Question: Consider the following statements in reference to INS Kohassa:
1) On 24 January 2019, Naval Air Station (NAS) Shibpur was commissioned as INS KOHASSA.
2) It is third air base of Indian Navy in Andaman & Nicobar.
3) It would help in improving ‘UDAN’ scheme & ‘Act East Policy’ of Government.
Of the above correct statement/s is/are:
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Only 3
(d) All 1,2,3
Answer: (d)
Related facts:
- On 24th Jan 2019, Naval Air Station (NAS) Shibpur was commissioned as INS Kohassa by Admiral Sunil Lanba in a ceremony.
- INS Kohassa is an Indian Naval Air Station located at Shibpur, a village in North Andaman near Diglipur Island in Andaman and Nicobar territory. This is the third air base in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- NAS Shibpur was established in 2001 as a Forward Operating Air Base for enhanced surveillance in North Andaman. The close proximity of Coco Islands (Myanmar) and wide expanse of Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) makes the base a very vital asset.
- INS Kohassa has been named after a White Bellied Sea Eagle, which is a large bird of prey endemic to Andaman and Nicobar islands.
- It would help improve domestic air connectivity under the Centre’s UDAN Scheme and to make successful ‘Act East Policy’.
- NAS Shibpur was identified by NITI Aayog as one of the ‘Early Bird’ project as part of holistic island development. Towards this, the Indian Navy has been ready in all respects to facilitate civil flight operations from NAS Shibpur.
- This will help India in keeping an eye on increasing presence of the Chinese Navy in the Indo – Pacific region and to maintain the balance of power.
Links:
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=187726
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/naval-chief-commissions-ins-kohassa/articleshow/67678919.cms
https://www.news18.com/news/india/indian-navy-set-to-open-third-base-in-andaman-and-nicobar-islands-to-counter-china-2012243.html