In News:

In a major boost to India’s maritime defense capabilities, three frontline warships—INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer—were commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This marks a significant step in India's self-reliance in defense manufacturing and strengthens its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

INS Nilgiri: Project 17A Stealth Frigate

INS Nilgiri is the lead ship of the Project 17A class, an advanced version of the Shivalik-class frigates, designed for multi-mission capabilities in blue-water operations.

Key Features:

• Advanced stealth technology reducing radar and infrared signatures.
• Equipped with supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM), upgraded 76 mm guns, and rapid-fire close-in weapon systems.
• Versatile roles in anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.
• Constructed using integrated modular design for faster assembly.
• Other ships in this class—Himgiri, Taragiri, Udaygiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri—are under construction at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).

INS Surat: Project 15B Stealth Destroyer

INS Surat is the fourth and final guided missile destroyer under Project 15B, following INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, and INS Imphal. It represents an upgraded version of the Kolkata-class destroyers.

Key Features:

• AI-Enabled Operations: First Indian warship integrated with artificial intelligence solutions for enhanced combat efficiency.
• High-Speed Capability: Can exceed speeds of 30 knots (56 km/h).
• Advanced Armament: Equipped with modern surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and sophisticated network-centric warfare sensors.
• Strategic Role: Acts as a high-speed, maneuverable warship with increased strike capability and endurance.

Project 15B was initiated in 2011, with ships named after major Indian cities to symbolize national unity. These destroyers serve as critical assets in naval operations, ensuring dominance in maritime warfare.

INS Vaghsheer: Project 75 Scorpene-Class Submarine

INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final Kalvari-class submarine built under Project 75, designed for stealth and versatile naval operations.

Key Features:

• Scorpene-Class Design: Developed in collaboration with the French Naval Group.
• Diesel-Electric Propulsion: Silent and highly maneuverable, making it one of the world’s most advanced attack submarines.
• Mission Capabilities: Specializes in anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and special operations.
• Weapons Systems: Armed with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and state-of-the-art sonar systems.

The Kalvari-class submarines continue India's legacy of submarine warfare, named after decommissioned Soviet-origin Foxtrot-class submarines post-Independence.

In News:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the ‘Bharatpol’ portal, which aims to streamline international cooperation for law investigating agencies.

Key Highlights:

Bharatpol is a newly launched portal developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India to facilitate faster and more efficient international cooperation between Indian law enforcement agencies and Interpol. It was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, to streamline the process of sharing criminal intelligence and coordinating efforts in transnational crimes like cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, financial fraud, and organized crime.

The portal aims to address the current challenges in international collaboration, which previously relied on slower communication methods such as letters, emails, and faxes, often leading to delays in investigations.

Key Features and Functions of Bharatpol:

• Unified Platform: Bharatpol integrates CBI as the National Central Bureau (NCB-New Delhi) with all Indian law enforcement agencies, from state police forces to higher authorities. This allows better coordination and quicker access to international resources.
• Simplified Request Mechanism: The portal provides a standardized method for frontline police officers to request international assistance from Interpol member countries, using templates for efficiency.
• Rapid Information Dissemination: Bharatpol enables the CBI to quickly share criminal intelligence and other pertinent information with law enforcement agencies across India, helping to tackle international criminal activities in real-time.
• Increase in Utilization of Interpol Notices: The portal makes it easier for Indian law enforcement agencies to issue and manage Red Corner Notices and other Interpol notices, which are essential tools in tracking criminals globally.
• Capacity Building and Training: Bharatpol includes resources for training law enforcement personnel, improving their ability to conduct investigations abroad and seek foreign assistance via Interpol.

How Bharatpol Works:

• Key Modules of Bharatpol:
  • Connect: Facilitates the integration of Indian agencies with the Interpol NCB-New Delhi, creating a seamless communication channel.
  • INTERPOL Notices: Supports the rapid issuance and processing of Interpol Notices like Red Corner Notices to locate criminals globally.
  • References: Enables Indian agencies to seek and offer international assistance for investigations.
  • Broadcast: Ensures quick availability of assistance requests from Interpol member countries, facilitating faster responses.
  • Resources: Manages document exchanges and training materials to support the capacity-building efforts of law enforcement agencies.

Potential Benefits of Bharatpol:

• Enhanced Coordination: Bharatpol facilitates better collaboration between central, state, and Union Territory agencies, allowing for a more structured and efficient approach to international crime investigations.
• Faster Investigation: Real-time sharing of information and the use of Interpol notices will help in tracking criminals and criminal activities both in India and abroad.
• Simplified Extradition Process: By streamlining international communication, Bharatpol will assist in expediting the extradition of criminals to India for prosecution.
• Support for Transnational Crime Prevention: It will help address growing threats such as cybercrime, human trafficking, and organized crime by improving the ability of Indian law enforcement to collaborate globally.

In News:

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Address at NCC Republic Day Camp 2025.

Key Highlights

• PanchPran as the Foundation of India’s Transformation:
  • PanchPran (Five Resolutions) were outlined by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar as the guiding principles for India’s future development.
  • These principles are fundamental to India’s national progress, ensuring a balanced approach to development and societal transformation.

The Five Principles of PanchPran:

• Social Harmony:
  • Aims to strengthen unity by leveraging India’s diverse cultures and traditions as sources of national strength.
  • Promotes inclusiveness and national integration.
• Family Enlightenment:
  • Emphasizes the importance of families in nurturing patriotic and moral values.
  • Acts as a foundation for creating a cohesive, enlightened society that respects traditions.
• Environmental Consciousness:
  • Advocates for sustainable development and conservation of nature.
  • Focuses on protecting natural resources for future generations.
• Swadeshi (Self-reliance):
  • Encourages promoting indigenous products as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
  • Strengthens India’s self-reliance by focusing on domestic production and consumption.
• Civic Duties:
  • Instills responsibility among citizens to actively contribute to the nation’s growth.
  • Encourages participation in community and national development activities.

National Cadet Corps (NCC)

• The National Cadet Corps (NCC) is the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces, established in 1948.
• It is open to school and college students on a voluntary basis and is a Tri-Services organization, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Purpose and Training:
  • Cadets undergo basic military training in small arms and drills.
  • Officers and cadets have no obligation for active military service after completing their courses.
• Historical Background:
  • Traces its origins back to the ‘University Corps’ formed under the Indian Defence Act of 1917 to address shortages in Army personnel.
• Structure and Leadership:
  • The NCC is headed by a Director General (DG), a senior officer with a 3-star rank.
  • Its headquarters are located in New Delhi.

In News:

In its annual report, the Union Home Ministry has warned the public against getting trapped in organised 'pig-butchering scams'.

Key Highlights:

• What is it?
  • The Pig-Butchering Scam is a sophisticated form of cybercrime in which fraudsters deceive victims into investing in fake online trading platforms. The term "pig-butchering" is derived from the analogy of "fattening up" victims before stealing their money, much like preparing a pig for slaughter.
• How it works:
  • Initial Contact: Scammers typically reach out to victims through social media platforms, dating apps, or deceptive ads on websites like Google and Facebook.
  • Building Trust: Fraudsters create false friendships, using these connections to lure victims into investing in fake online trading apps. Cryptocurrency investments are often involved due to the ambiguity in the crypto market.
  • The Scam: Victims are shown fabricated profits to encourage further investment. However, when they try to withdraw their funds, the money is stolen, and they realize the trading platform was fake.
• Features of the Scam:
  • Use of fraudulent online trading platforms
  • Fabricated blockchain transactions, making fund recovery nearly impossible
  • Reliance on victims’ desire for quick financial gains
  • Linked to money laundering and cyber slavery in some cases
• Origin of the Scam:
  • The scam first appeared in China in 2016, where it was referred to as “sha zhu pan” (translated as "killing pig game").
  • It is a form of Ponzi scheme, wherein organized scammers exploit victims by using fake online identities and offering false investment opportunities.
• How Cybercriminals Lure Victims:
  • The scammer (host) contacts potential victims via social media, dating apps, or deceptive online advertisements.
  • They build trust with the victim, enticing them into exploring online investments and cryptocurrency trading, often capitalizing on the lack of clarity in the crypto space.
  • The victim is then persuaded to invest larger amounts in fake trades, believing they are making real profits.
• How the Scam is Executed:
  • The scammer uses fake online trading platforms to create the illusion of profit.
  • After building the victim’s confidence, the fraudster encourages larger investments.
  • When victims try to withdraw their funds, they realize their money is gone, often with blockchain transactions making it nearly impossible to trace or recover the funds.
• Statistics on Cybercrime in India:
  • In March 2024, the National Cybercrime Threat Analytical Unit recorded over 37,500 complaints related to cybercrime.
  • The highest number of complaints (42%) were associated with WhatsApp (14,746), followed by Telegram (7,651), Instagram (7,152), Facebook (7,051), and YouTube (1,135).
• Union Home Ministry’s Response:
  • The MHA has flagged pig-butchering scams as a global phenomenon that could involve large-scale money laundering and cyber slavery.
  • The Ministry is collaborating with Google for intelligence sharing to flag suspicious digital lending apps and other forms of fraud.
  • The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre is working on capacity building to combat such scams and improve the response to cybercrimes.

In News:

On December 20, 2024, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah attended the 61st Raising Day function of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Siliguri, West Bengal. During the event, he e-inaugurated the Integrated Check Point (ICP) Agartala and a newly constructed residential complex for the Border Guard Force (BGF) at Petrapole. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB), Secretary of Border Management (MHA), and the Director-General of SSB.

Key Highlights from the Speech:

• Tributes to Martyrs: Shri Shah paid tributes to SSB martyrs, highlighting their sacrifices in protecting the country's borders and eliminating Left Wing Extremism in the eastern region. He acknowledged the 4 Padma Shri, 1 Kirti Chakra, and other national awards received by SSB for their exceptional service.
• Role in Connecting Borders: The Home Minister praised SSB’s role in connecting the culture, language, and heritage of border villages with mainstream India. He emphasized that the SSB has fulfilled its motto of "Service, Security, and Brotherhood" while maintaining a strong relationship with Nepal and Bhutan.
• Security and Vigilance: SSB is responsible for securing a 2,450 km border with Nepal and Bhutan. Shri Shah noted that SSB's vigilance has helped in stopping narcotics, arms smuggling, and human trafficking. Additionally, the force has worked to ensure that Bihar and Jharkhand are now Naxal-free.
• Zero-Tolerance Policy: The SSB has a zero-tolerance policy on encroachments, narcotics, and smuggling. Over the last three years, the SSB successfully removed more than 1,100 encroachments from government land and seized significant amounts of narcotics, weapons, and counterfeit currency.
• Impact in Jammu & Kashmir: SSB has played a critical role in combating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, killing more than 19 terrorists and arresting 14 through various operations.
• Humanitarian Efforts: Besides security, SSB has actively participated in disaster relief operations during floods and landslides, often at great personal risk.
• Government Schemes for CAPF Personnel: Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, various welfare schemes like Ayushman Cards, CAPF e-Housing, and scholarships have been launched to support CAPF personnel and their families.
• Self-Employment Initiatives: SSB has promoted self-employment for border youth, training them in areas like beekeeping, mobile repairing, and driving. They have also contributed significantly to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, creating awareness about drug addiction among 36,000 youth.
• Environmental Contribution: The force has planted over 6 crore trees as part of its environmental efforts.

In News:

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of the Government of India has recently reinstated the Protected Area Regime (PAR) for the states of Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland, which are strategically located along the international border with Myanmar. This move comes amid growing security concerns, particularly the influx of migrants from Myanmar, which has been cited as a significant factor in the ongoing conflicts in the region.

What is Protected Area Permit (PAP)?

A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is a special permission required for foreign nationals to visit certain areas of India deemed sensitive due to their proximity to international borders or other security-related concerns. The regulations governing the PAP are laid down under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, which restricts the entry of foreigners to designated regions within India.

Purpose of PAP:

The PAP regime serves multiple critical objectives:

• National Security: It ensures the monitoring and regulation of foreign nationals in sensitive border areas.
• Preservation of Local Communities: The regime safeguards indigenous populations and their unique cultural heritage.
• Environmental Conservation: The permit helps minimize ecological disturbances in fragile regions, ensuring sustainable tourism and development.

Key Features of PAP Regime:

• Eligibility: All foreign nationals, excluding Bhutanese citizens, must obtain a PAP to enter these designated areas. The permit can be granted for specific regions, routes, and time periods.
• Validity: The PAP is typically valid for 10 days with the possibility of extension.
• Restricted Areas: Certain foreign nationals, particularly those from Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan, require prior approval from the MHA to enter these regions.
• Tourism and Other Permits: While foreign nationals can visit these regions for tourism purposes under the PAP, non-touristic visits require special permission from the MHA.
• Registration: Foreigners must register with the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 24 hours of arrival in the protected area.

Historical Context and Reimposition:

The PAP regime was lifted for Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland in 2011, as part of efforts to boost tourism in the region. However, due to rising security concerns related to illegal immigration and ethnic tensions, the MHA reimposed the PAP in 2025. The government’s move aligns with its broader national security strategy to better control foreign movements in sensitive border regions, particularly those with Myanmar, where the Free Movement Regime (FMR) had previously allowed easier cross-border travel.

Background on Security Concerns:

The influx of individuals from Myanmar, particularly members of the Chin community, which shares ethnic ties with the Kuki-Zomi communities in India, has been a source of tension. The Manipur government has repeatedly emphasized that uncontrolled migration has contributed to the unrest in the state. Additionally, the decision to end the FMR between India and Myanmar has further intensified the debate over border security and migration.

Impact on Tourism and Local Communities:

While the reimposition of the PAP is seen as a measure to strengthen security, it has raised concerns in states like Mizoram and Nagaland, which have been actively promoting tourism. For example, Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival recently attracted over 200,000 visitors, including foreign nationals. The reintroduced restrictions may dampen tourism in these states, which were previously exempt from the PAP to encourage foreign visits.

Key Legal Provisions Under the PAP Regime:

• Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958: This order mandates the requirement of a PAP for foreigners visiting areas close to international borders.
• Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, 1963: This order covers areas that require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for foreign nationals, such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

States Affected by the PAP Regime:

The PAP regime affects regions close to India’s international borders, including the entire states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand.

In News:

The annual ‘Smuggling in India - Report 2023-24’ report, which highlights DRI’s performance and experience over the last financial year as well as trends in the field of anti-smuggling and commercial fraud, will be released during the celebration.

Major Narcotics Hubs and Routes:

• Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan (The Death Crescent):
  • Primary source of heroin trafficked into India.
  • Routes via Africa, the Gulf, and India-Pakistan border.
• Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand (The Death Triangle):
  • Significant source of synthetic drugs and heroin.
  • Drugs often enter India through porous northeastern borders (e.g., Assam, Mizoram).
  • Vulnerable regions: Moreh, Churachandpur, Zokhawthar.
• Maritime Routes:
  • India’s vast coastline provides opportunities for drug trafficking, often through concealed shipping containers and fishing vessels.
• Air Routes:
  • Increased trafficking due to international air traffic.
  • Smuggled drugs often concealed in luggage, courier packages, or ingested by mules.

Major Narcotics Trends and Seizures (FY24):

• Cocaine:
  • Significant increase in trafficking, particularly from South America and Africa.
  • 47 seizures, up from 21 in the previous year.
  • Seized quantity: 107 kg.
• Methamphetamine:
  • Spiked in northeastern states like Assam and Mizoram.
  • Seized quantity in FY24: 136 kg; increased in the first half of FY25 with 123 kg.
• Hydroponic Marijuana:
  • Increasing smuggling from the US, Thailand, and other countries.
• Black Cocaine:
  • New form of cocaine coated with substances like charcoal or iron oxide to evade detection.
• Contraband Cigarettes:
  • Smuggling through sea routes, especially from Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
  • Seizures increased by 19% in FY25, reaching 3.95 crore sticks.
• Illicit Gold:
  • Significant destination for gold smuggling from West Asia (UAE, Saudi Arabia).
  • Seized quantity fell slightly (1,319 kg in FY24), with land and air routes being primary methods.
• Wildlife Smuggling:
  • Seizures included 53.5 kg of elephant tusks, leopard skins, live pangolins, and more.

Challenges and Issues:

• Porous Borders:
  • Smuggling across eastern borders with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal remains a significant challenge.
  • Difficult terrain in these regions aids traffickers.
• Air and Sea Routes:
  • Growing use of air and maritime routes due to faster movement of goods.
• Technology and Detection:
  • Emergence of “black cocaine” challenges traditional detection methods.

Anti-Smuggling and Drug Control Efforts:

• International Cooperation:
  • United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) lead global efforts.
  • Paris Pact Initiative targets Afghan opiate trafficking.
• Indian Initiatives:
  • Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (1985) provides legal framework.
  • Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) work together for enforcement.
  • National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan focus on awareness and rehabilitation.

ABOUT DRI

• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is the premier intelligence and enforcement agency on anti-smuggling matters under the aegis of Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), Government of India.
• It came into existence on 4th December 1957.
• With its Headquarters at New Delhi, 12 Zonal Units, 35 Regional Units and 15 Sub-Regional Units, DRI has been carrying out its mandate of preventing and detecting cases of smuggling of narcotic drugs & psychotropic substances, gold, diamonds, precious metals, wildlife products, cigarettes, arms, ammunitions & explosives, counterfeit currency notes, foreign currency, SCOMET Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies) items, hazardous & environmentally sensitive materials, antiques etc. and taking punitive action against the organised crime groups engaged therein.
• DRI is also engaged in unearthing commercial frauds and instances of customs duty evasion.

In News:

The Delhi Police recently initiated Operation Kawach, arresting and detaining around 1,000 people in an attempt to crack down on various gangs and their operations in the wake of the recent incidents of shootings reported in the city.

Overview of Operation Kawach

• Objective: A crackdown on gang-related violence, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities like possession of firearms, banned drugs, and liquor.
• Agencies Involved:Delhi Police (Local Police, Special Cell, and Crime Branch)
• Duration: Initiated on November 12, 2024 (5 PM) and continued until November 13, 2024 (5 PM).

Key Details of the Operation

• Arrests and Detentions:
  • Around 1,000 people detained.
  • 486 people apprehended in Outer North Delhi (20% juveniles).
  • Arrests made in Dwarka, Southwest, and North Delhi.
• Key Gangs Targeted:
  • Associated with notorious gangs led by Lawrence Bishnoi, Neeraj Bawana, Kaushal Chaudhary, TilluTajpuria, Kala Jatheri, Manjeet Mahal, and Nandu gangs.
• Charges: Involvement in activities like:
  • Possession of illegal firearms.
  • Trafficking of liquor and banned drugs (NDPS Act).
  • Theft and other criminal activities.

Significance of Operation Kawach

• Public Safety: Aimed at dismantling organized crime networks to enhance safety and reduce violence in Delhi.
• Impact on Gangs: Directly targets high-profile criminals, including those involved in gang wars and drug trafficking.
• Strategic Law Enforcement: Strengthens law enforcement capabilities, working in coordination across multiple police units.

In News:

• ?1.2 lakh crore is the projected financial loss due to cyber frauds in India over the next year (2024), according to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Union Home Ministry.
  • This could amount to 0.7% of India’s GDP.
• Mule Accounts:
  • Mule accounts are a significant contributor to cyber frauds. These accounts are used to facilitate money laundering and illegal transactions.
  • On average, around 4,000 mule accounts are identified daily by I4C.
  • Mule accounts typically facilitate the transfer of funds out of India, often through cryptocurrency transactions.
• Sources of Cyber Scams:
  • A majority of frauds are linked to Chinese entities or China-based operations, with about half of the cybercrime complaints originating from China.
  • Other major hubs for cyber frauds include Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos, which house call-centre-like scam compounds.
  • Azerbaijan has also been identified as a new hotspot for such scams.
• International Dimension:
  • Fraudulent withdrawals have been reported from ATMs in Dubai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Russia using mule accounts.
  • The international nature of these scams often involves routing stolen funds through various countries, using methods like cryptocurrency exchanges.
• Cybercrime and Terror Financing:
  • Cyber scams have potential ramifications beyond financial losses; they can be used for terror financing and money laundering.
  • Cryptocurrency is a common medium for laundering money, with an example cited of ?5.5 crore laundered through 350 transactions in a short span.
• ATM Hotspots and Fraudulent Withdrawals:
  • 18 ATM hotspots have been identified across India where fraudulent withdrawals occur.
  • Fraudsters exploit these locations to withdraw money, often using mule bank accounts and cross-border ATM networks.
• Government Response:
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is working to combat these frauds by convening meetings with the Union Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • The objective is to curb the operation of mule accounts and strengthen the banking system to prevent such frauds.
  • Banks are being urged to flag unusually high-value transactions or accounts with low balances that are engaging in suspicious activity.
• Fraudulent Calls and Scam Compounds:
  • Indian fraudsters, in collaboration with international scam rings, use Indian mobile phone numbers to deceive citizens.
  • Countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Azerbaijan have been identified as hubs for investment scams involving fraudulent calls.
• Helpline and Cyber Fraud Reporting System:
  • The Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (part of I4C) and the 1930 helpline provide mechanisms to report financial frauds.
  • ?11,269 crore in financial frauds was reported during the first half of 2024 via these channels.
  • The system also involves cooperation with over 200 financial intermediaries, including banks and wallets.

In News:

Seven people were killed in Jammu and Kashmir when suspected militants targeted the workers of infrastructure company APCO Infratech, which is constructing the Z-Morh tunnel on the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway. This is the first militant attack on a key infrastructure project in Jammu and Kashmir. In the past, militants have not targeted such infrastructure projects in the region.

What is the Z-Morh Tunnel?

• Length: 6.4 kilometers
• Connection: Links Sonamarg (a popular tourist destination) with Kangan town in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
• Construction Site: Located near Gagangir village, ahead of Sonamarg.
• Naming: The tunnel gets its name from the Z-shaped road near the construction site.

Importance of the Z-Morh Tunnel

• All-Weather Connectivity: The tunnel is crucial for year-round access to Sonamarg, particularly in the winter when the road is often blocked by snow avalanches.
• Location: Situated at 8,500 feet above sea level, the tunnel provides a safe, all-weather route for tourists and locals, especially during winter months when access to Sonamarg is typically limited.

Strategic Importance

• Part of Zojila Tunnel Project:
  • The Z-Morh tunnel is integral to the larger Zojila tunnel project, which aims to provide all-weather connectivity from Srinagar to Ladakh.
  • The Zojila Tunnel, under construction at an altitude of around 12,000 feet, will connect Sonamarg (Kashmir) to Drass (Ladakh) and is expected to be completed by December 2026.
• Military and Strategic Significance:
  • The Z-Morh tunnel is crucial for rapid military mobilization between Srinagar, Kargil, Leh, and Drass regions.
  • It ensures quick access for military personnel to the Ladakh border, particularly in areas of heightened security like Siachen Glacier and the Turtuk sub-sector (on the Pakistan border).
  • The tunnel will reduce dependence on air transport for troop and supply movements to forward areas, leading to cost savings and extended aircraft lifespan.