• 18 Jan 2025

Anji Khad Bridge

Why in News? 

Recently, Indian Railways completed the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.  

• It is a key component of the Udampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project, designed to enhance regional connectivity and drive economic growth. 

 Key Points 

• About the Bridge: 
  • The bridge spans 725.5 meters with a 331-meter-high pylon, built to withstand winds up to 213 km/h and support trains traveling at 100 km/h.  
  • It utilizes 96 cables of varying lengths (82 to 295 meters) and an innovative hybrid foundation to stabilize the mountain slopes.  
  • It used DOKA Jump Form Shuttering, Pump Concreting, and a Tower Crane Technique to improve efficiency, reducing construction time by 30%.  
    • The DOKA Jump Form Shuttering Technique is used for constructing vertical concrete structures like high-rises, bridges, and towers. 
  • The bridge will enhance tourism, boost local economic growth, and improve transportation in the region. 
• Challenging Terrain: 
  • The Himalayan location posed challenges due to complex geology, seismic activity, and fragile features like faults, folds, and thrusts. 
  • IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi conducted site-specific studies to assess conditions and ensure the feasibility of construction. 

Promoting Kashmir’s Rich Cultural Heritage

Why in News? 

The Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, distributed 10 Kani looms and 25 sets of specialized Namdah (traditional Kashmiri felted carpet) tools to local artisans free of cost.  

 Key Points 

• Government's Strategic Initiative: 
  • The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to sustain Kashmir's centuries-old craft traditions. 
  • It ensures artisans have access to essential resources while opening opportunities to expand into global markets. 
• Benefits for Artisans: 
  • The distribution of Kani looms and Namdah tool kits aims to improve artisans' craftsmanship quality and efficiency. 
  • It empowers artisans to create high-quality traditional products and boosts their competitiveness. 

 Namdah 

• Origin and Introduction: 
  • Namdah Art began in the 16th century when Mughal Emperor Akbar desired protective coverings for his horses. 
  • It was introduced to Kashmir by Sufi saint Shah-e-Hamdan. 
• Creation and Materials: 
  • Namdah is a type of traditional Kashmiri felted carpet made using sheep wool. 
  • The wool is compressed and matted together; a process known as felting, giving it a distinct texture. 
• Manufacturing Process: 
  • Namdah carpets are typically created by layering multiple wool layers on top of each other. 
  • Each layer is sprinkled with water and pressed using a tool called a 'pinjra' (woven willow wicker). 
  • The layers are compressed to create a solid and durable carpet. 

Miyawaki Technique

Why in News? 

The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has developed dense forests at multiple locations across Prayagraj to provide pure air and promote a healthy atmosphere.  

• Using the Japanese Miyawaki technique, the corporation established several oxygen banks that have now evolved into lush green forests.  

 Key Points 

• Benefits of the Project: 
  • The initiative aids in managing industrial waste and reduces dust, dirt, and foul odours. 
  • It significantly improves the city's air quality and promotes environmental conservation. 
  • Miyawaki forests help reduce air and water pollution, prevent soil erosion, and enhance biodiversity. 
• Environmental Impact: 
  • These forests lower the temperature difference between day and night during summers. 
  • They enhance biodiversity, improve soil fertility, and create habitats for animals and birds. 
  • Large forests developed through this technique reduce temperatures by 4 to 7 degrees Celsius. 
• Diversity of Species in Miyawaki Forests: 
  • Fruit-bearing trees: Mango, Mahua, Neem, Peepal, Tamarind, Amla, and Ber. 
  • Medicinal and ornamental plants: Tulsi, Brahmi, Hibiscus, Kadamba, Bougainvillea, and Jungle Jalebi. 
  • Other species: Arjuna, Teak, Sheesham, Bamboo, Kaner (red and yellow), Tecoma, Kachnar, Mahogany, Lemon, and Drumstick (Sahjan). 

 The Miyawaki Technique 

• About: 
  • Developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s, this method creates dense forests in limited spaces. 
  • Known as the ‘pot plantation method,’ it involves planting native species closely together for rapid growth. 
• Key Features and Benefits: 
  • Plants grow 10 times faster, mimicking natural forests with dense plantations. 
  • Improves soil quality, biodiversity, and carbon absorption. 
  • Effective in urban areas for transforming polluted and barren lands into green ecosystems. 

Bihar’s First Sports University Gets UGC Recognition

Why in News? 

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recognised Bihar's first sports university, inaugurated by the State Chief Minister on National Sports Day 2024 in Rajgir, Nalanda district.  

 Key Points 

• UGC Recognition: 
  • The Bihar Sports University, Rajgir, has received recognition from the UGC under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956. 
  • This recognition empowers the university to offer academic courses, including undergraduate and diploma/PG diploma programs in physical education and sports sciences. 
• Academic Programs and Future Plans: 
  • The university plans to launch various academic programs starting from the 2025-2026 academic session. 
  • These programs will include: 
    • Diploma/PG diploma in sports coaching (covering two or three sports). 
    • Diploma/PG diploma in Yoga. 
    • Four-year Bachelor of Physical Education (pending recognition from the National Council for Teacher Education). 
• Sports Complex and Additional Developments: 
  • The Bihar Sports University and the State’s first sports academy are part of the International Sports Complex in Rajgir. 
  • The complex also hosted the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in November 2024. 
• Grievance Redressal Mechanism: 
  • The UGC guidelines mandate the appointment of an ombudsperson for addressing student grievances, as per the UGC (Redressal of Grievances of Students’ Regulation, 2023), ideally within two months of the university beginning academic activities. 

 University Grants Commission 

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) came into existence on 28th December, 1953 and became a statutory Organization of the Government of India by an Act of Parliament in 1956, for the coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of teaching, examination and research in university education. 
• It operates under the Ministry of Education, the Central Government appoints a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, and ten other members to the UGC. 
• It functions from New Delhi as well as its six Regional offices located in Bangalore, Bhopal, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune. 
• It also regulates the recognition of fake universities, autonomous colleges, deemed to be universities and distance education institutions.