Current Affairs - International

According to the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) for 2024 released by the World Economic Forum, India secured the 39th position. This ranking reflects India's performance in enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of its tourism sector. Despite a methodological adjustment by the WEF, which revised India's 2021 rank to 38th, the 2024 ranking indicates a slight decrease, demonstrating India’s consistent efforts in maintaining a robust tourism ecosystem.

India and Vietnam are collaborating to develop the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat. This partnership, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, aims to celebrate and preserve the shared maritime heritage of both nations. The NMHC will showcase historical and cultural ties through artefact exchanges and shared expertise in design and technology. Located in Saragwala village, the complex's first phase is already more than 55% complete and is expected to open next year.

On July 31, 2024, at the World Health Organization Headquarters in Geneva, the Ministry of Ayush, the Government of India, and the WHO signed a landmark Donor Agreement. This agreement specifies the financial terms for implementing the activities of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. The Indian government committed US$ 85 million over ten years to support the centre, recognizing it as a key hub for traditional medicine practices.

India retained its position as the 8th largest global agriculture exporter in 2023, with an export value of $51 billion, down from $55 billion in 2022. Despite a decline in export value, India maintained its ranking due to the overall decrease in agricultural exports among top exporters, except for Brazil, the EU, and Thailand. Geopolitical issues and export bans on wheat, rice, and sugar contributed to the decline in India's agricultural exports.

India will host the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) in New Delhi from August 2-7, 2024, marking its first time hosting since 1958. The conference, organized by the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE) and other key institutions, will focus on “Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems.” This event will gather around 1,000 delegates, including leading agricultural economists from 75 countries, and aims to address global agricultural issues and sustainable food systems. Prime Minister will inaugurate the conference, highlighting India's significant role in this international event.