<h1><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In a discussion on Akashvani’s Spotlight program,&nbsp;Pavan Duggal, IT and Cyber Security Expert, and Omwesh Upadhyay, Akashvani Correspondent talked about significance and key aspects of Smart India Hackathon 2023.</span></h1>Pavan Duggal, IT and Cyber Security Expert indulged in Smart India Hackathon and how it contributes to fostering innovation in India. He said that Smart India Hackathon helps young people become better at keeping India's internet safe. After COVID-19, we've seen massive digitization and more and more Indians have come up on to the digital bandwagon without really being made to be prepared for how to deal with the cyber issues there are more cyber problems after the pandemic, like scams and fake websites stealing information. These hurt not only money but also the country's safety. Not only are cyber security breaches bleeding the Indian economy and Indian nation, but they could also potentially have an impact on the sovereignty, security, and integrity of India. Last year, in 2022, the world had lost more than $6 trillion to cyber security breaches and a big chunk of that came from India. This year by the end of 2023, it is anticipated that the world is likely to lose more than $8 trillion to cybersecurity breaches. This year's Hackathon is super important because it comes when technology, especially artificial intelligence, is growing fast. It's used for good and bad, so we need to find problems and make things safer. It's not just a competition; it's about learning to protect our online lives. Since 2017, our leaders have been telling us to join in and defend our country online.<br />”&nbsp;<br />”&nbsp;<br />”In the world of computers and the internet, India faces a big decision about new ideas and staying safe online. The Smart India Hackathon helps young people become better at keeping India's internet safe. After COVID-19, we've seen massive digitization and more and more Indians have come up on to the digital bandwagon without really being made prepared for how to deal with the cyber issues there are more cyber problems after the pandemic, like scams and fake websites stealing information. These hurt not only money but also the country's safety. Not only are cyber security breaches bleeding the Indian economy and Indian nation, they could also potentially have an impact on the sovereignty, security, and integrity of India. Last year, in 2022, the world had lost more than $6 trillion to cyber security breaches and a big chunk of that came from India. This year by the end of 2023, it is anticipated that the world is likely to lose more than $8 trillion to cybersecurity breaches. This year's Hackathon is super important because it comes when technology, especially artificial intelligence, is growing fast. It's used for good and bad, so we need to find problems and make things safer. It's not just a competition; it's about learning to protect our online lives. Since 2017, our leaders have been telling us to join in and defend our country online.<br />”&nbsp;<br />”He further elaborates on the roles of youngsters in problem-solving and technological innovation. He said that India finds itself at a pivotal moment in history, not just as a densely populated nation but also as a rising force in the cyber domain. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is steering India's involvement in crucial cyber issues globally, showcased through diplomatic engagements and leadership roles in G20 discussions. Injecting fresh enthusiasm into India's youth’comprising a significant portion below 35’there's a renewed emphasis on understanding cybersecurity's importance and fostering problem-solving skills. The government's shift from merely highlighting issues to encouraging solutions, notably through hackathons, reflects a proactive approach. These platforms encourage brainstorming sessions to fortify governmental and corporate systems, enhancing not only their safety but also safeguarding India's cyber interests overall. Prime Minister Modi's spotlight on cutting-edge technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT aligns with the nation's advancement agenda, elevating cybersecurity prowess across the board. These initiatives position today's young minds as tomorrow's defenders, leveraging hackathons to empower individuals who previously lacked such opportunities. This holistic embrace of technology serves as a cornerstone for harnessing India's youth potential to fortify the nation's digital defenses, marking a substantial victory for both the government and its budding talent.<br />”&nbsp;<br />”Mr. Duggal also talked about the contribution of hackathons to address real-world challenges and support the government's initiative in various technological sectors to provide low-cost, quality, sustainable, and scalable solutions to global challenges, He said these hackathons are providing a fresh stream of new ideas to the government. Amidst this momentum, India's burgeoning startup landscape is abuzz with innovative ideas, further amplified by these hackathons. They not only foster an environment for fresh cybersecurity businesses but also aim to set a global precedent. By leveraging the potential of Indian youth, these initiatives aim to not just bolster India's cyber resilience but also pave the way for other nations. In essence, these hackathons are a remarkable conduit for tapping into the immense talent pool among Indian youth. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, India is poised to ascend as an IT superpower, capitalizing on its focus on cyberspace and cyber security, setting the stage for substantial advancements in the field.<br />”&nbsp;<br />”These competitions bring tons of new ideas to the government. There are so many’50,000 ideas from 44,000 new teams! If we make these ideas real, India can change a lot. India already attracts a lot of cyber and tech companies. The ideas from the Hackathon can help India become better, mixing smart leaders with energetic young minds. Online safety is super important for India's economy, and these ideas from the Hackathon make it better. That’s why the 50,000-odd ideas that would have originated in the Smart India Hackathon would provide a new blister of imagination, of a thrust carrier of projects that can be initiated by the government. Young people learning about online safety in these events is just the start of a big change. It's like a revolution that uses the energy of young people to make India a leader in internet safety. It's a giant leap for the nation at large which previously was not yet in a position to go ahead and harness the potentialities and the massive potential and capabilities of youngsters. This is a huge win for everyone’our leaders, businesses, and the smart young minds creating India's internet future.<br />”<b>&nbsp;</b><br />”Listen to Full discussion on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eJ6LLr2QPc" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v6eJ6LLr2QPc&source=gmail&ust=1703261630821000&usg=AOvVaw2i2w9aMWqQB_Vw7jKIC6oa">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eJ6LLr2QPc</a><br />