Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit

Context: Recently, the Minister of Development of North Eastern Region ( DoNER)  laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit in Meghalaya under the PM-DevINE scheme.

About the Project

• Aim: To transform Sohra (Cherrapunji) into a world-class experiential tourism destination rooted in sustainability and local livelihoods.
• Investment and Scope: With a total investment exceeding ₹650 crore.
• Key Components
  • Sohra Experience Centre (₹115 crore): Cultural nucleus showcasing Meghalaya’s tribal heritage through amphitheatres, rain parks, art galleries, and craft pavilions.
  • Supporting Sites: Development of Nohkalikai Falls precinct (₹26 crore); Mawsmai Eco Park (₹29 crore); Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint; Shella Riverside and Wahkaliar Canyon for adventure tourism.
• Significance: The Sohra Circuit is expected to create over 4,600 jobs, increase tourist spending sixfold, and position Meghalaya as a model for sustainable, community-led tourism aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047.

About PM-DevINE Scheme

• The Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at promoting rapid, inclusive, and holistic development in India’s North East Region (NER).
• Launch: The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2022–23 and approved by the Cabinet on 12th October 2022.
• Budget Outlay: PM-DevINE has a total financial outlay of ₹6,600 crore for the period 2022–23 to 2025–26.
• Implementation: It is implemented by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) to address region-specific needs through efficient resource use.

Asian Youth Games 2025

Context: India achieved its best-ever performance at the Asian Youth Games 2025, winning 48 medals at Manama, Bahrain.

India’s Performance at AYG 2025

• India recorded a historic medal tally of 48 (13 gold, 18 silver, 17 bronze), its highest ever, surpassing performances from 2009 (11 medals) and 2013 (14 medals).

About Asian Youth Games (AYG)

• It  is a continental multi-sport event organised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for athletes aged 14–17 years, aimed at nurturing young talent across Asia.
• Previous Editions
• • 1st Edition (2009): Singapore
  • 2nd Edition (2013): Nanjing, China
• The 2017 and 2021 editions were cancelled due to logistical and pandemic-related reasons, making Bahrain 2025 the third edition after a 12-year gap.
• Significance: The achievement reflects improved youth sports infrastructure and training under Khelo India and India’s emergence as a youth sports powerhouse in Asia and strengthens its Olympic talent pipeline.

Chabahar Port

Context: The United States granted India a six-month sanctions waiver for operations at Iran’s Chabahar Port, confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs on October 31, 2025.

Background of US Sanctions and Waiver

• The US had revoked the previous exemption on September 29, 2025, forcing Indian entities like India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) to halt operations under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA).
• The new six-month waiver now allows India to resume development activities and continue port operations without facing US penalties.

About the Chabahar Port

• Introduction: It is a strategic seaport jointly developed by India and Iran.
• Location: it is situated in the Gulf of Oman, east of the Strait of Hormuz, in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province.
• Significance for India:
  • Provides direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
  • It is a crucial part of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
  • Used for humanitarian aid deliveries, including wheat to Afghanistan and pesticides to Iran.
• Implication of the waiver: It  aims to balance US strategic interests by encouraging India to reduce oil imports from Russia, similar to the 2019 sanctions-relief model.
  • While the waiver revives India’s engagement with Chabahar, diplomats view it as of “limited value” due to its short duration and geopolitical conditionality.

Nuclear Submarine ‘Khabarovsk’

Context: Russia has launched its latest nuclear-powered submarine ‘Khabarovsk’.

About Submarine ‘Khabarovsk’

• ‘Khabarovsk’ is Russia’s newest nuclear submarine, launched at the Sevmash Shipyard in Severodvinsk.
  • Severodvinsk is located on the White Sea coast of Russia.
• Class: It belongs to the Project 09851 class and is derived from the Borei-class ballistic missile submarines, modified to carry special-purpose underwater systems.
• Poseidon Drone Capability: The submarine is designed to carry and deploy the Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drones, often called “doomsday missiles,” capable of intercontinental range and massive nuclear payload delivery.
• Technical Features: It is powered by a nuclear reactor, enabling extended underwater endurance and stealth operations, with advanced sonar and communication systems for long-range strategic missions.

Significance

• The launch strengthens Russia’s second-strike nuclear capability, enhancing its underwater deterrence posture and signaling Moscow’s continued focus on next-generation strategic naval warfare systems.

Exercise Trishul 2025

Context: Exercise ‘Trishul 2025’ commenced on November 3, 2025, to strengthen India’s joint combat preparedness and inter-service operational synergy across multiple domains.

About Trishul 2025

• ‘Trishul 2025’ is a major integrated tri-services exercise involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, led by the Indian Navy under the Western Naval Command.
• Venue and Scope: The exercise is being conducted across the Sir Creek and desert sectors of Rajasthan and Gujarat, extending into the northern Arabian Sea, showcasing integrated land, air, and maritime operations.
• Participating Formations: Key participants include the Army’s Southern Command, Western Naval Command, and South Western Air Command, supported by the Indian Coast Guard, BSF, and other central agencies, reflecting strong inter-agency coordination.

Focus Areas

• Operational Objectives: The drills aim to validate joint operational procedures, enhance interoperability, and strengthen network integration among the three Services for seamless multi-domain operations.
• Key Activities: Highlights include amphibious landings using INS Jalashwa and Landing Craft Utility (LCU ) vessels, carrier operations, and air-sea coordinated missions with the IAF to test real-time combat readiness.
• Technological and Strategic Emphasis: ‘Trishul 2025’ focuses on Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Electronic Warfare (EW), and Cyber Warfare, with emphasis on the use of indigenous systems in line with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Significance

• The exercise reaffirms India’s commitment to jointness, integration, and self-reliance, enhancing the Armed Forces’ ability to operate in a networked, multi-domain environment and respond effectively to evolving security challenges.

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