Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 ▪ The 3rd edition KTS 3.0, a cultural confluence between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. ✓ The 1st edition of KTS was held in 2022, while the 2nd in 2023. ▪ The event aligns with the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative. ▪ Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Education in collaboration with various ministries and the Government of Uttar Pradesh. ▪ Indian traditions contribute to technological progress in fields like drone and space technology – highlighted by the Indian External Affairs Minister . ▪ The historical ties between Kashi (Uttar Pradesh) and Tamil Nadu date back to the 15th century when King Parakrama Pandya of Madurai traveled to Kashi to bring back a sacred lingam for his temple (Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu). International Conference On Women Peacekeepers ▪ India is hosting a two-day conference on women peacekeepers at UN missions from February 24-25, 2025, in New Delhi. ▪ Theme: “Women in Peacekeeping: A Global South Perspective”. ▪ The event will highlight the contributions of women peacekeepers from the Global South. ▪ Participants: Women peacekeepers from 35 troop-contributing countries. ▪ Organizers : Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Defence, Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping. Tapentadol and Carisoprodol ▪ The Health Ministry has banned the export of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol-containing drugs following unapproved exports by Aveo Pharmaceuticals, Mumbai, to West Africa. ▪ These drugs are individually approved in India but their combination is not authorized. ▪ They are also not listed under the NDPS Act. ▪ Tapentadol: An opioid painkiller for moderate to severe pain ▪ Carisoprodol: A muscle relaxant that acts on the brain and spinal cord.
