{"id":7713,"date":"2026-01-23T16:22:43","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T16:22:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/?p=7713"},"modified":"2026-01-23T16:54:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T16:54:10","slug":"short-notes-on-current-affairs-17-01-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/?p=7713","title":{"rendered":"Short notes on Current Affairs 17.01.2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Wings India 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Event Name:<\/strong> Wings India 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Type:<\/strong> Asia\u2019s largest civil aviation event<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Dates:<\/strong> 28\u201331 January 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Venue:<\/strong> Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Inauguration:<\/strong> Led by Shri Rammohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, with high-level domestic and international dignitaries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Theme:<\/strong> \u201cIndian Aviation: Paving the Future \u2013 From Design to Deployment, Manufacturing to Maintenance, Inclusivity to Innovation and Safety to Sustainability.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"218\" height=\"134\" src=\"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Wings-India-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7715\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.6271285281082342;width:286px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Objectives<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Showcase India\u2019s rapidly expanding aviation sector and growing global footprint.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Position India as a hub for aviation manufacturing, services, innovation, and sustainable solutions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Facilitate policy dialogue, collaboration, and investment opportunities among stakeholders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Promote innovation, skill development, and inclusion in aviation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Event Features<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Exhibition &amp; Displays:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>International exhibition and static aircraft displays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flying displays and aerobatic shows, including the <strong>Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Conference &amp; Dialogue:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>High-level international conference with 13 thematic sessions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Global CEOs Forum and Ministerial Plenary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coverage of topics: Airports, Aircraft Leasing, Helicopters, Airlines, MRO, Air Cargo, Business Aviation, Small Aircraft, Component Manufacturing, SAF, Flying Training, Advanced Air Mobility, and Drones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Networking &amp; Business Opportunities:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>B2B and B2G meetings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dedicated exhibition chalets for companies and investors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Skill &amp; Innovation Initiatives:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Aviation Job Fair connecting professionals and industry leaders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Civil Aviation Innovation Challenge for students and young professionals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Cultural and Experiential Programmes:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vibrant cultural performances highlighting India\u2019s heritage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Award ceremony recognizing excellence and outstanding contributions in civil aviation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">International &amp; State Participation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Ministerial-level foreign delegations and senior officials from <strong>20+ countries<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Active participation of Indian states to showcase <strong>aviation-led infrastructure and investment opportunities<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Emphasis on <strong>global partnerships, collaboration, and knowledge sharing<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Significance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Establishes Wings India as a premier global aviation forum.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Highlights India\u2019s technological advancements, innovation, and sustainability in aviation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strengthens policy-industry linkages, investments, and talent development in the civil aviation ecosystem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Provides exposure to emerging trends in aviation, including green fuels, drones, and advanced mobility solutions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">2nd Global Buddhist Summit (GBS) 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview of the Event<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Event:<\/strong> 2nd Global Buddhist Summit (GBS) 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Organisers:<\/strong> International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the <strong>Ministry of Culture, Government of India<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Dates:<\/strong> 24\u201325 January 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Venue:<\/strong> Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Theme:<\/strong> <em>\u201cCollective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Purpose:<\/strong> Reinforce the relevance of Buddhist philosophy in addressing contemporary global challenges such as conflict, alienation, and environmental issues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Participants and Audience<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Around 200 delegates, including:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Supreme Patriarchs and heads of national Buddhist Sanghas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eminent monks, scholars, and senior dignitaries from around the world<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Overall audience: 800+ participants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Focus Areas \/ Thematic Sessions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Collective Wisdom and United Voice for Social Harmony<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Entrepreneurship and Right Livelihood in Buddha Dhamma<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Scientific Research, Healthcare, Medicine, and Sustainable Living in Buddha Dhamma<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Learning in the Light of Buddha Dhamma<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Sangha Dynamics: Roles, Rituals, and Practice in Buddha Dhamma<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exhibitions and Special Highlights<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Exhibitions:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sacred Relics &amp; Cultural Engagement in Contemporary India<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Virasat se Vishwa<\/em>: India\u2019s Buddha Dhamma Outreach<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Technology Integration:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NORBU (Neural Operator for Responsible Buddhist Understanding): AI language model based on ChatGPT, trained on Buddhist texts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adopted by IBC as a global patron named \u201cKalyan Mitra\u201d (Spiritual Friend) to engage tech-savvy youth in Buddhist teachings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Significance of the Summit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Provides a global platform for dialogue on Buddhist principles applied to modern societal and environmental issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Encourages ethical leadership, social harmony, and sustainable living.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strengthens international collaboration among Buddhist communities, scholars, and practitioners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Builds on the success of the 1st Global Buddhist Summit (April 2023), which had 170 delegates from 31 countries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Founded:<\/strong> 2011, headquartered in New Delhi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Global Membership:<\/strong> 300+ monastic and lay organizations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Motto:<\/strong> <em>\u201cCollective Wisdom, United Voice\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Objectives:<\/strong> Promote Buddhist values in global discourse, inclusiveness, and balanced representation across traditions and communities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">ICGS Sankalp Overseas Deployment to Mauritius<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ship &amp; Deployment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sankalp<\/strong>, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius on 17 January 2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Part of India\u2019s ongoing Overseas Deployment to Friendly Foreign Countries in the Indian Ocean Region.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"384\" height=\"216\" src=\"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/PICII0E.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7729\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.7778340447080951;width:423px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/PICII0E.jpeg 384w, https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/PICII0E-300x169.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">ICGS Sankalp, Source:PIB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Purpose of the Visit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strengthen maritime cooperation and bilateral ties with Mauritius.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Enhance operational interoperability between India and Mauritius maritime forces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Showcase India\u2019s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Promote women empowerment in maritime operations (two women officers embarked onboard).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alignment with National Policy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Supports India\u2019s <strong>SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)<\/strong> vision.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Focus on regional maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Operational &amp; Professional Activities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Professional interactions with the National Coast Guard of Mauritius and other maritime agencies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Training program<\/strong> includes:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sea and harbour drills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oil pollution response exercises<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Damage Control (NBCD) exercises<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Firefighting drills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) joint training<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Navigation bridge and Machinery Control Room (MCR) integration drills<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cultural and Community Engagement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Friendly sports fixtures and cultural exchanges to promote camaraderie.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Participation in community service activities, reflecting India\u2019s approach of constructive outreach and goodwill.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategic Significance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Reinforces India\u2019s role as a reliable maritime partner in the Indian Ocean Region.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strengthens maritime safety, security, and capacity building in the region.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Enhances people-to-people ties with Mauritius.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Next Phase of Deployment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">After Mauritius, ICGS Sankalp will sail to Seychelles, continuing India\u2019s maritime outreach to key island nations in the Indian Ocean.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Indian Navy\u2019s First Training Squadron (1TS) visit to Singapore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Deployment Overview<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Indian Navy\u2019s <strong>First Training Squadron (1TS)<\/strong> includes:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The squadron arrived at Changi Naval Base, Singapore on 15 January 2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The deployment is part of a training mission to the South East Indian Ocean Region (IOR).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">2026 is celebrated as the <strong>\u201c<\/strong>ASEAN\u2013India Year of Maritime Cooperation\u201d, adding significance to this visit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Objectives of the Visit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation between India and Singapore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Enhance capability, interoperability, and operational readiness of naval personnel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Promote Act East Policy through engagement with Southeast Asian nations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Aligns with the vision of MAHASAGAR \u2013 Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Supports Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) objectives of maritime security and regional partnership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Activities and Engagements<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Professional Interactions<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Structured exchanges between Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sharing operational and professional experiences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visits to Information Fusion Centre and RSN Museum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Training &amp; Capability Building<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Structured training exchanges for trainees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Joint yoga sessions and friendly sports fixtures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Cultural and Community Engagement<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Performances by Indian Naval Band at public locations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ship visits by school children to foster people-to-people connections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outreach activity at Sree Narayana Old Age and Nursing Home.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Diplomatic and Official Interactions<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Interaction with Dr Shilpak Ambule, Indian High Commissioner to Singapore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Commanding Officers met Commander of the Maritime Training and Doctrine Command (MTDC).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategic Significance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Reinforces India\u2013Singapore maritime partnership and regional cooperation in the IOR.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Enhances maritime security, operational coordination, and knowledge sharing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Supports India\u2019s leadership role in regional maritime initiatives and capacity building.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Demonstrates India\u2019s commitment to ASEAN engagement, Act East Policy, and IONS framework.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Themes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Training and capacity building of naval personnel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strengthening bilateral ties and interoperability with RSN.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Cultural diplomacy and community outreach.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strategic maritime vision under MAHASAGAR and Indian Ocean engagement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Amrit Bharat Express \u2013 Empowering Everyday Rail Travel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Background and Vision:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Indian Railways has been central to India\u2019s social and economic development, connecting people, markets, and opportunities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Focus on affordable, inclusive, and passenger-centric travel, extending comfort and reliability beyond premium services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Amrit Bharat Express launched as a flagship initiative in December 2023.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Aims to enhance long-distance connectivity, especially for everyday travelers for employment, education, and family travel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Core Features of Amrit Bharat Express:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Non-AC long-distance sleeper trains for affordability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Fare structure: Approx. \u20b9500 per 1,000 km, with simple and transparent pricing; no dynamic fares.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Train composition:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>11 General Class coaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>8 Sleeper Class coaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 Pantry Car<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 Second Class\u2013cum\u2013Luggage\u2013cum\u2013Guard Vans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disabled-friendly compartments included<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Focus on comfort, safety, and accessibility for mass passengers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Network Expansion:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Since launch, 30 trains operational, with 9 new services to further enhance connectivity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Routes link eastern, north-eastern, sub-Himalayan regions to southern, western, and central India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Supports the nationwide goal of regional integration, economic growth, and social cohesion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Highlights of New Services:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Kamakhya-Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Connects North-East Assam with Haryana.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weekly service, enhancing tourism (Kamakhya Temple, Varanasi Ghats).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Dibrugarh-Lucknow Express:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Connects Assam and Nagaland with Uttar Pradesh.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boosts tourism, trade, and pilgrimage access.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>New Jalpaiguri-Nagercoil Express:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Links the Dooars region with southern India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connects border regions, ports, and industrial hubs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>New Jalpaiguri-Tiruchirappalli Express:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Connects North-East gateway to Tamil Nadu\u2019s education and temple hubs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Alipurduar-Bengaluru Express:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Links border district to India\u2019s tech capital, supporting east-south connectivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Alipurduar-Mumbai (Panvel) Express:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enhances North-East to western metropolitan corridor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Santragachi-Tambaram Express:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strengthens East-South connectivity, improving access to education, healthcare, and tourism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Howrah-Anand Vihar Express:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Connects eastern India to Delhi, improving access to employment and administrative hubs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Sealdah-Banaras Express:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Daily service connecting Kolkata with Banaras, promoting religious tourism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Strategic Importance:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Improves long-distance connectivity, particularly for frontier, border, and under-served regions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Boosts tourism, local trade, employment mobility, and regional integration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Supports social inclusion and equitable access to rail transport.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Conclusion:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Amrit Bharat Express reflects Indian Railways\u2019 focus on affordable, reliable, and passenger-friendly mass mobility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">By combining extensive reach, inclusivity, and modern design, the service strengthens India\u2019s economic and social cohesion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The expansion of this network reinforces India\u2019s commitment to connecting people, regions, and opportunities through rail.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">SPREE scheme<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SPREE scheme (Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers\/Employees):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Launched on July 1, 2025, and valid until January 31, 2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Provides a one-time window for employers and employees who were previously left out of the ESI scheme to register.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Ensures no retrospective coverage and no punitive action, encouraging voluntary compliance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Impact of SPREE (as of January 11, 2026):<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>1.17 lakh new employers<\/strong> registered under ESIC.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>1.03 crore new employees<\/strong> enrolled, significantly widening the social security net.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">EPFO reforms:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Members can now withdraw up to 75% of their provident fund balance under simplified and liberalised rules.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The remaining 25% is retained to strengthen members\u2019 long-term retirement savings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improved claim settlement efficiency:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">47.48% of total EPFO claims are being settled through auto mode.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">72.09% of advance claims are now processed automatically, reducing delays and paperwork.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overall significance:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The reforms aim to improve ease of compliance for employers, financial flexibility for workers, and faster service delivery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Collectively, these measures mark a major step toward formalisation of the workforce and enhanced social security coverage in India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wings India 2026 Overview Key Objectives Event Features International &amp; State Participation Significance 2nd Global Buddhist Summit (GBS) 2026 Overview of the Event Participants and Audience Key Focus Areas \/ Thematic Sessions Exhibitions and Special Highlights Significance of the Summit About the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) ICGS Sankalp Overseas Deployment to Mauritius Ship &amp; Deployment [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[592],"tags":[1582,1585,222,21,22,1583,1584,221,1586,20,1581],"class_list":["post-7713","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-short-notes","tag-2nd-global-buddhist-summit-gbs-2026","tag-amrit-bharat-express","tag-bank-exams","tag-competitive-exams","tag-current-affairs","tag-icgs-sankalp-overseas-deployment-to-mauritius","tag-indian-navys-first-training-squadron-1ts-visit-to-singapore","tag-rrb-exams","tag-spree-scheme","tag-ssc-cgl","tag-wings-india-2026"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7713","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7713"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7713\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7831,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7713\/revisions\/7831"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7713"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7713"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7713"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}