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

Which District of Haryana is Known as Birbal City?

Haryana is a state in northern India known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Among its many cities, one is famously connected to Birbal, the witty minister of Emperor Akbar’s court. This city holds historical significance and is often referred to as Birbal City. Let’s explore more about this place.

An Overview of Haryana

Haryana is a state in northern India, formed on November 1, 1966, after the reorganization of Punjab. It covers an area of 44,212 km², making up less than 1.4% of India’s land. The capital is Chandigarh, shared with Punjab. Faridabad is the most populous city, while Gurgaon is a major financial and tech hub.

Number of Districts of Haryana

Haryana is divided into 6 administrative divisions and consists of 22 districts. The state has 72 sub-divisions, 93 revenue tehsils, and 50 sub-tehsils. Additionally, there are 140 community development blocks, 154 cities and towns, 7,356 villages, and 6,222 village panchayats.

Birbal City in Haryana

Narnaul, a city in the Mohindergarh district of Haryana, is famously known as Birbal City. This title is due to its association with Birbal, a well-known advisor and close companion of Emperor Akbar. Let’s explore the historical and cultural significance of Narnaul.

Why is Narnaul Known as the Birbal City?

Narnaul is known as Birbal City because it is believed to be the birthplace of Birbal, the wise advisor of Emperor Akbar. The city is also home to the famous “Birbal ka Chhatta,” a five-storied building linked to Birbal’s visit. These connections to Birbal’s life and legacy have made Narnaul an important historical site.

Birbal’s Birth Place

Narnaul is believed to be the birthplace of Birbal. He was a wise and witty advisor in the court of Emperor Akbar and is remembered for his intelligence and sense of humor. His connection to Narnaul makes the city a place of historical importance.

Famous Landmarks in Narnaul

One of the most famous landmarks in Narnaul is the “Birbal ka Chhatta.” This is a five-storied building built by Rai-i-Rayan Mukand Dass, a servant of Nawab Asif Khan, during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan. The building is said to have been visited by Emperor Akbar and his advisor Birbal, which is why it’s named after Birbal.

“India, Japan Begin First Talks on Economic Security and Trade”

On November 27, 2024, the first round of the India-Japan Dialogue on Economic Security, Strategic Trade, and Technology took place in Tokyo. This important meeting focused on enhancing collaboration between the two nations in areas like economic security, supply chain resilience, and the application of emerging technologies. The dialogue was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri from India and Vice Minister Masataka Okano from Japan, and it marked a significant step in strengthening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Key Points

First Round of Dialogue

The India-Japan Dialogue on Economic Security, Strategic Trade, and Technology was held in Tokyo, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation in critical sectors.

Focus Areas

The dialogue covered the protection of economic interests, building resilient supply chains, and strengthening critical infrastructure in identified sectors.

Concrete Outcomes

Both sides agreed on the need for “closer collaboration” and to bring “concrete results” through holistic engagement in economic security and technological innovation.

Vikram Misri’s Visit

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri paid his first official visit to Japan in his current role, underscoring the enduring friendship between India and Japan based on shared values and mutual respect.

Strategic Partnership

The dialogue reaffirmed the strength of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, covering political, defense, security, economic, and people-to-people ties.

Announcement of Dialogue

The dialogue was initially announced during the India-Japan 2+2 ministerial meeting held in New Delhi on August 20, 2024.

Stakeholder Participation

Ministries, departments, and agencies from both India and Japan participated, including officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the National Security Secretariat of Japan.

Key Topics Discussed

Topics included economic security, the resilience of supply chains, collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, and research and application of new technologies.

Talent Exchange and Upskilling

Both countries explored ways to facilitate talent exchange and upskilling in fields of mutual interest.

High-Speed Rail Project

A review of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, a significant bilateral infrastructure initiative, was part of the discussions.

Continued Cooperation

Discussions also included strengthening partnerships in areas such as space research (JAXA), environmental cooperation, and trade (JETRO, JICA).

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	India, Japan hold first round of talks on economic security, trade
Date & Location	November 27, 2024, Tokyo, Japan
Key Participants	Vikram Misri (India), Masataka Okano (Japan), Senior Japanese Officials
Focus Areas	Economic security, supply chain resilience, critical infrastructure
Key Agreements	Closer collaboration in economic interests, critical infrastructure, technological resilience
Significance	Strengthened the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership
Dialogue Announcement	Initially announced during the India-Japan 2+2 ministerial meeting (August 2024)
Key Discussions	Economic security, technological innovation, talent exchange, MAHSR project, high-tech cooperation
Cooperation in Emerging Technologies	Focus on research, application, and sharing of critical technologies
Future Steps	Continued collaboration and engagement on economic and technological fronts
Important Officials Met	Takehiko Matsuo, Keiichi Ichikawa, Yoshimichi Terada (Japanese policymakers)
Infrastructure Projects	MAHSR project, space research (JAXA), trade and investment (JETRO, JICA)

Health Ministry’s ‘One Health’ Pavilion Wins Special Appreciation Medal at IITF 2024

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s ‘One Health’ Pavilion at the 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) held in New Delhi has been awarded a Special Appreciation Medal for its innovative design and impactful presentation of India’s healthcare initiatives. This recognition underscores the Ministry’s commitment to promoting a holistic approach to health that integrates human, animal, plant, and environmental well-being, aligning with India’s evolving healthcare strategies.

Pavilion Highlights: A Holistic Health Approach

This year’s pavilion, centered around the ‘One Health’ framework, emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and ecosystem health. By fostering collaboration across sectors, it highlights the Ministry’s efforts to address both health and environmental challenges. Visitors were engaged through interactive stalls, informative displays, and health screenings, with opportunities for free counseling and diagnostic services. The pavilion also showcased the Ministry’s achievements in preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare over 14 days.

Acknowledging Health Milestones and Progress

Union Minister of State, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, praised the pavilion’s engaging presentations and the enthusiasm of visitors who explored the various health initiatives. This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to ensure healthier lives for all by advancing India’s healthcare goals and raising awareness of the ‘One Health’ vision.

Strengthening India’s Health System

The award further emphasizes the Ministry’s ongoing dedication to fostering a comprehensive, inclusive health system. The focus on ‘One Health’ not only addresses immediate health concerns but also promotes sustainable practices to safeguard future generations. Through such initiatives, the Ministry continues to encourage a collaborative approach to tackling health challenges at national and global levels.

Summery of the news

Why in News	Key Points
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s ‘One Health’ Pavilion received Special Appreciation Medal at IITF 2024.	– Pavilion focused on ‘One Health’ approach, highlighting the interconnectedness of human, animal, and ecosystem health.
Venue	– India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Theme of Pavilion	– ‘One Health’: Emphasizes collaboration across sectors to address health and environmental challenges.
Key Features of Pavilion	– 39 dynamic stalls showcasing healthcare milestones. – Free consultations, diagnostics, and screenings provided.
Duration	– Pavilion was open for 14 days at IITF.
Union Minister	– Shri Prataprao Jadhav: Union Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Awards	– Special Appreciation Medal awarded for innovative design and impactful presentation.
Ministry’s Efforts	– Promotes a holistic and inclusive health system.
Ministry’s Focus Areas	– Preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare.
Key Health Programs	– Initiatives for communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Ministry’s Vision	– Advancing India’s healthcare goals and raising awareness of the ‘One Health’ vision.

Army Chief Presents President’s Colours to Four Mechanised Infantry Battalions

On Wednesday, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi presented the prestigious President’s Colours to four battalions of the Mechanised Infantry at a grand ceremony held at the Mechanised Infantry Centre and School (MICS) in Ahilyanagar (formerly known as Ahmednagar).

The 26th and 27th Battalions of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment and the 20th and 22nd Battalions of the Brigade of The Guards received the Colours. This marks a significant achievement for these units, representing the youngest battalions of the arm. The ceremony was graced by numerous veterans, military officials, and civil dignitaries, celebrating a proud moment for the Indian Army.

Key Highlights of the Ceremony

President’s Colours Awarded: The prestigious Colours were presented to the 26th and 27th Battalions of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment and the 20th and 22nd Battalions of the Brigade of The Guards.

Historical Significance: This recognition serves as a testament to the battalions’ valor and contribution to the Indian Army’s mechanised warfare capabilities.

Veterans and Dignitaries in Attendance: The event was attended by veterans, senior military personnel, and dignitaries, marking the importance of the occasion.

The Importance of President’s Colours

The award of President’s Colours is a symbol of pride and honour, granted to units that have shown exceptional courage, discipline, and dedication. It reflects the battalions’ commitment to upholding the highest standards of the Indian Army, connecting the past and present traditions of military excellence.

Summery of the news

Category	Key Points
Why in News	General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, presented President’s Colours to four Mechanised Infantry battalions at a ceremony in Ahilyanagar. The battalions awarded were 26th & 27th Battalions of Mechanised Infantry Regiment and 20th & 22nd Battalions of Brigade of The Guards.
Army Chief	General Upendra Dwivedi
Event Location	Mechanised Infantry Centre and School (MICS), Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar)
Date of Ceremony	Recent, Wednesday
Battalions Awarded	26th & 27th Battalions of Mechanised Infantry Regiment, 20th & 22nd Battalions of Brigade of The Guards
Award	President’s Colours
Attendees	Veterans, military personnel, civil dignitaries

SBI Raises ₹50,000 Crore via Bonds in FY25, Strengthens Rural Credit Access

State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest lender, has raised ₹50,000 crore in FY25 through a series of domestic bond issuances, marking a significant milestone. This achievement highlights SBI’s strong financial position and its ongoing efforts to support economic growth and financial inclusion, particularly in underserved rural areas. The raised funds are earmarked for long-term development, infrastructure projects, and strategic partnerships that empower rural entrepreneurs, including women and small businesses.

Key Details of SBI’s Bond Issuances

SBI raised ₹50,000 crore in FY25 through three primary types of bonds:

AT1 Bonds: ₹5,000 crore, perpetual with a call option after 10 years.
Tier 2 Bonds: ₹15,000 crore, with a 15-year tenure and a call option after 10 years.
Long-Term Bonds: ₹30,000 crore, with a 15-year tenure.

The bond issues were oversubscribed more than two times, showcasing strong interest from institutional investors, including provident funds, pension funds, and mutual funds. The bonds received high ratings: AAA for Tier 2 and Long-Term Bonds, and AA+ for AT1 Bonds, underscoring SBI’s robust financial stability.

Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs

SBI’s Collaboration with Muthoot Microfin

In addition to raising funds, SBI has partnered with Muthoot Microfin to disburse ₹500 crore in affordable loans to rural entrepreneurs, especially targeting women and small businesses. This initiative supports financial inclusion, offering loans ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakh to Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) and agricultural ventures.

Loan Disbursement: The partnership focuses on making loans accessible in tranches of ₹100 crore.

Empowering Women: The initiative prioritizes empowering women entrepreneurs, contributing to socio-economic growth in rural India.

Summery of the news

Why in News	Key Points
SBI Raises ₹50,000 Crore via Bonds in FY25	Amount Raised: ₹50,000 crore through domestic bonds in FY25. Types of Bonds Issued: AT1 bonds (₹5,000 crore), Tier 2 bonds (₹15,000 crore), Long-term bonds (₹30,000 crore). Investor Interest: Oversubscribed 2x, key investors include provident funds, pension funds, insurance companies, mutual funds, and banks. Tenure of Bonds: 15 years for Tier 2 and Long-term bonds, perpetual for AT1 bonds. Ratings: Tier 2 and Long-term bonds rated AAA, AT1 bonds rated AA+. SBI’s Role: Largest lender in India, pivotal in raising funds for infrastructure and long-term growth.
Collaboration with Muthoot Microfin	Loan Amount: ₹500 crore co-lending initiative. Target Beneficiaries: Rural entrepreneurs, women, Joint Liability Groups (JLGs). Loan Range: ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakh. Focus Area: Empowering women and supporting small businesses in rural India. Loan Disbursement: In tranches of ₹100 crore.
Key Financial Details	Tenure of Bonds: 15 years for Tier 2 and Long-term bonds; perpetual for AT1 bonds. SBI Chairman: CS Setty.

Which Country is Known as The Great White North?

Countries are often called by special names that show their unique features, history, or natural beauty. These names tell us something special about the country, like its culture, nature, or climate. In this article, we will know about the country which is known as the “The Great White North.”

Which Country is Known as the Great White North?

Canada is famously called “The Great White North.” This nickname has been used for many years to describe this vast and beautiful country. Let’s explore why Canada is called this and learn more about the meaning behind the name.

Why is Canada known as the Great White North?

Canada is called “The Great White North” because of its vast size, snowy landscapes, and northern location. It is the second-largest country in the world, with much of its land covered by snow, especially in the Arctic regions. The “north” reflects its position above the United States in North America. This nickname highlights Canada’s natural beauty, cold winters, and unique geography.

Other Nicknames for Nicknames

Canada is known by several other nicknames, such as:

Borealia: This name also means “northern.”
Lumberjack Country: Referring to its history of logging and forestry.
Nova Britannia: Meaning “New Britain,” a nod to its British heritage.
Land of Maple Syrup: Canada produces 71% of the world’s pure maple syrup, making this nickname a sweet reminder of its famous product.

India’s Divith Reddy Crowned U-8 World Champion

In a remarkable achievement for Indian chess, eight-year-old Divith Reddy from Hyderabad has emerged as the champion in the Under-8 World Cadets Chess Championship. Held amidst fierce competition, Divith secured a stellar 9/11 points to clinch the gold medal, edging out compatriot Sattwik Swain on tie-break scores. This victory adds to India’s growing dominance in junior chess, showcasing the nation’s promising future in the global chess arena.

Tournament Results

Champion: Divith Reddy (India, Telangana) – 9/11 points, secured gold on tie-break.
Runner-up: Sattwik Swain (India) – 9/11 points, silver medal.
Third Place: Ziming Guo (China) – 9/11 points, bronze medal.

Divith’s Journey to Victory

Started strong with four consecutive wins.
Faced setbacks with two consecutive losses midway.
Made a remarkable comeback, winning the final five matches.

Opponents included top-rated players like,

Wiktor Stankowski (Poland)
Nurali Nurshin (Kazakhstan)
Zhihan Xu (Samuel) (Canada)
Aiden Linyuan Li (USA, FIDE rating 1877)
Rizat Ulan (Kazakhstan, FIDE rating 1783)

Tactical Brilliance

Demonstrated resilience in tough positions.
Utilized innovative tactics to secure crucial wins.
Received praise from India’s coach, IM Abhishek Kelkarn, for his strategic prowess.

India’s Chess Dominance

India continues to shine in junior and global chess events.

Notable recent achievements

Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa’s success on the global stage.
D Gukesh competing against World Champion Ding Liren.
Divith’s win reinforces India’s status as a chess powerhouse.

World Youth Chess Championship

Organizer

The championship is organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

Purpose

A global chess competition for boys and girls in various age categories.

Age Categories

Boys and girls under the ages of 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 compete separately.

Annual Titles

Twelve world champions are crowned every year across the categories.

Event Split

Since 2015, the event has been divided into,

World Cadets Chess Championship (U8, U10, U12).
World Youth Chess Championship (U14, U16, U18).

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Divith Reddy from Hyderabad has emerged as the champion in the Under-8 World Cadets Chess Championship.
Winners	Champion: Divith Reddy (India, Telangana) – 9/11 points, secured gold on tie-break. Runner-up: Sattwik Swain (India) – 9/11 points, silver medal. Third Place: Ziming Guo (China) – 9/11 points, bronze medal.
India’s Global Standing	Rising prominence in chess with juniors like Divith, Praggnanandhaa, and D Gukesh making headlines
Chess Legacy	Continued dominance in junior chess categories
World Youth Chess Championship
Organizer	International Chess Federation (FIDE)
Purpose	Worldwide chess competition for young players
Age Categories	U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18 for boys and girls
Annual Titles	12 world champions crowned annually across different categories
Event Split (2015)	Split into, – World Cadets Chess Championship (U8, U10, U12) – World Youth Chess Championship (U14, U16, U18)

India’s Milk Production Surges by 3.78% in 2023-24

India’s milk production has seen a 3.78% increase, reaching 239.30 million tonnes in 2023-24, maintaining its position as the world’s largest milk producer, according to the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2024 report. This growth is attributed to better productivity in milch cattle and an increase in per capita milk availability.

On National Milk Day, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted that the country’s milk production has grown at an average rate of 6%, surpassing the global average of 2%. The per capita availability of milk has also risen from 459 gm per day in 2022-23 to 471 gm per day in 2023-24. Despite a slight slowdown in the growth rate, India remains a global leader in milk production and continues to push for exports.

Key Highlights:

Increased Milk Production: India’s milk output increased by 3.78%, reaching 239.30 million tonnes in 2023-24.

Top Producing States: Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra account for 54% of India’s total milk production.

Per Capita Milk Availability: The availability rose to 471 gm per day, up from 459 gm per day last year.

Milk Production by Breed: Exotic/crossbred cattle’s milk production increased by 8%, while indigenous cattle saw a rise of 44.76%, although buffalo milk production decreased by 16%.

Export Push and Future Plans: The government is keen on boosting dairy exports and eradicating diseases like foot-and-mouth by 2030.

Dairy Sector’s Growth Trajectory

Past Growth: From 2014-15 to 2022-23, the livestock sector grew at a CAGR of 7.38% at constant prices, highlighting significant improvements in dairy production.

Impact of Lumpy Skin Disease: Despite challenges, such as the lumpy skin disease epidemic during 2021-23, India’s dairy sector has remained resilient.

The Push for Dairy Exports

Global Leadership: Although milk production growth has slowed in recent years, India continues to lead globally, contributing significantly to the world’s dairy supply.

Government Initiatives: The Union Minister urged farmers to vaccinate livestock to ensure disease control and improve milk yields, which could further boost export potential.

Related Agricultural Growth

Egg and Meat Production: Along with milk, India’s egg and meat production also saw growth, with egg production rising by 3.17% to 142.77 billion eggs and meat production increasing by 4.95% to 10.25 million tonnes in 2023-24.

Summery of the news

Why in News	Key Points
India’s Milk Production Increased by 3.78%	India’s milk output rose to 239.30 million tonnes in 2023-24, continuing as the world’s largest producer.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh’s Statement	Milk production up due to improved productivity of milch cattle. Per capita milk availability increased to 471 gm per day.
National Milk Day (Nov 26)	Celebrates the birth anniversary of Verghese Kurien, architect of the White Revolution.
Top Milk-Producing States	Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra contribute 53.99% of India’s total milk output.
Livestock Growth	Livestock sector grew at 7.38% CAGR from 2014-15 to 2022-23 at constant prices.
Per Capita Availability	Milk availability increased from 459 gm/day in 2022-23 to 471 gm/day in 2023-24.
Exotic/Crossbred Cattle & Indigenous Cattle	Exotic/crossbred cattle milk production increased by 8%, while indigenous cattle rose by 44.76%. Buffalo milk production decreased by 16%.
Egg and Meat Production	Egg production rose by 3.17% to 142.77 billion eggs. Meat production increased by 4.95%, reaching 10.25 million tonnes.
Livestock Vaccination Plan	Free vaccines available for diseases like foot-and-mouth and brucellosis, aiming for eradication by 2030.
Current Focus on Dairy Exports	Emphasis on boosting dairy exports as part of the sector’s future growth strategy.
Livestock Contribution to GVA	Share of livestock in total agriculture GVA increased from 24.32% in 2014-15 to 30.38% in 2022-23.

CM Rio Opens New Amenities at Kisama for Hornbill Fest

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated several new facilities at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, ahead of the 25th Hornbill Festival. These enhancements aim to enrich the festival experience, preserve Naga culture, and facilitate year-round use by local communities and international visitors. The event also highlighted the inclusion of the USA as a new partner country for the festival.

New Infrastructure at Kisama

International Morung

Space for cultural exchange between country partners.
Expected to be fully furnished in 2-3 days.

Lodge/Dormitory for Cultural Troupes

Capacity for 74 people.
Ground floor: Changing rooms; First floor: Accommodation.

Handloom & Craft Pavilion

Formerly the Bamboo Pavilion, supported by the Ministry of Textiles.
Showcases Naga crafts and traditional art.

Medical Booth with Cash Vending Facilities.

Tourism Department Lounge

Built at a cost of INR 29 lakh, primarily for VIP guests and officials.

Toyota Ki Display Area

Dedicated space for automotive displays.

Technology Integration

Hornbill Festival App

Centralized source of information.
Features Inner Line Permit details, tourist attractions, and stall information.

Key Statements

Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister

Emphasized the festival’s role in preserving Naga culture and traditions.

Encouraged year-round use of facilities by tribal communities for their own events.
Stressed that culture preservation is vital for global tourism.

Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education

Detailed the new lounge facilities for VIPs.

J Alam, Chief Secretary

Highlighted the dormitory’s dual-purpose functionality for cultural troupes.

Global Participation

Country Partners

USA joined as the fourth partner alongside Wales, Japan, and Peru.
USA delegation and artists to participate in cultural events.

Cultural Significance

The Hornbill Festival has evolved into an international event, showcasing:
Naga culture, food, textiles, and traditions.
Artisan craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Inauguration of new facilities at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama
Occasion	25th Hornbill Festival
New Facilities	International Morung, Lodge/Dormitory, Handloom & Craft Pavilion, Medical Booth, Tourism Lounge
Technology	Hornbill Festival App providing festival and permit details
Country Partners	USA, Wales, Japan, Peru
Cost Highlight	Tourism Department Lounge built for INR 29 lakh
Cultural Focus	Preservation of Naga culture, food, and traditions
Global Aim	Promote Naga heritage to international audiences, attract global tourism
Key Figures Involved	CM Neiphiu Rio, Minister Temjen Imna Along, Chief Secretary J Alam

Roche CEO Thomas Schinecker to Lead IFPMA as New President

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) has appointed Dr. Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Roche, as its new President, effective January 1, 2025. Schinecker, who served as IFPMA Vice-President for two years, will be joined by Rob Davis, CEO of MSD, as the Vice-President. The leadership transition follows the completion of Dr. Albert Bourla’s term as President.

Leadership Transition in IFPMA

Schinecker’s appointment marks a significant shift in IFPMA’s leadership. As outgoing President, Dr. Albert Bourla emphasized the organization’s role in driving innovative medicines and vaccines. Schinecker, in his new role, aims to propel the industry forward with bold policies and pioneering innovations.

2023 Highlights: Roche’s Resilient Performance

In his first letter to shareholders, Schinecker shared Roche’s 2023 performance, detailing significant growth despite the decline in COVID-19-related sales. Roche achieved a sales figure of CHF 58.7 billion, driven by strong demand for innovative treatments like Vabysmo, Columvi, and Lunsumio. These therapies provided hope for patients with conditions like age-related macular degeneration and blood cancer.

Focus on Innovation and Strategic Partnerships

Schinecker reaffirmed Roche’s commitment to innovation, highlighted by partnerships with Alnylam and Telavant to treat high blood pressure and inflammatory bowel disease. Roche also achieved breakthroughs in diagnostics, with new immunoassays setting standards for conditions like sepsis in newborns. Schinecker emphasized that digitalisation and artificial intelligence will play a key role in future innovation, further strengthening Roche’s R&D pipeline.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Schinecker’s focus will be on expanding Roche’s research and development capabilities and enhancing digital solutions in drug development. With a rich history of breakthroughs across various medical fields, Roche is uniquely positioned to continue its leadership in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics globally.

Summery of the news

Why in News	Details
Dr. Thomas Schinecker appointed President of IFPMA	CEO of Roche, Dr. Schinecker, to take over as IFPMA President on January 1, 2025, after Dr. Albert Bourla completes his term.
Key Leadership Transition	Dr. Schinecker was IFPMA Vice-President for 2 years. Rob Davis, CEO of MSD, appointed as Vice-President.
IFPMA’s Role in Pharma	IFPMA is a global trade body representing pharmaceutical manufacturers, emphasizing innovation and policy leadership.
2023 Roche Performance	Roche reported a sales increase of 1% in 2023, totaling CHF 58.7 billion. Vabysmo, Columvi, and Lunsumio were key product highlights.
Breakthrough Medicines	Vabysmo for eye diseases, Columvi and Lunsumio for blood cancer. Alecensa and Inavolisib for lung and breast cancers.
Roche’s Strategic Acquisitions	Partnerships with Alnylam for high blood pressure treatment, and Telavant for inflammatory bowel disease.
Roche’s Focus Areas in 2023	Emphasis on digital solutions, AI in drug development, and breakthroughs in diagnostics (e.g., Elecsys IL-6 for sepsis).
Roche’s CEO Focus	Strengthening R&D pipeline, enhancing innovation, and advancing digital solutions in pharmaceutical development.
Roche Global Operations	Roche has over 100,000 employees and is a leader in oncology, neuroscience, ophthalmology, and in-vitro diagnostics.