Latest news with #SouthernNavalCommand
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Time of India
Suspicious call on Navy assets triggers security alert, civilian arrested
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A suspicious phone call made from a civilian number inquiring about sensitive naval assets has prompted a swift security response at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. Police said on Monday that a 31-year-old man from Kozhikode has been arrested in connection with the incident occurred on May 9, when the call was received at the Naval Base, raising immediate red Navy's internal security mechanism promptly flagged the incident and brought it to the attention of concerned intelligence agencies, a Defence release said here on initial assessments, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Harbour Police Station, Kochi."The suspected person has been tracked to be a civilian and the Southern Naval Command is extending full cooperation to the investigating authorities on this incident," it Indian Navy reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to operational security and vigilance."The Indian Navy remains ever vigilant against subversive and espionage activities carried out by adversarial elements to obtain sensitive information. Maintaining a high level of preparedness, the Indian Navy is committed to highest standards of operational security in national interest," it added.
New Indian Express
12-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Relic from India-Pakistan 1971 war stands tall in Changampuzha Park
KOCHI: As tensions escalated between India and Pakistan, rumours were abound that the Indian Navy had deployed INS Vikrant, its most formidable naval asset, to the Western front. For many, it rekindled memories of the old INS Vikrant and its carrier-borne aircraft — Sea Hawks and Alize, which wreaked havoc during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. 'Then, INS Vikrant was deployed on the Eastern front and was the mainstay of India's naval blockade of East Pakistan in the Bay of Bengal,' recalled Cdr S R Nair (retd), who served with the Southern Naval Command. Indeed, the old INS Vikrant — the first aircraft carrier of the Navy — was a powerful deterrent and a strategic game-changer for India, as were the Sea Hawks and Alizes that it was home to. Sea Hawk, the British-made, single-seat jet fighter aircraft, caused extensive damage by bombing Dhaka, Khulna and Chittagong in present-day Bangladesh, while the French-built Alize defended the naval blockade from submarine attacks. The Sea Hawk squadron (White Tigers) was commanded by Lt Cdr S K Gupta (retd) and the Alizes (Cobras) by Lt Cdr Ravi Dhir (retd). As time rolled up, the fighter aircraft were phased out, and even the majestic aircraft carrier was decommissioned — on December 31, 1997. However, a relic of this era remains at Changampuzha Park in Kochi — a Sea Hawk fighter. 'The Navy gifted the fighter to the Kochi and displayed it at the park on December 4, 1999. The development came following a request from the Greater Cochin Development Authority,' P Prakash, president of Changampuzha Samskarika Kendram, told TNIE. 'The vintage aircraft is in fairly good condition and is periodically maintained by the Navy. A new coat of paint was given three years ago. It is, no doubt, a cherished relic that revives memories of a time when Kochi was the launchpad for many successful war operations,' Prakash said. Today, Sea Hawks adorn several museum foyers and public spaces across the country, evoking memories of how they once inflicted heavy damage to Pakistan. 'The one in Changampuzha Park is the original version, though the engines were taken out,' added Cdr Nair.
The Hindu
09-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
IOS Sagar returns to Kochi with personnel of nine friendly navies, coast guards
Indian naval personnel and 44 personnel of nine friendly navies and coast guards from Asia and Africa on board Indian Navy's Indian Ocean Ship Sagar (IOS Sagar) returned to Kochi on Thursday evening after completing a month-long voyage to south-west Indian Ocean region nations and Africa. Having jointly operated the vessel with their Indian counterparts, they and Indian Navy personnel called at five countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) during the past month. The crew, who were from Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, jointly manned the ship alongside the Indian Navy crew, signifying the motto of 'One Ocean One Mission,' said a communication. The foreign personnel had undergone training at the Southern Naval Command here before sailing on board IOS Sagar, amid, among others, the growing influence of China in the region, the renewed threat of piracy, and the continued threat from Houthi rebels to global shipping. Escorted by two fast-interceptor crafts, the vessel was received by the Indian Naval Band. Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, was present. The vessel had been flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from Karwar on April 5. During deployment, the ship called at Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria, and Male. The key highlights of the mission included joint naval exercises, professional and cultural exchanges, and joint EEZ surveillance of key IOR nations — Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Strengthening regional maritime cooperation between India and African nations, the ship participated in AIKEYME 2025, alongside the Navy's INS Chennai and INS Kesari, an exercise that was jointly hosted by India and Tanzania from April 13 to 18. It provided an opportunity for the crew of lOS Sagar to participate in the joint harbour phase and also interact with the participating navies. At Mozambique, collaborative activities and community engagements were held to promote operational synergy and interoperability with the Mozambique Navy. The crew of IOS Sagar interacted with the Mauritius Police Force and also undertook coordinated patrols with the Mauritius Coast Guard. A visit to Port Victoria, Seychelles, was marked with cross deck visits, training exchange, joint Yoga sessions, and maritime engagement with the Seychelles Defence Force. The ship held collaborative maritime security and regional outreach missions at Maldives prior to entering Kochi, the release said.
India.com
04-05-2025
- India.com
India's smallest train runs twice daily, covers this much distance in 40 minutes, number of coaches are..., it starts from...
India's Smallest Train: Indian Railways is known worldwide for its vast rail network and diverse trains. Whether it's long-distance express trains or local passenger trains, rail services are available for every need. But have you ever heard that there is a train in India that operates with just three coaches? Let's learn about the unique features of this train. Smallest train in India India's smallest train is a DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) service, known for its short length and limited distance. It covers only 9 kilometers and takes about 40 minutes for the entire journey. Where does this unique train operate? The smallest train in India operates from Kochi Harbour Terminus to Ernakulam Junction in the state of Kerala. It stops at just one station along the way. The route of this train passes along the coast, providing passengers with the experience of natural beauty and tranquility. This train runs only twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. This timing is particularly useful for local commuters who travel daily on this short route. It connects the Cochin Port Trust and the Southern Naval Command to the heart of Kochi. This train has seating arrangements for about 300 passengers in three coaches. Each coach is equipped with comfortable seats that offer passengers a short but relaxing journey. Reports suggest that less than 30 tickets are sold daily for this train. Considering the very low number of passengers, the railway department might consider shutting it down. However, its unique route and mini structure keep it in discussions. This train service is more than just a mode of transport, it's a charming and memorable journey for those who travel on it. Will the country's shortest and unique train continue? Only time will tell!
Mint
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
‘Don't want people going against Muslims or Kashmiris': Navy officer Vinay Narwal's widow after Pahalgam attack
Himanshi Narwal, the wife of late Indian Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal who was killed in terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, on Thursday appealed for peace and urged not to target Muslims or Kashmiris. Narwal, a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer from Karnal, Haryana, was among the 26 people—mostly tourists—who were killed by terrorists at the Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam in one of the worst attacks on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years. He had travelled to Kashmir for a short vacation after his marriage on April 16. His wedding reception was held on April 19. "We don't want people going against Muslims or Kashmiris. We want peace and only peace. Of course, we want justice," said Himanshi while speaking to media. Narwal's last rites were held in Karnal on April 23, also attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Narwal had been serving at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi for the past one-and-a-half years after joining the Navy in 2022. The Navy officer was remembered by his colleagues as a cheerful and dedicated officer. "Lt Narwal was always cheerful and deeply committed to his duties," a Navy officer recalled. Narwal is survived by his father Rajesh who is a government employee, his mother, a homemaker and his younger sister who is pursuing her studies. On April 26, CM Nayab Singh Saini announced an ex-gratia of ₹ 50 lakh and a government job to the family member. The chief minister said that the government job will be given to any of the family member, as per Narwal's parents wishes, a statement said. "He was a very good died like a brave soldier," Vinay Narwal's father said about his son. "It is a mountain of sorrow. Unrepairable, unbearable and untolerable loss for me and my family," he said about the tragic loss. First Published: 1 May 2025, 06:00 PM IST
