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 Known for Hanumantiya Island?

Madhya Pradesh is a state in India known for its rich culture, history, and beautiful landscapes. Among its many attractions, Hanumantiya Island stands out as a must-visit destination. Located near the city of Khandwa, this island is famous for its natural beauty and recreational activities.

An Overview of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is a state located in the central part of India. The capital city is Bhopal, and the largest city is Indore. Other important cities in the state include Jabalpur, Gwalior, Ujjain, Dewas, Sagar, Chhindwara, and Rewa. Madhya Pradesh is the second largest state in India by area and the fifth largest by population, with over 72 million people living there. It shares its borders with several states: Uttar Pradesh to the northeast, Chhattisgarh to the east, Maharashtra to the south, Gujarat to the west, and Rajasthan to the northwest.

Number of Districts in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is divided into 55 districts, which are organized into 10 divisions. As of 2023, the state has 55 district councils (jila panchayats), 376 tehsils, 313 block councils (janpad panchayats), and 23,043 village councils (gram panchayats). In addition, there are 18 municipal corporations (Nagar Nigams), 100 municipal councils (Nagar Palikas), and 264 town councils (Nagar Panchayats) in the state.

Largest and Smallest Districts in Madhya Pradesh

The largest district in Madhya Pradesh is Chhindwara, covering 11,815 square kilometers. It is known for its culture and landscapes. The smallest district is Datia, with an area of 2,694 square kilometers. Located in the Gwalior Division, it has historical significance from the Bundelkhand region.

Which District of Madhya Pradesh is famous for Hanumantiya Island?

Hanumantiya Island is a beautiful destination located in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, near the town of Khandwa. It is about 140 kilometers from Indore and is famous for its water tourism and stunning views.

About Hanumantiya Island

Hanumantiya Island is developed by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. It sits on the banks of the Indira Sagar Reservoir, which is one of the largest man-made lakes in Asia. The island is a perfect place for visitors looking to enjoy nature and adventure.

Jal Mahotsav Festival at Hanumantiya Island

One of the main attractions of Hanumantiya Island is the Jal Mahotsav, a two-month festival held in December and January. This festival is filled with excitement and offers many adventure sports, such as:

Speed Boating: Feel the thrill as you ride the waves.
Ballooning: Enjoy a unique view from above.
Water Sports: Participate in various fun activities on the water.

Cricket at the LA28 Olympics: The Return of the Sport in T20 Format

Cricket, one of the most popular sports globally, is set to make a comeback at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28), pending approval by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This inclusion marks the sport’s second appearance at the Olympic Games, following its debut in Paris 1900. However, unlike its traditional two-innings format, cricket at LA28 will be played in the Twenty20 (T20) format, which is a shorter and faster-paced version of the game. Let’s dive deep into the rules, format, and significance of T20 cricket and its reintroduction at the Olympics.

What is Cricket and the Twenty20 Format?

Cricket is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams, each consisting of 11 players. The game originated in England in the 16th century and has since evolved into multiple formats, including Test cricket, One-day cricket, and Twenty20 cricket. While Test cricket is the longest format, lasting up to five days, T20 cricket is the shortest, with matches typically lasting around three hours.

The T20 format was introduced in 2003 by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to offer a faster and more exciting version of the sport. In T20 cricket, each team bats for a maximum of 20 overs (120 deliveries), making it significantly shorter than traditional cricket formats. This format gained massive popularity due to its quick pace and high entertainment value.

T20 Cricket Rules and Match Structure

Basic Rules of T20 Cricket

In Twenty20 cricket, each team has only one innings to bat, and the match is completed in around three hours. The following are the key rules that govern the game:

Overs per Innings: Each team bats for 20 overs (120 balls) unless all their players are dismissed earlier.
Number of Players: Each team consists of 11 players, including a wicketkeeper and a minimum of five bowlers. Each bowler can bowl a maximum of four overs.
Dismissals: A player continues to bat until they are dismissed. Dismissals can occur in several ways, such as being bowled, caught, run out, or leg before wicket (LBW).
Batting and Scoring: Teams score runs by hitting the ball and running between the wickets or by hitting the ball to the boundary. A ball hit along the ground to the boundary scores four runs, and a ball hit over the boundary without touching the ground scores six runs.
Winning Conditions: After the first team’s innings, the second team must either match or exceed the number of runs scored by the first team to win. If they fail to do so within the 20 overs or lose all 10 wickets, the first team wins.

Duration of a T20 Match

A T20 cricket match lasts for about three hours, making it the shortest and most viewer-friendly format of international cricket. This contrasts sharply with Test matches, which can last up to five days, and One-day matches, which can take eight hours.

International T20 Cricket: The Leading Teams

Full Member Nations of ICC

There are 12 Full Member nations of the International Cricket Council (ICC) that participate in international T20 cricket competitions. These nations include:

Afghanistan
Australia
Bangladesh
England
India
Ireland
New Zealand
Pakistan
South Africa
Sri Lanka
West Indies
Zimbabwe

The West Indies team is a unique representative unit that includes players from 12 different countries in the Caribbean region.

Other Leading T20 Teams

In addition to these Full Member nations, there are several other countries that have emerged as strong competitors in the international T20 cricket arena. As of September 2023, these teams include:

Namibia
Scotland
United Arab Emirates
Netherlands
Nepal
Hong Kong
Canada
Oman

For women’s cricket, prominent teams include:

Thailand
Papua New Guinea
Tanzania
Uganda

Major International T20 Cricket Tournaments

T20 cricket has become a staple of international tournaments. Some of the major competitions where this format is played include:

ICC T20 World Cup: The premier global event for both men’s and women’s T20 cricket, held every two years.
Commonwealth Games: T20 cricket was part of the 2022 edition of the games.
Asian Games: T20 cricket was included in the 2023 edition of this multi-sport event.
Pacific Games and Southeast Asian Games: These regional events also feature T20 cricket.
African Games (2024): The sport will be introduced in the 2024 edition of the African Games.

Cricket at the LA28 Olympics

The LA28 Organising Committee has proposed cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games in the T20 format. This move is pending final approval from the IOC. Cricket was last played at the 1900 Paris Olympics, but it has since grown into a global sport, particularly in the Commonwealth nations.

The inclusion of cricket in the LA28 Olympics is expected to significantly increase the sport’s global appeal, especially in regions where cricket has traditionally not been popular. The exact details of the competition, including the number of teams and qualification criteria, are yet to be finalized.

The Origins of T20 Cricket

While Test cricket dates back to the 18th century, T20 cricket is a relatively recent addition to the sport. The format was officially created by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2003, with the first-ever T20 match being played on 17 June 2003 between the Hampshire Hawks and Sussex Sharks at The Rose Bowl.

The format quickly gained popularity, and the first international T20 match was played between England women and New Zealand women in 2004. The first men’s international T20 match followed six months later, between Australia and New Zealand.

How Many Teams Will Participate in LA28?

As of now, the number of teams that will participate in the T20 cricket tournament at LA28 is still under discussion. The LA28 Organising Committee and the IOC will finalize the details, including the number of athletes and teams, closer to the event.

Top-10 Highest Grossing Malayalam Movies 2024

Malayalam cinema has delivered some amazing films that won the hearts of audiences and earned big the box office. These movies stood out for their great stories, strong performances, and impressive production. Here’s a look at the top-10 highest-grossing Malayalam movies of the year that made a huge impact and became favorites among movie lovers.

Highest Grossing Malayalam Movie 2024

“Lucifer” (2019) is a political thriller directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, with superstar Mohanlal playing the lead role of Stephen Nedumpally, a mysterious leader who appears during a power struggle in the ruling party. The film is full of twists, intense action, and complex political drama, keeping the audience hooked. With its engaging story and star-studded cast, “Lucifer” became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam movies, earning ₹175 crore at the box office.

Top-10 Highest Grossing Malayalam Movies 2024

Lucifer movie, with the box office collection of Rs.175 crores, stands as the highest grossing Malayalam movie as of 2024, followed by Pulimurugan, Drishyam and Premam.

Here is the list of top-10 highest grossing Malayalam movies 2024:

Top-10 Highest Grossing Malayalam Movies 2024
Rank	Name	Box Office Collection	IMDb Score
1.	Lucifer	Rs.175 crore	7.5
2.	Pulimurugan	Rs.152 crore	7.0
3.	Kayamkulam Kochunni	Rs.100 crore	7.0
4.	Drishyam 2	Rs.100 crore	8.4
5.	Drishyam	Rs.75 crore	8.3
6.	Premam	Rs.60 crore	8.3
7.	Ennu Ninte Moideen	Rs.60 crore	8.0
8.	Bangalore Days	Rs.50 crore	8.3
9.	Keralavarma Pazhassi Raja	Rs.50 crore	7.7
10.	Uyare	Rs.35 crore	8.2

India’s Highest Grossing Malayalam Movie – Lucifer

Box office collection: Rs.175 crores

“Lucifer” (2019) is a Malayalam political action thriller directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, marking his directorial debut. Starring Mohanlal in the lead, the film features a star-studded cast including Vivek Oberoi, Manju Warrier, and Tovino Thomas. It became the first Malayalam movie to cross ₹200 crore, breaking several records. Released on 28 March 2019, “Lucifer” quickly became a massive box office success and is the first part of a planned trilogy.

Second Highest Grossing Malayalam Movie – Pulimurugan

Box office collection: Rs.152 crores

“Pulimurugan” (2016) is a Malayalam epic action thriller directed by Vysakh, featuring Mohanlal in the lead role. Despite mixed reviews, it became the first Malayalam movie to cross ₹100 crore at the box office, breaking records and surpassing “Drishyam” as the highest-grossing film of its time. Released on 7 October 2016, “Pulimurugan” also had songs shortlisted for the Oscars, and it remains the fifth highest-grossing Malayalam film.

Third Highest Grossing Malayalam Movie – Kayamkulam Kochunni

Box office collection: Rs.100 crores

Kayamkulam Kochunni is a Malayalam historical action film released in 2018, based on the life of the legendary 19th-century outlaw from Kerala. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews, the movie stars Nivin Pauly as Kochunni, a Robin Hood-like figure who stole from the rich to help the poor. The film’s thrilling story and powerful performances made it a huge hit, becoming one of the top-grossing Malayalam movies, earning significant box office success.

Milestone Man Virat Kohli Crosses 9000 Test Runs

In a remarkable display of resilience and skill, Virat Kohli crossed the prestigious 9000 Test runs milestone during India’s first Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Despite a challenging start, with India being bowled out for their lowest-ever Test total at home, Kohli bounced back in the second innings, reaching the milestone while batting at No. 3 for the first time in eight years.

Match Context

India faced New Zealand in the first Test at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
India was chasing a huge first-innings deficit of 356 runs after being bowled out for 46 in their first innings, their lowest Test total at home.
New Zealand posted a strong total of 402, led by Rachin Ravindra’s century.

Virat Kohli’s Milestone

Virat Kohli surpassed the 9000 Test runs mark during India’s second innings.
He reached the milestone after crossing a half-century while batting at No. 3.

Batting Position Change

Kohli batted at No. 3 for the first time in eight years.
In the first innings, he had fallen for a nine-ball duck.

Kohli’s Resilience

Despite his failure in the first innings, Kohli rebounded with a solid performance in the second innings.
His contribution helped India as they set out to erase the first-innings deficit.

Highlights

Virat moves at no. 4 in terms of highest Test runs in India.
He is Just Behind Great Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid.
He completed this milestone in his 116th Test Match.

Highest Test Runs by Indian

Sachin Tendulkar – 15921 Runs
Rahul Dravid – 13265 Runs
Sunil Gavaskar – 10122 Runs
Virat Kohli – 9000* Runs

Runs Break Up of Virat

T20I – 125 Match 4188 Runs
Odis – 295 Match 13906 Runs
Test – 116 Match 9009 Runs*

Tata Family’s Members, Their Legacy and Contributions to Tata Group

The Tata family is one of India’s most respected and influential families, known for their strong values and remarkable contributions. Founded by Jamsetji Tata in the 1860s, the Tata Group has grown from a small trading business to a global conglomerate. This article explores the Tata family tree, highlighting key members and their achievements, as well as their commitment to philanthropy and social causes that have positively impacted India and beyond.

Who was the Founder of Tata Group?

The founder of the Tata Group was Jamsetji Tata. He started his career in the 1860s in India and had a vision to create a better nation through industry and education. Jamsetji established the first Indian steel plant and dreamed of setting up a hydroelectric plant and the Indian Institute of Science, leaving a lasting legacy.

Members of Tata Family

Jamshedji Tata, also known as Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, was the visionary founder of the Tata Group. Here are the names of the members of Tata family who have carried forward the legacy of Tata Group:

Jamsetji Tata
Dorabji Tata
Ratanji Tata
JRD Tata
Naval Tata
Ratan Nabal Tata
Jimmy Naval Tata
Noel Tata

Tata Family’s Members, Their Legacy and Contributions to Tata Group in Brief

The Tata family consists of influential members who have significantly contributed to the Tata Group’s legacy. From founder Jamshedji Tata to his descendants like Dorabji, Ratanji, and Ratan Naval Tata, each has played a vital role in expanding and shaping the group’s success in various industries.

Jamsetji Tata

Jamshedji Nusserwanji Tata, born on March 3, 1839, was an influential Indian industrialist and philanthropist who founded the Tata Group, India’s largest conglomerate. He established the city of Jamshedpur and broke family tradition by becoming the first businessman in his family, focusing on industrial development in India.

Tata was also a visionary philanthropist, contributing significantly to education and healthcare. His legacy includes key institutions like the Indian Institute of Science and Tata Steel. Recognized posthumously for his impact, he was ranked first in the “Hurun Philanthropists of the Century” in 2021 for his extensive charitable donations.

Dorabji Tata

Sir Dorabji Tata was an important Indian industrialist and philanthropist during the British Raj. As the eldest son of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group, he played a vital role in its growth and success. In 1910, he was honored with a knighthood for his significant contributions to industry in British India.

Ratanji Tata

Ratanji Tata was the younger son of Jamsetji Tata and, like his brother, contributed significantly to the family’s success. He served as the chairman of the Tata Group from 1928 to 1932. In 1892, Ratanji married Navajbai Seth, the daughter of Ardeshir Merwanji Seth. Although they did not have any biological children, they adopted Naval Tata to continue the family legacy.

JRD Tata

Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata was a prominent Indian industrialist, philanthropist, aviator, and former chairman of the Tata Group.

Born into the Tata family, he was the son of businessman Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata and Suzanne Brière. He is well-known for founding several important companies under the Tata Group, including Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors, Titan Industries, Tata Salt, Voltas, and Air India. In recognition of his contributions to Indian industry, he received the French Legion of Honour in 1982, as well as two of India’s highest civilian awards, the Padma Vibhushan in 1955 and the Bharat Ratna in 1992.

Naval Tata

Naval Hormusji Tata was an Indian industrialist and philanthropist known for his connection to the Tata Group. He was the adopted son of Sir Ratanji Tata and the father of Ratan Tata, Jimmy Tata, and Noel Tata.

Ratan Naval Tata

Ratan Naval Tata was a prominent Indian industrialist and philanthropist. He served as chairman of the Tata Group and Tata Sons from 1991 to 2012 and held the interim chairman role from October 2016 to February 2017. He received the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008. Ratan Tata, who graduated from Cornell University, played a key role in expanding the Tata Group globally, acquiring companies like Tetley and Jaguar Land Rover. He also invested in over 40 start-ups through his firm, RNT Capital Advisors.

Jimmy Naval Tata

Jimmy Tata is the younger brother of Ratan Tata and has mostly kept a low profile. Not much information is available about him, but it is known that he holds shares in the Tata Group.

Noel Tata

Noel Naval Tata (born 1957) is an Indian-born Irish businessman. He serves as the chairman of Tata Trusts, Trent, and Tata Investment Corporation. Additionally, he is the managing director of Tata International and the vice chairman of Titan Company and Tata Steel.

After the passing of his half-brother Ratan Tata on October 11, 2024, Noel was appointed chairman of the Tata Trusts. The trusts own a 66% stake in Tata Sons, the parent company of the Tata Group, which holds most of the group’s shares.

India and Mauritania Strengthen Ties with Four MoUs During President Droupadi Murmu’s Historic Visit

India and Mauritania have taken a significant step towards enhancing their bilateral relations by signing four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during Indian President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to the North African country. This visit, a historic moment in Indo-African diplomacy, marked the first time an Indian president set foot in Mauritania, as part of President Murmu’s three-nation tour, which also includes Algeria and Malawi.

President Droupadi Murmu’s Three-Nation African Tour

President Murmu’s African visit, spanning from 13-17 October 2024, aimed at solidifying India’s relationships with key African nations. Her tour started with a three-day official visit to Algeria, from 13-15 October 2024, followed by her arrival in Mauritania on 16 October 2024. The third and final leg of her tour is scheduled for Malawi.

During her visit to Mauritania, President Murmu was warmly received at the Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport by Mauritania’s President, Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani. This warm reception set the tone for discussions between the two nations, with the focus on deepening and broadening their bilateral cooperation.

Bilateral Discussions and Signing of MoUs

The highlight of President Murmu’s visit was her meeting with President Ghazouani at the Presidential Palace in Nouakchott. The discussions revolved around various key issues that concern both nations, including economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic relations.

During the visit, four MoUs were signed between India and Mauritania, aiming to enhance collaboration in multiple areas. These MoUs focused on:

Training of Diplomats – Establishing a framework for capacity-building and exchange of knowledge between the foreign services of both countries.
Cultural Exchange – Fostering mutual understanding and appreciation through cultural programs, exhibitions, and artist exchanges.
Visa Exemption – Offering visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders to facilitate smooth diplomatic engagements.
Foreign Office Consultations – Enhancing regular consultations between the foreign offices of both nations to ensure continuous dialogue on bilateral and international issues.

These agreements mark a significant boost to India-Mauritania ties, which have been growing stronger since the establishment of India’s embassy in Nouakchott in June 2021.

President’s Address to the Indian Community in Mauritania

Later in the day, President Murmu addressed the small Indian community residing in Mauritania during a reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to the country. The Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in fostering people-to-people ties, and President Murmu’s interaction with them emphasized India’s commitment to supporting its citizens abroad.

Overview of India-Mauritania Relations

India’s relationship with Mauritania has witnessed steady growth over the past few years. The two countries held their first Foreign Office Consultations in Nouakchott on 21 March 2024, further underlining the importance both nations place on diplomatic dialogue.

In terms of trade, the bilateral relationship has been gradually expanding. In the financial year 2022-23, the total bilateral trade stood at $378.24 million, with India’s exports to Mauritania amounting to $146.57 million and imports at $231.68 million.

India mainly exports:

Cereals
Pharmaceuticals
Plastic products
Cotton
Ceramics
Iron and steel articles
Boilers and mechanical appliances
Electrical products
Chemicals

Mauritania, in turn, exports key resources to India, including:

Iron and steel
Copper
Aluminium
Electrical machinery

These trade figures highlight the complementarity between the two economies and the potential for further growth in sectors such as infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy.

The Geopolitical and Economic Importance of Mauritania

Mauritania, an Islamic republic located along the Atlantic Ocean in Northwest Africa, is a strategically important country that acts as a transitional zone between Arab North Africa and the sub-Saharan African region. It is a member of the Maghreb region, which includes countries like Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.

Although Mauritania is one of the poorer nations in Africa, largely desert-bound and with a significant nomadic population, it holds substantial reserves of natural resources, including iron ore, copper, gypsum, and some oil resources. The country’s economic potential, particularly in mining and energy, presents opportunities for foreign investment, including from India.

Historical Context

Mauritania was formerly a colony of France and gained its independence in 1960. Like many former French colonies in Africa, it faces significant challenges related to development, governance, and poverty. However, its strategic location, mineral wealth, and growing ties with major economies like India are key to its future progress.

Key Takeaways from President Murmu’s Visit

Deepening Diplomatic Ties: The signing of four MoUs signals a concerted effort by both India and Mauritania to enhance cooperation in diplomatic, cultural, and economic spheres. The training of diplomats and visa exemption MoUs will streamline diplomatic exchanges, making it easier for officials to engage with their counterparts in both nations.
Cultural Diplomacy: The cultural exchange MoU highlights India’s soft power approach in Africa, promoting mutual understanding and cultural collaboration. This can help bridge cultural gaps and foster long-term goodwill between the populations of both countries.
Economic Opportunities: The Foreign Office consultations and growing trade links point to a future where economic ties between India and Mauritania could expand significantly. India’s exports of pharmaceuticals and cereals are critical for a developing nation like Mauritania, while India’s imports of iron, steel, and copper benefit India’s growing industrial sector.

‘Mera Hou Chongba’ A Celebration of Unity in Manipur

The “Mera Hou Chongba” festival was celebrated in Manipur amidst ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. This annual festival serves as a significant cultural event aimed at reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood and harmony among the indigenous communities of the state, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry of Manipur.

Date and Location

The festival took place on the 15th Lunar day of Mera Month, at Sana Konung and Kangla Uttra in Imphal, the state capital.

Objective

The main purpose of “Mera Hou Chongba” is to promote unity and solidarity among various ethnic groups in Manipur, particularly between the communities in the hills and valleys.

Participants

The event saw participation from village chiefs, cultural troupes, and invitees from various villages, showcasing a diverse representation of the state’s indigenous cultures.

Key addresses

Awangbou Newmai : The Chief Guest, a Minister from the Naga community, emphasized the importance of cultural ties among different ethnic groups and urged the youth to cherish their cultural heritage amidst modernization.
Leishemba Sanajaoba : The titular king and Rajya Sabha MP praised this year’s observance as one of the best in its history, urging the indigenous communities to foster unity and peace.

Cultural Significance

The festival featured traditional rituals, cultural exchanges, and performances, including Men Tongba, Yenkhong Tamba, and Thang Ta Salutation, highlighting the region’s rich heritage.
A souvenir was released in connection with the festival, serving as a memento of the celebrations and the cultural exchanges that took place.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed his wishes for peace and solidarity in his message, emphasizing the festival’s role in promoting unity across different communities.
“Mera Hou Chongba” is recognized as a general holiday in Manipur, allowing widespread participation and observance among the local population.

Which Indian City is Known as Ceramic City of India?

India, located in South Asia, is the seventh-largest country by land area and the second-most populous nation in the world. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, diverse languages, and varied landscapes ranging from the Himalayas in the north to coastal regions in the south. Known for its historical landmarks, vibrant festivals, and culinary diversity, India has a unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it a fascinating destination for travelers and researchers alike.

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. Union Territories are governed directly by the central government. This structure helps maintain order and unity in India’s diverse population.

Number of Districts in India

As of 2024, India has a total of 800 districts. It consists of 28 states and 8 Union Territories. Kutch is the largest district in India, while Mahé is the smallest. The most populated district is North 24 Parganas, and the least populated is Dibang Valley.

Which Indian City is Known as Ceramic City?

Morbi is a city in Gujarat, India, famously known as the “Ceramic City of India.” This city plays a vital role in producing a wide range of ceramic products and is recognized for its significant contribution to the industry.

Production of Ceramic in Morbi

Morbi is the second-largest ceramic production hub in the world. It produces almost 90% of India’s ceramic products and contributes to over 13% of the total ceramic production worldwide. This impressive output makes Morbi a key player in the global ceramic market.

Ceramic Products in Morbi, the Ceramic City of India

The ceramic industry in Morbi is diverse, producing many products. These include:

Bathroom tiles
Floor tiles
Sanitaryware (like sinks and toilets)
Kitchenware (such as plates and bowls)
Crockery

These products are known for their quality and design, catering to both domestic and international markets.

Neetu David, Alastair Cook, and AB de Villiers Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

In a historic recognition, former Indian cricketer Neetu David, along with England’s Alastair Cook and South Africa’s AB de Villiers, has been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame for 2024. This accolade highlights their remarkable contributions to cricket, marking a significant moment for women’s cricket in India as David becomes the second woman from the country to receive this honor, following Diana Edulji’s induction in 2023.

Neetu David: A Pioneer in Women’s Cricket

Neetu David, a celebrated left-arm spinner, played 10 Tests and 97 ODIs for India between 1995 and 2008, claiming 41 and 141 wickets respectively. She is renowned for her exceptional spell of 8/53 against England in 1995, which remains the best figures by a woman in an individual Test innings. Following her playing career, David has been instrumental in promoting women’s cricket as the chairperson of India’s national selection committee.

Alastair Cook: England’s Run-Scoring Maestro

Alastair Cook, one of the finest opening batters in Test history, amassed 12,472 runs in 161 Tests and 3,204 runs in 92 ODIs during his illustrious career. Renowned for his consistency and leadership, Cook captained England to significant victories, including the 2010-11 Ashes and the 2012 series in India. His remarkable feat of 159 consecutive Test matches remains a world record.

AB de Villiers: The Modern-Day Maestro

AB de Villiers, celebrated for his innovative batting style, scored over 20,000 international runs across all formats, finishing with averages above 50 in both Tests and ODIs. Known for holding the record for the fastest ODI century, de Villiers’ impact on cricket extends beyond statistics, as he is also regarded as one of the best fielders in the game.

“Scam se Bacho” Government and Meta Team Up to Fight Online Scams

In a significant move to tackle the rising tide of online scams and cyber frauds, the Secretary of Information and Broadcasting, Sh. Sanjay Jaju, delivered the keynote address at the launch of the “Scam se Bacho” campaign in New Delhi. This initiative, developed by Meta in collaboration with key government ministries.

Aim

To enhance digital safety and promote awareness among citizens, aligning with the government’s ongoing commitment to combat cybercrime.

Campaign

The “Scam se Bacho” campaign was launched by Secretary Sanjay Jaju in New Delhi.
It is a collaborative initiative involving the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).

Objective

The primary goal is to combat the growing threat of online scams and cyber fraud.
The campaign aims to empower Indian citizens with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect themselves from cyber threats.

Rising Cybersecurity Challenges

India has over 900 million internet users and has experienced substantial digital growth, especially under the Digital India initiative.
Despite this growth, the country faces increasing cybersecurity challenges, with 1.1 million cyber fraud cases reported in 2023.

Government Commitment

Sh. Sanjay Jaju emphasized that the campaign reflects a whole-of-government approach to fostering a culture of digital safety and vigilance.
The Prime Minister has called for stronger measures to combat cyber threats and enhance digital literacy among citizens.

Empowerment through Awareness

The campaign is designed not just as an awareness drive but as a potential national movement to instill a culture of digital safety among citizens.
By leveraging Meta’s global expertise, the initiative aims to ensure that digital progress in India is matched by robust digital security.

Call to Action

The campaign encourages citizens to stay informed about potential scams and adopt preventive measures to safeguard their digital interactions.
It promotes a proactive approach to cyber safety, urging individuals to be vigilant and informed in their online activities.