India's Busiest City 2025, Check the List of Top-10

India’s Busiest City 2025, Check the List of Top-10

India is home to some of the busiest cities in the world, where work, culture and daily activities create a vibrant atmosphere. These cities are not only major economic centers but also hubs for education, technology and industries. In 2025, the fast-paced lives of people in these cities reflect the growing opportunities and challenges that come with urbanization. Here is a look at the top-10 busiest cities in India.

India’s Busiest City 2025

In 2025, Kolkata has become busiest cities in India. Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, Kolkata is facing growing challenges due to its increasing population and heavy traffic. The city’s roads are constantly crowded, making daily travel difficult for its residents.

Average Travel Time in Kolkata

As of now, traveling just 10 kilometers in Kolkata takes an average of 34 minutes and 33 seconds. This shows how slow the traffic has become. The city’s streets are always full of vehicles, and the average speed is so low that it affects the daily lives of many people.

Top-10 Busiest Cities in India as of 2025

Kolkata, with an average travel time of 34 min 33 seconds per 10 kilometers, stands as the busiest city of India as of 2025, followed by Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad.

Here is the list of top-10 busiest cities in India as of 2025:

Rank	City	Average Time Travel (10 km)	Average Speed
1.	Kolkata	34 min 33 sec	17.4 km/h
2.	Bengaluru	34 min 10 sec	17.6 km/h
3.	Pune	33 min 22 sec	18 km/h
4.	Hyderabad	32 min	18.8 km/h
5.	Chennai	30 min	20 km/h
6.	Mumbai	29 min	21 km/h
7.	Ahmedabad	28 min	21.5 km/h
8.	Surat	27 min	22 km/h
9.	Jaipur	25 min	24 km/h
10.	New Delhi	23 min	26 km/h

Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup Kicks Off with Spectacular Opening Ceremony

The inaugural edition of the Kho Kho World Cup kicked off with great enthusiasm on January 13, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. This marked a significant moment in the history of indigenous sports, bringing together 23 nations for a celebration of Kho Kho, a traditional game originating from India. The opening ceremony was a vibrant spectacle featuring cultural performances and the unveiling of the World Cup trophy. The event has attracted dignitaries and players from around the world, highlighting the sport’s growing international presence.

Key Highlights

Opening Ceremony

The ceremony began with a sand art projection paying homage to Mother Earth, followed by a ceremonial parade and cultural performances.

Trophy Unveiling

The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) unveiled the World Cup trophy for both men’s and women’s tournaments, which was met with loud cheers.

Torch Lighting

The Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, lit the torch to officially open the tournament.

First Match

The opening match was between India and Nepal.

Remarks

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar praised the sport’s global appeal and emphasized Kho Kho’s potential to reach international levels.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted Kho Kho’s international presence, with over 50 countries now playing the sport.
KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal expressed his dream of bringing Kho Kho to the international stage.
IOA President PT Usha called Kho Kho a testament to India’s rich heritage and legacy.
Tournament Dates: The tournament will continue until January 19, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup Kicks Off with Spectacular Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony	Sand art projection, cultural performances, ceremonial parade.
Trophy Unveiling	Unveiling of World Cup trophy for both men’s and women’s events.
First Match	India vs. Nepal
Dignitaries Present	VP Jagdeep Dhankhar, Union Minister Raksha Khadse, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, IOA President PT Usha, KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal
Torch Lighting	Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union Minister Raksha Khadse
Tournament Duration	January 13 – January 19, 2025
Number of Participating Nations	23 nations
Venue	Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi
Future Aspirations	Potential inclusion of Kho Kho in Asian Games and Olympics

Which Capital City is Divided into Two Parts by a River?

Some cities are known for their unique landscapes, rich history and cultural divisions that make them stand out. One such city features a natural boundary that divides it into two distinct parts, each with its own charm and identity. This division not only shapes the city’s appearance but also plays a significant role in its development, history and cultural significance. Let’s explore how this city embraces its special geographic feature.

Capital City that is Divided by a River

Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is a beautiful city split by the River Danube into two parts: Buda and Pest. This natural division gives the city its unique charm and plays a major role in its history and culture.

Buda: On the western bank, Buda is known for its beautiful hills, ancient landmarks and quiet atmosphere. It is home to Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and popular thermal baths like Gellert Baths and Rudas Baths where people come to relax.
Pest: On the eastern bank, Pest is the more urban site, full of life and energy. The Hungarian Parliament Building stands here, along with bustling shopping streets like Vaci utca. The side is filled with cafes, bars and restaurants, making it a lively place for both locals and tourists.

River that Divides Budapest into Two Parts

The Danube River is Europe’s longest river, stretching over 2,850 kilometers through ten countries before reaching the Black Sea. In Budapest, the river serves as a divider between Buda and Pest, and it has been a key route for trade and transportation throughout history.

Stunning Bridges and Cultural Events

The River Danube is crossed by several bridges, with the Chain Bridge being the most famous. Built in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge and symbolizes the connection between Buda and Pest. Walking across this bridge offers amazing views of both sides of the city.

Budapest also hosts many cultural events along the Danube, like boat festivals and fireworks. The riverbanks are great for leisurely walks, visiting outdoor cafes, or taking a boat tour to see the city from a different perspective.

An Overview of Danube River

The Danube River is the second-longest river in Europe, stretching over 2,850 kilometers. It flows through Central and Southeastern Europe, passing through or bordering ten countries, including Austria, Hungary and Romania. Originating in Germany, the river connects many important cities, including four national capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade. The Danube has been a key trade route for centuries and remains an important waterways today, with parts of it being navigable. It also provides hydropower and drinking water for millions of people.

Govt Approves 56 Watershed Projects Worth ₹700 Crore

The Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned 56 new Watershed Development Projects under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) at a total cost of ₹700 crore. These projects aim to enhance agricultural productivity, address land degradation, and bolster climate resilience across ten high-performing states: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim.

Project Details

Scope and Coverage: Each project will cover approximately 5,000 hectares, with adjustments in hill states where areas may be smaller. Collectively, these initiatives will impact around 280,000 hectares.

Activities Undertaken: The projects will implement various activities, including ridge area treatment, drainage line treatment, soil and moisture conservation, rainwater harvesting, nursery raising, pasture development, and providing livelihoods for asset-less individuals.

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

Agricultural Productivity: By improving soil health and water availability, the projects aim to increase crop yields and farmers’ incomes.

Land Degradation: The initiatives focus on rehabilitating degraded lands, promoting sustainable land management practices.

Climate Resilience: Enhancing water conservation and soil fertility will strengthen farmers’ resilience to climate change impacts.

Historical Context

This initiative builds upon the success of the Watershed Development Component of PMKSY 1.0, which led to significant improvements in groundwater levels, surface water availability, and agricultural productivity. The ongoing PMKSY-WDC 2.0 continues these efforts, with the recent approval of these 56 projects marking a substantial investment in sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Summary of the news

Why in News	Key Points
Govt approves 56 new watershed development projects under PMKSY at ₹700 crore	56 new projects, ₹700 crore funding, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), covers 280,000 hectares, ten states including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, and others
Project Activities	Soil and water conservation, rainwater harvesting, ridge area treatment, drainage line treatment, pasture development
States Involved	Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim
Area Covered	280,000 hectares across 56 projects
Key Objective	Enhance agricultural productivity, address land degradation, promote climate resilience
Focus Areas	Integrated watershed management, improving water availability and soil health

India’s Retail Inflation Drops to 5.22% in December

India’s retail inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), decreased to 5.22% in December 2024 from 5.48% in November, marking a four-month low. This decline is primarily attributed to a slowdown in food price increases, particularly in vegetables, cereals, and pulses.

Key Highlights

Food Inflation: The Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) recorded a year-on-year increase of 8.39% in December, down from 9% in November. Notable declines were observed in vegetables (26.6% from 29%), pulses (3.8%), and cereals (6.51%). Conversely, prices of meat (5.3%), eggs (6.85%), edible oils (14.6%), and fruits (8.5%) saw an uptick.

Core Inflation: Excluding volatile food and fuel items, core inflation fell to 3.5% in December, indicating a moderation in domestic demand pressures.

Regional Variations: Rural areas experienced an inflation rate of 5.76%, while urban areas had a lower rate of 4.58%.

Implications for Monetary Policy

The easing of inflation has led to expectations that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may consider reducing interest rates in its upcoming monetary policy review in February. However, factors such as a depreciating rupee and global trade uncertainties pose risks to future inflation, which may influence the RBI’s decision.

Summary of the news

Why in News	Key Points
India’s retail inflation eased to 5.22% in December 2024, from 5.48% in November 2024	– Retail inflation dropped to a four-month low of 5.22%. – Driven by slower food price growth, particularly vegetables, cereals, and pulses. – Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) rose by 8.39%, down from 9% in November. – Core inflation (excluding food and fuel) decreased to 3.5%. – Rural inflation: 5.76%, Urban inflation: 4.58%.
Inflation Data	– CPI (Consumer Price Index): 5.22% in Dec 2024 – Food Inflation: 8.39% in Dec 2024 – Core Inflation: 3.5% in Dec 2024
Food Price Trends	– Vegetables: Inflation reduced from 29% to 26.6% – Pulses: Inflation decreased by 3.8% – Cereal prices: Inflation decreased by 6.51%
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Expectations	– Inflation easing could lead to possible interest rate cuts by the RBI.
Regional Inflation Comparison	– Rural Areas: 5.76% Inflation – Urban Areas: 4.58% Inflation
Relevant Statics	– RBI: India’s central bank – National Food Security Act (NFSA): Reference to food price trends impacting policy

India-U.S. Sonobuoy Production Line Set for 2027

India and the U.S. are set to collaborate on the co-production of sonobuoys, a crucial technology for undersea domain awareness, aimed at enhancing the Indian Navy’s ability to detect submarines. This initiative will involve the final assembly of U.S.-specification sonobuoys in India, with the operational production line expected to be ready by 2027. The collaboration involves Ultra Maritime, a leading U.S. defense company, and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), an Indian defense public sector undertaking. The sonobuoys will be used for tracking submarines, providing the Indian Navy with advanced undersea warfare capabilities.

Key Points

Co-Production Agreement

India and the U.S. have announced the co-production of U.S. sonobuoys to enhance the Indian Navy’s undersea domain awareness capabilities.

Final Assembly in India

Ultra Maritime, in partnership with BDL, will assemble U.S.-specification sonobuoys in India, with an operational production line expected by 2027.

Technology Transfer

The collaboration is part of the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies, and includes the development of new sonobuoy technologies tailored to the Indian Ocean environment.

Operational Compatibility

The sonobuoys will be compatible with U.S., Indian, and allied military platforms like P-8 aircraft and MH-60R helicopters.

Geopolitical Significance

The project strengthens defense ties between India and the U.S., particularly as China expands its naval presence in the Indian Ocean. The development also supports India’s role in the Quad and regional security.

Future Outlook

The partnership will open avenues for Indian suppliers to join the global supply chain for undersea warfare technologies.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	India-U.S. Sonobuoy Production Line Set for 2027
Collaborating Parties	Ultra Maritime (U.S.) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL, India)
Sonobuoy Production	Final assembly of U.S.-specification sonobuoys in India, operational production line by 2027
Technology Focus	Sonobuoy systems for tracking submarines, tailored to Indian Ocean environment
Interoperability	Compatible with U.S., Indian, and allied platforms (P-8, MH-60R, MQ-9B Sea Guardian)
Geopolitical Context	Supports India’s undersea warfare capabilities and strengthens ties with the U.S. and Quad members
Future Developments	Collaboration to explore new sonobuoy technologies and expand Indian suppliers’ global reach
Strategic Importance	Enhances India’s defense capabilities in the Indian Ocean amid rising threats from China

Anju Bobby George Named Chairperson of AFI’s Athletes Commission

Anju Bobby George, the legendary long-jumper and a 2003 World Championships bronze medalist, was named the Chairperson of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Athletes Commission. The new commission comprises a mix of prominent retired athletes, with Neeraj Chopra, the two-time Olympic medalist, being the most notable male member. The commission marks a significant step towards gender parity in the AFI setup, with six women out of nine members.

Key Points

Anju Bobby George’s Appointment

Anju Bobby George, a former world-class long jumper, was appointed as the Chairperson of the AFI Athletes Commission.
The commission is composed of nine athletes, with six women, including notable figures like runner Jyotirmoyee Sikdar, discus thrower Krishna Poonia, and steeplechaser Sudha Singh.
Anju George, who is also a Senior Vice-President in the AFI, is tasked with leading the commission towards greater representation and advocacy for athletes.

Prominent Athletes in the Commission

Neeraj Chopra, the star javelin thrower and two-time Olympic medalist, is one of the nominated members, though he initially hesitated due to his active athletic career.
The other male members of the commission are Avinash Sable, a 3000m steeplechaser, and Bahadur Singh Sagoo, the newly-elected AFI president and a shot put gold medalist from the 2002 Asian Games.

Election Process and Procedure

The Commission was unveiled after elections held in October 2024, with five members elected and four others, including Neeraj Chopra and Avinash Sable, added after consultations by the AFI Executive Council.
Outgoing AFI treasurer Madhu Kant Pathak confirmed that due processes were followed for the elections.

AFI Executive Council Changes

Adille Sumariwalla, the outgoing AFI president, remains a part of the AFI executive council as an ex-officio member. He will also chair a committee that liaises with the government and international bodies and serve on the AFI Ethics Commission.

Domestic Season Calendar

The Federation Cup, India’s first major national senior athletics championship of the season, will take place from April 21-24, 2025, in Kozhikode, Kerala.
The National Inter-State Senior Championships will be held from August 20-24, 2025, in Chennai.
The National Open Championships are scheduled from September 27-30, 2025, in Ranchi.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Anju Bobby George Named Chairperson of AFI’s Athletes Commission
Chairperson of AFI Athletes Commission	Anju Bobby George, former long-jumper and world bronze medalist, appointed as Chairperson of the commission.
Notable Members	Prominent members include Neeraj Chopra (Olympic medalist), Jyotirmoyee Sikdar, Krishna Poonia, Sudha Singh, Avinash Sable, and Bahadur Singh Sagoo.
Election Process	Elections held in October 2024 with due process followed. Five members elected, four nominated.
Outgoing AFI President	Adille Sumariwalla remains as an ex-officio member and will also head the committee liaising with government and international bodies.
Federation Cup (2025)	Scheduled to be held from April 21-24, 2025, in Kozhikode, Kerala.
National Inter-State Championship	Will take place in Chennai from August 20-24, 2025.
National Open Championships (2025)	To be held in Ranchi from September 27-30, 2025.
Focus on Gender Parity	The commission features six women athletes, a major milestone for gender representation in the AFI.

Venezuela’s Maduro Sworn in Amid Electoral Controversy

Nicolas Maduro, the President of Venezuela (46th President), was sworn in for a third six-year term following a contentious election. His opponent, Edmundo Gonzalez, claimed voter fraud and declared himself the rightful winner of the July elections. Despite international pressure and sanctions, particularly from the United States, Maduro’s inauguration took place amid widespread controversy and public protests.

Key points

Inauguration of Maduro’s Third Term

Nicolas Maduro took the oath for a third consecutive term on January 13, 2025.
The inauguration followed a disputed election in July 2024, with Maduro’s opponent, Edmundo Gonzalez, accusing the government of voter fraud.
Maduro pledged to lead a government focused on peace, prosperity, equality, and democracy, swearing to fulfill his mandate in compliance with Venezuela’s laws.

Opposition and Protest

Maduro’s inauguration was met with significant opposition, with political leaders like Maria Corina Machado organizing protests against his rule.
Machado was briefly detained by authorities during the protest but later expressed her commitment to continue her efforts against Maduro’s government.

Maduro’s Political Background

Maduro, a former bus driver, became president in 2013 after the death of Hugo Chavez, Venezuela’s iconic left-wing leader.
His presidency has been marked by accusations of authoritarianism, economic struggles, and ongoing political crises in the country.

International Reaction

The United States, along with other Western countries, has rejected Maduro’s legitimacy, recognizing Gonzalez as the winner of the election.
International sanctions and pressure continue to mount against Maduro’s government, affecting Venezuela’s political and economic situation.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Venezuela’s Maduro Sworn in Amid Electoral Controversy
Disputed Election	Maduro’s victory in July 2024 was contested by opponent Edmundo Gonzalez, who claimed voter fraud and declared victory.
Maduro’s Pledge	Maduro promised peace, prosperity, equality, and adherence to Venezuela’s laws in his new presidential term.
Opposition Protests	Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado led a protest, during which she was briefly detained but later vowed to continue her efforts.
Political Background	Maduro rose to power after Hugo Chavez’s death in 2013; his rule has been marked by economic crises and accusations of authoritarianism.
International Response	The United States and other countries do not recognize Maduro’s legitimacy, imposing sanctions in response to his government’s actions.
Challenges Facing Venezuela	Maduro faces significant political and economic challenges, including international isolation, ongoing domestic protests, and the country’s economic decline.

Top-10 Least Corrupt Countries in the World 2025, Check India’s Position

Corruption harms development and trust, but some countries have succeeded in keeping it low. These nations are known for transparent governments, strong institutions and fair systems. In 2025, the least corrupt countries stand out for their commitment to honesty and accountability. Below, we explore the top-10 least corrupt countries in the world, showcasing their efforts to maintain fairness and integrity in public and private sectors.

Least Corrupt Country in the World as of 2025

With a score of 90, Denmark remains the least corrupt country globally in 2025. Its success is due to transparent governance, strict anti-corruption laws and public trust in institutions. Denmark’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and integrity ensures a clean and ethical system, setting a global example for reducing corruption.

Top-10 Least Corrupt Countries in the World as of 2025

Denmark, with the score of 90, stands as the least corrupt country in the world as of 2025, followed by Finland, New Zealand and Norway.

Here is the list of top-10 least corrupt countries in the world as of 2025:

Rank	Country	Score
1.	Denmark	90
2.	Finland	87
3.	New Zealand	85
4.	Norway	84
5.	Singapore	83
6.	Sweden	82
7.	Switzerland	82
8.	Netherlands	79
9.	Germany	78
10.	Luxembourg	78

India’s Position in Corruption Perception Index

India ranked 93rd out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perception Index by Transparency International, scoring 39, a drop from 40 in previous year. Despite anti-corruption efforts, challenges like political patronage, bureaucratic inefficiencies and accountability issues persist. India’s score is below the global average of 43, reflecting significant governance struggles.

6.9 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Japan, Tsunami Advisory Issued

On January 13, 2025, at 9:19 PM local time, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck southwestern Japan, with its epicenter located in the Hyuga-Nada Sea off Miyazaki Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami advisory for Miyazaki and nearby Kochi Prefectures, warning of potential waves up to one meter in height. The advisory was later lifted, and no significant damage or injuries have been reported.

Key Details

Earthquake Magnitude and Location: The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.9 and occurred at a depth of 30 kilometers in the Hyuga-Nada Sea, off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture.

Tsunami Advisory: Following the quake, the JMA issued a tsunami advisory for Miyazaki and Kochi Prefectures, forecasting waves up to one meter. The advisory was later lifted without incident.

Impact and Response: A man in Kyushu sustained minor injuries after falling down stairs. Train services in Miyazaki Station were temporarily halted, stranding passengers. A small tsunami of up to 20 centimeters was detected at Miyazaki Port within 30 minutes of the earthquake. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks and to be cautious of landslides and falling objects.

Historical Context

Japan is situated along the “Ring of Fire,” a seismically active region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The Nankai Trough, located off Japan’s southwest Pacific coast, is a significant seismic zone where the Philippine Sea Plate subducts under the Eurasian Plate, potentially causing megaquakes every 100 to 150 years. In August 2024, Japan issued its first-ever advisory on the heightened risk of a Nankai Trough megaquake following a magnitude 7.1 quake. The Japanese government predicts a 70-80% chance of a magnitude 8 to 9 earthquake occurring along the trough in the next 30 years.

Summary of the news

Why in News	Key Points
6.9 Magnitude Earthquake in Southwestern Japan (Jan 13, 2025)	Earthquake occurred off Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan.
Tsunami Advisory Issued	Initial tsunami advisory for Miyazaki and Kochi Prefectures with a forecast of up to 1 meter waves.
Impact	Minor injuries reported in Kyushu, train services halted temporarily.
Tsunami Report	Small tsunami of 20 cm detected at Miyazaki Port.
Seismic Zone	Japan lies on the “Ring of Fire,” known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Japan’s Historical Earthquakes	Nankai Trough poses a risk of megaquakes (Magnitude 8-9) every 100-150 years.
Japan’s Earthquake Measures	JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency) responsible for issuing tsunami advisories and earthquake monitoring.
Key Static Information	Japan – Capital: Tokyo; PM: Shigeru Ishiba; Currency: Yen (¥).