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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.

Election Commission Digitizes Index Cards and Statistical Reports for Faster Data Access

In a significant stride toward improving transparency and efficiency in electoral data dissemination, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has implemented a technology-driven system to generate Index Cards and Statistical Reports post-elections. Headed by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar, alongside Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, the ECI’s upgraded system replaces time-consuming manual processes with automated data integration tools. This reform is expected to enhance the speed, accuracy, and accessibility of election-related information for researchers, journalists, policymakers, and the general public.

Why in News?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the implementation of a streamlined digital mechanism for generating Index Cards and related Statistical Reports. The update comes under the leadership of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, aimed at ensuring faster, tech-enabled post-election data reporting. The move is a response to delays and inefficiencies in the earlier manual, multi-step processes used to compile and disseminate constituency-level election data.

Objectives and Purpose

  • To accelerate data availability post-election.
  • To enhance accuracy, transparency, and accessibility of election data.
  • To reduce dependency on manual inputs and mitigate risks of delay.

Key Features of the New System

Digitally Generated Index Cards

  • Non-statutory format used for academic and research purposes.
  • Covers detailed constituency-wise election data.

Automated Statistical Reporting

  • Generates 35 reports for Lok Sabha elections and 14 reports for State Assembly elections.

Reports include

  • Elector demographics by state, PC (Parliamentary Constituency), AC (Assembly Constituency).

Polling station statistics

  • Turnout data, gender-based participation, and party performance.
  • Detailed vote share and analysis of winning candidates.

Data Accessibility

  • Useful for researchers, academics, media, policymakers, and the public.
  • Promotes deeper democratic discourse and electoral studies.

Background

Previously

  • Constituency officials manually filled physical Index Cards post-election.
  • Data was later entered into an online system, creating delays.

Now

  • The process is fully digitized, with automated integration from statutory data.

Limitations

  • The Index Cards and reports are secondary data sources.
  • Primary data is still held in statutory forms by Returning Officers.
  • Reports are intended solely for academic and research purposes, not for official results declaration.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? Election Commission Digitizes Index Cards and Statistical Reports for Faster Data Access
Initiative by Election Commission of India (ECI)
Led by CEC Shri Gyanesh Kumar; ECs Dr. Sandhu & Dr. Joshi
New Mechanism Automated Index Cards & Statistical Reporting System
Old Process Manual physical card entry, later digitized
Reports Generated  35 for Lok Sabha; 14 for State Assemblies
Purpose Transparency, speed, accessibility for electoral data

RBI Announce 55th Monetary Policy Committee Meeting (June 2025)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) convened its 55th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting from June 4 to 6, 2025, under the chairmanship of Governor Shri Sanjay Malhotra. This meeting was of significant importance as it came amid a changing global economic environment and evolving domestic macroeconomic conditions. The key outcomes of the meeting signal a policy recalibration aimed at supporting growth while maintaining price stability.

Key Updates from RBI’s 55th Monetary Policy Meeting (June 2025)

1. Policy Rate Cut

  • Repo Rate: Reduced by 50 basis points (bps), from 6.00% to 5.50%.
  • Reason: To support growth while CPI inflation is well below target.
  • This is the second cut in 2025, totaling 100 bps since February.

2. Adjusted Policy Corridor

  • Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate: Cut to 5.25% (25 bps below repo rate).
  • Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate and Bank Rate: Lowered to 5.75% (25 bps above repo rate).

3. Shift in Policy Stance

  • From “Accommodative” to “Neutral”.
  • RBI indicates it will now take a data-dependent approach, reducing scope for further aggressive rate cuts.

Next Meeting Date

August 5-7, 2025
September 29-30, 2025 and October 1, 2025
December 3-5, 2025
February 4-6, 2026

GDP Growth Forecast

GDP at 6.5%, says Governor. There is no change in GDP forecast:

Period Current Forecast Earlier Forecast
FY26 6.5% 6.5%
Q1 FY26 6.5% 6.5%
Q2 FY26 6.7% 6.7%
Q3 FY26 6.6% 6.6%
Q4 FY26 6.3% 6.3%

Inflation Forecast (CPI) – Revised Downward

FY26 CPI Inflation now projected at 3.7%, down from 4.0%.

Period Current Forecast Earlier Forecast
FY26 3.7% 4.0%
Q1 FY26 2.9% 3.6%
Q2 FY26 3.4% 3.9%
Q3 FY26 3.9% 3.8%
Q4 FY26 4.4% 4.4%

Who are members of the RBI MPC?

Section 45ZB of the amended RBI Act, 1934 provides for an empowered six-member monetary policy committee (MPC) to be constituted by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette. The first such MPC was constituted on September 29, 2016. The present MPC members, as notified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette of October 1, 2024, are as under:

  • Governor of the Reserve Bank of India—Chairperson, ex officio;
  • Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, in charge of Monetary Policy—Member, ex officio;
  • One officer of the Reserve Bank of India to be nominated by the Central Board—Member, ex officio;
  • Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Director and Chief Executive, Institute for Studies in Industrial Development, New Delhi — Member;
  • Shri Saugata Bhattacharya, Economist — Member; and
  • Prof. Ram Singh, Director, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi —Member

(Members referred to at 4 to 6 above, will hold office for a period of four years or until further orders, whichever is earlier)

  • The MPC determines the policy repo rate required to achieve the inflation target.
  • The MPC is required to meet at least four times in a year. The quorum for the meeting of the MPC is four members.
  • Each member of the MPC has one vote, and in the event of an equality of votes, the Governor has a second or casting vote.
  • Each Member of the Monetary Policy Committee writes a statement specifying the reasons for voting in favour of, or against the proposed resolution.

RBI Instruments of Monetary Policy

Repo Rate

The Repo Rate is the interest rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends short-term funds to commercial banks under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), using government and other approved securities as collateral. It serves as the primary monetary policy tool for regulating inflation and managing liquidity in the economy. When the repo rate is increased, borrowing becomes more expensive, which helps control inflation. Conversely, a reduction in the repo rate makes borrowing cheaper, encouraging lending and investment, thus stimulating economic growth.

Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate

The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate is the interest rate at which the RBI accepts uncollateralised overnight deposits from commercial banks. Introduced in April 2022, it replaced the fixed reverse repo rate as the floor of the LAF corridor. The SDF rate is placed 25 basis points below the policy repo rate. It plays a dual role by not only absorbing surplus liquidity but also contributing to overall financial stability, allowing banks to deposit excess funds with the central bank without requiring securities.

Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate

The Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate is a penal rate at which banks can borrow funds overnight from the RBI by dipping into their Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) holdings, up to a predefined limit (usually 2%). This facility acts as a last-resort mechanism to manage unexpected liquidity pressures in the banking system. The MSF rate is set 25 basis points above the repo rate and serves as the upper bound or ceiling of the LAF corridor.

Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF)

The Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) comprises the RBI’s tools to either inject or absorb liquidity in the banking system. It includes overnight and term repo/reverse repo operations at fixed and variable rates, as well as the SDF and MSF. In addition to LAF operations, the RBI also utilizes instruments such as open market operations (OMOs), forex swaps, and the Market Stabilisation Scheme (MSS) for effective liquidity management.

LAF Corridor

The LAF Corridor is the range within which the RBI allows overnight money market interest rates to fluctuate. The corridor has the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate as the upper bound, the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate as the lower bound, and the policy repo rate at its midpoint. This structure helps guide short-term interest rates and ensures the smooth functioning of the monetary transmission mechanism.

Main Liquidity Management Tool

The main liquidity management tool of the RBI is the 14-day term repo or reverse repo auction conducted at a variable rate. These operations are aligned with the cash reserve ratio (CRR) maintenance cycle and serve to manage the routine liquidity requirements of the banking system. This is the RBI’s principal method for fine-tuning liquidity in normal market conditions.

Fine Tuning Operations

Fine tuning operations are supplementary liquidity measures taken by the RBI to address short-term and unforeseen liquidity fluctuations. These include overnight or longer-tenor repo/reverse repo auctions. If needed, the RBI may also conduct variable rate repo/reverse repo auctions with tenors exceeding 14 days. These operations help maintain liquidity conditions within the desired corridor.

Reverse Repo Rate

The Reverse Repo Rate is the interest rate at which the RBI absorbs liquidity from commercial banks by accepting deposits backed by government securities. Though it remains part of the LAF framework, its role has been altered since the introduction of the SDF. The RBI now uses fixed-rate reverse repo operations at its discretion, depending on prevailing liquidity and policy needs.

Bank Rate

The Bank Rate is the rate at which the RBI is willing to buy or rediscount bills of exchange and other commercial instruments. It also acts as a penal rate charged to banks for failing to maintain statutory reserve requirements like the CRR and SLR. Published under Section 49 of the RBI Act, 1934, the Bank Rate has been aligned with the MSF rate and changes automatically with adjustments to the repo rate.

Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)

The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) is the minimum average daily balance that commercial banks are required to maintain with the RBI as a percentage of their net demand and time liabilities (NDTL), as of the last Friday of the second preceding fortnight. The CRR is a tool used to control the money supply and liquidity in the economy by restricting the amount of funds available for lending.

Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)

The Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) mandates that banks maintain a certain percentage of their net demand and time liabilities (NDTL) in the form of liquid assets such as unencumbered government securities, cash, or gold. Like CRR, the SLR helps in regulating credit growth, ensuring bank solvency, and controlling inflation.

Open Market Operations (OMOs)

Open Market Operations (OMOs) refer to the outright purchase or sale of government securities by the RBI in the open market. These operations are aimed at injecting or absorbing long-term liquidity in the banking system. When the RBI buys securities, it infuses liquidity; when it sells, it absorbs liquidity. OMOs are a critical component of the RBI’s toolkit for durable liquidity management.

PM Modi Will Inaugurate World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, June 6, 2025, will inaugurate the Chenab Bridge — the world’s highest railway arch bridge — located in Jammu & Kashmir’s Reasi district. The event marked a major infrastructure milestone, as the Prime Minister also launched development projects worth over ₹46,000 crore at Katra, including the inauguration of India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge (Anji Bridge), flagging off Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar, and laying the foundation stone of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence. These projects aim to boost connectivity, healthcare, and economic growth in the Union Territory.

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, to inaugurate a range of critical infrastructure projects on June 6, 2025. The highlight was the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge, now the world’s highest railway arch bridge at 359 meters above the riverbed. PM Modi also flagged off Vande Bharat trains on the newly completed section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). This marks a significant development in the region’s connectivity and strategic infrastructure.

Major Infrastructure Projects

Chenab Bridge

  • Height: 359 metres above Chenab River — taller than the Eiffel Tower.
  • Length: 1,315 metres.
  • Structure: Steel arch designed to withstand seismic activity and high wind speeds.
  • Significance: Seamless rail link between Jammu and Kashmir; enhances border area connectivity.

Anji Bridge

  • India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
  • Built in challenging Himalayan terrain.
  • Facilitates rail link to Katra and Kashmir Valley.

USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link)

  • Total length: 272 kmસ
  • Objective: Provide all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
  • Strategic for economic development and national security.

Vande Bharat Trains

  • New services between Katra and Srinagar.
  • Reduced travel time to approx. 3 hours (saves 2-3 hours).
  • Enhances tourism, trade, and pilgrimage routes.

Healthcare Boost

  • Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence
  • Investment: ₹350 crore.
  • Location: Katra (Reasi district).
  • First medical college in the region; improves access to quality healthcare.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? PM Modi will Inaugurates World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir
Key Highlight World’s highest railway arch bridge (Chenab Bridge)
Height & Length 359m height, 1,315m length
Additional Projects Anji Bridge, USBRL line, medical institute, road projects
Rail Boost Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar
Healthcare Initiative Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence worth ₹350 crore
Total Project Cost ₹46,000 crore
Strategic Value Improved border connectivity and economic growth in Jammu & Kashmir

India-England Test Series Renamed Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

In a landmark move celebrating two of Test cricket’s greatest icons, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have jointly announced that the historic Test series between India and England will now be known as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The renaming honours James Anderson, England’s most prolific Test bowler, and Sachin Tendulkar, India’s legendary batsman and the most-capped Test player in history.

Why in News?

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have officially announced that the Test series between India and England will now be named the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, in honour of cricketing greats James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar. The trophy will be unveiled during the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s starting June 11, 2025, ahead of the five-Test series beginning June 20 at Headingley.

Objective & Significance

  • To commemorate James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar, two iconic players who have immensely contributed to Test cricket.
  • Promote greater historical continuity and fan engagement with the India-England Test rivalry.

Background

  • Earlier series in England were called the Pataudi Trophy (named after Nawab of Pataudi Sr. and Jr.).
  • In India, the series was known as the Anthony de Mello Trophy, after BCCI’s first secretary and president.
  • With Anderson’s retirement in 2023 and the increasing trend of naming series after legendary players, this change was deemed timely.

About the Legends

  • James Anderson: England’s all-time highest wicket-taker in Tests with 188 matches.
  • Sachin Tendulkar: Most-capped Test cricketer with 200 Tests, revered globally as the “Little Master”.

Upcoming Series

  • The new WTC cycle starts with India vs England series from June 20, 2025, at Headingley.
  • Both Tendulkar and Anderson will jointly unveil the trophy at Lord’s before the WTC Final.

Trend in Test Cricket

Recent trend of naming Test series after iconic players,

  • Border-Gavaskar Trophy (India vs Australia)
  • Richards-Botham Trophy (England vs West Indies)
  • Crowe-Thorpe Trophy (England vs New Zealand, since 2024)
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? India-England Test Series Renamed Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
Replaces Pataudi Trophy (in England) and Anthony de Mello Trophy (in India)
Trophy Name Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
Next Test Series Start June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds
Named After James Anderson (188 Tests) and Sachin Tendulkar (200 Tests)
 Announced By ECB and BCCI

Top-10 Oldest Airports in the World, Check the List

Airports help people travel across the world by plane. Some airports have been working for more than 100 years and are still in use today. These old airports have seen many changes over time,but they still play an important role in air travel. In this article, we will look at the top-10 oldest airports in the world that are still active in the year 2025.

World’s Oldest Airport

College Park Airport is the oldest in the world that has been working continuously since it opened. It is in the city of College Park, Maryland, USA. The airport is near Paint Branch, Lake Artemesia and close to main roads and train stations. Built in 1909, it was used by the Wright brothers and is still active today for small flights and history lovers.

Top-10 Oldest Airports in the World

College Park Airport, located in United States, opened in 1909, stands as the oldest airport in the world, followed by Hamburg Airport, Bucharest Baneasa Aurel Vlaicu Airport and Bremen Airport.

Here is the list of top-10 oldest airport in the world:

Rank Airport Name Country Name
1. College Park Airport USA 1909
2. Hamburg Airport Germany 1911
3. Bucharest Baneasa Aurel Vlaicu Airport Romania 1912
4. Bremen Airport Germany 1913
5. Rome Ciampino Airport Italy 1916
6. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Netherlands 1916
7. Paris-Le Bourget Airport France 1919
8. Sydney Airport Australia 1920
9. Minneapolis/ Saint Paul International Airport USA 1920
10. Albany International Airport USA 1928

Second Oldest Airport in the World – Hamburg Airport

Hamburg Airport is the second oldest airport in the world and is located in Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city. Opened in 1911, it was later named after former German Helmut Schmidt. The airport is just 8.5 km from the city center and serves as a hub for Eurowings and a focus city for Condor airlines. It remains busy and modern today.

World’s Third Oldest Airport – Aurel Vlaicu International Airport

Aurel Vlaicu International Airport, also known as Baneasa Airport, is the third oldest airport in the world. It is located 8.5 km north of central Bucharest, Romania. Named after Romanian pilot and inventor Aurel Vlaicu, it was the city’s only commercial airport until 1969. Today, it mainly serves VIP and business flights, keeping its place in aviation history.

Flipkart Secures NBFC Licence from RBI, Enters Direct Lending Space

In a groundbreaking development for India’s digital economy, Walmart-owned Flipkart has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). With this licence, Flipkart can now offer loans directly to its customers and sellers, moving beyond partnerships with traditional lenders. This move marks the first time an Indian e-commerce giant has been granted such a licence, paving the way for deeper fintech integration in online retail.

Why in News?

On March 13, 2025, the RBI granted Flipkart Finance Private Limited a certificate of registration to operate as an NBFC. This approval is significant as it allows Flipkart to Lend directly, unlike its previous tie-ups with banks.Operate independently in the credit space. Expand its fintech ecosystem through its app, super.money.

What Is an NBFC?

  • NBFCs are financial institutions that offer loans and credit, but cannot accept traditional bank deposits.
  • NBFCs are regulated by the RBI under the RBI Act, 1934.

What Flipkart’s NBFC Licence Enables

  • Direct lending to customers and sellers on Flipkart’s platform.
  • Offer personal loans and business credit through Flipkart’s fintech arm super.money.
  • Operate without intermediaries like banks or third-party NBFCs.

Background

  • Flipkart applied for the NBFC licence in 2022.
  • Previously, Flipkart offered credit in partnerships with Axis Bank, IDFC Bank, and Credit Saison.
  • Flipkart was valued at $37 billion in 2024 during its last funding round.

Next Steps Before Launch

  • Appointment of key executives and board members.
  • Finalisation of the lending business model.
  • Expected to begin operations in the next few months.

Industry Context

  • Amazon recently acquired Bengaluru-based NBFC Axio, pending RBI clearance.
  • Flipkart becomes the first major Indian e-commerce platform to gain NBFC approval.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? Flipkart Secures NBFC Licence from RBI, Enters Direct Lending Space
Entity Flipkart Finance Pvt Ltd (subsidiary of Flipkart)
Licence Type NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company)
Issuing Authority Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Purpose Direct lending to customers and sellers
Parent Company Walmart (owns 80%+ of Flipkart)
Industry Impact First e-commerce player in India to get NBFC licence

G7 Headquarters, Origin, and Founding Members

The Group of Seven, or G7, is a group of seven rich and powerful countries that meet every year to talk about important world problems. These countries work together to find solutions for issues like the economy, security and climate change. Although India is not a member, it has been invited to some meetings because it is becoming an important country in global affairs.

An Overview of the G7

The G7 is a group of seven important rich countries that come together to talk and work on big world problems. These countries are France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada. They meet every year to share ideas and plan actions on issues like the economy, security and the environment. The European Union also joins the meetings but is not a full member.

What does the G7 Do?

The G7 helps lead global discussions and pushes important topics like climate change, gender equality and peace efforts. It supports projects to reduce weapons and strengthen international economic rules. The group’s countries are some of the biggest economies and traders in the world.

Every year, one G7 hosts the meeting and the presidency rotates among them in this order: France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada.

History and Origin of the G7

The G7 started in 1975 as a small meeting called the ”Group of Six” by France, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US and West Germany. It was created to talk about economic problems like inflation and the oil crisis.

Canada joined in 1976, making it the Group of Seven. The European Union began taking part in 1977. Russia joined in 1998, turning the group into the G8, but was removed in 2014 because of conflicts with Ukraine.

The G7 is not a formal organization like the UN. It is an informal group where leaders talk but don’t make official laws.

How the G7 Works?

The G7 does not have a fixed office or staff like other big organizations. Each year, the member country that hosts the summit organizes it and sets the main topics.

Before the leaders meet, ministers and special representatives called ”sherpas” discuss and plan the agenda. Sometimes, other countries are invited to join discussions.

There are also smaller groups focusing on different issues like finance, agriculture and health.

Who are the Members of the G7?

The G7 includes these seven countries:

  • Canada
  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • United Kingdom
  • United States

The European Union also attends the meetings but does not have voting rights or presidency.

Is India a Part of the G7?

No, India is not a member of the G7. But India has been invited as a special guest to some G7 meetings, like in 2019, 2021, 2022 and also in 2024. This shows that India is becoming more important in global affairs.

What are the Focus Areas of G7?

Recently, the G7 has been focusing on:

  • Economic security and supply chains
  • Climate change and sustainable energy
  • Health emergencies like COVID-19
  • Political and military tensions with countries like China and Russia
  • Technology and digital safety

Challenges Faced by G7 Countries

The G7 faces many problems today, including:

  • Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Russia’s war in Ukraine is a big concern. The G7 works to support Ukraine and prevent the conflict from growing.
  • China’s Rise: China is growing fast as an economic and military power. The G7 worries about China’s trade practices, human rights issues and its big projects like the Belt and Road Initiative.
  • Fair Partnerships: The G7 wants to built honest and fair relationships with developing countries to help them grow and succeed.
  • COVID-19 Effects: The pandemic hurt the world economy badly. G7 countries had to spend a lot to help their economies and are now dealing with rising prices (inflation).

Ashwani Lohani Appointed Director of Prime Ministers Museum and Library

Ashwani Lohani, former Chairman and Managing Director of Air India and ex-Chairman of the Railway Board, has been appointed as the Director of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) in New Delhi. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment on June 4, 2025, for a tenure of three years, filling the vacancy left after the exit of former power secretary Sanjiv Nandan Sahai.

Why in News?

Ashwani Lohani’s appointment marks a significant administrative development at PMML, which has recently undergone a restructuring of its society and executive council. With his rich experience in leadership roles across the tourism, aviation, and railway sectors, Lohani is expected to bring transformative direction to the institution.

About Ashwani Lohani

  • A 1980 batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME).

Former,

  • Chairman of the Railway Board (2017)
  • CMD of Air India (served two terms)
  • CMD of ITDC (2001)
  • CMD of MPTDC (2004–2010, across three terms)
  • CEO at GMR Group post-retirement.
  • Known for turning around struggling public sector undertakings like ITDC and MPSTDC.

Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML)

  • An institution under the Ministry of Culture, it preserves the legacy of India’s Prime Ministers and hosts exhibitions, documents, and digital archives.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the President of the PMML Society.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh serves as the Vice President.
  • The Executive Council is chaired by Nripendra Misra, former Principal Secretary to PM Modi.

Key Changes in PMML Governance

  • The executive council expanded from 29 to 34 members.

Prominent new members,

  • Smriti Irani (former Union Minister)
  • Rajiv Kumar (former NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman)
  • General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd.)
  • Shekhar Kapur (Filmmaker)
  • Vasudev Kamath (Sanskar Bharati)
  • Sanjeev Sanyal, Chamu Krishna Shastry, K K Mohammad, B R Mani

Significance of the Appointment

  • Ashwani Lohani’s multi-sectoral leadership background aligns with PMML’s need for institutional modernization and visitor engagement.
  • His inclusion in the seven-member executive council signals strategic emphasis on heritage management, public outreach, and institutional credibility.

International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing

June 5 marks the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, a global initiative spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The observance highlights the urgent need to protect the world’s fisheries, marine biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions dependent on ocean resources by eliminating illegal and unsustainable fishing practices.

Why in News?

This year, the observance coincides with the ninth anniversary of the legally binding Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) that came into force on 5 June 2016. The agreement now includes two-thirds of the world’s coastal states, including recent signatories like the Marshall Islands, reaffirming global commitment to combat IUU fishing and promote sustainable fisheries under SDG 14.

What is IUU Fishing?

  • Illegal fishing: Conducted without permission or in violation of laws.
  • Unreported fishing: Not declared or recorded properly.
  • Unregulated fishing: Conducted by vessels with no nationality or in a manner not governed by applicable rules.
  • IUU fishing occurs in both international waters and national jurisdictions.

Key Facts

  • Estimated 11–26 million tonnes of fish lost annually due to IUU.
  • Economic losses are valued between USD 10–23 billion each year.
  • 1 in every 5 fish caught globally is from IUU sources.

Key Instruments & Agreements

  • 1995 FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries: A voluntary guideline for sustainable fishing.
  • 2009 Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA): First legally binding international treaty against IUU fishing.
  • Entered into force on 5 June 2016.
  • Enforces minimum port controls to block IUU-caught fish from entering global markets.

Aims and Objectives

  • Eliminate illegal fishing activities and ensure food security.
  • Promote long-term conservation of fish stocks.
  • Enforce international cooperation for monitoring and data sharing.
  • Safeguard livelihoods of artisanal and small-scale fishers, who form 90% of the fisheries workforce.

Background

  • Proposed in 2015 by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM).
  • Endorsed by FAO’s Committee on Fisheries.
  • Officially recognized by UN General Assembly in December 2017.
  • Aligned with SDG 14.4, which aims to regulate and end IUU fishing by 2020.

Significance

  • IUU fishing undermines marine conservation, causes biodiversity loss, and threatens coastal economies.
  • Undermines lawful fisheries, impacts fish stock sustainability, and feeds black markets.
  • Greater awareness can influence consumer behavior and promote responsible seafood choices.

Why is the RBI changing gold loan rules?

On April 9, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released draft guidelines on loans against gold collateral, seeking to harmonise lending practices across banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). The move comes in response to inconsistencies in lending norms and a sharp spike in gold loan portfolios, especially among banks. While the proposed rules aim to enhance transparency, borrower protection, and regulatory uniformity, concerns have been raised about their impact on rural borrowers who heavily rely on gold loans for agricultural and personal needs.

Why in News?

The draft directions issued by the RBI have sparked significant debate, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin urging the Finance Ministry to reconsider the norms, citing disruption to rural credit flows. The Finance Ministry clarified that implementation will begin only from January 1, 2026, and emphasized the need to protect small gold loan borrowers. The rules were drafted in the backdrop of alarming growth in gold loan portfolios, with banks witnessing a 104% year-on-year rise in FY24, raising concerns of regulatory gaps and over-leverage.

Why is RBI Proposing New Rules?

  • Rapid growth in gold loans: Over 50% growth in combined bank and NBFC portfolios in FY24.
  • Concerns over irregular lending practices, over-leveraging, and non-uniform valuation.
  • Rising gold prices and widening credit gaps pushed more individuals to use gold as collateral.
  • The goal is to standardise procedures, ensure borrower safety, and create a level playing field.

Key Proposals in the Draft Guidelines

  • LTV (Loan-to-Value) Cap: Remains at 75%, but accrued interest included in LTV for bullet loans.
  • Ownership Proof: Borrowers must provide proof of ownership of pledged gold.
  • Gold Valuation: Standardised method based on 22-carat gold rates.
  • Purity & Weight Checks: Mandatory uniform assessment across all lenders.
  • No Dual-Purpose Loans: Loans for consumption and income generation can’t be combined.

Top-Up/Renewal Restrictions

  • Only allowed if existing loan is standard and within LTV norms.
  • Borrowers must repay entire due amount before fresh disbursal.
  • Compensation for Delay: ₹5,000 per day if lenders delay returning gold beyond 7 days post-repayment.
  • Ban on Re-Pledging: NBFCs can’t re-pledge gold to raise funds.

Concerns and Responses

Impact on Rural Borrowers

  • Gold loans are a lifeline for small farmers and informal sector workers.
  • Changes could restrict access, especially due to stricter LTV computation.

Higher Compliance Burden

  • Smaller NBFCs may struggle due to documentation, DSCR norms, and cost escalation.
  • May lead to consolidation in the NBFC sector.

Potential Rise in Interest Rates

  • Operational costs likely to be passed on to borrowers.

Expected Impact on Borrowers

  • Reduced Loan Amounts.
  • Liquidity Constraints
  • Limited Collateral Choices
  • Increased Transparency

Balancing Growth and Regulation

  • Rising gold prices suggest continued demand for gold loans.
  • But the new norms may slow loan growth, especially for NBFCs.
  • RBI is expected to consider differentiated norms for small-ticket vs. high-value loans.
  • Aim is to build long-term resilience, reduce risk, and protect borrowers.
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