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.

IPL 2025 Final: Royal Challengers Bangalore Win Their First-Ever Title, Defeat Punjab Kings by 6 Runs

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 came to an exciting conclusion on June 3, 2025, with a historic final match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). The match was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world. After years of waiting and heartbreaks, RCB finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy.

Match Overview: RCB vs PBKS

In the IPL 2025 final, RCB batted first after winning the toss. They posted a competitive total of 190 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs. The innings included crucial partnerships and timely boundaries, which helped the team reach a strong total despite losing wickets regularly.

Punjab Kings, in reply, fought bravely. They managed to score 184 runs for 7 wickets in 20 overs, falling just 6 runs short of the target. The match remained tense till the last over, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

RCB’s Journey to the Final

Royal Challengers Bangalore had a strong season in IPL 2025. They finished among the top two teams in the league stage and faced Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 on May 29, 2025. RCB won that match by 8 wickets, directly qualifying for the final.

This early win gave RCB confidence and momentum heading into the title match. Their batting and bowling units performed consistently throughout the season, and they saved their best for the final.

Punjab Kings’ Road to the Final

Punjab Kings, after losing to RCB in Qualifier 1, played Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians. They made a strong comeback and won that match, earning another chance to fight for their first IPL trophy.

However, despite showing resilience and a balanced performance throughout the season, PBKS once again fell short at the final step. Their dream of winning a maiden IPL title remains unfulfilled.

Historic Moment for Royal Challengers Bangalore

This victory holds special meaning for RCB fans, as the team had reached the IPL final three times earlier – in 2009, 2011, and 2016 – but lost on each occasion. Since the inaugural season in 2008, RCB has been one of the most followed and supported teams, but success had always eluded them.

With this win, RCB has finally changed their legacy, becoming IPL champions for the first time after 18 seasons.

Significance of the Win

First IPL Trophy in RCB’s history
Ends an 18-year-long title drought
Emotional moment for fans, players, and team management
Proof of consistency and team effort throughout the tournament

This win is not just about a title—it represents years of dedication, team building, and the unwavering support of millions of fans across the world.

Match Result Summary

RCB: 190/9 (20 overs)
PBKS: 184/7 (20 overs)
Result: Royal Challengers Bangalore won by 6 runs
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Date: June 3, 2025

Below is the list of IPL winners from 2008 to 2025:

List of IPL Winners (2008 to 2025)

2008 – Rajasthan Royals
2009 – Deccan Chargers
2010 – Chennai Super Kings
2011 – Chennai Super Kings
2012 – Kolkata Knight Riders
2013 – Mumbai Indians
2014 – Kolkata Knight Riders
2015 – Mumbai Indians
2016 – Sunrisers Hyderabad
2017 – Mumbai Indians
2018 – Chennai Super Kings
2019 – Mumbai Indians
2020 – Mumbai Indians
2021 – Chennai Super Kings
2022 – Gujarat Titans
2023 – Chennai Super Kings
2024 – Kolkata Knight Riders
2025 – Royal Challengers Bangalore

This match is considered historic as both RCB and PBKS were aiming for their first title. In the end, RCB held their nerves and won the match by a narrow margin.

This win is a proud moment for RCB and a reminder that hard work and persistence can lead to success, even after many years of struggle.

IPL Winners List (2008-2025) – New Winner and Runner-up Team

IPL Winners List (2008 to 2025): RCB Reaches IPL Final After 9 Years

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been known for exciting cricket, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments since it started in 2008. Every season brings new winners and makes cricket stars. From surprise victories to powerful teams dominating, the IPL trophy has been passed around with lots of drama each year. Here’s a list of all the IPL winners from 2008 to 2025, including the champions, runner-ups, and the cities where the finals took place.

IPL Winners List (2008-2025)

This IPL Winners List (2008-2025) includes the champions, runner-up teams, and the venue of each IPL final match:

Year	Winner	Runner-Up	Venue
2008	Rajasthan Royals	Chennai Super Kings	Mumbai
2009	Deccan Chargers	Royal Challengers Bangalore	Johannesburg
2010	Chennai Super Kings	Mumbai Indians	Mumbai
2011	Chennai Super Kings	Royal Challengers Bangalore	Chennai
2012	Kolkata Knight Riders	Chennai Super Kings	Chennai
2013	Mumbai Indians	Chennai Super Kings	Kolkata
2014	Kolkata Knight Riders	Kings XI Punjab	Bangalore
2015	Mumbai Indians	Chennai Super Kings	Kolkata
2016	Sunrisers Hyderabad	Royal Challengers Bangalore	Bangalore
2017	Mumbai Indians	Rising Pune Supergiant	Hyderabad
2018	Chennai Super Kings	Sunrisers Hyderabad	Mumbai
2019	Mumbai Indians	Chennai Super Kings	Hyderabad
2020	Mumbai Indians	Delhi Capitals	Dubai
2021	Chennai Super Kings	Kolkata Knight Riders	Dubai
2022	Gujarat Titans	Rajasthan Royals	Ahmedabad
2023	Chennai Super Kings	Gujarat Titans	Ahmedabad
2024	Kolkata Knight Riders	Sunrisers Hyderabad	Chennai
2025	Royal Challengers Bangalore	Punjab Kings	Ahmedabad

Latest Update: The TATA IPL 2025 final was held on June 3, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) to win their first-ever IPL title. After beating PBKS earlier in Qualifier 1, RCB once again proved dominant in the final, securing a historic victory and ending their 18-year wait for the coveted IPL trophy.

Most IPL Trophy Wins by Teams (2008–2025)

Here’s a quick summary of the most successful IPL franchises based on titles won:

Team	Titles Won	Winning Years
Mumbai Indians (MI)	5	2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)	5	2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)	3	2012, 2014, 2024
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)	1	2016
Rajasthan Royals (RR)	1	2008
Deccan Chargers (DC)	1	2009
Gujarat Titans (GT)	1	2022
Royal Challengers Bangalore	1	2025

Which Team Has Won the Most IPL Titles?

As of 2025, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) share the top spot for the most IPL trophies, with five titles each. Following them, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have claimed three IPL championships, including their most recent win in IPL 2024.

Other franchises with a single IPL title to their name include:

Gujarat Titans (GT)
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Royal Challengers Bangalore
The now-defunct Deccan Chargers (DC)

Who Won IPL 2025?

The IPL 2025 final, held on June 3, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, delivered a historic moment as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) to clinch their first-ever IPL title. After 18 seasons of waiting, RCB finally ended their title drought, making history and bringing joy to millions of fans who had long hoped for this day.

Who Won IPL 2024?

The IPL 2024 champions are the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who secured their third title with a commanding performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final held at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. KKR bowled out SRH for just 113 runs — the lowest total ever recorded in an IPL final — and chased down the target comfortably with an all-round team effort.

Who Won IPL 2023?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won the IPL 2023 title by beating Gujarat Titans (GT) in an exciting final. CSK chased the target, finishing with five wickets left, thanks to Ravindra Jadeja’s brilliant six and four on the last two balls. This was CSK’s fifth IPL win, matching Mumbai Indians’ record.

Orange Cap (Most Runs): Shubman Gill (GT) – 890 runs in 17 matches
Purple Cap (Most Wickets): Mohammed Shami (GT) – 28 wickets
Prize Money: ₹20 crore for the winners (CSK), ₹13 crore for the runners-up (GT)

Anil Nagar, Founder & CEO of Adda247, Talks About The Power of Online Education

From Dungarpur to 99.40%: Nancy’s Journey Is the Bharat We’re Building For

— Anil Nagar, Founder & CEO, Adda247

“Online coaching se bhi topper ban sakte hai.”

Recently, I came across this video on youtube (TV9 News), it really made my day and made me feel incredibly proud of this girl! Her story begins in Dungarpur — a small town in southern Rajasthan that doesn’t often make headlines during exam season. But this year, it did.

Nancy, a student of the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE), scored 99.40% in the Arts stream.

No coaching centre. No polished CBSE background. Just intent, access — and an Adda247 subscription.

This is what belief looks like

In towns like Dungarpur, education is often treated as a formality, especially for girls. “Bas school pass kar lo” is considered enough.

But Nancy wanted more. And when she found Adda247, she found more than just study material. She found structure. Clarity. And belief.

Live classes became her lifeline. Recorded sessions — her revision partner. And mentors who taught in a language she understood — her biggest support system.

Why this story matters more than ever

Because Nancy isn’t an exception. She represents the student we often ignore — the one who doesn’t fit the typical “topper” profile.

She’s not from a metro. She didn’t go to an English-medium school. She didn’t have access to personalised tutors. But she had discipline. She had drive. And finally — she had access.

And that’s what changed everything.

What we’re building at Adda247

At Adda Education, we’ve always said:

You don’t build for Bharat by translating content.
You build for Bharat by understanding learners like Nancy — and building for them from Day 1.

That’s why we offer:

Courses in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi & more
Structured live + recorded classes
Mentorship that feels local, not distant
Career and exam preparation designed for Tier 2, 3, and rural learners

Nancy’s story is our why

Every time we hear of a result like Nancy’s, it reminds us what we’re really doing here. Not just preparing students for exams — but helping them believe in themselves, often for the very first time.

Zindagi badalne ka pehla kadam. Nancy ne le liya. Aur ab hamari zimmedari hai — ki aur bhi lakhon Nancy tak yeh pahunch jaye.

Top-5 Cherry Producing Countries in the World By 2025

Cherries are tasty, small fruits loved by people around the world. They can be sweet or sour and are used in cakes, juices and snacks. Some countries grow a lot of cherries because of their good weather and farming methods. In this article, we will learn about the top-5 largest cherry producing countries in the world and why they are so important in cherry farming.

Cherry Production in the World

The total cherry production in the world reached about 2.76 million metric tons. Turkey was the top producer, growing more than 19% of all cherries worldwide. This shows how important Turkey is in global cherry farming.

Top-5 Cherry Producing Countries in the World 2025

Many countries grow cherries, but some produce much more than others. Some countries have the right climate, land and farming skills to grow large amounts of cherries. Let’s look at the world’s top-5 cherry producing countries and learn why they lead in cherry farming.

Here are the names of top-5 cherry producing countries in the world:

Turkey
Chile
Uzbekistan
United States
Spain

Turkey, World’s Largest Cherry Producer

Annual Production: 656,041 metric tonnes

Turkey is the biggest cherry-producing country in the world. Its weather is perfect for growing cherries- warm summers and mild winters help the trees grow well. Turkish cherries are very sweet and juicy. Many cherries grown in Turkey are exported to other countries in Europe and Asia.

Chile

Annual Production: 443,067 metric tonnes

Chile is the second-largest producer of cherries. Its farming season is opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. So, when it’s winter in countries like the U.S. and Europe, Chile can supply fresh cherries. Most of Chile’s cherries go to China, especially during Chinese New Year, where cherries are a popular fruit.

Uzbekistan

Annual Production: 216,867 metric tonnes

Uzbekistan is quickly becoming a major cherry producer in Central Asia. The country grows high-quality cherries and is improving farming methods to grow even more. A lot of cherries from Uzbekistan are sold to other countries, helping the country earn money through exports.

United States

Annual Production: 210,190 metric tonnes

The United States is also a big producer of cherries. Most cherries come from Washington, Oregon, California and Michigan. There are two main types grown here:

Sweet cherries like Big and Rainier, eaten fresh
Tart cherries used in pies, jams and juices

The U.S. also exports cherries and has a strong local markets.

Spain

Annual Production: 116,070 metric tonnes

Spain is a well-known cherry producer in Europe. The Jerte Valley is especially famous for its cherry farms. The warm and sunny weather in Spain is ideal for cherry trees. Most of Spain’s cherries are sold fresh across Europe. Some are also used in making jams and preserves.

When is Bakra Eid 2025? Know Date and Significance

Eid-ul-Adha, also called Bakra Eid or the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important festivals for Muslims around the world. It is a time of devotion, sacrifice and togetherness. In 2025, Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated in India on Saturday, June 7, while Saudi Arabia will celebrate it a day earlier.

Eid-Ul-Adha 2025 – Date

Eid-ul-Adha comes on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. In 2025:

Arafat Day (9th Dhul Hijjah) will be observed on Friday, June 6.
Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated in India on Saturday, June 7.

Arafat Day is the holiest day in the Islamic year and is part of the Hajj pilgrimage rituals.

Why Bakra Eid in Celebrated?

The festival remembers the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Isma’il (Ishmael). According to the Quran, Prophet Ibrahim had a dream in which God asked him to sacrifice his son as a test of faith. Ibrahim was ready to obey, but God replaced the child with a sheep at the last moment. This showed Ibrahim’s deep faith and devotion.

What Happens on Eid-ul-Adha?

Eid-ul-Adha is not only about sacrifice. It is also about love, kindness and sharing. Here’s how Muslims usually celebrate:

Morning prayers are offered in mosques.
Animals such as goats, sheep or camels are sacrificed in memory of Ibrahim’s story.
The meat is divided into three parts: one part for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor.
People visit family and friends, exchange gifts and enjoy special meals.
It is also a time to help those in need.

Connection with Hajj

Eid-ul-Adha happens at the same time as the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Pilgrims perform special rituals during Hajj, and Eid marks the end of their spiritual journey.

Telangana Notifies Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve to Boost Tiger Corridor

In a major step towards wildlife conservation and habitat connectivity, the Government of Telangana has officially notified the Kawal-Tadoba tiger corridor as the Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve. Spanning nearly 1,493 sq. km, this newly declared reserve strengthens efforts to protect India’s big cat population and other critical biodiversity in the central Indian landscape.

Why in News?

On May 30, 2025, the Telangana government issued orders under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, designating a vital tiger corridor linking Kawal Tiger Reserve (Telangana) and Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) as the Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve.

Key Objectives and Purpose

Enhance tiger connectivity between reserves in Telangana, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
Legally protect a vital wildlife corridor spanning over 1,492.88 sq. km.
Safeguard biodiversity and promote interstate animal movement.
Support long-term breeding and habitat preservation.

Location and Coverage

Situated in Kumram Bheem Asifabad district, Telangana.
Spans Asifabad and Kagaznagar divisions.
Covers 10 mandals and 78 reserve forest blocks including:
Garlapet, Ada, Manikgarh East & West, Bejjur, Kadamba, etc.

Ecological Significance

Hosts resident and transient tigers, with over 45 unique individuals identified over the last decade.
Home to other carnivores: leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, wolves, hyenas, honey badgers, jungle cats.
Rich prey base: gaur, chital, sambar, nilgai, four-horned antelope, and more.
Unique avian species: Malabar Pied Hornbills, Long Billed Vultures (only nesting site).

Legal Framework

Declared under Section 36(A) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Enables creation of conservation reserves in government-owned land linking protected areas.

Governance and Management

A conservation reserve management committee has been formed, including,

District Forest Officer (Convenor)
Local sarpanches
NGOs (Hyderabad Tiger Conservation Society, WWF, Wildlife Conservation Trust)
District-level agriculture, veterinary and forest officials

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Telangana Notifies Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve to Boost Tiger Corridor
Name of Reserve	Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve
Declared By	Telangana State Government
Legal Basis	Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Section 36(A)
Area Covered	1,492.88 sq. km (149,288.48 hectares)
Location	Kumram Bheem Asifabad district
Linked Reserves	Kawal (Telangana), Tadoba, Tipeshwar, Kanhargaon, Chaprala (Maharashtra), Indravati (Chhattisgarh)
Tiger Data (2022)	4 adults, 3 cubs, 17 cubs born since 2015

India Launches DHRUVA Policy for Digital Address Infrastructure

In a landmark move towards building a robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), the Department of Posts under the Government of India has released the policy document for DHRUVA — Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address. This transformative initiative seeks to develop a standardised, geo-coded digital address system across the country, enhancing delivery of both public and private services with greater precision and efficiency.

Why in News?

The Department of Posts has formally released the DHRUVA policy document, building upon the earlier launch of the Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN). This development signifies India’s push to treat address data management as a core public infrastructure component — similar to Aadhaar or UPI — ensuring inclusivity, user-centricity, and innovation across governance and service delivery ecosystems.

Objectives and Vision

To build a national-level digital addressing system based on geo-coding.
To create a unified, interoperable, and secure framework for address data.
To ensure user privacy while promoting data sharing through consent-based mechanisms.

Key Features of DHRUVA

Standardisation of addresses to overcome inconsistencies and regional variations.
Uses the Address-as-a-Service (AaaS) model for address management.
Offers users control and flexibility over their digital addresses.
Designed to be interoperable across government, e-commerce, logistics, financial services, etc.

Background and Need

Traditional addresses in India vary in format and are difficult to process digitally.
Fragmentation exists due to siloed systems across departments and regions.
The growing reliance on doorstep delivery of services calls for address precision.
A unified system can reduce delivery errors, improve governance, and ensure social and financial inclusion.

Significance and Impact

Facilitates accurate and inclusive service delivery across the country.
Acts as a backbone for digital governance, especially in remote and rural areas.
Supports institutional governance models to ensure data safety and transparency.
Encourages public-private innovation and ecosystem collaboration.

Elon Musk Launches XChat: A Bold Challenge to WhatsApp and Telegram

In a strategic move to rival popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and WeChat, Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) has launched XChat, a new messaging service. Designed with an emphasis on security and cross-platform functionality, XChat aims to become a key component of Musk’s vision for an all-in-one super app, combining messaging, file sharing, and video/audio calling.

Why in News?

Elon Musk announced the beta rollout of XChat on June 2, 2025, via an official post. This launch is significant because it positions Musk’s platform to directly compete in the messaging space, challenging established players and reinforcing his long-term vision of transforming X into a multi-functional ecosystem.

Aim & Objective

To create a dedicated messaging platform under the X ecosystem.
To rival messaging giants with stronger encryption and enhanced features.
To pave the way for a WeChat-like super app that integrates messaging with commerce, payments, and AI.

Key Features of XChat

End-to-End Encryption: Built using Rust programming language with Bitcoin-style encryption for secure messaging.
Disappearing Messages: Similar to WhatsApp and Signal, XChat allows messages to vanish after a set time.
Cross-Platform Audio/Video Calling: Works on Android, iOS, and Web.
File Sharing: Users can send any type of file via XChat.
Paid-Only Beta Access: Initially available only to premium (paid) users of X.
AI Integration in Future?: Possible integration of Grok AI, X’s own AI model, is being speculated.

Background Context

X (formerly Twitter) has been undergoing a transformation under Elon Musk.
Musk aims to make X an “everything app” – akin to China’s WeChat, which combines messaging, payments, and social media.
The app is still in beta stage, but promises strong encryption and performance owing to the Rust-based backend.

Significance

Cybersecurity: The use of Bitcoin-style encryption sets a new benchmark in secure messaging.
Tech Disruption: Adds a competitive edge in the messaging ecosystem.
Global Influence: Aims to reduce reliance on US and Chinese tech giants by offering a globally competitive alternative.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Elon Musk Launches XChat: A Bold Challenge to WhatsApp and Telegram
Launched By	Elon Musk via X (formerly Twitter)
Access Type	Currently available for paid subscribers only
Encryption System	Bitcoin-style encryption; developed using Rust
Key Features	Encrypted messaging, disappearing texts, file sharing, audio/video calls
Platforms	Android, iOS, Web
Future Integration	Grok AI integration speculated

Annalena Baerbock Elected President of 80th UN General Assembly Session

On June 2, 2025, former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was elected as the President of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Her election marks a significant moment in UN history as she becomes the first woman from the Western European group to assume the post and the fifth woman overall to lead the UNGA. Baerbock, 44, takes over at a time when global governance faces multiple crises ranging from geopolitical conflicts to sustainable development setbacks.

Why in News?

Annalena Baerbock was elected as the President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly with 167 votes, surpassing write-in candidate Helga Schmid. Her appointment is crucial, given the ongoing Ukraine and Gaza conflicts, and the deadlock in the UN Security Council, which has enhanced the relevance of the General Assembly as a platform for international cooperation and dialogue.

Election Highlights

Date of Election: June 2, 2025
Votes Received: Annalena Baerbock – 167 | Helga Schmid – 7 | Abstentions – 14
Regional Group Representation: Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Gender Milestone: First woman from WEOG; fifth woman overall to lead the General Assembly
Age: 44 (among the youngest ever elected presidents)

Key Priorities of Her Presidency

Enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of the UN system
Advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Making the General Assembly a truly inclusive and representative platform

Broader Context

The UNGA Presidency rotates annually among five regional groups.
The 80th session comes at a time of deadlock in the Security Council, especially over global conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza.
The UNGA’s role has increased under the “Veto Initiative” of 2022, ensuring Security Council vetoes are followed by Assembly debates.

Annalena Baerbock’s Vision

Committed to being an “honest broker and unifier” for all 193 member states.
Emphasized multilateralism, inclusivity, and gender equality.
Advocated for youth engagement, civil society participation, and multilingualism in UNGA processes.

Background of Annalena Baerbock

Former Foreign Minister of Germany (Green Party)
Known for strong advocacy of climate action, human rights, and diplomatic engagement

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	President of the 80th UN General Assembly
Name	Annalena Baerbock
Competing Candidate	Helga Schmid (7 votes)
Regional Representation	Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Key Priorities	Efficiency, Sustainable Development, Inclusivity
Key Initiative	“Better Together” theme; Veto Initiative relevance

Top-5 Blueberry Producing Indian States By 2025

Blueberries are small, sweet and healthy fruits that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. In India, blueberry farming is still new but slowly becoming popular. Some states have started growing blueberries using modern farming methods. With the right climate and care, these states are producing good-quality blueberries. In this article, we will learn about the top-5 blueberry-producing states in India.

Blueberries Production in India

India produces about 2,000 to 3,000 tons of blueberries every year. Most of the blueberries are grown during March, April and May. The main regions where blueberries are produced include Uttarakhand, Dehradun, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and the Nilgiri Hills. These areas have the right climate for growing good-quality blueberries.

Top-5 Blueberry Producing Indian States By 2025

Blueberries are tasty and healthy fruits full of vitamins and antioxidants. In India, blueberry farming is still growing, but some states have started producing them successfully. These states have the right weather, soil and farming methods.

Here are the top-5 blueberry-producing states in India:

Maharashtra
Karnataka
Himachal Pradesh
Tamil Nadu
Uttarakhand

Maharashtra, Largest Blueberry Producer in India

Maharashtra is the top state for blueberry farming in India. The weather here is not too hot or too cold, which helps the plants grow well. The soil in regions like Pune and Nashik is acidic and drains water easily, which is perfect for blueberries. Farmers in this state use modern farming techniques to grow good-quality fruits.

Karnataka

Karnataka is another important state for blueberries. Areas near the Nilgiri Hills have a cool climate, which is helpful for growing this fruit. Farmers in Karnataka are slowly adopting blueberry farming along with other crops. The demand for blueberries is increasing in this state.

Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has hills and a cooler climate, which is great for blueberries. Places like Solan and Shimla are seeing more blueberry farms. According to reports, the state is making good progress in blueberry farming. This is helping local farmers earn better income.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal, which are cool and fresh. These places are good for blueberries because the weather is not too hot. Farmers here are slowly starting to grow blueberries on a small scale. The quality of the fruit is also very good.

Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, especially places like Dehradun and Nainital, is also growing blueberries. The weather is cool and the mountain soil helps the plants grow better. This state is encouraging farmers to try blueberry farming, which can bring new opportunities and income.