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Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Fire still rages inside container ship off Kerala, Coast Guard battles to contain blaze
A major fire continues to rage on the MV Wan Hai 503 off the Kerala coast, three days after an explosion. The Indian Coast Guard, with support from other agencies, is battling the blaze on the Singapore-flagged vessel carrying over one lakh metric tonnes of fuel and hazardous materials. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The inner decks of the Singapore-flagged container ship, MV Wan Hai 503 , remain on fire, posing a challenge to the agencies engaged in firefighting operations, three days after the blaze began on the vessel on June 9 off the coast of Kerala, the Indian Coast Guard said on vessel, carrying over one lakh metric tonnes of fuel and hazardous materials, is currently drifting southeast, about 42 nautical miles from Beypore, well within India's Exclusive Economic Zone, it Coast Guard is leading intense firefighting efforts, with support from the Indian Air Force and other maritime a high-risk operation around 3pm on Wednesday, an ICG helicopter winched five salvage team members and one aircrew diver onto the burning aim is to help secure a towline to guide the ship to a safer area away from the far, the outer fires have largely been brought under control, with only smoke now visible from the cargo flames still burn in the inner decks, dangerously close to the fuel tanks."Continuous and determined firefighting efforts by the ICG have significantly contained the blaze, with only smoke now visible across the cargo holds and bays. However, the fire persists in the inner decks and areas near the fuel tanks," the Coast Guard said in a ship is carrying over 122,000 metric tonnes of fuel and hundreds of containers, some of which contain hazardous Coast Guard warns that the ship poses a serious risk to the marine environment and nearby shipping Coast Guard ships, two Dornier aircraft, a helicopter, and two support vessels from the Directorate General of Shipping are involved in the firefighting operations, it experts hired by the ship's owner have also joined the sea remains rough, adding to the challenges. Officials say that both firefighting and towing are top priorities to prevent an environmental disaster."Containing the fire and towing the vessel to a safer location remain top priorities. The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as developments unfold," the statement added.A major fire broke out on Monday on board the Singapore-flagged ship following a container crew members were rescued, while four remain incident occurred at approximately 9.20 am IST, around 44 nautical miles off Azhikkal in Kerala's Kannur district, and about 130 nautical miles northwest of Kochi. PTI
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
India-Pakistan tensions may go ballistic as Islamabad prepares to test-fire surface-to-surface ballistic missiles
Pakistan is preparing to test-fire surface-to-surface ballistic missiles this week, according to government sources, as told to ANI. The move comes amid a sharp rise in tensions with India following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack How Pakistan is preparing for the worst as India weighs response 'Enter at your own peril': Indian Navy's firing drills off Gujarat send strong signal to Pakistan If India attacks Pakistan, China and Bangladesh should seize 7 NE states, says Yunus' aide 'It is learnt that Pakistan is preparing to test-fire surface-to-surface ballistic missiles this week,' a senior government source told ANI. The source described it as 'a reckless act of provocation and a dangerous escalation in its hostile campaign against India.' Another official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, 'The planned missile test, under such volatile conditions, is a blatant provocation and a desperate attempt to whip up tensions with India.' Gunfire, missiles and political rhetoric The proposed missile test is just the latest in a series of aggressive manoeuvres from Pakistan, Indian officials say. Over the past ten days, Pakistan has issued four NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), signalling missile test intentions. So far, none of those notifications have resulted in actual launches. The first NOTAM came on April 23, just a day after the Pahalgam attack. It gave less than 24 hours' notice but no missile was fired. Similar notifications followed on April 26–27 and again from April 30 to May 2, with locations alarmingly close to India's Exclusive Economic Zone. Yet again, no missiles were launched. Live Events Despite the lack of follow-through, officials in New Delhi believe the continued warnings are intended to intimidate. 'This is not normal. It is calculated psychological coercion,' a senior Indian defence source said. Ceasefire under fire, literally Since January, Pakistani troops have violated the February 2021 ceasefire agreement around 15 times. But it was after April 22 that the shelling intensified. On Wednesday alone, Pakistani troops targeted Indian positions along both the Line of Control and the international border. Unlike earlier incidents, which were localised and resolved through communication channels, the latest attacks have taken place across multiple sectors and with rising frequency. The Indian military has been ordered to respond firmly. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the armed forces 'complete operational freedom' to decide how, when, and where to respond. He also vowed a 'crushing blow to terrorism'. Diplomatic fallout deepens India has taken a raft of measures since the Pahalgam attack. These include suspending visas for Pakistani nationals, ordering a reduction in staff at the Pakistani High Commission, closing the Attari land border, and moving to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty . Pakistan, on its part, has pushed back. It has shut down its airspace to Indian carriers, halted trade—including via third countries—and called for an independent probe into the Pahalgam incident. At a press briefing on Wednesday, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said, 'We will not resort to any escalatory action but will respond very strongly to any such move by India.' Beyond missile threats, Pakistan has also stepped up military exercises in the Arabian Sea. Officials say the combined effect of these moves—ceasefire violations, naval drills, and now a potential ballistic missile test—is part of a broader campaign to challenge India's restraint. New Delhi is taking these signals seriously. For many in India's defence establishment, the missile test represents not just a symbolic threat, but a potentially destabilising action in an already volatile theatre. And in the backdrop, the memory of Pahalgam remains fresh—adding to the sense that this standoff may not cool anytime soon.
The Print
26-04-2025
- Business
- The Print
Dept of Fisheries to host ‘Coastal States Meet 2025' in Mumbai on April 28
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will inaugurate and lay the foundation for key projects for 7 coastal states and UTs with a total outlay of Rs 255.30 crores under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), underscoring the commitment of the government for advancing the fisheries sector in the coastal states & UTs, the statement added. New Delhi [India], April 26 (ANI): The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying will unveil Rs 255 Crores worth of fisheries projects on April 28 in Mumbai, the ministry said in an official statement on Saturday. The fisheries sector in India plays an important role in supporting rural livelihoods and contributing to the national economy. With a vast coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.02 million square kilometres, India boasts of rich marine resources. The marine fisheries sector in India harbours significant potential, estimated at 5.31 million tonnes. Coastal states and Union Territories, which include around 3,477 coastal fishing villages, produce 72 per cent of the country's total fish production and account for 76 per cent of India's total seafood exports. He will also launch a set of key initiatives aimed at strengthening marine fisheries and promoting sustainable practices including Marine Fisheries Census Operations, Turtle Excluder Device (TED) project and release of Standard Operating procedure for Vessel Communication and Support System. On this occasion, certificates will also be distributed to outstanding Cooperatives, FFPOs, fisheries start-ups, and climate-resilient coastal fishing villages. As part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY), beneficiaries will also receive Aqua Insurance certificates and Kisan Credit Cards (KCC). Notably, the government has introduced Aqua Insurance for the first time, offering dedicated financial protection to aquafarmers. This landmark initiative ensures targeted insurance coverage, digital accessibility, and focused support for marginalised communities in the fisheries sector, the Ministry said. The Coastal States Meet 2025 will also feature key technical sessions including Strengthening Marine Fisheries Governance: Integrating Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts (MFRAs), Monitoring, Control & Surveillance (MCS), and Sea-Safety; Model Mariculture SOPs; Standard Operating Procedure of the Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS); Export Promotion – Processing, Value Chain & Quality Improvements; and Promotion of Traceability and Certification in Marine Capture Fisheries. These sessions aim to offer practical policy insights and technical guidance to strengthen marine fisheries, ensure safety, promote sustainable mariculture, and improve export capabilities. In addition, the event will host an exhibition showcasing innovative technologies, products, and initiatives in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, fostering knowledge exchange and highlighting best practices, the statement added. (ANI) This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
India Gazette
26-04-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Dept of Fisheries to host 'Coastal States Meet 2025' in Mumbai on April 28
New Delhi [India], April 26 (ANI): The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying will unveil Rs 255 Crores worth of fisheries projects on April 28 in Mumbai, the ministry said in an official statement on Saturday. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will inaugurate and lay the foundation for key projects for 7 coastal states and UTs with a total outlay of Rs 255.30 crores under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), underscoring the commitment of the government for advancing the fisheries sector in the coastal states & UTs, the statement added. The fisheries sector in India plays an important role in supporting rural livelihoods and contributing to the national economy. With a vast coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.02 million square kilometres, India boasts of rich marine resources. The marine fisheries sector in India harbours significant potential, estimated at 5.31 million tonnes. Coastal states and Union Territories, which include around 3,477 coastal fishing villages, produce 72 per cent of the country's total fish production and account for 76 per cent of India's total seafood exports. He will also launch a set of key initiatives aimed at strengthening marine fisheries and promoting sustainable practices including Marine Fisheries Census Operations, Turtle Excluder Device (TED) project and release of Standard Operating procedure for Vessel Communication and Support System. On this occasion, certificates will also be distributed to outstanding Cooperatives, FFPOs, fisheries start-ups, and climate-resilient coastal fishing villages. As part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY), beneficiaries will also receive Aqua Insurance certificates and Kisan Credit Cards (KCC). Notably, the government has introduced Aqua Insurance for the first time, offering dedicated financial protection to aquafarmers. This landmark initiative ensures targeted insurance coverage, digital accessibility, and focused support for marginalised communities in the fisheries sector, the Ministry said. The Coastal States Meet 2025 will also feature key technical sessions including Strengthening Marine Fisheries Governance: Integrating Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts (MFRAs), Monitoring, Control & Surveillance (MCS), and Sea-Safety; Model Mariculture SOPs; Standard Operating Procedure of the Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS); Export Promotion - Processing, Value Chain & Quality Improvements; and Promotion of Traceability and Certification in Marine Capture Fisheries. These sessions aim to offer practical policy insights and technical guidance to strengthen marine fisheries, ensure safety, promote sustainable mariculture, and improve export capabilities. In addition, the event will host an exhibition showcasing innovative technologies, products, and initiatives in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, fostering knowledge exchange and highlighting best practices, the statement added. (ANI)
