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

Most Expensive Watch in the World, List of Top-10

In the realm of luxury timepieces, a select few watches command extraordinary prices that reflect their unparalleled craftsmanship and exclusivity. These masterpieces of horology are not just timekeepers but symbols of wealth and prestige. From intricate complications to dazzling diamonds, the top-10 most expensive watches in the world represent the zenith of opulence and innovation, captivating collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Most Expensive Watches in the World

The most expensive watches in the world are remarkable for their opulence and craftsmanship. Ranging from Graff Diamonds Hallucination at $55 million to Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 1518 at $12 million, these timepieces blend extraordinary materials like rare diamonds with intricate complications, making them coveted symbols of luxury and status.

Top-10 Most Expensive Watches in the World as of 2024

Graff Diamonds Hallucination, with the price of $55 million, holds the title of the most expensive watch in the world, followed by Graff Diamonds The Fascination and Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime.

Here is the list of top-10 most expensive watches in the world as of 2024:

Top-10 Most Expensive Watches in the World
Rank	Watch Name	Price ($)	Price (Rs. Crores)
1.	Graff Diamonds Hallucination	$55 million	458 crores
2.	Graff Diamonds The Fascination	$50 million	416 crores
3.	Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010	$31 million	258 crores
4.	Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoinette	$30 million	249 crores
5.	Jaeger-Le Coultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette	$26 million	216 crores
6.	Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication	$26 million	216 crores
7.	Chopard 201- Carat	$25 million	208 crores
8.	Rolex Paul Newman Daytona Ref. 6239	$18.7 million	155 crores
9.	Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch	$18 million	149 crores
10.	Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 1518	$12 million	99 crores

World’s Most Expensive Watch – Graff Diamonds Hallucination

Material used: Platinum

Manufacturing year: 2014

The Graff Diamonds Hallucination, crafted in platinum and valued at $55 million, is the world’s most expensive watch. Unveiled in 2014, it features 110 carats of multi-colored diamonds in various cuts set into a platinum bracelet. Designed by Laurence Graff, this masterpiece integrates high fashion with haute horology, making it a dazzling and unique timepiece for collectors seeking ultimate luxury.

Second Most Expensive Watch in the World – Graff Diamonds The Fascination

Material used: Diamond

Manufacturing year: 2015

Securing the second spot, the Graff Diamonds The Fascination is priced at $50 million. Manufactured in 2015, it boasts 152.96 carats of white diamonds, including a detachable 38.13-carat pear-shaped diamond that can be worn as a ring. This watch, which doubles as a bracelet, highlights Graff’s expertise in diamonds and offers a spectacular blend of elegance and versatility.

Third Most Expensive Watch of the World – Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime

Material used: White gold

Manufacturing year: 2019

The Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010, valued at $31 million, is the most expensive Patek Philippe watch ever sold. Created for the brand’s 175th anniversary, it features a dual-dial design with blue opaline, gold-applied numerals, and 18K solid gold plates. With five chiming modes, an acoustic alarm, and a date repeater, this manual watch combines technical excellence with timeless elegance.

First Cabinet Secretary of India, Know the Name

First Cabinet Secretary of Independent India

The Cabinet Secretary is the highest-ranking civil servant in India, playing a key role in coordinating various ministries and advising the government. This position was established after India gained independence. The first Cabinet Secretary of India was N. R. Pillai, a distinguished civil servant who held the post from 1950 to 1953.

Early Life and Education of N. R. Pillai

Sir Narayanan Raghavan Pillai, popularly known as “Rag,” was born on 24 July 1898 in the Travancore kingdom, now part of Kerala, India. He came from an ancient Nair family of Elenkath in South Travancore, known for its prominence. A descendant of Dewan Nanoo Pillai, Raghavan Pillai received his early education in India, earning a Bachelor of Arts with first-class honours from Madras University in 1918. He went on to study at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where he earned first-class honours in both Natural Sciences and Law in the early 1920s.

Career in British India

Raghavan Pillai joined the Indian Civil Service (ICS) in 1922, marking the beginning of an illustrious career in administration. He initially worked in the Central Provinces as an assistant commissioner and later held several key roles, including assistant collector of customs in Madras, deputy director of commercial intelligence in Kolkata, and eventually joint secretary in the Commerce Department. He climbed the ranks quickly and served in multiple senior secretarial positions before the independence of India.

First Cabinet Secretary of Independent India

After India gained independence in 1947, Raghavan Pillai was appointed as the first Cabinet Secretary of India in 1950, serving until 1953. This position, created under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, made Pillai the head of the civil services, where he played a vital role in organizing the newly formed government’s administrative machinery. His contributions laid the foundation for the future of civil services in independent India.

Secretary General of the Ministry of External Affairs

Following his tenure as Cabinet Secretary, Raghavan Pillai became the second Secretary General of the Ministry of External Affairs from 1953 to 1959. He succeeded Girija Shankar Bajpai and was instrumental in shaping India’s foreign policy during the crucial years after independence. Pillai’s diplomatic skills and vision significantly influenced India’s position on international platforms.

Ambassador to France

In 1959, Pillai was appointed as India’s Ambassador to France, a role he held until 1961. His diplomatic career in Paris strengthened India-France relations, and he represented India on various economic and commercial fronts in Europe. His contributions earned him recognition, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Travancore in 1953.

Later Life of N. R. Pillai

After retiring from public service, Raghavan Pillai engaged in business, serving as the managing director of two firms in New Delhi before emigrating to the United Kingdom in 1968. He continued to be a voice on international matters and expressed his views on issues like the return of the Koh-i-noor diamond. He passed away in London on 31 March 1992 at the age of 93.

Honors and Recognition to First Cabinet Secretary of India

Throughout his life, Pillai was recognized for his contributions both in India and abroad. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1937 and Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE) in 1946. In 1960, the Government of India awarded him the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, one of the highest civilian honours. He was also made an honorary fellow of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, in 1970.

Personal Life of N.R. Pillai

Pillai married in 1928 and had two sons. His legacy continues through his family, including his granddaughter Nisha Pillai, a former BBC presenter.

First Recipient of Nobel Prize in Physics, Know the Name

Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, a German mechanical engineer and physicist, became the first person to win the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901. Röntgen made a groundbreaking discovery of X-rays, a type of electromagnetic radiation, on November 8, 1895. His remarkable achievement revolutionized the field of medical diagnostics, earning him widespread recognition and honors, including the prestigious Nobel Prize.

Early Life and Education of Wilhelm Rontgen

Röntgen was born on March 27, 1845, in Remscheid-Lennep, Germany. His family moved to the Netherlands when he was three years old, where he later attended school in Utrecht. Despite being unfairly expelled from high school, he managed to continue his studies. In 1865, he passed the entrance exam to attend the Federal Polytechnic Institute in Zurich, now known as ETH Zurich, where he earned a PhD in 1869.

Career and Teaching

Röntgen began his academic career in 1874 as a lecturer at the University of Strasbourg. He later held various prestigious positions, including professor of physics at the University of Würzburg and the University of Munich. His reputation as a skilled physicist continued to grow, and he was eventually invited to Columbia University in New York. However, the outbreak of World War I led him to remain in Germany.

Discovery of X-Rays

Röntgen’s most significant contribution to science came in 1895 while experimenting with cathode rays. He observed a new form of radiation that could pass through solid objects, which he initially called “X-rays.” On November 8, 1895, Röntgen discovered that these rays could create images of bones and internal structures, marking the birth of diagnostic radiology. His first X-ray image was of his wife’s hand, revealing her skeletal structure.

First Nobel Prize Recipient in Physics

In recognition of his groundbreaking discovery, Röntgen was awarded the first-ever Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901. The award was given to him in recognition of the extraordinary services he has rendered by the discovery of the remarkable rays subsequently named after him. Röntgen declined to patent his discovery, believing that it should benefit humanity freely.

Awards and Honors Received by Wilhelm Rontgen

1896: Rumford Medal of the Royal Society
1896: Matteucci Medal of the Accademia nazionale delle scienze
1897: Elliott Cresson Medal of the Franklin Institute
1900: Barnard Medal for Meritorious Service to Science of Columbia University
1901: Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of X-rays

Later Life and Legacy of Wilhelm Rontgen

Röntgen continued to work as a professor until his retirement. He remained in Germany during World War I and faced financial difficulties in his later years. He passed away on February 10, 1923, from cancer. Röntgen’s legacy endures through numerous honors, including the naming of the element roentgenium and the unit of radiation, the roentgen, after him. His discovery laid the foundation for modern medical imaging, making him a pivotal figure in the history of science.

Lebanon Pager Explosions: At Least 9 Killed, Thousands Injured

A series of pager explosions across Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least nine people and injuries to approximately 2,800 others, including Hezbollah fighters, medics, and Iran’s envoy to Beirut. The explosions occurred around 3:45 PM local time and lasted for about an hour. The Lebanese government and Hezbollah have attributed the attacks to Israel, describing them as a significant escalation in ongoing conflicts.

Incident Details

Lebanon’s information minister condemned the detonations as “Israeli aggression.” Hezbollah officials referred to the event as the “biggest security breach” in nearly a year of conflict with Israel. The pagers that exploded were new models recently acquired by Hezbollah. The Lebanese foreign ministry labeled the incident as a “dangerous and deliberate Israeli escalation,” accusing Israel of threatening to expand the conflict into Lebanon on a larger scale.

Casualties and Response

The explosions caused extensive casualties, with 200 individuals reported in critical condition. Among the deceased were Hezbollah fighters and a young girl. Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, sustained a superficial injury. In response, Hezbollah has vowed retribution against Israel.

Impact on the Region

The explosions also affected neighboring Syria, where 14 people were injured. The incident follows Israel’s announcement of an expanded war effort, now targeting Hezbollah in addition to Hamas. Israel’s domestic security agency, Shin Bet, reported thwarting a Hezbollah plot to assassinate a former senior defense official, involving a remote-detonation explosive device.

Ongoing Conflict

This escalation marks the worst period of cross-border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in recent years. The conflict, ignited by the Gaza war last October, continues to strain regional stability, with heightened tensions and ongoing military actions.

Key Points : Lebanon

Capital: Beirut

Official Language: Arabic

Government: Parliamentary democratic republic

Current Prime Minister: Najib Mikati (as of 2024)

Current President: Michel Aoun (Note: The position might be subject to change based on political developments)

Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP)

Population: Approximately 6 million

Major Religions: Islam (Sunni and Shia) and Christianity (Maronite, Greek Orthodox, etc.)

Geography: Located in the Middle East, bordered by Syria to the north and east, and Israel to the south. It has a Mediterranean coastline.

Economy: Diverse economy with key sectors including banking, tourism, and agriculture. Facing significant economic challenges and political instability.

Notable Issues: Political instability, economic crisis, and ongoing regional conflicts.

India and US Explore Enhanced Energy Cooperation

India and the US have committed to deepening their bilateral cooperation across the energy value chain, aiming for a just and orderly energy transition. This agreement emerged from a meeting between Indian Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, and US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Geoffrey Pyatt, held during GasTech 2024 in Houston. The two leaders discussed expanding collaboration between their nations’ institutions and companies, focusing on advancing both conventional and renewable energy sectors.

Key Meeting Highlights

Puri and Pyatt reviewed the current state of energy cooperation and agreed on strategies to further strengthen their partnership. Puri noted the broadening and deepening cooperation between Indian and US institutions and companies, reflecting a robust and evolving bilateral relationship in the energy sector.

GasTech 2024 Insights

Puri inaugurated the India Pavilion at GasTech 2024, showcasing Indian companies’ latest technological advancements and future investment opportunities. He also participated in a ministerial panel discussing global energy dynamics, emphasizing the significant role of emerging markets in shaping the future energy landscape. Puri highlighted that nearly 80% of the increase in global energy demand by 2045 will come from emerging economies, necessitating substantial investments in energy infrastructure.

Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP)

Earlier, Puri and US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm convened the SCEP Ministerial in Washington, DC. They reviewed progress under the partnership, which focuses on clean energy innovation, strengthening energy security, and accelerating transitions to clean energy. The partnership aims to foster resilient and diversified supply chains and promote clean energy manufacturing.

Discussions with Honeywell

Puri also met with Honeywell Chairman and CEO Vimal Kapur, discussing innovations and technologies in low-carbon solutions. They explored potential collaborations in green hydrogen, biofuels, carbon capture, and storage, aiming to enhance partnerships between Honeywell and Indian energy companies.

Banks and FIs to Invest Rs 32.5 Trillion in Renewable Energy by 2030

At the 4th RE-Invest Summit, hosted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), leading renewable energy (RE) developers, manufacturing companies, banks, and financial institutions pledged close to $386 billion (Rs 32.45 trillion) to develop RE projects by 2030. India aims to build 500 gigawatts (Gw) of RE capacity by 2030, but commitments from the solar power industry have reached 570 Gw. Reliance Industries (RIL) leads the pack with a 100 Gw commitment, followed by NTPC (41.3 Gw) and ReNew (40 Gw).

ReNew also plans to build 6 Gw of solar manufacturing capacity, while Gujarat-based Torrent Power committed to 10 Gw. A new initiative called ‘Shapath Patra’ aims to attract green energy investments, with the solar module manufacturing pledge totaling 338 Gw, cell manufacturing at 239 Gw, and wind turbine manufacturing receiving 22 Gw.

Major Contributors

Reliance Industries (RIL): 100 Gw RE capacity by 2030.
NTPC: 41.3 Gw.
ReNew: 40 Gw and plans for 6 Gw of solar cell and module manufacturing.
Adani New Industries Ltd (ANIL): 3.9 Gw wind turbine manufacturing.
Suzlon Energy: 2.8 Gw wind turbine manufacturing.

Financial Commitments

Banks and financial institutions committed Rs 24.8 trillion for financing RE projects, with REC leading at Rs 6 trillion. IREDA committed Rs 5 trillion, and Power Finance Corporation (PFC) Rs 3 trillion. Among banks, SBI committed Rs 5 trillion and PNB Rs 79,000 crore. Brookfield leads private investors with Rs 54,000 crore.

State Participation

Key attendees included Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu, Goa CM Pramod Sawant, and Telangana Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka. Andhra Pradesh aims for 60 Gw RE capacity by 2030 and 1.5 MMTPA green hydrogen production.

Growth and Global Commitments

India’s solar capacity has increased 33 times since 2014, with the country already reaching 200 Gw of RE capacity, aiming for 500 Gw by 2030. This is part of India’s global commitments, including at G20 and the UNFCC.

GK Quiz on Telegram, Questions and Answers

Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging service launched in 2013, allowing users to send messages, share files, and make voice or video calls. Founded by brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov, Telegram is known for its strong privacy features, including end-to-end encryption and secret chats. With over 950 million monthly active users as of 2024, it is one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, particularly in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

An Overview of Telegram

Telegram is a cloud-based messaging service launched in 2013 by Nikolai and Pavel Durov. It allows users to exchange messages, share media, files, and make voice or video calls. Known for its privacy features like end-to-end encryption and secret chats, Telegram has over 950 million users worldwide and is widely used in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

GK Quiz on Telegram, Questions and Answers

Telegram, founded by Nikolai and Pavel Durov in 2013, is a widely used messaging app renowned for its robust privacy features and extensive global reach. Test your knowledge about this widely used app with out GK quiz on Telegram in the form of questions and answers.

Q1. Who is the founder of Telegram?

a) Mark Zuckerberg

b) Pavel Durov

c) Jan Koum and Brian Acton

d) Elon Musk

S1. Ans. (b)

Q2. When was Telegram initially released?

a) 2010

b) 2011

c) 2013

d) 2015

S2. Ans. (c)

Q3. What is the operational center of Telegram?

a) New York, USA

b) Berlin, Germany

c) Tortola, British Virgin Islands

d) Dubai, United Arab Emirates

S3. Ans. (d)

Q4. Telegram offers a cloud-based storage solution called

a) Telegram Cloud

b) Telegram Drive

c) Telegram Storage

d) Telegram Files

S4. Ans. (a)

Q5. Which country had Telegram as the most downloaded app in January 2021?

a) USA

b) India

c) Russia

d) Brazil

S5. Ans. (b)

Q6. Where was Telegram’s headquarters moved to in 2017?

a) Berlin, Germany

b) Dubai, United Arab Emirates

c) Paris, France

d) Moscow, Russia

S6. Ans. (b)

Q7. When do Telegram accounts self-destruct if inactive?

a) After 3 months

b) After 6 months

c) After 9 months

d) After 12 months

S7. Ans. (b)

Q8. Who is the current CEO of Telegram?

a) Nikolai Durov

b) Jan Koum

c) Pavel Durov

d) Brian Acton

S8. Ans. (c)

Q9. Telegram’s official bot platform is called

a) Telegram Bots

b) Bot API

c) Telegram Bot Store

d) Bot Platform

S9. Ans. (d)

Q10. Telegram introduced a feature called “Telegram Passport” to

a) Verify user identities

b) Store documents and passports

c) Share location information

d) Create custom stickers

S10. Ans. (b)

Smallest Country in the World, List of Top-10 Smallest Countries

Paris Olympics 2024 Medal Tally, India Medal Tally in Olympics_19.1

In a realm where significant is frequently linked to size, Vatican City stands out as a remarkable anomaly. Situated in the center of Roma, this sovereign city-state holds the distinction of being the smallest country in the world. Despite its diminutive size, Vatican City’s impact, historical importance and cultural richness extend far beyond its compact borders.

These petite nations, often referred to as microstates or ministates, are characterized by their minimal land area and population. As of 2024, the top five smallest countries are Vatican City, Monaco, Nauru, Tuvalu and San Marino. At the pinnacle of this list stands Vatican City, reigning as the smallest country in the world.

List of Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World by Area

Vatican City is considered to be the smallest country in the world with the total land area of just 49 hectares and a population of less than 1,000 people, followed by Monaco, Nauru and Tuvalu.

Here is the list of Top-10 smallest countries in the world:

S. No.	Country	Area (in sq. km)	% of Earth land Area
1.	Vatican City	0.49	<0.01%
2.	Monaco	1.95	<0.01%
3.	Nauru	21	<0.01%
4.	Tuvalu	26	<0.01%
5.	San Marino	61	<0.01%
6.	Liechtenstein	160	<0.01%
7.	Marshall Islands	181	<0.01%
8.	Saint Kitts and Nevis	261	<0.01%
9.	Maldives	300	<0.01%
10.	Malta	316	<0.01%

Smallest Countries In The World in Brief

Here is the complete details of smallest country in the world. In this article you can read the top 10 smallest country in the world with it Population, curreny, region, offical language, and leaders also.

Vatican City, Smallest Country in the World

Population: 807 (estimated)
Currency: Euro
Region: Southern Europe
Official and National language: Italian
Government: Unitary theocratic Catholic elective absolute monarchy
Secretary: Pietro Parolin
President of the Governorate: Fernando Vergez Alzaga

Vatican City is a landlocked independent country, and enclave within Rome, Italy. It became independent from Rome Italy in 1928 with the Lateran Treaty. It is considered to be the smallest state in the world both by area and population.

Second Smallest Country in the World – Monaco

Capital: Monaco
Largest Quarter: Monte Carlo
Region: Southern Europe
Population: 39,050 (estimated)
Currency: Euro
Official Language: French
Government: Unitary parliamentary semi-constitutional monarchy
Monarch: Albert II
Prime Minister: Pierre Dartout

Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a microstate on the French Riviera a few kilometres west of the Italian region of Linguria, in Western Europe, on the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by France to the north, east and west. It is widely recognised as the most expensive and wealthiest places in the world.

World’s Third Smallest Country – Nauru

Capital: Yaren
Largest City: Denigomodu
Region: Oceania, Micronesia
Currency: Australian Dollar
Official language: Nauruan
Government: Unitary parliamentary republic with an executive presidency under a non-partisan democracy
President: Russ Kun

Nauru is the third smallest country and the smallest island nation. It has a population of about 10,000 which makes it the second smallest nation in the world in terms of population after Vatican City.

Tuvalu, Fourth Smallest Country by Area

Capital: Funafuti
Largest City: Funafuti
Region: Oceania, Polynesia
Currency: Tuvaluan Dollar, Australian Dollar
Official language: Tuvaluan English
Government: Unitary non-parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Monarch: Charles III
Governor-General: Tofiga Vaevalu Falani
Prime Minister: Kausea Natano

Tuvalu is an island country in the Polynesian sub-region of Oceania in the Pacific Ocean. Tuvalu is composed of three reef islands and six atolls. Its islands are situated about midway between Hawaii and Australia.

San Marino, Fifth Smallest Country of the World

Capital: San Marino
Largest city: Dogana
Region: southern Europe
Currency: Euro
Official language: Italian
Government: Unitary parliamentary diarchic directorial republic

San Marino also known as Most Serene Republic of San Marino is a European microstate and country enclaved by Italy. It is located on the north-eastern side of the Apennine Mountains.

Liechtenstein- 160 sq.km

Capital: Vaduz
Region: Western Europe
Currency: Swiss Franc
Official language: German
Government: Unitary parliamentary semi-constitutional monarchy
Monarch: Hans-Adam II
Prime Minister: Daniel Risch

Liechtenstein is a Germany-speaking and doubly landlocked country, located in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland. Liechtenstein is a semi-constitutional monarchy headed by the prince of Liechtenstein.

Marshall Islands- 181 sq.km

Capital: Dilap-Uliga-Djarrit
Largest city: Dilap-Uliga-Djarrit
Region: Oceania, Micronesia
Currency: US Dollar
Official language: Marshallese English
Government: Unitary parliamentary republic with an executive presidency
President: David Kabua

The Marshall Islands is an island country near Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean, slightly west of the International Date Line. The country is part of the larger island group of Micronesia.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Capital: Basseterre
Largest city: Basseterre
Region: Caribbean
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar
Official language: English
Government: Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Monarch: Charles III
Governor-General: Marcella Liburd
Prime Minister: Terrance

Saint Kitts and Nevis consists of two islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis, both located in the West Indies, in the Leeward Islands chain of the Lesser Antilles. It is the only sovereign federation in the Caribbean.

Maldives

Capital: Male
Largest city: Male
Region: Western Asia
Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa, US Dollar
Official language: Dhivehi
Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
President: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih

Maldives is an archipelagic, situated in the Indian Ocean. It lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 7,500 km from the Asian continent’s mainland.

Malta

Capital: Valletta
Largest unit: St. Paul’s Bay
Region: Southern Europe
Currency: Euro
Official language: Maltese English
Government: Unitary parliamentary republic
President: George Vella
Prime Minister: Robert Abela

Malta is an island country in Southern Europe, located in the Mediterranean Sea. It consists of an archipelago, between Italy and Libya.

Centre Asks Platform Aggregators to Register Workers on e-Shram Portal

The Indian government has mandated that platform aggregators onboard themselves and their gig workers onto the e-Shram portal, an initiative aimed at providing unorganised labour with access to various social security schemes. This step is crucial to ensure workers’ access to social welfare benefits and to maintain an accurate registry of beneficiaries.

Purpose of e-Shram Portal

The e-Shram portal serves as a nationwide database designed to facilitate social security and welfare scheme access for unorganised workers. By registering on this portal, workers will receive a Universal Account Number (UAN), which enables access to key benefits. The Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued an advisory with a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlining the responsibilities of aggregators, including the registration and data updating of workers.

Process and Guidelines

The Ministry has tested API integration with some aggregators and is moving forward with the registration process. Aggregators are required to regularly update worker details, including employment status and payments. They must also promptly report any worker exits to ensure accurate records. A toll-free helpline (14434) has been set up to assist with registration and technical issues.

Upcoming Meeting

A meeting chaired by Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is scheduled for Wednesday to further engage and guide aggregators on this initiative.

Gig Workforce Statistics

According to a NITI Aayog report, India’s gig workforce is projected to grow to 2.35 crore by 2029-30 from 77 lakh in 2020-21. The report highlights that gig workers are expected to constitute 6.7% of the non-agricultural workforce by 2029-30. Gig workers are classified into platform workers, who use digital platforms, and non-platform workers, who are casual wage workers.

ICC introduces equal prize money for men’s and women’s cricket World Cups

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that men’s and women’s cricket teams will receive equal prize money in all World Cup events, starting with the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. Set to take place next month in the UAE, this tournament will make cricket the first major team sport to offer equal prize money across genders.

Number Game

Prize money for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup has notably increased. The winning team will now earn $2.34 million, a sharp 134% rise from the $1 million Australia received in 2023.
Runners-up will walk away with $1.17 million, more than double the $500,000 awarded last year.
As compared to the Men’s T20 World Cup, in which India won recently, India received $2.45 million in cash prize.

How will this move be crucial?

This move is in line with the ICC’s strategy to prioritize the women’s game and accelerate its growth by 2032.
Teams will now receive equal prize money for the equivalent finishing position at comparable events as well as the same amount for winning a match at those events.
The decision ensures that the ICC reached its prize money equity target seven years ahead of its schedule for 2030.

Previous Instances

BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) announced in 2022 to equal pay for all centrally contracted men and women Team India cricketers.
Also New zealand Cricket Board, Cricket South Africa and England Cricket also equal the salary for the Men and Women.