Local Round-up: From Nipah Virus to the First AI Traffic Management System!

Local Round-up brings to you what's happening across the country in travel, food, infrastructure, sports, and herein, we have curated for you, the updates from the weekend and the beginning of this week. So, read these out below. 

Airbus Selects 8 Indian Sites for Second Assembly Line

Airbus has narrowed down eight potential locations in India for its second assembly line, which is set to be established in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited(TASL). This development comes ahead of the inauguration of its first assembly line dedicated to the C295 transport aircraft. The new facility will manufacture the H125 helicopter, marking the fourth production site for this single-engine model after France, Brazil, and the United States. Airbus anticipates that the Indian subcontinent will require around 500 H125 helicopters over the next two decades.

India to Donate $1 Million to UNESCO World Heritage Centre

At the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India's commitment of one million dollars to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The funds will support capacity building, technical assistance, and the preservation of world heritage sites, with a focus on benefiting countries in the Global South. PM Modi highlighted that this initiative aligns with India’s efforts like the International Solar Alliance and Mission LiFE, aiming to offer global solutions.

Alert Issued in India Following Nipah Virus Death

An alert has been issued in Kerala, India, following the death of a 14-year-old boy from the Nipah virus. Kerala's Health Minister Veena George revealed that an additional 60 individuals are considered high-risk for the disease. The boy, from Pandikkad, had been in contact with several people who are now being isolated and tested. Residents have been advised to take precautions, including wearing masks in public and avoiding hospital visits.

India Breaks Record in Women’s Asia Cup T20 2024

India secured their second consecutive win in the Women's Asia Cup T20 2024 with a dominant 78-run victory over UAE in Group A. Batting first in Dambulla, Shafali Verma delivered a powerful 18-ball 37, propelling the team to 56 runs in the Powerplay despite losing three wickets. Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues steadied the innings, with Rodrigues dismissed by Kavisha Egodage in the 12th over. Richa Ghosh then joined Harmanpreet Kaur to bolster the team’s performance further.

IndiGo Introduces New Safety Scheme for Women Travellers

IndiGo Airlines has launched a pilot project aimed at enhancing safety and comfort for women travellers. During web check-in, women will be able to view seats booked by other women on their flight. This trial feature is part of the airline’s efforts to improve the travel experience based on market research. IndiGo stated, “We are committed to offering a superior travel experience for all passengers, and this new feature is one of many steps we’re taking toward that goal.”

Piyush Goyal Talks Free Trade Agreements at G7 Meeting

At the G7 Trade Ministers meeting in Italy, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal discussed strengthening economic ties and free trade agreements (FTAs) with European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) officials. The meeting was a significant opportunity to advance global trade relations and economic cooperation. The Commerce Ministry noted that Goyal’s high-level discussions underscored India’s dedication to building stronger economic partnerships worldwide.

Rajasthan’s Tribal Communities Address Global Challenges

At the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development at the United Nations in New York, Rajasthan’s tribal communities showcased their best practices for addressing global challenges. Their methods include local seed production, water conservation, agricultural practices involving animals, soil erosion prevention through mixed cropping, and utilising uncultivated food for nutrition. A state representative highlighted how these traditional practices have been pivotal in preserving their natural heritage.

Tourist Vehicles in Sikkim Required to Carry Garbage Bags

The Sikkim government has mandated that all tourist vehicles entering the state must carry garbage bags. This measure aims to foster community involvement in environmental sustainability. Tour operators, travel agencies, and vehicle drivers are responsible for informing travellers about the requirement to use garbage bags for waste disposal, as stated by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department.

BCCI Donates Rs. 8.5 Crore to Indian Athletes for the Paris Olympics

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has pledged Rs. 8.5 crore to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to support Indian athletes competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics. BCCI President Jay Shah announced this financial contribution as part of the board's solidarity with the Indian team. A total of 117 Indian athletes are preparing to participate in the upcoming Summer Games in Paris.

Maharashtra Launches First AI Traffic Management System 

Maharashtra has introduced its first AI-based Traffic Intelligent Management System (ITMS) on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The system is designed to improve traffic management and road safety with features such as automated traffic violation detection, vehicle plate recognition, enhanced incident response, and extensive surveillance using over 200 AI-enabled CCTV cameras along the 95-kilometer expressway.