Mobile App ‘Floodwatch’ (GS Paper 2, Governance)
Why in news?
- Recently, the Chairman, Central Water Commission (CWC), launched the mobile application, "FloodWatch” with the aim of using mobile phones to disseminate information related to the flood situation and forecasts up to 7 days on a real-time basis to the public.
- The in-house developed user-friendly app has readable and audio broadcast and all the information is available in 2 languages, viz. English and Hindi.
Key features:
- It includes real-time flood monitoring where users can check up-to-date flood situation throughout the country.
- The app utilizes near real-time river flow data from various sources.
- The app also provides flood forecast at nearest location where users can check the flood advisory at the station nearest to them on the Home Page itself.
- It include forecast using an Interactive Map where users can check the CWC Flood Forecast (up to 24 hours) or Flood Advisory (up to 7 days) either by directly selecting the station from map or the user can also search for the name of the station in the search box.
- The location will be zoomed in on the map when the name of the station will be selected from the dropdown.
- The app will also provide State-wise/Basin-wise Flood Forecast or Flood Advisory which can be accessed by selecting specific stations, state wise or basin wise from the dropdown menu.
Way Forward:
- “FloodWatch” app utilizes advanced technologies such as satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling, and real-time monitoring to deliver accurate and timely flood forecasts.
- The user-friendly interface will make it easy for anyone to stay informed and minimise risk during flood events.
Launch of Y - 3024 (Vindhyagiri)
(GS Paper 3, Defence)
Why in news?
- Vindhyagiri, the sixth Stealth Frigate of Project 17A being built at GRSE, was launched recently by the President of India at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd’s (GRSE) facility Kolkata.
Key Highlights:
- Named after the mountain range in Karnataka, Vindhyagiri is the sixth ship of the Project 17A Frigates.
- The five other ships; INS Nilgiri, Udaygiri, Himgiri, Taragiri, and Dunagiri were launched between 2019 and 2022.
- P17A ships are guided missile frigates, each 149 metres long, with a displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes and a speed of 28 knots.
- ‘Vindhyagiri’, a technologically advanced Frigate, pays a befitting tribute to the distinguished service of its predecessor, the erstwhile INS Vindhyagiri, the Leander Class ASW Frigate.
Project 17A Frigates:
- Project 17A Frigates are the follow-on class of the Project 17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates, with improved stealth features, advanced weapons & sensors and platform management systems.
- Seven Project 17A Frigates are under various stages of construction at MDL and GRSE.
- The design of Advanced Stealth Frigates also showcases the prowess of the Warship Design Bureau, in designing technologically advanced warships for the Indian Navy.
- Over 75% of the orders of Project 17A, have been placed on indigenous firms including MSMEs, keeping in line with the Government’s vision of ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’.
Way Forward:
- It will be fitted with the latest gadgets and undergo extensive trials before being handed over to the Indian Navy for commissioning into service.
Inauguration of ‘Amogh’ Damage Control Simulator
(GS Paper 3, Defence)
Why in news?
- Recently, the Damage Control Simulator (DCS) “Amogh” constructed at Goa Shipyard Limited was unveiled, at the Andaman & Nicobar Command, Port Blair.
Details:
- These simulators have been instrumental in providing comprehensive training to Indian Navy personnel, effectively preparing them for ship damage control and repair scenarios while at sea.
- Previous installations of such simulators were successfully set up at Naval Training establishments in Visakhapatnam, Lonavala, and Kochi.
Future prospects:
- The DCS “Amogh” is set to play a vital role in providing high-quality training to Naval personnel stationed at the Andaman & Nicobar Command, further enhancing their readiness and capabilities.
