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.

World Food Safety Day 2025 Emphasizes ‘Science in Action’ to Ensure Safer Food Systems

World Food Safety Day, observed annually on June 7, raises global awareness about the importance of safe and nutritious food in building healthier lives and stronger economies. In 2025, the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action” spotlights how science, innovation, and data can reduce the threat of foodborne illnesses. As millions continue to suffer from unsafe food each year, the day serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility—from farm to fork—to ensure the food we eat is safe and handled hygienically.

Why in News?

World Food Safety Day 2025 is being observed globally on June 7 under the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action.” The day highlights the critical role of science in preventing food contamination and illness. In India, where food safety challenges persist—especially in the informal and street food sectors—the observance takes on added significance. Recent concerns include rising food adulteration rates and a shortage of food safety officers, which hinder proper oversight.

Aims and Objectives of World Food Safety Day

Raise awareness about food safety risks and how to manage them.
Promote safe food handling from production to consumption.
Encourage investment in scientific innovation and regulation.
Highlight food safety as a shared responsibility involving producers, regulators, and consumers.

History and Background

Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018.
First observed globally on June 7, 2019.
Initiated by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) and WHO (World Health Organization).
Developed in response to the often-overlooked global burden of foodborne diseases, which affect over 600 million people annually.

Theme 2025: “Food Safety: Science in Action”

Emphasizes data-driven decisions, risk assessments, and innovation in food production and storage.
Encourages use of AI, IoT, and genomic surveillance to detect and prevent contamination.
Focuses on building resilient food safety systems in the face of rising global food demands.

Food Safety Challenges in India

India’s food diversity is immense, but so are its food safety challenges:
Food adulteration rose from 15% (2012) to 28% (2019).
38% of Indian families reported buying tainted packaged food in the last three years.
India has only 2,574 food safety officers, just 15% of what’s required.
250 authorized testing labs, mostly in wealthier states, leave gaps in rural areas.
Transport and storage issues (temperature control, packaging) worsen contamination risks.

Significance and Call to Action

Food safety ensures better health, stronger economies, and longer lives.
It is linked to UN SDGs like Zero Hunger (Goal 2), Good Health (Goal 3), and Responsible Consumption (Goal 12).

Promotes community participation, including,

Washing hands before cooking
Checking expiry dates
Reporting unsafe vendors
Demanding better regulations
Governments, schools, NGOs, and industries globally observe this day through campaigns, workshops, and public outreach.

Microsoft Expands LinkedIn CEO Roslansky’s Role to Oversee Office Suite

In a strategic move reflecting the growing convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and workplace productivity, Microsoft has appointed LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky to also oversee its Office suite, including flagship products like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Roslansky will retain his role as LinkedIn CEO while taking on the expanded portfolio, which now also includes Microsoft 365 (M365) Copilot, the AI-powered productivity assistant. This marks a significant leadership shift as Microsoft doubles down on unifying its tools for the future of work.

Why in News?

On June 4, 2025, it was reported that Ryan Roslansky has been given additional responsibilities at Microsoft to manage the Office productivity software unit. The move reflects Microsoft’s continued integration of AI into productivity tools and its focus on cross-platform synergy between LinkedIn and Microsoft 365. The organizational shift also includes a transfer of teams from other divisions, signaling a major realignment of Microsoft’s AI and productivity priorities.

Aims & Objectives of the Leadership Change

Strengthen integration between professional networking (LinkedIn) and workplace productivity (Microsoft 365).
Enhance AI-driven innovation across Microsoft’s tools, particularly through M365 Copilot.
Build a more cohesive ecosystem for professionals using both platforms daily.

Who is Ryan Roslansky?

CEO of LinkedIn since 2020; joined the company in 2009.
Previously worked at Yahoo before joining LinkedIn.
Oversaw LinkedIn’s growth, helping it cross $17 billion in revenue in the past year.
Will now serve as Executive Vice President of Office, while still reporting to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

What Will He Oversee?

Full Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
Microsoft 365 Copilot: AI-powered app launched in 2020 to streamline document creation and editing.
Part of Rajesh Jha’s team, EVP of Experiences and Devices.

Organizational Restructuring Highlights

Charles Lamanna’s team (previously under Cloud & AI EVP Scott Guthrie) will now report to Rajesh Jha.

Lamanna’s portfolio includesm

Dynamics 365 (competes with Salesforce)
Copilot Studio for building AI agents
Nadella emphasizes shift toward AI agents as the interface for business applications.

Significance of the Move

Aligns Microsoft’s two major platforms: LinkedIn and Microsoft Office.
Positions Roslansky as a key figure in shaping the future of work powered by AI.
Enhances Microsoft’s vision of connected productivity tools in a digital-first world.
Signals strategic trust by Satya Nadella in Roslansky’s leadership across ecosystems.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Microsoft Expands LinkedIn CEO Roslansky’s Role to Oversee Office Suite
New Role	EVP, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, M365 Copilot)
Key Product	Oversight Microsoft 365 Copilot, Office suite
Significance	Strategic unification of AI, productivity, and professional tools
Subsidiary Status	LinkedIn remains an independent subsidiary

S Mahendra Dev Appointed as Chairman of PM’s Economic Advisory Council

Eminent economist S Mahendra Dev has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). Known for his extensive expertise in agriculture, rural economy, and development economics, Dev brings with him decades of experience in public policy and academia. He stepped down from his post as independent director on the board of Axis Bank following this full-time appointment. His academic pedigree includes a PhD in Economics from Delhi School of Economics and post-doctoral research at Yale University.

Why in News?

On June 5, 2025, S Mahendra Dev was officially appointed as the Chairman of EAC-PM. He resigned from the Axis Bank board the same day, citing the full-time nature of the new role. The appointment signals a strong focus on development-led economic policy, particularly in rural and agricultural domains.

Aim & Objectives of EAC-PM

Provide independent advice to the Prime Minister on economic and policy matters.
Analyze macroeconomic trends and recommend strategies for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Offer guidance on policy implementation, reforms, and structural economic issues.

Profile of S Mahendra Dev

Academic Qualifications

PhD in Economics – Delhi School of Economics
Post-doctoral research in Development Economics – Yale University

Professional Roles

Former Director and Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research
Chairman, Institute for Development Studies, Andhra Pradesh
Editor, Economic and Political Weekly
Former independent director on boards of Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank

Areas of Expertise

Agriculture and food security
Poverty and inequality
Rural development and social protection

Background on EAC-PM

The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister is a non-constitutional, non-permanent body set up to advise the PM.
It operates under the NITI Aayog framework, with inputs often shaping major economic decisions.
Recent heads included Suman Bery, Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog.

Significance of the Appointment

Dev’s academic and policy expertise in agriculture and rural development aligns with India’s current economic needs.
His leadership is expected to strengthen rural-centric economic strategies, aiding long-term policy formulation.
As India balances growth with inclusivity, Dev’s insights are anticipated to enhance equitable development planning.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	S Mahendra Dev Appointed as Chairman of PM’s Economic Advisory Council
Appointed As	Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the PM (EAC-PM)
Previous Role	Independent Director, Axis Bank
Academic Background	PhD from Delhi School of Economics, Post-doc from Yale University
Expertise	Agriculture, rural economy, development economics
Other Positions	Held Editor of EPW, Chairman of IDSAP, Former VC of IGIDR

Top-5 Cleanest Countries in the World in 2025, Know About Them

Clean countries are places where the air is fresh, the streets are neat and nature is well cared for. These countries work hard to reduce pollution, recycle waste and use green energy. People follow good habits and the government supports eco-friendly rules. In this article, we will look at the top-5 cleanest countries in the world and what makes them so clean and beautiful.

What is EPI?

The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is a study done by Yale and Columbia universities, with help from the World Economic Forum. It ranks 180 countries on how clean and eco-friendly they are. It looks at 40 things like air and water quality, water management, climate change and more.

Top-5 Cleanest Countries in the World in 2025

The cleanest countries in the world are known for their fresh air, clean water and green surroundings. Based on the 2025 EPI report, here are the top-5 cleanest countries with the best environmental conditions:

Estonia
Luxembourg
Germany
Finland
United Kingdom

Estonia, World’s Cleanest Country

Estonia is the cleanest country in the world in 2025. This small country near the Baltic Sea is known for its beautiful forests, clean lakes and fresh air. Estonia has very low pollution and takes strong action to protect nature. Its good environment makes it a peaceful place to live.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a small, rich country in Europe. It ranks second on the EPI. The country scores well in clean drinking water, proper sanitation and modern-waste systems. With clean streets and low pollution, it also has one of the highest incomes in the world.

Germany

Germany stands third among the cleanest countries. It has strong rules to keep the air and water clean. Germany also uses green energy and supports recycling and waste control. Clean cities, good transport systems and eco-friendly habits make it stand out.

Finland

Finland is known not only as one of the happiest countries but also as one of the cleanest. It has fresh air, clean lakes and green forests. Finland’s people care deeply about nature. Their education and government policies also support a clean and healthy environment.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is fifth on the EPI list. It has strong environmental laws that helps reduce pollution. The country works on reducing waste, using clean energy and keeping its air and water safe. Clean streets and green parks add to its charm.

Aadhaar Authentications Cross 211 Crore in May 2025, Driving India’s Digital Growth

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) reported over 211 crore Aadhaar authentication transactions in May 2025, reflecting the expanding role of Aadhaar in digital governance and welfare delivery. This represents a significant rise compared to previous months and May 2024. Among these, face authentication transactions alone touched 15.49 crore, demonstrating increasing adoption of biometric solutions. Aadhaar’s digital infrastructure continues to empower government agencies and private institutions in streamlining services and enhancing user convenience.

Why in News?

UIDAI released data on June 5, 2025, showing over 211 crore Aadhaar authentication transactions in May 2025. It marks an increase over April 2025 and May 2024’s 201.76 crore transactions. It highlights the crucial role of Aadhaar in welfare schemes, e-KYC, digital identity verification, and financial services. UIDAI’s AI/ML-powered face authentication systems have seen rapid growth.

Objectives and Role of Aadhaar

Provide a unique digital identity to every Indian resident.
Enable real-time authentication for benefit transfers, KYC processes, and access to services.
Ensure efficiency, transparency, and fraud prevention in public and private transactions.

Overall Authentication Transactions May 2025

Total: 211+ crore
Cumulative since inception: Over 15,223 crore transactions

AI-Powered Face Authentication

Total in May 2025: 15.49 crore transactions

Adopted by over 100 entities including,

Government departments
Financial institutions
Telecom service providers
Oil marketing companies
Benefits: Contactless, fast, and reliable identity verification

e-KYC Services

Total e-KYC transactions in May: Over 37 crore

Used extensively in,

Banking and NBFCs
SIM activation
Insurance and fintech onboarding
Benefits: Cost-effective, seamless, secure KYC process

Background Information

Aadhaar, launched in 2009, is the world’s largest biometric ID system.
Operated by UIDAI under the Ministry of Electronics and IT.
Authentication modalities: Fingerprint, iris, OTP, and face authentication (introduced in 2018 and AI-enhanced since 2023).
Plays a pivotal role in Digital India, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and financial inclusion.

Significance

Enables ease of living through seamless access to welfare schemes and services.
Supports financial inclusion by easing onboarding processes for underserved populations.
Enhances the digital economy by offering secure and scalable identity verification solutions.
Fosters transparency and efficiency in government operations.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Aadhaar Authentications Cross 211 Crore in May 2025, Driving India’s Digital Growth
Total Aadhaar Auth Transactions	(May 2025) 211+ crore
Face Authentication Transactions	15.49 crore
e-KYC Transactions Over	37 crore
Cumulative Auth Transactions	15,223 crore+
Use Cases	DBT, banking, telecom, oil subsidies, welfare schemes
Benefits	Secure, real-time ID verification; reduces fraud; improves service delivery
Growth	Compared to May 2024 Increase from 201.76 crore to 211 crore
Technology Support	AI/ML-enhanced face authentication by UIDAI

EnviStats India 2025 Offers Crucial Insights on India’s Environmental Progress

On the occasion of World Environment Day (June 5, 2025), the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 8th edition of “EnviStats India 2025: Environment Statistics” at a national workshop held in New Delhi. The publication provides a comprehensive overview of India’s environmental indicators, tracking key changes in climate patterns, biodiversity, energy production, and sustainability metrics over the last decade. With contributions from various central ministries and alignment with the UN’s Framework for the Development of Environment Statistics (FDES) 2013, this annual report is a vital tool for evidence-based environmental policymaking.

Why in News?

The 8th edition of EnviStats India was released by MoSPI on June 5, 2025, aligning with World Environment Day. The report offers quantitative data and emerging trends related to climate change, biodiversity, fisheries, renewable energy, and environmental expenditure. The 2025 edition features new structural changes, indicator mapping, and data integration with FDES 2013.

Objectives of EnviStats India 2025

Present scientific and statistical data on India’s environmental conditions.
Support policy formulation, research, and environmental management.
Enhance public access to environmental statistics for transparency and academic use.
Align with global environmental frameworks like FDES 2013.

Energy and Climate Trends

Thermal power generation rose from 7.92 lakh GWh (2013-14) to 13.26 lakh GWh (2023-24).
Renewable energy production increased from 65,520 GWh to 2,25,835 GWh in the same period.
Annual mean temperature climbed from 25.05°C (2001) to 25.74°C (2024).
Minimum temperature rose from 19.32°C to 20.24°C, and maximum from 30.78°C to 31.25°C.
No long-term trend in annual rainfall, though year-to-year variability exists due to monsoon fluctuations.

Fisheries Production

Inland fish production nearly doubled: from 61.36 lakh tonnes (2013-14) to 139.07 lakh tonnes (2023-24).
Marine fish production grew from 34.43 lakh tonnes to 44.95 lakh tonnes during the same period.

Biodiversity Statistics

India accounts for 1,04,561 faunal species out of the world’s 16,73,627 species.
Includes 20,613 marine species, 9,436 freshwater species, and 22,404 soil species.
Rich biodiversity in mangroves, estuarine, and soil ecosystems.

Structural Reforms in EnviStats 2025

Expert group formed to expand scope, identify new data sources, and refine presentation.
Introduction of component-wise data structure aligned with FDES 2013.
Includes new data on access to electricity, transport, sanitation, and Ramsar sites.

Environmental Expenditure

Environment Sustainability Sector saw highest expenditure: Rs. 2,433.24 crore (2021–22).
Agro-forestry had the lowest funding, while Conservation of Natural Resources showed growth.

Background & Context

EnviStats began in 2018, published annually by NSO under MoSPI.
Aligned with FDES 2013, a UN-recommended statistical framework for environmental data.
Built using data from multiple central ministries and agencies.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	EnviStats India 2025 Offers Crucial Insights on India’s Environmental Progress
Publication Released	EnviStats India 2025: Environment Statistics
Released by	Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
Occasion	World Environment Day, June 5, 2025
Years Covered	Climate and energy data from 2001/2013 to 2024
Thermal Power Growth	7.92 lakh GWh (2013-14) → 13.26 lakh GWh (2023-24)
Renewable Energy Growth	65,520 GWh → 2,25,835 GWh
Mean Temperature Rise	25.05°C (2001) → 25.74°C (2024)
Biodiversity Data	1.04 lakh faunal species in India
Inland Fish Production	61.36 lakh tonnes → 139.07 lakh tonnes

India Commits $20 Billion to Transform Maritime Infrastructure: Sonowal

In a major global announcement at the Nor-Shipping Conference in Oslo, Norway, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal revealed that India is committing $20 billion to the development of its maritime infrastructure. This ambitious investment aims to modernize port connectivity, promote multimodal logistics, and enhance trade facilitation while focusing on sustainability through the construction of three Green Hydrogen Hub Ports in Kandla, Tuticorin, and Paradip. The announcement highlights India’s growing role in shaping the future of global maritime transport and green energy.

Why in News?

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, while addressing the Nor-Shipping Conference 2025 in Oslo, announced India’s $20 billion maritime infrastructure investment. The pledge focuses on green hydrogen production, alternative fuels, supply chain connectivity, and global trade corridors. This marks a significant step in India’s ambition to become a global maritime leader and achieve net-zero maritime goals.

Objectives of the Investment

Enhance port connectivity across India’s vast coastline.
Develop multimodal logistics for faster, more efficient cargo movement.
Promote sustainable shipping and green energy usage in maritime operations.
Strengthen participation in global trade corridors.
Expand seafarer employment through international cooperation.

Key Highlights

$20 Billion Maritime Infrastructure Plan

Targets modernization and expansion of Indian ports.
Supports development of logistics hubs and inland waterways.

Three Green Hydrogen Hub Ports

Kandla, Tuticorin, and Paradip identified for green hydrogen and derivatives production.
Aims to make India a pioneer in alternative maritime fuels.

Global Maritime Corridors

International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) connecting India and Russia.
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).

Shipbuilding and Investment Climate

Sonowal highlighted India’s shipbuilding capabilities and investment-friendly policies.
Focus on innovative financing to support industry growth.

Seafarer Collaboration

Urged stronger international partnerships to employ Indian seafarers.

Background & Static Info

India has 12 major ports and over 200 non-major ports.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is driving the Maritime India Vision 2030.
India is targeting net-zero emissions in the maritime sector through green ports and low-emission shipping.
Green hydrogen is a key component in India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Canara Bank Removes Minimum Balance Rule for All SB Accounts

In a major move aimed at promoting financial inclusion and customer convenience, Canara Bank has waived the minimum balance requirement across all its savings bank (SB) accounts, including regular savings, salary, and NRI accounts. This decision eliminates Average Monthly Balance (AMB)-related penalties, making Canara Bank the first major public sector bank in India to implement such a customer-friendly reform.

Why in News?

The news is significant as Canara Bank’s recent decision marks a major shift in traditional banking practices, especially for public sector banks. It reflects a growing trend toward inclusive and digital-first banking, enabling easier access for customers from various economic backgrounds, including students, salaried individuals, and rural account holders.

Key Highlights

Bank: Canara Bank
Reform: Waiver of AMB (Average Monthly Balance) requirement
Effective for: All types of SB accounts—Regular, Salary, NRI
Customer Benefit: No penalties for not maintaining minimum balance

Objectives of the Reform

Promote financial inclusion
Encourage banking among low-income and rural populations
Enhance customer satisfaction by reducing penalty-based banking

Background

Average Monthly Balance (AMB): Previously, customers had to maintain a certain average balance each month based on the account type and location (urban/rural).
Penalty Charges: Non-maintenance led to monthly penalties, varying with account categories and zones.

About Canara Bank

Founded: 1906 by Ammembal Subba Rao Pai in Mangalore
Branches (as of March 31, 2025): 9,849 across India (3,139 in rural areas)
ATMs: 9,579
International Presence: London, New York, Dubai, GIFT City

Significance

Supports the government’s vision of Jan Dhan Yojana and Digital India
Benefits students, senior citizens, salaried class, and NRIs who may not maintain high balances
Reduces barriers to accessing banking services for underserved populations

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Canara Bank Removes Minimum Balance Rule for All SB Accounts
Reform	Waiver of Average Monthly Balance (AMB) requirement
Affected Accounts	All Savings Bank accounts (Regular, Salary, NRI)
Purpose	To promote financial inclusion and customer convenience
Founded	1906, Mangalore
Rural Branches (2025)	3,139 out of 9,849 total
International Branches	London, New York, Dubai, GIFT City

World Food Safety Day 2025: Date, Theme, History, Significance and More

Each year on June 7, the world comes together to mark World Food Safety Day, a global awareness initiative that highlights the critical importance of safe food in ensuring good health, promoting food security, and fostering economic prosperity. World Food Safety Day 2025 continues this mission by emphasizing the vital role that science and innovation play in ensuring the safety of the food we consume.

Foodborne illnesses affect millions annually, with contaminated food posing significant risks to public health and placing a heavy burden on healthcare systems and economies. This international day is a reminder that food safety is a shared responsibility—from governments and producers to vendors and consumers.

Date of World Food Safety Day 2025

World Food Safety Day is observed on June 7 every year.
In 2025, it falls on Saturday, June 7, and will be commemorated globally through seminars, awareness campaigns, and collaborative actions by public and private stakeholders.

Theme of World Food Safety Day 2025

The theme for World Food Safety Day 2025 is:

“Food Safety: Science in Action”

This year’s theme underscores how scientific research, technology, and innovation help prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks. It highlights the role of:

Data and diagnostics in identifying hazards,
Research in developing better practices,
And scientific solutions in enhancing hygiene and safety throughout the entire food chain—from farm to fork.

By focusing on science, the 2025 theme encourages evidence-based policy-making and reinforces the idea that safe food saves lives.

History of World Food Safety Day

World Food Safety Day was established in December 2018 by the United Nations General Assembly, following a proposal jointly developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The first global observance took place on June 7, 2019.

The goal was to create a dedicated day that could raise awareness of the invisible but deadly threats posed by unsafe food and to promote coordinated global action to minimize food-related risks across all sectors.

Despite its significance, food safety had long been underprioritized on public health and development agendas. The FAO and WHO aimed to correct this imbalance by promoting annual action around key challenges and solutions.

Significance of World Food Safety Day

Since its inception, World Food Safety Day has grown into a global movement. It mobilizes:

Governments to strengthen regulatory systems,
Educational institutions to promote awareness,
Businesses to adopt transparent safety practices, and
Consumers to make informed food choices.

This day serves to:

Highlight unseen dangers like microbial contamination, pesticide residues, and chemical hazards,
Promote the adoption of science-backed standards and traceability systems,
And emphasize that food safety is everyone’s responsibility—whether you are a farmer, a manufacturer, a food handler, or a consumer.

By ensuring nutritious, safe, and accessible food, nations can enhance public health, reduce healthcare costs, build consumer confidence, and improve global trade.

World Food Safety Day 2025: Food Safety in India

India, with its diverse culinary culture and expansive informal food sector, faces unique food safety challenges. From street vendors to packaged goods, ensuring hygiene and compliance remains a work in progress.

Key Issues in India:

Food adulteration rose from 15% in 2012 to 28% in 2019.
38% of Indian households reported purchasing contaminated packaged food in the past three years.
In 2022, India had only 2,574 food safety officers, covering just 15% of the required strength.
Only 250 accredited food testing laboratories are operational, mostly in wealthier states.
Inadequate cold storage and transport facilities worsen the risk of food spoilage and contamination.

While regulatory bodies like FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) are intensifying efforts, public awareness and accountability remain crucial. Consumers must report violations, practice safe food handling, and support policies that enhance food transparency and safety.

How Can You Contribute to Food Safety?

Every individual plays a role in ensuring the food they eat and serve is safe. Here are a few everyday actions:

Wash hands and surfaces before preparing or handling food.
Check expiry dates and storage instructions on labels.
Avoid purchasing food from unhygienic sources.
Report food safety violations to local authorities or FSSAI helplines.
Support businesses that follow hygienic food preparation practices and use fortified ingredients.

Top-5 Largest Metro Systems in the World by 2025, Know About Them

Many big cities around the world have metro systems to help people travel quickly and easily. A metro is a train that usually runs underground inside a city. Some countries have very large metro networks with many lines and stations. These metro systems carry millions of people every day. In this article, we will learn about the top-5 countries with the largest metro networks in the world.

World’s Largest Metro System in Length by 2025

Among all the countries, China has the longest and most advanced metro systems. The Shanghai Metro alone is 896 km long and has 508 stations. It carries over 3.7 billion passengers every year. The Beijing Subway and Guangzhou Metro are also among the world’s largest and busiest. These systems are examples of how big and efficient a city’s transport system can be.

Top-5 Largest Metro Systems in the World by 2025

Metro systems are a fast and eco-friendly way to travel in big cities. The world’s largest metro networks help millions of people every day. These systems are known for their size, speed and smart features. Let’s look at the top-5 biggest metro systems globally:

China
United States
India
Japan
South Korea

China

China has the world’s biggest metro network. It covers more than 10,000 km and runs in 47 cities. The three biggest metro systems in China are in Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen. The Shanghai Metro is the longest in the world with 896 km and 508 stations. Beijing has a very large network too, with 523 stations. Shenzhen is also growing fast with 398 stations.

China’s metro trains carry about 3.7 billion passengers every day. These trains are fast, modern and made to save energy. Cities like Guangzhou and Chengdu are also quickly expanding their metro systems.

United States

The United States also has a wide metro network, especially in big cities like New York, Chicago and Washington D.C. The total length of metro lines in the USA is around 1,389 km. New York has the largest and oldest subway system in the country, with 472 stations. Chicago and Washington also have strong metro systems that help people avoid traffic and reach their destinations on time.

India

India’s metro network is growing every fast. Big cities like Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore already have working metro lines and more cities are building new ones. Delhi metro is the biggest of India, covering 391 km and having 286 stations. Kolkata and Bangalore also have well-developed systems.

Japan

Japan is famous for having some of the best metro systems in the world. Cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya have very organized and punctual metros. Tokyo Metro covers 304 km with 180 stations. Osaka and Nagoya also have strong networks.

What makes Japanese metros special is their-on-time service, and advanced technology. They are designed to run smoothly and save energy while helping millions of passengers every day.

South Korea

South Korea has very smart and high-tech metro systems. The Seoul Metro is one of the biggest in the world, covering 1,100 km and having 800 stations. Busan and Incheon also have their own metro systems.

South Korea metros are known for being clean, fast and very user-friendly. They run on time and help people travel comfortable across the city. These metros are designed with modern features and eco-friendly systems.