Watch: Trump calls India ‘dead economy'. Whose economy is more fragile right now?
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Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Vizhinjam port to introduce new mooring system for safer and faster ship docking
T hiruvananthapuram: Vizhinjam port is set to introduce a dynamic mooring system known as shore tension system to prevent ships from being caught in surges and sway while docked. A port official stated that the machinery would arrive from the Netherlands in a few days and would be deployed within a month. "The company that brings and installs the machinery will train staff here to handle it," the official said. The system will automatically adjust the tension of the mooring lines used to tie ships to the berth, counteracting the pressure from waves and surges. It also reduces stress on the mooring lines connected to the ships. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), whose ships predominantly use the port, had recommended the system. This will mark the first installation of such a facility in an Indian port. The shore tension system will also aid in speeding up the loading and unloading of containers and reduce the turnaround time of ships. "As unloading of containers is carried out in a semi-automated manner, the stability of the ships is important," the official added. The port will also be able to accommodate more ships as they can be berthed closer than usual and unloading operations need not be delayed during rough seas or strong winds. The introduction of the modern technology will also facilitate faster movement of containers when exim operations (international trade) commence by the end of the year. Sources said that initially the shore tension system would be trialled for the exim operations. Currently, ships are tied manually using heavy ropes to the mooring points in the berth. The machine-assisted system will maintain the ropes' integrity and prevent snapping under pressure, ensuring safety. As of last month, the port has handled over 392 ships, including 23 ultra-large container vessels and has handled 8.36 lakh containers. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Breaking news live updates, August 15: Police chief orders more cooperation with immigration agents as federal activity takes root in DC
01:37 (IST) Aug 15 The Washington, D.C., police chief stepped up cooperation between her officers and federal immigration officials as President Donald Trump's law enforcement takeover of the nation's capital took root Thursday. National Guard troops watched over some of the world's most renowned landmarks and Humvees took up position in front of the busy main train station. The police chief's order establishes that Metropolitan Police Department officers may now share information with immigration agencies regarding people not in custody — such as someone involved in a traffic stop or checkpoint. MPD officers may also provide 'transportation for federal immigration employees and detained subject,' the order states. The changes, which raise collaboration between the two forces in notable ways, erodes the district's long-standing policy against cooperating with civil immigration enforcement. They are effective immediately. Mayor Muriel Bowser, walking a tightrope between the Republican White House and the constituency of her largely Democratic city, was out of town Thursday for a family commitment in Martha's Vineyard but would be back Friday, her office said. In a city tense from days of ramp-up toward federal law enforcement intervention, volunteers helped homeless people leave long-standing encampments — to where, exactly, was often unclear. Trump told reporters that he was pleased at how the operation — and, now, its direct link with his immigration-control efforts — was unfolding. 'That's a very positive thing, I have heard that just happened,' Trump said of Police Chief Pamela Smith's order. 'That's a great step. That's a great step if they're doing that." A boost in police activity, federal and otherwise For an already wary Washington, Thursday marked a notable — and highly visible — uptick in presence from the previous two days. The visibility of federal forces around the city, including in many high-traffic areas, was striking to residents going about their lives. Trump has the power to take over federal law enforcement for 30 days before his actions must be reviewed by Congress, though he has said he'll re-evaluate as that deadline approaches. The response before Thursday had been gradual and, by all appearances, low key. But on Wednesday night, officers set up a checkpoint in one of D.C.'s popular nightlife areas, drawing protests. The White House said 45 arrests were made Wednesday night, with 29 people arrested for living in the country illegally; other arrests included for distribution or possession of drugs, carrying a concealed weapon and assaulting a federal officer. Troops were stationed outside the Union Station transportation hub as the 800 Guard members who have been activated by Trump start in on missions that include monument security, community safety patrols and beautification efforts, the Pentagon said. 'They will remain until law and order has been restored in the District as determined by the president, standing as the gatekeepers of our great nation's capital,' Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said. 'The National Guard is uniquely qualified for this mission as a community-based force with strong local ties and disciplined training.' Wilson said the troops won't be armed and declined to give more details on what the safety patrols or beautification efforts would entail or how many Guard members have already been sent out on the streets. National Guard Major Micah Maxwell said troops will assist law enforcement in a variety of roles, including traffic control posts and crowd control. The Guard members have been trained in de-escalation tactics and crowd control equipment, Maxwell said. The White House said Thursday that Guard members aren't making arrests but are 'protecting federal assets, providing a safe environment for law enforcement officers to make arrests, and deterring violent crime with a visible law enforcement presence.' Although the current deployment is taking place under unprecedented circumstances, National Guard troops are a semi-regular presence in D.C., typically being used during mass public events like the annual July 4 celebration. They have regularly been used in the past for crowd control in and around Metro stations. Trump on Thursday denied that the federal law enforcement officials he sent into Washington's streets to fight crime have been diverted from priority assignments like counterterrorism. Asked if he was concerned about that, Trump said he's using a 'very small force' of soldiers and that city police are now allowed to do their job properly amidst his security lockdown. For homeless residents, an uncertain time is at hand Meanwhile, about a dozen homeless residents in Washington packed up their belongings with help from volunteers from charitable groups and staffers from some city agencies. Items largely were not forcibly thrown out by law enforcement, but a garbage truck idled nearby. Several protesters held signs close by, some critical of the Trump administration. Once the residents had left, a construction vehicle from a city agency cleared through the remains of the tents. The departures were voluntary, but they came in response to a clear threat from the Trump administration. Advocates expect law enforcement officers to fan out across D.C. in the coming days to forcibly take down any remaining homeless encampments. In Washington Circle, which still contains a few tents, city workers put up signs announcing 'general cleanup of this public space' starting at 10 a.m. Monday. For two days, small groups of federal officers have been visible in scattered parts of the city. But more were present in high-profile locations Wednesday night, and troops were expected to start doing more missions Thursday. Agents from Homeland Security Investigations have patrolled the popular U Street corridor, while Drug Enforcement Administration officers were seen on the National Mall, with Guard members parked nearby. DEA agents also joined MPD officers on patrol in the Navy Yard neighborhood, while FBI agents stood along the heavily trafficked Massachusetts Avenue.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Op Sindoor a sign India no longer bound by traditional borders: Rajnath
Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said Operation Sindoor was a balanced military response that signalled India is no longer bound by traditional boundaries, but is using modern technology, accurate intelligence and smart military strategies to target terrorism. The success of Operation Sindoor will be celebrated at the Independence Day function at Red Fort on Friday. (PTI) 'It was a clear message from India that we are tolerant, but when it comes to the safety of our people and the dignity of our country, we unite and face every challenge boldly. Operation Sindoor is a part of India's new policy, a clear message that no matter how deep the roots of terrorism are, its complete destruction will be ensured,' Singh said in a message to soldiers on the eve of the country's 79th Independence Day. The success of Operation Sindoor will be celebrated at the Independence Day function at Red Fort on Friday, three months after Indian forces hit terror and military targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. A Mi-17 helicopter will fly a flag depicting Operation Sindoor, the invitation cards carry the operation's distinct logo, the view cutter at Gyanpath will also showcase the logo, and the floral decoration will be based on the operation. Operation Sindoor will continue until the goal of complete destruction of terrorism is achieved, Singh said, on a day the government announced gallantry awards for soldiers who took part in the operation. Singh described India's actions during the operation as 'a shining example of a precise and successful military strategy, and a glimpse of a new vision, technological advancements and self-reliance.' India launched the operation in the early hours of May 7 and struck terror and military installations in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam terror strike. Between the launch of the operation in the early hours of May 7 and the ceasefire on May 10 evening, Indian forces bombed nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, killing at least 100 terrorists, and the Indian Air Force struck targets at 13 Pakistani airbases and military installations. India, Singh said, successfully utilised cutting-edge apparatus such as drones, layered air defence, electronic warfare and network-centric operations, and proved that it is no longer dependent on foreign technology. The operation has taken India's military self-reliance to a greater height, he said. Talking about the balanced strategy of Operation Sindoor, Singh said within a few minutes (on May 7), nine terror training camps, including the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, were destroyed by precise missile attacks, and no civilian areas and Pakistani military establishments were targeted. The Indian armed forces, he said, neither crossed the Line of Control nor violated the international border, yet managed to deliver a crushing blow to the terror infrastructure hidden inside the enemy's territory. Singh added that with Operation Sindoor, the armed forces not only avenged the barbaric terror attack in Pahalgam, but also the strikes on Parliament House, in Mumbai and on Amarnath pilgrims in the past.
