• 09 Jan 2026

Solar-Plus-Battery Storage Project Commissioned in Bihar

Why in News?

Bihar has successfully commissioned the first phase of a large solar-plus-battery storage project in Kajra, Lakhisarai district.

Key Points

• Implementing Agency: The project is being executed by Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL), the state-owned power utility.
• Project Capacity: The total project capacity is 301 MW solar power combined with 495 MWh battery storage.
  • This makes it one of the largest solar-plus-storage projects in eastern India.
• Phase-I: The first phase consists of 185 MW solar capacity with 254 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
• Technology Used: The battery storage system uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) technology, known for higher thermal stability and safety.
• BESS Function: The BESS enables storage of excess daytime solar power and supplies electricity during peak evening demand hours.
• Grid Integration: Power from the project is evacuated through a 132 kV transmission system, ensuring seamless integration with the state power grid.
• Second Phase: The remaining 116 MW solar and 241 MWh BESS will be commissioned in the next phase, expected by January 2027.
• Strategic Importance: The project supports Bihar’s long-term goal of increasing the share of renewable energy and reducing dependence on conventional fossil-fuel-based power.
• Environmental Significance: Solar-plus-storage projects help reduce carbon emissions, improve energy security, and promote sustainable power generation.

Jharkhand CM to Represent State at World Economic Forum

Why in News?

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren will attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2026, marking the state’s first-ever participation at this global economic platform.

Key Points

• Focus Areas: The state will highlight opportunities in resource governance, sustainable industry, critical minerals, energy transition, tourism, and investment, to strengthen global partnerships.
• Significance: The visit marks  25 years of Jharkhand statehood and aims to enhance global visibility, attract foreign investment, and promote sustainable economic growth.
• Theme and Agenda: Jharkhand’s participation is under the theme “Growth in Harmony with Nature”.
  • It focuses on sustainable and inclusive development through thematic sessions at the India Pavilion and WEF platforms.
• Post-Davos UK Engagement: After Davos, the delegation will visit the United Kingdom, engaging in institutional, academic, and investment-oriented discussions in cities like London and Oxford.
• Special Lecture at Oxford: CM Soren will deliver a lecture at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, becoming the first Indian Chief Minister to address the institution.

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World Economic Forum (WEF)

Sustainable Development

Inclusive Growth

Sacred Piprahwa Relics Exposition Inaugurated

Why in News?

India inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Bhagwan Buddha in New Delhi, showcasing the country’s Buddhist heritage and spiritual legacy.

Key Points

• Title: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the exposition titled “The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One”.
• Significance of Relics: The sacred relics, repatriated from the United Kingdom after 125 years.
• Venue: Organized at the historic Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi.
• Discovery:  The Piprahwa relics were excavated in 1898 from a Buddhist stupa in Piprahwa village, Uttar Pradesh.
• Buddhist Linkages: India’s efforts to preserve Buddhist heritage globally strengthen cultural ties with countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Russia, attracting international devotees.
• Classical Language: Buddha’s teachings were originally in Pali, and India is promoting Pali globally, recognizing it as a classical language in 2024.
• Significance: The exposition reinforces India’s position as a custodian of Buddhist heritage, promoting peace, harmony, and global cultural unity.

Read More: 

Buddhism

Classical Language

India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Debut in West Bengal

Why in News?

India’s first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper train is set to debut in West Bengal, marking a major step in modernising long-distance overnight rail travel with enhanced comfort and speed.

Key Points

• Route: The train will operate between Guwahati (Kamakhya) in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal, connecting eastern and northeastern India. 
• Modern Amenities: Unlike the existing Vande Bharat trains that are daytime chair-car services, this version is fully air-conditioned with sleeping berths.
• Speed & Technology: This train has successfully completed high-speed trials achieving speeds of up to 180 km/h and is equipped with advanced safety features including the KAVACH anti-collision system.
• Manufacturing: The sleeper trainsets are being manufactured in India by BEML Ltd using technology from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF).

• New Production Line: A special production line was also established in Uttarpara (West Bengal) by a consortium of Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL) and BHEL to build multiple sleeper sets.

• Significance: The train combines semi-high-speed travel with sleeper comfort, reducing journey time and improving connectivity between eastern and northeastern India.

Do You Know?

Vande Bharat Train: 

• First Launch: 2019 on the New Delhi–Varanasi route
• Initially named Train-18

Indian Railways:

• First Launch: 1853 from Bombay–Thane
• Lord Dalhousie is known as the Father of Indian Railway
• Railway Board established: 1905.
• First Indian Railway budget: 1924

Read More: KAVACH anti-collision system

Uttar Pradesh Inaugurates Its First State-Level Braille Library

Why in News?

Uttar Pradesh has inaugurated its first state-level Braille library at the Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University (DSMNRU) in Lucknow.

Key Points

• Event: The library was inaugurated on the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille script. 
• Location: The Braille library is located on the first floor of the Swami Vivekananda Central Library at the university campus. 
• Book Collection: It houses over 4,000 Braille books covering 54 undergraduate and postgraduate courses in line with the National Education Policy (NEP). 
• Inclusive Access: Visually impaired students from outside the university can also access the library’s resources. 
  • This is a historic milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s efforts toward inclusive education
• Expansion Plans: Plans are underway to expand the collection to 10,000 Braille books within the year..

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Braille System

National Education Policy (NEP)