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.

Which is the Most Colourful Lake in the World?

Most lakes in the world are blue or green, which looks calm and peaceful. But there is one lake that stands out because of its bright and unusual colours. It looks like a painting with shades of red, pink and orange. This colorful lake is not only beautiful but also very unique. It attracts many visitors and scientists who are amazed by its strange and lovely appearance.

Most Colourful Lake in the World

Lake Alakol, a saltwater lake in eastern Kazakhstan, is known as one of the most colourful lakes in the world. Its water changes more colour throughout the year because of special minerals and changing water levels. These natural changes create beautiful shades, making the lake look different and colourful in every season.

Where is Alakol Lake?

Alakol Lake is located in eastern-central Kazakhstan, in the Abai and Jetisu regions. It lies in the Balkhash-Alakol Basin and its height is 347meters above sea level. The lake is part of the Dzhungarian Gate, a valley that connects Kazakhstan and China.

Why is it So Colourful?

The word ”Alakol” comes from a Turkic word meaning ”motley lake,” which refers to its colourful appearance. The lake’s water can show shades of blue, green, grey and even pink depending on the light and weather. This makes the lake lake very colourful and unique.

Special Features of the Lake

Alakol Lake is a salt lake, and it is very large. Its surface area is 2,650 square kilometers, and it can be up to 54 meters deep. Many rivers and streams from nearby mountains flow into the lake. The water is rich in minerals and salt, which gives it healing properties.

A Lake with History

In ancient times, Alakol Lake was known by different names. In the 1st century BCE, it marked the eastern side of the Kangju state. During Timur’s rule, it was called ”It-Ichmes,” meaning ”a dog will not drink,” because of the salty water. Old travellers, like William of Rubruck, though it was a sea.

Healing Properties

People believe that Alakol Lake has medicinal properties. The salty water and the dry, fresh air are said to help with skin and breathing problems. Even cosmonauts cam here after space missions for rest and recovery. The lake’s clean environment and special air make it a good place for health.

A Top Tourist Place

Because of its beauty and healing water. Alakol Lake is now a popular place for visitors. In 2021, it was chosen as one of the top-10 tourist spots in Kazakhstan. The lake’s colourful water, peaceful views and natural charm attract tourists from all over the world.

Heinrich Klaasen Announces Retirement from International Cricket

South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a notable seven-year tenure with the national side. The 33-year-old made the announcement on June 2, 2025, following South Africa’s Champions Trophy semifinal exit earlier this year. Known for his explosive batting and finishing abilities, Klaasen leaves behind a legacy of consistency and commitment in white-ball formats, having already retired from red-ball cricket in 2024. His decision reflects both personal priorities and professional fulfillment, as he steps away to spend more time with his family.

Why in News?

Heinrich Klaasen announced his retirement from international cricket on June 2, 2025, making headlines for ending a career marked by dynamic batting performances, especially in ODIs and T20Is. His decision follows South Africa’s defeat in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semifinal and comes less than a year after retiring from Test cricket.

Background and Career Highlights

Debut: 2018 in ODIs and T20Is
Career span: 7 years in international cricket
Red-ball (Test) retirement: 2024
Last ODI: vs New Zealand in March 2025 (Champions Trophy Semifinal)
Last T20I: vs Pakistan in December 2024

ODI Career Stats

Matches: 60
Runs: 2141
Batting Average: 43.69
Strike Rate: 117.05
100s/50s: 4/11
Highest Score: 174 vs Australia (2023)

T20I Career Stats

Matches: 58
Runs: 1000
Batting Average: 23.25
Strike Rate: 141.84
50s: 5
Highest Score: 81 vs India (2022)

Key Points from His Statement

Called retirement a “sad but peaceful decision”
Expressed gratitude to teammates, coaches, and fans
Cited desire to spend more time with family
Proud of donning the Proteas jersey

Reactions

Enoch Nkwe (Director, CSA): Praised Klaasen as a match-winner and acknowledged his impact in white-ball cricket
Cricket South Africa fully supports and respects his decision

Glenn Maxwell Bids Farewell to ODI Cricket After 13-Year Career

Australian cricketing icon Glenn Maxwell has announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket, marking the end of a remarkable 13-year journey in the 50-over format. Maxwell, 36, revealed his decision following Australia’s semi-final exit in the 2025 Champions Trophy, citing declining physical resilience and a desire to make way for the next generation of talent. A two-time World Cup winner and holder of the highest ODI strike rate (126.70) among players with over 2000 runs, Maxwell leaves behind an enduring legacy in white-ball cricket, celebrated for his explosive style and match-defining innings.

Why in News?

Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell has officially announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) on June 2, 2025, following Australia’s semi-final exit in the 2025 Champions Trophy. A key figure in Australia’s white-ball success, Maxwell steps down after a legendary career in the format, holding the highest strike rate (126.70) among all ODI players with at least 2000 runs.

Background and Career Highlights

Maxwell made his ODI debut in 2012.
Member of Australia’s World Cup-winning squads in 2015 and 2023.
Famous for his 201 against Afghanistan* during the 2023 World Cup.
Scored over 3,900 ODI runs with a career strike rate of 126.70 — the highest ever for a player with 2000+ ODI runs.

Reasons for Retirement

Decision formed during Champions Trophy 2025, particularly after a tough match in Lahore.
Cited physical fatigue, especially when conditions weren’t ideal.
Wanted to give younger players time to prepare for the 2027 World Cup.
Expressed guilt over feeling he let the team down due to injuries and lack of fitness.
“If I don’t have the perfect conditions in 50-over cricket, my body just struggles,” Maxwell explained.

Contrasting IPL Experience:

Had a difficult IPL 2025 season with Punjab Kings.
Suffered injuries that led to missing several matches.

Transition and Future

Will continue to play T20 Internationals for Australia.
Joins Steve Smith and Marcus Stoinis who also retired from ODIs recently.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Glenn Maxwell Bids Farewell to ODI Cricket After 13-Year Career
Format Retired	From One Day Internationals (ODIs)
Career Duration in ODIs	2012–2025 (13 years)
ODI World Cup Wins	2015, 2023
Strike Rate (Min. 2000 runs)	126.70 (Highest Ever)
Champions Trophy 2025 Outcome	Australia eliminated in semi-finals by India
IPL 2025 Status	Underperformed for Punjab Kings, injured mid-season
Will Continue Playing?	Yes, in T20 Internationals

Top-10 Strange Fruits in the World, Know About Them

Fruits come in many shapes, sizes and colors. While we all know common fruits like apples, bananas and mangoes, there are some fruits around the world that look very strange and unusual. These fruits may have funny shapes, bright colors or even a strong smell. In this article, we will explore 10 strange fruits from different countries that you might have never seen before.

Top-10 Strange Fruits in the World

There are many strange fruits in the world that look different and taste unique. Some have funny shapes, bright colors or strong smells. Here are the top-10 strange fruits found in different countries:

Durian
Rambutan
Buddha’s Hand
Salak
Ackee
Horned Melon
Miracle Fruit
Jabuticaba
Noni
Safou

Durian

Durian is called the ”King of Fruits” because of its big size and strong smell. Some people love its creamy taste, while others dislike its odor. It is banned in many public places, but in Thailand and Malaysia, it’s eaten as a tasty and rich fruit.

Rambutan

Rambutan looks like a hairy lychee with soft spines outside. Inside, it has white juicy flesh with a sweet and slightly sour taste. It is eaten fresh and is also used in desserts. It’s a favorite fruit in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.

Buddha’s Hand

Buddha’s Hand look like many yellow fingers joined together. It has no juice or pulp, but it smells very nice. It is used in prayers, to make perfumes and in sweet dishes. It is common in China and India.

Salak

Salak is called ”snake fruit” because of its scaly skin that looks like snake cakes. It grows in Indonesia and is eaten fresh or pickled. Its flesh is crunchy, sweet and a little sour. It may look strange but tastes very good.

Ackee

Ackee is Jamaica’s national fruit. It is poisonous when unique, but when it opens on its own, it becomes safe to eat. Its soft yellow flesh is cooked and used in Jamaica’s famous dish called ackee and saltfish.

Horned Melon

Horned Melon, also called Kiwano, has orange skin with small spikes. The inside is green and jelly-like. It tastes like a mix of cucumber, banana and lime. Its grows in Africa and is now also grown in New Zealand and the U.S.

Miracle Fruit

Miracle fruit is a small red berry that can change how food tastes. After eating it, sour things like lemons taste sweet. The fruit itself has little taste, but it’s fun and interesting. It comes from West Africa and is used for fun taste tests.

Jabuticaba

Jabuticaba is a round purple fruit that grows directly on the tree’s trunk. It looks very strange but tastes like sweet grapes. It is eaten fresh or used to make juice, jelly and wine. It is mostly found in Brazil.

Noni

Noni is also called the ”vomit fruit” because of its bad smell. It looks like a lumpy potato and tastes bitter. Still, people drink its juice for health benefits. It is used in traditional medicine in many Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia.

Safou

Safou is also known as the African pear. It is dark blue or purple outside with pale green, oily flesh inside. It grows in tropical forests of Africa. People eat it cooked or raw, and it is rich in nutrients and energy.

Global Day of Parents 2025: Honoring the Pillars of Human Development

Every year on June 1, the world observes Global Day of Parents, a United Nations-designated day that honors the invaluable role of parents in shaping societies. Introduced in 2012, this day serves to recognize the lifelong commitment, sacrifices, and love of parents, while encouraging support for parental roles in family and child development. As the world recovers from a decade of social disruption caused by pandemics and conflict, 2025’s observance is especially significant in reaffirming the family unit as a cornerstone of sustainable development.

Why in News?

The Global Day of Parents 2025 was observed on June 1, with global campaigns by UNICEF, UNESCO, and other agencies focusing on positive parenting practices, mental health awareness for caregivers, and the impact of parental involvement on achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Aims and Objectives of Global Day of Parents

To acknowledge and appreciate the selfless commitment of parents.
To promote awareness of parental roles in early childhood development.
To encourage positive and responsible parenting practices globally.
To highlight the link between parental well-being and sustainable development.

Background

In 1989, the UN General Assembly declared 1994 as the International Year of the Family.
In 1993, May 15 was established as the International Day of Families.
On September 17, 2012, the UN officially proclaimed June 1 as Global Day of Parents.
The day was set to recognize the critical role of parents in nurturing and protecting children.

Significance in 2025

A major campaign titled “Nurturing Futures” launched this year by UNICEF and WHO, aiming to,

Train parents in early stimulation practices.
Address postpartum depression and parental mental health.
Promote parental leave and child-care support globally.

Data from 2024 revealed,

Over 40% of children worldwide lack adequate parental involvement.
Children from stable homes show 60% better academic and emotional outcomes.

Related Observances

Mother’s Day: Celebrated in May.
Father’s Day: Third Sunday of June.
World Parents’ Day (USA): Fourth Sunday of July.

New Book Revisits Indira Gandhi Era Ahead of Emergency’s 50th Anniversary

As the 50th anniversary of the Emergency approaches, a new book by TCA Srinivasa Raghavan titled Indira Gandhi and the Years that Transformed India offers a measured and scholarly reflection on a turbulent and pivotal period in India’s political history. Published on May 23, 2025, the book examines the complex power dynamics between the executive, legislature, and judiciary during Indira Gandhi’s tenure, especially the Emergency from 1975 to 1977.

Why in News?

The book has garnered attention for its objective and academic tone in revisiting the era surrounding the Emergency, coinciding with the upcoming 50th anniversary of its imposition on June 26, 1975. With debates around constitutional balance and civil liberties gaining renewed relevance in contemporary discourse, Raghavan’s detailed research provides a timely re-examination of the foundational tensions in Indian democracy.

Aim and Focus of the Book

To provide an objective historian’s account of the Indira Gandhi years.
To explain the constitutional struggle among India’s three pillars: executive, legislature, and judiciary.
To move beyond sensationalism and offer meticulous archival research.

Key Themes and Objectives

Supremacy Struggle: The 1970s are portrayed as a decade of institutional conflict culminating in the Emergency.
Political Transformation: Indira Gandhi’s evolution from a perceived weak leader to a dominating political figure.
Administrative Shifts: Focuses less on her personal style but notes the changes in governance, especially due to Sanjay Gandhi’s influence.

Background and Static Facts

Emergency Period: Imposed on June 26, 1975, lifted in March 1977.
Triggered by the Allahabad High Court’s verdict on June 12, 1975, nullifying Gandhi’s 1971 election.
Indira Gandhi’s policies post-Emergency included embracing Leftist economic principles in the 1970s and secularism in the 1980s.
Key actors: PN Haksar, Sanjay Gandhi, Nani Palkhiwala, A.N. Ray, and others.
Raghavan critiques the use of coercion, especially during Emergency, and the resulting hypersensitivity to citizens’ rights in India.

Noteworthy Aspects

Avoids sensational details like forced sterilizations.
Omits in-depth analysis of Indira’s personal leadership style and Sanjay Gandhi’s political role.
Focuses on long-term constitutional impacts and the evolution of political strategy.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	New Book Revisits Indira Gandhi Era Ahead of Emergency’s 50th Anniversary
Author	TCA Srinivasa Raghavan
Publisher	Penguin Random House
Focus Period	1969 to 1977, including Emergency (1975–77)
Main Theme	Institutional conflict and power dynamics in Indira Gandhi’s rule

S. Padmanabhan Appointed Chairman of Tata Chemicals

In a strategic leadership development within the Tata Group, S. Padmanabhan, a seasoned executive and PGP’82 alumnus of IIM Bangalore, has been appointed as the Chairman of Tata Chemicals, effective 30 May 2025. With over four decades of distinguished service across Tata companies, Padmanabhan’s elevation reinforces the group’s commitment to nurturing internal leadership talent rooted in operational excellence and corporate vision.

Why in News?

The announcement of S. Padmanabhan taking over as Chairman of Tata Chemicals has drawn attention for several reasons: He is a Distinguished Alumnus of IIM Bangalore, awarded in 2008. He has been an integral part of the Tata Group, contributing to multiple sectors like power, software, and chemicals. His leadership experience at Tata Power, TCS, and Tata Chemicals brings strategic value to his new role. His appointment comes at a time when Tata Chemicals is expanding its global footprint in sustainable and specialty chemicals.

Career Highlights

Post-Graduate Programme (PGP) in Management from IIM Bangalore, class of 1982, with a specialization in Marketing.
Recipient of IIMB Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2008.

Roles Within Tata Group

Joined the Tata Group post-IIMB and served in Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in various leadership capacities.

Appointed as Executive Director – Operations at Tata Power Co. Ltd. in February 2008,

Oversaw Generation, Transmission, Distribution, and Maharashtra Projects.
Handled operations in the Mumbai Licence Area.
Served as Director of Operations at Tata Power Trading Co. Ltd..
Recently held the position of Director at Tata Chemicals before elevation to Chairman.

About Tata Chemicals

A flagship company of the Tata Group in the chemical and specialty product sector.
Known for its sustainability-focused operations, innovation in specialty chemistry, and a diverse global presence.
Focus areas include basic chemicals, crop protection, and nutrition solutions.

Significance of the Appointment

Strengthens Tata Chemicals’ leadership at a time of market expansion and sustainability pivot.
Highlights the value of institutional experience and leadership continuity in India Inc.
Reinforces the IIMB alumni impact on corporate leadership in India.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	S. Padmanabhan Appointed Chairman of Tata Chemicals
Designation	Chairman, Tata Chemicals
Effective From	30 May 2025
Education	PGP (Marketing), IIM Bangalore (1982)
Award	IIMB Distinguished Alumnus Award (2008)

Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann Appointed Senior Air Staff Officer of Western Air Command

In a significant development for the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann has officially taken over as the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of the Western Air Command (WAC). With over three decades of distinguished service, the Air Marshal brings extensive operational, administrative, and strategic experience to one of the IAF’s most crucial operational commands.

Why in News?

The appointment of Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann as SASO of Western Air Command on 1st June 2025 is important due to: His decorated service history, including awards like the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vayu Sena Medal (VM). His leadership in key roles involving international military exercises and base command. The Western Air Command’s strategic relevance, covering India’s sensitive western frontiers.

Profile and Career Highlights

Commissioned as a fighter pilot on 16 December 1989.
Accumulated over 3000 flying hours on multiple fighter aircraft types.
A qualified Pilot Attack Instructor.

Alumnus of,

National Defence Academy (NDA)
Defence Services Staff College (DSSC)
Royal College of Defence Studies, London

Operational and Command Roles

Commanded a fighter squadron.
Served as Chief Operations Officer at a forward base.
Held post of Air Officer Commanding at a key fighter base.

Strategic Contributions

Directed joint military exercises with,

Republic of Singapore Air Force (2017)
United States Air Force (USAF) (2018)

Held roles as,

Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration
Air Defence Commander, Central Air Command

Latest Role and Achievements

Served previously as Director General (Weapon Systems) at Air Headquarters.

Decorated with,

Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)
Vayu Sena Medal (VM)

Maiden Visit of EUNAVFOR Ships to India Marks Strengthening of Maritime Ties

In a significant boost to international maritime cooperation, ships from the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) — ESPS Reina Sofia (Spanish Navy) and ITS Antonio Marceglia (Italian Navy) — made their maiden port call to Mumbai from May 26 to June 1, 2025. This landmark visit underscores the deepening India-EU maritime partnership and follows recent high-level discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union.

Why in News?

This visit marks the first time that EUNAVFOR ships have visited India under the European Union framework, aiming to enhance joint maritime security operations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The engagement featured harbour activities, tactical exercises, and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), culminating in a joint exercise at sea to counter non-traditional maritime threats.

Aim and Objectives

Enhance interoperability between EUNAVFOR and Indian Navy.
Foster rules-based maritime order and promote regional peace.
Counter non-traditional maritime threats like piracy, smuggling, and IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing.

Key Features of the Visit

Ships Involved

ESPS Reina Sofia (Commanded by Cdr Salvador Moreno Regil)
ITS Antonio Marceglia (Commanded by Cdr Alberto Bartolomeo)
Dates: 26 May to 01 June 2025
Event Type: Operational Turn Around in Mumbai

Engagements During Visit

Led by Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, Force Commander, Operation Atalanta (EUNAVFOR)
Hosted by Rear Admiral Vidyadhar Harke, Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Indian Navy
Discussions on furthering maritime cooperation

Conduct of,

Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs)
Table Top Exercise (TTX) focused on anti-piracy and anti-smuggling operations

Planned Joint Sea Exercise

Involves

EUNAVFOR ships: ESPS Reina Sofia & ITS Antonio Marceglia
Indian Navy’s ships and aircraft

Objectives

Conduct complex tactical drills
Enhance seamless operational coordination

Strategic Importance

Demonstrates India-EU alignment on maritime security
Reinforces decisions from the 4th India-EU Maritime Security Dialogue (March 2025)
Upholds principles of freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and free trade

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Maiden Visit of EUNAVFOR Ships to India Marks Strengthening of Maritime Ties
Ships Involved	ESPS Reina Sofia (Spain), ITS Antonio Marceglia (Italy)
Activities	SMEEs, Table Top Exercise, Joint Sea Exercise
Indian Navy Host	Rear Admiral Vidyadhar Harke
EUNAVFOR Leader	Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo
Purpose	Strengthen maritime security & interoperability
Strategic Context	Based on India-EU Maritime Security Dialogue outcomes

Top-5 Horticulture States in India 2025

Horticulture is an important part of farming in India. It includes growing fruits, vegetables, flowers and spices. Many Indian states are working hard to grow more and use better methods. In 2025, some states are leading in field by using new technology, good planning and government support. This article talk about the top-5 horticulture states in India.

Top-5 Horticulture States in India 2025

Horticulture is an important part of farming in India. It includes growing fruits, vegetables and flowers. Some states are doing very well in this area. Here are the top-5 horticulture states in India:

Gujarat
Maharashtra
Uttar Pradesh
Jammu and Kashmir
Tamil Nadu

Gujarat

Gujarat is widely known for its large cotton production. Even during the pandemic, the state produced around 125 lakh cotton bales, showing its strong farming base. Cotton is a crop that needs the right temperature, good rainfall, proper soil and enough water. Gujarat’s farmers manage all these well. This makes the state one of the top horticulture performers in the country.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra is the largest grape-producing state in India, with Nashik known as the ”Wine Capital of India.” It also leads in pomegranate production, covering 82% of the total area for this fruit in the state. Farmers use special tools like Orchard Sprayers and Airblast Sprayers to take care of the crops. One such tool is the Airotec Turbo, which helps protect grape plants from pests and diseases.

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is one of the top producers of mangoes in India. Mangoes grow mostly during the rainy season, between June and August. During this time, farmers take extra care of the crops. To protect mango trees, farmers use Tractor Mounted Sprayers like the Bullet Sprayer from Mitra Agro Equipment. This keeps the fruits healthy and safe from insects and plant diseases.

Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir have the largest share of apple production in India, holding 77% of the market. The state grows about 1800 tonnes of apples every year. The climate and soil in this region are perfect for apple farming. To protect the apple crops, farmers use Orchard Sprayers such as the Airotec Sprayer, which helps in spraying the trees evenly and safely.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a leading state in coconut production, with around 7 billion coconuts grown over 4.65 lakh hectares of land. Districts like Coimbatore and Krishnagiri are perfect for growing coconuts due to their rich soil. Farmers use modern like the Airotec Cyclone sprayer to keep coconut trees healthy and free from pests.