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

Forts of Uttar Pradesh and Their Location, Check the List

Uttar Pradesh is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, which is reflected in the many forts spread across the state. Each fort has its own story and significance. This article highlights the famous forts located in various districts of Uttar Pradesh and their importance.

An Overview of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, in northern India, is the most populated state with over 241 million people, even more than many countries like China and the US. It covers 243,286 km², making it the fourth-largest Indian state by area. Bordered by Nepal, Bihar, and other states, Lucknow is its capital, while Prayagraj is its judicial hub.

Number of Districts in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has 75 districts, which are grouped into 18 administrative divisions. Each district is responsible for local governance and administration. These divisions help in managing the state’s vast population and resources effectively.

Largest and Smallest Districts of Uttar Pradesh

Lakhimpur Kheri is the largest district in Uttar Pradesh, covering 7,680 square kilometers. It is located near the Himalayas and borders several rivers. Hapur, on the other hand, is the smallest district, with an area of just 660 square kilometers, and its district headquarters is in Gyanpur.

Forts of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is famous for its many historic forts, including Agra Fort, Sikandra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri Fort. In Jhansi, you can visit forts like Jhansi Fort, Samthar Fort, and Baruasagar Fort. Other notable forts in the state are Awagarh Fort, Badarka Fort, and Budaun Fort. These forts reflect Uttar Pradesh’s rich Mughal history, making it a great place to explore historical landmarks.

Forts of Uttar Pradesh and Their Location

Uttar Pradesh is home to many historic forts, each with its own unique history. These forts are spread across different districts, reflecting the state’s rich past and architectural beauty. Let’s explore the famous forts and their locations.

Forts	Location
Agra Fort	Agra
Sikandra Fort	Agra
Fatehpur Sikri Fort	Fatehpur Sikri
Awagarh Fort	Etah District
Aligarh Fort	Aligarh
Jhansi Fort	Jhansi
Barua Sagar Fort	Jhansi
Ramnagar Fort	Varanasi
Allahabad Fort	Allahabad
Kalinjar Fort	Banda District
Chunar Fort	Mirzapur district
Vijaygarh Fort	Sonbhadra district
Shahi Qila	Jaunpur
Dalmau Fort	Raebareli
Dileepnagar Fort	Kushinagar
Majhauli Fort	Deoria
Jagammanpur Fort	Jalaun
Mahuba Fort	Mahoba
Devgarh Fort	Lalitpur
Baundi Fort	Bahraich

Bharat NCX 2024 Launched Fortifying India’s Cyber Defense

Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024) is a landmark initiative launched to enhance India’s cyber defense capabilities and prepare professionals for evolving cybersecurity challenges. Organized by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), the 12-day exercise aims to equip participants with advanced skills in cyber defense, incident response, and strategic decision-making.

Key Highlights

Objective: Strengthen India’s cybersecurity resilience and prepare professionals to tackle modern cyber threats effectively.

Duration: November 18 to November 29, 2024.

Organizers

National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).
Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU).

Inaugural Session

Lt Gen M. U. Nair, PVSM, AVSM, SM (Retd): Highlighted the initiative’s role in equipping India’s cyber defenders with technical and strategic skills.
Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel: Emphasized the integration of education, research, and innovation to address cybersecurity challenges.

Key Features of Bharat NCX 2024

Immersive Training: Focused sessions on cyber defense and incident response techniques.
Live-Fire Simulations: Real-time cyberattack scenarios on IT and Operational Technology (OT) systems to build practical expertise.
Strategic Decision-Making Exercise: Senior management from various sectors will simulate responses to national-level cyber crises, enhancing their decision-making under pressure.
CISO’s Conclave: Chief Information Security Officers from public and private sectors will share insights, discuss trends, and explore government cybersecurity initiatives.
Bharat Cybersecurity Startup Exhibition: Showcasing innovative solutions by Indian startups to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
Leadership Engagement: Capacity-building programs for leaders to foster a collaborative approach to emerging cyber challenges.

Concluding Session

Comprehensive debrief to consolidate lessons learned and establish best practices for future cybersecurity initiatives.

Key Benefits

Enhances readiness to counter evolving cyber threats.
Promotes collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector.
Encourages innovation and showcases indigenous solutions.
Strengthens leadership capabilities for managing cyber crises.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024) launched
Objective	Strengthen India’s cybersecurity resilience and prepare professionals to tackle modern cyber threats.
Duration	November 18 to November 29, 2024
Organizers	– National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) – Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU)
Key Features	– Immersive training on cyber defense and incident response. – Live-fire simulations of cyberattacks on IT and OT systems. – Strategic Decision-Making Exercise for senior management in high-pressure scenarios. – CISO’s Conclave featuring panel discussions and trend exploration. – Bharat Cybersecurity Startup Exhibition showcasing innovative solutions. – Leadership engagement and capacity-building initiatives.
Participants	Cybersecurity professionals, leaders, CISOs, and startups from across sectors.
Significance	– Enhances India’s cyber readiness. – Promotes collaboration among government, academia, and private sector. – Encourages innovation and indigenous solutions in cybersecurity.

West Bengal Triumphs at 4th National Finswimming Championship

The 4th National Finswimming Championship 2024 concluded with remarkable performances by swimmers from across India. Held at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Pool Complex, New Delhi, the three-day event saw 1500 participants from 26 States and Union Territories competing for glory. Organized by the Underwater Sports Federation of India (USFI) in association with the Physical Education Foundation of India, this championship showcased India’s growing prowess in finswimming.

Key Highlights

Team Standings

West Bengal: Crowned team champions with 151 medals (67 gold, 43 silver, 41 bronze).
Karnataka: Runners-up with 50 medals (17 gold, 18 silver, 15 bronze).
Uttarakhand: Third place with 21 medals (8 gold, 6 silver, 7 bronze).
Haryana: Fourth place, also with 21 medals (6 gold, 10 silver, 5 bronze), ranked lower due to fewer gold medals than Uttarakhand.

Top Performers

Maharashtra finished fifth with 13 medals (4 gold, 4 silver, 5 bronze).
Manipur secured sixth place with 8 medals (4 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze).
Hosts Delhi finished seventh with 11 medals (3 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze).

Medal-Winning States

A total of 19 state teams won medals during the championship.

Closing Ceremony

The chief guest, Dronacharya awardee hockey coach AK Bansal, presented the trophies and medals to the winners.
AK Bansal praised the enthusiasm and participation of finswimmers of all ages.

USFI Initiatives

Tapan Panigrahi, Secretary of the USFI and a Dronacharya awardee in swimming, set a target to grow finswimming in India with a goal of one lakh finswimmers nationwide in the near future.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	West Bengal Triumphs at 4th National Finswimming Championship
1st	West Bengal Gold Medals – 67 Silver Medals – 43 Bronze Medals – 41 Total – 151
2nd	Karnataka Gold Medals – 17 Silver Medals – 18 Bronze Medals – 15 Total – 50
3rd	Uttarakhand Gold Medals – 8 Silver Medals – 6 Bronze Medals – 7 Total – 21
4th	Haryana Gold Medals – 6 Silver Medals – 10 Bronze Medals – 5 Total – 21
5th	Maharashtra Gold Medals – 4 Silver Medals – 4 Bronze Medals – 5 Total – 13
6th	Manipur Gold Medals – 4 Silver Medals – 2 Bronze Medals – 2 Total – 8
7th	Delhi Gold Medals – 3 Silver Medals – 5 Bronze Medals – 3 Total – 11
Dates	November 16–18, 2024.
Venue	Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Pool Complex, New Delhi.
Participants	1500 from 26 States and Union Territories.
Organizers	USFI in association with the Physical Education Foundation of India, recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Punit Goenka’s Resignation as MD and CEO of Zee Entertainment

Punit Goenka, the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, resigned from his position as MD but will continue to serve as CEO of the company. This decision comes just days before a shareholders’ meeting where Goenka was set to seek approval for a new five-year term as MD and CEO, from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2029.

Resignation Announcement

Punit Goenka resigned from the MD role, effective Monday, but will continue as CEO. The resignation is aimed at focusing entirely on operational responsibilities.

Shareholder Approval

Goenka’s continued presence on the board as an executive director requires shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 28, 2024. The appointment is subject to ordinary resolution, meaning more votes in favor than against.

Remuneration

Goenka had voluntarily decided to take a 20% pay cut in 2024. His total remuneration for FY23 was ₹35 crore, including salary, allowances, variable pay, and one-time payments.

Family Ownership

Goenka and his family own 4% of Zee, with public shareholders holding 96%. Major stakeholders include LIC, FPI Government Pension Fund Global, and mutual funds like HDFC and ICICI Prudential.

CFO Promotion

Zee promoted Mukund Galgali, the company’s CFO, to the position of Deputy CEO as part of the leadership restructuring.

Impact of Decision

Legal experts suggest that while shareholder approval is not required for Goenka’s role as CEO, it is necessary for his continued presence on the board as an executive director.

Background

Zee Entertainment: Founded by Goenka’s father, Subhash Chandra, in 1992, Zee is one of India’s largest media conglomerates.
Public Shareholding: A majority of the company’s shares are owned by public stakeholders, with LIC holding the largest portion of 5%.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Punit Goenka’s Resignation as MD and CEO of Zee Entertainment
Shareholder Approval	Goenka requires shareholder approval at the AGM on November 28 to remain on the board as an executive director.
New Role	Goenka will focus on operational responsibilities as CEO, with a 20% pay cut announced earlier in 2024.
Leadership Change	Mukund Galgali (CFO) promoted to Deputy CEO of Zee Entertainment.

Gabon Approves New Constitution in Historic Referendum

Gabon held a landmark referendum, where 91% of voters approved a new constitution, marking a significant political shift in the country. The constitution aims to end 55 years of dynastic rule and reintroduce a democratic civilian government. The ruling military junta, which took power in August 2023 through a coup, orchestrated the referendum, signaling a new era of governance.

Approval and Voter Participation

The referendum was overwhelmingly approved, with 91% of voters supporting the new constitution.
Voter turnout was reported at 71%, with some delays in polling stations in Libreville but no significant incidents.
The referendum was conducted under heightened security, with a curfew extended to maintain order throughout the voting process.

Key Constitutional Changes

Presidential Term Limits: The new constitution introduces a two-term limit of seven years each for the presidency.
End of Dynastic Rule: The constitution excludes dynastic succession, a move aimed at dismantling the long-standing Bongo family leadership.
Prime Minister’s Role Abolished: The new constitution removes the position of the prime minister, shifting power towards the presidency.
Eligibility Criteria for Presidential Candidates: The constitution mandates that presidential candidates must be Gabonese by birth, with at least one Gabonese parent and a Gabonese spouse. This provision disqualifies Ali Bongo, the former president, due to his marriage to a French woman.

Transition and Governance

Civilian Governance: Transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema expressed hope that the referendum would lead to a return to full civilian rule after a two-year transition period.
International Observation: Unlike the 2023 election, international observers were present during the referendum, ensuring greater transparency in the process.

Public Sentiment

Afrobarometer Survey: Preliminary findings from an Afrobarometer survey revealed that 87% of respondents believed the country was headed in the right direction following the referendum.
Public Concerns: Despite optimism about political changes, challenges such as unemployment, healthcare, and rising living costs remain central issues for many Gabonese citizens.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Gabon Approves New Constitution in Historic Referendum
Approval	91% of voters approved the new constitution.
Key Constitutional Changes	– Presidential Term Limits: Two terms of seven years each. – Abolition of the Prime Minister’s Role. – No Dynastic Succession: Excludes family-based succession. – Eligibility: Presidential candidates must have a Gabonese parent and spouse, disqualifying Ali Bongo.
Role of Military Junta	Junta, led by Transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema, organized the referendum after taking power in August 2023.
Transitional Government	Civilian rule promised after a two-year transition period.

Who is Known as the Father of Indian Navy?

The Indian Navy, a crucial branch of India’s defense forces, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. However, the modern Indian Navy’s development and strength owe much to one key figure: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

An Overview of Indian Navy

The Indian Navy is the sea branch of India’s Armed Forces, led by the Chief of Naval Staff under the President, who is the Supreme Commander. It protects India’s maritime borders and engages in peace and war operations. The navy operates in regions like the Persian Gulf and South China Sea, conducting anti-piracy missions and joint exercises, and supports humanitarian efforts, promoting strong international ties.

Father of Indian Navy

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is known as the father of the Indian Navy. His leadership, vision, and naval accomplishments have made him a legendary figure in Indian history. He played a key role in building a powerful naval force that set the foundation for India’s maritime strength.

Early Life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630, in Shivneri, Pune, in the Maratha Empire. He grew up in a region surrounded by the Arabian Sea, which inspired his interest in building a strong navy. Shivaji understood that a powerful navy was essential to protect the Maratha kingdom’s trade routes and coastlines.

Shivaji Maharaj’s Naval Achievements

Shivaji Maharaj’s naval achievements were groundbreaking for his time. He built multiple naval bases, including important ones like Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg, which provided safe harbors and strongholds along the coast. These bases helped protect the Maratha territory and allowed them to control key sea routes. His fleet of ships was designed for quick movements and surprise attacks, a tactic known as “Guerilla Warfare at Sea.”

New Strategies of the Father of Indian Navy

Shivaji Maharaj’s naval strategies were known for their innovation. He used small, agile ships to surprise enemy fleets and safeguard the Maratha coast. His ability to adapt and develop new methods in naval warfare allowed him to maintain control over the western coast of India.

Shivaji Maharaj’s Legacy in Naval History

The legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as the father of the Indian Navy continues to be celebrated. His focus on building a strong naval force inspired future generations and laid the groundwork for India’s later naval strength. His leadership also included setting up efficient naval administration and policies to support maritime trade and ensure the safety of sea routes.

Jyothi Surekha Wins Gold, Abhishek Verma Takes Silver at GT Open 2024

At the GT Open 2024 in Luxembourg, India’s Jyothi Surekha Vennam secured the gold in women’s compound archery, defeating Sarah Prieels of Belgium with a 147-145 victory. Abhishek Verma, who shot a perfect 600 in qualifications, won silver in the men’s competition after a shoot-off loss to Mike Schlosser. Both archers displayed exceptional skill, with Jyothi overcoming tough shoot-offs and Abhishek earning the top seed with perfect rounds before the final. This event is part of the Indoor World Series for the 2025 season.

Event Overview

The GT Open in Strassen, Luxembourg, was the second of four Indoor World Series 250 tournaments in the 2025 Indoor Archery season.
The competition followed the Swiss Open Lausanne earlier in the month.

Jyothi Surekha Vennam’s Performance

Gold Medal

Jyothi won the gold medal in the women’s compound archery event.
She defeated Sarah Prieels of Belgium with a score of 147-145 in the final.

Qualification Round

Jyothi earned the 5th seed with a brilliant score of 593 in the qualification round.

Elimination Round

Started with two perfect 150s in the first two rounds.
Faced tough competition in the third and fourth rounds.
Won shoot-offs against fourth seed Lisell Jaatma of Estonia and top seed Elisa Roner of Italy, scoring 10s in the shoot-offs.

Final

Won the final comfortably after overcoming initial challenges in the elimination rounds.

Abhishek Verma’s Performance

Silver Medal

Abhishek won the silver medal in the men’s compound archery event.
He lost to Mike Schlosser of the Netherlands in the final after a shoot-off.

Qualification Round

Shot a perfect score of 600/600, becoming the first Indian to achieve this on the international circuit.
Earned the top seeding for the competition.

Elimination Round

Maintained top form, shooting three perfect 150s out of five elimination matches.

Final

Shot a perfect 150 in the final.
The final went to a shoot-off as Mike Schlosser also shot a perfect 150.
Both archers shot a perfect 10 in the shoot-off, but Schlosser won due to the closest-to-center shot.

Key Takeaways

Jyothi Surekha Vennam

Demonstrated exceptional resilience in the elimination rounds, overcoming tough competition and clinching the gold.
Her shoot-off precision and steady performance in the final highlighted her dominance in indoor archery.

Abhishek Verma

Set a new milestone with a perfect 600/600 in the qualification round, showcasing his top-notch skills.
Despite shooting perfectly in the final, he narrowly missed out on the gold due to the shoot-off decision.

Overall Impact

Both Jyothi and Abhishek’s performances are a testament to India’s growing prowess in compound archery on the international circuit.
Their achievements at the GT Open contribute to India’s strong presence in the 2025 Indoor Archery season, setting the stage for future success.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	ARCHERY GT Open 2024: Jyothi Surekha clinches gold, Abhishek wins silver
Event	GT Open in Strassen, Luxembourg
Jyothi Surekha Vennam	Gold
Opponent in Final	Sarah Prieels (Belgium)
Abhishek Verma	Silver
Opponent in Final	Mike Schlosser (Netherlands)

Mithali Raj Appointed Mentor for ACA Women’s Cricket Operations

Mithali Raj, the former captain of India’s women’s cricket team, has been appointed as the mentor for Women’s Cricket Operations by the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA). In her new role, she will focus on scouting and nurturing young cricket talent across the state, contributing significantly to the development of women’s cricket in Andhra Pradesh.

Key Highlights of Mithali Raj’s Appointment

New Role: Mentor of Women’s Cricket Operations in ACA.
Contract Duration: Mithali Raj has signed a three-year contract.
Objective: To scout and groom young female cricket talent across Andhra Pradesh.
Responsibility: Mithali will be involved in identifying and mentoring cricketers, providing guidance, and helping them develop their skills.

Key Initiatives by ACA Under Mithali Raj’s Mentorship

High-Performance Academy

ACA is setting up a dedicated High-Performance Academy in Anantapur for women cricketers.
80 girls from different age groups will be selected for the academy, where they will receive training throughout the year (365 days).
The academy will provide a complete training regimen combining both cricketing skills and academic development.
Special support staff, including medical personnel, will be hired for the academy.

Focus on Long-term Development

ACA Secretary, S. Satish Babu, emphasized that immediate results are not expected but rather long-term growth in both physical conditioning and cricketing skills.

Regular Matches for Young Cricketers

Mithali Raj has recommended organizing regular matches for Under-15 players against state teams, which will help young players develop confidence and sharpen their skills early in their career.

Other Developments by ACA

Men’s High-Performance Academy

A similar High-Performance Academy will be set up exclusively for men in Vizianagaram, where national-level players will also train.

Focus on Rural Talent

ACA is focusing on scouting and grooming rural cricket talent. Special efforts will be made to visit the interiors of the state to identify potential players.

Mithali Raj’s Team Role

Mithali’s team will conduct critical reviews and focus on long-term training and exposure for the identified players.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Mithali Raj, the former captain of India’s women’s cricket team, has been appointed as the mentor for Women’s Cricket Operations by the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA)
Contract Duration	3 years
Primary Objective	Scouting and grooming young cricket talent across Andhra Pradesh
High-Performance Academy	– Location: Anantapur – 80 girls selected for year-round training (365 days) – Emphasis on cricket skills, physical conditioning, and academic development
Suggested Initiatives	Regular matches for Under-15 players against state teams to build confidence and skill
Mithali Raj’s Team Role	– Critical review of players for long-term training and exposure

Odisha Wins Maiden Gold in 14th Senior National Hockey Championship

Odisha emerged victorious in a spectacular fashion at the 14th Hockey India Senior National Championship, defeating two-time champion Haryana 5-1 in the final held at the SDAT-Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, Chennai. This historic win marked Odisha’s maiden gold medal in the tournament, with Shilanand Lakra stealing the show with an incredible hat-trick.

The Championship Final: Odisha vs Haryana

A Dominant Performance

Odisha showcased an exceptional display of skill, speed, and fitness to outplay Haryana, a team that blended experience and youth. The match, expected to be a tight contest, turned into a one-sided affair as Odisha outclassed its opponent with a combination of strategic play and relentless energy.

Scorers for Odisha:
- Rajat Akash Tirkey (11′)
- Pratap Lakra (39′)
- Shilanand Lakra (48′, 57′, 60′)
Scorer for Haryana:
- Joginder Singh (55′)

Odisha’s head coach, Bijay Kumar Lakra, attributed the victory to the team’s fitness and strategic execution, saying, “Today’s hockey is all about fitness. We will not leave a single player. We will run and block anyone who tries to run.”

Haryana’s Struggles in the Summit Clash

For Haryana, this was their second consecutive loss in the final, having been defeated by Punjab in the previous edition. Despite earning 10 penalty corners, Haryana failed to capitalize, thanks to Odisha’s stellar defense led by Kerobin Lakra, Amit Kumar Topno, and goalkeeper Sahil Kumar Nayak, who disrupted Haryana’s rhythm with decisive interventions.

Summary of Odisha’s Victory in 14th Senior National Hockey Championship

Aspect	Details
Tournament	14th Hockey India Senior National Championship
Venue	SDAT-Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, Chennai
Final Match	Odisha vs Haryana
Result	Odisha defeated Haryana 5-1
Odisha’s Scorers	– Rajat Akash Tirkey (11′) – Pratap Lakra (39′) – Shilanand Lakra (48′, 57′, 60′)
Haryana’s Scorer	Joginder Singh (55′)

Ayushman Bharat: Vay Vandana Cards achieves Milestone

Ayurveda Day 2024, Ayushman Vay Vandana Card for Senior Citizens

On the auspicious occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and Ayurveda Day, celebrated on October 29, 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took a historic step by inaugurating multiple health sector projects worth approximately ₹12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. The event marked a significant moment in India’s healthcare sector, with the announcement of free treatment for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, further cementing India’s commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare. The newly launched Ayushman Vay Vandana Card has achieved a significant milestone by enrolling more than 10 lakh senior citizens aged 70 and above.

Introduction of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card

A major highlight of the day was the launch of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, a pivotal initiative under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This card provides elderly citizens with comprehensive healthcare benefits, ensuring they receive free treatment in hospitals across the nation. The initiative reflects the government’s dedication to universal healthcare, catering to the specific needs of senior citizens.

Key Benefits of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card

Exclusively for individuals aged 70 and above.
Universal eligibility with no income cap, benefiting the poor, middle class, and upper class alike.
Covers a wide range of medical treatments, aiming to significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for elderly care.
Guarantees access to free health services under the world’s largest health assurance scheme, PM-JAY.

Background of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

Launched on September 23, 2018, Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY stands as the world’s largest health assurance scheme, addressing the healthcare needs of India’s most vulnerable populations. With coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family annually, the scheme has redefined healthcare accessibility in India.

Objectives and Features of PM-JAY

Aims to provide universal health coverage for the bottom 40% of India’s population, encompassing 55 crore individuals.
Ensures coverage for pre-existing conditions from day one, with no limit on family size or age.
Offers benefits such as medical consultations, hospitalisation, post-treatment care, and coverage for pre-hospitalisation expenses.
Includes diagnostic services, medical implantation, and even accommodation and food services during hospitalisation.

Progress and Achievements of PM-JAY

As of November 17, 2024, the scheme has achieved remarkable milestones:

35.45 crore Ayushman Cards issued.
Over 6.5 crore hospital admissions authorised, amounting to a financial value of ₹81,979.07 crore.
30,745 empanelled hospitals, including both public (17,084) and private (13,661) institutions.

These figures underline the scheme’s nationwide impact in transforming India’s healthcare landscape.

The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card: A Milestone for Senior Citizens

Recognising the unique challenges faced by senior citizens, the government approved an expansion of PM-JAY on September 11, 2024, specifically targeting senior citizens aged 70 and above. This expansion culminated in the launch of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, a dedicated initiative for the elderly.

Enrollment and Early Impact

Within three weeks of its launch, the initiative has already achieved significant milestones:

Over 10 lakh senior citizens enrolled.
Around 4 lakh female enrollees, demonstrating inclusive participation.
Treatments worth ₹9 crore authorised, benefitting over 4,800 elderly patients, including 1,400 women.

Medical Conditions Addressed

The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card has facilitated free treatment for various health issues, including:

Coronary angioplasty
Hip fractures/replacement
Gallbladder removal
Cataract surgery
Prostate resection
Stroke treatments

These treatments reflect the initiative’s focus on addressing critical and age-related medical conditions.

Impact on Healthcare Accessibility for the Elderly

The Vay Vandana Card aims to improve the quality of life for India’s elderly population by reducing their financial burden and ensuring seamless access to healthcare. By covering 6 crore senior citizens across 4.5 crore families, the initiative addresses both urban and rural healthcare disparities.

Dhanvantari Jayanti and Ayurveda Day 2024: A Celebration of Holistic Healthcare

The occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and Ayurveda Day symbolises India’s rich tradition of holistic healing. The event at AIIA highlighted the integration of modern healthcare infrastructure with the principles of Ayurveda, aiming for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to public health.

Inauguration of Health Sector Projects

The Prime Minister inaugurated projects worth ₹12,850 crore, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure. These projects aim to:

Expand healthcare facilities nationwide.
Promote Ayurveda and traditional medicine.
Improve access to quality healthcare, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Summary of the News

Aspect	Details
Why in the News?	The newly launched Ayushman Vay Vandana Card has achieved a significant milestone by enrolling more than 10 lakh senior citizens aged 70 and above.
Occasion	Dhanvantari Jayanti and Ayurveda Day (October 29, 2024)
Event	Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated health sector projects worth ₹12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi
Key Announcement	Launch of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, offering free hospital treatment for senior citizens aged 70 and above
Eligibility for Vay Vandana Card	All senior citizens aged 70+, with no income cap (applicable to poor, middle-class, and upper-class individuals)
Benefits of Vay Vandana Card	– Free treatment in hospitals – Reduced out-of-pocket expenses for elderly care – Comprehensive healthcare under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Overview	– Launched on September 23, 2018 – World’s largest health assurance scheme – ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family – Covers ~55 crore individuals
Key PM-JAY Achievements	– 35.45 crore Ayushman Cards issued – 6.5 crore hospital admissions authorized – ₹81,979.07 crore value of authorized admissions – 30,745 empanelled hospitals
Progress of Vay Vandana Card	– 10 lakh enrollments in 3 weeks – 4 lakh female enrollments – ₹9 crore worth of treatments for over 4,800 senior citizens
Common Treatments Covered	Coronary angioplasty, hip fractures/replacement, gallbladder removal, cataract surgery, prostate resection, stroke treatments
Significance of Ayurveda Day	Promotes holistic healthcare by integrating modern medicine with traditional Ayurvedic practices