The world’s first-ever bamboo crash barrier, known as ‘Bahu Balli’, stretches across a 200-metre expanse on the Vani-Warora Highway in Maharashtra, connecting the Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts. This revolutionary installation was subjected to rigorous testing at multiple government institutions and received a Class 1 rating in the Fire Rating Test. In addition, it holds accreditation from the Indian Road Congress (IRC). The Bahu Balli is not just another crash barrier, but rather, a commendable initiative towards addressing environmental concerns, offering a greener alternative to conventional steel barriers.
Indian Road Congress: Spearheading Road Development in India
Established in 1934, the IRC is the country’s apex body of highway engineers. Its inception is anchored on the recommendations of the Indian Road Development Committee, commonly known as the Jayakar Committee, which was assembled by the Government in 1927 with the explicit objective of promoting road development across India.
Bal Mitra Diwas: A Celebration for Young India
On 5th January, the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) kicked off week-long nationwide celebrations in honor of the 5th Jan Aushadhi Diwas. An entire day dedicated to children was dubbed ‘Bal Mitra Diwas’ under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), with the objective of extending the benefits of the scheme to every corner of the country. The PMBJP was originally launched as the Jan Aushadhi Campaign in 2008, but was revamped in 2015-16. The Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), operating under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, serves as the implementing agency for this programme.
INS Trikand: Enhancing Maritime Security through International Exercises
From 26th February to 16th March 2023, INS Trikand is participating in the International Maritime Exercise / Cutlass Express 2023 (IMX/CE-23) held in the Gulf region. This naval venture has drawn over 50 nations and international maritime agencies with the shared goal of bolstering maritime security and safe seafaring for commerce. This exercise marks a first for the Indian Navy’s participation in IMX, but it’s not their maiden engagement with Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The navy ship INS Trikand had previously joined the CMF-led Operation Sea Sword 2 in the Northwest Arabian Sea in November 2022.
Jerdon’s Narrow-Mouthed Frog: A Rediscovered Species after 89 Years
Jerdon’s narrow-mouthed frog (Uperodon montanus), last observed in 1934, was recently rediscovered by a group of zoologists in 2022. About 40 tadpoles of this rare species were spotted in the biodiverse Western Ghats, at the same developmental stage as recorded 89 years ago. These frogs sport a distinctive long snout, lending them their name, and have shiny brown skin adorned with darker brown, red, and golden spots on their backs and heads. Their tadpoles are free-swimming and exotrophic, a term referring to their feeding habits that include ingesting other species. The Jerdon’s narrow-mouthed frog is listed as ‘Near Threatened’ in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
