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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.

Sabyasachi Couture Appoints Manish Chopra as CEO

Sabyasachi Couture, the iconic Indian luxury fashion house, has appointed Manish Chopra—former Shein India executive—as its new CEO. This leadership change comes as India’s luxury market experiences a strong revival, with domestic labels like Sabyasachi expanding their global presence. The brand, majority-owned by the Aditya Birla Group, is reinforcing its position in the upscale fashion segment through strategic talent acquisition and international growth.

Leadership Shift at Sabyasachi Couture

Manish Chopra has taken the helm as CEO of Sabyasachi Couture. Prior to this, he played a key leadership role at Shein India, backed by Reliance Retail, and also held senior positions at Meta. His appointment reflects Sabyasachi’s focus on strengthening executive leadership as the brand eyes global expansion. Chopra’s experience in scaling fashion retail operations aligns with the brand’s ambitions.

Strategic Backing from Aditya Birla Group

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. (ABFRL) holds a 51% stake in Sabyasachi Couture, acquired in 2021 for ₹398 crore. The group has been building a strong portfolio of Indian designer brands, including Tarun Tahiliani, Masaba, and Shantanu & Nikhil. These investments signify a broader strategy to dominate the ethnic and luxury fashion market in India and abroad.

Revival of Indian Luxury Fashion Market

Following a subdued 2024, India’s luxury apparel market is rebounding. According to the IMARC Group, the sector was valued at $7.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $10.7 billion by 2033. The resurgence is driven by rising disposable incomes, growing fashion consciousness, and robust demand for premium ethnic wear.

ABFRL’s Business Realignment

In May 2025, Aditya Birla Group demerged ABFRL and Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands to focus on specific market segments. Western labels like Reebok and Van Heusen were moved under Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands, while ethnic fashion labels, including Sabyasachi, remained with ABFRL. The reorganization is aimed at targeted growth and brand focus.

Himachal Launches My Deed NGDRS Pilot Project For Land Registration

On July 11, 2025, the Himachal Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, launched a series of digital reforms in the revenue sector, spearheaded by the ‘My Deed’ NGDRS (National Generic Document Registration System) pilot project. Aimed at modernizing the land registration process, this initiative is designed to reduce physical visits, enhance service delivery, and promote transparency in land-related matters. The move marks a significant step toward the state’s broader vision of a paperless, presence-less, and cashless governance system.

NGDRS Pilot for Simplified Land Registration

The ‘My Deed’ NGDRS initiative enables residents of Himachal Pradesh to apply for land registration online from anywhere at any time. The process has been simplified so that citizens are required to visit the tehsil office only once for final formalities. The system aims to save time and effort for the public while improving the efficiency of government service delivery.

The pilot project has been rolled out in ten tehsils across ten districts,

  1. Bilaspur Sadar (Bilaspur)
  2. Dalhousie (Chamba)
  3. Galore (Hamirpur)
  4. Jaisinghpur (Kangra)
  5. Bhuntar (Kullu)
  6. Padhar (Mandi)
  7. Kumarsain (Shimla)
  8. Rajgarh (Sirmaur)
  9. Kandaghat (Solan)
  10. Bangana (Una)

Comprehensive Revenue Reforms Accompany NGDRS

Alongside NGDRS, several digital reforms were introduced to streamline the revenue department’s functioning,

New Jamabandi Format: Land records (Jamabandi) are now written in easy Hindi, eliminating older scripts like Urdu, Arabic, and Farsi, thereby making them more accessible to the general public.

e-Roznamcha Vakyati: A digital daily diary system for Patwaris to record daily activities.

Kaarguzari: A module for online attendance and work reporting, aimed at improving workforce accountability.

These measures are intended to bring greater transparency, ensure real-time monitoring, and improve public accessibility to land-related data.

Next Steps: Digitally Signed Records & Online Mutation

To accelerate digitization, CM Sukhu directed,

The National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the Department of Digital Technologies and Governance to create a digitally signed Jamabandi module within 10 days. This will help citizens obtain Fard (land record copies) without visiting Patwar offices.

Launch of a paperless online revenue court management system within 15 days, enabling the public to file petitions, receive summons, and track cases online.

Integration of an online mutation module directly linked to Jamabandi records to simplify and speed up the mutation process.

Mission Mode for ‘Khangi Takseem’ and Land Ownership Simplification

The Chief Minister also suggested Deputy Commissioners to implement ‘Khangi Takseem’ in mission mode, especially for joint land ownership cases. The idea is to transition towards a ‘Single Khata, Single Owner’ concept, which would simplify ownership records and reduce disputes.

Germany vs South Korea: Engineering Excellence and Innovation Race

Germany and South Korea are two of the world’s most advanced countries, known for their technology, engineering and innovation. While Germany is famous for its high-quality cars and machines, South Korea leads in electronics, smartphones and fast internet. Both countries have strong education systems and export their products globally. This article compares how each country excels in engineering and drives innovation in different ways.

Germany, the Heart of Engineering in Europe

What makes Germany Special?

  • Automobile Industry: Germany is home to top car brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Volkswagen.
  • Mechanical Engineering: German machines and tools are trusted all over the world.
  • Quality and Precision: German engineering is known for its reliability, long life and careful design.

Innovation in Germany

Germany invests heavily in research and development. Universities, companies and research centers work together to create new technologies, especially in fields like:

  • Automotive
  • Renewable energy
  • Robotics
  • Green building and smart factories

South Korea, Tech Powerhouse of Asia

What makes South Korea Special?

  • Electronics and Gadgets: South Korea is home to global tech giants like Samsung, LG and Hyundai.
  • Speed and Innovation: South Korea quickly adopts and improves new technologies.
  • Digital Infrastructure: The country has one of the fastest internet speeds in the world.

Innovation in South Korea

South Korea leads in:

  • Smartphones and consumer electronics
  • Semiconductors (used in all modern electronics)
  • Smart cities and 5G technology
  • AI (Artificial Intelligence) and robotics

Who Leads the Innovation Race? Germany or South Korea

Both Germany and South Korea are leaders in innovation, but in different ways. Germany leads in engineering and machinery, while South Korea is strong in electronics, digital technology and fast adoption of new ideas.

Category Germany South Korea
Automotive Tech Strong leader Growing player (Hyundai, Kia)
Consumer Electronics Limited Global Leader (Samsung, LG)
Engineering & Machinery Top class Improving fast
Internet & AI Moderate Leading in 5G, AI, digital
Research Investment Very high Also very high

Current Affairs 17th July, 2025

National News

India’s Second Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge Inaugurated in Karnataka

  1. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the Sigandur bridge on July 16, 2025.
  2. The bridge is located in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka.
  3. It is India’s second longest cable-stayed bridge.
  4. The bridge spans 2.44 km across the Sharavathi backwaters.
  5. It has been built at a cost of over ₹470 crore.
  6. The bridge connects Sagara town with Marakutika, improving connectivity.
  7. It provides better access to the famous Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple.
  8. Minister Gadkari officially named the bridge after Goddess Chowdeshwari Devi.
  9. The bridge restores road links that were lost after the Linganamakki dam was built.
  10. Gadkari noted that National Highway length in Karnataka grew from 6,707 km in 2014 to 9,424 km in 2025.
  11. The Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway is expected to be completed in six months.
  12. The Surat-Chennai highway will be completed by next year, reducing travel distance to Bengaluru and Chennai.

International News

Chinese Scientists Develop World’s Lightest Mind-Control Device for Bees

  1. Scientists in China have developed the world’s lightest brain controller for bees.
  2. The device was created by a team at the Beijing Institute of Technology.
  3. Weighing just 74 milligrams, it turns bees into controllable cyborgs.
  4. The device sends electronic signals to the bee’s brain to control its flight.
  5. Potential applications include military reconnaissance, counterterrorism, and rescue missions.
  6. The project was led by Professor Zhao Jieliang.
  7. A major challenge for the device is its limited battery life.
  8. The concept was inspired by earlier research in Singapore, but the Chinese device is three times lighter.

State News

Andhra Pradesh Revives Historic Machilipatnam Port

  1. A new greenfield port is being constructed at Manginapudi, near Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
  2. The port is expected to begin operations by the end of 2026.
  3. Construction is being carried out by Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL).
  4. The project follows the Landlord Model, where the government owns the port and private companies operate it.
  5. A 2.5 km long breakwater is being built to protect the port from sea waves.
  6. Special concrete blocks called tetrapods are being used for coastal protection.
  7. The port will also provide significant economic benefits to the neighboring state of Telangana.
  8. Telangana is planning a dry port and a freight corridor to connect to Machilipatnam.
  9. The project aims to create jobs and bring economic growth to the region.

Meghalaya Celebrates Traditional Behdeinkhlam Festival

  1. The annual Behdeinkhlam Festival was celebrated in Jowai, Meghalaya.
  2. It is an important festival for the Pnar tribal community, a sub-tribe of the Jaintias.
  3. The festival is held in July to pray for a good harvest.
  4. The name ‘Behdeinkhlam’ means “driving away the plague”.
  5. It is central to the traditional Niamtre religion of the Pnars.
  6. A key ritual involves carrying a sacred wooden post, the ‘Symbud Khnong’.
  7. A football-like game called ‘Dad-lawakor’ is also part of the celebrations.
  8. The festival is now a platform to spread social awareness on issues like drug abuse and climate change.

Goa Launches India’s First RoRo Ferry Service on Mandovi River

  1. Goa launched India’s first RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferry service on July 14, 2025.
  2. The service operates on the Mandovi River between Chorao Island and Ribandar.
  3. Two new high-speed ferries, named Gangotri and Dwarka, were introduced.
  4. The ferries were designed by Vijai Marine Shipyards.
  5. Each ferry can carry 100 passengers, 15 cars, and about 30-40 two-wheelers.
  6. The project operates under the Built-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model.
  7. This model means the project was developed at zero cost to the state government.
  8. The service reduces travel time from 30 minutes to about 12-13 minutes.
  9. The initiative was launched by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

India’s First Aqua Tech Park Inaugurated in Assam

  1. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated India’s first Aqua Tech Park.
  2. The park is located in Sonapur, near Guwahati, Assam.
  3. It will promote modern fish farming technologies like aquaponics and the biofloc system.
  4. The park was established by the NGO Kolong Kopili with support from NABARD and ICAR-CIFA.
  5. The initiative aims to boost fish production and farmers’ income in the state.
  6. Between 2019 and 2024, Assam doubled its fish production to 4.99 lakh metric tonnes.
  7. This makes Assam the fourth-largest fish-producing state in India.
  8. The state has also launched 10 fishery cluster development projects worth ₹8 crore.

Economy News

Machilipatnam Port Project to Boost Regional Economy

  1. The first phase of the Machilipatnam Port project will cost ₹5,155 crore.
  2. Initially, the port will have four berths for docking ships.
  3. It has the potential for future expansion to 16 berths.
  4. The port will have a total handling capacity of 36 million tonnes per year.
  5. It is designed to accommodate large ships weighing up to 80,000 tonnes.
  6. The port will handle key exports such as coal, cement, pharmaceuticals, and fertilisers.
  7. The Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board is overseeing the project’s economic aspects.
  8. The development is expected to significantly boost the regional economy and create job opportunities.

Appointments News

Sanjay Kaul Appointed as MD and CEO of GIFT City

  1. Sanjay Kaul has been appointed as the new Managing Director and CEO of GIFT City.
  2. GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) is located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
  3. He is a 2001-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre.
  4. His appointment is on deputation for a period of three years.
  5. He was previously serving as a Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Culture.
  6. GIFT City is India’s first smart city focused on international finance.
  7. He has prior administrative experience in Gujarat with the Tourism Corporation and Gujarat Informatics Ltd.
  8. He will replace the outgoing CEO, Tapan Ray, a retired Gujarat-cadre IAS officer.

China Creates Lightest Mind-Control Device for Bees

Scientists in China have built the world’s lightest brain controller, which can control the flight of bees. Developed by a team at the Beijing Institute of Technology, the device turns bees into cyborgs that could be used in military missions or rescue operations. This invention opens new possibilities in using insects for work that humans or machines cannot easily do.

How the Device Works

The brain controller weighs just 74 milligrams, making it the lightest ever made. It is strapped to a bee’s back and has three tiny needles that enter the bee’s brain. The device sends electronic signals that guide the bee to fly left, right, forward, or back. In tests, the bees followed the commands 9 out of 10 times.

The signals create illusions in the bee’s brain, making it think it’s moving on its own. This allows scientists to guide it precisely. The project leader, Professor Zhao Jieliang, said these insect cyborgs can move better, hide more easily, and last longer than small man-made robots.

Use in Military and Emergency Work

Professor Zhao explained that these bee cyborgs could be used for secret military tasks, counterterrorism, drug searches, and even rescue work in disaster-hit areas. Insects like bees are small, quick, and can reach places where drones or people cannot go. This gives them an edge in urban combat and dangerous zones.

The idea was inspired by earlier research in Singapore, where beetles and cockroaches were controlled in a similar way. However, China’s version is three times lighter than the earlier model.

Future Challenges

The biggest challenge now is battery life. The current battery is small, so it runs out quickly. A bigger battery would be too heavy for the bee to carry. Also, the device needs changes to be used on different insects, since each species reacts to signals differently.

Professor Zhao’s team plans to improve the precision and repeatability of the insect’s movement by making the signals smarter and more controlled in future research.

Sanjay Kaul Appointed CEO of GIFT City, Gandhinagar

Sanjay Kaul, a 2001-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, has been appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of GIFT City Company Limited in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The announcement was made on July 15, 2025, through a government order. He will take charge on deputation for three years, or until further notice.

About Sanjay Kaul

Sanjay Kaul is currently working as a Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Culture. He handles areas like international cultural relations, UNESCO affairs, intangible cultural heritage, and several cultural institutes. He has rich administrative experience and has earlier worked in Gujarat as Managing Director of both the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd and Gujarat Informatics Ltd.

Role at GIFT City

Kaul’s new post at GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) puts him at the top of India’s first smart city focused on international finance. His role as MD & CEO will involve overseeing the growth and management of this global business hub, which plays a major role in India’s financial services sector.

The Gujarat General Administration Department (GAD) issued the official notification for his appointment. The outgoing CEO, Tapan Ray, a retired Gujarat-cadre IAS officer, will continue until Kaul assumes charge.

Hemanta Sarma Launch India’s First Aqua Tech Park In Assam

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated India’s first Aqua Tech Park in Sonapur, near Guwahati, Assam. The park will help fish farmers learn about new technologies like aquaponics, biofloc, and ornamental fish breeding. This initiative aims to boost fish production and increase farmers’ income in the state.

A Big Step in Fish Farming

The Aqua Tech Park has been set up by NGO Kolong Kopili with help from NABARD, ICAR-CIFA, Selco Foundation, and the Fishery Department. It showcases modern ways to raise fish using less water, faster methods, and new systems. These include aquaponics, which grows fish and plants together, and the biofloc system, which improves fish health and growth.

Speaking at the event, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that although Assam has many rivers, it still depends on other states like Andhra Pradesh to meet its fish demand. The park, he added, will help change this situation.

Helping Farmers and Youth

Kolong Kopili, the NGO behind the project, for its work over the past 17 years in training farmers and youth in fish farming. The new Aqua Tech Park will be a boon for fish farmers and help create more income and job opportunities.

Also between 2019 and 2024, Assam doubled its fish production to 4.99 lakh metric tonnes, making it the fourth-largest fish-producing state in India.

Government Support and Future Plans

State government is working to bring together traditional farming with modern technology. In the current financial year, the state has launched 10 fishery cluster development projects worth ₹8 crore.

Also young people to take part in fish farming and help improve the rural economy. The park will also train people in creating market links, managing ornamental fish, and selling products directly to buyers.

India’s Second Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge Opens in Shivamogga

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the Sigandur bridge, India’s second longest cable-stayed bridge, on July 16, 2025, in Shivamogga district, Karnataka. This new bridge stretches 2.44 km across the Sharavathi backwaters and will help improve road connectivity between Sagara town and Sigandur, where the famous Chowdeshwari Temple is located.

Major Bridge Brings New Hope

The Sigandur bridge is 16 meters wide and has been built at a cost of over ₹470 crore. It connects Sagara with Marakutika, reducing travel time and improving access to nearby villages and religious places. After the Linganamakki dam was built in the 1960s, many areas lost road links. This bridge now restores that vital connection.

At the inauguration, Nitin Gadkari named the bridge after Goddess Chowdeshwari Devi and said it would greatly help local people and pilgrims visiting the temple.

Road Development in Karnataka

Speaking at the event, Gadkari said that the total length of National Highways in Karnataka has increased from 6,707 km in 2014 to 9,424 km in 2025. He shared that by the end of the government’s term, ₹5 lakh crore worth of road works will be completed in the state.

Major projects include,

  • Belagavi-Hungund-Raichur corridor, ready by 2027
  • Hassan-Raichur highway, to be finished by December 2028
  • Tumkuru-Shivamogga road, done by the end of this year
  • Mysuru-Madakeri four-lane road and Chitradurga-Shivamogga roads, to be done by next year

National Highway Plans

At the national level, Gadkari gave updates on several big highway projects,

  • Leh-Ladakh road via Zojila tunnel will be opened next year
  • The Surat-Chennai highway, passing through six states, will also be completed by next year
  • It will shorten the distance to Bengaluru by 280 km and to Chennai by 320 km
  • The Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway will be finished in six months, cutting travel time from eight hours to two

Goa Government Starts RoRo Ferry Service on Mandovi River

Goa launched India’s first RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferry service on the Mandovi River on July 14, 2025. The new ferries, named Gangotri and Dwarka, will make travel between Chorao Island and Ribandar faster and easier. This move will help daily commuters, boost tourism, and improve water transport in the state.

High-Speed Ferries for Better Travel

The new RoRo ferries are designed to carry both people and vehicles. Each ferry can take up to 100 passengers, 15 cars, and 30 to 40 two-wheelers. These ferries travel at a speed of 10 knots, which is twice as fast as the older boats. The time taken to travel from Chorao to Ribandar is now reduced from 30 minutes to just 12–13 minutes.

The ferries also include marked lanes for vehicles, air-conditioned seating areas, and emergency medical kits to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Built with Modern Plans

The ferries were designed by Vijai Marine Shipyards and will run under the Built-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model. This means the project was set up with zero cost to the state government. At the launch event, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called this a big step forward for Goa’s water transport and said it would help both locals and tourists.

River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Desai also shared that the new service will reduce waiting times and interruptions, providing a smooth and quick ride for everyone.

Boost for Tourism and Local Travel

The RoRo project is expected to boost tourism by making travel more enjoyable and quicker. At the same time, local people will benefit from the faster commute. Since this is the first service of its kind in India, it sets an example for other coastal states to improve water travel.

Meghalaya Celebrates Sacred Behdeinkhlam Festival

The sacred Behdeinkhlam Festival was recently celebrated with great joy in Jowai, a town in Meghalaya. This yearly event is important for the Pnars, a tribal group from the state. The festival is held in July to pray for a good harvest and to drive away diseases and evil from society. It also helps in keeping their traditional faith alive.

Festival With Deep Meaning

The word Behdeinkhlam means “driving away the plague,” showing that the festival is about protecting people from sickness, especially after the sowing season. For the Pnars, a sub-tribe of the Jaintia community, this festival is not just a tradition—it’s a way to hold on to their old religion called Niamtre.

Rituals and Sacred Events

The festival goes on for three days. During this time, men perform special dances and rituals, while women prepare and offer food to the spirits of their ancestors. A main part of the festival is when a sacred wooden post called Symbud Khnong is carried around the town and then placed in a special spot to keep away evil spirits.

Unique Game and Social Messages

Another interesting part of the festival is a football-like game called Dad-lawakor, played at Mynthong. Over the years, the festival has also become a platform to share messages about avoiding drug use, alcohol abuse, and to raise awareness about climate change. These efforts show how traditional events are also helping to spread modern, helpful messages.

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_14.1

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