IMPORTANT DAYS
World Tourism Day celebrated on September 27
• World Tourism Day is celebrated globally on September 27 each year.
• The theme for this year's observance is "Tourism and Peace."
• This theme emphasizes tourism's role in promoting peace and understanding among diverse cultures.
• The day acknowledges tourism's significant contributions to economic development worldwide.
• Celebrations also focus on the social and cultural impacts of tourism.
• Georgia is this year’s host for World Tourism Day festivities.
• The Tourism Ministry announced the winners of the "Best Tourism Village" awards on this occasion.
• A key goal of World Tourism Day is to promote a sustainable tourism industry for future generations.
NATIONAL NEWS
India has been chosen to the fifteen-member steering committee of the GlobE Network.
• India has been selected for the 15-member steering committee of the GlobE Network.
• The decision was made during a plenary session in Beijing through a multi-stage voting process.
• The GlobE Network aims to combat financial crime and global corruption under the G20 framework.
• India’s participation will enhance its role in international anti-corruption efforts and asset recovery.
• The network provides a platform for global collaboration, strengthening countries' capacities to tackle cross-border corruption.
• The network provides a platform for global collaboration, strengthening countries' capacities to tackle cross-border corruption.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) serves as India’s Central Authority for the GlobE Network.
• India is represented by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as member authorities.
RANKING AND INDEX
India climbed to 39th place in the Global Innovation Index 2024
• India has improved its position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024, now ranking 39th among 133 economies.
• In last year’s GII, India was ranked 40th, marking a positive upward trend.
• The country leads among 10 Central and Southern Asian economies, securing the top spot.
• Major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai are included in the world’s top 100 science and technology clusters.
• India holds the 7th rank globally for intangible asset intensity.
• The Global Innovation Index, released by the World Intellectual Property Organization, helps governments evaluate innovation's impact on social and economic changes.
• Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, Singapore, and the United Kingdom are identified as the most innovative economies worldwide.
• China, Turkey, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines are recognized as the fastest-growing innovative economies, with China achieving 11th place as the only middle-income country in the top 30.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
India remains Nepal's largest trading partner.
• India continues to be Nepal's largest trading partner, according to recent trade statistics from Nepal's Department of Customs.
• As of mid-September 2024-25, Nepal's trade deficit has reached NPR 237.45 billion.
• Nepal engages in trade with 145 countries, but maintains a deficit with over 100 of them.
• Among its neighbours, Nepal has the highest trade deficit, with India accounting for NPR 144.67 billion and China for NPR 51.80 billion.
• Key exports from Nepal to India include hydropower, agricultural products, yarn, pashmina shawls, and various handicrafts.
• Nepal primarily imports petroleum products, chemical fertilizers, vehicles, and other goods from India.
• The trade dynamics highlight significant economic reliance on India for both imports and exports.
• Nepal’s trade deficit underscores ongoing economic challenges despite its diverse export portfolio.
STATE NEWS
Mankidia community became the 6th PVTG to get habitat rights over forests in Odisha.
• The Mankidia community is the sixth PVTG in Odisha to be granted habitat rights under the Forest Rights Act of 2006.
• These rights acknowledge the community’s ancestral dependence on forests for their livelihoods and cultural practices.
• The Mankidia are part of the Austro-Asiatic language family and primarily reside in forested areas.
• The first PVTG to receive habitat rights in Odisha was the Paudi Bhuyan community from Deogarh district.
• Odisha leads the nation in granting habitat rights, having recognized six PVTGs: Mankidia, Paudi Bhuyan, Juangs, Chuktia Bhunjia, Saora, and Dongria Kondh.
• In total, Odisha is home to 13 PVTGs, the highest number among all states and Union Territories in India.
• These PVTGs inhabit a total of 1,683 villages across 14 districts in Odisha.
• The recognition of habitat rights is crucial for the preservation of both the livelihoods and traditions of these indigenous communities.