| Jan 01, 1970 | Daily Report |
| RISING BHARAT | News Count (102276) | |
1381. SECR launches 62.5m bowstring girder at Gondia to replace level crossing
- On 18 August,2025, the South East Central Railway (SECR), Nagpur division, successfully launched a 62.5m-long bowstring girder for Road Overbridge (ROB) No. 512 at Gondia Junction section, marking a key milestone in replacing vulnerable level crossings with safer infrastructure.
- The project is part of SECR’s mission to eliminate level crossings and enhance passenger safety. Alongside the girder launch, the division undertook safety-related maintenance works such as glued joint renewals, welding, rail renewal, thick web switch replacements, and track tamping to strengthen operational efficiency.
- Works included six glued joint renewals, 23 welding jobs, two turnout tamping works, 4 km of plain track tamping, and rail renewal. Officials highlighted that these upgrades boost structural capacity, reduce delays, minimize accidents, and improve both road and rail safety, providing passengers with secure, smooth, and efficient travel.
1382. Coal India inks pact with Konkan Railway Corp Ltd to develop rail infra
- On August 18, 2025, Coal India Ltd (CIL) signed a non-binding MoU with Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd in Kolkata to develop rail infrastructure for CIL and its subsidiaries. CIL, which contributes over 80% of India’s coal output, is focusing on strengthening coal transportation capacity.
- The agreement is part of CIL’s strategy to expand coal evacuation infrastructure, improve supply chain efficiency, and reduce transportation bottlenecks. This follows an earlier pact with Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Ltd for similar projects, ensuring integrated logistics support for higher coal movement.
- CIL produced 781.1 MT of coal in FY25, short of its 838 MT target, and is now aiming for 875 MT production and 900 MT offtake in FY26. The rail infrastructure push is critical for achieving these ambitious targets, ensuring faster, cost-effective, and reliable coal supply to meet India’s growing energy demand.
1383. Cabinet clears Rs 8,307 crore capital region ring road project in Odisha under HAM model
- On 19 August,2025 the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the construction of a 6-lane Access-Controlled Capital Region Ring Road (Bhubaneswar Bypass – 110.875 km) in Odisha at a cost of ₹8,307.74 crore under Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) to ease traffic congestion between Rameshwar and Tangi.
- The project aims to divert heavy commercial traffic from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Khordha, improving freight movement, reducing logistics costs, and enhancing urban and regional connectivity. It integrates with 3 National Highways (NH-55, NH-57, NH-655) and 1 State Highway (SH-65) and connects with key economic, social, and logistic nodes.
- The bypass will strengthen multimodal transport, linking an airport, major railway station, ports, and proposed Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP). It is expected to generate 74.43 lakh person-days of direct employment and 93.04 lakh person-days of indirect employment, boosting regional trade, industrial development, and socio-economic growth in Odisha and eastern India.
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1384. Cabinet clears ₹1,507-cr greenfield airport project at Kota-Bundi
- On August,19 2025, the government approved a greenfield airport at Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan, at an estimated cost of ₹1,507 crore, to be executed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The Rajasthan government has transferred 440.06 hectares of land for the project, capable of handling A-321 type aircraft.
- The airport aims to boost air connectivity, accommodate rising passenger traffic, and support Kota’s status as an industrial and coaching hub. The facility will feature a 3,200-metre runway, 20,000 sq m terminal for 1,000 peak-hour passengers, apron with seven parking bays, ATC block, fire station, and allied infrastructure, overcoming limitations of the existing smaller airport.
- The new airport will handle 2 million passengers annually, enabling commercial expansion that the current Kota airport cannot support due to urban constraints and smaller infrastructure. It represents a major infrastructure upgrade for Rajasthan, enhancing regional economic growth, connectivity, and aviation capacity in northwestern India.
1385. ‘India’s 1st drone forensic lab to revamp policing & probe’
- On August 18, 2025 chief minister of Uttar Pradesh Inaugurated India's first drone forensic lab in Lucknow.
- The lab has been conceptualised and established by ‘Drone Man of India' Milind Raj, a noted robotics and drone technology expert, who is now associated with UPSIFS as a forensic drone expert.
- The lab will serve multiple public-centric purposes. From protecting sensitive zones like borders, prisons, and airports to assisting in disaster management and search-and-rescue operations, the applications are far-reaching,
- Experts believe this will be a game-changer for law enforcement across India, particularly as drones are increasingly being misused for smuggling contraband, narcotics, and even surveillance by anti-social elements.
1386. IIT Madras Inks Rs 1-Crore Deal To License India's First Silicon Photonic QRNG To Industry
- On 18 August, 2025 , IIT Madras signed a ₹1 crore licensing agreement with Indrarka Quantum Technologies to commercially deploy India’s first indigenously developed silicon photonics-based Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG). The technology was developed at IIT Madras’ Centre for Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuits and Systems (CPPICS).
- The QRNG is a critical building block for secure computing and communication, with earlier prototypes tested by DRDO and SETS Chennai for defence and quantum security use. The indigenous innovation underscores India’s push for self-reliance in quantum technologies, combining academic R&D with industry partnerships to accelerate deployment.
- The technology has applications in military IT security, cryptography, quantum key distribution, financial transactions, blockchain, OTPs, gaming, and simulations. Leaders from IIT Madras, MeitY, and Indrarka emphasized its role in advancing India’s quantum innovation ecosystem, boosting the ‘Make in India’ initiative, and strengthening India’s position in global quantum security leadership.
1387. Mizoram Launches First Health ATMs At Civil Hospital Lunglei And PHC Lungsen
- In a landmark initiative in public healthcare, 'Health ATMs' were inaugurated at two medical establishments in Mizoram on 18 August,2025, an official said.
- The 'Health ATMs', equipped with modern diagnostic tools, will enable citizens to instantly get their vital health parameters such as blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI and oxygen levels checked by health officials.
- The facilities were unveiled at Lunglei Civil Hospital and Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Lungsen village under the district administration's 'Healthy Lunglei Initiative', Health Minister said.
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1388. Tripura rail infra gets boost with commissioning of Teliamura traction sub-station
- On 18 August,2025 traction sub-stations at Udaipur (Gomati district) and Teliamura (Khowai district) were commissioned, bringing Tripura’s railway network under electrified operations. The projects were completed in the presence of railway and TSECL officials, enabling the introduction of electric train services in the state.
- The move is part of the Centre’s mission to expand railway electrification nationwide. By replacing diesel services with electric trains, the initiative will improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and cut carbon emissions, ensuring smoother and more reliable train operations across Tripura.
- Apart from rail transport benefits, the project will strengthen local power supply stability in Teliamura and adjoining areas, aiding residents and commuters. Gradual commissioning of traction sub-stations will boost transport infrastructure and contribute to sustainable development in the northeastern region.
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1389. Indian Railways commissions first removable solar panel system between tracks
- The Ministry of Railways on 18 August, 2025, announced a milestone in green energy innovation with the commissioning of India’s first 70-metre removable solar panel system (28 panels, 15KWp) between railway tracks—a step towards green and sustainable rail transport.”
- In another development, Western Railway on August 12, 2025 successfully commissioned and energised the country’s first 2×25 kV Electric Traction System at the Nagda–Khachrod section under the Ratlam Division.
- The system, which includes two Scott-connected 100 MVA power transformers, is designed to ensure efficient feeding of electrical load to the overhead equipment (OHE).
1390. BEL exports $106 million defence, non-defence products, services
- On 18 August 2025, It was reported that, For the year ended March 2025, Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) achieved an all-time high export of $106.17 million in defence and non-defence products, marking a 14.18% rise over the previous year. Major markets include France, Spain, USA, UK, Israel, Sweden, Mauritius, Armenia, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and SEZs.
- The increase in export sales resulted from concerted efforts with foreign OEMs, customised solutions, proactive offerings, and on-time delivery. BEL acquired export orders worth $54.16 million from countries like France, USA, Sweden, and SEZs, leveraging long-term customer relationships and collaboration with Indian and foreign OEMs.
- BEL is exploring civilian product opportunities in AI, software, civil aviation radars, solar solutions, and electronics manufacturing. The company focuses on offset business, contract manufacturing, and technology transfer under 'Make in India', while establishing itself in the global supply chain of Thales, SAAB, and Elbit Systems, enhancing co-development and global partnerships.
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