Precious Kashmir

Leopard enters residential area at Kunzer, man injured

Jammu & Kashmir

16/03/2022

Tangmarg: Panic gripped among residents of Kunzar area in Baramulla district after a leopard enters into residential area on Tuesday afternoon, leaving an elderly man injured.

Locals said that the leopard entered into a residential house of Khursheed Ahmad Chopan in Check-i-Sulbaba village of Kunzer area, leaving an elderly man identified as Ghulam Mohammad Mir, a resident of Narpora—Chukar injured

Soon after the incident locals informed the Wildlife authorities who managed to tranquilise the animal before it could cause further damage—(KNO)

3-year-old kid drowns, condition critical

City

Precious Kashmir

16/03/2022

By: Sheikh Danish

Srinagar, Mar 15: A three-year-old kid drowned in river jehlum in Parimpora area of Srinagar on Tuesday afternoon.

Official sources said that a 3-year-old boy identified as Mohammed Hadi son of Mohammed Shafi Dar, resident of Khawajabagh Maloora drowned in river Jehlum.

They said the boy was fished out by locals and shifted to JVC Hospital Bemina for treatment.

Meanwhile, Medical Superintendent at JVC Dr Shifa told KNO that the condition of the boy is not well and he has been shifted to SKIMS soura in a critical condition—(KNO)

Injured accident victim succumbs; poor family shattered, in deep shock

City

Precious Kashmir

16/03/2022

By: Sheikh Danish

Srinagar: An 85-year-old man, who was injured in a road accident in Qamarwari area of Srinagar, succumbed at SMHS Hospital, officials said Tuesday.

They said that 85-year-old man identified as Ghulam Ahmad Naath, resident of Patlipora, Chattabal area of Srinagar was injured in a road accident in Qamarwari area of Srinagar few days ago.

He was subsequently rushed to SMHS Hospital Srinagar for treatment, however, he succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, a Police official told KNO that a case has been registered in this regard and proceedings under IPC 304A will be initiated. A pall of gloom descended on the poor Chattabal family that was living under immense poverty. (KNO)

CUK’s holds lecture on ‘Unlearning and Learning Transgender Issues: Rights and Wrongs’

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

16/03/2022

Ganderbal: School of Education (SoE), Central University of Kashmir (CUK), conducted an online lecture, the first of its kind in valley, on “Unlearning and Learning Transgender Issues: Rights and Wrongs” at varsity’s Green Campus here.

Dr. Aqsa Shaikh, Associate Professor, Hamdard Institute of Medical Science, a transgender woman, was invited as the speaker. She is India’s First Transgender to Head a COVID Centre, a researcher on Sputnik-V and an activist working for the marginalised communities.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Aqsa elucidated the struggle she faced in schools, prayer places, hospitals, hostels and home. She insisted on treating every individual equally. Dr Aqsa said that transgender people are already going through anxiety and bullying and teasing make their lives more miserable, which sometimes results in suicides. Dr Aqsa shared her thoughts about making a friendly society for every individual. Scholars and students from different states participated in the event online.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Shah, Registrar Prof. M Afzal Zargar, highlighted the need to discuss the inclusion of Transgender individuals in the educational context.

The event was convened by Dean SoE, Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani and organised by Asst Prof. Ms. S. Arokia Mary.

LAW DEPTT HOLDS DAY LEGAL LITERACY PROGRAMME

City

Precious Kashmir

16/03/2022

Srinagar: Department of Law, School of Legal Studies (SLS) in collaboration with Degree College Ganderbal organised a one-day Legal Literacy Programme in the college.

Asst Prof. Dr. Yasir Latif Handoo highlighted the objective of Legal Literacy and informed the audience about their role to identify and enforce their rights through utility of law. Asst Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yousuf, discussed the benefits of such programmes and apprised the students that SLS has established a Legal Aid Centre for the assistance of the society.

College Principal, Prof. Bashir Ahmad Parray appreciated the academic activities at the SLS and focused on the importance of Legal Literacy activity by law students as prescribed by the Bar Council of India. Asst Prof. Prof Mushtaq, pointed out that delay in delivery of justice ultimately amounts to denial of justice and such programmes help in awareness among masses. Prof. Wahid Ahmad Shah, HoD, Zoology deptt, remarked on educating people about their rights and said that such a mechanism makes legal aid and assistance a non-expensive one and less time consuming. The students of B.A.LL.B. 8th Semester made their presentations on Cryptocurrency, Right to Information. Right to Education, Domestic Violence, Dowry Death, Prisoner’s rights, Legal Aid, Public Interest Lawyering, Legal effects of marriage, Maintenance, Custody of Child, Juvenile Justice System, etc. to the students

Parliamentary panel recommends creation of separate contingency funds for DDCs, BDCs

Anchor stories

Ibni Maqbool

16/03/2022

Parliamentary panel recommends creation of separate contingency funds for DDCs, BDCs

Asks UT administration to enhance honorarium of elected councilors

By: Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar: The parliamentary standing committee on Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recommended to the administration of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir to create a separate contingency fund for DDCs and BDCs and enhance the honorarium of elected councilors.

In its report tabled in the parliament on March 9, the parliamentary panel recommended to UT administration to create a separate contingency fund to the tune of 5-10% of capital expenditure budget to meet unexpected needs of the DDCs/BDCs pertaining to developmental works.

The committee recommended creation of the contingency fund after it enquired about the development funds that have been earmarked for district development councils and block development councils and whether contingency fund has been created for them to meet the unexpected needs.

The panel was informed that Rs 200 crore have been earmarked for DDCs, Rs 71.25 crore for BDCs and Rs 1000 crore for PRIs during 2021-22.

The panel was also informed that “no contingency funds have been created for DDCs/BDCs to meet the unexpected need”.

It also recommended to UT administration to review and increase the honorarium of elected councilors.

The committee also recommended that appropriate security and accommodation may be provided to all elected councilors considering the security situation in J&K.

“The Committee notes that 378 councilors have been provided security in the UT. However, providing vehicles to the elected representative of Municipal councils/committee is under consideration of the government. The committee recommends that appropriate security and accommodation may be provided to all elected councilors considering the security situation in J&K. The committee also recommends to provide vehicles along with fuel expenses to the elected representatives of municipal councils/committees at the earliest. The committee would like to be apprised about the progress made in this regard,” the report states.

Anxiety, Depression

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Oped

Precious Kashmir

16/03/2022

The “Global prevalence and burden of depressive and anxiety disorders in 204 countries and territories in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic” study, published in Lancet public health, estimated an increase of about 35 per cent in the prevalence of anxiety and depression in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. The covid-19 cases have waned down substantially but the issues related to anxiety and depression needs to be addressed.

The more things are supposed to change the more they remain the same. Public health experts have repeatedly said that there is a manifold increase in mental health cases amid the virulent disease with many attributing the rising stress and anxiety levels to isolation, loss of loved ones, economic uncertainty and the fear of contracting the disease.

As per an expert, nearly half of patients do not have any history of mental illness and despite the lifting of lockdowns; the number of cases remained largely the same.

Without a doubt, the lives have been disrupted, livelihoods of the people hurt, or even destroyed due to the pandemic. As a consequence, evidently, there is anxiety, fear, stress, and trauma.

The pandemic has surely aggravated the situation, leaving those having such issues to struggle with the symptoms and disabilities that result from what is basically and undeniable a disease which to a large extent is curable. What makes the challenge more difficult is stereotypes and prejudice such people face purely as a result from misconceptions about mental illness. As a result, people with mental illness are robbed of the opportunities that define a quality life—good jobs, satisfactory health care, and association with a diverse group of people.

The people having mental illness not only face the public stigma which is the reaction that the general population has towards them but also self-stigma which is defined as prejudice which they turn against themselves.

On Tuesday, the government informed parliament that the District Mental Health Programme component of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) has been sanctioned for implementation in 704 districts for which support is provided to States/UTs through the National Health Mission. Facilities have been made available under DMHP at the Community Health Centre(CHC) and Primary Health Centre(PHC) levels, inter-alia, include outpatient services, assessment, counselling/ psycho-social interventions, continuing care and support to persons with severe mental disorders, drugs, outreach services, ambulance services etc, the government said. The government needs to create the infrastructure and create awareness about the availability of the services.

PM interacts with ‘Operation Ganga’ stakeholders

National

Indo Asian News Service

16/03/2022

PM interacts with ‘Operation Ganga’ stakeholders

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday interacted with the stakeholders of ‘Operation Ganga’, under which about 23,000 Indian citizens and 147 foreign nationals belonging to 18 countries were evacuated from war-torn Ukraine.

During the interaction, representatives of the Indian community and private sector in Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Hungary narrated their experiences of being part of Operation Ganga, the challenges they faced, and expressed their sense of satisfaction and honour at having contributed to such a complex humanitarian operation.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi expressed his warm appreciation for the Indian community leaders, volunteer groups, companies, private individuals and government officials who worked for the success of the evacuation missions.

“He praised the patriotic fervour, the sense of community service, and the team spirit displayed by all the stakeholders involved in Operation Ganga. The Prime Minister especially praised the various community organisations, pointing out that their selfless service exemplifies the Indian civilisational values that they continue to embody even in foreign shores,” the PMO said.

Speaking about the efforts made by the government to ensure the safety of Indian nationals during the crisis, the Prime Minister recalled his personal interactions with leaders of Ukraine and its neighbouring countries, and expressed gratitude for the support received from all the foreign governments.

Reiterating the high priority that the government attaches to the safety of Indians abroad, the Prime Minister said that India has always acted with alacrity to assist its citizens during any international crisis.

Jhulan has done unbelievable work for Women’s cricket, says Ellyse Perry

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

16/03/2022

Jhulan has done unbelievable work for Women’s cricket, says Ellyse Perry

Hamilton: Australian captain Ellyse Perry heaped praise on India pacer Jhulan Goswami, saying she has done remarkably wonderful work for the growth of women’s cricket in the world.

Asked about Jhulan’s role in the Indian team, Perry said, “I think not just myself, but our entire team have a tremendous level of respect for Jhulan. You know, what she’s done for the game, not just for the Indian team, the whole of women’s cricket globally is just unbelievable. I certainly admire her longevity as well, and just how successful she’s been over such a long period of time. She’s such a talisman for the Indian team. She’s an absolute bedrock of that new ball. And it’s been really, really tricky to get away.”

Veteran pacer Goswami on Saturday (March 12) became the leading wicket-taker in the history of Women’s Cricket World Cup by dismissing West Indies spinner Anisa Mohammed. Anisa flicked to mid-wicket fielder, becoming Jhulan’s 40th overall scalp in the tournament and was able to overtake Australia’s Lyn Fullston’s record since 1988 of 39 wickets at an average of 11.94. Almost 17 years ago, Goswami took her first World Cup wicket, dismissing Inoka Galagedara of Sri Lanka on March 22, 2005.

“When you sort of had the wonderful opportunity to play against a player like that for such a long period of time. Yeah, it’s hard not to just have a lot of admiration for them. And yeah, it’s always nice to see Jhulan – she’s so I guess kind and bubbly off the field and always willing to say, good day and have a chat,” she added.

Perry is aware of the form of the Indian batters Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti who struck hundreds in the previous outing.

“We are constantly aware of the power in the Indian batting lineup, you know, Smriti and Harman – Two of the most dangerous batters certainly, both played Big Bash over the summer in Australia and were very, very good there. I think they both scored hundreds in that tournament, if not got very close. I know Smriti did. I can’t remember if Harman did – but yeah, so I think for us like, we’ve played a lot against one another lately.

“So it gives us a really great chance to prepare. But yeah, it’s a very strong batting lineup – the Indian lineup and I’ve only mentioned two names there. I think it’s come really at the right time and I think both teams are in a really good spot. So it should be a great clash,” she said.

Jio Telecom fails customers in Kashmir

Anchor stories

Precious Kashmir

15/03/2022

‘Welcome to Jio; disruptive services, broken wires’

By: Sameer Lone

Srinagar: Country’s largest Telecom Service Provider, Jio Telecom seems to be buried under a few inches of snow in Kashmir. The giant service provider has left its customers anguished due to its poor internet services. Also, the company’s field staff too has vanished into thin air.

Once known for better internet and customer services that fetched them a wide base of customers, Mukesh Ambani owned telecom giant is grappling to fix its damaged infrastructure, leaving a wide base of Jio users high and dry.

“After the snowfall in the first week of March, Jio services have become worse. We fail to understand what has happened. When we call their customer executives, they assure a field staff would turn in 24 hours, but to no avail. No one turns up to fix the problem. Jio seems to have taken its customers for granted,” said an aggrieved Jio Fibre Consumer.

He said, “Many broadband connections in Saria Bala and adjoin areas have not been working for the past many days. The complaints to restore the services are falling flat as the executives of the company just provide lip service. Their ground staff seems helpless and ill equipped as they are unable to fix the complaints.”

The Jio head office at Rajbagh here is being thronged by their subscribers to know the reason about the failure of the company to repair the broken and fallen lines, especially the much hyped Jio Fibre connections.

The subscribers alleged that the Jio staff has also become too lackadaisical to customer complaints, leaving thousands of its customers in lurch.

“Wherever, the Jio Fibre connections are working the internet speed is too low. It takes an hour to load a page and then it gets disconnected. When we share the pathetic story with Jio customer care, their response is quick. They assure a technician will be deployed to fix the problem. But no one turns up to repair the faults,” said Mohammad Maqbool, an aggrieved customer. “Even if someone turns up to attend the complaint, he expresses his helplessness and leaves without fixing it up,” Maqbool added.

Another customer, Nisar Ahmad, said that even after escalating a request on social media no one responded.

Most of the Jio customers said that they have a valid reason to be anguished over the poor services they have to live with.

“The service is quickly withdrawn when the subscription expires and is made available only upon the next recharge,” said Zahid Wani, who runs a shop.

The poor Internet services coupled with frequent call drops on mobile phones have irked the Jio users.

“We live in the Internet age. Every transaction is done through the internet. Most of the business activities depend on internet services but… Jio has failed us,” said Sajjad Ahmed.

The Jio executives whom Precious Kashmir tried to contact to seek their version about the complaints of the customers had no answers except “we are looking into it.” Many of them even didn’t pick up the phone.

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