Paris Olympics 2024 Medal Tally, India Medal Tally in Olympics

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Paris Olympics 2024 Medal Tally, India Medal Tally in Olympics

Paris Olympics 2024 Medal Tally

China’s Liu Yukun won a gold medal, helping China stay at the top of the medal table. France is in second place, and Japan is in third. This is the 33rd Summer Olympics. It started on Friday and will end on August 11. The Paris Olympics has 32 sports. These include 28 main sports, plus some newer ones like breakdancing, skateboarding, surfing, and sports climbing. India won its third medal in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Swapnil Kusale got a bronze medal in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions event. This happened in Chateauroux on Thursday.

Paris Olympics 2024 Medal Tally (Full List)

China leads with the most gold medals (11), but the United States has the highest total medal count (31). The top 5 countries by gold medals are China, France, Japan, Australia, and the United States.

Rank	Country	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
1	China	11	7	3	21
2	France	8	10	8	26
3	Japan	8	3	4	15
4	Australia	7	6	4	17
5	United States of America	6	13	12	31
6	Great Britain	6	7	7	20
7	South Korea	6	3	3	12
8	Italy	3	6	4	13
9	Canada	2	2	3	7
10	Germany	2	2	2	6
11	Netherlands	2	2	1	5
11	New Zealand	2	2	1	5
13	Romania	2	1	1	4
14	Hong Kong	2	0	2	4
15	Sweden	1	1	2	4
16	Georgia	1	1	0	2
17	Belgium	1	0	2	3
17	Ireland	1	0	2	3
17	Kazakhstan	1	0	2	3
17	South Africa	1	0	2	3
21	Croatia	1	0	1	2
21	Guatemala	1	0	1	2
23	Argentina	1	0	0	1
23	Azerbaijan	1	0	0	1
23	Ecuador	1	0	0	1
23	Serbia	1	0	0	1
23	Slovenia	1	0	0	1
23	Uzbekistan	1	0	0	1
29	Brazil	0	2	3	5
30	Hungary	0	2	1	3
31	North Korea	0	2	0	2
32	Poland	0	1	2	3
32	Spain	0	1	2	3
34	Kosovo	0	1	1	2
34	Mexico	0	1	1	2
34	Switzerland	0	1	1	2
34	Turkey	0	1	1	2
34	Ukraine	0	1	1	2
39	Fiji	0	1	0	1
39	Mongolia	0	1	0	1
39	Tunisia	0	1	0	1
42	India	0	0	3	3
43	Moldova	0	0	2	2
44	Austria	0	0	1	1
44	Egypt	0	0	1	1
44	Greece	0	0	1	1
44	Slovakia	0	0	1	1
44	Tajikistan	0	0	1	1

Updated 01-08-2024

Which District of Madhya Pradesh is Famous for Tansen Music Festival?

Madhya Pradesh, situated in central India, is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, historical sites, and diverse wildlife. It is home to several ancient temples, palaces, and forts, showcasing its rich history. The state also boasts national parks like Kanha and Bandhavgarh, offering stunning landscapes and a variety of flora and fauna for nature lovers.

An Overview of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, which means ‘Central Province,’ is a state located in the middle of India. The capital city is Bhopal, and the largest city is Indore, with other important cities including Jabalpur and Gwalior. It is the second largest state in India by area and the fifth largest by population, home to over 72 million people. Madhya Pradesh shares its borders with Uttar Pradesh to the northeast, Chhattisgarh to the east, Maharashtra to the south, Gujarat to the west, and Rajasthan to the northwest.

Administrative Divisions of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is divided into 55 districts, organized into 10 divisions. As of now, the state has 55 district councils (jila panchayats), 376 administrative areas (tehsils), 313 block councils (janpad panchayats), and 23,043 village councils (gram panchayats). The municipalities in Madhya Pradesh include 18 city corporations (Nagar Nigams), 100 town councils (Nagar Palikas), and 264 neighborhood councils (Nagar Panchayats).

Which District of Madhya Pradesh is Famous for Tansen Music Festival?

The Tansen Music Festival is a well-known event that takes place in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. This festival honors Tansen, one of India’s greatest musicians, and attracts artists and music lovers from all over the country.

Location of the Tansen Music Festival

The Tansen Music Festival is celebrated in Behat village, located in the Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh. Gwalior is famous for its rich history and cultural heritage, making it an ideal setting for this musical event.

When is the Festival Held?

The festival occurs every year in December. This time of year brings together many people who come to enjoy the beautiful performances and celebrate Indian classical music.

What Happens at the Festival?

The festival is a five-day musical extravaganza that showcases vocal and instrumental performances from artists across India. Musicians present a variety of styles, highlighting the beauty of Hindustani classical music. During the festival, the prestigious National Tansen Samman award is also given to honor outstanding musicians in this genre.

Who Organizes the Tansen Music Festival?

The Tansen Music Festival is organized by the Ustad Alauddin Khan Kala Evam Sangeet Academy and the Department of Culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh. These organizations work together to ensure the festival runs smoothly and successfully every year.

Why is the Tansen Music Festival Significant?

The festival is held near the tomb of Tansen, who was not only a remarkable musician but also served in the court of the Mughal emperor Akbar and the King of Mewar. Celebrating the festival at this historic site pays tribute to Tansen’s legacy and keeps his music alive for future generations.

EC Signs Electoral Cooperation Pact with Uzbekistan

The Election Commission of India signed an agreement for electoral cooperation with Uzbekistan’s central poll body. This agreement was formalized during Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar’s visit to Tashkent, where he is serving as an international observer for the upcoming elections scheduled for October 27.

Purpose of the Agreement

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to strengthen and deepen interaction between the two Election Management Bodies (EMBs).
The agreement is designed for the mutual benefit of both democracies.

Background

Both electoral bodies have a history of mutual cooperation, with officials serving as observers in each other’s elections.
A four-member delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Khusanova Mukhtabar, participated in India’s Lok Sabha elections earlier this year.

Global Interaction

The Election Commission of India and the Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan actively engage through international forums, including the Association of World Election Bodies and the Association of Asian Election Authorities.

International Collaboration

The EC has signed MoUs for international cooperation with 30 EMBs globally.
Collaboration extends to The International Institute for Democracy & Electoral Assistance, which supports sustainable democracy worldwide.

Significance

The agreement is expected to enhance electoral processes and share best practices between India and Uzbekistan, contributing to stronger democratic frameworks in both countries.

About Election Commission of India (ECI)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a permanent and independent body established by the Constitution of India to ensure free and fair elections in the country.
Since it is established directly under the provisions of the Constitution, it is a Constitutional Body.
The ECI is an All-India body in the sense that it is common to both the Central and the State governments.

The Constitution vests the Election Commission of India (ECI) with the power of superintendence, direction, and control of elections to,

Parliament – Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
State Legislatures – State Legislative Assembly and State Legislative Council (if exist)
Office of President of India
Office of Vice-President of India

Constitutional Provisions related to ECI

Article 324 of the Constitution of India deals with the provisions related to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The article contains detailed provisions regarding the composition of the ECI, appointment and service conditions of its members, powers and functions of the ECI, and other related aspects.

Composition of Election Commission of India

Article 324 of the Constitution has made the following provisions about the composition of the Election Commission of India,

It shall consist of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and such number of other Election Commissioners (ECs) as the President may from time to time fix.
The appointment of CEC and other ECs shall be made by the President.

Term of Members of ECI

According to the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991, the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners hold office for a term of 6 years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Resignation of Members of ECI

According to the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991, the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners can resign at any time by writing to the President.

₹200 Crore Census Aims to Boost Livestock Sector in India

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the 21st Livestock Census on Friday, which will be conducted until February next year at a cost of ₹200 crore. He emphasized that the collection of precise data is crucial for the government to formulate effective policies aimed at ensuring animal health security and promoting growth in the livestock sector.

Key Information About Livestock Census

Overview

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the 21st Livestock Census on October 25, which will run until February 2025.
The census is funded by the central government at a cost of ₹200 crore.
It aims to provide precise data to help formulate effective policies for animal health security and sector growth.

Minister’s Statement

Singh emphasized the importance of conducting the census with integrity and regular monitoring.
He stated, “This will help the government in framing the right policies for the growth of this sector and animal health security.”

Pandemic Fund Project

In addition to the census, a USD 25 million ‘Pandemic Fund Project’ was launched to enhance animal health security and preparedness.

Census Details

Approximately 1 lakh field officials, mainly veterinarians or para-veterinarians, will participate in the enumeration.
Data collection will focus on 219 indigenous breeds across 15 livestock species including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs, and more.
The census will also count poultry birds, including fowl, ducks, and emus.

Technological Innovations

This census will utilize mobile technology for efficient data collection and transmission.
It will be the first to independently report livestock holdings by pastoralists.
It will include information on the gender of individuals primarily involved in livestock rearing.

Historical Context

The livestock census has been conducted every five years since 1919, providing essential data for policy formulation in animal husbandry.
The previous census was held in 2019.

Economic Impact

Singh highlighted India’s challenges in exporting milk and dairy products despite being the world’s largest milk producer.
The data collected is expected to aid in policy-making that boosts exports and enhances animal health security.

Expected Outcomes

The final report of the census is anticipated to be released next year, providing vital statistics that will inform government policies and initiatives in the livestock sector.

Diwali 2024 Date and Significance: Is Deepawali On October 31 or November 1?

Diwali 2024 Date and Significance: Is Deewali On October 31 or November 1?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most cherished festivals celebrated across India and in Indian communities around the world. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. As the festival approaches, there’s often confusion regarding its exact date, as the celebration spans several days and dates may vary depending on regional traditions and practices. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on either October 31 or November 1, 2024, depending on the location, with each day having a special ritual dedicated to the gods and goddesses. Below, we explore the festival’s dates, timings, significance, and customs in detail.

Diwali 2024: Dates and Important Timings

The Diwali festivities extend over five days with each day having a unique significance and ritual. For 2024, the dates are as follows:

Dhanteras: October 29, 2024 (Tuesday)
Choti Diwali: October 31, 2024 (Thursday)
Badi Diwali (Main Diwali): November 1, 2024 (Friday)
Govardhan Puja: November 2, 2024 (Saturday)
Bhai Dooj: November 3, 2024 (Sunday)

Due to regional customs, the date of Lakshmi Puja (main Diwali puja) may vary slightly. For example, in Maharashtra and certain regions, Diwali begins on October 31, 2024, while in other parts of India, the primary celebrations are observed on November 1, 2024.

Lakshmi Puja Timings:

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 05:36 PM to 06:16 PM on October 31, 2024 (Duration: 41 minutes)
Amavasya Tithi Begins: 03:52 PM on October 31, 2024
Amavasya Tithi Ends: 06:16 PM on November 1, 2024

Regional Variations in Diwali Celebrations

In India, Diwali traditions differ based on the region:

Maharashtra: Diwali celebrations commence on Govatsa Dwadashi, a day before Choti Diwali.
Gujarat: Festivities begin two days earlier on Agyaras, marking the onset of the celebratory period.

However, regardless of the region, Lakshmi Puja is performed on the main day of Diwali (Amavasya) when the new moon is visible, signifying the triumph of light over darkness.

Significance of Each Day in Diwali

Each day of Diwali holds a specific significance with rituals performed in reverence to gods and deities.

1. Dhanteras (October 29, 2024)

The five-day celebration begins with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and healing, and Goddess Lakshmi. It is auspicious to purchase gold, silver, or new utensils, symbolizing prosperity and wealth.

2. Choti Diwali (October 31, 2024)

Known as Narak Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas in some regions, Choti Diwali commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. It’s a day for cleansing and purifying homes and surroundings to prepare for the arrival of the goddess.

3. Badi Diwali / Main Diwali (November 1, 2024)

The main day of Diwali is dedicated to Lakshmi Puja, where Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is welcomed into homes and businesses. Families light oil lamps (diyas) and place them throughout their homes to invite her blessings.

4. Govardhan Puja (November 2, 2024)

Govardhan Puja, celebrated primarily in North India, marks Lord Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from a devastating storm. Devotees prepare a variety of dishes as an offering to Krishna, thanking him for his protection.

5. Bhai Dooj (November 3, 2024)

The final day of the Diwali festival, Bhai Dooj, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform a tilak ceremony and pray for their brothers’ well-being, while brothers offer gifts and promise protection in return.

The Significance of Lakshmi Puja

The Lakshmi Puja on Diwali holds immense importance as it is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the symbol of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. Worshipping her is believed to bring prosperity, success, and happiness to families and businesses. During Lakshmi Puja, Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is also worshipped alongside other deities such as Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, and Lord Kuber, the treasurer of the gods.

Importance of Lakshmi Puja for Businesses

Many business owners consider Diwali an auspicious time to begin new ventures or make significant investments. Lakshmi Puja is often performed in offices, factories, and shops to attract financial growth and success in professional pursuits. By lighting diyas in workplaces, people invoke Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings to remove obstacles and bring in good fortune.

Rituals and Customs Associated with Diwali

Lighting of Diyas and Dispelling Darkness

One of the primary customs of Diwali is lighting oil lamps (diyas) throughout the home. This act is not only symbolic of the victory of light over darkness but is also believed to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into the household. Families arrange rows of diyas on balconies, windowsills, and entrances, and some even create elaborate rangolis (colorful patterns made from colored powder) as a mark of joy and prosperity.

Bursting of Firecrackers

Although more environmentally friendly celebrations are encouraged today, firecrackers have historically been a part of Diwali as a way to ward off evil spirits. Families and communities enjoy fireworks, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Exchanging Gifts and Sweets

Diwali is a time for expressing gratitude, love, and affection. Families and friends exchange gifts and sweets as tokens of goodwill. Popular sweets like laddoos, barfis, and jalebis are prepared and shared to celebrate the joy of togetherness.

Diwali 2024: A Celebration of Light and Community

Diwali is not only a festival but also an opportunity for families and communities to come together in celebration. Homes are decorated with lights and flowers, prayers are offered, and wishes for prosperity and happiness are shared among loved ones. The festival extends its message of light, unity, and kindness across diverse traditions, emphasizing the shared values that bind everyone together.

So, whether you celebrate on October 31 or November 1, 2024, may this Diwali bring you health, prosperity, and an abundance of joy!

Which Indian City is Known as the Scotland of India?

India is a large and diverse country in South Asia, known for its rich history, colorful culture, and varied landscapes. It is famous for iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, delicious food, and many languages spoken across the nation. With bustling cities, peaceful villages, and beautiful nature, India offers a unique blend of traditions and modern life, attracting people from all over the world.

Indian States and Union Territories

India is divided into 28 states and 8 Union Territories. Each state has its own government and unique culture, language, and traditions. The Union Territories are smaller regions directly governed by the central government. Together, they form a diverse nation with different landscapes, from mountains and deserts to beaches and forests.

Which Indian City is Known as the Scotland of India?

The city known as the “Scotland of India” is Coorg, also called Kodagu. It is located in the state of Karnataka, in southern India. Coorg is famous for its beautiful climate, hill ranges, and coffee plantations. The cool weather and natural scenery make it feel like a piece of Scotland in India.

Why is Coorg Called as the Scotland of India?

Coorg is often compared to Scotland because of its pleasant climate, rolling hills, beautiful terrain, and waterfalls. The area has a similar charm to Scotland’s famous landscapes, with misty mountains, green valleys, and flowing streams.

Location and Surroundings of Coorg, the Scotland of India

Coorg is located 3,500 feet above sea level and is surrounded by the Brahmagiri ranges of the Western Ghats. This high-altitude location gives it a refreshing climate and stunning views of the hills and forests.

What is Coorg Famous for?

One of the most popular attractions in Coorg is the Abbey Falls, located near Madikeri. Surrounded by coffee plantations and spice estates, the waterfall is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Coorg is also well-known for its coffee plantations, which produce some of the finest coffee in India. Visitors can explore these plantations, learn about coffee-making, and enjoy freshly brewed coffee.

Amitabh Chaudhry Re-Appointed as MD and CEO of Axis Bank by RBI

Axis Bank has officially announced the re-appointment of Amitabh Chaudhry as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for a new three-year term, effective from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027.

Key Points

Approval Timeline

The re-appointment was approved by shareholders during the bank’s 30th Annual General Meeting in July.
The final approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was granted on October 24, 2024.

Role and Contributions

Chaudhry has been leading Axis Bank since 2019, following a successful nine-year tenure at HDFC Life.
He has been instrumental in expanding the bank’s retail banking services and enhancing its digital capabilities.
His leadership has strengthened Axis Bank’s market position in a competitive landscape.

Recent Financial Performance

For the September 2024 quarter, Axis Bank reported an 18% year-on-year increase in net profit, totaling ₹6,917.57 crore.
This growth is attributed to a rise in core lending income due to strong credit demand.
Net interest income for the quarter reached ₹13,533 crore, reflecting a nearly 10% increase from ₹12,315 crore in the same period last year.

Stock Market Performance

As of the latest update, Axis Bank’s stock price is ₹1,189.35, showing an increase of ₹22.00 (1.88%).

Market Context

The bank’s performance aligns with broader trends in the banking sector, driven by increased demand for credit and financial services.

NIPFP Lowers India’s FY25 GDP Growth Estimate to 6.9-7.1%

The National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) has revised its growth forecast for India to 6.9-7.1% for FY25, citing a notable moderation in growth during the June quarter. This slowdown is attributed to a significant contraction in net exports and reduced government consumption due to the implementation of the model code of conduct.

Forecast Adjustment

The National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) has downgraded India’s GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 6.9-7.1%, down from its earlier estimate of 7.1-7.4% made in April.

Reasons for Revision

Moderation in Growth : Notable growth moderation was observed in the June quarter, primarily due to a sharp contraction in net exports.
Impact of Model Code of Conduct : Government consumption was also affected by the election model code of conduct, contributing to lower growth figures.

Capital Expenditure (Capex)

A 19.5% decrease in capex was reported during April-August 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, attributed to the election code of conduct.
Anticipation of a pickup in capex during the second half of FY25 is noted.

Economic Trends

The NIPFP review indicated that the rate of economic expansion is reverting to a high growth trend of 7-8%, seen before the slowdown since 2017-18.
A rebound in private consumption and investment is expected to sustain growth momentum.

Risks to Growth

A potential decline in net exports due to an oil price shock poses a risk to the growth outlook.
Sectors such as tourism, travel, and financial services show sluggish supply-side growth, with indicators of a slowdown in construction, capital goods, consumer durables, and contraction in mining and electricity.

Comparison with RBI’s Forecast

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has maintained its growth projection for FY25 at 7.2%, citing strong consumption and investment momentum.

Inflation Projections

NIPFP forecasts inflation for FY25 at 4.3%, slightly above the RBI’s target, with concerns over rising food inflation and rebounding core inflation.
The RBI’s inflation projection stands at 4.5% for FY25.

Fiscal Deficit Outlook

The budgeted fiscal deficit reduction target of 4.9% for the current financial year is on track, with the government expected to achieve its FY26 target of 4.5%.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Outlook

The IMF has kept its growth forecast for India unchanged at 7% for FY25, suggesting the economy has absorbed the pent-up demand from the pandemic and is reconnecting with its potential growth.
The IMF also projects a headline inflation rate of 4.4% for FY25.

Mudra Loan Limit Doubled to Rs 20 Lakh: A Boost for Entrepreneurs

The government has doubled the limit of Mudra loans under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, introducing a new ‘Tarun Plus’ category. This change, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her July 2024 Budget speech, aims to promote entrepreneurship and support emerging business owners. The increase is designed to empower budding entrepreneurs who have successfully repaid previous loans under the existing Tarun category, furthering the government’s commitment to “Funding the Unfunded.”

Key Details of the Announcement

Enhanced Loan Limits: The new ‘Tarun Plus’ category allows loans up to Rs 20 lakh, providing crucial capital for business expansion.

Historical Context: Launched on April 8, 2015, PMMY initially provided loans up to Rs 10 lakh for non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs, facilitating easy, collateral-free access to credit.

Loan Categories: The scheme includes three existing categories—Shishu (up to Rs 50,000), Kishore (between Rs 50,000 and Rs 5 lakh), and Tarun (up to Rs 10 lakh).

Impact on the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Loan Sanctions: In 2023-24, 66.8 million loans worth Rs 5.4 trillion were sanctioned under PMMY. Since its inception, over 487.8 million loans totaling Rs 29.79 trillion have been approved.

Non-Performing Assets: The NPA for public sector banks regarding Mudra loans has decreased to 3.4% in FY24, down from 4.77% in 2020-21, indicating improved loan recovery rates.

Guarantee Coverage: Loans up to Rs 20 lakh under the new category will receive guarantee coverage through the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU), further enhancing support for small businesses.

Bhupendra Patel Inaugurates 17th Urban Mobility India Conference & Expo 2024

Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the 17th Urban Mobility India Conference & Expo-2024 today at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The event, running from October 25 to 27, 2024, gathers over 2,000 professionals and academics to discuss the future of urban transport in India. The conference focuses on the theme “Standardisation and Optimisation of Urban Transport Solutions,” aiming to enhance urban mobility through integrated strategies and innovative practices.

Key Highlights of the Conference

Government Participation: The inauguration featured prominent attendees, including Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Minister of State for Home and Transport, and Shri Srinivas R. Katikithala, Secretary of MoHUA, among others.

Economic Context: In his address, CM Patel highlighted India’s growth as the fifth-largest economy, noting significant advancements in social, economic, and urban sectors that create opportunities for sustainable transport.

Triple S Principle: Minister Harsh Sanghavi emphasized a commitment to urban transport based on the Triple S principles: Sustainable, Sensitive, and Smart.

Conference Objectives

Integration of Transport Modes: Discussions will focus on creating frameworks for integrating different urban mobility modes and exploring funding opportunities aligned with the Make in India policy.

Innovative Solutions: Topics include the role of big data in transport planning, development of an E-Bus ecosystem, and strategies for benchmarking costs within Metro systems.

Recognition of Best Practices: The conference will culminate in a closing ceremony on October 27, 2024, where awards will be presented for the “Best Practices Project in Urban Transport” across nine categories, recognizing excellence among state and city authorities.

Centre Appoints 29 Joint Secretaries in Key Government Departments

In a significant move aimed at strengthening various departments, the Government of India has appointed 29 officers as Joint Secretaries across different ministries and sectors. The reshuffle, orchestrated by the Centre, involves officers from a range of central services, including the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE), Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS), and Indian Revenue Service (IRS), among others. This reshuffle reflects the government’s commitment to optimizing governance by assigning experienced and specialized personnel to pivotal roles.

Key Appointments in the Ministry of Home Affairs

Three officers have been designated as Joint Secretaries in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA):

Praveen Kumar Rai and Rakesh Kumar Pandey, both officers from the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), have been entrusted with Joint Secretary roles in the Home Ministry.
Rajesh Gupta, from the Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE), has also been appointed as Joint Secretary in the MHA, bringing his engineering expertise to the table.

Additionally, Raj Kumar, a 1999-batch officer from the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS), has been appointed as Director (Finance) in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), where he will serve a five-year tenure under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Strategic Roles in Economic and Cooperative Sectors

Several senior officers have been assigned to roles critical to India’s economic growth and cooperative development:

Deepak Agarwal, a 2000-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as Managing Director (Joint Secretary level) at the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED). NAFED plays a crucial role in promoting cooperative marketing, and Agarwal’s leadership is expected to enhance its efficiency.
Premjit Lal has taken the role of Executive Director at the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), where his leadership will focus on promoting Indian trade and organizing events to enhance global trade engagement.

Appointments in Administrative and Personnel Management

To improve administrative efficiency and streamline personnel management, two experienced IAS officers have been appointed to significant positions:

Chauhan Sarita Chand has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances, an essential department focused on improving governance mechanisms and addressing public grievances.
P Bala Kiran, another IAS officer, has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Department of Personnel & Training, where he will play a role in overseeing personnel policies, training, and human resource management across government departments.

Key Roles in Social Welfare and Women Empowerment

In a move that underscores the government’s commitment to social welfare and women’s empowerment, the Centre has appointed Bhavna Saxena, a 1996-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, as the CEO of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). CARA, under the Ministry of Women & Child Development, is responsible for the adoption process in India, and Saxena’s experience in the police service is expected to bring operational discipline to this sensitive area.

Appointments in Petroleum, Commerce, and Corporate Affairs

Key appointments were made in departments critical to India’s industrial and economic landscape:

Anjan Kumar Mishra, a 1998-batch officer from the Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS), has been designated as Secretary of the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. This role is crucial in regulating India’s oil and gas sector, which has strategic importance for the country’s energy security.
Kesang Yangzom Sherpa, a 1995-batch IRS (Income Tax cadre) officer, has taken on the role of Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce. Her experience in tax-related fields will bring valuable insights to the department responsible for regulating and promoting India’s international trade.
Balamurugan D has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, where he will be tasked with overseeing corporate governance, regulatory frameworks, and the facilitation of business in India.

Environmental and Agricultural Roles

Recognizing the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture, the Centre has appointed senior bureaucrats in relevant roles:

Rajat Agarwal and Ved Prakash Mishra have been appointed as Joint Secretaries in the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change. Their roles will involve tackling issues related to environmental policy, climate change initiatives, and forest conservation, which are critical to India’s ecological future.
Rama Shankar Sinha has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying. His role is pivotal in supporting the livestock sector, ensuring food security, and providing livelihood to millions in rural areas.

Enhancing Development in the North Eastern Region

As part of the government’s ongoing efforts to foster development in India’s North Eastern states, Niraj Kumar, an officer from the Central Secretariat Service (CSS), has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). This role will involve promoting developmental initiatives and addressing socio-economic challenges in the North East.