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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.

Public Sector Banks to Raise ₹45,000 Crore via Share Sale in FY26

In a major financial move, Indian public sector banks will raise about ₹45,000 crore through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) of shares in the financial year 2025–26. This was revealed by a government source on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. The move is part of the government’s larger plan to raise money through stake sales and boost capital in banks.

SBI to Start Share Sale, Other Banks to Follow

The State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s biggest bank, will soon launch its QIP. In May 2025, SBI had already approved a plan to raise ₹25,000 crore in equity capital. This QIP is a way for banks to get money from large institutional investors by offering them shares.

Other state-run banks such as UCO Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India, Punjab & Sind Bank, and Indian Overseas Bank will also sell shares in the current financial year. These banks are expected to use the money raised to improve their financial strength and support more lending.

Government’s Broader Plan for Disinvestment

The Modi government plans to complete the sale of its stake in IDBI Bank by October 2025. It is part of a wider goal to raise ₹47,000 crore through stake sales and asset monetisation announced in the 2025–26 Union Budget.

The aim is to reduce the government’s shareholding in public sector banks and bring in more private investment. This will also help banks work more efficiently and compete better in the market.

No Immediate Response Yet from Officials

According to the report by Reuters, there was no response from the Finance Ministry or SBI on the matter as the information was shared outside office hours. However, the details from the unnamed source give a clear picture of the government’s strategy for the financial year.

Big Government Payments to Go Through RBI e-Kuber From July 16

From July 16, 2025, all Indian government payments above ₹75 crore must be made through the RBI’s e-Kuber system. This step aims to bring more transparency, faster processing, and quicker tracking of big payments. The system will help in managing funds more smoothly and will shorten the time taken to match records.

What Is the New Rule?

Starting July 16, all payments made by central government departments that are more than ₹75 crore must go through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s e-Kuber system. This system is an online platform that helps the RBI settle money transfers for the government and other banks.

Earlier, only payments over ₹500 crore were required to go through e-Kuber. Now, that limit has been brought down. For some types of payments, the limit is now ₹100 crore. In the future, the government may lower the threshold further to ₹50 crore, making the rule stricter.

Why This Change?

The main reason for this move is to make the payment system faster, cleaner, and more accurate. With e-Kuber, it will take just 24 hours to match account details, instead of waiting for many days. It also helps in real-time tracking of how money is being spent by different departments. This improves transparency and ensures there is no misuse or delay in big payments.

About the e-Kuber System

e-Kuber is a special online system developed by the RBI. It is used to manage transactions between the government and banks. It helps settle payments quickly and safely. With this rule, the government wants to use technology to streamline fund transfers and reduce mistakes or delays in payments.

This change is especially useful for departments that handle large amounts of money, such as those working on infrastructure, defense, or social welfare.

What’s Next?

Officials say that this is only the beginning. Over time, the limit may be lowered to ₹50 crore, covering even more transactions. This step is part of the government’s wider push to make public finance more digital, accountable, and efficient.

Sarankumar Limbale Wins Chintha Raveendran Award 2025

Marathi writer and critic Sarankumar Limbale has been selected for the Chintha Raveendran Award for 2025. The award includes a cash prize, a memento, and a citation. It will be presented on July 26 at K.P. Kesavamenon Hall in Kozhikode, during a special event held in memory of Chintha Raveendran. The award celebrates Limbale’s contributions to literature and social thought.

About the Award and the Ceremony

The Chintha Raveendran Award is given each year to a writer who has made a strong impact in the field of literature and social issues. This year’s recipient, Sarankumar Limbale, is known for his writings that focus on Dalit identity, equality, and human rights.

The award includes ₹50,000 in cash, a memento, and a citation. The presentation will take place on July 26 at 10 a.m. at K.P. Kesavamenon Hall, Kozhikode. The event is part of the annual Chintha Raveendran commemoration, held to remember the noted left-wing thinker and writer.

Key People and Program Details

Former Member of Parliament Subhashini Ali will deliver the main talk at the event. Her lecture is titled ‘Manuvadi Hindutva: When culture, history and equal rights are being deconstructed’, which will discuss current issues of social and cultural equality in India.

Well-known writer N.S. Madhavan will preside over the function, adding literary and intellectual significance to the gathering. The event is expected to draw writers, thinkers, and students from across Kerala.

Significance of the Award and Limbale’s Work

Sarankumar Limbale’s writings have played a major role in bringing Dalit literature and social justice issues into the mainstream. His work often talks about the struggles faced by marginalized communities in India. The Chintha Raveendran Award honours such bold voices that challenge inequality and promote human dignity.

Nvidia Becomes First Company to Reach $4 Trillion Value

U.S.-based chipmaker Nvidia reached a major milestone by becoming the first publicly traded company to cross a $4 trillion market value. This shows how important Nvidia and the technology sector have become to the overall stock market. The company’s fast growth has also made it a major player in top market indexes.

Nvidia’s Rapid Rise

Nvidia’s stock has grown quickly in recent years. Since October 2022, its share price has jumped by about 1,350%, and it is up 22% in 2025 alone, compared to just 6% for the S&P 500. The company reached the $4 trillion milestone just over a year after it first hit $3 trillion, showing its strong and steady growth.

Impact on the Stock Market

Because of its high value, Nvidia now holds the biggest share in the S&P 500 index (about 7.5%), which is a key measure of the U.S. stock market. It also has a large share in other major indexes like the Invesco QQQ ETF and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index. This gives Nvidia great influence on how these indexes perform.

However, its role is smaller in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which is based on stock prices rather than total value.

Tech Sector’s Dominance

Nvidia is not alone at the top. Other tech companies like Microsoft (around $3.7 trillion) and Apple ($3.1 trillion) are close behind. Together with Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, and Broadcom, the top seven tech companies now make up about one-third of the S&P 500. The technology sector as a whole is now the largest part of the U.S. stock market, nearly matching its size during the dot-com boom in 2000.

Stamp Released to Honour Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s 125th Birth Anniversary

Department of Posts released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the 125th Birth Anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The stamp was launched at a grand event at Siri Fort Auditorium in Delhi, organized by the Ministry of Culture. This event paid tribute to Mookerjee’s valuable contributions to India’s progress and unity.

Grand Event at Siri Fort Auditorium

The stamp release ceremony took place at Siri Fort Auditorium, Delhi, and was led by the Ministry of Culture. The event included a vibrant cultural program with patriotic music, a special exhibition about Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s life, and a theatrical performance by the National School of Drama. The program gave a glimpse into his impactful journey in areas like education, industry, and nation-building.

Stamp Unveiling and Key Guests

The commemorative stamp was unveiled in the presence of key dignitaries such as Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, and Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science & Technology. The first stamp album was formally presented by Col. Akhilesh Kumar Pandey, Chief Postmaster General, Delhi Circle. The stamp, designed by Smt. Nenu Gupta, is a tribute to Mookerjee’s efforts for national unity and inclusive development based on Indian values.

Stamp Details and Public Availability

Along with the stamp, a First Day Cover and a Brochure were also released. These items celebrate Mookerjee’s legacy and are now available at Philatelic Bureaus across the country and online on the India Post website (www.epostoffice.gov.in). These philatelic materials serve as both collectors’ items and educational resources for people to learn about Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s life.

India Launches First Indigenous Diving Support Ship INS Nistar

On July 9, 2025, the Indian Navy received INS Nistar, the country’s first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV). Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, the ship will help the Navy carry out deep sea diving and rescue operations. This marks a major step forward for the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat programs.

Built in India for Deep Sea Operations

INS Nistar has been fully designed and built in India, with about 75% local content. It has been constructed according to the rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). This shows India’s growing capability to build advanced warships on its own.

The name “Nistar” comes from Sanskrit, meaning rescue or salvation. The ship is 118 meters long, weighs around 10,000 tonnes, and is equipped with modern diving equipment. It can carry out saturation diving up to 300 metres deep and has a side diving stage for dives up to 75 metres.

Advanced Rescue and Support Abilities

INS Nistar will act as a “Mother Ship” for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV). This means it can help in rescuing people trapped in submarines underwater. The ship also carries Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) which can go as deep as 1000 metres to support divers and help in underwater salvage operations.

This type of advanced deep sea support is available only in a few leading navies across the world. With Nistar, the Indian Navy joins that list and can now respond faster and better to underwater emergencies.

Strengthening India’s Self-Reliance

The arrival of INS Nistar is seen as a milestone in India’s effort to become self-reliant in defence production. The ship strengthens the Navy’s underwater capabilities and supports India’s wider plans to modernise its naval fleet. It also fits perfectly into the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India vision set by the government.

India and Namibia Sign Key Deals During PM Modi’s Visit

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Namibia on July 9, 2025, both countries signed important agreements and made major announcements to boost cooperation in areas like business, health, and digital payments. The visit also marked a series of firsts for Namibia on the global stage, showing stronger India-Namibia relations and growing partnerships in key sectors.

Key Agreements Signed

India and Namibia signed two major Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the visit,

  • One to set up an Entrepreneurship Development Center in Namibia. This centre will help train young people and support startups.
  • Another MoU was signed for cooperation in the field of health and medicine. It aims to improve access to medical services, training, and technology sharing between the two nations.

These agreements will help boost Namibia’s economy and healthcare system, while also strengthening its ties with India.

Big Announcements: Namibia Joins Global Platforms

During the visit, Namibia submitted formal letters to join two major international alliances,

  • The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) – a global initiative led by India to promote safe and strong infrastructure against natural disasters.
  • The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) – which promotes clean and green fuel alternatives, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and support climate goals.
  • These announcements show Namibia’s commitment to working closely with India and other countries on sustainable development and climate resilience.

Namibia First Country to Adopt UPI Technology

A major highlight of the visit was Namibia becoming the first country in the world to sign a licensing agreement to adopt UPI (Unified Payments Interface) technology. UPI is a popular digital payment system developed in India that allows fast and secure money transfers using mobile apps.

This move will help boost digital payments and financial inclusion in Namibia, while also showing the global success of India’s digital initiatives. It opens the door for other countries to follow suit in adopting Indian digital solutions.

Guru Purnima 2025: Date, History, Significance, Celebrations and Wishes

Guru Purnima is a special day celebrated to thank and honor our teachers, known as gurus. These gurus guide us in life, give us knowledge and help us become better people. Guru Purnima is celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains in many countries like India, Nepal and Bhutan. It is a time to show love and respect to all those who teach us.

Guru Purnima 2025: Date and Time

In 2025, Guru Purnima will be celebrated on Thursday, July 10.

  • Purnima Tithi Begins: 1:36 AM, July 10
  • Purnima Tithi Ends: 2:06 AM, July 11

This festival happens on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha, which usually comes in June or July.

History of Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima has a long and meaningful history. It is also called Vyasa Purnima because it celebrated the birth of Ved Vyasa, a great sage who wrote the Mahabharata. He is seen as one of the greatest teachers in Indian tradition.

In Buddhism, this day is also very important. It is believed that Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon on this day in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. So, Buddhists celebrate history this day to remember that special moment.

Meaning and Significance of Guru Purnima

The word ‘Guru’ means someone who removes darkness (ignorance) and shows the light (knowledge).  The word ‘Purnima’ means full moon.

This day is important because it reminds us of the role of teachers in our life. Teachers can be anyone – our parents, school teachers, spiritual leaders or even elder siblings who guide us with love and care.

In Nepal, Guru Purnima is also celebrated as Teacher’s Day, which shows how much respect is given to teachers in society.

Celebrations of Guru Purnima 2025

People celebrate Guru Purnima in many special ways:

  • Students visit their teachers and offer flowers, sweets and gifts.
  • Special prayers and pujas are held in temples and homes.
  • In schools and ashrams, programs are organized to thank the gurus.
  • Buddhists offer prayers to Lord Buddha and remember his teachings.
  • Many people also read spiritual books or meditate to honor their gurus.

Guru Purnima 2025 – Wishes

  • Happy Guru Purnima! May our gurus’ wisdom guide us always.
  • Grateful for the light of knowledge from our gurus.
  • Wishing our teachers good health, wisdom and joy.
  • May our gurus’ teachings light our path.
  • Thank you, dear gurus, for shaping our lives.
  • May we always learn with humility.
  • Honouring the kindness and wisdom of our gurus.
  • May your blessings bring us peace and happiness.

Delhi Launches ‘Saheli Card’ for Free Bus Travel

The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has announced a new ‘Saheli Smart Card’ for women and transgender persons to travel free on Delhi buses. This new system will replace the pink ticket scheme and will only be available to people with a Delhi address and Aadhaar card. The change aims to stop misuse and improve how the free travel scheme works.

Free Travel Only for Delhi Residents

Earlier, all women, no matter where they lived, could get free travel on Delhi buses by using pink tickets. But now, only those who live in Delhi and can show a valid address proof and Aadhaar card will get the new Saheli Card. These cards will have the user’s name and photo and can be applied for online through the DTC website. The cards will be sent by post after approval.

Why the Change Was Made

Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh said that fake pink tickets were being made, and many were used to wrongly claim money from the government. He said, “We want a system that is clean and fair. Free rides should go only to those who really use them.” The Saheli Card will help track actual users and stop fraud. It will also make the system more transparent and accountable.

Smart, Modern, and Digital Travel

The Saheli Card is part of a bigger plan to make public transport in Delhi modern and digital. It will work like a smart card and will follow the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) system. This means it can be used not just on DTC buses but also in Delhi Metro, feeder buses, parking, and even for small payments in shops.

DTC is also setting up over 12,000 card readers, QR-code-based ticketing, and apps that let users recharge cards, plan trips, and check balance. These services will connect with apps made along with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

More Card Options for All Users

Besides the Saheli Card, DTC will launch two other cards

  • Zero KYC Card – No ID proof needed, fast to get, usable across travel networks.
  • Full KYC Card – Given by banks after full ID check, with more secure features.

These will help people who don’t want to apply for the Saheli Card but still want easy, cashless travel.

Who Is Left Out?

People living in Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, or other NCR cities will not be able to get free rides under this scheme, even if they work in Delhi. However, they can still buy and use the card for regular travel (without free benefits).

PM Modi Gets Namibia’s Top Civilian Honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given Namibia’s highest civilian award during his one-day state visit to the African nation on Wednesday. The award, called ‘The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis’, was presented by Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. This honour shows the strong and growing relationship between India and Namibia.

Modi Receives Top Honour in Namibia

During his visit to Namibia on Wednesday, PM Modi was honoured with the country’s top civilian award – The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis. The ceremony took place in the capital and was led by Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The award is named after a rare desert plant found only in Namibia, which stands for strength, long life, and resilience.

Modi is the first Indian leader to receive this special award. In his acceptance speech, he said, “I accept this honour with deep gratitude and dedicate it to the 1.4 billion people of India and the strong friendship between India and Namibia.”

Meaning and History of the Award

The Welwitschia Mirabilis Award was started in 1995. It is given to people who show great leadership and work to build strong ties between nations. The plant it is named after survives in the desert for many years, which is why it is used as a symbol of endurance and unity.

This is PM Modi’s 27th international award and the fourth during his current five-nation trip. Interestingly, it is also his second award within 24 hours, showing the global appreciation he is receiving on this tour.

A New Chapter in India-Namibia Relations

This honour marks a new milestone in the bond between India and Namibia. India and Namibia have worked together in areas like education, healthcare, defence, and technology. The award is a symbol of Namibia’s respect for India’s support and its interest in building even stronger ties in the future.

With this honour, both countries are expected to deepen their cooperation further in the coming months, especially in trade, green energy, and digital innovation.

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