By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 4615 new covid-19 cases while seven persons succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Sunday.

They said 1401 of the fresh cases were confirmed from Jammu Division and 3214 from Kashmir Valley, taking the total count to 432875.

Regarding the fatalities, the officials said that four among them were reported from Jammu division and three from Kashmir valley. So far 4659 people have died due to the virus—2275 in Jammu and 2384 in Kashmir Valley.

Giving district wise details, he said, Srinagar reported 889 cases, Baramulla 479, Budgam 663, Pulwama 69, Kupwara 613, Anantnag 244, Bandipora 21, Ganderbal 46, Kulgam 159, Shopian 31, Jammu 826, Udhampur 151, Rajouri 45, Doda 133, Kathua 40, Samba 46, Kishtwar 59, Poonch 35, Ramban 48 and Reasi 18.

Some of the cases were confirmed at GMC Anantnag and include female (29) from Imamsahib, male (60) from Wuyan, male (50) from Arwani, male (38) from Kaprin, male (50) from Pulwama, two males (37, 40) from Dachipora, male (33) from Rawalpora, female (40) from Nayon, male (46) from Pahnoo, female (50) from Trenz, male (42) from Dewpora, female (35) from Batapora, male (40) from Khujpora, female (25) from Zainapora, male (52) from Nagbal, female (30) from Wachi, female (60) from Handew, female (50) from Aglar, female (32) from Nadigam, male (50) from Hillow, male (52) from Chitragam, female (50) from Zeban, female (40) from Kashwa, female (30) from Check Sangran, male (50) and female (18) from Tulren, female (68) from Berigam, male (35) from Kraloo, male (26) from Nussu, male (43) from Dailgam, male (45) from Sransoo, male (40) from Hallan, female (34) from Chowgam, male (60) from Nowgund, male (55) from Pahalgam, female (35) from Nigeenpora, female (21) from Pratapora, female (40) from Oril Kund, female (30) from Dalwacth, female (13) and male (10) from Manzmoh, female (13) from Churat, female (40) from Y K Pora, female (27) from Ghulabagh, male (30) from Malikabad, female (25) from Lammer, female (27) from Watihal, male (28) from Kuchipora, male (45) from Khahgund, male (18) from Sadiwara, male (18) from Verinag, male (40) from L Monda, male (65) from Khudwani, female (9) from Bonigam, female (24) from Danow Bogund, female (15) from Shopiyaan Qaimoh, male (56) from Yaripora, male (32) from Buchroo, female (27) from D H Pora, female (25) and male (27) from Qaimoh, two males (28, 30) from Wanpoh, male (45) from Narwani Shopian, female (18) from Frisal Yaripora, male (35) from Matibugh Kulgam, male (44) from Khanabal, male (30) from Chowgam, male (50) from Pachigam, female (30) from Churat, female (30) from Panzath, female (50) and male (30) from YKPora Ang, female (30) from Badragund Ang, male (45) from Sopat Kulgam, female (25) from Banihal, male (30) from Qazigund, male (22) and female (35) from Kund Kulgam, male (20) from Akingam, female (50) from Damhall, two males (25, 60) and female (25) from H Tooru, female (52) from Achabal, male (28) from Hardpora, male (55) from K Kalan Bij, male (30) from Hiller, male (65) from Mattan, male (60) from Hapatnard, male (40) from Shamsipora, male (46) from Kheribal, male (50) from Nambal, male (30) from Hutmurrah, male (60) from Paibugh, female (31) from Chattisgarh, two males (27, 31) from Surat, female (22) from Koot Verinag, female (25) from Kapran Verinag, male (50) from Larkipora, male (26) from Verinag, male (30) from Thajiwara, two males (16, 13) from Dooru Shahabad, male (33) from Manzmoo Qazigund, male (24) from Thamn Koot, male (63) from Zadipora, male (23) from Batengoo, male (45) from S K Colony, male (56) from Sarnal, two males (8, 13) and three females (90, 38, 60) from Janglat Mandi, male (40) from K P Road, female (28) from Moominabad, female (47) and male (53) from 99RCC, female (55) from Kokernag, male (35) from Pampore, male (39) from Moominabad, male (19) from Nanil, male (70) from Lisser, female (70) from Banihal, female (23) from Monghall, male (28) from Bijbehara, female (31) from S K Colony, male (40) from Ganderbal, male (48) from Surat, female (33) from Bangalore, male (29) from Nagpur, male (29) from Srinagar, female (49) from Wukha Shangus, female (48) from Dardpora Shangus, male (18) from Pahloo Shangus, female (22) and male (40) from Uttersoo, male (40) from Shangus, female (32) from Khull Shangus, male (24) from Kawarigam, two males (26, 32) from Brah Shangus, female (18) from Bijbhera, female (60) from Bangward DH Pora and male (8) from Dudkuchn DH Pora.

Besides, they said, 6557 Covid-19 patients recovered during the time—1585 from Jammu Division and 4972 from Kashmir. So far 387946 people have recovered, leaving active case tally at 40270—10468 in Jammu and 29802 in Kashmir.

They said there was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today. So far 51 black fungus cases have been confirmed in J&K, the officials said. They also informed that 17144 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)

‘Education institutions, including coaching centres to remain closed for in-person teaching’

Srinagar: Authorities on Monday reduced weekly lockdown duration to 57-hours while as education institutions including coaching centres shall continue to be closed for in-person teaching.

“There shall also be complete restriction on non-essential movement in the entire J&K from every Friday 9.00 PM to Monday 6.00AM,” reads the order issued by here by State Executive Committee headed by Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta. Earlier the lockdown would start from 2p.m. on Friday and now it will be from 9.00 p.m.

Night Curfew shall continue to remain in force in all districts from 9 pm to 6 am with complete restriction on non-essential movement.

As regards the education institutions, the SEC ordered that all Colleges, Schools, Polytechnics, ITIs, Coaching Centres for Civil Services and Engineering or NEET etc. shall continue to adopt online medium of teaching. “There shall be no in-person teaching,” reads the order.

“Educational institutions shall be permitted to direct attendance of vaccinated staff for administrative purposes only. The Head of the institution must ensure that guidelines related to social distancing and Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) are strictly followed”.

The State Executive Committee also reiterated that all the offices shall regulate the attendance of its employees in such a manner so as to ensure that appropriate Social Distancing Norms are maintained.

“Pregnant Women Employees will be exempted from Physical attendance. They shall be allowed to work from home.”

All employees with disabilities shall also be given option to work from home, it said.

“A maximum number of people permitted to attend any indoor/ outdoor gathering shall be strictly restricted to 25,” the order reads.

Banquet Halls in all the Districts of J&K have been permitted to allow gathering up to 25 vaccinated persons (with verifiable RT-PCR or RAT not older than 72 hours) or 25% of the authorised capacity (whichever is less), preferably in open spaces.

“Cinema halls, theatres, multiplexes, restaurants, clubs, gymnasiums and swimming pools are permitted to function at 25% of the authorised capacity with due precautions such as CAB and adherence to SOP.”

All Deputy Commissioners have been asked to intensify testing and ensure full utilisation of available RT-PCR and RAT capacities. “There shall be no drop in testing levels.”

Chief Medical Officers of all districts, the order reads, shall submit a daily report regarding the utilisation of available RT-PCR capacities to the District Magistrates concerned. Besides, District Magistrates shall also go for capacity expansion of the RT-PCR testing as per the requirement.

“The Deputy Commissioners shall also focus on the positivity rates of the Medical-Blocks under their jurisdictions. Intensified measures related to Covid management and restriction of activities shall be undertaken in these Blocks.”

There shall be renewed focus on Panchayat level/Medical Block mapping of cases and effective micro-containment zones shall be constituted wherever number of Covid-19 Positive cases reaches 3 or above, the order reads further.

“The DCs shall keep active track of the positivity rates in their respective jurisdictions. Strict perimeter control (Micro-Containment Zone) shall be implemented for localities where Covid-19 Positive Cases number reaches 3 and above. This shall be done to ensure no movement of people in or out of these zones, except for medical emergencies and for maintaining supply of essential goods and services.”

Says such infra to bring great opportunities in sports field, employment

Union Minister hails PM’s initiative of building stadium in Ladakh

Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday announced that an open synthetic track and astroturf football stadium will be built in Ladakh.

The stadium will be built at a height of more than 10,000 feet and its construction will be completed soon, he said while addressing the nation in this year’s first Mann Ki Baat.

“Ladakh will soon be blessed with an impressive Open Synthetic Track and Astro-Turf Football Stadium. This stadium is being built at a height of more than 10,000 feet and its construction is going to be completed soon. This will be the largest open stadium in Ladakh where 30,000 spectators can sit together”, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation.

Friends, today I want to share with you one such information about Ladakh which you will definitely be proud to know about. Ladakh will soon be blessed with an impressive Open Synthetic Track and Astro Turf Football Stadium: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

The football stadium will have a synthetic track with 8 lanes and there will also be a hostel facility with one thousand beds. The stadium is FIFA certified as well. PM Modi further said that such infrastructure will also bring great opportunities in the field of sports, tourism and employment.

“Whenever such a big sports infrastructure comes up, it brings great opportunities to the youth of the country. Alongwith such an arrangement, movement of people from all over the country takes place, tourism gets promoted and many employment opportunities are created. The stadium will also benefit many of our youth in Ladakh,” said PM Modi.

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur hailed the Prime Minister’s initiative of building the stadium in Ladakh.

“Respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, it is a very pleasant experience to see your policies to promote sports and sportspersons coming to fruition. Today everyone associated with sports is feeling this change. @kheloindia There is a revolution in the field of sports. At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet in Ladakh,” tweeted Anurag Thakur.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the countrymen as India successfully vaccinated 75 per cent of its adult population against Covid-19.

“Seventy five per cent of all adults are fully vaccinated. Congratulations to our fellow citizens for this momentous feat. “Proud of all those who are making our vaccination drive a success,” the PM said, in response to a tweet of Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on the same.

Earlier, the Health Minister in a tweet wrote, “Over 75 per cent of the adult population fully vaccinated. With everyone’s effort, we will defeat Covid-19.”

As per the latest bulletin issued by the Union Health Ministry on Sunday, India has administered 165.70 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccine so far under the ongoing nationwide vaccination drive. (UNI)

By: Aabid Hameed

Pulwama: A group of local Muslims in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Sunday helped perform the last rites of an 80-year-old Kashmiri Pandit, who died on Saturday evening.

The local Muslims in Tumlahal village of Lassipora hamlet in Pulwama came together to help perform the last rites of their 80-year-old Pandit neighbour.

Makhan Lal Raina (80), resident of Tumlahal village about 10 kilometers from Pulwama town, was a retired teacher and a known figure in the village.

As only a few of his family members were around, Raina’s local friends and neighbours from the Muslim community took it upon themselves to help perform his last rites.

The local Muslims organized and performed his last rites and mourned his death as one of their own. They shouldered his coffin and arranged wood for the cremation in the village.

“He was one of us. We never thought of him as a KP. We arranged everything needed for the cremation,” said Mohammad Akbar, a local from the locality.

“He has been living here among us for many years. We have lived alongside each other and done everything together,” said Bilal Ahmad another local.

“We share a bond that goes back hundreds of years. When we heard about the sad news, all of us rushed to console the family members and arrange the last rites,” he said.

Locals said that this family has never left Kashmir despite facing many problems and it was their duty to help them. “Once we heard about her sad demise, we rushed to the spot and arranged everything and took part in his last rites,” they said.

“More than a neighbour, he was our teacher and presently I am gazetted officer but upto middle level, I was taught by Makhan Lal in the locality,” said Abdul Rashid, one of his students, adding that his students are in thousands and most of them were part of the last rites.

Panaji: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday recalled surgical strike conducted by India against militant launch pads across the line of control in Pakistan and claimed that it was possible only because of Narendra Modi government.

“Alia Malia Jamlia would enter the country, behead our soliders and Delhi Darbar (Congress-led UPA government) would not bother due to vote bank politics. But when Modi ji came to power and terrorists strike happened, within 10 days surgical strike was carried out and the terrorists were finished,” he said while addressing a public meeting at Ponda in South Goa.

He also said abrogation of Article 370 too was possible only due to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre.

”Had anyone imagined that Article 370 would be abrogated. People of Kashmir were suffering for 70 years but the Modi government took a historical decision and Article 370 and 35 A were abrogated. And nobody dared to resort to stone pelting,” he said.

Shah also praised former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and said he was such a leader who made Goa’s name famous not only in India, but in the world as well. (UNI)

Jammu: The Administrative Council (AC), which met here under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, approved establishment of 5000 MT Multi Chambered Modern Cold Storage and Ripening Project for storing fresh fruits & vegetables, by J&K State Agro Industries Development Corporation Ltd.

Farooq Khan and Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisors to the Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, and Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor attended the meeting.

The project will be first of its kind cold storage facility for fresh fruits and vegetables in Jammu district and will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 2646.73 lac at Talab Tiloo, Jammu in next eight months. It will reduce the post-harvest losses by increasing the shelf life of various agriculture/horticulture products, besides addressing the issue of distress sales of the crops by the farmers.

During the last two years, an enabling environment has been created for transforming J&K Agriculture and allied sector to increase the income of farmers, ensure food security and speed up the economic growth of J&K. The Government has taken several concrete steps for increasing the Agriculture/Horticulture production and enhancing the quality of the crop, while laying special focus on the post harvesting management infrastructure especially in private sector.

So far, around 1.98 LMT of CA Storage has been established in the private sector which has mostly focused on one crop only. The upcoming project is a step towards diversifying the cold storage facility for multiple fruits and vegetables in Jammu division.

Jammu: To streamline the GI tagging of Jammu and Kashmir’s art and craft through the Craft Development Institute, the Administrative Council (AC), which met under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, approved the transfer of administrative control of the Craft Development Institute (CDI) to the Industries and Commerce Department for promoting GI tagging of J&K arts and crafts.

Farooq Khan and Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisors to the Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, J&K and Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor attended the meeting.

The decision is aimed at promoting and developing the traditional, contemporary, modern and diversified crafts in Jammu and Kashmir through targeted and strategic planning.

The Craft Development Institute plays a pivotal role in identifying and promoting varied crafts and obtaining the coveted Geographical Indicator (GI) tag to further boost awareness and sales of authentic products. The Institute has so far assisted Pashmina, Sozni, Kani, Khatamband, Papermachie, Walnut carving, and Carpet art in achieving the GI tag, whereas, Namdha, Shikara, and Waguv are in the process of obtaining the same.

Earlier, to facilitate the Pashmina artisans and weavers to avail testing, certification, and labelling facilities for authentication of pashmina products, the Government had transferred the administrative control of Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre from the Skill Development Department to the Industries Department. The step has successfully protected the interests of artisans through authentic trade of genuine pashmina based handicrafts and handloom products in the market.

Jammu: The recently concluded Dubai Expo has opened the gateway for industrial investments for the entire Jammu and Kashmir which will be the ‘Dawn of New Era’ for the industrial development here.

While participating in the Expo, the Jammu and Kashmir government received an encouraging response from Dubai based industrialists for investment. Several Global investors are now eyeing the untapped market and industrial potential of Jammu and Kashmir.

During the Expo, J&K Government signed at least six agreements in potential sectors real estate, infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, food processing and others, generating large amount of investments which will be remarkable for the industrial growth of J&K.

While participating in Expo, several known UAE based companies like Al Maya group, MATU investments LLC, Century Financial, Noon e-commerce and others signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the government of Jammu and Kashmir. Apart from this, Letter of Intent (LoI) was also signed with Magna Waves private limited, Emaar group and Lulu international.

During the Expo, Emaar Group signed an agreement with the Jammu and Kashmir government to develop a 500,000 square feet shopping mall in Srinagar. Emaar is UAE’s biggest real estate developer and the investment is expected to pave the way for further investments. Lulu Group has also pledged Rs. 600 million to develop a food processing unit in J&K.

Moreover, UAE’s Century- Financial, whose owner is a son of soil and hails from Doda District, will also be investing $100m to build three hotels and one commercial-residential complex in the UT of J&K. Dubai ports giant DP World is set to build an inland port in J&K and the 250-acre site for the project will be finalized shortly.

Interestingly, these projects will not only give considerable employment opportunities to the local youth will also benefit the Agriculture sector and uplift the economic conditions of farmers.

Under the J&K-Dubai partnership, world famous GI-tagged Kashmiri saffron has been launched at Lulu hypermarket in Dubai.

While participating in the investors summit at Dubai, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha un his address highlighted the strong business potential of J&K. He said that J&K has moved from a sleeping business destination to the land of opportunities and investment adding that J&K has the capability to provide opportunity to the industries to compete, correct and collaborate with readily available abundant resources.

In the recent months, the proactive approach taken by the UT government in attracting the investors is testimony of the fact that J&K has ushered on the path of development with investments clocking around 60000 crores and in real terms coming years will be the ‘DAWN OF A NEW ERA’ for Jammu and Kashmir.

 New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, also observed as Martyrs’ Day.

The President paid floral tributes to the ‘Father of the nation’ at Raj Ghat in Delhi on the occasion.

In a series of tweets, the Vice President wrote, “My respectful tributes to ‘Father of the Nation’ Mahatma Gandhi Ji on his death anniversary today. An apostle of peace and non-violence, Gandhi Ji played a colossal role in India’s freedom struggle and in shaping the destiny of India.”

“Gandhi Ji was a visionary leader, social emancipator, messiah for farmers, crusader of the downtrodden and the voice of rural India. He was an epitome of kindness, compassion and selfless service. His glorious life, noble ideas and selflessness continue to inspire humanity,” Naidu said.

Let us resolve to build an India that is united, harmonious, self-reliant, clean and healthy, and free our country from poverty, hunger, social evils, illiteracy and discrimination, he appealed.

Taking to twitter, the PM Modi wrote, “Remembering Bapu on his Punya Tithi. It is our collective endeavour to further popularise his noble ideals.” Modi also paid homage to those who courageously safeguard our nation and said their service and bravery will always be remembered.

Later, the PM also paid floral tributes to Gandhi at Raj Ghat.

“Mahatma Gandhi ji instilled the spirit of ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Swaraj’ in the heart of every Indian. His thoughts and principles will always inspire us to serve the nation,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a tweet wrote, “I bow to Mahatma Gandhi on his ‘punyatithi’. On Martyrs’ Day, I pay my heartfelt tributes to all freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country.” BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda took to twitter and paid homage to ‘Father of the nation’. “Gandhi Ji’s life and his welfare ideas will always inspire us to serve the nation,” Nadda said.

In a tweet, former Congress MP Rahul Gandhi wrote, “Hindutvavadis believe that Gandhi ji is no more. Where there is truth, Bapu is still alive there.” The Congress MP also paid floral tributes to Gandhi at Raj Ghat. (UNI)