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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.

India Launches ‘Operation Brahma’ For Quake-Hit Myanmar

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and assured India’s humanitarian assistance to help deal with the devastating aftermath of the earthquake that struck Myanmar. The conversation between the two leaders came just hours after India launched ‘Operation Brahma’, an emergency relief mission aimed at providing disaster relief, search and rescue operations, and medical assistance to the affected regions. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the earthquake has resulted in over 1,000 casualties, with many individuals still trapped under debris. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that no Indian citizen is among the casualties so far.

India’s Swift Response – ‘Operation Brahma’

Prime Minister Modi’s Statement

In his statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences for the loss of lives and pledged India’s full support to Myanmar during this critical period. He emphasized India’s role as a close neighbor and friend, ensuring rapid deployment of disaster relief material, humanitarian aid, and search and rescue teams.

Initial Relief Operations

India mobilized its disaster relief efforts early Saturday morning when a C-130 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) took off from Hindon Airbase and landed in Yangon carrying critical supplies. This was followed by two more IAF aircraft carrying additional relief materials.

Additionally, India announced that it will set up a field hospital in the earthquake-affected region, providing much-needed medical support to the victims.

Ministry of External Affairs’ Statement on India’s Role

India’s First Responder Role

Randhir Jaiswal, the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), reiterated India’s commitment to being a first responder in times of crisis. He recalled India’s assistance to Myanmar following Cyclone Yagi in 2024 and assured that India would provide all necessary support in the wake of this earthquake.

Safety of Indian Nationals in Myanmar

Jaiswal further assured that no Indian casualties have been reported so far. He stated that there are around 50,000-60,000 Indian nationals currently residing in Myanmar, while the Indian diaspora in the country is estimated to be around two million. The Indian government is in touch with Indian community organizations in Myanmar to ensure their safety.

Deployment of Indian Military and Naval Forces

Field Hospital Deployment

A fully equipped field hospital is being dispatched from Agra as part of Operation Brahma. This hospital was previously deployed during Operation Dost in Turkey (February 2023) and brings with it significant institutional knowledge in handling disasters of this scale.

Brigadier H.S. Mavi, from the Military Operations Directorate, shared details about the field hospital, stating that it will be led by Lieutenant Colonel Jagneet Gill from the Shatrujeet Brigade Medical Responders. The field hospital will consist of 118 personnel and will include:

  • Operational theater
  • X-ray and dental facilities
  • Lady officers for medical support

Naval Assistance

India has also prepared four naval ships for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations. Commodore Raghu Nair from Naval Operations informed that a total of 50 tonnes of relief material is being transported to Yangon via sea routes.

Challenges in Delivering Aid to Affected Regions

Divided Control in Myanmar

A significant challenge for Operation Brahma is Myanmar’s divided political situation. Since the February 2021 military coup, Myanmar has been embroiled in conflict between the ruling junta forces and various Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs).

Many of the earthquake-affected areas, particularly in Sagaing region, are under the control of EAOs rather than the Myanmar government. This presents logistical challenges in delivering aid effectively. When asked about potential coordination with rebel groups, Randhir Jaiswal stated:

“We are coordinating our rescue and relief efforts through the Government of Myanmar. That is our primary channel of engagement.”

Land Route Challenges

While air and sea routes are currently being used for Operation Brahma, officials have indicated that land routes through Manipur and Mizoram might also be explored if permitted by the Myanmar government. However, these routes also traverse areas controlled by rebel forces, making access uncertain.

The Growing Death Toll and the Road Ahead

As of the latest updates, the earthquake death toll in Myanmar has risen to 1,644, with rescue operations ongoing. Search and rescue teams from multiple international organizations are actively working to retrieve survivors from the debris.

India’s Continued Commitment

India has assured long-term support in helping Myanmar recover from the devastation. More aid consignments are expected in the coming days, along with additional medical teams and engineering units to assist in reconstruction efforts.

 

Solar Eclipse Today: 2025’s First Surya Grahan: Timing, Visibility in India, How to Watch

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, the world will witness this year’s first solar eclipse. A solar eclipse happens when the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the Sun either partially or fully. However, this time, it will be a partial solar eclipse, meaning of the Sun, Moon and Earth will not be perfectly aligned. The Sun will appear partially covered by the Moon.

What is a Solar Eclipse?

A solar eclipse is a natural event that happens when the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth. This blocks the Sun’s light either fully or partially. When this happens, some parts of the world experience darkness during the day.

What makes the Eclipse Special?

On March 29, 2025, many parts of the world will witness a partial solar eclipse. This means that the Sun, Moon and the Earth will not be perfectly aligned. As a result, the Moon will only cover part of the Sun. No place will experience a total eclipse this time.

Where will Eclipse be Visible?

The partial solar eclipse will be visible in:

  • North America (including the US and Canada) during sunrise.
  • Europe and Africa during mid to late morning.
  • Northern Asia in the afternoon or early evening.
  • Parts of South America, Greenland, Iceland and the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.

Unfortunately, India will not be able to see the eclipse. However, people in India can watch it through live streams on various online platforms.

Solar Eclipse Timings

According to Indian Standard Time (IST):

  • The eclipse will start at 02:20:43 PM.
  • It will peak at 04:17:27 PM.
  • The eclipse will end at 06:13:45 PM.

Safety Tips for Viewing the Eclipse

Watching a solar eclipse with bare eyes can damage your eyesight. To view it safely:

  • Use solar viewing glasses or eclipse glasses.
  • A handled solar viewer can also be used.
  • Do not use regular sunglasses, as they do not protect the eyes.
  • Avoid using cameras, telescopes or binoculars without special solar filters, as they can harm the eyes even with eclipse glasses.

What is Ghibli? A Journey Through Art and Storytelling

Recently, Ghibli-style art has gone viral online due to AI-generated images that mimic the studio’s aesthetic. OpenAI’s GPT-4o has allowed users to create Studio Ghibli-style illustrations of themselves, famous personalities, and even historical events. This new AI feature has sparked a wave of viral images, with social media flooded with Ghibli-inspired artwork of public figures, fictional characters, and personal portraits.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT Studio Ghibli image generator has played a significant role in this trend, enabling users to create highly detailed, AI-generated Ghibli-style images with minimal input. The tool captures the essence of Studio Ghibli’s unique visual style, incorporating soft color palettes, whimsical elements, and intricate backgrounds. This has led to a surge in user-generated content, with brands and individuals alike embracing the trend.

Understanding Ghibli

The term Ghibli is widely recognized due to Studio Ghibli, the legendary Japanese animation studio known for its breathtaking hand-drawn animation, emotionally resonant storytelling, and intricate world-building. However, the word “Ghibli” itself has an interesting origin and multiple meanings beyond just the famous studio.

The Origin of the Word “Ghibli”

The name Ghibli comes from the Libyan Arabic word referring to a hot desert wind that blows across North Africa. It was historically used by Italian pilots to describe a warm Mediterranean wind. Hayao Miyazaki, one of Studio Ghibli’s founders, chose this name to symbolize the studio’s goal of bringing a fresh, new wind to the world of animation.

Studio Ghibli: A Revolution in Animation

The Birth of an Iconic Studio

Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985 by three renowned figures in the Japanese animation industry: Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki. The studio quickly gained international fame for its commitment to hand-drawn animation, stunning visual details, and captivating storytelling.

Signature Ghibli Art Style

Ghibli’s animation style is distinct and highly recognizable. It is characterized by:

  • Soft pastel color palettes that create a nostalgic and dreamlike atmosphere.
  • Detailed backgrounds inspired by real-world landscapes and traditional Japanese aesthetics.
  • Expressive character designs that feel deeply human, even in fantasy settings.
  • Hand-drawn animation techniques that prioritize fluidity and realism.
  • Magical realism that blends everyday life with fantastical elements.

Notable Films and Their Impact

Some of Studio Ghibli’s most famous films include:

  • My Neighbor Totoro (1988) – A heartwarming tale of two sisters who encounter a friendly forest spirit, Totoro.
  • Princess Mononoke (1997) – A powerful story about the battle between humans and nature, featuring breathtaking action sequences.
  • Spirited Away (2001) – An Academy Award-winning masterpiece about a young girl trapped in a mystical bathhouse.
  • Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) – A fantasy adventure filled with magic, love, and anti-war themes.

Ghibli Beyond Animation

While Studio Ghibli is best known for its films, the name has expanded into other forms of media and cultural influence:

Ghibli Museum

Located in Mitaka, Japan, the Ghibli Museum offers fans a chance to explore original sketches, interactive exhibits, and recreations of famous Ghibli film settings. It’s a must-visit destination for lovers of animation and storytelling.

Ghibli-Inspired Art and AI Trends

Recently, Ghibli-style art has gone viral online due to AI-generated images that mimic the studio’s aesthetic. OpenAI’s GPT-4o has allowed users to create Studio Ghibli-style illustrations of themselves, famous personalities, and even historical events.

Miyazaki’s View on AI and Technology

Despite the popularity of AI-generated Ghibli-style art, Hayao Miyazaki has been vocal about his disapproval of AI in animation. He believes that true animation should be crafted with human touch, emotion, and artistic integrity, rather than relying on technology.

In Which State is Anchar Lake Located?

There is a beautiful lake in northern India, known for its scenic views and connection to a famous nearby lake. It surrounded by mountains and greenery, making it a peaceful spot for visitors. The lake was once home to many birds and aquatic life, but pollution has affected its beauty. Efforts are needed to restore and protect this important natural treasure.

In Which State is Anchar Lake Located?

Anchar Lake is located in the Srinagar district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated in Soura, near Ganderbal. The lake in connected to the famous Dal Lake through a water channel called Amir Khan Nallah. Anchar Lake is an important part of the region’s wetland ecosystem and plays a role in flood control.

Significance of Anchar Lake

Anchar Lake is an important water source and part of the Shallabugh Wetland, which helps maintain the balance of aquatic life in the region. It also acts as a flood control system by receiving excess water from Dal Lake during floods. The Sind River and Shallabugh Wetland are linked to this lake, making it crucial for the local ecosystem.

Deterioration of Anchar Lake

Once a popular tourist spot, Anchar Lake has suffered severe pollution, encroachment, and illegal construction. Tourists earlier traveled in shikaras (traditional boats) and houseboats from Dal Lake, but now the lake is heavily polluted. In the 1990s, a road was built over the Nallah Mar, with pipes laid underneath to maintain water flow between Dal and Anchar, but these pipes became clogged with waste.

Other Names of Anchar Lake

The lake’s name “Anchar” comes from the Kashmiri word meaning “Pickle.” It is also home to the Hanji community, who live near its shores in a place known as Anchar among locals.

Today, Anchar Lake is in urgent need of conservation efforts to restore its natural beauty and ecological importance.

Which Country is Known as Mini Punjab?

Many countries around the world have large immigrant communities that bring their culture and traditions with them. Some nations become famous for having a significant population from a particular region. This creates a strong cultural influence, seen in language, food, festivals and lifestyle. One such country is known as “Mini Punjab” due to its large Punjabi community and rich display of Punjabi culture.

Which Country is Known as Mini Punjab?

Canada is known as “Mini Punjab” because it has a large number of Punjabi immigrants. Many Punjabis have settled in Canada, especially in cities likes Brampton (Ontario) and Surrey (British Columbia). Their strong presence has made Canada famous for its Punjabi culture.

Why is Canada Known as Mini Punjab?

Canada is known as “Mini Punjab” due to its large Punjabi population. Cities like Brampton and parts of British Columbia have a strong Punjabi influence, with their culture, language and traditions clearly visible. Here are some reasons why Canada earned the title of Mini Punjab:

Large Punjabi Population

Canada has a big Punjabi-Canadian community. In cities like Brampton, almost 20% of the population has Punjabi roots.

Punjabi Language

Punjabi is the fourth most spoken language in Canadian homes. It is also the third language in the Canadian parliament, after England and French.

Punjabi Culture Influence

Punjabi festivals, music and food are very popular in Canada. There are many Punjabi-language media channels, grocery stores and gurdwaras.

Historical Immigration Patterns

Punjabis started moving to Canada in the early 1900s. After immigration rules were eased in the 1950s, more Punjabis settled there. Vancouver became a key area for Punjabi immigrants during this time.

An Overview of Canada

Canada is a large country in North America and the second-largest in the world by area. It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west and reaches the Arctic Ocean in the north. Canada has diverse landscapes, including mountains (like the Rocky mountains), plains, lakes, rivers and forests, making it naturally beautiful.

India’s Social Security Coverage Doubles: ILO Report 2024-26

India has made remarkable strides in expanding social security coverage, as highlighted in the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) World Social Protection Report (WSPR) 2024-26. The report reveals that India’s social protection coverage has doubled from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024, demonstrating the impact of various government welfare initiatives. According to the Ministry of Labour & Employment, nearly 920 million people (65% of the population) now benefit from at least one form of social protection, either in cash or in-kind, through central government schemes. India’s progress has also contributed to a 5% increase in global social protection coverage, highlighting its role in shaping international welfare policies.

Key Highlights of the ILO World Social Protection Report (WSPR) 2024-26

  • The ILO World Social Protection Report is a periodic global assessment of social security systems.
  • The 2024-26 edition focuses on universal social protection, climate action, and just transitions.
  • It provides trend data for a dynamic perspective on social protection progress worldwide.
  • A regional companion report for Asia and the Pacific offers in-depth insights into regional challenges, priorities, and policy impacts.

Expanding Social Security: Key Government Initiatives

India has launched several social protection schemes to enhance financial security, healthcare, and food assistance. These programs have played a vital role in reducing poverty and improving livelihoods.

1. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)

  • As of March 26, 2025, 39.94 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued.
  • Provides ₹5 lakh free health coverage per family at 24,810 empanelled hospitals nationwide.

2. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)

  • Launched to provide free food grains to vulnerable populations.
  • As of December 2024, 80.67 crore people benefit from this scheme.

3. eShram Portal

  • Launched on August 26, 2021, to register unorganised workers and provide them with social security benefits.
  • As of March 3, 2025, 30.68 crore unorganised workers have registered.
  • 53.68% of registered workers are women.

4. Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

  • Launched on May 9, 2015, to provide pension benefits to unorganised sector workers.
  • As of December 31, 2024, 7.25 crore beneficiaries are enrolled.
  • The total accumulated corpus under APY is ₹43,369.98 crore.

5. Poverty Reduction through Social Security Measures

  • Over the past decade, 24.8 crore people have escaped multi-dimensional poverty, showing the success of social security programs.

India’s Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise

  • The ILO’s 48.8% estimate does not fully account for in-kind benefits (food security, housing support, state schemes).
  • India launched a Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise on March 19, 2025, to consolidate welfare scheme data for more accurate social security coverage assessment.
  • Phase 01 covers 10 states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Gujarat.

Over 200 crore welfare records have been processed using encrypted Aadhaar as a unique identifier across 34 central schemes, such as,

  • MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act)
  • EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation)
  • ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation)
  • APY (Atal Pension Yojana)
  • PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman)

India’s Collaboration with ILO

  • The Ministry of Labour & Employment is working with the ILO to ensure housing and food security schemes are recognized in future ILO reports.
  • During the 353rd ILO Governing Body meeting in Geneva, ILO acknowledged that these measures should be part of global social protection indicators under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? India’s Social Security Coverage Doubles: ILO Report 2024-26
ILO Report 2024-26 Finding India’s social protection coverage doubled from 24.4% (2021) to 48.8% (2024).
Total People Covered 920 million (65% of the population) under at least one social security scheme.
Global Impact India contributed to a 5% increase in global social security coverage.
Ayushman Bharat (AB-PMJAY) 39.94 crore Ayushman Cards issued; ₹5 lakh health coverage per family.
PMGKAY (Food Security Scheme) 80.67 crore beneficiaries receiving free food grains.
eShram Portal (Unorganised Workers) 30.68 crore registrations, 53.68% women beneficiaries.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY) 7.25 crore enrollees, corpus of ₹43,369.98 crore.
Poverty Reduction 24.8 crore people lifted out of multi-dimensional poverty.
Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise Launched March 19, 2025, integrating 200 crore welfare records from 34 major schemes.
ILO Collaboration India & ILO working to include housing & food security in global social protection indicators.

India’s Core Sector Growth Slows to 2.9% in February

India’s core sector growth slowed to 2.9% in February 2025, marking its weakest expansion in the last five months. This decline was significantly lower compared to 7.1% growth recorded in February 2024. Among the eight core industries, only three saw a monthly rise in production, while cement and fertilizers were the only two sectors that reported higher output compared to the previous year. The slowdown in core sector performance is expected to impact Industrial Production Index (IIP) growth, which had recorded 5% expansion in January 2025.

Key Highlights

Data

  • Core sector growth dropped to 2.9% in February 2025, down from 5.1% in January 2025.
  • Growth decline was attributed to a high base effect due to the leap year and weaker output in five of the eight industries.

Sector Wise Performance

  • Cement (10.5%) and fertilizers (10.2%) were the only sectors that saw an annual increase in production.
  • Steel production grew by 5.6%, improving from 4.7% in January 2025.
  • Electricity output increased by 2.8%, slightly higher than 2.4% growth in January.
  • Coal (1.7%), crude oil (-5.2%), and natural gas (-6%) saw weaker performance.

Other Stats

  • Refinery output grew at 0.8%, the slowest in six months.
  • The Manufacturing PMI dropped to 56.3 in February, signaling a slowdown in industrial activity compared to 57.7 in January.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? India’s Core Sector Growth Slows to 2.9% in February
Core Sector Growth (Feb 2025) 2.9% (lowest in 5 months)
Core Sector Growth (Feb 2024) 7.1%
Growth in January 2025 5.1%
Industries with Annual Growth Cement (10.5%), Fertilizers (10.2%)
Steel Production 5.6% (up from 4.7% in Jan)
Electricity Output 2.8% (up from 2.4% in Jan)
Coal Output 1.7% (slowest in 6 months)
Refinery Output 0.8% (slowest in 6 months)
Crude Oil Production -5.2% (contracted)
Natural Gas Production -6% (contracted)
Manufacturing PMI (Feb 2025) 56.3 (down from 57.7 in Jan)

SBI Chief CS Setty Appointed as Chairman of Indian Banks Association (IBA)

The Indian Banks Association (IBA), the apex body representing the banking sector in India, has elected Challa Sreenivasalu Setty, the Chairman of State Bank of India (SBI), as its new chairman for the upcoming fiscal year. Setty will lead the association until the next Annual General Meeting (AGM). The appointment was announced after the IBA managing committee meeting held on March 28, 2025.

Key Highlights

  • Challa Sreenivasalu Setty, the SBI Chairman, has been elected as the new Chairman of IBA for the next fiscal year.
  • He succeeds MV Rao, Chief Executive of the Central Bank of India, who served as the previous chairman.

Three Deputy Chairmen have been appointed

  • A Manimekhalai, CEO of Union Bank of India
  • Swarup Kumar Saha, CEO of Punjab & Sind Bank
  • Madhav Nair, CEO of Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait India
  • B Ramesh Babu, CEO of Karur Vysya Bank, has been appointed as the Honorary Secretary of IBA.
  • Setty will lead IBA’s efforts to advocate for the banking sector, ensuring policy support and addressing industry challenges.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? SBI Chief CS Setty Appointed as Chairman of Indian Banks Association (IBA)
IBA Chairman Challa Sreenivasalu Setty (SBI Chairman)
Outgoing Chairman MV Rao (Central Bank of India CEO)
Deputy Chairmen 1. A Manimekhalai (Union Bank of India CEO)
2. Swarup Kumar Saha (Punjab & Sind Bank CEO)
3. Madhav Nair (Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait India CEO)
Honorary Secretary  B Ramesh Babu (Karur Vysya Bank CEO)

SBI Clerk GA Capsule 2025 – Free PDF Download for Mains Exam | Latest Updates & Important Topics

The SBI Clerk Mains Exam 2025 is expected to be conducted in April 2025, and the General Awareness (GA) section plays a crucial role in determining candidates’ overall performance. This section covers current affairs, banking awareness, and static GK, making it an essential part of the exam preparation.

To help candidates maximize their scores, we have compiled a comprehensive GA Capsule PDF covering all major topics required for the SBI Clerk Mains 2025.

Why is the GA Capsule Important for SBI Clerk Mains 2025?

The General Awareness section is one of the most scoring parts of the SBI Clerk Mains Exam. Unlike quantitative aptitude or reasoning, this section does not require calculations, allowing aspirants to answer questions quickly and accurately. A well-prepared candidate can boost their overall score significantly with proper GA preparation.

SBI Clerk Mains GA Capsule 2025 – Download PDF

To assist candidates in their SBI Clerk Mains 2025 preparation, we are providing a free downloadable PDF covering all the important General Awareness topics.

Download SBI Clerk General Awareness PDF: Click Here

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Topics Covered in the SBI Clerk Mains GA Capsule 2025

  • UNION BUDGET 2025-26
  • Economic Survey 2024-25
  • Padma Awards
  • Republic Day Parade 2025
  • RBI Monetary Policy- February 2025
  • Golden Globe Awards
  • 8th Pay Commission

How to Use the GA Capsule Effectively?

  • Revise Regularly: Read the PDF daily to stay updated with important events.
  • Make Notes: Write down key points for quick revision before the exam.
  • Attempt Quizzes: Solve daily quizzes on current affairs to strengthen your knowledge.
  • Focus on Banking & Economy: Since SBI Clerk is a banking exam, prioritize banking and financial awareness.

SBI PO GA Capsule 2025 – Free PDF Download for Mains Exam | Latest Updates & Important Topics

The SBI PO Mains Exam 2025 is expected to be conducted in April 2025, and the General Awareness (GA) section plays a crucial role in determining candidates’ overall performance. This section covers current affairs, banking awareness, and static GK, making it an essential part of the exam preparation. To help candidates maximize their scores, we have compiled a comprehensive GA Capsule PDF covering all major topics required for the SBI PO Mains 2025.

Why is the GA Capsule Important for SBI PO Mains 2025?

The General Awareness section is one of the most scoring parts of the SBI PO Mains Exam. Unlike quantitative aptitude or reasoning, this section does not require calculations, allowing aspirants to answer questions quickly and accurately. A well-prepared candidate can boost their overall score significantly with proper GA preparation.

SBI PO Mains GA Capsule 2025 – Download PDF

To assist candidates in their SBI PO Mains 2025 preparation, we are providing a free downloadable PDF covering all the important General Awareness topics.

Download SBI PO General Awareness PDF: Click Here

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Topics Covered in the SBI PO Mains GA Capsule 2025

  • UNION BUDGET 2025-26
  • Economic Survey 2024-25
  • Padma Awards
  • Republic Day Parade 2025
  • RBI Monetary Policy- February 2025
  • Golden Globe Awards
  • 8th Pay Commission

How to Use the GA Capsule Effectively?

  • Revise Regularly: Read the PDF daily to stay updated with important events.
  • Make Notes: Write down key points for quick revision before the exam.
  • Attempt Quizzes: Solve daily quizzes on current affairs to strengthen your knowledge.
  • Focus on Banking & Economy: Since SBI PO is a banking exam, prioritize banking and financial awareness.
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