#ONGC vessels

[johnthejacobs]

Goa Shipyard Share Price on an Upward Trajectory

Introduction

Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has recently seen a significant upward trajectory in Goa Shipyard Share Price. This increase reflects the company's robust performance, strategic initiatives, and favorable market conditions. In this article, we explore the factors contributing to this rise in Goa Shipyard Share Price and what it means for the future of GSL. Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) is a leading shipyard specializing in the construction of medium-sized sophisticated vessels for the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and other clients. Located in Vasco da Gama, Goa, on the southern bank of the Zuari River, GSL operates as a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence's Department of Defence Production, with 98.3% of its shareholding held by the Government of India.

GSL has the capability to design and build advanced, high-technology ships to meet the maritime security needs of India and its allies. The shipyard boasts an in-house R&D unit equipped with state-of-the-art CAD/CAM facilities using world-class AVEVA Marine and FORAN software, recognized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India.

Over the past six decades, GSL has designed, built, and commissioned a wide array of sophisticated vessels for both defense and commercial sectors, with a particular expertise in modern Patrol Vessels made of steel, aluminum, and composite (GRP) hull structures. To date, GSL has built and delivered 227 ships and 157 GRP boats. Its key clients include the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, ONGC, Madras Port Trust, and the governments of Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Goa.

Founded by the Portuguese on November 26, 1957, as 'Estalerios Navais de Goa,' Goa Shipyard Limited has been operating under its own Board of Directors since September 26, 1967. Today, it remains a CPSE under the Ministry of Defence's administrative jurisdiction.

Company Overview

A Legacy of Excellence

Goa Shipyard Limited, a premier shipbuilding company in India, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1957. Initially set up to build barges and fishing trawlers, GSL has evolved into a leading manufacturer of high-quality naval and commercial vessels.

Diverse Product Portfolio

GSL's diverse product portfolio includes:

Naval Ships: Frigates, corvettes, and patrol vessels.

Commercial Vessels: Offshore supply vessels, cargo ships, and passenger ferries.

Repair and Maintenance: Comprehensive services for various types of vessels.

The company's ability to deliver advanced and reliable maritime solutions has earned it a strong reputation both domestically and internationally.

Factors Driving the Share Price Increase

Strong Financial Performance

One of the key factors behind the upward trajectory of GSL’s share price is its strong financial performance. The company has reported impressive revenue growth and profitability, underpinned by a steady flow of orders from the Indian Navy and other maritime entities. Consistent financial results have boosted investor confidence, contributing to the share price rise.

Strategic Initiatives

GSL's strategic initiatives have played a crucial role in its success. These include:

Expansion of Production Capabilities: Upgrading and expanding shipbuilding infrastructure to enhance production capacity and efficiency.

Innovation and Technology: Investing in cutting-edge technology and research to develop advanced maritime solutions.

Global Outreach: Strengthening international partnerships and exploring new markets to expand its global footprint.

These strategic moves have positioned GSL as a competitive player in the global shipbuilding industry, further driving up its share price.

Favorable Market Conditions

The current market conditions have also been favorable for GSL. Increased defense spending and a growing focus on maritime security have driven demand for naval vessels. Additionally, the overall bullish sentiment in the stock market has created a conducive environment for the company's share price growth.

Future Prospects

Continued Growth and Expansion

Looking ahead, GSL is well-positioned for continued growth and expansion. The company’s strategic plans include further enhancement of its production capabilities, development of new and innovative products, and expansion into new markets. These initiatives are expected to drive sustained revenue growth and profitability.

Potential Challenges

Despite the positive outlook, GSL faces potential challenges that could impact its future performance. These include regulatory changes, economic uncertainties, and increased competition. However, the company’s strong fundamentals and strategic approach are expected to help mitigate these risks.

Conclusion

The recent rise in Goa Shipyard Limited's share price is a testament to the company’s robust performance, strategic vision, and favorable market conditions. As it continues to navigate the evolving market landscape, GSL remains well-positioned to achieve further success and deliver value to its shareholders. Investors and market watchers will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the company’s progress as it moves forward.

[ongcindia]

ONGC “No effort Too Big in Saving Lives”

Navy, ONGC stood between life and death for personnel onboard Pappa 305

 It was scary situation for personnel onboard barge Pappa 305, caught in cyclone Tauktae which crossed Mumbai offshore on May 16 – 17, 2021. The heavy rains and gusty winds along with high sea swell made the situation worse. Nilesh Lingayat, Sumsuzaman Mirza, Sandip and several others were just praying for their lives as strong waves kept hitting the barge.

 On May 17, as the barge started sinking, and they were asked to ‘Abandon’ ship, each person onboard wore their life jackets and waited with baited breath for someone to rescue them. As life was at stake, mobiles, documents and other belongings did not matter to anyone.

 Caught between a sinking barge and cyclone, the persons onboard started jumping into the sea in groups of 5-6 members each, holding each other’s hands. Idea was to remain together, so that it was easy for the rescue team to spot them through the lights on their life jackets. But the strong waves were hitting them so hard that most of them got de-grouped in no time.  

 ONGC vessel Ocean Energy was the first responder to the SOS, followed by INS Kochi and INS Kolkata. But high waves, strong winds, incessant rains and low visibility made it difficult for rescuers to reach them.

 The choppy sea made it difficult for the rescue ships to reach near the barge. If the ships tried to move closer, there were chances that they might hit the barge. The rescue teams asked them to swim towards the ships so that they can be lifted. Luckily, for some, rescue teams made it in time.

 A total of 186 persons were rescued from Barge P-305. ONGC vessels rescued 54 survivors while rest by INS Kochi and INS Kolkata. Search and Rescue operations continue till all bodies of the deceased are identified by their family members.

 After the traumatic hours and fight for survival, the survivors were brought to Mumbai. They were provided first aid and were treated for any serious injuries. While their company provided them with accommodation, ONGC decided to provide an immediate financial assistance of Rs. 1 lakh to the survivors and Rs. 2 Lakhs to the families of the deceased.

 Quotes:

NILESH LINGAYAT, Housekeeper, Sinai Maritime

 “We were on the ship. They told us to wear a life jacket and stand in the queue and that the Indian navy will come to save us. But I was unconscious when the navy rescued me. I asked navy officers what time they saved me, they told me around 5/6 am, so it seems I was around 14 to 15 hrs in the water. They told me if there would have been any further delay, I may not have survived. We were taken to a nearby guesthouse, were given food, doctor was there to give us first aid and some treatment. ONGC gave us clothes and Rs 100,000 for which we are thankful.”

SUMSUZAMAN MIRZA, Housekeeper, Sinai Maritime

 “I was taking rest after duty hours, and suddenly as the storm and rain took its momentum, water gushed on the deck and everyone tried to use small utensils or buckets to throw the water out of the barge. Situation remained grim for quite a while, but when Indian navy rescued us we were taken to a near by guesthouse, were given food, doctor was there to give us first aid and some treatment. ONGC gave us clothes and Rs 100,000 for which we are thankful.”

[breaking-news-portal]

‘I thought I was going to die’: Survivor’s first-hand account after ONGC vessels went adrift off Mumbai coast

‘I thought I was going to die’: Survivor’s first-hand account after ONGC vessels went adrift off Mumbai coast

Varghese Sam Eralil was among the 261 people on board the P-305 barge that drifted off Heera oil fields in Bombay High area owing to the high-speed winds and heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Tautkae on Monday (May 17). The 27-year-old recounted a first-hand account of the incident and his experience on the high seas to indianexpress.com. May 16. It was a normal night. We all had dinner and wanted…

[everythingshouldbereality]

Cyclone Tauktae: High level probe into how ONGC vessel was stranded in sea

Cyclone Tauktae: High level probe into how ONGC vessel was stranded in sea

Image Source : PTI The barge ‘Papaa-305’ or P-305 had 261 persons on board. Of these, 186 persons were rescued. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has set up a high level committee to enquire into the sequence of events leading to the stranding of ONGC vessels in Cyclone Tauktae. Several vessels of ONGC with more than 600 people on board, were stranded in offshore areas during severe…

[dharmraj2022]

Significant Contributions / Achievements

Prepared Process Plan and provided Technical Inputs for Manufacture of 200x Heat Exchangers, 150x Pressure Vessels and about 125x Columns & Reactors involving complex metallurgies, manufacturing intricacies and stringent Design – Material Procurement, Inspection and Testing requirements complying to varied Service applications.

Established Special Processes e.g., Tube Expansion, Bolt Tightening, In-situ machining, Hydro-test arrangements, U Tube bending etc as an aid to Manufacturing team.

Prepared Scheme for unloading of Heavy Shell Sections, each weighing <100MT and Dia. 8M at Jetty and shifting it to Manufacturing / Assembly shop and executed successfully.

Provided relevant technical inputs for fabrication of Critical pressure vessel for Defence sector, each shell sections weighing 125MT, Vessel Dia. 8m to 10m, Thk.25 to 60mm, Length – 152m, involving Precision & Heavy fabrication with shell ovality requirements of 0.2% of the radius & Fabrication Wt.5000MT.

Hydro-test blanking scheme for 700 plus nozzles in a large shell section having water volume as 5000 tons and test pressure 30 kg/cm2, demonstrated satisfactory type testing of 18 different configuration of blanks to Customer Inspection agency as approval for the scheme, and proved as successful design with zero leakage during Hydro-test of the vessel.

Finalised scheme, selected & procured tooling, established parameters by mock-up, identified machine and machine operators with fall back option, satisfactorily completed match taper reaming of DIA. 67 mm, 1:10 taper over 120 mm length– 12 nos. holes in Gear Box Flange of material Titanium. Received great appreciation from Management and Customer for timely and successful completion of this critical activity.

Lift plans for Heavy Equipment and complicated structures inside the shop and ensured the safe and successful handling. Handled 400 MT consignment inside the shop with 2, EOT cranes of 180T capacity each, for a travel of 152m, first time at L&T HED, Vizag Unit.

Received appreciation letter from Qatar Petroleum for completing “Shutdown” activities related to replacement of 1st three stages NGL-3 Booster Compressor Knock-out (K.O.) drums with zero accidents and in a time frame ahead of schedule with 1st train shutdown activity in 25 days, 2nd in 19 days and 3rd in 18 days as against CDD of 25days. Acknowledged appreciation from SAIPEM for delivery of RO skids, 1 month ahead of schedule.

Ensured availability of major project items through “Project Procurement” function, – LPG Pumps, Compressors, Firefighting pumps, Bottling Unit, Mounded Storage Bullets and other Piping & Instrumentation items on time resulting into handing over of LPG Bottling plant as per schedule and to the satisfaction of Qatar Petroleum.

Remained instrumental in establishing the ZHI’s Khursaniyah Mobile manufacturing facility for NGL Bullets. Led the site construction team of 125 people comprising Project Planning, Stores, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Administration, Health, Safety and Logistics

Managed the site construction team of 200 people and executed the project within the safety rules and quality standards Became a part of One of the ambitious projects of ONGC for revamping of Oil & Gas facilities in Assam.

Executed Bayer-TDI Germany projects for supply of Critical Lethal service static process equipment successfully (first time in Praj) resulting into repeat orders from Bayer for their HDI Evolution project, USA. (MOC – SS & CS).

Instrumental in successful completion of First of a Kind project for supply of 02nos Special Reactors for DCW’s C-PVC Project in Tamil Nadu. Reactor manufacturing was complex involving precision fabrication and machining, these reactors are manufactured first time in India from Praj. Reactor MOC – CS + Ni Clad, Rectangular in shape comprising critical assembly of UV lamps which were High value proprietary bought out items sourced from France.

Supply of Scrubbers and Separators for Thyssen Krupp’s Petro-Vietnam Fertilizer project. MOC – SS 904L.

Supply of 48 nos. volume bottles (MOC–CS) required for Air Compressor package being supplied by GE Oil & Gas for Dangote Refinery, Nigeria. Demonstrated effective Contract change management skills ensuring timely approval of change order claims and timely realization of receivables.

[theechudar]

June 28 tragedy: All 9 flyers exited copter safe, delayed rescue op likely cost 4 lives | India News

June 28 tragedy: All 9 flyers exited copter safe, delayed rescue op likely cost 4 lives | India News

Passengers and pilots chold on to the floats that were deployed to keep the helicopter buoyant A vessel at the spot where the Pawan Hans helicopter, on ONGC duty, with nine on board crashed on June 28 (ANI) Passengers and pilots chold on to the floats that were deployed to keep the helicopter buoyant A vessel at the spot where the Pawan Hans helicopter, on ONGC duty, with nine on board crashed…

[indian-petrochem]

Sep 17, 2021

8Higher prices were elicited in the recent short-term contract for four 80 T AHTS vessel requirement by ONGC. 8But there was wide variation in the quotes, between L-1 and the L-4. Question is there were four bidders for four vessels, will the others match the L-1 rates 8Also, it was noticed that those who did not want to lower their rates for long-term hire have quoted higher in this tender, thereby furthering the notion that below a price, owners are not willing to lend their vessels at low prices, and would rather risk looking for other assignments.

[indianpetrochem1]

Huge loss of business for SCI: Why is that so?

The government's move to privatize SCI will mean that ONGC will be unable to provide O&M contracts for ONGC-owned vessels on a nomination basis. A total of 12 ONGC vessels go through O&M work, and they include the KG Malaviya, PR Nayak, LJ Johnson, BS Negi, NB Prasad, PT Venugoplal,, Col S.P. Wahi, Hull 9,9,10,11 and 12. Then there are also O&M requirement for other vessels and rigs such as Sagar Vijay, Sagar Bhushan, Samudra Nidhi, Samudra Prabha, Samudra Seva

The total estimated cost for a six year contract is Rs 439 crore for the 12 vessels but the current revised cost is expected to much higher. Then again, the expenditure for the rigs and vessels in the second lot, when added to the first lot of vessels, will add up to quite a sum The O&M contract is a cost plus contract based on which a monthly advance is paid to SCI for O&M and these an all inclusive charge, which is adjusted at the end of the year after supporting documents are all given. All spares are purchased with the consent of ONGC. But now that the SCI is to be privatized, ONGC has begun looking at tendering out the O&M contracts on a quality-cum-price basis. ONGC came out with an ICB once in 2019 but did not receive any bid. Then again against a tender again for one vessel, the GTV, Samudra Sarvekshak, against which three bidders had participated in the pre-tendering meeting, where various issues were raised, and among them the old age of the vessel, lack of OEM spares, long lead time for spares, high penalty charges by ONGC, non-availability of dry docking for emergency repairs, and the inadequate role for subcontracting geo-technical contractors.  But eventually. no one participated against the tender. The bid evaluation criteria is now sought to be modified to allow for subcontracting of geo-technical services but the request for procurement of spares on a cost plus basis was not agreed up, according to one potential bidder. The BEC process is still in the process of being modified, and the website will bring it to the notice of its readers once they are finalized. Clearly, there is a lot of private sector participation possible once SCI is privatized but for now, the O&M contractors are still being given out on nomination basis to SCI.

[abhay121996-blog]

Cyclone Tauktae Aftermath: Missing Sea Vessel Barge P305 Located, 66 Bodies Recovered Divya Sandesh

#Divyasandesh

Cyclone Tauktae Aftermath: Missing Sea Vessel Barge P305 Located, 66 Bodies Recovered

Barge P-305, which housed personnel engaged in maintenance work of an offshore oil drilling platform run by ONGC, sunk on Monday off the Mumbai coast due to cyclone Tauktae

[newsmatters]

ONGC reaches out to families of sunk barge

ONGC reaches out to families of sunk barge

State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation () has started reaching out to families of the dead, missing and survivors of the private contractor-operated barge that sank in the Arabian Sea after being battered by a severe cyclone. While Indian Navy, Coast Guard, ONGC teams and private contractor Afcons are putting in all efforts to locate the missing personnel through sea vessels and aerial…

[techminsolutions]

Miscalculations may have ended ONGC vessels in cyclone whirlwind: Report

Miscalculations may have ended ONGC vessels in cyclone whirlwind: Report

Inadequate advance notice and miscalculations of cyclone Tauktae’s ferocity and its path may have contributed to a false belief that oilfield operations in the Arabian Sea need not be paused, said top sources close to ONGC whose vessels with 700 onboard were struck by the storm. A drillship of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and three barges of private contractor Afcons working on the…

[dharmraj2022]

Key Project Details

Walchandnagar Industries Ltd, Walchandnagar

Site Work-Installation-Commissioning of 3x-150MT Cap LPG Storage Bullets for LPG Bottling Plant at IOCL Manmad.

Design – Fabrication – Supply of 10nos. CS Heat Exchangers for MRL Chennai.  

2. Larsen and Toubro Limited, Hazira and Vizag

Fabrication & testing of Critical Pressure Vessel for one of the Prestigious Defence project

3. Al Zamil Heavy Industries, Jeddah / KSA: Design – Fabrication – Supply of

06x NGL Storage Bullets for Khursaniyah Gas Processing Complex for Saudi Aramco

Critical Pressure Vessels to one of the Saudi Aramco Project thru Saipem

Critical Pressure Vessels to Foster Wheeler for their SABIC project

4. Praj Industries Limited, Pune: Design – Fabrication – Supply of

Nickel Vessels, Heat Exchangers and Photochlorination Reactors for C-PVC project of DCW, Tuticorin / TN.

Scrubbers and Separators (MOC-SS 904L)for ThyssenKrupp’s Petro-Vietnam project

Critical High-Pressure Vessels (MOC-CS) for NOCIL, Mumbai

Volume Bottles (MOC-CS) for GE Oil & Gas, End user: Dangote Refinery, Nigeria

Lethal Service equipment – Pressure Vessel, Columns, Heat Exchangers for Bayer Material Science – Germany and USA

Pressure Vessels, Columns and Heat Exchangers for L&T Hydrocarbon Engineering (End user: GSFC Baroda for their Melamine project)

Pressure Vessels, Columns and Heat Exchangers for L&T Hydrocarbon Engineering for their client – Farabi Petrochemicals, KSA.

Critical Pressure Vessels for Linde Engineering for their Client – SABIC, KSA.

5. Doha Petroleum Construction Company, Doha / Qatar: EPC Oil & Gas Projects

LPG Bottling plant for Qatar Petroleum at New Industrial Area – Doha

Crude Oil Import / Export Facilities upgrade and Beach Landing Valves at Halul Island

Shut-down: Replacement of three 1st stages NGL-3 Booster Compressor Knock- out (K.O.) drums at Al-Mesaieed for Qatar Petroleum as Shut-down project

Fabrication and Supply of RO Skids for Qatar Shell GTL project, Ras Laffan

6. Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited, Hyderabad: EPC Oil & Gas Project

ONGC’s Assam Renewal project (ARP)

7. Sanghvi Movers Limited, Pune: Crane Rental & Erection Services

On time Deployment of Heavy-duty Crawler Cranes and Mobile cranes for key clients from Cement Plants, Oil & Gas Refineries, Steel Plants, Fertiliser Plants and Renewable Wind Energy sector.

[indian-petrochem]

Sep 07, 2021

ONGC can boast of getting among the lowest day rates for vessels and rigs in the world 8But sometimes rates go down so low, that others are not willing to match the L-1 rates So despite a high participation rate in these tenders, ONGC will still be a few vessels short Find out more on the latest update on vessel rates

[sknews7]

Stock Market Live: Sensex jumps 300 points, Nifty above 10,900; all sectors in the green

Unbiased rising markets strategist Adrian Mowat believes India market has seen a really slim rally from its lows

Opening Bell: Sensex opens 350 factors greater, Nifty nears 10,900; all sectors within the inexperienced

Indian indices opened greater on Friday following positive aspects in Asian friends. All key sectoral indices have been additionally buying and selling greater led by financial institution, auto, fin companies, metallic, and pharma indices up over 1 % every. at 9:18 am, the Sensex was tradinh 357 factors greater at 36,911 whereas the Nifty rose 85 factors to 10,891. Broader markets have been additionally greater with Nifty Midcap and Nifty SMallcap up 1 % and 1.6 %, respectively. On the Nifty50 index, M&M, Powergrid, Reliance, Cipla, and Dr Reddy’s have been the highest gainers whereas SBI Life, ONGC, Kotak Financial institution, Bajaj Auto and Nestle led the losses.

Asian shares rise on tech rally, renewed stimulus hopes

Asian shares rose on Friday after strong US housing information supported a late tech-driven rally on Wall Road, with buyers selecting up the items a day after a broad regional index posted its greatest each day loss in additional than three months. US shares ended constructive in uneven commerce on Thursday, led by a dogged comeback within the expertise sector, having initially bought off on higher-than-expected unemployment claims. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares exterior Japan was 0.66 % greater within the morning session, after slumping 2.15 % a day earlier, its greatest each day drop since June 11. However even after Friday’s rise, the index stays on monitor to submit its largest weekly drop since March, pulled decrease by fears that the worldwide restoration from the novel coronavirus pandemic might be operating out of steam. Traders have additionally been unsure about Washington’s means to cross a stimulus package deal after Fed officers indicated they anticipated extra fiscal help. More here

Mazagon Dock IPO to open on September 29, worth band set at Rs 135-145

  State-owned warship maker Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders is about to launch its preliminary public providing (IPO) September 29. The difficulty will shut on October 1. The worth band has been set at Rs 135-145. The corporate is trying to increase as much as Rs 444 crore from the general public. Bids may be made for at least 103 fairness shares and in multiples of 103. Mazagon Dock is a defence public sector enterprise shipyard beneath the Division of Defence Manufacturing, MoD. The corporate has most shipbuilding and submarine capability of 40,000 DWT. The corporate is engaged within the building and restore of warships and submarines for the MoD to be used by the Indian Navy and different vessels for industrial shoppers.

Harley-Davidson evaluates partnerships to remain in India after exit

  Harley-Davidson’s determination to discontinue the operations within the Indian market is a precursor to a strategic tie-up within the nation, business sources advised CNBC-TV18. They mentioned the enduring American bike maker continues to be in talks with Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto, and M&M for a strategic partnership. Harley-Davidson is trying to promote India operations or have a non-equity partnership. It continues to guage numerous choices to keep up a presence within the Indian market, in line with the sources. “We do not need to completely exit the Indian market. All choices are open at this stage,” mentioned a Harley-Davidson official, requesting anonymity. More here

Listed here are some extra international cues from in a single day & this morning

Chris Wooden of Jefferies in his be aware – GREED & concern views any renewed market setback on second wave considerations, as a possibility so as to add to cyclical publicity

First up, right here is fast catchup of what occurred within the markets on Thursday

  Indian indices ended almost Three % decrease on Thursday following a worldwide selloff in shares as fears of contemporary pandemic restrictions stored home buyers jittery. All sectoral indices additionally witnessed deep cuts led by the metallic, IT, auto, and financial institution indices down 3-4.2 % every. The Sensex ended 1,115 factors decrease at 36,553 whereas the Nifty fell 326 factors to settle at 10,805. HUL was the one inventory within the inexperienced on the Sensex index whereas IndusInd Financial institution, Bajaj Finance, Tech Mahindra, TCS, and M&M led the losses. Broader markets additionally ended the day within the purple with the Nifty Midcap and Nifty Smallcap indcies down 2.5 % every.

Welcome to CNBC-TV18’s Market Dwell Weblog

  Good morning, readers! I’m Pranati Deva the market’s desk of CNBC-TV18. Welcome to our market weblog, the place we offer rolling dwell information protection of the most recent occasions within the inventory market, enterprise and financial system. We can even get you prompt reactions and friends from our stellar lineup of TV friends and in-house editors, researchers, and reporters. If you’re an investor, right here is wishing you an awesome buying and selling day. Good luck!

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.12"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); Source link

from WordPress https://ift.tt/33YMAvi via IFTTT

[liveindiatimes]

Is China eyeing new world order? - india news

https://liveindiatimes.com/is-china-eyeing-new-world-order-india-news/

Is China using the world’s preoccupation with the Covid-19 crisis to enlarge its position on several border disputes and target rivals that could have a say in shaping the post-pandemic global order? That’s a question now being debated by experts and analysts following a string of actions by China over the past few weeks and months.

India-China border standoff:

The most urgent of the crises is the tense weeks-old face-off between Indian and Chinese border troops in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that has sparked at least three clashes since early May, the latest being the violent brawl of June 15 that left 20 Indian soldiers dead.

India has accused China of taking “premeditated and planned action” that reflected an intent to change the status quo on the LAC.

Reasons advanced for China’s actions have ranged from anger over India’s beefing up of infrastructure along the strategic Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road and India’s decision last August to scrap Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and create the union territory of Ladakh, which Beijing has indicated had an impact on its territorial claims in the region. Experts have also pointed to China’s desire to protect its considerable investments in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a key part of which is located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Australia cyber attack:

The Australian government said on Friday it was dealing with a massive cyberattack targeting all levels of the administration, industry, education, essential services, critical infrastructure, and political organisations. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said a malicious and sophisticated “state-based cyber actor” was behind the attack, adding that “there are not a large number of state-based actors that can engage in this type of activity”.

Though Morrison didn’t name any country, Australian experts and observers pointed the finger at China. Peter Jennings, executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, told CNN there was a “95% chance that it is China who is responsible for this attack”.

Australia has been vocal in recent months about an international investigation into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic and backed India’s calls for reforms of the World Health Organization for its initial handling of the crisis. China retaliated with tariffs on Australian exports, including barley and beef. India and Australia have also spoken about working together to shape the post-Covid world order.

South China Sea:

There has been no let-up in China’s activities to bolster its presence in the South China Sea, where it is embroiled in maritime boundary disputes with several countries, despite the Covid-19 pandemic. A Vietnamese vessel was rammed by a Chinese ship near Paracel Islands on June 10, months after another Vietnamese boat was sunk by China’s coast guard in the same area. Numerous Chinese vessels have been spotted near Thitu Island, controlled by the Philippines but claimed by China. Earlier this month, Filipino authorities launched work on critical infrastructure on Thitu, located just 24 km from an artificial island created by China and equipped with radars and missiles. Over the past two months, an exploration vessel operated by Malaysia’s state-run oil company Petronas has been harassed in the South China Sea by Chinese vessels.

Of these three countries, Vietnam has often turned to India to back its position in the South China Sea. Last year, Chinese vessels repeatedly operated in areas close to the waters where state-owned ONGC Videsh is engaged in oil and gas production.

Senkaku Islands:

On Thursday, China set a new record of sorts by sending its vessels into waters off the Senkaku Islands for 66 consecutive days. The islands in the East China Sea are controlled by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing, and Chinese vessels have been spotted in Japan’s “contiguous zone” every day since April 14. The contiguous zone is the area beyond the territorial sea and extending up to 24 nautical miles from the baseline that a country can claim. Technically, the presence of the Chinese vessels is not an intrusion but Japan regards it as a provocation. Japan’s chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga told the media on Wednesday the Senkaku islands are “unquestionably our territory historically and under international law” and that a protest had been lodged with China over the presence of the vessels. “We think it is extremely serious that these activities continue,” he said.

Both Japan and India are part of the Quadrilateral security dialogue or Quad, which was upgraded to the level of foreign ministers last September.

Hong Kong:

China has never been happy with the “one country, two systems” principle put in place for governing the special administrative region of Hong Kong when it was returned by the UK in 1997. After Hong Kong was roiled by protracted and widespread protests last year over the local administration’s efforts to push a bill that would allow people to be extradited to mainland China for trial, Beijing has moved amid the Covid-19 crisis to draft a new national security law for the region that analysts say will undermine the semi-autonomous region’s systems. The draft law, submitted to a standing committee of the National People’s Congress this week, covers secession, subversion of state power, terror activities, and foreign interference.

India, in line with its long-standing policy of not speaking on the domestic and internal politics of China, has not publicly commented on last year’s protests or the new draft law.

Source link

[abhay121996-blog]

Cyclone Tauktae Aftermath: Missing Sea Vessel Barge P305 Located, 66 Bodies Recovered Divya Sandesh

#Divyasandesh

Cyclone Tauktae Aftermath: Missing Sea Vessel Barge P305 Located, 66 Bodies Recovered

Barge P-305, which housed personnel engaged in maintenance work of an offshore oil drilling platform run by ONGC, sunk on Monday off the Mumbai coast due to cyclone Tauktae