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Govt grants lifelong complimentary railway travel for gallantry medal recipients | India News


Govt grants lifelong complimentary railway travel for gallantry medal recipients

NEW DELHI: The government has ordered railway concessions in the form of lifetime complimentary free railway travel for gallantry medal recipients, defence officials said on Thursday.They added that each recipient may be accompanied by one individual, who would also travel for free.For a posthumous recipient, their parents or spouse are eligible to avail of the scheme. The spouse can continue to benefit from the scheme only until they marry, while in the case of parents, the benefit is available only if the recipient was unmarried at the time of their death.“The Government of India has issued an order to grant railway concession in the form of complimentary lifelong free travel in First Class/2 AC/AC chair car, along with one companion in trains of Indian Railways to the awardees of Sana/Nau Sena/Vayu Sena Medal gallantry awards/their spouse (widows/widower till their remarriage)/parents of unmarried posthumous awardees,” officials told news agency ANI.Framework of Cooperation‘ initiativeIndian Railways and the Army have introduced a “Framework of Cooperation” to expand post-retirement employment opportunities for Agniveers and serving Army personnel transitioning to civilian life.The initiative aims to smooth the shift to civilian careers, raise awareness of job prospects, and create a support system for retiring personnel, according to the Ministry of Railways.Under this, a 10% Level-2/above posts and 20% in Level-1 posts is reserved for ex-servicemen, while 5% of Level-2/above and 10% of Level-1 posts is reserved for retired Agniveers. In 2024 and 2025, 14,788 posts were reserved, including 6,485 Level-1 and 8,303 Level-2/above posts. Recruitment is conducted through RRCs (Level-1) and RRBs (Level-2/above) via competitive exams.To fill vacancies faster, ex-servicemen are being recruited as contract Pointsmen. Over 5,000 Level-1 posts are under processing, and 9 Divisions have signed MoUs with Army organizations for hiring.The framework also calls on Army recruiting bodies to coordinate with Railway Divisions to expedite these recruitments.(With ANI inputs)



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Times Business Icons North 2026- Honouring Visionaries & Trailblazers of Modern Business | India News


Times Business Icons North 2026, an initiative of Optimal Media Solutions (a division of Times Internet Limited), celebrated organizations and individuals who are not only achieving commercial success but also shaping the region’s economic and social future. The awards underscored the role of regional leadership in national progress.

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The felicitation ceremony was held on March 15, 2026, at Radisson Hotel, MG Road, New Delhi. The recipients were felicitated by the Indian film actress Nimrat Kaur.

Lamp Lighting Ceremony

Adding intellectual depth to the evening, the event also featured two thought-provoking panel discussions that addressed some of the most defining themes of contemporary business.

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The first panel discussion focusing on sustainability, was led by Virender Pankaj, CEO, Aseem Infrastructure Finance Ltd, Anshu Kumar, AVP-Commercial, Hexa Climate Solutions, Kanaiya Bhadra, Founder & CEO, Sunstream Green, Shashank Sharma, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Sunsure Energy and Prasanna Khemariya, CEO, SRIJAN INDIA. ‘Industry leaders engage in a panel discussion at the Times Business Icons Awards, exploring the evolving role of leadership and sustainable practices in driving long-term growth.

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Aseem Infrastructure Finance Ltd. –Virender Pankaj, CEO, Aseem Infrastructure Finance, delivers the keynote address at the Times Business Icons, emphasising the role of responsible capital and sustainable infrastructure in shaping India’s future.’

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The second panel, led by Arjun Kumar, DRDO, Govt of India – Associate Director and Scientist, Dr. Nagendra Babu Samineni, MD, Unistring Tech Solutions and Manisha Trivedi, Head of middle school, Learners International School, explored the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence – highlighting how AI is redefining productivity, decision-making and customer engagement across sectors.

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The sponsors of the event were as below: Netram By Prakriti Guru Estate LLP – Vikas Sahani, (CMD and Founder), Saurabh Sahni (Executive Director) and Deepak Gupta (Director). At Times Business Icons North 2026, Netram was recognized as one of the first few Sanatan Living Townships harmonising spirituality, science, nature by the ganga. IRCTC – IRCTC, Navratna CPSE, serves approximately 58 crore meals yearly while improving stainable practices and partnering with Times Business Icons North’26. Jigger by Madira Ventures- Anubhav Khanna, CEO at Jigger said that India’s builder moment is here. Jigger Shots is shaping a new alcobev category, redefining norms, and building for India, from India. Harmony Infra Ventures Pvt. Ltd. – Sailander Solanki, Founder and Director at Harmony Infra Ventures Pvt. Ltd. said Harmony Infra Ventures Private Limited is a niche luxury real estate brand based in Delhi NCR. It specializes in premium residential and commercial developments, creating bespoke, high-end living experiences with innovation, superior design, and quality, backed by a diversified legacy across FMCG, education, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors.Typsy Beauty – Kairavi Bharat Ram – Founder and CEO at Typsy Beauty said “Building this brand scared me, fulfilled me, and seeing someone use Typsy makes every struggle completely worth it” Medusa Beverages – At Medusa, we believe meaningful progress is driven by those who have the courage to challenge convention and lead with conviction. As a brand built on bold thinking and disciplined craft, we see innovation as a mindset, not a moment. Sponsoring the Times Business Icons event was a natural extension of this belief – a platform that recognises individuals and organisations shaping the future of Indian industry. Twisted Tails – Radhika Sharda and Atin Khanna said they are thrilled to be the Twist Partner at Times Business Icons, where ambition meets achievement. Applauding leaders shaping the future with bold ideas and meaningful impact. One for every Tale. Kalra Hospital – Kalra Hospital Sri Ram Cardio Thoracic Neurosciences Centre, an Organization working with an Objective and Commitment to Quality in meeting the needs and Striving to exceed the expectations of those it serves through continuous improvement, Integrity and maintaining medical Ethics, its Mission, to serve the community at large and lives of people who can’t afford high cost of medical intervention affected Cardiovascular and Neurological disease in Particular. Scandia Volvo – Scandia Volvo is proud to be associated with the Times Business Icons Awards as the Luxury Auto Partner. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to quality innovation and celebrating leaders who drive meaningful impact. At Scandia Volvo, we believe true luxury is defined not just by design and performance, but by safety, sophistication and purpose

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XC 60 from Scandia Volvo

Research Methodology The research was done by Avance Insights Pvt. Ltd. The objective of this research was to conduct a survey, assess and evaluate the probable nominations and recommend the final list of recipients for the coveted Times Business Icons North 2026. The survey had these modules, i.e. Desk Secondary Research, Approach for sharing fact files, and a Factual survey (Participatory Survey) to arrive at the analysis & identify the excellent performers and contributors in different fields. A comprehensive list of business entities, brand leaders and performers and certain affiliates businesses was generated with the help of the internet, social media, print -magazines, and other publications. These business entities, brand leaders and performers and certain affiliates were sent the factual data questionnaire and then rigorously followed up through telephone, email, and personal visits. The kind of work done by the nominees with focus on innovation and value propositions, contribute to the business world, society, and nation at large, Vision for the further addition of value to business world, society, and nation in future, Present survey has been exclusively conducted by an independent Research Agency named Avance Insights Pvt. Ltd. using stated methodology for arriving at given results. The publication house and its affiliates/employees/authorized representatives/ group companies are not responsible/liable for the said results. Readers are advised to take an informed decision before acting upon the survey results. List of Awardees Ajay Kapur of Shubham Chemicals & Solvents Limited – Excellence in Chemical Import & Distribution Amit Sinha of Bblissful Vaastu by Amit Sinha – Leading Vaastu Consultant for Residential Projects Anju Gupta of Rotary Club of Delhi Preet Vihar – Visionary Leadership in Social Impact Anshul Pathania of Pathania World School, Rohtak – Excellence in School Education Biigtech – Emerging developer of the Year – Commercial CP Plus (Aditya Infotech Ltd.) – Excellence in Made-in-Bharat Security & Surveillance Solutions FinKeda – Excellence in Financial Services Dr Gaurav Bhardwaj of PSRI Hospital – Excellence in Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery Gaurav Tandon of Tandon Solvents & Chemicals – Entrepreneur of the Year Jaipuria School of Business – Ghaziabad – One of the best Management institutes in the North for Placements & Industry Linkages Learners International School – Excellence in Education Manisha Sharma of Venkateshwar International School, Dwarka, Sector 10 – Excellence in the field of Quality Education Mother Dairy – Excellence in Dairy and Nutrition Nand Kishore Garg of Maharaja Agrasen Technical Education Society – Excellence in Technical Education Dr Niti Gaur of Citrine Clinic – Excellence in Dermatology Pawan Solanki of Project AUSM – Excellence in Overseas Education Prachi Singh of Realty Assistant – Emerging Developer of The Year, Dharohar Land Corporation Prashant Jain of Mahavir Senior Model School – Excellence for being a Changemaker School Praveen Singhal of Lexus New Delhi – Visionary Leader in Luxury Automobile Preksha Singh of Agrasheel Infratech Pvt. Ltd. – Women Trailblazer in Real Estate PSRI Hospital – Leading Multispeciality Hospital in Delhi NCR Raghav Minocha of The Art Hub – Excellence in College Counselling & Portfolio Development for Art & Design Colleges CA Raj Kumar Agrawal of Ex-Senior Partner- SR Batliboi & Co LLP – Excellence in Chartered Accountancy Rajeev Gupta of RSWM Ltd – Inspiring Business Leader of the year Rooma Pathak of M.M. Public School, Pitampura – Excellence in the Field of Education Saurab Saharan of HCBS Developments Limited – Ultra Luxury Project of the Year- Twin Horizon Dr. Saurav Kumar Srivastava of Kutumb Dental – Excellence in Dentistry CA Sanjeev Singhal – Excellence in Chartered Accountancy – Central Council Member, ICAI, Founder & President, CA Global Kutumbakam Foundation, Chairman, UNCTAD ISAR 39th & 40th Session The Icon by Bhumika Realty – Mixed-Use Development of the Year Dr. Vrinda Sharma of Kutumb Dental – Excellence in General Practice Vishwa Bhushan of Fussion Basket Communication Pvt. Ltd. – Excellence in Barter-Driven Advertising & Marketing Vivekanand School, D Block, Anand Vihar – Excellence in Innovation in Education Yugen Infra Private Limited – Emerging Luxury Real Estate Developer Disclaimer: The Views / Contents expressed / presented herein within this advertorial, promotional feature are the sole and exclusive responbility of individual clients/ experts/ their authorized representatives to which effect, publication house/ its representatives/ affiliated are not responsible/ liable whatsoever.



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‘Potential to mislead’: FIR registered against X for AI video on PM Modi, ECI chief Gyanesh Kumar | India News


'Potential to mislead': FIR registered against X for AI video on PM Modi, ECI chief Gyanesh Kumar
Case registered against X platform over ‘defamatory’ AI video against PM, ECI.

NEW DELHI: Kerala Police have launched a criminal probe into an AI-generated video allegedly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Election Commission of India, booking both the platform X Corp and a user account for its circulation.The cyber wing said the video, flagged by authorities including the ECI, appeared designed to mislead viewers and erode confidence in key constitutional institutions at a sensitive election time.An FIR has been filed in Thiruvananthapuram against the handle Laxmi N Raju (@valiant_Raju), along with other unidentified individuals and X Corp. Investigators are examining who created and amplified the clip, and whether there was coordinated intent behind its spread.According to police, the 77-second video was shared with the potential to trigger public unrest. Authorities have also alleged that the platform failed to act despite being asked to take it down.The case invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to provocation, forgery and public mischief, as well as identity theft under the IT Act.Officials said takedown notices have been issued and steps taken to contain further circulation, in line with election rules.Issuing a public advisory, police warned against sharing unverified or manipulated content during the polls, saying any attempt to distort the electoral process would invite strict legal action.



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‘Lacks basic understanding’: Keralam CM Pinarayi Vijayan slams Rahul Gandhi, calls Congress ‘B-team’ of BJP | India News


Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Cong Demands Public Debate on Manifesto, Targets LDF Governance

Pinarayi Vijayan, Rahul Gandhi

NEW DELHI: Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday targeted Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, calling them the “B-team” of the BJP, as the political fight ahead of the state elections intensifies.Addressing a press conference in Ernakulam, Vijayan said Rahul Gandhi lacked even the basic understanding expected from a Congress worker in Kerala.

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Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Cong Demands Public Debate on Manifesto, Targets LDF Governance

“Rahul Gandhi is a national leader, yet he lacks the basic awareness of even a common local worker of Congress in Kerala; he simply refuses to learn from experience or mistakes. It is hard to understand how such a downfall is happening to him,” he said. “Rahul Gandhi and his Congress are the ‘B-team’ of the BJP in the country, and yet its stance is being adopted across India,” he added.The remarks came a day after Rahul Gandhi accused the ruling Left Democratic Alliance (LDF) of having a hidden understanding with the BJP. Launching the United Democratic Alliance (UDF) campaign in Kozhikode, Rahul said there were only two sides in Kerala politics.“There are actually only two sides fighting here in Keralam. One is the UDF alliance, and the other is the partnership between the BJP and the LDF. The UDF unites people, listens to them, and embraces and empowers them. The LDF and their hidden partner divide people and crush them,” Rahul said.He also questioned the state government’s job promises. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national employment pledge and the Keralam government’s commitments, he said, “Modi ji promised 2 crore jobs at the national level. Keralam Chief Minister promised 40 lakh jobs in the state, and after a decade, you find that they have not given a single job to the people; in fact, they have destroyed jobs.”The Congress leader further said that both the BJP and the LDF do not see themselves as accountable to the people. “Neither the BJP nor the LDF believes they are answerable to the people. They do not believe that the people of Keralam should be able to ask them questions,” he said.Keralam will go to polls in a single phase on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4. The term of the current assembly ends on May 23.



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‘30% commission’: Congress alleges ‘widespread corruption’ in Puducherry, questions statehood delay | India News


‘30% commission’: Congress alleges ‘widespread corruption’ in Puducherry, questions statehood delay
Congress leader Dolly Sharma

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Dolly Sharma on Thursday alleged “widespread corruption” in Puducherry, claiming that people are being forced to pay a “30% commission” to get work done.Sharma also questioned the delay in granting statehood to Puducherry, despite the BJP being both in power at the Centre and part of the AINRC-led coalition government in the poll-bound Union territory.

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Puducherry Elections 2026: TVK To Contest Solo, BJP and AINRC Alliance Finalises Seat-Sharing

“The manner in which a continuously corrupt government is operating in Puducherry is truly alarming. If you want to get any work done, you are required to pay a 30% commission. Five years have passed; the BJP holds power at the Centre and in the state, yet why has Puducherry not received statehood?” Sharma said.Raising concerns over unemployment, she claimed that youth in Puducherry are struggling to find jobs, while liquor remains easily accessible. She also accused the ruling coalition of failing to deliver on electoral promises.“The youth here are unable to find jobs, yet liquor is constantly available. People fully understand the difference between what was promised and what is actually being delivered. Of the hundred promises made in their manifesto, they failed to fulfil even 90,” she added.The Congress is contesting the April 9 Puducherry assembly election in alliance with its existing ally, the DMK. Under the arrangement, the Congress will contest 16 seats, while the DMK has been allotted the remaining 14. Puducherry, a former French colony, has 33-member legislative assembly, of which 30 members are directly elected; the remaining three MLAs are nominated by the Centre.The Congress-DMK alliance also exists in neighboring Tamil Nadu, where DMK supremo and Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin allotted 28 of 234 constituencies to the grand old party, along with a Rajya Sabha berth.Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23. Counting of votes in both Puducherry and Tamil Nadu, along with three other poll-bound states – Assam, Kerala, and West Bengal – will take place on May 4.



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NMC boards lie vacant as it directs states to deal with teacher vacancies | India News


NMC boards lie vacant as it directs states to deal with teacher vacancies

In a case of sheer irony, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has been asked to direct state govts to fill up huge numbers of vacant posts in the medical teaching service in a time bound manner, when three quarters of posts in NMC’s four autonomous boards are lying vacant.The undergraduate medical education board, the post graduate medical education board and the ethics and medical registration boards have just one part-time member each. They ought to have five members each including the president of each board. The medical assessment and rating board alone has a president and one part-time member, while the remaining three posts are vacant.When contacted, NMC chairperson Dr Abhijat Sheth while confirming that the process of filling the vacancies in the boards was currently under consideration by the government, told TOI that the NMC was fully functional, with 28 out of 33 members currently in position. “All statutory requirements, including quorum, are being duly met, and the functioning of the commission and its boards remains unaffected,” he said.“Policy-level decisions continue to be taken at the Commission level. For matters pertaining to Autonomous Boards, the Chairperson is empowered under the Act to constitute expert committees, and all functions are being carried out through these duly constituted mechanisms,” said Dr Sheth.Even as NMC boards are riddled with vacancies, the commission has been asked by the Patna high court to direct states to fill up teaching vacancies within six months. The court asked NMC “to take appropriate action in directing the State Government(s) to initiate an appointment/recruitment drive to fill up a huge number of vacant posts in the medical teaching service within a time-bound period.” The court was hearing a petition challenging the Aadhar-enabled biometric attendance system in medical colleges.In keeping with the order, NMC has directed all states and union territories to take the necessary steps.



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‘People with BJP, except Bangladeshi infiltrators’: Assam CM hits out at Congress as Gogoi eyes change | India News


'People with BJP, except Bangladeshi infiltrators': Assam CM hits out at Congress as Gogoi eyes change

GUWAHATI: While Congress-led opposition alliance vows to oust the Assam chief minister and the BJP-led NDA government from power in the state, Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that the opposition has no agenda and the people of the state are completely with the ruling party, except “Bangladeshi infiltrators”.The Assam chief minister on Wednesday said that they (Congress-led opposition alliance) have no agenda, because in the last 60 years, what they have provided the people have seen.

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Why Congress is Betting Big on Gaurav Gogoi in Assam 2026: Explained

“We have completely turned around Assam. Today, people are seeing a new Assam, based on our strong culture and heritage. People are completely with the BJP, except Bangladeshi infiltrators. No local indigenous Indian people will vote for Congress,” Sarma said.He further said, “Who wants to go to Congress? Congress can’t form its government in India, they can form it in Pakistan. Then how can I go to Congress? Congress can never form the government in India. When Congress’s government will form that will be in either Pakistan or Bangladesh.”On the other hand, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi, who leads the opposition alliance, said that there is tremendous enthusiasm among the people because they can see that they are getting a historic opportunity to uproot the 10-year BJP government. “The government here practices politics of fear, and an opportunity is being provided to break free from it, and we stand with the people. The enthusiasm is for change. People are, in a way, imagining a new Assam,” Gaurav Gogoi said.Polling for all 126 constituencies in Assam will be held on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4, as announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI).In the 2021 assembly elections, the NDA, comprising the BJP, AGP and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), won 75 seats, with the BJP alone winning 60 seats. The Congress and AIUDF had formed a grand alliance along with the BPF and the communist parties, but the alliance performed poorly with just 16 seats out of 126.Voter turnout was as high as 86.2 per cent with over 2. 2 crore registered voters in 2021.



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‘LPG charge’ not legal, will invite action, CCPA warns eateries | India News


'LPG charge' not legal, will invite action, CCPA warns eateries

NEW DELHI: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Wednesday warned hotels and restaurants of action in case it found them levying additional charges under heads such as “LPG charges,” “gas surcharge,” and “fuel cost recovery” in food bills.The authority issued an advisory invoking provisions of the Consumer Protection Act observing that such charges are being imposed by default to circumvent existing guidelines on service charges. It said that no such charges shall be levied automatically, and warned that violations may invite “strict action” as this constituted “unfair trade practice”.The CCPA said grievances received on the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), and media reports, show that certain hotels and restaurants were levying such charges in the consumer bill by default, over and above the price of food and beverages displayed in the menu and applicable taxes. The authority said input costs such as fuel, LPG, electricity, and other operational expenses are part of the cost of running a business and must be factored into the pricing of menu items. It said the price displayed in the menu shall be the final price, exclusive only of applicable taxes. Consumers should not be misled or compelled to pay any additional charge that is not voluntary in nature. The CCPA said consumers who encounter such practices may request the hotel or restaurant to remove the charge from the bill; lodge a complaint by calling 1915 or through its app and can also file a complaint before the appropriate consumer commission through e-Jagriti portal.



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Space co Agnikul successfully tests 3D-printed ‘Agnite’ booster engine | India News


Space co Agnikul successfully tests 3D-printed ‘Agnite’ booster engine

NEW DELHI: Indian space company Agnikul Cosmos on Wednesday announced that it has successfully tested its 3D-printed booster engine, ‘Agnite’, which can reduce production complexity and turnaround time for missions.The engine, which is a single-piece architecture, can be fully printed within a week, unlike traditional booster engines that comprise thousands of parts and can take months to manufacture.“Humbled to announce the successful firing of our single piece Agnite engine. Agnite engines power Agnibaan’s booster stage. These engine chambers are a full meter long, fully 3d printed as a single piece of hardware and made of Inconel. Agnite engines are driven by pumps that are controlled and operated by electric motors. Thanks to Isro and INSPACe for their constant support and to IIT Madras for being our home turf from which this kind of technology is built,” Agnikul posted on X on Wednesday.This milestone is significant because it completes one end-to-end cycle of design, manufacturing, assembly and testing of our larger engines, in-house, the company said. With the successful testing of Agnite, the company will now focus on building more such engines by setting up a production line.



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Op Urja Suraksha: Navy deploys 5 warships to guide cargo vessels exiting troubled Strait of Hormuz | India News


Op Urja Suraksha: Navy deploys 5 warships to guide cargo vessels exiting troubled Strait of Hormuz

NEW DELHI: Amid the conflict in West Asia, the Indian Navy has “deployed more than five frontline warships under a mission named Operation Urja Suraksha” to ensure safe movement of India-bound cargo ships after they exit the Iran-controlled choke point at the Strait of Hormuz, sources in the defence establishment confirmed to TOI.The operation focuses on securing critical maritime routes and protecting ships carrying essential supplies, such as LPG, LNG and crude oil, to India. Currently, there are 20 India-bound cargo vessels that are stranded near the Strait due to the conflict.

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India Built A Naval Network But Missed The Red Sea’s Key Chokepoint

“Once an India-bound cargo vessel clears the Strait, the Navy’s warships in the Gulf of Oman escort and guide the vessel out of the troubled zone towards the Arabian Sea,” a source in DG Shipping told TOI.Senior risk analyst Martin Kelly, head of advisory at EOS Risk Group, a security firm based in the Gulf, said, “It seems that Iran is allowing select vessels to transit Hormuz after verification which takes place during the ships’ transit inside Iranian waters.”The Navy remains in constant contact with the India-bound cargo vessels preparing to exit the Persian Gulf. Once a cargo vessel moves out of the chokepoint — with Iran’s consent — Indian Navy destroyers and frigates take over, escorting them out of the danger zone through a layered-security arrangement.This effort is being supported by an increased Indian naval presence in the Gulf of Oman, where adequate warships come in handy for the escort missions.According to media reports, US Intelligence agencies have alleged that Iran has deployed underwater mines in and around the Strait. These mines, capable of causing severe damage, put navigating vessels in danger. By directing Indian-flagged vessels along carefully-identified safe routes, the Navy helps the crew, who are mostly Indians, of the vessels chart a safe navigation path towards the Arabian Sea.The mission has already achieved key successes, with LPG carriers Pine Gas and Jag Vasant safely passing through the Strait under naval protection. Together, these vessels are carrying nearly 92,000 tonnes of LPG and are expected to reach Indian ports within days.



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