Western Australia’s Parliament recently hosted a special felicitation ceremony for the all-women crew of the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel, Tarini, currently on a global circumnavigation expedition. The event celebrated the achievement of the two-member crew, comprising Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A, who were present at the ceremony. Their vessel is a part of the expedition named Navika Sagar Parikrama II, which has made Fremantle, a prominent port city in Western Australia, its first port of call.

The High Commission of India in Canberra commemorated the occasion through a post on social media platform X, highlighting the significance of the crew’s journey. This ambitious expedition was officially launched from Goa on October 2 this year, under the leadership of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff.

During the ceremony, Sue Ellery, a member of the Legislative Council of Western Australia, praised the crew, calling them “true trailblazers.” She expressed hope that their remarkable journey would inspire young girls and women to explore opportunities within the Indian Navy. Ellery extended her congratulations to both crew members for their impressive undertaking and conveyed her best wishes for the remainder of their voyage.

As of now, the vessel has covered an impressive distance of 4,900 nautical miles, successfully crossing the Equator on October 24 and the Tropic of Capricorn on October 27. Throughout their 38-day non-stop journey, Lt Cdr Dilna and Lt Cdr Roopa have navigated a variety of weather conditions, from calm seas to severe storms, bravely facing winds reaching up to 40 knots. Despite the challenges, the crew has maintained good health and high spirits, showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of demanding circumstances.

In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, approximately 700 kg of methamphetamine was seized in a joint operation conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the Indian Navy, and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad off the coast of Porbandar, Gujarat. This operation took place on November 15, 2024, based on actionable intelligence that prompted authorities to mobilize maritime patrol assets.

During the operation, authorities arrested eight individuals who claimed to be Iranian nationals. The NCB has classified methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, as a highly potent and illegal narcotic drug, raising concerns over the international drug trade’s impact on Indian society.

The operation, dubbed ‘Sagar Manthan-4,’ reportedly involved the identification and interdiction of a vessel believed to be associated with the illegal drug trade. The successful operation underscores the coordinated efforts of various governmental agencies in combatting drug trafficking in the region.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the collaborative effort, stating that the operation exemplifies the government’s dedication to creating a drug-free India. He emphasized the seamless coordination among agencies as crucial in dismantling the international drug trafficking cartel. In a tweet, Shah highlighted the government’s commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a drug-free Bharat, showcasing the operation as a significant achievement in their ongoing fight against drug smuggling.

This incident has also sparked political debates, with the opposition, particularly the Congress party, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has turned Gujarat into a hub for drug traffickers from Pakistan. The issue of drug trafficking has become increasingly pertinent, drawing attention to the need for more stringent measures and international cooperation to combat this ongoing challenge.

In a shocking turn of events, a retired Indian Army personnel was the victim of a brazen robbery at his home in Sana Dumermunda village, located within the Gobindpur police station area of Sambalpur district. The incident, which has raised alarms about security in the region, took place late Thursday night.

Saroj Nayak, the retired soldier, reported that a group of six masked assailants, armed with guns, violently entered his home. They threatened Nayak and his family members, forcing them into submission while they conducted their criminal activities. The intruders managed to steal an impressive haul of cash and gold ornaments, with the total value of the theft reaching several lakhs of rupees.

Following the traumatic experience, Nayak lodged a complaint at the local police station, prompting authorities to initiate an investigation into the armed robbery. However, at the time of reporting, no comments had been obtained from local police concerning the ongoing inquiry or any potential leads on the assailants.

This incident is one of several recent high-profile crimes in Odisha, highlighting a troubling trend of armed robberies in the state. Just days prior, on November 26, 2023, eight armed dacoits orchestrated a similarly violent robbery in Bhubaneswar. They targeted the home of a software engineer, tying up family members and locking them in a bathroom while they stole cash and jewellery valued at over Rs 6 lakh.

Additionally, a burglary reported on November 10, 2024, involved thieves who managed to make off with approximately 20 grams of gold ornaments and cash from a senior citizen’s home in the Shri Ganesh Vihar area. The robbery was only discovered the following morning when the homeowner noticed the missing items and promptly informed the police.

Earlier, in August 2023, a retired government employee reported a theft totaling Rs 2 crore in cash and gold from his residence in Nandan Vihar. In that case, police intervened, recovering Rs 1.02 crore and apprehending five suspects, while the Income Tax department began investigations into the legitimacy of the substantial cash holdings.

As authorities continue to grapple with a surge in violent robberies and thefts, residents in the affected areas are left feeling vulnerable and anxious about their safety. The recent incidents have sparked discussions about the need for enhanced security measures and law enforcement response to protect citizens from such alarming acts of crime.

In a remarkable milestone for both the Indian Navy and global gender representation in maritime fields, two women naval officers have set the stage for a new era. Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A. embarked on a groundbreaking expedition of circumnavigation aboard the 56-foot Indian naval sailing vessel INSV Tarini. Their journey commenced on October 2 from INS Mandovi in Goa and included a challenging 38-day leg that concluded when they arrived at their first port of call in Fremantle, Western Australia, on November 9.

On a recent Wednesday, the officers were honored with an invitation for tea at the Western Australia Parliament House. There, legislators and officials congregated to hear about their remarkable sailing experiences. Seated in the presidential gallery, the officers received accolades from the assembly, marking another significant recognition of their achievements.

During the session, Sue Ellery, the Leader of the House and Minister for Finance, Commerce, and Women’s Interests, highlighted the duo’s adventurous spirit. She relayed updates from their journey, stating, “I am advised that over the 4,900 nautical miles of their journey so far, they have sailed alongside Humpback whales, encountered high winds, and experienced the significantly cool climate as they sailed south… they are true trailblazers, and their circumnavigation will undoubtedly inspire many girls and young women to consider roles in the Indian Navy.”

The expedition, titled ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama II,’ aims to promote women’s empowerment, uphold gender equality, and enhance oceanic research while showcasing Indian maritime traditions. This mission marks a historic first as it is the inaugural circumnavigation of the globe by Indian women onboard a sailing vessel using a double-handed approach.

The journey is structured into five legs with four planned stopovers. Following their Fremantle stop, the INSV Tarini is scheduled to sail to Lyttleton in New Zealand, Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, and finally Cape Town in South Africa, before returning to Goa.

Supporting their formidable undertaking is a mentorship program led by Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd), who has been guiding them since August 23. The officers have undergone rigorous psychological conditioning and training in various essential skills, including seamanship, meteorology, navigation, survival techniques, and medical care at sea.

This ambitious project is spearheaded by the Indian Navy and involves collaboration with several organizations, including the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Sagar Defence, Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Transform Rural India Foundation (TRIF), and the Piramal Foundation. Their collective efforts highlight a commitment to not only advancing naval prowess but also fostering a more inclusive environment in maritime professions.

In a significant operation aimed at combating drug trafficking, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) successfully seized over 500 kilograms of drugs from an Iranian vessel in the Arabian Sea near Porbandar. The operation, supported by the Indian Navy, commenced late last night, targeting a boat believed to be involved in narcotics smuggling into India.

According to reports from news agency ANI, a coordinated effort by personnel from the Gujarat ATS, NCB, and the Navy led to the interception of the vessel in open waters. The success of this operation underscores the ongoing efforts by Indian authorities to tackle the pervasive issue of drug trafficking in the region.

This drug bust follows another recent significant seizure in Gujarat where state police, in collaboration with the Delhi police, confiscated 518 kilograms of cocaine valued at approximately Rs 5,000 crore. That operation was part of a broader initiative aligned with the government’s “Zero Tolerance against Drugs and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” policy. The raid took place at a pharmaceutical company in Ankleshwar and was carried out by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police in conjunction with the Gujarat Police.

These operations highlight the rising vigilance and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in curbing drug-related crimes and their commitment to ensuring the safety and health of the populace. As drug trafficking remains a critical issue, such joint operations exemplify the cooperative spirit among various agencies committed to eradicating this menace in India.