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.

Union Minister Pradhan Inaugurates Agritech Innovation Hub in Meerut

In a landmark move to revolutionize agriculture through innovation and digital technology, Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, along with Minister of State for Education and Skill Development, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, inaugurated the Uttar Pradesh Agritech Innovation Hub and the Agritech Startup and Technology Showcase at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology (SVPUAT), Meerut, on July 9, 2025.

This initiative is envisioned as a collaborative platform that connects farmers, technologists, startups, and academia, aiming to deliver sustainable, region-specific agricultural solutions.

Empowering Farmers Through Next-Generation Technology

Speaking at the event, Minister Dharmendra Pradhan commended SVPUAT for developing a curriculum aligned with the future needs of Indian agriculture. He underscored that the dream of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) cannot be fulfilled without prosperous farmers and vibrant rural communities.

Pradhan reiterated that the heart of India beats in its fields, and while India’s services sector is globally recognized, agriculture remains the soul of the nation. He stressed that innovations in agriculture, when grounded in tradition and backed by technology, will lead to self-reliant and sustainable rural economies.

The Agritech Hub: A Technological Leap

The newly inaugurated Agritech Innovation Hub is equipped with:

IoT-enabled sensors
Smart irrigation systems
Automation tools
Real-time data analytics platforms

These technologies will enable precision farming, promote climate-resilient agriculture, and reduce input costs while maximizing yields.

The hub aims to co-create scalable solutions in collaboration with startups, researchers, farmer-producer organizations (FPOs), and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). It reflects India’s resolve to modernize agriculture while preserving its ecological and cultural fabric.

Centre of Excellence: IIT Ropar’s Strategic Role

The initiative is a part of the Centre of Excellence on AI in Agriculture, funded through the Union Budget, with IIT Ropar as the lead technological partner. IIT Ropar will contribute:

Infrastructure and technology from its Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) Lab
Expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing
A funding commitment of ₹75 lakhs towards the project

An MoU was signed between SVPUAT and IIT Ropar during the event to formalize academic and research collaboration.

Model Smart Farm and Technology Demonstration

A technology demonstration session was held at SVPUAT’s Model Smart Farm, showcasing:

Advanced irrigation automation
Soil moisture sensors
Weather-linked advisory systems
Agritech solutions developed by 20 startups

Progressive farmers were felicitated for embracing modern techniques like natural farming, zero-budget agriculture, and data-driven cultivation practices.

Startups, Skilling, and Future Readiness

The event featured:

An exhibition of 20 agritech startups presenting disruptive technologies
Announcements of upcoming startup incubation and skilling programs
Engagements with farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and KVKs for capacity building

Training sessions, field visits, and hands-on learning modules will be implemented to ensure smooth technology transfer from labs to fields.

A Vision Rooted in India’s Agrarian Legacy

Minister Pradhan paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Chaudhary Charan Singh, emphasizing that true homage lies in doubling farmers’ incomes and ensuring agricultural self-reliance. Amid global food security challenges and climate change, India’s move towards natural and chemical-free farming must be backed by real-time tech solutions, he noted.

The hub, thus, represents a significant step toward transforming the “Annadata” (food provider) into a “Tech-data empowered innovator”.

PM Modi Sets $20 Billion Trade Target with Brazil by 2030

During a state visit to Brazil on July 9, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi set a bold goal to increase India–Brazil bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2030, up from the current $12.2 billion. Speaking at a Joint Press Conference alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia, PM Modi outlined a roadmap to deepen economic cooperation and strategic ties between the two major Global South economies.

Expanding Trade Through Mercosur

Widening the Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement

PM Modi emphasized India’s intent to expand the Mercosur preferential trade agreement. Mercosur, a regional trade bloc comprising Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, currently has limited coverage with India. Modi stressed the need to include more products and enhance market access for Indian exporters.

The Prime Minister also highlighted sectors ripe for expansion such as:

Agriculture and food processing
Agri-tech and value-added food exports
Digital public infrastructure
Space technology and research collaboration

Boosting Digital Payments: UPI in Brazil

A major highlight of the visit was PM Modi’s announcement regarding the adoption of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Brazil. Following its successful rollout in countries like Singapore and UAE, India’s digital payments framework could soon become a global export, with Brazil as its newest adopter.

This move aligns with Brazil’s own push towards financial inclusion and digital transformation, and could strengthen India’s soft power in fintech innovation.

Civilian Honour: Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross

In a symbolic gesture of goodwill, President Lula conferred upon Prime Minister Modi Brazil’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross. This prestigious award recognizes Modi’s contributions to:

Bilateral economic and diplomatic relations
Global platform cooperation, including BRICS, G20, and Global South summits
South–South collaboration in technology and climate change

Pharmaceutical Access and Visa Liberalisation

Following the bilateral talks, Secretary (East) P. Kumaran from the Ministry of External Affairs briefed media, noting several breakthroughs:

Brazil welcomed cost-effective Indian pharmaceuticals, including proposals to establish pharma manufacturing hubs in Brazil.
Visa liberalisation talks for Indian tourists and business professionals were positively received, aimed at boosting people-to-people and trade connectivity.
Both countries acknowledged the importance of India’s generic drug industry for Brazil’s public health sector.

Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Rare Earths

India has expressed interest in Brazil’s rich mineral assets, particularly rare earth elements, which are critical for:

Electronics and defense manufacturing
EV battery production
Space and satellite technology

Proposals were made to allow Indian investments or joint ventures to mine, process, or co-develop these resources. President Lula indicated that Brazil’s upcoming rare earth policy will offer incentives for Indian companies.

MoUs Signed and Future Agreements

Three MoUs signed during the visit:

Intelligence sharing on terrorism and transnational crime
Biofuel cooperation, including ethanol-blended fuel development
Partnership on renewable energy technologies

Upcoming MoUs to be signed shortly:

Agricultural research collaborations
Exchange of classified strategic information
Cooperation on Intellectual Property (IP) systems

These agreements showcase a multi-sectoral strategic partnership between India and Brazil that goes beyond just trade, touching upon energy security, food sustainability, innovation, and counterterrorism.

ISRO Successfully Conducts Hot Tests of Gaganyaan Propulsion System

On July 3, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully carried out two hot tests of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) at its Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. These tests mark a vital progression toward the realization of India’s first crewed space mission, the Gaganyaan Programme.

The tests were publicly disclosed by ISRO on July 8, highlighting the space agency’s technical preparedness and the operational integrity of the propulsion module.

What Is the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS)?

The Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) is one of the core components of the Gaganyaan Orbital Module. It plays a crucial role in orbital maneuvers, trajectory corrections, and abort scenarios where crew safety is paramount.

Key Features of SMPS:

5 Liquid Apogee Motors (LAMs), each with 440 Newton (N) thrust.
16 Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters, each delivering 100N thrust.
Designed to operate in both steady-state and pulsed modes.

Details of the Hot Tests

ISRO conducted two hot tests on July 3:

A 30-second short-duration test
A 100-second extended test

These tests were performed to validate the SMPS test article configuration under conditions that closely mimic real flight scenarios. According to ISRO, all parameters performed normally, and the results matched pre-test predictions, confirming the robustness and reliability of the system.

Highlights of the 100-Second Test

The 100-second hot test was particularly significant. During this test, ISRO demonstrated:

Simultaneous operation of all RCS thrusters in both steady-state and pulsed firing modes.
Concurrent activation of all LAM engines, effectively simulating in-orbit maneuvering conditions.

This kind of integrated operation is vital to ensuring the system functions flawlessly under crew-carrying mission stress.

Technical Oversight and Development

The development of the SMPS is being spearheaded by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). Over multiple stages of development and testing, the propulsion system has undergone incremental improvements based on insights from previous test cycles.

For this round of tests, the test article incorporated design refinements to more closely replicate actual flight conditions—a move that enhances the confidence level for full-duration qualification testing, which is expected shortly.

Why This Matters: The Gaganyaan Context

The Gaganyaan mission aims to demonstrate India’s capability to send humans into space and return them safely. It will be the first crewed spaceflight mission undertaken by India, targeting low Earth orbit (LEO) with an Indian crew onboard.

The SMPS is vital not just for keeping the spacecraft on course, but also for executing emergency abort sequences, if needed. A malfunction or delay in this system during flight could endanger the entire mission—making these successful hot tests a critical validation step.

Sabih Khan Appointed as Apple’s Next Chief Operating Officer (COO)

On July 8, 2025, tech giant Apple Inc. announced a key leadership transition: Sabih Khan, its long-serving Senior Vice President of Operations, has been appointed the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). He succeeds Jeff Williams, who is stepping down this month and will retire later in the year.

This move marks a significant moment for Apple, coming at a time when the company is navigating complex global supply chain challenges, technological transitions, and mounting geopolitical and regulatory pressures.

Who is Sabih Khan?

Academic Background and Early Career

Sabih Khan brings with him a strong technical and analytical foundation, having earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University, followed by a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

Before joining Apple, Mr. Khan worked at GE Plastics as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader, roles that sharpened his expertise in both engineering design and client-facing logistics.

Decades of Experience at Apple

Khan joined Apple in 1995, initially in its procurement group. Over the past three decades, he has steadily climbed the corporate ladder, earning a reputation as a meticulous strategist and a pioneer in supply chain innovation.

In 2019, he was elevated to the role of Senior Vice President of Operations, placing him at the center of Apple’s manufacturing, logistics, and supplier responsibility programs.

His tenure saw Apple enhance its supply chain’s resilience, especially during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions with China, and environmental regulatory shifts.

The Scope of His Responsibilities

In his new role as COO, Sabih Khan will oversee:

Product quality assurance
Supply chain strategy and optimization
Manufacturing and logistics coordination
Procurement and supplier partnerships
Fulfillment and distribution networks
Corporate sustainability and labor ethics programs

His appointment is not just administrative—it signifies Apple’s ongoing emphasis on operational excellence, sustainable production, and adaptive global sourcing.

Why This Appointment Matters Now

1. Global Manufacturing Pressures

The appointment comes amid mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has demanded that Apple move a significant portion of its iPhone production to the United States. Companies that fail to comply risk facing import tariffs if they continue manufacturing in countries like China or India.

Sabih Khan’s ability to navigate international manufacturing regulations, negotiate with suppliers, and scale domestic production will be critical as Apple recalibrates its global assembly operations.

2. Delayed Rollout of AI Features

Apple is currently under public and legal scrutiny for delays in the deployment of its Generative AI-powered Siri assistant, promised as a flagship feature of the iPhone 16 series. The technology has yet to be released, sparking customer dissatisfaction and multiple lawsuits.

As COO, Mr. Khan will be expected to align engineering innovation with manufacturing readiness, ensuring timely rollouts of future AI-integrated products.

What Lies in Khan’s Hands

As COO, Sabih Khan will not only be responsible for maintaining Apple’s operational efficiency, but also for steering the company through:

The AI revolution in consumer electronics
Pressures to reshore manufacturing
Challenges posed by changing trade agreements
Upholding sustainability and human rights standards across the supply chain

His appointment is a nod to Apple’s belief in operational excellence as a foundation for innovation. As Apple faces increasing competition in AI-enabled hardware, regulatory environments, and consumer expectations, Khan’s leadership will play a defining role in shaping the company’s next decade.

In Which Country is Lawachara National Park Located? Know About It

Lawachara National Park is a beautiful forest area known for its rich greenery, tall trees and many kinds of animals and birds. It is a peaceful place where people go to enjoy nature, walk through the woods and see rare wildlife. The park is also important for protecting nature and helping the environment. It is located in the northeastern part of a South Asian country.

Location of Lawachara National Park

Lawachara National Park is located in Bangladesh. It lies in Kamalganj Upazila, in the Moulvibazar District. The park is about 160 kilometers away from Dhaka and 60 kilometers from Sylhet. It is near a small town called Sreemangal, known for tea gardens and nature tourism.

Size and Forest Type

The park covers about 12.5 square kilometers of land. It is a semi-evergreen and mixed deciduous forest, which means it has both green trees and those that shed leaves. There are also small hills and many streams that flow through the forest.

Climate and Soil in the Lawachara National Park

Lawachara has a warm and humid climate. The temperature ranges from about 27ºC in February to 36ºC in June. It gets a lot of rain and even faces cyclones sometimes. The soil is sandy and clay-like and can flood in rainy season.

Rich Biodiversity of the Park

The park is home to 460 species of plants and animals. This includes:

167 plant species
246 bird species
20 mammal species
4 amphibian species
6 reptiles
17 insects

One of the most important animals here is the Western Hoolock Gibbon, which is critically endangered. Only about 62 of them are left in the forest.

People living Near the Park

There are about 18 villages near the park. Some tribal groups like the Khasi, Tripuri and Monipuri people live inside or near the park. Others are migrants from Noakhali, Comilla and Assam. They depend on the forest for fuel, food and small farming.

Kasaragod Wins Kerala Fisheries Department’s Excellence Award 2025

The Kerala Fisheries Department has conferred the Fisheries Department Excellence Award 2025 on Kasaragod district, acknowledging its outstanding performance under the Popular Fish Farming Project. This prestigious honour highlights Kasaragod’s leadership in sustainable and innovative practices in aquaculture and its consistent efforts at the grassroots level.

State-Level Recognition for Fisheries Achievements

Kasaragod was adjudged the best district in the State for its effective implementation of fisheries development projects. The award is part of the annual State Farmer Awards, instituted by the department to honour excellence in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors across Kerala.

According to the district administration, this recognition reflects the district’s proactive approach in promoting aquaculture, boosting inland fish production, and engaging local farmers in sustainable practices.

Local Fish Farmers Shine in Individual Categories

In addition to the district award, two local aquaculture practitioners from Kasaragod earned accolades in individual categories:

Ravi P.P., a fish farmer from Padanna, won second place in the Best Backwater Fish Seed Production Farmer category.
Sea Pearl Aquafarm, based in Kumbala, was awarded third place for Best Innovative Fish Farming.

These awards highlight the role of individual entrepreneurship and innovation in strengthening the district’s fisheries ecosystem.

Leadership and Coordination Praised

District Collector K. Inbasekar expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in achieving the honour, especially acknowledging Deputy Director of Fisheries, K.A. Labib, for his strategic guidance and support in steering fisheries projects to success.

A Consistent Performer in State-Level Competitions

This award marks yet another milestone in Kasaragod’s growing record of State-level recognition:

In previous years, the district won the Best District Award under the Popular Fisheries Project Matsya Karshaka Award.
It was also honoured with the Best BMC (Biodiversity Management Committee) Award in the 2023 State Biodiversity Awards.
Notably, Kasaragod’s District Panchayat BMS became the first in the country to declare an official tree, flower, and bird, representing the region’s unique biodiversity identity.

International Umpire Bismillah Jan Shinwari Passes Away at 41

Bismillah Jan Shinwari, a renowned and respected Afghan international cricket umpire, has passed away at the age of 41. His untimely death, following a brief illness, has left a profound void in the cricketing world, especially within Afghanistan’s emerging cricket landscape, where Shinwari was not only a senior umpire but also a symbol of professionalism and dedication.

A Career Defined by Commitment and Excellence

Bismillah Jan Shinwari’s journey to international recognition was rooted in relentless dedication to cricket officiating. A member of the ICC International Panel of Umpires, Shinwari had steadily built a reputation for accuracy, composure, and integrity—qualities essential to the role of an international umpire. His selection to the ICC panel was a significant milestone not only for his career but also for Afghan cricket, which has been making rapid strides on the global stage.

Shinwari made his international umpiring debut in December 2017, officiating an ODI (One Day International) between Afghanistan and Ireland at Sharjah, a moment that marked the beginning of a promising international officiating career. Over the following years, he stood in a total of 25 ODIs and 21 T20 Internationals (T20Is), earning the respect of players, coaches, and officials across the cricketing world.

His consistency, fairness in decision-making, and calm demeanor under pressure were hallmarks of his style, setting him apart in a role that is often scrutinized under the brightest lights of the international stage.

A Symbol of Afghanistan’s Rise in Global Cricket

Beyond his on-field achievements, Shinwari represented something much larger: the emergence of Afghanistan as a credible and competitive force in world cricket. His presence on the international panel of umpires signaled a shift—not just in the recognition of Afghan cricketers, but also in the broader infrastructure surrounding Afghan cricket.

As one of the few Afghan officials to officiate consistently at the international level, Shinwari’s success was a beacon of hope for young umpires in the region aspiring to make their mark globally. He served as a mentor, role model, and ambassador of the Afghan officiating system, proving that the nation could produce not only world-class players but also respected cricketing officials.

His Legacy: Discipline, Respect, and Service to the Game

The role of a cricket umpire is often described as thankless, filled with intense scrutiny and immense pressure. Yet Bismillah Jan Shinwari carried these responsibilities with dignity, composure, and unwavering fairness. His decisions were marked by a deep understanding of the game, and his presence on the field was one of calm authority.

Colleagues and players alike spoke of his firm but respectful approach, a balance that earned him admiration across teams and formats. While statistics can account for the number of matches he officiated, they cannot fully capture the immeasurable impact he had on the game and those around him.

A Profound Loss, A Legacy That Endures

As tributes continue to pour in from across the cricketing world, the loss of Bismillah Jan Shinwari is being felt not just in the stadiums of Kabul or Sharjah, but across cricketing nations where he left a mark. His sudden demise is a reminder of the silent heroes who uphold the integrity of the sport through discipline, fairness, and service.

He may no longer stand behind the stumps, raising his finger with quiet authority, but his legacy will continue to inspire. Young umpires in Afghanistan and beyond will look to his career as proof that dedication and integrity can open doors on the world stage.

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.