Why in the News?

1. The Chenab Bridge has been featured on the official invitations for the 2025 Independence Day celebrations issued by the Ministry of Defence.
2. This year, the Central Vista sketch on the invitation cards has been replaced with a drawing of the Chenab Bridge to showcase India’s engineering excellence.
3. The bridge is being highlighted as a symbol of national pride, along with Operation Sindoor, as part of the themes for Independence Day.

About Chenab Bridge

1. The Chenab Bridge is located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir and spans the Chenab River between the villages of Bakkal and Kauri.
2. It is the highest railway bridge in the world, standing at a height of 359 metres (1,178 feet) above the riverbed—35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower.
3. The bridge is a key component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, aimed at improving rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
4. Built using steel and concrete, the structure is designed to withstand wind speeds up to 160 kmph and has a projected lifespan of 120 years.
5. The bridge is of strategic importance as it significantly enhances the transportation and logistical network in the Kashmir Valley.
6. It was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024 and is seen as a symbol of “New India’s” infrastructure capabilities and national integration.

2. Nagaland

Why in the News?

1. The critically endangered Asian giant tortoise has been reintroduced into the Zeliang Community Reserve in Nagaland’s Peren district.
2. This conservation effort, led by the Nagaland Forest Department and the India Turtle Conservation Programme, aims to restore a species that had nearly vanished from the region over a decade ago.

About the Place

1. Location: Nagaland is located in Northeast India and shares borders with:
   1. North and West – Assam
   2. North and Northeast – Arunachal Pradesh
   3. South – Manipur
   4. East – Myanmar (international border)
2. Capital: Kohima; the largest city is Dimapur.
3. Geography: Hilly and forested terrain; part of the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot.
4. Climate: Subtropical climate with heavy monsoon rainfall; cool winters.
5. Ethnic Diversity: Home to 16 major tribes, including Ao, Angami, Sumi, and Zeliang; each with distinct culture, language, and festivals.
6. Economy: Predominantly agrarian with shifting cultivation; handicrafts and handlooms also contribute significantly.
7. Biodiversity: Rich in wildlife and flora; habitat for rare and endangered species like Asian giant tortoise and Blyth’s tragopan (state bird).
8. Cultural Significance: Known for the Hornbill Festival, traditional tribal heritage, and unique local governance through village councils.