An Indian fishing vessel named Marthoma, carrying a crew of 13, was involved in a collision with an Indian Navy submarine on Thursday, approximately 70 nautical miles northwest of Goa. The incident has raised significant concerns as two fishermen from the vessel are currently missing.

In response to the collision, the Indian Navy promptly launched extensive search and rescue operations, deploying six ships and aircraft to the area. As of now, a total of 11 crew members from the Marthoma have been successfully rescued, while efforts continue to locate the remaining two missing fishermen.

The search operations are being coordinated with the Mumbai Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), which is leading the effort to ensure that all possible resources are utilized effectively. Additional assets have been diverted to the site of the incident to bolster the ongoing rescue efforts.

The situation remains dynamic, and further updates are expected as search operations continue. Authorities are closely monitoring the developments and will provide more information as it becomes available.

The Indian government has approved an emergency aid package of Rs 153.467 crore for immediate relief efforts in response to the devastating landslide that occurred in Wayanad, Kerala. This financial support is intended to cover the actual airfreight costs incurred by the Indian Air Force (IAF) during its aerial operations to deliver essential supplies and facilitate rescue efforts, as well as to assist in the debris clearance operations.

In a recent statement submitted to the High Court, the Centre outlined that the financial package was based on the findings of an Inter-Ministerial central team that conducted on-the-ground assessments in the landslide-affected areas. The recommendations from the team were reviewed during a meeting of the Sub Committee of the National Executive Committee (SC-NEC), chaired by the Home Secretary, on October 1.

The approved funds will be allocated from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) but will be subject to conditions. Specifically, the release of funds is contingent upon the adjustment of 50% of any remaining balance in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for the ongoing disaster, as well as actual expenses incurred for airlifting operations and the utilization of heavy machinery for debris clearance in the vicinity of Meppadi Grama Panchayat.

Additionally, the Centre informed the court that a Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report, which the Kerala state government submitted following the landslide, indicated a total financial requirement of Rs 2,219.033 crore for recovery and reconstruction efforts. The state government’s proposal is currently under review in accordance with the guidelines for disaster funding as established by the NDRF and SDRF.

The Centre had previously communicated to the High Court that details regarding the PDNA, as well as further financial assistance requests from the NDRF, were still pending from Kerala. It was noted that most state governments must conduct a PDNA assessment in cases of severe disasters to qualify for additional support from the NDRF.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has acknowledged the delay in the completion of the PDNA. They explained that the preparation of such an assessment is a new requirement that came into effect only on August 14, following the landslide’s occurrence. Consequently, the state had to organize and train its personnel to effectively prepare and submit the PDNA report.

As search and rescue operations continue in Wayanad, these developments mark a significant step toward addressing the aftermath of the tragic landslide and ensuring the affected communities receive the necessary support for recovery and rebuilding efforts.

An incident occurred off the coast of Goa where an Indian Navy submarine collided with a fishing vessel, leading to a rescue operation for two missing fishermen. The collision took place approximately 70 nautical miles northwest of Goa around 9:30 PM on Thursday, while the submarine was in transit between two ports.

According to defence sources, the Indian fishing vessel Marthoma had 13 crew members on board at the time of the accident. Following the collision, the Indian Navy promptly initiated search and rescue operations, deploying six ships and aircraft to the area. As a result of these efforts, eleven out of the thirteen crew members were successfully rescued. However, the search continues for the remaining two fishermen.

The ongoing operation is being coordinated with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre based in Mumbai. Additional assets have also been redirected to the location to enhance the rescue efforts.

Though details surrounding the specifics of the accident are still not fully available, initial reports suggest that there were no major damages to the fishing vessel, as it continued to operate after the incident. Naval headquarters are currently awaiting the submarine’s arrival at its destination for a thorough assessment of any potential damage and to investigate the reasons behind the collision.

In a significant achievement for the Indian Navy, siblings Commander Prerna Deosthalee and Commander Ishan Deosthalee have made history as the first brother and sister duo to simultaneously command two different warships. This landmark accomplishment showcases not only their individual capabilities but also represents a progressive shift within military operations.

Commander Prerna Deosthalee currently heads INS Trinkat, a Trinkat-class vessel renowned for its high-speed maneuvers and operational effectiveness in shallow waters. Her historic command is especially noteworthy as she became the first-ever female officer in the Indian Navy to hold the command of a warship last year. This milestone has inspired many and added to the growing recognition of women’s contributions in defense roles.

On the other hand, Commander Ishan Deosthalee has taken command of INS Vibhuti, a Veer-class corvette, which is a modified version of the Tarantul-class vessels used by the Indian Navy. Both sibling commanders operate under the Western Naval Command, strengthening the operational prowess of the Navy in the region.

Commander Prerna’s achievements are particularly remarkable given her background. She is a trailblazer, being the first female observer to operate on the Tupolev Tu-142, a critical maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. Her journey in the Navy commenced in 2009 when she was commissioned, and she has continued to make strides within a traditionally male-dominated field, serving as First Lieutenant on INS Chennai before taking command of her ship.

This momentous event underscores not only the personal triumphs of the Deosthalee siblings but also the Indian Navy’s commitment to empowering women within its ranks. The simultaneous command of these warships by a brother-sister duo is a powerful symbol of progress, diversity, and excellence in India’s armed forces, setting a notable precedent for future generations.

A fishing vessel with a crew of 13 experienced a serious accident when it collided with an Indian Navy submarine approximately 70 nautical miles off the coast of Goa on the evening of November 21. The National Navy officials reported the incident, which occurred during the evening hours, marking a significant maritime mishap.

In response to the collision, the Indian Navy promptly initiated a large-scale rescue operation. As of the latest updates, 11 of the 13 crew members have been successfully rescued, while efforts continue to locate the remaining two fishermen who are still unaccounted for.

To facilitate the ongoing search and rescue mission, the Navy has deployed six ships alongside surveillance aircraft to the area of the incident. A spokesperson for the Navy confirmed that search operations are in full swing, stating, “Search and rescue efforts for the remaining two crew members are underway. Additional assets have been diverted to the area to support the operation.”

In light of this serious incident, the Indian Navy has also announced a high-level investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. The investigation aims to uncover the factors that contributed to this unfortunate event and to ensure measures are implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Indian Army has initiated an investigation following allegations of ill-treatment of civilians during recent military operations in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The Army’s inquiry comes after a search operation was launched on Wednesday based on intelligence regarding the movement of a group of terrorists in the area.

Reports indicate that four residents from Kuath village were summoned to an Army camp on Wednesday morning. Those named include Sajad Hussain, Mehraj Din, Ghulam Hassan, Mushtaq Ahmad, and Abdul Kabir. It has been alleged that these individuals were subjected to torture while in custody. Farooq Ahmed Kripak, the sarpanch of Keshwan A, noted that all the victims were approximately 30 years old. Upon their release, many of the men were in such poor condition that they required assistance to walk, with some needing to be carried.

The villagers took the injured men to the Kishtwar district hospital for medical treatment. Kishtwar’s Senior Superintendent of Police, Javed Iqbal, has stated that the police are in the process of verifying the allegations.

In their official communication, the White Knight Corps of the Army acknowledged the troubling reports of civilian treatment during the operation and confirmed that an investigation has been launched to ascertain the details and circumstances surrounding these claims. The Army further vowed that necessary follow-up actions would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

The motive for the questioning of the four men appears to be linked to a recent violent incident. This includes the killing of a junior commissioned officer and three soldiers during a gunfight with suspected militants in the Chask area on November 10. Furthermore, the tense situation in the district escalated after two village defence guards were abducted and subsequently murdered by suspected militants earlier in the month, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.

The Village Defence Guards, formed in 1995 as a counterinsurgency measure, consist of local civilian volunteers trained to combat militancy. While their activities had seen a decline over the years, the rise in militant threats has led to a revival of their operations since March 2022. This latest incident not only raises significant concerns over the treatment of civilians but also underscores the continuing cycle of violence and retaliation in Jammu and Kashmir.