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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.

Which is the Most Mango Producing Country in the World?

Mango, hailed as the “King of Fruits,” is not just a tropical delight but also a significant agricultural commodity globally. With its sweet, juicy flavor and versatility in culinary applications, mangoes have secured a prime position in the hearts of consumers worldwide. In 2024, mango production continues to thrive, with several countries contributing significantly to meet the global demand. Here’s a look at the top 10 mango-producing nations in the world.

Worldwide Production of Mangoes

India is the top mango-producing country in the world, growing about 43% to 52% of all mangoes. Other big producers are China, Indonesia, Thailand and Mexico. The total worldwide mango production is around 61 million tonnes. This number is going up every year, with an average growth rate of 1.9%, showing that mangoes are becoming more popular globally.

Most Mango Producing Country in the World 2025

In 2025, India is still the top mango-producing country in the world, growing about 25 million metric tons every year. The country is known for its sweet and tasty mangoes, especially popular types like Alphonso and Kesar. These mangoes are loved both in India and in other countries. Indian farmers use both old farming and methods and modern tools to grow high-quality mangoes, keeping India’s mango tradition strong.

Top-10 Mango Producing Countries in the World By 2025

India with the total mango production of 25 million metric tons, holds the title of largest mango producer in the world, followed by China, Indonesia, Pakistan and Mexico.

Here is the list of top-10 mango producing countries in the world by 2025:

Top-10 Mango Producing Countries in the World 2025
Rank Country Mango Production (in million metric tons)
1. India 25
2. China 3.8
3. Indonesia 3.6
4. Pakistan 2.7
5. Mexico 2.4
6. Brazil 2.1
7. Malawi 1.7
8. Thailand 1.6
9. Bangladesh 1.5
10. Vietnam 1.4

Second Largest Country in terms of Mango production – China

Mango Production: 3.8 million metric tons

China ranks as the world’s second-largest mango producer, yielding 3.8 million metric tons. Vast orchards benefit from favorable weather, showcasing China’s growing influence in mango farming. With organized cultivation and optimal conditions, China meets increasing global demand, underscoring its commitment to the tropical fruit industry and expanding its market reach.

World’s Third Largest Mango Producer – Indonesia

Mango Production: 3.6 million metric tons

Indonesia stands as the world’s third-largest mango producer, harvesting 3.6 million metric tons annually. Its sunny climate fosters the growth of renowned varieties like Gedong Gincu and Manalagi, making Indonesia a key player in the global mango market. These delicious mangoes not only satisfy local appetites but also boost the nation’s economy through thriving agricultural exports.

 

Richest Man in the World by May 2025, Know About the Top-10 Richest Men

The richest men in the world have made huge amounts of money through technology, shopping businesses and smart investing. Their companies are very powerful and have a big impact on the world. Some own famous tech companies like Tesla and Amazon, while others own luxury brands like LVMH, we will look at the top-10 richest men in the world by May 2025.

World’s Richest Persons by May 2025

As of May 2025, Elon Musk is the richest person in the world with $386.5 billion. He is followed by Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos. Most of the top-10 billionaires are from the USA and work in technology companies like Tesla, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Google. One person, Bernard Arnault from France, represents the fashion industry. Their wealth changes every year based on company performance and the stock market.

World’s Richest Man by April 2025

By May 2025, Elon Musk is the richest man in the world. He co-founded companies like Tesla, SpaceX and xAI. He owns around 12% of Tesla and 42% of SpaceX, which is valued at $350 billion. Musk also owns 54% of xAI, an AI company valued at $50 billion. He bought Twitter in 2022, now called X, though its value dropped by 70%. His massive wealth mainly comes from tech and space ventures.

Net Worth of Elon Musk

As of May 2025, Elon Musk is the richest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of $386.5 billion. Most of his wealth comes from his companies, Tesla and SpaceX, as well as his investment in X (earlier known as Twitter). His achievements in technology and space exploration have played a major role in his rapid financial growth.

Age and Citizenship of Elon Musk

Elon Musk was born on June 28, 1971. As of now, he is 53 years old. He is known for being one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the world, leading companies like Tesla and SpaceX.

Elon Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971. He later became a Canadian citizen because his mother was born in Canada. In 2002, he became a US citizen, and he now lives and works in the United States.

Top-10 Richest Men in the World by May 2025

Elon Musk of United States, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and X, stands as the richest man in the world as of 2025 with an impressive net worth of $386.5 billion, followed by Jeff Bezos and Larry Ellison.

Here is the list of top-10 richest men in the world by May 2025:

Rank Name Net Worth (in $ billions) Source of Wealth Country 
1. Elon Musk $386.5 billion Tesla, SpaceX, X United States
2. Jeff Bezos $201.6 billion Amazon United States
3. Mark Zuckerberg $190 billion Facebook United States
4. Larry Ellison $176.9 billion Oracle United States
5. Warren Buffet $166.4 billion Berkshire Hathaway United States
6. Bernard Arnault $146.5 billion LVMH France
7. Larry Page $132.7 billion Google United States
8. Sergey Brin $127.2 billion Google United States
9. Amancio Ortego $114.4 billion Zara United States
10. Steve Ballmer $114.1 billion Microsoft United States

Second Wealthiest Person of the World – Jeff Bezos

Country: United States

Net worth: $201.6 billion

Jeff Bezos founded Amazon and stepped down as CEO in 2021, although he still holds a strong influence as chairman. He also founded Blue Origin, a space company, and made a trip to space in 2021. Bezos’ wealth comes mainly from Amazon, which continues to be a leader in online retail.

Third Richest Person of the World – Mark Zuckerberg

Country: United States

Net worth: $190 billion

In late February, Mark Zuckerberg became the third richest person in the world for the first time. He overtook Jeff Bezos, whose wealth dropped by 11%. According to Forbes, Zuckerberg is now $4 billion richer than Bezos.

Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook (now Meta) in 2004 while studying at Harvard University. Meta owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. He still owns 13% of the company.

List of Chief Justice of India from 1950-2025

The Chief Justice of India is the head of the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the country. The Chief Justice makes many important decisions and helps lead the Indian judiciary. Since 1950, India has had several Chief Justices who played a big role in the legal system. This article gives a comprehensive list of all Chief Justices of India from 1950 to 2025.

Chief Justice of India

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is the highest-ranking judge and head of the Indian judiciary, leading the Supreme Court of India. The CJI manages the court’s functioning by assigning cases to other judges and forming special benches for important legal issues. According to Article 145 of the Indian Constitution and the Supreme Court Rules of 1966, the Chief Justice has the authority to allocate work across the Supreme Court.

When it’s time to appoint a new Chief Justice, the President of India selects a candidate based on the recommendation of the outgoing CJI, who typically suggests the next senior-most judge. Although this seniority tradition is usually followed, there have been exceptions twice in the past—first in 1973, when Justice A.N. Ray was appointed over three senior judges, and again in 1977, when Justice Mirza Hameedullah Beg was appointed over Justice H.R. Khanna.

A Chief Justice can serve until they reach the age of 65, unless they are removed through the impeachment process outlined in the Constitution. Since the establishment of the Supreme Court in 1950, 51 judges have held the position of Chief Justice. The longest-serving Chief Justice was Y.V. Chandrachud, who held office for over seven years (1978–1985), while the shortest-serving was K.N. Singh, who served only 17 days in 1991. As of 2024, there has not been a woman in the role of Chief Justice of India.

Currently, Justice B.R. Gavai is the 52nd Chief Justice, having taken office on May 14, 2025. 

List of Chief Justice of India

The below list will give you details about all Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India after independence along with their tenure and the Presidents they have worked under. The current Chief Justice of India is Justice B.R. Gavai who was appointed by the Government of India on 14th May 2025.

S.no Chief Justice of India Tenure Presidents
From To
1 H.J Kania 26 January 1950 6 November 1951 Rajendra Prasad
2 M. Patanjali Sastri 7 November 1951 3 January 1954 Rajendra Prasad
3 Mehr Chand Mahajan 4 January 1954 22 December 1954 Rajendra Prasad
4 Bijan Kumar Mukherjee 23 December 1954 31 January 1956 Rajendra Prasad
5 Sudhi Ranjan Das 1 February 1956 30 September 1959 Rajendra Prasad
6 Bhuvaneshwar Prasad Sinha 1 October 1959 31 January 1964 Rajendra Prasad
7 P.B. Gajendragadkar 1 February 1964 15 March 1966 Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
8 Amal Kumar Sarkar 16 March 1966 29 June 1966 Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
9 Koka Subba Rao 30 June 1966 11 April 1967 Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
10 Kailas Nath Wanchoo 12 April 1967 24 February 1968 Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
11 Mohammad Hidayatullah 25 February 1968 16 December 1970 Zakir Husain
12 Jayantital Chhotalal Shah 17 December 1970 21 January 1971 V.V. Giri
13 Sarv Mittra Sikri 22 January 1971 25 April 1973 V.V. Giri
14 A.N. Ray 26 April 1973 27 January 1977 V.V. Giri
15 Mirza Hameedullah Beg 29 January 1977 21 February 1978 Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed
16 Y.V. Chandrachud 22 February 1978 11 July 1985 Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
17 P.N. Bhagwati 12 July 1985 20 December 1986 Zali Singh
18 Raghunandan Swarup Pathak 21 December 1986 18 June 1989 Zali Singh
19 Engalaguppe Seetharamaiah Venkataramiah 19 June 1989 17 December 1989 Ramaswamy Venkataraman
20 Sabyasachi Mukharji 18 December 1989 25 September 1990 Ramaswamy Venkataraman
21 Ranganath Misra 26 September 1990 24 November 1991 Ramaswamy Venkataraman
22 Kamal Narain Singh 25 November 1991 12 December 1991 Ramaswamy Venkataraman
23 Madhukar Hiralal Kania 13 December 1991 17 November 1992 Ramaswamy Venkataraman
24 Lalit Mohan Sharma 18 November 1992 11 February 1993 Shankar Dayal Sharma
25 M.N. Venkatachaliah 12 February 1993 24 October 1994 Shankar Dayal Sharma
26 Aziz Mushabber Ahmadi 25 October 1994 24 March 1997 Shankar Dayal Sharma
27 J.S. Verma 25 March 1997 17 January 1998 Shankar Dayal Sharma
28 Madan Mohan Punchhi 18 January 1998 9 October 1998 K.R. Narayanan
29 Adarsh Sein Anand 10 October 1998 31 October 2001 K.R. Narayanan
30 Sam Piroj Bharucha 1 November 2001 5 may 2002 K.R. Narayanan
31 Bhupinder Nath Kirpal 6 May 2002 7 November 2002 K.R. Narayanan
32 Gopal Ballav Pattanaik 8 November 2002 18 December 2002 A.P.J Abdul Kalam
33 V.N. Khare 19 December 2002 1 May 2004 A.P.J Abdul Kalam
34 S. Rajendra Babu 2 May 2004 31 May 2004 A.P.J Abdul Kalam
35 Ramesh Chandra Lahoti 1 June 2004 31 October 2005 A.P.J Abdul Kalam
36 Yogesh Kumar Sabharwal 1 November 2005 13 January 2007 A.P.J Abdul Kalam
37 K.G. Balakrishnan 14 January 2007 12 May 2010 A.P.J Abdul Kalam
38 S.H. Kapadia 12 May 2010 28 September 2012 Pratibha Patil
39 Altamas Kabir 29 September 2012 18 July 2013 Pranab Mukherjee
40 P. Sathasivam 19 July 2013 26 April 2014 Pranab Mukherjee
41 Rajendra Mal Lodha 27 April 2014 27 September 2014 Pranab Mukherjee
42 H.L. Dattu 28 September 2014 2 December 2015 Pranab Mukherjee
43 T.S. Thakur 3 December 2015 3 January 2017 Pranab Mukherjee
44 Jagdish Singh Khehar 4 January 2017 27 August 2017 Pranab Mukherjee
45 Dipak Misra 28 August 2017 2 October 2018 Ram Nath Kovind
46 Ranjan Gogoi 3 October 2018 17 November 2019 Ram Nath Kovind
47 Sharad Arvind Bobde 18 November 2019 23 April 2021 Ram Nath Kovind
48 NV Ramana 23 April 2021 26 August 2022 Ram Nath Kovind
49 U.U. Lalit 27 August 2022 8 November 2022 Ram Nath Kovind
50 Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud 9 November 2022 10 November 2024 Ram Nath Kovind
51 Sanjiv Khanna 11 November 2024 13 May 2025
Droupadi Murmu
52. B.R. Gavai 14 May 2025 Incumbent
Droupadi Murmu

CJI – Important Pointer

  • The President of India appoints the Chief Justice of India, who can serve until the age of 65 and can only be removed through parliamentary impeachment. The Chief Justice submits resignation to the President, who administers the oath. The Chief Justice receives a monthly salary of Rs.280,000, governed by Article 125 of the Constitution.
  • The inaugural Chief Justice, Sir Maurice Gwyer, served from October 1, 1937, to April 25, 1943, before independence. Justice Harilal Jekisundas Kania became the first Indian Chief Justice. Kamal Narain Singh held the position for the briefest period, just 17 days in November-December 1991, while Justice Y. V. Chandrachud holds the record for the longest tenure at 2696 days.
  • The current Chief Justice, Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde, is the 47th in office. Fatimah Beevi made history as the first woman Supreme Court Judge, serving from October 6, 1989, to April 29, 1992.
  • As of November 2022, India has 27 Supreme Court judges, including the Chief Justice, with a sanctioned strength of 34.

 

Top-5 Places to See the Northern Lights, Know About Them

The Northern Lights, also Aurora Borealis, are beautiful lights that appear in the night sky, mostly in cold places near the North Pole. They look like dancing waves of green, pink and purple colors. Many people travel to see this amazing natural show. The best time to watch them is during winter when the skies are dark and clear. In this article, we will know about the top-5 places to see the Northern Lights.

What are Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are colorful lights that appear in the night sky near the North Pole. They happen when charged particles from the sun travel toward Earth and hit the magnetic field. Some of these particles move to the pole and collide with gases in the sky, like oxygen and nitrogen. This makes the sky glow in colors like green, pink and red. It is a natural and beautiful light show caused by the sun and Earth’s atmosphere.

Top-5 Places to See Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are a magical light show in the night sky, seen mostly near the North Pole. To enjoy this amazing sight, here are the top-5 places in the world where you can see them clearly:

  • Tromsø Norway
  • Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
  • Abisko, Sweden
  • Reykjavik & Thingvellir, Iceland
  • Yellowknife, Canada

Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø is in northern Norway and lies in the middle of the auroral zone. It is known as one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. The city is surrounded by snowy mountains and fjords, offering a great view of the night sky. You can see the aurora from the city or travel nearby areas for a darker sky.

Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

Fairbanks is located under the auroral oval, making it a popular place to see the Northern Lights in the United States. It has long, dark nights and clear skies during winter, which help you see the lights more often. Many visitors go there between August and April for the best viewing chances.

Abisko, Sweden

Abisko is a small village in northern Sweden inside Abisko National Park. This place is known for its special weather that keeps the sky clear even when it’s cloudy nearby. Abisko is far from city lights, which makes the aurora easier to see in the dark sky. The area is quiet and surrounded by nature.

Reykjavik & Thingvellir, Iceland

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is one of the few cities in the world where you can sometimes see the Northern Lights. Just 45 minutes away is Thingvellir National Park, a great place for viewing. Iceland’s wild nature, with its waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers, makes the experience even more exciting.

Yellowknife, Canada

Yellowknife is in the Northwest Territories of Canada and is one of the most reliable places to see the aurora. The sky is usually clear, and the area has little light pollution. Many tourists visit between November and March to enjoy the bright and colorful Northern Lights.

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_8.1

International Day of Light Date, History, Purpose

The International Day of Light, celebrated every year on May 16, recognizes the importance of light and light-based technologies in science, culture, education, sustainable development, and various sectors such as energy, medicine, communications, and art. It is organized by UNESCO to encourage international cooperation in science and technology and to highlight light’s role in achieving peace and sustainable development.

Why in News

The International Day of Light 2025 is observed globally on May 16, with a central forum themed “Light, Innovation, Society.” Events were organized at UNESCO Headquarters and worldwide, promoting awareness of light’s crucial role in scientific advancement and sustainability.

Background and History

  • The day commemorates the anniversary of the first successful laser operation by Theodore Maiman on May 16, 1960.
  • The first celebration of the International Day of Light was held on May 16, 2018, following the International Year of Light (2015).
  • Proposed by Ghana, Mexico, New Zealand, and the Russian Federation; approved by UNESCO’s General Conference in November 2017.

Objectives and Purpose

  • To promote international cooperation through science and technology.
  • To raise awareness about the importance of light-based technologies in daily life and global development.
  • To support the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially in education, equality, and innovation.
  • To inspire interest in STEM education, particularly in developing regions such as Africa.

Significance of Light-based Technologies

  • These technologies play an essential role in various fields:
  • Medicine – X-rays, laser surgery, phototherapy.
  • Communications – Fiber optics, internet.
  • Energy – Solar panels, lighting systems.
  • Art and Culture – Photography, projection.
  • Science and Research – Microscopes, telescopes, spectroscopy.

UNESCO’s Global Vision

  • The day aligns with UNESCO’s mission to:
  • Promote basic science education globally.
  • Encourage innovation and knowledge-sharing.
  • Highlight the connection between science, society, and culture.

Themes and Events (2025)

  • Theme: “Light, Innovation, Society”
  • Special focus: “Dark and Quiet Skies” initiative – preserving the night sky and reducing light pollution.

Events are hosted worldwide with hashtags like,

  • #InternationalDayOfLight
  • #Photonics
  • #DarkSkies4All
  • Activities include:
  • Public lectures and exhibitions.
  • School and university events.
  • Science outreach programs for youth.

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_10.1

International Day of Living Together in Peace: Fostering Global Harmony

The International Day of Living Together in Peace, observed annually on 16 May, is a United Nations-designated day that emphasizes the importance of living in harmony despite cultural, religious, or ethnic differences. It calls for global unity, reconciliation, and mutual respect, aiming to foster sustainable peace in communities worldwide.

Why in News?

The International Day of Living Together in Peace 2025 was observed on 16 May across the globe, reinforcing the message of peace, tolerance, inclusion, and reconciliation. The day remains relevant in today’s world marked by ongoing conflicts, social unrest, and divisions, serving as a global reminder to promote dialogue, coexistence, and unity.

Objectives and Aim

  • Promote a culture of peace, mutual respect, and understanding.
  • Encourage reconciliation and forgiveness to build sustainable peace.
  • Mobilize international efforts to counter intolerance and discrimination.
  • Foster solidarity and inclusion across all levels of society.

Key Features

  • Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly through Resolution 72/130 in 2017.
  • Celebrated every year on 16 May.
  • Invites countries, communities, and individuals to engage in activities promoting peace and reconciliation.
  • Supports efforts aligned with SDG Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Background

  • Rooted in post-WWII ideals to prevent further global conflict.
  • Builds upon earlier UN declarations:
  • International Year for a Culture of Peace (2000) – Resolution 52/15.
  • International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children (2001–2010).
  • Declaration & Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace (1999) – Resolution 53/243.
  • Inspired by UNESCO’s belief: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.”

Significance

  • Encourages nations to work toward conflict resolution, inclusive development, and interfaith dialogue.
  • Reinforces the idea that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but a positive, participatory process involving cooperation and understanding.
  • Helps combat discrimination and intolerance in all forms (based on race, religion, gender, etc.).

Suggested Activities

  • Peace Campaigns: Launch social media or community-based awareness drives.
  • Letters of Peace: Share letters promoting peace and unity.
  • Community Service: Participate in or organize volunteer and charity events.
  • Sports for Peace: Host sports events to spread the message of unity.
  • Peace Concerts: Promote peace through cultural and musical events.
  • Peace-themed Movie Nights: Screen films that promote understanding and non-violence.

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_12.1

List of Products India Imports and Exports to Turkey

India-Turkey Trade Overview: 2023–24 to Early 2025

India and Turkey have historically maintained robust bilateral trade ties. However, recent geopolitical tensions, especially Turkey’s support for Pakistan amid India-Pakistan diplomatic strain, have led to growing trade and diplomatic uncertainty.

Despite this, India’s trade with Turkey has remained significant, with exports valued at USD 5.2 billion and imports at USD 2.84 billion between April 2024 and February 2025. India continues to maintain a trade surplus with Turkey.

India’s Exports to Turkey (April 2024 – February 2025)

Total Export Value: USD 5.2 billion

India’s major exports to Turkey span across energy, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing sectors:

  1. Mineral fuels and oil – India’s largest export category to Turkey
  2. Electrical machinery and equipment
  3. Auto parts and components
  4. Organic and inorganic chemicals
  5. Pharmaceutical products and raw materials
  6. Textiles and garments
  7. Iron and steel products
  8. Plastic and rubber articles
  9. Machinery and mechanical appliances
  10. Tobacco and tea (in smaller volumes)

India’s Imports from Turkey (April 2024 – February 2025)

Total Import Value: USD 2.84 billion

Turkey’s exports to India include raw materials, luxury items, and agricultural produce. The primary imports are:

  1. Marble and decorative stone – A significant construction material
  2. Apples – Approx. USD 10 million worth imported, though volumes have dropped recently due to informal boycotts
  3. Gold and precious metals
  4. Vegetables and pulses
  5. Cement and construction-grade materials
  6. Mineral oil and petroleum-based products – Approx. USD 1.81 billion in 2023–24
  7. Industrial chemicals and dyes
  8. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals
  9. Cosmetic and personal care products

India-Turkey Trade Summary

Trade Indicator 2023–24 Apr–Feb 2024–25
Exports from India USD 6.65 billion USD 5.2 billion
Imports to India USD 3.78 billion USD 2.84 billion
Trade Surplus USD 2.87 billion USD 2.36 billion

Impact of Geopolitics on Trade

Following Turkey’s and Azerbaijan’s vocal support for Pakistan, Indian traders and travel agencies have responded with caution. Indian businesses have informally reduced imports of Turkish apples, marble, and other luxury goods. This has contributed to the visible decline in trade volumes, despite no official sanctions.

Indian Community and Tourism Advisory

India earlier shared strong people-to-people ties with both Turkey and Azerbaijan, with over 4,500 Indian nationals residing in the two countries. However, in light of recent diplomatic shifts, Indian travel advisories now urge caution and recommend avoiding non-essential visits to both nations.

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Who Are the Jenu Kuruba?

In a powerful act of cultural and ancestral reclamation, Jenu Kuruba families have recently begun reoccupying their traditional forest homes within Nagarhole National Park. This quiet but significant move marks a return to roots for a tribe deeply entwined with the ecology, mythology, and rhythms of the Nilgiri biosphere, which spans parts of Karnataka and Kerala.

Who Are the Jenu Kuruba?

The Jenu Kuruba, whose name derives from the Kannada word ‘Jenu’, meaning honey, are an indigenous forest-dwelling tribe numbering around 37,000 people. Traditionally found in the Nilgiris region, they are honey gatherers, forest cultivators, and guardians of jungle knowledge.

Historically, they lived in huts deep within the forest, practicing shifting cultivation and relying on the collection of minor forest produce for sustenance. Their lifestyle was semi-nomadic, guided by the seasonal rhythms of the forest.

Language and Cultural Identity

Aspect Details
Language Jenu Kurumba, a dialect related to Kodava or Kannada
Settlements Small clusters known as Hadi
Social Structure Based on decentralized authority
Occupation Food gathering, handling elephants, and agriculture

The oral traditions of the Jenu Kuruba people preserve their knowledge of flora, fauna, and forest spirits, while their songs and dances depict agricultural life, marriage customs, mythologies, and rituals rooted in their sacred landscape.

Spiritual and Social Beliefs

The Jenu Kuruba have a distinct spiritual worldview, believing in a pantheon of supernatural beings that inhabit the forest. These deities and spirits have individual names and identities, and the tribe maintains ritual relationships with them.

Community Leadership

  • Yajamana (Headman): Oversees community affairs.
  • Gudda (Shaman/Ritual Head): Conducts ceremonies, healing rituals, and spiritual guidance.

This dual leadership ensures a balance between practical governance and spiritual continuity within their social framework.

Reoccupation of Ancestral Land in Nagarhole

The Jenu Kuruba’s return to their traditional lands comes after decades of displacement, primarily due to the declaration of forest reserves and national parks that forced many indigenous communities out in the name of conservation.

Why This Matters

This reoccupation is not just about housing—it is about:

  • Reclaiming identity
  • Restoring lost connection to sacred lands
  • Resuming traditional livelihoods
  • Preserving cultural continuity

While their presence raises ongoing questions about human-wildlife coexistence and conservation policies, the Jenu Kuruba emphasize that their way of life nurtures biodiversity, not harms it.

A Cultural Renaissance in the Wild

The return of the Jenu Kuruba to Nagarhole is being seen as a symbol of indigenous resilience. Their revival of forest-based living, rituals, and community practices is a quiet revolution, reminding us that forests are not just ecological spaces, but also spiritual and cultural homes.

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B.R. Gavai Biography, Early Life, Legal Career and Personal Life

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai became the 52nd Chief Justice of India on 14th May 2025. He is an experienced judge who has worked in the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court of India. He is the first Chief Justice from the Buddhist community and the second Dalit (Scheduled Caste) to hold this post.

B.R. Gavai – Early Life and Education

Bhushan Gavai was born on 24th November 1960 in Amravati, Maharashtra. He studied at a municipal school in Amravati, then went to Chikitsa Samudh Madhyamik Shala and Holy Name High School in Mumbai. After school, he completed degrees in commerce and law from Amravati University. In 1985, he started his legal career.

Legal Career of Bhushan Gavai

Gavai worked with Bar. Raja S. Bhonsale, a well-known lawyer and former judge. He started practicing law in the Bombay High Court from 1987 to 1990, and then at the Nagpur Bench of the High Court.

He was the legal advisor (standing counsel) for many government bodies like Nagpur Municipal Corporation, Amravati University, and others. In 1992, he became the assistant government pleader and public prosecutor at the High Court in Nagpur. In 2000, he became the government pleader and public prosecutor for the Nagpur Bench.

On 14 November 2003, Gavai became an additional judge of the Bombay High Court. Later, on 12 November 2005, he became a permanent judge. He worked there for 14 years.

B.R. Gavai as Chief Justice of India

On 24 May 2019, he was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of India. He served there until 13 May 2025.

On 14 May 2025, President Droupadi Murmu made him the Chief Justice of India. His term will continue until 23 November 2025.

Historical Significance

Justice Gavai made history in many ways:

  • First Chief Justice from the Buddhist community.
  • Second Dalit Chief Justice of India (after K.G. Balakrishnan)
  • As of January 2025, the Supreme Court had 3 Scheduled Caste judges: Justice B.R. Gavai, Justice C.T. Ravikumar and Justice Prasanna Varale

It was the first time the Supreme Court had two Buddhist judges at the same time – Justice Gavai and Justice Varale.

Personal Life of B.R. Gavai

Bhushan Gavai’s parents were R.S. Gavai and Kamala. His father was a Member of Parliament (M.P.) and Governor, and also led the Republican Party of India (Gavai faction). His brother Rajendra Gavai is a politician too. The Gavai family follows Buddhism and is great inspired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

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Why is Buddhavanam in the Spotlight?

In a remarkable blend of heritage and global culture, Miss World 2025 contenders from 22 countries recently visited Buddhavanam, Telangana’s premier Buddhist theme park, to commemorate Buddha Purnima. This high-profile event drew attention to the site’s spiritual significance, architectural grandeur, and role in preserving India’s Buddhist legacy.

Location and Setting

Buddhavanam is strategically located on the northern bank of the Krishna River, near Nagarjuna Sagar in the state of Telangana. The region was historically known as Nagarjunakonda or Sriparvata – Vijayapuri, a flourishing centre of Buddhist learning and culture during ancient times.

This tranquil park sits beside one of the largest man-made lakes in India and is enveloped by scenic hills and spiritual serenity, making it a perfect site for meditation and historical exploration.

Historical Significance: Rooted in Buddhist Heritage

Ancient Capital of the Ikshvaku Dynasty

  • The region served as the capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty during the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D.
  • It was named after the renowned Buddhist scholar Acharya Nagarjuna, the founder of the Madhyamika school of Mahayana Buddhism.

Centre of Mahayana Buddhism

  • Buddhavanam represents a significant religious hub where Mahayana Buddhism flourished.
  • It was home to various monastic and architectural structures, reflecting a time when Buddhism was a dominant spiritual force in the Indian subcontinent.

Archaeological Excavations and Discoveries

Between 1954 and 1960, extensive excavations were conducted in the region, yielding extraordinary Buddhist remains and structures:

Major Discoveries

  • Maha Stupa (Great Stupa)
  • Votive Stupas
  • Chaityas
  • Silamandapas (stone platforms)
  • Numerous Buddhist sculptural panels and antiquities

In addition, remains of a palace complex and a few Brahmanical temples built from bricks were discovered, showcasing the coexistence of religious traditions in the area.

Sculptural Themes

The sculptural panels depict:

  • Major events in the life of Gautama Buddha
  • Jataka tales (stories from Buddha’s previous lives)

These provide both spiritual teachings and artistic insight into ancient Indian narrative sculpture.

Reconstruction and Preservation

To preserve the invaluable heritage threatened by the submergence from the Nagarjuna Sagar dam, many artifacts and structures were relocated and reconstructed at:

  • Nagarjunakonda Island
  • Anupu, a ferry point on the right bank of the Krishna River

These efforts underline India’s commitment to heritage conservation and the revival of Buddhist legacy.

Buddhavanam as a Modern Buddhist Theme Park

Spread across 279 acres, Buddhavanam has been developed by the Government of India as part of an integrated Buddhist Circuit initiative aimed at attracting both domestic and international tourists, particularly from Southeast Asia.

Architectural Highlights

The park is meticulously designed to reflect the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha through distinct thematic zones:

  1. Entrance Plaza – A welcoming structure symbolising peace and serenity
  2. Buddhacharitha Vanam – Chronicles the life of the Buddha
  3. Jataka Park – Depicts Buddha’s former lives through artistic installations
  4. Dhyana Vanam – A tranquil space for meditation and introspection
  5. Stupa Vanam – Home to the towering Maha Stupa, a spiritual focal point
  6. Buddhist Heritage Museum – Houses valuable artifacts and educational exhibits

Architectural Marvel: The Maha Stupa

The Mahastupa stands out for its exquisite carvings on both the drum and dome. An artistic highlight is the virtual hanging sky effect with lotus flowers beneath it, symbolizing enlightenment and purity.

A Vision for Cultural Diplomacy and Tourism

The visit of Miss World 2025 contenders underscores Buddhavanam’s growing global appeal. As part of India’s larger efforts to promote spiritual tourism, the site aligns with the goals of:

  • Boosting international footfall
  • Fostering cross-cultural understanding
  • Reviving ancient spiritual connections across Asia and beyond

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