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States and Capitals – How Many States in India?

India, a vast South Asian nation and the world’s seventh-largest by land area, is divided into 28 states and 8 union territories, each with its own capital. These states and territories are further segmented into districts. New Delhi, situated in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, serves as India’s administrative, political, and cultural hub.

The states and capitals of India weave a rich and diverse tapestry, reflecting the country’s deep cultural heritage, traditions, and innovations. Exploring these regions offers a fascinating journey through time, blending ancient legacies with modern advancements, tradition with contemporary influence, and showcasing India’s remarkable unity in diversity.

States and Capitals

In 1956, India reorganized its states according to linguistic demographics. Today, the country consists of 28 states and 8 Union Territories, home to nearly 400 cities. Among these, eight major metropolitan cities—Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Pune—are prominent. The Prime Minister has introduced a plan to develop 100 smart cities across the nation, with Indore being recognized as the Smart City for four consecutive years. Discover India’s dynamic urban landscape and its focus on modernization.

How many states in India?

India is the 7th largest country in the world by land area and the 2nd most populated. The country is divided into states and union territories so that the government can function properly. Below is a list of all 28 states, their capitals and the year they were formed.

S.NO State Capital CM Governor
1 Andhra Pradesh Amaravati Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu S. Abdul Nazer
2 Arunachal Pradesh Itanagar Pema Khandu Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
3 Assam Dispur Himanta Biswa Sarma Lakshman Prasad Acharya
4 Bihar Patna Nitish Kumar Arif Mohammed Khan
5 Chhattisgarh Raipur Vishnu Deo Sai Ramen Deka
6 Goa Panaji Pramod Sawant P.S. Sreedharan Pillai
7 Gujarat Gandhinagar Bhupendra Patel Acharya Dev Vrat
8 Haryana Chandigarh Nayab Singh Saini Bandaru Dattatraya
9 Himachal Pradesh Shimla Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Shiv Pratap Shukla
10 Jharkhand Ranchi Hemant Soren Santosh Kumar Gangwar
11 Karnataka Bengaluru Siddaramaiah Thaawarchand Gehlot
12 Kerala Thiruvananthapuram Pinarayi Vijayan Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
13 Madhya Pradesh Bhopal Mohan Yadav Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel
14 Maharashtra Mumbai Devendra Fadnavis C.P. Radhakrishnan
15 Manipur Imphal N. Biren Singh
Ajay Kumar Bhalla
16 Meghalaya Shillong Conrad Kongkal Sangma
C H Vijayashankar
17 Mizoram Aizawl Lalduhoma General (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd.)
18 Nagaland Kohima Neiphiu Rio
La. Ganesan
19 Odisha Bhubaneswar Mohan Charan Majhi
Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati
20 Punjab Chandigarh Bhagwant Singh Mann Gulab Chand Kataria
21 Rajasthan Jaipur Bhajan Lal Sharma Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde
22 Sikkim Gangtok PS Golay Om Prakash Mathur
23 Tamil Nadu Chennai M. K. Stalin R. N. Ravi
24 Telangana Hyderabad Anumula Revanth Reddy Jishnu Dev Varma
25 Tripura Agartala Dr. Manik Saha Indra Sena Reddy Nallu
26 Uttar Pradesh Lucknow Yogi Aditya Nath Anandiben Patel
27 Uttarakhand Dehradun Pushkar Singh Dhami Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh
28 West Bengal Kolkata Mamata Banerjee Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose

Union Territories of India and Their Capitals

India has 8 union territories that are managed by the central government. Some of them have their own legislative assemblies. Below is the of these union territories and their capitals:

S.NO Union Territories Capital CM Lt. Governor
1 Andaman and Nicobar Island Port Blair NA D K Joshi
2 Chandigarh Chandigarh NA Banwarilal Purohit
3 Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Daman NA Praful Patel
4 Delhi Delhi Rekha Gupta Vinai Kumar Saxena
5 Ladakh NA NA B. D. Mishra
6 Lakshadweep Kavaratti NA Praful Patel
7 Jammu and Kashmir NA Omar Abdullah Manoj Sinha
8 Puducherry Pondicherry N. Rangaswamy C. P. Radhakrishnan

Difference Between States and Union Territories

India is divided into states and Union Territories for administrative purposes. They are in different in how they are governed.

Basis of Difference States Union Territories
Head of Administration Governor Administrator or Lieutenant Governor
Government Type Elected by the People Managed by the central government
Powers Shares power with the central government. Controlled directly by the central government.

Indian States and their Languages

India is a country with a rich and diverse linguistic heritage. There are over 121 languages spoken in India, and each state has its unique linguistic landscape. The Indian Constitution recognizes 22 languages as “scheduled languages,” which are given special status in government and education.

S. No. States Language
1 Andhra Pradesh Telugu and Urdu
2 Arunachal Pradesh Miji, Apotanji, Merdukpen, Tagin, Adi, Honpa, Banging-Nishi
3 Assam Assamese
4 Bihar Hindi
5 Chhattisgarh Hindi
6 Goa Marathi Konkani
7 Gujarat Gujarati
8 Haryana Hindi
9 Himachal Pradesh Hindi and Pahari
10 Jharkhand Hindi
11 Karnataka Kannada
12 Kerala Malayalam
13 Madhya Pradesh Hindi
14 Maharashtra Marathi
15 Manipur Manipuri
16 Meghalaya Khashi, Jaintia, And Garo
17 Mizoram Mizo and English
18 Nagaland Ao, Konyak, Angami, Sema, and Lotha
19 Odisha Oriya
20 Punjab Punjabi
21 Rajasthan Rajasthani and Hindi
22 Sikkim Bhutia, Hindi, Nepali, Lepcha, Limbu
23 Tamil Nadu Tamil
24 Telangana Telugu
25 Tripura Bengali, Tripuri, Manipuri, Kakborak
26 Uttar Pradesh Hindi
27 Uttarakhand Hindi
28 West Bengal Bengali

Some Key Facts About Indian States

Each state in India is unique and has something special. Here are some interesting facts about a few states:

  • Andhra Pradesh: Famous for spicy food and historical sites like Charminar.
  • Assam: Know for tea gardens and Kaziranga National Park, home to the one-horned rhinoceros.
  • Bihar: A place with a rich history, home to Bodh Gaya and the ancient city of Pataliputra.
  • Goa: Popular for beautiful beaches and a lively nightlife.
  • Kerala: Famous for its backwaters, Ayurveda treatments and lush green nature.
  • Maharashtra: Mumbai, the financial capital, is also home to Bollywood.
  • Himachal Pradesh: Known for stunning hill stations and adventure sports.
  • Tamil Nadu: Famous for classical dance forms and grand temples.

Valmik Thapar, Who Spent 50 years with Tigers, Passes Away at 73

Valmik Thapar, a famous wildlife and tiger conservationist, passed away in Delhi on May 31, 2025, due to cancer. He was 73 years old. For over 40 years, he worked hard to protect tigers in India, especially in Ranthambore, Rajasthan. He wrote nearly 50 books and was known for his powerful photos and deep love for tigers.

Valmik Thapar’s Work for Tigers and Nature

Thapar spent much of his life in the forests, not just studying tigers but also working with local communities and forest officers. He was part of many government committees and helped start the Ranthambore Foundation, which worked in 100 villages around the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

He believed in saving forests and wildlife, but he also spoke out when he saw problems. He often raised concerns about Project Tiger, a government plan started in 1972 to save India’s tigers. He believed the project was not always done properly and needed better planning.

View on Tribals and Forest Rights

Thapar also disagreed with how some forest policies were handled. He had strong opinions on the Forest Rights Act, which gives forest land rights to tribal people. He believed that some tiger habitats needed to stay untouched by humans to protect the animals.

Love for the Jungle and the Tiger

Thapar loved spending time in the jungle, with his camera and binoculars. Whether in the burning summer or freezing winters, he was always ready to help find solutions for wildlife problems. His favorite place was always Ranthambore, where he watched tigers closed for decades.

A Strong Voice for Nature Tourism

He believed not all tourism is bad for nature. Thapar supported responsible tourism – travel that helps both the forest and the local people. He believed this was only possible when scientists, villagers, forest officers and leaders worked together.

Criticism of Cheetah Project

Thapar did not support the introduction of African cheetahs into India through Project Cheetah. He said India does not have the right forests or prey for cheetahs to live freely. He also believed cheetahs were never truly wild in India and  were mostly kept by royals in the past.

Early Life and Family of Valmik Thapar

Valmik Thapar came from a well-known family. His father, Romesh Thapar, was a famous journalist. His aunt is historian Romila Thapar, and his cousin is journalist Karan Thapar.

He studied at The Doon School and then at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, where he won a gold medal in sociology. He was mentored by Fateh Singh Rathore, a legend in Indian wildlife conservation. He later married Sanjana Kapoor, daughter of actor Shashi Kapoor, and they had a son, Hamir.

Role in Tiger Task Force

In 2005, Thapar was chosen as a member of the Tiger Task Force to review how tiger reserves were managed. When the final report came out, he wrote a separate note, saying the plan didn’t do enough to protect tiger-only areas. He believed tigers needed large, human-free forests to survive.

Book, Documentaries and Global Impact

Valmik Thapar wrote or edited over 30 books. Some of his most famous works include Land of the Tiger and Tiger Fire. He also worked on wildlife documentaries for channels like the BBC. In 2024, he appeared in My Tiger Family, a film showing his 50 years of tiger tracking in Ranthambore.

Tributes from the World of Conservation

People across India and the world paid tribute to Thapar. Conservationist Neha Sinha called him the ”international voice of Indian tigers.” Wildlife expert Nirmal Ghosh said Thapar was ”a giant of tiger conservation” and left a global legacy.

Former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said he learned something new from Thapar every day and called him a passionate and unforgettable figure.

Rashtriya Boudhik Sampada Mahotsav-2025 at CSIR-IIP, Dehradun

CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), Dehradun celebrated Rashtriya Boudhik Sampada Mahotsav (RBSM) 2025 on 29th May to spread awareness about Intellectual Property (IP). This event is part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative and was first started in July 2023 to promote the importance of protecting new ideas and innovations.

A Traditional Beginning

The programme started with lamp lighting and Saraswati Vandana, showing respect to knowledge and wisdom. This was followed by opening remarks by Dr. Deepti Agrawal, who is the In-charge of the Intellectual Property Management Group (IPMG) at CSIR-IIP.

Leadership and Guidance

Dr. Harender Singh Bisht, the Director of CSIR-IIP, gave a brief and encouraging address. He spoke about the importance of protecting inventions and promoting innovation.

Expert Talk on Intellectual Property

The main speaker of the event was Dr. Kapil Arya from CSIR-Innovation Protection Unit, New Delhi. He delivered a very interesting and easy-to-understand talk on ”Feel the Beat of Intellectual Property Rights.” He explained the basics of patents and why they are important for researchers and inventors. After the talk, he had an interactive session with scientists and research scholars.

Role of Patent and Publication Committee

Dr. N. Vishwanatham, Chairman of the Patent and Publication Committee (PPC), shared his experiences and insights. He talked about how the committee works and how CSIR-IIP has developed many innovative technologies over the years.

Online Quiz Competition

To make the event more engaging, an online quiz on Intellectual Property was also conducted. It helped participants test their knowledge in a fun and educational way.

Mary Earps Retires from International Football

Mary Earps, one of England’s top football goalkeepers, has decided to retire from International football. She shared this news just before England’s important matches in the UEFA Women’s Nations League. Her retirement means she will not play in the UEFA European Championship in Switzerland this summer.

A Wonderful Career with England

Mary Earps made her first appearance for England in 2017. Since then, she has played 53 matches (called ”caps”) for the country. She was a key player when England won the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 at home and when they reached the final in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.

Awards and Achievements

Earps has won many awards during her career. These include:

  • Two FIFA Best Goalkeeper Awards
  • Golden Glove at the 2023 World Cup (best goalkeeper)
  • Winner of the first-ever Women’s Finalissima with England

She has become a role model for many young players.

What Happens Next?

With Mary Earps retired, other goalkeepers like Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse will join the 26-player squad. They will play important matches against Portugal and Spain to try to reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Women’s Nations League.

A Proper Tribute Later

England’s football team has promised to give Mary a full tribute after the summer to thank her for her amazing contribution to the sport.

CBI’s Arrest Six Members of Cybercrime

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested six people involved in a large cybercrime gang that was cheating Japanese citizens. These arrests were made after searching 19 places in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Who were Arrested?

The CBI arrested six people:

  • Ashu Singh from Delhi
  • Kapil Ghakhar from Panipat, Haryana
  • Rohit Maurya from Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
  • Shubham Jaiswal, Vivek Raj and Adarsh Kumar from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

What was the Scam?

The gang ran fake call centres and pretended to be technical support staff from big companies like Microsoft. They told people in Japan that their computers had problems. Then, they asked them to pay money to fix these fake problems.

How did the Scam Work?

  • The gang called or messaged people in Japan.
  • They told them their computer was hacked.
  • They pretended to help by giving fake support.
  • Then they asked the victims to send money to fake bank accounts.

International Help and Operation Chakra-V

The CBI worked closely with the National Police Agency of Japan and Microsoft Corporation. This teamwork helped the CBI to find the criminals and understand how the scam worked. The crackdown happened under Operation Chakra-V, which is focused on stopping cybercrime.

Use of Advanced Tricks

The criminals used smart tricks, known as social engineering, to fool people. They also used fake websites and software to make their story seem real. This helped them cheat victims and take their money.

What Happens Next?

The CBI is still checking the evidence. They have already shut down two illegal call centres. Most arrests and searches could happen soon as the investigation continues.

IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma Becomes First Indian Batter to Smash 300 Sixes

Rohit Sharma, one of the most prolific and celebrated batters in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, etched his name into the record books once again by becoming the first Indian cricketer to hit 300 sixes in the IPL. The historic moment came during the IPL 2025 Eliminator match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at New Chandigarh on Friday.

With this feat, Rohit joins an elite list of only two players in the league’s history to achieve this landmark — the other being the legendary Chris Gayle, who remains the undisputed king of six-hitting in IPL.

A Landmark in T20 Power-Hitting

The 300th six was a towering shot that exemplified Rohit Sharma’s elegant yet destructive batting style. Known for his effortless strokeplay, Rohit has consistently been among the top run-getters and six-hitters in the tournament over the years.

His milestone six not only boosted Mumbai Indians in a must-win clash but also highlighted the longevity and consistency of his T20 career.

Six-Hitting Leaders in IPL History

Top Five Players with Most Sixes in IPL

Player Sixes Matches Played
Chris Gayle 357 142
Rohit Sharma 300* 251+
Virat Kohli 291 250+
MS Dhoni 264 250+
AB de Villiers 251 184
While Chris Gayle still leads the list with a jaw-dropping 357 sixes in just 142 matches, Rohit Sharma is now comfortably in second place, ahead of Virat Kohli who has 291 sixes to his name.

A Symbol of Indian T20 Evolution

As the first Indian to cross the 300-sixes mark, Rohit Sharma’s achievement reflects the evolution of Indian batting in T20 cricket. Once considered conservative, Indian batters are now at the forefront of global T20 innovation, and Rohit stands as a prime example. His journey from a promising youngster in 2008 to a T20 titan in 2025 is a tale of adaptability, skill, and hunger for excellence.

Kashmir’s First Cherry Cargo Train from Katra to Mumbai

Kashmir has taken a big step in fruit transport. For the first time, fresh cherries from the valley will be sent by train from Katra (Jammu) to Mumbai. This new service will help small farmers who could not afford to send their fruits by air earlier.

What is special About this Train Service?

The Jammu railway division has started a special service by registering a VP indent, which means a full parcel van has been booked. A total of 24 tonnes of fresh cherries will be transported in a refrigerated van attached to a goods trains. The journey will take just over 30 hours from Katra to Mumbai.

Why is this Important for Cherry Growers?

Until now, cherry growers in Kashmir had to use expensive air cargo to send their fruits to cities like Mumbai. But this was too costly for small farmers, and many could not afford it. As cherries spoil quickly, they need to be delivered fast.

Now, with this new cargo train, farmers like Manzoor Bhat from Ganderbal are hopeful. He said, ”Air transport was too expensive. Now we can grow more cherries and send them to bigger markets.”

Cherry Harvest Time in Kashmir

The cherry season in Kashmir is from May to June. Every year, Kashmir produces around 12,000 to 14,000 metric tonnes of cherries. The train service has come at just the right time to help during the peak harvest.

A Big Help for the Economy

Bashir Ahmad Basheer, president of the All Kashmir Fruit Growers Union, said that this train is a big breakthrough. He explained that many farmers couldn’t afford air cargo, but now rail transport gives them a cheaper and better option.

He also said they are trying to add parcel vans to other trains, like the Paschim Express from Amritsar.

A Problem that Needs a Solution

One challenge is that Indian Railways asks for full advance payment for the entire 25-ton parcel van, even if farmers don’t have enough cherries to fill it. Since cherry harvest changes daily, this rule makes it hard for growers. Talks are going on with the railways to fix this issue.

A Bright Future for Kashmir Fruits

If this train run is successful, more trains may follow. This will make it easier and cheaper to send not just cherries, but also other fruits from Kashmir to big cities and even for exports from Mumbai port. This could greatly help the economy of Kashmir and improve the income of local farmers.

Serena Williams Honoured with Princess of Asturias Award for Sports 2025

Serena Williams, one of the most iconic athletes in the history of modern sport, has been awarded the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports 2025, a prestigious Spanish honour that recognises individuals and institutions for excellence and global contribution in various fields, including sports, arts, literature, and science.

The 43-year-old American tennis legend joins an elite list of past recipients of the award, which is one of Spain’s highest civilian honours. The organisers praised Serena not only for her on-court dominance, but also for her off-court advocacy for gender equality, equal opportunity, and social justice.

A Decorated Career of Unmatched Achievement

With 73 career singles titles, including a staggering 23 Grand Slam victories, Serena Williams is widely considered among the greatest athletes of all time. Her career spanned over two decades and broke barriers not just in tennis, but in global sport.

After announcing in 2022 that she was stepping away from professional tennis to focus on family and business ventures, the recognition in 2025 serves as a powerful tribute to her enduring legacy.

Prize Details:

The Princess of Asturias Award, which carries a cash prize of €50,000 ($57,000), is presented annually in the northern Spanish city of Oviedo. The ceremony is presided over by Princess Leonor of Spain and recognises achievements in fields such as:

  • Arts
  • Literature
  • Social Sciences
  • Scientific Research
  • Sports

Previous winners of the sports prize include global icons such as skier Lindsey Vonn, the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, and the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team.

Milestone Moments from Serena Williams’ Legendary Career

1. 1999 – First Grand Slam Triumph at the U.S. Open

Serena Williams first captured the world’s attention in 1999, when at just 17 years old, she won her first Grand Slam singles title at the U.S. Open. Her victory validated her father Richard Williams’s bold predictions and marked the beginning of a historic tennis journey.

2. 2012 – Olympic Singles Gold in London

Although she had already secured Olympic doubles gold medals with sister Venus Williams in 2000 (Sydney) and 2008 (Beijing), Serena had yet to win an Olympic singles title.

That changed at the London 2012 Olympics, held at the All England Club, where Serena returned just weeks after her fifth Wimbledon crown. She tore through the competition, dropping only 16 games in total, and crushed Maria Sharapova 6-0, 6-1 in the final to claim her first Olympic singles gold.

3. 2017 – 23rd Grand Slam Title at the Australian Open

Her 2017 Australian Open victory was both record-breaking and emotionally profound. At 35 years old, she defeated sister Venus in the final, without dropping a single set, to win her 23rd Grand Slam singles titlesurpassing Steffi Graf’s Open Era record of 22 titles.

This triumph made her:

  • The oldest woman to win a Grand Slam singles title
  • The World No. 1
  • A symbol of resilience, endurance, and elite performance

Unbeknownst to many at the time, Serena was eight weeks pregnant during the tournament, adding another layer of awe to her feat.

Beyond the Court: A Voice for Equality and Empowerment

Serena Williams has used her global platform to speak out on key societal issues, particularly gender equality, racial justice, and economic empowerment. She has consistently advocated for:

  • Equal pay in sports
  • Greater representation of women and minorities in leadership
  • Access to maternal healthcare for women of color

Her contributions extend to her roles as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and investor, supporting startups led by underrepresented founders through her venture capital firm, Serena Ventures.

A Trailblazing Legacy Honoured on the Global Stage

The Princess of Asturias Award not only recognises Serena Williams for her sporting brilliance, but also highlights her transformative impact on society. Her journey from Compton, California, to becoming a global symbol of excellence and empowerment is now further immortalised by this esteemed international accolade.

As she continues to inspire millions across the world, this honour stands as a testament to a life and career that have redefined what it means to be a champion.

Neeraj Chopra Becomes Brand Ambassador for Audi India

India’s iconic javelin thrower and Olympic gold medallist, Neeraj Chopra, has officially joined hands with Audi India as its brand ambassador. This strategic collaboration unites two powerful names — a world-class athlete and a global luxury automobile brand — both of whom are defined by their performance, precision, and a relentless drive for excellence.

Celebrating a Shared DNA of Excellence

Neeraj Chopra, who rose to international stardom following his historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, is known for his explosive power and unwavering determination. His latest partnership with Audi India celebrates the core values shared by both the athlete and the brandworld-class performance, cutting-edge innovation, iconic presence, and visionary ambition.

A Stellar Track Record: Neeraj’s Rise to Global Fame

Neeraj Chopra’s athletic journey is one of historic milestones and trailblazing success. Following his Olympic triumph in 2021, he continued to dominate the sport:

  • Gold medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Athletics Championships
  • Silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games
  • Recently, at the Doha Diamond League, Chopra made history by becoming the first Indian javelin thrower to breach the 90-meter mark, a feat once considered elusive in Indian athletics

JSW Sports Facilitates Landmark Sports-Business Collaboration

The partnership was made possible by JSW Sports, the sports management company that represents Neeraj Chopra. Karan Yadav, Chief Commercial Officer at JSW Sports, described the tie-up as a landmark moment in Indian sport and corporate branding.

Audi India’s Vision: Driving Progressive Partnerships

Audi’s decision to sign Neeraj Chopra as a brand ambassador is also reflective of the company’s evolving brand strategy in India. It demonstrates a commitment to aligning with homegrown achievers who represent modern India — ambitious, innovative, and performance-led.

This partnership is expected to go beyond traditional marketing, possibly involving collaborative campaigns, events, and digital storytelling that highlights both Audi’s engineering prowess and Neeraj’s inspirational journey.

Miss Indonesia Monica Kezia Sembiring Won Talent Finale at Miss World 2025 in Hyderabad

In a grand celebration of culture and art, Miss Indonesia, Monica Kezia Sembiring, won the Talent Finale of Miss World 2025. The event took place on Thursday evening at Shilpakala Vedika and featured exciting performances from contestants across the world.

Monica Kezia Sembiring Shines with Piano Performance

Miss Indonesia amazed both the audience and the judges by playing a beautiful piano piece. She combined Indian and Indonesian melodies in a smooth and creative way. Her performance was unique and emotional, which helped her win the first prize in the Talent round.

Runners-Up in Talents Finale of Miss World 2025

Miss Cameroon, Issie Princesse, won second place with her heartfelt gospel song ‘‘Goodness of God.’‘ Her voice touched many hearts.

Miss Italy, Chiara Esposito, took third place with a grateful and emotional ballet dance. Her performance showed elegance and deep feelings.

A Grand Event at Shipkala Vedika

The Talent Finale of Miss World 2025 took place on Thursday evening at Shipkala Vedika. People started gathering by 5 p.m. to watch 24 talented contestants from around the world perform. The event was filled with music, dance and creativity, celebrating different cultures.

Performances that Stood Out

  • Miss USA Athenna Crosby began the show with a lively singing act.
  • Miss Nigeria Joy Mojisola Raimi performed an energetic Indian-African dance to the Telugu song Ranu Mumbai ki Ranu.
  • Miss Malta Martine Cutajar sang Rainbow, touching many hearts.
  • Miss Estonia Eliise Randmaa combined cheerleading with hip-hop dance.
  • Miss Brazil Jessica Pedroso sang Memory with strong feelings.
  • Miss Netherlands Jane Knoester, who could not perform live, showed her ice-skating skills through a video.

More Beautiful Performances

  • Piano pieces by Miss Czech Republic Adela Stroffekova and Miss Germany Silvia Dorre Sanchez showed pure classical talent.
  • Miss Argentina Guadalupe Alomar performed a medley of traditional dances full of energy.
  • Miss Australia Jasmine Stringer sang Hallelujah and touched the hearts of many.
  • Miss Sri Lanka Anudi Gunasekara presented a calm and beautiful traditional dance.
  • Miss Poland Maja Klajda danced a national piece, showing Poland’s long struggle for identity.

Unique and Emotional Acts

  • Miss Philippines Krishnah Marie Gravidez sang whenever I Go from Moana.
  • Miss Trinidad and Tobago Anna-Lise Nanton performed an aerial act through a video, sharing a message of strength and femininity.
  • Miss Wales Millie-Mae Adams performed a powerful spoken word poem about heart health and emergency steps.
  • Miss Cayman Islands Jada Ramoon sang Tomorrow.
  • Emotional songs also came from Miss Jamaica Tahje Laurica Bennett and Miss Ireland Hannah Johns.

India and Kenya Light Up at the Stage

Miss India Nandini Gupta gave an energetic Bollywood dance, which had the whole crowd cheering. Miss Ethiopia Hasset Dereje Admassu performed Man’s World with deep emotion.

The last solo act was from Miss Kenya Grace Ramtu, who brought a party vibe with her fun DJ performance.

A Joyful Group Finale

At the end, all 24 finalists came back on stage. They danced together to Rano Mumbai ki Ranu, ending the show with happiness and unity. The crowd clapped and celebrated the shared beauty of global talent.

India to Host IATA Annual General Meeting 2025 in New Delhi After 42 Years

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is set to host its Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025 and the World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in New Delhi from June 1 to 3, bringing together the global aviation industry under one roof. This marks a historic moment as India hosts the prestigious event for the first time in 42 years, with the last meeting having taken place in the country in 1983.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Deliver Keynote Address

One of the major highlights of the summit will be a keynote address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 2, underscoring the importance of aviation in India’s economic development and global standing. His address is expected to set the tone for critical discussions on aviation sustainability, financial health, and infrastructure growth.

IndiGo Announced as Host Airline for the IATA AGM 2025

IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has been designated as the host airline for the event. According to IATA’s press release, this year’s AGM will welcome around 1,700 registered participants, including:

  • CEOs and leaders of global airlines,
  • Government officials,
  • Aviation regulators, and
  • International media.

The scale and participation reflect India’s rising stature in the global aviation landscape.

India’s Growing Influence in Global Aviation

Speaking ahead of the summit, IATA Director General Willie Walsh expressed enthusiasm about India’s role in global aviation, saying, “We are excited to bring the IATA AGM to India after a 42-year gap. India’s place in global aviation has changed dramatically, particularly over the last decade.”

India has emerged as a key aviation hub, driven by:

  • Record aircraft orders,
  • Rapid expansion in airline operations,
  • World-class airport infrastructure, and
  • A booming domestic air travel market.

Economic Impact of Aviation in India

According to IATA, India’s aviation sector is a powerful economic engine, with significant direct and indirect contributions:

  • Direct employment: 3,69,700 people
  • Direct GDP contribution: USD 5.6 billion

When accounting for indirect, induced, and tourism-related impacts, the figures increase to:

  • 7.7 million jobs
  • USD 53.6 billion in GDP, accounting for 1.5% of the national GDP

This reflects the strategic importance of aviation in India’s development narrative and its potential in job creation and connectivity enhancement.

Key Topics at the World Air Transport Summit (WATS)

Immediately following the AGM, the World Air Transport Summit (WATS) will take place, bringing stakeholders together to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in aviation. Key themes to be discussed include:

1. Financial Outlook for the Airline Industry

Discussions will focus on profitability trends, post-pandemic recovery, and emerging revenue streams for airlines globally.

2. India’s Use of Aviation to Drive Development

India’s use of aviation as a tool for economic growth, regional connectivity, and infrastructure development will be showcased as a global case study.

3. Financing Aviation’s Net Zero Transition

Sessions will delve into how the sector can secure investments to support decarbonization goals, including net-zero commitments by 2050.

4. Energy Security and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Experts will explore the intersection of energy policy and aviation, focusing on renewable energy, SAF production, and the future fuel needs of the industry.

Indian Airlines Take the Global Stage

Major Indian carriers, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, are active members of IATA and are expected to play a prominent role during the event. Their participation signifies the increased international engagement of Indian airlines and their growing role in shaping aviation policy and innovation.

India’s Strategic Aviation Moment

Hosting the IATA AGM 2025 in New Delhi positions India at the forefront of international aviation discourse. It is not only a symbolic recognition of India’s aviation growth but also a strategic opportunity to:

  • Showcase India’s airport infrastructure,
  • Promote investment in aviation startups and infrastructure projects, and
  • Strengthen diplomatic and commercial ties in the aviation sector.
States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_15.1

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