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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

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Which District of Madhya Pradesh is famous for Gandhi Sagar Bandh?

Madhya Pradesh, located in central India, is known as the “Heart of India” due to its central position. It is famous for its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. The state is home to beautiful landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries, and historic sites like temples and forts. It is also an important agricultural region, producing various crops and supporting traditional industries.

An Overview of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, which means “Central Province,” is a state located in the middle of India. Its capital city is Bhopal, while the largest city is Indore. Other important cities include Jabalpur, Gwalior, Ujjain, Dewas, Sagar, Chhindwara, and Rewa. It is the second biggest state in India by area and the fifth most populated, with more than 72 million people. The state shares borders with Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

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 panchayats, 376 tehsils (sub-districts), 313 blocks or janpad panchayats, and 23,043 village panchayats. The state also has different types of municipalities: 18 Nagar Nigams (big cities), 100 Nagar Palikas (towns), and 264 Nagar Panchayats (small towns).

Largest and Smallest Districts in Madhya Pradesh

Chhindwara is the largest district, covering 11,815 square kilometers and having around 2,090,922 people. It is famous for the Devgarh fort and its diverse landscapes. Niwari, the smallest district, spans 1,170 square kilometers with a population of about 404,807. Known for palaces and forts, it became a separate district in 2018.

Which District of Madhya Pradesh is famous for Gandhi Sagar Bandh?

The Gandhi Sagar Dam, also known as Gandhi Sagar Bandh, is famous in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh. Located on the Chambal River, it serves as a popular tourist spot and supports hydroelectric power, irrigation, and nearby wildlife attractions.

Location of Gandhi Sagar Dam

The Gandhi Sagar Dam is located near the town of Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh. The dam sits on the border between Mandsaur and Neemuch districts. The area is known for its beautiful natural scenery and rich wildlife, making it a popular spot for tourists.

Construction of Gandhi Sagar Dam

The construction of the Gandhi Sagar Dam began in the mid-20th century. The foundation stone was laid by India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1954. The construction was completed in 1960, making it a major engineering achievement of that time.

Features of the Gandhi Sagar Dam of Madhya Pradesh

The dam serves multiple purposes. It has a hydroelectric power station that generates electricity for the surrounding areas. The water released from the dam is used for irrigation, helping local farmers with their crops. The area around the dam is also known for being a habitat for various birds, both migratory and non-migratory.

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Arjun Erigaisi Wins WR Chess Masters, Nears 2800 Elo Rating

Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi showcased brilliant form to secure the WR Chess Masters title after defeating France’s Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in an Armageddon game, following two draws in Classical chess. With this win, Arjun edges closer to the 2800 Elo rating mark, finishing with a live rating of 2796. The 21-year-old earned a prize of 20,000 Euros, defeating friend R. Praggnanandhaa in the semifinals, and plans to chase the 2800 milestone at the European Cup starting October 20.

Road to the Final

Arjun started strong, defeating nine-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan and fellow Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi. In the semifinals, he overcame R. Praggnanandhaa with a 1.5-0.5 win.

Tense Final Against Vachier-Lagrave

In the final, Arjun’s defense with black pieces led to an easy draw in the first game, while the second saw a complex Sicilian Najdorf battle. After two draws, Arjun won the Armageddon game, maintaining control despite time pressure, and neutralizing Vachier-Lagrave’s sacrifice attempts.

A Rising Chess Star

With this victory, Arjun continues his meteoric rise, having recently been part of the Indian team that won gold at the Chess Olympiad. He now eyes the prestigious 2800 Elo rating, a milestone for elite Grandmasters.

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Which Indian City is Known as Pittsburg of India?

India, a vast country in South Asia known for its rich culture and diverse economy, is home to many cities with unique identities. One such city is Jamshedpur, which is famously known as the “Pittsburgh of India.” Located in the eastern state of Jharkhand, Jamshedpur earned this nickname due to its significance in the steel industry, similar to the city of Pittsburgh in the United States.

Indian States and Union Territories

India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories. Each state has its own government, culture, and languages. Union Territories are governed directly by the central government. States like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are known for their economic power, while others like Jammu and Kashmir are famous for their natural beauty.

How many Districts are there in India?

A district, also called a revenue district, is a part of an Indian state or territory used for administration. Some districts are divided into smaller sections called sub-divisions, while others are split into tehsils or talukas. As of August 21, 2024, India has a total of 800 districts.

Which Indian City is known as Pittsburg of India?

Jamshedpur, often called the “Pittsburgh of India,” is known for its significant steel production. This title reflects its status as an important steel city, much like Pittsburgh in the United States.

Steel Production in Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur is home to the Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO), which is India’s largest and oldest iron and steel producer. TISCO was established in 1907 by Jamsetji Tata, who is also the founder of the Tata Group. The company plays a crucial role in the city’s economy and has helped Jamshedpur become a major center for steel manufacturing in India.

Investment of Pittsburg of India in Infrastructure

The city has made significant investments in infrastructure and urban development. These efforts have created a well-organized and livable environment for its residents. Jamshedpur’s modern amenities and facilities attract people from various parts of the country, enhancing its reputation as a great place to live and work.

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India and Germany Set to Sign Labor Mobility Pact

India and Germany are set to sign a pact next week to facilitate the movement of workers and recognize skills between the two countries. Through the agreement, skilled professionals here can be easily absorbed by German industry, sources familiar with the development. 

Background

  • This is the first agreement under the G20 “Skills-based migration pathways” framework, which was agreed upon by the member countries last year in New Delhi.

What to expect

  • Under this framework, the top 20 economies of the world have recognised that integrated skill-based migration pathways help expand job opportunities for skilled professionals across the globe and lead to formalizing the workforce and benefit both countries of origin and destination.

Focus Areas of the Agreement

  • Labour Mobility: Enhance labor mobility between the two countries.
  • Skill Recognition: Establish frameworks for recognizing and certifying each other’s skills.
  • Non-Traditional Sectors: Facilitate Indian professionals moving into sectors like teaching and nursing.

Timing of the Agreement

  • The pact coincides with the upcoming visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and high-ranking officials to India, emphasizing the importance of this collaboration.

Digital Visa Introduction

  • A digital visa system will be introduced by the end of 2024 for eligible candidates, streamlining the migration process.

Job Fairs and Language Courses

  • Germany will conduct job fairs in Indian educational institutions to facilitate smooth migration.
  • Language courses will be organized to help bridge communication barriers for Indian professionals moving to Germany.

Collaborative Efforts

  • There will be collaboration on occupational safety, health, and social security to ensure the welfare of workers.

Growing Indian Workforce in Germany

  • The number of skilled Indian workers in Germany has risen significantly, with approximately 137,000 professionals currently in skilled occupations.
  • This number is expected to grow further as bilateral cooperation deepens.

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Top-10 Countries with the Highest Number of AI Startups 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world with smart technologies. Many countries are making great progress in creating AI startups. These startups are helping different industries grow, from healthcare to transportation. Here’s a look at the top 10 countries that are leading in AI startups.

Growing Impact of AI Worldwide

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and societies, with ChatGPT leading the generative AI wave since its launch nearly two years ago. High awareness is reported in India and the UAE (over 90%) and China and Saudi Arabia (over 80%). In 2023, AI adoption surged, with 75% of users leveraging AI services, especially in mature markets like India. The global AI market is projected to grow at a 36.6% CAGR from 2024 to 2030, boosting investment and startup growth.

Top-10 Countries with the Highest Number of AI Startups 2024

According to the Stanford’s 2024 AI Index Report, United States, with the total number of AI startups of 5,509, stands as the largest country in terms of highest number of AI startups, followed by China, United Kingdom, Israel and Canada.

Here is the list of top-10 countries with the highest number of AI startups 2024:

Countries with the Highest Number of AI Startups 2024
Rank Countries No. of AI Startups
1. United States 5,509
2. China 1,446
3. United Kingdom 727
4. Israel 442
5. Canada 397
6. France 391
7. India 338
8. Japan 333
9. Germany 319
10. Singapore 193

Country with the Highest Number of AI Startups – United States

The United States leads the world in AI innovation with 5,509 AI startups in 2024, reflecting its dominance in the global tech landscape. A strong ecosystem of venture capital, research institutions, and tech companies drives AI development. Significant private investments and collaborations between academia and industry contribute to its leadership in AI technology and applications.

Second Largest Country with the Highest Number of AI Startups – China

China ranks second with 1,446 AI startups in 2024, showcasing its rapid growth in the AI sector. The government’s support, large market, and abundant data resources foster AI research and development. China focuses on smart city initiatives, healthcare, and manufacturing, aiming to become a global AI leader by enhancing its capabilities in machine learning and robotics.

World’s Third Largest Country in terms of AI Startups – United Kingdom

The United Kingdom holds the third spot with 727 AI startups in 2024, highlighting its position as Europe’s AI hub. The country benefits from a strong academic foundation, particularly in data science and machine learning. Government policies promoting AI innovation, coupled with robust funding opportunities, enable UK-based startups to thrive in areas like finance, healthcare, and autonomous systems.

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NHRC Concludes National Conference, Advocates for Older Persons’ Rights

On its 31st Foundation Day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) organized a day-long national conference on the “Rights of Older Persons” at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. During the keynote address, Acting Chairperson Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani emphasized the invaluable role of elders as the architects of the nation’s history, keepers of cultural heritage, and foundational pillars of families. 

Conference Overview

  • NHRC’s 31st Foundation Day conference focused on the “Rights of Older Persons.
  • The event aimed to address the growing challenges faced by the elderly population in India.

Acting Chairperson’s Address

  • Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani described elders as “the architects of our nation’s history” and emphasized their importance in families and society.
  • She called for respect, compassion, and dignity for older persons during their twilight years.

Challenges Faced by Older Persons

  • Multi-Faceted Issues : Financial insecurity, healthcare disparities, social isolation, and discrimination significantly impact older persons’ quality of life.
  • Legal and Policy Framework : Existing laws and government schemes exist, but their effective implementation remains a challenge.

Immediate Needs Identified

  • Access to affordable, quality healthcare services.
  • Addressing mental health needs of older persons.
  • Adequate pensions and social security benefits.
  • Safe and affordable housing options.
  • Financial literacy to empower informed financial decisions.

Anti-Discrimination Measures

  • Strengthening and enforcing anti-discrimination laws to protect older persons from age-based discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare.
  • Implementing measures to prevent and address elder abuse.

Historical Context

  • NHRC Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal highlighted India’s tradition of venerating elders, noting contemporary challenges posed by urbanization and nuclear family structures.
  • Emphasis on creating a supportive environment to harness the potential of the aging population.

Technical Sessions

The conference featured three technical sessions:

  • “Ageing of the Aged”
  • “Analyzing the Gendered Face of Ageing”
  • “Evaluating the Healthcare Scenario”

Discussions aimed at identifying policy gaps and suggesting the way forward.

Government Commitment

  • Union Minister Shri Amit Yadav reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of older persons, indicating potential changes to existing laws.
  • Collaboration with experts and stakeholders to address challenges faced by the elderly.

Gender Perspective

  • Ms. Andrea M. Wojnar, representing UNFPA India, emphasized the need for a review of the National Policy for Older Persons, focusing on an inter-generational approach.
  • Technology was identified as a vital tool to meet the needs of older persons.

Healthcare Focus

  • Dr. V. K. Paul from NITI Aayog discussed the impact of healthcare on the well-being of older persons, emphasizing productivity and social security.

Future Recommendations

  • NHRC will further consider the various suggestions made during the conference to finalize recommendations for the government to strengthen care and welfare mechanisms for older persons in the country.

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Jio Payments Bank Secures Mutual Funds Distribution License from AMFI

Jio Payments Bank, a subsidiary of Jio Financial Services, has successfully obtained a mutual fund distribution license from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). This Category 1 Execution-only Platform (EOP) license enables Jio Payments Bank to distribute the direct plans of various mutual fund schemes, marking a significant step in its expansion within the financial services sector.

Transaction Charges

  • Category 1 EOPs, like Jio Payments Bank, are entitled to receive transaction charges from fund houses.
  • The fee for these transactions is capped at ₹2 per transaction, providing a structured revenue model for the distribution of mutual funds.

Current Landscape

  • As of now, there are 15 Category 1 EOPs registered with AMFI.
  • The direct plan distribution business is primarily dominated by stock brokers such as Groww and Zerodha, who have established themselves in the digital investment space.

Increased Stake in Jio Payments Bank

  • In August, Jio Financial Services announced an increase in its stake in Jio Payments Bank from 78.95% to 82.17% by investing ₹68 crore, demonstrating confidence in the bank’s potential and future growth.

Strategic Partnerships

  • Jio Financial Services has formed a joint venture with BlackRock, a leading U.S.-based investment management firm, to establish a wealth management and broking business.
  • This venture not only focuses on wealth management but also involves the distribution of various financial products, further expanding Jio’s footprint in the financial services sector.

Future Implications

  • The entry of Jio Payments Bank into the mutual fund distribution space is expected to enhance competition, particularly in the direct plan segment, providing more options for investors.

Presence

  • The acquisition of a mutual fund distribution license for Jio Payments Bank is part of Jio Financial Services’ broader strategy to establish itself in various segments of the financial services industry, including asset and wealth management.

Approval by SEBI

  • Last week, the joint venture with BlackRock received in-principle approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to enter the mutual fund business.
  • SEBI’s final approval will follow once the joint venture meets all regulatory conditions, a process that typically takes around a year.

Future Outlook

  • The initiatives taken by Jio Financial Services signal its commitment to becoming a major player in the Indian financial market.
  • By leveraging its technology-driven approach and partnerships, the company aims to attract a diverse clientele looking for asset management and investment solutions.

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India and Colombia Sign Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement

India and Colombia have signed an Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement on October 15, 2024, to enhance collaboration in the film industries of both nations. This agreement, signed by Dr. L. Murugan, India’s Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, and Jorge Enrique Rojas Rodriguez, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, marks a significant step in deepening cultural ties and cooperation across various sectors. The partnership aims to pool creative and technical resources, enabling filmmakers from both countries to collaborate on film projects, thereby expanding their markets and promoting goodwill.

Key Benefits of the Agreement

Enhanced Collaboration: The agreement facilitates the co-production of films, allowing Indian and Colombian filmmakers to shoot films in each other’s countries. This collaboration is expected to pool resources in creativity, finance, and marketing.

Domestic Production Status: Film projects can qualify as domestic productions in both nations, providing filmmakers access to local benefits such as financial assistance, tax incentives, and domestic broadcast quotas.

Market Expansion: Indian filmmakers will gain access to the South American market, while the agreement promotes India as a preferred global film location, boosting employment and enhancing its cultural influence.

Historical Context

This agreement makes Colombia the 17th country with which India has established an Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement. India’s commitment to international film partnerships dates back to 2005, with similar agreements signed with several countries, including Italy, the UK, Germany, and Australia, among others. These collaborations are vital for increasing India’s visibility as a filmmaking hub and attracting foreign investments in the film industry.

About Colombia

Colombia, located in South America, derives its name from Christopher Columbus. The country, once a Spanish colony, has Spanish as its national language. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes.

Capital: Bogotá

Currency: Peso

President: Gustavo Petro

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India and South Korea Set to Join FTSE Russell EMGB Index in 2025

Global index provider FTSE Russell has announced that India’s sovereign bonds will be included in its Emerging Markets Government Bond Index (EMGBI) starting September 2025. This follows similar inclusions by JP Morgan and Bloomberg Index Services, which could potentially attract billions of dollars into India’s local bond market. 

Additionally, South Korean government bonds are set to be added to the FTSE World Government Bond Index (WGBI) in November 2025 after spending two years on the watch list.

Key Points

Inclusion of Indian Bonds

  • India’s sovereign bonds will be part of the FTSE Russell EMGBI beginning September 2025.
  • Indian securities will account for 9.35% of the index on a market-value weighted basis.

Progress and Challenges

  • FTSE Russell had previously deferred inclusion of Indian bonds due to taxation, registration, and settlement issues.
  • The recent announcement acknowledges improvements in the accessibility of Indian securities, paving the way for inclusion.

South Korean Bonds in FTSE WGBI

  • South Korean government bonds will be included in the FTSE World Government Bond Index beginning in November 2025.
  • They will represent 2.22% of the WGBI on a market value-weighted basis.

Context of Inclusion

  • The inclusion of Indian bonds in FTSE Russell follows announcements from JP Morgan and Bloomberg Index Services. 
  • Indian bonds will join JP Morgan’s Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets in June 2024.
  • They will also be included in Bloomberg Index Services’ Emerging Market Local Currency index starting in January 2025.

Impact on Local Markets

  • The inclusion of these bonds in major indices is expected to enhance the visibility and attractiveness of India’s bond market to global investors.
  • The potential inflow of billions of dollars could bolster India’s financial markets and contribute to overall economic growth.

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India Delivers Haemodialysis Machines to PNG, Supplies Aid to Lebanon

India has fulfilled a significant commitment made during the third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC III) Summit by sending its first consignment of 12 Haemo-Dialysis machines to Papua New Guinea (PNG). Also in response to rising tensions and ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon, India has dispatched the first tranche of a 33-ton consignment of medical supplies as part of a humanitarian effort to support Lebanon. 

Haemo-Dialysis machines to PNG Details

FIPIC III Summit Pledge

  • The shipment of 12 Haemo-Dialysis machines is part of the commitment India made during the 2023 FIPIC III Summit in Port Moresby, PNG.
  • The consignment includes portable Reverse Osmosis (RO) units, essential for purifying water for dialysis procedures.

Healthcare Support for PNG

  • This medical assistance is intended to help strengthen PNG’s healthcare system, addressing the country’s growing need for advanced medical equipment.
  • The provision of dialysis machines will play a critical role in improving treatment for patients with kidney-related ailments in PNG.

Departure from Pipavav Port

  • The first consignment of machines left from Pipavav Port in Gujarat, bound for Port Moresby, PNG’s capital.
  • Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, shared this news on social media, affirming India’s solidarity with the Pacific Islands.

India’s Role as a Global Partner

  • During the FIPIC III Summit, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the challenges facing the Pacific Island nations, including climate change, poverty, and healthcare issues.
  • He reiterated India’s commitment to supporting these nations by providing essential medical supplies and technology, fulfilling the adage, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”

India’s Continued Engagement

  • India has consistently provided aid to its global partners, offering vaccines, essential medicines, food, and other critical resources.
  • This consignment of dialysis machines underscores India’s effort to enhance health security for its partner countries, particularly in the Pacific Islands.

Medical Supplies to Lebanon Details

  • India sent the first 11 tons of medical supplies, which are part of a larger 33-ton consignment, to Lebanon.
  • The supplies include a wide range of pharmaceutical products, such as cardiovascular drugs, NSAIDs, antibiotics, and anesthetics.

Humanitarian Effort Amid Crisis

  • India’s medical support comes at a critical time, as Lebanon faces escalating violence in its southern region.
  • The conflict, particularly along the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel, has increased the need for medical aid in Lebanon.

India’s Commitment to Peacekeepers Safety

  • Amid concerns over attacks on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) premises, India reiterated its strong stance on ensuring the safety of peacekeepers.
  • India called for the protection of UNIFIL personnel and emphasized that all necessary measures must be taken to safeguard the sanctity of their mandate.

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