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States and Capitals – How Many States in India?

India, a vast South Asian nation and the world’s seventh-largest by land area, is divided into 28 states and 8 union territories, each with its own capital. These states and territories are further segmented into districts. New Delhi, situated in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, serves as India’s administrative, political, and cultural hub.

The states and capitals of India weave a rich and diverse tapestry, reflecting the country’s deep cultural heritage, traditions, and innovations. Exploring these regions offers a fascinating journey through time, blending ancient legacies with modern advancements, tradition with contemporary influence, and showcasing India’s remarkable unity in diversity.

States and Capitals

In 1956, India reorganized its states according to linguistic demographics. Today, the country consists of 28 states and 8 Union Territories, home to nearly 400 cities. Among these, eight major metropolitan cities—Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Pune—are prominent. The Prime Minister has introduced a plan to develop 100 smart cities across the nation, with Indore being recognized as the Smart City for four consecutive years. Discover India’s dynamic urban landscape and its focus on modernization.

How many states in India?

India is the 7th largest country in the world by land area and the 2nd most populated. The country is divided into states and union territories so that the government can function properly. Below is a list of all 28 states, their capitals and the year they were formed.

S.NO State Capital CM Governor
1 Andhra Pradesh Amaravati Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu S. Abdul Nazer
2 Arunachal Pradesh Itanagar Pema Khandu Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
3 Assam Dispur Himanta Biswa Sarma Lakshman Prasad Acharya
4 Bihar Patna Nitish Kumar Arif Mohammed Khan
5 Chhattisgarh Raipur Vishnu Deo Sai Ramen Deka
6 Goa Panaji Pramod Sawant P.S. Sreedharan Pillai
7 Gujarat Gandhinagar Bhupendra Patel Acharya Dev Vrat
8 Haryana Chandigarh Nayab Singh Saini Bandaru Dattatraya
9 Himachal Pradesh Shimla Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Shiv Pratap Shukla
10 Jharkhand Ranchi Hemant Soren Santosh Kumar Gangwar
11 Karnataka Bengaluru Siddaramaiah Thaawarchand Gehlot
12 Kerala Thiruvananthapuram Pinarayi Vijayan Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
13 Madhya Pradesh Bhopal Mohan Yadav Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel
14 Maharashtra Mumbai Devendra Fadnavis C.P. Radhakrishnan
15 Manipur Imphal N. Biren Singh
Ajay Kumar Bhalla
16 Meghalaya Shillong Conrad Kongkal Sangma
C H Vijayashankar
17 Mizoram Aizawl Lalduhoma General (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd.)
18 Nagaland Kohima Neiphiu Rio
La. Ganesan
19 Odisha Bhubaneswar Mohan Charan Majhi
Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati
20 Punjab Chandigarh Bhagwant Singh Mann Gulab Chand Kataria
21 Rajasthan Jaipur Bhajan Lal Sharma Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde
22 Sikkim Gangtok PS Golay Om Prakash Mathur
23 Tamil Nadu Chennai M. K. Stalin R. N. Ravi
24 Telangana Hyderabad Anumula Revanth Reddy Jishnu Dev Varma
25 Tripura Agartala Dr. Manik Saha Indra Sena Reddy Nallu
26 Uttar Pradesh Lucknow Yogi Aditya Nath Anandiben Patel
27 Uttarakhand Dehradun Pushkar Singh Dhami Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh
28 West Bengal Kolkata Mamata Banerjee Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose

Union Territories of India and Their Capitals

India has 8 union territories that are managed by the central government. Some of them have their own legislative assemblies. Below is the of these union territories and their capitals:

S.NO Union Territories Capital CM Lt. Governor
1 Andaman and Nicobar Island Port Blair NA D K Joshi
2 Chandigarh Chandigarh NA Banwarilal Purohit
3 Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Daman NA Praful Patel
4 Delhi Delhi Rekha Gupta Vinai Kumar Saxena
5 Ladakh NA NA B. D. Mishra
6 Lakshadweep Kavaratti NA Praful Patel
7 Jammu and Kashmir NA Omar Abdullah Manoj Sinha
8 Puducherry Pondicherry N. Rangaswamy C. P. Radhakrishnan

Difference Between States and Union Territories

India is divided into states and Union Territories for administrative purposes. They are in different in how they are governed.

Basis of Difference States Union Territories
Head of Administration Governor Administrator or Lieutenant Governor
Government Type Elected by the People Managed by the central government
Powers Shares power with the central government. Controlled directly by the central government.

Indian States and their Languages

India is a country with a rich and diverse linguistic heritage. There are over 121 languages spoken in India, and each state has its unique linguistic landscape. The Indian Constitution recognizes 22 languages as “scheduled languages,” which are given special status in government and education.

S. No. States Language
1 Andhra Pradesh Telugu and Urdu
2 Arunachal Pradesh Miji, Apotanji, Merdukpen, Tagin, Adi, Honpa, Banging-Nishi
3 Assam Assamese
4 Bihar Hindi
5 Chhattisgarh Hindi
6 Goa Marathi Konkani
7 Gujarat Gujarati
8 Haryana Hindi
9 Himachal Pradesh Hindi and Pahari
10 Jharkhand Hindi
11 Karnataka Kannada
12 Kerala Malayalam
13 Madhya Pradesh Hindi
14 Maharashtra Marathi
15 Manipur Manipuri
16 Meghalaya Khashi, Jaintia, And Garo
17 Mizoram Mizo and English
18 Nagaland Ao, Konyak, Angami, Sema, and Lotha
19 Odisha Oriya
20 Punjab Punjabi
21 Rajasthan Rajasthani and Hindi
22 Sikkim Bhutia, Hindi, Nepali, Lepcha, Limbu
23 Tamil Nadu Tamil
24 Telangana Telugu
25 Tripura Bengali, Tripuri, Manipuri, Kakborak
26 Uttar Pradesh Hindi
27 Uttarakhand Hindi
28 West Bengal Bengali

Some Key Facts About Indian States

Each state in India is unique and has something special. Here are some interesting facts about a few states:

  • Andhra Pradesh: Famous for spicy food and historical sites like Charminar.
  • Assam: Know for tea gardens and Kaziranga National Park, home to the one-horned rhinoceros.
  • Bihar: A place with a rich history, home to Bodh Gaya and the ancient city of Pataliputra.
  • Goa: Popular for beautiful beaches and a lively nightlife.
  • Kerala: Famous for its backwaters, Ayurveda treatments and lush green nature.
  • Maharashtra: Mumbai, the financial capital, is also home to Bollywood.
  • Himachal Pradesh: Known for stunning hill stations and adventure sports.
  • Tamil Nadu: Famous for classical dance forms and grand temples.

Top-5 Makhana Exporting Countries in the World in 2025, Know About Them

Makhana, also called fox nuts or lotus seeds, is a healthy food that many people enjoy as a snack. It is light, crunchy and full of nutrients like protein, fiber and calcium. Because of its growing popularity, many countries have started sending makhana to other parts of the world. In this article, we will learn about the top-5 five countries that export makhana the most.

Makhana Production in the World

The total production of Makhana (also known as fox nuts) in the world is around 40,000 metric tons. India produces the largest share of this amount. Most of the makhana farming happens in India, especially the state of Bihar, making it the leading country in global makhana production.

Top-5 Makhana Exporting Countries in the World in 2025

Makhana is also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds. It is a healthy snack loved around the world. Many countries are now exporting makhana, but a few countries lead this trade globally.

Here are the names of top-5 makhana exporting countries in the world in 2025:

  • India
  • Nepal
  • China
  • Thailand
  • Bangladesh

India, World’s Largest Makhana Exporter

India is the number one exporter of makhana in the world. In 2025, India exposed about 25,130 tonnes which is more than 90% of the total global exports. The state of Bihar is the main center of makhana farming. Countries like USA, Canada and UAE are the top importers of Indian makhana.

Nepal

Nepal comes second with around 2,000 tonnes of makhana exports. The country mainly grows makhana in the Terai region. Most of Nepal’s exports go to India and Gulf countries. Although the volume is smaller, it is slowly increasing every year.

China

China exported about 1,500 tonnes of makhana in 2025. In China, makhana is used mostly in traditional medicine. The exports are mainly sent to East Asian countries. China’s share is small but important due to its health-based use.

Thailand

Thailand exported around 1,200 tonnes in 2025. It is known for selling makhana-based snacks and health food products. Thailand is expanding its market in Southeast Asia and Australia. The country sees makhana as a healthy and trendy product.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh exported about 1,000 tonnes of makhana in 2025. It mainly sends makhana to India and the Middle East. The country is working to improve quality and increase its production to compete better in global markets.

In Which State is Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary Located?

India is home to many beautiful wildlife sanctuaries that help protect animals, birds and nature. One such sanctuary is known for its peaceful surroundings, green forests and rare animals. It is especially famous for being a safe home to the golden langur, a rare and beautiful monkey. This sanctuary is also a great place for birdwatchers and nature lovers to explore and enjoy.

Location of Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary

The Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of Assam. It lies mainly in the Kokrajhar district and partly in the Dhubri district. This sanctuary is especially important because it is the second protected home in India for the rare and endangered golden langur. These beautiful monkeys are only found in a few places, and Chakrashila is one of their safe habitats.

History of Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary

The history of Chakrashila goes back to 1966, when it was first declared a reserve forest. Later, on 14 July 1994, it was given the status of a wildlife sanctuary by the Government of Assam. This change happened thanks to the efforts of a local environmental group called Nature’s Beckon. The group worked hard to raise awareness and protect the area’s rich wildlife.

Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary – Area and Location

Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of about 45.568 square kilometers. It is located just 6 kilometers from Kokrajhar town, 68 kilometers frmo Dhubri town and 219 km from the Guwahati International Airport. The sanctuary has a hilly landscape, and two important lakes, Dheer Beel and Diplai Beel, are found nearby. These lakes are essential to the sanctuary’s ecosystem. The lower hills have sal trees, while the middle and upper parts are covered with mixed deciduous forests.

Tourism and Visitor Facilities

For visitors, the sanctuary offers many exciting activities like bird watching, forest trekking and nature photography. There are also places to stay near Choraikhola in Kokrajhar, making it easier for tourists to explore the area and enjoy the natural beauty.

Wildlife in the Sanctuary

Many different animals live in Chakrashila. Apart from the golden langur, the sanctuary is home to animals like the Indian short-tailed mole, Indian flying fox, Chinese pangolin, Bengali fox and various types of bats and monkeys. Hornbills are also seen here, along with 23 kinds of reptiles such as snakes, turtles and lizards. The sanctuary is also home to more than 40 species of butterflies.

New Tree Species Found in Assam Named After Botanist’s Mother

A new tree species named Garcinia kusumae has been discovered in Assam’s Baksa district. The tree, part of the Garcinia genus, was found by Jatindra Sarma, a senior botanist, and is named in memory of his late mother Kusum Devi. This discovery is important as it adds to India’s botanical diversity and highlights Assam’s rich plant heritage.

Discovery in Assam’s Forests

The species was found during a plant survey in April 2025 in Bamunbari, Baksa district, Assam. Botanist Jatindra Sarma, who is the Chairman of Assam’s State Expert Appraisal Committee, collected the sample of this tree, locally called thoikora. The plant was studied carefully using herbarium methods like drying and pressing. After identifying its special features, it was confirmed as a new species.

Named in Honour of His Mother

The tree has been named Garcinia kusumae to honour Mr. Sarma’s mother, Kusum Devi. This is the fourth time Mr. Sarma has named a new plant after a family member. Earlier, he named plants after his daughter, wife, and father. This makes him the first Indian botanist to name four different species after his close relatives.

Unique Features and Local Use

Garcinia kusumae is a tall evergreen tree that grows up to 18 metres. It flowers between February and April, and its fruits ripen from May to June. The plant looks similar to other Garcinia trees but has different flower and fruit features. The fruit has a black resin and is used in local food and medicine. People use the dried pulp to make a cooling drink or mix it with fish curries. It is also believed to help with diabetes and dysentery.

Published in a Global Journal

The findings were published in Feddes Repertorium, an international journal on plant taxonomy. Hussain A. Barbhuiya from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, co-authored the study with Mr. Sarma. Assam is home to 12 Garcinia species and 3 varieties, out of the 33 species found in India. This discovery shows how Assam continues to be a hotspot for new plant species.

Andhra Pradesh Launches Digi-Lakshmi to Empower Urban Women

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has started a new scheme called ‘Digi-Lakshmi’ on June 30, 2025, to help urban poor women become digital service providers. The State plans to set up 9,034 Common Service Centres (CSCs) across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). This is an important step to promote digital jobs and women-led businesses.

What is the Digi-Lakshmi Scheme?

The Digi-Lakshmi scheme is designed to help women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) become small business owners. These women will run digital kiosks, called ATOM Kiosks, which will offer nearly 250 public services like bill payments, certificates, and applications for various schemes. This scheme is part of the larger plan called ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ (OF-OE) which aims to support women in becoming entrepreneurs.

Who Can Run These Centres?

To manage these service centres, women must meet certain conditions,

  • Be aged between 21 and 40 years
  • Be married and settled in their area
  • Have been an active SHG member for at least 3 years
  • Hold a graduate degree and have basic technical knowledge

Each woman will receive training and support from the Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA). They can also take loans between ₹2 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh to set up the centres.

Government Involvement and Future Plans

The scheme was officially launched by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department. The order (G.O. MS. No. 117) was issued by S. Suresh Kumar, the Principal Secretary. The Mission Director of MEPMA will take charge of running the scheme. These centres will not only provide services to the public but also create digital job opportunities for urban poor women.

The plan is to make SHG women self-reliant and promote women-led small businesses in cities and towns across Andhra Pradesh.

Andhra Pradesh Launches Smart AI System to Fight Mosquitoes

The Andhra Pradesh government has started a new project to stop the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, especially during the rainy season. The project, called Smart Mosquito Surveillance System (SMoSS), uses artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technology. It will first begin in six major cities. This move is important because thousands of people get sick every year from these diseases.

Smart Technology to Stop Mosquitoes

The new SMoSS system will use AI-powered mosquito sensors, drones, and IoT devices to check where and how many mosquitoes are present. These smart tools will also record important things like temperature, humidity, and the types of mosquitoes. This information will help the government spray mosquito medicine only where it is really needed, instead of spraying everywhere.

Where the Project Will Begin

The pilot project will start in 66 areas across six cities,

  1. Visakhapatnam (16 places)
  2. Vijayawada (28 places)
  3. Kakinada (4 places)
  4. Rajamahendravaram (5 places)
  5. Nellore (7 places)
  6. Kurnool (6 places)

These cities have seen many cases of dengue and malaria, with over 5,500 dengue cases in 2024. Using SMoSS, teams can now act faster by spraying or fogging only where mosquitoes are found.

Smart Drones, Apps, and Hospitals Working Together

Drones will help spray larvicide quickly and with less use of chemicals. A central dashboard will keep track of all the field activities. There will also be help from mobile apps like Vector Control and Puramitra, where both workers and local people can report mosquito issues.

Hospitals will also play a big role by sending daily updates on disease cases. This will help the system mark hotspots and prepare local action plans. The state plans to give the system’s operation to special agencies and pay them based on their performance.

A Step Towards a Healthier Future

This project is led by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) Department. It shows how AI and smart city tools can help make public health better. Andhra Pradesh could become a role model for other Indian states if the project works well.

MIB Launches Kalaa Setu Challenge to Boost AI in Regional Languages

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has launched the ‘Kalaa Setu – Real-Time Language Tech for Bharat’ Challenge through its WaveX Startup Accelerator Platform. This national-level challenge invites startups to create AI-based tools that can turn text into audio, video, or graphic content in multiple Indian languages. The initiative supports innovation in language technology and content creation, especially for regional users.

Aim of the Challenge

The Kalaa Setu Challenge focuses on developing smart tools that can help turn written text into video, graphics, or audio using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The goal is to make it easier for people to create content in regional Indian languages. These tools should be easy to use, scalable, and useful for various media formats.

Startups participating in the challenge are expected to build tools in three main areas,

  1. Text-to-Video Generation
  2. Text-to-Graphics Generation
  3. Text-to-Audio Generation

How to Apply

Startups can register for the Kalaa Setu challenge through the WaveX portal at www.wavex.wavesbazaar.com. The last date to apply is July 30.

There is also another challenge running under the Bhasha Setu category for real-time language translation. The last date to apply for the Bhasha Setu challenge is July 22.

About WaveX and WAVES Initiative

The WaveX platform is part of the WAVES initiative launched by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It is a special programme designed to support startups working in media, entertainment, and language technology. Through this platform, the government wants to encourage young companies to create new and helpful technologies for the Indian public.

UAE Golden Visa 2025: Everything You Need to Know

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence program that attracts investors, skilled professionals, students, and other talented individuals from around the world. Recently, a lot of attention has been drawn to a new visa scheme reportedly costing Rs 23 lakh. But what is the truth behind it? Let’s break it down simply.

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa allows foreigners to live, work, and study in the United Arab Emirates for 5 or 10 years without the need for a local sponsor. It is renewable and offers a stable way to settle in the UAE with your family.

People who qualify include:

  • Investors
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Professionals (like doctors, engineers, IT experts)
  • Scientists and researchers
  • Students and graduates with high performance
  • Artists, athletes, and other skilled individuals

What is the Rs 23 Lakh Golden Visa Scheme?

In early 2025, media outlets reported a new visa option for Indian and Bangladeshi citizens. According to the reports:

  • The UAE was offering a lifetime Golden Visa.
  • It required a one-time payment of AED 100,000, which is around Rs 23.3 lakh.
  • The offer was available through nomination only.

This created huge interest, especially in India. Some immigration agencies even started promoting this visa option to customers.

What the UAE Government Says

The UAE’s immigration authority, ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security), officially responded to these reports. They said:

  • There is no policy to sell Golden Visas for a fixed price.
  • The AED 100,000 payment is only a processing fee, not a guarantee.
  • The visa is not for sale. All applicants must be nominated and pass strict checks.
  • Many advertisements and claims by agencies were misleading.

Some UAE-based agencies, like the Rayad Group, later issued apologies for spreading confusion and stopped offering Golden Visa services.

What is the Real Golden Visa Process in 2025?

Nomination-Based Golden Visa (New Route)

A new route allows professionals from India and Bangladesh to apply for a lifetime Golden Visa only if they are nominated by a UAE authority or organization.

Requirements

  1. Must be nominated by a government or semi-government entity in the UAE.
  2. Pay a processing fee of AED 100,000 if selected.
  3. Provide documents for:
  • Education and work background
  • Social media and online activity checks
  • Anti-money laundering checks
  • Criminal record clearance

This route is not open to everyone. It is meant for people who have made outstanding contributions in their fields.

Benefits of the Golden Visa

  • Long-term stay (5, 10 years, or in some cases, lifetime)
  • No need for a local sponsor
  • Bring your family – spouse, children, and even household staff
  • Work and business freedom
  • Access to banking, healthcare, and education
  • Discounts through UAE’s Esaad card and other benefits

Common Myths and Facts

Claim Reality
Anyone can buy the Golden Visa for Rs 23 lakh False – Only nominated professionals can apply
AED 100,000 guarantees the visa False – It is just a fee after selection
All consultants offering this are official False – Many were unauthorized and faced legal action
The visa is now lifetime for all Indians False – Only selected individuals under nomination route may receive lifetime validity

How to Apply the Right Way

  1. Check if you are eligible under the investor, professional, or nomination categories.
  2. Do not fall for agents offering shortcuts or “guaranteed” Golden Visas.
  3. Use official channels:
  • ICP (UAE Government website)
  • Amer Centers (in Dubai)
  • GDRFA Portal

If you receive a nomination, prepare your documents carefully and go through the legal process.

125th Birth Anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Know About Him

The Ministry of Culture organized a special event in New Delhi to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Bharat Kesari Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The programme included an exhibition, speeches and the release of a commemorative stamp and coin. This event is part of a two-year-long tribute to honour Dr. Mookerjee’s important role in India’s history and his strong voice for unity, reform and national integration.

Who was Syama Prasad Mookerjee?

Syama Prasad Mookerjee was a great leader, educationist, barrister and freedom fighter of India. Born on 6 July 1901 in Kolkata, he played an important role in shaping modern India. On his 125th birth anniversary, the nation remembers his contribution to politics, education and national unity.

Early Life and Education of Syama Prasad Mookerjee

He was born into a respected Bengali family. His father, Ashutosh Mukherjee, was a judge and Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University. Syama Prasad was a brilliant student. He studied at Presidency College and completed his law degree. He later went to England to become a barrister and returned to India to serve the country.

Career in Education

At just 33 years old, Syama Prasad Mookerjee became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University. He introduced Indian languages in university exams and invited Rabindranath Tagore to speak in Bengali during convocation for the first time.

Political Journey Before Independence

He started his political career in 1929 and later joined the Hindu Mahasabha. He was elected as Finance Minister of Bengal in 1941. He opposed the Quit India Movement but also criticized British rule. He actively worked for the safety and rights of Hindus in Bengal during communal riots and strongly supported the partition of Bengal to protect Hindu-majority areas.

Role in Independent India

After India became free, Mookerjee became the first industry Minister in Nehru’s cabinet. He later resigned over differences with Nehru on the Nehru-Liaquat Pact. In 1951, with the help of the RSS, he founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which later became the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Personal Life and Social Work

Syama Prasad was married to Sudha Devi and had five children. He was a devoted social worker and also served as President of the Buddhist Mahabodhi Society. He brought back holy relics of Lord Buddha’s disciples from the British Museum to India and spread India’s message of peace to other countries.

Syam Prasad Mukherjee – Legacy and Memorials

Many institutions and places are named after him, such as:

  • Syama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi.
  • Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port, Kolkata
  • Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Civic Centre, Delhi
  • Chennai-Nashri Tunnel, renamed in his honour
  • Shyama Prasad Rurban Mission to develop rural India

11th Maize Summit: Big Plans to Boost Maize Farming in India

On July 7, 2025, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan opened the 11th India Maize Summit in New Delhi, organized by FICCI and the Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR). He shared the government’s new vision for a “Maize Revolution” to improve farmers’ income, boost maize production, and support sustainable farming. The event highlighted key programs and partnerships shaping India’s maize sector.

A Vision for Maize Growth

At the summit, Minister Chouhan said that the government’s focus remains on “farmers first”. He shared a detailed roadmap to improve maize production using better research, farmer education, and modern farming techniques.

India’s maize production has grown from 10 million tonnes in 1990 to over 42 million tonnes in recent years. The target is to reach 86 million tonnes by 2047. However, India’s average maize yield is 3.7 tonnes per hectare, which is still below the global average.

Lab to Land: Connecting Science to Farms

Under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, nearly 11,000 scientists and agriculture officers were sent to 7,000–8,000 villages to directly work with farmers. The goal is to bring scientific solutions from labs to fields and help farmers apply better methods.

UP’s Big Push for Maize

Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi shared success from the UP Accelerated Maize Development Program, a five-year state initiative. Maize was promoted as a crop for diversification, and this year, maize was planted on 5.4 lakh hectares in 24 districts. Satellite surveys confirmed the expansion.

The state’s average yield is now 34 quintals per hectare, and it may cross 40 quintals this season. Around 15 companies are now involved in maize processing, and the government is working on value-added uses like fiber and eco-friendly plastic alternatives.

Expert Views and Market Trends

Dr. H.S. Jat, Director of ICAR-IIMR, said maize production must grow by 8–9% yearly to meet the E30 ethanol blending target by 2030. The goal is to produce 65–70 million tonnes by then. He explained that improved maize varieties with higher starch and fermentable content are being developed to increase ethanol output.

Subroto Geed, Co-Chair of FICCI’s Agriculture Committee, said maize is more than just a crop—it’s key to India’s food security, biofuel, and livestock feed. He urged for better technology, seed systems, and digital farming tools to make India a climate-smart maize economy.

Sunjay Vuppuluri from YES Bank shared that maize is India’s fastest-growing cereal. In the past 10 years, area under maize grew 31%, and production rose 75%. But demand is growing faster than supply. Poultry feed (51%) and ethanol (18%) are top uses.

Switzerland Clears First Malaria Medicine for Small Babies

Switzerland’s medical authority, Swissmedic, has approved a new malaria medicine specially made for small infants. The medicine, created by Novartis, was approved on July 9, 2025, and is meant for babies weighing between 2 and 5 kilograms. This step is important because malaria causes many child deaths, especially in Africa.

A Big Step for Infant Health

The medicine is made by Novartis, a pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland. It is the first malaria drug approved for very young infants, making it a major step in protecting the youngest and most vulnerable children. The approval was given under a fast-track process by Swissmedic, done in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO). This special process helps speed up medicine access for developing countries.

Why It Matters for Africa

In 2023, malaria killed an estimated 597,000 people worldwide, and 95% of these deaths were in Africa. Most of the victims were children under five. Although the disease is more common in children aged 3 to 6 months, infants also need safe treatment options. Until now, older children’s medicine had to be carefully adjusted for infants, which experts called a “suboptimal” solution.

Expert Views and Company Plan

Quique Bassat, a malaria expert at ISGlobal (Barcelona Institute for Global Health), said this drug is both safe and effective. He believes it will help treat infants in a safer and easier way.

Ruairidh Villar, spokesperson for Novartis, said that eight African countries were part of the drug’s review and are expected to approve it within the next 90 days. Novartis plans to offer the medicine mostly at no profit in countries where malaria is common.

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