Description

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Context

On May 16 2025 Union Home Minister inaugurated the revamped Multi-Agency Centre at North Block, New Delhi.

The MAC is a centralised intelligence-sharing platform housed within the Intelligence Bureau.

Initially conceptualised in 2001 post-Kargil war the MAC has now been upgraded with advanced technological and structural enhancements at a cost of ₹500 crore.

Objectives

Enhance inter-agency coordination to tackle terrorism, extremism, organised crime and cyber threats.

Provide a real-time, secure communication network to share actionable intelligence across the country.

Enable integrated decision-making and swift operational responses by linking 28 national and state-level organisations.

Features of the New MAC

Feature	Description
Nationwide Coverage	All police districts across India are now connected to the MAC grid.
Multi-agency Integration	Involves 28 organisations including: RAW, IB, Defence Forces, CAPFs, NIA, State Police Forces etc.
Real-time Intelligence Sharing	Enables live sharing and updating of intelligence and security inputs.
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning	Integrated AI/ML capabilities to analyse patterns, predict threats and assist in operational planning.
Geographic Information System (GIS)	Supports hotspot mapping, location analysis and real-time threat visualisation.
Future-ready Architecture	Capable of integrating other critical databases and analytical tools from various central agencies.
Enhanced Data Analytics	Provides trend analysis, timeline analysis and predictive security insights.

Operational Impact

Counter-Terrorism Operations

Improves prevention, detection and neutralisation of terrorist activities.

Key support to initiatives like Operation Sindoor 2025 which targeted Maoist insurgency zones in Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.

Anti-Naxal and Internal Security

Enhanced coordination between Central Armed Police Forces and State forces.

Better surveillance and intelligence sharing in Left-Wing Extremism affected areas.

Cybersecurity and Organised Crime

Capacity to detect cyber threats and transnational organised crime using inter-agency cooperation and analytics.

Challenges in Implementation

Challenge	Explanation
Data Silos	Many intelligence databases still function independently and need integration.
State-Centre Coordination	Requires smooth cooperation from State law enforcement agencies and timely information exchange.
Privacy and Oversight	Balancing national security with citizens’ privacy rights needs legal safeguards.
Capacity Building	Training personnel across agencies in data interpretation and technical tools is crucial.

Constitutional and Legal Backdrop

Operates under the Union List (Entry 8 and 10) — Central jurisdiction over intelligence and defence.

Linked to the mandates under:

National Investigation Agency Act 2008

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967

Information Technology Act, 2000 for cybercrime

Way Forward

Integrated Intelligence Grid: Merge MAC with NATGRID, CCTNS and other national security platforms.

Legal Framework: Codify the powers and functions of MAC in law for transparency and accountability.

Decentralised Nodes: Strengthen regional intelligence units for ground-level penetration.

Civil-Military Synergy: Build joint response strategies across agencies.

Public-Private Cooperation: Engage with technology firms for AI/cybersecurity tools.

Sources:

HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. The success of national security initiatives depends on Centre-State coordination. In this context, analyse how the revamped Multi-Agency Centre can bridge the intelligence-sharing gap between Union and State forces. 250 words