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  • Goods and Services Tax (GST)

    [pib] Recommendations during 54th meeting of GST Council

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    The 54th GST Council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister was held recently.

    Recommendations from the 54th GST Council Meeting:

    GST Rate Changes for Goods
    Namkeens and Savory Products GST on extruded/expanded savoury products reduced from 18% to 12%; 5% GST on un-fried or uncooked snack pellets continues.
    Cancer Drugs GST on cancer drugs like Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab reduced from 12% to 5%.
    Metal Scrap Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) introduced for metal scrap supplies by unregistered persons; 2% TDS applied on B2B metal scrap supplies by registered persons.
    RMPU Air Conditioning Machines RMPU air conditioning machines for railways classified under HSN 8415, attracting a 28% GST rate.
    Car and Motorcycle Seats GST on car seats (HSN 9401) increased from 18% to 28%, aligning with the rate for motorcycle seats.

    GST Rate Changes for Services
    Life and Health Insurance Group of Ministers (GoM) to be constituted to study GST issues related to life and health insurance. Report expected by October 2024.
    Transport by Helicopters GST on passenger transport by helicopters (seat share basis) set at 5%; 18% GST continues for charter helicopter services.
    Flying Training Courses DGCA-approved flying training courses conducted by Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) will be exempt from GST.
    Preferential Location Charges Preferential Location Charges (PLC) in construction services to be taxed as composite supply.
    Affiliation Services Affiliation services provided by boards like CBSE taxable; services provided to government schools by state/central boards will be exempt.
    Import of Services by Branches Import of services by foreign airlines’ branch offices from related persons will be exempt from GST if made without consideration.

    Compliance Measures
    B2C E-invoicing Pilot project for B2C e-invoicing introduced to improve business efficiency and environmental sustainability.
    Invoice Management System (IMS) Invoice Management System to allow taxpayers to accept, reject, or keep invoices pending for claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC).
    Waiver of Interest/Penalty Special procedure to waive interest/penalty for tax demands from FY 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20 under section 73 of CGST Act.
    Clarifications via Circulars Clarifications on place of supply for advertising services, ITC on demo vehicles, and place of supply for data hosting services to be issued.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following items:

    1. Cereal grains hulled

    2. Chicken eggs cooked

    3. Fish processed and canned

    4. Newspapers containing advertising material

    Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax)?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Policy paralysis, a weakened public health sector

    Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Health & Education,Social Empowerment

    Why in the News?

    Primary care remains underdeveloped, while the private sector has seen significant growth in secondary and tertiary care.

    What are the major necessities in Public Health? 

    • Diseases of Poverty: This includes health issues predominantly affecting the poor and vulnerable populations, such as tuberculosis, malaria, undernutrition, maternal mortality, and illnesses caused by food and water-borne infections like typhoid and diarrheal diseases. 
      • Addressing these needs is critical not only from a health perspective but also as a matter of human rights.
    • Middle-Class Health Concerns: The second category focuses on health issues related to environmental pollution, including air and water quality, waste management, and food safety. 
      • These issues are often exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and poor market regulations, leading to chronic illnesses and road traffic accidents.
    • Curative Care Needs: The most visible public health needs are those related to curative care, which is divided into three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary care. 
      • The poor often rely on public primary health care for affordable services, while secondary care remains historically neglected. 
      • Tertiary care is primarily addressed through government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) under Ayushman Bharat, aimed at providing coverage for serious health issues.

    How do the private hospitals become a real beneficiary in present times? 

    • Limited Coverage: India’s health insurance primarily covers only hospitalisation expenses, leaving out outpatient and primary care services. This benefits private hospitals as they can monopolise high-cost medical treatments, while the larger uninsured population faces commercialised care at market rates.
    • Weakening of Public Health Sector: The government’s shift in focus from strengthening public sector health care to outsourcing via insurance schemes like PMJAY indicates a failure to build adequate secondary and tertiary public health services.  

    Threats to Public Healthcare:

    • Neglect of Secondary and Tertiary Care: The inadequate investment in strengthening secondary- and tertiary-level health care in the public sector, leads to a reliance on private hospitals.
    • Transformation of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Sub-centres: The conversion of sub-centres and PHCs into Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) has undermined their original role in preventive and promotive health care.  
    • Loss of Trust in Public Healthcare: Due to overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and inadequate funding, public health institutions are losing credibility. Coupled with the commercial interests of private providers, this creates a dual crisis of access and quality in the healthcare system.
    • Rebranding of Health Centres: The recent renaming of HWCs as “Ayushman Arogya Mandirs” raises concerns about cultural relevance and secularism in public health institutions, especially for non-Hindi-speaking populations, further undermining trust in the system.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Public Healthcare Infrastructure: Invest in enhancing secondary and tertiary care facilities in the public sector to reduce dependence on private hospitals.  
    • Integrate Health Insurance and Primary Care: Expand health insurance coverage to include outpatient and primary care services, and ensure that public health centers retain their focus on preventive and promotive care.  

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)

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  • Cyclones

    On uncommon cyclones in the Arabian Sea

    Explained | Geography | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

    Why in the News?

    A rare August cyclone, named ‘Asna’, currently positioned off the Kutch coast is even more remarkable for having originated over land.

    Why was there a lot of excitement over Asna?

    • “Asna” is notable because it’s the first cyclone in August in the North Indian Ocean since 1981. August is typically not part of the cyclone season in this region.
    • The cyclone began as a land-born depression that intensified as it moved over the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. It formed from a rare strong low-pressure system that grew unusually powerful over land.
    • Asna’s formation is linked to the broader context of rapid warming over the Arabian Sea, influenced by climate change. The northward shift of the low-level jet stream due to warming over West Asia contributed to its development.

    Why does the North Indian Ocean have two cyclone seasons?

    The North Indian Ocean has two distinct cyclone seasons due to the unique monsoonal circulation patterns in the region:

    • Pre-monsoon season (March-May): The Arabian Sea warms rapidly during this time as the sun crosses over to the Northern Hemisphere. The Bay of Bengal is relatively warmer and begins producing atmospheric convection and rainfall. This leads to cyclogenesis in both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
    • Post-monsoon season (October-December): This is the northeast monsoon season for India. The Arabian Sea cools due to the strong southwesterly winds and mixing of cold subsurface waters. However, the Bay of Bengal remains favourable for cyclogenesis. The post-monsoon season is the major cyclone season in the North Indian Ocean

    How is climate change affecting the region?

    • Warming of the Indian Ocean: Climate change is amplifying the warming of the Indian Ocean, with more heat being transferred from the Pacific Ocean and Southern Ocean. This increases the overall sea surface temperature (SST), crucial for cyclone formation.
    • Monsoon and cyclones: The warming affects the monsoon patterns and has the potential to change cyclone intensity. More heat and moisture from the warming seas lead to more energy available for cyclones.
    • Impact on global ocean circulation: The warming of the Indian Ocean is also affecting global ocean currents, impacting heat uptake by the Pacific Ocean and water sinking in the North Atlantic. The Indian Ocean is playing a central role in global climate change processes.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Early Warning Systems: Enhance real-time monitoring and forecasting of cyclones, particularly in the pre- and post-monsoon seasons, using satellite data and advanced models.
    • Building Climate Resilience: Implement climate adaptation strategies, especially for coastal communities, by improving infrastructure and disaster preparedness to cope with increasing cyclone intensity due to climate change.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (UPSC IAS/2022)

     

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    BepiColombo Mission

    Prelims Only | | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    BepiColombo

    Why in the News?

    • On Thursday, the ESA-Japan spacecraft “BepiColombo” made its closest approach to Mercury, capturing detailed images of its sunrise-lit surface and revealing the planet’s south pole.

    Highlights of the Latest Flyby:

      • BepiColombo uses flybys of Earth, Venus, and Mercury to slow down and enter orbit around Mercury. This approach gives scientists new information about Mercury’s south pole and its unusual peak ring craters, which haven’t been studied much before.

      Note: Flybys are close passes of a spacecraft near a planet or celestial body

    About BepiColombo Mission:

    Details
    Collaboration  European Space Agency (ESA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
    Launch Date
    • October 20, 2018
    • Expected to enter Mercury’s orbit by late 2026.
    Launch Vehicle Ariane 5 Rocket
    Objectives
    • Study Mercury’s magnetic field
    • Investigate surface composition and geology
    • Analyze Mercury’s interaction with solar wind
    • Study exosphere and geological history
    Spacecraft Components
    • ESA’s Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO):  Focus on surface and interior study
    • JAXA’s Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MIO): Focus on magnetic field and surrounding space
    Planned Flybys
    • 6 (Flybys of Earth, Venus, and Mercury)
    • Ongoing, with 4 out of 6 Mercury flybys completed
    Craters Studied Vivaldi Crater, Stoddart Crater
    Significance Second mission ever to orbit Mercury (after NASA’s Messenger, 2004)
    Challenges
    • Mercury’s proximity to the Sun accelerates spacecraft, requiring multiple flybys to slow down
    • Thruster issues causing mission delay

     

    PYQ:

    [2008] What is the purpose of the US Space Agency’s Themis Mission, which was recently in the news?

    (a) To study the possibility of life on Mars.

    (b) To study the satellites of Saturn.

    (c) To study the colourful display of high latitude skies.

    (d) To build a space laboratory to study the stellar explosions.

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    What is Helium and why is it used in Rockets?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Two NASA astronauts aboard Boeing’s Starliner will remain on the International Space Station (ISS) for an extended period due to issues with a faulty propulsion system, including helium leaks.

    helium

    About Helium

    • Helium is inert, meaning it does not react or combust when exposed to other substances.
    • This makes it ideal for pressurization and cooling systems in rockets and spacecraft.
    • With an atomic number of 2, Helium is second lightest element after hydrogen, helping to keep the rocket’s weight low, which is crucial for achieving the necessary speeds and altitudes to reach orbit.
    • It has an extremely low boiling point (-268.9°C), allowing it to stay in a gaseous state in super-cold environments, where many rocket fuels are stored.
    • Though non-toxic, helium cannot be inhaled on its own as it displaces oxygen, which is vital for human respiration.

    How is Helium used for space applications?

    • Fuel Tank Pressurization: Helium pressurizes fuel tanks, ensuring a consistent flow of fuel to the rocket’s engines, even as the fuel is burned.
    • Cooling Systems: It also plays a key role in cooling systems, particularly in environments where rocket fuel and oxidizer need to be stored at extremely low temperatures.
    • Maintaining Tank Pressure: As fuel and oxidizer are consumed, helium fills the empty space left behind, ensuring the overall pressure inside the tanks remains stable.

    Is Helium prone to leaks?

    • Helium’s small atomic size and low molecular weight make it prone to leaking through tiny gaps or seals in storage tanks and fuel systems.
    • Since helium is rare in Earth’s atmosphere, even minor leaks are easily detectable, making it a valuable tool for spotting potential faults in spacecraft fuel systems.
    • Examples of Leaks:
      • In May, hours before Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft attempted its first astronaut launch, sensors detected a small helium leak in one of its thrusters.
      • After Starliner launched in June, additional leaks were found in space, prompting NASA to return the spacecraft to Earth without its crew.

    Alternatives to Helium

    • Argon and Nitrogen: Some rocket launches have experimented with other inert gases like argon and nitrogen, which are sometimes cheaper, but helium remains the industry standard.
    • Ariane 6’s Novel System: Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket abandoned helium in favor of a pressurization system that converts small amounts of its liquid oxygen and hydrogen into gas for pressurizing the fuel.
      • However, during Ariane 6’s debut launch, this system failed in space, adding to the global rocket industry’s pressurization challenges.

    PYQ:

    [2012] A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory included those from India created the heaviest anti-matter (anti-helium nucleus). What is/are the implication/implications of the creation of anti-matter?

    1. It will make mineral prospecting and oil exploration easier and cheaper.

    2. It will help prove the possibility of the existence of stars and galaxies made of anti-matter.

    3. It will help understand the evolution of the universe.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    What is the Principle of Planetary Protection?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    • Planetary protection is a crucial principle in space missions that travel from Earth to other planetary bodies, such as the Moon or Mars.
      • The goal is to preserve both Earth’s biosphere and the planetary body’s environment from contamination by alien microbial life.

    About Planetary Protection:

    Details
    Definition Safeguarding Earth’s biosphere and other planetary bodies from microbial contamination during space missions.
    Objective Prevent contamination of Earth’s environment and other planets by alien microbes or Earth-origin microorganisms.
    Legal Basis Article IX of Outer Space Treaty (1967) mandates avoiding harmful contamination in space exploration.
    Importance
    • Protects integrity of scientific research on other planets.
    • Prevents potential biological threats to Earth.
    Methods of Implementation
    • Spacecraft sterilization (e.g. baking in a dry room at 120°C for 3 days).
    • Planning missions to avoid cross-contamination.
    Key Applications Missions to Mars, Moon, Europa and other celestial bodies where contamination may disrupt research or pose risks.
    Challenges Increased costs and technical demands for maintaining sterile spacecraft and environments.
    Recent Example China’s Tianwen-3 Mars sample-return mission (2028) confirmed adherence to planetary protection principles.
    Global Cooperation International space agencies follow planetary protection guidelines for sustainable and safe space exploration.

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  • Land Reforms

    Enemy Properties in India 

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    The Union Home Affairs Ministry has notified the auction of land in Uttar Pradesh previously owned by the family of former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf.

    Enemy Properties in India

    Details
    Definition Assets (movable and immovable) and properties of individuals or entities from countries at war with India, vested with CEPI.
    History Concept initiated after India-Pakistan wars (1965 & 1971) and the 1962 Sino-Indian war.
    Legislation Enemy Property Act, 1968; Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2017.
    Custodian Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI), under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
    Total such Properties  12,611 enemy properties; 12,485 from Pakistani nationals, 126 from Chinese citizens.
    States with Highest Properties Uttar Pradesh (6,255), followed by West Bengal, Delhi, Goa, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
    Movable Assets Includes shares, gold, etc. Government has earned over ₹3,400 crore from the disposal of these assets.
    Immovable Properties No immovable enemy property has been sold so far.

    Significant Court Cases
    Raja of Mahmudabad Case (2005) Supreme Court ruled in favor of the son of the Raja, allowing him to claim enemy properties. This led to multiple claims by heirs.
    2010 Ordinance In response to the 2005 judgment, the government issued an ordinance to prevent the transfer of enemy properties to legal heirs.
    2016 Amendment & Ordinance The 2016 Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Ordinance nullified previous court orders, ensuring enemy properties remain with the Custodian.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] With reference to the ‘Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988 (PBPT Act)’, consider the following statements:

    1. A property transaction is not treated as a benami transaction if the owner of the property is not aware of the transaction.

    2. Properties held benami are liable for confiscation by the Government.

    3. The Act provides for three authorities for investigations but does not provide for any appellate mechanism.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 2 and 3 only

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  • Swachh Bharat Mission

    Swachh Bharat Mission averted 70,000 infant deaths a year

    Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    A new study published in the peer-reviewed “journal Nature” has found that the construction of toilets under the government’s “Swachh Bharat Mission” helped prevent approximately 60,000 to 70,000 infant deaths annually between 2011 and 2020.

    Key Highlights of the Report:

    • Impact of SBM: The study revealed that districts with over 30% toilet coverage under SBM experienced reductions of 5.3 in the Infant Mortality Rate and 6.8 in the Under Five Mortality Rate per thousand live births.
      • Over 9.5 crore toilets being built across the country since 2014;
      • 564,658 villages being declared Open Defecation Free (ODF);
      • 30 States/UT’s being 100% covered with individual household latrines (as of 2019).
    • Unique Approach of SBM: The approach of combining toilet construction with substantial investments in IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) and community engagement represents a marked departure from traditional efforts in India.
    • Novel Evidence of Impact: The study provides novel evidence of reductions in infant and child mortality following SBM’s comprehensive national sanitation program, indicating its transformative role in improving public health outcomes.
    • Asian Enigma: The report touches on the “Asian Enigma,” which highlights persistently high levels of undernutrition and stunting among children despite sufficient food availability, linking it to poor sanitation practices and open defecation.

     

    Successful Journey since Inception (2014-present):

    • Phase I (2014): The SBM 1.0  aimed to make urban centers open-defecation-free and improve sanitation infrastructure, particularly toilets.
        • The mission targeted constructing household, community, and public toilets, converting insanitary latrines, and improving solid-waste management.
    • Phase II (2020): The SBM 2.0 commenced in 2020, and is expected to run till 2025-26. It aims to sustain the achievements of phase I and ensure that treatment of both liquid and solid waste is achieved through the help of technology and private sector engagement.
    • This will focus on making Indian cities garbage-free by improving scientific waste management systems.

    Way forward: 

    • Global Model for Sanitation: India’s national sanitation campaign under SBM could serve as a model for other low- and middle-income countries where sanitation remains a major public health challenge.
    • Focus on Behavioral Change: Alongside infrastructure development, efforts are needed to sustain behavioural changes to eliminate open defecation.
    • Expand Sanitation Infrastructure in Rural Areas: Prioritize extending sanitation coverage and scientific waste management systems to underserved rural regions, building on the success of SBM to reduce mortality further and improve public health.

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  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    House Panel includes SEBI review in agenda, likely to summon Buch 

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Why in the News?

    The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has included a review of SEBI’s performance, amid political controversy surrounding chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch following Hindenburg Research’s allegations.

    What are the allegations against SEBI?  

    • Conflict of Interest: SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch faces conflict of interest allegations due to her past ICICI Bank role amid Adani investigations.
    • Toxic Work Environment: Reports have surfaced from approximately 500 SEBI employees claiming that the work culture at the regulatory body is “toxic and fearful.” This has led to demands for an impartial inquiry into the alleged workplace issues and the overall management of SEBI.
    • Response to Allegations: Buch and SEBI have denied wrongdoing, asserting that all necessary disclosures and recusal norms have been followed diligently.

    Significance and Functions of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

    The PAC was introduced in 1921 after its first mention in the Government of India Act, 1919 (Montford Reforms).

    • Oversight Role: The PAC serves as a parliamentary watchdog for government spending, ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of public funds. It plays a crucial role in auditing the revenue and expenditure of the government.
    • Review of Regulatory Bodies: The PAC has the authority to review the performance of regulatory bodies established by the Act of Parliament.
    • Suo-motu subjects: The PAC can select subjects for in-depth examination beyond the standard audit reports, allowing it to address pressing issues that may arise in the public interest, such as the allegations against SEBI’s chairperson.
    • Advisory Role: While the PAC can make recommendations based on its findings, it does not have the authority to enforce compliance. Its recommendations are advisory in nature.

    How SEBI can improve its regulation considering recent challenges? (Way forward) 

    • Enhanced Disclosure Regulations: SEBI has already made progress with the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2023, but further refinement is needed.
      • It should focus on clarifying the scope of disclosures required from companies, particularly regarding financial irregularities and conflicts of interest.
    • Bolstering Whistleblower Protections: SEBI should strengthen its whistleblower protection framework to encourage the reporting of internal issues or malpractices, ensuring accountability and protection for informants.
    • Improving Internal Governance and Work Culture: SEBI can address concerns about a toxic work environment by conducting independent reviews of its internal governance, improving employee welfare, and fostering a transparent, positive work culture.
    • Collaborating with Global Regulatory Bodies: SEBI can work more closely with global financial regulators to align with international best practices and enhance cross-border market oversight, ensuring that India’s markets remain resilient and transparent.

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  • Tourism Sector

    A tourism policy ill-suited for Jammu and Kashmir  

    Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Why in the News?

    Kashmir’s fragile environment faces severe damage from urbanization, commercialization, and climate change, underscoring the urgent need for a resilient and sustainable tourism model.

    Aims and Objectives of J&K Tourism Policy

    • Promoting all forms of Tourism: The policy aims to promote traditional recreational tourism as well as adventure, pilgrimage, spiritual, and health tourism. This diversification can attract a wider range of tourists.
    • Sustainable Practices: The policy emphasizes the need for sustainable tourism practices that minimize environmental degradation, conserve water, and protect biodiversity.
    • Infrastructure Development: It seeks to improve infrastructure, including hotels, roads, and recreational facilities, to accommodate the growing number of tourists.
    • Community Engagement: The policy aims to include local communities in tourism planning and decision-making processes, promoting their involvement in conservation efforts and sustainable practices.
    • Diversification of Tourism: By promoting various forms of tourism, such as eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism, the policy aims to reduce over-reliance on traditional tourist spots and distribute tourist footfall more evenly across the region.

    What are the effects of the new Policy? 

    Positive Impacts  Negative Impacts:
    • Increased Tourist Influx: Since the announcement of the New Tourism policy in 2020, over 40 million tourists have visited Kashmir.
    • Increase in Employment: The policy helps to generate employment of approximately 50,000 people per year, which can significantly boost the local economy.
    • Promotes Culture and Festivals: The policy promotes city-wise events and festivals with a pre-defined calendar to attract tourists.
    • Boosting Exports and Collaborations: The policy helps the handicraft industry, which was earlier limited to select destinations, to directly export and collaborate both nationally and internationally.
    • Environmental Stress: The rapid increase in tourist activities has led to significant ecological disturbances, including deforestation, waste accumulation, and pollution of water bodies.
    • Increase in Infra-strain: It also resulted in encroachment on natural habitats and increased pressure on local resources, such as water and electricity.
    • Climate Change Impact: The region is experiencing accelerated effects of climate change, including glacial depletion and erratic weather patterns, which threaten agricultural sustainability and water availability.

    Major Challenge: Fragility of the Region

    • Natural Disasters: Jammu and Kashmir is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides, which can be exacerbated by unchecked commercialization and environmental degradation.
    • Ecological Sensitivity: The region’s delicate ecosystems are highly vulnerable to the impacts of tourism and urbanization, necessitating careful management to prevent irreversible damage.
    • Resource Depletion: The increased demand for water and energy resources is leading to the depletion of aquifers and heightened reliance on hydroelectric projects, which disrupt local aquatic ecosystems.

    Need for a Resilient Tourism Model (Way Forward)

    • Sustainable Tourism Practices: There is an urgent need to adopt a resilient and sustainable tourism model that prioritizes eco-friendly practices, waste reduction, and conservation of natural resources.
    • Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in tourism planning and decision-making is crucial for fostering sustainable practices and ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably.
    • Infrastructure Resilience: Developing infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events and diversifying tourism offerings beyond peak seasons will help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
    • Policy Integration: A cohesive approach that integrates sustainable tourism policies with broader economic and environmental strategies is essential for preserving the region’s natural beauty while supporting local economies.

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