Daily Archives: September 3, 2022

The Indian Express UPSC weekly news express covers some of the most important topics of current affairs news from this week to help you prepare for UPSC-CSE. Try out the MCQs and check your answers provided towards the end of the article.

India soars ahead of UK to become worlds fifth biggest economy

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains Examination: General Studies III- Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

Why in news?

India has become the worlds fifth-largest economy after it overtook the United Kingdom in end-March 2022, according to the latest calculations by Bloomberg.

Key takeaways

India leaped past the UK in the final three months of 2021 to become the fifth-biggest economy. The calculation is based in US dollars, and India extended its lead in the first quarter, according to GDP figures from the International Monetary Fund.

The news comes close on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging countrymen to resolve to become a developed country by 2047 the centenary of Indias Independence. As such, moving past one of the biggest economies in the world, especially one that ruled over the Indian sub-continent for two centuries, is a major milestone.

The Indian economy is forecast to grow more than 7% this year. A world-beating rebound in Indian stocks this quarter has just seen their weighting rise to the second spot in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, trailing only Chinas.

On an adjusted basis and using the dollar exchange rate on the last day of the relevant quarter, the size of the Indian economy in nominal cash terms in the quarter through March was $854.7 billion. On the same basis, UK was $816 billion.

UK GDP grew just 1% in cash terms in the second quarter and, after adjusting for inflation, shrank 0.1%. Sterling has also underperformed the dollar relative to the rupee, with the pound falling 8% against the Indian currency this year.

The IMFs own forecasts show India overtaking the UK in dollar terms on an annual basis this year, putting the Asian powerhouse behind just the US, China, Japan and Germany. A decade ago, India ranked 11th among the largest economies, while the UK was 5th.

Comparing India and UK

Population size is one of the most fundamental differences between the two countries. As of 2022, India has a population of 1.41 billion while the UKs population is 68.5 million. In other words, Indias population is 20 times that of the UKs.

There is such a stark difference between the population of the two countries, GDP per capita provides a more realistic comparison of income levels because it divides a countrys GDP by the population of that country. It is not surprising to note that the income of an average Indian is far lower.

Low per capita incomes often point to high levels of poverty. It is noteworthy that at the start of the 19th century, the UKs share in extreme poverty was considerably higher than Indias. However, as things stand today, the relative positions have reversed even though India has made giant strides in curbing poverty.

Arguably, the end goal of higher GDP and faster economic growth is to have better human development parameters. The Human Development Index is a composite of health, education and standard of living parameters. Despite its secular improvement, India might still take a decade to be where the UK was in 1980.

A crucial element of becoming richer as a country is the quality of life available to citizens. The Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Index is measured on a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best) based on the average coverage of essential services including reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and service capacity and access. While faster economic growth and the governments policy focus on healthcare schemes since 2005 have made a distinct improvement for India, there is still a long way to go.

Point to ponder: As such, while India should own the tag of the worlds fastest-growing economy, it is important to understand that being so is just the necessary condition for Indias prosperity, not the sufficient one. Comment.

1. MCQ:

Economic growth in country X will necessarily have to occur if (UPSC-CSE 2013)

(a) there is technical progress in the world economy

(b) there is population growth in X

(c) there is capital formation in X

(d) the volume of trade grows in the world economy

Floods in Pakistan

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains Examination: General Studies I: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

Why in news?

While Europe, China and some other regions of the world are experiencing a severe drought, Pakistan is facing one of the worst floods in its recent history. Reports say about 110 of the 150 districts in the country are affected by the flooding. Pakistans National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Sunday that over 1,000 people were confirmed dead in the floods so far.

Key takeaways

The current flood is a direct result of an extremely wet monsoon season this year. The same southwest monsoon that brings the bulk of Indias annual rainfall causes rain in Pakistan as well.

The monsoon season in Pakistan, however, is a little shorter than in India. That is because the rain-bearing monsoon winds take time to travel northward from India into Pakistan. The official monsoon season in Pakistan begins on July 1 and extends until September, although most of the rainfall happens during the months of July and August. The active rainfall season is only one and a half months.

The normal rainfall for Pakistan as a whole during this three-month monsoon season is 140 mm. But because the season is quite short, there is a wide variation in the monsoon rainfall every year.

The rainfall situation in Pakistan has been quite different from that of India so far, though incidents of extreme rainfall and flooding have occured here as well.

In August, India has received rainfall that is barely 6 per cent more than the normal. For the entire season so far, the country has received 7 per cent more than normal rainfall.

However, because India is such a huge country, the overall numbers hide marked variations at the regional and local levels. Just last week, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand experienced torrential rainfall, triggering landslides and flashfloods that killed over 30 people.

In August, central India, comprising mainly Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, has received 26 percent excess rainfall.

Point to ponder: Since floods in Pakistan bear similarities to those in India, its time for a collaborative mechanism to deal with extreme weather events. Discuss.

MCQ:

Consider the following statements and answer the question below

1. Extreme floods often lead to extreme drought.

2. When the river basin floods, much of the water flows to the ocean rather than seeping into the soil, paradoxically causing water scarcity.

Which of the following statement is/are correct?

a) Both 1 and 2

b) only 1

c) only 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

UN High Seas Treaty

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains Examination: General Studies II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

Why in news?

Negotiations involving 168 countries, including the European Union, to agree on a UN treaty for protecting oceans failed Saturday (August 27).

When the latest round of talks began two weeks ago in New York, it was hoped that an agreement would be arrived at for the conserving marine life at the high seas which lie outside the exclusive jurisdiction of different countries.

In June, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had declared an ocean emergency at the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, citing threats to the worlds oceans.

Key takeaways

Also referred to as the Paris Agreement for the Ocean, the treaty to deal with Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction has been under discussion for several years.

The proposed treaty concerns the ocean existing beyond the Exclusive Economic Zones that lie from the coast of a country to about 200 nautical miles or 370 km into the sea, till where it has special rights for exploration. Waters beyond that are known as open seas or high seas.

The treaty was to be negotiated under the United Nations Convention on Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982 which governs the rights of countries regarding marine resources. As there is no treaty for conserving the health of vast swathes of the earths oceans, a UN resolution in 2017 had decided to rectify this while setting 2022 as the deadline.

The pandemic resulted in many delays, and later, a High Ambition Coalition, which now has more than 100 countries including India, the US, and the UK, came about and put the focus on 3030 goals protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. After the latest deadlock, talks will only resume next year, unless a special session is called.

Some aspects of negotiations included establishing marine protected areas to put limits on certain activities, environmental impact assessments or clearances for sustainability of works, financial support to countries and sharing other scientific knowledge. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has said binding agreements are needed for this treaty to be effective.

How are the worlds oceans regulated as of now?

Some treaties, along with the UNCLOS, regulate the conduct of actors on the high seas. The UNCLOS led to the establishment of territorial sea boundaries 22 km offshore, deciding the region up to which countries could claim full sovereign territorial rights, as well as the 200 nautical miles EEZ limit. It also created the International Seabed Authority and other conflict-resolution mechanisms.

But a treaty dedicated to protecting ocean health does not exist as of now. Conversely, every country has the right to access open seas, resulting in large-scale drilling and trawling operations for catching fish and other animals for commercial purposes.

What are the risks of countries failing to reach an agreement?

Ninety percent of global warming is occurring in the ocean, according to the NASA website.

The effects of ocean warming include sea level rise due to thermal expansion, coral bleaching, accelerated melting of Earths major ice sheets, intensified hurricanes, and changes in ocean health and biochemistry, it says. Excessive fishing has increased manifold over the years, and a third of species such as sharks and rays are at the risk of extinction, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

Despite acknowledging these threats, members failed to agree on how to deal with these threats.

There has been talk of resistance from countries that engage in deep sea mining of minerals or are heavily invested in fishing. Although we did make excellent progress, we still do need a little bit more time to progress towards the finish line, UN Oceans Ambassador Rena Lee said, the AFP reported.

Some countries in the Caribbean alleged that richer countries of the Global North did not actively participate until the last few days of the talks.

Point to ponder: India needs to strengthen its maritime laws and regulatory mechanisms. Discuss.

MCQ:

With reference to UNCLOS, which of the following is not correct?

a) It not only zones coastal states offshore areas but provides specific guidance for states rights and responsibilities in the five concentric zones.

b)It is the only international convention which stipulates a framework for state jurisdiction in maritime spaces.

c) Each coastal State may claim an EEZ beyond and adjacent to its territorial sea that extends seaward up to 200 nm from its baselines.

d) The ocean surface and the water column beyond the EEZ are referred to as the Contiguous Zone.

Jios standalone 5G architecture, and how it will work

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

Main Examination: General Studies III: Changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth and Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

Why in news?

Indias largest telecom company Reliance Jio on Monday announced the launch of its 5G services in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai by Diwali this year, with an aim to expand and cover the entire country by December 2023.

The company said it will launch its 5G services on a standalone 5G architecture, against the non-standalone approach that other operators are betting on.

The disagreement between service providers on the network modes they are taking to roll out the next generation of mobile telephony also spotlights questions over the readiness of Indian consumers to move to 5G.

Key takeaways

5G networks are deployed mainly on two modes: standalone and non-standalone. Both architectures have their advantages and disadvantages, and the path chosen by operators primarily reflects their view of the market for the new technology, and the consequent rollout strategy.

In the standalone mode, which Jio has chosen, the 5G network operates with dedicated equipment, and runs parallel to the existing 4G network, while in the non-standalone mode, the 5G network is supported by the 4G core infrastructure.

Given that the non-standalone networks are built on existing infrastructure, the initial cost and the time taken to roll out services through this track is significantly less than standalone networks. Jio has committed an investment of Rs 2 lakh crore for its standalone 5G network.

The standalone mode provides access to full 5G capabilities and new network functionalities such as slicing that provides greater flexibility to operators to efficiently use their spectrum holdings.

Non-standalone networks are generally considered to be a stepping stone, and global precedent suggests operators that have launched non-standalone 5G networks eventually transition to standalone networks. The non-standalone mode, however, lets operators maximise the utilisation of their existing network infrastructure with relatively lower investment.

The biggest difference in the two architectures is the compatibility with existing device ecosystems. Most smartphones today have capability to connect to non-standalone 5G networks which are essentially 5G airwaves transmitted through 4G networks and will require software updates by their OEMs to be able to connect to standalone networks.

5G could have benefits for consumers owing to the superior Internet speed and low latency it promises over 4G. At its peak, Internet speeds on 5G could touch 10 Gbps, compared to the 100 Mbps peak of 4G. Similarly, latency under 4G is between 10-100 ms (millisecond) whereas on 5G it is expected to be under 1 ms. Latency is the time it takes for a device to send packets of data and get a response. Shorter the latency, quicker the response.

According to a May 2019 report by Ericsson, a key player in the 5G equipment market, while it is a common belief that 5G might not deliver any near-term benefits for consumers, they expect 5G to offer a step change in network performance, relief from urban network congestion, and more home broadband choices as near-term benefits.

Further, it pointed out that while there were reservations back in 2010 during the onset of 4G about the technologys actual benefits for consumers, today, a number of online activities from streaming ultra high definition content to making video calls, especially propelled by the pandemic that are possible on 4G, would have been near impossible on 3G speeds.

For most industrial use cases such as manufacturing, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, the speeds and latency levels offered by 5G telephony are the key selling propositions. These low latencies and high Internet speeds can only be made available through the standalone architecture.

Read more here:

UPSC Essentials: Weekly news express with MCQs World's fifth biggest economy to UN High Seas Treaty - The Indian Express

The Batanes, which was placed under Signal No. 2 early on Saturday, was buffeted by strong winds and rough seas brought by Typhoon Henry and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon.

In Ivy Hernando's Saturday 24 Oras Weekend report, a video from the Itbayat Police showed the occasional rain, strong winds, and massive waves at the Itbayat Islands.

Police assisted fishermen as they pulled their vessels ashore to keep them from getting damaged.

While the waters were calm at the Valugan Boulder Beach, the waves were much higher at a port in Basco.

The provincial government is assessing infrastructure and agriculture damage due to the inclement conditions.

The crops damaged by the weather included corn, while vendors were unable to sell fish and seafood at the Basco public market.

Meanwhile, the provincial government was looking to assist the fishermen who could not ply their trade.

While classes in all levels would likely resume next week, sea trips were prohibited due to high waves.

The Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal over the Batanes was lowered to Signal 1 Saturday evening as Typhoon Henry maintained its strength while moving northward over the sea east of Taiwan. Jamil Santos/DVM, GMA News

More here:

Batanes buffeted by severe winds, rough seas from Henry - GMA News Online

MIAMI, FL - August 30, 2022 - Recognized as one of the best ocean cruise lines in Travel + Leisures 2022 Worlds Best Awards, Virgin Voyages has made its mark on the travel industry as one of the most sought-after holiday havens for rejuvenation, relaxation and a hint of adventure on the high seas. Having launched two award-winning ships in a span of just nine months, 2023 promises more industry-first milestones for Richard Bransons newest travel brand. As an exciting precursor to the most epic loyalty program at sea, set to make its formal debut in 2023, Virgin Voyages is saying Ahoy! to The Sailing Club. This incredible dual-pronged perks program is teeming with brilliant benefits and exclusive offers for the remainder of 2022 and unlocks a limited window of opportunity for its Sailors to elevate themselves to the brands highest status tier in 2023.

This brand was built on innovation, so were taking a truly unique approach and developing a program that will give Sailors a taste of whats to come while rewarding those whove supported the brand all along, said Nirmal Saverimuttu, President and Chief Experience Officer. Ive met so many incredible Sailors many whove voyaged with us more than 10 times since weve launched and this new program is a thank you for their commitment. Wed also love their help in shaping the future and are seeking their ideas to create a game-changing loyalty program theyll fall in love with.

2 Perks in 2022:As part of the brands perks program, Virgin Voyages Sailing Club is introducing 2 Perks, exclusively available to loyal qualifying Sailors in 2022. The introduction of these new perks will reward and benefit those who book or sail in the near future, promoting end-of-year travel set to coincide with increases in booking trends and the cruise industrys comeback.

Perk 1: Sail in 2022 with Deep Blue Extras: Deep Blue Extras, a collection of unrivaled luxuries that elevate qualifying Sailors to VIP treatment. From one free Shake for Champagne, anytime boarding and premium wifi (when available), to exclusive cocktail parties and laundry services, these rewards are meant to amp up the experience and encourage Sailors to unleash their inner RockStar. With rebooking rates as high as 50% from past Sailors craving another adventure with Virgin Voyages, the line continues to impress travelers, earning the most five-star reviews than any other cruise line on TripAdvisor. Now, the company is rewarding these travelers, as well as giving avid sea-goers, an opportunity to step aboard while maintaining their benefits from other lines. Deep Blue Extras are available for all qualifying Sailors that sail from September through December 2022.

Perk 2: Book in 2022 with Red Hot Booking Bonus Months: Virgin Voyages is also introducing Red Hot Booking Bonus Months. Spanning from Aug. 30 through Nov. 15, 2022, any new qualifying booking made during these select Red Hot Months (excludes bookings made with existing voyage credits), will allow all qualifying Sailors to be treated to special on-board spending perks and chances to win extraordinary experiences across the Virgin family. More exciting prizes will be announced next week. For a sneak peak, these will include a luxurious trip to Ulusaba, Richard Bransons private game reserve in South Africa, and Virgin Points through Virgin Red, the rewards club from Virgin designed to give you exclusive access to the Virgin family and beyond. In addition, Sailors who take advantage of this perk by making a qualifying booking between now and Nov. 15, 2022 will earn an extra $200 in Sailor Loot (aka on-board spending credit), which is combinable with all other promotions, offering rich rewards to loyal Sailors.

As a further enhancement to the Red Hot Booking Bonus Months and with an eye towards 2023, Virgin Voyages is introducing Tokens to track all qualifying spend to ensure Sailors are positioned for benefits in 2023. All of the money spent with Virgin Voyages since inception will be counted and tallied as Tokens. And as an exclusive perk for all loyal Sailors, every dollar spent during these Red Hot Booking Bonus Months up to four Tokens per dollar for Sea-Blazers, and three Tokens per dollar for Sea-Rovers will contribute to an individual's future status. As the program is unveiled in 2023, these Tokens will fast-track Sailors to the highest tiers possible, unlocking even more phenomenal perks in the next year.

Three Ways to Unlock the 2022 Perks:

The 2022 Perks will be available to all loyal qualifying Sailors defined as:

We are thrilled to introduce The Sailing Club and offer our loyal Sea-Blazers and Sea-Rovers our 2022 Perks Program as a thank you for being our biggest fans, Nirmal Saverimuttu added. We look forward to welcoming our future Match & Sea More Sailors to experience setting sail the Virgin Way. And to those who arent Sea-Rovers yet, there is plenty of time to treat yourself to an award-winning, exclusively adult, kid-free vacation twice in 2022 and unlock a world of benefits with Virgin Voyages.

As the final component of the 2022 program, Virgin Voyages is inviting Sailors to channel their inner Richard Branson and awaken their entrepreneurial spirit. The brand is eager for Sailors to share what perks theyd like offered, how Virgin Voyages can elevate its loyalty program, and what the company can do to make its Sailing Club one of the most irresistible in the travel industry.

To share an idea on what The Sailing Club should encompass, please email loyalty@virginvoyages.com. Virgin Voyages is accepting all ideas along with volunteers to participate in surveys and/or focus groups. For more information, swim on over to http://www.VirginVoyages.com.

Members of the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Virgin Red in the US can redeem their Virgin Points on sailings from Miami and Barcelona on both Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, providing outstanding value to loyal customers from across the Virgin Group. Through the existing Capital One and Virgin Red partnership announced in March 2022, Capital One cardholders can also access these offers.

For more information about The Sailing Club the most epic rewards program at sea visit here and learn more about how to start getting rewarded. And, to get sailing, visit us here to book your next gorgeous vacation.

ABOUT VIRGIN VOYAGESSet Sail the Virgin Way with Virgin Voyages, the irresistible travel brand founded by Sir Richard Branson. Delivering epic vacations at sea, Virgin Voyages launched at the end of 2021. The brand's four Lady Ships inspired by 50+ years of Virgin history -- include Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady. Designed for discerning travelers, Virgin Voyages offers relaxing, exclusively adult (18+) sailings. Working with a Creative Collective of the worlds most sought-after designers, performance artists and architects, Virgin Voyages delivers an enchanting boutique hotel at sea with fresh, elevated spaces that strike the perfect balance of nautical chic and glamour. Currently departing from the sun-soaked cities of Miami and Barcelona and soon to include Athens, San Juan and Melbourne the fleet offers itineraries to more than 100 awe-inspiring destinations across four continents. Virgin Sailors are spoiled for choice with 20 eateries offering Michelin-star culinary experiences all included, a festival-like line-up of entertainment, stylish and comfortable cabins, Rockstar Quarters, authentic and locally inspired shore excursions, and a dose of Vitamin Sea with well-being naturally intertwined throughout the experience. Promising to Create an Epic Sea Change for All, Virgin Voyages also puts sustainability front and center.

ABOUT VIRGIN REDVirgin Red is Virgin's rewards club, first launching in the UK in 2020 and then in the USA in November 2021. Virgin Red connects the Virgin family, where members can earn on the everyday to save for the extraordinary. 2023 will bring an even deeper partnership between Virgin Red and Virgin Voyages, providing more exciting opportunities for customers.Virgin Red celebrates its members for living a life more Virgin giving them exclusive access to rewards from the Virgin family and beyond. It makes it really easy for members to earn and spend Virgin Points Virgin's universal currency which never expires. Whether its earning points everyday with some of the biggest online retailers or saving for a bigger extraordinary experience like a holiday- or a Voyage- there is something for everyone. More information can be found at: https://www.virgin.com/virgin-red.

See the rest here:

Virgin Voyages unveils the Sailing Club: an incredible Perks Program - Virgin Voyages

The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous offloads approximately 22 pounds of cocaine and 1,256 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $3 million, Aug. 30, 2022, at Coast Guard Base Miami Beach, Florida. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Stephen Lehmann)

MIAMI The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous offloaded approximately 22 pounds of cocaine and 1,256 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $3 million, Tuesday at Base Miami Beach.

The drugs were interdicted in the international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean by crews from:

Vigorous is glad to have been able to make an important contribution to the Coast Guards counterdrug mission, said Cmdr. Ryan A. Waters, commanding officer of Vigorous. Im incredibly proud of the hardworking Vigorous crews proficiency teamwork and devotion to duty that enabled the detection, interdiction and boarding of a vessel suspected of drug smuggling.

The fight against drug cartels in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean, and the transnational criminal organizations they are associated with, requires a unity of effort in all phases; from detection and monitoring to interdiction and apprehension, and on to criminal prosecutions by international partners and U.S. Attorneys Offices in districts across the nation.

Detecting and interdicting illegal drug traffickers on the high seas involves significant interagency and international coordination. The Joint Interagency Task Force South in Key West, Florida conducts detection and monitoring of aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs. Maritime interdiction of illicit maritime activity in the Caribbean Sea is coordinated by the Seventh Coast Guard District, headquartered in Miami, Florida, and the Eleventh Coast Guard District, headquartered in Alameda, California coordinates interdiction of illicit maritime activity in the Eastern Pacific.

Cutter Vigorous, a 210-foot Reliance-class medium endurance cutter, was commissioned in May 1969 and is homeported in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Vigorous generally deploys 185 days a year for patrols lasting 45 to 60 days to a variety of operating areas, extending from the Gulf of Maine to the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The Vigorous primary mission areas include homeland security, law enforcement, counterdrug operations, search and rescue, migrant operations, and fisheries enforcement.

For more news follow us on Twitter and Facebook. For recent photographs follow us on Flickr.

Original post:

Coast Guard offloads more than $3 million in illegal narcotics in Miami - Coast Guard News - Coast Guard News

Marseille/Geneva/Budapest, 2 September 2022 - 460 women, children, babies and men are stuck in limbo waiting to disembark. Some with overwhelming medical needs have been stuck onboard eight days after being rescued on the deadly Central Mediterranean. SOS MEDITERRANEE and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) are calling for these survivors right to disembark in a Place of Safety without further delay.

Within just 60 hours, the Ocean Vikinga search and rescue ship chartered by SOS MEDITERRANEE in partnership with the IFRC faced more distress cases than ever before. The crew found and rescued people from ten unseaworthy, overcrowded boats on the worlds deadliest sea migratory route since 2014, the Central Mediterranean. The search and rescue ship remains stranded at sea waiting for the survivors disembarkation.

The team is facing an overwhelming number of medical cases, including exhaustion, dehydration, and untreated skin infections and wounds. Other survivors are facing chronic medical conditions and two 9-month-pregnant women were evacuated.

We have never experienced such level of severe medical cases on board Ocean Viking before. The survivors were found in the middle of high seas in unimaginable situations. In a desperate attempt to find safety, they were near to die at sea, either by drowning, or by dehydration. Per maritime law, their rescues will only be completed when they will have reached a Place of Safety. The current blockade for their disembarkation must find an end without further delay, says Xavier Lauth, SOS MEDITERRANEE Director of Operations.

Every day that passes, the needs of those on board grow. Francesco Rocca, President of IFRC said:

The sheer number of people rescued in such a short time with such severity of peoples conditions onboard only shows us that the situation is getting so much more desperate for those seeking safety and protection. We cannot continue to face this same challenge over and over again. We need longer term solutions including a commitment for safe and regular pathways to protection and safety while also ensuring access to protection for those arriving spontaneously.

SOS MEDITERRANEE and IFRC call on European members and associated States to show solidarity, observe maritime law and guarantee fundamental human rights. The wait and suffering of the 460 survivors onboard Ocean Viking must end immediately.

Note to editors:

The Ocean Viking rescued 466 women, children and men in ten rescue operations between August 25 and 27. Among the survivors are over 20 adult women, including several pregnant and over 80 minors, 75% of whom are unaccompanied.

On August 29, two 9-month-pregnant women had to be urgently medically evacuated. They were transferred onto an Italian Coast Guard patrol vessel with four of their relatives (two sisters and their two children, including a 3-week-old little girl).

Despite having contacted relevant maritime authorities at all steps of the search and rescue operations, the Ocean Viking was left alone, with no coordination nor information-sharing from relevant maritime authorities. Four of the unseaworthy and overcrowded boats in distress were spotted via binoculars from the bridge of the Ocean Viking. The distress alerts of the six other boats were relayed by civil NGOs such as the civil network Alarm Phone, the aircrafts of the NGOs Pilotes Volontaires and Sea-Watch, and the sailing vessels of the NGOs Open Arms and Resqship. The Ocean Viking informed relevant maritime authorities at all steps of the rescues and sent requests for the designation of a Place of Safety as soon as possible after each operation, as per maritime law.

Recently, a new shipwreck was reported by the International Organisation for Migration. Two bodies of deceased persons were retrieved by Libyan Coastguards and 19 people were reported missing by the six survivors of this tragedy on August 27, the same day Ocean Viking teams rescued 198 survivors from five boats in distress. Since 2014, almost 19,811 people are known to have perished in the central Mediterranean. Thats 80% of the deaths recorded in the whole Mediterranean Sea.

SOS MEDITERRANEE rescued 36,789 people since the beginning of its operations in 2016, with Aquarius and Ocean Viking. A total of 7,266 people were rescued by the Ocean Viking since she started operating in August 2019. Since September 2021, IFRC teams participated in ten patrols on Ocean Viking and helped rescue more than 2,700 people.

While the SOS MEDITERRANEE team focuses on search and rescue at sea, the IFRC team focuses on providing humanitarian post-rescue services, including medical care, first aid, psychosocial support, relief and protection.

For more information, please contact:

IFRC In Geneva: Jenelle Eli, +1 202 603 6803, [emailprotected]

IFRC in Budapest: Nora Peter, +36 70 265 4020, [emailprotected]

SOS MEDITERRANEE International & Operations: Laurence Bondard / +33 6 23 24 59 93 / [emailprotected]

See more here:

Eight days waiting onboard Ocean Viking amid overwhelming medical needs: SOS MEDITERRANEE and IFRC call for 460 of survivors' right to disembark -...

A luxury cruise liner, The G.O.A.T. Boat, is coming to NBA 2K23 as an all-new Neighborhood setting for the Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One platforms.

NBA 2K22 featured a cruise ship of its own, allowing Neighborhood players to climb aboard the Cancha del Mar to compete in various games.

Notably, the liner hosted games of 2v2, 3v3, and 5v5 across multiple decks. Sidequests and rewards were packed into the experience as well, ensuring NBA 2K users had plenty to explore on the high seas.

Those who enjoyed the Cancha del Mar-branded fun will be pleased to learn that yet another cruise ship will set sail in NBA 2K23.

In the latest Courtside Report for NBA 2K23, 2K Games detailed an all-new Neighborhood coming to Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One.

Cancha Del Mar has been sidelined in favor of The G.O.A.T. Boat, a luxury vessel promising scenic excursions and whale-sized events. The cruise liner boasts a three-deck layout Platinum, Silver, and Gold.

Comprised of three different sections, the Platinum Deck plays host to six 3v3 courts, four elevators, two showers (server refresh), and a Gatorade Training Facility on Trips. Meanwhile, the Platinum Deuces area includes six 2v2 courts, three elevators, and two showers.

And finally, those who explore Platinums MOAT section will find two 5v5 courts (with another launching later), two showers, two elevators, and the entrance to Excursions.

The Silver Decks Promenade area features the Jordan Challenge, REC Lounge, Cages, MyTEAM, Daily Prize, Daily Pick Em, the NBA Store, and several other shops.

Last but not least, the Gold Deck offers up MyCOURT and Ante-Up. Plus, it seems as though this all-new boat-set Neighborhood will give NBA 2K23 fans plenty of other decadent areas to explore.

The Courtside Report also details how matchmaking has become more streamlined. Most importantly, the development crew is introducing no-wait gameplay to complement Got Next spots.

This should guarantee players have the ability to pair up quicker, regardless of whether they want to meet with friends or challenge randoms.

NBA 2K23 hits PC and consoles on September 9, 2022.

Read more here:

NBA 2K23 matchmaking changes and G.O.A.T. Boat revealed - Dexerto

Captain of coast guard ship that intercepted Pakistani boat with Heroin in 2015 testifies | PTI/Representative

The captain of an Indian Coast Guard ship that had intercepted a Pakistani boat, "Al-Yasir", found with 232 kg of heroin in the high seas in 2015, recently testified before a special court and identified the eight Pakistani nationals whom the coast guard had apprehended.

He also identified the 11 drums that contained 232 packets of the contraband. The drums, being bulky, had been brought to the court premises at a tempo. The witnesses could not be carried to the courtroom, and the witness identified them as the same he had sealed in 2015.

The 56-year-old witness, currently serving as Chief Staff Officer, Aviation Coast Guard, Western Sea Board, was examined by prosecutor Sumesh Panjwani. The officer told the court in his deposition that the coast guard ship Sangram was based in 2015 in Mumbai. The ship sailed on April 16, 2015, from the city to the International Maritime Boundary for patrolling and on April 18 started receiving messages on suspicious activity of infiltration or contraband arriving from neighbouring states. He said on the night of April 28 at 3 am, they detected a small boat on the radar and, finding it suspicious, they followed it in the dark. He said the direction of the boat was towards India and they decided to board it at the first light of the day, an instruction given by him.

The officer said that with the break of daylight, he instructed an assistant commander to board the ship along with the boarding party. On boarding and conducting a search, he said they found suspicious packets in 11 drums. There was no flag or registration number on the boat, he recalled. The boat was later found to be registered with the name "Al Yasir" in Pakistan. While the crew members, all Pakistani, claimed that they were fishermen, he said they got suspicious as there was no fish catch in it.

The officer also identified the eight Pakistani accused as the same people he had apprehended. He also identified sophisticated communication equipment found on the boat.

(To receive our E-paper on whatsapp daily, please click here.To receive it on Telegram, please click here. We permit sharing of the paper's PDF on WhatsApp and other social media platforms.)

See the original post:

Captain of Coast Guard ship that intercepted Pakistani boat with Heroin in 2015 testifies in court - Free Press Journal

US Coast Guard interdiction of fishing boat smuggling illegal drugs (USCG photos)

PublishedSep 2, 2022 12:57 PM by The Maritime Executive

Continuing its mission in law enforcement and support of the Combined Maritime Forces operating in the Gulf of Oman and the surrounding region, the U.S. Coast Guard made another significant seizure of illegal narcotics. The later interdiction on August 30, marks the third major seizure announced by the forces by the same U.S. Coast Guard fast response cutter, the USCGC Glen Harris, since the vessel arrived in the region eight months ago.

According to Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, one of four task forces under the command of the Combined Maritime Forces, the Glen Harris came on a fishing vessel while patrolling the Gulf of Oman. During a search of the vessel, the Coast Guard discovered that the fishing vessel was smuggling illegal drugs.

Bags of illegal drugs found aboard the fishing boat (US Coast Guard photo)

The seizure was given an estimated street value of more than $20 million. They reported finding 2,980 kilograms of hashish and 320 kilograms of amphetamine tablets during the operation.

Before this weeks interdiction, the Glen Harris is credited with two other significant seizures. Also, while on patrol in the Gulf of Oman, the Glen Harris came on another fishing vessel on May 31. After determining that it was a stateless vessel, the Coast Guard crew searched the vessel and seized 310 kilograms of heroin worth an estimated street value of $11 million. Two weeks earlier on May 15, they had conducted another search that led to the seizure of heroin, methamphetamine, and amphetamine pills worth $17 million, also found aboard a vessel in the Gulf of Oman.

The results of Glen Harriss success are a testament to the crews professionalism and determination, said Lt. Cmdr. Reginald Reynolds, commanding officer of Glen Harris. Im proud of our teams commitment to countering illicit activity on the high seas and promoting security and stability across the region.

This was the third reported seizure by the Glen Harris since she arrived in the region in January (US Coast Guard photo)

The fast response cutter arrived in the Middle East in January and operates from the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain where Combined Maritime Forces is headquartered with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet. She is assigned to support CTF 150, part of the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, which is being led by the Royal Saudi Navy. Combined Maritime Forces include 34 member nations that operate across the Middle East. CTF 150 as one of the four task forces conducts maritime security operations in the Gulf of Oman and North Arabian Sea to help ensure the free flow of commerce.

The combined forces have increased their presence in the region, including expanding their law enforcement efforts. In 2021, they reported seizures of illegal drugs valued at more than $193 million. So far this year, they have reported seizures valued at approximately $150 million as part of the ongoing operations in the region.

Excerpt from:

USCG Cutter Glen Harris Makes Third Drug Seizure in Gulf of Oman - The Maritime Executive

Disney Cruise Line is known for its acclaimed family-friendly cruises, where casino slot machines arent blaring, drink packages arent marketed to the masses and late-night dance parties don't really rage that late. But one thing that does set a Disney Cruise apart from its competitors is its themed cruises that set sail throughout the year, allowing travelers to be immersed in the worlds of Pixar or Marvel, or make holidays like Halloween and Christmas the focus of their voyage.

So how do you book a Disney themed cruise? Are they really worth the cost? And how do you pick the right one for your family? Were answering all of your questions, so keep reading.

Booking a themed Disney Cruise vacation is as easy as booking a regular Disney Cruise. You can do it online on the Disney Cruise Line website, or talk to a travel agent about what you want from your trip. If you choose to book online, you can pick the type of themed cruise you want to sail and see dates and prices from there.

Alternatively, you can use Disneys Find A Cruise feature to filter your cruises by month, departure port and sailing destination, then see all of the cruises that match your preferences. Cruises with themes will have a banner across them saying what the theme is.

Minnie Mouse poses in her cruise gear in front of Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wish ship. Seeing characters in themed garb is part of the fun of a Disney Cruise.

There are currently four different themed Disney Cruises that travelers can choose from.

Every September and October, all five Disney ships get decked out with spooky decorations and Mickey and his pals put on their best costumes for Halloween on the High Seas. Cruises with this theme range from three- to eight-night sailings and include an abundance of frightfully fun activities, including a costume party, movie nights and trick-or-treating on the ship. The best part? Guests are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes yes, even the grown-ups.

Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to each ship during Very Merrytime Cruises, with Disney characters dressed in festive attire, special stem-to-stern holiday events, traditional "turkey day" fanfare, Christmas feasts, "snow flurries" and New Year's Eve galas. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Seasonal delights can be found fleet-wide on the Very Merrytime Cruise in November and December. Each ship has a towering Christmas tree and other festive decorations in the atrium, which make for beautiful family photos. Around the ship, youll spot Disney characters in their finest holiday outfits, and may even see Santa Claus himself greeting guests. No Disney Cruise is complete without fireworks at sea and, during holiday sailings, there is a deck party with special holiday-themed fireworks that glitter and sparkle over the dark ocean.

Disney Cruise Line's Pixar Day at Sea is a themed cruise that sees the ship filled with characters from beloved Pixar movies like "Monsters Inc.," "Toy Story," "The Incredibles" and "Inside Out."

Starting in 2023, guests can sail away on a brand-new Pixar adventure. Disney Cruise Lines newest themed voyage, Pixar Day at Sea, will start its first sailings January through March. The 7-night sailings will take place aboard the Disney Fantasy from Port Canaveral. During the week-long cruise, there will be one dedicated day where the entire ship will be taken over by characters from beloved Pixar movies like "Toy Story," "Monsters, Inc." and "The Incredibles." The day will include character dance parties, a "Toy Story"-themed breakfast, a dinner where dishes are inspired by the commissary at Pixar Animation Studios and a nighttime fireworks display where you may need to assist the superpowered Parr family.

On the Disney Magic, kids get a special visit from Captain America. Marvel Day at Sea is one of several themed cruises Disney Cruise Line offers.

Heroes from around the multiverse can gather together on the Disney Dream for Marvel Day at Sea. Sailings with this superhero theme also run from January through March 2023. The 5-night cruises allow guests to interact with their favorite Marvel characters like Captain America, Black Panther and Captain Marvel while on the ship, along with Mickey Mouse and the gang dressed as their favorite Marvel characters. Marvel Day at Sea has a plethora of activities, toofrom movie screenings and trivia, to costume contests and shows. The Marvel-themed cruise also includes one of Disney Cruise Lines most exciting nighttime spectaculars where stunts, more than a dozen characters and, of course, fireworks, are all combined into one epic show at sea.

The cost of a themed Disney Cruise is generally the same as a normal Disney Cruise, so if you want to sail on a themed cruise you can rest assured that you wont be facing a huge upcharge just to see your favorite characters. The cost of themed cruises includes all taxes, fees and port expenses, plus dining, entertainment and your stateroom.

If your family really connects with the special theme of a cruise being offered, it would absolutely be worth the cost. Also, if you're a seasoned sailor with Disney Cruise Line, these themed sailings can let you experience something totally new as you travel with the company again.

Sadness and Joy from Pixar's "Inside Out" are shown aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship. The characters can be found on the themed Pixar Days at Sea voyage.

Picking the right themed Disney Cruise for your family is fairly simple, especially if you already know when you want to travel, because all of the themed cruises run during dedicated seasons. You can also pick your cruise based on which of the five Disney Cruise Line ships you want to board, with the Disney Wish being the newest in the growing fleet. If you dont care about timing or which ship you set sail on then just go with whatever theme you think sounds like the most fun. If your family loves Pixar movies or Marvel superheroes, obviously go with one of those, but if your crew is nuts about Halloween or Christmas, celebrate your favorite holiday on the high seas with those themes.

No matter what ship, sailing date or themed cruise you choose, a Disney Cruise Line vacation is a one-of-a-kind experience where youll most likely be ready to book your next voyage as soon as you stepoff the ship.

See original here:

How to pick the best themed Disney Cruise for your family - Chron