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| Jan 01, 1970 | Daily Report |
| RISING BHARAT | News Count (101872) | |
261. 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.
262. 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.
263. 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
264. 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.
265. 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.
266. 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
267. 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.
268. 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.
269. 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.
270. 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.