Ministry of Home Affairs: Year End Review – 2025
Table of Contents
Source: PIB
Relevance:
GS Paper II – Governance and Public Administration, Internal Security, Centre–State Relations, Role of Security Agencies.
GS Paper III – Internal Security (Terrorism, LWE, Cyber Crime, Narcotics), Border Management, Disaster Management, Role of Technology in Security
Important Key Concepts for Prelims and Mains:
For Prelims:
- Left-Wing Extremism, Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan, Karreguttalu Hills Operation, Operation Black Forest, Multi-Agency Centre (MAC), NDPS Act, Narco-terrorism, Immigration & Foreigners Bill, 2025, OCI Portal, Fast Track Immigration, Vibrant Villages Programme, NDRF, Census 2027, Caste Enumeration, Zonal Councils
For Mains:
- Internal Security Architecture, Intelligence-led Operations, Inter-Agency Coordination, Technology-Driven Policing, Development–Security Nexus, Counter-Insurgency & Rehabilitation, Victim-Centric Criminal Justice, Time-Bound Justice, Evidence-Based Policing, Narco-Terror Ecosystem, Border Management & Migration Control, Disaster Resilience, Cooperative Federalism.
Why in News?
The year 2025 was a landmark year for the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in advancing the vision of Safe, Secure and Viksit Bharat under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah.
During the year, MHA focused on strengthening internal security and effectively dealing with challenges such as terrorism, left-wing extremism, insurgency, organised crime, cybercrime, narcotics trafficking, border management, disaster management and governance reforms. These efforts were supported by technology, inter-agency coordination, community engagement and legislative reforms, leading to reduced violence, improved conviction rates and enhanced citizen security, in line with the principles of Nyay (Justice), Suraksha (Security) and Samriddhi (Prosperity).
Left-Wing Extremism (LWE): Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan
In line with the Government’s resolve to eliminate Naxalism by 31 March 2026, unprecedented success was achieved in 2025 through a multi-pronged strategy involving security operations, development initiatives, rehabilitation policies and inter-state coordination.
- Shri Amit Shah chaired security review meetings in Raipur (April 2025) and inter-state coordination meetings (June 2025) reiterating that Naxalism would be eradicated by March 2026.
- Security forces conducted the biggest-ever anti-Naxal operation at Karreguttalu Hills (Chhattisgarh–Telangana border), neutralising 31 Naxalites in a 21-day operation without casualties to security forces (May 2025).
- In Narayanpur, security forces neutralised 27 Maoists, including CPI-Maoist General Secretary Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, marking the first such high-level elimination in three decades (May 2025).
- Operation Black Forest resulted in large-scale arrests and surrenders across states.
- Security forces neutralised 16 Naxalites in Sukma, eliminated top commanders in Jharkhand, and dismantled Naxalism from the Bokaro region.
- Two Central Committee Members were eliminated in the Abujhmad region.
- In 2025, 312 LWE cadres were eliminated, the highest ever; most-affected districts reduced to 3, and affected districts reduced to 11.
- Large-scale surrenders took place in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, with automatic weapons handed over.
- Cultural and developmental initiatives such as Bastar Pandum, Bastar Dussehra, and Bastar Olympics symbolised the transformation of Bastar from fear to future.
National Security & Counter-Terrorism
- Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the new Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) in New Delhi to enhance intelligence coordination.
- Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev demonstrated India’s decisive response to terrorism, including the elimination of terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack.
- MAC, CCTNS, NATGRID, amendments to UAPA, NIA Act and PMLA, and strict action against terror funding delivered strong blows to terrorism.
- The National Investigation Agency (NIA) achieved a conviction rate of approximately 95%, among the highest globally.
- Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025 and National Security Strategies Conference strengthened preparedness against emerging threats.
Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
- The Government reaffirmed that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India.
- Emotional integration initiatives such as Watan Ko Jano engaged youth from J&K.
- 12 Hurriyat-linked organisations severed ties with separatism and pledged allegiance to the Constitution.
- Security review meetings ensured sustained pressure on terror ecosystems.
- Relief, rehabilitation and job assistance were extended to families affected by cross-border attacks.
Cyber Security & Forensic Science
- Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) launched e-Zero FIR, enabling automatic FIR registration for cyber financial crimes.
- A four-pillar strategy—Convergence, Coordination, Communication and Capacity—was adopted to tackle cybercrime.
- Expansion of National Forensic Science University (NFSU) and Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSL) strengthened evidence-based criminal justice.
- Forensic science was mainstreamed to enhance conviction rates.
New Criminal Laws
- Completion of one year of the three New Criminal Laws, marking a shift towards victim-centric, time-bound justice.
- Extensive review meetings with States and UTs ensured uniform implementation.
- Strict timelines were established for police, prosecution and judiciary to ensure speedy justice.
Combating Narcotics
- A ruthless and whole-of-government approach dismantled narco-terror ecosystems.
- Massive seizures of narcotics including cocaine, methamphetamine and ganja were made across the country.
- Global drug cartels operating across continents were busted through multi-agency coordination.
- Courts convicted 29 drug traffickers in 2025.
- Drug disposal campaigns destroyed narcotics worth thousands of crores.
Border Management & Immigration
- Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 introduced a transparent, tech-driven immigration framework.
- New OCI Portal enhanced services for over 5 million cardholders.
- Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme expanded to multiple airports.
- Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP and VVP-2) strengthened infrastructure, tourism, culture and livelihoods in border villages.
Disaster Management
- Shift from reactive to proactive disaster management with the goal of zero casualty.
- Massive deployment of NDRF teams during disasters.
- Central assistance of over ₹15,000 crore under SDRF and ₹2,267 crore under NDRF released.
- Approval of Urban Flood Risk Management Programme, wetland restoration projects and state recovery plans.
North-East Region
- Violent incidents reduced by 70% and civilian casualties by 85%.
- Peace accords, infrastructure development, youth empowerment and cultural integration strengthened Act East momentum.
- Long-pending demands, including Assam Rifles land transfer in Mizoram, were fulfilled.
Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
- Modernisation through technology such as anti-drone systems and surveillance tools.
- Honorary rank enhancement for retiring personnel boosted morale.
- CRPF, BSF and CISF played key roles in internal security, border management and infrastructure protection.
Census 2027 & Social Justice
- Population Census-2027 to be conducted in two phases along with caste enumeration.
- Decision reaffirmed Government’s commitment to social justice, inclusion and evidence-based policymaking.
Official Language & Governance
- Promotion of Indian languages through Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag.
- Strengthening of Zonal Councils as engines of cooperative federalism.
- Electoral reforms, island development initiatives, Yamuna rejuvenation, constitutional amendments and national heritage commemorations undertaken.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Home Affairs in 2025 delivered transformative outcomes across security, governance, justice, development and social integration. With terrorism, Naxalism and insurgency nearing elimination, strengthened cyber and border security, modernised policing, and people-centric reforms, India entered 2026 stronger, safer and more united on the path to Viksit Bharat.
UPSC PYQ
Q. Consider the following statements: (2019)
- The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.
- The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.
- A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.
- The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.
Which of the statements given above is correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India:
- The Government has set a target to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
- Karreguttalu Hills operation was one of the largest anti-Naxal operations conducted without casualties to security forces.
- The number of most-affected LWE districts has increased in recent years.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The number of most-affected districts has reduced, not increased.
