KARNATAKA

INCOIS launched 3 technological support and alert systems

The Hyderabad-based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) launched three new technological support and alert systems on 25 February. The technology aims to significantly reduce damage and losses to fishermen, offshore oil exploration industries and coastal population during extreme weather and oceanic events.

Highlights:

1) Swell Surge Forecast System:
One of the products was the ‘Swell Surge Forecast System’. It will provide forewarnings for the coastal population of India’s vast shoreline that experiences a slew of damages caused by the swell waves. These waves originate from the distant southern Indian Ocean. This Swell Surge system can predict ‘Kallakkadal’ (meaning swell surge) that occurs along the Indian coast. Now, these Swell Surge can be detected 2-3 days ahead.
Swell surge is the flash-flood events that take place without any apparent signature in the coastal environment or any noticeable advance change in local winds.

2) Small Vessel Advisory and Forecast Services System (SVAS):

The second product which was launched is the Small Vessel Advisory and Forecast Services System (SVAS). It is an innovative impact-based advisory and forecast service system for small vessels operating in Indian coastal waters. The warning system is developed on the basis of the ‘Boat Safety Index’ (BSI). It was derived from wave models forecast outputs including wave height, steepness of the wave, directional spread and the rapid development of wind at sea.

The SVAS can detect the potential zones where vessel overturning can take place. It provides warning 10 days in advance. It is valid for small vessels of beam width up to 7 m. This system can cover an entire range of beam widths of the fishing vessels used in all the nine coastal states and union territories (UT) of India.

3) Algal Bloom Information Service (ABIS):

The third product released by INCOI is the Algal Bloom Information Service (ABIS). The system will provide timely information on harmful algal blooms. The developed system will provide service for “Detection and Monitoring of Bloom in the Indian Seas”. It can be used by fishermen, marine fishery, researchers, ecologists, resource managers, and environmentalists.

Algal bloom:

An algal bloom is detrimental to coastal fisheries. It can cause respiratory problems within the coastal population from time to time. It also causes ill effects on the fishery, marine life, and water quality. Four regions that have been identified as bloom hotspots are the North Eastern Arabian Sea, coastal waters of Kerala, Gulf of Mannar and coastal waters of Gopalpur.

INCOIS:
Established on: 1999
Located in: Pragathi Nagar, Hyderabad
The INCOIS is an autonomous organization that functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). The organizations aim to provide a number of free services to users in the marine realm.

INTERNATIONAL

Muhyiddin Yassin sworn in as Malaysia’s new Prime Minister

In Malaysia, the King has appointed seasoned politician Muhyiddin Yassin as the new Prime Minister.

The appointment came after this week’s shock resignation of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, a move that plunged the country into crisis following a weekend of political wrangling and the collapse of the ruling alliance.

The announcement came hours after Mahathir struck a new deal to work with his former ruling alliance led by rival Anwar Ibrahim.

World Defence Day is celebrated on 1 March

World Defence Day is celebrated on 1 March 2020. The day is observed to raise awareness of public protection from natural and technogenic disasters and rescue service work.

World Civil Defense Day was instituted by the International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO) General Assembly in 1990. It commemorates the day when the ICDO Constitution came into force as an intergovernmental organization in 1972.

ICDO was established by French Surgeon-General George Saint-Paul in 1931 in Paris. It was recognized by the French Parliament in June 1935 and in 1972 it achieved the status of an intergovernmental organization.

World economy faces worst performance since the past decade

Bank of America Corporation (BofA) economists stated that the world economy is heading for its worst performance since the 2009 financial crisis. The decline is due to the increasing spread of coronavirus across the world. The economists stated that they are expecting 2.8% global growth in 2020, which is the weakest since 2009. The forecast did not include a global pandemic that would basically shut down economic activity in many major cities.

NATIONAL

Indian Railways launches its First ‘Restaurant on Wheels’

Indian Railways has launched its first ”Restaurant on Wheels” at the circulating area of Asansol railway station for the use of passengers as well as the general public.

The Restaurant on Wheels was developed by refurbishing two over-aged MEMU coaches.

This unique effort will not only improve the facilities at Asansol station but will also generate non-fare revenue earnings approximately Rs 50 lakh in the next five years.

EKAM fest was inaugurated in New Delhi

Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot inaugurated the “Entrepreneurship, Knowledge, Awareness, Marketing (EKAM) Fest”. The fest is being held from 28 February to 6 March in New Delhi.

EKAM Fest aims to promote entrepreneurship among the Divyangjan community and raise awareness about the potentialities of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). It provides an opportunity for all to encourage these products made with extraordinary determination by the divyang craftspersons and entrepreneurs.

Tourism Ministry launched multilingual Incredible India website

Ministry of Tourism revamped the multilingual Incredible India website design to provide more information about India’s tourist destinations, attractions, experiences, and where the value lies.

Incredible India 2.0 website aims to showcase the varied tourism products of India by providing visitors with relevant, personalized and contextual digital experience escalating tourism awareness, attraction, and opportunities.

Incredible India website project was launched by the Ministry of Tourism.

The promotional website aims to project India as a ‘must-visit’ destination across the globe.

Minister Amit Shah inaugurated NSG Regional Hub at Kolkata

Union Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah inaugurated the National Security Guard (NSG) Regional Hub campus at Kolkata, West Bengal. It aims to provide adequate facilities to the brave NSG jawans. He also various welfare projects for NSG, amounting to over Rs. 245 crores, across Kolkata, Manesar, Chennai, and Mumbai. It will ensure to boost the capabilities of the force and raising the morale of the jawans.

NSG Regional Hub campus is worth over Rs.162 crores.

The Residential and Non Residential complexes can house 460 persons and families, office accommodation and modern training facilities including Baffle firing range, indoor shooting ranges swimming pool, sports complex, and artificial rock craft wall, etc.

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