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UPSC Notes

Terrorism

PYQs

2

Articles

2

Momentum

14

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC examines terrorism as a critical internal security challenge, its international dimensions, impact on governance, and the strategies for counter-terrorism, including legal frameworks, international cooperation, and the role of various agencies.

Terrorism is the systematic use of violence, especially against civilians, to achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives. It represents a significant challenge to national security, internal stability, and international peace, often involving non-state actors and cross-border dimensions.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Characteristics

Characterized by indiscriminate violence and psychological impact to create fear.

Motivations

Motivations range from separatist movements and ethno-nationalism to religious extremism and ideological fanaticism.

India's Context

India has a long history of combating various forms of terrorism, including cross-border, state-sponsored, and domestic.

Response Strategy

Requires a comprehensive strategy involving intelligence gathering, law enforcement, legal frameworks, socio-economic development, and international cooperation.

Definition

Systematic use of violence to create a general climate of fear in a population and thereby to achieve a particular political objective.

Forms

Can include bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, cyberattacks, and hijackings (e.g., aircraft hijacking).

Impact

Threatens national security, economic stability, social cohesion, and international relations.

International Response

Requires global cooperation, intelligence sharing, and adherence to international conventions (e.g., UN counter-terrorism conventions).

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaInternal Security
Conceptual areaGeopolitics & International Conflicts

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)Formulates and implements internal security policies, including counter-terrorism strategies
National Investigation Agency (NIA)Investigates and prosecutes terrorism-related cases across india
National Security Council (NSC)Advises the prime minister on matters of national security, including terrorism
United NationsFacilitates international cooperation and conventions against terrorism
National Security Agencies (e.g., NIA, IB)Conducts counter-terrorism operations and intelligence gathering
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Defined as politically motivated violence against non-combatants.
  • Poses significant internal and external security threats.
  • India's response includes UAPA, NIA, and intelligence sharing.
  • Often linked to cross-border elements and radicalization.
  • International cooperation (e.g., UN, FATF) is crucial.

Topic timeline

Internal SecurityGeopolitics & International Conflicts
Prelims 2019· Factual recall, Policy measures

Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the follow...

Open question
Prelims 2024· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct? 1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. 2. It ...

Open question

40 years ago, August 12, 1986: PM for twin war on terrorism

12 Aug 2026 · Terrorism is politically motivated violence, a major security threat. India's response involves legal, intelligence, and diplomatic efforts to counter its diverse forms and impacts.

Read article

40 years ago September 7, 1986: Pan Am aircraft hijack

07 Sep 2026 · Terrorism is the use of violence for political ends, a major global security threat requiring multi-faceted responses, including international cooperation and robust internal security measures.

Read article

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Terrorism

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War on Terror

Open notes

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 2 linked questions on Terrorism in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Terrorism

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct? 1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. 2. It ...

2024·International Relations
Solve

Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the follow...

2019·International Relations
Solve

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