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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.

Which District of India is Known as the City of Moong Daal?

India is a land full of unique cities, each known for something special—be it food, culture, history, or craft. Some places earn nicknames based on what they are most famous for, creating a strong identity that attracts visitors. One such city has become popular nationwide for a delicious traditional dish that reflects its local flavors, rich history, and a long-standing culinary tradition loved by many.

An Overview of India

India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia and the world’s most populous democracy since 2023. It is the seventh-largest nation by area, bordered by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal, it lies close to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, with maritime borders shared with Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Number of Districts in India

India has around 787 to 806 districts, and this number changes from time to time as new districts are formed for better administration. State governments often create new districts to improve governance, make services more accessible, and manage local development efficiently.

Which District of India is Known as the City of Moong Daal?

The Nagaur district in Rajasthan is called the City of Moong Dal because it produces about 43% of Rajasthan’s total moong dal. Known for its bright color and excellent quality, Nagaur’s moong dal is supplied to major snack companies and enjoyed across India, making the district famous nationwide for this special crop.

Why Nagaur is Known as the City of Moon Daal?

Nagaur plays a major role in moong dal production in Rajasthan, contributing nearly 43% of the state’s total output. This makes it one of the top moong dal-producing districts in the entire country.

Quality and Popularity of Nagaur Moong Dal

The moong dal grown in Nagaur is known for its bright color, excellent quality, and taste. Because of these qualities, it is in high demand not just in Rajasthan but all over India.

Supply to Major Brands

Many big snack and namkeen companies in Rajasthan source moong dal directly from Nagaur. After packaging, it is distributed nationwide, further adding to the district’s fame.

PM E-Drive Scheme Extended Until 2028, But With Key Changes

The Government of India has extended its flagship electric vehicle (EV) incentive programme, the Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, until March 2028. However, financial support for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers will end on March 31, 2026, marking a strategic policy shift towards market maturity in these segments.

Scheme Overview

Launched on October 1, 2024, with a budget of ₹10,900 crore, the PM E-DRIVE scheme aims to accelerate India’s transition to electric mobility through,

  • Purchase incentives for various EV categories
  • Charging infrastructure expansion
  • Testing facility upgrades

Financial Allocation

  • ₹3,679 crore for demand incentives for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, ambulances, and trucks.
  • ₹7,171 crore for electric bus adoption, public charging stations, and testing facilities.

Targets by 2028

  • 24.79 lakh electric two-wheelers
  • 3.16 lakh electric three-wheelers
  • 14,028 electric buses and trucks
  • 88,500 EV charging points nationwide

Subsidy Structure and Adjustments

  • Initially, subsidies for electric two-wheelers were ₹5,000 per kWh with a cap of ₹10,000 per vehicle, but these were reduced by half to ₹2,500 per kWh from April 2025.
  • Electric truck subsidies (introduced in July 2025): ₹5,000 per kWh or up to 10% of the ex-factory price, whichever is lower.
  • Electric ambulance and charging infrastructure guidelines are still under development.
  • The government will cease two- and three-wheeler subsidies after March 2026, citing that these segments have reached 10% EV market penetration and can grow without fiscal incentives.

Infrastructure Focus

To address one of the biggest EV adoption barriers—charging availability—the scheme allocates ₹2,000 crore for,

  • 22,100 fast chargers for four-wheelers
  • 1,800 chargers for buses
  • 48,400 chargers for two- and three-wheelers
  • Charging station subsidy guidelines are expected soon.

Fund-Limited Operation

The Ministry of Heavy Industries clarified that the PM E-DRIVE is a fund-limited programme, with total disbursements capped at the ₹10,900 crore allocation. If funds run out before March 2028, the scheme will end early.

Policy Shift: From Support to Self-Sustaining Growth

Ending subsidies for mature EV segments signals a transition from fiscal support to market-led growth. While early-stage adoption benefits from subsidies to reduce upfront costs, the government believes established categories—such as electric scooters and three-wheelers—are now self-sustaining.

Subsidies will continue for buses, trucks, and charging infrastructure, where adoption is still in its early phase.

BEML Secures First Overseas Rail-Metro Contract from Malaysia

BEML Limited, a state-owned engineering and manufacturing company under the Ministry of Defence, has won its first-ever overseas contract in the rail and metro sector. The project, valued at USD 1 million, comes from Malaysia and involves the retrofit and reconditioning of the country’s Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) System.

Contract Details

The company informed stock exchanges on 9 August 2025 that it had secured the order for retrofitting and reconditioning services aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency and lifespan of Malaysia’s MRT network.

This marks a significant milestone for BEML as it steps into the global rail and metro services market.

BEML’s Growing International Footprint

BEML’s entry into the international rail sector comes at a time when it is expanding its domestic and overseas capabilities. The company recently inaugurated a new warehousing facility in Bengaluru to support India’s growing aerospace ambitions and collaborate with global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

About BEML

BEML is a ‘Schedule A’ multi-technology company catering to India’s defence, rail, power, mining, and construction sectors. It operates through three primary verticals,

  • Defence & Aerospace
  • Mining & Construction
  • Rail & Metro

The company has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Bengaluru, Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Mysore, and Palakkad, supported by strong R&D infrastructure and a nationwide sales and service network.

Strategic Importance

Securing its first overseas rail-metro contract not only diversifies BEML’s portfolio but also,

  • Strengthens India’s presence in the global railway and metro systems market.
  • Positions BEML as a competitive international supplier in high-value infrastructure projects.
  • Opens the door for future export opportunities in South-East Asia and beyond.

ICICI Bank Records Lowest Attrition Rate Among Private Peers for Three Consecutive Years

ICICI Bank, India’s second-largest private sector lender, has emerged as the best performer in employee retention among major private banks for the third consecutive year. According to its Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) report, the bank’s attrition rate fell to 18% in FY25, down from 24.5% in FY24 and 30.9% in FY23.

Comparison with Industry Peers

While attrition rates have declined across the private banking sector over the past three years, ICICI Bank consistently outperformed its competitors,

  • ICICI Bank: 18% in FY25 → 24.5% in FY24 → 30.9% in FY23
  • HDFC Bank: 22.6% in FY25 → 26.9% in FY24 → 34.2% in FY23
  • Axis Bank: 25.5% in FY25 → 28.8% in FY24
  • Kotak Mahindra Bank: 33.3% in FY25 → 39.6% in FY24
  • IndusInd Bank: 29% in FY25 → 37% in FY24 → 51% in FY23

Why Attrition Rates Are Falling

Industry experts attribute the steady decline in attrition rates to multiple factors,

  • Stabilising job market in the BFSI and fintech sectors after post-pandemic hiring surges.
  • Reduced job-switching among entry-level employees, who earlier moved frequently to fintech firms.
  • Competitive remuneration and better work environments offered by leading banks.
  • A senior HR executive from a private bank explained that the post-COVID hiring frenzy led to high turnover, but now recruitment levels have normalised, making employees more likely to stay.

ICICI Bank’s Retention Strategy

ICICI Bank’s consistent lead in retention is credited to,

  • Competitive salaries and performance-linked incentives.
  • Career growth opportunities within the organisation.
  • A work culture that balances operational demands with employee well-being.
  • The bank’s proactive HR policies have helped it maintain a high “stickiness factor” even in a competitive banking talent market.

Industry Outlook

From FY23 to FY25, all major private sector banks have shown a downward trend in attrition rates, indicating a phase of workforce stabilisation. Experts believe this trend is likely to continue as the banking sector focuses on digital transformation, reducing the need for aggressive hiring, and strengthening employee engagement programmes.

ICICI Bank Sharp Hike in Minimum Balance Requirement: Policy Shift and Customer Impact

In a major policy change, ICICI Bank, India’s second-largest private lender, has significantly raised its Minimum Average Balance (MAB) requirements across metro, urban, semi-urban, and rural branches. Effective August 2025, the hike comes with stricter penalties and revised transaction rules, making it a crucial development for millions of account holders. This move makes ICICI Bank the first among private banks to implement such a steep increase, prompting concerns and debates over the banking cost burden on common customers.

Steep Hike in MAB Across All Locations

ICICI Bank has increased the MAB drastically for different types of locations

  • Metro & Urban branches: Raised from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000
  • Semi-Urban branches: From ₹5,000 to ₹25,000
  • Rural branches: From ₹2,500 to ₹10,000

This change applies to all new accounts opened starting August 2025. The increase represents a fivefold jump in some cases, far exceeding industry norms.

Penalties for Non-Maintenance

Failure to maintain the MAB will now attract a penalty of,

  • 6% of the shortfall in the required balance

OR

  • ₹500, whichever is lower

This penalty structure is stricter than those in many public sector banks, some of which have moved to waive such penalties entirely.

Comparison With Public Sector Banks (PSBs)

While ICICI Bank tightens MAB rules, many PSBs have taken the opposite approach,

  • Banks like Canara Bank, PNB, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank, and SBI have either reduced or completely waived penalties for not maintaining MAB.
  • The Finance Ministry informed Parliament that ₹8,932.98 crore was collected as penalties by PSBs from 2020 to 2025, leading to public pressure and eventual policy changes.

Cash Transaction Rules Revised

Along with the MAB hike, ICICI Bank has implemented new cash transaction limits,

3 free cash deposits per month

After that, ₹150 per transaction is charged

Complimentary deposit limit: ₹1 lakh/month

Above ₹1 lakh: ₹3.5 per ₹1,000 or ₹150, whichever is higher

If both number and value limits are breached, higher charge applies

Implications for Customers

The MAB hike is likely to impact low- and middle-income account holders, especially in urban areas where the ₹50,000 minimum may be unaffordable for many.

The penalty system and transaction fees could lead to higher overall banking costs.

Customers may consider switching to PSBs, which offer more relaxed rules on minimum balances and penalties.

Sikkim CM Launches ‘Nari Adalat’ on 1st Amma Samman Diwas to Empower Women in Local Justice

On the occasion of the first Amma Samman Diwas, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang inaugurated ‘Nari Adalat’ at Rongpo. This innovative, women-led community justice forum is designed to provide accessible, informal, and empathetic conflict resolution, particularly for rural and semi-urban communities in Sikkim.

Purpose and Vision

The core idea behind ‘Nari Adalat’ is to empower women to take charge of resolving disputes and addressing social issues that directly affect them. By providing a supportive, non-intimidating environment, the initiative allows conflicts to be settled locally, without relying solely on the formal judicial system, which can be slow, expensive, and intimidating for many.

How ‘Nari Adalat’ Works

Unlike conventional courts, which follow formal legal procedures and involve official judges, ‘Nari Adalat’,

  • Operates on dialogue, mediation, and consensus-building.
  • Focuses on minor disputes such as:
  • Family disagreements
  • Non-severe domestic violence cases
  • Marital issues
  • Local community conflicts
  • Provides quicker and culturally sensitive resolutions compared to lengthy court processes.

This grassroots justice model draws inspiration from community-based dispute resolution systems already practiced in parts of rural India.

Significance for Women Empowerment

The women-led structure of ‘Nari Adalat’ ensures that,

  • Women’s voices are central in decision-making.
  • Local women leaders gain experience in mediation and leadership.
  • Victims of disputes, particularly women, feel more comfortable and secure in seeking help.

This initiative reflects Sikkim’s commitment to inclusive governance and aligns with broader national efforts to empower women socially, legally, and economically.

Broader Impact

The introduction of ‘Nari Adalat’ is expected to,

  • Reduce the burden on formal courts by handling less severe cases locally.
  • Strengthen community bonds by promoting dialogue over confrontation.
  • Provide a model for other Indian states looking to combine traditional mediation with modern governance.

List of Books and Biographies on Freedom Fighters of India, Check the List

India’s freedom fighters played a crucial role in securing independence from British rule through courage, sacrifice, and determination. Their inspiring lives have been captured in numerous books and biographies, helping us learn about their struggles and achievements. Reading these works not only teaches history but also motivates us to value freedom. Here’s a list of some important books that celebrate their legacy and contributions to the nation.

Significance of These Books

Books and biographies about India’s freedom fighters help us:

  • Preserve history for future generations.
  • Understand the leaders’ thoughts and philosophies.
  • Learn from their courage and struggles.
  • Gain insight into the political and social challenges of colonial India.

List of Books and Biographies on Freedom Fighters of India

India’s freedom fighters sacrificed their lives and dedicated their efforts to secure the nation’s independence. Their inspiring journeys have been captured in various books and biographies, preserving their legacy and teaching future generations about courage, patriotism, and the long struggle for freedom.

Here is the list of books and biographies on freedom fighters of India:

Freedom Fighter Books
M.K. Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi) Young India
Harijan
Navjivan
Hindu Swarajya
My Experiments with Truth
Bal Gangadhar Tilak Kesri
The Maratha
Gita Rahasya/ Karmayog Shastra
The Orion: Or Researches into the Antiquity of the Vedas
The Arctic Home in the Vedas
Jawahar Lal Nehru Discovery of India
Glimpses of World History
Meri Kahani
Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Al Hilal
India Wins Freedom
Gubare Khatir
Lala Lajpat Rai Unhappy India
England’s Debt to India
The Arya Samaj
The United States of America: A Hindu’s Impression and a Study
The Story of My Deportation
The Problems of National Education in India
Dr. Rajendra Prasad India Divided
At the Feat of Mahatma Gandhi
Satyagraha in Champaran
Lala Hardayal Hints for Self Culture
Surendra Nath Banarji Bangali
A Nation in Making
Veer Savarkar The Indian War of Independence
Hindu Pad Padashahi
Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?
Bhagat Singh Why I am a Atheist?
Ravindranath Tagore Geetanjali
Home and the World
Gora
Hungry Stones
Chandalika
Visarjan
The Post Office
Chokher Bali
Kabuliwala
My Reminiscences
The Crescent Moon
Letters from Russia
Madan Mohan Malviya Abhyuday
Hindustan
Leader
Gopal Krishna Gokhale Nation
Keshav Chandra Sen Indian Mirror
Vaam Bodhini
Dinbandhu Mitra Neel Darpan
Muhammad Iqbal Tarane Hind
Baange Dara
Annie Basant Commonweal
New India
The Ancient Wisdom
My Path to Atheism
Subhash Chandra Bose Indian Struggle
An Indian Pilgrim
Paranjape Kaal
Muhammad Ali Comred
Hamdard
Raja Ram Mohan Roy Tuhfat-ul-Muwahhiddin
Vedanta Gantha
Translation of an abridgement of the Vedanta Sara
Kenopanishads
Ishopanishads
Kathopanishad
Mundaka Upanishad
A Defence of Hindu Theism
The Precepts of Jesus- The Guide to Peace and Happiness
Bengali Grammar
The Universal Religion
History of Indian Philosophy
Gaudiya Vyakaran
Samvad Kaumudi
A Conference between the Advocate for, and an Opponent of Practice of Burning Widows Alive (Bengali and English)
Ishwarchadra Vidyasagar Som Prakash
Motilal Nehru Independent
Dada Bhai Naurauji Rust Guftgur,
Poverty And Un British Rule In India
Shishir Kumar Ghosh Amrit Bazar Patrika
Tarak Nath Das Free Hindustan
Shachindra Nath Sanyal The Revolutionary
Bandi Jeevan (A Life of Captivity)
Dayanand Sarswati Satyarth Darpan
Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya History Of Congress
Valentine Chirol Indian Unrest
Chittaranjan Das India For Indians
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay Bang darshan
Anand Math
Devi Chaudharani
Kapalkundala
Mrinalini
Durgesh Nandini
Bhartendu Harishchandra Bharat Durdasha
Shivanand Divine Life
Nayantara Sahgal A Voice Of Freedom
Sarojini Naidu The Golden Threshold
The Bird of Time
The Feather of the Dawn
BR Ambedkar Annihilation of Caste
The Buddha and his Dhamma
Pakistan or the Partition of India
Riddles in Hinduism
Who were the Shudras?
Sri Aurobindo (Aurobindo Ghose) Love and Death
The Life Divine
Essays on the Gita
Collected Poems and Plays
The Synthesis of Yoga
The Human Cycle
The Ideal of Human Unity
Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol
On the Veda
Lala Har Dayal Hints for Self Culture
Glimpses of World Religions
MG Ranade Religious and Social Reform
A collection of Essays and Speeches
Essays on Indian Economics
Rise of the Maratha Power
Romesh Chunder Dutt Economic History of India
The Civilization of India
Peasantry of Bengal
Ram Manohar Lohia Guilty Men of India’s Partition
Jayaprakash Narayan Why socialism
Bhagwati Charan Bohra Philosophy of the Bomb
Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay Gandevata
M. N. Rai India in transition

 

Maharashtra Launches ‘Disha Abhiyan’ for Uniform Education of Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Maharashtra has taken a pioneering step in inclusive education by successfully implementing ‘Disha Abhiyan’, a programme designed to provide uniform and quality education for students with intellectual disabilities. Announcing the initiative, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that it has already been rolled out across 453 special schools in the state.

First-of-its-Kind in India

Maharashtra is the first state in the country to adopt a state-wide, standardised curriculum tailored for students with intellectual disabilities. Developed by the Jai Vakil Foundation and approved by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), this initiative ensures that students across all special schools receive consistent, research-based learning experiences.

Curriculum Based on 80 Years of Expertise

Founded in 1944, the Jai Vakil Foundation has decades of experience in special needs education. The curriculum for Disha Abhiyan has been developed using,

  • Global best practices in special education
  • Research-backed teaching methods
  • Adaptations for varying levels of intellectual ability
  • Life skills and vocational training modules to promote independence

The NIEPID certification adds credibility, ensuring that the programme meets national quality standards.

In Line with the ‘Developed India 2047’ Vision

CM Fadnavis emphasised that ‘Disha Abhiyan’ reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building an inclusive and self-reliant society under the Developed India 2047 roadmap. The initiative prioritises the needs of differently-abled students, ensuring they are not left behind in the country’s development journey.

Impact and Future Goals

By implementing a uniform curriculum, Maharashtra aims to,

  • Eliminate disparities in teaching quality across special schools
  • Improve educational outcomes for children with intellectual disabilities
  • Equip students with functional academics, social skills, and employable abilities
  • Promote inclusivity in mainstream society through awareness and acceptance

WMO Warns Extreme Heat Affecting Millions Globally, Urges Early Warning Systems

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a stark warning that extreme heat is impacting millions of people worldwide, with rising temperatures, prolonged heatwaves, and worsening air quality creating severe public health risks. The organisation is urging countries to implement early warning systems and heat-health action plans to mitigate the effects of this growing climate threat.

Global Heatwave Crisis

  • According to WMO data, heatwaves are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged, with record-breaking temperatures being recorded in multiple regions.
  • Europe: Sweden and Finland faced unusually long spells of temperatures above 30°C in July.
  • West Asia & Central Asia: Maximum temperatures exceeded 42°C in several countries.
  • North Africa & Southern Pakistan: Prolonged periods of extreme heat were reported.
  • United States: Southwestern states endured dangerous heat levels.
  • Iran & Iraq: Southwestern Iran and eastern Iraq recorded some of the highest global temperatures this year.

Impact Beyond the Heat

The WMO also reported that the average global sea surface temperature reached the third highest level on record, contributing to shifting weather patterns and intensifying heat events.

Extreme heat has also,

  • Triggered devastating wildfires, leading to loss of life and property.
  • Worsened air quality, increasing respiratory health risks.
  • Stressed water and power supplies, particularly in vulnerable regions.

Urgent Need for Preparedness

The WMO emphasises that heatwaves are now among the deadliest weather-related disasters, yet they are also predictable and preventable in terms of loss of life. Effective early warning systems, coupled with heat-health action plans, can protect vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Dr. Petteri Taalas, WMO Secretary-General, has previously stated that climate change is turning up the heat on extreme weather, making preparedness and resilience more crucial than ever.

WHO Declares Kenya Free of Sleeping Sickness, A Major Public Health Victory

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially certified Kenya free of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT)—commonly known as sleeping sickness—as a public health challenge. This milestone makes Kenya the 10th country to achieve elimination status, marking a significant victory in the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

A Landmark Health Achievement

In a statement from Nairobi, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated the government and people of Kenya on their success. He noted that Kenya’s achievement is part of a broader continental effort to make Africa free of neglected tropical diseases, improving the lives of millions.

This is the second NTD eliminated in Kenya, following its certification as Guinea worm disease-free in 2018.

Understanding Sleeping Sickness

Human African trypanosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa transmitted through the bite of an infected tsetse fly. There are two forms of the disease—one more prevalent in West and Central Africa (Trypanosoma brucei gambiense) and another in East Africa (Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense). Kenya was affected by the latter.

Symptoms include,

  • Fever and headaches
  • Joint pain and muscle aches
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • In advanced stages: confusion, disrupted sleep patterns, and behavioural changes due to parasite invasion of the central nervous system
  • If untreated, sleeping sickness can be fatal.

How Kenya Achieved Elimination

Kenya’s success comes after decades of sustained public health efforts, including,

  • Tsetse fly control through traps, insecticides, and habitat management
  • Improved diagnostic tools enabling early detection and treatment
  • Community awareness campaigns in endemic areas
  • Strong partnerships between local health authorities, WHO, and NGOs

Broader Implications for Africa

Kenya’s certification adds momentum to Africa’s push to eradicate neglected tropical diseases. The elimination of sleeping sickness in multiple countries demonstrates that targeted interventions, consistent surveillance, and community engagement can lead to lasting health victories.

Dr. Tedros stressed that continued vigilance is essential to prevent reintroduction of the disease, especially in regions where tsetse flies remain present.

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