate, cracked key terror cases in 2025: NIA
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) reported a 92% conviction rate for 2025, highlighting successful crackdowns on terror cases and human trafficking networks.
- 11 arrested in Assam, Tripura for links with Bangladesh radical group
Assam’s Special Task Force (STF) arrested 11 individuals for suspected links to the Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), a radical offshoot of the banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).
- Security forces launch search operations in Kishtwar, Poonch over reports of possible terrorist movement
Security forces launched cordon and search operations in Poonch and Kishtwar districts following reports of possible terrorist movement.
- Army intensifies winter operations in J&K to flush out Pakistani terrorists
The Indian Army intensified counter-terrorism operations in Kishtwar and Doda districts to neutralize Pakistani terrorists during the 'Chillai Kalan' winter period.
- NIA charges four LeT-TRF terrorists, two locals in Pahalgam terror attack; conspiracy traced to Pakistan
The NIA filed a charge sheet against seven individuals, including a Pakistani handler, for the Pahalgam terror attack, alleging a conspiracy traced back to Pakistan.
- Odisha’s 4,000-kg explosives loot case: NIA chargesheets 11 for alleged Maoist conspiracy
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed chargesheets against 11 individuals for an alleged Maoist conspiracy involving the theft of 4,000 kg of explosives in Odisha's Rourkela district.
- Delhi blast case: NIA raids multiple locations in Kashmir’s Anantnag
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and J&K Police conducted raids in Anantnag, Kashmir, following revelations from an arrested doctor, Dr.
- Delhi blast probe: NIA searches nine locations in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at nine locations across Jammu & Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh to investigate the Delhi car bomb blast.
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Key facts
- Body: National Investigation Agency (NIA) — Primary counter-terrorism law enforcement agency in India. note →
- Concept: Digital radicalization — use of Instagram by Shahzad Bhatti to lure young Indians by posing as an influencer. note →
- Concept: PRAHAAR strategy — a counter-terrorism strategy unveiled by the Union Home Minister.
- Concept: Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) — Pakistan-based group involved in arms smuggling, narcotics, and digital radicalisation.
- Figure: 46th terrorist organisation — the rank of SBN in the list of organisations designated under UAPA.
- Concept: Subversive tasks — included installing CCTVs near critical installations for live-streaming into Pakistan. note →
Practice · 5 questions
With reference to the recent NIA action against extremist offshoots, consider the following statements:
- The conspiracy involved spreading extremist ideology through physical leaflets only.
- The investigation originated from actions by the Kerala police.
- The NIA arrested 13 individuals across Assam, Kerala, and West Bengal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)2 only
- (c)3 only
- (d)1 and 2 only
Answer
(c) 3 only — Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The conspiracy involved spreading extremist ideology through digital platforms. Statement 2 is incorrect: The investigation originated from actions by the Assam police. Note →
With reference to the investigation into the terrorist network linked to Shahzad Bhatti, consider the following statements:
- Over 40 modules linked to Shahzad Bhatti were dismantled across India.
- More than 500 arrests have been made in connection with Bhatti's network.
- The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad intercepted the suspects before they received specific tasks.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 2 only
- (d)1 and 3 only
Answer
(d) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: More than 350 arrests have been made. Note →
With reference to the crackdown on the Shahzad Bhatti network, consider the following statements:
- The network was declared a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
- The government launched an Extradition Portal to expedite the return of fugitives.
- The operation resulted in the arrest of over 400 people across 20 states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Answer
(b) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The operation resulted in the arrest of 350 people across 15 states. Note →
With reference to the investigation into the Pakistani influencer Shahzad Bhatti, consider the following statements:
- The influencer was linked to investigations across 14 Indian States.
- Followers were charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
- The subversive tasks involved installing CCTVs near critical installations for live-streaming into China.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Answer
(b) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The note states live-streaming was into Pakistan. Note →
Which section of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was invoked to notify the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organisation?
- (a)Section 35(1)(a)
- (b)Section 45(b)
- (c)Section 21(c)
- (d)Section 12(2)
Answer
(a) Section 35(1)(a) — The note specifies that Section 35(1)(a) of the UAPA was invoked for the gazette notification. Note →