Featured

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.

What is the State Flower of Jammu and Kashmir? Know About It

Jammu and Kashmir is a beautiful region in northern India, known for its snow-capped mountains, scenic valleys and rich natural beauty. The state is home to many unique plants and flowers that grow in its cool climate and hilly areas. Each Indian state has its own state flower, which shows the natural beauty and culture of the region. Jammu and Kashmir also has a special flower of its own.

An Overview of Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is a union territory of India. It covers the southern part of the larger Kashmir region, which is disputed by India, Pakistan and China. The Line of Control separates it from areas controlled by Pakistan. J&K is located north of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, and west of Ladakh, which is also a union territory of India.

State Flower of Jammu and Kashmir

The state flower of Jammu and Kashmir is Rhododendron ponticum. It is a beautiful plant with purple flowers. This flowers grows in the hilly areas and forests. It is known for its bright color and thick green leaves. It also helps in making the forests look colorful and supports the local environment.

Where it Grows Naturally?

Rhododendron ponticum is native to two faraway places:

  • Southwest Europe: in parts of Portugal and Spain
  • West Asia: near the Black Sea region (Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia and the Caucasus)

It also grows in some other countries where it was introduced by humans, like Britain, Belgium and New Zealand.

Appearance and Size of Rhododendron Ponticum

This plant is a shrub or a small tree. It usually grows up to 5 meters (16 feet) tall but can reach 8 meters (26 feet) in some cases.

Its leaves are evergreen, which means they stay green all year round. The leaves are long and shiny. The flowers are violet-purple and often have greenish-yellow spots. They are large and beautiful, which makes the plant popular in gardens.

It produces dry fruits with many small seeds inside.

Subspecies and Varieties

There are two main subspecies of this plant:

  • R.p. baeticum: Found in Portugal and southern spain
  • R.p. ponticum: Found around the Black Sea (Turkey, Georgia, Bulgaria etc)

There is also a variegated variety found in Turkey called R.p. var. heterophyllum.

History and Meaning

The plant was named after an ancient kingdom called Pontus, near the Black Sea, where it was found. It was first introduced to Britain in 1763 as a garden plant. Over time, it spread widely and became popular. However, in some places like Britain, it became invasive, meaning it grows too much and harms local plants.

Use in Gardens and Medicines

This plant is widely grown in European gardens. It is often used as a rootstock – a base plant on which other rhododendrons are grafted.

Its snap has been used in traditional medicine to treat tootaches.

However, honey made from its flowers can be poisonous. This ”mad honey” contains a natural toxin called grayanotoxin, which can cause low blood pressure and slow heartbeat.

A Problem in Some Places

Even though Rhododendron ponticum is beautiful, it can become a problem in the wild. It grows quickly, spreads fast and covers large areas. In places like Scotland, Wales and Ireland, it blocks sunlight and prevents native plants from growing.

To control it, people cut the plants or use herbicides. Some methods include injecting herbicide directly into the plant for better results.

Impact on Bees

A study found that rhododendron nectar is toxic to some bees like European honeybees and solitary bees. It can paralyze or kill them.

But buff-tailed bumblebees are not affected. Also, most honeybees avoid the toxic flowers because they can detect the poison in the nectar.

In some regions like the Caucasus, a type of honey bee can tolerate the toxin and makes the special ”mad honey.”

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_5.1

Praggnanandhaa Clinches First Grand Chess Tour Title at Superbet Classic

Indian chess prodigy Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa achieved a major milestone in his career by winning his first-ever Grand Chess Tour tournament — the Superbet Classic 2025 held in Bucharest, Romania. He emerged victorious after a tense tiebreak battle against top-ranked players including Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Alireza Firouzja, marking a historic moment for Indian chess on the global stage.

Why in News?

Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa won the 2025 Superbet Classic, a key event in the Grand Chess Tour. It is his first tournament victory on the prestigious Grand Chess Tour circuit. The win follows a comeback from a poor play-off performance in 2024, showcasing his resilience and form. His triumph reflects India’s rising dominance in global chess.

Highlights of the Victory

  • Event: Superbet Classic 2025, part of the Grand Chess Tour
  • Location: Bucharest, Romania
  • Winner: R. Praggnanandhaa (India)
  • Prize Money: $77,667 (~₹66 lakh)
  • Final Score: Tied at 5.5 points with Vachier-Lagrave and Firouzja in classical games
  • Tiebreak Format: Blitz games (5 minutes + 2-second increment per move)

Tiebreak Sequence

  • Game 1: Praggnanandhaa vs Firouzja – Draw
  • Game 2: Firouzja vs Vachier-Lagrave – Draw
  • Game 3: Praggnanandhaa vs Vachier-Lagrave – Praggnanandhaa wins

Strategic Elements

  • Early draw with Aronian allowed Praggnanandhaa to rest before tiebreakers.
  • He credited his trainer GM RB Ramesh and second GM Vaibhav Suri for the preparation and support.
  • Demonstrated composure under pressure and sharp tactical skills in blitz formats.

Background & Static Facts

  • R. Praggnanandhaa: Indian Grandmaster, one of the youngest ever to achieve the title.
  • Grand Chess Tour: An international circuit of elite chess tournaments featuring classical and rapid formats.
  • Superbet Classic: One of the main events in the Grand Chess Tour, hosted in Romania.

Significance of the Achievement

  • Establishes Praggnanandhaa as a serious contender in world chess.
  • A landmark moment for Indian chess following the success of players like Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh D, and Vidit Gujrathi.
  • Boosts India’s profile in the elite chess circuit.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? Praggnanandhaa Clinches First Grand Chess Tour Title at Superbet Classic
Winner GM R. Praggnanandhaa (India)
Event Superbet Classic 2025 (Part of Grand Chess Tour)
Location Bucharest, Romania
Prize Money  $77,667 (~₹66 lakh)
Tiebreak Result 1.5 points (beat Vachier-Lagrave, drew with Firouzja)
Notable Opponents Defeated Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Alireza Firouzja
Coaches Acknowledged GM Vaibhav Suri, GM RB Ramesh

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_7.1

G7 vs BRICS: Global Power Shift Explained

The global order is witnessing a significant transformation as two major blocs—G7 and BRICS—increasingly represent divergent visions of economic and geopolitical leadership. While the Group of Seven (G7) has long dominated global decision-making, the BRICS alliance is emerging as a powerful counterweight, challenging Western dominance and advocating for a multipolar world.

This article delves deep into the origins, objectives, and influence of both blocs and explores how their growing rivalry reflects a broader global power shift.

Understanding the G7: The Established Western Power Bloc

Formation and Membership

The G7, short for Group of Seven, is an intergovernmental organization formed in 1975 during the economic crises of the 1970s. Initially established as a forum for the world’s most advanced economies, the current members include:

  • United States
  • Canada
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • (With the European Union participating as a non-enumerated member)

These nations represent liberal democracies, share Western values, and collectively contribute a substantial share to the global GDP.

Core Objectives

The G7’s core agenda focuses on:

  • Global economic stability
  • Trade liberalization
  • Climate action
  • Security cooperation
  • Democratic governance

It functions largely as a policy coordination platform, influencing major international institutions such as the IMF, World Bank, and WTO.

Introducing BRICS: The Voice of the Emerging South

Formation and Membership

BRICS is an acronym for a coalition of five major emerging economies:

  • Brazil
  • Russia
  • India
  • China
  • South Africa (joined in 2010)

Established formally in 2009, BRICS was born out of the desire to create a more inclusive global order—one that reflects the growing economic and political clout of the Global South.

Strategic Vision

The BRICS alliance stands for:

  • Reform of global financial institutions
  • Greater representation for developing countries
  • Non-Western models of development
  • Sovereignty and non-interference

Their key initiatives include the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), which aim to provide alternatives to Western-dominated institutions like the IMF and World Bank.

Comparative Strengths: G7 vs BRICS

Economic Power

  • As of 2024, the G7 countries collectively account for about 30–40% of global GDP, though this share is shrinking due to the rapid growth of emerging economies.
  • BRICS, in contrast, collectively contribute about 31–33% of global GDP (on a PPP basis), and this number is increasing steadily.

Population and Resources

  • The G7 nations have a combined population of around 775 million.
  • BRICS nations represent over 3.2 billion people, nearly 40% of the world’s population, and hold vast natural resources (especially in energy and agriculture).

Military Influence

  • The G7 includes three nuclear powers and NATO members with significant military clout.
  • BRICS includes Russia, China, and India, all of which are nuclear powers with growing defense industries and global military ambitions.

Key Areas of Rivalry and Cooperation

Geopolitical Influence

The G7 seeks to preserve a rules-based international order, rooted in liberal democracy and open markets. In contrast, BRICS countries argue for non-interventionist policies, multipolarity, and respect for national sovereignty.

This divergence is evident in crises such as:

  • Russia-Ukraine War: G7 imposed sanctions on Russia, while BRICS members (except Brazil and India occasionally) remained neutral or supportive.
  • Israel-Palestine Conflict and Global South Development: BRICS advocates for more balanced representation and less Western hegemony in conflict resolution.

Financial Systems and Currency Shift

BRICS has begun discussing de-dollarization strategies, including:

  • Settling trade in local currencies
  • Establishing an alternative reserve currency
  • Strengthening the New Development Bank to rival the IMF/World Bank

This contrasts sharply with the G7’s reliance on the US dollar and Western-dominated financial infrastructure.

The Role of Expansion: BRICS+ vs G7 Cohesion

BRICS Expansion

In 2023 and 2024, BRICS announced the inclusion or consideration of new members like Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates, under the BRICS+ framework.

This expansion aims to:

  • Enhance global South representation
  • Strengthen energy partnerships (with OPEC nations)
  • Bolster economic and diplomatic reach

G7: A Closed Circle

G7 remains a closed and cohesive bloc, emphasizing shared values over numbers. However, this exclusivity sometimes limits its legitimacy in addressing global inequalities.

Ideological and Institutional Divergence

Western Liberalism vs Multipolar Pragmatism

The G7 promotes:

  • Democracy
  • Human rights
  • Environmental sustainability

BRICS, while diverse ideologically, shares a skepticism of:

  • Western interventionism
  • Unilateral sanctions
  • Imposed models of governance

This philosophical divide increasingly influences UN debates, climate summits, and international law frameworks.

Institutional Alternatives

While G7 supports traditional Western institutions, BRICS actively builds parallel structures:

  • New Development Bank (NDB) vs World Bank
  • CRA vs IMF
  • BRICS Summit vs G7 Summit

Implications for the Global Order

The rise of BRICS signals a gradual shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world. Key consequences include:

  • A weakened Western monopoly over global governance
  • More diverse leadership on issues like trade, climate, and development
  • Potential for geoeconomic fragmentation—as BRICS seeks autonomy from Western institutions

However, BRICS must overcome internal divergences in politics, strategy, and economic models to maintain long-term coherence.

Arjun Mk1A vs T-90 Bhishma: Best Indian Main Battle Tank?

India’s armored corps forms a crucial element of its land warfare strategy, and at the forefront of this capability are two impressive main battle tanks (MBTs): the Arjun Mk1A, an indigenous design, and the T-90 Bhishma, a customized version of Russia’s T-90S. Both tanks play critical roles in the Indian Army but represent differing design philosophies and battlefield roles. This article explores these two platforms in depth, evaluating their firepower, protection, mobility, and operational relevance.

1. Design Origins and Philosophy

The Arjun Mk1A is a product of India’s own defense research establishment, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is an evolved variant of the Arjun Mk1 and reflects decades of indigenous design, development, and user feedback. Its design emphasizes crew survivability, heavy armor, and modern electronics.

In contrast, the T-90 Bhishma is based on Russia’s tried-and-tested T-90S platform. Acquired through both direct imports and licensed production by Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi, the T-90 represents a lighter, more maneuverable approach. It is optimized for mass deployment and rapid battlefield mobility.

2. Firepower and Armament

The Arjun Mk1A is equipped with a 120 mm rifled gun, capable of firing indigenously developed FSAPDS, HESH, and even anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). It also features a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) for anti-aircraft and close-range engagements.

The T-90 Bhishma features a 125 mm smoothbore gun, integrated with an autoloader, which reduces the need for a manual loader. It supports a wide range of ammunition, including APFSDS, HEAT, and ATGMs like the Invar missile. While it may have a slightly faster reload rate due to the autoloader, the Arjun’s rifled barrel offers better long-range accuracy.

3. Protection and Survivability

The Arjun Mk1A boasts an advanced composite armor package along with explosive reactive armor (ERA) panels. It is also fitted with the Advanced Laser Warning and Countermeasure System (ALWCS), mine ploughs, and nuclear-biological-chemical (NBC) protection, making it one of the best protected MBTs in the region.

The T-90 Bhishma employs a blend of Kontakt-5 ERA and composite armor, offering robust protection but in a more compact and lighter frame. It also features Shtora-1 passive electro-optical countermeasures to reduce the effectiveness of enemy ATGMs and laser-guided threats.

4. Mobility and Weight

A notable difference lies in the mobility-to-weight ratio. The Arjun Mk1A, with a combat weight of approximately 68.5 tons, is one of the heaviest MBTs in the world. Despite its 1,500 hp engine, its bulk can limit its ability to operate in certain terrains, such as riverine or desert environments.

On the other hand, the T-90 Bhishma, weighing around 46.5 tons, is more agile and suited for the diverse terrain of the Indian subcontinent, especially in the Thar desert. Its 1,000 hp engine may be less powerful, but the lower weight contributes to better speed and strategic mobility.

5. Technology and Crew Comfort

The Arjun Mk1A features a state-of-the-art fire control system, thermal imaging sights, hunter-killer capability, and automatic target tracking. It is also equipped with modern digital communication systems and enhanced crew ergonomics, offering a high degree of situational awareness and battlefield management.

The T-90 Bhishma also includes modern optics and fire control systems, but its Russian legacy systems are seen as slightly dated compared to Arjun’s newer integrations. Its interior is more cramped, affecting crew comfort over extended operations.

6. Operational Role and Strategic Relevance

The T-90 Bhishma is the backbone of India’s armored forces, with over 1,100 units in active service. It is heavily deployed along India’s western borders and is well-integrated into India’s current armored doctrines.

The Arjun Mk1A, though numerically fewer, is considered a technological demonstrator and a high-endurance platform suitable for heavy-duty tasks. Its deployment is currently focused on select regiments, particularly in the southern sector and regions where its size and weight pose less of a logistical challenge.

Yala Glacier Declared ‘Dead’ in Nepal A Local Mourning on Loss

The Yala Glacier in Nepal, once a crucial site for glaciological training and cryosphere research in the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH), has now been officially declared “dead” — marking a significant and symbolic loss in the global climate crisis. On May 12, 2025, scientists, local communities, and monks gathered in Langtang, Nepal, to hold a poignant memorial for the glacier, which has retreated dramatically over recent decades. This event highlights the severe impact of global warming on Himalayan glaciers, with profound consequences for water security and ecological stability across South Asia.

Why in the news?

Nepal’s Yala Glacier in Langtang has officially been declared “dead,” making it the first glacier in Asia to receive a memorial plaque. The declaration took place on May 12, 2025, during a poignant ceremony attended by glaciologists and locals from the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region. This marks a symbolic and scientific moment in the escalating climate crisis, highlighting the rapid pace of glacial retreat due to global warming.

Key Highlights and Ceremony Details

  • The Yala Glacier, located in Langtang, Nepal, has lost 66% of its mass and retreated 784 meters since the 1970s.
  • A plaque was installed with messages by authors Andri Snaer Magnason and Manjushree Thapa in English, Nepali, and Tibetan.
  • The glacier funeral was attended by over 50 people, including monks, scientists, and locals from Nepal, India, China, and Bhutan.
  • Yala Glacier is the third glacier globally to be memorialized in this way, after OK Glacier (Iceland) and Ayoloco Glacier (Mexico).

Background and Significance

  • Yala Glacier has served as a training site for over 100 glaciologists and provided in-situ data for research.
  • It is one of 38 glaciers with detailed measurement records and one of only 7 glaciers in the entire HKH arc with decadal monitoring.
  • ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development) coordinated the ceremony, emphasizing the region-wide impacts of deglaciation.

Scientific and Environmental Concerns

  • Earth’s mountain glaciers have lost ~9 trillion tonnes of ice since 1975.
  • CO₂ levels recorded at 426 ppm in May 2025, correlating with rising global temperatures.
  • 2025 marks the third consecutive year of below-normal snow cover in the HKH region.
  • Snow persistence in the Ganga basin is 24.1% below normal, the lowest in 23 years, threatening water availability.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? Yala Glacier Declared ‘Dead’ in Nepal A Local Mourning on Loss
Glacier Name Yala Glacier
Location Langtang, Nepal
Declared Dead May 2025
Retreat Since 1970s 784 meters
Mass Loss 66%
Agencies Involved ICIMOD, Glaciologists, Local Communities
Environmental Message Global warming, water insecurity, climate crisis
Importance Training site, scientific data, climate monitoring
Notable Quotes Andri Snaer Magnason, Manjushree Thapa

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_11.1

India Explores Human Sustainability in Space under BioE3 Policy

India is poised to conduct its first-ever biological experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the AXIOM-4 mission, marking a crucial step in exploring the sustainability of human life in space. These experiments, in collaboration between ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), aim to study the behavior of microalgae and cyanobacteria in microgravity. The mission falls under the broader vision of the BioE3 Policy, which promotes the use of biotechnology for sustainable development.

Why in News?

On May 16, 2025, the Union Minister of State for Science & Technology announced that India will carry out space-based biological experiments for the first time. These experiments will be launched aboard the AXIOM-4 mission to the ISS, supporting India’s efforts to establish long-term human presence in space and develop sustainable biotechnological solutions.

Key Objectives

  • To assess the feasibility of human life support systems in space.
  • To explore sustainable food sources using microalgae and cyanobacteria.
  • To advance India’s capability in biomanufacturing and biotechnology in space environments.

About the Experiments

  • Conducted as part of the AXIOM-4 ISS mission.
  • Spearheaded by ISRO and DBT under the BioE3 Policy.

1. Microalgae Experiment

  • Investigates how microgravity and space radiation impact growth.
  • Focus on edible microalgae as a nutrient-rich food source.
  • Aims to provide safe and sustainable nutrition for long-duration space missions.

2. Cyanobacteria Experiment

  • Studies the growth and proteomic responses of cyanobacteria species such as Spirulina and Synechococcus.
  • Uses urea- and nitrate-based media to compare growth responses.
  • Explores Spirulina as a superfood due to its high protein and vitamin content.

About BioE3 Policy

  • Full Form: Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment.
  • Implemented by: Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology.
  • Purpose: To integrate cutting-edge biotech research with India’s economic, environmental, and employment goals.
  • Focus Areas: Biomanufacturing, bio-innovation, sustainability, and technology-led growth.

Significance of the Experiments

  • Strengthens India’s space biosciences capability.
  • Supports future human spaceflight programs, including Gaganyaan and beyond.
  • Promotes food security in extraterrestrial environments.
  • Aligns with India’s strategic goal of self-reliance in space research and biotech.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? India Explores Human Sustainability in Space under BioE3 Policy
Mission AXIOM-4 (ISS)
Agencies Involved ISRO & DBT
Objective Study sustainability of human life in space
Key Experiments Microalgae and Cyanobacteria (Spirulina)
BioE3 Policy Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, Employment
Importance Food sustainability, space research, biotech advancement
Implementation Body Department of Biotechnology
Superfood Studied Superfood Studied Spirulina
Launch Date (Expected) Part of future AXIOM-4 mission

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_13.1

India-Japan’s LUPEX Mission Enters Design Phase

India and Japan have taken a major step in their joint lunar exploration effort with the Chandrayaan-5 mission, also known as LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration). The mission, which aims to study the presence of water and water-ice on the Moon’s surface and subsurface, is set to enter the design phase after finalizing instrument selections and completing engineering model testing. The 6.5-tonne spacecraft is scheduled to launch on Japan’s H3 rocket in 2027-28.

Why in News?

The Chandrayaan-5 mission has officially entered its preliminary design phase, following key progress on instrumentation and testing. The announcement was made during the Global Space Exploration Conference held in New Delhi, where officials from JAXA and ISRO confirmed that both space agencies are actively working on the development of the lander and the rover for the LUPEX mission.

Mission Overview & Objectives

  • Name: Chandrayaan-5 (LUPEX – Lunar Polar Exploration Mission)
  • Collaborators: ISRO (India) and JAXA (Japan)
  • Goal: Explore water and water-ice at the Moon’s south pole (surface + subsurface)
  • Planned Launch: 2027-28 aboard Japan’s H3 rocket
  • Duration: 100 days (proposed)
  • Lander: Built by ISRO
  • Rover (350 kg): Developed by JAXA
  • Instruments: 7 onboard, including contributions from ESA and NASA

Scientific Instruments & Capabilities

  • One large instrument with four sensors (1 by ISRO, 3 by JAXA)
  • ESA: Developing a mass spectrometer
  • NASA: Designing neutron spectrometers

Instruments designed for,

  • In-situ experiments
  • Measuring energy, mass, and hydrogen presence
  • Drilling lunar regolith and analyzing water content

Technical Highlights

  • Rover can travel distances and climb slopes up to 25° inclination
  • Charging system planned for pre- and post-sample collection
  • Possibility to extend the mission life by one additional year
  • Future exploration to include Moon’s far side if conditions permit

Background & Timeline

  • March 2025: Mission approved by Indian Cabinet
  • 2023: India’s Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on Moon’s south pole
  • Upcoming: Chandrayaan-4 to be a sample return mission
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? India-Japan’s LUPEX Mission Enters Design Phase
Mission Name Chandrayaan-5 / LUPEX
Mission Objective Explore water/water-ice on Moon’s south pole
Launch Date 2027–28 (Planned)
Launch Vehicle Japanese H3 Rocket
Duration 100 days (extendable)
Rover Specs 350 kg, 7 instruments, slope-climbing capability
Contributions ESA (mass spectrometer), NASA (neutron spectrometer)

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_15.1

List of Popes in the 21st Century, Know About Them

The Pope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church and a spiritual leader for millions of people around the world. In the 21st century, the Church has had three Popes, each with their own unique role and message. These popes have guided the Church through modern times, teaching about peace, love and faith. Let’s learn more about them in this article.

Who is Pope?

The pope is a spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. Catholic believe he is the successor of Saint Peter, who was one of Jesus’ closest followers and the first bishop of Rome. The pope guides people in faith, morals and church leadership. He also meets world leaders and other bishops to help lead the Church.

List of Popes in the 21st Century

The list below shows the popes who led the Catholic Church in the 21st century, with important detail about their time and contributions.

Pontiff Number Pontification Dates Name Personal Name Age at Start/ End Motto
265 19 April 2005 – 28 February 2013 Benedict XVI/ BENEDICTVS Sextus Decimus Joseph Alois Ratzinger 78/ 85 Cooperators of the truth
266 13 March 2013 – 21 April 2025 Francis/ FRANCISCVS Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J. 76/88 By having mercy and by choosing
267 08 May 2025 – Present Leo XIV/LEO Quartus Decimus Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A. 69/ – In the one, (we are) one

Pope Benedict XVI

Pope Benedict XVI became pope in April 2005. He was the first German pope in many centuries. He liked Latin and brought back some older church traditions. He also allowed special groups like former Anglicans to join the Church. In 2013, he did something very rare – he resigned from the papacy. After that, he was called Pope Emeritus.

Pope Francis

Pope Francis became pope in March 2013. He was the first pope from South America and the first Jesuit pope. He chose the name Francis to show he cared about the poor and the environment. He wrote a famous letter about protecting nature called Laudato si’. He also worked to bring peace between the USA and Cuba. He was the first pope to hold a Mass on the Arabian Peninsula.

Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV became pope in May 2025. He is the first pope from the United States and from North America. He also belongs to the Augustinian religious group. His motto shows a message of unity – being one together in faith.

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_17.1

Pushkar Kumbh Returns to Keshav Prayag After 12 Years

After a 12-year wait, the Pushkar Kumbh has commenced at Keshav Prayag in Mana village, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. Rooted in ancient Vaishnavite traditions, the event coincides with the entry of planet Jupiter into the Gemini sign, a rare celestial occurrence. Thousands of devotees, particularly from South India, have gathered at the sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers for spiritual rituals and blessings.

Why in News?

The Pushkar Kumbh began on May 16, 2025, in Keshav Prayag, marking its return after 12 years. The district administration has taken special steps to manage the influx of devotees and improve pilgrimage infrastructure.

About Pushkar Kumbh

  • A religious congregation held when Jupiter (Guru) enters the Gemini (Mithun) zodiac sign, every 12 years.
  • Celebrated at Keshav Prayag, the confluence of Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers in Mana village, Chamoli.
  • It is primarily attended by followers of the Vaishnavite tradition, especially from South India.

Significance

  • Considered an auspicious event for bathing and offering prayers at a holy river confluence.
  • Believed to bring spiritual merit (Punya) to participants.
  • Strengthens cultural and spiritual bonds between North and South Indian traditions.

Administrative Measures

  • District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari has overseen:
  • Improvement of the pedestrian route to the site.
  • Installation of multi-language signboards for better accessibility.
  • Regular monitoring by tehsil administration for crowd and event management.

Location & Static Facts

  • Keshav Prayag is located in Mana village, which is considered the last Indian village near the Indo-China border.
  • The Alaknanda River is one of the major tributaries of the Ganga, while the Saraswati River, though mostly invisible, is revered in Hindu mythology.

Impact

  • Increase in pilgrim traffic to Badrinath Dham and Mana village.
  • Boost to religious tourism and local economy.
  • Revitalization of traditional practices and heritage sites.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? Pushkar Kumbh Returns to Keshav Prayag After 12 Years
Event Pushkar Kumbh 2025
Location Keshav Prayag, Mana village, Chamoli, Uttarakhand
Celestial Trigger Jupiter enters Gemini (every 12 years)
Religious Affiliation Vaishnavite tradition
River Confluence Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers
Administrative Actions Pedestrian path upgraded, multilingual signage, monitoring arrangements
Cultural Significance Pilgrimage from South India, promotion of spiritual unity

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_19.1

“Samudrayaan: India’s First Manned Deep Ocean Mission to Launch by 2026”

India is poised to make a significant leap in marine exploration with the launch of its first manned deep ocean mission, ‘Samudrayaan’, scheduled for 2026. Utilizing the indigenously developed submersible vehicle, MATSYA 6000, this mission aims to explore oceanic depths up to 6,000 meters, unlocking valuable insights into marine biodiversity and resource potential.

Why in News?

The announcement of the Samudrayaan mission highlights India’s growing capabilities in deep-sea exploration technology and marine research. With the mission launch slated within the next two years, it emphasizes India’s commitment to advancing its Blue Economy and joining the exclusive group of nations capable of manned deep ocean expeditions. This aligns with sustainable development goals and strategic interests in ocean resource management.

Aim and Objectives of Samudrayaan Mission

  • To develop and deploy an indigenously designed manned submersible capable of deep ocean exploration at 6,000 meters.
  • To collect deep-sea samples for scientific research, focusing on marine biodiversity, ocean geology, and chemistry.
  • To explore living and non-living marine resources including minerals and polymetallic nodules.
  • To demonstrate India’s advanced engineering capabilities in designing high-pressure underwater vehicles.
  • To potentially pave the way for deep-sea tourism in the future.
  • To strengthen India’s strategic position in global ocean research and diplomacy.

Background

  • Samudrayaan is part of the larger Deep Ocean Mission (DOM), launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
  • DOM has a budget of ₹4,077 crore over five years and is aligned with SDG-14 (Life Below Water).
  • The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, is spearheading the mission and technological development.

Key Features of MATSYA 6000

  • It is a fourth-generation manned submersible vehicle, indigenously developed.
  • Can carry three crew members to depths of 6,000 meters.
  • Has an operational endurance of 12 hours and emergency endurance of up to 96 hours.
  • Deployment and recovery of the submersible will be handled by India’s research vessel, Sagar Nidhi.

Significance and Impact

  • Scientific Research: Deep-sea sample collection will enhance understanding of unexplored marine ecosystems and geological phenomena.
  • Resource Exploration: Exploration of polymetallic nodules and minerals can boost India’s resource base.
  • Technological Advancement: The mission showcases India’s capabilities in high-pressure ocean engineering.
  • Strategic Importance: Enhances India’s position in ocean diplomacy and global maritime research.
  • International Standing: Joins India with countries like the US, Russia, France, Japan, and China with manned deep-sea exploration abilities.

About the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)

  • DOM encompasses six components including manned submersible development, biodiversity exploration, mining, climate advisory services, marine biology research, and advanced ocean observation.
  • It supports India’s Blue Economy by promoting sustainable exploration and utilization of ocean resources.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? “Samudrayaan: India’s First Manned Deep Ocean Mission to Launch by 2026”
Mission Name Samudrayaan
Launch Year 2026
Developed By National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)
Submersible Vehicle MATSYA 6000
Depth Capability 6,000 meters
Crew Capacity 3 persons
Operational Endurance 12 hours
Emergency Endurance 96 hours
Deployment Vessel Sagar Nidhi
Budget (Deep Ocean Mission) ₹4,077 crore (5 years)
Strategic Importance Enhances India’s global ocean research status
Alignment Supports SDG-14 (Life Below Water)

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_21.1

States and Capitals - How Many States in India?_22.1

Monthly Current Affairs