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| Jan 01, 1970 | Daily Report |
| RISING BHARAT | News Count (102050) | |
291. 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.
292. 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.
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293. 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.
294. 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.
295. Tripura Govt Spends ₹322 Crore on Reang Welfare, CM Dr Manik Saha Highlights Tribal Development at Tarlak Kut Festival
- On January 16, 2026, in Agartala, the Tripura government announced ₹322 crore funding for 2024–25 under PM Janman to develop over 65,000 Reang tribal families across the state.
- Chief Minister announced the initiative, with funds utilised through state departments and NABARD support to improve drinking water, housing, roads, electrification, education, healthcare and connectivity in remote tribal areas.
- Key steps included ST status for the Darlong community, permanent inclusion of Tarlak Kut festival in the state calendar, higher land compensation, TTAADC financial aid, 12 aspirational tribal blocks with extra funds, smart classrooms, and cultural recognition initiatives.
296. Indian Railways launches nine Amrit Bharat Express trains for affordable long-distance travel
- On 16 January 2026, Indian Railways announced nine new Amrit Bharat Express trains, starting from West Bengal and Assam, connecting eastern, northern and southern India across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- The Ministry of Railways will operate locomotive-hauled, non-AC Amrit Bharat Express trains with upgraded seating, modern toilets and safety features, providing budget-friendly long-distance travel at around ₹500 per 1,000 km without dynamic pricing.
- Key routes include Kamakhya–Rohtak, Dibrugarh–Lucknow, New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil and Kolkata–Anand Vihar; trains have 22 coaches, dual WAP-5 locomotives, sleeper and general classes, CCTV, bio-vacuum toilets, and are designed for heavy festive and migration traffic.
297. Kanpur emerges as solar power hub with 64 MW rooftop capacity
- On January 16, 2026, It was reported that, Since the launch of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana in February 2024, Kanpur district in Uttar Pradesh has installed 20,756 rooftop solar systems, generating about 64 MW of electricity and securing third position statewide.
- Under UPNEDA’s implementation, residents, housing societies and institutions adopted rooftop solar with government subsidies, daily installation of 80–90 systems, technical support, bank loans at 6–7% interest, and policy backing from the state government.
- The 64 MW capacity produces nearly 96 million units annually, worth ₹340–380 million, cuts about 80,000 tonnes of CO₂ yearly, equals benefits of 35 lakh trees, lowers power bills, and supports 30,000–35,000 urban households sustainably.
298. Uttarakhand Govt, ITBP Sign MoU to Strengthen Healthcare in Border Villages
- On January 15, 2026, Uttarakhand signed an MoU under Swasth Seema Abhiyan to deliver integrated primary healthcare in 108 border villages across Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts, starting with the most remote and inaccessible areas.
- The ITBP (Northern Frontier, Dehradun) and Uttarakhand’s Medical Health and Family Welfare Department will deploy doctors, paramedics, MI rooms and telemedicine, conduct village visits, maintain health records, and manage medicines with logistical and emergency support from the state.
- The programme aims to improve quality of life, security and trust in border areas, aligns with Vibrant Villages and Vocal for Local, and complements ITBP’s local procurement initiative, which has generated ₹11.94 crore since November 2024, boosting rural employment and sustainability.
299. India Attracts $51 Bn FDI As Startups, Manufacturing Drive Growth
- Over the past six months, India attracted USD 51 billion in foreign direct investment, reflecting sustained global confidence in the country’s economy, senior government officials said on January 14, 2026.
- DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia said FDI inflows were driven by investor faith in India’s long-term growth, with innovation-led manufacturing, startups, and collaboration between corporates and young firms playing a key role.
- National Startup Day on January 16 will launch 75 Grand Challenges and present 20 Startup Awards, with 3,000+ participation requests. At Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, PM Modi highlighted Digital India, youth innovation, and the Orange Economy as growth engines.
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300. India's exports rise 1.8% to $38.51 bn in Dec; trade deficit widens
- On January 15, 2026 It was reported that, In December, India’s merchandise exports rose 1.8% year-on-year to $38.51 billion, while imports grew 8.8% to $63.55 billion, widening the trade deficit to $25 billion, according to commerce department data.
- Commerce Secretary said India managed exports to the US despite 50% tariffs by relying on electronics exports not under tariffs and diversifying markets, though textile and leather sectors faced stress.
- Services exports fell 3.97% to $35.5 billion, creating an $18.12 billion surplus. Cumulative exports (Apr–Dec) rose 4.33% to $634 billion. FY26 exports are projected to exceed $850 billion, amid sectoral growth in electronics and pharmaceuticals.
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