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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.

China Creates Lightest Mind-Control Device for Bees

Scientists in China have built the world’s lightest brain controller, which can control the flight of bees. Developed by a team at the Beijing Institute of Technology, the device turns bees into cyborgs that could be used in military missions or rescue operations. This invention opens new possibilities in using insects for work that humans or machines cannot easily do.

How the Device Works

The brain controller weighs just 74 milligrams, making it the lightest ever made. It is strapped to a bee’s back and has three tiny needles that enter the bee’s brain. The device sends electronic signals that guide the bee to fly left, right, forward, or back. In tests, the bees followed the commands 9 out of 10 times.

The signals create illusions in the bee’s brain, making it think it’s moving on its own. This allows scientists to guide it precisely. The project leader, Professor Zhao Jieliang, said these insect cyborgs can move better, hide more easily, and last longer than small man-made robots.

Use in Military and Emergency Work

Professor Zhao explained that these bee cyborgs could be used for secret military tasks, counterterrorism, drug searches, and even rescue work in disaster-hit areas. Insects like bees are small, quick, and can reach places where drones or people cannot go. This gives them an edge in urban combat and dangerous zones.

The idea was inspired by earlier research in Singapore, where beetles and cockroaches were controlled in a similar way. However, China’s version is three times lighter than the earlier model.

Future Challenges

The biggest challenge now is battery life. The current battery is small, so it runs out quickly. A bigger battery would be too heavy for the bee to carry. Also, the device needs changes to be used on different insects, since each species reacts to signals differently.

Professor Zhao’s team plans to improve the precision and repeatability of the insect’s movement by making the signals smarter and more controlled in future research.

Sanjay Kaul Appointed CEO of GIFT City, Gandhinagar

Sanjay Kaul, a 2001-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, has been appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of GIFT City Company Limited in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The announcement was made on July 15, 2025, through a government order. He will take charge on deputation for three years, or until further notice.

About Sanjay Kaul

Sanjay Kaul is currently working as a Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Culture. He handles areas like international cultural relations, UNESCO affairs, intangible cultural heritage, and several cultural institutes. He has rich administrative experience and has earlier worked in Gujarat as Managing Director of both the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd and Gujarat Informatics Ltd.

Role at GIFT City

Kaul’s new post at GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) puts him at the top of India’s first smart city focused on international finance. His role as MD & CEO will involve overseeing the growth and management of this global business hub, which plays a major role in India’s financial services sector.

The Gujarat General Administration Department (GAD) issued the official notification for his appointment. The outgoing CEO, Tapan Ray, a retired Gujarat-cadre IAS officer, will continue until Kaul assumes charge.

Hemanta Sarma Launch India’s First Aqua Tech Park In Assam

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated India’s first Aqua Tech Park in Sonapur, near Guwahati, Assam. The park will help fish farmers learn about new technologies like aquaponics, biofloc, and ornamental fish breeding. This initiative aims to boost fish production and increase farmers’ income in the state.

A Big Step in Fish Farming

The Aqua Tech Park has been set up by NGO Kolong Kopili with help from NABARD, ICAR-CIFA, Selco Foundation, and the Fishery Department. It showcases modern ways to raise fish using less water, faster methods, and new systems. These include aquaponics, which grows fish and plants together, and the biofloc system, which improves fish health and growth.

Speaking at the event, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that although Assam has many rivers, it still depends on other states like Andhra Pradesh to meet its fish demand. The park, he added, will help change this situation.

Helping Farmers and Youth

Kolong Kopili, the NGO behind the project, for its work over the past 17 years in training farmers and youth in fish farming. The new Aqua Tech Park will be a boon for fish farmers and help create more income and job opportunities.

Also between 2019 and 2024, Assam doubled its fish production to 4.99 lakh metric tonnes, making it the fourth-largest fish-producing state in India.

Government Support and Future Plans

State government is working to bring together traditional farming with modern technology. In the current financial year, the state has launched 10 fishery cluster development projects worth ₹8 crore.

Also young people to take part in fish farming and help improve the rural economy. The park will also train people in creating market links, managing ornamental fish, and selling products directly to buyers.

India’s Second Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge Opens in Shivamogga

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the Sigandur bridge, India’s second longest cable-stayed bridge, on July 16, 2025, in Shivamogga district, Karnataka. This new bridge stretches 2.44 km across the Sharavathi backwaters and will help improve road connectivity between Sagara town and Sigandur, where the famous Chowdeshwari Temple is located.

Major Bridge Brings New Hope

The Sigandur bridge is 16 meters wide and has been built at a cost of over ₹470 crore. It connects Sagara with Marakutika, reducing travel time and improving access to nearby villages and religious places. After the Linganamakki dam was built in the 1960s, many areas lost road links. This bridge now restores that vital connection.

At the inauguration, Nitin Gadkari named the bridge after Goddess Chowdeshwari Devi and said it would greatly help local people and pilgrims visiting the temple.

Road Development in Karnataka

Speaking at the event, Gadkari said that the total length of National Highways in Karnataka has increased from 6,707 km in 2014 to 9,424 km in 2025. He shared that by the end of the government’s term, ₹5 lakh crore worth of road works will be completed in the state.

Major projects include,

  • Belagavi-Hungund-Raichur corridor, ready by 2027
  • Hassan-Raichur highway, to be finished by December 2028
  • Tumkuru-Shivamogga road, done by the end of this year
  • Mysuru-Madakeri four-lane road and Chitradurga-Shivamogga roads, to be done by next year

National Highway Plans

At the national level, Gadkari gave updates on several big highway projects,

  • Leh-Ladakh road via Zojila tunnel will be opened next year
  • The Surat-Chennai highway, passing through six states, will also be completed by next year
  • It will shorten the distance to Bengaluru by 280 km and to Chennai by 320 km
  • The Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway will be finished in six months, cutting travel time from eight hours to two

Goa Government Starts RoRo Ferry Service on Mandovi River

Goa launched India’s first RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferry service on the Mandovi River on July 14, 2025. The new ferries, named Gangotri and Dwarka, will make travel between Chorao Island and Ribandar faster and easier. This move will help daily commuters, boost tourism, and improve water transport in the state.

High-Speed Ferries for Better Travel

The new RoRo ferries are designed to carry both people and vehicles. Each ferry can take up to 100 passengers, 15 cars, and 30 to 40 two-wheelers. These ferries travel at a speed of 10 knots, which is twice as fast as the older boats. The time taken to travel from Chorao to Ribandar is now reduced from 30 minutes to just 12–13 minutes.

The ferries also include marked lanes for vehicles, air-conditioned seating areas, and emergency medical kits to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Built with Modern Plans

The ferries were designed by Vijai Marine Shipyards and will run under the Built-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model. This means the project was set up with zero cost to the state government. At the launch event, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called this a big step forward for Goa’s water transport and said it would help both locals and tourists.

River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Desai also shared that the new service will reduce waiting times and interruptions, providing a smooth and quick ride for everyone.

Boost for Tourism and Local Travel

The RoRo project is expected to boost tourism by making travel more enjoyable and quicker. At the same time, local people will benefit from the faster commute. Since this is the first service of its kind in India, it sets an example for other coastal states to improve water travel.

Meghalaya Celebrates Sacred Behdeinkhlam Festival

The sacred Behdeinkhlam Festival was recently celebrated with great joy in Jowai, a town in Meghalaya. This yearly event is important for the Pnars, a tribal group from the state. The festival is held in July to pray for a good harvest and to drive away diseases and evil from society. It also helps in keeping their traditional faith alive.

Festival With Deep Meaning

The word Behdeinkhlam means “driving away the plague,” showing that the festival is about protecting people from sickness, especially after the sowing season. For the Pnars, a sub-tribe of the Jaintia community, this festival is not just a tradition—it’s a way to hold on to their old religion called Niamtre.

Rituals and Sacred Events

The festival goes on for three days. During this time, men perform special dances and rituals, while women prepare and offer food to the spirits of their ancestors. A main part of the festival is when a sacred wooden post called Symbud Khnong is carried around the town and then placed in a special spot to keep away evil spirits.

Unique Game and Social Messages

Another interesting part of the festival is a football-like game called Dad-lawakor, played at Mynthong. Over the years, the festival has also become a platform to share messages about avoiding drug use, alcohol abuse, and to raise awareness about climate change. These efforts show how traditional events are also helping to spread modern, helpful messages.

Historic Machilipatnam Port Set to Revival by 2026

Machilipatnam, an old port city in Andhra Pradesh, is getting a fresh start. A new greenfield port is being built at Manginapudi, and 48% of the construction is already done. The port is expected to start working by the end of 2026, bringing economic growth and job opportunities. This project is important for both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Construction in Full Swing

The new port is being built by Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL). About 1,250 workers are working day and night in two shifts. According to G Tulasidas, the project manager, the construction is going well and the port should be ready by late 2026.

This port is also a big engineering task. Workers are dredging 56 million cubic metres of sand so ships can reach the berths. A 2.5 km long breakwater is being built using 2.1 million tonnes of rock. To protect the port from strong sea waves, special concrete blocks called tetrapods are being used. Over 55% of these tetrapods have already been placed.

Long Struggle to Build the Port

Plans to build the port started back in 2007, but many problems delayed the project. The first contract went to Maytas, a part of the Satyam Group, but it was later cancelled. Then, Navayuga got the contract, which was again cancelled when the YSR Congress Party came to power.

In 2020, the government created a new company called Machilipatnam Port Development Corporation Ltd to handle the project. It follows the Landlord Model, where the government owns the port and private firms operate it. MEIL was given the task of building the port.

The first phase will cost ₹5,155 crore and will have four berths. Later, it can be expanded to 16 berths, with a total handling capacity of 36 million tonnes per year. Large ships weighing up to 80,000 tonnes will be able to dock here.

Economic Boost for Two States

Both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are expecting to benefit from the port. A senior officer from the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board said that the port will handle exports such as coal, cement, pharma, fertilisers, and containers.

The Telangana government is also planning to build a dry port and a freight corridor to connect to this port. Local people are hopeful too. “Land rates are rising and jobs will come,” said P Bhanu, a resident of Manginapudi village. After years of waiting, the port is bringing new hope to the area.

Current Affairs 16 July 2025

National News

India’s First Digital Nomad Village Opens in Sikkim

  1. Yakten village in Pakyong district, Sikkim became India’s first digital nomad village on 15 July 2025.
  2. The project is named “Nomad Sikkim” and aims to support remote workers in a peaceful hill setting.
  3. It is a joint initiative by the Pakyong district administration and NGO Sarvahitey.
  4. The goal is to help locals earn during the off-tourist season (April to October) through homestays.
  5. Yakten now offers high-speed broadband, village-wide Wi-Fi, and power backup for digital workers.
  6. Jal Jeevan Mission is working to improve the village’s water supply.
  7. The village is easily accessible by road and is near Pakyong Airport.
  8. Homestays provide local food, cultural experiences, and promote rural tourism.
  9. The project supports the local economy and reduces dependence on seasonal tourism.
  10. Experts say the model can be replicated in other Indian villages for digital rural growth.
  11. Visitors can explore community gardens, go for nature walks, and trek to Jhandi Dara View Point.

75th Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) Inaugurated in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh

  1. The 75th PM Divyasha Kendra has been opened at Government Medical College, Badaun, Uttar Pradesh.
  2. It was inaugurated by Shri B.L. Verma, Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment.
  3. The centre aims to support persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) and senior citizens.
  4. It offers assessment, counselling, aid distribution, and follow-up services in one place.
  5. Services are provided under two schemes: ADIP (for Divyangjan) and RVY (for senior citizens).
  6. Free assistive devices include wheelchairs, tricycles, hearing aids, walkers, and artificial limbs.
  7. The centre brings services closer to rural and small-town beneficiaries.
  8. ALIMCO and the District Administration are key partners in this initiative.
  9. Over 1.40 lakh people have benefited from PMDKs across India so far.
  10. Devices worth over ₹179.15 lakh have been distributed through these centres.
  11. The project supports the Accessible India and Empowered India mission.
  12. The new centre will reduce travel time and costs for beneficiaries in nearby areas.

BITS Pilani to Set Up India’s First AI Campus in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh

  1. BITS Pilani announced the launch of India’s first AI Plus Campus in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.
  2. The campus will focus mainly on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related fields.
  3. It will begin admissions in 2027, with an investment of Rs 1,000 crore.
  4. The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) has allotted 70 acres of land for the project.
  5. The project was announced by Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chancellor of BITS and Chairman of Aditya Birla Group.
  6. The aim is to build a digital-first, AI-focused centre offering global-level education.
  7. Courses will include Data Science, Robotics, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Computational Linguistics.
  8. The campus will have smart buildings, renewable energy, and IoT-based infrastructure.
  9. CM Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the project, saying it supports his vision for Amaravati as an education hub.
  10. Students will get global exposure, industry internships, and training for real-world AI applications.
  11. The campus will explore AI use in agriculture, climate change, and healthcare.
  12. Architecture will blend traditional Indian temple design with modern features.
  13. A new access road is planned to improve campus connectivity.
  14. Under Project Vistar, BITS will invest an additional Rs 1,200 crore in expanding its Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses.
  15. The goal is to reach 26,000 students across all campuses by 2030–31.

NCDEX and IMD Launch India’s First Weather Derivatives

  1. NCDEX and IMD signed an MoU to launch India’s first weather derivatives.
  2. The tool will help protect farmers, transporters, and weather-sensitive sectors from climate-related risks.
  3. Rainfall-based futures contracts will be created using IMD’s weather data.
  4. These contracts will be location-specific and season-based, aligned with real farming needs.
  5. The goal is to boost climate resilience and financial security in rural India.
  6. Training programs and workshops will be held for farmers and FPOs.
  7. This is the first time a weather-indexed financial product is being introduced in India.

E5 Trains for Trials, E10 for Launch of India’s Bullet Train

  1. India’s first bullet train project will use Japan’s E10 Shinkansen series for commercial runs.
  2. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor will be the launch route.
  3. For trial runs, Japan will send two E5 series train sets to India in early 2026.
  4. These trials will test the train’s performance in Indian conditions like high heat and dust.
  5. The E10 series, also known as Alfa-X, is an advanced train with speeds up to 400 kmph.
  6. India will be the first country outside Japan to use the E10 series for commercial service.
  7. The total length of the MAHSR corridor is 508 km, connecting Maharashtra and Gujarat.
  8. The project cost is estimated to be around ₹1.1-lakh-crore.

State News

Gujarat Becomes Top State in Processed Potato Production

  1. Gujarat is now India’s number one state in processed potato production in 2024–25.
  2. Banaskantha district led the state with 18.70 lakh tonnes from over 61,000 hectares.
  3. Productivity in Banaskantha was 30.65 tonnes per hectare, the highest in the state.
  4. Other major districts: Sabarkantha with 12.97 lakh tonnes and Aravalli with 6.99 lakh tonnes.
  5. Gujarat uses modern cold storage and farming techniques to grow French fry-grade potatoes.
  6. Popular varieties: Lady Rosetta, Kufri Chipsona, and Santana – suitable for fries and chips.
  7. Processed potatoes are in high demand from QSRs (Quick Service Restaurants) and export markets.
  8. Government support from central and state schemes helped boost production.
  9. Gujarat is now a leading supplier for frozen food companies and international markets.

International News

US Awards $200 Million AI Contracts to Top Tech Firms

  1. The US Department of Defense awarded $200 million contracts each to OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI.
  2. These companies will develop agentic AI systems to support national defense.
  3. The focus is on AI tools for autonomous operations, combat support, and daily defense tasks.
  4. The projects aim to make the US military more tech-driven and efficient.
  5. The initiative supports the government’s strategy for a safe and competitive AI ecosystem.
  6. OpenAI and Google DeepMind will provide expertise in language models and machine learning.
  7. xAI, led by Elon Musk, will design tools like Grok for Government.
  8. The move highlights the growing role of AI in global security and defense planning.

Banking News

Raghavendra S Bhat Appointed Interim CEO of Karnataka Bank

  1. Karnataka Bank appointed Raghavendra S Bhat as interim MD & CEO from 16 July 2025.
  2. He will serve for three months or until a new CEO is appointed.
  3. Bhat joined the bank in 1981 as a clerk and became COO in 2019.
  4. He was reappointed COO on 1 July 2025, just before becoming interim CEO.
  5. The appointment follows the resignation of Srikrishnan H S, who stepped down on 29 June 2025.
  6. Executive Director Sekhar Rao also resigned; his last working day is 31 July 2025.
  7. A search committee has been formed to find permanent leaders.
  8. Bhat has no restrictions from SEBI and is not related to any board member.

Taiwan’s CTBC Bank to Open Unit in GIFT City

  1. CTBC Bank, Taiwan’s largest private bank, has applied to open a unit in GIFT City, Gujarat.
  2. It will establish an IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) in the GIFT SEZ area.
  3. The move aims to strengthen financial ties between India and Taiwan.
  4. CTBC Bank received approval from Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission in January 2025.
  5. This will be CTBC’s second presence in India, after its New Delhi branch opened in 1996.
  6. Other Taiwanese banks like Taipei Fubon Bank are also setting up units in GIFT City.
  7. By March 2025, the number of IBUs in GIFT City had grown to 31.
  8. The combined asset size of all IBUs in GIFT City is $88,500 million.

PhonePe Leads UPI Market with 46% Share in June 2025

  1. PhonePe continued to be the top UPI app in India for June 2025.
  2. It processed over 8.54 billion transactions, capturing a 46.46% market share.
  3. Google Pay was second with 6.54 billion transactions and a 35.56% share.
  4. Paytm ranked third, handling 1.26 billion transactions with a 6.90% share.
  5. The data was released by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
  6. In total, UPI recorded 18.39 billion transactions in June 2025.
  7. Newer apps like Navi and Super.money showed steady growth in the market.
  8. Among states, Maharashtra recorded the highest share of UPI transactions at 8.8%.

Appointments  News

R Doraiswamy Appointed LIC MD and CEO

  1. R Doraiswamy has been appointed as MD & CEO of LIC from 15 July 2025.
  2. His term will last till 28 August 2028, when he turns 62.
  3. He has over 38 years of experience in LIC.
  4. He previously served as Executive Director (IT/Software Development).
  5. He has worked in marketing, pensions, operations, and training.
  6. Doraiswamy was selected by FSIB and approved by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
  7. He replaces Sat Pal Bhanoo, who was interim MD & CEO since 8 June 2025.

Economy News

Retail Inflation Falls to 2.1% in June 2025

  1. Retail inflation dropped to 2.1% in June 2025, the lowest since 2018.
  2. Food prices like vegetables (down 19%) and pulses (down 12%) dropped sharply.
  3. Wholesale inflation turned negative at -0.13%, the lowest in 2 years.
  4. Inflation in eggs, gold, and healthcare rose slightly.
  5. RBI has cut interest rates three times in 2025, repo rate now at 5.5%.
  6. Experts expect no further cuts soon, despite low inflation.

₹4.77 Lakh Crore Refunded in FY25 as Tax System Improves

  1. Income tax refunds reached ₹4.77 lakh crore in FY25, up 474% since 2013.
  2. Refund processing time reduced from 93 days (2013) to 17 days (2024).
  3. Tax collections grew by 274% in the same period.
  4. Total I-T collections rose to ₹27.03 lakh crore in FY25.
  5. Share of refunds increased to 17.6% of total collections.
  6. Number of return filers increased from 3.8 crore (2013) to 8.89 crore (2024).
  7. Digital systems like faceless assessments and auto-processing improved speed and transparency.

Defence News

Indian Army Holds ‘Prachand Shakti’ Exercise in Meerut

  • The Ram Division of the Indian Army conducted a military exercise named ‘Prachand Shakti’.
  • The event was held at the Kharga Corps Field Training Area in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
  • It showcased the use of modern technologies like drones, AI systems, and loitering munitions.
  • The exercise is part of the Army’s ongoing ‘Year of Tech Absorption’ campaign.
  • Its goal is to integrate advanced technologies into frontline combat units.
  • It aims to promote technological self-reliance and reduce dependence on foreign equipment.
  • The exercise focused on improving the strength and speed of Strike Corps formations.
  • It demonstrated how technology can make infantry troops more agile, accurate, and safe.

India and Greece Conduct Joint Naval Exercise PASSEX

  1. The Indian Navy and the Hellenic Navy (Greece) conducted a Passing Exercise (PASSEX).
  2. The joint drill was held in the Arabian Sea, near Mumbai.
  3. It aims to enhance naval cooperation and operational coordination between the two nations.
  4. Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tarkash and Greek warship HS Psara participated in the exercise.
  5. The exercise included tactical manoeuvres, surface firing drills, and helicopter landings.
  6. This follows the upgradation of India-Greece ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2023.
  7. INS Tarkash is a Talwar-class stealth frigate of the Indian Navy’s Western Command.
  8. The exercise helps both navies to share best practices and improve teamwork at sea.

Sports News

Markram and Matthews Win ICC Player of the Month for June 2025

  1. South Africa’s Aiden Markram was named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for June 2025.
  2. West Indies’ Hayley Matthews won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award.
  3. Markram scored a match-winning 136 in the World Test Championship final against Australia.
  4. His performance helped South Africa win its first ICC trophy since 1998.
  5. Hayley Matthews was awarded for her all-round performance against South Africa.
  6. She scored 104 runs and took 4 wickets in the ODI series.
  7. In the T20I series, she scored 147 runs and took 2 wickets.
  8. This is the fourth time Matthews has won the monthly award.

Important Days

World Youth Skills Day 2025 – Theme: AI and Digital Skills

  1. Observed every year on 15 July to promote youth skill development.
  2. 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of this UN-declared day (since 2014).
  3. Theme for 2025: “Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills”.
  4. Day focuses on preparing youth for jobs and entrepreneurship in a digital world.
  5. Over 267 million youth are NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training).

  6. Key challenges:

  • 86% of students feel unprepared for AI jobs.
  • 90% of girls in poor countries are still offline.
  • Only 1 in 10 teens in rich nations use digital tools for over 1 hour weekly.
  • Cyber safety laws are still missing in many countries.

  1. TVET (Technical and Vocational Education & Training) helps bridge the skills gap.

  2. Events include skills contests, panel talks, and global discussions.

Obituaries News

World’s Oldest Marathon Runner Fauja Singh Dies at 114

  1. Fauja Singh, known as the ‘Turbaned Tornado’, passed away at the age of 114.
  2. He was the world’s oldest marathon runner.
  3. He died after being hit by a vehicle on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway in Punjab.
  4. Born in 1911, he started running marathons at the age of 89.
  5. He completed nine full marathons, including the London, Toronto, and New York marathons.
  6. He was an Olympic torchbearer for the Athens 2004 and London 2012 Games.
  7. He was a global icon for health and fitness at an advanced age.
  8. A police investigation into the accident is currently underway.

Countries Starting with the Letter ‘F,’ Check the List

There are only a few countries in the world that start with the letter ‘F,’ but each one is special in its own way. These countries are spread across different continents and offer unique cultures, landscapes and histories. From cold and peaceful places in Europe to warm and tropical islands in the Pacific, this list will help you learn more about the countries that begin with ‘F.’

Countries Starting with the Letter ‘F’

There are only a few countries and territories in the world that begin with the letter ‘F,’ but each one has something unique to offer. From romantic cities and peaceful islands to northern forests and tropical beaches.

Here are the names of countries starting with the letter ‘F’:

  • France
  • Finland
  • Fiji
  • Faroe Islands
  • Falkland Islands
  • French Guiana
  • French Polynesia

France

  • Continent: Europe
  • Capital: Paris
  • Currency: Euro

France is a country mainly in Western Europe, with overseas regions in South America, the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Pacific. It borders countries like Germany, Italy and Spain, and has a large sea zone. France has 18 regions, including 5 overseas and about 68.6 million people. Paris is its capital and cultural center.

Finland

  • Continent: Europe
  • Capital: Helsinki
  • Currency: the euro

Finland is a Nordic country in Northern Europe, bordered by Sweden, Norway and Russia. It has a population of about 5.6 million, mostly ethnic Finns. The capital is Helsinki, and the main languages are Finnish and Swedish. Known for its forests and over 180,000 lakes, Finland has a cool climate that varies by region.

Fiji

  • Continent: Oceania
  • Capital: Suva
  • Currency: Fijian Dollar

Fiji is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, part of Oceania. It has over 330 islands, with about 110 permanently inhabited. Most people live on the two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The capital is Suva, and tourism and sugarcane are key industries. The interior is less populated due to rough terrain.

Faroe Islands

  • Continent: Europe
  • Capital: Torshavn
  • Currency: Danish Krone

The Faroe Islands are a group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean and an autonomous territory of Denmark. They lie between Iceland, Norway and the UK. With a population of about 54,900, the islands have rugged terrain, cool weather and limited sunshine. The capital is Tórshavn and Faroese is the main language.

The Falkland Islands

  • Continent: South America
  • Capital: Stanley
  • Currency: the pound

The Falkland Islands are a group of islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of southern South America. They include East and West Falkland and hundreds of smaller islands. A British Overseas Territory, the Falklands govern themselves, while the UK handles defense and foreign affairs. The capital and main town is Stanley on East Falkland.

French Guiana

  • Continent: South America
  • Capital: Cayenne
  • Currency: euro

French Guiana is an overseas region of France located on the northern coast of South America. It borders Suriname and Brazil and covers about 84,000 square kilometers. As of January 2025, it has a population of around 292,000. Known for its rainforest, it is also home to the Guiana Space Centre used for rocket launches.

French Polynesia

  • Continent: Oceania
  • Capital: Papeete
  • Currency: CFP franc

French Polynesia is an overseas collectively of France in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of 121 islands and atolls spread across 2,000 km. The total land area is about 3,521 square kilometers, with a population of around 278,000. Most people live in the Society Islands, known for their tropical beauty and clear lagoons.

South Korea vs Thailand: Pop Culture Meets Tropical Paradise

South Korea and Thailand are two exciting Asian countries that attract millions of visitors every year, but for very different reasons. South Korea is famous for its modern pop culture, including K-pop and K-dramas, while Thailand is known for its tropical beaches, ancient temples and delicious street food. This comparison shows how each country offers a unique experience for different types of travelers.

South Korea, the Home of K-Pop and K-Dramas

South Korea has become a global star thanks to its music, movies and fashion.

What makes South Korea famous?

  • K-Pop: Brands like BTS, BLACKPINK and EXO are popular worldwide.
  • K-Dramas: Shows like Crash Landing on You and Squid Game are watched globally.
  • Technology & Fashion: Seoul is known for high-tech life, stylish youth and trendsetting fashion.
  • Food: Dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, and Korean BBQ are popular among food lovers.

South Korea is perfect for people who love city life, shopping, entertainment and tech.

Thailand, A Tropical Paradise

Thailand is known for its warm beaches, ancient temples and rich culture.

Why people love Thailand?

  • Beautiful Islands: Places like Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui are perfect for relaxing.
  • Temples and History: The Grand Palace in Bangkok and ancient ruins in Ayutthaya show its royal past.
  • Street Food: Thailand is famous for dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup and Mango Sticky Rice.
  • Friendly People: Thailand is called the ”Land of Smiles” because locals are kind and welcoming.

Thailand is ideal for people looking for peace, nature and adventure.

Difference Between South Korea and Thailand

South Korea and Thailand are both popular travel destinations in Asia, but they are very different in culture, lifestyle and attractions. Here’s a simple comparison to help you understand how they differ:

Basis of Difference South Korea Thailand
Famous for K-Pop, K-Dramas, tech, fashion Beaches, temples, street food, culture
Vibe Modern, fast-paced, trendy Relaxed, tropical, spiritual
Popular Cities Seoul, Busan, Incheon Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai
Top Attractions K-Pop concerts, high-tech malls, palaces Islands, Buddhist temples, floating markets
Culture Traditional + modern Rich heritage
Food Kimchi, Korean BBQ, Bibimbap Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Mango Sticky Rice
Cost for Tourists More Expensive (mid to high budget) More affordable (budget-friendly)
Best for Pop culture lovers, fashion fans Beach lovers, spiritual seekers, adventures
Weather Cold winters, warm summers Hot and Humid, tropical year-round
Transport Advanced subway and public transport Tuk-tuks, ferries, buses and taxis
Shopping Trendy malls, skincare, K-fashion Local markets, handmade crafts, night bazaars

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