Current Affairs 08 January 2026

Indian Railways becomes world’s largest electrified rail network.

• Indian Railways achieves 99.2% broad-gauge electrification by Nov 2025.
• Surpasses other major global railway networks in scale.
• Electrification rate increased from 1.42 km/day (2004–14) to 15 km/day (2019–25).
• All 25 States/UTs fully electrified on broad-gauge routes.
• Enhances sustainability, efficiency, and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

Union Govt relaxes DSIR funding norms for deep-tech startups.

• Union government has eased eligibility norms for deep-tech start-ups seeking financial assistance from DSIR.
• Mandatory three-year viability criterion has been removed.
• Eligible start-ups can now receive financial assistance up to ₹1 cr.
• Funding is provided under the Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme (IRDPP).
• DSIR operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

India launches three-year PPP project pipeline.

• Government of India creates multi-year PPP pipeline to boost infrastructure.
• Pipeline covers 852 projects worth ₹17+ lakh crore across Central ministries, States, UTs.
• Anchored in Ministry of Finance for coordination and credibility.
• Projects span transport, energy, urban infrastructure, logistics, water, social sectors.

India’s first hydrogen-powered train to run in Haryana.

• Pilot hydrogen train to operate between Jind–Sonipat under Northern Railway.
• Project in final commissioning phase; train-set manufacturing completed.
• Hydrogen plant at Jind with 3,000 kg storage, powered by 11 kV electricity supply.
• Hydrogen produced via electrolysis, a green hydrogen method.
• Haryana officials ensure power supply monitoring; follows RDSO safety and performance standards.

Delhi Govt signs MoU with RBI for full financial management.

• Delhi Government signs MoU with RBI to adopt full banking and debt management system.
• The RBI acts as the banker, debt manager, and financial agent for the Delhi government.
• Enables market borrowings via State Development Loans, automatic surplus investment, and low-cost liquidity access.
• Introduces professional cash management, improving efficiency and reducing borrowing costs.