| Jan 01, 1970 | Daily Report |
| RISING BHARAT | News Count (103005) | |
2701. Govt to expand urea capacity with a new 1.27 mt plant at Assam
- On February 1, 2025, the government announced the establishment of a 1.27 million tonnes per annum urea plant at Namrup, Assam to strengthen domestic fertilizer production and reduce import dependency. This will be the third urea plant at Namrup, supplementing two existing units operated by Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizers Corporation Ltd (BVFCL).
- The project will be developed under a joint venture (JV) of Central PSUs and the Assam government, with Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers (RCF) holding 52% equity, Oil India (26%), and BVFCL and the Assam government each holding 11% shares. The proposal had been pending for years, but the Union Budget 2025-26 paved the way for its expedited implementation.
- In addition to boosting domestic urea production, the budget also reduced the import duty on phosphoric acid from 20% to 7.5% to address rising global prices. The fertilizer subsidy allocation for FY26 has been increased to ₹1.68 lakh crore, with ₹1.19 lakh crore for urea and ₹49,000 crore for phosphorus and potash (P&K). The move aligns with India’s self-reliance goals in fertilizer production and aims to stabilize agricultural input costs.
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2702. NTPC to supply green power to Indian Army from Ladakh microgrid project
- On February 4, 2025, NTPC Limited signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Indian Army to supply 200 kW of round-the-clock renewable energy from a solar-hydrogen-based microgrid in Chushul, Ladakh. The agreement is valid for 25 years, marking a significant step toward decarbonizing defence operations in high-altitude border areas.
- The microgrid will replace the Army’s existing diesel generators, eliminating fossil fuel logistics and reducing CO₂ emissions by 1,500 tonnes annually. Situated at 4,400 meters altitude, the project operates in extreme temperatures as low as -30°C, making it the world’s most unique hydrogen-based off-grid microgrid.
- Once operational, the project is expected to modernize the defence sector’s energy infrastructure, enhancing sustainability while ensuring uninterrupted power supply in remote Himalayan border locations. NTPC described the initiative as a milestone in India’s renewable energy and defence modernization efforts.
2703. Jammu and Kashmir’s Health Budget More Than Doubles in Two Years
- On February 4, 2025, government data presented in the Lok Sabha revealed that Jammu and Kashmir’s per capita government health expenditure has more than doubled in two years, rising from ₹1,554 in 2019-20 to ₹4,336 in 2021-22. This increase reflects the Union Territory’s growing investment in healthcare infrastructure and accessibility.
- The report highlights that J&K’s per capita spending now exceeds the national average of ₹3,169, marking a significant improvement over previous years. However, despite increased public funding, out-of-pocket healthcare costs remain a concern, with many residents still facing high medical expenses.
- The Central Government, through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, continues to support J&K under various national health programs. The National Health Accounts data for 2021-22 indicates that 41.8% of overall government health spending comes from the Union Government, while states and UTs contribute 58.2%. With upcoming budget allocations, policymakers will be watching whether J&K and other regions receive sustained financial support to meet rising healthcare demands.
2704. Indian Railways launches new app, will offer all train services in one place
- On February 3, 2025, The Ministry of Railways has introduced a new SuperApp, ‘SwaRail,’ to offer all train services to the public in one place.
- The new SuperApp from Indian Railways has been developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) to provide train travelers with all Indian Railways-related services—which are currently available through different apps—on a single platform.
- The Railway SuperApp offers multiple services for train travel, including reserved and unreserved ticket booking, platform and parcel booking, train and PNR enquiries, and assistance through Rail Madad.
2705. Indian Railways to Get Major Upgrades with New Trains, 17500 Coaches, and 100 Percent Electrification by 2026
- Indian Railways has announced an ambitious plan to introduce 100 Amrit Bharat, 50 Namo Bharat, and 200 Vande Bharat trains, including sleeper and chair car options, in the next two to three years.
- These new trains aim to improve connectivity across the country. According to The Financial Express, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also revealed plans to manufacture 17,500 Non-AC General and Sleeper Coaches.
- This initiative will enhance rail travel for low-income passengers and help ease pressure on existing railway infrastructure
2706. Indian Army Signs MoU With IIT Guwahati For Epoxy Bamboo
- On 4 february 2025 the Gajraj Corps of the Indian Army and IIT Guwahati have signed an agreement to work together on creating epoxy bamboo-based composites.
- . These materials are meant to replace the traditional building materials used for making bunkers in high-altitude areas.The project will result in the construction of several defense structures in high-altitude areas for testing. These structures will be tested with small-arms fire and exposed to all types of weather.
- The panels made for these structures will provide the same protection but will be lighter, making it easier and faster to transport supplies, which will help preserve the forces.
- The importance of working together with academics, industries, researchers, and start-ups to support a national approach and expressed confidence that this partnership will lead to major achievements, boosting the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
2707. Made in India left-hand-drive Nissan Magnite export begins:
- On 4 february 2025 Nissan India announced that it has started exporting the made-in-India left-hand-drive Nissan Magnite SUV to Latin American countries.
- Nissan launched the Magnite facelift, the company highlighted its goal of reinforcing its presence not just in India but also in global markets. Talking about the changes in the left-hand drive (LHD) version, the steering wheel has been repositioned to the left to accommodate LHD markets.
- The company aims to export more than 10,000 units of the left-hand drive version of the new Nissan Magnite.
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2708. Arunachal: IMC strengthens sanitation workforce, PPE kits distributed
- On February 3, 2025, the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) organized an Interaction Programme cum PPE Kit Distribution to enhance the welfare of sanitation workers. The event, attended by ward corporators and Safai Karamcharis, underscored the civic body's commitment to cleanliness and worker safety.
- IMC Mayor Tamme Phassang highlighted the crucial role of sanitation workers in maintaining urban hygiene and reaffirmed the municipality’s support for their well-being. He also issued a strict warning against inactive workers, stating that terminations will be publicly announced on August 15 as part of efforts to improve workforce efficiency and accountability.
- A key highlight of the event was the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, ensuring sanitation workers have adequate safety gear while performing their duties. The initiative aligns with IMC’s ongoing commitment to worker safety, public health standards, and urban cleanliness, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for keeping Itanagar clean and hygienic.
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2709. Rs 10,440 crores allocated for railway infrastructure projects in North-East
- On February 3, 2025, Railway Minister announced that the Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated ₹10,440 crore for railway infrastructure projects in the Northeast, marking a fivefold increase from the ₹2,122 crore annual average during 2009-14. This investment will accelerate the region’s rail connectivity, modernization, and safety enhancements.
- The Minister highlighted key initiatives, including the rollout of 200 new Vande Bharat trains, 100 Amrit Bharat trains, and 50 Namo Bharat rapid rails. The Northeast will also benefit from 1,000 new flyovers and underpasses, track doubling projects, and the implementation of the Kavach safety system across 1,189 km of NF Railway routes.
- Progress on electrification of all NF Railway tracks is expected to be completed by December 2025, while 92 stations will be transformed under the Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme. Additionally, the Bhairabi-Sairang railway project in Mizoram is set to be completed by July 2025. This budgetary push is expected to improve regional connectivity, boost economic activity, and enhance passenger experience in the Northeast.
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2710. Budget 2025: Rs 7,146 crore allocated for boosting border infrastructure
- On February 1, 2025, the Union Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹7,146.50 crore to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), marking a 9.74% increase from the previous year. The investment aims to strengthen border infrastructure and enhance the movement of Armed Forces personnel in strategic areas, including LGG-Damteng-Yangtse in Arunachal Pradesh, Asha-Cheema-Anita in Jammu & Kashmir, and Birdhwal-Puggal-Bajju in Rajasthan.
- This highest-ever allocation for border infrastructure aligns with India’s efforts to counter China’s growing border development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The funding will support the construction of tunnels, roads, and bridges, including key projects such as Nyoma Airfield in Ladakh, the 4.1 km Shinku La tunnel in Himachal Pradesh, and the Nechiphu tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh.
- The investment is expected to boost employment, generate socio-economic development, and promote tourism in border regions. BRO, which has already provided jobs to 70,000 youth, continues to play a crucial role in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, strengthening domestic defence technology and manufacturing while enhancing operational preparedness and national security.