APPSC Daily Current Affairs 24th February 2026
Relevance (UPSC Mains):
GS Paper III: Internal Security; Linkages between drug trafficking and organised crime; Role of security agencies.
For Prelims:
- Operation Vajra Prahar, NDPS Act, 1985, PIT NDPS Act, Cordon and Search Operations, Drug Abuse Awareness Campaign
For Mains:
- Drug Trafficking & Internal Security, Community Policing, Preventive Detention, Youth Radicalisation & Substance Abuse, Whole-of-Society Approach
Why in News?
- A cycle rally was conducted in Nellore under ‘Operation Vajra Prahar’, an anti-drug campaign.
- Flagged off by the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), the rally promoted awareness under the slogan:
“Say No to Drugs, Bro – Ride a Cycle, Bro.” - The initiative aims to curb drug abuse through enforcement and community mobilisation.
Background
- Drug trafficking is regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act, 1985).
- The Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT NDPS Act) allows preventive detention of habitual offenders.
- Increasing youth vulnerability and organised crime linkages have prompted state-level anti-drug drives.
Key Highlights
1. Awareness Campaign
- Rally from Umesh Chandra Conference Hall to Gandhi statue.
- Emphasis on drug-free youth and community responsibility.
2. Enforcement Measures in SPS Nellore District
- 69 NDPS cases registered.
- 65 arrests made.
- 12 vehicles seized (used in drug transport).
- 9 habitual offenders detained under PIT NDPS Act (lodged in Kadapa jail).
3. Preventive Policing
- Regular cordon and search operations in identified hotspots.
- Public encouraged to share information via AP Eagle toll-free number 1972 (confidentiality assured).
Significance
1. Internal Security Perspective
- Drug networks often linked with organised crime and extremist financing.
2. Youth Protection
- Campaign targets awareness among youth, preventing addiction and social breakdown.
3. Community Policing Model
- Encourages citizen participation in intelligence gathering.
4. Preventive Detention Strategy
- Use of PIT NDPS Act strengthens deterrence against habitual offenders.
Challenges
- Expanding drug supply chains.
- Online drug sales via dark web.
- Cross-border narcotics trafficking.
- Rehabilitation and reintegration of addicted youth.
Way Forward
- Strengthen coordination between State police and central agencies like NCB.
- Expand school and college-level awareness programs.
- Enhance digital monitoring of online drug trade.
- Improve rehabilitation and counselling infrastructure.
- Promote sports and wellness initiatives as preventive measures.
Conclusion
Operation Vajra Prahar reflects a dual strategy of enforcement and awareness. Combining strict legal action under NDPS laws with community mobilisation can strengthen India’s fight against drug abuse and its associated internal security threats.
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to anti-drug enforcement in India, consider the following statements:
- The NDPS Act provides legal framework for regulating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
- The PIT NDPS Act allows preventive detention of habitual drug offenders.
- Drug trafficking has no linkages with organised crime networks.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation
Statement 1 is Correct. NDPS Act, 1985 regulates narcotic drugs and prescribes penalties.
Statement 2 is Correct. PIT NDPS Act, 1988 provides preventive detention provisions.
Statement 3 is Incorrect. Drug trafficking is often linked with organised crime and can fund extremist activities.
Relevance (UPSC)
Terrorism, Cyber Security, Organised Crime–Terror Nexus, Emerging Technologies & Security.
For Prelims:
- PRAHAAR, Zero Tolerance Policy, CBRNED, Sleeper Cells, Whole-of-Society Approach, Counter-Radicalisation.
For Mains:
- Sponsored Terrorism, Intelligence-Led Prevention, Cyber Warfare, Drone-Based Terrorism, Standardised Anti-Terror Structure, Transnational Terrorism.
Why in News?
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released India’s first-ever national counter-terrorism policy titled “PRAHAAR” on February 23, 2026. The policy provides a comprehensive framework to combat terrorism, including cyber-attacks by criminal hackers and nation-states, and cross-border sponsored terror activities.
Background
- Announcement for drafting a National Counter Terrorism Policy was made in November 2024.
- A National Policy and Action Plan for Left Wing Extremism (LWE) had been introduced in 2015.
- The April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror incident accelerated coordination between the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and State anti-terror units.
- Growing misuse of encryption, social media, dark web, and crypto wallets by terror groups necessitated a modernised approach.
Key Provisions of PRAHAAR
1. Seven-Pillar Framework
The policy is structured around:
- Prevention
- Response
- Aggregating internal capacities
- Human rights and rule-of-law-based processes
- Countering radicalisation
- Alignment with global efforts
- Recovery and resilience through a whole-of-society approach
2. Zero Tolerance Doctrine
- Criminalisation of all terrorist acts.
- Denial of funds, weapons, safe havens to terrorists and supporters.
- No justification for violence under any pretext.
3. Multi-Domain Threat Recognition
India faces threats across:
- Land – infiltration, sleeper cells
- Air – drone-assisted smuggling/attacks
- Water – maritime infiltration
Critical sectors protected:
- Power, Railways, Aviation, Ports
- Defence, Space, Atomic Energy
4. Technology and Cyber Dimension
The policy recognises:
- Cyber-attacks by criminal hackers and hostile nation-states
- Use of social media and instant messaging apps for recruitment and propaganda
- Anonymous funding through crypto wallets
- Encryption and dark web usage
- Misuse of drones and robotics
- Risks involving CBRNED (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive, Digital) materials
5. Counter-Radicalisation Strategy
- Graded police response depending on radicalisation level.
- Engagement of NGOs, moderate religious leaders, psychologists.
- Prison de-radicalisation programmes.
- Multi-stakeholder rehabilitation approach.
6. Legal and Institutional Strengthening
- Inclusion of legal experts from FIR stage to prosecution.
- Standardisation of anti-terror structures across States.
- Enhanced coordination between intelligence agencies and State units.
7. International Cooperation
- Recognises transnational nature of terrorism.
- Calls for regional and global coordination.
- Subtle reference to state-sponsored terrorism without naming specific countries.
Emerging Threat Landscape Highlighted
- Sponsored terrorism from across the border.
- Global terror outfits such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS targeting India.
- Organised crime–terror nexus.
- Drone-based attacks in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.
- Digital anonymity shielding extremist networks.
Significance
- First Unified National Counter-Terror Doctrine
- Integration of Cyber & Physical Security Frameworks
- Protection of Critical Infrastructure
- Community-Centric Prevention Model
- Standardised Federal Response
Challenges
- Encryption limiting surveillance capability.
- Balancing human rights with enhanced security measures.
- Rapid evolution of terror technologies.
- Interstate coordination complexity.
- Cross-border safe havens beyond domestic jurisdiction.
Way Forward
- Strengthen AI-based intelligence analytics.
- Upgrade cyber forensics and counter-UAV capabilities.
- Regular review and updating of the policy.
- Enhance international intelligence-sharing.
- Capacity building of State police forces.
Conclusion
PRAHAAR marks a comprehensive shift towards intelligence-led, technology-integrated counter-terrorism. By combining prevention, legal reform, cyber preparedness, and community engagement, it aims to build a resilient national security architecture capable of responding to evolving hybrid threats.
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to PRAHAAR, consider the following statements:
- It recognises cyber-attacks by nation-states as part of the terrorism spectrum.
- It associates terrorism with specific religions for identification purposes.
- It emphasises denial of funds, weapons and safe havens to terrorists.
- It includes measures to counter misuse of CBRNED materials.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1, 3 and 4 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation
Statement 1 is Correct. The policy explicitly includes cyber-attacks by nation-states as a threat.
Statement 2 is Incorrect. It clearly states that India does not link terrorism to any religion, ethnicity, or civilisation.
Statement 3 is Correct. A core aim is to deny terrorists access to funds, weapons and safe havens.
Statement 4 is Correct. The policy flags challenges in preventing access to CBRNED materials.
Relevance (UPSC)
(GS Paper I – Art & Culture)
For Prelims:
- Vesara Style, Soapstone (Chloritic Schist), Stellate (Star-Shaped) Jagati, Trikuta / Panchakuta Plan, Belur–Halebidu–Somanathapura, Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (UNESCO 2023)
For Mains:
- Medieval Temple Architecture, Religious Pluralism (Shaiva–Vaishnava–Jain), Sculptural Narrative Friezes, Regional Architectural Identity, Hydraulic Architecture (Hulikere Kalyani), Heritage Conservation & UNESCO Recognition
Why in News?
A number of relatively lesser-known Hoysala-era temples dating from the 11th to 13th centuries in Karnataka are receiving renewed scholarly and public attention for their intricate soapstone craftsmanship and distinctive star-shaped architectural plans.
Historical Background
- The Hoysala dynasty flourished between the 11th and 14th centuries CE in present-day Karnataka.
- The early Hoysala rulers were initially feudatories of the Western Chalukyas, but gradually emerged as an independent power.
- Their political and cultural centres included Belur (Velapuri) and later Halebidu (Dwarasamudra).
- The dynasty reached its zenith under rulers such as Vishnuvardhana, Veera Ballala II, and Vira Someshwara, who expanded territorial control and patronised large-scale temple construction.
- The period witnessed remarkable growth in temple architecture, sculpture, trade networks, and urban centres across regions such as Hassan, Mandya, Mysuru and surrounding areas.
- The Hoysalas promoted religious pluralism, supporting Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism, reflected in the construction of both temples and basadis.
- Their architectural style evolved into a distinctive Vesara tradition, blending northern (Nagara) and southern (Dravida) elements.
- By the early 14th century, the Hoysala kingdom gradually declined following invasions and political shifts, eventually giving way to the rise of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Defining Features of Hoysala Architecture
Hoysala builders preferred chloritic schist (soapstone), a material soft enough to allow intricate carving when freshly quarried and capable of hardening over time. This enabled artisans to sculpt extremely fine details such as ornaments, curls of hair, and even fingernails with remarkable precision.
Innovative Ground Plans
Temple layouts evolved into multiple structural types:
- Ekakuta – Single sanctum
- Dvikuta – Two shrines
- Trikuta – Three shrines
- Chatushkuta / Panchakuta – Four or five shrines
Many of these were constructed on elevated stellate (star-shaped) platforms, known as jagati. This geometry created multiple projections and recesses, greatly increasing surface area for decorative sculptural work.
Narrative Sculpture
The outer walls serve as continuous narrative panels, depicting:
- Rows of elephants, cavalry, and mythical creatures
- Celestial dancers (madanikas)
- Scenes of divine combat and mythological symbolism
The overall emphasis lies in layered ornamentation, both externally and within pillared halls.
Shikhara Form
The superstructures above sanctums are articulated through horizontal mouldings and rhythmic tiers, creating a structured yet ornate vertical composition.
Important Yet Under-Recognised Monuments
Koravangala Temple Cluster
Koravangala, once a flourishing Hoysala centre, contains three temples attributed to three brothers:- Nageshwara and Govindeshwara Temples (c. 1160 CE) – Represent an earlier stage of stylistic development, showing relative restraint in ornamentation.
- Bucheshwara Temple (1173 CE) – Built in honour of King Veera Ballala II, this shrine demonstrates mature craftsmanship, dense sculptural detailing, and a refined star-shaped base.
Hoysala Dynasty
- Period: Flourished between the 11th and 14th centuries CE.
- Initial Status: Began as feudatories of the Western Chalukyas of Kalyana before emerging as an independent power.
- Founder: Established by Nripa Kama II, who initially served as a vassal under the Western Chalukyas.
- Capital:
- Initially at Belur (11th century).
- Later shifted to Dwarasamudra (modern Halebidu).
- Territorial Extent: Controlled large parts of present-day Karnataka and parts of Tamil Nadu for over three centuries.
- Important Rulers:
- Vishnuvardhana (Bittideva)
- Veera Ballala II
- Veera Ballala III
- Vishnuvardhana:
- Considered one of the greatest Hoysala rulers.
- Expanded the kingdom significantly.
- Patronised large-scale temple construction.
- Initially a Jain, later converted to Vaishnavism under the influence of Ramanuja.
- Architectural Style: Developed the distinct Hoysala (Vesara) style, blending Nagara and Dravida elements.
- UNESCO Tag (2023): Chennakeshava (Belur), Hoysaleswara (Halebidu) and Keshava (Somanathapura) inscribed as “Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas.”
Lakshminarasimha Temple (c. 1250 CE), Javagal
Constructed during the reign of Vira Someshwara, this trikuta temple is known for its polished pillars and graceful elephant friezes. Javagal itself was an important commercial hub during the medieval period.
Lakshmidevi Temple (1114 CE), Doddagaddavalli
Among the earliest surviving Hoysala temples, this structure was commissioned by the merchant Sahaja Devi.
Notable features include:
- A rare four-shrine configuration dedicated to Lakshmi, Shiva, Vishnu and Kali
- A distinctive Mahakali sanctum guarded by skeletal betalas
- Architectural simplicity compared to later Hoysala exuberance, indicating an experimental phase
Panchalingeshwara Temple, Mandya
This 13th-century shrine presents a rare Panchakuta plan, consisting of five east-facing Shiva sanctums aligned in a row and connected by a shared pillared hall.
Jain Basadi Complex, Halebidu
Located near the ornate Hoysaleswara Temple, the Jain shrines of Parshvanatha (1133 CE), Shantinatha (1192 CE) and Adinatha exhibit architectural restraint. Their cleaner lines and uncluttered interiors contrast sharply with the decorative richness of Hoysala Hindu temples, reflecting Jain spiritual ideals of simplicity and contemplation.
Hulikere Kalyani (12th Century)
The Hulikere stepwell stands as a fine example of Hoysala hydraulic architecture. Built below ground level with symmetrical stairways on all four sides, it integrates shrines symbolically associated with zodiac signs and nakshatras. This structure demonstrates the dynasty’s ability to blend cosmological symbolism with functional water management.
Celebrated Monuments of the Hoysala Period
- Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu – A monumental Shaiva temple renowned for narrative friezes and layered sculptural panels.
- Chennakeshava Temple, Belur – Dedicated to Vishnu and commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana.
- Keshava Temple, Somanathapura – A 13th-century trikuta Vaishnava temple known for elaborate carvings.
- Veera Narayana Temple – Distinguished by its expansive mandapa and rows of intricately carved elephants.
UNESCO Recognition
In 2023, the Chennakeshava Temple (Belur), Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebidu) and Keshava Temple (Somanathapura) were collectively inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title “Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas.”
Conclusion
The lesser-known Hoysala temples scattered across Karnataka reveal a broader architectural narrative beyond the well-known monuments of Belur and Halebidu. From star-shaped platforms and narrative friezes to Jain austerity and stepwell design, these monuments demonstrate the technical sophistication and artistic ambition of the Hoysala period.
Together, they offer a vivid glimpse into a medieval kingdom where architecture, devotion and sculpture were intricately intertwined — leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape India’s cultural heritage.
UPSC PYQ
Q. The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the: (IAS 2012)
- three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent
- three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified
- three main styles of Indian temple architecture
- three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India
- Northern Indian temple architecture
- Region: Between Himalayas and Vindhyas
- Features:
- Curvilinear Shikhara
- Square sanctum
- No elaborate boundary walls
- Absence of large gopurams
- Southern Indian temple architecture
- Features:
- Pyramid-shaped Vimana
- Large gateway towers (Gopurams)
- Enclosed temple complex
- Water tanks within premises
- Hybrid style
- Developed mainly in Deccan region
- Fusion of:
- Nagara elements
- Dravida elements
- Example: Hoysala Architecture
CARE MCQ
- With reference to the Hoysala Dynasty, consider the following statements:
- Belur served as the initial capital of the Hoysalas before the capital was shifted to Dwarasamudra.
- The Hoysala kingdom was confined only to present-day Karnataka and did not extend into Tamil Nadu.
- Veera Ballala II was one of the prominent rulers under whom the Hoysala kingdom expanded significantly.
Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 1 – Correct
Belur (also known as Velapuri) was the early capital of the Hoysalas in the 11th century.
Later, the capital was shifted to Dwarasamudra (modern Halebidu), which became the political and cultural centre of the empire.
Dwarasamudra developed into a major temple-building centre and is home to the famous Hoysaleswara Temple.
Statement 2 – Incorrect
The Hoysala kingdom was not confined to Karnataka.
Additional Fact:
- Their territory extended into parts of Tamil Nadu.
- The dynasty ruled for over three centuries (11th–14th century CE).
- They emerged from being feudatories of the Western Chalukyas of Kalyana to independent rulers.
Statement 3 – Correct
Veera Ballala II was a powerful and expansionist ruler.
- Under him, the Hoysala kingdom reached its political peak.
- He strengthened administrative control and patronised temple architecture.
- His reign saw consolidation of power in southern India.