| Jan 01, 1970 | Daily Report |
| RISING BHARAT | News Count (102207) | |
1371. India’s EV Network Crosses 24,000 Charging Stations – What’s Next For Indian EV Owners?
- On 20 August, 2025 Between 2023 and mid-2025, India’s public EV charging infrastructure grew nearly fourfold, from about 5,500 to 24,000 charging stations nationwide. Fast chargers are now available every 50 km on 91% of national highways, with states like Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Haryana, and Goa achieving full highway coverage.
- The expansion aims to support increasing EV usage and improve driver confidence in range and accessibility. EV owners now average 1,600 km per month, 40% more than ICE vehicle users, and 77% of Tata EVs undertake trips involving public charging.
- Despite growth, reliability issues remain, with 12,000 chargers out of service by early 2024 and fragmented payment apps creating usability challenges. Real progress depends on trust and consistent usability, not just increasing charger numbers, as EV adoption rises to 84% reliance among owners.
1372. Servotech secures 7.3 MW solar rooftop project from North Western Railway
- On , 20 August 2025, Servotech Renewable Power System received an order from the North Western Railway’s Jaipur Division for a 7.3 MW on-grid rooftop solar project worth ₹28.84 crore, covering multiple sites across the division.
- The project aims to reduce dependence on conventional energy and cut emissions by integrating renewable energy. Servotech will design, manufacture, supply, install, test, and commission the solar PV systems, supporting Indian Railways’ sustainability goals.
- The contract strengthens Servotech’s public sector presence and expands its solar project portfolio, contributing to India’s transition to cleaner energy sources while enhancing operational efficiency and environmental responsibility in railway operations.
1373. India's longest railway viaduct commissioned in Katni
- On 20 August, 2025 It was reported that, Indian Railways commissioned the Katni Grade Separator in Katni, Madhya Pradesh, recently, completing India’s longest railway viaduct at a cost of ₹1,800 crore, following successful safety inspections.
- The project aims to improve rail connectivity, passenger convenience, and freight efficiency. Construction employed high-quality materials, modern technology, and advanced machinery, with rigorous technical inspections and a 120 km/h speed trial ensuring safety and operational readiness.
- The viaduct spans 33.40 km (15.85 km up-grade commissioned, 17.52 km down-grade under construction), connecting Bina to New Katni Junction, enhancing direct rail routes, reducing travel time, and supporting seamless movement of passengers and goods across the region.
1374. Steady progress in ties guided by respect, says PM on meeting China's Wang Yi
- Prime Minister of India on August,19, 2025 met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at his residence in New Delhi, following a series of high-level engagements aimed at stabilising and strengthening ties between India and China.
- During the meeting, PM emphasised the steady progress in bilateral relations and accepted Chinese President Xi Jinping’s invitation to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit later this month. “Glad to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each other’s interests and sensitivities,” the Prime Minister said.
- For his part, Wang Yi said both sides should “increase mutual trust through strategic communication, expand common interests through exchanges and cooperation, and properly resolve specific issues.” He underlined that “now, the bilateral relationship is facing an important opportunity for improvement and growth,” adding that China attaches great importance to PM Modi’s visit.
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1375. Assam Rifles, IIIT Manipur Ink MoU On Drone Technology Partnership
- On 19 August, 2025 It was reported that, At Mantripukhri, Assam Rifles and IIIT Manipur signed an MoU to collaborate in drone technology. The ceremony was attended by Maj Gen Ravroop Singh, IG Assam Rifles (South), and the Director of IIIT Manipur. An Advanced Drone Training and Refresher Course was also launched during the event.
- The partnership aims to strengthen defence–academia collaboration in advancing emerging drone technologies for national security. The training course, aligned with DGCA standards, focuses on drone operations, maintenance, and certification, with applications in surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistics.
- Around 80 participants, including defence personnel and IIIT faculty, took part. Both sides emphasised that drones are vital to modern warfare and joint initiatives will drive innovation, skill enhancement, and self-reliance in security technology.
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1376. Centre Clears Rs 62,000-Crore Deal To Buy 97 Tejas Mark 1A Fighter Jets
- On 19 August,2025 , India cleared the project for acquiring 97 indigenously built LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, with final approval granted in a high-level meeting. The deal will be executed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), following an earlier order of 83 jets worth ₹48,000 crore.
- The acquisition aims to replace the retiring MiG-21 fleet and strengthen India’s air combat capabilities. Backed by the Defence Ministry and Air Headquarters, the programme promotes indigenisation under Make in India, giving major opportunities to MSMEs in the defence sector, while enhancing HAL’s role in fighter aircraft and helicopter production.
- The LCA Mark 1A features advanced avionics and radars, with over 65% indigenous content. The project is a flagship of Atmanirbhar Bharat in aerospace, reinforcing India’s self-reliance. HAL is also expected to secure future deals for 200+ LCA Mark 2s and a similar number of fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
1377. 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.
1378. 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.
1379. 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.
Click here to find 427 similar incidents of Make in India / Atmanirbhar -> Roads and Highways
1380. 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.