11 Dec 2023: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. MEASURES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
2. Thirty Minerals Listed as Critical Minerals for India

1. MEASURES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Syllabus: GS-3, Economics

Mains: Sustainable Tourism as a new source of employment 

Context: The Ministry of Tourism implements diverse schemes, training locals, promoting sustainability, infrastructure development, and IT adoption for responsible tourism in India.

Destination-Based Capacity Building Programme:

• Launched by the Ministry of Tourism.
• Objective: To train, upgrade, and sensitize local people and service providers near tourism sites.
• Focus on those unable to travel to cities/towns for training.
• Over 12,000 candidates trained; 150+ training sessions at various destinations.

National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism:

• • Aim: Position India as a global destination for sustainable and responsible tourism.

• Strategic Pillars:

• • Promoting Environmental Sustainability.
  • Protecting Biodiversity.
  • Promoting Economic Sustainability.
  • Promoting Socio-Cultural Sustainability.
  • Scheme for Certification of Sustainable Tourism.
  • Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) and Capacity Building.
  • Governance.

Central Nodal Agency – Sustainable Tourism (CNA-ST):

• Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management (IITTM) is designated as the central nodal agency.

Scheme of Domestic Promotion and Publicity:

• • Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments and UT Administrations.
  • Up to Rs.50.00 Lakh for fairs, festivals, and tourism-related events.

• Components covered:

• • Creation of semi-permanent structures.
  • Production of promotional materials.
  • Remuneration of artists.
  • Logistics and infrastructure support.

Protection for Tourists during Local Festivals:

• No specific provision under Scheme Guidelines.
• State Governments ensure adequate protection for tourists during local festivals.

Financial Assistance for Tourism Infrastructure:

• Schemes: “Swadesh Darshan,” “PRASHAD,” and “Assistance to Central Agencies.”
• Provides financial aid to State Governments, UT Administrations, and Central Agencies.
• Focus on developing tourism-related infrastructure and facilities.

Promotion of Information Technology (IT) Initiatives:

• The Ministry of Tourism encourages State Tourism Departments to adopt IT initiatives.
• Financial assistance for IT projects, covering publicity, marketing, and facilitation.
• Assistance up to 50% of the IT project cost or Rs.50 lakhs, whichever is lower.
• Aim: Improve tourist information, marketing, and services.

2. Thirty Minerals Listed as Critical Minerals for India

Syllabus: GS-3, Economics

Mains: Importance of Critical Minerals

Prelims: About Critical Minerals

Context: The Ministry of Mines identified 30 minerals as critical for India’s strategic needs.

Establishment of Committee and Critical Minerals Identification:

• The Ministry of Mines formed a committee on November 1, 2022, tasked with identifying critical and strategic minerals.
• This committee proposed the creation of a National Institute or “Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals” (CECM).
• The CECM’s role is to update India’s list of critical minerals every three years and develop the critical mineral strategy.
• 30 minerals were recommended as critical for India, with 24 included in the list of critical and strategic minerals in Part D of Schedule 1 of the MMDR Act.

Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) and Overseas Engagement:

• KABIL, a joint venture involving National Aluminium Company Ltd, Hindustan Copper Ltd, and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd, was established.
• Its objective is to ensure a consistent supply of critical and strategic minerals to India’s domestic market.
• KABIL initiated engagements with state-owned organizations in selected source countries (e.g., Argentina and Australia) to acquire mineral assets, primarily focusing on critical and strategic minerals.

Amendments to MMDR Act, 1957 and Auction of Mineral Blocks:

• The Central Government amended the MMDR Act, of 1957, adding 24 critical and strategic minerals to Part D of Schedule I.
• This amendment empowers the Central Government to auction critical and strategic mineral blocks.
• The first tranche of auctions for 20 blocks commenced on November 29, 2023.

Ministry’s Initiatives in Research and Innovation:

• The Ministry of Mines offers grants under its ‘Science and Technology Programme’ for research and innovation in mining, mineral processing, metallurgy, and recycling sectors, with a focus on extracting strategic and critical minerals at an elemental level.

Involvement in Mineral Security Partnerships:

• The Ministry actively engages in Mineral Security Partnerships (MSP) and other bilateral/multilateral partnerships with various countries to meet India’s critical mineral demands.
• As part of India’s G20 presidency, the Ministry advocated for the recognition of critical minerals in the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, acknowledging their role in the global energy transition.