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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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Honoured with Brazil’s Highest Civilian Award

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been honoured with Brazil’s highest civilian award, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross. This recognition was presented by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as a mark of respect for the growing diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between India and Brazil.

This honour represents not just an individual achievement for the Prime Minister, but also reflects the international recognition of India’s leadership and its growing influence on the global stage.

About the Award: Brazil’s Top Civilian Honour

The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross is the most prestigious civilian honour in Brazil. It is awarded to heads of state and government leaders who have made outstanding contributions to strengthening Brazil’s relations with other countries.

By conferring this honour upon Prime Minister Modi, Brazil has acknowledged his efforts in enhancing India-Brazil strategic partnership, as well as his role in advancing cooperation through international platforms like BRICS, G20, and the United Nations.

A Symbol of Strong India-Brazil Relations

This honour is a powerful reflection of the deepening ties between the two democracies. India and Brazil share common values, such as respect for sovereignty, sustainable development, and a multipolar world order. Over the years, the two countries have collaborated in areas such as:

  • Trade and investment

  • Renewable energy

  • Agricultural technology

  • Space research

  • Global governance

Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has helped in building stronger bridges between the two nations, especially through multilateral forums and regional dialogues.

Pride for India on the International Stage

This is the 26th international award or honour given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by a foreign nation since he assumed office in May 2014. These recognitions highlight India’s diplomatic strength, growing economic power, and the global trust in its leadership.

By honouring Prime Minister Modi, Brazil has also shown respect for India’s growing role in shaping global policies, especially in the Global South.

Widespread Appreciation from Indian Leaders

The announcement of this award has been widely celebrated in India. Leaders from across the country have expressed their appreciation for the honour, calling it a proud moment for all Indians. Many have acknowledged that this award is not only a recognition of Modi’s diplomacy but also a sign of India’s growing stature in international affairs.

India Successfully Tests Indigenous Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR)

Introduction: Strengthening Maritime Defence

India has successfully completed the user trials of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR), a fully indigenous weapon system developed to detect and destroy enemy submarines. This achievement marks a significant boost to the Indian Navy’s underwater warfare strength and supports the country’s goal of becoming self-reliant in defence technology.

Trials Conducted from INS Kavaratti

The trials of the ERASR system were carried out from the Indian Navy’s frontline warship, INS Kavaratti, between June twenty-third and July seventh, two thousand twenty-five. These tests were done under realistic operational conditions to simulate actual combat scenarios at sea.

A total of seventeen rockets were launched during these trials. Each rocket was tested at different ranges to measure performance across various distances, ensuring the system works accurately and effectively in a range of situations.

Statement from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Navy, and the domestic defence industry for the successful development and testing of this important naval weapon.

In an official statement posted on social media platform X, his office stated that the successful induction of this system will significantly enhance the striking power of the Indian Navy.

Key Features of the ERASR System

The Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) is designed to locate and destroy submarines hidden beneath the sea. What makes this system highly effective is its modern technology, precision, and range flexibility. Below are the key features that make ERASR a valuable asset:

Twin-Rocket Motor Configuration

ERASR uses a twin-rocket motor system which gives it the ability to cover a wide range of distances. This allows the system to be used for both short-range and extended-range targets, depending on the mission needs.

High Accuracy and Consistency

One of the most important aspects of any weapon is its accuracy. The ERASR has been designed with advanced targeting capabilities that ensure consistent accuracy, even in difficult sea conditions.

Electronic Time Fuze

The rocket includes a modern electronic fuze that controls the timing of the detonation. This allows the warhead to explode at the right moment, increasing the chances of successfully destroying a hidden submarine.

Warhead Functionality

The warhead of the ERASR has shown strong results during the tests. Each detonation met the expected standards, proving that the system is ready for real-time deployment.

Trial Results and Objectives

The Indian Navy confirmed that all objectives of the user trials were fully met. These included:

  • Range performance, where the rockets covered various distances successfully.
  • Electronic fuze functioning, which was accurate and reliable in every test.
  • Warhead activation, where all warheads performed exactly as planned.

This shows that the ERASR system is not only technologically sound but also operationally ready.

A Step Towards Self-Reliance

The successful testing of ERASR highlights India’s progress in becoming self-reliant in defence manufacturing, aligning with the national initiative of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. This system was developed through close collaboration between the DRDO, the Indian Navy, and the Indian defence industry.

It proves that Indian engineers and scientists are capable of developing cutting-edge defence technology that meets international standards.

In Which State/ UT is Kakakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is Located?

India has many wildlife sanctuaries that help protect animals and nature. These special areas are made to keep forests, mountains and rare animals safe. One such sanctuary is located in the northern part of India, high in the mountains. It is known for its cold weather, snow-covered peaks and rare animals like the snow leopard. This sanctuary plays a big role in saving wildlife in tough conditions.

Location of Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary

Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Leh district of the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh. It lies in the easternmost part of the Karakoram mountain range. This area is cold and very high in altitude, which makes it different from most wildlife sanctuaries in India.

Year of Establishment and Size

This sanctuary was established in the year 1987. It covers a very large area of about 5,000 square kilometers (or 500,000 hectares). It is managed by the Wildlife Warden in Kargil, Ladakh.

Significance of the Sanctuary

The sanctuary is very important because it is one of the few places in India where you can find Chiru, also called the Tibetan Antelope. This animal is not usually found in other parts of the country.

It is also known as Nubra Shyok or Siachen Shyok Wildlife Sanctuary. The area has not been fully explored for its plants, making it special for research.

Biodiversity and Plants

Since this place is a cold desert, it has very little vegetation. But the few plants that grow here are rich in medicinal value. Some important and rare plants found here are:

  • Arnebia euchroma
  • Bergenia stracheyi
  • Ephedra gerardiana
  • Hyoscymus niger

These plants are useful in traditional medicines and are considered endangered.

Top-5 Chocolate Consuming Countries in the World in 2025, Know About Them

Chocolate is one of the most loved sweets in the world. People of all ages enjoy it in many forms like bars, cakes and hot drinks. Some countries eat more chocolate than others every year. This love for chocolate has made it a big part of their daily life. In this article, we will learn about the top-5 countries that consume the most chocolates in the world.

Top-5 Chocolates Consuming Countries in the World in 2025

Chocolate is one of the most loved sweets in the world. People enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or gift. In 2025, some countries are known for eating more chocolate than others. Here are the names of top-5 chocolates consuming countries in the world in 2025:

  • Luxembourg
  • Iceland
  • Montenegro
  • Latvia
  • Ireland

Luxembourg, World’s Largest Chocolate Consumer

Chocolate consumption: 27.1 grams per person per day

Luxembourg is the number one country in chocolate eating. People here enjoy about 27 grams of chocolate daily. Many residents buy premium (high-quality) chocolates. Since Luxembourg is close to countries like Belgium and Switzerland – famous for chocolates – people are used to eating fine chocolates often.

Iceland

Chocolate consumption: 19.7 grams per person per day

Iceland comes second. The people here eat nearly 20 grams of chocolate every day. Chocolate is a popular treat, especially during the long, cold winters. Icelanders like to mix chocolate with local sweets and baked goods, making it a part of their everyday food.

Montenegro

Chocolate consumption: 19.6 grams per person per day

Montenegro is in third place. In this country, chocolate is very popular among young people. Many types of chocolates are imported from nearby countries like Italy and Switzerland. People enjoy chocolates in their homes, cafes and during celebrations.

Latvia

Chocolate consumption: 18.8 grams per person per day

Latvia takes the fourth spot. Latvians have a big love for sweet foods, especially chocolate. Both local and foreign chocolate brands are sold widely. Chocolate-covered fruits and dark chocolate bars are favorites in this country.

Ireland

Chocolate consumption: 16.7 grams per person per day

Ireland is number five on the list. Chocolate is a big part of Irish culture. Famous brands like Cadbury are loved by many people. Chocolate is often given as a gift and enjoyed during festivals, holidays or as a daily snack.

RBI Financial Stability Report, June 2025

As the global economy navigates a period of significant uncertainty, India stands out as a beacon of stability and growth. The Reserve Bank of India’s latest Financial Stability Report (FSR), released in June 2025, paints a detailed picture of an economy that is not only expanding but doing so with remarkable strength across its financial sectors. While external risks from geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions are mounting, India’s robust domestic demand, cooling inflation, and a well-capitalised banking system provide a powerful shield, making it the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

This deep dive explores the key findings of the FSR, providing a comprehensive overview of the Indian economy’s performance, the resilience of its financial institutions, and the outlook for the future.

The Global Context: An Environment of Elevated Risk

The FSR begins by acknowledging that the global macroeconomic environment has become increasingly challenging. Near-term risks to financial stability have risen, driven by several key factors:

  • Policy and Trade Uncertainty: The announcement of large tariffs by the US administration in April 2025 has set off a wave of trade policy uncertainty, testing the resilience of the global economy. This has led international agencies, including the IMF, the OECD, and the World Bank, to revise their global growth forecasts downwards. The IMF, for instance, projects global growth to decelerate to 2.8% in 2025.
  • Soaring Public Debt: A recurring concern highlighted in the report is the issue of rising global public debt. According to IMF projections, global public debt is expected to reach 100% of GDP by the end of the decade, creating significant vulnerabilities, especially in an environment of slowing growth.
  • Volatile Financial Markets: Global financial markets remain volatile and are highly sensitive to economic and geopolitical developments. The market turmoil in April 2025 served as a stark reminder of how sudden shocks can amplify existing vulnerabilities, such as stretched asset valuations in several markets.

The Indian Economy: A Story of Domestic Strength

Despite the turbulent global backdrop, the Indian economy continues to be a primary driver of global growth, underpinned by sound fundamentals and prudent policies.

Robust GDP Growth

India’s economic momentum is primarily powered by strong domestic demand, which keeps it relatively insulated from global headwinds.

  • Growth Projections: The Indian economy grew at a healthy pace of 6.5 per cent in 2024-25. The Reserve Bank of India expects this strong performance to continue, projecting the same growth rate for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This is supported by buoyant rural demand, a revival in urban consumption, and rising investment activity.
  • Economic Expansion: Over the past decade, India’s economic size has nearly tripled. The GDP at current prices, which stood at ₹106.57 lakh crore in 2014-15, is expected to reach ₹331.03 lakh crore in 2024-25.

Inflation Firmly Under Control

A key pillar of India’s macroeconomic stability is the steady decline in inflation.

  • Record Lows: In May 2025, headline consumer price index (CPI) inflation recorded a six-year low of 2.8 per cent. This easing trend gives the RBI greater confidence in the durable alignment of inflation with its medium-term target of 4 per cent.
  • Favourable Outlook: The report notes that the outlook for food inflation remains favourable due to robust crop production. Additionally, the risk of imported inflation remains low, as a global growth slowdown is likely to soften commodity and crude oil prices.

Financial Sector Resilience: The Core of India’s Stability

  • The FSR provides a thorough assessment of India’s financial institutions, concluding that the system is resilient and bolstered by healthy balance sheets of banks, non-banks, and corporates.

A. Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs): A Picture of Unprecedented Strength

The Indian banking sector is described as robust, with capital buffers at a record high and non-performing loans at a multi-decadal low.

  • Capital Adequacy: The Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of SCBs, a key indicator of a bank’s ability to absorb losses, increased to a record high of 17.3% in March 2025. The high-quality

Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio also rose to 14.7%, indicating a strong and healthy capital base.

  • Asset Quality: The asset quality of banks has shown remarkable improvement.
  1. The Gross Non-Performing Asset (GNPA) ratio has declined to a multi-decadal low of 2.3%.
  2. The Net Non-Performing Asset (NNPA) ratio fell to just 0.5%.
  3. The Provisioning Coverage Ratio (PCR), which indicates the funds set aside for bad loans, was strong at 76.3% as of March 2025.
  • Macro Stress Tests: To gauge their resilience, banks were subjected to macro stress tests. The results reaffirm their strength, showing that even under a severe geopolitical risk scenario, the system-level CRAR would remain at 14.2%, well above the regulatory minimum of 9%. No bank would breach the minimum CET1 capital requirement under any of the adverse scenarios.

B. NBFCs and Other Financial Institutions

The resilience extends beyond banks to other key parts of the financial system.

  • Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs): The NBFC sector remains healthy with strong capital buffers, reflected in a system-level CRAR of 25.8% in March 2025. While loan growth moderated following RBI’s measures to increase risk weights on certain consumer credit segments, the sector is well-positioned to support economic growth.
  • Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs): The capital position of UCBs has also strengthened, with their CRAR rising to 18.0% in March 2025.
  • Insurance Sector: The insurance sector remains robust, with the aggregate solvency ratio for both life (204%) and non-life (166%) insurers remaining well above the minimum prescribed threshold of 150% as of December 2024.

External Sector and Key Regulatory Initiatives

India’s strong engagement with the global economy is managed from a position of strength, supported by proactive regulatory measures.

  • A Strong External Cushion: Foreign exchange reserves stood at a robust US$ 697.9 billion as of June 20, 2025, sufficient to cover more than 11 months of merchandise imports. The Current Account Deficit (CAD) was contained at a very manageable 0.6% of GDP in 2024-25 and even recorded a surplus in the final quarter.
  • Key Regulatory Developments: Regulators have been proactive in strengthening the financial system. Key domestic initiatives by the RBI include:
  1. Introducing the Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) framework to promote the internationalisation of the Indian Rupee.
  2. Amending the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) framework to address risks from the rapid digitalisation of finance.
  3. Consolidating instructions on Digital Lending to enhance transparency and protect consumers.

Systemic Risk Outlook: Cautious but Confident

The RBI’s Systemic Risk Survey (SRS), conducted in May 2025, captures the perceptions of experts on the challenges ahead.

  • Top Risks: Respondents identified geopolitical conflicts, capital outflows, and a reciprocal tariff/trade slowdown as the major near-term risks to India’s financial stability. Cyber risk and climate risk were also highlighted as high-risk concerns.
  • Confidence in India: Despite worries about the global system, confidence in the Indian financial system remains exceptionally high. An overwhelming 92% of respondents expressed higher or similar levels of confidence. Furthermore, about 80% believe the prospects for the Indian banking sector will either improve or remain unchanged in the coming year.

Which is the Newest District of Kerala? Know the Name

Kerala is a beautiful state in southern part of India, known for its green landscapes, backwaters and rich culture. It is divided into several districts to help the government work better and reach people easily. Sometimes, a new district is created when an odd one becomes too large or hard to manage. This helps improve development, public services and overall administration in that area.

An Overview of Kerala

Kerala, called ”God’s Own Country,” is a beautiful state in southwestern India. It is famous for its calm backwaters, green scenery and rich culture. On one side, it has the Western Ghats mountains and on the other, the Arabian Sea. This narrow strip of land, 35 to 120 km wide, is full of lagoons, coconut trees and peaceful natural beauty.

Number of Districts in Kerala

Kerala has a total of 14 districts. These districts help in managing the state’s administration smoothly. Each district has its own headquarters and plays an important role in local governance.

Newest District of Kerala

Kasaragood is the 14th and last formed district of Kerala. It was officially made a district on 24 May 1984. It is located in the northernmost part of Kerala. It shares its borders with Karnataka on the north and east, the Arabian Sea on the west, and Kannur district on the south. The district has many rivers, with 12 rivers – the highest in Kerala.

An Overview of Kasaragood

Kasaragood is known as the ”Saptha Bhasha Sangama Bhoomi,’‘ which means ”the land where seven languages meet.” The district is rich in culture, languages and natural beauty. It lies in the Western Ghats area, full of forests, hills and rivers. The longest river in the district is the Chandragiri River, which flows into the Arabian Sea near the Kasaragood town.

The town is also famous for historic forts, especially the Bekal Fort, which is the largest fort in Kerala. Other forts include Chandragiri Fort, Hosdurg Fort and Arikady Fort.

RCB Becomes IPL’s Most Valuable Team in 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen a major rise in value this year. A report by Houlihan Lokey shows that IPL’s enterprise value grew by 12.9%, reaching $18.5 billion. The big highlight was Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) becoming the highest-valued franchise at $269 million, after winning their first-ever IPL title in 2025.

RCB’s Historic Win Boosts Brand Value

Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended a 17-year wait by winning the IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This victory not only gave RCB its first title but also helped it jump ahead of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to become the most valuable team in the league. RCB’s brand value rose from $227 million in 2024 to $269 million in 2025.

Mumbai Indians followed closely in second place with a value of $242 million, rising from fourth position last year. CSK fell to third place, with its value increasing only slightly to $235 million. Punjab Kings (PBKS) saw the highest year-on-year growth in value—up by nearly 40%, thanks to their strong performance.

IPL’s Growing Popularity and Sponsorship Deals

The IPL’s brand value rose to $3.9 billion, up by 13.8% from last year. The league is now seen as a top global sports event. Sponsorship earnings also increased sharply. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made ₹1,485 crore by selling four associate-sponsor slots—My11Circle, Angel One, RuPay, and CEAT. Meanwhile, the Tata Group renewed its title sponsorship deal for five more years, worth ₹2,500 crore.

Experts say IPL’s success is due to its mix of cricket, entertainment, and strong media presence, which helps it attract fans and investors worldwide. The league also benefits from new platforms like OTT and a diverse audience.

Record Viewership and Fan Engagement

The 2025 season saw record-breaking viewership. On JioHotstar, the opening weekend had 1,370 million views and the final match had over 67.8 crore views—even higher than the India-Pakistan match earlier this year. On Star Sports, 253 million unique viewers tuned in, pushing total watch time to nearly 50 billion minutes.

The final between RCB and PBKS was a big moment in IPL history as both teams were aiming for their first championship. The huge interest in the final showed how deeply fans are connected to the league.

Hardeep Singh Brar Named CEO of BMW India

BMW Group India has announced that Mr. Hardeep Singh Brar will take over as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from 1 September 2025. He will replace Mr. Vikram Pawah, who has been appointed CEO of BMW Group Australia and New Zealand. This change is important as India is one of BMW’s fastest-growing markets.

Leadership Change at BMW India

The change in top leadership was shared in an official statement from BMW Group India, which is based in Gurugram. Mr. Brar, who has worked in the Indian car industry for over 30 years, will step into the role from September 1, 2025. The announcement comes as the company looks to strengthen its position in India, a key market for its future growth.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, who led BMW India from 2020 to 2025, will now return to BMW Australia and New Zealand, where he also worked earlier. Under his leadership, BMW India grew in areas such as electric mobility, digital services, and customer experience.

About Mr. Hardeep Singh Brar

Mr. Brar brings a strong background in the auto sector. He was most recently the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Kia India. He has also worked with well-known brands like Maruti-Suzuki, Volkswagen, General Motors, Nissan, and Great Wall Motors. His experience includes handling sales, marketing, customer service, and business strategy.

He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology and completed the Senior Executive Leadership Program at Harvard Business School.

BMW Group’s Presence in India

BMW Group India began its operations in 2007 and includes three brands: BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad. Its Indian headquarters is in Gurugram, and it runs a car manufacturing plant in Chennai, a distribution centre in Pune, and a training centre in Gurugram. BMW Group has over 80 dealerships across India and makes 10 car models locally.

The company’s aim is to remain a strong player in the premium car market. With the new leadership, BMW India hopes to continue its growth and improve its connection with Indian customers.

Adani Power Buys 600 MW Vidarbha Unit for ₹4,000 Crore

Adani Power Ltd has bought a 600 MW power plant in Vidarbha, Maharashtra for ₹4,000 crore. The company completed the deal on July 7, 2025, after getting approval from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). This step increases Adani Power’s total operating capacity to 18,150 MW. It is a major move towards the company’s goal of reaching 30,670 MW by 2030.

Adani Power Completes Vidarbha Plant Deal

Adani Power Ltd (APL) has taken over the Vidarbha Industries Power Ltd (VIPL) plant through the insolvency resolution process. This power plant is located in Butibori in the Nagpur district of Maharashtra. It has two units, each producing 300 MW, using domestic coal. The deal was approved by the Mumbai Bench of NCLT on June 18, 2025, and fully completed on July 7, 2025. The total deal value is ₹4,000 crore.

Company’s Capacity Grows and Future Plans Shared

With this acquisition, Adani Power now has a total capacity of 18,150 MW, making it India’s largest private thermal power company. It operates thermal power plants across states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and Karnataka. It also runs a 40 MW solar power plant in Gujarat.

APL is working to reach 30,670 MW capacity by 2029-30. It is currently building six brownfield Ultra Supercritical Thermal Power Plants (USCTPPs) in Singrauli-Mahan (MP), Raipur, Raigarh, and Korba (Chhattisgarh), Kawai (Rajasthan), and a greenfield plant in Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh). The company is also restarting work on a 1,320 MW supercritical plant in Korba, acquired earlier.

Adani’s Commitment to Powering India’s Growth

SB Khyalia, CEO of Adani Power Ltd, said the company is committed to helping India achieve its goal of “Electricity for All”. By adding more base-load power plants, Adani aims to supply reliable and affordable electricity for the country’s development. APL wants to grow not just through new projects but also by upgrading and using its existing locations wisely.

RBI to Auction Government Bonds Worth ₹25,000 Crore

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will hold an auction of two government bonds worth ₹25,000 crore on July 11, 2025. This auction will take place through RBI’s e-Kuber platform at its Mumbai office. These types of bonds are known as dated securities, and they help the government raise money for long-term needs.

Details of the Auction

According to the RBI, the auction will include,

  • A new government bond (called Government Security or GS) worth ₹11,000 crore, maturing on July 14, 2032.
  • A re-issue of an older bond—7.09% GS, maturing on November 25, 2074, worth ₹14,000 crore.

The government may also accept ₹2,000 crore more in extra subscriptions for each bond, depending on the demand. The settlement (payment and issue of bonds) will happen on July 14, 2025.

What Are Dated Securities?

A dated security is a kind of government bond with a fixed interest rate and a set maturity date. It pays interest every six months. These bonds are used by the government to borrow money for long-term needs.

A re-issued bond is an old bond that is sold again to raise more funds. It keeps the same interest rate and maturity date as the original.

Auction Method and Timings

The auction will be done using a multiple-price method. There are two kinds of bids,

  • Non-competitive bids: Between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
  • Competitive bids: Between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
  • Results will be announced the same day, and successful bidders must make payments by July 14, 2025.

Special rules apply for Primary Dealers, who can submit bids for a part of the bonds between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on the auction day.

Who Can Participate and How

The minimum investment is ₹10,000, and more can be added in multiples of ₹10,000.

5% of the total amount is kept for small investors and institutions, who can take part through the Retail Direct portal.

These bonds will be open for “When Issued” trading from July 8 to July 11, 2025.

If any technical issues occur, physical bids will be accepted in special cases using prescribed forms.

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