Aim: position Tripura as a global hub for spiritual and eco-tourism.
Of the ₹450 crore project cost, ₹276 crore is funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
Key Infrastructure and Tourism Features
Development includes:
Floating jetties
Eco-friendly resorts
Modern tourist amenities
Culture-based immersive tourism experiences
Designed to give the Dumbur region a distinct international tourism identity.
Employment and Livelihood Generation
Project expected to generate 4,000–5,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Around 30% of employment opportunities earmarked for women.
Self-help groups and local youth to be actively involved.
Focus on skill development, including training of tour guides at premier institutions.
Emphasis on Sustainable and Inclusive Development
The project combines infrastructure development with human resource development.
Aims to create long-term livelihood opportunities, not just physical assets.
Natural and Cultural Significance of Dumbur Lake
Dumbur Lake described as a rare blend of:
Natural beauty
Cultural heritage
Spiritual importance
Tripura’s hospitality and social warmth highlighted as a key tourism asset.
Tripura’s Strategic Development under National Vision
Development aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visions of:
‘Developed Northeast’
‘Local to Global’
‘Act East Policy’
Tripura positioned as a gateway to Southeast Asia.
Strong Centre–State coordination credited for development progress.
Future Growth Sectors for Tripura
Tourism
Agarwood
Bamboo
Infrastructure
These sectors are expected to help Tripura become a self-reliant state and a growth pillar of the Northeast.
‘Green Gold’ Bamboo Initiative
22 projects approved to promote engineered bamboo in the Northeast.
Branded as “Green Gold”, the initiative aims to:
Strengthen the regional economy
Promote environmentally sustainable development
CBSE’s Policy Reform to strengthen students’ mental health
Policy Reform Overview
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a major policy reform to strengthen students’ mental health support and career guidance.
Appointment of socio-emotional counsellors and career counsellors has been made mandatory in all CBSE-affiliated schools.
Legal Background
The reform follows a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in July 2025 before the Rajasthan High Court.
The PIL was filed by advocate Sujeet Swami, along with psychology experts.
Amendment to CBSE Rules
CBSE amended Clause 2.4.12 of the CBSE Affiliation Bylaws, 2018.
This amendment legally mandates schools to institutionalise counselling services rather than treating them as optional.
Rationale Behind the Decision
The PIL highlighted a sharp rise in mental health challenges among students, including:
Stress
Anxiety
Emotional and behavioural issues
Career-related confusion and pressure
It argued for a uniform and structured mental health support framework across schools.
Scope of Counselling Services
Socio-emotional counsellors will address:
Emotional wellbeing
Psychological issues
Social adjustment challenges
Career counsellors will guide students on:
Academic choices
Career pathways
Skill-based planning and future readiness
Impact on Schools
All CBSE-affiliated schools must now:
Recruit qualified counselling professionals
Integrate mental health and career guidance into regular school systems
This move increases institutional accountability for student wellbeing.
Broader Significance
The reform marks a shift from a purely academic-focused education model to a more holistic, student-centric approach.
It acknowledges mental health as a critical component of educational success and child development.
Overall Importance
The decision is seen as a landmark step in mainstreaming mental health care in Indian schools, setting a precedent for other education boards and states.
Siddi Badsha community
Community Identity and Location
The Siddi Badsha community is an African-origin ethnic group living primarily in Jambur and Shirvan villages in the Sasan Gir region of Gujarat.
Shirvan village lies within the Gir forest, while Jambur is located along the banks of the Saraswati river.
Jambur has evolved into a predominantly Siddi settlement.
Historical Origins
Historical studies suggest the Siddis were brought to India by the Portuguese around 300 years ago.
They were employed by the King of Junagadh, who admired their strength and endurance.
The king gave them the title “Siddi Badshah”, meaning “kings of labour.”
Relationship with Gir Forest and Asiatic Lions
Members of the community helped the king track Asiatic lions in the forests of Sasan Gir.
Due to their natural adaptation to jungle life, the Siddis chose to settle permanently in the forest region.
Community leaders believe that Asiatic lions have never attacked Siddi members, citing mutual respect and protection of habitats.
Genetic and Physical Traits
According to community representatives, the Siddis possess exceptional physical strength and endurance.
Their African ancestry is reflected in physical features such as curly hair and distinct skin tone.
Community members claim a natural resilience developed through generations of forest living.
Cultural Heritage
The Siddis practise a high-energy dance form called Dhamal, which traces its roots to East African traditions.
Their culture represents a unique fusion of African heritage and Indian forest life.
Livelihood and Service
Most men work as labourers, while women primarily manage households.
Several community members have served or are serving in the Indian Army and Navy, reflecting national integration and service.
Sporting Excellence
The Siddi community has shown remarkable success in sports, particularly judo.
Seven members of the community have won international gold medals in judo.
Sports training takes place at the Talala Taluka Adivasi Seva Sangh Ashram Shala in Jambur.
Around 90 boys and girls are currently undergoing sports coaching.
Challenges and Aspirations
Despite talent, the community faces a lack of adequate sports infrastructure and training facilities.
Community members have expressed the need for better grounds and resources to excel in more sports disciplines.
RBI’s Proposal of using CBDCs
Overview of the Proposal
RBI’s Initiative: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is reportedly advising the Indian government to encourage BRICS countries to use their Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) for cross-border payments.
Timing: India’s BRICS chairmanship in 2026 presents an opportunity to push this initiative.
Scope: Could involve the five founding BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and newer members such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Indonesia, with more countries potentially joining.
What are Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)?
Definition: CBDCs are legal tender issued by central banks entirely in digital form.
Indian Context: The RBI issues the e-rupee on a limited scale. One e-rupee equals one physical rupee.
Wallet-Based System: CBDCs are stored in digital wallets separate from bank accounts. Transactions occur wallet-to-wallet, unlike UPI which works between bank accounts.
Difference from Cryptocurrencies:
CBDCs are centralized and regulated by the central bank.
Value is pegged to the fiat currency.
Private cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are decentralized and not backed by governments.
Benefits of Using CBDCs
Transparency and Security:
Transactions are recorded on a blockchain, which is immutable and visible to all parties.
Helps track cross-border transactions, reducing black money and money laundering.
Programmability:
CBDCs can be coded for specific purposes, such as:
Merchant categories
Geo-locations
Expiry dates
Payer and payee identifiers
Geopolitical Advantage:
India’s trade with Iran and Russia is restricted due to exclusion from the U.S. dollar-based SWIFT system.
CBDCs could provide an alternative mechanism for international trade, bypassing the U.S. dollar.
Risks and Challenges
Legal and Regulatory Issues:
Coordinating regulations across multiple countries could take years.
Geopolitical Risks:
Potential U.S. retaliation, including additional tariffs on imports from India.
Current tariffs are already 50%, and using CBDCs instead of the dollar may escalate tensions.
Cost-Benefit Consideration:
India must weigh the benefits of streamlined cross-border payments against possible economic consequences like higher tariffs.
