The Supreme Court on Friday asked former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his estranged wife to appear before the top court mediation centre at the top court in regard to settlement between the parties.
The matter was listed before the bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah.
Let the party work out for mediation, the top court said and asked the party to appear before the apex court mediation centre.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal appeared for Omar Abdullah while Senior Advocate Shyam Diwan appeared for his estranged wife and both of them suggested for mediation.
The top court said that an attempt can be taken for a settlement though it understands some marriages are not fixable.
Omar Abdullah has challenged the Delhi High Court order December 12 2023 order which dismissed his plea against a family court order denying him divorce from his estranged wife.
Delhi’s Patiala House Court on August 30, 2016, dismissed his petition seeking divorce on the grounds of cruelty. He filed the plea in 2013.
They got married in September 1994 but have been living apart since 2009. The couple has two sons.
While dismissing the appeal, the division bench of the Delhi High Court said it found no infirmity in the family court order denying divorce to him. The high court also said the allegations of cruelty by Omar Abdullah against his wife are vague.
The bench noted further that the appellant failed to prove any act of cruelty, whether physical or mental, by his estranged wife.
The high court dismissed the appeal, finding it without merit.
The family court had dismissed his petition, stating that he failed to prove the claims of cruelty or desertion.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
On Thursday (29th August), junior doctors at the Medinipur Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal launched a sit-in protest against the constant harassment meted out to them by a Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) leader named Mostafizur Rahman Mallick.
A close aide of the ex-Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital Sandip Ghosh, Mostafizur is accused of being involved in ragging. He has reportedly forced junior female doctors to dance to item songs.
According to a protesting doctor named Mohammed CB, Mostafizur graduated from the Medinipur Medical College and Hospital about 3 years ago. Despite this, the accused continues to stay in the hostel.
“He continues to harass us and threatens to evict junior doctors from the hostel. When we tell Mostafizur that we will file a complaint against him, he tells us that nothing would happen to him even if we were to approach the Health Department,” Mohammed was heard as saying.
He stated that Mostafizur has threatened not to allow junior doctors access to their registration certificates. “The TMCP leader controls everything, starting from the seating arrangement in the exams to even failing students,” Mohammed continued.
He also informed that Mostafizur even extorted ₹2000 from each junior doctor and forcibly inducted them in Trinamool Chhatra Parishad. “They run a syndicate through they they control everything (inMedinipur Medical College and Hospital),” the protesting doctor concluded.
মেদিনীপুর মেডিক্যাল কলেজের TMCP ইউনিট, ১ম বর্ষের ছাত্রদের ভয় দেখিয়েছে যে " We support Prof. Dr. Sandip Ghosh " পোস্টার নিয়ে না দাঁড়ালে হোস্টেলে থাকতে দেবে না। ছবিতে সব ১ম বর্ষের ছাত্ররা পোস্টার নিয়ে দাড়িয়ে আছে।
While speaking about her ordeal, a medical student named Shreya Mondal told Republic TV, “Since the first day we took admission in this college, the teachers left the class and the students were in the class, then this unit came and closed our doors, and the rascals belonging to this Mostafizur came and ragged us.”
“We are harassed. The time we were freshers, we were taken to the auditorium. In front of the whole auditorium, they say play the item song and dance. Since that day, we are afraid. Many of the juniors are threatened that if you protest, you will become a target!” she emphasised.
She further added, “This unit enters our class and closes the door. Mostafizur Rahman comes in with his followers and they ragged us like anything. The women in the classroom were not respected; we were publicly harassed. We have an auditorium, a student was put up there, lights were flashed on the face of that student, and the rest of the auditorium was dark. They came in under the influence of drugs. From off-stage, they used to say, ‘I am playing an item song, you dance on it.’ This is how the women are treated. As of now, this place has not turned into RG Kar but it might very soon if we keep tolerating this kind of behavior.”
The RG Kar incident has already exposed the precarious state of women's safety in Bengal, a condition perpetuated by Mamata Banerjee's culture of relentless subjugation of women.
Now, another "gem" of TMC, Mostafizur Rahman, member of the TMCP unit at Medinipur Medical College,… pic.twitter.com/HT3TPkEbjg
Forced by circumstances, the junior doctors at the Medinipur Medical College and Hospital are now holding demonstrations demanding the immediate expulsion of Mostafizur Rahman Mallick from the hostel.
In the aftermath of the protests, the administration swung into action and issued a temporary ban on the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad leader from entering the college and hospital. The authorities also gave ‘written assurance’ to address all grievances of the junior doctors.
The principal of the college stated, “We are rectifying the lack of security and CCTV. We are bringing in more CCTV and have informed the health department. Security officers and safety measures, from police to constables, are being worked on. We are reforming the committees to include student representatives.”
Kabadis (ragmen/scrap dealers) entered a residence in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The primary culprit, Faizan, has been taken into custody after the accused fled from the spot. Rehan, Rashid and Wasim are the names of the other culprits. The family stated that the girl had been gang-raped. People also demonstrated demanding the arrest of all the accused. They protested in front of the police station in the Brijvihar area on 29th August evening and asked for the perpetrators to be hanged immediately.
They also vandalised the items and vehicles outside the accused’s shop. An e-rickshaw was set on fire. The matter is related to two communities and the authorities are present at the scene due to the tense situation. The victim girl’s aunt revealed that all male and female members of the house had gone to work on 28th August. Meanwhile, three to four boys who buy and sell junk broke into the house by jumping over the back gate while the youngster was alone there. She was physically assaulted and they sexually violated her when she became unconscious.
उसके लिखित तहरीर के आधार पर सुसंगत धाराओं में अभियोग पंजीकृत किया जा रहा है । पीड़िता को चिकित्सा हेतु भिजवा दिया गया है तथा इसमें टीमों का गठन कर दुष्कर्म की घटना कारित करने वाले अभियुक्त को हिरासत में ले लिया गया है । अग्रिम विधिक कार्यवाही प्रचलित है । 2/3
— DCP TRANS HINDON COMMISSIONERATE GHAZIABAD (@DCPTHindonGZB) August 29, 2024
Assistant Police Commissioner Rajneesh Upadhyay mentioned that the girl’s mother lodged a complaint at Link Road Police Station on 29th August morning. He added that she wrote about how her daughter was thrashed and raped by a scrap dealer who belonged to another community, in her complaint. A case has been filed on the complaint and one accused has been arrested. Hindu organisations have also raised their voice against the crime. Hindu leader Ashish Pal unveiled that anti-social elements regularly assembled near the accused’s scrap shop and the local criminals have no fear of the police. The cops are now probing the charge of gang-rape and the matter is under inquiry.
On the other hand, the police reported that when the minor’s mother and other family members arrived at the police station early on 29th August, they had charged only one person with rape. A First Information Report was filed right away and the offender was apprehended. However, they are now accusing three or four youths of gang rape, according to the cops and hence the matter will be investigated thoroughly.
#WATCH | UP: Dinesh Kumar P, Additional Commissioner, Ghaziabad says, " Yesterday, a complaint was received, rape case was registered in connection with that and the accused was arrested…today family of the victim is saying that more people could be involved in this crime, we… pic.twitter.com/bnQFeEl4ug
Ghaziabad Additional Commissioner Dinesh Kumar P said that the prime accused has been arrested, and now police are considering action against other people named by the victim’s family. He added that action will also be taken against people who broke the law.
The Delhi Rouse Avenue Court on Friday ordered the CBI to frame charges against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, where three people were killed.
The court determined that the trial against Tytler could proceed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 143, 147, 153A, 188, 295, 436, 451, 380, 149, 302, and 109.
In its charge sheet filed in May 2023, the CBI accused Tytler, a former union minister, of inciting and provoking a mob that gathered near the Pul Bangash gurdwara on November 1, 1984.
According to a witness, Tytler exited a white ambassador car in front of the gurdwara and incited the crowd, shouting, “Kill the Sikhs, they have killed our mother!” Subsequently, three people were killed by the enraged mob, angered over the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards the previous day.
In August last year, a sessions court granted anticipatory bail to Tytler in the case, on a personal bond of ₹1 lakh and a surety of the same amount.
The CBI has brought charges against Tytler under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 147 (rioting), 109 (abetment) and 302 (murder).
How Congress rewarded Jagdish Tytler over the years
The Congress party is not only tainted with accusations of leading the genocide of Sikhs in the wake of former PM Indira Gandhi’s assassination by her two Sikh bodyguards, but over the years, the party has also earned the dubious distinction of rewarding those accused of egregious charges during the anti-Sikh pogrom.
The 1984 Anti-Sikh riots took place in the aftermath of the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Indira Gandhi was assassinated on 31st October 1984 by her Sikh bodyguards as revenge for Operation Blue Star. From 1st November to 4th November, Sikhs across the country were killed. The government figures suggest the angry mobs, many of which were led by Congress leaders, brutally murdered 3,350 Sikhs.
However, Congress not only shielded those who carried out the pogrom but also rewarded them.
One of those rewarded was Jagdish Tytler, who continues to hold sway in the Congress party. The Nanavati Commission recorded the testimony of a witness namely, Jasbir Singh, who stated that on 3rd November 1984, he was passing by the TB hospital gate after taking dinner at the house of one Sucha Singh situated at Outram lane when he had seen Jagdish Tytler coming there in a car.
Singh furthered that he heard Tytler “rebuked” the persons who were standing because his instructions were not faithfully carried out. Therefore his position was greatly compromised and lowered in the eyes of the central leaders. He has alleged to have further stated that there was only nominal killing in his constituency compared to East Delhi, Outer Delhi, and Cant. etc. and it would be difficult for him to stake a claim in future as he has promised large-scale killing of Sikhs. He had complained to those persons that they had betrayed and let him down.
Despite the damning testimony against Tytler, the Congress party did not take punitive action against him. He remained a mainstay of the party’s Delhi unit, often attending meetings and weighing in on his opinions on matters of import.
Jagdish Tytler was subsequently given tickets to contest the election by the Indian National Congress and also made Union Minister of Civil Aviation first and then the Labour Department. He had contested the 2004 elections and won as well. He was dropped in the 2009 polls.
In December 2022, Tytler was seen attending the Congress Delhi Unit’s meeting over the preparations for the Bharat Jodo Yatra. He was also seen campaigning for the Congress party during the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) elections.
What if you open the door of your house and witness a massive crocodile that appears to be looking for food, jaws open, right on your doorstep? Well, this is ‘normal’ for Vadodara residents. While Vadodara’s monsoon conditions change from year to year, one thing that consistently haunts the residents during the monsoons is crocodiles. The flood levels of the Vishwamitri river in Vadodara have receded during the last four days. On Thursday (August 29, 2024), the water began to subside, and gigantic crocodiles were seen wandering across the city. The forest department and other organizations promptly initiated a rescue operation, relocating several crocodiles to safer habitats.
OpIndia called Karan Singh Rajput, Range Forest Officer, Vadodara Forest Department who stated that more than 14 crocodiles had been rescued until Thursday, August 29, 2024) in this year’s monsoon. The forest department and local non-governmental organizations helped in rescuing seven crocodiles.
Rescue of 14 crocodiles in four days, appeal to Vadodara residents to be careful
According to Karan Singh, the longest crocodile rescued in these four days came from Karelibagh and was roughly 15 feet long. When asked about the increasing number of crocodiles and their venture into Vadodara city, he told OpIndia, “We have 1300 volunteers enrolled with Karuna Abhiyan in Vadodara who work to conserve diverse species and biodiversity. Currently, there are 15 to 20 such NGOs dealing with the flood problem. 50-60 people work in all NGOs, and all of them have joined us. One can say that the people of Vadodara are so aware of crocodiles and the steps need to send them back to their natural habitat that they co-operate fully and man-animal conflict cases are negligible.
According to Charan Singh, approximately 70 snakes, in addition to crocodiles, have been successfully rescued. According to him, the Vadodara Forest Department was prepared to deal with a variety of eventualities even before the floods. The department had built appropriate crocodile capture cages, transport vehicles, and other arrangements. He also advised Vadodara residents to be cautious in the future, as crocodiles will emerge when the water recedes. He further requested that anyone with a crocodile or any other wildlife rescue or emergency request should call 9429558883 or 9429558886.
Why Vishwamitri river is the home of so many crocodiles?
There are several rivers in Gujarat. But why are there more crocodiles only in the Vishwamitri river? In response to this query, RFO Karan Singh of the district forest department says, “The Vishwamitri river can be called the crocodile’s stronghold. This is due to Vadodara’s geographical location, as well as the suitability of the Vishwamitri River for crocodiles. The river that runs through the city is so deep that it provides an ideal habitat for crocodiles. On the other side, one factor is central Gujarat’s climate, which is ideal for crocodile breeding. These are freshwater crocodiles, and the protected green stretch of the Vishwamitri River offers a favorable environment.”
“The breeding season for male and female crocodiles begins with the arrival of hot summer days. In May, the female crocodile digs a hole in the earth and lays her eggs inside. A riverbed with dense trees and foliage provides an ideal environment for crocodile eggs to hatch. However, because the Vishwamitri River is so deep, it supplies enough food for crocodiles. Apart from some areas where the river’s water receedes, there are several areas of the river with deep water where crocodiles can find plenty of food. Thus, the stretch of the Vishwamitri River has been confined by nets; however, if livestock enters the stretch, crocodiles kill them too,” he added.
How many crocodiles live in Vishwamitri?
According to a report in the Times of India in June, more than 300 crocodiles live in a 17-km stretch of the Vishwamitri river that bisects the city of Vadodara. The crocodiles were last counted in the year 2020 and at that time their number was 275.
It is worth mentioning that this is only about Vishwamitri river. As for the rest of the geographical location, the river mainly receives water from the Ajwa lake and the lake is also home to a lot of crocodiles. Apart from this, there are a good number of crocodiles in Jambuwa and Dev rivers around Vadodara. Recently, a case of a crocodile attack came to light in Gutal village of Waghodia taluka. The number of crocodiles is continuously increasing due to the amenity of the Vishwamitri River. It is also said that more than 6 crocodiles are living in the Vishwamitri River in every one-kilometer radius.
Which species of crocodiles are found in the river?
There are 23 species of crocodiles in the world, three of which live in India. There are additional variations between saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. The species of crocodile found in Vadodara is known as the ‘marsh crocodile’. This type of crocodile is known for its hoof-hunting abilities. They have the art of using their legs to chase and catch prey. The marsh crocodile’s jaws are placed upside down, so once the victim is trapped, it cannot escape. This crocodile can bite with a force of three tons.
Marsh crocodiles may run up to 8 miles per hour for short distances when hunting. The faster it can run or walk, the quicker it can swim. Marsh alligators can swim at speeds of 10 to 12 mph, and sometimes even quicker. Marsh crocodiles are classified as medium-sized. These crocodiles are 8 to 15 feet long.
Crocodiles generally live for 50 to 80 years. Its breeding season begins with the end of winter and the arrival of heat in July. When the weather gets hot, they lay their eggs in riverbeds and, in some circumstances, burrows. At the beginning of the monsoon, baby crocodiles hatch from eggs and the breeding of adults continues.
35-year-old Malkit Singh, a resident of Jahangir village of Kambo police station area in Amritsar, Punjab was brutally beaten to death by his neighbour Nihang Sukhdev Singh on Wednesday. The accused used to tease the victim for his short height and called him a midget. A fight erupted between the two over the issue on the night of 28th August after which Sukhdev Singh broke into his house through the roof (or jumped over the wall as per some reports) on the morning of 29th August, murdered him and fled from there. No one was in the house at the time of the incident.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Lakhwinder Singh Kaler reached the scene with the police force and started an investigation as soon as he received information about the occurrence. The police registered a case of murder against Sukhdev Singh who is from the same village and have conducted raids to arrest him. Officials assured that he will be arrested soon. The victim was the only son of his parents and had two sisters. The cops took the body into custody and sent it for post-mortem. His mother Amrit Kaur revealed that the perpetrator who lives behind their home had a grudge against her son.
He entered the place at 11:30 am and beat Malkit Singh to death as he was by himself. Malkit Singh’s family discovered his lifeless body drenched in blood when they arrived home in the morning and notified the authorities. The offender was reportedly armed with a pistol and a sword when he committed the crime. He also threatened the villagers with dire consequences if they intervened.
The victim’s brother-in-law, Rajpal Singh of Majitha Road Ganda Singh unveiled that he used to frequently visit his in-laws and talked about how the assailant teased him because he was a dwarf and got abused in retaliation. They had an argument over the matter on 28th August as well. He mentioned that the culprit often indulges in hooliganism in the area and has assaulted many elderly people.
Furthermore, he issued death threats to people. Sikhdev Singh had gotten into a conflict with the family about something or other. Amrik Singh, the sarpanch of the hamlet, claimed that the duo had repeated quarrels over the matter in the past and were made to compromise many times.
Just like other Congress-ruled states in the country, Himachal Pradesh seems to be reeling from the fallout of the famed ‘Khatakhat politics’ as it faces a dire economic crisis as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced deferring his salary, allowances and other benefits for the next two months citing financial crisis. However, the government is also mulling over legalising the limited use of cannabis for ‘medicinal purposes’ to improve the state’s finances.
“The CM has taken a good initiative to overcome the financial troubles we are facing in the state. We are trying to strengthen the resources in the state – be it through water resources or our excise policy and mining policy. We are also trying to legalise cannabis for limited purposes like for medical purposes,” Himachal Pradesh minister and Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh said.
#WATCH | Shimla | Himachal Pradesh Minister & Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh says, "The CM has taken a good initiative to overcome the financial troubles we are facing in the state. We are trying to strengthen the resources in the state – be it through water resources or our… pic.twitter.com/3ZiixxuVJK
Earlier, CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukku announced that he and his cabinet has decided to forgo 2 months’ salary as a symbolic measure to redress state’s fiscal failure
“After discussing in the cabinet, all the members of the cabinet decided that until the state sees good improvement in the coming times, we will not take any salary, nor TA, nor DA for 2 months… This is just a small amount, but it is a symbolic amount,” Sukku said.
‘Khatakhat politics’ taking its toll on Karnataka
A similar economic crisis has beset the Congress government in Karnataka, with senior leaders and ministers often admitting a lack of funds for implementing developmental schemes as the bulk of the state exchequer goes into fulfilling the party’s poll guarantees.
Consequently, the Karnataka government has hiked the prices of essential commodities such as water, milk, electricity, etc. to foot the bill of the party’s freebie politics.
Last week, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that the water tariff must be increased to mitigate the financial losses currently faced by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board (BWSSB). Shivakumar lamented that the state has no choice but to raise prices by 20-30% to ensure the survival of the water utility.
“Citizens scold us when water does not come, they hound us with messages and calls,” said Shivakumar. “Let anyone criticise me, I’m going to increase the water tariff in Bengaluru, or else we won’t survive.”
Similarly, in July this year, the Karnataka government had raised milk prices by Rs 3 per litre, months after Congress party fought the elections on the Amul vs Nandini plank, asserting that the BJP government in the state was allowing Amul to sell fresh milk and curd in Bengaluru, which it claim would hurt the business of the local brand Nandini, owned by Karnataka Milk Federation.
On Thursday, 29th August Maharashtra Police filed a complaint against 10 persons after a 15-year-old minor girl committed suicide in Nashik district. The girl notably decided to end her life after being stalked and threatened by a 22-year-old man identified as Kalam Izhar Mansuri. As per the reports, the family members of the man also threatened the girl after which she decided to end her life by consuming poison.
Team OpIndia has obtained the FIR copy of the incident. The other accused persons booked in the case based on the complaint by the parents of the girl are Nana Khala (Kalam’s mother), Jahangir Sheikh, Bablu Sheikh, Munna Sheikh, Laden Mansuri, Sameer Bablu Sheikh, Nadda Mansuri Sheikh, Anjum Sayyed and Sahil Sayyed. The accused persons have been booked under sections 107, 351 (2), 3 (5), and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita, 2023, and section 12 of the POCSO Act, 2012.
As mentioned in the FIR, the victim girl was being harassed by the primary accused Kalam since the year 2022. The girl was in the school at that time. The accused used to block the girl’s way from home to school or vice-versa and say that he liked her. He at times has also forced the girl to talk to him and take his phone number for communication. However, the girl told this at home the very first time it happened. After this, the parents of the girl began taking extra care of her. They also talked to the parents of the accused and told them that they would not want their daughter to go through any trouble. However, the accused continued to stalk and harass the victim.
Due to the harassment, the girl was forced to take her 10th board exams from home. Eventually, the girl was admitted to an Arts College in the Devlali area of Nashik. On 23rd August, the girl failed to return home at her regular hour of 12:15 pm. After an hour or so, the mother of the girl got a call saying that her daughter was found unconscious on the road near a bridge. The call was from accused Anjum and Sahil Sayyed.
The duo called the mother and said that they found the girl unconscious on the road and were taking her to the Bitco Hospital. They also asked the woman to reach the hospital as early as possible. However, the two accused had fled by the time the mother reached the hospital. The girl, as per the FIR, also told her mother that she was feeling scared.
“Doctors checked her and gave her medicine. But on our way home, my daughter started vomiting and feeling unconscious. At that time she told me that she was being harassed by Kalam and his family. She told me that Kalam used to force her to marry him and threaten her. His mother had also been threatening my daughter to marry his son. She also mentioned the names of Jahangir, Bablu, Munna, Laden, Samir, and Nadda who used to force her to marry Kalam,” the mother of the girl said in the FIR.
The girl was declared dead on the same day. However, on 25th August, the family of the girl checked the CCTV footage close to Anjum Sayyed’s house. In the CCTV footage, the family saw that Anjum and Sahil took the girl on their scooter to the hospital. However, they claimed that they had found the girl unconscious on the road near the bridge, after which they took her to the hospital. On suspicion, the girl’s parents have also booked the two.
As per exclusive information obtained by Opndia, the parents of the girl believe that the girl has been poisoned by the accused and his relatives and then was admitted to the hospital by Sahil and Anjum Sayyed. The duo carrying a covered-up, and unmoving person, allegedly the victim, on a two-wheeler can be seen in the CCTV footage shared with OpIndia. The police failed to confirm anything over the phone in the case given its sensitivity. However, OpIndia obtained FIR copies and CCTV footage.
On 19 August, another minor girl had committed suicide after facing harassment by one Kasim Pathan
It is important to note that this is the second such case reported from Maharashtra within 10 days. On 19th August, a 16-year-old girl had committed suicide 8 months after facing harassment at the hands of one individual identified as Kasim Yasin Pathan. The girl was believed to have jumped into a well ending her life in Aher village of Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
लव्ह जिहाद साठी यासीन पठाण च्या त्रासाला कंटाळून हिंदू तरुणी पूजा पवार हिने आत्महत्या केली. मतांसाठी तुष्टीकरण करणारे महाविकास आघाडीवाले यावर बोलणार का ? हिंदुनो जागे व्हा .. कडक कारवाई व्हावी . @CSNRuralPolice#LoveJihadpic.twitter.com/SXFGCWiglq
The victim minor studied in 11th from the science stream whereas the accused worked as a mechanic in a local garage. The girl was staying in the city as she had been admitted to a private coaching center for her studies. However, she recently went to her village for the Rakshabandhan festival.
The accused as per the initial information liked the girl and forced her to accept his advances. He, in the past eight months, had threatened the girl saying that he would kill her brother if she failed to accept his love advances. The girl tried to avoid the accused in all the ways possible but to no avail. On 18th August she committed suicide forcing her relatives to demand the strictest punishment against the accused.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the ground-breaking ceremony of ₹ 76,200 crore Vadhavan port on 30th August. The union cabinet approved the construction of this largest all-weather port in the country in June. It is situated around 130 km north of Mumbai, close to Dahanu on Maharashtra’s west coast. With a 20-metre natural draft, it can accommodate the biggest ships on the earth and will serve as a crucial commercial route connecting Europe, West Asia and India. An official from the Modi administration stated that it will rank among the top ten ports worldwide.
Today, India is set to make history with the launch of its largest deep-water port, Vadhvan, in Palghar, Maharashtra.
This project will elevate India’s maritime prowess and significantly boost global trade. Discover what makes Vadhvan Port a true maritime marvel… pic.twitter.com/lso24coAp1
The Vadhavan Port Project Limited, a special purpose organization established by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) with respective shareholdings of 74% and 26% is developing the project. The partnership represents a significant milestone in India’s port development plan.
The first phase is scheduled for completion by 2029 and the second and final phase is anticipated to be finished by 2039. Unmesh Wagh, the chairperson of JNPA, informed that there are big plans to link the port to the road and rail network. The project will be connected to the Delhi – Mumbai Expressway via a link expressway and will form a major part of the proposed India – Middle East – Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). It will be connected by a 32-kilometre road to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway and a 22-kilometre route to the Mumbai-Vadodara Highway. A 12-kilometre railway line will also tie it to the designated railway freight route. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways also posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) offering details about the ambitious venture with captivating graphics.
Vadhavan Port, Maharashtra, is an ambitious project under MoPSW’s Sagarmala Program. The proposed new greenfield port that is going to be India’s 13th Major Port, which will be an integral part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.@narendramodi@sarbanandsonwalpic.twitter.com/5HplzWmRFo
— Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (@shipmin_india) July 4, 2024
A total of 17,471 hectares are estimated to be covered by the port, of which 16,906 hectares are inside its boundaries. It is expected that the Vadhavan Port will relieve some of the strain on the Jawaharlal Nehru Port, which is India’s largest port for handling containers at the moment. Sustainable practices are being used in the construction of Vadhvan Port, with an emphasis on reducing environmental effects and upholding strict ecological requirements.
The port will feature nine 1,000-meter-long container terminals, four multifunctional berths, comprising a coastal berth, four liquid cargo berths, a berth for roll-on, roll-off, or Ro-Ro ships and a berth for the Coast Guard. 1,448 hectares will be reclaimed from the sea to build the 20-metre draft needed to host large vessels. A total of 298 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) of cargo handling capacity, including about 23.2 million Twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of container handling capacity is intended to be created. The port will serve the industrial hinterlands of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, the National Capital Region, Maharashtra, and other central and north Indian states.
AECOM India prepared the Feasibility Report for the port, and a joint venture of AECOM India and Pentacle prepared the Detailed Project Report. Enkay Enviro Services is the Environmental Consultant for the project.
Why is the port significant?
Ports will be essential to India’s transition to become a developed country with the third-largest economy by the year 2047. The country needs its biggest port Vadhavan more than ever as India’s port industry is growing to accommodate more vessels. The port intends to become a premier maritime entry point that will support big cargo ships, deeper drafts, and larger container ships, all of which will increase commerce and economic growth in the nation. The port will have state-of-the-art port management systems, effective cargo handling facilities and deep berths. It will strengthen India’s standing as a hub for international trade and improve its marine connectivity.
Proposed design of the port (screengrab from video by ministry)
“The world-class maritime terminal facilities will promote public-private partnerships(PPP) and leverage efficiencies and modern technologies to create state-of-the-art terminals capable of handling mainline mega vessels plying on international shipping lines between the Far East, Europe, West Asia, Africa and the Americas. Vadhavan Port, on completion, will be one of the top 10 ports in the world,” the union cabinet stated in June.
“As the starting point of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), the mega port in Vadhavan will serve as a doorway for India’s trade with Europe and the Gulf region. It will also serve as a cost-efficient gateway for India’s trade with Central Asia and Russia via the International North-South Transportation Corridor (INSTC),” Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa informed in July. Due to its capacity to accommodate large ships and its vicinity to Gujarat, Rajasthan, Northern, and Central India, Vadhavan will have a competitive advantage over other ports. Direct access to the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) will lower the transit time and cost of rail cargo to the port. Furthermore, the port’s capacity to dock large ships will save logistical expenses.
Layout plan of the plan (Source: Project’s DPR)
“Given India’s aspiration to emerge as a manufacturing alternative to China, the factory of the world, building mega ports like Vadhavan to support manufacturing resurgence is a foregone conclusion,” expressed Manish R Sharma, sector leader, infrastructure, PricewaterhouseCoopers. Leaders in the industry believe that the Vadhavan port will spur greater growth. Chairman of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority M Angamuthu conveyed, “The Vadhavan port will act as an impetus to Indian maritime industry. It will help us in benchmarking our port too.”
Boosting India’s economy
Vadhavan Port will have substantial regional and national economic effects. The port project will likely create a large number of jobs, including thousands during the construction phase alone. Once it is functioning, the port will need a sizable workforce to fill various positions, including administrative and dock workers. The port will indirectly add jobs by promoting expansion in other sectors like transportation, warehousing, and logistics. It is expected to create 12 lakh job opportunities.
India’s import and export capacities will be improved by the port’s capacity to handle larger ships, which could lead to an increase in the volume of international trade with the nation. Larger ships are more effective at transporting cargo, which might save Indian companies money on shipping. The region’s industrial development is likely to be accelerated by the port. Industrial clusters could grow in the port’s environs, especially in industries with high import or export dependency.
Detailed layout (Source: Feasibility Report of the port)
More foreign direct investment might move to the area and the nation as a whole as a result of the enhanced trade and infrastructure. The port’s contemporary amenities may increase India’s appeal to foreign shipping firms and increase trade with the country’s coastlines. Vadhavan is a big port that will contribute significantly to government coffers by charging a variety of fees and levies.
Opposition to the port
Locals, meanwhile, have resisted the port’s construction ever since an Australian corporation originally suggested it in 1997. It was pushed by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance I government, but according to Gautam Chatterjee, the former director general of Maharashtra’s shipping ministry, it had to be shelved when several environmental concerns were raised by activists and locals.
Protestors at Vadrai Beach, Palghar, line up to spell a phrase meaning “Stop the Vadhavan Port” in October 2022. (Source: Hindustan Times)
The Vadhavan Bandar Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti (VBVSS) was formed by the local peasants and fishermen to oppose the project on the grounds that it would be bad for the environment and their means of subsistence. They cited the declaration of Dahanu as an ecologically fragile area and the prohibition on the establishment of environmentally harmful industries by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.
“There will be immense damage to the fishing industry, farming and environment. The port will be located 6.5 km in the sea. They will reclaim 4,000 acres of land. It will affect water currents, the rains and the breeding of fish. To protect the port, they will also construct a breakwater. Our fishing will be destroyed,” argued VBVSS leader Narayan Patil.
“We are going offshore, not cutting trees. We will, in fact, plant trees in the area,” Unmesh Wagh pointed out in response to the objections. The port is essential to achieving the goal of the national government, he proceeded, which is for India to become a developed nation by 2047. “JNPA and the Mundhra port will saturate in the next three years, and we require a big port for export-import trade. It is coming at the right time and the right place,” he maintained.
Inauguration of other important projects
The Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for around Rs 1,560 crore of 218 fisheries projects. More than five lakh new jobs in the fishing industry are expected as a result of the initiatives. At an estimated expense of Rs 360 crore, he will also introduce the National Roll Out of Vessel Communication and Support system. ISRO is developing a vessel communication and support system that will provide two-way contact with fishermen at sea.
He will also launch further projects, such as the construction of integrated aquaparks and fishing harbours. These initiatives will be carried out in several states. He will establish the groundwork for significant initiatives involving the infrastructure of the fishing industry, such as the construction of fish markets, fish landing centres, and the development, modernization, and upgrading of fishing harbours.
On the 29th of August, Elon Musk, the owner of X Corp, SpaceX and Tesla, slammed Brazil’s top court judge for freezing the bank accounts of the Starlink internet company. In a series of X posts, Musk referred to Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes as “an evil dictator cosplaying as a judge” and an “outright criminal of the worst kind” who is a “tyrant”.
This comes following Brazil Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes’s order freezing Starlink’s finances and barred the company from undertaking financial operations in Brazil.
Notably, X’s Global Government Affairs team issued a statement on the 30th of August stating that they anticipate an order from Judge Moraes to shut down X in Brazil, “simply because we would not comply with his illegal orders to censor his political opponents.”
It further alleged that Moraes threatened X that their legal representative would be imprisoned adding that her bank accounts have been frozen even as she has resigned. X Corp also accused Judge Moraes of violating Brazilian laws with his conduct in the matter.
“When we attempted to defend ourselves in court, Judge de Moraes threatened our Brazilian legal representative with imprisonment. Even after she resigned, he froze all of her bank accounts. Our challenges against his manifestly illegal actions were either dismissed or ignored. Judge de Moraes’ colleagues on the Supreme Court are either unwilling or unable to stand up to him. We are absolutely not insisting that other countries have the same free speech laws as the United States. The fundamental issue at stake here is that Judge de Moraes demands we break Brazil’s own laws. We simply won’t do that,” X Corp’s Global Government Affairs team said.
Soon, we expect Judge Alexandre de Moraes will order X to be shut down in Brazil – simply because we would not comply with his illegal orders to censor his political opponents. These enemies include a duly elected Senator and a 16-year-old girl, among others.
When we attempted…
— Global Government Affairs (@GlobalAffairs) August 29, 2024
Moreover, “X Corp’s Global Government Affairs team announced that they will “publish all of Judge de Moraes’ illegal demands and all related court filings in the interest of transparency.”
On Wednesday, Judge Moraes had threatened to bar X from operating in the country unless the corporation appoints a legal representative. The Supreme Court gave a 24-hour ultimatum to Elon Musk-owned social media platform to name a legal representative for Brazil. Notably, Brazilian law necessitates all internet businesses to have a legal representative in the country who is authorised to receive judicial orders and respond legally.
Expressing his discontent over the ‘ultimatum’, Elon Musk posted an AI-generated image of a man behind bars resembling Judge de Moraes and wrote, “One day, Alexandre, this picture of you in prison will be real. Mark my words.”
Why did the Brazilian judge order the freezing of the accounts of Elon Musk’s companies?
Judge Alexandre de Moraes has ordered “the freezing of all financial assets” of Musk’s companies in Brazil which include SpaceX-owned Starlink, in order “to guarantee the payment of fines” imposed by the court on X. SpaceX brainchild Starlink, however, has deemed this order saying that holding Starlink responsible for fines “unconstitutionally” imposed on X is illegal. Moreover, Starlink alleged that this ruling was given in secret without allowing Starlink legal due process guaranteed by the Brazilian constitution.
“Earlier this week we received an order from Brazil’s Supreme Court Justice @alexandre de Moraes that freezes Starlink’s finances and prevents Starlink from conducting financial transactions in that country. This order is based on an unfounded determination that Starlink should be responsible for the fines levied—unconstitutionally—against X,” the company said. “It was issued in secret and without affording Starlink any of the due process of law guaranteed by the Constitution of Brazil. We intend to address the matter legally,” Starlink said on X.
Today, Starlink is connecting more than a quarter million customers in Brazil—from the Amazon to Rio de Janeiro—including small businesses, schools, and first responders, among many others. We are proud of the impact Starlink is making in communities across the country, and the…
Meanwhile, Elon Musk said that Starlink and X Corp are two different companies with different sets of shareholders and he owns 40% of Starlink, thus, it is illegal for Judge de Moraes to “punish” other shareholders.
“SpaceX and X are two completely different companies with different shareholders. I own about 40% of SpaceX, so this absolutely illegal action by the dictator @alexandre improperly punishes other shareholders and the people of Brazil,” Musk said.
SpaceX and X are two completely different companies with different shareholders. I own about 40% of SpaceX, so this absolutely illegal action by the dictator @alexandre improperly punishes other shareholders and the people of Brazil. https://t.co/zIzcT0BTJl
In another X post, Musk highlighted the importance of Starlink in Brazil and said that many remote schools and hospitals rely on Starlink. He also announced that SpaceX will provide free internet until this matter is resolved since the company cannot receive payments.
“Many remote schools and hospitals depend on SpaceX’s Starlink! SpaceX will provide Internet service to users in Brazil for free until this matter is resolved, as we cannot receive payment, but don’t want to cut anyone off,” Musk posted.
Many remote schools and hospitals depend on SpaceX’s Starlink!
SpaceX will provide Internet service to users in Brazil for free until this matter is resolved, as we cannot receive payment, but don’t want to cut anyone off. https://t.co/BHlPpbsKR6
For the unversed, Starlink is a satellite internet service that delivers internet access to remote areas around the world. It has now been authorised for commercial use in 105 countries, including Brazil.
In Brazil, there are about 171.2 million active social media users in 2022. This is about 79.9 % of the addressable demographics. It has been found that between 2021 to 2022, the number of users has surged by 14.3%, as per Oosga.
Source: Oosga
What brought Judge Alexandre de Moraes and Elon Musk at loggerheads?
Incidentally, the whole dispute started in April this year, when a Supreme Court judge from Brazil Alexandre de Moraes started an investigation into the entrepreneur after Elon Musk stated that he would reinstate accounts on the social media site X that the judge had disabled.
Being a free speech absolutist, Elon Musk contested Justice Alexandre de Moraes’ decision to block specific accounts. Back then he said that X would abolish all restrictions because they were unconstitutional, and called for Moraes’ resignation. While earlier it was not revealed whose social media accounts were censored, it has not been found that these accounts include those of a Brazilian senator and a 16-year-old girl among others.
In April, Judge Moares had said that if X failed to comply with the decision to restrict particular accounts, the firm would be fined 100,000 reais ($19,740) every day. While the people were outraged over this, the leftist government in Brazil led by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva backed Moraes. Instead of paying the heavy fines, Musk decided to take up the matter legally.
As reported earlier, “Twitter Files” made several shocking revelations about how Judge Moraes and the Superior Electoral Court he supervises attempted to damage Brazilian democracy. Moraes had imprisoned people without trial for what they posted on social media. In addition, he called for the expulsion of users from social media platforms as well as removed individual posts without offering users an appeals process or even the ability to view the information provided against them.
Interestingly, the former President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro had in May 2022 awarded Elon Musk Defense Order of Merit medal after Starlink launch negotiations. Musk also enjoys massive support among Brazil’s right wing.
Judge Moraes and his many controversial decisions
In September 2022, Judge Alexandre de Moraes was accused of foul play by Jair Bolsonaro and his party supporters when he authorised the Federal Police to conduct search and seize operations at locations linked to 8 businessmen who supported Bolsonaro. It was reported by the Brazilian media that the operations were allowed after a news report shared alleged leaked WhatsApp chats of these businessmen advocating a coup if Lula da Silva emerges victorious in the elections. In a ruling that invited severe backlash, Moraes had summoned the 8 businessmen and allowed access to their private bank records, alongside ordering the blocking of their social media handles and freezing their assets. Moraes has also delivered rulings censoring news articles that appeared to be against President Lula.
It is not clear how someone guessing her email password is our responsibility
It is interesting to recall that back in December 2023, the X account of Brazilian first lady Rosangela ‘Janja’ Lula da Silva was hacked and several derogatory comments against her were posted from the account. Days later, Janja had declared that she would file a lawsuit against Musk either in Brazil or in the US even as Elon Musk denied any role in the hacking of her X account. “It is not clear how someone guessing her email password is our responsibility,” Musk said back then.
