Phase-II of Coastal Surveillance Network to be completed on time: Sitharaman
New Delhi, Sep 24 : The second phase of the Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) - that was conceived to ensure attacks like Mumbai 26/11 does not happen in future - would be completed in a time-bound manner, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday.
The first phase of the CSN, which provides near real-time surveillance around areas of high sensitivity along the coast line, has already been completed.
Inaugurating the 37th Coast Guard Commanders' Conference here, Sitharaman appreciated the consistent efforts of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in filling up the gaps in surveillance through CSN Phase-I, and assured "staunch commitment" of the Defence Ministry for the completion of Phase-II in a "time bound manner".
She called upon the ICG's top commanders to discuss ways and means to engage fishing communities to adopt technology driven instruments for further enhancing safety and security at sea.
The Defence Minister said the Indian Coast Guard regularly garners appreciation at international fora for its capabilities and relentless surveillance of India's vast maritime zones.
The ICG's capabilities are unmatched in the Indo-Pacific region, she said.
She also appreciated the role played by the ICG in saving the lives in times of adversity such as in the aftermath of cyclone Ockhi and during the recent Kerala floods.
Coast Guard Director General Rajendra Singh said the force remains ever-diligent in performing its duties of saving lives and property in distress at sea, protecting the marine environment and protecting India's maritime security interests.
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Himanta resigns as Assam CM, paving way for formation of new govt
Guwahati (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday resigned along with his cabinet colleagues, paving the way for formation of a new government led by the BJP, officials said.
The BJP-led NDA bagged 102 seats in the 126-member assembly. The assembly elections were held in a single phase on April 9, and counting of votes took place on May 4.
"Following the formal notification of the results of #AssamElections2026 and to enable the formation of the new government, Dr @himantabiswa tendered his resignation as Chief Minister along with that of the council of Ministers to Hon'ble Governor Shri @Laxmanacharya54 today at Lok Bhawan," the Chief Minister's Office said in a post on X.
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The Governor has accepted the resignation, and requested Sarma to continue as the caretaker CM till the new government assumes office, it said.
Later, speaking to reporters outside the Lok Bhawan, Sarma said the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place after May 11.
“As it was a historic win, we have invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grace the occasion," he said.
The new Assam chief minister will be selected at a meeting of the BJP legislature party in presence of central observers, Sarma said.
