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

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

Which District of Uttar Pradesh is Known as the Kahetar 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

Which Indian State is Known as the Breadbasket of India?

India’s states are known for their unique identities based on culture, geography, or contributions to the country. Each state holds a special place, celebrated for its natural beauty, agricultural strength, historical importance, or industrial power. These identities highlight the diversity and richness of India’s heritage and contributions to the nation’s growth and development. In this article, we will know about the Indian state which is known as the “Breadbasket of India.”

Indian States and Union Territories

India has 28 states and 8 union territories, each with its own government and culture. States have more powers and elected governments, while union territories are governed by the central government, sometimes with local councils. Together, they form a diverse and vibrant nation.

India’s “Breadbasket” refers to the state of Punjab, which plays a significant role in feeding the country. Known as the “Granary of India,” Punjab is a leader in agricultural production. Interestingly, Haryana also holds a special place in India’s wheat production.

Which is Punjab Known as the Breadbasket of India?

Punjab is called the “breadbasket” because of its fertile land and massive wheat production. The region’s rich soil and ample water supply from five tributaries of the Indus River make it ideal for farming. This natural advantage has helped Punjab grow not only wheat but also rice, sugarcane, cotton, fruits, and vegetables.

Crops of Punjab

Punjab is best known for producing wheat, which is a staple food in India. The fertile fields of Punjab ensure a high yield of this essential crop. Along with wheat, the state contributes significantly to rice production, making it a major source of food grains for India.

Contribution to India’s Food Security

Punjab’s high productivity in agriculture supports India in feeding its large and growing population. It plays a key role in ensuring the country has enough food to meet its needs, especially during times of shortage.

Haryana’s Role as a Breadbasket

Haryana, a neighboring state of Punjab, is also sometimes called a “breadbasket.” It contributes about 9% of India’s total wheat production. Haryana’s agricultural success adds to India’s overall food supply and strengthens the country’s agricultural output.

Zomato to Replace JSW Steel on BSE Sensex from December 23

On November 22, 2024, the Asia Index Private Ltd, a subsidiary of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), announced the latest reconstitution of the benchmark BSE Sensex index. As part of this rejig, Zomato, the online food delivery giant, will replace JSW Steel in the 30-stock index. This reshuffling will take effect from December 23, 2024 and includes changes in other indices such as the BSE 100, BSE Sensex 50, and BSE Sensex Next 50.

Zomato’s Inclusion in BSE Sensex

Zomato, which has witnessed impressive growth and a significant rally in its stock price over the past year, will be inducted into the BSE Sensex.
This marks a major milestone for Zomato as it becomes a part of India’s prestigious stock index.

Replacement of JSW Steel

JSW Steel will be replaced by Zomato in the Sensex index, marking the end of its time in the top 30 stocks of BSE.

Date of Effect

The reconstitution will take effect on December 23, 2024.

Other Key Additions and Exits

Jio Financial Services and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd are also added to the BSE Sensex 50 index.
Meanwhile, companies such as HDFC Life Insurance, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and LTI Mindtree will exit the index.

Impact Beyond Sensex

The reconstitution will affect not only the BSE Sensex, but also other indices like the BSE 100, BSE Sensex 50, and BSE Sensex Next 50.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Zomato to Replace JSW Steel on BSE Sensex
Effective Date	The changes will take effect from December 23, 2024.
Other Key Additions	Jio Financial Services and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd added to the BSE Sensex 50
Impact on Other Indices	The reshuffle affects other indices like BSE 100, BSE Sensex 50, and BSE Sensex Next 50.
Sector Diversity	The rejig reflects broader sector representation in the BSE indices.

India’s Forex Reserves See Sharpest Weekly Fall in Record, Hit 4-Month Low

India’s foreign exchange reserves suffered their largest weekly drop on record, falling by $17.76 billion to a four-month low of $657.8 billion for the week ending November 15, 2024. This marks the sharpest decline since records began in 1998, surpassing the previous high of $15.5 billion during the global financial crisis of October 2008. The primary causes for the fall include the strengthening of the US dollar, the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) intervention to protect the rupee, and declining gold prices.

Key Reasons for the Decline

RBI’s Dollar Sales: To curb volatility in the foreign exchange market, the RBI has been selling dollars to defend the rupee, which has faced downward pressure due to the US Federal Reserve’s rate cut cycle since September 2024. The rupee depreciated 0.46% against the dollar in November so far.

Strengthening of the US Dollar: The US dollar strengthened significantly post the US presidential election, which exacerbated the pressure on emerging market currencies, including the rupee. The dollar index, which had been around 103-104, surged to 107.5 during the review period.

Other Contributing Factors

Rising Imports and Falling Exports: With increasing imports and less coverage of receivables by exporters, dollar purchases outpaced sales.

Gold Price Drop: International gold prices fell by 4.5%, contributing to the decline in reserves, as a large portion of India’s reserves is held in gold.

Impact of Global Factors

US Election Impact: Post-election foreign investor withdrawals and stronger dollar dynamics led to a decline in forex reserves, especially with a weakening of the euro and GBP against the dollar.

Foreign Investment Outflows: Foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows from both equity and debt markets also contributed significantly to the forex reserves drop.

Summery of the news

Why in News	Key Points
Sharp Decline in Forex Reserves	India’s forex reserves fell by $17.76 billion in the week ending November 15, 2024, to a four-month low of $657.8 billion, the sharpest weekly fall since 1998.
RBI’s Dollar Sales	RBI sold dollars to protect the rupee from excessive volatility, which contributed to the reserves’ fall.
Strengthening of US Dollar	The US dollar surged after the US presidential election, rising the dollar index from 103-104 to 107.5, increasing pressure on India’s forex reserves.
Gold Price Decline	Gold prices dropped by 4.5% to $2,563.3 per ounce, affecting the value of India’s reserves held in gold.
Impact on the Rupee	The rupee depreciated 0.46% against the dollar in November 2024, leading to a decline in forex reserves.
Previous Sharpest Fall	The previous highest weekly fall in forex reserves was $15.5 billion during the global financial crisis of 2008.
Rising Imports	Increasing imports contributed to higher dollar demand, exacerbating the fall in forex reserves.
Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) Outflows	FII outflows from equity and debt markets were significant contributors to the decline in forex reserves.
Date of Record High Forex Reserves	India’s forex reserves had reached a record high of $705 billion on September 27, 2024.

World Bank Launches ‘Jobs at Your Doorstep’ Report in Delhi

The Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, along with Minister of Labour and Employment, Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, launched the World Bank’s report titled Jobs at Your Doorstep: A Jobs Diagnostics for Young People in Six States in New Delhi on November 22, 2024. The report focuses on bridging skill gaps in young people and aligning school curricula with industry needs.

Key Highlights

Launch Event Details

Date: November 22, 2024
Location: New Delhi
Attendees: Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, World Bank officials, Ministry officials, and school principals.

Purpose of the Report

The report aims to analyze the skills gap and align the trades taught in schools with the specific industry needs in local districts.
It focuses on six states under the STARS initiative by the Ministry of Education and the World Bank.

States Covered in the Report,

Himachal Pradesh
Kerala
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Odisha
Rajasthan

Focus Areas

Skills Gap Analysis: The report emphasizes understanding the mismatch between skills taught in schools and industry-specific needs.
Skill-based Education: Promotes embedding skill-based education from grades 9-12 to enhance career readiness.
Bottom-Up Approach: The research was conducted at the district level in these states to gain insights into the local requirements.
Pan-India Framework: Dharmendra Pradhan recommended expanding the framework to a pan-India level for more comprehensive data.

Importance of Skilling in Schools

Pradhan highlighted the need to begin skilling efforts in schools, citing the vision of National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) to mainstream skill education.
The skills-based approach is expected to prepare students for a range of career paths, contributing to the country’s economic growth.

Government’s Perspective

Pradhan urged for a broader definition of “jobs” to include economic opportunities and empowerment, especially in the context of India’s growing youth population.

NEP 2020 and Skill Development

Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, emphasized consistent practice to master skills, aligning with the NEP 2020’s recommendation of diligence in education.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	World Bank Launches ‘Jobs at Your Doorstep’ Report in Delhi
Ministers Present	Dharmendra Pradhan (Education), Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (Labour & Employment, Youth Affairs and Sports)
Main Focus	Skills gap analysis and aligning school curricula with local industry needs
States Covered	Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan
Report Title	Jobs at Your Doorstep: A Jobs Diagnostics for Young People in Six States
Report Objectives	– Analyze skills gaps in youth and align school curricula with industry needs – Focus on skill-based education from grades 9-12
Methodology	Bottom-up approach: Primary & secondary research in districts of six states
Recommended Framework	Pan-India framework to broaden the scope beyond the six states
NEP 2020 Alignment	– Emphasizes mainstreaming skill education in schools – Focus on consistent practice to master skills
Key Recommendations	– Embed skill-based education early (grades 9-12) – Align skills taught with local industry requirements
Government’s Perspective	– Broaden “jobs” to include economic empowerment and opportunities
Expected Outcome	– Empower youth through skills training, contributing to economic growth