17 Dec 2023: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023
2. Space Startups in India

1. Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023

Syllabus: GS-1, Art & Culture

Prelims: Sangam 

Context: Prime Minister Modi inaugurated Kashi Tamil Sangamam, celebrating Tamil Nadu-Kashi ties, culture, AI translation, and unity in diversity.

Inauguration and Significance of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, celebrating the historic ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.
• Aimed at rediscovering the cultural connections, the event highlighted the age-old links between these significant seats of learning.

Symbolism and Connections:

• PM Modi emphasized the deep connection between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, likening the transition from Madurai Meenakshi to Kashi Vishalakshi as moving between the abodes of Lord Mahadev.
• Acknowledged the unique bond and warmth between the people of Tamil Nadu and Kashi.

Technological Innovations and Cultural Offerings:

• AI-driven real-time translation marked a milestone in the event, enabling the Prime Minister’s speech to be translated into Tamil.
• Launch of multi-language and braille translations of classic Tamil literature like Thirukkural and Manimekalai.

Participation and Collaboration:

• Highlighted the involvement of diverse groups like heads of mutts, students, artists, authors, craftsmen, and professionals, fostering a platform for dialogue and idea exchange.
• Praised the joint initiative by Banaras Hindu University and IIT Chennai, offering online support to Varanasi students in Science and Mathematics under the Vidya Shakti Initiative.

Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat Spirit:

• Stressed the event’s role in promoting the ethos of unity in diversity, exemplified by previous editions like Kashi Telugu Sangamam and Saurashtra Kashi Sangamam.
• Emphasized the nationwide celebration of statehood days and the establishment of sacred symbols like Sengol in the new Parliament, reflecting a unified spirit.

India’s Spiritual Unity and Heritage:

• Referenced historical figures like King Parakram Pandian, highlighting the spiritual unity of India, where every water is considered holy like the Ganges, and every place echoes the essence of Kashi.
• India’s identity was formed through spiritual beliefs and unification by saints like Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujam.

Youth Engagement and Cultural Exchange:

• Expressed satisfaction with the increasing interest of India’s youth in ancient traditions, noting the growing numbers visiting pilgrimage sites like Kashi, Prayag, Ayodhya, and more.
• Encouraged knowing each other’s cultures, drawing parallels between Kashi and Madurai’s heritage to deepen relations.

Future Prospects and Conclusion:

• Expressed confidence in the ongoing Kashi-Tamil Sangamam to enrich India’s heritage and bolster the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

2. Space Startups in India

Syllabus: GS-3, Science

Mains: Startups in Space

Context:  India’s expanding Space sector, tech advancements, NRF, and education policies drive innovation and entrepreneurship nationwide.

Space Startup Investment Surge:

• India witnessed over Rs. 1,000 crore in Space Startup investments from April to December 2023.
• Prime Minister Modi’s decision opened the Space sector for private players, prompting significant investor interest.

Expansion of Space Startups:

• From a single Startup four years ago, India now boasts nearly 190 private Space Startups.
• The initial Startups have transitioned into successful entrepreneurs, highlighting sectoral growth.

Overall Startup Growth:

• India’s Startup ecosystem has burgeoned from around 350 in 2014 to approximately 1,30,000, including Unicorns.

Government Initiatives and Vision:

• PM Modi’s vision and policy initiatives have fostered an entrepreneurial environment.
• “InSPACE” and “NSIL” have been established to facilitate private-public partnership projects in the Space sector.

Technology and Governance Focus:

• Emphasis on citizen-centric Governance through technological optimization and rule revision.
• Sriharikota’s accessibility to all stakeholders reflects the government’s open approach.

Technological Applications and Achievements:

• Application of satellite and drone technology in projects like the SVAMITVA scheme and Face Recognition Technology for DLC.
• Noteworthy discoveries such as water evidence on the Moon during the Chandrayaan Mission.

Leadership in Technology Frontiers:

• India’s advancement in Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technology, and frontier technologies signifies global leadership.

Utilizing Bioresources and Missions:

• Leveraging untapped bioresources, from the Himalayas to the coastline, as seen in successful missions like Aroma Mission.

National Research Foundation and Educational Policies:

• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) is a significant non-government-funded initiative.
• NRF’s synergy with the National Education Policy NEP-2020 enables flexible academic pathways for students.

Read previous PIB articles here.