Water Transport Workers Federation of India refuses to handle arms shipments to Israel
New Delhi: The Water Transport Workers Federation of India, which represents 3,500 workers across 11 major Indian ports, has officially declared its refusal to load or unload weapons destined for Israel.
The press release issued by them, dated February 14, says they have “decided to refuse to load or unload weaponized cargoes from Israel or any other country which could handle military equipments and its allied cargo for war in Palestine.”
The union's statement emphasized its commitment to opposing wars and preventing the suffering of innocent people, citing the recent Israeli attack on Gaza as a significant catalyst for their decision. The union condemned the violence that has resulted in extensive casualties, especially among women and children.
T. Narendra Rao, the General Secretary of the Water Transport Federation of India, stated that the decision was influenced by their affiliation with the World Federation of Trade Unions, a global body. Rao highlighted the solidarity expressed by trade unions worldwide for the cause of a free Palestine. The union's members collectively decided not to handle any type of weaponized cargo that could contribute to conflict and violence.
Although there are no reports of specific shipments bound for Israel at present, the union's preemptive announcement aims to demonstrate their stance against supporting any enterprise that aids Israel's military actions against the Palestinian people. Rao emphasized that their workers would not participate in loading or unloading anything that furthers the cause of war.
In related developments, it was revealed that a Hyderabad-based joint venture, in which the Adani Group has a controlling stake, manufactured and dispatched over 20 military drones to the Israeli military. These Hermes drones are similar to those delivered by Adani-Elbit Advanced Systems India Ltd and are reportedly being used extensively in the ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
The World Federation of Trade Unions issued a call for solidarity with the people of Palestine, condemning the ongoing violence and expressing readiness to intensify actions until the end of the occupation and liberation of Palestinian land.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Nat Sciver-Brunt's first-ever ton of WPL history powers MI's 15-run victory against RCB
Vadodara (PTI): Nat Sciver-Brunt (100 not out) hit the first-ever century of Women’s Premier League history in its fourth edition as dominant Mumbai Indians beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 15 runs, despite Richa Ghosh's whirlwind 90, here on Monday.
In a must-win game to remain in contention for play-offs, defending champions Mumbai hit their strides to produce a near-perfect performance with the bat, piling up 199 for four.
But, despite making early inroads to leave RCB reeling at 35 for 5 inside the powerplay, MI bowlers appeared clueless against Richa who hammered 10 fours and six sixes to make 90 off 50 balls in her team's 184 for 9.
RCB collected 43 runs in the last two overs, with India all-rounder Amanjot Kaur being smacked for three sixes in a row by Richa.
Hayley Matthews (56 and 3/10), who had earlier struck a vital half-century, jolted MI twice as she accounted for skipper Smriti Mandhana (6) and Georgia Voll (9) in the fourth over, and for Radha Yadav (0) in her next.
Shabnim Ismail (2/25), who had struck first to remove Grace Harris (15), cleaned up Gautami Naik (1) for her second wicket while also took a sharp catch in the deep to help Matthews dismiss Radha.
With the win, Mumbai jumped to second spot with six points from seven matches. Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants are also on six points from six matches each but Mumbai have better Net Run Rate.
Earlier, England's Sciver-Brunt (100 not out) struck the first-ever century in WPL to fire Mumbai Indians to a formidable 199for 4.
Sciver-Brunt’s 57-ball unbeaten ton and Matthews’ 56 laid the foundation for a big total for Mumbai Indians.
Matthews and Sciver-Brunt put on 131 runs off 73 balls for the second wicket in a whirlwind partnership in which they not only rotated strike well but unleashed a flurry of boundaries.
Matthews struck nine fours to make 56 off 39 balls while Sciver-Brunt hammered 16 fours and one six for her 100 not out.
The pair came together early in the third over when Lauren Bell (2/21) trapped Sajeevan Sajana (7) in front of the wickets.
Brief Scores:
Mumbai Indians: 199 for 4 in 20 overs (Hayley Matthews 56, Nat Sciver-Brunt 100 not out; Lauren Bell 2/21) beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru 184/9 in 20 overs (Richa Ghosh 90 not out; Shabnim Ismail 2/25, Hayley Matthews 3/10) by 15 runs.
