Dive into the world of books with reviews, excerpts, and new titles, all in one place with The Hindu On Books. Stay updated on the latest news and reviews in cinema and streaming with First Day First Show. Take charge of your health with expert advice from Ramya Kannan in Health Matters. See the world through a different lens with The View From India, your go-to for international news from an Indian perspective. Plus, delight in Science For All as science writers make complex topics fun and accessible, and stay ahead on technology trends with Today's Cache. Stay informed with the November 29, 2024e-Paper.
Seize the Ship: A Leadership Lesson
The "Seize the Ship" incident refers to the 2009 hijacking of an American container ship, Maersk Alabama, by Somali pirates. The incident gained international attention due to the daring rescue operation led by U.S. Navy SEALs, which resulted in the freeing of the ship's crew and the death of one of the pirates.
Background
The hijacking occurred on April 8, 2009, when four Somali pirates boarded the Maersk Alabama off the coast of Somalia. The pirates demanded ransom for the release of the ship and its crew. The ship's captain, Richard Phillips, was taken hostage on a lifeboat.
Rescue Operation
The U.S. Navy responded to the hijacking by sending the guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge and a team of SEALs. After several days of negotiations, the SEALs launched a raid on the lifeboat, killing one of the pirates and rescuing Phillips unharmed. The remaining three pirates were arrested.
Leadership Lessons
The Seize the Ship incident has been studied as a case study in crisis management and leadership. Captain Phillips' actions during the hijacking have been praised as a model of courage and resilience.
Some of the leadership lessons that can be drawn from the incident include:
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why did the pirates hijack the Maersk Alabama?
The pirates were motivated by financial gain. They demanded a ransom for the release of the ship and its crew.
2. How many pirates were involved in the hijacking?
Four Somali pirates boarded the Maersk Alabama.
3. Who rescued Captain Phillips?
Captain Phillips was rescued by U.S. Navy SEALs.
4. What happened to the pirates after the rescue operation?
The three surviving pirates were arrested and charged with piracy and kidnapping.
5. What are the long-term consequences of the Seize the Ship incident?
The incident raised awareness about the dangers of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and led to increased international efforts to combat piracy.
Dr. Biruk Weyisha, a surgeon from Ethiopia, was all set to tie the knot with his bride in a grand wedding ceremony. However, when a young boy needed emergency surgery, Weyisha didn't hesitate to put his own plans on hold and perform the life-saving operation. The touching story went viral on social media, with many praising Weyisha for his selfless act and dedication to his profession.
Get your daily dose of news and insights on various topics from the Indian perspective with the July 2, 2025 e-Paper. From world affairs to Karnataka highlights, cinema and streaming reviews, technology stories, science updates, data analysis, health tips, and book reviews, this e-paper has it all covered for the curious and informed reader. With a diverse range of topics and engaging content, this e-paper is a must-read for anyone seeking a well-rounded understanding of current events.
The small town of Yarm in the UK was rocked by an armed robbery at Market Cross Jewellers, leaving residents and workers in shock. Sales assistant Kate Soley and assistant manager Laura Wilkinson shared their disbelief and fear, with Soley describing the incident as "really scary." The robbery has caused concern for the safety of the community and has raised questions about the perpetrators' motives and preparation.
The Indian Army paid its respects to Captain Vikram Batra on his 26th death anniversary. Known for his heroics during the 1999 Kargil war, Captain Batra displayed immense courage and made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid homage and praised Captain Batra's bravery and sacrifice, which remains an iconic example of courage in service to the country. July 26 is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate the Indian Army's victory in Operation Vijay.
The Hindu announces the fifth edition of its renowned ideas conclave, The Hindu Huddle, which will be held in Bengaluru in 2025. The theme for this edition is "India in Dialogue" and will feature discussions on the politics of federalism in India. The previous editions of this event have seen some of the most influential voices from various fields, and this year's event promises to bring together leaders from the public and private sectors for a thought-provoking conversation on important global issues. Don't miss out on this event that has the power to shape the future!
Indian chess grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi faced backlash on social media after posting a message on Doctors' Day, honouring his family who are ayurvedic and homoeopathy doctors. A prominent handle criticized these Indian medical systems as "pseudo-science," sparking a debate on the validity and recognition of these practices. However, the attack on these systems reveals deeper insecurities and hypocrisies within the allopathic community, highlighting the need for more open-mindedness and inclusivity in the medical field.
Catch up on all the latest news and stories from India and around the world with our daily e-paper. Get a unique take on world affairs with our special Indian perspective. Stay updated with top highlights, technology stories, science news, reviews, and features from all over. Also, receive your weekly dose of jargon-free science and health tips from our expert writers. Plus, get the best reads from the world of books and cinema with our exclusive columns and reviews.
A team from Vantara, a wildlife conservation initiative founded by Anant Ambani, rushed to the aid of three elephants who ran amok during the 148th Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad. The team provided emergency medical care and behavioral support to the distressed animals. This incident highlights the vital role Vantara plays in the welfare of rescued elephants, as they are equipped with the world's largest elephant care centre and advanced veterinary services. Their prompt action during the recent chaos has been praised by both local authorities and the Jagannath Temple Management.
A RTI inquiry filed by Godfrey Pimenta has revealed that 275 animals have died at Byculla Zoo in Mumbai between 2019 and 2025. The zoo claims that these deaths are not unusual and are primarily due to natural causes. However, recent reports about the deaths of three Humboldt penguins and the last elephant, Anarkali, have sparked concern and criticism. The zoo plans to expand its premises by 10 acres to accommodate its 388 current residents and further enhance its species diversity, including the recent addition of four rare gharials. While some species have seen significant declines in population, others such as Cockatiels, Royal Bengal Tigers, and Humboldt Penguins have seen an increase in numbers.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit, took to social media to honor the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain on the solemn occasion of Ashoora-e-Muharram. The day is marked by millions of Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, who gather to pay homage to the martyrs of the Battle of Karbala, highlighting the values of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination in the face of oppression and tyranny. In Kashmir, a traditional Muharram procession was held on Friday, and it will be followed by another on Sunday, to commemorate the 10th day of the month which marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions.