Pakistan’s First Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)

Introduction

• Field Marshal Asim Munir has been appointed as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), marking a landmark shift in the military command structure.
• He continues to serve concurrently as Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).

Why in news?

• The appointment was ratified by President Asif Ali Zardari on 5 December 2025.

Background

• The 27th Constitutional Amendment (November 2025) amended Article 243 to recognise the CDF post and consolidate top military leadership under a central figure.
• This realignment coincided with Munir’s earlier elevation to the rank of Field Marshal, making him only the second five-star officer after General Ayub Khan.

Significance

• Establishes a unified command structure by entrusting overall military authority to a single leader.
• Abolishes the post of Chief of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), with the CDF assuming full operational and strategic authority.
• CDF powers include:
• Centralised command over the Army, Navy, and Air Force
• Direct oversight of strategic assets and nuclear command
• Authority over operational planning, inter-service coordination, and defence policy implementation
• Lead role in responding to national security threats and crises
• Expected to streamline decision-making, reduce inter-service friction, and enhance strategic readiness.
• Power dynamics and regional implications:
• Reinforces the military’s dominance within Pakistan’s power structure
• Raises concerns about erosion of civilian oversight and increased military encroachment into policymaking and governance
• Draws close scrutiny from India’s defence analysts for its potential impact on posture, crisis response, and strategic decision-making in South Asia

Facts/General knowledge

• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif initially delayed formal notification, sparking debates about civil–military balance and democratic oversight; the government proceeded under pressure, leading to the president’s approval.
• Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu received a two-year service extension, effective from March 2026.

Chile Presidential Election 2025

Introduction

• Chile has elected ultra-conservative leader José Antonio Kast as the next president.
• The result reflects public concern over crime, migration, and security.
• It signals a shift away from the current left-leaning government.
• Subtopic: Why in news?
• José Antonio Kast won the presidential election, defeating leftist candidate Jeannette Jara.
• Vote shares: Kast 58.16%; Jara 41.84%.
• He will assume office on 11 March 2026.

Background

• Chile returned to democracy in 1990 after the Pinochet-era military rule.
• Political power has alternated between left and right since then.
• Kast previously lost the 2021 election to outgoing President Gabriel Boric.
• Rising crime rates and increased migration from Venezuela shaped the 2025 election outcome.

Significance

• Marks a rightward political shift in Chile.
• Reflects voter priority on security and stability.
• Adds Chile to the growing list of right-leaning governments in South America.
• May influence Chile’s foreign and economic policies.
• Mandate dynamics: won the presidency without a clear majority in Parliament.
• Stated priorities of the president-elect:
• Controlling illegal immigration.
• Reducing crime and organised violence.
• Strengthening border security.
• Cutting government spending to stabilise the economy.
• Profile of support and campaign themes:
• Strong law-and-order focus.
• Hardline stand on undocumented migrants.
• Support from conservative voters.

Facts/General knowledge

• Capital: Santiago.
• President-elect: José Antonio Kast.
• Outgoing President: Gabriel Boric.
• Region: South America.
• Form of Government: Presidential system.

India–Jordan Relations: PM’s 2025 Visit

Introduction

• India’s Prime Minister undertook a landmark bilateral visit to Jordan in December 2025, his first full-fledged visit after a brief stopover in February 2018 en route to Palestine.
• The visit marked 75 years of India–Jordan diplomatic ties and aimed to elevate a stable relationship into a future-oriented strategic alliance.
• Discussions with King Abdullah II focused on trade expansion, digital integration, and regional stability.

Why in news?

• Five outcomes were formalised:
• MoU on Technical Cooperation in the Field of New and Renewable Energy.
• MoU on Cooperation in the field of Water resources Management & Development.
• Twinning Agreement between Petra (ancient city in Jordan) and Ellora.
• Renewal of the Cultural Exchange Programme for the years 2025-2029.
• Letter of Intent on Cooperation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions implemented at population scale for digital transformation.
• Ambitious trade target set to enhance bilateral trade to USD 5 billion over the next five years; India is Jordan’s 3rd largest trading partner.
• Leaders reiterated strong condemnation of terrorism and shared perspectives on ensuring regional peace and stability.

Background

• Diplomatic engagement: Relations established in 1950 and sustained through regular high-level exchanges (e.g., UNGA).

• Mutual counter-terrorism support, as seen after the Pahalgam attack (2025).
• Trade and economic integration: Bilateral trade stood at USD 2.875 billion in FY 2023-24.

• Jordan India Fertiliser Company (JIFCO) underpins India’s agricultural security via phosphate and potash supplies.
• Over 15 NRI-owned garment units (investment ~USD 500 million) leverage access to Western markets.
• Defence and security cooperation: MoU on Defence Cooperation signed in 2018.

• Science and technology partnership: India–Jordan Center of Excellence in IT at Al-Hussein Technical University hosts supercomputer PARAM Shavak, targeting training of 3,000 Jordanian IT professionals, with Indian master trainers upskilling in Cyber Security, AI, and Big Data Analytics.

• People-to-people ties:
• Around 17,500 Indians work in healthcare, IT, and education.
• Cultural affinity includes interest in Bollywood and events like the Jerash Festival.
• Personal diplomacy:
• The Jordanian Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II personally escorted the Indian PM to the Jordan Museum.

Significance

• Strategic value in West Asia: Jordan, a pro-Western, modernising Arab constitutional monarchy with a peace treaty with Israel, enables India to balance ties with Israel, Arab states, and Iran.

• Its large refugee-hosting role (primarily Syrians) reinforces regional stabilisation efforts aligned with India’s interests.
• Security convergence: Engagement through the Aqaba Process (2015), the 2018 defence MoU, and participation in SOFEX highlights deepening military and counter-terrorism cooperation.

• Multilateral and diplomatic leverage: Jordan’s influence in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) supports India’s multilateral interests and helps counter narratives on Kashmir.

• Custodianship of Jerusalem positions Jordan centrally in de-escalation, aligning with India’s diaspora and trade route protection.
• Connectivity and corridors: Jordan is a linchpin in the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), offering enhanced trade connectivity and supporting energy transition goals.

• Potential gateway for reconstruction and logistics in post-conflict Iraq and the Levant.
• During the Red Sea crisis, overland cargo routes from Gulf ports via Saudi Arabia and Jordan into Israel emerged to bypass maritime chokepoints, underscoring resilient logistics.
• Outcomes aligned with future-oriented goals:
• USD 5 billion trade target and digital payment integration ambitions aim to diversify and modernise bilateral engagement.
• Constraints and pathways: Challenges include a narrow commodity-centric trade basket, Jordan’s economic pressures (unemployment around 21%, public debt ~90% of GDP in 2024), geopolitical sensitivities linked to the Palestinian issue, and limited connectivity (single Amman–Mumbai flight).

• Pathways to strengthen ties: Diversify economic engagement via a Ministerial Strategic Economic & Technology Dialogue, focusing on investment, MSMEs, startups, and supply chains.

• Share India’s Digital Public Infrastructure expertise for payment interoperability and scalable digital solutions in health and e-governance.
• Build a green and water-secure partnership in solar, green hydrogen, water recycling, desalination, smart irrigation, and climate-resilient agriculture.
• Use Jordan as a base for regional stabilisation: reconstruction supply chains, humanitarian aid, skilling, health missions, and multilateral development initiatives.
• Amplify cultural links through joint content, film festivals, and archaeological collaborations (e.g., Petra–Ellora twinning).
• Enhance connectivity with incentivised direct flights (Amman–Delhi/Chennai) and a dedicated digital platform for e-commerce, tech startups, and academia.
• Overall trajectory: The visit consolidates a 75-year partnership into an ambitious strategic alliance, targeting trade diversification, digital integration, and deeper security cooperation for concrete, future-oriented outcomes.

Facts/General knowledge

• Location and borders: Jordan is in the Middle East, bordering Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the West Bank.

• Physical geography: Over 80% desert; includes the fertile Jordan River Valley and rocky highlands.

• Demography: Predominantly Arab, with a significant Palestinian refugee population (about one-third); majority Muslim with a Christian minority; highly urbanised (75% in cities).

• Maritime access: The port of Aqaba provides access to the Red Sea.

• Modern formation and conflicts:Established as Transjordan under British mandate 1920); independence in 1946 under King Abdullah I of the Hashemite dynasty.

• Fought wars against Israel in 1948 and 1967, losing the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem, leading to large Palestinian refugee inflows.
• Renounced claims to the West Bank in 1988 and signed the Wadi Araba Treaty (1994) with Israel, underpinning peace and stability.

India–Ethiopia Relations

Introduction

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-nation visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman aimed to consolidate India’s strategic footprint in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.
• During the Ethiopia leg, India–Ethiopia ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership, opening a new phase of cooperation in trade, investment, energy and multilateral forums.

Why in news?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour — The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia.
• Eight MoUs and agreements were concluded, including:
• Establishing a Data Centre at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Debt restructuring for Ethiopia under the G20 Common Framework.
• Institutional mechanisms were reinforced, notably Foreign Office Consultations and the Joint Trade Committee.
• Indian companies have invested over USD 5 billion in Ethiopia, particularly in manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, creating more than 75,000 local jobs.
• Ethiopia’s solidarity following the Pahalgam terror attack and its support for the global fight against terrorism were acknowledged.
• The Prime Minister addressed a Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament, advancing parliamentary and people-to-people engagement.
• Both sides emphasised education, capacity building and cooperation through the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) and International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Background

• Early links trace to the Axumite Empire (1st century AD), with Indian traders exchanging silk and spices for gold and ivory via Adulis.
• In the 16th century, Indians from Goa supported the Ethiopian king alongside the Portuguese.
• Indian soldiers later formed part of British forces that ended Italy’s occupation of Ethiopia (1936–41).
• Diplomatic relations were established in 1950 and have since expanded into a broad partnership.
• Economic ties:

India is the 2nd largest trading partner for Ethiopia.

• In FY 2024–25, bilateral trade reached USD 550.19 million (Indian exports USD 476.81 million; imports USD 73.38 million).
• Ethiopia benefits from India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme for least developed countries.
• Education and human capital linkages:
• ICCR scholarships and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.
• India as a major destination for African students.
• Ethiopia was a pilot country for the Pan-African e-Network, enabling tele-education and tele-medicine with institutions such as IIT Delhi.
• Indian community: Presence dates to the late 19th century, with early settlers from Gujarat.

• About 2,500 people today contributing to education and industry.

Significance

• Ethiopia serves as a strategic partner and gateway to Africa due to its central location in the Horn of Africa.
• As a BRICS member and host of the African Union and UNECA, Ethiopia amplifies India’s Global South engagement at the UN, G20 and BRICS.
• Economic prospects include a large market, a growing manufacturing base and strong demand for Indian exports.
• Energy and sustainability priorities align through Ethiopia’s hydropower and renewable energy potential.
• Opportunities enabled by the upgraded partnership:Expansion into defence, digital governance and development financing.

• Manufacturing and industrial cooperation, leveraging industrial parks and a young workforce aligned with Indian strengths in textiles, pharmaceuticals and MSMEs.
• Collaboration on clean energy, grid development and climate-resilient infrastructure.
• Multilateral coordination at the AU, UN, G20 and BRICS to advance Global South priorities.
• Key challenges:
• Logistics constraints stemming from Ethiopia’s landlocked geography and reliance on transit routes.
• Political and security instability, including regional tensions in the Horn of Africa, affecting long-term stability and investor confidence.
• Regulatory gaps amid economic transition, such as procedural delays, unclear privatisation rules, restricted private sector access and regulatory instability.

Facts/General knowledge

• Ethiopia is a landlocked country in the Horn of Africa with Addis Ababa as its capital.
• It is bordered by Eritrea (north), Djibouti (northeast), Somalia (east), Kenya (south), South Sudan (west) and Sudan (northwest).
• Key physical features include the Ethiopian Highlands (highest peak Mount Ras Dejen), the Great Rift Valley, major rivers such as the Blue Nile (Abay), Tekeze and Baro, and the Danakil Depression.
• The Hayli Gubbi volcano is located in Ethiopia’s Afar Region.

India’s BRICS Presidency 2026: Logo and Website Launch

Introduction

• India has commenced preparations for its BRICS Presidency in 2026.
• The approach is people-centric and inclusive amid global uncertainty.
• The intent is to deepen co-operation among emerging economies and advance shared development goals.

Why in news?

• India launched the official logo and website for BRICS Presidency 2026.
• The announcement by S. Jaishankar marked the formal start of preparations to assume the chairship.

Background

• India will hold the BRICS presidency in 2026, coinciding with the grouping’s 20th anniversary.
• BRICS has evolved into a major platform for co-operation among emerging markets and developing economies.
• India’s approach emphasises dialogue and practical co-operation, adapting to changing global realities and an expanding membership.

Significance

• Chairship theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” capturing an inclusive, balanced response to shared challenges.
• Guiding philosophy: inspired by Narendra Modi, based on a humanity-first outlook prioritising development for all, capacity strengthening, innovation and long-term sustainability.
• Logo: symbolises unity in diversity; blends tradition with modernity; petals carry the colours of all BRICS members to convey equality, shared purpose and mutual respect; depicts strength from collective contributions alongside distinct identities; underlines inclusive development and co-operation.
• Website: serves as the central digital platform for meetings, initiatives and outcomes; enables transparent, timely dissemination of official updates and documents; improves coordination, communication and public engagement throughout India’s presidency.

Facts/General knowledge

• The world is facing complex, interconnected challenges: geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate risks, rapid technological change and persistent development gaps.
• BRICS remains an important forum for dialogue and co-operation in this context.
• It enables countries at different stages of development to work together while respecting national priorities.
• India’s presidency aims to strengthen BRICS as a platform for practical solutions to shared global problems.

Oman’s First Polymer One-Rial Banknote

Introduction

• Oman has launched its first polymer one-rial banknote, marking a historic shift from traditional paper-based currency.
• Issued by the Central Bank of Oman, it will enter circulation on 11 January 2026.
• The release represents a major step towards modernising the national currency system.

Why in news?

• The move introduces polymer material into Omani currency for the first time in any denomination.
• It reflects alignment with global best practices in banknote technology and design.

Background

• Omani banknotes were previously printed on cotton-based paper.
• With this release, Oman joins a growing list of countries adopting polymer banknotes known for longer lifespan, resistance to wear and tear, and enhanced security features.
• The shift underscores the Sultanate’s transition from paper to polymer substrates.
• Subtopic: Significance
• Improved durability reduces replacement costs, delivering long-term efficiency.
• Enhanced security counters counterfeiting through advanced features.
• Currency modernisation strengthens public confidence and operational resilience.
• Design elements showcase national identity, culture, and economic progress, balancing tradition with development.

Facts/General knowledge

• Dimensions: 145 mm by 76 mm.
• Front: Oman Botanic Garden, symbolising environmental conservation and natural heritage.
• Reverse: Sayyid Tariq bin Taimur Cultural Complex, alongside Duqm Port and Refinery, reflecting cultural depth and economic transformation.
• Security features include:
• A large transparent window inspired by the arched windows of the Oman Botanic Garden.
• Colour-shifting foil featuring the frankincense tree.
• Iridescent, colour-changing ink for the Central Bank’s logo.

India’s Reconstruction Aid to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah

Introduction

• After Cyclone Ditwah, India is acting as a first responder and trusted partner to Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean region.

Why in news?

• India announced a USD 450 million reconstruction package to support Sri Lanka’s recovery after Cyclone Ditwah.

Background

• Sri Lanka was showing tentative fiscal stability under International Monetary Fund (IMF) support when the cyclone struck.
• The IMF-led programme, imposed after Sri Lanka’s 2022 debt default, introduced austerity measures such as tax hikes, subsidy cuts, and high interest rates, which disproportionately hurt the poor.
• Earlier, under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India delivered humanitarian aid, relief supplies, and medical assistance, including an Indian Army field hospital near Kandy that treated over 8,000 people, reaffirming India’s strong support.
• The IMF recently approved about USD 206 million in emergency financial assistance under its Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI).
• The World Bank estimates USD 4.1 billion in losses (~4% of Sri Lanka’s GDP) from direct physical damage, with recovery seen as more challenging than the 2004 tsunami.

Significance

• The reconstruction package builds on India’s USD 4 billion assistance in 2022 (lines of credit, currency swaps, petroleum support) to Sri Lanka.
• India has consistently acted as a first responder, extending support during the MV XPress Pearl ship-fire disaster in 2021 and Cyclone Roanu in 2016.
• This strengthens Neighbourhood First and SAGAR approaches, enhancing India’s regional leadership amid climate shocks.
• Subtopic: Facts/General knowledge
• Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI): provides prompt financial assistance to any IMF member country facing an urgent balance of payments need.

US Operation Hawkeye Strike in Syria

Introduction

• The United States launched Operation Hawkeye Strike in Syria.
• The operation targeted Islamic State infrastructure and weapons sites.

Why in news?

• Initiated as a direct response to the attack on US forces in Palmyra, Syria.

Background

• Islamic State (IS), also known as ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), is a Sunni extremist terrorist organisation.
• It emerged from al-Qaeda in Iraq and self-declared a pan-Islamic Caliphate.
• Its historic base of operations lies in northern Iraq and Syria.
• IS has committed widespread crimes against humanity, including genocide, mass executions, sexual slavery, and terrorism.

Significance

• Demonstrates a strong counter-terror response by the United States.
• Seeks to disrupt IS operational capacity inside Syria.

Facts/General knowledge

• In India, the Islamic State and all its manifestations are banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
• Syria lies in West Asia, bordered by Turkey (north), Iraq (east), Jordan (south), and Israel and Lebanon (west), with a Mediterranean Sea coastline.
• Key geographic features include the Syrian Desert, the Euphrates River valley, and the Anti-Lebanon Mountains; Mount Hermon is the highest point.
• Conflict-affected areas include Aleppo, Homs, Idlib, and the Golan Heights, which remains disputed with Israel.

20th Session of UNESCO ICH Committee, New Delhi 2025

Introduction

• Intangible cultural heritage includes the practices, knowledge, expressions, objects, and spaces that communities see as part of their cultural identity.
• Passed down over generations, this heritage evolves, strengthening cultural identity and appreciation of diversity.

Why in news?

• India is hosting the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2025 at the Red Fort complex, New Delhi.
• This will be the first time that India hosts the ICH Committee session.
• The Ministry of Culture and Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) are the nodal agencies for hosting the session.

Background

• For the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, UNESCO adopted the 2003 Convention during its 32nd General Conference in Paris.
• India ratified the Convention in 2005.

Significance

• Preserves cultural identity and continuity by anchoring communities to their roots and strengthening belonging across generations.
• Promotes social cohesion and harmony through shared cultural practices that create collective memory and mutual respect.
• Supports livelihoods by sustaining rural economies, promoting cultural tourism, and creating employment opportunities.
• Preserves traditional knowledge systems, including indigenous ecological knowledge, healing practices, agricultural wisdom, and craftsmanship, offering sustainable solutions relevant for contemporary challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
• Enables intergenerational learning by carrying values, ethics, local histories, and skills that enrich curricula, build cultural literacy, and strengthen intergenerational bonding.
• Boosts cultural diplomacy and soft power, as yoga, classical arts, festivals, and traditional crafts enhance India’s global cultural presence, build goodwill, and strengthen international relationships.

Facts/General knowledge

• The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage advances the objectives of the 2003 Convention and ensures their effective implementation across Member States.
• It prepares and submits to the General Assembly the draft plan for the use of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund.
• It examines periodic reports submitted by States Parties and compiles summaries for the General Assembly.
• It evaluates requests from States Parties and makes decisions regarding inscription of elements on UNESCO’s ICH Lists (as per Articles 16, 17 and 18).
• To date, 15 Indian elements have been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List.
• India has served on the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for three terms.

World Summit on Disaster Management (WSDM) 2025 – Uttarakhand Weather Radar Expansion

Introduction

• The World Summit on Disaster Management (WSDM) 2025 serves as a global platform bringing together scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and industry leaders.
• It bridges research, policy, and field-level applications in disaster management.

Why in news?

• At the WSDM in Dehradun (28–30 November 2025), Union Science & Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced the strengthening of Uttarakhand’s real-time weather forecasting capacity.
• Three new radars will be installed at Haridwar, Pantnagar, and Auli, complementing existing installations at Surkanda Devi, Mukteshwar, and Lansdowne.

Background

• The summit aims to strengthen international cooperation and promote multi-stakeholder engagement.
• It focuses on developing innovative and scalable solutions to address global disaster risks and build resilient communities.
• Deliberations include knowledge-sharing, resilient community-building, cross-border collaboration, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation.
• It provides a forum for thought leaders and community representatives to share insights.

Significance

• Expanding the radar network enhances Uttarakhand’s real-time weather forecasting capability by complementing current installations.
• The summit advances resilient community-building through shared insights and collaboration.
• Its objectives align with global climate action efforts and international commitments toward safer, sustainable development.

Facts/General knowledge

• Full name: World Summit on Disaster Management (WSDM) 2025.
• Overarching theme: “Strengthening International Cooperation for Building Resilient Communities.”
• Organising bodies: Government of Uttarakhand; Uttarakhand Council for Science & Technology (UCOST); Himalayan Academy of Science & Technology (HAST).

World Urbanisation Prospects 2025

Introduction

• Provides population estimates and projections using the Degree of Urbanisation.
• Prepared by the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).

Why in news?

• Recently released by UN DESA as the World Urbanisation Prospects 2025 report.

Background

• The number of megacities increased from 8 in 1975 to 33 in 2025, with 19 located in Asia.
• Countries where rural areas are the most common settlement type declined from 116 in 1975 to 62 today, and are projected to reduce further to 44 by 2050.

Significance

• Shows how populations are distributed across cities, towns and rural areas worldwide.
• Records the expansion of megacities, with a concentration in Asia.
• Underscores the predominance of small and medium urban centres globally.
• Indicates a continuing reduction in countries dominated by rural settlements.
• Highlights India’s importance in town populations, shrinking cities, and future growth of city dwellers alongside specified countries.

Facts/General knowledge

• In 2025, cities house 45 per cent of the world’s population, towns 36 per cent and rural areas 19 per cent.
• Jakarta (Indonesia) is the most populous city, followed by Dhaka (Bangladesh), Tokyo (Japan) and New Delhi (India).
• Around 96 per cent of the world’s 12,000 cities have fewer than one million inhabitants, and 81 per cent have fewer than 2.5 lakh people.
• India has 44 per cent of its population living in towns.
• India and China together account for over 1.2 billion town dwellers, more than 40 per cent of the world’s total town population.
• Over one-third of shrinking cities are in China and 17 per cent in India.
• India is among seven countries—along with Nigeria, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Bangladesh and Ethiopia—that will contribute over half of the projected 986 million increase in global city dwellers by 2050.

India Tourism Data Compendium 2025 – Key Highlights

Introduction

• The 66th edition of the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025, published by the Ministry of Tourism.
• Reports a strong post-pandemic recovery in 2024.

Why in news?

• International visitor arrivals registered an 8.89% increase from 2023.
• Foreign exchange earnings reached USD 35.02 billion.
• Domestic tourism surged to 2,948 million visits.

Background

• International arrivals totalled 20.57 million, comprising 9.95 million Foreign Tourist Arrivals and 10.62 million Non-Resident Indians.
• Top source markets: USA, Bangladesh, UK, Australia, and Canada.
• Leading destinations for foreign tourists: Maharashtra (3.71 million), West Bengal (3.12 million), and Uttar Pradesh/Gujarat (2.27 million).
• Top states for domestic tourists: Uttar Pradesh (647 million) and Tamil Nadu (307 million).

Significance

• Tourism contributed 5.22% to India’s GDP.
• The sector supported 84.6 million jobs.
• The average stay of foreign tourists was 18.12 days.

Facts/General knowledge

• Outbound travel: 3.27 million Indians travelled abroad in 2025; top destinations were the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand.
• Global ranking: India ranked 39th in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024.

EARTH Summit 2025 and Sahakar Sarathi

Introduction

• The EARTH Summit series aims to build a national policy framework for rural development by integrating learnings from its editions.
• It places strong emphasis on reviving Gandhian Gram Swaraj, ensuring villages remain central to India’s development strategy.

Why in news?

• The Union Home & Cooperation Minister inaugurated EARTH Summit 2025 in Gandhinagar.
• Over 13 digital services were launched under Sahakar Sarathi, including Digi Kisan Credit Card (KCC), a Cooperative Governance Index, and the World’s Largest Grain Storage Application.

Background

• The EARTH Summit’s three editions were first held in Hyderabad, then in Gandhinagar, and later in Delhi.
• The summit is jointly organised by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
• It reaffirmed that strengthening cooperatives is essential for accelerating growth in agriculture, dairy, animal husbandry, and fisheries, driving inclusive development.

Significance

• Sahakar Sarathi is a Ministry of Cooperation digital initiative developed by NABARD to modernise and strengthen India’s cooperative banking and rural financial ecosystem.
• It aims to unite district, central, state, agricultural, and urban cooperative banks on a single technology platform, reducing costs and improving efficiency for smaller cooperatives.
• It helps rural banks access modern banking technology without the burden of building their own infrastructure.
• It ensures farmers with e-KCC receive digital facilities comparable to international credit cards.

Facts/General knowledge

• Location: Gandhinagar hosted EARTH Summit 2025.
• Organisers: NABARD and IAMAI.
• Core rural sectors highlighted: agriculture, dairy, animal husbandry, and fisheries.
• Key services launched under Sahakar Sarathi: Digi Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Cooperative Governance Index, World’s Largest Grain Storage Application.