| Jan 01, 1970 | Daily Report |
| RISING BHARAT | News Count (103005) | |
2691. J&K Panchayats to shift to digital payments under eGramSwaraj initiative
- On February 6, 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir government announced the adoption of digital payment methods for Panchayati Raj Institutions under the eGramSwaraj initiative. The move aims to enhance financial transparency, reduce corruption, and streamline fund management by transitioning to UPI-based transactions.
- The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has directed all Panchayats in J&K to integrate Unified Payments Interface (UPI) systems, reducing reliance on cash and cheques. The Public Finance Management System (PFMS) will ensure real-time tracking of funds, enabling faster and more secure payments to vendors and service providers.
- While states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have already fully transitioned to UPI-based payments, J&K is in the final stages of implementation. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has been requested to provide technical and logistical support for a smooth rollout. The transition will benefit rural development projects, tax collection, and citizen services, ensuring efficient and transparent financial operations across all Panchayats.
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2692. Northeast Railway Infra Development Gets Rs 10,440 Crore Push, Electrification To Finish By 2025
- On February 6, 2025, Indian Railways allocated ₹10,440 crore for railway infrastructure development in the Northeast, as part of the ₹2.65 lakh crore railway budget under the Union Budget 2025-26. This marks a fivefold increase from the ₹2,122 crore annual average during 2009-2014.
- Railway Minister announced that the funds will be directed toward new railway lines, track renewals, road safety improvements, and passenger amenities. Since 2014, 1,824 km of new railway tracks have been laid in the Northeast, exceeding Sri Lanka’s total rail network. Additionally, 478 new flyovers and underpasses have been constructed to improve regional connectivity.
- Electrification of all Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) tracks is set to be completed by December 2025, while the Bhairabi-Sairang railway project in Mizoram is expected to be finished by July 2025. Under the Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme, 92 railway stations are being upgraded with modern facilities. The Kavach safety system is also being implemented on 1,189 route km to enhance train safety.
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2693. Weeks After Disengagement with China, India Opens Demchok to Civilian Visitors
- On February 6, 2025, the Indian government opened Demchok in Ladakh for civilian visitors under the Battlefield Tourism initiative, weeks after completing disengagement with China at key friction points. The initiative, jointly run by the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Tourism, and state governments, includes 77 forward locations, with 14 in Ladakh, 21 in Arunachal Pradesh, 11 in Jammu & Kashmir, and 7 in Sikkim.
- The move follows four years of military standoff and marks a major step toward restoring normalcy along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The tourism push will allow visitors to explore historic battlegrounds like Galwan, Pangong Tso, Tawang, Bum La, and Walong, where Indian soldiers have displayed exceptional valour. However, core operational areas will remain off-limits, and visitors must coordinate with Army units for safety and clearances.
- Union Tourism Minister stated that risk mitigation and emergency protocols have been put in place to ensure visitor safety. The Army, in collaboration with local authorities, aims to boost connectivity, tourism, and socio-economic development in border regions while maintaining high operational preparedness.
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2694. Announces Rs 42.72 crore investment for small Industries
- On February 5, 2025, the Assam Chief Minister announced that the state cabinet has sanctioned ₹42.72 crore for cluster development projects in small industries. The decision, taken during a cabinet meeting, aims to strengthen industrial growth, support small-scale businesses, and create employment opportunities across Assam.
- The initiative is expected to provide better infrastructure, access to financial aid, and technological support to small industries, fostering economic development in the region. The government seeks to enhance production efficiency and competitiveness by promoting cluster-based industrial growth.
- In addition to the investment, the cabinet has introduced reforms to prevent tax leakage, ensuring better monitoring of taxable goods entering the state. This step aims to increase revenue collection while maintaining transparency in trade and commerce.
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2695. 100 m-long 'Make in India' steel bridge launched over four railway tracks for Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project
- On 5th February,2025 National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited has successfully launched a 100m of two span steel bridge over four railway tracks - two of western railways and two DFC tracks between Kim and Sayan for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project.
- For launching of 100 meter long steel bridge (weighing 1432 metric tonnes) over Western Railway and DFCCIL tracks, 84 meter long launching nose weighing about 525 metric tonnes is used.
- "This 14.3 m wide, 100 m span steel bridge having 1432 MT weight has been fabricated at a RDSO approved workshop located at Bhuj, Gujarat and transported to the site by road for installation. The 100 m span of this steel bridge was assembled at the Ahmedabad end approach of site at a height of 14.5 m from the ground on temporary structure and was pulled with automatic mechanism of 2 no. of semi-automatic jacks, each of capacity of 250 ton using 50 mm diameter Mac-Loy bars. The height of the piers at this location is 12 m," the release said.
2696. Himachal Pradesh chief minister launches north India’s 1st green hydrogen plant
- On February 5, 2025, Himachal Pradesh chief minister laid the foundation stone for a 1 megawatt (MW) green hydrogen plant at Dabhota in Nalagarh Tehsil of Solan district .
- The state govt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Oil India Limited on April 26, 2023, focusing on the development of solar energy, green hydrogen, geothermal energy, and compressed biogas.
- The production process will consume approximately 52.01 units of electricity per kg of hydrogen. Annually, the plant is expected to generate 1,54,395 kg of green hydrogen. He also highlighted the state govt's broader focus on green energy, including its progress toward achieving a 500 MW solar energy target.
2697. Over 5,000 Km Of Roads Completed In J&K Under PMGSY In 3 Years
- On February 5, 2025, Minister of State (MoS) for Rural Developmen informed the Lok Sabha that over 5,000 km of rural roads have been completed in Jammu and Kashmir under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) over the past three years, significantly improving rural connectivity.
- In 2021-22, 3,278 km of road length was completed, followed by 464 km in 2023, and 956 km in 2023-24, with 535 km sanctioned for the current year. The steady progress reflects the government’s strong commitment to infrastructure development in the region.
- The financial commitment to PMGSY in J&K has been substantial, with ₹1,328.34 crore released in 2021-22, ₹717 crore in 2022-23, and ₹1,304.17 crore in 2023-24. These investments have played a crucial role in expanding rural road networks, improving mobility, and boosting economic opportunities for local communities.
2698. J&K gets 71 market infrastructure projects under horticulture development scheme
- On February 5, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare announced that Jammu and Kashmir has been approved for 71 market infrastructure projects under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). These projects aim to improve marketing and storage facilities, benefiting farmers across the Union Territory.
- The MIDH scheme focuses on developing mandis, retail markets, vending carts, and storage infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and improve supply chains. J&K has been allocated ₹90.99 crore under MIDH for 2024-25, with ₹20.5 crore already released and ₹15 crore utilized so far.
- The implementation of these projects is carried out through Self Help Groups (SHGs), Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs), local bodies, and Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) to ensure efficient fund utilization. The initiative is expected to enhance market access, boost farmer incomes, and support the overall growth of the horticulture sector in J&K.
Click here to find 79 similar incidents of North East India -> Schemes By Central Government
2699. Assam CM inaugurates revamped LGBI airport terminal, enhancing travel experience
- On February 5, 2025, Assam Chief Minister inaugurated the upgraded terminal at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport, marking a major milestone in improving air travel facilities in the region. The expansion aims to enhance passenger convenience, streamline travel, and modernize airport infrastructure.
- The redevelopment includes a 700 sq. meter expansion in the passenger movement area, increasing departure gates from five to seven and introducing 14 entry lanes to reduce wait times. Traffic flow has been optimized with two additional entry points and FasTag-enabled access at all entry and exit points.
- Additional enhancements include a zebra-crossing walking path for pedestrian safety, a traffic-free kerbside lane with 24/7 retail and dining outlets, and 47 digital screens showcasing Northeast India’s cultural heritage. CM highlighted that the upgrades were completed within two months, ahead of Advantage Assam 2.0, reinforcing LGBI Airport’s role as a key gateway to Southeast Asia.
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2700. Assam and Northeast rail network surpasses Sri Lanka’s
- On February 5, 2025, Assam Chief Minister announced that Assam and the Northeast have added 1,824 km of new railway tracks since 2014, surpassing the total railway network of Sri Lanka. This expansion highlights the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and infrastructure in the region
- The Indian Railways has allocated ₹10,440 crore for Assam and the Northeast in FY 2025-26, a fivefold increase from the budgetary support received between 2009-14. Currently, railway projects worth ₹74,972 crore are ongoing in the region, aiming to improve passenger and freight services, boost trade, and stimulate economic growth.
- Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 50 railway stations in Assam are being redeveloped with world-class amenities to modernize infrastructure and enhance passenger convenience. These continuous railway developments align with the government’s broader vision of economic integration and connectivity for the Northeast.
Click here to find 759 similar incidents of North East India -> Infrastructure Development