SNIPPETS : 3 NOVEMBER 2025

DEFENCE

• The tri-services exercise Trishul 2025 led by the Indian Navy, involving the Army and Air Force started across Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the northern Arabian Sea. Coordinated by the Western Naval Command, the 12-day drill will see participation from over 20,000 personnel, tanks, warships, and aircraft, including Rafales and Sukhoi-30MKIs. Supported by the Coast Guard, BSF, and central agencies, Trishul aims to boost joint operations, interoperability, and network integration, focusing on amphibious, cyber, and electronic warfare, while showcasing indigenous defence capabilities to address evolving security challenges.

SOCIAL ISSUES

• The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare achieved three Guinness World Records™ under the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA)—a nationwide preventive health campaign held from 17th September to 2nd October 2025. The campaign recorded 3.21 crore healthcare registrations, 9.94 lakh breast cancer screenings, and 1.25 lakh vital signs screenings. With 11 crore participants, it promoted women’s health, nutrition, early detection, and family wellness, embodying the vision of “Healthy Woman, Empowered Family, Viksit Bharat.”
• On Kerala Piravi Day, Kerala became India’s first state to declare itself free from extreme poverty under the Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP) launched in 2021. Using a multidimensional approach covering food, housing, income, health, and education, the state—via Kudumbashree and LSGIs—identified and rehabilitated over 64,000 families through phased interventions, sustainable livelihoods, and housing schemes. However, experts questioned the authenticity of data and survey transparency.

ENVIRONMENT

• India’s horticulture sector is set for a technological revolution through HortiRoad2India, a Dutch-led public–private partnership promoting AI-driven, climate-resilient farming. The project introduces mid- and high-tech greenhouses for crops like strawberries, tomatoes, and microgreens—ensuring 96% water savings and 30× higher yields without pesticides. Cluster-based models near cities (Bengaluru, Chennai, Punjab) will reduce post-harvest losses. Supported by Dutch finance and Indian banks, the initiative promotes sustainable, export-oriented horticulture and farmer empowerment.

SCIENCE AND TECH

• ISRO successfully launched its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03 (4,410 kg), aboard LVM3-M5 (“Bahubali”) from Sriharikota. The mission marked ISRO’s 103rd launch and achieved precise insertion into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. Notably, the cryogenic engine’s thrust chamber was reignited mid-flight, showcasing technological advancement. CMS-03 will provide multi-band communication coverage for 15 years, replacing GSAT-7, and signifies India’s growing self-reliance in heavy-lift and cryogenic propulsion technology.

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

• India and the United States have signed a 10-year Framework for the US–India Major Defence Partnership at the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting–Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Malaysia. The pact, inked by Rajnath Singh and Pete Hegseth, aims to enhance joint research, co-production, and defence technology sharing. It builds on earlier foundational agreements—LEMOA (2016), COMCASA (2018), BECA (2020), and the recent SOSA (2024)—marking deeper strategic and operational convergence between both nations.
• Russia launched its new nuclear-powered submarine Khabarovsk, designed to carry the “Poseidon” nuclear drone, described in reports as a doomsday weapon able to devastate coastal areas. Built by Rubin design bureau, Khabarovsk will deploy modern underwater robotic systems and weapons.