Short News Article

Polity & Governance

Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar

The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority and the Lunglei Fire Station in Mizoram have been selected for a central award for their excellent work in disaster management in the institutional category.

About Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar:

• The award recognises and honours the invaluable contribution and selfless service rendered by individuals and organisations in India in the field of disaster management.
• The award is announced every year on January 23 on the birth anniversary of the freedom fighter.
• The award carries a cash prize of Rs 51 lakh and a certificate in case of an institution and Rs 5 lakh and a certificate in case of an individual.
• For 2023, the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and the Lunglei Fire Station (LFS) in Mizoram have been selected for the award in the institutional category.

Science &Technology

INS Vagir

Fifth Scorpene-class submarine INS Vagir commissioned into the Indian Navy.

About INS Vagir:

• INS Vagir, the fifth submarine of the Kalvari Class submarines, is a lethal platform with a formidable weapon package.
• Built by: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
• Technology transfer from: France
• Type of mission: anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, area surveillance etc.
• The submarine is designed to operate in all theatres of operation.
• These submarines have a state of the art SONAR and sensor suite permitting outstanding operational capabilities. They also have an advanced Permanent Magnetic Synchronous motor (PERMASYN) as its propulsion motor.

Project 75:

• Vagir was launched in 2020, under Project 75 (P75).
• Four Submarines of the ongoing Project-75 Scorpene programme at MDL, Along with Vagir, Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj and Vela have been commissioned into the Indian Navy.
• Whilst the sixth and last submarine 'Vagsheer' will also undergo sea trials after launching.

Science &Technology

Norovirus

Norovirus has been conformed in Ernakulam district of Kerala.

What is norovirus?

• Noro is a group of viruses that causes illness related to stomach.
• Type: highly contagious virus 
• Symptoms: severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache and body aches
• Although norovirus is usually mild in healthy people, it can be serious if it infects young children, elderly, and people with other medical conditions.
• Spread: The disease spreads through sewage, food and contact with infected people.