• 12 Jan 2026

Rajnath Singh inaugurated the EV plant in Lucknow

Why in News? 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Ashok Leyland Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. 

Key Points 

• Investment: The plant has been developed with an investment of around ₹1,000 crore. 
  • Production Capacity: The plant has an initial capacity of 2,500 electric vehicles per year, which can be expanded to 5,000 units annually. 
• Vehicles: First dedicated e-Bus (electric bus) manufacturing unit. 
• Employment Generation: The project is expected to create direct and indirect employment opportunities, boosting local industrial and service ecosystems. 
• Electric Mobility Push: The project aligns with India’s clean mobility and net-zero emissions goals by reducing dependence on petroleum-based transport. 
• Boost to National Manufacturing Initiatives: The project aligns with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities. 
• National Significance: The project strengthens India’s position in electric vehicle manufacturing and supports the goal of sustainable economic development. 
  • Project reinforces Uttar Pradesh’s emergence as an EV manufacturing hub.

Read More: Electric Vehicle (EV), Net-zero emissions goals, Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat,  Sustainable economic development 

India Post Launches Speed Post 24 and Speed Post 48 in MP

Why in News? 

India Post has launched Speed Post 24 and Speed Post 48 services in Madhya Pradesh inaugurated by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. 

Key Points 

• Services: India Post has introduced Speed Post 24 and Speed Post 48, which are time-guaranteed delivery services ensuring mail/parcels reach within 24 and 48 hours. 
• Implementing Agency: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications 
• Objective: These services are aimed at modernising postal services and setting new standards of punctual, reliable and fast delivery across India’s postal network. 
• Launch Event: The announcement was made during a programme held at Pichor in Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh. 
• Infrastructure Boost: Launch aligns with efforts to upgrade postal infrastructure in MP, including renovating post offices and establishing a national training centre for postal staff. 
• Significance for Logistics: The service enhancements aim to strengthen India Post’s role in the logistics ecosystem, competing with private couriers for express delivery services. 

Dharmendra Pradhan Inaugurates New Delhi World Book Fair

Why in News? 

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. 

Key Points 

• Organisers: The fair is organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), India, under the Ministry of Education. 
• Theme: The theme for NDWBF 2026 is “Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @75”, reflecting on the role and legacy of India’s armed forces. 
• Book Release: During the inauguration, Dharmendra Pradhan released the book “The Saga of Kudopali: The Unsung Story of 1857” in multiple Indian languages and Spanish, honouring Veer Surendra Sai and the martyrs of Sambalpur. 
• International Participation: Countries like Qatar and Spain participated in the fair. 
  • Focus Country: Qatar (main highlight for exhibitions and literary exchange) 
  • Partner Country: Spain (cultural and literary participation)  
• Promoting Reading Culture: The fair underscores the importance of reading, knowledge dissemination, multilingualism, and global literary dialogue among students, scholars, and the general public.

Bengaluru Tops India’s Women-Friendly Cities List 2025

Why in News? 

Bengaluru retained its top position as India’s most women-friendly city according to the Avtar Top Cities for Women in India (TCWI) 2025 report. 

Key Points 

• Key Factors: Bengaluru retains the top position due to a balanced ecosystem supporting both social inclusion and industrial opportunities for women. 
• Top 5 Cities: The report places Chennai second, Pune third, Hyderabad fourth and Mumbai fifth in the list of most women‑friendly cities. 
• Inclusion Metrics: The ranking is based on a City Inclusion Score (CIS) that evaluates cities on safety, employment opportunities, quality of life, social infrastructure and industrial inclusion for women. 
  • Social Infrastructure: Access to women-friendly public transport, healthcare, and educational facilities improves livability. 
  • Safety Indicators: Consideration of crime statistics, street lighting, and emergency services for women. 
• Significance: Highlights gender inclusivity, urban safety, and women’s professional ecosystem. 
• Report:The Top Cities for Women in India (TCWI) is an annual data-driven index published by the Avtar Group, a workplace culture and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) consulting firm. 

Nagauri Ashwagandha of Rajasthan Receives GI Tag

Why in News? 

The Government of India has granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Nagauri Ashwagandha grown in Nagaur district of Rajasthan. 

Key Points 

• GI Recognition: The Nagauri Ashwagandha variety from Nagaur in the Marwar region has been officially recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its unique quality, reputation and geographical origin. 
• Economic Benefits: The GI tag protects the name, ensures quality, and helps farmers get better prices by connecting directly with Ayurvedic and pharmaceutical markets. 
• Boost Export: With GI certification, only certified Nagauri Ashwagandha can be sold internationally which is expected to increase export opportunities and raise demand in global herbal and medicinal markets. 
• Geographical Indication (GI) tag: Granted by the Government of India under: 
• Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry 
  • Department: Geographical Indications Registry, which functions under the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks (CGPDTM).
• Rajasthan’s GI Landscape: With the addition of Nagauri Ashwagandha, Rajasthan’s total GI‑tagged products have risen to 22, including well‑known products such as Bikaneri Bhujia, Makrana Marble, and Kota Doria etc.

Read More: Geographical Indication (GI) tag 

Odisha Governor Launched Biography on Life of President Murmu

Why in News? 

Odisha Governor Kambhampati Hari Babu launched a biography of President Droupadi Murmu titled Agni Sarasulo Vikasita Kamalam Droupadi Murmu in Visakhapatnam. 

Key Points 

• Author of the Book: The book is written by Acharya Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad. 
• Life Journey: The book traces Droupadi Murmu’s journey from a tribal village in Odisha to the President of India, reflecting perseverance and leadership. 
• Focus on Education: Emphasises the role of education and determination in achieving social mobility and leadership. 
• Women Empowerment: President Murmu’s life is presented as a symbol of women empowerment and tribal representation in India’s democracy. 
• Constitutional Values: Her life reflects how India’s democratic and constitutional framework provides equitable opportunities to individuals from marginalized communities.