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| Jan 01, 1970 | Daily Report |
| RISING BHARAT | News Count (101854) | |
251. PM Modi flags off 2 Amrit Bharat Express trains from poll-bound Assam
- On January 18, 2026, PM flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains from Guwahati (Kamakhya) and Dibrugarh, and laid the foundation stone for the Kaziranga elevated corridor across Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, and Golaghat districts.
- Prime Minister inaugurated and laid foundations through public rallies and Bhoomi Poojan, launching railway and highway projects to improve connectivity, protect wildlife during floods, and promote development with environmental balance.
- The ₹6,950 crore NH-715 project includes 86 km length, 35 km elevated wildlife corridor, bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat, four-laning works, improved Upper Assam connectivity, reduced human-wildlife conflict, and tourism and local employment benefits.
Click here to find 758 similar incidents of North East India -> Infrastructure Development
252. Brazil, Nigeria emerging as key export destinations for Indian pharma firms
- On January 18, 2026, during April–November FY26, India’s pharmaceutical exports rose 6.5% to $20.48 billion, according to commerce ministry data, despite global economic uncertainties.
- Nigeria emerged as one of the fastest growing export destinations, adding $179 million and accounting for over 14% of total export growth, while Brazil recorded an increase of nearly $100 million in the same period.
- The growth reflects rising healthcare access, expanding public procurement, and increasing reliance on Indian generic medicines, reinforcing India’s role as a preferred pharma supplier to high-growth, demand-intensive regions.
Click here to find 859 similar incidents of Bharat Economic Growth -> Increasing Exports
253. Andaman & Nicobar Islands to emerge as hub of India’s Blue Economy: Jitendra Singh
- On January 18, 2026, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences launched several pilot initiatives, including open sea cage culture of marine fish and large-scale seaweed cultivation.
- Promotion of ocean science biotechnology convergence under the BioE3 policy, focusing on biodegradable plastic alternatives, marine-based medicinal compounds, and high-value bio-products to support the bioeconomy.
- Development of alternative marine-based nutrition, non-animal food products, waste-to-wealth technologies, and export-focused marine produce, with emphasis on self-help groups and women’s participation and potential collaboration with CSIR and biotechnology research centres.
254. PM Modi Boosts West Bengal Infrastructure with Major Rail and Port Projects
- On January 18, 2026, in Singur, Hooghly district, the Prime Minister of India unveiled infrastructure projects worth over ₹830 crore to boost connectivity and logistics in West Bengal.
- The PM inaugurated the Jayrambati–Barogopinathpur–Maynapur rail line, launched a new Maynapur–Jayrambati train service, and announced the Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh, featuring an Inland Water Transport terminal and road over bridge across 900 acres, with a 2.7 million tonne annual cargo capacity to reduce urban congestion.
- Three Amrit Bharat Express trains were flagged off to strengthen long-distance connectivity from Kolkata to New Delhi, Varanasi, and Chennai via routes including Howrah to Anand Vihar, Sealdah to Banaras, and Santragachi to Tambaram, improving regional and national transport links.
255. Gadkari stresses waste-to-wealth, smart villages; inaugurates Rs 4,400 cr highway projects in Vidisha
- On January 17, 2026, Union Minister of India inaugurated eight national highway projects worth over ₹4,400 crore in Vidisha district, Madhya Pradesh, enhancing regional connectivity and infrastructure.
- Union Minister delivered the projects and emphasized waste-to-wealth and smart villages, urging innovative recycling models nationwide while attending the launch with Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and officials.
- Projects span 181 km, include four-laning and safety features like wildlife underpasses, fuel and time savings, and three driving training centres to boost road safety and socio-economic growth.
Click here to find 423 similar incidents of Make in India / Atmanirbhar -> Roads and Highways
256. Green Energy Seva Records Strong Growth in Solar EPC and Franchise Operations Across India
- On January 17, 2026, Green Energy Seva reported strong growth in its solar EPC and franchise operations across India, reinforcing its role in the country’s renewable energy transition.
- The integrated solar solutions company expanded its franchise footprint, onboarded new entrepreneurs, and used its proprietary solar CRM platform to speed project execution and improve quality across residential and commercial markets.
- Growth was driven by rising solar adoption, supportive policies, and demand from entrepreneurs; the company also offers end-to-end services from lead generation to commissioning and plans further national expansion.
257. India’s $36 Billion Rafale Mega Deal Moves Ahead As Defence Board Clears Plan To Acquire 114 Fighter Jets: Report
- On January 17, 2026, India’s Defence Procurement Board cleared a proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets in New Delhi, moving forward on a mega defence deal with France.
- The clearance was approved by the Defence Procurement Board, led by the Defence Secretary, and the deal will now go to the Defence Acquisition Council and Cabinet Committee on Security for further approval.
- The proposed ₹3.25 lakh crore ($36 billion) deal will see most jets made in India, some delivered “fly-away,” with indigenous weapons integration and production partnerships, boosting IAF squadrons.
258. India Surpasses US In 5G Adoption, Becomes 2nd-Largest 5G Market Globally With 400 Million+ Users
- On January 17, 2026, India has surpassed the U.S. to become the world’s second-largest 5G market, with over 400 million 5G users across the country.
- Union Communications Minister of India announced that India’s rapid 5G adoption launched in October 2022, has driven subscriber growth through widespread network expansion and affordable service deployment.
- India’s 5G coverage now reaches most districts with ~99.6% geographic reach and ~85% population coverage; the market trails only China in global 5G user base size.
Click here to find 161 similar incidents of -> Tech Power Growth
259. Vande Bharat Sleeper to Amrit Bharat Express: PM Modi flags off 7 new trains in West Bengal, dedicates several projects worth Rs 3,250 cr
- On January 17, 2026, Prime Minister of India flagged off seven new trains, including India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, at Malda Town railway station in West Bengal.
- Prime Minister inaugurated the Vande Bharat Sleeper and other services, virtually flagging some, to improve rail connectivity and travel convenience across long distances.
- The Vande Bharat Sleeper runs Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya), cuts travel time by ~2.5 hours, and was launched alongside four Amrit Bharat Express and two express trains plus projects worth ₹3,250 cr.
260. PM Modi flags off India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train in Malda
- On January 17, 2026, the Prime Minister of India flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train at Malda Town Railway Station in West Bengal, marking its inaugural launch between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya).
- Prime Minister officiated the launch during his two-day visit to West Bengal and Assam, highlighting enhanced connectivity and modern amenities like fully AC sleeper coaches and advanced safety systems.
- The fully air-conditioned Vande Bharat Sleeper Express covers ~968 km in ~14 hours, has 16 coaches with 823 capacity, stops at 13 stations, and reduces travel time while offering modern comfort features.