CURRENT-AFFAIRS

General Studies Paper – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations

Context

India is world-famous for its diverse geography, rich cultural heritage, and historical monuments. The concept of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (The guest is God) has been the core of our culture. However, India's position in the current global tourism market is not commensurate with its potential. Figures for the year 2025 show that despite being a vast country, India lags significantly behind smaller countries like Singapore and Thailand in terms of attracting foreign tourists.

What is "Beautiful vs. Functional"?

In the context of this article, "Beautiful" refers to India's natural beauty, heritage, and diversity, which attracts tourists. On the other hand, "Functional" refers to those basic facilities that make a tourist's journey smooth:

• Image: Global perception as a safe and clean country.
• Infrastructure: Seamless connectivity from airports to monuments and world-class facilities.
• Experience: Hassle-free transport, transparent pricing, and safety of tourists.

Why in the News?

Comparative figures up to August 2025 clarify the concerning state of Indian tourism:

• Tourist Numbers: 5.6 million foreign tourists visited India, while the small country of Singapore saw 11.6 million.
• Revenue: Thailand earned more than $60 billion from tourism, while India's earnings were not even a third of that.
• Population vs. Attraction: Despite a population of 1.4 billion and a vast area, India is struggling to achieve its rightful share in the global tourism market.

Role of Tourism in India's Economy

• Contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Tourism holds a large share in India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to data, this sector contributes approximately 7% to 9% to India's total GDP. It includes ancillary industries such as hotels, transport, entertainment, and food.
• Employment Generation: The tourism sector is one of the largest employment-providing sectors in India.
  • It provides a livelihood to millions of people both directly (e.g., guides, hotel staff, travel agents) and indirectly (e.g., handicraft sellers, local transport drivers, farmers).
  • A unique feature of tourism is that it provides work to all three types of workers—unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled.
• Foreign Exchange Earnings: When foreign tourists visit India, they spend on accommodation, food, and shopping, through which India receives foreign exchange (e.g., Dollar, Euro). This helps in improving the country's Balance of Payments.
• Infrastructure Development: To develop tourist destinations, the government invests in roads, airports, railways, and telecommunication facilities. This development is not only for tourists but also improves the living standards of local residents. For example, the 'UDAN' scheme has strengthened regional air connectivity.
• Conservation of Cultural and Natural Heritage: A portion of the income earned from tourism is spent on the maintenance of historical monuments (e.g., Taj Mahal, Red Fort) and wildlife sanctuaries (e.g., Kaziranga, Manas). This keeps our heritage secure.
• Balanced Regional Development: Tourism is often spread across remote areas (e.g., Ladakh, North-East India, or the backwaters of Kerala). It brings money and facilities to those regions where large industries cannot be established, thereby reducing regional inequality.
• India's 'Soft Power': When foreign tourists experience Indian culture, Yoga, Ayurveda, and hospitality, it strengthens India's image at the global level. The spirit of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' strengthens international relations.

Steps Taken by the Government

• Major Infrastructure Schemes
  • Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Under this, 'theme-based' tourist circuits (e.g., Ramayana Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Coastal Circuit) are being developed in the country. Its new version 'Swadesh Darshan 2.0' is now emphasizing destination-centric development.
  • PRASHAD Scheme: Its full name is 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive'. Its objective is to rejuvenate religious sites (e.g., Varanasi, Mathura, Kedarnath) and increase basic facilities there.
  • UDAN Scheme: This scheme has made air access to far-flung tourist destinations cheap and accessible, leading to an increase in tourism in 'Tier-2' and 'Tier-3' cities.
• Policy and Digital Initiatives
  • e-Visa Facility: India has started the e-Tourist Visa facility for citizens of more than 160 countries, making it very simple to visit India now.
  • Atithi Devo Bhava and Incredible India: For India's branding at the global level, the 'Incredible India 2.0' campaign is being run, which focuses on social media and digital platforms.
  • Dekho Apna Desh: This campaign was started to promote domestic tourism after Covid-19, in which citizens were encouraged to see the diversity of their own country.
• Special Tourism Sectors and Innovation
  • Medical Tourism: India has promoted medical tourism through the 'Heal in India' initiative, in which special 'AYUSH Visas' are being given to foreign tourists to take advantage of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga) and modern medical facilities.
  • Cruise Tourism: Development of Ganga Vilas (the world's longest river cruise) and cruise terminals in coastal areas is being done to promote this high-value sector.
  • Adventure and Eco-Tourism: New policies have been formulated for adventure sports and eco-friendly tourism in Himalayan regions and North-East India.
• Investment and Ease of Doing Business
  • 100% FDI: 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been permitted under the automatic route in the tourism and hospitality sector.
  • Infrastructure Status to Hotel Sector: The demand to grant 'Infrastructure' status to large hotel projects is being considered so that they can obtain loans at lower interest rates.
• Skill Development and Safety
  • Hunar Se Rozgar Tak: Under this program, youth are being given short-term training in sectors like hotel management, guiding, and catering.
  • Tourist Police and Helpline: To ensure the safety of tourists, special 'Tourist Police' have been deployed in many states and a 1363 multilingual helpline number has been issued.

Obstacles in the Path of Success for the Tourism Sector

According to the article, there are some deep-seated 'malaises' in India's tourism strategy:

• Safety Concerns: Global perception regarding the safety of foreign tourists, especially women.
• Lack of Cleanliness: Lack of waste management and sanitation at tourist destinations.
• Complex Processes: Technical and administrative hurdles in visa, transport, and ticket booking.
• Over-commercialization: The tendency to overcharge tourists, which spoils their experience.

Analysis

Tourism is not just about showing monuments but about providing an 'end-to-end' experience. The secret of the success of Thailand and Singapore lies in their "Functionality." There, a tourist does not face any inconvenience in traveling from the airport to the hotel and tourist spots. India has the 'content' (beauty and history), but we lag in 'delivery' (service and convenience). Until infrastructure and security are world-class, India will remain merely a "tantalizing idea."

Way Forward

• Digitalization and Accessibility: A single-window app for tourists providing transport, guides, and emergency assistance.
• Sanitation Campaign: Developing major tourism centers as 'Zero-Waste' zones.
• Security Protocol: Making 'Tourist Police' more empowered and friendly to build confidence among foreign tourists.
• Change in Branding: Focusing on 'Safe and Seamless India' instead of just showing 'Incredible India.'

Conclusion

India's beauty is undeniable, but beauty alone is not enough for the tourism industry to flourish. We must move beyond 'Beautiful India' and work towards becoming 'Functional India.' If we overcome our basic shortcomings, the tourism sector will not only become a reservoir of foreign exchange but also create new employment opportunities for millions of Indians.

General Studies Paper – III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

Context

A consensus has been reached on the long-pending 'Free Trade Agreement' (FTA) to take the trade relations between India and the European Union (EU) to new heights. These negotiations, which were halted in 2013 due to a deadlock, had become active again over the last few years. This agreement comes at a time when India is emerging as an alternative to China in the global supply chain and the European Union seeks to diversify its trading partners. This agreement covers not only trade but also investment and Geographical Indications (GI).

"Mature and Pragmatic" Approach

This agreement is being called 'mature and pragmatic' because both sides, instead of taking a rigid stand, have found a 'middle path':

• Pragmatism: India protected its sensitivities (such as dairy and agriculture), while the European Union also showed flexibility without compromising its interests.
• Maturity: Instead of stalling on previous contentious issues (such as automobiles and alcohol), both countries sought quota-based solutions, which provide protection to both their domestic economies.

Why in the News?

This subject is currently a center of discussion in the global trade world because:

• Trade Size: The European Union is India's second-largest trading partner (accounting for nearly 12% of total trade).
• Geopolitical Impact: Amidst U.S. tariff policies and global instability, this agreement ensures a stable and large market for India.
• Historic Step: This is the ninth FTA signed by India in the last four years, but it is the largest in terms of economic impact.

Key Pillars of Negotiating Success

The following main points have been behind the success of this agreement:

• Tariff Concessions: Agreement by the European Union to zero duties on 99.5% of Indian goods.
• Automobile Solution: Quota-based access for luxury cars, ensuring that India's small car manufacturers are not harmed.
• Wine and Spirits: Opening the market for French wines while providing protection to the Indian domestic liquor industry.
• Strategic Synergy: Separate agreements on defense, technology, and mobility (movement) alongside trade created an atmosphere of trust.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite the success, some serious challenges remain:

• CBAM (Carbon Tax): The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism could become a challenge for Indian metal exports (iron, steel).
• Compliance: India will have to increase its manufacturing quality in accordance with European standards.
• Slow Process: Translating the agreement into 27 languages and obtaining approval from the European Parliament is a time-consuming process.
• Agriculture and Labor Standards: The European Union's strict conditions regarding environmental and labor standards could be complex for Indian exporters.

Analysis

This FTA is a balance between India's 'Act East' and 'West' policies. While previous agreements (such as UAE, Australia) were smaller, the agreement with the EU takes India to the top of the global 'Value Chain.' The biggest benefit will go to the services sector and labor-intensive sectors (such as textiles and gems). However, India's success will depend on how quickly it implements its internal reforms (Ease of Doing Business).

Way Forward

• Acceleration in Manufacturing: India must start large-scale production through schemes like the 'PLI Scheme.'
• Diplomatic Pressure: India should continue bilateral talks with EU member states so that there is no delay in the approval process.
• Quality Upgradation: It is mandatory to train Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) towards European quality standards.

Conclusion

The India-European Union FTA is a major victory for economic diplomacy. This deal demonstrates that India is no longer negotiating as a 'defensive' economy but as a 'confident' global power. If implemented at the right time, it will not only accelerate India's goal of a $5 trillion economy but also make India's position in global trade indispensable.

Wings India 2026

'Wings India 2026' is Asia’s largest civil aviation event. It was organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and FICCI. The event was held at the historic Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad from January 28 to 31, 2026. Its main objective is to make India a major global aviation hub and to provide a global platform to all stakeholders of the industry.

Current News and Major Headlines

The recent and most significant news related to Wings India 2026 are as follows:

• Inaugural Session: Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu formally inaugurated the program. He announced that India is now moving towards becoming a 'manufacturer' rather than just a buyer of aircraft.
• Russian Participation: Russia showcased its state-of-the-art aircraft SJ-100 and Il-114-300, opening new avenues for India-Russia aviation cooperation.
• Air India’s Big Deal: Air India has placed an order for 30 additional Boeing narrow-body aircraft, bringing its total order to nearly 600 aircraft.
• Make in India: 'Shakti Group' and 'Omnipol' signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the manufacturing of 19-seater aircraft in India.

Award Distribution: Uttarakhand Conferred "Best State" Award

Uttarakhand emerged victorious in this year's 'Wings India Awards':

• Honor: Uttarakhand was conferred the national award for the “Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem.”
• Reason: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state successfully implemented the 'UDAN' scheme, built new heliports, and made air connectivity accessible in difficult mountainous regions.
• Other Awards: Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) received the 'Best Airport' award.

Key Highlights of the Event

• Theme: "Indian Aviation: Paving the Future – From Design to Deployment, Manufacturing to Maintenance, Inclusivity to Innovation and Safety to Sustainability."
• Aerobatic Display: The Indian Air Force's 'Surya Kiran' team and the UK's 'Mark Jefferies Global Stars' team showcased thrilling stunts in the sky.
• Display: A 'static display' of more than 34 aircraft and helicopters was featured in the event.
• Global Participation: Ministers and representatives from more than 20 countries participated in this summit.

Future Focus

Wings India 2026 has set the future direction for Indian aviation:

• MRO Hub: Developing India as a global center for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) of aircraft.
• Sustainability: Reducing carbon emissions by promoting 'Sustainable Aviation Fuel' (SAF) and green airports.
• Advanced Air Mobility (AAM): Developing infrastructure for drone taxis and electric vertical take-off (eVTOL) aircraft.
• Skill Development: Training more than 115 aviation professionals for global leadership over the next 5 years.

Conclusion:

Wings India 2026 has made it clear that the Indian sky is now full of 'infinite possibilities' and India is fully ready to lead in the global aviation sector.