Indian Navy Inaugurates Its First Independent Headquarters - Nausena Bhawan

Key Points:

• The Indian Navy has a new, dedicated headquarters called Nausena Bhawan in Delhi Cantonment.

• This marks a significant milestone as the Navy previously operated from 13 scattered locations.

• The new facility is purpose-built for efficiency and sustainability.
  

Building Features:

• Three wings spread across four stories.

• Utilizes innovative construction technologies for energy and water conservation.

• Includes solar generation systems and advanced building materials.

• Comfortable work environment with a central HVAC system using advanced technology.

• State-of-the-art integrated building management system for security and utilities.

• Achieved Green Rating IV for sustainability.
  

Security Measures:

• Three-tier security system with cutting-edge technology like:

• Automatic vehicle underbelly scanning

• Power fence

• Facial recognition cameras

• Bollards and vehicle stoppers

• Access control system

• Security cameras

2. Indian Army Inducts First Squadron for Apache Attack Helicopters

• The Indian Army established its first unit for the new AH-64E Apache attack helicopters at Jodhpur.

• This is the second attack helicopter type for the Army, following the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).

• The 451 Aviation Squadron will receive its first Apaches in May and July 2024.

• India plans to procure a total of 39 Apaches, with 22 already inducted by the Indian Air Force.
  

Additional Points:

• The Army is pushing for 11 more Apaches, but a study is underway to determine total needs.

• To fill its attack helicopter gap, the Army also ordered 90 LCHs, with some already being inducted.

3. Neurological Conditions Now Leading Cause of Global Ill Health

A new study reveals neurological conditions, like strokes, migraines, and dementia, have surpassed heart disease as the biggest contributor to global ill health.

• Key Findings:

• Over 43% of people worldwide experienced a neurological condition in 2021.

• Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), a measure of healthy life lost.

• Cases have increased by 59% since 1990, primarily due to population aging.
  

• Impact:

• Over 443 million years of healthy life were lost globally in 2021 due to these conditions.

• When adjusted for population growth and aging, DALYs and deaths actually decreased by about a third.
  

Possible explanations for the rise:

• The study suggests the increase is mainly due to the world's growing and aging population.

Indian Railways' Mega Terminal Initiative

Creating Multi-Modal Connectivity

• Indian Railways plans to establish mega railway terminals in aspirational cities with over 10 lakh population.

• The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Viksit Bharat' program, aimed at national development.
  

Expansion Plan

• Railway Board communicates to Zonal Railways about extending the project to cities with substantial populations.

• Shirish Kumar Sinha seeks suggestions for new locations or stations to be included in the project.
  

Focus on Passenger Experience Enhancement

• Railway Ministry emphasizes improving passenger experience, particularly with the introduction of Vande Bharat Express trains.

• Efforts include enhancing cleanliness of coaches and amenities on railway premises.
  

Monitoring and Maintenance

• Principal Chief Mechanical Engineers (PCMEs) instructed to closely monitor and sustain housekeeping and maintenance activities.

• Focus on addressing issues such as brake binding, brake block jamming, and train parting to ensure operational efficiency and passenger safety.
  

Investigation and Remedial Measures

• Railway Board urges PCMEs to conduct thorough investigations into incidents affecting train operations.

• Remedial measures to be implemented in consultation with the Research Designs and Standards Organisation.