UPSC CARE Mains Practice 24th February 2026
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- The release of India’s first counter-terror policy ‘PRAHAAR’ marks a shift towards a comprehensive and technology-driven internal security framework. Discuss. (GS Paper III – Internal Security)
- The Nagara Style of temple architecture was mostly prevalent in Northern India. Discuss its main features. (GS Paper I – Art & Culture)
Q. The release of India’s first counter-terror policy ‘PRAHAAR’ marks a shift towards a comprehensive and technology-driven internal security framework. Discuss. (GS Paper III – Internal Security)
Introduction:
India’s security landscape has evolved from conventional cross-border terrorism to complex, technology-enabled, and transnational threats. The release of PRAHAAR in 2026 — India’s first comprehensive counter-terrorism policy — institutionalises a zero-tolerance, intelligence-led, and multi-dimensional strategy to combat terrorism and its ecosystem.
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Significance / Key Dimensions
1. Comprehensive National Framework
- First unified counter-terror doctrine integrating land, air, and maritime threats.
- Standardised anti-terror structure across States for coordinated response.
2. Recognition of Evolving Threats
- Addresses cyber-attacks by criminal hackers and hostile nation-states.
- Identifies use of encryption, dark web, crypto wallets, and drones.
- Flags risks of CBRNED (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive, Digital) materials.
3. Protection of Critical Infrastructure
- Focus on safeguarding power, railways, aviation, ports, defence, space and atomic sectors.
- Moves towards infrastructure-centric security preparedness.
4. Intelligence-Led Prevention
- Emphasis on pre-emption rather than post-incident response.
- Greater coordination between NIA and State agencies.
5. Counter-Radicalisation & Whole-of-Society Approach
- Graded police response to radicalised youth.
- Engagement of community leaders, NGOs, psychologists.
- Prison de-radicalisation programmes.
6. International Cooperation
- Recognises transnational terrorism and state-sponsored terror networks.
- Calls for regional and global alignment.
Challenges
- Encryption and digital anonymity complicating investigations.
- Balancing surveillance with civil liberties and human rights.
- Federal coordination gaps across States.
- Cross-border safe havens and geopolitical constraints.
Way Forward
- Strengthen AI-based intelligence analytics.
- Build advanced cyber forensics and counter-drone systems.
- Continuous policy review to adapt to technological change.
- Deepen international intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
Conclusion:
PRAHAAR represents a shift from reactive policing to preventive, technology-integrated counter-terrorism. Its success will depend on effective Centre–State coordination, technological capacity-building, and safeguarding democratic values while ensuring national security.
Q. The Nagara Style of temple architecture was mostly prevalent in Northern India. Discuss its main features. (GS Paper I – Art & Culture)
Introduction:
From the 5th century CE onwards, a distinct temple architectural style known as the Nagara style emerged in northern India. It developed in the region between the Himalayas and the Vindhyas and later spread across western, central, and eastern India with regional variations. While the Dravida style flourished in the south, the Nagara style became the dominant northern temple tradition.
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The most characteristic feature of the Nagara style is the curvilinear shikhara (rekha-prasad) that rises vertically above the garbhagriha (sanctum). The tower curves inward toward the top and culminates in a ribbed circular stone disc called the amalaka, crowned by a kalasha. In addition to the Latina type, other shikhara forms such as Phamsana (pyramidal, broader base) and Valabhi (wagon-vaulted roof) were also used.
Temples were generally constructed on an elevated platform (jagati) and often followed the Panchayatan style, where four subsidiary shrines were placed around the main shrine in a cruciform plan. The sanctum was preceded by one or more mandapas (assembly halls), connected through pillared porches.
The exterior walls were articulated into vertical offsets known as rathas (triratha, pancharatha, saptaratha, etc.), which created space for elaborate narrative sculptures. Decorative panels often depicted mythological scenes, deities, and celestial figures. Images of Ganga and Yamuna were typically installed at the entrance of the sanctum. A covered pradakshina path was commonly provided.
Unlike Dravida temples, Nagara temples usually lacked massive boundary walls, elaborate gopurams, and temple tanks within the complex.
Conclusion:
Exemplified by the Sun Temple at Konark, Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar, and Jagannath Temple at Puri, the Nagara style reflects a vertical architectural emphasis, sculptural richness, and regional adaptability, making it a hallmark of northern Indian temple architecture.