PIB Summary- 5th August, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Tourism has the potential to contribute to India’s achievement of being the third-largest Economy: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Context

The 7th India International Hospitality Expo (IHE 2024) was inaugurated by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, highlighting its role in promoting India’s hospitality industry globally.

He emphasised tourism’s potential to boost India’s economy and employment.

Contribution of tourism to Indian economy:

• Economic Contribution: In 2021, tourism directly contributed approximately 2.78% to India’s GDP, with its indirect and induced effects bringing the total contribution to around 5.83%. Recent estimates indicate that tourism overall contributed about 5.8% to India’s GDP, highlighting its significant role in the nation’s economic framework.
• Employment Generation: Tourism supports around 40 million jobs in India, accounting for about 8% of total employment . This includes direct employment in hotels and restaurants and indirect jobs in sectors like transportation and crafts.
• Infrastructure Development: Government initiatives aim to invest over ₹2 lakh crore ($27 billion) in infrastructure projects, such as airports and highways, to boost connectivity to tourist destinations .
• Foreign Exchange Earnings: In 2019, India earned approximately $30 billion from international tourism, highlighting its potential to attract foreign investment and improve the trade balance .
• Promotion of Local Industries: Tourists’ spending supports local handicrafts and industries. For example, the handicrafts sector, heavily reliant on tourism, employs over 7 million artisans .
• Cultural Preservation: India has over 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attracting cultural tourism and funding for preservation efforts, contributing to cultural heritage conservation .
• Innovation and Digitalization: Initiatives like the ‘Incredible India’ digital platform and enhanced online visa processes have improved tourist experiences and streamlined travel planning.
• Sustainable Development: Eco-tourism projects in states like Kerala and Uttarakhand promote sustainable practices, aligning with global climate goals and attracting eco-conscious travellers.
• Policy Support: The government plans to increase tourism’s contribution to GDP to 10% and create an additional 20 million jobs by 2025 through targeted policies .
• Regional Development: By promoting tourism in underdeveloped regions, such as the Northeast, the government aims to create economic opportunities and improve living standards across diverse areas .

National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) successfully concludes the 4th Capacity Building Program for the Civil Servants of Sri Lanka

Context

The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) concluded its 4th Capacity Building Program for 40 senior civil servants from Sri Lanka in New Delhi.

The program focused on sharing India’s governance models, enhancing Sri Lankan officers’ skills, and fostering bilateral cooperation in areas like agriculture modernization, social welfare, and public-private partnerships.

The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG):

• International Collaboration: NCGG collaborates with various international organisations and countries to share best practices in governance and public administration.
• Establishment: The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) was established in 2014 as an apex institution in India dedicated to governance reforms and capacity building.
• Objective: The primary aim of NCGG is to promote good governance practices by fostering a culture of excellence, transparency, and accountability in public administration.
• Training and Capacity Building: NCGG provides training to civil servants and policymakers in India and other developing countries, focusing on areas such as public policy, leadership, and e-governance.
• Research and Policy Support: It conducts research on governance issues and offers policy recommendations to enhance administrative efficiency and service delivery.