The Index measures the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable development of the travel and tourism sector, which in turn, contributes to the development and competitiveness of a country.
India has moved 12 places up in this ranking from 52nd to 40th position in 2016 among 136 countries.
India has moved from 65rd position to 52nd position in 2015. In all, in last three years India has cumulatively improved its ranking by 25 places which is a significant achievement.
India's jump in rankings is attributed to the pro-active steps in terms of development of tourism infrastructure, easing of entry formalities for tourists by introducing the e-visa facilities in November 2014.
Technology Development Fund & Defence Innovation Fund
Technology Development Fund (TDF) aims at funding the development of defence and dual use technologies that are currently not available with the Indian defence industry.
The TDF scheme is implemented by DRDO and provides for assistance in the form of grant to public and private industries for design and development of key defence technologies.
Defence Innovation Fund (DIF) aims at creation of ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in Defence.
The DIF is funded by two Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), grants from Government and from other not-for-profit organisations in public or private sector.
Green Growth Equity Fund
India and the UK announce joint UK-India Fund, Green Growth Equity Fund.
The fund aims to leverage private sector investment from the City of London to invest in Green Infrastructure Projects in India.
Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to invest up to 120 million each (i.e. totally 240 million) in the joint fund.
The fund will be established under the National Infrastructure Investment Fund framework.
