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INS Brahmaputra Accident: Is Indian Navy Losing Too Many Ships? How Can Such Tragedy Be Avoided?

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INS Brahmaputra Accident: Is Indian Navy Losing Too Many Ships? How Can Such Tragedy Be Avoided?

INS Brahmaputra incident at Mumbai dockyard, in which Indian Navy’s multirole frigate suffered damage due to fire onboard, has brought the situation surrounding Indian Navy ships to the fore. Even though the fire was brought under control, the ship lost some of its buoyancy and tilted on its left side, or port side as it is called in shipping and naval parlance.

INS Brahmaputra has joined an unfortunately long list of India’s naval assets damaged or destroyed by accidents. These ships and submarines, built to guard Indian coasts, became casualty of factors long thought to be preventable.

INS Brahmaputra: Major Facts

INS Brahmaputra is first indigenously built guided missile frigate of ‘Brahmaputra’ class. Indian Navy commissioned this ship in April 2000. Its staff includes 40 officers and 330 sailors.

The 125-metre-warship has displacement of 5300 tonnes and is capable of reaching speed of 30 knots. Its firepower includes surface-to-air, surface-to-surface missile in addition to medium-range guns, radars, sonars, anti-submarine rockets and much more. The ship also has capability to operate Seaking and Chetak helicopters from its deck.

It will indeed be a herculean task to make the tilted ship upright. Media reports say that Mumbai dock does not have this capability and India will have to hire foreign firms to make INS Brahmaputra straight again.

Any accident and loss of life is a setback to India and no such accidents should ideally take place. What can be done to prevent such setbacks?

“Have your processes in order. Learn from you mistakes,” said Shaurya Chakra winner Indian Navy Captain (Retired) Dilip Donde.

Indian Navy, like any other professional armed force, has strict procedures and protocols in place. Procedures are also in place for when the ship is undergoing repairs.

But is a ship more vulnerable when it is being repaired?

“Yes,” said Captain (Retd.) Sarabjeet Singh Parmar, who has commanded ships while they underwent repairs and refits.

“You can’t expect a ship to behave during a refit,” he said, adding that keeping a ship floating and upright is a challenging, delicate task during repairs.

An operational ship on mission in the sea is a perfectly functional combat unit. But during repairs, things can get tricky as for example, if a part is removed from right side (Starboard side), the ship becomes heavier on the right (Port side) and vice-versa.

It is critical at this stage to maintain an observe the list (leaning) of the ship. The list can be controlled up to a certain point but if it crosses a certain limit, there always is a chance of ship losing its balance in water and listing to one side completely, or even capsizing.

“All navies in the world face this problem,” said Captain (Retd.) Parmar, “It does not matter if it is Indian Navy or American or Chinese. These factors plague everyone.”

In his opinion, the fire on INS Brahmaputra was caused by short circuit or sparks from welding operations. Since fuel and ammunitions are removed from the ship during refit, these may not have been responsible for the fire following which the ship tilted to one side. By the time of publishing of this story, an enquiry into INS Brahmaputra incident was ordered by the Indian Navy. The cause of the fire will be announced after completion of the inquiry.

“Procedures and protocols are there for every function. If a welder is repairing part of the ship, a firefighter needs to be present beside him,” he said.

So what can be done to prevent such incidents?

“It should be checked if there was any error in following procedure,” said Captain (Retd.) Parmar.

The inquiry must take a look at the rules currently guiding repair functions and must be changed if required.

Since this is the third incident of an Indian Navy ship getting damaged at Mumbai, the headquarters of India’s Western Naval Command is facing a lot of flak. But the retired navy captain opined that it would be premature to blame the whole dock right now.

National News

Republic Day 2025: Here Are The Top 5 Events You Should Witness In The Country’s Capital

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New Delhi: As India gears up to celebrate its 76th Republic Day, Delhi-NCR is ready to host an array of grand events that will fill the air with patriotism and pride. From historic flag-hoisting ceremonies to cultural festivals and iconic parades, this year’s celebrations promise to be unforgettable. Here’s a guide to the top 5 events you must attend on January 26, 2025 in Delhi.

Republic Day Parade at Rajpath

The Republic Day Parade at Rajpath is undoubtedly the highlight of the celebrations. This awe-inspiring event showcases India’s military strength, cultural diversity, and technological progress. Witness marching contingents and rhythmic drumbeats that will make your heart swell with pride. As the elegant soldiers march in perfect unison, you’ll feel the true spirit of national unity and progress.

Flag-Hoisting ceremony at Red Fort

Kickstart your Republic Day with the symbolic Flag-Hoisting ceremony at Red Fort. The moment the national flag rises against the backdrop of the iconic red sandstone fort is a sight to cherish forever. Followed by a parade and cultural performances, this event captures India’s journey as a republic. While you’re there, explore the rich history and stunning architecture of the fort, soaking in the essence of India’s glorious past.

Cultural Festival at India Gate

Celebrate the diversity of India at the Cultural Festival held at India Gate. The venue will come alive with music, dance, and theatre performances from all corners of the country. Food lovers can indulge in traditional Indian delicacies, while shoppers can browse through beautiful handicrafts and souvenirs. This cultural fest is designed in a way that it has a little something for everyone to visit and enjoy at this festival.

Musical concert at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium

You can bring a melodious end to your day at the Musical Concert at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Featuring a star-studded lineup of singers and musicians, this concert blends patriotic and popular songs in a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. With stunning light shows and electrifying performances, the concert is the perfect finale to a day of celebration.

Beating Retreat Ceremony at Vijay Chowk

Conclude the Republic Day festivities with the iconic Beating Retreat Ceremony at Vijay Chowk. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Rashtrapati Bhavan, military bands, drummers, and buglers create a magical atmosphere. The ceremony resonates with patriotic tunes and emotions of nostalgia, courage, and unity, leaving you overwhelmed and proud of the nation you belong to.

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Crime

Gujarat: Illegal foreign liquor valued at Rs 25.83 lakh seized, one arrested

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Vadodara, Jan 25: Illegal foreign liquor, valued at Rs 25.83 lakh, has been seized from a tempo in Chanod of Gujarat’s Vadodara district.

Acting on specific intelligence regarding the transportation of illegal foreign liquor from Tilakwada to Vadodara, Gujarat State Monitoring Cell’s Police Inspector HV Tadvi conducted a raid in Chanod with his teams.

They spotted a suspicious tempo near a godown in Chanod and searched it.

Upon inspection, the teams discovered the liquor concealed in the tempo.

The driver of the tempo, identified as Ajitkumar Hriday Narayan Singh, a resident of Ankleshwar, Bharuch, was arrested.

Singh was transporting the illegal cargo from Tilakwada to Vadodara.

In addition to the liquor, the authorities also seized cash, mobile phones, and vehicles, bringing the total value of the seized goods to Rs 39.31 lakh.

The SMC has declared Suresh Patel, the individual who sent the liquor, the tempo owner, and the person who ordered the liquor, as wanted.

This raid comes amidst multiple actions by the State Monitoring Cell over the past month, targeting illegal liquor trade in both Vadodara city and district.

Despite these frequent raids, local police have come under scrutiny, with some alleging that they have failed to take sufficient action against bootleggers.

In 2024, Gujarat authorities seized foreign liquor worth over Rs 100 crore during various raids across the state. This included seizures in major cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and rural areas like Panchmahals and Bharuch.

Foreign liquor, including high-end brands, has been smuggled into the state through neighbouring Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

Raids targeting these illegal shipments have been a regular feature of Gujarat’s law enforcement activities.

In 2023, more than 200 individuals were arrested for illegal liquor trade in Gujarat. These included bootleggers, suppliers, and distributors involved in the smuggling and distribution of alcohol in areas where it is prohibited.

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Entertainment

Motu Patlu celebrates Republic Day with BSF Jawans and FTE kids

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Mumbai, Jan 25: Nick India celebrated Republic Day 2025 by partnering with the Border Security Force (BSF) at the iconic Attari-Wagah Border. Not just that, they even brought kids from the FTE School of Round Table India and their favorite Nicktoons, Motu and Patlu for a day filled with pride and joy alongside our brave jawans.

Nick India kickstarted the day with the beloved Motu and Patlu cheering with the crowd. The National Flag hoisting ceremony was followed by the kids from the FTE School of Round Table India, Motu, and Patlu standing proudly alongside the BSF jawans as the tricolour waved.

TR Anterpreet Singh Sahni, Chairman Area 18, Round Table India, along with TR Nitin Mehra, Chairman, Amritsar Round Table talked about the Republic Day celebration. They were quoted saying, “It was a wonderful experience for our children from the FTE School of Round Table India to celebrate Republic Day at the Attari-Wagah Border with Nick India and the Border Security Force (BSF). Witnessing the ceremony up close, especially with their favorite Motu Patlu, truly made them feel connected, proud, and excited about the significance of Republic Day.”

During the Republic Day celebration, the kids from the FTE School of Round Table India learned about the significance of Republic Day and the values embedded in the Constitution of India.

Additionally, as part of the celebrations, the kids were asked questions like “What does Republic Day mean to you?” To this, the children replied, “Helping others makes our country stronger.” Another question they were asked was, “What are some ways people can help the country?” Kids answered saying, “Keeping our surroundings clean”.

Nick India’s latest The Republic Day initiative at the Attari-Wagah Border, led by Motu and Patlu will be a great learning experience for the future generation of the country. The pictures from the event have also been doing rounds on social media.

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