# Digital ocean

• Union minister for science and technology Harsh vardhan has launched the “Digital ocean” platform of Indian national centre for oceanic information services (INCOIS).

•  It is a one stop solution for all data related needs of a wide range of users, includung research institutions, operation agencies, strategic users, academic community, maritime industry and public.

• Digital ocean is expected to bring a sea change in how the oceanographic data is served for a better understanding of ocean surrounding us.

• It will play a central role in sustainable management of our oceans and expanding our blue economy initiatives – informed INCOIS director T. Srinivasa kumar.

# GAVI board

• Union health minister Harsh vardhan has been nominated by the Global Alliance for vaccines and immunisation (GAVI) as a member on the GAVI board.

• Dr. Harsh Vardhan will be representing the South east area regional office (SEARO) in the GAVI board.

• The GAVI board is responsible for strategic direction and policymaking, oversees the operation of the vaccines alliance and monitors programme implementation.

# Mandatory front seat airbags

• The government has proposed to make airbags mandatory for the passengers in the front seat of a vehicle.

• The step aims to improve passenger safety in case of accidents.

• The road transport ministry has issued a draft notification in this regard.

• The proposed timelines for the implementation of the move in April for new models and june 1, 2020 for existing models.

# Mutated virus

• Preliminary results from a cohert study found no statistically significant difference in hospitalisation and 28-day case fatality between cases with the new variant and wild type comparator doses.

• There was also no significant difference in the likelihood of reinfection between variant cases and the comparator group.

• This report has been published by the Public health england.

# Today in history

• 1803 – The British east india company took Delhi, Agra and Bharuch under its control.

• 1906 – Establishment of All india muslim league at Dhaka.

• 1943 – Subhash chandra bose hoisted the Indian independence flag at Port Blair.