In a bid to establish a sustainable economy, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, are exploring the use of Phosphor-Gypsum in the construction of national highways. This by-product, resulting from the manufacture of fertilizers, is known to emit radon- a radioactive gas and contains radioactive elements such as uranium, thorium and radium.
The NHAI isn’t just stopping at Phosphor-Gypsum; they’re also promoting the utilization of waste plastic in road constructions. This innovation has proven highly successful in increasing the longevity of roads that were constructed using bitumen, a substance extracted from the distillation of crude oil.
Additionally, the NHAI has employed Fly Ash in the creation of highways and flyover embankments. Fly ash, an undesired residue from coal combustion in a thermal power plant, is discharged along with flue gases during coal burning processes and later collected using electrostatic precipitators.
Sinthan Top: A Promising Offbeat Destination in Jammu and Kashmir
February 2023 marked a milestone for Sinthan Top, a high mountain pass nestled between the Breng valley in Anantnag district and Kishtwar of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), as its road was opened for the first time. This move is seen as a significant step in promoting tourism to this lesser-known location.
Jammu and Kashmir, renowned globally for its natural beauty and picturesque destinations, boasts a wide range of tourism opportunities including adventure, spiritual, pilgrimage, health, and traditional recreational tourism. High-profile locations such as Srinagar, Pahalgam, Jammu, Sanasar, Zanskar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Patnitop, Katra/Vaishnodevi, Kargil, and Nubra Valley are among the famous destinations attracting tourists from around the world.
First Meeting of the Culture Working Group
Under India’s current presidency in the G20, the first meeting of the Culture Working Group was recently convened at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism presided over the meeting. Padam Shri Mr. Nek Ram, also known as the Millet man, was invited to grace the meeting that celebrated the International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023.
The iconic temples at Khajuraho, constructed during the Chandella dynasty, are a model of Nagara-Style architecture and boast graceful sculptures of nayikas and deities. Despite the original count of temples, 20 remain today, reflecting two different religions: Hinduism and Jainism.
The Extension of the Law Commission of India
Recently, the Union Cabinet extended the term of the 22nd Law Commission by one-and-a-half years until August 31, 2024. The Commission is entrusted with identifying laws that no longer serve their purpose and recommending legal alternatives. It also suggests new legislation to fulfill the Directive Principles and achieve the objectives outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution.
The Law Commission of India, a non-statutory body, is constituted by the Indian Government when required. The first Law Commission was established during British rule in 1834 by the Charter Act of 1833 led by Lord Macaulay. After India gained independence, the first Law Commission of India was formed in 1955 for a three-year term.
