JULY 01,2026 CURRENT AFFAIRS
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Centralised IT-Enabled System: A New Era for Provident Fund Services The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) recently carried out a planned nationwide database consolidation under its Centralised IT-Enabled System (CITES) project. The Centralised IT-Enabled System (CITES) Project What It Is? » The Centralised IT-Enabled System (CITES) Project is a sweeping technological and structural modernisation of the EPFO’s service delivery architecture. It replaces a legacy, decentralised, and heavily fragmented system with an automated, rule-based processing engine powered by a single, centralized national database. » Administrative Authority: Managed and deployed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. » Core Technical Architect: Designed, built, and engineered by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). Aim: » To decouple subscribers from specific physical regional offices, allowing any PF field office across India to process any member’s request. » To eliminate persistent technical and procedural delays associated with manual claims, particularly for pension approvals and deceased member settlements. Key Features of the New System: » Single Centralized Database Architecture: Consolidated over 120 separate regional databases, migrating several lakh crore historical data records into a single, high-visibility cloud ledger. » Unified Digital Interface: Subscribers gain access to a streamlined portal using their existing Universal Account Number (UAN) and password, presenting a clear overview of PF accumulations, active claim statuses, and pensionable service records. » Aggregated Member IDs: Automatically groups all previous and current member IDs under a single UAN anchored securely to a single verified KYC link. » Interactive Query Resolution: If an issue arises during claim processing, EPFO offices can flag queries electronically. Members review and respond to these prompts online, reducing arbitrary claim rejections and eliminating unnecessary office visits. » Centralised Pension Payment System: Features an integrated system to disburse monthly pensions smoothly across different regions without requiring local structural transfers. » UPI Integration Pipeline: The system establishes the underlying data structure required to achieve the EPFO’s next-generation goal: linking PF accounts directly with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for instant withdrawals. |
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Empowering 50 Lakh Overseas Citizens: The e-OCI Card Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation launched the FCRA 2.0 Portal and the highly anticipated e-OCI (Electronic Overseas Citizen of India) Card in New Delhi. The e-OCI Card What It Is? » The Electronic Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) Card is a citizen-centric, paperless documentation framework designed for the global Indian diaspora. It converts the traditional, physical OCI stamp-and-booklet layout into an institutionalized, securely verifiable digital credential. Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India. Aim: » To eliminate physical paperwork, verification delays, and administrative overhead costs for more than 50 lakh OCI holders. » To integrate diaspora credentials directly with real-time digital immigration security lines across all Indian airports. Key Features of the e-OCI System: » Elimination of the Age-20 Booklet Re-issue: Scraps the complex rule that forced cardholders to get a fresh physical OCI booklet re-issued whenever they received a new passport after turning 20 years old. » Seamless Online Passport Updates: Cardholders simply log in to update their new passport numbers and details online without needing physical submissions or in-person verification. » Lifelong Unique Registration: Assigns an unchangeable, unique digital registration number to each cardholder to ensure secure, lifelong tracking. » End-to-End Digital Workflow: Applicants can submit applications, upload supporting documents, clear security profiles, and download their approved digital e-OCI cards directly via ociservices.gov.in. » Advanced OCR Analysis: Uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to automatically verify uploaded foreign passports, reducing data errors and processing times. » Virtual Mobile Portability: Cardholders can safely store and display their digital credentials on mobile devices, removing the risk of losing or damaging physical booklets during international travel. Key Benefits Preserved Under the Scheme: Registered e-OCI cardholders continue to enjoy robust statutory rights under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955: » Lifelong Visa Status: Grants a multiple-entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa to visit India for any general purpose. » FRRO Exemptions: Complete exemption from reporting or registering with local police authorities or Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRRO), regardless of the length of stay in India. » Economic Parity: Grants equal status with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) across economic, educational, and financial sectors—excluding the right to buy agricultural or plantation properties. » Frictionless Employment: Permits cardholders to take up employment in India without needing to apply for a separate commercial employment visa. |
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From Armoured Corps to COAS: The Journey of General Dhiraj Seth The General Dhiraj Seth Who He Is? » General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, is a highly decorated four-star general officer of the Indian Army. Commissioned into the elite Armoured Corps (specifically the 2nd Lancers / Gardner’s Horse) in December 1986, he brings nearly four decades of rich military experience to the top post and is the first officer from the Armoured Corps to lead the force since 1997. His Professional Record and Achievements: » Dual Army Command Experience: Commanded both the South Western Command and Southern Command, providing over 2.5 years of strategic leadership across key operational sectors. » Elite Operational Leadership: Led the XXI Sudarshan Chakra Corps, served as GOC Delhi Area, and commanded a counter-insurgency force in Jammu & Kashmir. » Force Modernisation: As the 49th Vice Chief of Army Staff, contributed to long-term military planning, capability development, and integration of emerging technologies. » Academic & International Experience: Won the Silver Centurion award, attended premier military institutions, and served as a UN Operations Officer during UNAVEM III (1995–96) in Angola. Chief of the Army Staff (COAS): What It Is? » The Chief of the Army Staff is the professional head and operational leader of the 3-million-strong Indian Army. Holding the rank of a four-star General, the COAS is the principal military advisor on land warfare to the Ministry of Defence and is a permanent member of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. History of the Office: » The Colonial Origin: The position traces its roots back to the Commander-in-Chief, India, who oversaw all military assets under British East India Company and Crown rule. » Post-Independence Shift: In 1947, the post was designated as the Commander-in-Chief, Indian Army. » The Modern Title: In 1955, the Parliament enacted the Commander-in-Chief (Change in Designation) Act, officially renaming the professional head as the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), with General Maharaj Shri Rajendrasinhji Jadeja serving as the first to bear the modern title. Key Functions of the COAS: » Operational Control and Strategic Readiness: Holds overall structural control of the Army, maintaining maximum combat readiness, border vigilance, and defense capabilities along all territorial frontiers. » Force Restructuring and Tech Modernization: Drives long-term force transformation by prioritizing new capability development, procurement roadmaps, and integrating automated or modern weapon systems into active combat cycles. » Inter-Service Synergy: Works in close coordination with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Chief of the Naval Staff, and the Chief of the Air Staff to design joint-warfare frameworks and integrated theater commands. » National Crisis Management: Leads the military’s rapid response networks during national emergencies, cross-border counter-insurgency tasks, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions. |
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From Fraud to Relief: RBI’s New Customer Protection Framework The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued final amendments to its Limiting Customer Liability in Digital Transactions framework. » Effective January 1, 2027, the one-year pilot expands protection against social engineering scams and introduces monetary compensation for victims of small-value digital fraud. The RBI Scam Compensation Framework What It Is? » The framework is a regulatory financial safety net designed to protect bank customers from digital payment frauds. It upgrades the RBI’s 2017 circular, which only protected against unauthorised hacking hacks. » The modern mechanism introduces Fraudulent Electronic Banking Transactions (EBTs) as a legal concept, making individuals eligible for reimbursement even if they accidentally shared credentials due to deception or coercion. Regulator: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Aim: » To provide economic relief to victims of modern digital scams, including digital arrests, phishing, and fraudulently stolen One-Time Passcodes (OTPs). » To shift the legal burden of proof onto the bank, forcing financial institutions to actively prove customer negligence rather than automatically denying fraud claims. Key Features and Rules of the Policy: The Payout Matrix: » The Payout Formula: Individual victims (including sole proprietors) suffering scam losses up to ₹50,000 can claim 85% of their net loss, capped at a maximum of ₹25,000. » The Breakpoint: For losses below ₹29,412, victims get exactly 85% of the amount. For losses between ₹29,412 and ₹50,000, the payout is capped at a flat ₹25,000. » The Cap: Scams exceeding ₹50,000 are completely excluded from this specific reimbursement track. » Frequency: This financial remedy can be claimed only once in a customer’s lifetime. For joint accounts, only one holder may file the claim. The Three-Way Cost-Sharing Model: » The compensation cost does not fall solely on the customer’s bank. Instead, it is co-funded across a multi-party ledger: » The RBI Share: Contributes roughly 75% of the payout amount. » The Remitter (Customer’s) Bank: Contributes half of the remaining balance. » The Beneficiary (Receiver’s) Bank: Contributes the other half of the remaining balance. For cross-border scams, the remitter bank covers this share. Defining Customer vs. Bank Negligence: » Customer Negligence (Exclusions): Customers are ineligible for compensation if they ignore clear, directed security alerts or fail to link their current phone number/email address with the bank, which blocks real-time fraud warnings. » Bank Negligence (Inclusions): Deemed to occur if a bank fails to send mandatory transaction alerts, lacks a 24×7 fraud-reporting infrastructure, or fails to act promptly once notified. » Third-Party Breaches: Customers are not held liable for security leaks occurring elsewhere in the ecosystem, such as at a payment gateway, aggregator, or telecom provider. Mandatory Timelines and Grievance Tracks: » The 5-Day Reporting Rule: To qualify for a payout, the customer must report the fraud within 5 calendar days of its occurrence to both their bank and the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930). » Resolution Turnaround: Banks must resolve domestic digital fraud cases within 45 calendar days and cross-border cases within 60 calendar days. Reversals must be value-dated to the original transaction date so the customer loses no interest. » Credit Card Shadow Reversal: For credit card fraud, banks must issue a temporary shadow reversal of the disputed funds within 5 calendar days of the report so the user does not incur interest charges while the investigation is underway. » The ₹500 Alert Rule: Banks are required to send instant, cost-free SMS alerts for all electronic transactions exceeding ₹500 to maintain a reliable communication channel for users without internet connectivity. |
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From Paper to Cloud: India’s Unified Justice System The Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) What It Is? » The Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) is a unified national digital platform that integrates the main, traditionally isolated pillars of the criminal justice delivery network into a single conversational ecosystem. » It replaces legacy, paper-driven workflows with a secure cloud-based data framework hosted on the government’s MeghRaj cloud infrastructure. Nodal Agency: National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Technology Partner: Developed and architected by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). Aim: » One Data, Once Entry Principle: To cut out manual redundancies by ensuring that case data needs to be entered into the system only once, making it instantly usable across all platforms. » Promoting SMART Policing: To move away from scattered physical records and toward an intelligence-led, paperless justice system supported by data analytics. Key Features and Five-Pillar Architecture: » CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems): Connects over 16,000 police stations across India, supporting FIR registration in 23 languages with Bhashini integration for Zero-FIR translation. » e-Courts & e-Prosecution: e-Courts enables digital transfer of case files, e-Summons, and evidence tracking, while e-Prosecution digitizes prosecutors’ case records and legal workflows for faster trials. » e-Prisons: Maintains a centralized database of prison inmates with biometric records, while providing online services such as e-Mulaqat and digital grievance redressal. » e-Forensics: Digitally links police with Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs), enabling faster forensic reports, especially for offences punishable with 7 years or more. » Statutory Compliance: Tracks compliance with new criminal laws by monitoring timelines for chargesheets and implementing provisions of the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022. Significance: » ICJS has improved chargesheet compliance and reduced delays by digitally connecting investigation, prosecution, and trial processes. » By linking police, courts, prisons, forensics, and prosecution, ICJS enables AI-based analytics, better investigations, and evidence-driven decision-making. |
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From Self-Help to Market Strength: The SARAS Shakti Story The Ministry of Rural Development launched the SARAS Shakti Collection and the SARAS Shakti Coffee Table Book during the Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan (RGVS) 2026. SARAS Shakti What It Is? » SARAS Shakti is a flagship branding and marketing initiative under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). It showcases premium products made by women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to promote rural entrepreneurship and expand market access. Aim: » To strengthen women-led rural enterprises through branding, product promotion, and wider market linkages. » To position SHG products in premium institutional and consumer markets while supporting the vision of Lakhpati Didis and Viksit Bharat. Key Features: » Curated Product Collection: Showcases premium handlooms, handicrafts, textiles, wellness products, home décor, and traditional foods made by women SHGs. » SARAS Shakti Coffee Table Book: Documents the diversity, quality, success stories, and market potential of SHG enterprises across India. » Market Access Platform: Enhances branding, packaging, digital marketing, and institutional market linkages for rural products. » Women Enterprise Promotion: Supports over 10 crore women associated with SHGs under DAY-NRLM, encouraging sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship. Significance: » Strengthens women’s entrepreneurship, improves rural incomes, and supports the goal of creating 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029. » Enhances the visibility of indigenous products, preserving traditional crafts while expanding domestic and institutional markets. |
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Land of Democracy and the Aegean Union Minister of Commerce and Industry witnessed the live launch of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services in Greece through a strategic Eurobank-NIPL partnership. Greece What It Is? » Greece is a sovereign, multi-party parliamentary republic with a deeply rooted maritime heritage. Uniquely shaping Western history, the modern nation acts as a cultural and political bridge, heir to the historical legacies of Classical Greece, the Byzantine Empire, and nearly four centuries of Ottoman rule. Geographical Position: Situated at the strategic juncture of Europe, Asia, and Africa, it occupies the southernmost tip of the Balkan Peninsula. It is bounded by the Aegean Sea to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Ionian Sea to the west. National Capital: Athens. Bordering Nations: Albania, Republic of North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Key Features: Tectonic Architecture and Active Volcanism » Active Tectonic Zone: Greece lies at the collision of tectonic plates, causing frequent earthquakes and continuous geological activity. » Active Volcanoes: Volcanic activity continues in Santorini (Thíra) and Mílos, reflecting ongoing tectonic processes. Mountainous Landscape: » Píndos Range: Greece’s main mountain chain divides the mainland and features deep gorges and rugged valleys. » Major Peaks: Mount Olympus (2,917 m), Greece’s highest peak, and Mount Parnassós are important geographical and cultural landmarks. » Peloponnese Peninsula: Separated from mainland Greece by the Corinth Canal, giving it an island-like character. Lowlands and Coastline: » Fertile Plains: Limited lowlands, such as Thessaly and Drama, support most agricultural activities. Greek Islands: » Over 2,000 Islands: Islands form nearly one-fifth of Greece’s land area and are grouped into the Ionian, Aegean, and Cyclades islands. » Crete: Greece’s largest island, known for rugged limestone mountains and Mount Psiloritis. Significance: » Greece is the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, the Olympic Games, and classical civilization, shaping modern political and cultural thought. » Greece possesses one of the world’s largest merchant fleets, making it a major player in global shipping and maritime trade. |
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Public Penury vs. Private Wealth: The State Finance Paradox Economist Jayan Jose Thomas has analysed the rising debt burden of Indian states, arguing that growing liabilities reflect a structural gap between states’ development responsibilities and their limited revenue-raising powers, rather than merely fiscal mismanagement. The Federal Fiscal Mismatch Architecture What it is? » India’s fiscal federal system gives the Union greater powers to raise major taxes, while States bear most spending responsibilities for health, education, agriculture, irrigation, and welfare. As expenditure often exceeds revenue, states rely on market borrowings to bridge the fiscal gap. Key Data and Statistics Pointing to State Budgetary Pressures: » The Tax Devolution Gap: Despite Kerala successfully mobilizing localized taxes to generate per capita revenues 1.5 times the national average for all states, its statutory share in the Union government’s tax devolution grid was restricted to a low 1.92%, compared to its 2.6% share of India’s total population in 2023–24. » The Revenue vs.Capital Outlay Deficit: Due to high baseline operations, Kerala is capable of directing only 10% of its total financial resources toward capital expenditure to enhance future production capabilities, with the remaining 90% spent on day-to-day revenue expenditures. » The Structural Fixed-Cost Matrix: Approximately a fifth (20%) of Kerala’s budget is absorbed by the salaries of government employees, while pensions account for 15.3%, and interest payments on market borrowings consume 16.5% of total expenditures. » The Credit-to-Deposit (CD) Sluggishness: Scheduled commercial banks in Kerala operate at a low CD ratio of 66%, indicating a massive pool of unutilized local savings when compared against the national average of 76% and ratios exceeding 100% in commercial engines like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. » The Cost of Domestic Capital: State governments pay a high interest rate ranging between 6.5% and 7.5% on the securities they issue, known as State Development Loans (SDLs), which sits 0.25 to 0.75 percentage points higher than the rate available to the Union government. Key Data and Statistics Pointing to State Budgetary Pressures » The Human Capital and Brain Drain Trap: A weak public fiscal capacity restricts states from setting up elite higher education hubs, advanced research labs, and modern public transport systems. o Consequently, highly educated young people are leaving states like Kerala in large numbers because local markets cannot fulfill their career aspirations. » The Dilemma of Cutting Essential Social Services: States cannot easily expand their fiscal space by abruptly cutting revenue expenditures without instantly eroding their hard-won historical strengths in health metrics and literacy outcomes. » The Paradox of Private Affluence vs. Public Penury: The visible growth of private wealth stands in sharp contrast to weak public revenues, threatening to worsen regional socioeconomic inequalities. » High Debt-Servicing Costs: Paying high interest rates on SDLs creates a repetitive debt loop, forcing states to deploy fresh borrowings to service legacy interest bills rather than constructing physical production assets. » The Cost Efficiency Factor: This structural pipeline allows Chinese local governments to borrow from their domestic banking channels at a highly subsidized cost of around 2%, avoiding the expensive market penalties attached to Indian SDLs. Comparative Case Study: China’s Local Government Model In China’s high-growth blueprint, the absolute majority of massive infrastructure investments has been directly executed by provinces and lower-level local governments. To fund these expansions, local governments borrow heavily by accessing a large pool of domestic public savings held securely within Chinese banks, coordinated tightly through central planning. These sub-national entities successfully raise resources through three primary tracks: » The direct issuance of competitive Local Government Bonds (LGBs). » Large-scale commercial land sales. » Specialized, off-budget borrowing channeled via Local Government Financing Vehicles (LGFVs). Way Forward: » Reforming Devolution Frameworks to Reward Revenue Mobilization: Adjust federal tax distribution formulas to protect and reward states that demonstrate strong records in mobilizing localized own-tax revenues. » Channeling Excess Bank Savings into Sovereign State Bonds: Design alternative financial transmission mechanisms to allow state governments to easily access unutilized domestic savings to build local assets. » Lowering the High Interest Rates on State Development Loans (SDLs): Establish unified credit guarantees where the Union government backs or coordinates state borrowings, effectively erasing the 0.25 to 0.75 percentage point premium currently penalized by market institutions. » Transitioning from Day-to-Day Spends to Fixed Capital Assets: Implement a phased ten-year structural transition to gradually raise state capital expenditure outlays past the restrictive 10% threshold, funding large-scale public transport grids and technology parks. » Creating Domicile-Portable Regional Welfare Entitlements: Coordinate inter-state institutional frameworks to ensure that as workers migrate between younger and aging states, their healthcare, retirement options, and financial safety nets move smoothly with them. Conclusion: When states borrow to establish public universities, expand healthcare grids, and support agriculture, they are serving a far greater long-term developmental cause than a tight-fisted administration that relies on austerity. Ultimately, by reforming the high-cost SDL framework and allowing states to efficiently draw on domestic public savings, India can protect its historic social progress and transition its sub-national economies toward sustainable growth. |
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Tourism as a Growth Engine: Removing Barriers, Building Opportunities The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with NITI Aayog, officially released a milestone report titled “Unlocking Growth in Tourism and Hospitality Sector” at a National Workshop held in New Delhi. Report on Unlocking Growth in Tourism and Hospitality Sector What It Is? » The report assesses regulatory barriers affecting India’s tourism sector. It recommends reforms in accommodation, hospitality, transport, and travel services to strengthen tourism and support the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Key Data and Statistics on the Tourism &Hospitality Sector: » Surging Domestic Demand:India recorded 2.9 billion domestic tourist visits in 2024, surpassing the pre-pandemic peak of 2.3 billion in 2019. » Foreign Tourist Arrivals:India welcomed 9.95 million foreign tourists in 2024, earning nearly USD 35 billion in tourism receipts. » Global Competitiveness Gap: India ranks 6th in Natural Resources and 9th in Cultural Resources in the TTDI, but only 39th overall. » Long Project Delays:Hotel projects in India require nearly 60 approvals and take 36–48 months to complete. Key Opportunities and Potential: » High Employment Intensity:Tourism creates jobs across all skill levels, from hospitality workers to professional managers. This makes it one of India’s most employment-intensive service sectors. o Example: Hotels, tour operators, airlines, and travel companies generate both entry-level and specialized employment. » Geographically Distributed Development: Tourism promotes balanced regional growth by attracting investment to rural, coastal, and heritage destinations. It helps diversify local economies beyond agriculture. o Example: Kerala’s backwaters and Rajasthan’s heritage circuits generate income for local communities. » Foreign Exchange Generation: Spending by foreign tourists brings valuable foreign exchange into India without exporting physical goods. This strengthens the country’s external sector. o Example: International tourists spend on hotels, transport, food, shopping, and cultural experiences within India. » Shift Towards High-Value Tourism: India can increase earnings by promoting premium tourism instead of only increasing visitor numbers. Longer stays also raise tourist expenditure. o Example: Wellness tourism, Ayurveda, luxury heritage hotels, and spiritual tourism attract high-spending visitors. » Growth of Homestays: Homestays create affordable tourism infrastructure while providing direct income to rural households. They encourage community participation in tourism. o Example: Registered homestays generated nearly ₹4,722 crore in revenue during 2024. Key Challenges and Regulatory Bottlenecks: » Restrictive Building Norms:Strict building regulations increase construction costs and reduce project viability. Developers often require taller and costlier structures to maximize space. o Example: Rajasthan’s 40% ground coverage limit increases hotel construction costs. » Fragmented Licensing System: Hotels require multiple approvals from different authorities for the same establishment. This creates duplication and delays business operations. o Example: Mumbai hotels need separate licenses for banquet halls, laundries, and salons. » High Compliance Burden:Frequent renewal of operational licenses increases administrative costs and compliance burdens. Businesses spend significant time on paperwork. o Example: Uttar Pradesh bar licenses require annual renewal every 31 March. » Interstate Transport Barriers:Different state taxes and permit rules increase tourism transport costs and affect seamless interstate travel. This discourages integrated tourism o Example: Kerala imposes separate taxes on tourist vehicles despite valid All India Tourist Permits (AITP). » Complex Visa Procedures:Lengthy visa applications and technical issues discourage many foreign visitors. Simplifying visa processes can significantly improve tourist arrivals. o Example: India’s e-Visa system requires over 70 data fields and often faces foreign payment failures. Key Recommendations of NITI Aayog: » Liberalize Building Regulations:Relax Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and ground coverage restrictions to reduce project costs. Faster approvals can attract greater private investment in tourism. » Simplify Licensing:Merge multiple hotel licenses into a single approval system and remove duplicate permits. This will improve ease of doing business. » Promote Homestays:Increase the permissible room limit for registered homestays and remove unnecessary NOCs. This will encourage rural entrepreneurship and community tourism. » Reform Tourist Transport: Extend All India Tourist Permit (AITP) validity and remove overlapping state taxes. Uniform transport rules will improve interstate tourism connectivity. » Introduce Visa-on-Arrival:Expand Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) and simplify the e-Visa process with easier payment systems. This can attract more international tourists and boost tourism receipts. Conclusion: The NITI Aayog roadmap seeks to unlock India’s tourism potential by simplifying regulations, improving infrastructure, and promoting ease of doing business. These reforms can accelerate investment, enhance visitor experience, and make tourism a major driver of inclusive economic growth. |