Category Archives: High Seas

On the evening of November 27, 2008, a day after the heinous terror attacks in Mumbai referred to as 26/11, Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) secretary Ashok Chaturvedi met then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and offered to resign for his failure to prevent the multiple terror strike that led to the deaths of 166 people and injured 293 others.

Piecing together the chain of events by talking to those involved in the response to terror strike executed by Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and likely carried out with the cognisance of that countrys spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Hindustan Times has learnt that Chaturvedi showed all relevant intelligence alerts on impending major terror strike sent by R&AW to the multi-agency centre of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) for dissemination and action by the Mumbai Police. The specific alerts were sent to the IB by then joint secretary (international liaison) Anil Dhasmana; these alerts were compiled with the help of agencies such as the US Central Intelligence Agency and Israels Mossad.

Also Read | Manish Tewaris views on UPA action after 26/11 attacks trigger controversy

The R&AW alerts listed possible targets, including Nariman House, by name. There was also the November 20, 2008, alert issued by the agency to Indian Navy and Coast Guard, which were at the time involved in Defence of Gujarat war exercises in the high seas off the Kathiawar peninsula, about intruding ship Al Husseini which began its journey from KT Bandar in Karachi. The ship, whose latitude and longitude at anchor was given in the alert, was not intercepted on the high seas and the terrorists then used hijacked fishing trawler MV Kuber to reach the outer perimeter of Mumbai harbour on that fateful day.

Watch: Ahead of 26/11 anniversary, UPA govt's lack of response questioned by Congress leader; BJP gets ammo

While Chaturvedi died in 2011, it is understood that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, after examining R&AWs alerts, which will still be in the agencys archives, asked the then chief of Indias external intelligence agency not to resign. Chaturvedi, who was subsequently targeted for not preventing the 26/11 attacks, retired from the agency in January 2009. His Madhya Pradesh IPS cadremate Anil Dhasmana went on to become the R&AW chief in 2017 and is currently chairman of the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO).

Also Read | 26/11: The day terror hit us

That IB used these alerts to issue three warnings of impending terror strikes , including attacks on Jewish targets in Indias commercial capital, is evident from the de-classified report of RD Pradhan Commission of Inquiry set up by then state government headed by Congress chief minister Ashok Chavan. The Pradhan report talks about the lack of intelligent perception of threats by both the state home department and the Mumbai Police, and specifically mentions August 9, 2008, alerts from the IB on possible attacks on Taj Mahal Hotel, Oberoi Hotel and the World Trade Centre.

To be sure, while Mumbai Police did take the IB warnings very seriously as per the Pradhan Committee, the state of readiness went down over the following months and everyone was caught by surprise on 26/11. That the terror strikes had been in the works for some time (something that explains the advance warnings) is clear from details of the interrogation of LeTs 26/11 Mumbai scout David Coleman Headley aka Daood Gilani. Headley told NIA in June 2010 that the first attempt on Mumbai in September failed as the boat sank on high seas. The second attempt on 26/11 was successful and deadly with the Union home ministry, state home department and Mumbai Police all caught unawares.

With six US nationals and four Israeli nationals being killed in the attacks, both the CIA and Mossad were upset with India for its failure to prevent the Mumbai massacre. Despite this, both agencies and their governments helped Indian security agencies in digging out clues from charred mobile phones and GPS sets of the terrorists using latest technology.

Also Read | 26/11 special: Survivors say they are prepared for the worst, now

While Union home minister Shivraj Patil, state home minister RR Patil, and Mumbai Police commissioner Hasan Ghafoor lost their jobs after the incident, director, Intelligence Bureau, PC Haldar retired on his due date of superannuation on December 31, 2008. Clearly, central Intelligence had not failed.

Although there was a mood for military retaliation against Pakistan after the Mumbai massacre of innocents, this changed eight month later when PM Manmohan Singh met his Pakistani counterpart Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at Shram El Sheikh on July 16, 2009, and decided to chart a way forward for bilateral relations. The Pakistani PM promised to bring perpetrators of Mumbai attacks to justice but countered with allegations of an Indian terror threat to Balochistan.

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RA&W chief offered to resign for failure to prevent 26/11 attack - Hindustan Times

Dubai: You might want to rethink your plans to hit the beach as the weather bureau has warned UAE residents about rough conditions at sea on Thursday.

According to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), the sea will be rough due to winds that are expected to repeatedly blow. Waves with a height of 5-8 feet are expected to form offshore.

Skies across the UAE are looking sunny to partly cloudy at times over some areas, especially in Fujairah, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.

Temperatures are expected to decrease. On average temperatures are expected to be in low 20s with minimum temperatures dropping to 14C.

Dubai is currently at 24 C with partly cloudy skies.

The relative humidity is expected to be high at night and on Friday morning, reaching up to 90 per cent. Fog and mist formation is also expected during those hours in internal and coastal areas in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman.

Winds are expected to repeatedly blow, at a speed of 15 25 km/h, reaching up to 45 km/h at times.

The winds are expected to blow dust and sand into the air, especially during the day, getting stronger with the cloud activity and reducing horizontal visibility. Drivers should be careful on the road as the dust might hinder visibility. Those who suffer from allergies should also take precautions when going outside.

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UAE: 8-foot-high waves off coast, residents warned due to rough seas, temperatures to drop on Thursday going down to 14C - Gulf News

China on Thursday accused Indias chief of defence staff (CDS) Bipin Rawat of instigating a geopolitical confrontation and violating strategic guidelines after he said China is Indias biggest security threat earlier this month.

The Chinese defence ministry called the remarks irresponsible and dangerous, and said it had made solemn representations against Rawats comments to the Indian establishment.

China is the biggest security threat facing India, much bigger than Pakistan, Rawat had said at a summit earlier this month, adding, however, that India is prepared to deal with any misadventure on the land borders or the high seas.

In response to a question whether China was Indias number one enemy, Rawat said no doubt and added: The threat on the northern borders is much bigger.

A lack of trust and growing suspicion is coming in the way of resolving the border dispute between the nuclear-armed neighbours, Bipin Rawat added in context of the ongoing Sino-India military friction in eastern Ladakh.

The Chinese defence ministry reacted strongly to Rawats remarks at the monthly press conference in Beijing on Thursday.

The unprovoked hype of the so-called Chinese military threat by Indian officials seriously violates the strategic guidelines of the leaders of the two countries on the not a threat to each other, ministry spokesperson, Colonel Wu Qian said, responding to a question at a press conference on Thursday.

It is irresponsible and dangerous to instigate geopolitical confrontation. We expressed firm opposition to this and made solemn representations to the Indian side, Wu added.

Chinas position on the China-India boundary issue is clear and unambiguous: The Chinese border troops are determined to safeguard national sovereignty and security. At the same time, they are committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border area and make great efforts to ease and cool down the situation, Wu said.

As a neighbouring country, we hope that India and China will meet each other halfway, jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border area, and jointly maintain the sound development of bilateral relations, the spokesperson said.

Indian and Chinese militaries have been locked in a border standoff in eastern Ladakh since May, 2020, when a violent clash in Pangong lake area led to both sides gradually deploying tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry along the border.

Several rounds of military and diplomatic talks have only resulted in partial disengagement of troops until now.

In October, China accused India of unreasonable and unrealistic demands in an unusually aggressive statement issued at the end of the 13th round of military talks held to resolve the dragging standoff in the Ladakh area.

India has repeatedly and consistently rejected Chinas allegations that Indian troops crossed over to the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, asserting that New Delhi has always taken a responsible approach towards border management and maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

Russia, India, China foreign ministers to meet

The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) will hold their annual meeting via video link on Friday, the Chinese foreign ministry announced on Thursday.

Fridays meeting will be the 18th round of talks between the three countries under the RIC mechanism.

Chinese state councillor and foreign minister Wang Yi will attend the RIC foriegn ministers meeting via video link on November 26, foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian announced on Thursday.

Wang will join Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Russia foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov in the meeting.

Under the RIC framework, the foreign ministers of the three countries meet periodically to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of their interest. During the upcoming meeting, China expects to boost communications, strengthen mutual trust and reach a consensus with Russia and India, sending a positive signal to the world, Zhao said.

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China lodges protest over CDS Rawat calling it Indias biggest security threat - Hindustan Times

New Delhi: Poor and artisanal fishermen in India will be in crisis if the World Trade Organisation (WTO) accepts the demand of developed nations to withdraw existing disciplines on fisheries subsidies.

The developed countries have been exerting pressure to withdraw subsidies, and the demand would be discussed at the 12th edition of the WTO ministerial conference to be held in Geneva from November 30 to December 3.

The move is to controlIllegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing. It has been argued that IUU fishing is posing a threat to marine ecosystems and the revenues of small-time fishers.

However, small-time fishers, who do not engage in IUU fishing, will be the worst hit if the subsidies are withdrawn.

The WTO has instructed to confine the subsidies only to those who fish within 12 nautical miles (nm) of the shore, and that too, for just two years after an agreement is reached.

Subsidies should not be extended for fishing in theExclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) within 200 nm from the shore. India has demanded appropriate and effective special and differential treatment to poor and artisanal fishermen should be extended to all fishermen, including those fishing in the EEZ, for the next 25 years.

Supreme council

The ministerial conference is the WTO's supreme council which convenes every two years. WTO makes its decision based on consensus and not a majority. It has to be seen how India and other developing nations will take on the developed countries' demand for withdrawing subsidies.

Law of the sea

According to the Law of the Sea formulated between 1973 and 1982, each country's sovereign territorial water extends to a maximum of 12 nm (22 km) from their coasts, while the 200 nm (370) beyond the territorial waters is the respective country's exclusive economic zone. The high sea is beyond the EEZ.

In India, States have the rights over territorial seas.

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India set to oppose move to withdraw fisheries subsidies at WTO - Onmanorama

With high winds and large seas anticipated on Friday and Saturday, the RNLI is urging people to exercise extreme caution if visiting the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.

The charity is asking people not to take unnecessary risks as breaking waves can easily sweep you off your feet and out to sea.

An RNLI spokesman said: While stormy conditions may be tempting to watch, it is important to remember the sea is very dangerous and unpredictable and big waves can easily knock you off your feet.

We would urge people to stay well back from the edge to avoid being swept in by large waves crashing over rocks and piers.

As well as the risk of being swept into the sea, large waves can often undermine cliff edges and make them unstable.

If you think someone is in danger, please dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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RNLI urges people to take extra care while near the shoreline, visiting exposed cliffs, seafronts, and piers - Bridlington Free Press

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Ewan Wakefield had been sailing across the North Atlantic for days when the ocean suddenly greened. A phytoplankton bloom had emerged at the edge of an oceanic cold front roughly 1,000 kilometers south of Greenland, attracting precisely what Wakefield was hoping to find. Dozens of seabirdsgreat shearwaters, fulmars, and othersappeared, swinging in high arcs near the vessel, bombing the sea surface, and feeding like crazy, he says. It is what we call a hotspot.

Seabirds comprise one of the most threatened groups of vertebrates. Almost half of all seabirds are in decline. Until recently, scientists knew relatively little about the lives of the birds that dwell on the open North Atlantic. These species spend most of their existence beyond the continental shelves, where life is diffuse and at-sea surveys are costly and dangerous. Not knowing where they live or feed has made protecting the birds nearly impossible. But a group of about 80 scientists, including Wakefield, a biologist at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, has been scouring the North Atlantic to find out more. In the process, theyve identified an ocean habitat teeming with birds.

In an area spanning nearly 600,000 square kilometersreaching from the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and Labrador to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and from the Azores to the Labrador Basin off Greenlandscientists have found the highest concentration of seabirds ever documented on the open ocean. According to the researchers, an estimated 2.9 to five million seabirds visit the area yearly.

It is a surprise, says Wakefield, who surveyed the area in 2017. The North Atlantic is bounded by some of the most developed countries in the world. And we werent doing that research in our backyard.

In 2017, Ewan Wakefield, a biologist at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, led a team of researchers aboard the RSS Discovery on a survey of seabirds in the open North Atlantic. Photo by Simon J. Pinder

The discovery, announced in a series of papers published this year, has already prompted a multinational agreement declaring that this vitally important area for seabirds needs to be protected.

I dont think anyone really thought it would be this big or this many birds consistently using the site, says Tammy Davies, a conservation scientist and marine science coordinator at the conservation nonprofit BirdLife International, who led the research that identified the area.

Davies and her colleagues at BirdLife International first became aware of the outsized importance of this stretch of the North Atlantic in 2016, when they began mapping data from previous studies that had tracked 1,500 birds from 56 breeding colonies. The area jumped out. At least 21 species were using it, in many cases for hunting and foraging in the months after the energy-intensive mating seasons. Some, such as the great shearwater, were in molt, a vulnerable period when birds shed and regrow feathers. Wakefield says the birds are likely drawn to the areas oceanic frontswhere the Gulf Stream abuts cold northern waterswhich are rich with phytoplankton, small fish, and crustaceans.

Theres always some hesitancy when extrapolating beyond a few tracked individuals, says Autumn-Lynn Harrison, an ecologist at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center who was not involved in the research. But theres no doubt that the absolute number of species that use this place is real.This place is very important.

The agreement to establish this area as the North Atlantic Current and Evlanov Seamount Marine Protected Area (NACES MPA) was made by the Oslo-Paris Convention on the protection of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR), an international body representing 15 countries and the European Union. OSPAR was the organization that established the first network of marine reserves on the high seas in 2010, protecting areas beyond the reach of national jurisdictions. The NACES MPA is the conventions 11th high-seas reserve and its largest. Yet OSPARs declaration only marks that the area should be protectedexactly what shape that protection will take has yet to be decided.

Its a starting point, says Erich Hoyt, a research fellow with the international NGO Whale and Dolphin Conservation, who has written extensively on marine protected areas. Every protected area starts out on paper, and its what you make of it that becomes something.

OSPARs high-seas reserves offer some protection, but because there is at present no global consensus on how to regulate the open ocean, OSPARs powers are extremely limited. It does not have sole jurisdiction in its protected areas, and it cannot ban longline fishing or seafloor mining, which are managed by separate organizations.

There are lots of opportunities for ensuring [the NACES MPA] doesnt become a paper park, though, says Davies. OSPARs members have committed to monitoring human activities in the area and addressing new threats as they arise. Carrying this out falls to the individual governments that make up OSPAR.

When Wakefield zigzagged across the region four years ago, he noticed a small number of cargo ships and longliners. We also saw fishing gearghost gearfloating around out there, which would still be catching birds, he says, but given that its so far from shore, the NACES area sees relatively few impacts.

Still, as global fish stocks shrink, pressure to develop fisheries in international waters is expected to increase. Threats from deep-sea mining, fossil fuel extraction, and climate change arent going away either. So, while the NACES MPA is unblemished compared to many parts of the ocean, the challenge will be to keep it that way.

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In the Middle of the Atlantic, an Overlooked Seabird Hotspot - Hakai Magazine

Leading a life of plunder on the high seas doesnt mean a person cant feel gratitude, and to prove it, Sea of Thieves has kicked off its Feast of Bounty event, coinciding with the American observance of Thanksgiving. From now through November 29, players can participate in two sets of challenges in the pirate game to prepare for and then celebrate the annual feast.

The Feast of Bounty event is split into two phases, each with its own set of challenges. The preparation phase is underway now, and it involves five tasks. First, youll want to collect a free Feast of Bounty flag from Larinna at the tavern. After that, youll help prepare for the feast by cooking pieces of chicken or pork, shark or snake, megalodon or kraken, and any kind of fish. Finish all these by the time the festival ends, and youll earn yourself a nice Feast of Bounty makeup look.

The celebration phase begins November 25, and will introduce its own set of challenges. However, youll still be able to work on challenges from the preparation phase during this time, so dont worry.

Theres an extra challenge called overindulgence, which grants a reward for eating 75 pieces of cooked meat and fish surely youve got room for just one more bite, right?

Finishing the celebration phase challenges will earn you a Feast of Bounty scar cosmetic, and theres an additional reward if you complete all the challenges for both phases.

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Sea of Thieves has kicked off its big two-part Thanksgiving bash - PCGamesN

Disney Cruise Line has announced more details about the new original shows and updated pirate night coming to the Disney Wish.

A Treasure Retold Disney The Little Mermaid

Disney The Little Mermaid will be an original Broadway-style stage adaptation of the renowned 1989 Disney Animation film developed exclusively for the Disney Wish. During this one-of-a-kind theatrical production, audiences will rediscover the iconic scenes, acclaimed music, and beloved characters of The Little Mermaid while experiencing the story like never before.

In this modern-day retelling, the curtain will rise on an enchanted treasure chest at the moment it is discovered by a group of storytellers, led by a special young woman who has the power to unlock its magic. As they uncover the whozits and whatzits galore hidden within the trunk, the storytellers will take on the roles of Ariel, Ursula, Prince Eric, Sebastian, Flounder, and more, bringing to life the immersive undersea world right before guests eyes. Theyll put their own contemporary spin on the timeless story of a young womans search for independence, love, and a place in the world.

Disney The Little Mermaid will feature innovative theatrical design, dazzling special effects, artistic choreography, and a reimagined script and score that will surprise and delight guests of all ages.

Its worth noting that the silhouette of Ariels hair in the promotional image suggests she will be portrayed by a Black woman, just as she will be in the upcoming live-action film.

An Embarkation Celebration Disney Seas the Adventure

On their first night aboard this enchanted ship, guests will embark on a musical voyage into some of their favorite stories during an original musical spectacular, Disney Seas the Adventure. When Captain Minnie hands over the helm to her dear friend Goofy, hell set sail into uncharted waters on a journey to discover his own inner captain. Along the way, Goofy will encounter a bevy of bold, brave, and brilliant Disney and Pixar friends who encourage him to lead with his heart through rousing renditions of iconic Disney songs.

The adventure will culminate in a cavalcade of characters joining Captain Minnie and Goofy on stage during a grand farewell before leading guests out of the theater and into the Grand Hall for an unforgettable sendoff experience the ultimate kiss goodnight to close guests first day onboard.

Signature Pirate Night with a Rock-and-Roll Twist

Disney cruisers, rejoice! On one special night of every voyage, guests of all ages can don their most swashbuckling pirate garb and head to the upper decks for a rollicking rock-and-roll extravaganza unlike anything on the high seas complete with fireworks at sea like only Disney can do during a new take on our signature nighttime deck celebration.

Hosted by Captain Redd a descendent of the famous red-headed rogue from the Pirates of the Caribbean theme park attractions Pirates Rockin Parlay Partywill feature live music, remarkable stunts, special effects, and plenty of surprises. Throughout the party, she and her band of head-banging buccaneers will perform famous radio hits from the genre, plus a rockin rendition of the classic pirate tune Yo Ho (A Pirates Life for Me).

When Redd assembles a fearsome council of captains, including the notorious scoundrel Captain Jack Sparrow, theyll unlock a sparkling treasure that lights the night sky: a fantastic fireworks display underscored by an original arrangement of the sensational soundtrack from the Walt Disney Studios Pirates in the Caribbean films.

Related

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More Details Announced for 'Seas the Adventure,' 'The Little Mermaid' Stage Shows, and Rock-and-Roll Pirate Night Coming to Disney Wish - wdwnt.com

SAN DIEGO Most happy couples have similar interests but separate hobbies. In this Zevely Zone, I set my sails for Point Loma where I discovered if you want to retire someday, you'd better make some plans.

"This is my model shop," said 77-year-old Al Powell. When he was a boy, he started building car models, but after a seven-year stint in the Navy, he graduated to the high seas. "The problem is I can't sit still," said Al.

As the decades passed shelves became shipyards for his model ships. He has a fascination with the sea and lines his walls with memories of white water. "It's a fleet submarine," Al said while pointing to a large model submarine in his garage. Al was a submariner in the Navy, so when a friend asked if he could find a place to dock this big boy. "I said, well, why not. I had the only car that could carry it home," laughed Al.

His car was also big enough to haul the essential wood, glue, and patience. "You get the plans, and you get a box of wood," said Al. He spent eight years crafting one masterpiece whaling ship that turned out to be his Moby Dick. "This is the overall drawing. It gets a little more detail and a little more detail, oh even more detail and eventually you end up with a finished model," said Al while me the designs.

If only, Al had could sail his ships to a beautiful beach. "My wife Helen has a sand collection. That is pretty astonishing," said Al. For that part of the story, we head to higher land. Al's collection is in the garage and Helen's collection is in the house.

"I started this probably 30 years ago. These are all sands from all over the world. This is from the Amazon river," said Helen. Five hundred samples in all. "It's a sickness, ha, ha," said Helen with a chuckle.

When you're married for 48 years, all your little quirks get put under a microscope. We started at the beautiful grains under a scope and took an up-close look at true love passing the sands of time in Point Loma.

"I don't watch football on TV or baseball or any of that," said Al. Helen and Al's advice for happy retirement? Find a hobby you love and never leave San Diego.

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Point Loma couple sails the sands of time and love - CBS News 8

King of Seas may not have quite gone down as well as Team17 and 3DClouds had hoped when it launched earlier in the year on console and PC, with some serious grind holding it back, but with the introduction of the new Monsters Update, seafaring adventurers at least have something in place to help keep things fresh.

Rolling out for all players on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Nintendo Switch and PC who already have access to King of Seas, the Monsters Update will bring forth new quests and creature encounters, along with amended (easier to complete) questlines, quality of life improvements and even mouse support for those on PC.

The new cargo is being offloaded into 3DClouds pirate action RPG today, giving players even more reason to head off on the high, procedurally generated, seas, as they work to clear their name and engage in some strategic naval combat. Why? Well, so they can become the true king of the high seas.

The thing is, the monsters of the deep are awake, and theyre hungry with the new update triggering and summoning mythical sea creatures including a Basilisk, Abyssal Fish, Cursed Golem, and Kraken for players to fight and loot.

The update also includes:

Full patch notes for the King of Seas Monsters Update can be found on Steam but this is rolling out to a format near you right now. Youll obviously need a copy of King of Seas to hand in order for it all to work.

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New Monsters Update makes waves in King of Seas - TheXboxHub