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

PM Modi Receives Highest Honors from Guyana and Dominica

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred prestigious awards by Guyana and Dominica in recognition of his significant contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as his efforts in strengthening international ties, especially between India and these Caribbean nations. These awards highlight the deepening diplomatic relations and the global recognition of Modi’s leadership in global health, climate resilience, and development cooperation.

Guyana’s ‘The Order of Excellence’ Award

PM Modi was awarded ‘The Order of Excellence,’ Guyana’s highest honor, by President Irfaan Ali.
The award acknowledges his exceptional contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his global leadership.
Modi dedicated the honor to the people of India, highlighting the long-standing ties between India and Guyana.
The award emphasizes the strengthening of India-Guyana relations, with Modi’s visit seen as a testament to India’s commitment to these ties.

Dominica’s ‘Award of Honour’

Modi was also conferred the ‘Dominica Award of Honour’ by President Sylvanie Burton of Dominica.
The award recognizes Modi’s leadership and India’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the provision of 70,000 AstraZeneca vaccines to Dominica.
Modi dedicated the award to the people of India and emphasized the unbreakable bond between India and Dominica, especially in times of crisis.
Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit praised Modi for his global partnership and South-South collaboration, recognizing the enduring legacy of his leadership.

Recognition of Global Leadership

Both awards highlight Modi’s statesmanship, resilience in the face of global challenges, and commitment to human solidarity.
Modi’s actions during the pandemic, particularly the provision of vaccines and other forms of support, are central to the recognition by both nations.
The awards reflect shared values between India, Guyana, and Dominica, such as democracy, resilience, and unity in addressing global issues like climate change and sustainable development.

Future Implications

These awards underscore the growing influence of India in global diplomacy, particularly in the Caribbean and South-South cooperation.
Modi’s contributions to healthcare, education, and climate resilience have strengthened India’s global standing and bilateral ties with these nations.

Upcoming Recognition

Barbados is set to confer its top award on Modi, bringing his international awards tally to 19.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred prestigious awards by Guyana and Dominica
Guyana – The Order of Excellence	Conferred By – President Irfaan Ali Key Contributions Recognized – Recognizes PM Modi’s exceptional service to the global community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and efforts in strengthening India-Guyana relations. PM Modi’s Remarks – Modi dedicated the award to the people of India, emphasized the historical ties, and highlighted India’s continued commitment to deepening India-Guyana relations.
Dominica – The Award of Honour	Conferred By – President Sylvanie Burton Key Contributions Recognized – Recognizes PM Modi’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, including India’s support in providing vaccines to Dominica, and his role in promoting climate resilience. PM Modi’s Remarks – Modi dedicated the award to India and emphasized the unbreakable bond between India and Dominica. He also acknowledged the importance of South-South collaboration in tackling global challenges.

Which District of Haryana is Known as Milk City?

India is home to many cities that are uniquely recognized for their culture, history, or industries. These cities often earn special titles based on their contributions or distinctive features. From rich traditions to modern advancements, these titles reflect the diversity and essence of India’s urban landscape, making each city stand out in its own way. In this article, we will know about the district of Haryana which is known as the “Milk City.”

An Overview of Haryana

Haryana is a state in northern India, formed on November 1, 1966, after Punjab was reorganized. It covers 1.4% of India’s land area, with a size of 44,212 km². The capital is Chandigarh, shared with Punjab. Faridabad is the largest city, and Gurgaon is a major financial and tech hub.

Number Of Districts of Haryana

Haryana is divided into 6 regions, with 22 districts, 72 sub-divisions, 93 tehsils, 50 sub-tehsils, 140 development blocks, 154 cities and towns, 7,356 villages, and 6,222 village councils.

Jind, a district in central Haryana, is famous for its large milk production. It’s called the “Milk City” because of its importance in dairy farming and milk processing in the region. The district plays a key role in Haryana’s milk industry.

Why is Jind Known as the Milk City?

Jind is known as the Milk City because it plays a major role in milk production in Haryana. About 90% of its residents own cows and buffaloes, contributing to the area’s dairy industry. Jind is home to a large milk plant and cattle feed plant, making it a key center for milk processing and distribution in the state.

Location of Jind

Jind is located in central Haryana and is one of the oldest districts in the state. It is well-connected to other important towns and cities in Haryana.

Attractions in Jind

Jind has several attractions that attract visitors. Some of the well-known sites include:

Rani Talab: A beautiful pond surrounded by historical significance.
Pandu-Pidara: An ancient site related to the Mahabharata.
Ramrai: Another religious place of importance, known for its temples.

Milk Production in Jind

Jind is known for its milk production, with about 90% of the people in the district owning cows and buffaloes. The region is home to several milk plants, including a major milk processing plant. This contributes significantly to Haryana’s position as a leading milk-producing state.

Milk Plants in Haryana

Besides Jind, other major milk plants in Haryana are located in Hisar, Bhiwani, Ambala, Rohtak, and Ballabhgarh. Together, these areas contribute to Haryana’s reputation as a major dairy producer in India.

HMJS Launches “Bhu-Neer” Portal for Groundwater Permits

Shri C.R. Paatil, the Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti, digitally launched the “Bhu-Neer” portal during the concluding ceremony of India Water Week 2024. The portal, developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), aims to improve groundwater regulation in India. The initiative aligns with the Government’s focus on transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in groundwater management.

Key Features of the “Bhu-Neer” Portal

Developed by CGWA & NIC

Created to streamline the regulation of groundwater extraction across India.
Aims to simplify processes for project proponents seeking groundwater withdrawal permits.

One-Stop Platform for Groundwater Regulation

Centralized database for managing and regulating groundwater resources.
Provides access to key information regarding groundwater compliance, policies, and sustainable practices.
Facilitates transparency and efficiency in groundwater management.

User-Friendly Interface

Simplified features such as a PAN-based single ID system.

Provides NOC (No Objection Certificate) with a QR code for easy verification.
Easy-to-navigate design for smoother user interaction and quicker access to groundwater regulation information.

Streamlined Permit Process

Aimed at improving the efficiency of obtaining groundwater withdrawal permits.
The platform enables tracking of application status, making it easier for users to follow up.
Alignment with PM’s Vision of Ease of Doing Business
The launch is part of efforts to make regulatory processes more transparent, efficient, and faceless, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of Ease of Doing Business.

Public Availability

The “Bhu-Neer” portal is now live for all project proponents to access.
It provides a platform for clarifications, payment of statutory charges, and tracking applications related to groundwater withdrawal.

Impact of the Portal

Increased Transparency

By centralizing data and simplifying the regulatory process, “Bhu-Neer” ensures more accessible and transparent groundwater usage practices.

Boost to Sustainability

The portal encourages the implementation of sustainable groundwater extraction practices, helping protect this vital resource for future generations.

Improved Regulatory Efficiency

The digital platform reduces manual intervention, streamlining groundwater management processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

Supports National and State Regulations

The portal ensures adherence to national and state-level regulations regarding groundwater extraction.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	The Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti, digitally launched the “Bhu-Neer” portal
Developed By	Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) & National Informatics Centre (NIC)
Purpose	To improve groundwater regulation, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and sustainability.
Target Users	Project proponents seeking groundwater withdrawal permits.
Key Features	– PAN-based single ID system – NOC with QR code – Simplified, user-friendly interface
Main Objective	To streamline the groundwater withdrawal permit process and improve ease of doing business.
Impact on Groundwater Use	– Increases transparency – Promotes sustainable practices – Facilitates tracking of applications
Public Accessibility	The portal is now live for public use, offering services like application tracking, payment of charges, and clarifications.
Government Vision	Aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Ease of Doing Business” by making regulatory processes seamless.
Regulatory Focus	Provides information on groundwater compliance, policies, and regulations at the state and national levels.

Justice D. Krishnakumar Takes Office as Chief Justice of Manipur HC

On November 20, 2024, the Central Government, via the Ministry of Law and Justice, notified the appointment of Justice D. Krishnakumar from the Madras High Court as the new Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur. This decision follows the superannuation of Justice Siddharth Mridul, the current Chief Justice of Manipur HC. The appointment was made following recommendations by the Supreme Court Collegium, which emphasized Justice Krishnakumar’s legal acumen and integrity.

Key Points

Appointment Notification

Justice D. Krishnakumar appointed as Chief Justice of Manipur High Court.
The appointment follows the retirement of Justice Siddharth Mridul, effective November 21, 2024.

Supreme Court Collegium’s Role

The recommendation for his appointment was made on November 18, 2024, by the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv Khanna.
The Collegium considered the candidate’s competence, legal acumen, integrity, and the current lack of Chief Justices from the Madras High Court in the list of High Court Chief Justices.

Professional Background of Justice Krishnakumar

Prior to his elevation, Justice Krishnakumar was a practicing advocate specializing in civil, constitutional, and service matters, particularly constitutional law, at the Madras High Court.
His career highlights include his extensive legal experience and notable reputation for integrity.

Collegium’s Evaluation

The Collegium praised Justice Krishnakumar’s competence, integrity, and experience, leading to the recommendation for his elevation.
His appointment is viewed as a recognition of the legal expertise from the Madras High Court.

Impact on Manipur High Court

Justice Krishnakumar will assume charge as Chief Justice following the retirement of Justice Siddharth Mridul.
His leadership is expected to bring a strong judicial perspective to the High Court of Manipur.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Centre Notifies appointment of Justice D Krishnakumar, as Chief Justice of Manipur High Court
Appointment	Justice D. Krishnakumar appointed as Chief Justice of Manipur High Court.
Effective Date	From the date he assumes office, after Justice Siddharth Mridul’s retirement on 21st November 2024.
Supreme Court Collegium	Recommended by the Collegium on November 18, 2024, led by Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna.
Background of Justice Krishnakumar	Previously a Judge at Madras High Court with expertise in civil, constitutional, and service matters.

India Launches First AI Data Bank to Boost Security and Innovation

India has launched its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Bank, a landmark initiative to foster innovation and enhance national security. Announced by Union Minister Jitendra Singh at the 7th ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024, this step is part of India’s broader strategy to leverage AI for economic growth and governance. The initiative aims to provide researchers, startups, and developers with access to high-quality datasets for creating scalable AI solutions, positioning AI as a key enabler for sectors such as healthcare, space exploration, and national security.

Strategic AI Roadmap for India’s Future Development

AI is becoming a core element in India’s long-term development strategy. The government has actively integrated AI into critical sectors such as governance, business, education, and healthcare. Minister Jitendra Singh emphasized AI’s potential to drive growth while addressing issues like climate change, disaster management, and public service delivery. This is a continuation of India’s ongoing efforts to make AI a national priority, dating back to the National Strategy for AI launched earlier to focus on innovation, ethical governance, and global collaboration.

National Security: AI Data Bank’s Crucial Role

The AI Data Bank is designed to enhance national security by enabling real-time analytics of satellite, drone, and Internet of Things (IoT) data. This initiative aligns with the nation’s goals of using AI for predictive analytics in cybersecurity and disaster management. By facilitating access to diverse and high-quality datasets, the data bank will accelerate the development of AI solutions that can contribute to safeguarding India’s borders and infrastructure.

Commitment to Responsible and Transparent AI Use

Union Minister Jitendra Singh stressed the need for responsible AI use, underscoring the importance of handling AI technology optimally while ensuring fairness and transparency. He reiterated India’s commitment to addressing issues like algorithmic bias and data privacy through robust governance frameworks. Singh also emphasized that AI should empower citizens and bridge divides, not replace them. The event reinforced India’s vision to lead global AI development by 2047, fostering responsible and inclusive AI integration.

Global Collaboration and Ethical AI Framework

The event highlighted the importance of global collaboration and ethical AI adoption. Dr. Singh called for India’s active participation in international platforms, including the UN and G20, to help shape a rules-based AI framework. This ongoing commitment to ethical governance and innovation positions India as a key player in the global AI ecosystem.

Summery of the news

Why in News	Details
Launch of India’s First AI Data Bank (2024)	India’s first AI Data Bank was launched by Union Minister Jitendra Singh at the 7th ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024 to foster innovation and national security.
Key Minister Involved	Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science and Technology (Independent Charge)
Event	7th Edition of ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024
Theme of the Event	“AI for India: Advancing India’s AI Development – Innovation, Ethics, and Governance”
Objective of AI Data Bank	To provide high-quality, diverse datasets to researchers, startups, and developers for creating scalable AI solutions.
Impact Areas of AI	Governance, business, healthcare, education, space exploration, national security, climate change, disaster management, cybersecurity
Technological Focus	AI-driven real-time analytics of satellite, drone, and IoT data for enhancing national security.
Government’s Focus	Developing AI systems with transparent and fair governance, addressing algorithmic bias and data privacy.
India’s AI Strategy	India’s National Strategy for AI focuses on innovation, ethical governance, and global collaboration.
Global AI Participation	India aims to participate actively in global platforms like the United Nations and G20 for promoting a rules-based AI framework.
AI’s Role in National Security	AI used for real-time data analytics in satellite, drone, and IoT sectors to boost national security and disaster management.
Minister’s Vision for AI	By 2047, India aims to become a global AI leader with a responsible and inclusive approach to AI development.
Key Objective for AI	AI must bridge divides, empower citizens, and ensure equitable access to the benefits of AI without replacing human jobs.
Data Utilization	AI Data Bank to aid in predictive analytics for cybersecurity and disaster management.
AI Empowerment for Citizens	Ensuring equitable access to AI technology for all citizens, addressing challenges like algorithmic bias and data privacy.
India’s Government Strategy	Fostering partnerships between academia, private enterprises, and startups to drive AI applications in critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and space exploration.

India Defends Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Title with 1-0 Win Over China

India’s Women’s Hockey Team successfully defended their title at the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, defeating China 1-0 in the final. The victory marked India’s third ACT title, showcasing their dominance in the tournament’s history alongside South Korea. Deepika’s stunning reverse-hit goal in the 31st minute was the difference, securing India’s back-to-back championship win.

India’s Impressive Journey to Victory

India’s path to the final wasn’t without challenges. Despite a lackluster semifinal performance, the team upped their game when it mattered most. In the final, both teams were closely matched, with solid defensive performances. Deepika, the tournament’s top scorer, played a pivotal role once again, scoring the decisive goal from a penalty corner in the 31st minute. Her skill and composure on the ball proved crucial in a high-pressure match.

Key Moments in the Final

First Half: Both teams made strong offensive moves, but India’s defense, led by young Sunelita Toppo, stood firm. China had the first penalty corner but India’s goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam made an excellent save to deny them.

Second Half: India maintained the pressure and converted a penalty corner in the 31st minute. Despite a penalty stroke opportunity for Deepika in the 42nd minute, China’s goalkeeper Li Ting made crucial saves to keep them in the game.

India’s Consistency and Legacy

With this win, India continued their legacy as the most successful team in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, having won titles in 2016, 2023, and 2024. The final victory over China is a testament to India’s resilience and growth in women’s hockey, reinforcing their status as a powerhouse in the sport.

Summery of the news

Why in News	Key Points
India wins Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024	India defeated China 1-0 in the final to defend their title.
Highest goal scorer	Deepika scored 11 goals, including the match-winner in the final.
India’s title history	India won their third Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, after previous wins in 2016 and 2023.
China’s performance	China finished as runners-up, marking their third runner-up finish in the tournament.
Third-place match	Japan defeated Malaysia 4-1 to claim third place.
Final match details	Deepika’s 31st-minute goal secured India’s victory.
India’s defensive performance	Solid defensive display, with Bichu Devi Kharibam making key saves.
Penalty corner conversion issue	India struggled with penalty corners throughout the tournament, despite creating multiple opportunities.

Iraq Conducts First National Census in 40 Years

Iraq is conducting its first nationwide census since 1987, under Saddam Hussein’s regime, with a significant operation involving 120,000 researchers. This extensive demographic survey, scheduled over two days, will collect data from households across all 18 governorates of the country. To facilitate the process, the Ministry of Interior has imposed a two-day curfew.

Introduction

Purpose: The census aims to modernize Iraq’s data collection system, assist in future development planning, and provide a comprehensive view of Iraq’s demographic, social, and economic landscape.
Historical Context: The last nationwide census was conducted in 1987, and a subsequent census in 1997 excluded the Kurdish region.

Key Features of the Census

Start Date: November 2024

Technology Use: Advanced technologies will be employed to gather and analyze data for the first time.

Scope: Approximately 120,000 census workers will survey households across Iraq, covering 160 housing units each over two days.

Methodology:

The census will use the “de jure” method, counting people in their current areas of residence (not their original homes if displaced).
Exclusion: Iraqis living abroad or those displaced to other countries will not be counted.

Political and Regional Sensitivities

Disputed Areas: The census will be conducted in disputed regions like Kirkuk, Diyala, and Mosul, which have tensions between the central government and the semi-autonomous Kurdish region.
Inclusive Approach: To ensure fairness, census workers will include representatives from major ethnic groups: Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, and Christians.
Government Cooperation: Agreements have been made with the central government and Kurdish officials to conduct the census impartially.

Ethnicity and Sectarian Identity

Exclusion of Ethnic/Sectarian Questions: The federal court ordered the removal of questions about ethnicity and sectarian affiliation to avoid exacerbating tensions.
Focus on Religious Categories: The census will focus on broad religious categories such as Muslim and Christian.

Implications for Iraq

Resource Allocation

The census will provide updated data to guide decisions on resource distribution, budget allocations, and infrastructure development.
The Kurdish region’s budget share (currently 12%) will be clarified, based on the actual population figures.

Political Influence

Minority groups fear a decline in their political influence and economic benefits if their numbers are documented as smaller.
The census is expected to have significant political and economic implications, affecting decisions on resource distribution, public services, and future political representation.

Impact on Future Planning

The census will help the government plan for post-conflict reconstruction and resource allocation, especially for regions impacted by war.
It will also offer insight into public employee numbers, especially in the Kurdish region.

Security and Monitoring

Curfew: The Interior Ministry imposed a nationwide curfew during the census to ensure security and order during the data collection.
International Monitoring: The census will be monitored by international observers to assess the quality and accuracy of the data collection process.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Iraq’s first nationwide population census in nearly four decades
Purpose	Modernize data collection, influence resource distribution, budget allocation, and development planning
Census Method	“De jure” method, counting people in their current residence, not original communities; excludes Iraqis abroad or displaced abroad
Technological Advancement	Use of advanced technologies to gather and analyze data
Staffing	120,000 census workers surveying households across the country, with each worker covering ~160 units
Curfew	Nationwide curfew imposed to ensure smooth census process, with exceptions for humanitarian cases

Shivangi Desai Crowned Miss Charm India 2024

Shivangi Desai, a 22-year-old final-year law student at the Indian Law School (ILS) Pune, has made India proud by winning the prestigious Miss Charm India 2024 title. Representing India at Miss Charm 2024 in Vietnam this December, Shivangi’s journey showcases a blend of intellect, beauty, and resilience. From a young age, she has excelled in academics, pageantry, and cultural promotion, cementing her position as a role model for young aspirants.

Early Achievements and Pageant Success

Shivangi’s passion for pageantry started at 16, winning the May Queen title at the RSI Army Institute in Pune in 2018. This victory led to numerous accolades, including Miss Teen India North at Miss Teen Diva, Miss NDA, and 1st Runner-Up at Miss Universe Gujarat. Her early successes laid the foundation for her win at Miss Charm India 2024.

Shaped by an Armed Forces Legacy

Having lived in ten different schools across India due to her father’s transferable job in the Indian Navy, Shivangi developed resilience, adaptability, and discipline, qualities that have shaped her career both in academics and pageantry. Her diverse experiences reflect the strength of her Armed Forces background, which continues to influence her journey.

Passion for Culture and Heritage

Shivangi is committed to promoting India’s tourism and heritage. She authored a book, Beyond the Usual, highlighting India’s hidden tourism gems. Her passion for culture aligns seamlessly with her aspirations on the global stage, where she will represent India’s rich legacy.

Academic Excellence and Legal Ambitions

Apart from her beauty pageant career, Shivangi is a top-performing law student. She has excelled in national and state-level moot court competitions, completed internships with top law firms like Trilegal and Khaitan & Co., and authored research papers. She aspires to become a leading Fashion, Sports, and Entertainment lawyer, showcasing her academic prowess alongside her pageant success.

Mentorship and Preparation

Shivangi’s preparation for Miss Charm India 2024 was guided by the expertise of Pageant Coach Ritika Ramtri and the Glamanand Supermodel India team. Their mentorship helped refine her skills and contributed to her success in the competition.

A Bright Future Ahead

Shivangi Desai’s journey reflects the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose. With her remarkable achievements in both academics and pageantry, she is poised to leave a lasting impact on the global stage, representing India with grace, intelligence, and charm at Miss Charm 2024.

Summery of the news

Why in News	Key Points
Shivangi Desai Crowned Miss Charm India 2024	22-year-old law student from ILS Pune wins Miss Charm India 2024. Representing India at Miss Charm 2024 in Vietnam.
Event Location	Miss Charm 2024 to be held in Vietnam.
Education	Final-year law student at Indian Law School (ILS) Pune.
Book	Authored “Beyond the Usual”, exploring India’s hidden tourism gems.
Early Achievement	Won May Queen title in 2018 at RSI Army Institute in Pune.
Other Titles	Won Miss Teen India North at Miss Teen Diva, Miss NDA, and 1st Runner-Up at Miss Universe Gujarat.
Mentorship	Guided by Ritika Ramtri, Pageant Coach at The Tiara, and Glamanand Supermodel India team.
Career Aspirations	Aspires to be a Fashion, Sports, and Entertainment lawyer.
Academic Achievements	Won national and state-level moot court competitions, authored research papers, and interned at Trilegal and Khaitan & Co..
Family Background	Daughter of an Indian Naval Officer and a doctor.
Hometown	From Pune, Maharashtra.

Which Indian State is Known as the Land of Lord Jagannath?

India is home to many spiritual and cultural traditions, with each state having its unique identity. Among them, one state is famously known as the Land of Lord Jagannath. This state is Odisha, which holds a special place in Indian spirituality and history. Let us explore more about this state and its deep connection with Lord Jagannath.

Indian States and Union Territories

India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories. States have their own governments, while Union Territories are directly governed by the Central Government. Each state and territory has its unique culture, language, and traditions, making India a diverse and vibrant country.

The Indian state of Odisha is famously called the “Land of Lord Jagannath.” This name comes from its deep connection to Lord Jagannath, a revered deity in Hinduism. Odisha’s culture, history, and festivals revolve significantly around this divine figure.

Why is Odisha Known as the Land of Lord Jagannath?

Odisha is called the Land of Lord Jagannath because it is home to the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, a major Hindu pilgrimage site. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an important deity. Odisha’s annual Ratha Yatra festival further highlights its deep cultural and spiritual connection to Lord Jagannath.

What is Odisha Known for?

Odisha is known for its:

Ancient Hindu temples that showcase stunning architecture.
Tribal cultures that add to its rich heritage.
Beautiful coastline with serene beaches.

The capital city of Odisha is Bhubaneswar, often referred to as the “Temple City of India.”

The Famous Jagannath Temple

One of the most significant landmarks in Odisha is the Jagannath Temple in Puri. This ancient temple is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus.

The temple stands over 200 feet tall and is an excellent example of Kalinga architecture.
It holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees who visit it every year.

The Grand Rath Yatra Festival

Odisha is famous worldwide for the annual Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival), held in June or July.

During the festival, the image of Lord Jagannath is taken out of the temple and placed on a giant chariot.
Devotees pull this chariot to the Gundicha Temple, where the deity stays for eight days.
The event attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from across the globe, making it a vibrant and spiritual celebration.

Nandan Kumar Jha Elected President of International Mind Sports Association (IMSA)

India’s Nandan Kumar Jha has been appointed as the new president of the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), an organization dedicated to the governance and promotion of mind sports globally. This significant announcement was made during the IMSA’s annual general assembly held in Sao Paulo, Brazil. With a mission to integrate mind sports like chess, esports, and bridge into the mainstream sports community, Jha’s appointment marks a historic moment for India’s growing influence in the field of intellectual games.

Key Highlights of Jha’s Appointment

Election Details: Nandan Kumar Jha was chosen during IMSA’s annual general assembly in Brazil, with his nomination being proposed by the World Draughts Federation.

IMSA’s Role and Reach: With over 200 member countries, IMSA works closely with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other global sports federations to promote mind sports.

Sports Represented: The organization oversees nine mind sports, including chess, draughts, esports, poker, go, and bridge.

Jha’s Vision for Mind Sports

Jha expressed a strong desire to make mind sports more inclusive and accessible, aiming to inspire millions globally to engage in these disciplines for both personal and collective growth. His leadership, along with his passion for intellectual games, aligns perfectly with IMSA’s broader goals of empowering communities worldwide through the cognitive and cultural benefits of mind sports.

Impact and Future Outlook

Jha’s appointment is seen as a critical step in enhancing the global presence of mind sports. IMSA’s CEO Geoffrey Borg highlighted Jha’s ability to lead impactful initiatives, emphasizing the importance of making these sports more accessible and widespread.

Summery of the news

Why in News	Key Points
Nandan Kumar Jha elected president of IMSA	Name: Nandan Kumar Jha Position: President of the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) Date of Election: 2024 Location of Announcement: Sao Paulo, Brazil Nominated By: World Draughts Federation
IMSA Overview	Founded: N/A Members: Over 200 countries Associated Sports: Chess, Draughts, Esports, Poker, Go, Bridge, etc. Primary Goal: To integrate mind sports into mainstream global sports
IMSA Collaborations	Collaborates with: International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other global sports federations
Jha’s Vision	Goal: To make mind sports more inclusive and accessible globally for personal and collective growth
IMSA CEO Quote	CEO: Geoffrey Borg Quote: “Jha’s proven leadership and passion for intellectual games resonate with IMSA’s mission.”