States and Capitals

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States and Capitals – How Many States in India?

India, a vast South Asian nation and the world’s seventh-largest by land area, is divided into 28 states and 8 union territories, each with its own capital. These states and territories are further segmented into districts. New Delhi, situated in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, serves as India’s administrative, political, and cultural hub.

The states and capitals of India weave a rich and diverse tapestry, reflecting the country’s deep cultural heritage, traditions, and innovations. Exploring these regions offers a fascinating journey through time, blending ancient legacies with modern advancements, tradition with contemporary influence, and showcasing India’s remarkable unity in diversity.

In 1956, India reorganized its states according to linguistic demographics. Today, the country consists of 28 states and 8 Union Territories, home to nearly 400 cities. Among these, eight major metropolitan cities—Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Pune—are prominent. The Prime Minister has introduced a plan to develop 100 smart cities across the nation, with Indore being recognized as the Smart City for four consecutive years. Discover India’s dynamic urban landscape and its focus on modernization.

How many states in India?

India is the 7th largest country in the world by land area and the 2nd most populated. The country is divided into states and union territories so that the government can function properly. Below is a list of all 28 states, their capitals and the year they were formed.

S.NO	State	Capital	CM	Governor
1	Andhra Pradesh	Amaravati	Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu	S. Abdul Nazer
2	Arunachal Pradesh	Itanagar	Pema Khandu	Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
3	Assam	Dispur	Himanta Biswa Sarma	Lakshman Prasad Acharya
4	Bihar	Patna	Nitish Kumar	Arif Mohammed Khan
5	Chhattisgarh	Raipur	Vishnu Deo Sai	Ramen Deka
6	Goa	Panaji	Pramod Sawant	P.S. Sreedharan Pillai
7	Gujarat	Gandhinagar	Bhupendra Patel	Acharya Dev Vrat
8	Haryana	Chandigarh	Nayab Singh Saini	Bandaru Dattatraya
9	Himachal Pradesh	Shimla	Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu	Shiv Pratap Shukla
10	Jharkhand	Ranchi	Hemant Soren	Santosh Kumar Gangwar
11	Karnataka	Bengaluru	Siddaramaiah	Thaawarchand Gehlot
12	Kerala	Thiruvananthapuram	Pinarayi Vijayan	Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
13	Madhya Pradesh	Bhopal	Mohan Yadav	Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel
14	Maharashtra	Mumbai	Devendra Fadnavis	C.P. Radhakrishnan
15	Manipur	Imphal	N. Biren Singh	Ajay Kumar Bhalla
16	Meghalaya	Shillong	Conrad Kongkal Sangma	C H Vijayashankar
17	Mizoram	Aizawl	Lalduhoma	General (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd.)
18	Nagaland	Kohima	Neiphiu Rio	La. Ganesan
19	Odisha	Bhubaneswar	Mohan Charan Majhi	Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati
20	Punjab	Chandigarh	Bhagwant Singh Mann	Gulab Chand Kataria
21	Rajasthan	Jaipur	Bhajan Lal Sharma	Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde
22	Sikkim	Gangtok	PS Golay	Om Prakash Mathur
23	Tamil Nadu	Chennai	M. K. Stalin	R. N. Ravi
24	Telangana	Hyderabad	Anumula Revanth Reddy	Jishnu Dev Varma
25	Tripura	Agartala	Dr. Manik Saha	Indra Sena Reddy Nallu
26	Uttar Pradesh	Lucknow	Yogi Aditya Nath	Anandiben Patel
27	Uttarakhand	Dehradun	Pushkar Singh Dhami	Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh
28	West Bengal	Kolkata	Mamata Banerjee	Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose

Union Territories of India and Their Capitals

India has 8 union territories that are managed by the central government. Some of them have their own legislative assemblies. Below is the of these union territories and their capitals:

S.NO	Union Territories	Capital	CM	Lt. Governor
1	Andaman and Nicobar Island	Port Blair	NA	D K Joshi
2	Chandigarh	Chandigarh	NA	Banwarilal Purohit
3	Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	Daman	NA	Praful Patel
4	Delhi	Delhi	Rekha Gupta	Vinai Kumar Saxena
5	Ladakh	NA	NA	B. D. Mishra
6	Lakshadweep	Kavaratti	NA	Praful Patel
7	Jammu and Kashmir	NA	Omar Abdullah	Manoj Sinha
8	Puducherry	Pondicherry	N. Rangaswamy	C. P. Radhakrishnan

Difference Between States and Union Territories

India is divided into states and Union Territories for administrative purposes. They are in different in how they are governed.

Basis of Difference	States	Union Territories
Head of Administration	Governor	Administrator or Lieutenant Governor
Government Type	Elected by the People	Managed by the central government
Powers	Shares power with the central government.	Controlled directly by the central government.

Indian States and their Languages

India is a country with a rich and diverse linguistic heritage. There are over 121 languages spoken in India, and each state has its unique linguistic landscape. The Indian Constitution recognizes 22 languages as “scheduled languages,” which are given special status in government and education.

S. No.	States	Language
1	Andhra Pradesh	Telugu and Urdu
2	Arunachal Pradesh	Miji, Apotanji, Merdukpen, Tagin, Adi, Honpa, Banging-Nishi
3	Assam	Assamese
4	Bihar	Hindi
5	Chhattisgarh	Hindi
6	Goa	Marathi Konkani
7	Gujarat	Gujarati
8	Haryana	Hindi
9	Himachal Pradesh	Hindi and Pahari
10	Jharkhand	Hindi
11	Karnataka	Kannada
12	Kerala	Malayalam
13	Madhya Pradesh	Hindi
14	Maharashtra	Marathi
15	Manipur	Manipuri
16	Meghalaya	Khashi, Jaintia, And Garo
17	Mizoram	Mizo and English
18	Nagaland	Ao, Konyak, Angami, Sema, and Lotha
19	Odisha	Oriya
20	Punjab	Punjabi
21	Rajasthan	Rajasthani and Hindi
22	Sikkim	Bhutia, Hindi, Nepali, Lepcha, Limbu
23	Tamil Nadu	Tamil
24	Telangana	Telugu
25	Tripura	Bengali, Tripuri, Manipuri, Kakborak
26	Uttar Pradesh	Hindi
27	Uttarakhand	Hindi
28	West Bengal	Bengali

Some Key Facts About Indian States

Each state in India is unique and has something special. Here are some interesting facts about a few states:

Andhra Pradesh: Famous for spicy food and historical sites like Charminar.
Assam: Know for tea gardens and Kaziranga National Park, home to the one-horned rhinoceros.
Bihar: A place with a rich history, home to Bodh Gaya and the ancient city of Pataliputra.
Goa: Popular for beautiful beaches and a lively nightlife.
Kerala: Famous for its backwaters, Ayurveda treatments and lush green nature.
Maharashtra: Mumbai, the financial capital, is also home to Bollywood.
Himachal Pradesh: Known for stunning hill stations and adventure sports.
Tamil Nadu: Famous for classical dance forms and grand temples.

List of Important Days in August 2025, National and International Days

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_4.1

Introduction

August, the eighth month of the year, is filled with important national and international days celebrated in India and across the globe. From historical anniversaries to cultural festivals, and from awareness campaigns to environmental initiatives, every week of August has significant dates to remember.

For students preparing for competitive exams, knowing these days is essential because they are often asked in General Awareness or Current Affairs sections. Teachers, activists, and the general public can also use this list to plan participation in cultural, social, or environmental campaigns.

Significance of Important Days

These observances serve multiple purposes:

Commemorating history: Remembering landmark events such as India’s Independence Day (15 August) or Quit India Movement Day (8 August).
Promoting awareness: Highlighting global issues like World Elephant Day (12 August) or World Photography Day (19 August).
Celebrating culture and heritage: Honouring traditions like Rakshabandhan (9 August) and Ganesh Chaturthi (26–27 August).
Encouraging social change: Marking days such as Women’s Equality Day (26 August) and International Youth Day (12 August).

Detailed Look at Key Days in August 2025

August opens with days that celebrate heritage, innovation, and awareness. For example, 1 August honours mountain climbing achievements, lung cancer awareness, and the invention of the World Wide Web. Mid‑month is dominated by independence celebrations in multiple countries, most notably India’s Independence Day on 15 August. Towards the end of the month, we celebrate contributions to sports, industry, and women’s rights.

Important National and International Days in August 2025

Date	Day / Festival	Significance
1 August	National Mountain Climbing Day	Honours climbers who scaled Adirondack Mountains’ 46 High Peaks.
1 August	World Lung Cancer Day	Raises awareness on lung cancer risks & early detection.
1 August	World Wide Web Day	Celebrates Tim Berners-Lee’s invention of the internet.
3 August	Cloves Syndrome Awareness Day	Raises awareness about a rare genetic disorder.
3 August	Friendship Day	First Sunday of August; celebrates bonds of friendship.
6 August	Hiroshima Day	Remembers the atomic bombing of Hiroshima (1945).
7 August	National Handloom Day	Promotes handloom industry & artisans in India.
8 August	Quit India Movement Day	Marks Gandhi’s 1942 call for British withdrawal.
9 August	Nagasaki Day	Remembers the atomic bombing of Nagasaki (1945).
9 August	Rakshabandhan	Hindu festival honouring sibling bonds.
9 August	International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples	Promotes indigenous rights & cultures.
9 August	World Sanskrit Day	Celebrates India’s classical language Sanskrit.
9 August	Narali Purnima	Coastal Maharashtra festival offering coconuts to the sea.
10 August	World Lion Day	Promotes lion conservation awareness.
10 August	World Biofuel Day	Highlights renewable fuel importance.
12 August	International Youth Day	Promotes youth development & participation.
12 August	World Elephant Day	Calls for elephant conservation.
13 August	International Lefthanders Day	Celebrates left-handed individuals.
13 August	World Organ Donation Day	Promotes organ donation awareness.
14 August	Pakistan Independence Day	Marks independence from British rule (1947).
15 August	National Mourning Day (Bangladesh)	Remembers Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s assassination.
15 August	Independence Day (India)	Celebrates India’s freedom from British rule.
19 August	World Photography Day	Celebrates photography art & science.
19 August	World Humanitarian Day	Honours humanitarian workers.
19 August	Sanskrit Diwas	Promotes Sanskrit language preservation.
20 August	World Mosquito Day	Marks discovery of malaria transmission by mosquitoes.
20 August	Sadbhavana Diwas	Birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi, promotes harmony.
20 August	Indian Akshay Urja Day	Promotes renewable energy in India.
23 August	International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition	Reflects on slavery’s legacy.
23 August	ISRO Day	Marks Chandrayaan-3 moon landing success.
26 August	Women’s Equality Day	US women’s suffrage anniversary.
26 August	International Dog Day	Promotes dog adoption & welfare.
26 August	Mother Teresa Anniversary	Birth anniversary of humanitarian Nobel laureate.
26 August	Hartalika Teej	Fasting festival for marital bliss.
26–27 August	Ganesh Chaturthi	Birth of Lord Ganesha.
29 August	National Sports Day (India)	Birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
30 August	Small Industry Day	Recognises small-scale industry contributions.

Top-10 Countries with the Most Solar Power Plants Installed, Check the List

Solar power is one of the fastest-growing sources of clean energy in the world. It uses sunlight to make electricity without polluting the environment. Many countries are now investing heavily in solar energy to reduce their use of coal and oil. In 2025, several nations have become leaders in installing solar panels, helping to produce more renewable energy and move towards a greener and safer future.

What is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power that comes directly from the sun. It works through special devices called solar panels that capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy never runs out and does not pollute the air. It is now powering homes, businesses and even electric vehicles.

Top-10 Countries with the Most Solar Power Plants Installed

China holds the title of the country with the most solar power plants installed, with the total number of solar power plants installed of 887,930 MW, followed by U.S., India, and Japan.

Here is the list of top-10 countries with the most solar power plants installed:

Rank	Country	Installed Solar (MW)	Annual Growth Rate
1.	China	887,930	45.6%
2.	U.S.	177,470	27.5%
3.	India	97,384	33.7%
4.	Japan	91,610	2.8%
5.	Germany	89,943	20.1%
6.	Brazil	53,113	40.0%
7.	Spain	38,587	20.9%
8.	Australia	38,472	15.6%
9.	Italy	36,013	22.7%
10.	South Korea	26,645	13.4%

China

China leads the world in solar power with nearly 888 GW installed – more than most countries combined. Massive solar farms, strong government backing and huge clean energy goals drive its growth. In 2024, alone, China added over 278 GW, showing its unmatched speed in expanding solar capacity and setting the pace for global renewable energy adoption.

United States

The U.S. ranks second, with solar now a major energy source nationwide. Federal tax incentives, public demand and private investments have fueled growth. From California rooftops to huge solar farms in Texas and Nevada, the U.S. added over 38 GW in 2024 – enough to power millions of homes – making solar energy mainstream and rapidly expanding across the country.

India

India is quickly boosting its solar capacity through large projects and rooftop systems. With over 97 GW installed, it aims to cut carbon emissions and reach Net Zero by 2070. Sun-rich states like Rajasthan and Gujarat are leading this expansion. A 33.7% growth rate in 2024 shows India’s strong push to meet rising electricity demand sustainability.

Japan

Japan still holds a high solar capacity of over 91 GW, though growth has slowed to 2.8%. After rapid expansion following the Fukushima disaster, land limits and regulations have slowed progress. Most installations are on rooftops for homes and industries. Despite challenges, Japan remains an important global solar player with strong reliance on clean energy.

Germany

Germany is a clean energy pioneer with nearly 90 GW of solar power installed. Government support technology innovation and strong policies have kept growth steady at 20.1%. Even with less sunshine than many countries, Germany proves that renewable energy can thrive in developed nations, setting a model for others to follow in solar adoption.

Brazil

Brazil is quickly becoming a solar leader in Latin America, with 53 GW installed and a 40% growth rate in 2024. Abundant sunlight, falling equipment costs and supportive policies are fueling this rise. Both small-scale and large solar farms are contributing, helping Brazil diversify beyond hydropower and strengthen its clean energy mix for the future.

Spain

Spain has made a strong comeback in solar energy, installing 38.5 GW with a 20.9% growth rate. After a quiet period, it’s seeing renewed activity in both rooftop and large solar projects. Strong sunshine, supportive policies and growing interest are helping Spain regain its position as one of European’s leading solar energy producers.

Australia

Australia has one of the highest rooftop solar adoption rates in the world, with about one in three homes using solar panels. Its total installed capacity is 38.4 GW, growing steadily at 15.6% in 2024. Both homes and large-scale projects are contributing making solar a key part of Australia’s renewable energy strategy.

Italy

Italy is seeing fast solar growth, reaching 36 GW in 2024 with a 22.7% annual increase. Government incentives and sunny weather makes solar attractive, especially in southern regions. Both small rooftop systems and large solar farms are expanding, helping Italy regain its strong position among Europe’s top solar energy producers.

South Korea

South Korea’s solar capacity reached nearly 27 GW in 2024, growing by 13.4%. Space constraints and industrial land needs pose challenges, but government programs, corporate investment and smart energy planning are driving progress. Solar is becoming an important part of South Korea’s energy mix as it shifts towards cleaner, renewable power sources.

What Is Nitish Kumar’s Big Gift for Rural Health Warriors?

The Government of Bihar, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has taken a landmark decision to enhance the financial support provided to ASHA and Mamta workers. These frontline healthcare workers have been instrumental in improving maternal and child health, promoting immunization, and ensuring the safety of newborns in rural and semi-urban areas.

Who Are ASHA & Mamta Workers?

ASHA Workers

The Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) are the backbone of India’s rural healthcare system. They act as a crucial link between the community and health services by,

Promoting immunization programs
Spreading awareness on nutrition and hygiene
Assisting in maternal healthcare
Guiding people about government health schemes

Mamta Workers

Mamta workers, primarily women health volunteers, focus on,

Safe childbirth practices
Counseling mothers on maternal nutrition and newborn care
Ensuring regular antenatal and postnatal check-ups
Promoting awareness about family planning and child immunization

Details of the Incentive Hike

For ASHA Workers

Earlier Honorarium: ₹1,000 per month
New Honorarium: ₹3,000 per month
Benefit: A three-fold increase, directly acknowledging their vital contribution to rural health.

For Mamta Workers

Earlier Incentive: ₹300 per safe delivery
New Incentive: ₹600 per safe delivery
Benefit: Doubling of incentives, encouraging better maternal and child care in villages.

Impact on Rural Healthcare

This decision is expected to bring,

Better motivation for health workers, resulting in increased efficiency
Enhanced safe motherhood practices in rural Bihar
Greater participation of women in healthcare delivery
Strengthened public health infrastructure, particularly in remote villages

Anant Ambani Appointed Executive Director of Reliance Industries

Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, has been appointed as the Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) after receiving shareholder approval. His appointment, effective May 1, 2025, marks a new chapter in the leadership structure of India’s largest conglomerate.

Appointment

The RIL board of directors appointed Anant Ambani on April 25, 2025, subject to shareholder approval. A graduate of Brown University, he has already been serving as a non-executive director in RIL. His appointment comes as part of Reliance’s long-term succession planning within the Ambani family.

Importance

The move highlights succession planning in India’s largest private-sector company. With a market capitalization of over ₹18.8 lakh crore, RIL plays a critical role in India’s economy. Anant’s inclusion ensures continuity in leadership and reflects the Ambani family’s strategy to gradually hand over responsibilities to the next generation.

Key Features of the Appointment

Anant Ambani will serve as Executive Director for a five-year term, starting May 1, 2025.
He has been on the board of Jio Platforms since May 2022, Reliance Foundation since September 2022, and Reliance New Energy and Reliance New Solar Energy since June 2021.
His leadership focus is expected to center on digital services, renewable energy, and philanthropy.

Outcome

Anant Ambani’s elevation strengthens the second generation of leadership in RIL, ensuring strategic continuity. It comes at a time when Reliance is expanding into green energy, digital transformation, and global ventures. His appointment is also viewed as a step to reassure investors of stable governance and long-term vision.

USA Will Explore Pakistan Oil Reserves Amid India Trade Deal

US President Donald Trump imposed fresh tariffs on India, citing an unfair trade imbalance and India’s continued oil imports from Russia. Just hours later, he unveiled a deal with Pakistan to jointly develop its untapped oil reserves. The move came against the backdrop of India’s membership in BRICS, which Trump criticized as “anti-United States.”

Expectations

The deal represents a rare moment of optimism in US-Pakistan relations, traditionally marked by security concerns. For Pakistan, it signals a potential boost to its energy sector and economy. For the US, it strengthens strategic foothold in Asia, offering a counter to China’s growing influence in the region.

Objectives of the Deal

The primary aim is to develop Pakistan’s oil reserves with American support and potentially allow future exports to India. This aligns with Washington’s larger strategy of energy cooperation and trade recalibration, while also seeking to reduce the US trade deficit.

Key Features

25% tariff on Indian imports, effective from August 1, 2025.
US-Pakistan agreement to explore and develop “massive oil reserves”.
Potential for Pakistan to export oil to India in the future.
Deal follows earlier meetings between Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and US officials.
Trump linked the tariff decision partly to India’s role in BRICS.

Impact for India

For India, the tariffs will increase import costs, straining trade relations with the US. For Pakistan, the deal could open new economic avenues and strengthen ties with Washington. The US gains a strategic ally in South Asia, positioning itself against BRICS and China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Regionally, this move may affect the fragile India-Pakistan ceasefire brokered earlier in 2025.

This Indian-Origin Techie Taking Over Air New Zealand CEO

Air New Zealand has announced the appointment of Indian-origin executive Nikhil Ravishankar as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will officially take charge on October 20, 2025, succeeding Greg Foran, who earlier this year announced his decision to step down. The appointment marks a historic milestone for Air New Zealand as it navigates through an era of climate challenges, rising costs, technological disruptions, and evolving customer expectations.

Nikhil Ravishankar: A Journey from Tech to the Skies

Nikhil Ravishankar, currently serving as Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at Air New Zealand, has been with the airline for nearly five years. During this period, he played a crucial role in modernizing the airline’s digital infrastructure, enhancing customer experience, and strengthening its loyalty systems.

A graduate of the University of Auckland, Ravishankar holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours). He is also an active mentor and advisor, supporting various leadership and innovation programs across New Zealand.

Board’s Confidence: “A Pivotal Moment for the Airline”

Air New Zealand Board Chair Dame Therese Walsh described Ravishankar’s appointment as a pivotal moment of momentum and renewal. She highlighted his digital literacy, global outlook, people-leadership skills, and deep care for New Zealand as qualities that set him apart during an extensive international search.

“Nikhil brings the mindset and contemporary leadership we need to build on our strong foundations and focus on the future,” said Walsh.
“He is not afraid to challenge how things are done and ask questions.”

She acknowledged that airlines globally face immense challenges ranging from climate change to geopolitical risks, and believed Ravishankar is well-equipped to tackle them.

A Career Built on Global Leadership

Before joining Air New Zealand, Ravishankar served as Chief Digital Officer at Vector New Zealand, leading a major digital transformation program.
He also held senior roles at Accenture in Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand, and previously worked in technology strategy and transformation at Telecom New Zealand (Spark).
Currently, he contributes to several prestigious networks and organizations:
Advisor & Mentor for the University of Auckland’s Strategic CIO Program.
Board Member of New Zealand Asian Leaders.
Advisory Committee Member of The Auckland Blues Foundation.
Influencer Network Member at Auckland University of Technology.

Looking Ahead: Air New Zealand in a New Era

Ravishankar’s appointment signals Air New Zealand’s commitment to digital-first innovation, sustainability, and resilience. With the aviation industry grappling with post-pandemic recovery, climate action, and competitive pressures, his blend of technical expertise and people-centered leadership is expected to play a decisive role in steering the airline’s future.

World Athletics Introduces New Eligibility Regulations for Female Category

The World Athletics Council has announced a significant change in its eligibility rules for the female category in world ranking competitions. Starting 1 September 2025, all athletes wishing to participate in the female category will be required to undergo a once-in-a-lifetime SRY gene test, a reliable biological marker for determining sex. This landmark decision will first be implemented at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, beginning 13 September 2025.

Understanding the SRY Gene Test

The SRY gene (Sex-determining Region Y) test will be conducted through a cheek swab or blood test, whichever is more convenient for the athlete. The test will be administered under the supervision of Member Federations, ensuring authenticity and compliance.
This genetic test acts as a scientific proxy for determining biological sex, removing ambiguities and controversies surrounding eligibility in the women’s category.

The Rationale Behind the New Rules

The new regulations are rooted in the protection and integrity of women’s sport.
“For you to compete in the female category, you have to be biologically female. Gender cannot trump biology.”
He explained that the goal is to ensure that women entering athletics do so without facing a biological glass ceiling, thereby preserving fair competition.

Recommendations from the Gender Diverse Athlete Working Group

The regulations follow recommendations from the Gender Diverse Athlete Working Group, approved by the Council in March 2025 after over a year of consultations with experts in law, science, sport, and society. The key recommendations included,

Affirming the design and goals of the female category.
Merging the DSD (Differences of Sex Development) and Transgender Regulations into a unified framework.
Implementing a pre-clearance requirement for all female category athletes.
Adopting transitional provisions for athletes already in the pipeline.
Considering future support initiatives for elite gender-diverse XY athletes.

Defining the Female Athlete Category: Eligibility Criteria

According to Eligibility Rule 3.5, athletes allowed to compete in the female category include,

Biological females.
Biological females who have previously used testosterone for male gender-affirming treatment (with conditions of a minimum four-year gap after last usage, case by case).
Biological males with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) who did not undergo male puberty.
Biological males with DSD (Differences of Sex Development) who meet the transitional provisions.
It is important to note that transgender women are not affected under the current rules, as none compete at the elite international level at present.

Standing Commitments of World Athletics

Despite the new regulations, World Athletics reaffirmed its core commitments,

No judgment or questioning of gender identity.
Respect for the dignity and privacy of all athletes.
Strict confidentiality and data protection compliance.
No requirement for surgery for eligibility.
These assurances highlight that while the rules prioritize fairness in women’s sports, they also respect human rights and personal dignity.

Implications for Tokyo 2025 and Beyond

The World Championships in Tokyo will be the first major global event where the new regulations are enforced. This will serve as a litmus test for the policy’s impact on athlete participation, fairness, and the global sporting community’s response.
The move is expected to spark further debates on gender and biology in sports, but World Athletics maintains that the rules are essential to preserve fair play and the spirit of women’s athletics.

Top-5 Custard Apples Producing States in India in 2025

Sitafal, also called custard apple, is a sweet and creamy fruit enjoyed by people of all ages. It is loved for its soft texture and delicious taste. The fruit grows mainly in warm, dry regions of India and is harvested during the late monsoon and winter months. Several states in India produce sitafal in large quantities, making it easily available in markets across the country.

Custard Apple Production in India

India produces about 1,278,000 tonnes of custard apples every year, grown over an area of nearly 105,000 hectares. The fruit is mainly cultivated in warm and dry regions, making it popular in several states. This large production ensures that custard apples are available in markets across the country during their harvest season.

Top-5 Custard Apples Producing States in India in 2025

Custard apple, also called sitafal, is a soft and sweet fruit enjoyed all over India. It grows well in warm and dry regions with little irrigation. In 2025, several states continue to lead in its production, supporting farmers and providing fresh fruit to markets.

Here are the top-5 custard apple producing states in India in 2025:

Maharashtra
Madhya Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Chhattisgarh
Gujarat

Maharashtra, India’s Largest Custard Apple Producer

Maharashtra leads the country with over 120,000 tonnes of custard apples every year. Dryland districts like Beed, Aurangabad, Jalna and Osmanabad are the main growing areas. Farmers here often grow sitafal with minimal irrigation, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly crop.

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is known for its rich variety of fruits, and custard apple is one of its specialties. The fruit is mainly grown in tribal regions, where it plays an important role in the local economy. Fresh custard apples from MP are sold widely across Central India.

Andhra Pradesh

In southern India, Andhra Pradesh grows mainly in rocky terrain using natural rainfall. This makes it perfect for dryland farming communities. The fruit from this region is fresh, sweet and loved by people in nearby markets.

Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is rich in biodiversity and forests. Here, custard apples often grow naturally in tribal zones without the need for much human effort. The fruit is also part of the state’s forest produce trade, helping tribal communities earn a livelihood.

Gujarat

Gujarat’s arid regions like Dahod and Sabarkantha contribute a significant share of India’s custard apple production. People enjoy the fruit raw, and it is also used in milkshakes and sweets, making it popular in both local and urban markets.

State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025

Introduction: Why Food Security Matters

Food is the most basic human need, yet in the 21st century, millions of people still suffer from hunger and malnutrition. This is not because the world fails to produce enough food — in fact, global food production is adequate to feed everyone. The real challenge lies in access, affordability, and distribution. Safe and nutritious food is often too expensive for the poorest populations, leaving them trapped in a cycle of hunger and poor nutrition.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) — known as Zero Hunger — aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. However, the 2025 edition of “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World” report, jointly published by the FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, warns that the recent surge in food price inflation is pushing this goal further out of reach.

Global Food Security: Current Situation

The report paints a mixed picture. While there have been small improvements in some regions, hunger and food insecurity remain alarmingly high. In 2024, 8.2 percent of the global population experienced hunger — only a slight drop from 8.5 percent in 2023.

Africa remains the most affected continent, with one in five people going hungry. Western Asia follows with 12.7 percent, while Asia as a whole fares better at 6.7 percent. India’s progress in reducing hunger has contributed significantly to Asia’s improvement.

Food insecurity — which measures not only hunger but also the struggle to get reliable access to nutritious food — affects 2.3 billion people worldwide. Rural communities and women are particularly vulnerable. In Africa, nearly six out of ten people suffer from moderate or severe food insecurity.

The Cost of a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is one that includes a balance of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and moderate amounts of animal-based foods. However, this is becoming increasingly unaffordable. In 2024, the average cost of a healthy diet globally was $4.46 per person per day (in purchasing power parity terms).

In low-income countries, the situation is worse: around 72 percent of the population cannot afford such a diet. The highest costs are seen in Africa, where prices have risen sharply in recent years. Globally, 2.6 billion people lack the income needed to eat healthily.

Malnutrition: Persistent and Emerging Problems

Even when people have enough to eat, poor diet quality can lead to malnutrition. The report highlights worrying trends:

Child stunting (low height for age due to chronic undernutrition) has declined globally from 26.4 percent in 2012 to 23.2 percent in 2024. This is progress, but far from the 14 percent target for 2030.
Child wasting (dangerously low weight for height) remains stuck at 6.6 percent, while child overweight has not improved either, staying at 5.5 percent.
Adult obesity is rising — from 12.1 percent in 2012 to 15.8 percent in 2022 — creating new public health challenges.
Anaemia in women aged 15–49 has worsened, increasing from 27.6 percent to 30.7 percent in the past decade. Anaemia reduces physical productivity, harms maternal health, and is linked to higher risks during pregnancy.

The Surge in Food Price Inflation (2021–2023)

Between 2021 and 2023, the world experienced an extraordinary rise in food prices. Food price inflation — the rate at which food prices increase — went from 5.8 percent in December 2020 to 23.3 percent in December 2022. In some countries like Sudan, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, inflation exceeded 350 percent.

Food price inflation outpaced general inflation, meaning that food became more expensive at a faster rate than most other goods and services. At its peak in early 2023, food inflation was 5.1 percentage points higher than headline inflation.

Why Did Food Prices Rise So Sharply?

While global commodity prices for crops and energy played a role, the surge was driven by multiple interconnected factors:

COVID-19 pandemic disruptions slowed production, transport, and trade.
The war in Ukraine disrupted exports of wheat, maize, and sunflower oil, leading to shortages in many countries.
Extreme weather events damaged harvests in key producing countries.
Rising energy costs pushed up the price of fertilisers and transport.
Currency fluctuations weakened purchasing power in import-dependent countries.
Market concentration meant that in some sectors, a few companies controlled prices and were slow to reduce them even when costs fell.

Impact on Households and Nutrition

For ordinary households, high food prices mean less purchasing power. Families are forced to make painful choices:

Switching to cheaper, less nutritious foods like refined grains instead of vegetables or protein.
Reducing meal frequency and variety, sometimes eating only once or twice a day.
Prioritising food for working adults and reducing portions for women and children.

These coping strategies may help in the short term but have serious long-term consequences for health, learning capacity, and productivity.

Unequal Impact Across Countries

The effects of high food prices have been felt worldwide, but low-income countries have suffered the most. In 2023, food price inflation in many of these countries was close to 30 percent, compared to about 8–10 percent in wealthier nations. This disparity deepens global inequality and makes recovery harder for vulnerable economies.

The Rise of Ultra-Processed Foods

The report also warns about the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) — packaged items high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats but low in nutrients. These foods are 47 percent cheaper than unprocessed foods, have long shelf lives, and are aggressively marketed. While they may seem affordable, regular consumption increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Policy Recommendations: The Way Forward

To address food price inflation and protect nutrition, the report suggests a mix of short-term relief measures and long-term structural reforms.

Short-Term Measures

Targeted subsidies on essential nutritious foods for low-income households.
Tax reductions on healthy food items.
Cash transfers and social safety nets to help families maintain a balanced diet.

Long-Term Strategies

Build strategic food reserves to stabilise prices during crises.
Invest in agricultural productivity through better technology, storage, and transportation.
Strengthen market information systems so farmers and traders can respond quickly to price changes.
Encourage diverse food production to reduce dependency on a few staple crops.
Regulate and promote healthy diets while discouraging overconsumption of ultra-processed foods.

Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha Return Home: A Historic Repatriation

The Government of India, in collaboration with the Godrej Industries Group, has successfully repatriated the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha to their rightful home. This historic cultural milestone, announced by the Ministry of Culture on July 30, 2025, not only revives a deep spiritual connection but also establishes India’s growing role as a global guardian of heritage and peace.

The Timeless Piprahwa Relics: A Glimpse into History

The Piprahwa relics, unearthed in 1898 by British civil engineer William Claxton Peppé at Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh, are believed to be directly associated with the mortal remains of Lord Buddha. These sacred remains, enshrined by the Buddha’s followers in the 3rd century BCE, have long been revered as symbols of peace, compassion, and enlightenment by the global Buddhist community.
They stand as one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in India’s history, linking present generations to the era of the Buddha.

Saving the Relics from an International Auction

In a dramatic turn of events, the relics were initially scheduled to go under the hammer at a Hong Kong auction in May 2025. Thanks to a swift intervention by the Ministry of Culture, India successfully prevented their sale to private collectors. This move reflected the Government’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that invaluable pieces of India’s spiritual and cultural identity remain in the country for posterity.

Leadership and Vision: The Role of Prime Minister Modi

Union Minister of Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the return of the relics as a moment of immense pride for every Indian. Also emphasized that this historic repatriation was made possible due to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose cultural diplomacy has been instrumental in reclaiming India’s lost heritage from across the globe.

Godrej Industries’ Role: A Corporate Commitment to Cultural Preservation

Highlighting the power of public-private partnerships, Pirojsha Godrej, Executive Vice Chairperson of Godrej Industries Group, expressed deep honor in supporting the mission. The relics as “timeless symbols of peace and compassion”, reaffirming the company’s commitment to safeguarding cultural legacies for future generations.
This collaboration showcases how private enterprises can join hands with government bodies to protect and preserve global heritage.

Cultural Diplomacy and Global Impact

The successful return of the Piprahwa relics marks a benchmark in cultural cooperation, reinforcing India’s image as a custodian of world heritage. It is also a step towards strengthening ties with the international Buddhist community, while reflecting the values of peace, unity, and spiritual enlightenment that Lord Buddha stood for.

Public Display and Access for Devotees

The relics will soon be unveiled in a special ceremony, followed by a public display that will allow citizens of India and visitors from around the world to pay homage. This initiative ensures that these sacred relics, once at risk of being lost to private collectors, will remain accessible to the people.

India’s Mission: Reclaiming Heritage, Restoring Pride

The repatriation of the Piprahwa relics aligns with the Government’s broader mission to reclaim India’s ancient cultural and spiritual heritage. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is steadily reinforcing its place as a global custodian of peace and compassion, rooted in the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha.