SSB Future Officers

2023-07-07 06:45:07 Aprire / Come

2023-07-06 23:18:00 #Important_notes_ssb_Lecturette #GD_Material

Railway Accidents in India: Causes and Safety Measures [3/3]

Conduct Regular Safety Audits and Inspections:

✓ Monitor, evaluate and audit the safety performance of the railway staff, infrastructure and equipment, and enforce strict accountability and penalties for lapses.

Enhance Coordination and Communication:

✓Improve the communication and coordination among the railway board, zonal railways, divisions, production units, research organisations, etc., which are involved in railway operations.

Establish a Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS):

✓ It was developed by a British University; a similar mechanism should be implemented that encourages lower-level staff to report deviations in real-time while maintaining confidentiality.

✓This system should be supported by the necessary communication and information technology infrastructure, making it accessible and user-friendly for all staff members.

✓Simultaneously, transform the management mindset from a fault-finding and punishment-oriented approach to one that emphasizes shared commitment to safety, focusing on correction rather than punishment and actively listening to the voices of staff at all levels.

✓In matters of railway safety, there has to be an attitudinal change — from the conventional approach of fault-finding and punishment to one of shared commitment to ensure complete safety at all levels.

Rethink Indian Railways Management Service (IRMS) Scheme:

✓ Conduct a thorough evaluation of the IRMS scheme and its impact on loyalty, ownership, and safety management.

✓Consider revising or modifying the scheme to preserve a sense of specialization and loyalty towards specific disciplines or departments, promoting a stronger commitment to safety.

What are Some of the Best Global Practices?

United Kingdom:

✓The UK has one of the lowest rates of train accidents in Europe. The UK has implemented various safety measures, such as:

The Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS), which automatically stops trains that pass signals at danger or exceed speed limits.

The European Train Control System (ETCS), which provides continuous communication between trains and signalling centres.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), which conducts independent and impartial investigations of railway accidents and incidents.

Japan:

Japan is known for its high-speed trains, such as the Shinkansen or Bullet trains, which operate at speeds of up to 320 km/h. Japan has achieved a remarkable record of safety, with zero passenger fatalities since the Shinkansen started operating in 1964.

Japan has adopted various safety measures, such as:
The Automatic Train Control (ATC) system, which monitors and controls the speed and braking of trains.

The Comprehensive Automatic Train Inspection System (CATIS), which detects defects and faults in trains using sensors and cameras.

The Earthquake Early Warning System (EEWS), which alerts trains to stop or slow down in case of seismic activity.

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2023-07-06 23:18:00 #Important_notes_ssb_Lecturette #GD_Material

Railway Accidents in India: Causes and Safety Measures [2/3]

Technological Upgradation:

✓Improved design and features of coaches and wagons. This includes introducing Modified Centre Buffer Couplers, Bogie Mounted Air Brake System (BMBS), improved suspension design and provision of Automatic fire & smoke detection system in coaches.

✓ It also includes installing KAVACH - an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP).

LHB Design Coaches:

✓Lighter and safer coaches for Mail/Express trains. These coaches are based on German technology and have better anti-climbing features, fire retardant materials, higher speed potential and longer service life than conventional ICF design coaches.

GPS based Fog Pass Device:

✓ A device to help loco pilots navigate in foggy conditions. It is a GPS enabled hand-held device that displays the exact distance of the approaching landmarks such as signals, level crossing gates, etc.

✓ It also alerts the loco pilot with a loud buzzer when the train approaches a signal or a level crossing gate.

Modern Track Structure:

✓Stronger and more durable tracks and bridges. This includes using Prestressed Concrete Sleeper (PSC), higher Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, fan shaped layout turnout on PSC sleepers, Steel Channel Sleepers on girder bridges, etc.

Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD):

✓A technique to detect and remove faulty rails. It is a non-destructive testing method that uses high frequency sound waves to inspect the rails for cracks, defects or flaws that may cause derailments or accidents. 

✓The defective rails are then removed and replaced with new ones.

Mechanization of Track Maintenance:

✓A system to automate and optimize track maintenance. This includes using machines such as track tamping machines, ballast regulating machines, dynamic track stabilizers, etc to carry out track maintenance activities such as tamping, dressing, stabilizing, etc. 

✓This reduces human errors and improves track quality and safety.
Interlocking System: A system to control points and signals centrally.

✓It is a system that uses electrical or electronic devices to operate the points and signals from a central location.

✓ It eliminates the need for manual operation of points and signals by staff on the ground. It also reduces the chances of human failure and enhances safety.

Elimination of Unmanned Level Crossings (UMLCs):

✓ UMLCs are being eliminated progressively by closing, merging, manning, or providing subways/road under bridges/road over bridges. 

What have the Various Committees recommended to ensure Railways Safety?

Kakodkar Committee (2012):
Bibek Debroy Committee (2014)
Vinod Rai Committee (2015)

What should be Done More to Enhance Safety in India?

Invest More in Safety-Related Works:

✓Allocate more funds for track renewal, bridge repair, signalling upgrade, coach refurbishment, etc.

Train Employees to Minimize Human Errors:

✓Provide regular and comprehensive training to the railway staff on the latest technologies, equipment, systems, safety rules and procedures.

Eliminate Level Crossings:

✓Construct Road overbridges (ROBs) or road underbridges (RUBs) to replace the unmanned and manned level crossings.

Adopt advanced technologies:

✓Install anti-collision devices (ACDs) such as Kavach/ Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), Train Protection Warning System (TPWS), Automatic Train Control (ATC), etc.

✓The railways are in the process of installing these technologies on some sections of tracks, but they need to be expanded to cover the entire network.

Introduce Performance-Linked Incentives:

✓ Reward the railway staff based on their performance and compliance with the safety rules and procedures.

Outsource Non-Core Work:

✓Transfer the non-core activities such as maintaining hospitals, colleges etc to private or public sector entities, which can improve efficiency and reduce costs.

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2023-07-06 23:17:59 #Important_notes_ssb_Lecturette #GD_Material

Railway Accidents in India: Causes and Safety Measures [1/3]

✓The Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world, with millions of people relying on it for transportation every day.

✓Statistics show that over the last two decades, the number of derailments which constitute the majority of accidents has drastically declined from around 350 per year around the turn of the millennium, to 22 in 2021-22. 

✓However, accidents like the one that occurred at Bahanaga Bazar railway station at Balasore highlight the need for better safety measures and infrastructure.

✓The loss of so many lives is a tragic reminder of the importance of ensuring that the railways are safe for everyone who uses them.

✓In response to this incident, there have been calls for accountability from those in charge of the Railways, as well as a need to address the systemic issues that may have contributed to the accident.

✓Experts are offering suggestions on how to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future, such as improving signalling systems and investing in better technology.

✓Furthermore, there have been comparisons made with Railway systems abroad, highlighting the need for India to improve its infrastructure and safety measures to match those of other countries.

✓Overall, this incident has brought attention to the importance of ensuring that the Indian Railways are safe and reliable for everyone who uses them.

What are the Primary Reasons behind Railway Accidents?

Infrastructure Defects: 

✓The railway infrastructure, which includes tracks, bridges, overhead wires, and rolling stock, is often defective due to poor maintenance, ageing, vandalism, sabotage, or natural disasters.

✓Much of the infrastructure was built in the 19th and 20th centuries and has not been upgraded to meet the growing demand and modern standards.

✓The railway system also suffers from a lack of funds, corruption, and inefficiency, which hamper its development and maintenance.

✓Moreover, many routes are operating at over 100% capacity, which increases the risk of accidents due to congestion and overloading.

Human Errors: 

✓The railway staff, who are responsible for operating, maintaining, and managing the trains and tracks, are prone to human errors due to fatigue, negligence, corruption, or disregard for safety rules and procedures.

✓Human errors can result in wrong signalling, miscommunication, over speeding, or overlooking defects or hazards.

✓The railway staff also lack adequate training and communication skills, which affect their performance and coordination.

Signalling Failures: 

✓The signalling system, which controls the movement and direction of trains on the tracks, can fail due to technical glitches, power outages, or human errors.

✓Signalling failures can lead to trains running on the wrong track, colliding with other trains or stationary objects, or overshooting stations.

✓For example, the recent train accident in Odisha was reportedly caused by a change in electronic interlocking that was not communicated properly to the drivers.

Unmanned level crossings (UMLCs): 

✓UMLCs are places where railway tracks crossroads without any barriers or signals to regulate traffic.

✓UMLCs pose a high risk of accidents as vehicles or pedestrians may not notice the approaching train or may try to cross the track when the train is near.

✓In 2018-19, UMLCs accounted for 16% of all train accidents in India.

✓The railways have eliminated all the unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on broad gauge routes, but there are still many manned level crossings (MLCs) that pose a risk of accidents.

What has Railways Done to Reduce Accidents so far?

Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK):

✓ A safety fund for critical assets. It was established in 2017-18 with a corpus of Rs 1 lakh crore over a period of five years for critical safety related works such as track renewals, signalling projects, bridge rehabilitation, etc.

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2023-07-06 16:10:15 #SSB_BLOG #Know_Your_AirForce

Sample window for Control Velocity Test in PABT for AFSB interview

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2023-07-06 16:10:14 #SSB_BLOG #Know_Your_AirForce

PABT for AFSB Interview{4/4}

Control Velocity Test (CVT)

Collecting Dots

◆Another test consists of a lot of dots coming from the top of the screen and going down.

◆In this test, it is necessary to superimpose a light spot (red) on a series of yellow dots running from top to bottom on the screen. Whenever a successful superposition occurs, the headphone has a small blip.

◆The more you manage to overlay the red ball on the yellow balls, the more points you get. In this test, you'll get three attempts of 60 sec each.

◆As I said before the controls lag, you'll miss more dots if you go for sharp corners.

Below is a sample window of the test:(refer below uploaded picture)

___ _________ _______________ ____

◆To summarize these tests, it is intended to determine whether the candidate is mentally alert and has a presence of mind and self-confidence, adequate control over his nerves and, in particular, whether the candidate will be able to balance & control the flight and will not break down under stressful circumstances.

◆It is advised that candidates are not afraid of this test. Any average boy who has spent time in video games can easily pass the set of machine tests.

◆I couldn't find anything good when I was searching for hints on PABT on the web. So I decided to post this after my test is done, hopefully, this will help others not to freak out before the PABT test, at least you'll know what is the PABT test. Hopefully, this will help you clear your doubts.

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2023-07-06 14:08:02 #SSB_BLOG #Know_Your_AirForce

Sample window for Machine test in PABT

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2023-07-06 14:08:02 #SSB_BLOG #Know_Your_AirForce

PABT in AFSB Interview {3/4}

Machine Test:

This test consists of 2 tests:

Sensory Motor Apparatus Test (SMA)

●This test evaluates a candidate's reflexive ability to respond to external stimulus.

●In this test, candidates ' locomotive and sensory abilities are examined. Each of the two constituent tests is aimed at finding the person's eye-ear-hand-feet coordination.

●The candidate is given 3 chances to get good scores in each test. Of all three, the best score is counted. The time limit of each test is 90 seconds.

●A light spot (ball) is to be kept in the centre of 2 concentrate squares in this test. The light spot moves across the screen randomly.

●The longer it is possible for the candidate to keep the point in the centre, the more marks he gets. There are also two lights, yellow and red, that intermittently appear in the top left and top right corners of the screen.

●We are provided with the following devices which are used to control the spot:

a) A Joystick: This joystick controls the movement of the ball (spot) in up and down direction. Moving the stick backwards moves the ball in an upward direction and moving it in forwards moves it towards the bottom of the screen.

b) Foot pedals: The movement of the pedals moves the ball towards the right or left direction.

c) Light lever: A lever is provided which when moved in forwarding direction puts off the red light and when moved in backward direction puts off yellow light.

d) Beep button: An intermittent beep is heard which is put off by pressing a button placed on the top of the stick

Below is a sample window for this test:(refer below uploaded picture)

●One thing to note is that the control pedal and stick are too old, and these controls do not respond quickly, and if you have to move the dot up, you have to move the stick all the way upwards, that is, it only responds to the extreme end. The same also applies to the rudder.

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2023-07-06 12:54:02 #SSB_BLOG #Know_Your_AirForce

Sample diagram depicting the movement of a plane

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2023-07-06 12:54:02 #SSB_BLOG #Know_Your_AirForce

PABT for AFSB Interview{2/4}

Test 2: Aircraft Heading & Position Identification Test

◆Test 2 consists of 2 Instruments (Compass and Attitude indicator) and image of an aircraft. The question is of objective type. It consists of a total of 60 questions & time limit is 20 min.

◆The Test Officer explains about compass:

North(0 degree), NE(45 degree), E(90 degree), SE(135 degree), S(180 degree), SW(225 degree), W(270 degree), NW(315 degree) etc.

◆He then describes the movement adopted by aircraft as shown in the image:

◆Descending (moving down), Climbing up (elevating),

◆Top, Belly, Wings, Tail, Nose (painted white), Black dot (tail)

◆After explaining, the test Officer will show you the Various positions that the plane is travelling in (the different directions mentioned earlier), based on that you need to choose the correct answer.

Some Points to be Remembered are:

●When you see the nose of the plane then, the plane is coming towards you and then the plane is expected to move towards south direction.

●When you see the black dot of the plane then, the plane is going away from you and then the plane is expected to move towards north direction.

●When you see the plane moving in a direction such that the nose of the plane is to your right and tail of the plane is to your left, then the direction is taken as moving towards east direction.

●When you see the plane moving in a direction such that the nose of the plane is to your left and tail of the plane to your right, then the direction is taken as moving towards west direction.

●After Identifying the direction, one has to check whether the plane is ascending or descending:

For East to West movement:

●If the nose of the plane is at a lower horizontal level than the tail of the plane, then the plane is surely descending.

●If the nose of the plane is at a higher horizontal level than the tail of the plane than the plane is surely ascending.

For North to South movement:

North (When you see the black dot(tail)):

●When you see the belly of the plane, then it is losing height or descending.

●When you see the entire top portion of the plane, then it is gaining height or ascending.

South (When you see the nose of the plane):

●When you see the belly of the plane, then it is gaining height.

●When you see the top of the plane, then its losing height.

●The same information can be used to identify the movement in NW, NE, SW, SE directions.

●Below is a sample diagram depicting the movement of the plane:(refer the below uploaded picture)

●After clearing the written test, candidates are evaluated for Machine Testing.

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