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States and Capitals – How Many States in India?

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

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

States and Capitals

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

How many states in India?

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

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

Union Territories of India and Their Capitals

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

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

Difference Between States and Union Territories

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

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

Indian States and their Languages

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

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

Some Key Facts About Indian States

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

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

List of Countries Starting with the Letter ‘D’, Know About That

There are many countries in the world, and their names start with different letters. Some of these countries begin with the letter ‘D.’ These countries are located in different parts of the world and have their own cultures, languages and histories. In this article, we will learn the names of the countries that start with the letter ‘D’ and a few facts about them.

List of Countries Starting with the Letter ‘D’

There are many countries in the world and each one has a name that usually starts with a letter from A to Z. Some countries begin with the letter ‘D.’ These countries have their own culture, language and history.

Here are the names of countries that starts with the letter ‘D’:

  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Denmark
  • Djibouti
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

  • Continent: Africa
  • Capital: Kinshasa
  • Currency: Congolese franc

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a large country in Central Africa. It is the second-biggest in Africa and has over 112 million people. Its capital is Kinshasa. French is the main langugae, but many local languages are spoken. The country has thick rainforests, many rivers and borders several African nations.

Denmark

  • Continent: Europe
  • Capital: Copenhagen
  • Currency: krone

Denmark is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It includes mainland Denmark and many islands. It also governs Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Denmark is south of Norway and Sweden and north of Germany. It lies between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The capital is Copenhagen, and the country is known for its clean cities and rich culture.

Djibouti

  • Continent: Africa
  • Capital: Djibouti City
  • Currency: Djiboutian franc

Djibouti is a small country in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea. It lies near the Red Sea and is important for global shipping. Djibouti became independent in 1977 and has a population of about 1 million. French and Arabic are official languages and most people follow Islam. Its capital is Djibouti City.

Dominica

  • Continent: North America
  • Capital: Roseau
  • Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar

Dominica is a small island country in the Caribbean Sea. It is part of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. The Capital is Roseau. Dominica is close to the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. It has mountains, forests and beautiful nature. The island’s highest point is Morne Diablotins. Its population is around 71,000.

Dominican Republic

  • Continent: North America
  • Capital: Santo Domingo
  • Currency: Dominican peso

The Dominican Republic is a country on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea. It shares the island with Haiti and borders Puerto Rico by sea. It is the second-largest Caribbean nation by area and population. The capital is Santo Domingo, home to over 3 million people. The country is known for its beaches and vibrant culture.

Bihar Reserves 35% Government Jobs for Domicile Women

In a major policy shift aimed at empowering women, the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government has approved a proposal granting 35% reservation in government jobs exclusively for women who are native to Bihar. This decision was taken on July 8, 2025, during a meeting of the State Cabinet chaired by the Chief Minister.

Domicile Policy in Women’s Reservation Comes into Effect

Previously, 35% horizontal reservation for women was available to all female applicants irrespective of their state of origin. However, with the new approval, only women who are domiciled in Bihar will now be eligible for this quota in direct recruitment across all cadres of state government jobs.

The decision has been formalized through a proposal from the General Administration Department (GAD) and is the first implementation of a domicile-based policy in women’s reservation by the state in recent years.

Women from Other States Will Now Fall Under General Category

According to S Siddharth, Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat Department, female applicants from outside Bihar will now be treated as general category candidates, making them ineligible for the 35% women’s reservation benefit. This change is expected to prioritize local women candidates in state-level employment and encourage greater participation of Bihar’s women in governance and administration.

Political and Social Implications Ahead of Assembly Elections

The timing of the decision is significant, as Bihar is heading toward state assembly elections. Many political analysts view this move as a strategy by the ruling government to strengthen its support base among women voters, a demographic that has shown considerable influence in past elections.

Nitish Kumar’s administration has historically emphasized women-centric policies, and this decision further solidifies the state’s efforts toward gender-inclusive governance.

Bihar Youth Commission Also Gets Cabinet Approval

Focus on Skill Development and Employment for Youths

In another important development from the cabinet meeting, the Bihar government announced the formation of the Bihar Youth Commission, a body intended to guide, empower, and uplift the youth of the state.

The Commission will be responsible for:

  • Advising the government on policies related to youth development.

  • Ensuring education and employment opportunities for local youth.

  • Monitoring private sector hiring to prioritize youth from Bihar.

  • Protecting the interests of students and working professionals from Bihar living outside the state.

Structure and Purpose of the Youth Commission

The Commission will consist of a Chairman, two Vice-Presidents, and seven members, all of whom must be under the age of 45 years. This structural choice reflects the government’s intent to maintain a youth-centric perspective in policy-making.

The Commission will also be tasked with evaluating the conditions of economically weaker youth, unemployed individuals, and meritorious students, and will recommend strategies to improve their living standards.

Punjab Launches Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana

The Punjab government has officially launched the Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana (Chief Minister Health Scheme), a major healthcare initiative that promises free and cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh annually for every family living in the state. The scheme was launched on July 8, 2025, during an event held in Chandigarh, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann along with AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal.

Who Will Benefit from the Scheme?

This scheme aims to benefit approximately 65 lakh families, covering nearly 3 crore people across Punjab. Families from all social and economic categories will be included, including government employees, pensioners, farmers, workers, and businessmen.

One of the key features is the distribution of health cards to every eligible family. These digital health cards will allow residents to avail cashless treatment at both government and private hospitals within Punjab.

Top-Up Coverage for Existing Central Scheme Beneficiaries

Residents who are already enrolled under the Central Government’s health insurance scheme (Ayushman Bharat) will also benefit. They will receive an additional ₹5 lakh top-up cover, bringing their total healthcare coverage to ₹10 lakh per year under this state initiative.

When Will It Be Implemented?

The scheme will be officially rolled out from October 2, 2025. Registration camps will be organized in various regions to help people sign up and receive their health cards. Earlier issues related to categorization through color-coded cards (like blue and yellow cards) have been eliminated, making the scheme simple and uniform.

Treatment Across 2000+ Diseases

Under the Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana, treatment for over 2000 diseases will be covered. This includes serious illnesses like heart conditions, cancer, kidney diseases, and surgeries. People can seek care in any empanelled hospital—government or private—without any out-of-pocket expenses.

Healthcare Access Made Simple

To avail treatment, beneficiaries will just need to present their Aadhaar card and health card. No upfront payment or reimbursement process will be required. The entire process will be cashless, making healthcare more accessible and transparent for everyone.

HCLSoftware Launches Sovereign AI to Strengthen Government Data Privacy

HCLSoftware, the software division of HCLTech, has announced the launch of Domino 14.5, an advanced platform designed to ensure data sovereignty and enhance data privacy for governments and regulated organisations. This latest release features Domino IQ, a sovereign AI solution built specifically to protect sensitive national and enterprise information from foreign access or influence.

Securing Sovereignty in the Age of AI

Domino IQ is a unique innovation intended to meet the rising demand among public sector institutions for AI systems that function within national data boundaries—offering secure collaboration without relying on global cloud platforms that may be subject to foreign government surveillance.

Leadership Perspective on Data Control

Richard Jefts, Executive Vice President and General Manager of HCLSoftware, highlighted the urgency of local control in digital governance.

The product launch comes at a time when governments globally are revising data protection frameworks to minimize dependence on international platforms and to comply with national security regulations.

Part of a Broader AI Vision

This launch follows HCLTech’s ongoing collaboration with OpenAI to accelerate large-scale enterprise AI adoption, as the company continues to build both global and sovereign AI frameworks to suit diverse customer needs.

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

Strawberries are sweet, red fruits that may people love to eat. They are used in juices, cakes, ice creams and eaten fresh. Some countries grow a lot of strawberries and send them to other countries. This is called exporting. Exporting strawberries helps countries earn money and share the fruit with others. Let’s learn about the top-5 countries that export the most strawberries in the world.

Strawberries Production in the World

Strawberry production in the world has grown a lot, reaching over 9 million metric tons. China is the largest producer of strawberries. People want more strawberries now because they are healthy and can be found all year. This growing demand helps many countries increase their farming and supply of strawberries.

Top-5 Strawberries Exporting Countries in the World in 2025

Strawberries are loved around the world for their sweet taste and bright red color. Many countries grow strawberries not just for themselves, but also to sell to other countries. This is called exporting. In 2025, global strawberry exports are strong, with some countries sending thousands of tonnes of strawberries to different parts of the world.

Here are the names of top-5 strawberries exporting countries in the world in 2025:

  • Spain
  • United States
  • Mexico
  • Netherlands
  • Morocco

Spain, World’s Largest Strawberry Exporter

Strawberries export: Over 302,000 tonnes

Spain is the number one strawberry exporter in the world. Most of the strawberries come from the Huelva region in southern region. This area grows berries from December to May. Spanish strawberries are popular because they are sweet, same in size and stay fresh longer. Spain sends its strawberries to many countries in Europe.

United States

Strawberries export: Over 240,000 tonnes

The United States exports a lot of strawberries, especially from California. These strawberries are sent to nearby countries like Canada and Mexico, and also to faraway places like Japan and South Korea. U.S. strawberries are loved for their quality and taste.

Mexico

Strawberries export: Over 210,000 tonnes

Mexico is close to the U.S. and Canada, which helps it export strawberries quickly. The country has warm weather that allows strawberries to grow all year. Mexican strawberries are becoming more popular in the global market and are sent to many countries.

Netherlands

Strawberries export: Over 120,000 tonnes

The Netherlands is known for growing strawberries in greenhouses. This means they can grow the fruit in any season. Dutch strawberries are clean, fresh and are exported to many nearby European countries throughout the year.

Morocco

Strawberries export: Over 115,000 tonnes

Morocco has become a big name in the strawberry export world. Thanks to its good weather and low labor costs, Morocco can grow and send strawberries at a lower price. Most Moroccan strawberries are sold in Europe, especially in France and Spain.

Veteran Socialist Leader Charupara Ravi Passes Away at 77

Charupara Ravi, the state vice-president of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and a committed socialist leader, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 77. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where he was under treatment. Known for his unwavering dedication to socialist ideals, Ravi was also serving as the chairman of the party’s parliamentary board at the time of his passing.

A Life Committed to Political Activism

Ravi’s involvement in political movements began early in life. From the age of 18, he had been actively engaged in Janata Dal organisations and was a vocal advocate for the common man. He first gained attention as a member of the Independent Student Organisation (ISO) and later went on to become the president of Yuvajanatha, a youth socialist outfit that played a significant role during the emergence of the Janata Party government in 1977.

Over the decades, Ravi’s role as a grassroots leader helped nurture the political spirit among young socialists in the state. He was not just an office-bearer but a full-time party worker, remembered for his simplicity, accessibility, and constant presence during party protests and public meetings.

A Political Career Marked by Commitment and Struggle

Ravi contested in multiple Kerala Legislative Assembly elections, demonstrating his dedication to electoral politics. He stood as a candidate from:

  • Aryanad in 1980

  • Neyyattinkara in 1996

  • Nemom in 2011

Though he never entered the assembly, his consistent participation in the democratic process made him a respected figure among colleagues and constituents alike.

NTPC Simhadri Celebrates 28th Raising Day with Pride and Purpose

NTPC Simhadri, one of India’s premier thermal power stations, celebrated its 28th Raising Day on Tuesday, July 8, at its administrative premises located in Parawada, Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh. The occasion marked nearly three decades of dedication, innovation, and community-focused progress.

Leadership and Ceremony

The event began with Sameer Sharma, Executive Director and Head of Project, hoisting the NTPC flag, followed by a rendition of the NTPC anthem. This solemn moment was attended by employees, officials, and invited guests, reinforcing the unity and spirit of the organization.

In his address, Mr. Sharma took the audience through the inspiring journey of NTPC Simhadri, reflecting on its evolution since its establishment in 1997. Notably, Simhadri holds the distinction of being NTPC’s first coastal-based power station, a milestone that has shaped its unique identity within the national energy landscape.

Achievements Beyond Power Generation

Mr. Sharma emphasized not just the plant’s role in power generation, but also its wider contributions to sustainability and environmental responsibility. A major highlight he mentioned was the achievement of 100% ash utilization, a benchmark of eco-friendly industrial practice. This means that all the ash generated during the coal-based power generation process is being effectively used, reducing waste and promoting environmental conservation.

He also underlined the plant’s ongoing commitment to social development, green initiatives, and various community outreach programs that go far beyond its core mission.

Celebrations and Community Engagement

The Raising Day celebration was marked with joyful events, including a cake-cutting ceremony that symbolized unity and shared success among the team. The event also included the distribution of prizes to winners of various internal competitions and awareness initiatives.

These included activities held as part of:

  • Swachhata Pakhwada (Cleanliness Fortnight)
  • World Environment Day
  • International Yoga Day

Such initiatives reflect NTPC Simhadri’s ongoing efforts to foster employee well-being, environmental awareness, and social responsibility.

A Vision for the Future

As NTPC Simhadri steps into its 29th year, the plant remains committed to driving forward its vision of reliable energy generation, sustainable operations, and community welfare. With a strong foundation built over 28 years, and a motivated workforce led by visionary leadership, NTPC Simhadri continues to set an example for modern, responsible industrial operations in India.

Bulgaria to Join Eurozone as 21st Member from January 1, 2026

On July 8, 2025, the European Union (EU) finance ministers gave their final approval for Bulgaria to adopt the euro as its official currency starting January 1, 2026. This move will make Bulgaria the 21st member of the eurozone.

From Lev to Euro

Bulgaria will officially replace its national currency, the lev, with the euro. The fixed conversion rate is set at 1.95583 lev per euro. Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov hailed the decision as a “landmark moment” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a smooth and effective transition.

Reactions and Support

Top EU figures congratulated Bulgaria:

  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the euro would bring “big benefits for Bulgarian people and businesses”.

  • European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde welcomed Bulgaria into the single currency area.

  • EU Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stated that the change represents a brighter, more prosperous future at the heart of Europe.

Economic and Political Context

Bulgaria’s journey to the eurozone was delayed mainly due to high inflation, which prevented earlier accession. The European Commission and ECB recently confirmed that Bulgaria now meets the required economic criteria.

However, the shift comes amid political instability. Bulgaria has seen seven national elections in three years, with the last held in October 2024. Public opinion remains divided. Concerns over inflation and loss of purchasing power have led to protests in the capital, Sofia, with demonstrators demanding to retain the lev.

Strategic Importance

Proponents argue that joining the eurozone:

  • Will boost economic stability

  • Strengthen ties with Western Europe

  • Provide protection against external influences, including Russian interference

Critics, including some opposition leaders, previously suggested holding a referendum, but this was dismissed by the Bulgarian parliament.

Enlargement of the Eurozone

When the euro was first introduced in 2002, only 12 countries adopted it. Since then, more have joined:

  • Slovenia (2007)

  • Cyprus and Malta (2008)

  • Slovakia (2009)

  • Estonia (2011)

  • Latvia (2014)

  • Lithuania (2015)

  • Croatia (2023)

With Bulgaria’s inclusion in 2026, the eurozone will have 21 member countries.

Criteria for Euro Adoption

To join the eurozone, EU countries must meet the Maastricht criteria, which include:

  • Low and stable inflation

  • Sound public finances

  • Stable exchange rates

  • Long-term interest rate control

Inflation must be no more than 1.5 percentage points higher than that of the three best-performing EU countries.

Key Points to Remember

  • Country: Bulgaria

  • New Currency: Euro (replacing lev)

  • Effective Date: January 1, 2026

  • Euro Exchange Rate: 1.95583 lev = 1 euro

  • Eurozone Membership Number: 21st country

  • Latest to Join Before Bulgaria: Croatia (2023)

Asia’s Oldest Elephant ‘Vatsala’ Passes Away at Panna Tiger Reserve

In a deeply emotional moment for wildlife lovers, forest officials, and citizens across India, Vatsala, Asia’s oldest living elephant, breathed her last on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. She was believed to be over 100 years old, a rare and exceptional lifespan for an Asian elephant.

Her passing marks the end of an era—a life that spanned generations and symbolized the delicate harmony between humans and wildlife.

A Journey from Kerala to Madhya Pradesh

Vatsala’s long and remarkable life began in Kerala, from where she was later relocated to Narmadapuram and ultimately to the Panna Tiger Reserve. Over the years, she became an iconic presence at the reserve, capturing the hearts of tourists, forest staff, and wildlife conservationists alike.

A Matriarch and Guardian of the Forest

For years, Vatsala held a unique and honored role in the reserve as the leader of the elephant group. Her calm demeanor and natural authority made her a guiding presence for both young elephants and caretakers.

Whenever other female elephants gave birth, Vatsala instinctively assumed the role of a grandmother, nurturing the young calves with the same warmth and attentiveness as their mothers. Her social role within the herd underscored the complex emotional and familial bonds that elephants are known for.

Declining Health and Final Moments

In her final days, Vatsala faced increasing physical challenges. Due to old age, she had lost her eyesight and could no longer walk long distances. She was being cared for meticulously at the Hinauta Elephant Camp.

Every day, forest staff took her to the Khairaiyaan drain in the Hinauta range for bathing and provided her with a special diet, including porridge to ensure she received the necessary nutrition. Despite these efforts, her health had been gradually declining due to injuries in the nails of her front legs.

On the morning of July 8, Vatsala sat down near the Khairaiyaan drain and was unable to get up again. Forest department personnel made several attempts to assist her, but the majestic elephant passed away peacefully in the afternoon.

Veterinary Care and Compassionate Efforts

Throughout her twilight years, veterinarians and wildlife experts monitored Vatsala’s health regularly. Her longevity is widely credited to the dedicated care and compassion she received from the forest staff. Living in the dry and sparse forests of Panna, Vatsala defied the typical lifespan of elephants, living well beyond what is commonly observed even in protected environments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Honoured with Brazil’s Highest Civilian Award

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been honoured with Brazil’s highest civilian award, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross. This recognition was presented by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as a mark of respect for the growing diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between India and Brazil.

This honour represents not just an individual achievement for the Prime Minister, but also reflects the international recognition of India’s leadership and its growing influence on the global stage.

About the Award: Brazil’s Top Civilian Honour

The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross is the most prestigious civilian honour in Brazil. It is awarded to heads of state and government leaders who have made outstanding contributions to strengthening Brazil’s relations with other countries.

By conferring this honour upon Prime Minister Modi, Brazil has acknowledged his efforts in enhancing India-Brazil strategic partnership, as well as his role in advancing cooperation through international platforms like BRICS, G20, and the United Nations.

A Symbol of Strong India-Brazil Relations

This honour is a powerful reflection of the deepening ties between the two democracies. India and Brazil share common values, such as respect for sovereignty, sustainable development, and a multipolar world order. Over the years, the two countries have collaborated in areas such as:

  • Trade and investment

  • Renewable energy

  • Agricultural technology

  • Space research

  • Global governance

Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has helped in building stronger bridges between the two nations, especially through multilateral forums and regional dialogues.

Pride for India on the International Stage

This is the 26th international award or honour given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by a foreign nation since he assumed office in May 2014. These recognitions highlight India’s diplomatic strength, growing economic power, and the global trust in its leadership.

By honouring Prime Minister Modi, Brazil has also shown respect for India’s growing role in shaping global policies, especially in the Global South.

Widespread Appreciation from Indian Leaders

The announcement of this award has been widely celebrated in India. Leaders from across the country have expressed their appreciation for the honour, calling it a proud moment for all Indians. Many have acknowledged that this award is not only a recognition of Modi’s diplomacy but also a sign of India’s growing stature in international affairs.

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_14.1

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