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

$8.5B Disney-Reliance Merger Completed for Indian Assets

Reliance Industries and Walt Disney have finalized an $8.5 billion merger of their Indian media assets, concluded on 14th November. The merged assets have been reorganized into three distinct divisions, each led by its own CEO, marking a new era for the two media giants in India.

Finalization of the Merger

The merger was finalized on Thursday, combining the Indian media assets of Reliance Industries and Walt Disney.
Three main divisions have been created: Entertainment, Digital, and Sports.

Ownership Structure

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL): 16.34% ownership.
Viacom18: 46.82% ownership.
Disney: 36.84% ownership.

Leadership

Chairperson: Nita Ambani (Reliance Industries).
Vice Chairperson: Uday Shankar (Disney).
CEO of Digital Division: Kiran Mani (former Google executive, currently leads JioCinema).
Entertainment Division: Led by Kevin Vaz (currently at Viacom18).
Sports Division: Led by Sanjog Gupta (formerly with Disney India’s sports operations).

Key Divisions Post-Merger

Entertainment Division
Digital Division
Sports Division

Strategic Implications

India’s Biggest Entertainment Entity

The merger creates India’s largest media conglomerate with 120 TV channels and two streaming services (JioCinema and Hotstar).

Competition

The merged entity will compete directly with other media giants like Sony, Netflix, and Amazon in both television broadcasting and streaming content.

Approval from Indian Antitrust Regulator

The merger received approval from India’s competition regulator (CCI) in August, after addressing concerns about the dominance in cricket broadcasting rights.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Reliance Industries and Walt Disney have completed the $8.5 billion merger of Indian media assets.
Ownership Structure	– Reliance Industries Limited (RIL): 16.34% – Viacom18: 46.82% – Disney: 36.84%
Divisions Created	1. Entertainment: Combines Colors TV and Star networks. 2. Digital: Includes JioCinema and Hotstar. 3. Sports: Focuses on sports content management.
Leadership	– Chairperson: Nita Ambani – Vice Chairperson: Uday Shankar – Digital CEO: Kiran Mani – Entertainment CEO: Kevin Vaz
Regulatory Approval	The merger was approved by India’s antitrust regulator in August after addressing concerns about cricket broadcasting dominance.

WPI Inflation Soars to 4-Month High of 2.36% in October Amid Surge in Food Prices

India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation surged to a 4-month high of 2.36% in October, up from 1.84% in September. This rise was primarily driven by a sharp increase in food prices, particularly vegetables, aligning with the recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) data that also reported a 14-month high in retail inflation at 6.2%, spurred by a similar rise in food prices. This marks a significant shift from the lower inflation rates observed earlier in the year.

Key Drivers of WPI Inflation

Food Inflation Surge

Wholesale food inflation shot up to 13.54% in October, compared to 11.53% in September. The spike was led by substantial increases in vegetable prices (up 63.04%) and potatoes (78.73%). Other significant contributors included wheat (8.04%), fruits (13.55%), and onion (39.25%), though onion prices showed some deceleration. Cereal, paddy, pulses, and milk prices experienced slight deceleration, providing a mixed picture for the food sector.

Manufactured Products and Core Inflation

Manufactured products, which account for 64.2% of the WPI, saw a slight acceleration in inflation to 1.5% in October, up from 1% in September. Key contributors included manufactured food products (7.77%), vegetable oils (20.16%), and beverages (2.13%). On the flip side, inflation in sectors like tobacco, textiles, and pharmaceuticals slowed.

Fuel and Power Prices

In contrast, factory gate prices for fuel and power continued to contract, with high-speed diesel and petrol prices falling by 6.23% and 7.35%, respectively. Cooking gas prices, however, saw a sharp deceleration, rising only by 2.57%.

Historical Context and Outlook

WPI Inflation Trends (2024)

From January to October 2024, WPI inflation showed considerable volatility, with a low of 0.2% in February to a high of 2.74% in May. October’s inflation marks the highest in four months, influenced by persistent food price pressures. The global economic environment has kept commodity prices relatively stable, which has helped prevent broader inflationary pressures despite the food price surge.

Economic Analyst’s Insight

Paras Jasrai, Senior Economic Analyst at India Ratings, noted that the ongoing food inflation was the key driver behind the October spike, though core inflation remained benign at just 0.3%. This indicates that while food inflation is a significant concern, other sectors like metals and chemicals are contributing to a stable cost environment for the Indian economy.

October 2024 Inflation Data Summary

Month	WPI (Y-o-Y %)	WPI Food (Y-o-Y %)
January	0.33	6.91
February	0.2	7.07
March	0.26	7.05
April	1.19	8.07
May	2.74	9.93
June	3.43	11.14
July	2.1	3.5
August	1.25	3.06
September	1.84	11.53
October	2.36	13.54

Summery of the News

Why in News	Key Points
WPI Inflation Hits 4-Month High of 2.36% in October 2024	– WPI inflation in October 2024: 2.36% (up from 1.84% in September) – Food inflation: 13.54% (up from 11.53% in September) – Significant rise in potato prices (78.73%) and vegetables (63.04%) – Core inflation: 0.3% – Fuel and power prices contracted: High-speed diesel (-6.23%), Petrol (-7.35%) – Manufactured products inflation: 1.5% (up from 1% in September) – Data released by Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Historical Data	– January 2024 WPI inflation: 0.33% – February 2024 WPI inflation: 0.2% – September 2024 WPI inflation: 1.84% – October 2024 WPI Food inflation: 13.54% – October 2024 WPI Manufactured products inflation: 1.5% – October 2024 WPI Fuel & power inflation: -5.79%
Ministry Involved	Ministry of Commerce and Industry

India’s Exports Soar 17% in October, Trade Deficit Hits $27 Billion

India’s merchandise exports witnessed a remarkable 17.3% growth in October, the fastest in 28 months, reaching $39.2 billion. This surge was driven by pre-Christmas inventory buildup in Western countries, boosting demand for goods like engineering products, electronic goods, chemicals, and garments. However, this export growth came alongside an all-time high in imports, which surged 3.9% to $66.34 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $27.1 billion, up from $20.8 billion in September.

Key Drivers of Export Growth

Non-Oil Exports: Exports of non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery items grew 27.7%, totaling $31.36 billion. This signals strong demand in sectors like engineering goods, chemicals, and electronics.

Sectors Leading the Growth: Engineering goods led the charge with a 39.4% rise, followed by chemicals (27.35%), electronic goods (45.7%), readymade garments (35.1%), and rice (85.8%).

Petroleum Exports Decline: Petroleum product exports contracted by 22.1% due to falling global crude oil prices.

Imports Hit Record High

Rising Imports: Imports surged to $66.34 billion, driven by higher shipments of crude oil, electronic goods, vegetable oil, and non-ferrous metals.

Gold Imports: Despite a 1% fall in year-on-year growth, gold imports remained high at $7.14 billion.

Trade Deficit and Economic Outlook

Trade Deficit: The widening trade deficit, which reached $27.1 billion in October, is primarily attributed to a significant rise in crude oil imports and festival season demand for gold.

Cumulative Data: From April to October, merchandise exports grew 3.2% to $244.5 billion, while imports grew 5.7%, totaling $416.9 billion, resulting in a cumulative trade deficit of $164.65 billion.

Future Projections: Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal projected that India could achieve exports worth $800 billion in the current fiscal year, driven by sectors such as electronics, engineering, chemicals, and agriculture.

Services Export Growth

Services Sector: Services exports also saw significant growth, rising 21.3% to $34 billion in October. Meanwhile, services imports grew 26.3%, resulting in a surplus of $17 billion for the month.

Expert Insights and Challenges

Global Tensions: The ongoing geopolitical tensions, especially between Israel and Iran, have disrupted traditional trade routes, contributing to logistical challenges. Export organizations like FIEO have expressed concerns over these disruptions but remain optimistic about India’s export growth prospects.

Strategic Focus: The government’s focus on sectors like electronics, engineering, and pharmaceuticals, along with the PLI scheme, is expected to continue yielding positive results.

Summery of the News

Why in News	Key Points
India’s Merchandise Exports Surge	– India’s merchandise exports grew 17.3% in October 2024, the fastest pace in 28 months. – Exports reached $39.2 billion, driven by inventory buildup ahead of Christmas season.
Trade Deficit	– The trade deficit widened to $27.1 billion in October due to record imports of $66.34 billion. – Imports grew by 3.9% in October, led by crude oil, electronic goods, and vegetable oil.
Sectoral Export Growth	– Engineering goods: +39.4%, Electronic goods: +45.7%, Chemicals: +27.35%, Readymade garments: +35.1%, Rice: +85.8%. – Petroleum exports contracted by 22.1%.
Non-Oil & Non-Gems Exports	– Non-petroleum and non-gems exports grew by 27.7% to $31.36 billion, indicating strong manufacturing health.
Services Exports	– Services exports grew by 21.3% to $34 billion in October 2024. – Services trade surplus was $17 billion.
Government’s Export Target	– India aims for $800 billion in total exports in FY2024-25. – Focus on six sectors (engineering, electronics, pharma, chemicals, plastics, agriculture) and 20 countries.
Import Growth Drivers	– Crude oil imports: +13.3%, Electronic goods: +6.8%, Vegetable oil: +50.9%, Machinery: +8.7%, Non-ferrous metals: +26.1%.
Commerce Secretary	– Sunil Barthwal: Projected better export performance than last year. Focus on PLI scheme for manufacturing competitiveness.
Export Performance During April-Oct	– Exports grew 3.2% to $244.5 billion during April-October 2024. – Imports increased by 5.7% to $416.9 billion, leading to a cumulative trade deficit of $164.65 billion.
Economic Forecast	– Aditi Nayar (Icra): Expected current account deficit to ease to 1.2% of GDP in Q3FY25, down from 1.8% in Q2FY25.

Birsa Munda Jayanti 2024, Know Everything About It

Birsa Munda Jayanti, also known as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas or Tribal Pride Day, is celebrated on November 15th every year. This day marks the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a brave tribal leader and freedom fighter. He is remembered for leading the Ulgulan movement against British rule and fighting for the rights of tribal people in India.

Birsa Munda Jayanti 2024- Date

Birsa Munda Jayanti is celebrated on November 15 each year to honor the life and contributions of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a great tribal leader and freedom fighter. This day, also known as National Tribal Pride Day, remembers his dedication to the rights and welfare of the tribal communities in India. It is a day to celebrate tribal heritage, culture, and the important role of tribal people in India’s history.

Early Life and Struggles of Birsa Munda

Bhagwan Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu, a village in Jharkhand. He grew up in a humble Munda family and faced many economic difficulties. From a young age, Birsa Munda witnessed the hardships and unfair treatment faced by his people due to foreign rulers and the oppressive zamindari system. This injustice sparked a strong desire in him to fight for the rights of the tribal community.

Who was Birsa Munda?

Birsa Munda was not just a freedom fighter but also a social reformer. He worked to remove harmful practices from tribal society, such as superstitions and substance abuse. He encouraged unity, education, and truthfulness among his followers. Birsa Munda also started a religious movement called “Birsaait” that promoted simple and moral living.

Declaration of National Tribe Pride Day

In 2021, the Indian government declared November 15 as National Tribal Pride Day to honor the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda. This day is dedicated to celebrating the contributions of Birsa Munda and other tribal leaders. Across the country, programs are held to celebrate tribal culture, traditions, and their long history of bravery and resistance.

Birsa Munda’s Role in the Independence Movement

Birsa Munda’s leadership inspired not only his local tribes but also other tribal communities in India to join the fight for freedom. His “Ulgulan” movement set an example of bravery and resistance. Though Birsa Munda’s life was cut short at the age of just 24 years and 7 months on June 9, 1900, his legacy continues to inspire generations as a symbol of strength and hope.

Significance of Birsa Munda Jayanti

Birsa Munda Jayanti is more than just a day of remembrance; it is a celebration of the identity, culture, and heritage of the tribal community. It serves as a reminder of the important role that tribal people have played in shaping India’s history. This day is an opportunity for everyone to show respect and appreciation for the sacrifices and achievements of the tribal communities.

‘Know Your Medicine’ App Launched to Promote Clean Sports

Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, has launched a nationwide call to action to strengthen the fight against doping in sports, urging athletes, coaches, and the entire sporting community to adopt the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India’s ‘Know Your Medicine (KYM)’ app.

Launch Objective

Part of a nationwide initiative to combat doping in sports.
Aimed at promoting integrity and fair play among athletes.

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya’s Message

Emphasized the importance of fair and clean competition.
Called on athletes, coaches, and sports professionals to adopt the KYM app.
Stated that athletes are the pride of the nation and need access to tools supporting fair competition.

KYM App Features and Functionality

Core Functionality

Provides users with a quick way to verify if a medicine or its ingredients contain prohibited substances listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Supports athletes in avoiding accidental consumption of banned substances.

Unique Features

Image and Audio Search: Allows users to search for substances by uploading images or audio inputs, enhancing accessibility.
Sport-Specific Information: Users can select their sport category and access tailored information related to their specific needs.
Convenience: Ensures athletes and coaches can effortlessly verify medicines and stay informed on banned substances.

Broader Mission of NADA India with KYM

Education and Awareness

Part of NADA India’s ongoing mission to educate the sporting community about anti-doping measures.
Empowers athletes with knowledge to prevent inadvertent doping.

Promoting Ethical Sportsmanship

Encourages a culture of fair play and integrity within the Indian sporting ecosystem.
Ensures athletes uphold the principles of clean sports by staying informed.

Significance

Enables the sporting community to have direct access to crucial anti-doping information.
Simplifies compliance with WADA’s regulations, reducing the risk of accidental violations.
Contributes to the development of a transparent and ethical sporting environment.
Strengthens India’s commitment to clean sports on both national and international stages.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	KYM (Know Your Medicine) app launch by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
Initiative Led By	Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
Purpose	Strengthen anti-doping efforts in sports; promote fair play and integrity
KYM App Functionality	– Allows users to verify if medicines contain WADA-prohibited substances
Key Features	– Image and Audio Search: Enables image and audio-based queries – Sport-Specific Information
NADA’s Mission	– Raise anti-doping awareness – Educate athletes to avoid accidental doping
Benefits for Athletes	– Direct access to critical anti-doping information – Reduces risk of inadvertent doping
Impact on Sports Culture	– Encourages a transparent, ethical sports culture – Supports India’s commitment to clean sports globally

Deposit Growth Matches Credit Amid Lending Slowdown

In the fortnight ending November 1, 2024, deposit growth nearly matched credit growth, with credit increasing by 11.9% and deposits growing by 11.83% year-on-year (Y-o-Y), according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This alignment comes after a period where credit growth consistently outpaced deposit growth since March 2022, driven by a significant widening gap that reached as high as 700 basis points. The shift reflects the impact of RBI’s regulatory measures and the moderation of credit growth, especially in sectors like unsecured loans and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).

Key Factors Behind the Shift

Credit Growth Slows Down: Following RBI’s increased risk weights on unsecured loans and loans to NBFCs, as well as directives to lower loan-to-deposit ratios (LDRs), credit growth has slowed, bringing it more in line with deposit growth.

HDFC’s Impact: HDFC Bank, India’s largest private sector lender, has also moderated its credit growth to reduce its high LDR, contributing further to the slowdown.

Experts’ Outlook on Credit and Deposit Growth

Moderated Credit Growth: Experts suggest that while the growth rate of credit has slowed, it may accelerate in the fourth quarter of FY25. The forecast for credit growth in FY25 is around 15%, with deposits likely to grow by 11-12%, led by private sector banks.

Deposit Growth Outlook: The steady deposit growth reflects banks’ efforts to bolster their liability side, especially after regulatory nudges from the RBI. However, state-owned banks may need to intensify deposit mobilization to manage rising LDRs.

Future Trends and Predictions

Anticipated Growth in Q4: As the year progresses, the general expectation is that credit growth will surpass deposit growth, particularly with a seasonal uptick in credit demand during the final quarter of the fiscal year.

Banking Strategies: Banks, particularly private sector ones, are expected to continue leading in deposit mobilization, while public sector banks may need to catch up due to lower LDRs.

Credit Amid Lending Slowdown

Credit growth has decelerated, aligning closely with deposit growth as of November 1, 2024. This slowdown is due to the Reserve Bank of India’s measures, including higher risk weights on unsecured loans and restrictions on lending to NBFCs. Major banks like HDFC have also pulled back on lending to lower their loan-to-deposit ratios. Despite this, experts expect credit growth to pick up in the last quarter of FY25, supported by seasonal credit demand.

Summery of the News

Key Point	Details

Why in News

Credit growth (11.9%) and deposit growth (11.83%) almost aligned in the fortnight ending November 1, 2024, per RBI data. This follows a long period of credit outpacing deposit growth since March 2022. Measures by RBI and strategies by banks, like HDFC Bank moderating credit growth, contributed to this trend.

Credit in Banking System

Rs 174.39 trillion (as of November 1, 2024)

Deposit in Banking System

Rs 220.43 trillion (as of November 1, 2024)

RBI Measures

– Increased risk weights on unsecured loans and NBFC loans
– Directive to reduce high loan-to-deposit ratios (LDR)

Previous Fortnight (Oct 18, 2024)

Deposit growth: 11.7%, Credit growth: 11.5%

Bank Impact

HDFC Bank moderated credit growth to reduce LDR

Future Outlook

– Credit growth expected to accelerate in Q4 FY25
– Projected FY25 credit growth: 15%
– Deposit growth projection: 11-12%

Expert Insights

– Anil Gupta (ICRA): Credit moderation linked to RBI’s directives
– Karan Gupta (India Ratings): Predicts credit uptick in Q4 FY25

Successful Flight Trials for DRDO’s Pinaka Weapon System

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed a series of flight tests for the Guided Pinaka Weapon System, conducted as part of the Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Trials. This critical milestone involved three phases of testing across different field firing ranges, demonstrating the system’s operational effectiveness, precision, and advanced capabilities.

Overview

Purpose of Trials

Conducted as part of PSQR Validation Trials to validate operational readiness for Indian Army induction.

Trial Phases

Conducted in three phases at multiple field firing ranges.
Extensive testing evaluated PSQR parameters like range, accuracy, consistency, and rate of fire in salvo mode.

Key Parameters Assessed During Trials

Range: The system’s ability to strike targets at extended distances.
Accuracy: Precision of strikes over varying ranges.
Consistency: Repeated effectiveness in hitting designated targets.
Rate of Fire: Performance in engaging multiple targets in a single salvo.

Test Specifications

Rocket Count: Twelve rockets from each production agency tested.
Launchers Used: Two upgraded, in-service Pinaka launchers provided by production agencies.

Development and Design Contributors

Primary Design Agencies

Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE)
Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)
High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE)

Production Agencies

For Ammunition: Munitions India Limited and Economic Explosives Limited

For Launchers and Battery Command Posts: Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Larsen & Toubro

Statements from Officials

Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh

Praised DRDO and the Indian Army for successful PSQR trials.
Emphasized that the Guided Pinaka will bolster the artillery firepower of the Armed Forces.

Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO

Congratulations to the teams for meeting pre-requisite flight trials requirements.
Confirmed readiness of the Guided Pinaka for induction into the Indian Army.

Significance

Indigenous Development: Entirely developed in India, underscoring self-reliance in advanced defense technology.
Enhanced Firepower: Precision strike capability boosts the Indian Army’s operational effectiveness.
Advanced Features: Incorporates a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) with indigenous components for improved accuracy, efficiency, and strategic flexibility.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Successful PSQR Validation Trials of the Guided Pinaka Weapon System by DRDO
Conducted By	Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Purpose of Trials	Validation of Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) for readiness of Indian Army induction
Phases of Testing	Three phases across different field firing ranges
Key Parameters Assessed	– Range – Accuracy – Consistency – Rate of fire in salvo mode
Rocket Testing	– 12 rockets from each production agency – Tested with two upgraded, in-service Pinaka launchers
Development Contributors	– Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) – Research Centre Imarat (RCI) – Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) – HEMRL and PXE
Production Agencies	– Ammunition: Munitions India Limited, Economic Explosives Limited – Launchers and Command Posts: Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Larsen & Toubro
Significance	– Enhanced artillery capabilities for Indian Army – Step toward self-reliance in defense technology – Improved operational flexibility and firepower

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024, Know Date, Time, History and Significance

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also called Gurpurab or Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav, is an important festival for Sikhs. It celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh guru, who taught unity, equality, and selfless service. In 2024, this special day will be marked with great respect and joy on November 15, which will be Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 555th birth anniversary.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 – Date and Timings

This year, Guru Nanak Jayanti falls on Friday, November 15. Devotees will start their celebrations early in the morning, following specific timings:

Purnima Tithi starts: 6:19 AM on November 15
Purnima Tithi ends: 2:58 AM on November 16

History of Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on April 15, 1469, in a village called Talwandi, which is now known as Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. His parents, Mehta Kalu and Mata Tripta, were from a simple Hindu Khatri background. From a young age, Guru Nanak showed deep spiritual interests and often questioned unfair practices and traditions.

At 30, he had a life-changing spiritual experience and shared the message, “There is no Hindu, Muslim, or Christian—humanity is one.” His teachings focused on treating everyone equally and promoting peace and understanding among people.

Why Guru Nanak Jayanti is Significant?

Guru Nanak Jayanti is more than just a celebration; it is a reminder of Guru Nanak’s teachings. People around the world, especially in India, use this day to remember his lessons of love, equality, and kindness. His messages are not just for Sikhs but have meaning for people of all backgrounds. His teachings encourage people to respect each other and avoid discrimination based on religion or caste.

Rituals and Celebrations of Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024

Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated with special rituals and activities:

Nagar Kirtan Processions: Sikhs take part in nagar kirtans, where they sing hymns and carry the Guru Granth Sahib, their holy book, through the streets.
Akhand Path: The continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, known as akhand path, is performed for 48 hours.
Kirtan and Katha Sessions: Devotees attend sessions where songs (kirtan) and stories (katha) about Guru Nanak’s life and teachings are shared.
Langar Seva (Community Kitchen): Free meals are served in gurdwaras (Sikh temples) to everyone, showing that all people are equal and welcome.
Gurbani Recitations and Prayers: Special prayers, called ardas, are performed to give thanks and seek blessings for all.
Kar Sewa (Voluntary Service): Acts of community service are done to reflect the values of helping others and serving society.

Today Top 10 Current Affairs 15th November 2024 Questions and Answers

The Daily Current Affairs Quiz which keeps you updated with the current events happening all around the world. Which is also helpful for students who are preparing for the competitive exams. This current affairs quiz helps to tackle the questions from the Current sections which is the demand of most of the SSC, Banking, State, Defense exams. So Attempting this quiz will be beneficial to fetch a good score in the examinations.

Questions

Q1. Arvindar Singh Sahney appointed as a Chairman of Which Oil Firm?

(a) Hindustan Petroleum

(b) Indian Oil

(d) Bharat Petroleum

Q2. Which country Appoints First Anti-Slavery Commissioner to Combat Modern Slavery?

(a) India

(b) Bangladesh

(d) Kenya

Q3. To strengthen Rajasthan’s defense industrial base, Gyan Shakti Think Tank established in ___?

(a) Jodhpur

(b) Jaisalmer

(d) Jaipur

Q4. Donald Trump has selected_______as a representative to the UN.

(a) Elise Stefanik

(b) Eric Garcetti

(d) Vivek Ramaswamy

Q5. 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas 2025 celebrated in which city of Odisha?

(a) Puri

(b) Cuttack

(d) Balasore

Q6. Which company acquired the world’s first patent for Pinfenon (S) (R)?

(a) Scarecrow Incorporated

(b) Pfizer

(d) Sun Pharma

Q7. Which constitutional right does the Supreme Court say is infringed by demolitions based on crime accusations?

(a) Right to freedom of speech

(b) Right to shelter under Article 21

(d) Right to a fair trial

Q8. The 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) will be organized in which State/UT?

(a) New Delhi

(b) Rajasthan

(d) Karnataka

Q9. Which Country has announced that it will confer its highest national award to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

(a) Republic of South Africa

(b) Republic of Korea

(d) The Commonwealth of Dominica

Q10. 35th Tri-Services Commanders’ Conference conducted in which city?

(a) Kochi

(b) Bengaluru

(d) Vishakhapatnam

Answers

S1. Ans. (b)

Sol. Arvindar Singh Sahney has been appointed as the new chairman of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the nation’s largest oil firm.

S2. Ans. (c)

Sol. Australia has appointed its first Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Chris Evans, who will serve a five-year term starting in December 2024.

S3. Ans. (d)

Sol. In a move to strengthen Rajasthan’s defense industrial base, the Army’s Jaipur-based South Western Command has established a think tank named Gyan Shakti.

S4. Ans. (a)

Sol. Donald Trump has selected Elise Stefanik, known for her anti-China stance, as a representative to the UN.

S5. Ans. (c)

Sol. The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention will be held from January 8 to January 10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

S6. Ans. (a)

Sol. Scarecrow Incorporated, based in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward, acquired the world’s first patent for Pinfenon (S) (R).

S7. Ans. (b)

Sol. The Court stated that demolitions of homes based on crime accusations violate the right to shelter, which is protected under Article 21 of the Constitution.

S8. Ans. (a)

Sol. The 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) will be organized at Pragati Maidan, Delhi, from November 14 to 27, showcasing India’s commitment to “Vocal for Local, Local to Global” with products from across the country and the world.

S9. Ans. (d)

Sol. The Commonwealth of Dominica has announced that it will confer its highest national award, the Dominica Award of Honour, to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of his contributions to the nation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his role in strengthening the relationship between India and Dominica.

S10. Ans. (a)

Sol. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan chaired the 35th Tri-Services Commanders’ Conference (TSTCC) at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, on 13 November 2024.

Richest IAS Officer of India, Know His Name and Net Worth

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is one of the most prestigious services in India. IAS officers play important roles in the government and administration. Some of these officers are not just successful in their careers but have also earned a lot of wealth. While their primary focus is public service, some have made significant money through various legal and ethical means. In this article, we will discuss the richest IAS officer in India and how they achieved such success.

Who is the Richest IAS Officer of India?

Amit Kataria, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Haryana, has made headlines for his wealth and notable career achievements. Serving in Chhattisgarh, Kataria is considered the richest IAS officer in India, with an estimated net worth of ₹8.9 crore. His journey in public service is inspiring and includes a commitment to the nation and a strong focus on welfare over personal financial gain.

Net Worth of India’s Richest IAS, Amit Kataria

India’s richest IAS officer, Amit Kataria, has an estimated net worth of ₹8.9 crore. Despite his wealth, he is known for his commitment to public service, often symbolically accepting a salary of just 1 rupee. His career in the Indian Administrative Service has been marked by significant roles, particularly in Chhattisgarh, where he made notable contributions to administration and welfare.

Early Life and UPSC Success of Amit Kataria

Amit Kataria hails from Gurugram in Haryana and secured 18th place in the highly competitive UPSC exam in 2003. This achievement helped him join the prestigious Indian Administrative Service. Kataria’s determination and hard work from a young age laid the foundation for his successful career in the civil services.

Career Highlights of India’s Wealthiest IAS

Kataria’s career has been marked by his dedication to public service. He was a part of the 2004 Chhattisgarh cadre and served in various administrative roles. He held key positions, including being the Collector of several districts in Chhattisgarh, where he gained considerable experience. Before returning to Chhattisgarh, he worked as Joint Secretary in the Department of Rural Development for seven years on central deputation.

Controversy and Public Attention

Amit Kataria drew significant attention in 2015 during his tenure as the Collector of Bastar, Chhattisgarh. While meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he wore sunglasses, which was seen as a breach of protocol. This incident led to Kataria receiving a show-cause notice from the state government. Despite this controversy, Kataria’s contributions to administration and his efforts to promote transparency and welfare have earned him recognition and respect.

Personal Life of Amit Kataria

Amit Kataria is married to Asmita Handa, a commercial pilot. Together, they make an accomplished couple, contributing to both public service and aviation.