Paris Olympics 2024 Medal Tally, India Medal Tally in Olympics

Featured

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

Drop in India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves to $688.26 Billion

India’s foreign exchange reserves decreased by $2.163 billion, bringing the total to $688.267 billion for the week ending October 18, as reported by the Reserve Bank of India. This decline follows a significant drop of $10.746 billion in the previous week, marking one of the largest reductions in reserves in recent times.

Overview

Current Status

As of October 18, India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $2.163 billion, totaling $688.267 billion, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Recent Trends

The previous week saw a significant drop of $10.746 billion, bringing reserves down to $690.43 billion.
Prior to that, reserves had decreased by $3.709 billion to $701.176 billion.
Reserves reached an all-time high of $704.885 billion at the end of September.

Components of Reserves

Foreign Currency Assets: A key component of forex reserves decreased by $3.865 billion to $598.236 billion.
These assets reflect the value of currencies held, affected by the appreciation or depreciation of non-US currencies such as the euro, pound, and yen.
Gold Reserves: Increased by $1.786 million, now valued at $67.444 billion.

Other Indicators

Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): Decreased by $68 million to $18.271 billion.
Reserve Position with IMF: Dropped by $16 million to $4.316 billion.

About Foreign Exchange Reserves

Foreign Exchange Reserves (Forex Reserves) are assets held by a central bank in foreign currencies.
These reserves may include various forms of assets such as foreign currencies, bonds, treasury bills, and government securities.

Custodian

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the custodian of India’s foreign exchange reserves.

Components of India’s Forex Reserves

Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs)

Maintained in various currencies including,

US Dollar
Euro
Pound Sterling
Australian Dollar
Japanese Yen

Gold Reserves

Physical gold held by the central bank.

Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)

A reserve currency allocated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Reserve Tranche Position (RTP)

The reserve capital held with the IMF.

Purpose

They are used to back liabilities on their own issued currency, support the exchange rate and set monetary policy.
To ensure that RBI has backup funds if their national currency rapidly devalues or becomes altogether insolvent.
If the value of the Rupee decreases due to an increase in the demand of the foreign currency, then RBI sells the dollar in the Indian money market so that depreciation of the Indian currency can be checked.
A country with a good stock of forex has a good image at the international level because the trading countries can be sure about their payments.
A good forex reserve helps in attracting foreign trade and earns a good reputation with trading partners.

Solex Energy Partners with SBI for Solar Project Financing

Solex Energy has partnered with the State Bank of India (SBI) to provide financing options for solar projects, targeting commercial, industrial, and institutional customers. Under this collaboration, SBI will offer loans up to ₹10 crore through its Surya Shakti Solar Finance Scheme, aiming to make solar energy more accessible and affordable in India.

Solex Energy will support clients with site evaluations, project design, and regulatory approvals, while SBI will facilitate a seamless loan application process through a digital platform. This partnership aligns with a growing trend, as seen in Tata Power Solar’s recent agreement with ICICI Bank to finance solar units for various customers.

Partnership Details

Loans Offered: SBI will provide loans up to ₹10 crore for solar projects.

Scheme: The financing falls under SBI’s Surya Shakti Solar Finance Scheme.

Goals of the Collaboration

Accessibility: The partnership seeks to make solar energy more affordable for a wider audience.

Business Expansion: The initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of solar solutions among clients and channel partners.

Solex Energy’s Expansion Plans

Manufacturing Capacity: Solex Energy is expanding its solar module manufacturing capacity from 700 megawatts (MW) to 1.5 gigawatts (GW) in Tadkeshwar, Gujarat, to support the increasing demand for solar energy solutions.

Which Indian City is Known as the City of Enlightenment?

India is a vast and diverse country in South Asia, famous for its rich culture and history. It has many languages, religions, and festivals, showcasing a unique blend of traditions. From the beautiful landscapes to delicious food, India offers a wide variety of experiences, making it a fascinating place for visitors and locals alike.

Indian States and Union Territories

India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories. Each state has its own government and culture, while Union Territories are governed directly by the central government. The diversity in languages, traditions, and lifestyles across these regions makes India a colorful and vibrant nation.

Which Indian City is Known as the City of Enlightenment?

Bodh Gaya is a small town in the Gaya district of Bihar, India and holds the title as the City of Enlightenment. It holds great importance in the world of Buddhism as the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. This article explores the features, significance, history, and influence of Bodh Gaya.

Location of Bodh Gaya, the City of Enlightenment

Bodh Gaya is located in the Gaya district of Bihar, India. It is a small town that attracts many visitors and pilgrims every year, making it an essential religious site.

Bodh Gaya is Known for

Bodh Gaya is best known as the birthplace of Buddhism. It is famous because it is the place where Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, achieved enlightenment. This event is a cornerstone of Buddhist beliefs.

Key Attractions of Bodh Gaya, the City of Enlightenment

The Mahabodhi Temple complex is the main attraction in Bodh Gaya. This complex includes:

Mahabodhi Temple: A beautiful temple that marks the spot of Buddha’s enlightenment.
Vajrasana Platform: A platform where Buddha is believed to have sat during his meditation.
Bodhi Tree: A sacred tree where Buddha meditated and found enlightenment.

In addition to these, the complex has several stupas and structures that tell the story of Buddha’s life, along with a serene Lotus Pond.

Buddhism and Its Spread

Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha or “the enlightened one,” is the founder of Buddhism. Two main branches of Buddhism are Theravada and Mahayana. Buddhism spread to many countries in East, Southeast, and Central Asia. However, it largely disappeared in India as its practices blended into Hinduism.

Centre to Begin Census from 2025: Key Details

The Central government is set to commence the long-awaited census exercise in 2025, aiming for completion by 2026. This census was originally scheduled for 2021 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following its completion, the BJP-led government plans to initiate a delimitation exercise for Lok Sabha seats, which is expected to be finalized by 2028.

Delimitation and Census Timeline

Census Start and End: The census will begin in 2025 and is projected to conclude in 2026, marking a significant delay of four years.
Delimitation Process: The delimitation of Lok Sabha seats will commence post-census completion, with a target completion date of 2028.
Future Census Cycles: The traditional decadal census cycle will be adjusted, with the next census scheduled for 2035.

Caste and Sect Considerations

Caste-Based Census Demand: The Congress-led opposition has been advocating for a caste-based census. However, the government has not yet made any decisions on this matter.
Data Collection: Upcoming census surveys may include inquiries about sub-sects within the General and SC-ST categories, as well as the number of individuals belonging to these groups.

Administrative Preparations

Extension of Key Personnel: The tenure of Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, the current Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, has been extended until August 2026, indicating preparations for the census are underway.
Methodology Announcement: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has stated that an announcement regarding the census methodology will be made once decisions are finalized.

The previous census recorded a population of over 121 crore in India, reflecting a growth rate of 17.7 percent.

Railway Protection Force Unveils ‘Digital Memorial of Valour’

On October 25, 2024, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) launched the ‘Digital Memorial of Valour’ in New Delhi, a heartfelt initiative dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of its brave personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Overview

Launch Date: October 25, 2024

Location: New Delhi

Initiative: ‘Digital Memorial of Valour’

Purpose: To honor the sacrifices of RPF personnel who have laid down their lives in service to the nation.

Key Features of the Digital Memorial

Citizens can digitally adorn martyrs’ photographs with wreaths and candles.
Part of the Martyr’s Week Observance, following Police Commemoration Day on October 21.
14 martyrs from the previous year are highlighted.
Comprehensive list of 1,011 martyrs from RPF and RPSF who have sacrificed their lives over the years.

Alignment with Digital India

The ‘Digital Memorial of Valour’ aligns with the government’s ‘Digital India’ initiative, making tributes accessible to a broader audience.
This platform ensures participation from those unable to attend physical commemorative events, promoting inclusivity in remembrance.
Users are invited to subscribe to the digital copy of the ‘Compendium of Martyrs in RPF,’ which will be released on October 28, 2024.
The compendium will chronicle the stories and sacrifices of RPF personnel over the years, further honoring their legacy.

Shri Manoj Yadava, DG RPF Remarks

Emphasized that the memorial serves as a token of everlasting gratitude for the sacrifices made by the heroes.
Highlighted the memorial as a reminder of the enduring legacy of valor and courage, serving as an inspiration for future generations.
Reaffirmed the commitment of the RPF to safeguarding the nation with the same dedication exemplified by the martyrs.

Historical Commemoration

In September 2024, DG RPF led a team to the Hot Spring Memorial in Ladakh, commemorating police officers who sacrificed their lives during the 1959 clash with Chinese troops.
This visit, undertaken in challenging terrain at 15,400 feet near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), illustrates the RPF’s dedication to honoring the legacy of India’s bravehearts.

About Railway Protection Force (RPF)

The RPF is an armed force under the operational and administrative control of the Union Ministry of Railways.
It is tasked with protecting and securing railway property, the passenger areas, and the passengers themselves.

Constitution

The RPF was set up as a consequence of The Railway Protection Force Act, 1957.
This act was enacted by Parliament to provide for the constitution and regulation of an armed force of the Union for the better protection and security of railway property.
The Act came into force after Parliament passed significant modifications to it through The Railway Protection Force (Amendment) Act, 1985.

Function and area of operation

The force is more than 74,000 strong, and distributed over the entire length and breadth of the country.
Its area of operation is massive, and its responsibilities huge.
India Railways carry approximately 22 million passengers and over 3 million metric tons of freight everyday over more than 63,000 kilometers of railway network.
The Railway Protection Force guards this vital artery of the economy of the Nation.

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Receives RBI Approval for Foreign Exchange Services

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank has secured approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for foreign exchange services, marking a significant milestone in its operational capabilities. The bank has been granted the ‘Authorised Dealer Category 1 licence,’ allowing it to offer a comprehensive range of foreign exchange products and services. This development aligns with the bank’s strategy to enhance its service offerings and cater to the growing demand for forex solutions among its customers.

Enhanced Service Offerings

The new licence empowers Ujjivan Small Finance Bank to broaden its financial services, enabling it to facilitate foreign currency transactions and assist clients in meeting their international business needs.

Educational Initiatives

In a related development, the startup ‘futureMBBS’ has launched an affordable package for NEET preparation, starting at Rs 99. This initiative addresses the needs of over 18 lakh students competing for limited medical seats each year, reinforcing the focus on accessible education.

Investment in Health Technology

Additionally, Turbostart has led a USD 1 million investment in AI Health Highway, a venture focused on tech-enabled screening tools for early detection of non-communicable diseases. This investment underscores the increasing intersection of technology and healthcare, aiming to improve healthcare accessibility.

Bhubaneswar’s Public Transport System Shines at UMI 2024

The 17th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Exhibition 2024 concluded with a valedictory session led by Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs and Power, Shri Manohar Lal, at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This three-day event brought together key stakeholders and experts to discuss advancements in sustainable urban mobility solutions.

The UMI awards recognize excellence and best practices in urban transport across various categories,

City with the Most Sustainable Transport System
City with the Best Public Transport System
City with the Best Non-Motorised Transport System
City with the Best Safety and Security System & Record
City with the Best Intelligent Transport System (ITS)
City with the Most Innovative Financing Mechanism
City with the Best Record of Public Involvement in Transport
City with the Best Freight Transport System
City with the Best Green Transport Initiative
Metro Rail with the Best Multimodal Integration
Metro Rail with the Best Passenger Services and Satisfaction
Running Trophy for the State/UT with the Best Urban Transport Projects

Key Dignitaries Present

Shri Tokhan Sahu: Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs.
Shri Kanubhai Desai: Minister of Finance and Energy, Government of Gujarat.
Shri K C Mohapatra: Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Public Enterprises, Government of Odisha.
Shri Srinivas R Katikithala: Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.

Bhubaneswar Recognized for Excellence in Public Transport

Bhubaneswar was awarded the title of ‘City with the Best Public Transport System’ at the Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Exhibition 2024.
The award was presented to Odisha’s Housing & Urban Development Minister, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister, Manohar Lal.

Minister’s Statement

Dr. Mahapatra emphasized that the award symbolizes a collective commitment to creating a sustainable future aligned with the “Viksit Odisha” vision.
He highlighted the significant improvements in public transport that have altered the travel experience for citizens of Odisha.
The state has adopted innovative technologies and expanded its transport network, prioritizing passenger safety and accessibility.

Complete List of awardees are as under,

Sr. No	Award Category	Winner/City	Organization
1	City with the Most Sustainable Transport System	Kochi	Kochi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.
2	City with the Best Public Transport System	Bhubaneswar	Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT)
3	City with the Best Non-Motorized Transport System	Srinagar	Srinagar Smart City Ltd.
4	City with the Best Safety and Security System & Record	Gandhinagar	Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation
5	City with the Best Intelligent Transport System (ITS)	Surat	Surat Municipal Corporation
6	City with the Most Innovative Financing Mechanism	Jammu	Jammu Smart City Ltd.
7	City with Best Record of Public Involvement in Transport	Bengaluru	Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation
8	Metro Rail with the Best Multimodal Integration	Bengaluru	Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.
9	Metro Rail with the Best Passenger Services and Satisfaction	Mumbai	Mumbai Metro One Pvt. Ltd.

Overview of the 17th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Exhibition 2024

Organizer

Organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Conducted through the Institute of Urban Transport (India) with support from the Government of Gujarat and Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.

Event Details

Over 2,200 delegates, including more than 50 international participants.
76 exhibitors participated from Metro Rail Companies, public and private sectors.
Included 67 Indian exhibitors and 17 foreign exhibitors from countries like Germany, France, and Spain.
The exhibition showcased best practices in urban transport and the latest urban transport technologies.

Significance

The conference serves as a major platform for Indian manufacturers and foreign manufacturing companies to network and showcase innovations in urban transport.

Conference Theme and Focus Areas

Theme : Focused on “Standardisation and Optimisation of Urban Transport Solutions”.

Key Discussions

Emphasized the need for standardization to optimize urban mobility, particularly in the Indian context.
Discussed frameworks for integrating various modes of transport to improve urban mobility.
Explored multilateral and bilateral funding opportunities under the Make in India policy.
Highlighted the importance of big data for effective transport planning.
Focused on the development of an E-Bus ecosystem in India.
Discussed principles of digital public infrastructure related to the transition to electric buses.
Addressed the necessity of benchmarking costs within the Metro system for economic viability.
Explored innovative financing mechanisms to tackle challenges in urban transport.

Top-10 Most Polluted Cities in India By October 2024

Air pollution is a major issue in many Indian cities, making the air harmful to breathe. It comes from things like traffic, factories, construction, and burning waste. Some cities have much worse pollution than others, which can cause serious health problems. Here are the top-10 most polluted cities in India, where the air quality is often very poor and unhealthy.

India’s Most Polluted City by October 2024

As of October 2024, Delhi is the most polluted city in India, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 310, falling into the “Very Poor” category. The main pollutants in the air are tiny particles known as PM2.5 and PM10, which come from sources like vehicle emissions, factories, and construction. These pollutants make the air harmful to breathe and can cause serious health problems.

Top-10 Most Polluted Cities in India by October 2024

Delhi, capital city of India, with the AQI value of 310, holds the title of the most polluted city in India by October 2024, followed by Singrauli, Bhiwani and Rohtak.

Here is the list of top-10 most polluted cities in India by October 2024:

India’s Most Pollutant City by October 2024
Rank	City	State	AQI Value
1.	Delhi	Delhi	310
2.	Singrauli	Madhya Pradesh	300
3.	Bhiwani	Haryana	289
4.	Rohtak	Haryana	283
5.	Jind	Haryana	277
6.	Ghaziabad	Uttar Pradesh	257
7.	Bahadurgarh	Haryana	255
8.	Noida	Uttar Pradesh	252
9.	Kaithal	Haryana	239
10.	Hajipur	Bihar	236

An Overview of AQI

The Air Quality Index (AQI) helps people understand how polluted the air is. As pollution increases, so does the AQI, raising health risks for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with breathing or heart issues. When the AQI is high, it’s advised to limit outdoor activities and consider using masks and air purifiers indoors.

Categories of AQI

The Air Quality Index (AQI) bands indicate air pollution levels, providing health advice based on how clean or polluted the air is.

AQI	Category
0-33	Very Good
34-66	Good
67-99	Fair
100-149	Poor
150-200	Very Poor
200 +	Hazardous

SBI Named Best Bank in India for 2024 by Global Finance Magazine

State Bank of India (SBI) has been awarded the title of Best Bank in India for 2024 by Global Finance Magazine during its 31st Annual Best Bank Awards, held in Washington, coinciding with the Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank. SBI Chairman CS Setty accepted the award, highlighting the bank’s dedication to exceptional services and its role in promoting financial inclusion across the nation. This recognition underscores SBI’s long-standing commitment to winning customer trust and its pivotal role in the evolving Indian banking landscape.

Award Significance

The Global Finance Best Bank Awards are renowned for their credibility, serving as a benchmark for assessing financial institutions worldwide. The awards provide valuable insights for corporate decision-makers, especially amid global economic challenges.

SBI’s Growth and Digital Initiatives

SBI, with an extensive network of over 22,500 branches and 62,000 ATMs, continues to enhance its services through the YONO digital platform. In the first quarter of FY25, 63% of new savings accounts were opened digitally, along with pre-approved personal loan disbursements totaling ₹1,399 crore through YONO. This innovative approach reflects SBI’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the changing banking environment and cater to customer needs effectively.

Salt Typhoon: Chinese Espionage Group Targets Trump and Vance in 2024 U.S. Election

A cyber-espionage operation allegedly orchestrated by a Chinese hacking group known as “Salt Typhoon” has reportedly targeted the phone data of former President Donald Trump, his running mate JD Vance, and various Democratic figures, including staff from Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign. Sources indicate that investigators are assessing whether the hackers accessed or monitored any communications data through a sophisticated breach of telecom systems. The Trump campaign was informed about the breach earlier this week, highlighting the serious implications for national security amid a contentious election season.

Broader Targeting of Political Figures

The cyberattack’s scope extends beyond Trump and Vance, with prominent Democrats such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also being targeted. The ongoing investigation seeks to determine if the hackers remain active within Verizon’s network, potentially gathering more intelligence.

Concurrent Iranian Hacking Activity

In a related issue, Trump’s campaign has also faced breaches from Iranian hackers linked to the Basij paramilitary force, who leaked internal campaign discussions. The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted three Iranian hackers for these actions, emphasizing the ongoing threat of foreign interference in the U.S. electoral process.

FBI and CISA Response

The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) confirmed on October 25 that they are investigating unauthorized access to U.S. telecommunications infrastructure by Chinese-affiliated actors. Both agencies are collaborating to enhance cyber defenses and assist organizations that might be victims of such cyber activities.