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.

David Beckham to Be Knighted in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours

Football icon David Beckham is expected to be knighted next week as part of King Charles III’s birthday honours, marking a significant moment in his journey from sports stardom to public service and philanthropy. The 50-year-old former England captain, who earned an OBE in 2003, will now reportedly be elevated to “Sir David Beckham”, recognising his contributions not just to football but to British society, charitable work, and environmental advocacy.

Why in News?

The announcement, likely to be part of the upcoming King’s Birthday Honours list, will officially bestow knighthood upon David Beckham, a move that has been anticipated for over a decade. The decision also reflects his broad contributions beyond football, from charity work with UNICEF to his ambassadorship for The King’s Foundation.

David Beckham’s Achievements & Honours

OBE (2003): Awarded for services to football.
Knighthood (Expected in 2025): To be titled “Sir David Beckham”; wife Victoria Beckham will be “Lady Beckham”.
Nominated first in 2011; honour delayed amid earlier controversies.

Football Career Highlights

115 appearances for England’s national team.

Played for top clubs including,

Manchester United
Real Madrid
LA Galaxy
AC Milan
Paris Saint-Germain

Retired in 2013; now co-owner of Inter Miami CF and part-owner of Salford City.

Philanthropic & Environmental Work

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2005.
In 2015, The David Beckham UNICEF Fund launched.
Focuses on child protection and global children’s rights.
In 2024, became ambassador for The King’s Foundation.
Supports youth education and environmental connection.
Beckham also engages in beekeeping and promotes sustainability.

Controversies & Delays

In 2017, leaked emails showed Beckham allegedly frustrated with the honours process.
Messages were later clarified as hacked and manipulated.
Despite delays, Beckham remained a popular public figure, consistently contributing to British society.

RBI Raises Gold Loan LTV Ratio to 85% for Loans Below ₹2.5 Lakh

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a major revision in its gold loan norms by increasing the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for loans up to ₹2.5 lakh to 85%, effective from April 1, 2026. This decision follows extensive consultations and aims to ease credit access for small-ticket borrowers, while also imposing stricter valuation, documentation, and monitoring frameworks on lenders to tackle the surge in non-performing assets (NPAs) in the gold loan segment.

Why in News?

The RBI has finalized new gold loan guidelines, increasing the LTV ratio for loans below ₹2.5 lakh and setting structured LTV caps for higher loan amounts. This move addresses concerns from the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and aims to balance financial inclusion with credit risk management, especially in the wake of rising NPAs in the sector.

Highlights of the New RBI Gold Loan Norms

Effective Date: April 1, 2026

LTV Changes

Loans ≤ ₹2.5 lakh: 85% LTV
Loans > ₹2.5 lakh and ≤ ₹5 lakh: 80% LTV
Loans > ₹5 lakh: 75% LTV
Includes interest as part of LTV calculation.

Loan Agreement Requirements

Must include collateral description, value, auction terms, and release procedures.

Background & Rationale

Gold loan outstanding stood at ₹1.78 lakh crore (Jan 2025), up 76.9% YoY.
NPAs rose 28.58% in a year, crossing ₹6,800 crore.
Commercial banks alone reported ₹2,040 crore in NPAs (up from ₹1,404 crore).

DFS Interventions

Urged exemption for small borrowers (loans < ₹2 lakh) from draft compliance.
Advocated easier disbursement norms for low-income segments.

RBI Directions to Lenders

No lending against primary gold/silver or their financial derivatives (ETFs, MFs).

Collateral to be valued based on,

Lower of average price over 30 days or preceding day price
Data sourced from IBJA or SEBI-regulated exchange

Collateral Release: Within same day, maximum 7 working days after loan settlement.

Unclaimed Gold/Silver: Lying with lender beyond 2 years post-repayment treated as unclaimed. and Lenders to conduct special drives to locate rightful owners.

Regulations & Consumer Protection

Strict prohibition on misleading advertisements
Loans under Priority Sector Lending (PSL) may require end-use monitoring
Lenders must have adequate infrastructure and security measures
Cost of repair for damaged collateral to be borne by lender

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	RBI Raises Gold Loan LTV Ratio to 85% for Loans Below ₹2.5 Lakh
New LTV for ≤ ₹2.5 lakh loans	85%
LTV for ₹2.5 – ₹5 lakh	80%
LTV for loans > ₹5 lakh	75%
Key Focus	Small-ticket borrower access, NPA management, collateral transparency
Gold Loan Growth (YoY)	76.9% (₹1.78 lakh crore as of Jan 2025)
NPA Growth in Gold Loans	28.58% YoY (₹6,824 crore as of Dec 2024)
DFS Involvement	Advocated for relaxation for small borrowers (< ₹2 lakh)
Borrower Protections	Timely collateral return, ad norms, cost coverage on damage

PM Modi to Attend G-7 Summit in Canada, Signaling Thaw in Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Canada next week to participate in the G-7 Summit, following an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. This visit, Mr. Modi’s first to Canada in a decade, comes amid efforts to repair strained bilateral ties caused by the Khalistan separatist issue, allegations over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and reciprocal diplomatic expulsions in 2023–24. The invitation and acceptance mark a significant step towards restoring India-Canada diplomatic engagement and rekindling broader people-to-people and commercial relations.

Why in News?

PM Modi has officially accepted Canadian PM Mark Carney’s last-minute invitation to attend the upcoming G-7 Summit in Alberta, Canada, on short notice. The development is highly significant given the recent low point in India-Canada relations and indicates a potential reset in diplomatic ties following political transitions and ongoing international dialogues.

Key Highlights

Event: G-7 Summit 2025
Location: Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada
Date: Next week (Mid-June 2025)
Invited by: Canadian PM Mark Carney
First India-Canada visit by PM Modi since 2015
Theme of visit: Resetting bilateral relations with “renewed vigour”

Context and Background

India-Canada ties worsened over

Khalistan-related violence and protests
Murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023
Expulsion of High Commissioners and diplomats in 2023 and 2024
Suspension of visa services and downsizing embassies

Two major anniversaries in June

40 years since Air India Kanishka bombing (June 23, 1985)
2 years since Nijjar’s assassination (June 18, 2023)

What the Leaders Said

PM Mark Carney

Discussed “security cooperation and law enforcement dialogue”
Emphasized shared commercial and people-to-people ties

PM Narendra Modi

Promised to work with “renewed vigour guided by mutual respect”
Congratulated Carney on election victory
Highlighted India-Canada as vibrant democracies

International Implications

Modi to meet

U.S. President Donald Trump, amid tensions over Operation Sindoor
U.K. PM Keir Starmer, post India-U.K. FTA finalization
Possible interactions with Quad and BRICS leaders (Australia, Brazil, South Africa)

Future of Diplomatic Exchanges

Canada had proposed Christopher Cooter as High Commissioner to India in 2024.
India recently named Dinesh Patnaik, Ambassador to Spain, for the post in Ottawa.
Speculation on whether High Commissioners will be restored as part of the thaw

800-Year-Old Pandya Era Shiva Temple Unearthed in Tamil Nadu

An important archaeological discovery has been made in Udampatti village of Melur taluk, Tamil Nadu, where the foundation of an 800-year-old Shiva temple belonging to the later Pandya period has been unearthed. Although only the stone base remains, the site is of major historical interest due to Tamil inscriptions dating back to 1217-1218 CE that reveal the temple’s name—Thennavanisvaram—and its financially independent status. This find sheds light on the cultural, architectural, and socio-economic dynamics of the Pandya era.

Why in News?

The recent unearthing of a Pandya-era Shiva temple at Udampatti in Melur taluk, with inscriptions from the reign of Maravarman Sundara Pandya, offers significant insights into ancient temple administration and land transactions. The discovery also reveals that the current village was once known as Attur, providing critical historical and linguistic data for researchers.

Key Highlights of the Discovery

Location: Udampatti village, Melur Taluk, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu.
Era: Later Pandya period (circa 13th century CE).
Inscription Date: 1217–1218 CE.
Ruler: Maravarman Sundara Pandya.
Temple Name: Thennavanisvaram.
Ancient Village Name: Attur.

Key Personalities Involved

Prof. P. Devi Arivu Selvam (Temple Architect & Researcher).
C. Santhalingam (Archaeologist, Pandya Nadu Centre for Historical Research).
Village Administrative Officer (VAO), local authorities, and villagers.

Details from the Inscriptions

The inscriptions are sale deeds mentioning the sale of a waterbody (Nagankudi) and adjoining lands for 64 kasu (ancient coins).
Seller: Alagaperumal, chieftain of Kalavalinadu.
Buyer: Nambi Perambala Kuthan alias Kangeyan.
The proceeds from the land were earmarked for daily expenses of the temple deity.
The four boundaries of the land and waterbody are well documented in the inscription.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Demonstrates financial independence of temples during the Pandya era.
Provides information about the administrative structure, including taxation and land ownership.
Confirms the use of temple endowments and donations for sustaining religious institutions.
The temple name “Thennavanisvaram” is connected to Pandya royal titles, affirming the temple’s possible royal patronage.

Background & Previous Documentation

The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (1974–75) had recorded the presence of ancient temples in the region.
Many of these temples have now vanished or lie in ruins, making this discovery even more valuable.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	800-Year-Old Pandya Era Shiva Temple Unearthed in Tamil Nadu
Location	Udampatti, Melur Taluk, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Discovery	Foundation of an 800-year-old Shiva temple
Historical Period	Later Pandya Era, during Maravarman Sundara Pandya’s reign (1217–1218 CE)
Temple Name	Thennavanisvaram
Ancient Village Name	Attur
Key Findings	Inscriptions detailing land and waterbody sale for temple maintenance
Importance	Temple was financially independent; offers insights into ancient society

Rethinking India’s Water Policy: A Call for Source-to-Sea Approach

In the face of increasing climate-related water challenges, rising pollution, and poor inter-jurisdictional coordination, India’s fragmented water management system needs a major overhaul. Experts are advocating for the Source to Sea (S2S) approach, a comprehensive water governance framework that treats freshwater and marine ecosystems as a single hydrological continuum. As 2025 marks the International Year of Glacier Preservation, there is renewed global urgency to bridge the upstream-downstream disconnect in water policy, making the S2S approach both timely and necessary for sustainable water resource management in India.

Why in News?

World Water Day 2025 focused on ‘Glacier Preservation’, highlighting the vulnerability of upstream water sources. The UN’s Decade of Ocean Science (2021–2030) has reached its midpoint, emphasizing coastal protection and marine biodiversity. The Source to Sea (S2S) framework, long on the global agenda, remains underutilized in Indian water policy, despite increasing stress on rivers, aquifers, and marine environments. With mounting pressure from climate change and pollution, India is being urged to adopt S2S governance mechanisms for water sustainability.

Aim & Objectives of the S2S Approach

Promote integrated management of land, freshwater, coastal, and marine systems.
Encourage cooperation across jurisdictions and stakeholders.
Ensure sustainable freshwater flow to oceans, preserving marine biodiversity.
Enhance climate resilience by treating water bodies as part of an interconnected ecosystem.

Background and Global Developments

S2S concept introduced in the 2012 Manila Declaration to address marine pollution from land-based sources.
Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) launched a dedicated platform in 2014.
In 2025, IUCN took over the management of this platform.

The approach supports the UN SDGs, especially,

Goal 6.5: Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
Goal 14.1: Preventing marine pollution from land-based activities.

Key Global Context in 2025

UN World Water Development Report 2025 highlights mountain water sources and glacier preservation.
First World Day for Glaciers observed on March 21, 2025.
Growing emphasis on cryospheric science and downstream impact of glacier melt.

Midway into the Decade of Ocean Science, concerns include,

Rising sea levels
Increasing coastal pollution
Loss of marine biodiversity

India’s Water Challenges

Water stress could affect 600 million people, risking 6% GDP loss (NITI Aayog 2018).
311 polluted river stretches identified by CPCB in 2022.

Over-extraction of groundwater

India uses 60.5% of its extractable groundwater.
Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan use more than 100%.
Declining groundwater quality and increasing salinity.
Fragmented governance due to inter-state water bodies and lack of integration across tiers of governance.

Governance Complexity

Four layers of water commons

Local/Panchayat
State Government
National Government
Global Cooperation

Need for nested governance systems to manage interconnected resources.

Case Studies & Emerging Initiatives

Delhi nutrient management under the S2S platform.
Proposed S2S Future Programme to study Indo-Gangetic Basin settlements.

Significance of the Shift to S2S

Addresses fragmentation in water policy.
Aligns science, policy, and execution under a unified ecosystem framework.
Facilitates inter-agency coordination, especially in transboundary and inter-state water governance.
Essential for climate adaptation, agriculture, and drinking water security.

Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Fully Operational After 28 Years

After nearly 28 years in the making, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) — a 272-km strategic railway project — has finally become fully operational with the inauguration of the Sangaldan-Katra section on June 6, 2025. The project, which began in 1997, aims to provide seamless connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley, crossing through the world’s highest railway bridge on the Chenab and several record-breaking tunnels, including India’s longest operational rail tunnel.

Why in News?

On June 6, 2025, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the final phase of the USBRL project — the Sangaldan to Katra section, making the entire rail line fully operational. This marked the completion of a project first approved in 1997, aimed at connecting Kashmir with the rest of India via railway. The last link included iconic engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge, Anji Bridge, and 12.75 km Pir Panjal tunnel.

Project Timeline and Phased Commissioning

1997: USBRL project sanctioned.
April 2005: First segment (Jammu–Udhampur, 55 km) completed.
October 2008: Anantnag–Mazhom section (68 km) inaugurated.
February 2009: Mazhom–Baramulla section (32 km) operational.
October 2009: Anantnag–Quazigund extended.
June 2013: Quazigund–Banihal section opened; included the Pir Panjal Tunnel.
July 2014: Udhampur–Katra line inaugurated.
February 2024: Banihal–Sangaldan section operational.
June 6, 2025: Final phase, Sangaldan–Katra, inaugurated by PM Modi.

Engineering Marvels

Chenab Bridge: World’s highest railway bridge (359 m above riverbed).
Anji Bridge: India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge.
Pir Panjal Tunnel: India’s longest rail tunnel at 12.75 km.
Multiple long tunnels and difficult terrain were tackled using advanced technologies and manpower.

Aim & Objectives

Provide all-weather, reliable connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir Valley.
Enhance strategic movement and boost socio-economic integration.
Reduce travel time and dependency on the vulnerable Jammu-Srinagar highway.

Significance

Provides rail connectivity to remote districts of Kashmir for the first time.
Enhances defence logistics in a strategically sensitive region.
Expected to boost tourism, trade, and local employment.
Improves national unity and helps address the region’s infrastructure gaps.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Fully Operational After 28 Years
Total Length	272 km
Project Start Year	1997
Final Phase Inauguration	June 6, 2025
Inaugurated By	Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Final Operational Section	Sangaldan to Katra
Engineering Highlights	Chenab Bridge, Anji Bridge, Pir Panjal Tunnel
Longest Tunnel	12.75 km between Banihal and Sangaldan
Strategic Importance	Defence logistics, economic growth, Kashmir connectivity

Kerala’s Public Health Lab Develops Molecular Test Kits for Deadly Amoeba

In a major breakthrough in infectious disease diagnostics, the State Public Health Laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has successfully developed molecular diagnostic test kits to detect five species of free-living amoeba (FLA) known to cause amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but highly fatal brain infection. For the first time, the lab identified Acanthamoeba spp. in a human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample, marking a critical step in early diagnosis and targeted treatment of this life-threatening condition.

Why in News?

The State Public Health Laboratory in Kerala has developed PCR-based molecular tests for five dangerous species of amoeba. For the first time, a confirmatory diag nosis of Acanthamoeba spp. was made in a human sample, enabling prompt and precise treatment.Kerala had earlier depended on national labs like PGI Chandigarh for such confirmation.

What Has Been Achieved?

Development of molecular diagnostic (PCR) test kits to identify.

Naegleria fowleri
Acanthamoeba spp.
Vermamoeba vermiformis
Balamuthia mandrillaris
Paravahlkampfia francinae
These are among the six known pathogenic amoeba species out of 400+ free-living types.

Importance of the Breakthrough

The first-ever human sample diagnosis of Acanthamoeba spp. was confirmed using the in-house kit.
Enables early detection, targeted drug therapy, and significantly improves survival chances.

Why It Matters for Kerala

Frequent reports of amoebic encephalitis prompted the State directive to test all Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) samples for amoebic pathogens.
Till now, samples had to be sent to labs outside Kerala, causing delays in diagnosis and treatment.
The new capability reduces turnaround time and improves treatment precision.

Clinical and Public Health Impact

Previously, diagnosis was only presumptive based on CSF microscopy, leading to empirical treatment.
With confirmatory PCR, doctors can optimize drug regimens.
If Naegleria fowleri is detected, environmental testing of waterbodies becomes essential to issue public warnings.

Expert Insight

Dr. R. Aravind, Govt. Medical College: “Now we can skip presumptive therapy and begin targeted treatment without delay.”
Dr. S. Sunija, Director, PH Lab: “A proud moment… we no longer rely on outside labs for confirmation.”

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Kerala’s Public Health Lab Develops Molecular Test Kits for Deadly Amoeba
Developed by	State Public Health Laboratory, Kerala
Location	Thiruvananthapuram
Diagnostic Tool	PCR-based Molecular Diagnostic Test Kits
Pathogens Detected	5 Amoebic species incl. Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba spp.
First Confirmed	Human Sample Acanthamoeba spp. in CSF of AES patient

Starlink Gets Green Light to Launch Satellite Internet in India

In a major boost to satellite-based internet connectivity in India, Elon Musk’s Starlink has secured the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). With this approval, Starlink becomes the third company authorized to provide satellite communication services in India, alongside Bharti Airtel-backed OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s Satellite Communications. The company is expected to receive trial spectrum within 15–20 days to demonstrate its technical and security compliance before commencing full-scale operations.

Why in News?

Elon Musk’s Starlink received the GMPCS licence from India’s Department of Telecommunications. This approval enables Starlink to offer satellite broadband services in India, subject to security and technical compliance. The company is set to receive trial spectrum in 15–20 days for demonstration. It marks a key step in India’s growing satellite communication (satcom) industry.

Key Developments

Starlink has been granted the GMPCS licence, the final regulatory step to operate in India.
The approval follows the company’s agreement to India’s stringent security protocols.
Trial spectrum will be allocated shortly to allow demonstration of service compliance.

Competing Satcom Players

OneWeb (Airtel-backed) – Received GMPCS licence in August 2021.
Jio Satellite Communications – Got the licence in March 2022.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper – Still awaiting approvals from DoT.

Security and Operational Conditions

Companies must enable legal interception of satellite communications.
No user data should be linked or processed outside India.
Must indigenise at least 20% of the ground infrastructure within the first few years.
Require security clearance for hub and gateway locations.
Comply with real-time monitoring and interception equipment standards.

Pending Spectrum Allocation

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has sent its recommendations on spectrum pricing and allocation to the government.
Commercial operations can begin only after spectrum is administratively allocated by the government.

Significance of the Move

Enables remote and rural connectivity across India.
Boosts digital inclusion and aligns with Digital India goals.
Encourages competition and innovation in India’s internet services market.

Magnus Carlsen Clinches Norway Chess 2025 Title After Dramatic Finale

Magnus Carlsen added yet another chapter to his legendary career by winning the Norway Chess 2025 title for the seventh time, following a gripping final round in Stavanger. Despite being pressed hard by rising Indian star D Gukesh and American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana, Carlsen’s resilient draw against Arjun Erigaisi in the Classical game sealed his triumph in a dramatic finish. Gukesh, who was just half a point behind at the start of the final round, narrowly missed a golden opportunity, ultimately finishing third behind Caruana.

Why in News?

Magnus Carlsen won Norway Chess 2025, his seventh title in the prestigious tournament. Indian teenager D Gukesh was in contention till the final round but slipped to third place after a tactical blunder. The closely contested finale showcased some of the world’s top chess talents, including Carlsen, Gukesh, Caruana, and Erigaisi.

Highlights of the Final Round

Carlsen vs Arjun Erigaisi

For 34 moves, Carlsen was in a worse position.
He mounted a brilliant comeback, coordinating two knights and a rook.
Settled for a draw via threefold repetition.

Gukesh vs Caruana

Gukesh needed a win or draw to force a title playoff.
Caruana was winning on move 47 but blundered.
Gukesh then made a costly error on move 48, walking into a knight fork and losing the game.

Final Standings (Top 6)

Magnus Carlsen – 16 points
Fabiano Caruana – 15.5
D Gukesh – 14.5
Hikaru Nakamura – 14
Arjun Erigaisi – 13
Wei Yi – 9.5

Significance of the Win

Carlsen continues to dominate even after stepping back from classical World Championship contention.
D Gukesh’s performance underlines his status as India’s brightest chess prodigy and a strong future title contender.
The tournament highlighted rising global chess competitiveness and showcased India’s growing presence at the top level.

Background

Norway Chess is one of the most prestigious annual super tournaments held in Stavanger, Norway.
Carlsen, the former World Champion, has been its most dominant player.
The event features Classical games with Armageddon tiebreaks, encouraging fighting chess.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Magnus Carlsen Clinches Norway Chess 2025 Title After Dramatic Finale
Tournament Name	Norway Chess 2025
Winner	Magnus Carlsen
Title Count	7-time Norway Chess Champion
Final Round Result	Carlsen drew vs Arjun Erigaisi
Key Rival	D Gukesh (lost to Caruana in final round)
Runner-up	Fabiano Caruana (15.5 points)
Location	Stavanger, Norway

Amit Shah Launches Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag to Promote Indian Languages in Governance

On June 6, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag (BBA), or Indian Languages Section, in New Delhi. This initiative is aimed at reducing the dominance of foreign languages, especially English, in India’s administrative functioning and promoting the use of mother tongues in decision-making and official communication. The move aligns with the vision of linguistic inclusion and is a key step towards fostering unity through India’s linguistic diversity.

Why in News?

The Indian Languages Section (BBA) was launched on June 6, 2025, by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The initiative aims to empower regional languages and promote decision-making in mother tongues, moving away from the traditional dominance of English in governance. The Union Budget 2024-25 allocated ₹56 crore for the development of this platform.

Aims and Objectives

To free India’s administration from the influence of foreign languages.
To promote thinking, analysis, and decision-making in Indian languages.
To facilitate universal translation between Indian languages and Hindi (and vice versa).
To strengthen regional languages and ensure inclusivity in governance.

Background and Significance

Under the Official Languages Rules, 1976, communication with Region C States (like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka) is primarily in English.
There has been long-standing discontent that regional languages are sidelined at the national level.
The BBA was created to bridge this gap, ensuring that communications between Centre and States happen in native languages, with support from C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing).
Aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes mother tongue-based education and administration.

Implementation Support

C-DAC will develop tools to enable real-time and high-quality translation.
The system aims to translate letters and government documents into regional languages for inclusive communication.

Statements from Officials

Amit Shah stated “Our true potential will be achieved only when our processes of thinking and governance are conducted in our own languages.”
Anshuli Arya (Secretary, Official Languages Division) explained the need for this section to resolve language-based disparities in government communication.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Amit Shah Launches Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag to Promote Indian Languages in Governance
Initiative Name	Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag (BBA)
Launched By	Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Objective	Promote use of Indian languages in administration
Budget Allocation	₹56 crore (Union Budget 2024-25)
Support Agency	Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)
Aligned With	National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
Significance	Reducing English dependency, boosting regional inclusivity