At least four died when a Pawan Hans helicopter with nine onboard, including two pilots, fell into the Arabian Sea on Tuesday (June 28). The incident happened about 50 nautical miles from the Mumbai coast. Three out of those who lost their lives were the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) employees.&nbsp;

India-based news agencies have reported that the helicopter managed to stay afloat with the help of the attached floaters for some time. A company official said that the rescuers pulled out all nine people.&nbsp;

Four people were unconscious and were airlifted in a Navy copper to a hospital in Mumbai. The company official further said that they were declared dead at the hospital.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/respite-from-tormenting-heatwave-soon-indian-capital-may-welcome-monsoon-on-june-30-or-july-1-492619">Respite from tormenting heatwave soon: Indian capital may welcome monsoon on June 30 or July 1</a>&nbsp;

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The helicopter, said to be a brand new Sikorsky chopper that Pawan Hans had recently taken on lease, was attempting to land at ONGC rig, Sagar Kiran.&nbsp;

The circumstances that led to the incident were not immediately known.&nbsp;

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At least four died when a Pawan Hans helicopter with nine onboard, including two pilots, fell into the Arabian Sea on Tuesday (June 28). The incident happened about 50 nautical miles from the Mumbai coast.

At least four died when a Pawan Hans helicopter with nine onboard, including two pilots, fell into the Arabian Sea on Tuesday (June 28). The incident happened about 50 nautical miles from the Mumbai coast. Three out of those who lost their lives were the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) employees. India-based news agencies have reported that the helicopter managed to stay afloat with the help of the attached floaters for some time. A company official said that the rescuers pulled out all nine people. Four people were unconscious and were airlifted in a Navy copper to a hospital in Mumbai. The company official further said that they were declared dead at the hospital. ALSO READ | Respite from tormenting heatwave soon: Indian capital may welcome monsoon on June 30 or July 1 ONGC chopper carrying 9 makes emergency landing in Arabian Sea, 6 rescued Read @ANI Story: https://t.co/nBvTaHWb4S#ongc #helicopter #EmergencyLanding pic.twitter.com/bUBzbl2oZB — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) June 28, 2022 × The helicopter, said to be a brand new Sikorsky chopper that Pawan Hans had recently taken on lease, was attempting to land at ONGC rig, Sagar Kiran. The circumstances that led to the incident were not immediately known. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Four dead as ONGC chopper falls into the Arabian Sea

Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and the Customs in a joint operation seized 625 kilograms of drug consignment during a raid in the Northern Arabian Sea which is estimated at PKR 6.25 billion in the international market.

This was a raid over a foreign boat in the Northern Arabian Sea where 625 kilograms of narcotics was seized, said an official of the PMSA.

"In the open sea raid seven smugglers were also arrested," deputy director-general maritime security Shahid Jalil has said, reported ARY News. "

Arrested persons included five foreign nationals and two people having dual nationality," a PMSA official said. "The seized drugs value has been estimated at PKR 6.25 billion in the international market," the official said.

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Seized drugs and arrested smugglers have been handed over to customs, PMSA official said.

Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan`s Sindh Excise Taxation and Narcotics Control Department confiscated drugs worth USD 1.4 billion from a vacant plot situated in Karachi`s Surjani Town.

The anti-narcotics department launched an operation in Surjani Town`s Sector 70-D, recovered drugs and apprehended one person from the crime scene.

Mukesh Kumar Chawla, Sindh Minister for Excise &amp; Taxation and Narcotics Control Department, said the heroin was concealed in plastic bags during a news briefing. According to him, a case has been filed against the accused, and additional investigation is underway.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Qandeel Baloch's killer cleared of all charges

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Pakistan is one of the highest drug-consuming nations in Southwest Asia. Drug abuse is taking a heavy toll on the youth in Pakistan, especially students, and fuelling a life of addiction and crime.

The country`s Anti-Narcotics force has said that children as young as 9-12 have already started consuming tobacco and some as young as 13 and 14 are said to be turning to drugs.

Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and the Customs in a joint operation seized 625 kilograms of drug consignment during a raid in the Northern Arabian Sea which is estimated at PKR 6.

Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and the Customs in a joint operation seized 625 kilograms of drug consignment during a raid in the Northern Arabian Sea which is estimated at PKR 6.25 billion in the international market. This was a raid over a foreign boat in the Northern Arabian Sea where 625 kilograms of narcotics was seized, said an official of the PMSA. "In the open sea raid seven smugglers were also arrested," deputy director-general maritime security Shahid Jalil has said, reported ARY News. " Arrested persons included five foreign nationals and two people having dual nationality," a PMSA official said. "The seized drugs value has been estimated at PKR 6.25 billion in the international market," the official said. Also read | After Pakistan, China to build nuclear power plant in Argentina Seized drugs and arrested smugglers have been handed over to customs, PMSA official said. Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan`s Sindh Excise Taxation and Narcotics Control Department confiscated drugs worth USD 1.4 billion from a vacant plot situated in Karachi`s Surjani Town. The anti-narcotics department launched an operation in Surjani Town`s Sector 70-D, recovered drugs and apprehended one person from the crime scene. Mukesh Kumar Chawla, Sindh Minister for Excise & Taxation and Narcotics Control Department, said the heroin was concealed in plastic bags during a news briefing. According to him, a case has been filed against the accused, and additional investigation is underway. Watch | Gravitas: Qandeel Baloch's killer cleared of all charges Pakistan is one of the highest drug-consuming nations in Southwest Asia. Drug abuse is taking a heavy toll on the youth in Pakistan, especially students, and fuelling a life of addiction and crime. The country`s Anti-Narcotics force has said that children as young as 9-12 have already started consuming tobacco and some as young as 13 and 14 are said to be turning to drugs.

Pakistan: 625 Kg drug consignment seized during joint operation in Arabian sea

The 32-year-old fisherman from Maharashtra's Palghar district who was killed in firing by Pakistan's maritime security agency (PMSA) personnel off the Gujarat coast on Saturday, was cremated in his native Vadrai village on Tuesday.

The body of Sridhar Chamre arrived in the village around 4 AM on Tuesday. His last rites were performed before 8 AM amid heavy deployment by police, sources said.

The body of the deceased was partially decomposed, they said.

The deceased was one of the crew members of the fishing boat 'Jalpari' which was targeted by the PMSA while it was sailing near the international maritime boundary line in the Arabian sea on Saturday afternoon, police had said.

Sources said Chamre was working in the fishing boat for the last three months. 
His father-in-law said their boat was chased by Pakistani boats for half an hour.

Villagers of Vadrai had observed a bandh on Monday to condemn the killing of Chamre.

He is survived by his parents, wife, and two minor daughters.

The 32-year-old fisherman from Maharashtra's Palghar district who was killed in firing by Pakistan's maritime security agency (PMSA) personnel off the Gujarat coast on Saturday, was cremated in his native Vadrai village on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old fisherman from Maharashtra's Palghar district who was killed in firing by Pakistan's maritime security agency (PMSA) personnel off the Gujarat coast on Saturday, was cremated in his native Vadrai village on Tuesday. The body of Sridhar Chamre arrived in the village around 4 AM on Tuesday. His last rites were performed before 8 AM amid heavy deployment by police, sources said. The body of the deceased was partially decomposed, they said. The deceased was one of the crew members of the fishing boat 'Jalpari' which was targeted by the PMSA while it was sailing near the international maritime boundary line in the Arabian sea on Saturday afternoon, police had said. Sources said Chamre was working in the fishing boat for the last three months. His father-in-law said their boat was chased by Pakistani boats for half an hour. Villagers of Vadrai had observed a bandh on Monday to condemn the killing of Chamre. He is survived by his parents, wife, and two minor daughters.

Indian fisherman killed in firing by Pak maritime security personnel mid-sea

Iranian-backed forces are believed to have seized an oil tanker in the Gulf off the coast of the UAE. Two of the maritime sources identified the seized vessel as the Panama-flagged asphalt/bitumen tanker Asphalt Princess in an area in the Arabian Sea leading to the Strait of Hormuz, the conduit for about a fifth of the world's seaborne oil exports.

Iranian-backed forces seize oil tanker in Gulf off coast of UAE

Two days ago, the US seized a staggering cache of weapons in the Arabian Sea. The vessel allegedly came from Iran and was on its way to Yemen. Then, the US Navy had a direct face-off with Iranian vessels. Why are tensions high between the US and Iran? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Staggering cache of weapons seized in the Arabian Sea

The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet said on Saturday that the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) seized an illicit shipment of weapons from a stateless dhow in international water of the North Arabian Sea on May 6 and 7. &nbsp;

"The cache of weapons included dozens of advanced Russian-made anti-tank guided missiles, thousands of Chinese Type 56 assault rifles, and hundreds of PKM machine guns, sniper rifles and rocket-propelled grenades launchers. Other weapon components included advanced optical sights," the Bahrain-based Fleet said in a statement. &nbsp;

It added that the material is in US custody awaiting final disposition, while the original source and intended destination of the materiel is under investigation.&nbsp;

"After all illicit cargo was removed, the dhow was assessed for seaworthiness, and after questioning, its crew was provided food and water before being released," the statement said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet said on Saturday that the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) seized an illicit shipment of weapons from a stateless dhow in international water of the North Arabian Sea on May 6 and 7.

The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet said on Saturday that the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) seized an illicit shipment of weapons from a stateless dhow in international water of the North Arabian Sea on May 6 and 7. "The cache of weapons included dozens of advanced Russian-made anti-tank guided missiles, thousands of Chinese Type 56 assault rifles, and hundreds of PKM machine guns, sniper rifles and rocket-propelled grenades launchers. Other weapon components included advanced optical sights," the Bahrain-based Fleet said in a statement. It added that the material is in US custody awaiting final disposition, while the original source and intended destination of the materiel is under investigation. "After all illicit cargo was removed, the dhow was assessed for seaworthiness, and after questioning, its crew was provided food and water before being released," the statement said. (With inputs from agencies)

US 5th Fleet seizes weapons shipment from stateless dhow in Arabian Sea 

India's coast guard rescued 81 Rohingya refugees from a boat adrift in the Andaman Sea, India's external affairs ministry said on Thursday.&nbsp;

"The engine of the boat failed on February 15 and since then it has been drifting," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said in a press briefing.&nbsp;

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"Due to the severe conditions, we understand that eight occupants have died and one of the occupants had been missing since February 15."&nbsp;

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The United Nations on Wednesday raised an alarm of the Rohingya refugees stranded in a boat in the Andaman Sea without food or water.&nbsp;

The boat's engine broke down after four days at sea and the refugees on board had run out of food and water with several people gone ill and facing extreme dehydration at the time they were rescued, the spokesperson added.&nbsp;

Two coast guard ships were sent to rescue the migrants, 23 of whom were children.&nbsp;

"When we learnt of the boat in distress, we immediately dispatched two coast guard ships to provide food, water and medical assistance to the occupants. Seven of them were administered IV fluids," &nbsp;Srivastava said.&nbsp;

About 90 Rohingya refugees started their journey nearly two weeks ago and the UN and rights groups had said that these migrants are suffering from acute dehydration and were ill.

India's coast guard rescued 81 Rohingya refugees from a boat adrift in the Andaman Sea, India's external affairs ministry said on Thursday. "The engine of the boat failed on February 15 and since then it has been drifting," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said in a press briefing.

India's coast guard rescued 81 Rohingya refugees from a boat adrift in the Andaman Sea, India's external affairs ministry said on Thursday. "The engine of the boat failed on February 15 and since then it has been drifting," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said in a press briefing. Watch | Myanmar: Rohingyas condemn ouster of democratically-elected govt "Due to the severe conditions, we understand that eight occupants have died and one of the occupants had been missing since February 15." Also read | UN refugee agency calls for rescue of Rohingya stranded at sea The United Nations on Wednesday raised an alarm of the Rohingya refugees stranded in a boat in the Andaman Sea without food or water. The boat's engine broke down after four days at sea and the refugees on board had run out of food and water with several people gone ill and facing extreme dehydration at the time they were rescued, the spokesperson added. Two coast guard ships were sent to rescue the migrants, 23 of whom were children. "When we learnt of the boat in distress, we immediately dispatched two coast guard ships to provide food, water and medical assistance to the occupants. Seven of them were administered IV fluids," Srivastava said. About 90 Rohingya refugees started their journey nearly two weeks ago and the UN and rights groups had said that these migrants are suffering from acute dehydration and were ill.

Indian coast guard rescues 81 Rohingya refugees stranded on boat in Andaman Sea

Indian&nbsp;External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has pitched for connectivity from the "Arabian Sea to the South China Sea" even as New Delhi and Tokyo work together in tandem.

Speaking at an event in Guwahati, Jaishankar said, "approach to create connectivity to and within Assam, beyond to the North-East, then to neighbouring Myanmar and Bangladesh, but eventually push all the way by road, by sea, by air to Vietnam, to Japan."

India is working on a number of connectivity projects to connect northeast with East Asia. These include India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, with an aim to expand it to Vietnam via Laos.

The Kaladan Multimodal transport link will provide North East access via Sittwe Project and the Paletwa Inland Water Terminal. Work is on BIMSTEC masterplan on transport connectivity via 264 projects.

He lauded India Japan partnership, calling it "natural and close" and said, "India-Japan collaboration has always had a central place in our national modernization and development efforts." Japan has been involved in the funding of the Guwahati water supply project, road connectivity in the northeast, construction&nbsp;of a primary school in Manipur etc.

Recently New Delhi and Tokyo reached a pact for people from India to jo to Japan under "specified skilled workers" visa and will increase in people to people engagement.

Interestingly he pointed out to Assam becoming a "major player" in producing refined petroleum products and "a pipeline to supply Bangladesh high-speed diesel is an important beginning". &nbsp;India and Nepal recently opened a cross country oil pipeline, the first such pipeline in South Asia.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has pitched for connectivity from the "Arabian Sea to the South China Sea" even as New Delhi and Tokyo work together in tandem.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has pitched for connectivity from the "Arabian Sea to the South China Sea" even as New Delhi and Tokyo work together in tandem. Speaking at an event in Guwahati, Jaishankar said, "approach to create connectivity to and within Assam, beyond to the North-East, then to neighbouring Myanmar and Bangladesh, but eventually push all the way by road, by sea, by air to Vietnam, to Japan." India is working on a number of connectivity projects to connect northeast with East Asia. These include India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, with an aim to expand it to Vietnam via Laos. The Kaladan Multimodal transport link will provide North East access via Sittwe Project and the Paletwa Inland Water Terminal. Work is on BIMSTEC masterplan on transport connectivity via 264 projects. He lauded India Japan partnership, calling it "natural and close" and said, "India-Japan collaboration has always had a central place in our national modernization and development efforts." Japan has been involved in the funding of the Guwahati water supply project, road connectivity in the northeast, construction of a primary school in Manipur etc. Recently New Delhi and Tokyo reached a pact for people from India to jo to Japan under "specified skilled workers" visa and will increase in people to people engagement. Interestingly he pointed out to Assam becoming a "major player" in producing refined petroleum products and "a pipeline to supply Bangladesh high-speed diesel is an important beginning". India and Nepal recently opened a cross country oil pipeline, the first such pipeline in South Asia.

EAM pitches for connectivity from Arabian Sea to South China Sea

At least three sailors were missing while one injured crewman was rescued after a fire raged through an offshore supply vessel, Greatship Rohini around 170 kms off Mumbai in the Arabian Sea, here on Saturday. 
 
According to an Indian Coast Guard spokesperson, the blaze broke out on the Greatship Rohini around this morning when it was close to the ONGC`s Bombay High NQO platform. 
 
On getting the information, the ICG diverted an offshore patrol vessel Samarth to the location and an ICG Dornier aircraft flew to the spot for an aerial assessment of the emergency. 
 
The ICG ship reached the vicinity of the fire-ravaged vessel around 13.30 hrs this afternoon while another ship, MV Albatross-5 pulled out the Greatship Rohini to a safe distance from the NQO ONGC platform rig. 
 
ICGS Samarth along with another OSV Priya-27 launched the fire-fighting operations with its advanced External Fire Fighting System and created a boundary cooling to control the spread of the blaze. 
 
Owing to excessive heat and some, the Greatship Rohini crew were unable to enter the engine room where the blaze started but an ICGS Samarth team boarded her for further assessment of the situation. 
 
The ICG said that while 3 sailors are still missing and believed to be trapped in the ship`s blazing engine room, the injured sailor was airlifted by an ONGC helicopter to Mumbai for treatment. 
 
Till 2000 hrs on Saturday, the fire-fighting operations were still underway on the Greatship Rohini and the ICGS also dispatched a pollution control vessel to the location, and further details are awaited on the mishap. 
&nbsp;

At least three sailors were missing while one injured crewman was rescued after a fire raged through an offshore supply vessel, Greatship Rohini around 170 kms off Mumbai in the Arabian Sea, here on Saturday.

At least three sailors were missing while one injured crewman was rescued after a fire raged through an offshore supply vessel, Greatship Rohini around 170 kms off Mumbai in the Arabian Sea, here on Saturday. According to an Indian Coast Guard spokesperson, the blaze broke out on the Greatship Rohini around this morning when it was close to the ONGC`s Bombay High NQO platform. On getting the information, the ICG diverted an offshore patrol vessel Samarth to the location and an ICG Dornier aircraft flew to the spot for an aerial assessment of the emergency. The ICG ship reached the vicinity of the fire-ravaged vessel around 13.30 hrs this afternoon while another ship, MV Albatross-5 pulled out the Greatship Rohini to a safe distance from the NQO ONGC platform rig. ICGS Samarth along with another OSV Priya-27 launched the fire-fighting operations with its advanced External Fire Fighting System and created a boundary cooling to control the spread of the blaze. Owing to excessive heat and some, the Greatship Rohini crew were unable to enter the engine room where the blaze started but an ICGS Samarth team boarded her for further assessment of the situation. The ICG said that while 3 sailors are still missing and believed to be trapped in the ship`s blazing engine room, the injured sailor was airlifted by an ONGC helicopter to Mumbai for treatment. Till 2000 hrs on Saturday, the fire-fighting operations were still underway on the Greatship Rohini and the ICGS also dispatched a pollution control vessel to the location, and further details are awaited on the mishap.

3 sailors missing, 1 hurt as fire breaks out in ship in Arabian Sea

India today successfully test fired Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the indigenous stealth destroyer INS Chennai.

DRDO in its tweet informed that the test was carried out in the Arabian sea and the missile successfully hit the designated target with pin-point accuracy.

BrahMos as ‘prime strike weapon’ will ensure the warship’s invincibility by engaging naval surface targets at long ranges, thus making the destroyer another lethal platform of Indian Navy. The highly versatile BrahMos has been jointly designed, developed and produced by India and Russia.

BrahMos Aerospace, an India-Russia joint venture, produces the supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or from land platforms.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the BrahMos Aerospace and the Indian Navy for the "successful" test-firing of the missile.

DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy too congratulated the scientists and all personnel involved in the test-firing of the missile which he said will add to the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces in many ways.

In the last few weeks, India has test fired a number of missiles including a new version of the surface-to-surface supersonic cruise missile BrahMos and anti-radiation missile Rudram-1.

(With inputs from agencies)

India today successfully test fired Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the indigenous stealth destroyer INS Chennai.

India today successfully test fired Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the indigenous stealth destroyer INS Chennai. DRDO in its tweet informed that the test was carried out in the Arabian sea and the missile successfully hit the designated target with pin-point accuracy. BrahMos as ‘prime strike weapon’ will ensure the warship’s invincibility by engaging naval surface targets at long ranges, thus making the destroyer another lethal platform of Indian Navy. The highly versatile BrahMos has been jointly designed, developed and produced by India and Russia. BrahMos Aerospace, an India-Russia joint venture, produces the supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or from land platforms. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the BrahMos Aerospace and the Indian Navy for the "successful" test-firing of the missile. DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy too congratulated the scientists and all personnel involved in the test-firing of the missile which he said will add to the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces in many ways. In the last few weeks, India has test fired a number of missiles including a new version of the surface-to-surface supersonic cruise missile BrahMos and anti-radiation missile Rudram-1. (With inputs from agencies)

BrahMos missile test-fired from stealth destroyer INS Chennai in Arabian Sea

The Indian Coast Guard rescued 12 crew of MSV Krishna Sudama, a cargo vessel sinking in the Arabian Sea off the Gujarat coast, officials said on Sunday.

The Coast Guard received information on Saturday at 9 PM that there was flooding onboard the vessel 'MSV Krishna Sudama' around 10 nautical miles off the Okha coast.

MSV Krishna Sudama had sailed from Mundra on the morning of Saturday (September 26) and was proceeding to Djibouti, carrying 905 ton cargo consisting of rice and sugar. 
 
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"Search and rescue was immediately commenced wherein Coast Guard Ship C-411 sailed from Okha, C-161 was diverted from off Mundra, and MV Southern Robin in the vicinity of the area was diverted to render assistance," it said.

The Coast Guard ship C-411 arrived near the vessel in distress.

It undertook extensive search in the area and located the craft carrying 12 crew members who had abandoned the vessel as it was sinking due to flooding, it said.

The Coast Guard ship rescued all the 12 crew under challenging circumstances owing to night hours, floating dangerous debris and unfavourable weather conditions, it said.

"They were brought to Okha and are safe," the statement said.

The area where the incident took place is being monitored by the Coast Guard Ship C-161 so that it can combat any probable oil pollution incident that might result from leakage of fuel from the sunken dhow, it added.

(With inputs from PTI)

The Indian Coast Guard rescued 12 crew of MSV Krishna Sudama, a cargo vessel sinking in the Arabian Sea off the Gujarat coast, officials said on Sunday. The Coast Guard received information on Saturday at 9 PM that there was flooding onboard the vessel 'MSV Krishna Sudama' around 10 nautical miles off the Okha coast.

The Indian Coast Guard rescued 12 crew of MSV Krishna Sudama, a cargo vessel sinking in the Arabian Sea off the Gujarat coast, officials said on Sunday. The Coast Guard received information on Saturday at 9 PM that there was flooding onboard the vessel 'MSV Krishna Sudama' around 10 nautical miles off the Okha coast. MSV Krishna Sudama had sailed from Mundra on the morning of Saturday (September 26) and was proceeding to Djibouti, carrying 905 ton cargo consisting of rice and sugar. "Search and rescue was immediately commenced wherein Coast Guard Ship C-411 sailed from Okha, C-161 was diverted from off Mundra, and MV Southern Robin in the vicinity of the area was diverted to render assistance," it said. The Coast Guard ship C-411 arrived near the vessel in distress. It undertook extensive search in the area and located the craft carrying 12 crew members who had abandoned the vessel as it was sinking due to flooding, it said. The Coast Guard ship rescued all the 12 crew under challenging circumstances owing to night hours, floating dangerous debris and unfavourable weather conditions, it said. "They were brought to Okha and are safe," the statement said. The area where the incident took place is being monitored by the Coast Guard Ship C-161 so that it can combat any probable oil pollution incident that might result from leakage of fuel from the sunken dhow, it added. (With inputs from PTI)

Indian Coast Guard rescues 12 crew members of sinking cargo ship in Arabian Sea

Light-to-moderate rain lashed several states in northern India on Sunday, including Delhi, reducing the possibility of a second heat wave in the region for a week, as the IMD said a low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea could intensify into a cyclonic storm and move into the upper west coast.

The maximum temperature in Delhi was recorded below normal at 36 degrees Celsius due to light showers overnight and through the day, and the weatherman predicted the day temperature is likely to remain below 40 degrees during the next two days.

Several residents of Delhi-NCR witnessed a rainbow in the sky and sports enthusiasts played volleyball after the rainfall. Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh too received rainfall.

Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the India Meteorological Department's regional forecasting centre, said the temperature in Delhi-NCR is likely to increase by 2-4 degrees between June 1 and June 3.

As another western disturbance is expected over northwest India in the first week of June, a heat wave is unlikely to return to the region before June 8, Srivastava said.

A brief spell of heat wave had swept parts of northern India last week.

A fresh western disturbance and southwesterly winds along with the formation of a low-pressure system in the Arabian Sea will bring moisture to Delhi-NCR.

The low-pressure system is likely to turn into a depression and then into a cyclonic storm before moving into north Maharashtra and south Gujarat by June 3, said the IMD.

It said the fishermen who have ventured into the sea along the north and south Gujarat coasts should return by Sunday and not go out till June 4.

The Ahmedabad meteorological centre of IMD advised hoisting of "distant cautionary (DC)-1" storm warning signals at all ports on north and south Gujarat coasts, as the sea condition was very likely to be "rough to very rough," with wind speed reaching 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph by June 4.

In southern India, maximum temperatures were appreciably above normal (3.1 to 5.0 degrees) at isolated places in Goa, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry; and above normal (1.6 to 3.0 degrees) in coastal Karnataka, West Madhya Pradesh and Kerala.

Khargone district, 122 kilometres from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, sizzled at 45 degrees Celsius. Wardha, in Vidarbha region, recorded a maximum temperature of 43.4 degrees Celsius, IMD said.

It said it will issue the second stage Long Range Forecast for South-West Monsoon Season (June?September) rainfall on Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Light-to-moderate rain lashed several states in northern India on Sunday, including Delhi, reducing the possibility of a second heat wave in the region for a week, as the IMD said a low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea could intensify into a cyclonic storm and move into the upper west coast.

Light-to-moderate rain lashed several states in northern India on Sunday, including Delhi, reducing the possibility of a second heat wave in the region for a week, as the IMD said a low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea could intensify into a cyclonic storm and move into the upper west coast. The maximum temperature in Delhi was recorded below normal at 36 degrees Celsius due to light showers overnight and through the day, and the weatherman predicted the day temperature is likely to remain below 40 degrees during the next two days. Several residents of Delhi-NCR witnessed a rainbow in the sky and sports enthusiasts played volleyball after the rainfall. Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh too received rainfall. Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the India Meteorological Department's regional forecasting centre, said the temperature in Delhi-NCR is likely to increase by 2-4 degrees between June 1 and June 3. As another western disturbance is expected over northwest India in the first week of June, a heat wave is unlikely to return to the region before June 8, Srivastava said. A brief spell of heat wave had swept parts of northern India last week. A fresh western disturbance and southwesterly winds along with the formation of a low-pressure system in the Arabian Sea will bring moisture to Delhi-NCR. The low-pressure system is likely to turn into a depression and then into a cyclonic storm before moving into north Maharashtra and south Gujarat by June 3, said the IMD. It said the fishermen who have ventured into the sea along the north and south Gujarat coasts should return by Sunday and not go out till June 4. The Ahmedabad meteorological centre of IMD advised hoisting of "distant cautionary (DC)-1" storm warning signals at all ports on north and south Gujarat coasts, as the sea condition was very likely to be "rough to very rough," with wind speed reaching 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph by June 4. In southern India, maximum temperatures were appreciably above normal (3.1 to 5.0 degrees) at isolated places in Goa, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry; and above normal (1.6 to 3.0 degrees) in coastal Karnataka, West Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. Khargone district, 122 kilometres from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, sizzled at 45 degrees Celsius. Wardha, in Vidarbha region, recorded a maximum temperature of 43.4 degrees Celsius, IMD said. It said it will issue the second stage Long Range Forecast for South-West Monsoon Season (June?September) rainfall on Monday afternoon.

Rain in North India reduces possibility of heat wave for a week; low-pressure system in Arabian Sea

China & Pakistan have launched a major naval drill in India's backyard, the Arabian Sea. While Beijing and Islamabad are stepping up their defence engagement, India is keeping a keen eye on the naval drills. Take a look. #Gravitas #China #Pakistan #India #NavalDrill

Gravitas: China-Pakistan naval drill in the Arabian sea, Implications for India

Indian Navy has deployed its sole aircraft carrier, the Queen of battle till the Arabian sea to closely watch over the joint military drills between China and Pakistan. The INS Vikramaditya was the fleet of the mig 29k fighter jets on board, who will be monitoring the nine-day mega naval exercise sea guardian 2020. #WION #WIONNews #IndianNavy #Navy #Pakistan #China #MilitaryDrill

WION Dispatch: INS Vikramaditya monitors Pak-China naval drill

Green sea baby turtles in hundreds were released into the Arabian Sea by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-university-professor-sentenced-to-death-for-blasphemy-269461">Pakistani</a> wildlife officials in a conservation bid that has been going on for a decade.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with his sister Bakhtawar facilitated the release process at Hawksbay beach in Karachi.

Nesting was interrupted by storms in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/us-re-designates-pakistan-china-as-countries-curbing-religious-freedom-269447">Arabian Sea</a> recently, but more than 4600 sea turtle babies have been released into the ocean.

Sea turtles can live up to 100 years.

According to the Sindh Wildlife Department, green sea turtles arrive at the beaches of Hawksbay and Sandspit to lay eggs during this time.

The eggs are usually looked after by the department staff for 40-60 days in the Marine Turtle Conservation Nursery before they hatch.

They are then released back into the Arabian Sea.

(With inputs from agencies)

Green sea baby turtles in hundreds were released into the Arabian Sea by Pakistani wildlife officials in a conservation bid that has been going on for a decade. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with his sister Bakhtawar facilitated the release process at Hawksbay beach in Karachi.

Green sea baby turtles in hundreds were released into the Arabian Sea by Pakistani wildlife officials in a conservation bid that has been going on for a decade. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with his sister Bakhtawar facilitated the release process at Hawksbay beach in Karachi. Nesting was interrupted by storms in the Arabian Sea recently, but more than 4600 sea turtle babies have been released into the ocean. Sea turtles can live up to 100 years. According to the Sindh Wildlife Department, green sea turtles arrive at the beaches of Hawksbay and Sandspit to lay eggs during this time. The eggs are usually looked after by the department staff for 40-60 days in the Marine Turtle Conservation Nursery before they hatch. They are then released back into the Arabian Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Hundreds of baby turtles released into Arabian Sea

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the severe Cyclonic storm Maha which was over east-central Arabian Sea has moved further west-north westwards with a speed of 19 kilometers per hour in the past six hours.

It is very likely to move northwestwards during the next 24 hours and towards west-northwestwards between Saturday to Monday and recurve east-northeastwards towards south Gujarat coast thereafter.

"Mahe is very likely to intensify into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm over east-central Arabian sea during the next 24 hours," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Forecast Bulletin.

The weather forecast agency further forecasted that the Depression over the west-central Arabian Sea has also moved west-southwestwards with a speed of 24 kmph during the past six hours.

"It is very likely to move southwestwards across the west-central Arabian Sea maintaining the intensity of a Depression during the next 12 hours and weaken into a Well Marked Low-Pressure Area thereafter."Also, under the influence of cyclonic circulation over the Gulf of Thailand and neighbourhood, a Low-Pressure Area is likely to form over the north Andaman Sea on November 3.

"It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and concentrate into a depression over east-central Bay of Bengal during the subsequent 48 hours."

Due to the prevailing weather system, rain and thundershowers were observed yesterday at many places over Lakshadweep and at a few places over Madhya Maharashtra and at isolated places over West Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Kutch, Madhya Pradesh, Konkan and Goa.

Besides these regions, Coastal and North Interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal were also battered by rains on Friday.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the severe Cyclonic storm Maha which was over east-central Arabian Sea has moved further west-north westwards with a speed of 19 kilometers per hour in the past six hours.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the severe Cyclonic storm Maha which was over east-central Arabian Sea has moved further west-north westwards with a speed of 19 kilometers per hour in the past six hours. It is very likely to move northwestwards during the next 24 hours and towards west-northwestwards between Saturday to Monday and recurve east-northeastwards towards south Gujarat coast thereafter. "Mahe is very likely to intensify into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm over east-central Arabian sea during the next 24 hours," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Forecast Bulletin. The weather forecast agency further forecasted that the Depression over the west-central Arabian Sea has also moved west-southwestwards with a speed of 24 kmph during the past six hours. "It is very likely to move southwestwards across the west-central Arabian Sea maintaining the intensity of a Depression during the next 12 hours and weaken into a Well Marked Low-Pressure Area thereafter."Also, under the influence of cyclonic circulation over the Gulf of Thailand and neighbourhood, a Low-Pressure Area is likely to form over the north Andaman Sea on November 3. "It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and concentrate into a depression over east-central Bay of Bengal during the subsequent 48 hours." Due to the prevailing weather system, rain and thundershowers were observed yesterday at many places over Lakshadweep and at a few places over Madhya Maharashtra and at isolated places over West Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Kutch, Madhya Pradesh, Konkan and Goa. Besides these regions, Coastal and North Interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal were also battered by rains on Friday.

'Mahe' likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm over east-central Arabian sea: India Meteorological Department

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that isolated places over Saurashtra, Kutch, ghat areas of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe and Coastal and South Interior <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-issues-heavy-rainfall-alert-for-goa-coastal-karnataka-odisha-241288">Karnataka are likely to receive very heavy rainfall </a>on Sunday.

The department also stated that Uttarakhand, Gujarat region, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands will also witness heavy downpour throughout the day.

'Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning very likely at isolated places over Jharkhand. Strong winds, speed reaching 45-55 km, are likely to prevail over the southwest, central and northeast Arabian Sea and along and off,' the organisation added.

The organisation has adviced fishermen not to venture in these areas for the next few days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that isolated places over Saurashtra, Kutch, ghat areas of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe and Coastal and South Interior Karnataka are likely to receive very heavy rainfall on Sunday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that isolated places over Saurashtra, Kutch, ghat areas of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe and Coastal and South Interior Karnataka are likely to receive very heavy rainfall on Sunday. The department also stated that Uttarakhand, Gujarat region, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands will also witness heavy downpour throughout the day. 'Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning very likely at isolated places over Jharkhand. Strong winds, speed reaching 45-55 km, are likely to prevail over the southwest, central and northeast Arabian Sea and along and off,' the organisation added. The organisation has adviced fishermen not to venture in these areas for the next few days.

Heavy rainfall alert issued for Gujarat, Tamil Nadu

A police constable was killed and five people injured in Pakistan on Wednesday, following a gun battle with Taliban militants at a police housing and training complex, security officials said.

Three militants wearing suicide vests attempted to storm the complex in the restive southwestern province of Baluchistan when confronted by guards at the entrance.

"Police personnel deployed at the gate killed one of the suicide bombers," senior police officer Abdul Rehman Luni told Reuters.

"The other two blew themselves up inside the police complex," he said, adding that a senior constable was killed in the attack, and five wounded people were taken to hospital.

The attack was claimed by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, in a statement sent to journalists.

Military cordoned off the area after the attack.

The walled complex comprises police residences and training facilities and is heavily guarded in a province where attacks on security officials are common.

Islamist militant groups and separatists fighting the central government are active in mineral-rich Baluchistan, with frequent attacks on gas and transport infrastructure and security posts.

Baluchistan's coastal city of Gwadar is a strategic port on the Arabian Sea that is being developed as part of the $60-billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor, part of China's Belt and Road infrastructure project.

In May, gunmen from the Balochistan Liberation Army insurgent group dressed as military officers stormed a luxury five-star hotel in Gwadar, killing three security guards, an employee, and a naval officer in the ensuing gunbattle.

A police constable was killed and five people injured in Pakistan on Wednesday, following a gun battle with Taliban militants at a police housing and training complex, security officials said.

A police constable was killed and five people injured in Pakistan on Wednesday, following a gun battle with Taliban militants at a police housing and training complex, security officials said. Three militants wearing suicide vests attempted to storm the complex in the restive southwestern province of Baluchistan when confronted by guards at the entrance. "Police personnel deployed at the gate killed one of the suicide bombers," senior police officer Abdul Rehman Luni told Reuters. "The other two blew themselves up inside the police complex," he said, adding that a senior constable was killed in the attack, and five wounded people were taken to hospital. The attack was claimed by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, in a statement sent to journalists. Military cordoned off the area after the attack. The walled complex comprises police residences and training facilities and is heavily guarded in a province where attacks on security officials are common. Islamist militant groups and separatists fighting the central government are active in mineral-rich Baluchistan, with frequent attacks on gas and transport infrastructure and security posts. Baluchistan's coastal city of Gwadar is a strategic port on the Arabian Sea that is being developed as part of the $60-billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor, part of China's Belt and Road infrastructure project. In May, gunmen from the Balochistan Liberation Army insurgent group dressed as military officers stormed a luxury five-star hotel in Gwadar, killing three security guards, an employee, and a naval officer in the ensuing gunbattle.

One killed as militants attack Pakistan police housing complex

Pakistan's hopes for the discovery of large reserves of oil and gas off Karachi coast in the Arabian Sea faded as it stopped the much-celebrated offshore drilling after no oil and gas reserves were found, a media report said on Sunday.

Prime Minister Imran Khan earlier this year said Pakistan would not need to import oil after reserves were found near Karachi coast. "God willing the reserves will be so large that we will not need to import any oil," he said.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Petroleum, Nadeem Babar, announced that the offshore drilling in Kekra-1 did not yield desired results, Dawn reported.

"The operators of the well have decided to plug it in the coming days," the paper said.

Around 17 attempts have been made in the past, but all remained unsuccessful despite encouraging data from each drilling, it said.

A senior official of the petroleum division said that after drilling more than 5,500 metres reserves were not found. Therefore, he added, it had been decided to plug the well and abandon the project.

Around $100 million has been invested in the project, but the officials of the petroleum division maintain that the data received from the drilling and other seismic studies of the well will be useful for future exploration activities in the region, the paper said.

At the same time, the officials say, oil and gas E&amp;P is described as a "high risk-high reward" business and the failures should not be taken as a loss.&nbsp;

The drilling was initiated around four months back by ENI, an Italian oil and gas exploration and production (E&amp;P) giant, which is the operator of Kekra-1. The other four partners of the well were ExxonMobil of the US one of the world's largest oil and gas firms Pakistan Petroleum Limited and the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL).

"Based on previous data the prospects were high and at the start of drilling the chances of success were between 13 and 15 per cent, which is fairly good," OGDCL spokesman Ahmed Lak said.

"Among the highest prospects of finding the hydrocarbon reserve is 20 per cent, therefore, our record was good enough to proceed with drilling," he added.

The last offshore activity was conducted by Dutch E&amp;P firm Shell in 2005, but it failed to find hydrocarbon reserves. The first offshore well in Pakistani waters was drilled in 1963 by a US E&amp;P company, the well was found dry.

Pakistan's hopes for the discovery of large reserves of oil and gas off Karachi coast in the Arabian Sea faded as it stopped the much-celebrated offshore drilling after no oil and gas reserves were found, a media report said on Sunday.

Pakistan's hopes for the discovery of large reserves of oil and gas off Karachi coast in the Arabian Sea faded as it stopped the much-celebrated offshore drilling after no oil and gas reserves were found, a media report said on Sunday. Prime Minister Imran Khan earlier this year said Pakistan would not need to import oil after reserves were found near Karachi coast. "God willing the reserves will be so large that we will not need to import any oil," he said. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Petroleum, Nadeem Babar, announced that the offshore drilling in Kekra-1 did not yield desired results, Dawn reported. "The operators of the well have decided to plug it in the coming days," the paper said. Around 17 attempts have been made in the past, but all remained unsuccessful despite encouraging data from each drilling, it said. A senior official of the petroleum division said that after drilling more than 5,500 metres reserves were not found. Therefore, he added, it had been decided to plug the well and abandon the project. Around $100 million has been invested in the project, but the officials of the petroleum division maintain that the data received from the drilling and other seismic studies of the well will be useful for future exploration activities in the region, the paper said. At the same time, the officials say, oil and gas E&P is described as a "high risk-high reward" business and the failures should not be taken as a loss. The drilling was initiated around four months back by ENI, an Italian oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) giant, which is the operator of Kekra-1. The other four partners of the well were ExxonMobil of the US one of the world's largest oil and gas firms Pakistan Petroleum Limited and the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL). "Based on previous data the prospects were high and at the start of drilling the chances of success were between 13 and 15 per cent, which is fairly good," OGDCL spokesman Ahmed Lak said. "Among the highest prospects of finding the hydrocarbon reserve is 20 per cent, therefore, our record was good enough to proceed with drilling," he added. The last offshore activity was conducted by Dutch E&P firm Shell in 2005, but it failed to find hydrocarbon reserves. The first offshore well in Pakistani waters was drilled in 1963 by a US E&P company, the well was found dry.

Pakistan stops much-celebrated offshore drilling as no oil and gas reserves found

Dust or thunderstorm accompanied by gusty winds and lightning is expected in Delhi on Saturday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The development is expected to bring down the sweltering temperature.

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 27 degree Celsius on Saturday with a relative humidity of 22 per cent.

Weather experts have predicted partly cloudy sky with the possibility of development of thunder and lightning in the national capital on Sunday, on a day the city goes for polling in the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The minimum and maximum temperatures are likely to hover at 27 degree Celsius and 41 degree Celsius.

Meanwhile, heat wave conditions are very likely to prevail over some parts of Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh and Telangana during next 24 hours and in isolated pockets over East Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal during next 48 hours, the IMD predicted.

Due to the current Western Disturbance and ongoing moisture incursion from the Arabian Sea, rainfall or thunderstorm activity very likely over many parts of northwest India from today.

Rainfall or thunderstorm activity also likely to increase over Northeast and peninsular India from today.

"Isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and Meghalaya during next four days," the weather forecasting agency stated in its report.&nbsp;

Dust or thunderstorm accompanied by gusty winds and lightning is expected in Delhi on Saturday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The development is expected to bring down the sweltering temperature.

Dust or thunderstorm accompanied by gusty winds and lightning is expected in Delhi on Saturday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The development is expected to bring down the sweltering temperature. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 27 degree Celsius on Saturday with a relative humidity of 22 per cent. Weather experts have predicted partly cloudy sky with the possibility of development of thunder and lightning in the national capital on Sunday, on a day the city goes for polling in the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The minimum and maximum temperatures are likely to hover at 27 degree Celsius and 41 degree Celsius. Meanwhile, heat wave conditions are very likely to prevail over some parts of Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh and Telangana during next 24 hours and in isolated pockets over East Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal during next 48 hours, the IMD predicted. Due to the current Western Disturbance and ongoing moisture incursion from the Arabian Sea, rainfall or thunderstorm activity very likely over many parts of northwest India from today. Rainfall or thunderstorm activity also likely to increase over Northeast and peninsular India from today. "Isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and Meghalaya during next four days," the weather forecasting agency stated in its report.

Duststorm likely to hit Delhi today, cloudy Sunday predicted

Pakistan Navy on Tuesday successfully test-fired an indigenous cruise missile in the Arabian Sea.

Pakistan navy successfully test-fires indigenous cruise missile

One person is missing and six others rescued after a tug boat capsized Monday morning in the Arabian Sea off the Worli coast in Mumbai, police said.

The tug boat "Revati" was carrying seven persons and a Coast Guard helicopter and an inshore patrol vessel, and personnel from the Mumbai police's coastal unit were deployed for the rescue effort, he informed.

Revati was on its way to Tarapur from Mumbai with a crew of seven when it capsized in the morning, a Coast Guard spokesperson said.

A distress call was received from the vessel after which Coast Guard Ship Amartya, a fast patrol vessel on surveillance duty, was diverted for the search and rescue operation, he said.

ICGS Amartya reached the spot and rescued six occupants from the sinking tug, he said.

The search and rescue operation for the seventh occupant of the boat is still underway and two ships and a Chetak helicopter have been deployed, he added.

Apart from a surface search by the two ships, two helicopter sorties have been launched as part of a coordinated sea-air search and rescue operation for the seventh person, he said.

The rescued tug occupants have been given medical aid and their condition is stable, he said.&nbsp;

One person is missing and six others rescued after a tug boat capsized Monday morning in the Arabian Sea off the Worli coast in Mumbai, police said. The tug boat "Revati" was carrying seven persons and a Coast Guard helicopter and an inshore patrol vessel, and personnel from the Mumbai police's coastal unit were deployed for the rescue effort, he informed.

One person is missing and six others rescued after a tug boat capsized Monday morning in the Arabian Sea off the Worli coast in Mumbai, police said. The tug boat "Revati" was carrying seven persons and a Coast Guard helicopter and an inshore patrol vessel, and personnel from the Mumbai police's coastal unit were deployed for the rescue effort, he informed. Revati was on its way to Tarapur from Mumbai with a crew of seven when it capsized in the morning, a Coast Guard spokesperson said. A distress call was received from the vessel after which Coast Guard Ship Amartya, a fast patrol vessel on surveillance duty, was diverted for the search and rescue operation, he said. ICGS Amartya reached the spot and rescued six occupants from the sinking tug, he said. The search and rescue operation for the seventh occupant of the boat is still underway and two ships and a Chetak helicopter have been deployed, he added. Apart from a surface search by the two ships, two helicopter sorties have been launched as part of a coordinated sea-air search and rescue operation for the seventh person, he said. The rescued tug occupants have been given medical aid and their condition is stable, he said.

Six rescued, one missing in tug boat capsize off Mumbai coast

The Indian navy said that it had deployed its assets including INS Vikramaditya and nuclear submarines in northern Arabian sea in the last week of February amid tension between India and Pakistan following Pulwama terror attack on February 14.

The assets were redeployed from the TROPEX 19 or Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise which is the largest war games of the Indian navy and commenced on January 7.

The Navy in the release said," Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) sponsored terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama on February 14 led to the rapid redeployment of the Indian Navy for Operations in North Arabian Sea."

"The major combat units of the Indian Navy including the Carrier Battle Group with INS Vikramaditya, nuclear submarines and scores of other ships, submarines and aircraft swiftly transited from exercise to operational deployment mode as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated," he added.

JeM is a United Nations listed Pakistan based terror group responsible for the Pulwama attack, the worst attack on Indian security personnel in the last two decades.&nbsp;

Sixty ships of the Indian Navy, 12 ships of the Indian Coast Guard and 60 aircraft were part of TROPEX 19.

The Navy said, "The overwhelming superiority of the Indian Navy in all three dimensions forced the Pakistan Navy to remain deployed close to the Makran coast and not venture out in the open ocean."

During a&nbsp;joint press conference on February 28 by tri-services, it was informed that Indian Navy remained&nbsp;deployed as necessary to protect National Maritime Interests and prevent any misadventure by Pakistan in the maritime domain.

The tri-services press conference took place a day after Pakistan launched strikes against Indian military installations on February 27 in response to India's counter-terror operation against JeM terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan.&nbsp;

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba will be in Kochi on March 18 to preside over the debrief of TROPEX 19.

The Indian navy said that it had deployed its assets including INS Vikramaditya and nuclear submarines in northern Arabian sea in the last week of February amid tension between India and Pakistan following Pulwama terror attack on February 14.

The Indian navy said that it had deployed its assets including INS Vikramaditya and nuclear submarines in northern Arabian sea in the last week of February amid tension between India and Pakistan following Pulwama terror attack on February 14. The assets were redeployed from the TROPEX 19 or Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise which is the largest war games of the Indian navy and commenced on January 7. The Navy in the release said," Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) sponsored terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama on February 14 led to the rapid redeployment of the Indian Navy for Operations in North Arabian Sea." "The major combat units of the Indian Navy including the Carrier Battle Group with INS Vikramaditya, nuclear submarines and scores of other ships, submarines and aircraft swiftly transited from exercise to operational deployment mode as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated," he added. JeM is a United Nations listed Pakistan based terror group responsible for the Pulwama attack, the worst attack on Indian security personnel in the last two decades. Sixty ships of the Indian Navy, 12 ships of the Indian Coast Guard and 60 aircraft were part of TROPEX 19. The Navy said, "The overwhelming superiority of the Indian Navy in all three dimensions forced the Pakistan Navy to remain deployed close to the Makran coast and not venture out in the open ocean." During a joint press conference on February 28 by tri-services, it was informed that Indian Navy remained deployed as necessary to protect National Maritime Interests and prevent any misadventure by Pakistan in the maritime domain. The tri-services press conference took place a day after Pakistan launched strikes against Indian military installations on February 27 in response to India's counter-terror operation against JeM terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba will be in Kochi on March 18 to preside over the debrief of TROPEX 19.

Indian Navy says INS Vikramaditya, nuclear submarines were deployed in northern Arabian Sea after Pulwama terror attack

'Aman-19': Multinational naval exercises ongoing at sea near Pakistan

Madhya Pradesh is staring at an acute water shortage as 65 dams, out of 164 important reservoirs in the state, have almost dried up.

Besides the 65 dams which have almost dried up, 39 tanks have 10 per cent or less water stock of their capacity, a top official the Madhya Pradesh Water Resources Department (MPWRD) said. The Indira Sagar Dam, built over the Narmada river in MP’s Khandwa district, has around 2,104 million cubic metres (MCM) of water as against a total capacity of 9,750 MCM, Adil Khan, Public Relations Officer, the Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA), told PTI.

“We are maintaining 2,104 MCM level in the Indira Sagar Dam,” he said. MPWRD Engineer-in-Chief Rajeev Kumar Sukalikar said some of the dams have almost run out of water due to last year’s scanty rainfall. “Eleven Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), out of the total 378 in the state, were getting water every four days,” said Prabhakant Katare, Engineer-in-Chief (ENC) with the MP Urban Administration Development Commissioners office. He said 50 ULBs were getting water on third, while 117 on alternate days.

Katare said right now the situation in the urban areas, which mainly depend on rivers and reservoirs for their water needs, was manageable. There are also reports of water shortage in rural MP. According to the reports, more than 30 per cent of the hand pumps and tube wells are not functioning due to mechanical glitch or a steep dip in underground water level, a claim denied by the Public Health Engineer (PHE) department.

PHE Department Engineering-in-Chief K K Songaria said 5.5 lakh hand pumps and 15,000 tube wells were catering to the needs of people in rural parts of the state. Songaria said around 4 per cent hand pumps and tube wells were out of order and denied claims that around 30 per cent of them were non-functional. “PHE Principal Secretary Pramod Agrawal and me are touring the state to ensure rural MP gets water,” he said.

Madhya Pradesh PHE Minister Kusum Mehdele also denied reports that 30 per cent of the hand pumps and tube wells were out of order in rural parts of the state. “More than 80 per cent of the hand pumps and tube wells were in perfect order,” she added. NVDA PRO Khan said prudent use of water of the Narmada river considered MP’s lifeline – has kept a water crisis at bay so far in the state.

“For the last couple of days, we are releasing 7 MCM of water daily from the Bargi Dam built on the Narmada,” he said adding the dam has adequate water. “We are supplying the Narmada water down to Barwani district bordering Gujarat,” Khan added. Another NVDA official said the state government’s decision not to supply 500 MCM of water to Gujarat has helped them avert a water crisis in Madhya Pradesh so far.

He said, “According to the Narmada Control Authoritys (NCA) decision, we were to supply 5,500 MCM of water to Gujarat in this water year (July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018).” Of this, 5,000 MCM of water was supplied by January and the rest could not be supplied “as we did not have enough water for our state”, he added. Veteran water conservationist K G Vyas said it is high time the MP government revived the Narmada to overcome the water shortage.

“If the government really wants to revitalise the Narmada, it must work for the revival of its 41 tributaries,” said the septuagenarian activist. The Narmada river traverses a total distance of 1,312 km before flowing into the Arabian Sea in Gujarat. It covers 1,077 km in MP and the rest in Gujarat.

The Narmada river traverses a total distance of 1,312 km before flowing into the Arabian Sea in Gujarat. It covers 1,077 km in Madhya Pradesh and the rest in Gujarat.

Madhya Pradesh is staring at an acute water shortage as 65 dams, out of 164 important reservoirs in the state, have almost dried up. Besides the 65 dams which have almost dried up, 39 tanks have 10 per cent or less water stock of their capacity, a top official the Madhya Pradesh Water Resources Department (MPWRD) said. The Indira Sagar Dam, built over the Narmada river in MP’s Khandwa district, has around 2,104 million cubic metres (MCM) of water as against a total capacity of 9,750 MCM, Adil Khan, Public Relations Officer, the Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA), told PTI. “We are maintaining 2,104 MCM level in the Indira Sagar Dam,” he said. MPWRD Engineer-in-Chief Rajeev Kumar Sukalikar said some of the dams have almost run out of water due to last year’s scanty rainfall. “Eleven Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), out of the total 378 in the state, were getting water every four days,” said Prabhakant Katare, Engineer-in-Chief (ENC) with the MP Urban Administration Development Commissioners office. He said 50 ULBs were getting water on third, while 117 on alternate days. Katare said right now the situation in the urban areas, which mainly depend on rivers and reservoirs for their water needs, was manageable. There are also reports of water shortage in rural MP. According to the reports, more than 30 per cent of the hand pumps and tube wells are not functioning due to mechanical glitch or a steep dip in underground water level, a claim denied by the Public Health Engineer (PHE) department. PHE Department Engineering-in-Chief K K Songaria said 5.5 lakh hand pumps and 15,000 tube wells were catering to the needs of people in rural parts of the state. Songaria said around 4 per cent hand pumps and tube wells were out of order and denied claims that around 30 per cent of them were non-functional. “PHE Principal Secretary Pramod Agrawal and me are touring the state to ensure rural MP gets water,” he said. Madhya Pradesh PHE Minister Kusum Mehdele also denied reports that 30 per cent of the hand pumps and tube wells were out of order in rural parts of the state. “More than 80 per cent of the hand pumps and tube wells were in perfect order,” she added. NVDA PRO Khan said prudent use of water of the Narmada river considered MP’s lifeline – has kept a water crisis at bay so far in the state. “For the last couple of days, we are releasing 7 MCM of water daily from the Bargi Dam built on the Narmada,” he said adding the dam has adequate water. “We are supplying the Narmada water down to Barwani district bordering Gujarat,” Khan added. Another NVDA official said the state government’s decision not to supply 500 MCM of water to Gujarat has helped them avert a water crisis in Madhya Pradesh so far. He said, “According to the Narmada Control Authoritys (NCA) decision, we were to supply 5,500 MCM of water to Gujarat in this water year (July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018).” Of this, 5,000 MCM of water was supplied by January and the rest could not be supplied “as we did not have enough water for our state”, he added. Veteran water conservationist K G Vyas said it is high time the MP government revived the Narmada to overcome the water shortage. “If the government really wants to revitalise the Narmada, it must work for the revival of its 41 tributaries,” said the septuagenarian activist. The Narmada river traverses a total distance of 1,312 km before flowing into the Arabian Sea in Gujarat. It covers 1,077 km in MP and the rest in Gujarat.

Madhya Pradesh stares at acute water shortage

Despite Mumbai&#39;s polluted beaches, the Olive Ridley turtles seem to have found one beach clean enough to nest, with around 80 hatchlings making their way to the Arabian Sea on Thursday.

A group of volunteers engaged in a clean-up of the Versova beach here stumbled upon the sight of Olive Ridley hatchlings on the beach. They called forest officials and ensured the turtles walked into the sea sans any hindrance.

Mumbai-based lawyer and environmentalist Afroz Shah, who initiated the beach clean-up drive in 2015, was present when the group noticed the hatchlings.

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Yes yes .. We did it .. Thank you Afroz . Here is the journey . lovely Mumbaikars . we did . Urban cities getting our olive Ridley turtle back . <a href="https://t.co/vg4ZJe5cTk">pic.twitter.com/vg4ZJe5cTk</a>
&mdash; Clean Up Versova (@versovabeach) <a href="https://twitter.com/versovabeach/status/976748792312750082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;We were told by officials that the last such sighting of Olive Ridley turtles on the beach was 20 years ago,&quot; Shah said.

N Vasudevan, additional principal chief conservator of forests, said, &quot;We haven&#39;t noticed any nesting of turtles on Versova beach in the last several years. They normally lay eggs at places they feel safe and secure.&quot;

The forest official said there was a possibility that adult female tortoises came back to nest at the place they were born.

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Week 127 . 
 
Fantastic news for Mumbai . 
 
We got back Olive Ridley Sea Turtle after 20 years. Historic moment 
 
Nested and Hatched at our beach. We facilitate their journey to ocean. 
 
Constant cleaning helps marine species. 
 
Marine conservation centre needed at <a href="https://twitter.com/versovabeach?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@versovabeach</a> <a href="https://t.co/j79xCKamNh">pic.twitter.com/j79xCKamNh</a>
&mdash; Afroz Shah (@AfrozShah1) <a href="https://twitter.com/AfrozShah1/status/976747654079303681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;In Maharashtra, we keep noticing sporadic nesting of Olive Ridley turtles, including on the Ratnagiri, Raigad and Palghar coast,&quot; Vasudevan told.

Shah described the news as &quot;fantastic and a historic moment for Mumbai&quot;.

&quot;The turtles nested and hatched at our beach. We facilitated their journey to the sea,&quot; he said, adding, that &quot;constant cleaning of the beach helps marine species.&quot;

A volunteer, who was present at the Versova beach this morning, said, &quot;I have witnessed something surreal today. A life-changing experience. Eighty Olive Ridley turtles walking back to the sea.&quot;

In July last year, an adult Olive Ridley turtle was rescued from Juhu beach in suburban Mumbai. Animal activists had rushed the turtle to a local vet clinic.

The Olive Ridley sea turtle (scientific name: Lepidochelys olivacea), also known as the Pacific Ridley sea turtle, is a medium-size species of sea turtle found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

They can also be found in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The forest official said there was a possibility that adult female tortoises came back to nest at the place they were born.

Despite Mumbai's polluted beaches, the Olive Ridley turtles seem to have found one beach clean enough to nest, with around 80 hatchlings making their way to the Arabian Sea on Thursday. A group of volunteers engaged in a clean-up of the Versova beach here stumbled upon the sight of Olive Ridley hatchlings on the beach. They called forest officials and ensured the turtles walked into the sea sans any hindrance. Mumbai-based lawyer and environmentalist Afroz Shah, who initiated the beach clean-up drive in 2015, was present when the group noticed the hatchlings. Yes yes .. We did it .. Thank you Afroz . Here is the journey . lovely Mumbaikars . we did . Urban cities getting our olive Ridley turtle back . pic.twitter.com/vg4ZJe5cTk — Clean Up Versova (@versovabeach) March 22, 2018 × "We were told by officials that the last such sighting of Olive Ridley turtles on the beach was 20 years ago," Shah said. N Vasudevan, additional principal chief conservator of forests, said, "We haven't noticed any nesting of turtles on Versova beach in the last several years. They normally lay eggs at places they feel safe and secure." The forest official said there was a possibility that adult female tortoises came back to nest at the place they were born. Week 127 . Fantastic news for Mumbai . We got back Olive Ridley Sea Turtle after 20 years. Historic moment Nested and Hatched at our beach. We facilitate their journey to ocean. Constant cleaning helps marine species. Marine conservation centre needed at @versovabeach pic.twitter.com/j79xCKamNh — Afroz Shah (@AfrozShah1) March 22, 2018 × "In Maharashtra, we keep noticing sporadic nesting of Olive Ridley turtles, including on the Ratnagiri, Raigad and Palghar coast," Vasudevan told. Shah described the news as "fantastic and a historic moment for Mumbai". "The turtles nested and hatched at our beach. We facilitated their journey to the sea," he said, adding, that "constant cleaning of the beach helps marine species." A volunteer, who was present at the Versova beach this morning, said, "I have witnessed something surreal today. A life-changing experience. Eighty Olive Ridley turtles walking back to the sea." In July last year, an adult Olive Ridley turtle was rescued from Juhu beach in suburban Mumbai. Animal activists had rushed the turtle to a local vet clinic. The Olive Ridley sea turtle (scientific name: Lepidochelys olivacea), also known as the Pacific Ridley sea turtle, is a medium-size species of sea turtle found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They can also be found in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Olive Ridley turtles back at Mumbai beach after 20 years

A crew member died and four others went missing after fire broke out on a new Maersk Line container vessel in the Arabian Sea, the company said.

The vessel caught fire at around 1520 GMT on Tuesday, about 900 nautical miles southeast of Salalah, Oman, the world&#39;s biggest container shipping company said in a statement.

Twenty-three crew members were rescued but one of them, a Thai national, died on Wednesday, added Maersk.

&quot;His health condition drastically deteriorated ... due to the injuries sustained in connection to the fire,&quot; said Maersk, a unit of Danish shipping firm A.P. Moller-Maersk.

The fire was still burning on Wednesday and searches were still going on for four other crew members who went missing after the blaze, it added.

&quot;This is a very serious fire,&quot; a company spokeswoman said. &quot;At this stage we have no reason to believe the fire was caused by an error in the ship&#39;s construction.&quot;&nbsp;

The Maersk ship was en route from Singapore towards Suez. Two of the evacuated crew members received medical aid onboard another container vessel en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka, Maersk said.

The 27-strong crew included 13 from India, nine from the Philippines, two Thai nationals and one each from Romania, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

Maersk did not disclose the identity of the four missing crew members but said relatives had been informed.

Maersk said the crew of Maersk Honam sent out a distress signal after unsuccessful firefighting efforts on Tuesday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The crew of Maersk Honam sent out a distress signal after unsuccessful firefighting efforts on Tuesday

A crew member died and four others went missing after fire broke out on a new Maersk Line container vessel in the Arabian Sea, the company said. The vessel caught fire at around 1520 GMT on Tuesday, about 900 nautical miles southeast of Salalah, Oman, the world's biggest container shipping company said in a statement. Twenty-three crew members were rescued but one of them, a Thai national, died on Wednesday, added Maersk. "His health condition drastically deteriorated ... due to the injuries sustained in connection to the fire," said Maersk, a unit of Danish shipping firm A.P. Moller-Maersk. The fire was still burning on Wednesday and searches were still going on for four other crew members who went missing after the blaze, it added. "This is a very serious fire," a company spokeswoman said. "At this stage we have no reason to believe the fire was caused by an error in the ship's construction." The Maersk ship was en route from Singapore towards Suez. Two of the evacuated crew members received medical aid onboard another container vessel en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka, Maersk said. The 27-strong crew included 13 from India, nine from the Philippines, two Thai nationals and one each from Romania, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Maersk did not disclose the identity of the four missing crew members but said relatives had been informed. Maersk said the crew of Maersk Honam sent out a distress signal after unsuccessful firefighting efforts on Tuesday.

One dead after Maersk Line vessel catches fire in Arabian Sea

Pakistani authorities arrested 43 Indian fishermen for allegedly fishing illegally in the country&#39;s territorial waters on Thursday.

Seven boats of the fishermen were also seized.

A spokesperson for Pakistan&#39;s Maritime Security Force (PMSF) said that &quot;the fishermen were arrested yesterday and have been handed over to the Docks police&quot;.

He also added that the fishermen were arrested as PMSF were conducting exercises near Pakistan&#39;s maritime border in the Arabian sea.

Commander Wajid Nawaz Chaudhary said that &quot;the docks police will now present them before a judicial magistrate who will most likely send them, in judicial remand to jail.&quot;

&quot;The Docks police will now present them before a judicial magistrate who will most likely send them in judicial remand to jail,&quot; Commander Wajid Nawaz Chaudhary said.

About 144 Indian fishermen have been arrested in over a month by the PMSF for alleged illegal fishing in Pakistani waters.

In November about 133 Indian fishermen were arrested and at least 17 boats were seized by the PMSF.

The number of such arrested Indian fishermen has gone up to 400 so far this year.

Since the Arabian Sea does not have a clearly defined marine border, fishermen from Pakistan and India are frequently detained for illegally fishing in each other&#39;s territorial waters.

(With inputs from news agency)

In November about 133 Indian fishermen were arrested and at least 17 boats were seized by the PMSF

Pakistani authorities arrested 43 Indian fishermen for allegedly fishing illegally in the country's territorial waters on Thursday. Seven boats of the fishermen were also seized. A spokesperson for Pakistan's Maritime Security Force (PMSF) said that "the fishermen were arrested yesterday and have been handed over to the Docks police". He also added that the fishermen were arrested as PMSF were conducting exercises near Pakistan's maritime border in the Arabian sea. Commander Wajid Nawaz Chaudhary said that "the docks police will now present them before a judicial magistrate who will most likely send them, in judicial remand to jail." "The Docks police will now present them before a judicial magistrate who will most likely send them in judicial remand to jail," Commander Wajid Nawaz Chaudhary said. About 144 Indian fishermen have been arrested in over a month by the PMSF for alleged illegal fishing in Pakistani waters. In November about 133 Indian fishermen were arrested and at least 17 boats were seized by the PMSF. The number of such arrested Indian fishermen has gone up to 400 so far this year. Since the Arabian Sea does not have a clearly defined marine border, fishermen from Pakistan and India are frequently detained for illegally fishing in each other's territorial waters. (With inputs from news agency)

43 Indian fishermen arrested by Pakistan authorities

The people of Gujarat and the state administration today heaved a sigh of relief as Cyclone Ockhi dissipated over the Arabian Sea, sparing the poll-bound state. The cyclone was yesterday headed towards Gujarat after leaving a trail of destruction on the southern Indian coast.

The cyclone yesterday passed the Mumbai coast and much to the relief of the people in Maharashtra&#39;s capital, it just brought rains and there was no loss of life or damage to property.

As per an early morning release by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclonic storm first turned into a &#39;deep depression&#39;, then into a &#39;depression&#39; and finally into a &#39;low pressure&#39; area after midnight. &quot;The depression over east-central and adjoining north-east the Arabian Sea weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area over the east-central Arabian sea and adjoining areas of north-east Arabian Sea, north coastal Maharashtra and south coastal Gujarat at 23:30 hours yesterday&quot;, the release said.

The cyclone dissipated over the sea before hitting the Gujarat coast, said Jayanta Sarkar, the director of the MeT Centre here.&nbsp;&quot;The cyclone did not reach Surat at all. It dissipated into the sea before making a landfall on the southern coast. From deep depression, it became a depression, then became a well-marked low pressure. Now, it is just low pressure. It may bring light to moderate rain in some parts of the state today,&quot; added Sarkar.

As per the IMD release, the sea condition would be rough along and off south Gujarat and adjoining north Maharashtra coasts during the next 12 hours.&nbsp;&quot;Fishermen along and off north Maharashtra and south Gujarat coasts are advised not to venture into sea during the next 12 hours,&quot; the release said.

Until last evening, there was a fear that Cyclone Ockhi may hit Gujarat coast by midnight. However, the cyclone lost its strength and turned into a &#39;deep depression&#39; when it was around 240 km away from Surat.&nbsp;The cyclone later turned into a &#39;depression&#39; when it was still away from the coast and gradually weakened into a well marked low pressure by this morning.

To face the eventuality in view of the cyclonic storm, the state government deployed teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in several parts of south Gujarat and Saurashtra.&nbsp;The government also alerted the Air Force, Coast Guard, and Navy.&nbsp;Around 1,600 people were also shifted to safer locations, as a precautionary measure.

Amid his busy poll campaign schedule, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and state chief secretary J N Singh rushed to Surat yesterday to oversee the relief operations.

The fear of Cyclone Ockhi hitting Gujarat proved futile as the storm lost its strength over the Arabian Sea when it was 240 km away from Surat. The cyclonic storm first turned into a deep depression, then to a depression and finally into a low pressure area over the night.

The people of Gujarat and the state administration today heaved a sigh of relief as Cyclone Ockhi dissipated over the Arabian Sea, sparing the poll-bound state. The cyclone was yesterday headed towards Gujarat after leaving a trail of destruction on the southern Indian coast. The cyclone yesterday passed the Mumbai coast and much to the relief of the people in Maharashtra's capital, it just brought rains and there was no loss of life or damage to property. As per an early morning release by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclonic storm first turned into a 'deep depression', then into a 'depression' and finally into a 'low pressure' area after midnight. "The depression over east-central and adjoining north-east the Arabian Sea weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area over the east-central Arabian sea and adjoining areas of north-east Arabian Sea, north coastal Maharashtra and south coastal Gujarat at 23:30 hours yesterday", the release said. The cyclone dissipated over the sea before hitting the Gujarat coast, said Jayanta Sarkar, the director of the MeT Centre here. "The cyclone did not reach Surat at all. It dissipated into the sea before making a landfall on the southern coast. From deep depression, it became a depression, then became a well-marked low pressure. Now, it is just low pressure. It may bring light to moderate rain in some parts of the state today," added Sarkar. As per the IMD release, the sea condition would be rough along and off south Gujarat and adjoining north Maharashtra coasts during the next 12 hours. "Fishermen along and off north Maharashtra and south Gujarat coasts are advised not to venture into sea during the next 12 hours," the release said. Until last evening, there was a fear that Cyclone Ockhi may hit Gujarat coast by midnight. However, the cyclone lost its strength and turned into a 'deep depression' when it was around 240 km away from Surat. The cyclone later turned into a 'depression' when it was still away from the coast and gradually weakened into a well marked low pressure by this morning. To face the eventuality in view of the cyclonic storm, the state government deployed teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in several parts of south Gujarat and Saurashtra. The government also alerted the Air Force, Coast Guard, and Navy. Around 1,600 people were also shifted to safer locations, as a precautionary measure. Amid his busy poll campaign schedule, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and state chief secretary J N Singh rushed to Surat yesterday to oversee the relief operations.

Cyclone Ockhi dissipates, Gujarat spared

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