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.

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

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

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.

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.

Election Commission Digitizes Index Cards and Statistical Reports for Faster Data Access

In a significant stride toward improving transparency and efficiency in electoral data dissemination, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has implemented a technology-driven system to generate Index Cards and Statistical Reports post-elections. Headed by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar, alongside Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, the ECI’s upgraded system replaces time-consuming manual processes with automated data integration tools. This reform is expected to enhance the speed, accuracy, and accessibility of election-related information for researchers, journalists, policymakers, and the general public.

Why in News?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the implementation of a streamlined digital mechanism for generating Index Cards and related Statistical Reports. The update comes under the leadership of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, aimed at ensuring faster, tech-enabled post-election data reporting. The move is a response to delays and inefficiencies in the earlier manual, multi-step processes used to compile and disseminate constituency-level election data.

Objectives and Purpose

To accelerate data availability post-election.
To enhance accuracy, transparency, and accessibility of election data.
To reduce dependency on manual inputs and mitigate risks of delay.

Key Features of the New System

Digitally Generated Index Cards

Non-statutory format used for academic and research purposes.
Covers detailed constituency-wise election data.

Automated Statistical Reporting

Generates 35 reports for Lok Sabha elections and 14 reports for State Assembly elections.

Reports include

Elector demographics by state, PC (Parliamentary Constituency), AC (Assembly Constituency).

Polling station statistics

Turnout data, gender-based participation, and party performance.
Detailed vote share and analysis of winning candidates.

Data Accessibility

Useful for researchers, academics, media, policymakers, and the public.
Promotes deeper democratic discourse and electoral studies.

Background

Previously

Constituency officials manually filled physical Index Cards post-election.
Data was later entered into an online system, creating delays.

Now

The process is fully digitized, with automated integration from statutory data.

Limitations

The Index Cards and reports are secondary data sources.
Primary data is still held in statutory forms by Returning Officers.
Reports are intended solely for academic and research purposes, not for official results declaration.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Election Commission Digitizes Index Cards and Statistical Reports for Faster Data Access
Initiative by	Election Commission of India (ECI)
Led by CEC	Shri Gyanesh Kumar; ECs Dr. Sandhu & Dr. Joshi
New Mechanism	Automated Index Cards & Statistical Reporting System
Old Process	Manual physical card entry, later digitized
Reports Generated	35 for Lok Sabha; 14 for State Assemblies
Purpose	Transparency, speed, accessibility for electoral data

RBI Announce 55th Monetary Policy Committee Meeting (June 2025)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) convened its 55th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting from June 4 to 6, 2025, under the chairmanship of Governor Shri Sanjay Malhotra. This meeting was of significant importance as it came amid a changing global economic environment and evolving domestic macroeconomic conditions. The key outcomes of the meeting signal a policy recalibration aimed at supporting growth while maintaining price stability.

Key Updates from RBI’s 55th Monetary Policy Meeting (June 2025)

1. Policy Rate Cut

Repo Rate: Reduced by 50 basis points (bps), from 6.00% to 5.50%.
Reason: To support growth while CPI inflation is well below target.
This is the second cut in 2025, totaling 100 bps since February.

2. Adjusted Policy Corridor

Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate: Cut to 5.25% (25 bps below repo rate).
Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate and Bank Rate: Lowered to 5.75% (25 bps above repo rate).

3. Shift in Policy Stance

From “Accommodative” to “Neutral”.
RBI indicates it will now take a data-dependent approach, reducing scope for further aggressive rate cuts.

Next Meeting Date

August 5-7, 2025

September 29-30, 2025 and October 1, 2025

December 3-5, 2025

February 4-6, 2026

GDP Growth Forecast

GDP at 6.5%, says Governor. There is no change in GDP forecast:

Period	Current Forecast	Earlier Forecast
FY26	6.5%	6.5%
Q1 FY26	6.5%	6.5%
Q2 FY26	6.7%	6.7%
Q3 FY26	6.6%	6.6%
Q4 FY26	6.3%	6.3%

Inflation Forecast (CPI) – Revised Downward

FY26 CPI Inflation now projected at 3.7%, down from 4.0%.

Period	Current Forecast	Earlier Forecast
FY26	3.7%	4.0%
Q1 FY26	2.9%	3.6%
Q2 FY26	3.4%	3.9%
Q3 FY26	3.9%	3.8%
Q4 FY26	4.4%	4.4%

Who are members of the RBI MPC?

Section 45ZB of the amended RBI Act, 1934 provides for an empowered six-member monetary policy committee (MPC) to be constituted by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette. The first such MPC was constituted on September 29, 2016. The present MPC members, as notified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette of October 1, 2024, are as under:

Governor of the Reserve Bank of India—Chairperson, ex officio;
Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, in charge of Monetary Policy—Member, ex officio;
One officer of the Reserve Bank of India to be nominated by the Central Board—Member, ex officio;
Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Director and Chief Executive, Institute for Studies in Industrial Development, New Delhi — Member;
Shri Saugata Bhattacharya, Economist — Member; and
Prof. Ram Singh, Director, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi —Member

(Members referred to at 4 to 6 above, will hold office for a period of four years or until further orders, whichever is earlier)

The MPC determines the policy repo rate required to achieve the inflation target.
The MPC is required to meet at least four times in a year. The quorum for the meeting of the MPC is four members.
Each member of the MPC has one vote, and in the event of an equality of votes, the Governor has a second or casting vote.
Each Member of the Monetary Policy Committee writes a statement specifying the reasons for voting in favour of, or against the proposed resolution.

RBI Instruments of Monetary Policy

Repo Rate

The Repo Rate is the interest rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends short-term funds to commercial banks under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), using government and other approved securities as collateral. It serves as the primary monetary policy tool for regulating inflation and managing liquidity in the economy. When the repo rate is increased, borrowing becomes more expensive, which helps control inflation. Conversely, a reduction in the repo rate makes borrowing cheaper, encouraging lending and investment, thus stimulating economic growth.

Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate

The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate is the interest rate at which the RBI accepts uncollateralised overnight deposits from commercial banks. Introduced in April 2022, it replaced the fixed reverse repo rate as the floor of the LAF corridor. The SDF rate is placed 25 basis points below the policy repo rate. It plays a dual role by not only absorbing surplus liquidity but also contributing to overall financial stability, allowing banks to deposit excess funds with the central bank without requiring securities.

Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate

The Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate is a penal rate at which banks can borrow funds overnight from the RBI by dipping into their Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) holdings, up to a predefined limit (usually 2%). This facility acts as a last-resort mechanism to manage unexpected liquidity pressures in the banking system. The MSF rate is set 25 basis points above the repo rate and serves as the upper bound or ceiling of the LAF corridor.

Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF)

The Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) comprises the RBI’s tools to either inject or absorb liquidity in the banking system. It includes overnight and term repo/reverse repo operations at fixed and variable rates, as well as the SDF and MSF. In addition to LAF operations, the RBI also utilizes instruments such as open market operations (OMOs), forex swaps, and the Market Stabilisation Scheme (MSS) for effective liquidity management.

LAF Corridor

The LAF Corridor is the range within which the RBI allows overnight money market interest rates to fluctuate. The corridor has the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate as the upper bound, the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate as the lower bound, and the policy repo rate at its midpoint. This structure helps guide short-term interest rates and ensures the smooth functioning of the monetary transmission mechanism.

Main Liquidity Management Tool

The main liquidity management tool of the RBI is the 14-day term repo or reverse repo auction conducted at a variable rate. These operations are aligned with the cash reserve ratio (CRR) maintenance cycle and serve to manage the routine liquidity requirements of the banking system. This is the RBI’s principal method for fine-tuning liquidity in normal market conditions.

Fine Tuning Operations

Fine tuning operations are supplementary liquidity measures taken by the RBI to address short-term and unforeseen liquidity fluctuations. These include overnight or longer-tenor repo/reverse repo auctions. If needed, the RBI may also conduct variable rate repo/reverse repo auctions with tenors exceeding 14 days. These operations help maintain liquidity conditions within the desired corridor.

Reverse Repo Rate

The Reverse Repo Rate is the interest rate at which the RBI absorbs liquidity from commercial banks by accepting deposits backed by government securities. Though it remains part of the LAF framework, its role has been altered since the introduction of the SDF. The RBI now uses fixed-rate reverse repo operations at its discretion, depending on prevailing liquidity and policy needs.

Bank Rate

The Bank Rate is the rate at which the RBI is willing to buy or rediscount bills of exchange and other commercial instruments. It also acts as a penal rate charged to banks for failing to maintain statutory reserve requirements like the CRR and SLR. Published under Section 49 of the RBI Act, 1934, the Bank Rate has been aligned with the MSF rate and changes automatically with adjustments to the repo rate.

Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)

The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) is the minimum average daily balance that commercial banks are required to maintain with the RBI as a percentage of their net demand and time liabilities (NDTL), as of the last Friday of the second preceding fortnight. The CRR is a tool used to control the money supply and liquidity in the economy by restricting the amount of funds available for lending.

Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)

The Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) mandates that banks maintain a certain percentage of their net demand and time liabilities (NDTL) in the form of liquid assets such as unencumbered government securities, cash, or gold. Like CRR, the SLR helps in regulating credit growth, ensuring bank solvency, and controlling inflation.

Open Market Operations (OMOs)

Open Market Operations (OMOs) refer to the outright purchase or sale of government securities by the RBI in the open market. These operations are aimed at injecting or absorbing long-term liquidity in the banking system. When the RBI buys securities, it infuses liquidity; when it sells, it absorbs liquidity. OMOs are a critical component of the RBI’s toolkit for durable liquidity management.

PM Modi Will Inaugurate World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir

PM Modi Inaugurates World's Highest Railway Arch Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, June 6, 2025, will inaugurate the Chenab Bridge — the world’s highest railway arch bridge — located in Jammu & Kashmir’s Reasi district. The event marked a major infrastructure milestone, as the Prime Minister also launched development projects worth over ₹46,000 crore at Katra, including the inauguration of India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge (Anji Bridge), flagging off Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar, and laying the foundation stone of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence. These projects aim to boost connectivity, healthcare, and economic growth in the Union Territory.

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, to inaugurate a range of critical infrastructure projects on June 6, 2025. The highlight was the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge, now the world’s highest railway arch bridge at 359 meters above the riverbed. PM Modi also flagged off Vande Bharat trains on the newly completed section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). This marks a significant development in the region’s connectivity and strategic infrastructure.

Major Infrastructure Projects

Chenab Bridge

Height: 359 metres above Chenab River — taller than the Eiffel Tower.
Length: 1,315 metres.
Structure: Steel arch designed to withstand seismic activity and high wind speeds.
Significance: Seamless rail link between Jammu and Kashmir; enhances border area connectivity.

Anji Bridge

India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
Built in challenging Himalayan terrain.
Facilitates rail link to Katra and Kashmir Valley.

USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link)

Total length: 272 kmસ
Objective: Provide all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
Strategic for economic development and national security.

Vande Bharat Trains

New services between Katra and Srinagar.
Reduced travel time to approx. 3 hours (saves 2-3 hours).
Enhances tourism, trade, and pilgrimage routes.

Healthcare Boost

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence
Investment: ₹350 crore.
Location: Katra (Reasi district).
First medical college in the region; improves access to quality healthcare.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	PM Modi will Inaugurates World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir
Key Highlight	World’s highest railway arch bridge (Chenab Bridge)
Height & Length	359m height, 1,315m length
Additional Projects	Anji Bridge, USBRL line, medical institute, road projects
Rail Boost	Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar
Healthcare Initiative	Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence worth ₹350 crore
Total Project Cost	₹46,000 crore
Strategic Value	Improved border connectivity and economic growth in Jammu & Kashmir

India-England Test Series Renamed Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

In a landmark move celebrating two of Test cricket’s greatest icons, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have jointly announced that the historic Test series between India and England will now be known as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The renaming honours James Anderson, England’s most prolific Test bowler, and Sachin Tendulkar, India’s legendary batsman and the most-capped Test player in history.

Why in News?

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have officially announced that the Test series between India and England will now be named the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, in honour of cricketing greats James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar. The trophy will be unveiled during the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s starting June 11, 2025, ahead of the five-Test series beginning June 20 at Headingley.

Objective & Significance

To commemorate James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar, two iconic players who have immensely contributed to Test cricket.
Promote greater historical continuity and fan engagement with the India-England Test rivalry.

Background

Earlier series in England were called the Pataudi Trophy (named after Nawab of Pataudi Sr. and Jr.).
In India, the series was known as the Anthony de Mello Trophy, after BCCI’s first secretary and president.
With Anderson’s retirement in 2023 and the increasing trend of naming series after legendary players, this change was deemed timely.

About the Legends

James Anderson: England’s all-time highest wicket-taker in Tests with 188 matches.
Sachin Tendulkar: Most-capped Test cricketer with 200 Tests, revered globally as the “Little Master”.

Upcoming Series

The new WTC cycle starts with India vs England series from June 20, 2025, at Headingley.
Both Tendulkar and Anderson will jointly unveil the trophy at Lord’s before the WTC Final.

Trend in Test Cricket

Recent trend of naming Test series after iconic players,

Border-Gavaskar Trophy (India vs Australia)
Richards-Botham Trophy (England vs West Indies)
Crowe-Thorpe Trophy (England vs New Zealand, since 2024)

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	India-England Test Series Renamed Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
Replaces	Pataudi Trophy (in England) and Anthony de Mello Trophy (in India)
Trophy Name	Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
Next Test Series	Start June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds
Named After	James Anderson (188 Tests) and Sachin Tendulkar (200 Tests)
Announced By	ECB and BCCI