How different things work
The Panamanian ship MV Pavit, which recently drifted into Indian waters
undetected despite a three-tiered maritime security cordon and ran
aground at Juhu in Mumbai, has exposed serious gaps in the surveillance
along India's coast.
The Panamanian ship MV Pavit
HOW THINGS WORK
Ceaseless Vigil
The Panamanian ship MV Pavit, which recently drifted into Indian waters undetected despite a three-tiered maritime security cordon and ran aground at Juhu in Mumbai, has exposed serious gaps in the surveillance along India's coast. The Coast Guard now plans to set up a number of radar stations along the coastline. How will these help?
Capability: The Coast Guard radar stations will provide additional support to physical surveillance of the coastline. A radar station can detect ships 24 to 30 nautical miles, or 44 to 55 km, away.
Functions: Apart from policing the coastline, the Coast Guard responds to distress calls as well. Boats or ships in peril - either sinking or stranded with mechanical problems - contact the nearest Coast Guard for help. The agency also helps shift onshore sick or injured individuals aboard a vessel.
National security: Another important Coast Guard duty is to nab smugglers and pirates. It also specialises in rescue missions, law enforcement assistance and ensuring the coastline is safe from anti-social elements and terror activities.
JUST WONDERING
Water of Woe
In May 1997, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu agreed to set up an integrated power, irrigation and drinking water project at Hogenakkal in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. The Rs 1,334-crore project was meant to supply potable water to Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts with a population of three million then. The water was to be drawn from one of the waterfalls at Hogenakkal that fed the Cauvery river. Nothing happened for 11 years, as Karnataka contested the ownership of the waterfall and claimed the project would divert its share of Cauvery water. In February 2008, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi laid the foundation stone amidst protests by Karnataka, and even as the states sought the Centre's intervention to resolve matters, the project's unit office came up in June that year. This further aggravated tensions between the states. In 2010, Karnataka tried to discuss the dispute with Tamil Nadu, to no avail. Will the Cauvery ever flow quietly?
QUIRKY
No Kidding
It will surely be unpalatable fare for those used to dining out with their families. Fine dining restaurants are now turning away people who come with children below a certain age in tow. Complaints from other dinners, who want a quiet meal, have led to this unwritten rule. Many restaurants are setting the minimum age for entry between eight and 12 years. Restaurants offering the repas prevue concept are also taking this route as children eat smaller portions, or may not be patient enough to sit through four-course meals. Soon, the sight of 'little people' squealing and running around restaurant tables will be a thing of the past.
SNOOT CORNER
Off the Cuff
A key component in men's accessories, cufflinks are no longer just black enamelled. They are now made of several kinds of metals, given different shapes, and studded with semi-precious stones at times. Cufflinks add style to formal wear, and look best when worn on a double cuff. They need not exactly match the colour of the tie or pocket square. In less formal settings, they may be worn without a tie or pocket square.
Compiled by Anamika Butalia
Ceaseless Vigil
The Panamanian ship MV Pavit, which recently drifted into Indian waters undetected despite a three-tiered maritime security cordon and ran aground at Juhu in Mumbai, has exposed serious gaps in the surveillance along India's coast. The Coast Guard now plans to set up a number of radar stations along the coastline. How will these help?
Capability: The Coast Guard radar stations will provide additional support to physical surveillance of the coastline. A radar station can detect ships 24 to 30 nautical miles, or 44 to 55 km, away.
Functions: Apart from policing the coastline, the Coast Guard responds to distress calls as well. Boats or ships in peril - either sinking or stranded with mechanical problems - contact the nearest Coast Guard for help. The agency also helps shift onshore sick or injured individuals aboard a vessel.
National security: Another important Coast Guard duty is to nab smugglers and pirates. It also specialises in rescue missions, law enforcement assistance and ensuring the coastline is safe from anti-social elements and terror activities.
JUST WONDERING
Water of Woe
In May 1997, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu agreed to set up an integrated power, irrigation and drinking water project at Hogenakkal in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. The Rs 1,334-crore project was meant to supply potable water to Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts with a population of three million then. The water was to be drawn from one of the waterfalls at Hogenakkal that fed the Cauvery river. Nothing happened for 11 years, as Karnataka contested the ownership of the waterfall and claimed the project would divert its share of Cauvery water. In February 2008, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi laid the foundation stone amidst protests by Karnataka, and even as the states sought the Centre's intervention to resolve matters, the project's unit office came up in June that year. This further aggravated tensions between the states. In 2010, Karnataka tried to discuss the dispute with Tamil Nadu, to no avail. Will the Cauvery ever flow quietly?
QUIRKY
No Kidding
It will surely be unpalatable fare for those used to dining out with their families. Fine dining restaurants are now turning away people who come with children below a certain age in tow. Complaints from other dinners, who want a quiet meal, have led to this unwritten rule. Many restaurants are setting the minimum age for entry between eight and 12 years. Restaurants offering the repas prevue concept are also taking this route as children eat smaller portions, or may not be patient enough to sit through four-course meals. Soon, the sight of 'little people' squealing and running around restaurant tables will be a thing of the past.
SNOOT CORNER
Off the Cuff
A key component in men's accessories, cufflinks are no longer just black enamelled. They are now made of several kinds of metals, given different shapes, and studded with semi-precious stones at times. Cufflinks add style to formal wear, and look best when worn on a double cuff. They need not exactly match the colour of the tie or pocket square. In less formal settings, they may be worn without a tie or pocket square.
Compiled by Anamika Butalia
