States and Capitals

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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.

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.

Centre Launches e-Zero FIR to Fast-Track Cybercrime Cases

In a significant push toward combating cybercrime, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a new initiative called e-Zero FIR under its Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). The move, announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on May 20, 2025, aims to enable swift registration of FIRs in high-value cyber financial fraud cases. Currently launched as a pilot project in Delhi, the system will automatically convert complaints filed via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or helpline 1930 into Zero FIRs for cases involving losses above ₹10 lakh—significantly enhancing the response time in apprehending cybercriminals.

Why in News?

The e-Zero FIR initiative was launched recently by the Ministry of Home Affairs to fast-track investigations in cyber financial crimes. It is initially being implemented in Delhi and is expected to be extended across India soon.

Aim & Objectives

Aim: To ensure faster registration and investigation of cyber financial crimes.
Objective: Streamline the process of converting high-value cyber fraud complaints into FIRs to catch cybercriminals quickly.

Background

With a rapid increase in online financial frauds, the government saw a pressing need to accelerate the FIR registration process.
Traditionally, complaints lodged via the NCRP or helpline took time to be converted into FIRs due to multiple verification steps.

Key Features

The e-Zero FIR system will,

Automatically register Zero FIRs for financial cybercrime complaints above ₹10 lakh.

Accept complaints through,

National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in)
Helpline number 1930
Route the Zero FIRs to the concerned cyber crime police stations.
Require complainants to visit the cybercrime PS within 3 days to convert Zero FIR into a regular FIR.

Static Facts

Zero FIR: An FIR that can be filed at any police station, irrespective of the jurisdiction, and later transferred to the appropriate PS.
I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre): A division under the Ministry of Home Affairs, launched in 2020, to deal with cybercrime in a coordinated manner.
1930: Helpline number for financial cyber fraud complaints in India.

Overall Significance

Improves accountability and transparency in cybercrime handling.
Ensures faster investigative response and real-time coordination between agencies.
Boosts public trust in the government’s cyber safety infrastructure.
Aims to build a cyber-secure India, as emphasized by Amit Shah.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Centre Launches e-Zero FIR to Fast-Track Cybercrime Cases
Initiative	e-Zero FIR
Launched by	Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Implementing Agency	Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
Announced by	Home Minister Amit Shah
Launch Date	May 20, 2025
Current Implementation	Delhi (Pilot Project)
Future Scope	Nationwide Expansion
Threshold for FIR	Complaints of cyber financial fraud above ₹10 lakh
How to File Complaint	NCRP Portal or Helpline 1930
Benefit	Fast-track registration and investigation of cyber financial fraud cases

Suez Canal Offers 15% Transit Discount to Attract Ships Amid Red Sea Ceasefire

In a strategic move to revive maritime traffic and revenues severely impacted by the Red Sea security crisis, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has announced a 15% discount on transit fees for large cargo vessels. This comes shortly after a ceasefire agreement between the United States and the Iran-backed Houthi militia, which had been targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea since late 2023. The discount, applicable from May 15, 2025, is aimed at encouraging global shipping lines—especially container ships that were major revenue contributors—to return to the Suez Canal, a key global trade artery that has witnessed a dramatic fall in usage and earnings.

Why in News?

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has announced a 15% discount on transit tolls for large cargo ships from May 15, 2025, in a bid to lure back global shipping lines that had diverted vessels away from the Red Sea route due to Houthi-led attacks. The decision follows the announcement of a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran-backed Houthi rebels, which raised hopes for the revival of maritime traffic through the critical Suez Canal corridor.

Background and Crisis Timeline

Since November 2023, Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, began targeting commercial vessels linked to Israel and its allies in retaliation to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
Major shipping lines rerouted vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, bypassing the Suez Canal.
The Suez Canal’s annual revenue dropped sharply from $10.3 billion in 2023 to $4 billion in 2024.

About the New Discount Scheme

From May 15, 2025, cargo ships of 130,000 metric tonnes or more (net tonnage) will receive a 15% toll discount for 90 days.
Announced by Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman of the SCA, after a meeting with Italy’s Ambassador to Egypt.

Impact on Trade and Global Shipping

The Suez Canal handles,

~12-15% of global trade
~30% of global container traffic
~8-9% of global energy flows
India relied on this route for 80% of its European exports.
Post-diversion, shipping costs surged by 180%, freight rates rose, and voyage durations extended by 10–14 days.
While Suez traffic plunged, daily transit via Cape of Good Hope increased and LNG shipments shifted almost entirely to the African route.

Traffic Volume & Revenue Impact

Suez Canal’s TTV dropped to 484,137 mt on May 11, 2025 (from 1.35 million mt in 2024).
Cape of Good Hope’s TTV stood at 4.38 million mt, indicating its current dominance.

Challenges & Industry Response

Despite the ceasefire, Houthis threaten Israeli ships, making the Red Sea route still risky.
Shipping majors like Maersk continue to prefer the longer route due to war-risk premiums and crew safety concerns.
Shippers have adjusted to the Cape route and passed on the cost increases to customers, even profiting from higher freight rates.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Suez Canal Offers 15% Transit Discount to Attract Ships Amid Red Sea Ceasefire
Announced By	Suez Canal Authority (Chairman: Ossama Rabiee)
Discount Offer	15% off tolls for cargo ships ≥130,000 MT (May 15 onward, for 90 days)
Trigger Event	US-Houthi ceasefire; rising costs of Cape of Good Hope route
Red Sea Crisis Origin	Houthi attacks post Gaza conflict (Nov 2023)
Revenue Fall (Suez Canal)	$10.3 billion (2023) → $4 billion (2024)
India’s Dependency	80% of Europe-bound exports used Red Sea route
Suez Canal Share in Global Trade	12–15% of global trade, 30% of container traffic, 8–9% of energy flow
Current Challenges	Ongoing risk to Israeli-linked ships, high insurance, adjusted shipping lines

What is the State Butterfly of Jammu and Kashmir? Know About It

Jammu and Kashmir is a beautiful place in India known for its mountains, rivers and wildlife. To highlight its natural beauty, the state declared the Himalayan Apollo as its State Butterfly. This beautiful lives in the cold mountain areas and is rare and special. It shows the rich nature of the region and reminds us to protect the environment and its living creatures.

An Overview of Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is a union territory of India. It is part of the larger Kashmir region, which is claimed by India, Pakistan and China. The Line of Control separates it from areas controlled by Pakistan. J&K is located north of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, and west of Ladakh, which is also a union territory of India.

State Butterfly of Jammu and Kashmir

The Blue Pansy (Junonia orithya) is the state butterfly of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a beautiful butterfly with bright blue and black wings and eye-like spots. Found in open sunny places, it is known for its colorful look and quick flight. Choosing it as the state butterfly shows love for nature and wildlife.

Different Names in Different Places

The Blue Pansy is known by different names in various countries.

In India, it is called the Blue Pansy.
In Southern Africa, it is called the Eyed Pansy.
In Australia, it is known as the Blue Argus.

However, these names can sometimes refer to other butterflies in different places.

Appearance of the Butterfly

The Blue Pansy is a colorful butterfly. The male has dark black and blue colors on its wings with eye-like spots. It has orange patches and a zigzag white line on the wings. The hindwings (back wings) are blue and black with a few round spots.

The female looks similar to the male but has bigger and clearer spots. It has a brownish color instead of bright blue on the back wings.

Life Cycle of the Blue Pansy

The butterfly goes through the usual life cycle like all butterflies:

Larva (Caterpillar): The caterpillar is blackish-brown with orange at the ends. It has many tiny spines on its body.
Pupa (Chrysalis): The pupa hangs from a surface and is a mix of purple and yellowish colors.
Adult Butterfly: The adult Blue Pansy can be seen sitting on open ground and flies in a quick glide-and-flap style. It also protects its area from other butterflies.

What the Caterpillars Eat?

The caterpillars of the Blue Pansy feed on many plants. These plants belong to different plant families like:

Acanthaceae
Convolvulaceae
Verbenaceae
Violaceae

Some common plants include Viola odorata, Ipomoea batatas and Thunbergia alata (Black-eyed Susan vine).

In southern Africa, the caterpillars eat plants like Graderia subintegra, Cycnium adonese and Hygrophila species.

Where it Lives?

This butterfly lives in open sunny areas and is often seen sitting on bare ground. It can be spotted in gardens, parks and along roadsides.

Google vs Baidu: The Battle for AI Supremacy Between West and East

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes industries, economies, and global power structures, the rivalry between Google and Baidu symbolizes a larger technological race between the United States and China. These two tech giants are not just search engine leaders in their respective regions; they are also pioneering forces in the AI revolution, investing heavily in research, development, and deployment of cutting-edge AI technologies.

This article delves into a comprehensive comparison between Google and Baidu, examining their AI strategies, research capabilities, core technologies, and global impact in the pursuit of AI supremacy.

1. Origins and Evolution into AI Powerhouses

Google: From Search to AI-First

Founded in 1998, Google evolved from a search engine into a technology conglomerate, operating under the parent company Alphabet Inc.. In 2016, then-CEO Sundar Pichai declared that Google would transition to an AI-first company. This strategic pivot led to the rise of Google AI, and its UK-based subsidiary DeepMind, known for its breakthroughs in deep learning and reinforcement learning.

Today, Google is at the forefront of language models, cloud-based AI tools, healthcare AI, and AI ethics research. Products like Gemini (formerly Bard) and platforms like TensorFlow demonstrate Google’s commitment to both consumer-facing and developer-centric AI.

Baidu: China’s AI Trailblazer

Founded in 2000, Baidu emerged as the dominant search engine in China, but quickly began investing in artificial intelligence as a core strategy by the mid-2010s. With substantial government backing and participation in China’s “Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan”, Baidu positioned itself as the flagbearer of Chinese AI innovation.

Baidu’s focus spans large language models, autonomous vehicles, speech recognition, and AI chips. The launch of ERNIE Bot, China’s answer to ChatGPT, signaled Baidu’s intent to compete directly with Western AI offerings.

2. Core AI Technologies and Research

Google: Leading with Foundational Models and DeepMind Research

Google has been a pioneer in AI research, with foundational technologies like:

Transformer architecture, introduced in the 2017 paper “Attention Is All You Need”, now the basis for most large language models (LLMs).
DeepMind’s AlphaGo, which defeated human champions in the complex game of Go, highlighting the power of reinforcement learning.
Gemini, Google’s latest multimodal LLM, designed to rival OpenAI’s GPT series.

Additionally, Google’s TensorFlow and JAX frameworks empower developers globally, while its TPUs (Tensor Processing Units) offer specialized hardware acceleration for machine learning tasks.

Baidu: Scaling China’s AI Frontier

Baidu has taken a multi-pronged approach to AI development:

ERNIE (Enhanced Representation through Knowledge Integration) is Baidu’s flagship LLM family. Unlike Western models that rely purely on data patterns, ERNIE integrates knowledge graphs for deeper understanding.
Apollo, Baidu’s autonomous driving platform, is among the most advanced in the world, with trials across multiple Chinese cities.
The Kunlun AI chips, developed in-house, provide Baidu with greater autonomy amid U.S. chip sanctions.

Baidu also actively publishes research and maintains a growing suite of AI-as-a-service tools on its Baidu Brain platform.

3. Applications and Product Ecosystems

Google: AI Across the Ecosystem

Google’s AI is deeply embedded in its entire product line:

Search: AI powers Google’s search algorithms, providing contextual, intent-based results.
Gmail and Docs: Smart Compose and auto-generated summaries are powered by language models.
Google Cloud AI: Offers scalable AI tools for enterprises, including Vertex AI, AutoML, and Vision AI.
Healthcare: DeepMind’s AI is being used to detect eye diseases, predict patient deterioration, and assist in protein folding research (AlphaFold).

Through platforms like Android, YouTube, and Google Maps, Google ensures billions of users interact with its AI every day.

Baidu: AI Tailored to China’s Ecosystem

Baidu has built an AI ecosystem that aligns with China’s data-rich, government-regulated, and mobile-centric digital landscape:

ERNIE Bot is integrated into Baidu’s suite of apps, search, and voice assistants.
Baidu Maps and DuerOS (voice AI) show practical deployments of NLP and computer vision.
Baidu Cloud AI provides AI services tailored to domestic businesses, especially in manufacturing, finance, and education.
In smart cities, Baidu’s AI assists in traffic optimization, facial recognition, and public security.

4. Strategic Vision and Government Alignment

Google: Ethical AI and Open Research

Operating within a Western regulatory environment, Google places emphasis on AI ethics, transparency, and open research. It has established principles to guide responsible AI development and has partnered with international institutions to study AI safety, bias, and misuse.

However, Google also faces scrutiny from both the public and regulators regarding its data practices, labor policies, and AI model accountability.

Baidu: Aligned with China’s National Strategy

Baidu benefits from tight integration with Beijing’s strategic goals, particularly under the “AI 2030” vision, which aims to make China the global leader in AI. As a result:

It receives state funding, policy support, and regulatory protection.
Baidu plays a crucial role in AI-driven governance, including surveillance infrastructure and smart city initiatives.

This alignment accelerates deployment, though it raises concerns over privacy, data rights, and censorship in international markets.

5. Global Reach and Market Challenges

Google: A Global AI Power

Google’s AI tools are widely used in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Its developer tools, cloud services, and open-source projects make it an indispensable part of the global AI ecosystem.

Challenges for Google include:

Rising regulatory barriers (e.g., EU AI Act)
Competition from OpenAI, Microsoft, and Meta
The geopolitical fragmentation of technology standards

Baidu: Strong at Home, Limited Abroad

While Baidu dominates AI in China, its international reach is limited due to:

Language and cultural barriers
Concerns over data security and surveillance
U.S. sanctions restricting access to high-end AI chips

However, Baidu is expanding cautiously into Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central Asia, often in cooperation with Belt and Road Initiative partners.

F-16 vs MiG-29: Classic 4th Generation Fighter Comparison

Among the iconic 4th generation fighter jets, the American F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Soviet MiG-29 Fulcrum stand out as enduring symbols of Cold War-era aerospace engineering. Designed to meet vastly different doctrinal needs, these two aircraft have faced off in conflicts and exercises for decades, earning reputations for their agility, versatility, and combat effectiveness.

This article explores the F-16 vs MiG-29 comparison across multiple facets—design philosophy, aerodynamics, avionics, combat performance, weapons, and modern upgrades—highlighting what has made these aircraft so iconic in their respective spheres.

1. Origins and Development Context

F-16 Fighting Falcon: The Lightweight Multi-role Workhorse

Developed in the 1970s under the Lightweight Fighter Program by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin), the F-16 was designed as a highly agile, cost-effective, and modular fighter. It was meant to complement heavier aircraft like the F-15, focusing on air superiority, later evolving into a potent multi-role platform.

First flight: 1974
Service entry: 1978
Countries operated: Over 25 nations

MiG-29 Fulcrum: The Soviet Air Superiority Answer

Conceived in response to NATO’s growing air power, especially the F-15 and F-16, the MiG-29 was designed by the Mikoyan Design Bureau as a front-line air superiority fighter. Its purpose was to counter Western fighters in short-to-medium range engagements with high thrust and superior maneuverability.

First flight: 1977
Service entry: 1983
Countries operated: Over 30 air forces, primarily in Russia, CIS, and developing nations

2. Design and Aerodynamics

F-16

The F-16 features a blended wing-body design, a bubble canopy for unobstructed visibility, and side-stick controls. One of its pioneering features is fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control, allowing relaxed static stability for high agility.

Wingspan: 9.96 m
Length: 15.06 m
Thrust-to-weight ratio: ~1.1
Airframe: Optimized for modularity and upgrades

MiG-29

The MiG-29 is built with twin engines, high-mounted swept wings, and leading-edge root extensions (LERX) for enhanced lift during high-angle maneuvers. Its robust landing gear and short takeoff/landing capability make it ideal for rugged and forward airfields.

Wingspan: 11.36 m
Length: 17.32 m
Thrust-to-weight ratio: ~1.09
Airframe: More aerodynamically aggressive, built for dogfighting

3. Avionics and Cockpit Systems

F-16

Over its lifespan, the F-16 has undergone numerous avionics upgrades. The latest versions, like the F-16V (Viper), feature:

APG-83 AESA radar
Helmet Mounted Cueing System (HMCS)
Digital glass cockpit
Data link and network-centric warfare capabilities

MiG-29

Early MiG-29s had basic analog avionics, but modernized variants like the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-35 have:

Zhuk-ME pulse-Doppler or AESA radar
IRST (Infrared Search and Track) system
Helmet-mounted sight (HMS)—ahead of its time in the 1980s
Upgraded glass cockpit in later variants

4. Engines and Performance

F-16

Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F100 or GE F110 engine, the F-16 is known for its reliability and ease of maintenance.

Top speed: Mach 2.0
Combat radius: ~550 km (air-to-ground)
Service ceiling: 50,000 ft
Single-engine efficiency helps reduce operational costs

MiG-29

Equipped with twin Klimov RD-33 engines, the MiG-29 delivers high thrust and agility, but at the cost of higher fuel consumption and maintenance demands.

Top speed: Mach 2.25
Combat radius: ~700 km (interceptor role)
Service ceiling: 59,000 ft
Thrust vectoring in advanced variants

5. Weapons and Combat Capabilities

F-16

The F-16 can carry a wide array of NATO-standard weapons:

AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM
GBU-series JDAMs, Harpoon, Maverick missiles
Internal M61 Vulcan cannon
Up to 9 external hardpoints

MiG-29

The MiG-29 was designed for fast kills using heat-seeking missiles and close-range combat:

R-73, R-77 (Adversary to AMRAAM), R-27
30mm GSh-30-1 cannon
Limited precision-guided munitions in legacy versions
Up to 6 hardpoints (expandable in newer variants)

6. Combat History and Effectiveness

F-16

The F-16 has seen extensive combat use:

Gulf War, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria
High kill ratio in air-to-air combat
Continually upgraded with new electronics and weaponry

MiG-29

While its combat record is mixed, the MiG-29 has shown impressive close-combat ability:

Saw action in Gulf War, Eritrea-Ethiopia War, Syrian conflict
Often handicapped by older radar and missiles in early-export versions
Improved dramatically in MiG-29SMT, MiG-35 variants

7. Upgrade Paths and Future Relevance

F-16V and Beyond

F-16V (Viper) offers AESA radar, advanced EW suite, and longer service life
Still being produced for countries like Taiwan, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Morocco
Likely to remain in service beyond 2040

MiG-29 Upgrades

MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-35 versions integrate modern avionics, glass cockpit, and new radars
Targeted more at cost-sensitive markets
Russia and India are key users of upgraded Fulcrums

Indian Navy Revives Maritime Legacy with Ancient Stitched Ship Induction

India is set to witness a historic moment on 21 May 2025 as the Indian Navy formally inducts an Ancient Stitched Ship, built using 5th-century CE shipbuilding techniques. The ceremonial event at Naval Base Karwar will be presided over by Union Culture Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. This initiative not only celebrates India’s ancient maritime traditions but also marks a successful interdisciplinary fusion of traditional craftsmanship and naval science.

Why in News?

The Indian Navy will induct and unveil the Ancient Stitched Ship on 21st May 2025. This reconstructed vessel, inspired by an Ajanta cave painting, revives a 5th-century shipbuilding technique using traditional stitching methods. It will later sail on a transoceanic voyage from Gujarat to Oman, retracing ancient Indian maritime trade routes.

Aim and Objectives

To revive and operationalize India’s ancient maritime shipbuilding traditions
To honor and celebrate India’s historical maritime trade routes
To showcase Indian craftsmanship and seafaring expertise on a global scale

Project Background

Tripartite Agreement signed in July 2023 between,

Ministry of Culture
Indian Navy
M/s Hodi Innovations
Funding provided by Ministry of Culture

Construction Features

Technique: Traditional hand-stitched wooden planks (no nails/metal)
Artisans: Led by Master Shipwright Shri Babu Sankaran from Kerala
Design Inspiration: Ajanta Caves painting (5th century CE)
Materials: Entirely traditional, using ancient methods

Technical & Scientific Collaborations

IIT Madras: Model testing for hydrodynamic behavior

Indian Navy

Concept design
Structural and technical validation
In-house analysis of mast system
Square sails and steering oars – no modern navigation system used

Phase 2: Maiden Voyage

Proposed route: Gujarat to Oman
Objective: Recreate ancient maritime trade routes
Symbolizes India’s rich seafaring legacy and naval exploration

Significance

Revives India’s ancient naval engineering
Encourages cultural pride and heritage preservation
Showcases India’s soft power and shipbuilding excellence
A symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat in traditional sciences

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Indian Navy Revives Maritime Legacy with Ancient Stitched Ship Induction
Event	Induction of Ancient Stitched Ship
Date & Venue	21 May 2025, Naval Base Karwar
Inspired By	5th Century Ajanta Caves painting
Project Led By	Indian Navy with Ministry of Culture & M/s Hodi Innovations
Construction Site	M/s Hodi Shipyard, Goa
Traditional Craftsmanship By	Kerala artisans led by Shri Babu Sankaran
Technical Partner	IIT Madras
Special Features	Hand-stitched wooden hull, square sails, traditional navigation techniques
Future Voyage Plan	From Gujarat to Oman along ancient trade routes

India Celebrates 150 Years of the Metre Convention with Major Legal Metrology Reforms

On the occasion of World Metrology Day 2025, the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention, held on May 20th, with a series of landmark announcements and reforms. These developments aim to align India’s legal metrology standards with global benchmarks, protect consumers, and enhance ease of doing business across the country.

Why in News?

India marked 150 years of the Metre Convention by launching new initiatives in legal metrology, including, Gaining authorization to issue OIML Certificates (13th country worldwide), Mandating 1 mg accuracy in the gold trade, Launching the eMaap portal, Introducing “One Nation, One Time” under the Draft IST Rules 2025, and Releasing new rules for Speed Guns, Gas Meters, and other precision instruments.

Background

The Metre Convention, signed on 20 May 1875, laid the foundation for international cooperation in measurement science.
World Metrology Day commemorates this global agreement.
Legal metrology ensures accuracy in weights and measures, crucial for trade, consumer protection, and law enforcement.

Major Announcements & Reforms

India Authorized to Issue OIML Certificates

Becomes 13th country globally with this authorization.
Enhances India’s global trade credibility and international recognition in measurement standards.

1 mg Precision Mandate for Gold Trade

Mandated to ensure fair weighing practices in the jewellery sector.
Aimed at strengthening consumer protection in high-value transactions.

“One Nation, One Time” Initiative under Draft IST Rules 2025

To provide millisecond-level time accuracy through 5 Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs).
Critical for sectors like telecom, banking, and transport.

eMaap Portal Launched

Digitizes Legal Metrology operations in 18 states.
Offers services like online licensing, registration, enforcement tracking, etc.
Enhances transparency and ease of compliance.

Weekly Facilitation Helpdesk

Video-based helpdesk every Tuesday (4–5 PM).
Aimed at industry engagement and real-time query resolution.

New Rules for Devices

Formal notification of Legal Metrology Rules for Speed Guns and Gas Meters.
Upcoming rules for Breath Analysers and Moisture Meters.

Timeline Reform in Legal Metrology Rules

All rule amendments will take effect on January 1 or July 1, with a 180-day transition period.

Stakeholder Speeches

Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister: Emphasized metrology as an engine for economic growth and fair trade.
Shri B.L. Verma, MoS: Stressed the role of accurate devices and regulatory clarity.
Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, DoCA: Advocated for hassle-free compliance, technology upgrades, and voluntary compliance by industry.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	India Celebrates 150 Years of the Metre Convention with Major Legal Metrology Reforms
Event	World Metrology Day 2025
Occasion	150th Anniversary of the Metre Convention (Signed in 1875)
Major Initiative	India becomes 13th country to issue OIML Certificates
Gold Trade Reform	1 mg Accuracy Mandatory
Time Standardization	“One Nation, One Time” under IST Draft Rules 2025
Digital Portal	Launch of eMaap for Legal Metrology Services
Industry Engagement	Weekly Facilitation Helpdesk every Tuesday
New Device Rules	Speed Guns, Gas Meters (notified); Breath Analysers, Moisture Meters upcoming
Rule Implementation	Reform All amendments effective Jan 1 or July 1 with 180-day transition

Tejas Mk2 vs Gripen E: Light Combat Aircraft Face-off

As global air forces modernize their fleets, light combat aircraft (LCA) are gaining renewed attention for their affordability, agility, and versatility. Two contenders standing out in this domain are India’s Tejas Mk2 and Sweden’s Saab Gripen E. While both fighters are designed for multi-role operations and strike a balance between cost and performance, they are products of different defense philosophies and strategic requirements.

This article offers an in-depth comparison of the Tejas Mk2 and Gripen E across various parameters including design, avionics, engine performance, weapon systems, operational costs, and export potential.

1. Development Background

Tejas Mk2: India’s Indigenous Evolution

The Tejas Mk2 is an advanced development of the HAL Tejas Mk1, under the Medium Weight Fighter (MWF) category. Designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Mk2 is intended to fill the capability gap left by India’s aging MiG-29 and Mirage 2000 fleets. It represents India’s commitment to self-reliance under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

Maiden flight: Expected around 2025
Full-rate production: Targeted by 2030

Gripen E: Sweden’s 21st-Century Answer

The Gripen E, also known as JAS 39E, is the latest variant of Saab’s Gripen family. Built for next-generation warfare, it is a product of Sweden’s defense needs with a focus on network-centric capabilities, cost-efficiency, and advanced interoperability with NATO forces. Developed with partial collaboration with Brazil (Gripen E/F variant), it reflects Saab’s modular and export-oriented design strategy.

First flight: 2017
Service entry: In progress with Swedish and Brazilian Air Forces

2. Airframe and Design Philosophy

Tejas Mk2

The Tejas Mk2 adopts a canard-delta configuration, enhancing its agility and maneuverability. It has a larger airframe than the Mk1, extended fuselage for more internal fuel, and a redesigned cockpit and undercarriage. Emphasis is placed on reduced radar cross-section (RCS) through structural shaping and composites.

Length: ~14.6 m
Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): ~17.5 tons
Internal fuel: ~3,400 kg
Wing design: Cropped delta with close-coupled canards

Gripen E

Gripen E also features a delta wing with canards, allowing excellent short take-off and landing (STOL) capability. It integrates a modular architecture, making future upgrades easier. The use of advanced composites and internal sensors helps maintain a low RCS.

Length: ~15.2 m
MTOW: ~16.5 tons
Internal fuel: ~3,400 kg
Notable feature: Smart Maintenance System to reduce downtime

3. Avionics and Cockpit

Tejas Mk2

The Tejas Mk2 is expected to feature a multi-functional, glass cockpit, with Wide Area Display (WAD), a Digital Fly-by-Wire (FBW) system, and enhanced Electronic Warfare (EW) suite. It will also incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based systems, and will be equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar (Uttam or Israeli EL/M-2052 as interim).

Integrated sensors: Infrared Search and Track (IRST), Radar Warning Receivers (RWR)
Data fusion: Multi-sensor for enhanced situational awareness

Gripen E

The Gripen E offers cutting-edge avionics, including WAD, Head-Up Display (HUD), and a Hands-On Throttle-And-Stick (HOTAS) system. It features the Raven ES-05 AESA radar, Skyward-G IRST, and advanced self-protection EW suite.

Sensor fusion: Real-time integration of radar, IRST, EW, and tactical data link
Tactical data sharing: Link 16 and Swedish TIDLS

4. Propulsion and Performance

Tejas Mk2

The Mk2 is powered by the General Electric F414-GE-INS6 engine, offering 98 kN of thrust, an upgrade from the F404 on the Mk1. This provides it with superior thrust-to-weight ratio, enabling better payload and range.

Speed: Mach 1.8
Combat range: ~1,500 km
Service ceiling: 50,000 ft

Gripen E

The Gripen E also uses the F414-GE-39E engine, but integrates it with a more efficient airframe and advanced fuel systems. With similar thrust, it boasts impressive combat endurance and acceleration.

Speed: Mach 2.0
Combat range: ~1,500–1,800 km
Service ceiling: 52,000 ft

5. Weapons and Combat Capabilities

Tejas Mk2

The Tejas Mk2 will be capable of carrying a wide array of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship missiles, including:

Astra Mk1/2, Derby, R-73, Python-5
BrahMos-NG (future)
Precision-guided bombs, laser-guided munitions
13 hardpoints for up to 6.5 tons of payload

Gripen E

Gripen E is designed for multi-role dominance with access to NATO-standard and Swedish weaponry:

Meteor BVRAAM (beyond visual range air-to-air missile)
IRIS-T, AMRAAM, RBS-15, Taurus KEPD 350
10 hardpoints with ~6 tons of payload
Advanced target designation pods and recon systems

6. Cost, Maintenance, and Operational Readiness

Tejas Mk2

While cost estimates are evolving, the Tejas Mk2 is expected to remain significantly cheaper than Western fighters. Emphasis is on low life-cycle cost, ease of maintenance, and domestic supply chain development.

Estimated cost per unit: ~$50–60 million
Designed for Indian Air Force’s logistics infrastructure

Gripen E

The Gripen E has one of the lowest operational costs per flight hour among modern fighters (estimated at ~$4,700/hour). Saab promotes it as a “smart fighter” optimized for ease of upgrades and low logistical footprint.

Estimated cost per unit: ~$80–85 million
Quick turnaround time: 10 minutes for rearming and refueling

7. Export Potential and Strategic Partnerships

Tejas Mk2

While still under development, the Mk2 has generated interest from countries like Malaysia, Argentina, and Egypt. India is positioning it as a cost-effective alternative to pricier Western platforms with the added benefit of technology transfer and customization.

Gripen E

Gripen E has been offered to various countries including Finland, Canada, and Colombia, with Brazil being its most prominent export customer (Gripen E/F). Saab emphasizes its partnership model, including local assembly and technology sharing.

Mizoram Becomes India’s First Fully Literate State

In a historic milestone for education in India, Mizoram has officially been declared a fully literate state, becoming the first in the country to achieve this feat. The announcement was made on 20th May 2025 by Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma during a special ceremony in Aizawl, in the presence of key central and state dignitaries. This achievement highlights the state’s dedication to inclusive education and marks the success of the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, a national adult education initiative.

Why in News?

Mizoram was recently declared India’s first fully literate state under the New India Literacy Programme (NILP). This recognition comes after extensive surveys, teaching efforts, and community participation to educate all remaining non-literate individuals in the state. The announcement coincides with growing national efforts to implement the NEP 2020 vision of achieving universal literacy.

Background & Static Facts

Statehood: Mizoram attained statehood on 20 February 1987.
Area: 21,081 km² (8,139 sq mi)
2011 Census Literacy Rate: 91.33% (Ranked 3rd in India)

Key Highlights of the Achievement

Date of Declaration: 20 May 2025
Announced by: Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma
Venue: Auditorium of Mizoram University, Aizawl
Present Dignitaries: Shri Jayant Chaudhary (MoS, Education & Skill), Dr. Vanlalthlana (Minister of Education, Mizoram), Chief Secretary and other officials.

ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme)

Launched: 2022
Duration: 2022–2027
Target Group: Adults aged 15 years and above
Vision: Jan Jan Saakshar – Literacy for All
Implementation Mode: Volunteer-based (Kartavya Bodh)

Key Components of ULLAS Scheme

Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
Critical Life Skills
Basic Education
Vocational Skills
Continuing Education

Impact and Data

Non-literate Persons Identified (2023 Survey): 3,026
Learners Engaged in Education: 1,692
Literacy Rate Achieved: 98.20% (As per PFLS 2023-24)
Volunteer Teachers: 292 (Students, Educators, CRCCs)
National Data: Over 2.37 crore learners and 40.84 lakh volunteers registered on the ULLAS mobile app

Significance

Sets a national precedent in adult functional literacy.
Reinforces community-driven education models.
Demonstrates the power of volunteerism and public participation in governance.
Reflects commitment to NEP 2020 and UN SDG-4 (Quality Education).

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Mizoram Becomes India’s First Fully Literate State
Achievement Date	20 May 2025`
Literacy Rate	98.20% (PFLS 2023-24)
Scheme Implemented	ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram
Key Participants	292 volunteer teachers; CRCCs and local educators
Previous Literacy (2011 Census)	91.33%
Program Duration	2022–2027
National Impact	2.37 crore learners; 40.84 lakh volunteer teachers
First Administrative Unit (2024)	Ladakh
First State to Achieve Full Literacy	Mizoram

Centre Launches Special Apprenticeship Scheme for Northeast Youth

In a major boost to skill development in India’s northeastern region, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched a pilot apprenticeship scheme aimed at promoting hands-on industrial training among youth from the region. The initiative offers an additional ₹1,500 monthly stipend over existing allowances, targeting 26,000 youth to improve access to employment-oriented training opportunities.

Why in News?

On May 20, 2025, the Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Mizoram, launched a pilot scheme in Aizawl to support youth from the northeast under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). The scheme is designed to tackle mobility barriers, enhance female participation, and align regional talent with national industrial needs.

Objectives and Purpose

Encourage youth from the northeast to take up industry-based apprenticeship training.
Provide financial aid to overcome logistical and mobility-related hurdles.
Bridge the gap between education and employment with real-world industry exposure.
Promote inclusive participation, especially among women.

Key Features

Beneficiaries: 26,000 youth from northeastern states.
Extra Support: ₹1,500 per month in addition to the current ₹1,500 under NAPS.
Duration: 12 months.
Total Outlay: ₹43.94 crore.
₹4 crore allocated for outreach, capacity building, and implementation.

Implementing Agencies

Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

Supported by,

State Skill Missions
Regional Directorates
Local Training Institutions

Key Statements

Jayant Chaudhary, MoS (Independent Charge), MSDE

“This is not just a training pathway; it’s a bridge to employment. It opens doors to industry exposure and talent engagement.”

Lalduhoma, Chief Minister of Mizoram

“This initiative empowers northeastern youth to participate in India’s economic growth with confidence.”

Regional Significance

Addresses historical challenges of mobility, access, and employment opportunities in the northeast.
Encourages industry partnerships and builds transparent skill-to-employment pipelines.
Recognizes growing female participation in apprenticeship roles in the region.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Centre Launches Special Apprenticeship Scheme for Northeast Youth
Launched In	Aizawl, Mizoram
Implementing Ministry	Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
Extra Monthly Stipend	₹1,500 over existing NAPS stipend
Beneficiaries	~26,000 youth from the northeastern states
Duration	12 months
Total Budget	₹43.94 crore
Key Implementing Agencies	IIE Guwahati, NSDC
Objective	Skill training, mobility access, industrial exposure