USS Rushmore conducts blockade operations in Arabian Sea: Central Command

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Washington, April 19 (IANS) The US Central Command has said that the dock landing ship USS Rushmore is conducting blockade operations in the Arabian Sea.

Earlier Saturday (local time), it was said on social media that a guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney is patrolling regional waters in support of the blockade operations. Meanwhile, the USS New Orleans, an amphibious transport dock ship, is monitoring shipping, reports Xinhua news agency.

The move came as the Navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the Strait of Hormuz has been blocked since Saturday evening and will not reopen until the United States lifts its naval blockade on the waterway.

On Friday, both Washington and Tehran confirmed that the strait had been completely open for all commercial vessels. However, US President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the US naval blockade would “remain in full force.” In response, Iran warned of closing the strategic waterway again if the US blockade continues.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) said that the country is determined to exercise control and supervision over traffic through the Strait of Hormuz until the war is definitively ended and a lasting peace is achieved in the region.

The statement, reported by Iranian media, came after Iran’s main military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, announced earlier on Saturday the resumption of strict control over the Strait of Hormuz, citing the continuation of US naval blockade against Iran.

The SNSC said it will control the strait by demanding vessel information, issuing passage permits, charging fees for security and environmental services, and directing traffic according to its regulations and wartime protocols, Xinhua news agency reported.

“By the time the enemy seeks to cause disruption to the vessels’ transit through the strait and resorts to methods such as imposing a naval blockade, which will be considered as violations of the (current two-week) ceasefire, the country will prevent the conditional and restricted reopening of the Strait of Hormuz,” it said.

–IANS

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‘May 4 will come, Mamata Banerjee will go’: Anurag Thakur on Bengal polls

Kolkata, April 15 (IANS) As the highly anticipated West Bengal Assembly elections approach, BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that law and order in the state has deteriorated and claiming that no one is safe there. He further asserted that political change is imminent, stating, “May 4 will come, Mamata Banerjee will go.”

Speaking to reporters, Thakur accused the state government of protecting illegal activities and prioritising appeasement politics.

“The identity of Mamata Banerjee’s governance has become one of providing protection to Bangladeshi infiltrators, fake currency rackets, and those involved in the creation of fraudulent Aadhaar cards. It is also about safeguarding individuals accused of crimes against women,” he said.

He further alleged that employment opportunities meant for the people of West Bengal were being diverted.

“Jobs are being given to infiltrators at the cost of the state’s own citizens. The government appears to support corrupt individuals and uses every possible tool to shield them. This raises a serious question: who is truly safe in West Bengal? In West Bengal, there is politics of appeasement, so I will say this: May 4 will come and Mamata Banerjee will go.” Thakur added.

Commenting on the Women’s Reservation Bill, Thakur highlighted the Centre’s initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that several welfare schemes have significantly contributed to women’s empowerment.

“From LPG connections and tap water to free foodgrains, healthcare, and sanitation, these initiatives have benefited women and the underprivileged. Around 25 crore people have been lifted above the poverty line,” he said.

He also underlined the significance of the proposed 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

“We are committed to ensuring its implementation before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. A special Parliament session will be held on April 16, 17, and 18 to take this forward,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Centre is set to convene a three-day special session of Parliament from April 16 to 18 to advance constitutional amendments enabling women’s reservation. The proposal also includes increasing the Lok Sabha’s strength from 543 to around 850 seats, with one-third reserved for women. Although the Women’s Reservation Act was passed in 2023, its implementation has been delayed due to pending delimitation and census processes.

–IANS

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Madhya Pradesh launches new logistics policy to pare exports goods haulage

Bhopal, Feb 16 (IANS) In a move to boost exports and slash transportation costs for exporters, the Madhya Pradesh government has unveiled its comprehensive multi-pronged Logistics Policy 2025.

This cutting-edge policy aims to enhance logistics efficiency, foster a seamless supply chain, and establish world-class infrastructure throughout the state.

Even though Madhya Pradesh has four-dry ports, it still remain dearer for importers for being a land-locked state vis-à-vis other states at seashore.

The Madhya Pradesh Logistics Policy-2025 is set to be a catalyst for the state’s economic growth.

By positioning Madhya Pradesh as a premier logistics hub, the policy aims to attract investors and spur trade, promising substantial economic elevation in the years to come.

To bolster infrastructure, the state government will establish over 20 cargo terminals, enhancing the logistics network with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure smooth freight movement.

Reduced transportation costs will drive profitability for businesses and attract increased investments.

Enhancing export capacity is a pivotal component of the Logistics Policy-2025.

The policy includes the development of export parks with attractive incentives for developers, such as full reimbursement of stamp duty and registration fees, financial aid up to Rs 40 crore or 50 per cent per acre for infrastructure development, and up to 25 per cent or Rs 25 crore for establishing common pre-processing facilities for exporters.

The policy also champions green industrialisation, encouraging zero-liquid discharge waste management systems and centralised waste management systems with a 50 per cent reimbursement incentive.

To foster exporter participation, the policy promotes export diversification, improves efficiency in export-oriented units, and strengthens export-focused logistics infrastructure.

Objectives include boosting export volumes, increasing the value of ‘Made in Madhya Pradesh’ products, and creating job opportunities within the logistics sector.

To ensure smooth implementation, the government will focus on reducing port turnaround times, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and introducing a PCS-One system for electronic delivery orders. These measures will streamline logistics processes and increase transparency.

Dedicated Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) laboratories will be established to maintain safety and quality standards. Innovations such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) doors will bolster security and expedite goods movement.

The Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) will ensure seamless data exchange across the logistics value chain.

A key feature of the policy is the introduction of the Green Card Scheme, which offers expedited approvals for logistics operators who adopt green transportation practices.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasised the significance of this initiative, highlighting its potential to fortify the state’s economy and draw investors to the upcoming Global Investors Summit (GIS).

CM Yadav said that by 2030, the new policy would align Madhya Pradesh’s logistics costs with global standards, making it one of the most favoured destinations for both domestic and international businesses.

By reducing logistics costs, the policy will directly benefit traders and entrepreneurs, leading to job creation in warehouses, transportation, and logistics companies.

This presents a golden opportunity for domestic and international investors. Lower logistics costs will also provide better transportation and storage facilities for farmers’ produce.

This forward-thinking policy is poised to transform Madhya Pradesh into a logistics powerhouse, driving economic growth, sustainability, and global competitiveness.

–IANS

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Four giraffe species officially recognised in major scientific reclassification: IUCN report

Windhoek (Namibia), Aug 21 (IANS) A groundbreaking assessment has officially recognised four distinct giraffe species, overturning previous classifications of the world’s tallest land mammal as a single species.

The taxonomic review, undertaken by the International Union for Conservation of Natur (IUCN) Species Survival Commission’s Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group (GOSG) Taxonomic Task Force and made public on Thursday, marks a major milestone in the giraffe taxonomy and reshapes how giraffe diversity is understood and conserved.

Historically, giraffe (Giraffa spp.) have been classified as a single species with nine subspecies, but they have long been the subject of taxonomic uncertainty.

In response to growing scientific evidence and the urgent need for clearer conservation planning, the GOSG launched a Taxonomic Task Force in 2024 to comprehensively review the latest genetic, morphological and biogeographical data.

“This landmark taxonomic revision by the IUCN Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group reflects the best available science and provides a globally standardised framework to inform conservation,” said Michael Brown, Co-Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group and Conservation Science Coordinator for the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and one of the co-authors of the assessment.

“Recognising these four species is vital not only for accurate IUCN Red List assessments, targeted conservation action and coordinated management across national borders. The more precisely we understand giraffe taxonomy, the better equipped we are to assess their status and implement effective conservation strategies,” Brown added.

The Task Force evaluated extensive genetic data from multiple peer-reviewed studies, many of which investigated giraffe genetics, making giraffe among the most genetically well-studied large mammal taxa in Africa.

Analyses of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA consistently revealed large differences between several giraffe lineages, supporting the recognition of multiple species.

Complementing the genetic work, the review also incorporated studies of morphological differentiation, including notable differences in skull structure and bone shape across regions.

Biogeographic assessments also considered the role of natural barriers, such as major rivers, rift valleys and arid zones, that could have contributed to evolutionary isolation.

Together, these multiple lines of evidence provide scientific support for elevating certain giraffe populations to full species status, reflecting their distinct evolutionary histories.

–IANS

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