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Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Shipping Bill passed in Lok Sabha amid SIR protests
Even as the Opposition protest against the SIR issue again hit the work of Lok Sabha on Wednesday, the government managed to pass the Merchant Shipping Bill 2024 after a brief discussion in the second half. The Bill seeks to expand the eligibility criteria for ownership of merchant shipping vessels, provides for contemporaneous, futuristic and dynamic legislation to meet the requirements of India as an emerging economy and provides for investigation and enquiries on marine casualties. When the House reassembled at 2 pm after a forced adjournment at 11 am, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal formally moved the Bill, which seeks to overhaul the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 and align India's maritime laws with international conventions such as MARPOL and the Wreck Removal Conventions. The proceedings, with Sandhya Rai in the chair, quickly descended into chaos as Opposition MPs raised slogans and created a ruckus, stalling the rest of the business of the day. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Earlier in the morning, the Opposition resumed its protest as soon as the House met and the Speaker djourned the House till 2 pm. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Undo Later as a counter to the government argument against the House discussing the issues involving the ECI, Congress deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi said, "Parliament has a long history of discussing electoral reforms and the functioning of the Election Commission". He referred to Rajya Sabha in 1961 debating amendments to the conduct of elections rules and again debating the urgent need to amend existing election laws, about then LoP Ghulam Nabi Azad in 2015 moving a calling attention motion on proxy and e-postal voting for NRIs and in 2019, a short duration discussion on electoral reforms. "There is ample precedent. The government must not delay the long overdue and essential discussion on electoral reforms. Let us discuss electoral reforms in Parliament", Gogoi said. Live Events


NDTV
5 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Lok Sabha Passes Merchant Shipping Amendment Bill Amid Opposition Uproar
New Delhi: In a stormy session of the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, the House passed the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill, 2024, through a voice vote, despite sustained protests and disruptions from Opposition members demanding a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar. The proceedings, which resumed post-adjournment at 2 p.m. with Sandhya Rai in the chair, quickly descended into chaos as Opposition MPs raised slogans and created a ruckus, stalling normal legislative business. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal formally moved the Bill, which seeks to overhaul the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 and align India's maritime laws with international conventions such as MARPOL and the Wreck Removal Convention. The legislation expands the definition of vessels to include mobile offshore drilling units, submersibles, and non-displacement crafts, and introduces provisions for temporary registration of vessels destined for recycling -- aimed at boosting activity at hubs like Alang. Despite the din, BJP MPs Brajesh Chowta (Dakshina Kannada) and Mukeshkumar Chandrakant Dalal (Surat) spoke in support of the Bill, though their remarks were largely inaudible amid the uproar. The Bill also empowers the Director-General of Marine Administration to regulate maritime education and training, ensuring Indian seafarers meet global standards. Responding to the Opposition's demand for a debate on the Bihar voter list revision, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju reiterated the government's openness to discussion on any issue, provided it adheres to Constitutional provisions and the rules of Parliamentary business. He cited Rule 325, which prohibits discussion on matters pending before a court, and reminded the House of a 1988 ruling by then Speaker Balram Jakhar, who had affirmed that the Election Commission's actions cannot be commented upon in Parliament due to its autonomous status. "The House is not permitted to discuss the conduct of a higher Constitutional authority," Rijiju asserted, urging Opposition members to respect Parliamentary norms and allow the House to function. "Do you want to break the rules established by this House? Do you want to dismiss the decisions of past Speakers?" he asked pointedly. Following the passage of the Bill, the chair adjourned the House until Thursday, leaving several other legislative items pending. The Monsoon Session, which has already witnessed multiple adjournments, continues to be marred by procedural deadlocks and political confrontations. The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, however, marks a significant step in modernising India's maritime sector, promising enhanced safety, sustainability, and competitiveness in global shipping markets.


CairoScene
13-07-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Saudi Red Sea Authority Introduces New Rules for Safer Cruise Trips
The new framework outlines clear roles for cruise operators, ports, and shipping agents, streamlines licensing, and mandates international safety and environmental standards. The Saudi Red Sea Authority announced the launch of the Kingdom's first national framework for cruise ship operations, aiming to strengthen Red Sea tourism while prioritising environmental protection and marine sustainability. The new framework outlines clear roles for cruise operators, ports, and shipping agents, streamlines licensing, and mandates international safety and environmental standards. The guidelines also set service quality benchmarks for the full tourist journey, both onshore and onboard. Cruise ships will be required to implement strict waste management protocols and maintain zero sea-discharge policies, in line with agreements such as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).


Leaders
11-07-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Red Sea Authority Announces First-ever Cruise Ship Regulations
The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has announced the Kingdom's first-ever framework for cruise-ship operations, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The framework serves as the operational and procedural regulator for Saudi Arabia's growing cruise tourism sector. Comprehensive Guidelines This comprehensive set of guidelines seeks to ensure safety and security of tourists and provide them with unparalleled experiences and top-notch services. The regulations meticulously define the responsibilities and precisely determine the roles of ship operators, shipping agents, and ports. They also created a unified path for obtaining the necessary licenses and permits to operate cruises including all technical and operational requirements. Thus, it further strengthens confidence among investors and consumers alike. Safety Crucially, SRSA made safety a cornerstone of all its provisions and procedures. It requires cruise ships to develop emergency plans and regular crew training aligned with international standards, while ensuring that safety and first aid equipment as well as qualified medical personnel are on board. Environmental Protection As for the environmental aspects, the new framework features strict environmental protection provisions designed to mitigate marine pollution. Consequently, cruise ships must adopt integrated waste management plans, undertake wastewater treatment, and adhere to a zero-discharge policy for waste into the sea. In order to preserve the Red Sea's marine environment, ships should abide by leading international agreements like MARPOL and SOLAS. Tourist Experience To provide tourists with seamless experiences, the regulations require service providers at ports and on ships to offer high-quality transportation, reception, information, entertainment, and catering. By setting this framework, the Saudi Red Sea Authority is building a new era of coastal tourism regulation, combining both professionalism and discipline. At the same time, the regulations take into consideration security, safety, environmental, and quality of life requirements. Overall, this move further solidifies the Kingdom's position as one of the world's most promising cruise destinations. Related Topics: AROYA Cruises Embarks on Mediterranean Voyages Saba Beach: Cruise Saudi Launches Exclusive Destination on Jabal AlSabaya AROYA Cruises Launches New Promising Mediterranean Season Short link : Post Views: 15


Gulf Insider
11-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Launches First National Cruise Ship Framework To Boost Red Sea Tourism And Marine Sustainability
The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) unveiled Saudi Arabia's first-ever framework for cruise-ship operations. The comprehensive set of guidelines aims to guarantee the safety, security, and quality of the tourist experience from embarkation to return. The strategic move actively supports Saudi Arabia's rapid tourism transformation and its ambition to become a leading global maritime destination. The new guidelines meticulously define the responsibilities and roles of ship operators, shipping agents, and ports. They streamline the process for obtaining necessary licences and permits, integrating technical and operational requirements to foster confidence among both investors and consumers. Safety remains a core priority, with requirements for emergency plans, regular crew training aligned with international standards, and guaranteed availability of safety equipment, first aid, and qualified medical staff on board. The new framework includes strict environmental protection provisions designed to mitigate marine pollution. Cruise ships must implement integrated waste management plans, undertake wastewater treatment, and adhere to a zero-discharge policy for waste into the sea. Compliance with leading international agreements like MARPOL and SOLAS is mandatory, ensuring the preservation of the Red Sea's marine environment as a valuable national heritage. Furthermore, the provisions heavily emphasize the tourist experience, requiring service providers at ports and on ships to offer high-quality transportation, reception, information, entertainment, and catering. They establish clear standards for tourist comfort and rights, including robust complaint handling procedures and effective management of itinerary changes, ensuring reliability and attentiveness throughout the journey. The strategic shift solidifies Saudi Arabia's position as a premier global cruise destination, where effective oversight, a clear vision, and sustainability seamlessly align.