PIB Summary - 6th May, 2025 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

India’s MICE Industry

Introduction

• The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry is being highlighted as a crucial driver for the economy and a generator of high-quality jobs in India.
• The “Meet in India Conclave 2025” took place in Jaipur, coinciding with the 14th Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB).
• With strong infrastructure, economic growth, and government support, the MICE sector is poised to make a significant contribution to India’s GDP.

Government and Policy Focus

• There is a strong collaboration between the central and state governments, as seen with the Ministry of Tourism, the Rajasthan government, and FICCI hosting the conclave.
• The focus is on state-led promotion, public-private partnerships, and regional tourism development.
• India aims to elevate 10 cities, such as Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi, and Jio World Centre, as top global MICE destinations.

Economic and Infrastructure Potential

• India’s MICE market revenue is projected to grow from USD 49.4 billion in 2024 to USD 103.7 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 13%.
• Recent infrastructure improvements include:
• 1.5 lakh km of roads
• 150+ airports
• Semi high-speed trains
• 2.48 million hotel rooms
• Enhanced digital and physical connectivity, which boosts MICE readiness.

State-Specific Initiatives

• Rajasthan: Positioned as a future-ready MICE hub, combining its rich heritage with modern infrastructure.
• Odisha: Highlighted its spiritual and architectural assets, such as Puri and Konark, along with its readiness for MICE activities.

Strategic Recommendations and Challenges

• There is a need for a unified national MICE strategy that includes:
• Establishing convention promotion bureaus at the city level.
• Developing a national MICE branding and marketing strategy.
• Building a skilled workforce through MICE academies.
• Creating integrated digital platforms for promotion and management.
• The key challenge is coordinated execution rather than the availability of infrastructure.

Global Visibility and Vision

• Hosting the G20 Summit has enhanced India’s reputation as a capable host for large-scale events.
• The government is using the G20 legacy to promote MICE tourism on a global scale.
• The Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog has highlighted the opportunity for India to become a global hub for events and concert tourism.

Private Sector and International Collaboration

•  There has been strong participation from international and domestic MICE companies, tour operators, event organizers, and state representatives. 
•  Dr. Jyotsna Suri from FICCI emphasized India’s shift from being just a leisure destination to becoming a leading MICE destination. 
•  B2B sessions were organized to facilitate matchmaking between buyers and sellers in the MICE sector. 

Record Production in Mining in FY 2024-25

Key Mineral Production Trends (FY 2024–25)

• Iron Ore:
  • Production reached 289 million metric tons (MMT), marking a 4.3% increase from 277 MMT in FY 2023–24.
  • Iron ore constitutes 70% of the total mineral production value under the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR).
  • Growth is driven by heightened demand from the steel industry, reflecting robust industrial activity.
• Manganese Ore:
  • Production rose by 11.8%, from 3.4 MMT to 3.8 MMT.
  • This surge supports increasing needs in steel manufacturing and battery production.
• Bauxite:
  • Output increased by 2.9%, reaching 24.7 MMT from 24 MMT.
  • As the primary raw material for aluminium, this growth underpins the expanding aluminium manufacturing sector.
• Lead Concentrate:
  • Production grew by 3.1%, from 381 thousand tonnes (THT) to 393 THT.
  • This reflects steady demand in battery production, cabling, and infrastructure development.

Non-Ferrous Metal Sector Performance

• Primary Aluminium:
  • Achieved a new record with 42 lakh tonnes (LT), up from 41.6 LT.
  • India maintains its position as the 2nd largest aluminium producer globally.
  • Growth is fueled by demand in power transmission, transportation, construction, and packaging industries.
• Refined Copper:
  • Production increased by 12.6%, from 5.09 LT to 5.73 LT.
  • India ranks among the top 10 refined copper producers worldwide.
  • The uptick supports sectors like electrical equipment manufacturing, renewable energy, and electric vehicles.

India’s Global Standing in Mineral Production

• Iron Ore: 4th largest producer globally.
• Aluminium: 2nd largest producer.
• Refined Copper: Among the top 10 producers.

Economic and Industrial Implications

• The consistent growth in mineral production indicates a resilient industrial sector and robust infrastructure development.
• Increased outputs in iron ore, aluminium, and copper are vital for sectors such as steel manufacturing, energy, construction, automotive, and machinery.
• These trends align with India’s objectives under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, aiming to reduce dependency on imports and bolster domestic industries.