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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.

Richest Man in India by May 2025, Know the Names of Top-10

India is home to some of the wealthiest individuals in the world. These billionaires have earned their fortunes through industries like technology, retail and manufacturing. Their business ventures span a wide range of sectors, from telecom to steel, and their success has made them influential figures not just in India, but across the globe. Here’s a look at the top-10 richest men in India by May 2025.

Richest People in India by May 2025

Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani, born on 19 April 1957, is India’s richest man and a top businessman. He is the chairman of Reliance Industries, one of India’s biggest companies. As of May 2025, his net worth is around $108 billion, making him the richest person in Asia and 13th richest in the world. In October 2024, Forbes ranked him number one on the list of India’s 100 richest tycoons with a net worth of $119.5 billion.

List of Top-10 Richest Person in India by May 2025

Mukesh Ambani, the Managing Director and Chairman of Reliance Industries, stands as the richest man in India with an impressive net worth of $92.5 billion, followed by Gautam Adani,  Savitri Jindal and Shiv Nadar.

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

Rank  Name Net Worth (USD) Source of Wealth 
1. Mukesh Ambani $92.5 billion Reliance Industries
2. Gautam Adani $56.3 billion Adani Group
3. Savitri Jindal & Family $35.5 billion O.P. Jindal Group
4. Shiv Nadar $34.5 billion HCL Enterprise
5. Dilip Shanghvi $24.9 billion Sun Pharmaceutical Industries
6. Cyrus Poonawalla $23.1 billion Serum Institute of India
7. Kumar Birla $20.9 billion Aditya Birla Group
8. Lakshmi Mittal $19.2 billion Arcelor Mittal
9. Radhakishan Damai $15.4 billion DMart
10. Kushal Pal Singh $14.5 billion DLF Limited

Who is India’s Richest Man in 2025?

India’s richest man in 2025 is Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries. His wealth comes from a diverse range of businesses, including petrochemicals, oil and gas, retail and telecommunications. Under his leadership, Reliance has grown significantly, making Ambani a key figure in both India and global markets. With a net worth of $92.5 billion, he ranks among the top billionaires in the world.

Second Richest Person of India – Gautam Adani

  • Net worth: $56.3 billion
  • Source of wealth: Adani Group
  • Age: 62 years
  • World Rank: 25

Gautam Adani is the founder and chairman of the Adani Group, a giant in ports, airports, power generation and green energy. He controls the largest airport operator in India and the Mundra Port. Despite facing challenges, Adani’s wealth continues to grow.

Third Wealthiest Man of India – Savitri Jindal

  • Net worth: $35.5 billion
  • Source of wealth: O.P. Jindal Group
  • Age: 74 years
  • World Rank: 42

Savitri Jindal, aged 74, is the third richest person in India. She is the emeritus chair of the OP Jindal Group, a large business led by her four sons. The group works in many countries and industries. Its sports wing, JSW Sports, supports building a strong sports culture in India.

Where is Madku Island Located? Know About Its Significance

Islands are special places surrounded by water, often full of natural and beauty. Many islands have unique stories and peaceful environments that attract visitors who love calm and quiet. Some islands are famous, while others are small and less known but still hold great charm. Learning about these islands helps us understand more about the world’s natural wonders and the different places people can explore.

Location of Madku Island

Madku Island is located in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district. It lies on the banks of the Shivnath River, which is the longest tributary of the Mahanadi River. The island is known for its natural beauty, ancient temples and historical importance. It is a peaceful place surrounded by water and greenery.

Mythological Importance of Madku Island

People say Madku Island is where two great gods, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, met. Because of this, the island is also called Harihara-Kshetra and Kedar Dweep. These names connect to the two religions Shaivism (worship of Shiva) and Vaishnavism (worship of Vishnu).

The island is linked to Sage Mandukya. He is famous for writing the Mandukya Upanishad, a sacred text. The name ”Madku” comes from ”Mandukya.”

Archaeological Significance of Madku Island

In 2011, experts found many old things on Madku Island. They discovered the remains of temples, sculptures and old writings from the 11th century. These belong to the Kalachuri period.

The writings found were in Brahmi and Shankhalipi scripts, which are very old types of writing.

There are 20 temples rebuilt on the island. Inside, statues of gods like Shivling, Nandi, Ganesh, Radha-Krishna and Vishnu can be seen.

Ancient Tools and Artifacts

Near the island, tools from the Stone Age were found. This shows that people lived here a very long time ago.

The temples are made from sandstone. Many parts of the old temples and idols are still visible today.

Experts also found sculptures of kings, donors and teachers (acharyas) with folded hands, showing respect.

One important temple has a Shivling and Ganesh idol from the 9th century. This place is believed to be where Sage Mandukya did his meditation.

Cultural Importance of Madku Island

Since 1909, the island holds a special fair every year called the Masihi Mela. This is a Christian fair, but it also celebrates how Hindu and Christian cultures live together peacefully on the island.

An American missionary named George E. Miller visited this fair and wrote a novel called Prem Masih of Damoh, which tells stories about life on Madku Island.

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_6.1

Which is the Biggest District in India by 2025? Know the Names of Top-10

India is a land of diverse landscapes, and its administrative divisions reflect this geographical variety. The country is divided into districts, each with its own unique characteristics and significance. Here, we delve into the largest districts in India, measured by land area, to discover the vast expanses that contribute to the nation’s diversity.

Districts of India

The term “Indian districts” refers to the administrative units that intricately divide the states and union territories of India. Serving as essential components, these districts play a pivotal role in decentralized governance and focused development. They serve as a crucial link between state authorities and the grassroots, ensuring the effective implementation of policies and programs. At the helm of each district is a District Collector, or District Magistrate, acting as the principal executive officer overseeing comprehensive administration.

How Many Districts in India By 2025?

By 2025, India has around 800 districts. The latest count shows 787 districts across the country. Some major states include Uttar Pradesh with 75 districts, Rajasthan with 50 and Tamil Nadu with 38. These numbers may change as new districts are sometimes created for better administration.

India’s Largest District 2025

As of 2025, Kutch is the largest district in India by area. It is located in Gujarat and covers 45,652 square kilometers. Kutch has 10 Talukas, 939 villages and 6 municipalities. It is home to the Kutchi people and rich wildlife. The Indian onager lives here in the Rann of Kutch, Banni grasslands and the seasonal wetlands of the Great and Little Rann, making it important for both people and nature.

Top-10 Biggest Districts in India

Kachchh district of Gujarat, with the area of 45674 square kilometers, is the biggest district in India, followed by Leh (Jammu and Kashmir), Jaisalmer (Rajasthan), and Bikaner (Rajasthan).

Here is the list of top-10 largest districts in India:

LARGEST DISTRICTS IN INDIA
Rank District State Area (in sq. km)
1. Kachchh Gujarat 45674
2. Leh Jammu and Kashmir 45110
3. Jaisalmer Rajasthan 38401
4. Bikaner Rajasthan 30239
5. Barmer Rajasthan 28387
6. Jodhpur Rajasthan 22850
7. Anantapur Andhra Pradesh 19130
8. Mahbubnagar Andhra Pradesh 18432
9. Nagaur Rajasthan 17718
10. Kurnool Andhra Pradesh 17658

India’s Biggest District – Kutch

State: Gujarat

Area: 45674 square kilometers

Kutch district in Gujarat holds the title of India’s largest district, spanning 45,674 square kilometers. Renowned for the expansive salt deserts of the Rann of Kutch, it hosts the annual Rann Utsav, a vibrant celebration spotlighting the district’s natural splendor and rich culture. The administrative hub is the town of Bhuj.

Second Biggest District of India – Leh

 

State: Jammu and Kashmir

Area: 45110 square kilometers

Ladakh’s Leh district claims the position of India’s second-largest district, sprawling over 45,110 square kilometers. Known for its picturesque landscapes, Leh harbors popular tourist spots and trekking destinations. The district is renowned for the expansive Hemis National Park, the largest in India, and is predominantly inhabited by a Buddhist population communicating in the Bauti (Ladakhi) language.

Third Largest District in India – Jaisalmer

 

State: Rajasthan

Area: 38401 square kilometers

Situated in the expansive Thar desert, Jaisalmer claims the title of India’s third-largest district, covering 38,401 square kilometers. With a sparse population and a border adjacent to Pakistan, Jaisalmer holds the distinction of being the largest district in Rajasthan. The district’s headquarters, Jaisalmer city, renowned for the UNESCO world heritage site Jaisalmer Fort, is a popular destination in Rajasthan.

 

OpenAI Introduces Codex to Automate and Accelerate Coding Tasks

OpenAI has unveiled Codex, a powerful new cloud-based AI coding agent capable of autonomously handling a range of software engineering tasks in parallel. From writing new features and running tests to fixing bugs and drafting pull requests, Codex aims to boost developer productivity by operating within a secure sandbox environment that uses a developer’s codebase as context. Launched on May 16, 2025, under research preview, the tool is initially available to ChatGPT Pro, Enterprise, and Team users.

Why in News?

OpenAI’s launch of Codex on May 16, 2025, marks a major milestone in the field of AI-driven software development. With Codex’s ability to multitask autonomously, the tool is expected to transform the role of developers and reshape how programming tasks are approached—especially as major tech firms, like Microsoft, increasingly rely on AI-generated code.

Key Features of OpenAI Codex

  • Multitasking Capabilities: Performs multiple programming tasks (feature writing, testing, debugging) simultaneously in the cloud.
  • Sandboxed Environment: Runs in a secure cloud sandbox preloaded with the user’s code repository.
  • Traceability: Provides terminal logs and test outputs to show exactly how tasks were completed.
  • Custom Instructions via AGENTS.md: Developers can guide Codex using AGENTS.md files for better contextual performance.
  • Model Used: Powered by codex-1, a variant of the o3 reasoning model, optimized for real-world coding tasks.
  • Interfaces with ChatGPT: Accessible through a side panel in the ChatGPT web app.

Use Cases

  • Writing new features
  • Debugging code
  • Running unit tests
  • Refactoring legacy codebases
  • Suggesting and managing pull requests
  • Writing documentation and scaffolding components

Performance and Benchmarks

  • codex-1 outperformed o3 model on SWE-bench Verified and internal SWE benchmarks.
  • Capable of iteratively testing until it achieves passing results.

Access and Pricing

  • Available under research preview for ChatGPT Pro, Enterprise, and Team users.
  • Free access for a limited period, after which rate-limited access and flexible pricing will be introduced.
  • ChatGPT Plus and Edu users to gain access later.

Difference Between Codex and Codex CLI

Feature Codex (Web-based) Codex CLI (Command-line)
Interface Web-based via ChatGPT sidebar Terminal-based (macOS/Linux only)
Model Default codex-1 o4-mini (codex-mini-latest)
Execution Location Cloud sandbox Local machine
API Integration Built-in User-selectable via Responses API
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? OpenAI Introduces Codex to Automate and Accelerate Coding Tasks
Name Codex
Developed by OpenAI
Launch Date May 16, 2025
Access Availability ChatGPT Pro, Enterprise, and Team (Plus and Edu to follow)
Key Model Used codex-1 (variant of o3 reasoning model)
Key Functions Feature writing, bug fixing, test execution, pull request generation
Notable Feature Runs multiple tasks in parallel within a cloud sandbox
Access Cost Free (limited period), then rate-limited/flexible pricing
Interface Type Web-based interface inside ChatGPT sidebar

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_9.1

Carlos Alcaraz Clinches First Italian Open Title in Style

In a highly anticipated clash that reignited one of tennis’s most thrilling rivalries, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner 7-6 (5), 6-1 to win his first-ever Italian Open title on May 18, 2025. The victory marks Alcaraz’s 7th Masters 1000 title and further solidifies his dominance on clay, especially after Sinner’s return from suspension. This win also ends Sinner’s incredible 26-match winning streak.

Why in News?

Carlos Alcaraz made headlines by Winning the 2025 Italian Open. Defeating world No. 1 Jannik Sinner on his home turf in Rome. Becoming the third player since 1990 to win all major clay court titles under the ATP Tour. Extending his head-to-head record against Sinner to 7-4.

Aim & Significance

  • To win a major clay court title missing from Alcaraz’s cabinet.
  • To reaffirm dominance on clay ahead of Roland Garros 2025.
  • To showcase Alcaraz’s evolution in tactics and mental composure.

Key Highlights

  • Match Score: 7-6 (5), 6-1 in Alcaraz’s favor.
  • Masters 1000 Titles: This is his 7th.
  • Overall ATP Titles: 19 titles.
  • Sinner’s Record Halted: 26-match winning streak ended.
  • Surface: Clay, Alcaraz’s strongest.
  • Tactics Used: Varied shot pace, high topspin, disciplined play.
  • Crucial Moment: Saved two set points at 5-6 in the first set and won a tense tie-break.
  • Public Interest: Sinner had become a national icon in Italy, adding to the crowd pressure.

Background and Static Info

  • Carlos Alcaraz: 22-year-old Spanish tennis player; Roland Garros 2024 champion.
  • Jannik Sinner: Italian world No. 1; recently returned from anti-doping suspension.
  • Italian Open (Rome Masters): An ATP Masters 1000 tournament held at Foro Italico, Rome.
  • Previous Meetings: Alcaraz now leads the head-to-head rivalry 7-4.
  • Sinner’s Season Record Before Final: 41-2 since August 2024.

Analysis

Alcaraz displayed remarkable tactical discipline and mental toughness. His variety in stroke play and ability to disrupt Sinner’s rhythm was critical. The victory comes at a pivotal moment in his career, reaffirming his stature before Roland Garros and symbolizing a passing of torch from the “Big Three” era to the Alcaraz-Sinner era.

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_11.1

India Opens Nuclear Energy Sector to Private Operators with Liability Reform

In a significant policy shift, the Indian government is planning to allow private sector operators to participate in the country’s nuclear energy sector for the first time. Alongside this move, it also proposes to limit their liability, a step seen as essential to attract private investments and technology partnerships. This development comes in the backdrop of the United States permitting its firms to manufacture nuclear equipment and undertake design work in India, reflecting deepening Indo-U.S. civil nuclear cooperation.

Why in News?

The government is preparing to revamp its nuclear energy regulations to permit private operators, reducing liability risks that have long been a deterrent for private and foreign participation. This comes shortly after the U.S. government’s decision to allow its nuclear firms to collaborate with India — a strategic move that will strengthen India’s civil nuclear capabilities and energy security.

Private Participation

  • For the first time, private companies will be allowed to operate nuclear power plants in India.
  • This move aligns with global best practices and aims to meet India’s growing energy demands.

Limited Liability Clause

  • The government plans to cap or limit the liability of private operators in the event of a nuclear accident.
  • Liability concerns have long stalled foreign and private investment in nuclear energy.

Legal Adjustments

  • Amendments to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 (CLND Act) may be considered.
  • The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has so far been the sole operator.

U.S. Involvement

  • The U.S. recently permitted its companies to manufacture nuclear equipment and perform design work in India.
  • This marks an important step forward in the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal signed in 2008.

Significance

  • Enhances energy security by boosting clean and base-load energy.
  • Encourages technology transfer, innovation, and infrastructure development.
  • India aims to increase its nuclear power capacity to 22 GW by 2031.

Current Nuclear Scenario

  • India has 22 operational nuclear reactors.
  • All existing reactors are state-owned, primarily by NPCIL.
  • Nuclear power contributes around 3% of India’s electricity mix.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? India Opens Nuclear Energy Sector to Private Operators with Liability Reform
Policy Change Private sector to be allowed in nuclear energy operations
Legal Shift Proposal to limit operator liability under CLND Act
U.S. Link U.S. allows its firms to collaborate in India
Benefits Energy security, tech access, private investment
Current Status All reactors state-owned; 3% share in electricity
Goal Goal 22 GW nuclear power capacity by 2031

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_13.1

Top 5 Fastest Spacecrafts Ever Built [With Speed in km/s]

Speed is one of the most crucial aspects of space exploration. Whether it’s escaping Earth’s gravity, reaching distant planets, or studying the Sun, spacecraft must travel at incredible velocities. Over the years, several space agencies have built record-breaking spacecrafts, each pushing the boundaries of speed and engineering.

In this article, we’ll look at the top 5 fastest spacecrafts ever built as of 2025, measured by their maximum recorded speed in kilometers per second (km/s).

1. Parker Solar Probe –192 km/s (Fastest Ever)

  • Agency: NASA (United States)
  • Launched: August 12, 2018
  • Mission Goal: Study the outer corona of the Sun
  • Top Speed: 192 km/s (as of 2025, projected to reach 200+ km/s in future flybys)

Why it’s fastest: The Parker Solar Probe holds the current record for the fastest human-made object. It achieved this speed by using multiple gravity assists from Venus and diving extremely close to the Sun — closer than any spacecraft in history.

2. Helios 2 – 70.2 km/s

  • Agency: NASA / DLR (Germany)
  • Launched: January 15, 1976
  • Mission Goal: Study solar wind and solar magnetic fields
  • Top Speed: 70.2 km/s

Why it’s special:
Helios 2 was part of a mission to study the inner solar system and came within 43 million km of the Sun. It held the fastest speed record for decades before being overtaken by Parker Solar Probe.

3. Helios 1 – 66 km/s

  • Agency: NASA / DLR (Germany)

  • Launched: December 10, 1974

  • Mission Goal: Solar studies in collaboration with Helios 2

  • Top Speed: 66 km/s

Why it’s fast: Helios 1 was the forerunner to Helios 2 and had a similar trajectory. Both spacecrafts provided key early data about the Sun’s atmosphere and paved the way for modern solar missions.

4. New Horizons – 16.3 km/s

  • Agency: NASA
  • Launched: January 19, 2006
  • Mission Goal: Flyby of Pluto and exploration of the Kuiper Belt
  • Top Speed: 16.3 km/s (at launch, one of the fastest ever)

Why it’s famous: New Horizons was the first spacecraft to explore Pluto, delivering stunning images and data in 2015. It continues to explore the Kuiper Belt and remains one of the fastest spacecrafts still operational.

5. Voyager 1 – 17 km/s (Relative to the Sun)

  • Agency: NASA
  • Launched: September 5, 1977
  • Mission Goal: Explore outer planets; now in interstellar space
  • Top Speed: 17 km/s

Why it’s legendary: Voyager 1 is the farthest human-made object from Earth, currently traveling in interstellar space. Though not the fastest at launch, gravity assists from Jupiter and Saturn accelerated it to incredible speeds.

Comparison Table: Fastest Spacecrafts (2025)

Rank Spacecraft Top Speed (km/s) Mission Type Agency
1 Parker Solar Probe ~192 Solar Probe NASA
2 Helios 2 ~70.2 Solar Observation NASA / DLR
3 Helios 1 ~66 Solar Observation NASA / DLR
4 Voyager 1 ~17 Interstellar Probe NASA
5 New Horizons ~16.3 Pluto/KBO Flyby NASA

Why Are These Speeds Important?

  • Escape Velocity: To leave Earth’s gravity, a spacecraft needs to reach at least 11.2 km/s.
  • Solar Missions: Require much higher speeds to counter the Sun’s gravitational pull.
  • Interplanetary and Interstellar Travel: The faster the spacecraft, the more ground it can cover in space exploration.

ISRO’s PSLV-C61/EOS-09 Mission Faces Setback Due to Stage-3 Glitch

In a rare setback, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was unable to accomplish its 101st mission involving the PSLV-C61 launch carrying the EOS-09 earth observation satellite. The mission, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on May 18, 2025, failed due to an unexpected issue in the third stage of the PSLV rocket.

Why in News?

The PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission, aimed at deploying a critical Earth observation satellite into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO), could not be completed. A fall in chamber pressure during the third stage of the rocket led to mission failure, marking a significant anomaly in ISRO’s otherwise strong PSLV track record.

Background & Mission Overview

  • Launch Date: May 18, 2025, 5:59 a.m. IST
  • Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
  • Mission Name: PSLV-C61/EOS-09
  • Satellite Weight: 1,696.24 kg
  • Configuration: PSLV-XL (Extra Large)

Objectives of EOS-09

  • To provide all-weather earth observation through Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
  • To supply continuous remote sensing data for operational applications in agriculture, forestry, soil moisture, disaster management, etc.
  • Enhance frequency and reliability of remote sensing outputs.

Technical Glitch

  • The first and second stages performed nominally.
  • Third stage anomaly: Fall in chamber pressure in the solid rocket motor.
  • Result: The mission could not place EOS-09 into the intended orbit.

PSLV-C61 in Context

  • 101st ISRO mission, 63rd flight of PSLV.
  • Only third failure since the PSLV’s first flight in 1993.
  • Last failure before this: PSLV-C39 in 2017.
  • Previous successful mission: SpaDeX (Dec 2024)

EOS-09 Satellite

  • Uses RISAT-1 heritage bus, developed for all-weather radar imaging.
  • Mission Life: 5 years
  • Equipped with SAR payload to capture high-resolution images in all weather.

ISRO Response

  • ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed technical failure and assured post-mission analysis.
  • Former Chairman S. Somanath expressed confidence in ISRO’s capacity to identify and correct the fault.

Recent Setbacks

  • Follows the NVS-02 mission anomaly in Jan 2025 due to a valve malfunction.
  • Reflects the increasing complexity of India’s space missions and the need for evolving technology validation.
 Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? ISRO’s PSLV-C61/EOS-09 Mission Faces Setback Due to Stage-3 Glitch
Mission Name PSLV-C61/EOS-09
Launch Date May 18, 2025
Mission Status Unsuccessful due to third-stage failure
Satellite Objective Earth observation using Synthetic Aperture Radar
Satellite Weight 1,696.24 kg
PSLV Flight Number 63rd PSLV mission, 27th in XL configuration
ISRO Response Investigation underway into third-stage anomaly
Previous PSLV Failure PSLV-C39 in 2017

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_16.1

NSDL Reports Robust FPI Investment in May Amid Economic Stability

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have demonstrated a renewed interest in Indian equity markets, infusing ₹4,452.3 crore between May 13 and 16, 2025, according to data from the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL). With this, the total net investment by FPIs in May has reached ₹18,620 crore, marking a significant rebound in foreign investor sentiment after months of outflows earlier this year.

Why in News?

This week saw a surge in FPI inflows into Indian equities, driven by easing global uncertainties and improved domestic economic outlook. Despite a turbulent start to 2025, the inflow of ₹18,620 crore in May points to a strong turnaround in investor confidence.

Key Highlights

  • FPIs brought in ₹4,452.3 crore between May 13–16, 2025.
  • ₹5,746 crore was infused on May 16 alone, the highest in the week.
  • Despite inflows, there was a net outflow of ₹2,388 crore on May 13, indicating mixed market signals.
  • Net investment by FPIs in Indian equities for May 2025: ₹18,620 crore.
  • In April 2025, FPIs invested ₹4,223 crore, reversing previous negative trends.

Background

FPIs were net sellers in January to March 2025,

  • January: ₹-78,027 crore
  • February: ₹-34,574 crore
  • March: ₹-3,973 crore
  • Cumulative outflow in 2025 till date: ₹-93,731 crore

Sectoral Performance

  • Defence sector: +17%
  • Capital Markets: +11.50%
  • Reality: +10.85%

All major sectoral indices traded positively last week.

Reasons Behind Inflows

  • Easing global concerns
  • Stable domestic economic indicators
  • Anticipation of favourable election results
  • Recovery in rupee performance and corporate earnings
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? NSDL Reports Robust FPI Investment in May Amid Economic Stability
Total FPI inflow (May 2025) ₹18,620 crore
Weekly inflow (May 13–16) ₹4,452.3 crore
Highest daily inflow ₹5,746 crore on May 16
2025 YTD FPI position Net outflow of ₹-93,731 crore
Sectoral Outperformers Defence (+17%), Capital Markets, Reality
April 2025 FPI trend Positive: ₹4,223 crore inflow

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_18.1

China vs USA: Who Will Dominate the 21st Century?

As the world navigates an era of rapid transformation, the geopolitical contest between China and the United States continues to define the global landscape. In 2025, their rivalry spans across economics, technology, military strength, and diplomacy. This in-depth comparison outlines which country is positioned to lead the 21st century.

Economic Power in 2025

United States

  • Nominal GDP: Approximately $29.8 trillion
  • Largest economy in terms of market exchange rates
  • Leading global hub for finance, innovation, and consumer spending
  • US dollar remains the world’s dominant reserve currency

China

  • Nominal GDP: Approximately $20.5 trillion
  • Largest economy in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)
  • Global manufacturing and export leader
  • Belt and Road Initiative expanding economic influence globally

Summary: The United States leads in nominal terms, while China is ahead in purchasing power and infrastructure-driven outreach.

Technological Innovation

United States

  • Global leader in artificial intelligence research and development
  • Dominant in chip design, software, cloud infrastructure, and space technology
  • Home to major tech companies and top-ranked research institutions

China

  • Leader in AI deployment, 5G infrastructure, and smart city technologies
  • Top producer of electric vehicles and solar technology
  • Heavy investment in semiconductor independence and quantum tech

Summary: The United States leads in foundational innovation, while China is rapidly advancing in implementation and scale.

Military Strength in 2025

United States

  • Defense budget: Around $880 billion
  • Over 800 military bases worldwide
  • Superior capabilities in nuclear deterrence, cyber defense, and naval power
  • Member of powerful alliances like NATO and AUKUS

China

  • Defense budget: Around $260 billion
  • World’s largest standing army
  • Expanding presence in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait
  • Focused on regional dominance and military modernization

Summary: The United States maintains a global military edge, while China is asserting regional dominance.

Global Influence and Soft Power

United States

  • Leading cultural exporter through media, education, and lifestyle
  • Influential in international institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank
  • Global diplomatic reach backed by long-standing alliances

China

  • Expanding influence through the Belt and Road Initiative
  • Strengthening ties in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia
  • Lower soft power due to censorship, surveillance, and limited cultural openness

Summary: The United States leads in cultural and diplomatic soft power, while China is leveraging economic tools for influence.

Demographics and Talent

United States

  • Younger and more diverse population
  • Continues to attract top global talent through universities and work opportunities
  • Innovation supported by immigration and entrepreneurship

China

  • Experiencing population decline and aging workforce
  • 2025 marks a noticeable shrinkage in labor supply
  • Investing in automation and AI to address demographic challenges

Summary: The United States has long-term demographic advantages; China’s aging population presents future constraints.

Comparison Overview

Category United States China
Nominal GDP $29.8 trillion $20.5 trillion
GDP (PPP) ~$29 trillion ~$35 trillion
Military Budget $880 billion $260 billion
Technology Leadership R&D innovation Rapid application
Soft Power High Moderate
Demographic Strength Younger, diverse Aging, shrinking
States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_20.1

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