Important Facts for Prelims (9th February 2019)

• 09 Feb 2019

EC launches VVIP, cVIGIL and PwD Apps

• The Election Commission of India has launched a Voter Verification and Information Programme (VVIP) for citizens for verifications of their names, new registrations, changes in the voter details and corrections in the Voter Id Cards for the upcoming General Elections 2019.
• EC has also launched the cVIGIL App. This app provides time-stamped, evidence-based proof of the Model Code of Conduct / Expenditure Violation, having live photo/video with auto location data.
• Any citizen can lodge a complaint through the Mobile App. Flying Squads will then investigate the matter and the Returning Officer takes the decision.
• The status of cVIGIL can be shared with the cVIGIL complainant within a specified time limit.
• A ‘PwD App’ is a mobile application to enable Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to request for new registration, change in address, change in particulars and mark themselves as PwD through the app was also launched. PwDs can also request for a wheelchair during polling.

National Deworming Day

• Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare conducted its eighth round of National Deworming Day.
• This year it is being observed from 8th February to 14th February.
• It was launched in 2015 with aim to reduce the prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths and parasitic intestinal worms.
• The program is implemented with the coordination of Ministries of Women and Child Development and Human Resource Development.
• It falls under the purview of the Extended Gram Swaraj Abhiyan and committed to improving the nutritional uptake in all children and adolescents.

Multinational Training Exercise ‘CUTLASS EXPRESS’

• Recently, the Indian Navy participated in CUTLASS Express exercise from 27 Jan to 06 Feb 2019.
• Cutlass Express is an exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and conducted by Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF).
• The objective is to assess and improve maritime law enforcement capacity, promote national and regional security in eastern Africa, inform planning and operations, and shape security force assistance (SFA) efforts.
• Naval, Coast Guard and Marine Police personnel from East African countries were jointly trained by mentors from USA, India, and Netherlands, with support of International Maritime Organization, Combined Maritime Force and European Naval Forces.

Helicopter-launched anti-tank missile ‘Helina’

• Recently India has test-fired Helina, the helicopter-launched version of the Nag anti-tank guided missile with a hit range of 7-8 km from an Army chopper.
• It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• It is said to be one of the most-advanced anti-tank weapons in the world.
• It is guided by an infrared imaging seeker (IIR) operating in the lock-on-before-launch mode and helps in further strengthening the defense capabilities of the country.