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.

State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025

Introduction: Why Food Security Matters

Food is the most basic human need, yet in the 21st century, millions of people still suffer from hunger and malnutrition. This is not because the world fails to produce enough food — in fact, global food production is adequate to feed everyone. The real challenge lies in access, affordability, and distribution. Safe and nutritious food is often too expensive for the poorest populations, leaving them trapped in a cycle of hunger and poor nutrition.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) — known as Zero Hunger — aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. However, the 2025 edition of “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World” report, jointly published by the FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, warns that the recent surge in food price inflation is pushing this goal further out of reach.

Global Food Security: Current Situation

The report paints a mixed picture. While there have been small improvements in some regions, hunger and food insecurity remain alarmingly high. In 2024, 8.2 percent of the global population experienced hunger — only a slight drop from 8.5 percent in 2023.

Africa remains the most affected continent, with one in five people going hungry. Western Asia follows with 12.7 percent, while Asia as a whole fares better at 6.7 percent. India’s progress in reducing hunger has contributed significantly to Asia’s improvement.

Food insecurity — which measures not only hunger but also the struggle to get reliable access to nutritious food — affects 2.3 billion people worldwide. Rural communities and women are particularly vulnerable. In Africa, nearly six out of ten people suffer from moderate or severe food insecurity.

The Cost of a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is one that includes a balance of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and moderate amounts of animal-based foods. However, this is becoming increasingly unaffordable. In 2024, the average cost of a healthy diet globally was $4.46 per person per day (in purchasing power parity terms).

In low-income countries, the situation is worse: around 72 percent of the population cannot afford such a diet. The highest costs are seen in Africa, where prices have risen sharply in recent years. Globally, 2.6 billion people lack the income needed to eat healthily.

Malnutrition: Persistent and Emerging Problems

Even when people have enough to eat, poor diet quality can lead to malnutrition. The report highlights worrying trends:

Child stunting (low height for age due to chronic undernutrition) has declined globally from 26.4 percent in 2012 to 23.2 percent in 2024. This is progress, but far from the 14 percent target for 2030.
Child wasting (dangerously low weight for height) remains stuck at 6.6 percent, while child overweight has not improved either, staying at 5.5 percent.
Adult obesity is rising — from 12.1 percent in 2012 to 15.8 percent in 2022 — creating new public health challenges.
Anaemia in women aged 15–49 has worsened, increasing from 27.6 percent to 30.7 percent in the past decade. Anaemia reduces physical productivity, harms maternal health, and is linked to higher risks during pregnancy.

The Surge in Food Price Inflation (2021–2023)

Between 2021 and 2023, the world experienced an extraordinary rise in food prices. Food price inflation — the rate at which food prices increase — went from 5.8 percent in December 2020 to 23.3 percent in December 2022. In some countries like Sudan, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, inflation exceeded 350 percent.

Food price inflation outpaced general inflation, meaning that food became more expensive at a faster rate than most other goods and services. At its peak in early 2023, food inflation was 5.1 percentage points higher than headline inflation.

Why Did Food Prices Rise So Sharply?

While global commodity prices for crops and energy played a role, the surge was driven by multiple interconnected factors:

COVID-19 pandemic disruptions slowed production, transport, and trade.
The war in Ukraine disrupted exports of wheat, maize, and sunflower oil, leading to shortages in many countries.
Extreme weather events damaged harvests in key producing countries.
Rising energy costs pushed up the price of fertilisers and transport.
Currency fluctuations weakened purchasing power in import-dependent countries.
Market concentration meant that in some sectors, a few companies controlled prices and were slow to reduce them even when costs fell.

Impact on Households and Nutrition

For ordinary households, high food prices mean less purchasing power. Families are forced to make painful choices:

Switching to cheaper, less nutritious foods like refined grains instead of vegetables or protein.
Reducing meal frequency and variety, sometimes eating only once or twice a day.
Prioritising food for working adults and reducing portions for women and children.

These coping strategies may help in the short term but have serious long-term consequences for health, learning capacity, and productivity.

Unequal Impact Across Countries

The effects of high food prices have been felt worldwide, but low-income countries have suffered the most. In 2023, food price inflation in many of these countries was close to 30 percent, compared to about 8–10 percent in wealthier nations. This disparity deepens global inequality and makes recovery harder for vulnerable economies.

The Rise of Ultra-Processed Foods

The report also warns about the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) — packaged items high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats but low in nutrients. These foods are 47 percent cheaper than unprocessed foods, have long shelf lives, and are aggressively marketed. While they may seem affordable, regular consumption increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Policy Recommendations: The Way Forward

To address food price inflation and protect nutrition, the report suggests a mix of short-term relief measures and long-term structural reforms.

Short-Term Measures

Targeted subsidies on essential nutritious foods for low-income households.
Tax reductions on healthy food items.
Cash transfers and social safety nets to help families maintain a balanced diet.

Long-Term Strategies

Build strategic food reserves to stabilise prices during crises.
Invest in agricultural productivity through better technology, storage, and transportation.
Strengthen market information systems so farmers and traders can respond quickly to price changes.
Encourage diverse food production to reduce dependency on a few staple crops.
Regulate and promote healthy diets while discouraging overconsumption of ultra-processed foods.

Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha Return Home: A Historic Repatriation

The Government of India, in collaboration with the Godrej Industries Group, has successfully repatriated the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha to their rightful home. This historic cultural milestone, announced by the Ministry of Culture on July 30, 2025, not only revives a deep spiritual connection but also establishes India’s growing role as a global guardian of heritage and peace.

The Timeless Piprahwa Relics: A Glimpse into History

The Piprahwa relics, unearthed in 1898 by British civil engineer William Claxton Peppé at Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh, are believed to be directly associated with the mortal remains of Lord Buddha. These sacred remains, enshrined by the Buddha’s followers in the 3rd century BCE, have long been revered as symbols of peace, compassion, and enlightenment by the global Buddhist community.
They stand as one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in India’s history, linking present generations to the era of the Buddha.

Saving the Relics from an International Auction

In a dramatic turn of events, the relics were initially scheduled to go under the hammer at a Hong Kong auction in May 2025. Thanks to a swift intervention by the Ministry of Culture, India successfully prevented their sale to private collectors. This move reflected the Government’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that invaluable pieces of India’s spiritual and cultural identity remain in the country for posterity.

Leadership and Vision: The Role of Prime Minister Modi

Union Minister of Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the return of the relics as a moment of immense pride for every Indian. Also emphasized that this historic repatriation was made possible due to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose cultural diplomacy has been instrumental in reclaiming India’s lost heritage from across the globe.

Godrej Industries’ Role: A Corporate Commitment to Cultural Preservation

Highlighting the power of public-private partnerships, Pirojsha Godrej, Executive Vice Chairperson of Godrej Industries Group, expressed deep honor in supporting the mission. The relics as “timeless symbols of peace and compassion”, reaffirming the company’s commitment to safeguarding cultural legacies for future generations.
This collaboration showcases how private enterprises can join hands with government bodies to protect and preserve global heritage.

Cultural Diplomacy and Global Impact

The successful return of the Piprahwa relics marks a benchmark in cultural cooperation, reinforcing India’s image as a custodian of world heritage. It is also a step towards strengthening ties with the international Buddhist community, while reflecting the values of peace, unity, and spiritual enlightenment that Lord Buddha stood for.

Public Display and Access for Devotees

The relics will soon be unveiled in a special ceremony, followed by a public display that will allow citizens of India and visitors from around the world to pay homage. This initiative ensures that these sacred relics, once at risk of being lost to private collectors, will remain accessible to the people.

India’s Mission: Reclaiming Heritage, Restoring Pride

The repatriation of the Piprahwa relics aligns with the Government’s broader mission to reclaim India’s ancient cultural and spiritual heritage. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is steadily reinforcing its place as a global custodian of peace and compassion, rooted in the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha.

Kaziranga’s Hidden Voices: What the India’s First Grassland Bird Census Revealed!

The Kaziranga National Park in Assam has conducted India’s first-ever Grassland Bird Census (March–May 2025), using acoustic technology to identify and monitor bird species. Conducted by forest officials, researchers, and conservationists, the survey recorded 43 species, including critically endangered and endemic birds like Finn’s Weaver. The census marks a breakthrough in biodiversity monitoring, highlighting both conservation successes and ongoing threats like habitat loss and climate change.

Context and Significance

In his Mann Ki Baat address, the Prime Minister of India mentioned the initiative, noting its innovative use of acoustic monitoring technology and its importance for conservation of grassland ecosystems. This is a landmark census in India because grassland birds — unlike forest or wetland species — are often underrepresented in conventional bird surveys, making them harder to monitor and protect.

About the First-ever Grassland Bird Census

When Was It Conducted?

Conducted between March 18 and May 25, 2025, coinciding with the breeding season of many grassland birds.

Where?

Kaziranga National Park, Assam — a UNESCO World Heritage Site, globally known for its one-horned rhinoceroses and diverse ecosystems.

Who Conducted It?

A joint initiative of,

Forest Department Officials
Researchers (including INSPIRE fellow Chiranjib Bora)
Conservationists and Kaziranga Park Authorities

Objectives of the Census

Monitor populations of grassland-dwelling bird species
Identify rare, endemic, and globally threatened species
Map breeding patterns and assess habitat health
Provide data-driven insights to strengthen conservation planning

Methodology and Innovation

Passive Acoustic Monitoring

Recorders placed on tall trees captured birdcalls round the clock.
Monitoring conducted in 29 locations using six recorders in three-day cycles.

Technology Tools Used

Spectrogram Analysis: Visualized sound frequencies of birdcalls.
AI-based BirdNET Software: Identified species based on bird songs.
Enabled recognition of species that are often difficult to spot visually.

Key Findings of the Census

43 bird species recorded in total.

Among them,

1 Critically Endangered species
2 Endangered species
6 Vulnerable species (as per IUCN Red List).

Conservation Breakthrough

Discovery of over 85 nests of Finn’s Weaver, a rare and endangered bird, endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains.
This was a major achievement, as Finn’s Weaver sightings are extremely rare.

Ecological Indicator Role

Presence of grassland birds acts like a BMI (Body Mass Index) for habitats — indicating the overall health of the ecosystem.

Challenges Highlighted by the Census

The census also brought attention to serious threats faced by grassland birds,

Habitat Loss: Due to ecological succession and conversion of grasslands into forests or farmlands.
Overgrazing: Domestic cattle disrupting natural breeding habitats.
Cultivation: Expansion of agriculture reduces natural grassland cover.
Climate Change: Altering rainfall and flood patterns in the Brahmaputra valley.

Why This Census Matters

First-of-its-kind in India: Grassland-focused bird census.
Data-Driven Conservation: Provides scientific evidence for policy and habitat management.
Protects Threatened Species: Especially vital for Finn’s Weaver and other grassland specialists.
Global Benchmark: Combines traditional conservation efforts with cutting-edge AI tools.

From Solar to Hydrogen: How Cochin Airport Plans to Beat Climate Change

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), India’s first PPP-model airport, is embarking on a major green and digital expansion plan. It includes setting up the world’s first airport-based green hydrogen plant, scaling up solar power to 50 MWp, expanding MRO services, and creating an aerotropolis model with IT parks and lifestyle zones. The initiatives not only align with carbon neutrality goals but also strengthen India’s aviation and trade ecosystem under the vision of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

CIAL: Leading the Future of Sustainable Aviation

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), the first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) airport in India, is redefining what an airport stands for in the 21st century. With more than 150 projects planned, the airport is focusing on,

Green energy initiatives
Digital infrastructure upgrades
Regional economic integration

The vision is to combine sustainability, technology, and development so the airport remains future-ready and globally competitive.

Green Energy Revolution at CIAL

World’s First Airport-Based Green Hydrogen Plant
Built in collaboration with BPCL, the plant will be inaugurated in August 2025.
Capacity: 1 MW installed power; produces 220 kg of hydrogen daily.
Purpose: Green mobility solutions within and around the airport.
Significance: First of its kind globally, reinforcing CIAL’s legacy as a solar-powered airport.

Scaling Solar Power

Current solar power capacity: 50 MWp.
Generates over 2 lakh units daily.
Over 35 crore clean units produced so far.
Annually offsets 66,000 tonnes of carbon, equal to planting 3 million trees.
These green energy projects make CIAL a pioneer in global carbon neutrality goals.

Key Infrastructure Projects at CIAL

Import Cargo Terminal: 1 lakh sq ft for handling growing trade needs.
India’s Largest Aero Lounge — 0484 Aero Lounge.
Emergency Services Upgrade: Modern fire safety and rescue systems.
Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS).
Golf Resorts & Commercial Complexes: For lifestyle and business travelers.
Secondary Runway Project: Land acquisition worth ₹1,200 crore.
Railway Overbridge & Three New Access Bridges: To improve connectivity.
Animal Quarantine & Certification Services (AQCS): Opened in Oct 2024, making CIAL the 7th Indian airport to facilitate pet imports.

CIAL as an Aerotropolis: The Big Vision

CIAL aims to follow the Aerotropolis model, where the airport becomes the nucleus for,

IT Parks
Commercial Zones
Lifestyle Hubs
Tourism Growth

This model supports Kerala’s vision of becoming a global investment and tourism hub.

Global Recognition and Authorizations

Recognized as an Authorised Entry Port for Drugs & Cosmetics under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Received AEO-LO Status (Authorised Economic Operator – Low Risk) from the Directorate of International Customs for compliance with the WCO SAFE Framework.

India Beats G7 Nations in Equality — Here’s How It Happened!

According to the World Bank’s 2025 report, India is now the 4th most equal country globally, with a Gini Index of 25.5. This places India ahead of nations like the United States (41.8) and China (35.7) in terms of income equality. The achievement comes alongside India being the world’s fourth-largest economy, showcasing how inclusive growth and social welfare schemes have helped narrow inequalities.

Understanding the Gini Index

About: The Gini Index (or Gini coefficient) was developed in 1912 by Corrado Gini, an Italian statistician.
What It Measures: It measures income inequality within a population.

Range

0 (Perfect Equality): Everyone earns the same.
1 (Perfect Inequality): One person earns everything.
When shown as a percentage, the range is 0–100.

India’s Current Status

2011: 28.8
2022: 25.5 (a significant decline)
Category: India now falls into the “moderately low inequality” group (25–30 range).
Significance: India’s progress challenges the old assumption that it is a highly unequal society, highlighting broad-based income growth, especially among the lower-income brackets.

What Drove India’s Equity Success?

Poverty Reduction

As per the World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief, 171 million Indians have been lifted out of extreme poverty since 2011.
The poverty threshold was raised from USD 2.15/day to USD 3/day to adjust for inflation.
At this benchmark, India’s extreme poverty rate dropped from 27.1% in 2011–12 to 5.3% in 2022–23.
Number of poor reduced from 344.47 million to 75.24 million.

Social Welfare Schemes and Digital Reforms

PM Jan Dhan Yojana: Over 55.69 crore accounts opened, ensuring financial inclusion and access to government benefits.
Aadhaar & Digital Identity: More than 142 crore Aadhaar cards issued, providing secure authentication for welfare delivery.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Saved ₹3.48 lakh crore by reducing leakages and ensuring efficient delivery.
Ayushman Bharat & Digital Health Mission: 41.34 crore Ayushman Cards issued & 79 crore digital health accounts created, providing ₹5 lakh health coverage per family.
Stand-Up India: Sanctioned 2.75 lakh applications worth ₹62,807 crore, encouraging entrepreneurship among marginalized communities.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Reached 80.67 crore beneficiaries with free food grains.
PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Registered 29.95 lakh artisans, providing loans, training, and digital support.

Challenges and Concerns Despite Equality Gains

Persistent Poverty

At the USD 3.65/day poverty line (for lower-middle-income nations), 28.1% of India’s population remains poor (over 300 million people).
This questions the sustainability of equality claims.

Income and Wealth Inequality

Top 10% earn 13 times more than the bottom 10%.
Richest 1% control over 40% of national wealth, while bottom 50% own just 3%.
Historical Trend: Gini coefficient for income rose from 0.371 in 1955 to 0.410 in 2023.

Outdated Poverty Line

India still uses the Rangarajan Committee’s 2014 poverty line, which doesn’t reflect today’s cost of living.
Without revision, welfare schemes may miss targeting the truly poor.

Unequal Access to Opportunities

Gaps continue in education, healthcare, digital access, and employment.
Rural areas, women, SCs/STs, and informal workers remain at a disadvantage.
Equality of opportunity is still a challenge, despite improvements in consumption-based equality.

Can a Gurukul Student Really Do Research at IITs Without a Degree?

The Setubandha Scholar Scheme, launched on July 30, 2025, is the first national-level programme to formally integrate traditional scholars from gurukuls into the research ecosystem of IITs. This scheme marks a historic step in Indian education policy, enabling scholars without conventional degrees to earn recognized qualifications and pursue advanced research with generous fellowships and grants.

About the Setubandha Scholar Scheme

Launched By: Ministry of Education
Implementing Body: Indian Knowledge System (IKS) division of the Central Sanskrit University (CSU)
Objective: To connect India’s gurukul tradition of knowledge with modern scientific and academic inquiry.
Significance: It removes the barrier of formal degrees and recognizes rigorous traditional learning as equivalent to mainstream higher education.

Key Features of the Scheme

Fellowship & Research Support

Category 1 (PG Equivalent)

₹40,000 per month fellowship
₹1 lakh annual research grant

Category 2 (PhD Equivalent)

₹65,000 per month fellowship
₹2 lakh annual research grant

Fields Covered: 18 interdisciplinary areas, including,

Ayurveda
Cognitive Science
Architecture
Political Theory
Vyakarana (Grammar)
Strategic Studies
Performing Arts
Mathematics & Physics
Health Sciences

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Study Requirement: At least five years of rigorous training in a recognized gurukul.
Skill Requirement: Demonstrable excellence in Shastras or traditional knowledge systems.
Age Limit: Maximum 32 years at the time of application.

Why is it Important?

The Setubandha Scholar Scheme is a game-changer in education policy because it,

Recognizes traditional knowledge as academically equal to formal degrees.
Creates pathways to IIT research for scholars rooted in India’s classical learning traditions.
Encourages interdisciplinary study, merging ancient wisdom with modern science.
Supports cultural preservation while promoting cutting-edge innovation.

Is Australia Really Banning YouTube for Kids Under 16? Here’s the Full Story

Australia has officially decided to include YouTube in its upcoming social media ban for children under 16, reversing an earlier commitment to treat the platform as an educational tool. The new law, coming into effect in December 2025, will also apply to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter). The law puts the responsibility on social media companies to block under-16 accounts, or face hefty fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($32 million).

Why the Sudden Change?

The Role of Harmful Content

The decision was heavily influenced by a survey from Australia’s eSafety Commission which revealed that 37% of children reported seeing harmful content on YouTube. This content often included,

Sexist, misogynistic, or hateful ideas
Dangerous online challenges and fight videos
Content encouraging unhealthy eating or exercise habits

Minister’s Justification

Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the move with a striking analogy. She compared allowing children on unrestricted social media to teaching kids to swim in the open ocean with sharks, rather than in a safe local pool.

“We can’t control the ocean, but we can police the sharks,” Wells said, stressing that she wouldn’t be intimidated by legal threats from tech giants.

How Will the Ban Work?

The “World-Leading” Law

The Labor government had already passed this legislation last year, giving a 12-month buffer to finalize rules and test enforcement technologies.
Age Verification Trials: Tests conducted earlier in 2025 showed that age verification can be done in a “private, robust and effective” way.
No Perfect Solution: However, the report admitted there’s no single foolproof system to verify age across all platforms.
Privacy Concerns: Critics worry that new tools could lead to privacy breaches, as some platforms might collect more personal data than necessary.

Industry Pushback

YouTube’s Response

Decision “reverses a clear, public commitment” from the government to treat YouTube as an educational platform. While YouTube Kids remains exempt (as it doesn’t allow uploads or comments), the main platform will now fall under the ban.

Interestingly, YouTube even enlisted the Wiggles, Australia’s beloved children’s entertainers, to argue against the ban — but the government wasn’t convinced.

Tech Companies’ Countermeasures

YouTube Trials in the U.S.: The company is testing AI tools to detect if a user is under 18, using signals like video categories and account activity.
Policy Changes: For flagged accounts, YouTube will remove personalized ads, enable well-being tools, and limit repetitive viewing of certain content.
TikTok’s Campaign: TikTok launched ads in Australia highlighting how teens use the app for learning skills like cooking and fishing, trying to portray itself as more than just entertainment.

The Bigger Debate

Concerns from Parents and Experts

While the government believes this step is crucial for children’s online safety, critics argue it could,

Limit access for vulnerable or isolated children who rely on online communities.
Push teens toward loopholes, as Wells herself admitted:
“Kids, God bless them, are going to find a way around this. Maybe they’re all going to swarm on LinkedIn. We don’t know.”

Russia’s Klyuchevskoy Volcano Erupts

On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, the remote Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s far east witnessed two dramatic natural events — a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake followed by the eruption of the Klyuchevskoy volcano, the tallest active volcano in both Europe and Asia.

According to the Russian Geophysical Survey, the Klyuchevskoy began spewing lava just hours after the earthquake rattled the region. The eruption lit up the night sky with an orange blaze, while red-hot lava could be seen flowing down the volcano’s western slope.

The Eruption: Nature’s Fiery Spectacle

The Klyuchevskoy volcano, standing at 4,700 metres (15,000 feet), is known for its frequent activity, with at least 18 eruptions recorded since 2000, according to the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program.

Witnesses and monitoring stations reported:

A powerful glow above the volcano.
Explosions accompanied by ash and lava discharge.
Continuous lava flow descending the western slope.

The eruption, while visually stunning, poses little immediate danger to people as the surrounding area is sparsely populated. The nearest large settlement, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, lies hundreds of kilometres away.

The Earthquake and Tsunami Alert

Earlier in the day, the 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Kamchatka’s Pacific coast, triggering tsunami warnings across the region and as far as Japan.

The quake’s immense force initially prompted evacuations in coastal areas, with residents moved to higher ground as a precaution. However, 11 hours later, Russian authorities lifted the tsunami warning after confirming that massive waves did not reach populated areas.

No Major Damage or Casualties

Historically, Klyuchevskoy’s eruptions have rarely caused major destruction or loss of life due to the remote location of the volcano. Similarly, this latest event has so far not resulted in casualties or significant infrastructure damage.

Scientists continue to monitor both the volcano and seismic activity in the region to detect any changes that could pose a greater risk.

Kamchatka: A Land of Fire and Earthquakes

The Kamchatka Peninsula lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a geologically active zone where tectonic plates collide, creating a hotspot for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The region is home to over 300 volcanoes, around 29 of which are active.

The Klyuchevskoy volcano remains a symbol of nature’s raw power, attracting both scientists and adventurers despite the dangers it presents.

What Is the Bhils’ Gavri Festival?

The Bhil community of Mewar in Rajasthan carries a rich cultural legacy that finds its most vibrant expression in the Gavri Festival. This 40-day ritual celebration is not only a form of devotion to their deity Gorkhiya Mata but also a living tradition that blends dance-dramas, songs, and spiritual rites. In 2025, for the first time, this colourful heritage was showcased to a broader audience through a photo exhibition at the India International Centre Art Gallery. The event celebrated the oral literature and cultural heritage of the Bhils, offering the public a rare glimpse into one of India’s most unique tribal festivals.

Origins and Timing of Gavri Festival

The Gavri Festival begins after the full moon night of Raksha Bandhan in August. It is held in honour of Goddess Parvati, whom the Bhils lovingly regard as their sister. The celebrations are deeply rooted in spiritual belief and communal unity. For over a month, Bhil troupes travel from village to village in Udaipur and neighbouring districts, performing khels—traditional dance-dramas that combine religious devotion with cultural storytelling.

Spiritual and Social Significance

The festival is both a spiritual pilgrimage and a social gathering.

Religious Devotion: The performances are dedicated to Gorkhiya Mata, a deity revered as a protector and spiritual guide of the Bhil people.
Cultural Identity: Through the enactment of rituals, songs, and stories, the Bhils reaffirm their tribal identity, beliefs, and worldview.
Community Bonding: The festival unites villages, with each performance drawing people from all walks of life to participate, watch, and celebrate.

Performance, Parody, and Social Commentary

The Gavri performances create a carnivalesque atmosphere filled with dance, satire, and humour.

Challenging Hierarchies: The plays often mock caste and class systems, using parody to question authority figures—from kings to gods.
Gender Roles: In this patriarchal society, male actors play female characters, introducing rare moments of gender fluidity and role reversal.
Elevated Status: During the festival, the Bhil performers are treated as gods, a striking contrast to their marginalised status in everyday life.

Themes in Gavri Dance-Dramas

The Gavri plays explore both spiritual and historical narratives.

Connection to Nature: Popular performances like ‘Badliya Hindwa’ highlight the Bhils’ relationship with nature, underscoring the importance of environmental balance.
Historical Resistance: Stories such as ‘Bhilurana’ depict the Bhil struggle against invaders, including the Mughals and the British East India Company.
Moral and Cultural Lessons: Each play concludes with salutations to the goddess and warnings against harming nature or violating Bhil sovereignty.

Preserving Culture Through Gavri

The Gavri Festival is not just an annual celebration—it is a repository of oral history, folk literature, and tribal values. Through its songs, dances, and storytelling, the festival:

Preserves Bhil language and traditions
Passes down historical memory to younger generations
Strengthens community pride and solidarity

Gavri’s Growing Recognition

In 2025, the photo exhibition at the India International Centre Art Gallery brought the festival to national attention. By documenting rituals, costumes, and performances, it allowed people outside Rajasthan to appreciate the cultural richness of the Bhils. This recognition is an important step towards safeguarding tribal heritage in an era of rapid modernisation.

In Which State is Mrugavani National Park Located?

National parks are special places where we can enjoy fresh air, see wild animals and learn about the environment. They protect plants, animals and birds while giving people a peaceful escape from busy city life. Surrounded by greenery, these parks are perfect for walking, relaxing and exploring nature’s beauty. One such park in India is well-loved for its wildlife and calm surroundings.

Location of Mrugavani National Park

Mrugavani National Park is located in Hyderabad, in the state of Telangana, India. It is situated near Chilkur in Moinabad mandal, about 20 km from the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS). The park is also close to the famous Chilkur Balaji Temple, making it easy for visitors to reach and enjoy nature.

Size and Area of Mrugavani National Park

The park covers 3.6 square kilometers (about 1.4 square miles or 1211 acres). Even though it is not very large, it is full of plants, animals and birds.

Flora of the Mrugavani National Park

Mrugavani National Park is home to around 600 different types of plants.

Some common plants found here are:

Teak
Bamboo
Sandalwood
Ficus
Palash
Rela

The park also has herbs, shrubs, climbers and tropical dry deciduous trees. The landscape is a mix of woodlands and grasslands, with some rocky areas.

Fauna of the Park

You can find many animals here, including:

Around 350 spotted deer (chital)
Sambar deer
Wild boar
Jungle cat
Civets
Indian grey mongoose

Things to See and Do

The park has many attractions for visitors:

Watchtower: to get a high view of the park
Library and Education Centre: to learn about nature
Museum and Auditorium: showing wildlife exhibits
Safari rides: to see animals more closely
Nature walks: guided tours to explore plants and animals

Importance of the Mrugavani National Park

Mrugavani National Park helps protect the native plants and animals of Hyderabad. It also provides a safe home for wildlife and teaches people about the importance of nature conservation.