PIB Summary- 13th December, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Prayagraj: Blending Tradition with Modernity

Context

Maha Kumba Mela all set to take place from January 13 to February 26, 2025

• Location: Prayagraj, confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati
• Significance: Largest peaceful spiritual gathering; UNESCO intangible cultural heritage (2017)
• Theme: Spirituality, culture, history, and innovation

Highlights of the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela

• Enhanced sanitation systems, upgraded security
• Expanded transportation networks
• Technological integration for safety and efficiency

Cultural Integration:

• Vibrant streets, local cuisine, Akhara camps
• Evening Ganga Aarti at Ram Ghat

Innovations:

• Global standards introduced for hosting spiritual events

Historical and Cultural Relevance

• Rooted in the Vatsa kingdom (600 BC) and Mauryan era
• Akbar renamed it ‘Ilahabas,’ making it a pilgrimage hub

Key Landmarks:

• Triveni Sangam: Sacred confluence symbolizing spiritual renewal
• Temples: Shri Lete Hue Hanuman Ji, Alop Shankari, Nagvasuki, Shankar Viman Mandapam
• Akshayvat Tree: Mythological importance
• Educational Heritage: Allahabad University, Public Library

Milestones of Kumbh Mela 2019

• Attracted 24 crore pilgrims; set 3 Guinness World Records
• Transformed 3,200 hectares into the largest temporary city
• Beautification drive with 2 lakh plants, thematic gates, modern sanitation

Significance of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

• Spiritual Renewal: Opportunity for cleansing sins and enlightenment
• Cultural Celebration: Showcase of India’s unity in diversity
• Global Benchmark: Blending tradition with innovation

Additional Information

• Origins: Mythologically linked to Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean).
• Religious Context: Determined by astrological alignments of Jupiter, Sun, and Moon.
• Cultural Impact: Represents India’s diverse regions, languages, and traditions.

Key Rituals and Events

• Shahi Snan: Royal bath by akharas and saints.
• Kalpavas: Month-long ascetic life near Sangam.
• Cultural Performances: Folk dances, music, plays.

Administrative Preparedness for 2025

• Sanitation and Health: Advanced waste management, mobile health units.
• Security: AI surveillance, biometric identification, drones.
• Transportation: Dedicated trains, buses, parking, shuttle services.

Modern Innovations in 2025

• Digital Integration: Official apps, virtual reality tours.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Eco-friendly camps, renewable energy, plastic bans.

Social and Economic Impact

• Tourism Boost: Significant economic impact.
• Employment Generation: Jobs in logistics, hospitality, event management.
• Cultural Exchange: Unity through interaction among diverse groups.

Key Challenges and Solutions

• Crowd Management: AI-based monitoring, designated zones.
• Environmental Conservation: Pollution control, awareness campaigns.

Importance of Akharas

• Role: Represent philosophical schools of Hinduism.
• Prominent Akharas: Juna, Niranjani, Mahanirvani, Nirmohi.
• Significance: Religious rituals, spiritual guidance.

Global Significance

• UNESCO Recognition: Highlighting intangible cultural heritage.
• Showcasing India: Platform for spiritual ethos and traditions.

Prayagraj as a Spiritual Hub

• Annual Festivals: Hosts Magh Mela apart from Kumbh.
• Historical Events: Site of religious debates and discourses.

India’s FDI Journey Hits $1 Trillion

Context

India’s gross FDI inflows reached $1 trillion since April 2000, with a 26% rise in the first half of FY 2024-25 to $42.1 billion.

• Decade-Long Growth: Between April 2014 and September 2024, $709.84 billion in FDI inflows accounted for nearly 69% of total inflows since 2000.

Factors Driving Growth

• India ranked 40th in the World Competitive Index 2024 (up from 43rd in 2021).
• Ranked 40th in the Global Innovation Index 2023, a significant improvement from 81st in 2015.

Global Investment Hub:

• Third largest recipient of greenfield projects (1,008 announcements) in 2023.
• Second largest in international project finance deals, with a 64% increase in such deals.

Improved Business Environment:

• Jumped 79 ranks from 142 (2014) to 63 (2019) in the World Bank Doing Business Report 2020.

Policy Reforms:

• 100% FDI allowed under the automatic route for most sectors.
• Tax Reforms (2024): Abolished angel tax and reduced foreign company income tax rates.

Contributing Initiatives:

• “Make in India” campaign.
• Liberalised sectoral policies.
• Implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).