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.

Karol Nawrocki Elected President of Poland After Tight Race

Karol Nawrocki, a 42-year-old conservative historian and former boxer, has been elected as the next President of Poland, securing 50.89% of the vote in a tightly contested election against liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski. Backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, Nawrocki is expected to steer Poland towards a more nationalist and traditionalist policy path. He will succeed Andrzej Duda, whose term ends on August 6, 2025.

Why in News?

Poland held its presidential elections, and Karol Nawrocki narrowly defeated Rafal Trzaskowski. Nawrocki is backed by Donald Trump and the Law and Justice Party (PiS). He will take over from President Andrzej Duda, marking a continuity of conservative governance with a new face.

Background & Political Context

Karol Nawrocki is a historian and former boxer, previously the head of the Institute of National Remembrance (INR).
The Law and Justice (PiS) party ruled Poland from 2015 to 2023, losing power to Donald Tusk’s centrist coalition.
Nawrocki was chosen as a fresh face untainted by PiS-era scandals.

Election Highlights

Final vote tally: Karol Nawrocki – 50.89%, Rafal Trzaskowski – 49.11%.
Early exit polls had suggested a Trzaskowski victory, later reversed as more votes were counted.
The close race reflects deep ideological divides in Polish society.

Karol Nawrocki’s Profile

Known for promoting nationalist historical narratives and patriotic values.
Played a key role in removing Soviet-era monuments, leading Russia to place him on a wanted list.
Appeals to conservative voters opposed to secular trends and LGBTQ visibility.
Described by supporters as a defender of tradition and “normality.”

Presidency in Poland – Powers & Role

The President of Poland holds veto power, can influence foreign policy, and is not ceremonial.
Majority of governance is led by the Prime Minister, elected by the Parliament.
Nawrocki’s presidency may embolden nationalist and conservative factions within the country.

International Angle

Donald Trump’s endorsement of Nawrocki signifies an ongoing transatlantic ideological alignment.
Expected to bring stronger U.S.-Poland ties under conservative values.
His nationalist stance could strain relations with the EU, especially over judicial independence and minority rights.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Karol Nawrocki Elected President of Poland After Tight Race
Votes Secured	50.89%
Opponent	Rafal Trzaskowski
Predecessor	Andrzej Duda
Political Affiliation	Conservative; supported by Law and Justice Party

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

Richest Man in the World by February 2025, Check the List of Top-10

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

World’s Richest Persons by June 2025

As of June 2025, Elon Musk is the richest person in the world with $421.47 billion. He is followed by Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos. Most of the top-10 billionaires are from the USA and work in technology companies like Tesla, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Google. One person, Bernard Arnault from France, represents the fashion industry. Their wealth changes every year based on company performance and the stock market.

World’s Richest Man by June 2025

Elon Musk, born on June 28, 1971, in South Africa, is the richest person in the world in 2025. He is known for founding and leading several groundbreaking companies including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink and X (formerly Twitter). He studied at the University of Pennsylvania and showed an early talent for technology, creating a video game at age 12.

Musk revolutionized space travel with reusable rockets, popularized electric vehicles through Tesla and expanded internet access globally with Starlink. He lives in Austin, Texas and continues to shape the future through innovation and bold ideas.

Net Worth of Elon Musk

As of June 2025, Elon Musk is the richest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of $421.47 billion. Most of his wealth comes from his companies, Tesla and SpaceX, as well as his investment in X (earlier known as Twitter). His achievements in technology and space exploration have played a major role in his rapid financial growth.

Age and Citizenship of Elon Musk

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

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

Top-10 Richest Men in the World by June 2025

Elon Musk of United States, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and X, stands as the richest man in the world as of 2025 with an impressive net worth of $421.47 billion, followed by Jeff Bezos and Larry Ellison.

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

Rank	Name	Net Worth (in $ billions)	Source of Wealth	Country
1.	Elon Musk	$421.47 billion	Tesla, SpaceX, X	United States
2.	Mark Zuckerberg	$230.26 billion	Facebook	United States
3.	Jeff Bezos	$220.98 billion	Amazon	United States
4.	Larry Ellison	$210 billion	Oracle	United States
5.	Warren Buffet	$166.4 billion	Berkshire Hathaway	United States
6.	Bernard Arnault	$155.16 billion	LVMH	France
7.	Larry Page	$138.22 billion	Google	United States
8.	Steve Ballmer	$133.57 billion	Microsoft	United States
9.	Sergey Brin	$132.31billion	Google	United States
10.	Amancio Ortego	$114.4 billion	Zara	United States

Third Wealthiest Person of the World – Jeff Bezos

Country: United States

Net worth: $201.6 billion

Jeff Bezos, born on January 12, 1964, in Albuquerque, is the founder of Amazon and one of the most successful tech entrepreneurs in the world. He studied computer science and electrical engineering at Princeton and launched Amazon in 1994 as an online bookstore, which later became a global e-commerce and tech giant.

In 2025, Bezos is the third richest person in the world. He lives in Miami and owns companies like Blue Origin and The Washington Post. He supports science, space travel and climate change efforts through his foundations.

Second Richest Person of the World – Mark Zuckerberg

Country: United States

Net worth: $230.26 billion

Mark Zuckerberg, born on May 14, 1984, in White Plains, New York, is teh co-founder and CEO of Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Oculus. He showed early talent in programming and launched Facebook in 2004 while studying at Harvard. By age 23, he became the youngest self-made billionaire.

In 2025, Zuckerberg is the second richest person in the world. He lives in California with his wife, Priscilla Chan and their three children. Through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, he supports education, science and healthcare.

International Day for Innocent Children Victims of Aggression Observed Globally

On 4 June 2025, the world observes the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, reaffirming its commitment to end the suffering endured by children impacted by armed conflict, violence, and exploitation. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982, the day was initially a response to the tragic deaths of Palestinian and Lebanese children during Israeli military actions. It now serves as a global reminder of the urgent need to protect children from physical, emotional, and psychological harm.

Why in News?

The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed on June 4 annually. The 2024 UN report recorded a 35% rise in grave violations against children in conflict zones in 2023, with 32,990 verified cases. It highlights the continued vulnerability of children in war-torn regions and the urgent need for collective global action.

Background

Origin: The day was proclaimed on August 19, 1982, during a UN emergency special session on Palestine.
Trigger: Acknowledged the suffering of Palestinian and Lebanese children during Israeli military aggression.
Broader Aim: To draw attention to the global impact of war and violence on children.

Key UN Frameworks and Initiatives

Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC): Most widely ratified international human rights treaty.
UNGA Resolution 51/77 (1997): Focused on children in armed conflict, based on the Graça Machel report (1996).
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – Goal 16.2: Aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children.

UN 2023 Data on Grave Violations Against Children

Violation Type/Number of Cases

Killing and Maiming/11,649
Recruitment & Use by Armed Forces/8,655
Abductions/4,356
Sexual Violence/1,470
Attacks on Schools/Hospitals/2,250
Denial of Humanitarian Access/3,896
Total Grave Violations/32,990
The most prevalent violation was killing and maiming, often due to explosive weapons in populated areas.
Children also faced systemic abductions, sexual violence, and attacks on health and education infrastructure.

Significance of the Day

Reinforces the global responsibility to protect children in conflict zones.
Stresses the importance of preventing root causes of child recruitment and violence.
Supports the UN’s broader mission of achieving a violence-free environment for all children by 2030.

Shailendra Nath Gupta Appointed as New Director General of Defence Estates

Shailendra Nath Gupta, a 1990-batch officer of the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES), has been appointed as the Director General of Defence Estates (DGDE). With over three decades of experience in cantonment administration and defence land management, Gupta officially assumed charge on Saturday, bringing a seasoned leadership approach to managing India’s vast defence land assets spread across the country.

Why in News?

On June 1, 2025, Shailendra Nath Gupta officially took charge as the Director General of Defence Estates. His appointment is significant as DGDE oversees the management of approximately 18 lakh acres of defence land across India.

Career Highlights of Shailendra Nath Gupta

Belongs to the 1990 batch of IDES (Indian Defence Estates Service).

Served as,

CEO of several Cantonment Boards.
Defence Estates Officer (DEO) across various circles.
Staff Officer in key administrative roles.
Director, Defence Estates, Central Command.
Principal Director, Defence Estates, Eastern Command.

About DGDE (Directorate General of Defence Estates)

Mandate: Responsible for administration of defence lands and cantonments across India.

Jurisdiction,

18 lakh acres of defence land.
61 Cantonment Boards.
38 Defence Estates Circles.
Operates under six regional commands.

Role

Management of defence land records.
Civic administration in cantonment areas.
Implementation of policies related to land use, leasing, and encroachments.
Acts as a nodal agency for coordination between Ministry of Defence, armed forces, and civil administration.

Significance of the Appointment

Comes at a time when the digitization of defence land records and land audit reforms are underway.
Crucial in streamlining land management, preventing encroachments, and ensuring proper land utilization.
Enhances transparency and accountability in land dealings and cantonment governance.
His experience is expected to strengthen urban planning, infrastructure development, and public service delivery in cantonment areas.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Shailendra Nath Gupta Appointed as New Director General of Defence Estates
Service	Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES), 1990-batch
Appointed As	Director General of Defence Estates (DGDE)
Experience	Cantonment Boards CEO, DEO, Staff Officer, Director and Principal Director
Defence Land Administered	18 lakh acres

World Environment Day 2025: Theme, Host Country, History & Global Celebrations

What is World Environment Day?

World Environment Day is observed every year on June 5. It is the United Nations’ flagship initiative to raise global awareness and drive action on the most pressing environmental issues. Since its inception in 1972, it has evolved into a powerful global platform, engaging more than 150 countries annually.

Launched during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, the first World Environment Day was celebrated in 1973. Each year, a different country hosts the celebrations and a specific theme is chosen to highlight a global environmental priority.

What is the theme of World Environment Day 2025?

The theme for World Environment Day 2025 is “Beat Plastic Pollution.” This theme underscores the urgent need to address the growing plastic crisis that threatens ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.

Plastics have become one of the biggest pollutants globally, with microplastics being found in oceans, soil, and even inside the human body. The campaign calls on governments, industries, and individuals to urgently reduce plastic waste and transition toward sustainable alternatives.

Which Country Host World Environment Day 2025

The Republic of Korea is the host country for World Environment Day 2025. The main global celebrations will take place in Jeju Province, a region recognized for its environmental policies and innovative waste management systems. Korea’s efforts to combat plastic pollution make it a fitting host for this year’s theme.

Why is “Beat Plastic Pollution” Important?

Plastic pollution has become one of the world’s most urgent environmental threats:

Over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year.
Only 9 percent of plastic waste ever produced has been recycled.
Plastics can take up to 500 years to decompose, contaminating land and water.

Plastic pollution affects marine life, soil health, food chains, and even climate change. By choosing this theme, World Environment Day 2025 aims to:

Educate the public about the harmful impact of plastic.
Promote sustainable packaging and biodegradable alternatives.
Encourage a shift toward circular economies and eco-friendly innovation.

How to Celebrate World Environment Day 2025

World Environment Day is not just about awareness, but about taking action. Here are ways you can contribute:

1. Participate in Clean-up Drives

Join local or global clean-up campaigns in parks, beaches, forests, and rivers.

2. Reduce Single-Use Plastics

Say no to plastic bags, straws, cutlery, and packaging. Choose reusable options.

3. Plant Trees

Offset carbon emissions and reduce urban heat by participating in tree-planting initiatives.

4. Organize Awareness Campaigns

Educate your community about the dangers of plastic and how to reduce its use.

5. Share on Social Media

Use hashtags like #WorldEnvironmentDay and #BeatPlasticPollution to spread the message online.

World Environment Day 2025 in India

India, as one of the largest plastic consumers, has already launched several campaigns in line with this year’s theme:

Afforestation Drive in Andhra Pradesh: The state plans to plant 1 crore saplings in a single day.
Water Conservation in Rajasthan: The ‘Vande Ganga Jal Abhiyan’ focuses on reviving traditional water sources.
Youth Programs in Assam: National Science Centre in Guwahati will hold rallies, lectures, and awareness drives focusing on plastic waste.

These activities reflect a nationwide commitment to protecting the environment and reducing plastic dependence.

Quotes for World Environment Day 2025

“The Earth is what we all have in common.” – Wendell Berry
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” – Robert Swan
“It’s only one straw, said eight billion people.” – Unknown

Which Indian District is known as the City of Coconut Oil?

In India, many towns and districts are known for their unique products and natural specialties. Some places are famous for spices, others for fruits, flowers or oils. One such district in South India has earned a special name because of its high coconut production and traditional oil-making methods. This place plays a big role in supplying pure coconut oil to homes, markets and industries across the country.

An Overview of India

India is a country in South Asia and became independent in 1947. It is the world’s most populated country since 2023 and the largest democracy. India is the seventh-largest country by area. It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. India shares borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar and is close to Sri Lanka and teh Maldives.

Number of Districts in India

India has around 787 districts as per the latest data. Some major states and their district counts are: Uttar Pradesh with 75 districts, Rajasthan with 50 and Tamil Nadu with 38. The number of districts may change as new ones are created.

City of Coconut Oil in India

The district known as the city of coconut oil is Erode, located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Erode plays an important role in South India’s coconut and coconut oil industry. It is one of the biggest producers and sellers of coconut oil in the region.

Why is Erode Known as the Coconut Oil City?

Erode is called the ”Coconut Oil City” because:

High Coconut Production: Erode grows a large number of coconuts every year.
Fertile Land and Good Climate: The soil and weather, especially in areas like Uttukuli, are perfect for growing coconut trees.
Many Oil Mills: There are many traditional and modern oil mills that press coconuts to make pure, natural oil.
Big Market: Erode has a large coconut oil market that supplies to many parts of South India.

An Overview of Erode

Erode is a city and district in the Kongu Nadu region of Tamil Nadu. It is well-known for its agriculture, especially coconut and turmeric farming. The district is also famous for its handloom weaving and textile dyeing industries. Erode has a big bi-weekly cloth market, making it an important trade center in the region.

ADB Launches $10 Billion Urban Infrastructure Plan for India

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced a $10 billion initiative over the next five years to transform India’s urban landscape, including metro rail expansions, regional rapid transit systems (RRTS), and core infrastructure upgrades in cities. ADB President Masato Kanda made the announcement during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 31 May 2025 in New Delhi. The investment will mobilize both sovereign and private capital, with a focus on creating sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready cities to support India’s “Viksit Bharat @ 2047” vision.

Why in News?

On 1 June 2025, ADB formally announced its $10 billion urban transformation plan for India during President Kanda’s visit. The announcement followed meetings with PM Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Housing Minister Manohar Lal, where ADB reaffirmed its partnership in India’s long-term urban growth and development strategy.

Objectives and Aims of the Initiative

Support India’s urban transformation through metro, RRTS, water, sanitation, and infrastructure investments.
Mobilize third-party capital using platforms like the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF).
Create inclusive and resilient cities by boosting infrastructure access for marginalized populations.
Strengthen institutional capacity and skills development, particularly in urban governance and youth employment.

Key Components of the $10 Billion Plan

Sovereign Loans + Private Financing: Blend of public and private funding including nonsovereign operations.
Urban Challenge Fund (UCF): ADB-backed platform to leverage private capital for urban projects.
Technical Assistance: $3 million to help states and urban local bodies design bankable projects.
Metro and RRTS Expansion: Metro coverage extended in Mumbai, Chennai, Nagpur, Bengaluru, and others and Continued work on Delhi–Meerut RRTS, India’s first such system.
Urban Services: Support for 100 cities in water, sanitation, waste management.
Skill Development: Through the National Industrial Training Institute Upgradation Program to boost jobs in the manufacturing sector.

Institutional and Government Engagement

Meetings with,

PM Modi to align on urban goals and Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman on TOD (transit-oriented development), solar expansion, and rural-urban synergy.
Housing Minister Manohar Lal to accelerate capital flows and replicate success in new urban corridors.

Past and Present Urban Engagements by ADB

Operated in India since 1986.
Committed $59.5 billion in sovereign lending and $9.1 billion in private (nonsovereign) investments.
Active portfolio: 81 loans worth $16.5 billion (as of April 2025).
Over 110 cities in 22 states already supported in past infrastructure and service delivery upgrades.

Significance

Supports India’s target to become a developed nation by 2047.
Addresses rapid urbanization, with 40% of Indians expected to live in urban areas by 2030.
Focuses on green mobility, inclusive access, and private capital mobilization.
Strengthens public-private partnerships and local capacity in project execution.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	ADB Launches $10 Billion Urban Infrastructure Plan for India
Total Investment	Up to $10 billion (2025–2030)
Key Focus Areas	Metro & RRTS expansion, urban infra, sanitation, skills
Technical Assistance	$3 million for project design and capacity-building
Urban Challenge Fund (UCF)	ADB-backed platform to attract private capital
Number of Cities Supported	Over 110 cities in 22 states
Institutional Engagement	PM Modi, FM Sitharaman, Housing Minister Manohar Lal
Skill Development Program	National Industrial Training Institute Upgradation Program

RBI Imposes ₹54.78 Crore Penalty on 353 Regulated Entities in FY25

In a robust move to enforce regulatory compliance, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed 353 penalties worth ₹54.78 crore on various regulated entities (REs) during the financial year 2024–25. The enforcement actions targeted non-compliance with statutory provisions and RBI’s directives related to cybersecurity frameworks, exposure and IRAC norms, KYC norms, and reporting obligations to credit bureaus and fraud monitoring systems. This highlights the central bank’s growing emphasis on strengthening the financial ecosystem’s discipline and risk governance.

Why in News?

The RBI Annual Report for FY 2024–25, released on May 30, 2025, revealed that the RBI imposed 353 penalties totaling ₹54.78 crore. These were related to non-compliance with several critical frameworks and regulatory mandates across different banking and financial sectors.

Key Objectives of Enforcement Action

Reinforce regulatory compliance among banks and NBFCs.
Strengthen cybersecurity and risk management systems.
Ensure accurate reporting of frauds, credit information, and borrower data.
Improve customer due diligence under KYC norms.

Breakdown of Penalties by Category

Cooperative Banks

264 penalties
Totaling ₹15.63 crore

Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) / Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs)

37 penalties
Totaling ₹7.29 crore

Housing Finance Companies (HFCs)

13 penalties
Totaling ₹0.83 crore (₹83 lakh)

Public Sector Banks (PSBs)

8 banks fined
Total penalty: ₹11.11 crore

Private Sector Banks

15 banks fined
Total penalty: ₹14.8 crore

Foreign Banks

6 banks fined (penalty amount not separately specified)

Types of Violations Noted

Cybersecurity framework non-compliance
Breach of exposure norms and Income Recognition and Asset Classification (IRAC) standards
Lapses in Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance
Incorrect/failure in fraud classification and reporting
Inadequate or delayed submission of data to:
CRILC (Central Repository of Information on Large Credits)
Credit Information Companies (CICs)

Significance

Indicates RBI’s shift from reactive supervision to proactive enforcement.
Encourages financial institutions to adopt stronger internal compliance systems.
Signals to the sector that regulatory leniency will not be tolerated.
Enhances transparency and integrity in the Indian financial system.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	RBI Imposes ₹54.78 Crore Penalty on 353 Regulated Entities in FY25
Total Penalties (FY25)	₹54.78 crore on 353 entities
Cooperative Banks	264 penalties, ₹15.63 crore
NBFCs/ARCs	37 penalties, ₹7.29 crore
Housing Finance Companies	13 penalties, ₹83 lakh
Public Sector Banks	8 banks, ₹11.11 crore
Private Sector Banks	15 banks, ₹14.8 crore
Violations Covered	ybersecurity, KYC, IRAC, fraud reporting, CRILC, CICs

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

June is a special month with many important days that are celebrated in India and around the world. These days help us learn about health, nature, kindness and other good values. Some days are for honoring and people, while others teach us to care for the planet or help those in need. Check the list of national and international days celebrated in June 2025.

Important Days in June 2025

June is the sixth month of the year and has 30 days. The name ”June” comes from the Roman goddess Juno, who was the goddess of marriage and family. Some also believe it comes from the Latin word iuniores, meaning ”younger ones.” Many important national and international days are celebrated in June 2025 to spread awareness, promote health and honor special causes.

List of Important Days in June 2025

Date	Event
June 1	World Milk Day
June 1	Global Day of Parents
June 2	Italy Republic Day
June 2	International Sex Workers’ Day
June 2	Telangana Formation Day
June 3	World Bicycle Day
June 4	International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
June 5	World Environment Day
June 6	National Donut Day (First Friday of June)
June 6	Eid al-Adha
June 7	World Food Safety Day
June 8	World Brain Tumour Day
June 8	World Oceans Day
June 8	National Best Friend Day
June 12	World Day Against Child Labour
June 12	National Red Rose Day
June 14	World Blood Donor Day [WHO]
June 14	Flag Day
June 15	World Wind Day
June 15	World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 15	Father’s Day (3rd Sunday of June)
June 17	World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
June 18	Autistic Pride Day
June 18	International Picnic Day
June 19	World Sickle Cell Awareness Day
June 19	Juneteenth
June 19	World Sauntering Day
June 20	World Refugee Day
June 21	World Music Day
June 21	World Hydrography Day
June 21	International Day of Yoga
June 21	Summer Solstice / International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice
June 22	World Rainforest Day
June 23	International Olympic Day
June 23	United Nations Public Service Day
June 23	International Widows’ Day
June 26	International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
June 26	United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
June 27	Helen Keller Day
June 29	National Statistics Day
June 29	International Day of the Tropics
June 30	World Asteroid Day

Top 10 Largest Tobacco-Producing Countries in 2025: India Ranks Among the Top 3

Tobacco continues to be one of the most pressing public health threats, claiming more than eight million lives each year, according to the Global Burden of Disease study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Out of these, over seven million deaths are due to direct tobacco use, while the rest are attributed to secondhand smoke exposure.

Yet, despite its well-known health impacts, the tobacco farming industry remains robust, especially in countries with large agricultural sectors and high domestic or export demand.

Global Production: Over 5.8 Million Tonnes in 2022

As per Statista, global tobacco production was estimated at 5.8 million metric tonnes in 2022. China, the largest producer, accounted for more than one-third of the world’s total output. Interestingly, despite the scale of production, smoking habits in China are reportedly occasional — about 42 percent of respondents in a Statista Consumer Insights survey noted that they smoke only occasionally.

The contrast between high production and moderate consumption also appears in several countries such as Germany, Spain, and the United States, pointing to tobacco’s economic value, particularly in exports.

World’s Top 10 Tobacco-Producing Countries (2023 Data)

According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAOSTAT), the following are the top 10 producers of unmanufactured tobacco as of 2023:

Rank	Country	Production (Metric Tonnes)
1	China (Mainland)	2,296,700
2	India	769,671
3	Brazil	683,469
4	Indonesia	238,806
5	Zimbabwe	236,815
6	United States of America	196,160
7	Pakistan	151,858
8	United Republic of Tanzania	122,859
9	Argentina	107,880
10	Democratic People’s Republic of Korea	87,427

India: Second-largest producer and Consumer of Tobacco

Production Volume and Global Role

India ranks second in the world with an annual production of over 769,000 tonnes of unmanufactured tobacco. The country plays a dual role as both a major producer and consumer, positioning it uniquely in global tobacco economics.

Domestic Consumption and Public Health Impact

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable death in India, contributing to nearly 1.35 million deaths annually. The country’s tobacco consumption patterns are diverse and deeply rooted in cultural and regional preferences.

The most common form of consumption is smokeless tobacco, such as:

Khaini
Gutkha
Betel quid (paan)

These products are not only widely accessible but also affordable, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.

Urban Smoking Habits in India

A Statista Consumer Insights survey (January–December 2023) found that around 36 percent of urban Indian respondents admitted to smoking cigarettes at least occasionally. This data underscores a rising trend of cigarette smoking in urban India, even as smokeless tobacco dominates rural markets.

Global Awareness and the WHO’s 2025 Campaign

To tackle the ongoing threat of tobacco consumption, the World Health Organisation marks World No Tobacco Day each year on May 31. The theme for 2025 is: “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference”

This year’s message urges governments worldwide to implement stricter controls, especially on youth-targeted marketing, to reduce addiction rates among the next generation.