| Jan 01, 1970 | Daily Report |
| RISING BHARAT | News Count (103016) | |
2751. ADYPU, IIT Guwahati sign MoU for India’s First Blast and Impact Research Centre
- The ADYPU Defence Research & Innovation Foundation (DRIF) of Ajeenkya DY Patil University (ADYPU) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IITG) to set up India’s first Blast and Impact Research Centre (BIRC).
- This state-of-the-art facility is set to address critical challenges in the protection of both military and civilian infrastructure, positioning India as a global leader in blast and impact-resistant technologies.
- Under the expert guidance of Prof. Dr. Nishakant Ojha, a globally recognized scientist and strategic affairs expert, the BIRC will focus on developing, testing, and refining advanced technologies to withstand extreme blast and impact forces.
2752. Centre Approves 75-km Amingaon-Barpeta Bypass in Assam
- On January 25, 2025, the central government approved the construction of a 75-km bypass along NH-427, connecting Amingaon and Barpeta. The project aims to enhance connectivity across Assam, benefiting commuters and businesses.
- The bypass will pass through key locations, including Amingaon, Dadara, Singimari, Hajo, Mukalmua, Rampur, Barpeta, and Howly. Tenders for the project will be issued soon, marking the next phase of implementation.
- Assam Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Union Minister for expediting the project, stating that the bypass will significantly improve travel for lakhs of people between Barpeta, Guwahati, and surrounding regions. The initiative is expected to drive economic growth and regional development.
Click here to find 759 similar incidents of North East India -> Infrastructure Development
2753. Telangana partners with Swiss firm to establish India’s first Quantum Hub in Hyderabad
- Telangana state government on January 26, 2025, announced a partnership with QuantumBasel, Switzerland’s quantum and AI innovation hub, to establish a Quantum Hub in Hyderabad, touted to be the first such facility in India.
- The hub will focus on quantum computing, AI and innovative solutions for industries such as finance, life sciences and logistics. It will also provide mentorship for research and startups and foster collaborations between academia, industry and entrepreneurs.
- IT & Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu met a delegation from QuantumBasel, led by CEO Damir Bogdan and board member Karl Gun. A letter of intent (LOI) was signed in the presence of Nicholas Gugger, a member of the National Council of Switzerland and president of the India-Switzerland Parliamentary Group.
2754. MobiKwik, Cred take the lead in CBDC rollout, launch e₹ wallets with Yes Bank
- Digital payment platforms MobiKwik and Cred have entered the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) space by launching their respective e-Rupee (e₹) wallets in partnership with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Yes Bank, becoming the first non-banks to integrate and offer the RBI’s digital currency to users.
- While MobiKwik has rolled out its e₹ wallet to all Android users, Cred has launched a beta version accessible to a limited user base. Both platforms are leveraging partnerships with Yes Bank to enable these services.
- Currently, 15 banks offer CBDC wallets, RBI's website says. After the announcement, many, including PhonePe, AmazonPay, Google Pay, Mobikwik and Cred, were seeking to join the Indian central bank's digital currency pilot by offering transactions via the eRupee and working with RBI on pilots.
Click here to find 173 similar incidents of Bharat Economic Growth -> Digital Economy
2755. KASFAB Tools Inaugurates India's First Manufacturing and Building Facility for Semiconductor Equipment for Global Customers
- KASFAB Tools Private Limited (A KAS group company under UHP Technologies & KASTECH Equipment) announced the launch of India's first manufacturing and building facility dedicated to building semiconductor equipment for global customers on Jan 28 2025.
- The KAS Group will invest significantly in KASFAB Tools Private Limited, the newly formed company, beginning with INR 20 crore in its initial phase, followed by an additional INR 250 crore in the subsequent expansion phase.
- The new facility is designed to cater to the demands of leading global customers, including Applied Materials, LAM Research, Tokyo Electron and Yield Engineering Systems, among others.
2756. India To Get 1st Human Underwater Submersible For Ocean Exploration This Year
- India will operate its first human underwater submersible at a depth of 500 meters in the sea as part of the Deep Ocean Mission, Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh said on Jan 23, 2025.
- The submersible will operate at a depth of up to 500 meters this year, with a subsequent goal of reaching a depth of 6,000 metres by the next year.
- The mission also aims to enhance understanding of deep-sea ecosystems, contributing to sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation, he said. By tapping into these underwater treasures, India is poised to secure long-term benefits for its economy, scientific community and environmental resilience.
2757. Vande Bharat Express trial run brings Kashmir closer to national network
- The Vande Bharat Express successfully conducted its maiden trial run between Katra and Budgam on January 25, 2025, marking a historic milestone in enhancing connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India’s railway network.
- The train arrived at Srinagar Railway Station in Nowgam at 11:30 a.m. on January 25, 2025, where it was greeted with applause, slogans, and garlands by a large crowd of railway officials and locals. After a brief stop, it continued to Budgam station to conclude its trial run.
- The project is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ vision. The Vande Bharat Express, an indigenous train, is equipped with modern features tailored to the region’s unique climatic conditions.
2758. DPIIT, JKEDI Sign MoU to Strengthen Startup Ecosystem in J&K
- On January 28, 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance startup support systems in the region. The agreement aims to improve mentorship, branding, funding networks, and international market linkages.
- The MoU was signed during the “Jammu Kashmir Konnect” event at JKEDI’s Baribrahamna campus, where startups, incubators, and stakeholders gathered to discuss innovation and growth opportunities. The event featured discussions on policy improvements, infrastructure support, and accessibility to Startup India’s ecosystem.
- Director of JKEDI, highlighted the success of the JK Startup Policy, launched in March 2024, which has led to over 250 new startup registrations, bringing the total to 988. He also emphasized JKEDI’s extensive outreach, having conducted 601 Entrepreneurship Awareness Programs (EAPs) across educational institutions in J&K without incurring any expenses.
Click here to find 60 similar incidents of FOCUS on JAMMU KASHMIR, LADAKH -> Government Schemes
2759. India tests first direct train linking Delhi and Kashmir
- On January 28, 2025, India successfully completed the final trial run of its first direct train linking Delhi and Kashmir. Prime Minister is set to inaugurate the service next month, marking a historic milestone in railway connectivity.
- The 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) is part of a three-decade-long construction effort, costing around $4.28 billion. The route includes 943 bridges, 38 tunnels, and the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab River.
- Officials state that the railway will improve trade, tourism, and economic development in Kashmir, integrating the region into India's broader transport network. Advanced technology ensures all-weather operation, with heated coaches and specialized windshields to withstand extreme winters.
2760. IG Drones Secures Contract with Indian Army for VTOL and FPV Drones Made in India
- On 28 january 2025 amid rising security concerns and evolving drone warfare tactics, IG Drones has solidified its position as a trusted technology partner for India’s defense forces by securing a significant contract with the Indian Army.
- The order includes the supply of IG Drones’ indigenously developed VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) and FPV (First-Person View) drones, designed to enhance the Army’s operational capabilities while addressing national security concerns surrounding the use of foreign components in critical defense systems.
- on August 2024, India had 398 drone startups, doubling in three years, surpassing China's 298. However, a recent Indian Army drone hijacking near the Pakistan border has raised security concerns, highlighting the need for certified, reliable companies to provide secure solutions.