Global Tourism Resilience Day 2025
Global Tourism Resilience Day is observed every year on February 17. The day is dedicated to honoring the robustness and adaptability of the tourism industry. It aims to ensure that the tourism sector can withstand challenges such as pandemics, economic crises and environmental changes and promote sustainable economic development, cultural exchange and sustainability. On this occasion, countries are encouraged to adopt strategic measures that can protect the tourism sector from potential disruptions in the future.
Key Points
Date and Origin
Observed every year on February 17.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly.
Focused on enhancing resilience in the travel and tourism industry.
Significance
Tourism is a major source of the economy of many developing countries, generating income, employment and tax revenue.
Sustainable tourism (including ecotourism) helps meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in poverty eradication, job creation and environmental protection.
Encourages countries to adopt strategies to recover from challenges such as pandemics, natural disasters and economic recessions.
Encourages collaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance tourism resilience.
Global challenges
The tourism sector can be affected by pandemics (like COVID-19), climate change and economic recessions.
The tourism industry must develop its capacity to adapt, recover and contribute to sustainable development.
Events and activities
Conferences, workshops and awareness campaigns are organised at national and international levels.
The focus is on developing climate-resilient travel measures and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Discussions on climate action in tourism in 2025 by the United Nations, which will emphasise the need for climate adaptation in the tourism sector.
Role of governments and organisations
Governments, companies and organisations work together to develop the best strategies, innovative solutions and policies.
Diversification in tourism activities and services is encouraged to reduce risks and maintain the sustainability of the industry.
Global Tourism Resilience Day underlines that sustainable and robust tourism is important not only for the global economy but also for cultural heritage and environmental protection.
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Local Governance Performance Index
Karnataka has topped the 2024 Local Governance Performance Index, a significant milestone in the state’s growth and development. The index evaluates various aspects such as management, financial position, capacity building and accountability of local bodies. This strong performance of Karnataka is a testimony to effective local governance, allowing it to overtake former 2015-16 leader Kerala. Along with this, Uttar Pradesh (UP) has also shown remarkable progress, jumping from 15th position to 5th position. This improvement indicates improvements in transparency, anti-corruption measures and overall administrative structure in the state.
Why did Karnataka get the top position in local governance?
Karnataka has shown strong leadership in local governance, where a well-organised framework empowers the capabilities of local bodies. With its focus on efficient financial management, improved administrative functioning and accountable governance structure, Karnataka has presented an exemplary model for other states. This performance reflects the commitment of the state to improving the quality of life of citizens through the local governance system.
How did Uttar Pradesh jump 10 places in the local governance ranking?
This progress of Uttar Pradesh is a significant story of reform and change. The state has jumped from 15th position to 5th position, a huge jump of 10 places. The major reason behind this progress is the improvement in panchayat accountability. Measures implemented to increase transparency in governance and curb corruption have strengthened the local administrative bodies in Uttar Pradesh. These changes have improved the state's performance on various parameters, including local administrative functions and empowerment of officials.
What are the key factors contributing to better local governance in India?
Across India, local governance has now become a key area of reform for many states. Karnataka's lead and Uttar Pradesh's impressive leap show that governance reforms, better financial management and empowering local officials lead to more effective governance. The index also evaluates aspects such as accountability and capacity building, making it clear that states are focusing not only on strengthening administrative structures but also on making governance more inclusive and tailored to local needs.
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China's "Deep-Sea Research Station"
China has officially approved the construction of a deep-sea research station in the South China Sea, called the "Deep-Sea Space Station". The station will be located at a depth of 2,000 metres (6,560 feet) below the sea surface and will promote marine exploration as well as strengthen China's geopolitical presence in the region. The station is expected to be operational by 2030 and will have six scientists on missions of up to a month. This will enable real-time experiments to be conducted in extreme sea conditions.
Key features of the deep-sea research station
1. Project overview
China approved the construction of a deep-sea research station in the South China Sea.
It will be one of the deepest and most advanced underwater research stations in the world.
It is planned to be operational by 2030.
Six scientists will be able to stay in the station for a month and do research.
2. Objectives and research areas
This station will mainly study cold seep ecosystems (methane-rich hydrothermal vents).
The research will include monitoring methane flow, ecological changes and tectonic activity.
It will study deep-sea biodiversity and special organisms that survive under extreme pressure.
The research is likely to lead to new discoveries in energy, climate science and medicine.
3. Technological and strategic importance
The station will have a long-term life support system so that scientists can live in the deep sea.
It will form a “four-dimensional monitoring network” in conjunction with unmanned submarines, surface ships and seafloor observatories.
The project is part of China’s maritime infrastructure strategy, which includes a seafloor fiber-optic network and the deep-sea drilling ship Mengxiang.
The station is a major step towards making China a leader in marine research.
4. Geopolitical and economic significance
The South China Sea has deposits of about 70 billion tonnes of methane hydrates, an important energy source.
The region is rich in rare minerals such as cobalt and nickel, at three times the concentration found in land-based mines.
More than 600 unique marine species have been found here, some of which can produce enzymes that help treat cancer.
The station could strengthen China’s maritime territorial claims, just as Russia did in the Arctic.
5. Humans vs AI in deep-sea exploration
Scientists will conduct on-site experiments that AI or robotic systems cannot currently conduct.
Autonomous vehicles cannot accurately handle sudden methane explosions or experiments requiring daily pressure adjustments.
Despite AI advances, the role of humans in decision-making and problem solving will still remain crucial.
The station’s power source is kept confidential, but it is likely to be nuclear-powered.
The US NR-1 submarine (retired in 2008) and Russia’s AS-12 Losharik (damaged by fire in 2019) were capable of deep-sea operations, but had limited reach compared to this proposed Chinese station.
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Warfare in the 21st century: Why a holistic transformation is needed in the Indian military?
Warfare has now extended beyond land, sea and air to cyberspace, electromagnetic spectrum and outer space.
It is being redefined by the rise of unmanned platforms and autonomous weapons.
Rise of non-contact warfare:
Precision-guided munitions, cyber attacks and electronic warfare (EW) have reduced direct warfare.
The use of long-range missiles, drones and AI-powered systems allows enemies to attack without direct confrontation.
Technologies in Warfare:
The US, China and Russia are at the forefront of quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and hypersonic weapons, which could potentially lead to machine-versus-machine warfare, changing warfare strategies.
Additionally, sixth-generation fighter aircraft and autonomous weapon systems are also expected to play a major role in future wars.
However, the exact impact of these technologies remains uncertain, requiring adaptive military strategies.
Perpetual and Irrational Warfare:
Earlier wars were limited and were followed by political negotiations.
Current conflicts have become long-lasting, hybrid in nature (including conventional warfare, cyber operations and information-based warfare) and driven by technological asymmetry (unequal distribution of technological capabilities among different countries).
Why is there a need for holistic transformation in the Indian military sector?
Emerging Security Challenges: India faces a two-front threat from China and Pakistan, including persistent border tensions (e.g., Eastern Ladakh, Doklam) and Pakistan’s proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir.
Their strategic cooperation, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has increased the risk of a two-front war.
China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean requires India to strengthen its maritime power and extra-region contingency (OOAC) operations.
Structural and Doctrinal Limitations: India’s defense system faces structural challenges, including the dominance of the Indian Army in defense planning and a large standing army of over 1.4 million, which puts pressure on the budget and hinders modernization.
India’s doctrinal limitations, marked by reactive responses to threats (e.g., Kargil War, Mumbai 26/11), highlight the need for proactive deterrence and updated operational doctrines for enhanced security.
Modernisation shortcomings: India's defence stockpile has become obsolete, affecting operational efficiency. Despite modern advancements, the Indian Army still uses 1980s-era T-72 tanks (over 40 years old) and Bofors howitzers.
Despite the 'Make in India' initiative, India is the world's largest importer of crude oil and gas. China is a world-leading importer of milk (9.8% of global imports from 2019 to 2023) and is dependent on Russia, France and the US for advanced weapons.
This is due to delays in induction of modern equipment such as the Tejas fighter jets and future infantry fighting vehicles.
Lack of synergy between the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy hinders integrated air-land-sea warfare and expeditionary strategies.
Budgetary constraints: India’s defence budget for 2025-26 is US$78.7 billion, much lower than China’s US$236 billion in 2023.
Since 2001, India’s defence sector has attracted only Rs 5,077 crore of foreign direct investment (FDI), despite FDI caps being expanded to 74% through the automatic route and 100% through the government route.
A large portion of the defence budget is spent on manpower costs (salaries and pensions), leaving little for capital acquisitions. Striking a balance between defence requirements and financial constraints remains a challenge for India.
India's progress in modernisation of military sector
As part of the Make in India initiative, India has developed major defence systems such as Dhanush Artillery Gun System, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, fifth generation (5G) fighter aircraft, submarines, frigates, corvettes and the recently commissioned INS Vikrant, showcasing the country's growing defence capabilities.
The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 has taken defence production to Rs 1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24, with a target of Rs 3 lakh crore by 2029, establishing India as a global defence manufacturing hub.
India's defence exports are set to grow from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-24, a 30-fold increase in a decade.
The industrial licensing process has been streamlined, and the iDEX scheme encourages startups and MSMEs to innovate in the defence sector. The SRIJAN portal aids in indigenisation ("Make" process), while defence industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu promote regional manufacturing.
Defence R&D is now open to the private sector for better collaboration.
What steps can India take to follow emerging warfare trends?
Indigenous defence innovation: Increase funding for Defence Research and Development Organisation technology clusters, private defence startups and academia to develop cutting-edge military technologies.
Technology in Defence: AI-powered autonomous drones, decision-making systems and cyber warfare tools need to be integrated rapidly. Quantum communications and cryptography will secure India's strategic military assets.
Integrated command structure will improve strategic coordination and operational efficiency.
Cyber and Electromagnetic Warfare Forces: Establish dedicated cyber and electromagnetic commands to counter digital warfare threats and expand NavIC satellite surveillance and electronic warfare capabilities for strategic advantage.
Military Training and Tactics: Revise military training to incorporate AI, robotics and asymmetric warfare strategies. Conduct joint military exercises with global tech-driven militaries such as the US, Israel and France.
Enhancing India’s global defence posture: Investment in indigenous defence production and innovation is needed to compete with Western military standards.
Aligning with emerging North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Quad military doctrines will help India prepare for global security challenges.
Future-Ready Military Strategy: India’s future-ready military strategy should balance land, sea, air, cyber and space capabilities. Leveraging the planned Indian Space Station (BAS) will enhance space surveillance and communications.
To stay ahead, India must prepare for emerging threats, including “robot warfare”, “drone warfare”, “autonomous vehicle encounters” and “mechanised conflict”.
Conclusion
India’s defence transformation requires a holistic approach that balances technological advancements with strategic adaptability and adaptability to emerging warfare trends, enabling India to enhance its global defence posture and ensure national security.
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