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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

Paris Olympics 2024 Medal Tally, India Medal Tally in Olympics_4.1

IPL 2025 Retentions, Full List Of Players Retained And Released

The road to the 2025 IPL season is heating up as all ten franchises have unveiled their player retention lists ahead of the highly anticipated auction scheduled for later this year. In an IPL Retention Special aired on JioCinema, teams confirmed the players who will continue representing their franchises next season, as well as some big names who will enter the auction, drawing interest from several teams. Notably, Heinrich Klaasen emerged as the highest earner among the retained players, with Sunrisers Hyderabad offering him a substantial INR 23 crore. Close behind him were Virat Kohli and Nicholas Pooran, with RCB and LSG retaining them at INR 21 crore each.

List of Players Retained for IPL 2025:

Here is the complete list of player retained by their franchise, check their name and price list in the table below:

Mumbai Indians

Retained Players Price
Jasprit Bumrah ₹18 crore
Suryakumar Yadav ₹16.35 crore
Hardik Pandya ₹16.35 crore
Rohit Sharma ₹16.30 crore
Tilak Varma ₹8 crore
  • Purse Remaining: INR 55 crore (out of INR 120 crore)
  • RTM Options at Auction: 1 (One uncapped player)
Not Retained Players
Dewald Brevis
Ishan Kishan
Tim David
Harvik Desai
Arjun Tendulkar
Shams Mulani
Nehal Wadhera
Kumar Kartikeya
Piyush Chawla
Akash Madhwal
Luke Wood
Romario Shepherd
Gerald Coetzee
Shreyas Gopal
Nuwan Thushara
Naman Dhir
Anshul Kamboj
Mohammad Nabi
Shivalik Sharma
Kwena Maphaka

Chennai Super Kings

Retained Players Price
Ruturaj Gaikwad ₹18 crore
Matheesha Pathirana ₹13 crore
Shivam Dube ₹12 crore
Ravindra Jadeja ₹18 crore
MS Dhoni ₹4 crore
  • Purse Remaining: INR 55 crore
  • RTM Options at Auction: 1 player
Not Retained Players
Moeen Ali
Deepak Chahar
Tushar Deshpande
Rajvardhan Hangargekar
Ajay Mandal
Mukesh Choudhary
Ajinkya Rahane
Shaik Rasheed
Mitchell Santner
Simarjeet Singh
Nishant Sindhu
Prashant Solanki
Maheesh Theekshana
Rachin Ravindra
Shardul Thakur
Daryl Mitchell
Sameer Rizvi
Mustafizur Rahman
Richard Gleeson
Avanish Rao Aravelly
Devon Conway

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Retained Players Price
Virat Kohli ₹21 crore
Rajat Patidar ₹11 crore
Yash Dayal ₹5 crore
  • Purse Remaining: INR 83 crore
  • RTM Options at Auction: 3 players
Not Retained Players
Faf du Plessis
Glenn Maxwell
Anuj Rawat
Suyash Prabhudessai
Will Jacks
Mahipal Lomror
Karn Sharma
Manoj Bhandage
Mayank Dagar
Vijaykumar Vyshak
Akash Deep
Mohammed Siraj
Reece Topley
Himanshu Sharma
Rajan Kumar
Cameron Green
Alzarri Joseph
Tom Curran
Lockie Ferguson
Swapnil Singh
Saurav Chauhan

Delhi Capitals

Retained Players Price
Axar Patel ₹16.5 crore
Kuldeep Yadav ₹13.25 crore
Tristan Stubbs ₹10 crore
Abhishek Porel ₹4 crore
  • Purse Remaining: INR 73 crore
  • RTM Options at Auction: 2 players
Not Retained Players
Rishabh Pant
Pravin Dubey
David Warner
Vicky Ostwal
Prithvi Shaw
Anrich Nortje
Jake Fraser-McGurk
Lalit Yadav
Khaleel Ahmed
Mitchell Marsh
Ishant Sharma
Yash Dhull
Mukesh Kumar
Ricky Bhui
Kumar Kushagra
Gulbadin Naib
Rasikh Dar
Jhye Richardson
Sumit Kumar
Shai Hope
Swastik Chhikara
Lizaad Williams
Harry Brook
Lungi Ngidi
Mitchell Marsh

Kolkata Knight Riders

Retained Players Price
Rinku Singh ₹13 crore
Varun Chakaravarthy ₹12 crore
Sunil Narine ₹12 crore
Andre Russell ₹12 crore
Harshit Rana ₹4 crore
Ramandeep Singh ₹4 crore
  • Purse Remaining: INR 51 crore
  • RTM Options at Auction: None
Not Retained Players
Shreyas Iyer
Nitish Rana
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Phil Salt
Suyash Sharma
Anukul Roy
Venkatesh Iyer
Vaibhav Arora
KS Bharat
Chetan Sakariya
Mitchell Starc
Angkrish Raghuvanshi
Sherfane Rutherford
Manish Pandey
Allah Ghazanfar
Dushmantha Chameera
Sakib Hussain
Jason Roy
Gus Atkinson
Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Lucknow Super Giants

Retained Players Price
Nicholas Pooran ₹21 crore
Ravi Bishnoi ₹11 crore
Mayank Yadav ₹11 crore
Mohsin Khan ₹4 crore
Ayush Badoni ₹4 crore
  • Purse Remaining: INR 69 crore
  • RTM Options at Auction: 1 player
Not Retained Players
KL Rahul
Quinton de Kock
Kyle Mayers
Marcus Stoinis
Deepak Hooda
Devdutt Padikkal
Naveen-ul-Haq
Krunal Pandya
Yudhvir Singh
Prerak Mankad
Yash Thakur
Amit Mishra
Shamar Joseph
K. Gowtham
Arshin Kulkarni
M. Siddharth
Ashton Turner
Matt Henry
Mohd. Arshad Khan
Mark Wood
David Willey
Shivam Mavi

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Retained Players Price
Pat Cummins ₹18 crore
Abhishek Sharma ₹14 crore
Nitiesh Reddy ₹6 crore
Heinrich Klaasen ₹23 crore
Travis Head ₹14 crore
  • Purse Remaining: INR 45 crore
  • RTM Options at Auction: 1 uncapped player
Not Retained Players
Abdul Samad
Aiden Markram
Marco Jansen
Rahul Tripathi
Washington Sundar
Glenn Phillips
Sanvir Singh
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Mayank Agarwal
T. Natarajan
Anmolpreet Singh
Mayank Markande
Upendra Singh Yadav
Umran Malik
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Shahbaz Ahmed
Vijayakanth Viyaskanth
Jaydev Unadkat
Akash Singh
Jhathavedh Subramanyan
Wanindu Hasaranga

Gujarat Titans

Retained Players Price
Rashid Khan ₹18 crore
Shubman Gill ₹16.5 crore
Sai Sudharsan ₹8.5 crore
Rahul Tewatia ₹4 crore
Shahrukh Khan ₹4 crore
  • Purse Remaining: INR 69 crore
  • RTM Options at Auction: 1 player
Not Retained Players
David Miller
Matthew Wade
Wriddhiman Saha
Kane Williamson
Abhinav Manohar
Darshan Nalkande
Vijay Shankar
Jayant Yadav
Noor Ahmad
Joshua Little
Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore
Hardik Pandya
Mohammed Shami
Shivam Dubey
Pradeep Sangwan
Yash Dayal
Jitesh Sharma
Mukesh Choudhary
Mukesh Kumar
Matthew Short
Kuldeep Sen

Rajasthan Royals

Retained Players Price
Sanju Samson ₹18 crore
Yashasvi Jaiswal ₹18 crore
Riyan Parag ₹14 crore
Dhruv Jurel ₹14 crore
Shimron Hetmyer ₹11 crore
Sandeep Sharma ₹4 crore
  • Purse Remaining: INR 45 crore
  • RTM Options at Auction: 0 Player
Not Retained Players
Jos Buttler
Trent Boult
Devdutt Paddikal
Joe Root
Kunal Singh Rathore
Abdul Basith
Ravichandran Ashwin
Yuzvendra Chahal
Donovan Ferreira
Akash Vashisth
Jason Holder
KM Asif
KC Cariappa
Kuldeep Sen
Kuldip Yadav

Punjab Kings

Retained Players Price
Shashank Singh ₹5.5 crore
Prabhsimran Singh ₹4 crore
  • Purse Remaining: INR 111.5 crore
  • RTM Options at Auction: 4 players
Not Retained Players
Liam Livingstone
Shikhar Dhawan
Harpreet Brar
Ashutosh Sharma
Arshdeep Singh
Rahul Chahar
Sam Curran
Vaibhav Arora
Rishi Dhawan
Atharva Taide
Nathan Ellis
Sikandar Raza
Chris Woakes
Jonny Bairstow
Harshal Patel
Paris Olympics 2024 Medal Tally, India Medal Tally in Olympics_6.1

IBPS PO Mains Banking Awareness Capsule, Download Free PDF

GA Capsule for IBPS PO:  Candidates appearing for the IBPS PO 2024 for the Probationary Officer posts must study the Banking Awareness for IBPS PO mains to boost their scores. To be prepared for the exam and attempt questions from this section, candidates must be persistent, committed to their preparation, and diligent in their review.

In addition to them, using the right preparation materials can help to score their maximum in their general awareness for the IBPS 2024 Exam. Preparing with the GA Capsule For IBPS PO Mains 2024 can make their preparation at ease.

GA Capsule for IBPS PO Mains 2024

To help you prepare for the General Exam for IBPS PO Mains 2024 exam, we have provided the GA Capsule For IBPS PO Mains 2024. We have included all important topics and facts to be covered for preparation for general understanding, which are given here.  General Awareness questions can be answered easily with the help of these GA Power Capsule collections for IBPS PO General Education here.

Candidates can use the IBPS PO GA Power Capsule PDF for study and revision. Cracking the main exam is a tough nut to crack for most runners. Achieving success in general knowledge requires hard work, consistency and proper adjustment. The GA Power Capsule For IBPS PO 2024 is provided below and can be downloaded for free.

Banking Awareness Capsule for IBPS PO Mains PDF

In IBPS PO Mains 2024, the general knowledge section will test the candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, financial and financial knowledge, scheduled GK etc. Candidates who appear for the exam will prepare for IBPS PO Mains, which is scheduled for 30 November 2024. A good score in GA section will increase the candidate’s total score. For many aspirants, the GA section is a challenge due to its extensive curriculum and its ever-changing nature. Below is the GA Capsule for IBPS PO Mains 2024 PDF link.

GA Capsule for IBPS PO Mains 2024 (May to October)

GA Capsule for IBPS PO Mains 2024 (May to October) in Hindi

Key Topics Covered In The Banking Awareness GA Capsule for IBPS PO Mains 2024

Our GA Capsule PDF offers a comprehensive yet concise overview of all essential topics anticipated in the IBPS PO Mains 2024 exam, including:

  • Current Affairs (National and International) from the last 6 months.
  • Banking and Financial Awareness – Key banking terms, RBI policies, mergers, and acquisitions.
  • Economic Awareness – Recent trends, inflation figures, GDP growth, and important reports.
  • Government Schemes – Newly introduced schemes and programs, especially those related to banking.
  • Appointments, Awards, and Sports Events – Important updates to strengthen general knowledge preparation.

Why IBPS Mains GA Power Capsule Is The Best?

  • Candidates can complete the General Knowledge section of the exam with this single PDF file.
  • We get the correct information from the testing point of view. Helps improve accuracy when answering general knowledge questions on the exam.
  • Candidates save a lot of time because it has the necessary materials for the IBPS PO RMains exam.
  • Depending on the type of test, candidates may know the level of the test.
  • This general knowledge about bank exams pdf can be used to prepare for the main exam and interview questions that may arise.
  • Current events can be presented in short or in-depth depending on the needs of the candidates.

Paris Olympics 2024 Medal Tally, India Medal Tally in Olympics_8.1

Practice Questions Capsule for IBPS PO Mains 2024

The IBPS PO Mains 2024 Exam is just around the corner, scheduled for 30th November 2024, and is one of the most anticipated exams for banking aspirants. To maximize your chances of success, focusing on high-scoring sections such as General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and English is essential. This article offers a selection of practice questions and a downloadable PDF of General Awareness questions to enhance your preparation.

Practice Questions for IBPS PO Mains 2024 Exam

Regular practice is key to performing well in the IBPS PO Mains 2024 Exam. The sample questions provided in this article, along with the downloadable PDF, will help fine-tune your preparation and boost your confidence. Consistency and focused practice are crucial to excelling in competitive exams. Download the PDF and begin your practice today!

To support your preparation for the General Awareness section, we have included a PDF that covers a wide range of topics such as banking awareness, current affairs, and static GK, all tailored to the IBPS PO Mains 2024 Exam.

Practise Questions for IBPS PO Mains 2024 Exam: Click here to Download

Importance of Regular Practice for IBPS PO Mains

The IBPS PO Mains exam requires not only conceptual understanding but also speed and accuracy. Regular practice enables you to:

  • Get acquainted with the exam pattern and its level of difficulty.
  • Improve your speed and accuracy in solving questions.
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Start practicing now and give your preparation the final push needed to succeed in the IBPS PO Mains 2024 exam!

Today Top 10 Current Affairs 24th 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. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Global Peace Award for Minority Upliftment Awarded to Which Indian?

(a) President of India Droupadi Murmu

(b) Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi

(c) Chief Justice of India

(d) Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar

 

Q2. Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Shaheedi Divas observed annually on which day?

(a) 22nd November

(b) 23rd November

(c) 24th November

(d) 25th November

 

Q3. Which space agencies signed an Implementation Agreement (IA) with ISRO for Gagan Yaan Mission?

(a) ESA

(b) NASA

(c) JAXA

(d) ASA

 

Q4. _______ city unveils India’s First Self-Sufficient Gaushala.

(a) Indore

(b) Kolkata

(c) Thane

(d) Gwalior

 

Q5. Abdoulaye Maiga replaced Choguel Maiga as ____ Prime Minister. 

(a) Niger

(b) Sudan

(c) Mali

(d) Zambia

 

Q6. _____ released Jobs at Your Doorstep report?

(a) IMF

(b) BRICS

(c) World Bank

(d) RBI

 

Q7. Which channel secured the ACC Broadcast rights for 2024-2031 cycle?

(a) Star

(b) Jio

(c) Sony

(d) Amazon Prime

 

Q8. COP 29 in 2024 was held in which country?

(a) Kazan, Russia

(b) Baku, Azerbaijan

(c) Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

(d) Montreal, Canada

 

Q9. The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (UBKUP) is a prestigious award instituted by ____.

(a) Sangeet Natak Akademi

(b) Sahitya Akademi

(c) Ministry of information and broadcasting

(d) None

 

Q10. Guru Tegh Bahadur was the _____ Sikh Guru.

(a) 1st

(b) 4th

(c) 9th

(d) 10th

Answers

S1. Ans. (b)

Sol. The Association of Indian American Minorities (AIAM), a newly launched non-governmental organization awarded Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Global Peace Award for Minority Upliftment to Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.

S2. Ans. (c)

Sol. Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth Sikh Guru, known for his bravery and sacrifice. His Martyrdom Day, also known as Shaheedi Diwas, is observed annually on 24th November to honor his ultimate sacrifice for the rights of others.

S3. Ans. (d)

Sol. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has entered into a significant collaboration with the Australian Space Agency (ASA) to support India’s first crewed spaceflight program, Gaganyaan and signed an Implementation Agreement.

S4. Ans. (d)

Sol. In a groundbreaking initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first modern, self-sufficient gaushala in Laltipara, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

S5. Ans. (c)

Sol. The political landscape of Mali witnessed another significant shift on November 21, 2024, as the ruling military junta announced the dismissal of Prime Minister Choguel Maiga. Replacing him is the junta’s spokesperson, Abdoulaye Maiga.

S6. Ans. (c)

Sol. The World Bank released Jobs at Your Doorstep report, The report aims to analyze the skills gap and align the trades taught in schools with the specific industry needs in local districts.

S7. Ans. (c)

Sol. Sony Sports Networks has secured exclusive broadcast rights for all ACC tournaments from 2024 to 2031.

S8. Ans. (b)

Sol. Conference of Parties 29 (COP29) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

S9. Ans. (a)

Sol. The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (UBKUP) is a prestigious award instituted by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2006 to honor outstanding young performing artists across India.

S10. Ans. (c)

Sol. Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth Sikh Guru. 

 

Which District of Uttar Pradesh is known as the Katehar Region?

In Uttar Pradesh, certain areas are recognized by specific regional names that highlight their historical, geographical, or cultural identity. One such area is the Katehar region, which has a deep connection to the state’s history and development. Below is an exploration of the Katehar region and its association with a particular district.

An Overview of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, in northern India, is the country’s most populated state with over 241 million people, making it more populous than most countries. It covers 243,286 km², making it India’s fourth-largest state. Neighboring states include Rajasthan, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. Lucknow is its capital, and Prayagraj is the judicial capital.

Number of Districts of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has 75 districts, the highest number among all Indian states. For better management, these districts are organized into 18 divisions to make administration easier.

Bijnor, a district in Uttar Pradesh, India, is also known as the Katehar region. Located in the northwest corner of the Moradabad Division, this district is rich in history, nature, and cultural significance. The Ganges River flows along its western side, adding to its scenic beauty.

Why is Bijnor Known as the Katehar Region?

Bijnor is known as the Katehar region due to its historical and geographical significance. The name “Katehar” is believed to have originated from the region’s fertile lands along the Ganges River, ideal for cultivation. Historically, it has been an important cultural and administrative area, contributing to its recognition as Katehar in Uttar Pradesh.

Location of Bijnor

Bijnor is situated in the northwest of Uttar Pradesh, within the Moradabad Division. Historically, this area was part of Rohilkhand, also known as Bareilly. The majestic Ganges River forms the district’s western boundary, making the region fertile and picturesque.

Tourist Attractions in Bijnor

Bijnor is home to many attractions that draw visitors. Some of the popular destinations include:

Vidur

villages, which showcase rural charm and traditions.

  • Additionally, Kuti, a site linked to Mahabharata’s Vidur.
  • Ganj, a peaceful area with scenic beauty.
  • Sikaida and Shakarpuri the district is dotted with ancient temples and ashrams that reflect its spiritual heritage.

Which District of Haryana is Known as Brass City?

Haryana is a state in northern India known for its rich history and industrial growth. One of its districts, Rewari, is famously called the “Brass City” due to its long-standing tradition of brass production. Let’s explore more about this unique identity of Rewari.

An Overview of Haryana

Haryana is a state in northern India, created on November 1, 1966, after splitting from Punjab. It covers 44,212 km², making up less than 1.4% of India’s area. Chandigarh is its shared capital with Punjab, while Faridabad is the largest city. Gurgaon is a major financial and technology hub in the country.

Number of Districts of Haryana

Haryana is divided into 6 administrative divisions and has 22 districts. It includes 72 sub-divisions, 93 tehsils, 50 sub-tehsils, 140 development blocks, 154 cities and towns, 7,356 villages, and 6,222 village panchayats.

Rewari, a district in Haryana, is proudly known as the Brass City of India. Its rich history, traditional craftsmanship, and strategic location make it a significant hub for brass production.

Why is Rewari Known as the Brass City?

Rewari is called the Brass City because of its famous brass industry, which began in 1535 with help from the Portuguese. During King Hemu’s rule, the district became a major producer of brass and copper goods. Skilled artisans in Rewari create high-quality brass items, making it a hub for traditional metalwork even today.

Why is Rewari Famous?

Rewari is famous for its traditional metalwork, particularly brass items. Skilled artisans in the district create high-quality brass products, including utensils, decorative items, and tools, which are popular across the country.

The History of Brass Industry in Rewari

The brass industry in Rewari started around 1535, with significant influence from the Portuguese. During the reign of King Hemu, Rewari flourished as a major center for producing brass and copper goods. Over the years, this industry has remained a defining feature of the district’s identity.

Where is Brass Located?

Rewari is located in the southwest part of Haryana, about 82 kilometers from Delhi. It is surrounded by:

  • Jhajjar, Mohindergarh, and Gurgaon districts to the north, west, and east.
  • Alwar district of Rajasthan lies to the south.

This strategic location has helped Rewari connect with nearby regions and markets.

Govt Should Include Coking Coal in Critical Minerals List: NITI Aayog

The NITI Aayog has recommended adding coking coal to India’s critical minerals list, emphasizing its importance in steel production and infrastructure development. This aligns with global trends, such as the European Union’s declaration of coking coal as a critical raw material. India’s heavy reliance on imports (85% of its coking coal) underscores the need to enhance domestic production.

The report “Enhancing Domestic Coking Coal Availability to Reduce the Import of Coking Coal” advocates for policy changes to leverage India’s 16.5 billion tonnes of medium coking coal reserves and achieve self-reliance while adhering to Net Zero commitments by 2070.

Key Recommendations: Domestic Utilization and Import Reduction

Importance for Steel and Economy: Coking coal constitutes 42% of steel production costs, which is crucial for infrastructure and job creation. Despite having 5.13 BT of prime coking coal reserves, India imported 58 MT of coking coal worth ₹1.5 lakh crore in FY 2023-24.

Policy Interventions: Suggested amendments to the Coal Bearing Areas (CBA) Act, 1957, will enable PPP-mode entities to retain lease rights, incentivizing private investment.

Improving Washeries: Public-sector washeries have low capacity utilization (32%) and clean coal yields (35-36%), compared to private washeries with 75% capacity utilization. The government should allow joint ventures to sell washeries’ byproducts to lower clean coal costs.

Global Context and Strategic Implications

The EU’s inclusion of coking coal in its critical raw materials list, alongside green energy minerals like lithium and cobalt, underscores its strategic value. India’s high import dependence makes domestic production imperative to ensure energy security and reduce steel production costs.

Summery of the news

Key Aspect Details
Why in News NITI Aayog recommends adding coking coal to India’s critical minerals list due to 85% import dependence, ₹1.5 lakh crore import cost in FY 2023-24, and significant reserves (16.5 BT medium coking coal).
Coking Coal Reserves in India 16.5 billion tonnes (medium coking coal) and 5.13 billion tonnes (prime coking coal).
Import Dependency 85% of India’s coking coal demand is met through imports.
Key Cost Driver Coking coal constitutes 42% of steel production costs.
Public vs. Private Washeries Public washeries operate at 32% capacity, with clean coal yields of 35-36%; private washeries perform at 75%.
Amendments Suggested Amend Coal Bearing Areas (CBA) Act, 1957, to enable private participation via PPP while retaining lease rights.
EU Context European Union includes coking coal as a critical raw material alongside 29 other minerals like lithium, cobalt.
Report Name “Enhancing Domestic Coking Coal Availability to Reduce the Import of Coking Coal”.
Capacity Utilization (PSUs) PSU washeries’ capacity utilization was below 32% in FY 2022-23.
FY 2023-24 Import Volume Integrated Steel Plants imported 58 MT of coking coal.
Byproducts Sale Proposal Allow JV companies to sell washeries’ byproducts to reduce clean coal costs.

UK and India to Relaunch FTA Talks in Early 2025: Strengthening Bilateral Ties

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the resumption of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with India, set to restart in early 2025. This decision follows a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where both leaders emphasized strengthening their strategic partnership, which covers key sectors such as security, defense, technology, climate, health, and education. The bilateral trade between the two countries stands at GBP 42 billion annually.

Key Developments in UK-India Trade Talks

Bilateral Agreement on FTA Talks Resumption: The resumption of the FTA negotiations is a significant step in the trade relations between the two nations, following a pause due to elections in both countries. The talks will pick up from the progress made in the 14th round of discussions.

Strategic Partnership and Economic Growth: Both leaders agreed to raise the ambitions of their comprehensive strategic partnership. Starmer highlighted that boosting economic growth through the FTA would improve living standards and create more job opportunities, benefiting the UK’s economy.

Negotiation Background: India and the UK began FTA talks in January 2022. The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) has stated that a substantial number of chapters have already been discussed, and both sides aim to close the deal by addressing the remaining gaps.

FTA’s Importance for Both Nations

Economic Potential: India is the fifth-largest economy globally and a crucial trade partner for the UK. Both countries believe a successful trade deal will benefit their economies.

Past and Present Transition: While the FTA negotiations started under the Conservative government in the UK, they are now being pursued by the Labour-led administration. The shift reflects a continued commitment to strengthening the trade ties between the two nations.

Summery of the news

Why in News Key Points
FTA talks to relaunch UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the resumption of FTA negotiations with India, scheduled for early 2025.
Meeting between leaders The resumption follows a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing bilateral trade and strategic ties.
Bilateral trade value Bilateral trade between the UK and India is valued at GBP 42 billion annually.
Strategic partnership The FTA discussions aim to enhance cooperation in sectors such as security, defense, technology, climate, health, and education.
Paused negotiations FTA talks were paused during the 14th round due to elections in both countries, but the Labour-led UK government continues the negotiations.
Previous negotiations India and the UK began FTA negotiations in January 2022, with 13 rounds of talks already held.
UK India Business Council (UKIBC) The UKIBC has provided advisory support during the FTA negotiations, engaging with both governments.
India’s economy ranking India is the fifth-largest economy in the world and a vital trading partner for the UK.
Key UK Figures UK Prime Minister: Keir Starmer, UK Business and Trade Secretary: Jonathan Reynolds, Indian Prime Minister: Narendra Modi.

COP29 Tourism Sector Gains Global Support for Climate Action

COP29 marked a significant milestone in global efforts to address climate change within the tourism sector. For the first time in history, Tourism Day was held at the summit, featuring the First Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism. Over 50 countries backed a historic declaration to drive climate action within the tourism industry, acknowledging the sector’s impact on global greenhouse gas emissions while recognizing its potential to promote climate adaptation and regeneration strategies.

Key Points

Tourism Day at COP29

  • A historic first at COP29, dedicated to addressing tourism’s role in climate change.
  • The First Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism focused on aligning tourism policy with national climate goals.
  • Over 700 stakeholders participated in the Tourism Day events, including government officials, private sector leaders, and climate experts.

Commitment from 50+ Countries

  • More than 50 countries endorsed the COP29 Declaration for Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism.
  • Governments united to position tourism as a key sector in global climate action, emphasizing both its impact and potential for positive change.

High-Level Participation

  • The First Ministerial was chaired by Mr. Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, with participation from COP29 President H.E. Mr. Mukhtar Babayev and representatives from UN Tourism, UNEP, and UNFCCC.
  • Key Ministers of Tourism from UAE, Brazil, Costa Rica, and other countries were involved in high-level discussions on climate action.

Tourism’s Impact and Responsibility

  • UN Tourism and UNEP highlighted that tourism accounts for 8.8% of global emissions, including both direct and indirect emissions.
  • The sector’s impact on climate change is significant, but its role in fostering climate adaptation and regeneration strategies is also recognized.

Science-Based Approach to Climate Action

  • A science-based approach was emphasized, using advanced research from the University of Queensland to understand the scale of tourism’s emissions.
  • The UN Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism was presented as a key tool for advancing climate action in the sector.

Key Areas of Focus

  • Measurement: Discussions covered carbon measurement at global, country, business, and product labeling levels.
  • Decarbonization & Adaptation: Key strategies include decarbonizing the sector and fostering climate adaptation and regeneration through innovation and scalable financing mechanisms.
  • Collaboration: Collaboration among governments, businesses, and stakeholders is crucial for effective climate action and achieving sustainability goals.

Glasgow Declaration Initiative

  • Over 900 signatories to the Glasgow Declaration have developed 370+ climate action plans, with 74% of plans focused on measurement and 92% including decarbonization actions.
  • New signatories, including Destination Canada and the Department for Tourism in Samarkand Region (Uzbekistan), were added during COP29.

Future Steps and Partnerships

  • A Letter of Intent was signed between UN Tourism and the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan to create a global coordination mechanism for climate-resilient tourism development.
  • The partnership will continue efforts leading up to COP30 in Belem, Brazil in 2025, ensuring the tourism sector’s transition to a low-carbon, sustainable, and resilient future.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? COP29 Tourism Sector Gains Global Support for Climate Action
Date/Location COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan
Purpose To address climate action in the tourism sector, recognize its impacts, and explore adaptation strategies
Key Participation Over 700 stakeholders, including government leaders, private sector representatives, and climate experts
Commitment from Countries 52 governments signed the COP29 Declaration for Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism
Tourism’s Impact on Climate Tourism contributes to 8.8% of global emissions (direct and indirect)
Tourism’s Potential for Positive Change Focus on tourism’s role in climate adaptation and regeneration

Bali Celebrates Hindu Festival of Gratitude

Bali is home to a rich cultural heritage that blends Hindu philosophy, local animist traditions, and Buddhist influences. One of the most important cultural events in Bali is the Ngusaba Goreng, a two-week-long Thanksgiving festival celebrating a rich harvest. Central to the festival are sacred dances like Rejang Dewa and Rejang Pucuk, which are performed by girls who have not yet reached puberty. These rituals embody the deep spiritual connection between the Balinese people, their heritage, and the divine.

Ngusaba Goreng Festival

  • A two-week-long thanksgiving celebration for a rich harvest.
  • “Ngusaba” translates to the “gathering of gods and goddesses.”
  • A central feature of Balinese Hinduism, which blends Hindu philosophy with local animist and Buddhist traditions.

Rejang Dewa and Rejang Pucuk

  • Rejang Dewa: A sacred dance performed during specific religious occasions.
  • Rejang Pucuk: Another important form of Rejang, celebrated on a separate day.
  • Both dances are reserved for girls who have not yet reached puberty, believed to symbolize purity.

Role of Young Girls

  • Only pre-pubescent girls, such as Ketut Nita Wahyuni, are chosen to perform these dances.
  • The belief is that the girls are “pure” and thus capable of offering the dance as a form of devotion to the gods.
  • Participation begins when the girl loses her first tooth, marking the beginning of her role in religious rituals.

Cultural Significance

  • The dances are considered a spiritual offering to the gods and an essential part of Balinese religious life.
  • Young girls, like Wahyuni, play a vital role in preserving the community’s customs and linking the present generation with past traditions.

Family Involvement

  • Wahyuni’s father, Nyoman Subrata, is the traditional chief of Geriana Kauh village and takes pride in his daughter’s participation.
  • The rituals are a family affair, with mothers like Kadek Krisni preparing headdresses and flowers, as well as guiding their daughters through the ceremony.
  • Krisni herself recalls performing similar rituals during her childhood, underscoring the family’s ongoing commitment to these sacred practices.

Balinese Hinduism

  • Balinese Hinduism plays a central role in these rituals, incorporating local beliefs alongside influences from Indian Hinduism and Buddhism.
  • The faith is deeply rooted in community and spiritual connection, with rituals designed to maintain harmony between the people and their gods.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? Bali Celebrates Hindu Festival of Gratitude
Event Ngusaba Goreng Festival
Purpose A thanksgiving festival for a rich harvest, honoring gods and goddesses
Key Dances Rejang Dewa and Rejang Pucuk
Eligibility for Dancers Performed by girls who have not reached puberty, symbolizing purity
Belief Girls are considered pure to offer the dance as a form of devotion to the gods
Cultural Significance The dances are a vital part of Balinese Hinduism, blending local animist and Buddhist influences
Balinese Hinduism Combines Hindu philosophy, local animist traditions, and some Buddhist influence