Which Indian state hosted the International Tourism Mart for the first time, showcasing the tourism potential of the North Eastern region?

Introduction / Context:
The International Tourism Mart is an event organised to promote tourism, especially in the North Eastern region of India. Hosting such an event helps a state showcase its attractions, culture, and tourism infrastructure. Competitive exams often ask which state hosted the mart for the first time in a particular year, as this is a part of tourism and economic current affairs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The event is International Tourism Mart.
• The question specifies that the state hosted it for the first time.
• The options list several Indian states, only one of which is in the North Eastern region.
• We assume the question refers to the edition where Tripura hosted the mart for the first time.

Concept / Approach:
The International Tourism Mart is usually hosted by states in the North Eastern region along with tourism authorities. Tripura, a North Eastern state, hosted the event for the first time in Agartala. Gujarat, Karnataka, and Telangana are important tourist destinations but are not part of the North Eastern region, while Assam has hosted earlier editions. Therefore, for the first time hosting mentioned in the question, Tripura is the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase for the first time in the question. Step 2: Recall that International Tourism Mart is associated mainly with promotion of tourism in North East India. Step 3: Among the options, identify Tripura and Assam as North Eastern states. Step 4: Remember that Tripura hosted the mart for the first time in Agartala, while Assam had already hosted earlier editions. Step 5: Therefore, pick Tripura as the correct option.

Verification / Alternative check:
A review of tourism related current affairs notes confirms that the Union Ministry of Tourism organised the International Tourism Mart in Tripura for the first time in cooperation with the state government. The event aimed to highlight the tourism potential of Tripura and the wider North Eastern region. Such details are often repeated in exam preparation booklets, supporting this answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Gujarat: A major tourist state but not part of the North Eastern region and not the state referenced in this question.
• Karnataka: Known for beaches, heritage, and technology hubs, yet not linked with hosting this particular mart for the first time.
• Telangana: Not a North Eastern state and not the correct host in the context of this question.
• Assam: Has hosted earlier editions of International Tourism Mart, but the question clearly asks about a state hosting it for the first time, which refers to Tripura.

Common Pitfalls:
Many candidates quickly choose Assam because they remember that several tourism events take place there. Others may overlook the focus on the North Eastern region and mistakenly choose Gujarat or Karnataka due to their general tourism fame. Carefully linking the phrase for the first time with Tripura helps avoid these mistakes.

Final Answer:
The state that hosted the International Tourism Mart for the first time is Tripura, so the correct option is Tripura.