Precious Kashmir | Daily Newspaper

India’s tally nears 60-lakh mark

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27/09/2020

New Delhi, Sep 27: With a single-day spike of 88,600 new COVID-19 cases, India’s COVID-19 case count neared 60-lakh mark, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday.
Uttarakhand reported 764 COVID-19 cases and 813 discharges today, taking the total cases in the state to 47,045, including 35,462 recoveries and 574 deaths. Active cases stand at 10,799: Uttarakhand State Control Room, COVID-19.
As many as 1,124 deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours taking the total count to 94,503, said the Union Health Ministry.
As per the Ministry, the total number of coronavirus cases stands at 59,92,533 including 9,56,402 active cases, 49,41,628 cured, discharged or migrated cases.

India far from achieving herd immunity: Vardhan

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Precious Kashmir

27/09/2020

‘ICMR examining COVID-19 reinfection’

New Delhi, Sep 27: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that the Indian population is still far from achieving the herd immunity and stated that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is analysing the reports of COVID-19 reinfection.

Harsh Vardhan while talking on the third episode of the ‘Sunday Samvaad’ cautioned that ICMR’s Sero survey report should not create a sense of complacency in people.

“Even the soon to be released second sero survey indications are that we are far from having achieved any kind of herd immunity which necessitates that all of us should continue following COVID appropriate behaviour,” expressed the Union Health Minister.

He stated that the first sero survey of May 2020 revealed that the nationwide prevalence of novel coronavirus infection was only 0.73%.

On the emerging evidence that the disease not only impacts our lungs but other organ systems too, especially cardiovascular and renal, Harsh Vardhan said that the Ministry of Health has already set up committees of experts to look into these facets of COVID-19.

He said, “ICMR is also studying this subject. ICMR is also actively investigating and researching reports of reinfection and although the number of reinfection cases is negligible at this moment, the government is fully seized of the importance of the matter.”

The Union Health Minister dispelled fears regarding the phased opening of schools and advised on proper protocol to be followed while visiting salons and hair-spa. He asked everyone to always raise awareness regarding COVID appropriate behaviors which he himself does by stopping his car and asking non-compliant people to wear their masks.

He re-emphasized on the need for wearing masks even in places of worship and said that the pandemic can only be fought when the Government and society work together in tandem.

Regarding wide usage of investigational therapies such as remdesivir and plasma therapies, the Union Health Minister stated that the Government has issued regular advisories regarding their rational usage.

“The private hospitals have also been advised against routine use of these investigational therapies,” said Harsh Vardhan.

He said that the States and UTs have been advised to lower the prices of coronavirus tests and said that he has spoken personally to several State health ministers regarding the reduction of prices of testing in their respective states.

“In the early days of the pandemic, as the kits were imported, the price tended to be high. But now, supplies of testing kits have also stabilized and domestic production of these kits have also commenced,” opined Harsh Vardhan.

He added that the Ministry of Health has written to States and Union Territories to engage private laboratories at mutually agreeable lower rates.

2 militants Killed in Pulwama gunfight

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Precious Kashmir

27/09/2020

Pulwama, Sep 27: Two Lashker-e-Toiba militants were killed and an army soldier injured in a gunfight with a joint team of police, army, and CRPF in Samboora area of Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Sunday.
Officials said, a joint team of Police, Army’s 50RR and CRPF launched a joint cordon-and-search operation in Samboora amid specific information about the presence of militants there.
As the joint team approached towards the suspected spot, they said, the hiding militants fired upon the party, triggering an encounter.

“Two LeT militants have been killed and an army soldier injured. The Operation is going on. Further details shall follow,” they said.
Regarding the injury to the soldier, they said, he received a minor injury in his foot and was subsequently shifted to army’s 92 Base hospital here for treatment.
A police officer while confirming the killing of the two militants told GNS that operation has been suspended for night due to darkness. However, he said, a tight cordon has been kept around the encounter site. “The operation shall resume on Monday morning, “the officer added. With the two fresh casualties, 170 militants have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir so far this year. (GNS)

Infiltration bid foiled in Samba: BSF

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Precious Kashmir

27/09/2020

M S Nazki

Jammu, Sep 27: BSF on Sunday claimed to have thwarted a major infiltration bid by pushing back five militants in Samba sector.

“During night hours, taking advantage of darkness , the group of heavily armed five (militants) tried to enter but were engaged by alert BSF troops. They reached taking advantage of thick sarkanda growth,” BSF said, adding, “The BSF troops challenged them to stop on which they started firing on BSF party with Pak Ranger posts also giving fire support to these (militants). BSF alert troops fired on the infiltrating ANEs (anti-national elements) with coordinated effective fire.

However they managed to flee back to Pakistan territory.” With this, BSF foiled another possible infiltration bid of armed militants from Pakistan side well supported by Pakistan Rangers, it said. This was the second attempt of infiltration thorough the Samba sector by the militants after 14/15 September. (GNS)

Ladakh Standoff: Video shows Army tanks near LAC

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Precious Kashmir

27/09/2020

New Delhi, Sep 27: A video showing Indian army tanks and armoured personnel carriers in forward locations in eastern Ladakh — the theatre of the face-off with China since April-May — has been released by the Centre. The videos show rows of T-90 tanks and BMP vehicles in Chumar-Demchock — possibly the highest deployed tank formation anywhere in the world.
India has repeatedly stressed on the necessity to ensure “stability on the ground” after the latest round of Chinese provocation on August 31. The Chinese soldiers had tried to move in on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control near the south bank of Ladakh’s Pangong Lake.

On the night of August 29 and August 30, the People’s Liberation Army had moved their tanks and troops at night, in contravention of confidence building measures that ban military movements at night. On August 31, more troop movements took pace as ground commanders of the two sides were in discussions to de-escalate the situation.
The army is now determined to strengthen security in the whole area.
”Fire and Fury Corps is the only formation of Indian Army and also in the world to have actually deployed mechanised forces in such harsh terrain. Maintenance of tanks, infantry combat vehicles and heavy guns is a challenge in this terrain,” said Major General Arvind Kapoor, the Chief of Staff of 14 Corps.
The BMP vehicles can function in temperatures of up to minus 40 degrees Celsius.
China has also augmented its fire-power in high-altitude areas of Ladakh. Earlier this month, a video of a military exercise at the high-altitude Tibet Autonomous Region was tweeted by the editor of Global Times. The video, which showed an array of multi-barrel rocket launchers in action, came hours ahead of talks between foreign ministers of the two nations.
In his recent statement to the Lok Sabha, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had issued what was seen as a clear warning to China, saying India is “very serious about issues of sovereignty” and the country is prepared for “all contingencies” to ensure that it is maintained.
India, however, has maintained that it is ready to resolve the border issue in a peaceful manner and wants the Chinese side “to work together with us”.

Prez gives assent to J&K official languages Bill

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Agencies

27/09/2020

New Delhi, Sep 27: President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday gave his assent to Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill. The bill has now become law after President Kovind’s nod. The Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill, 2020, was passed by Parliament in the recently concluded Monsoon Session. It has been notified after President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent.
Jammu And Kashmir Official Languages Bill Passed by Lok Sabha: Amit Shah Hails Passage Of The Bill, Calls it ‘Momentous Day’.
The new law provides for the inclusion of Kashmiri, Dogri and Hindi in the list of official languages in Jammu and Kashmir, in addition to Urdu and English. The Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020, received the assent of the President on September 26, according to a gazette notification. Sikh and Gujjar communities have protested the exclusion of Punjabi and Gojri languages from the bill.
Earlier in the day, the President signed all the three Farm Bills. The bills were passed in Parliament amid protest by the opposition. The Centre has now notified all the bills. Last week, The Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 were passed by Rajya Sabha amid protest by the opposition. (Agencies)

Former minister Jaswant Singh passes away

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United News Of India

27/09/2020

Former minister Jaswant Singh passes away

PM Modi, Rajnath, LG Sinha condole demise

New Delhi, Sep 27: Former union cabinet minister Jaswant Singh passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness. He had cardiac arrest this morning. He was 82.

Singh was admitted to Army Hospital Research and Referral hospital on June 24, 2020 and was being treated for Sepsis with Multiorgan Dysfunction Syndrome and effects of Severe Head Injury old (Optd) had a Cardiac arrest this morning.

“It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Hon’ble Major Jaswant Singh (Retd), former Cabinet Minister of Government of India at 0655 hours on 27 September 2020,” the Army Hospital Research and Referral said in a statement.

Despite the best efforts of the attending team of specialists to resuscitate him, he could not be revived and passed away today, it said. His COVID status was negative.

Hailing from Rajasthan, Singh had served as India’s foreign minister, defence minister and finance minister. He was an officer in the Army in the 1950s and 60s but he resigned to pursue politics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed their condolences on the death of veteran BJP leader and former Defence Minister, Jaswant Singh.

In his condolence message, the PM said, ”Jaswant Singh Ji served our nation diligently, first as a soldier and later during his long association with politics. During Atal Ji’s Government, he handled crucial portfolios and left a strong mark in the worlds of finance, defence and external affairs. Saddened by his demise.

“Jaswant Singh Ji will be remembered for his unique perspective on matters of politics and society. He also contributed to the strengthening of the BJP. I will always remember our interactions. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti,’ he said.’

The PM conveyed his condolences to Jaswant Singh’s son Manvendra Singh.

”Spoke to Manvendra Singh and expressed condolences on the unfortunate demise of Shri Jaswant Singh Ji. True to his nature, Jaswant Ji fought his illness with immense courage for the last six years,” the PM said.

Condoling the death of Jaswant Singh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, ”Deeply pained by the passing away of veteran BJP leader & former Minister, Shri Jaswant Singh ji. He served the nation in several capacities including the charge of Raksha Mantri. He distinguished himself as an effective Minister and Parliamentarian.

Jaswant Singh ji would be remembered for his intellectual capabilities and a stellar record in service to the nation. He also played a key role in strengthening the BJP in Rajasthan. Condolences to his family and supporters in this sad hour. Om Shanti.”

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha conveyed his heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of veteran politician and former union minister, Jaswant Singh.

In a statement, the Lt Governor said, “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of Jaswant Singh. While serving the country in various important capacities, he worked dedicatedly for the welfare of the people. A statesman par excellence, he will always be remembered for his contribution to the nation. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and well-wishers.”

Union Ministers to visit JK regularly: Jitendra

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Precious Kashmir

27/09/2020

Union Ministers to visit JK regularly: Jitendra

New Delhi, Sep 27: The government plan to revive the process of regular visits by Central ministers to Jammu and Kashmir, Union minister Jitendra Singh said on Sunday.
During a meeting with J&K Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, who is currently on a visit to New Delhi, Singh recalled that the initiative had been undertaken on the personal intervention and advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and as soon as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes away, the process will be resumed.

Singh said the experience of 36 ministers travelling to the Union Territory within a span of two weeks in January had proved extremely gratifying and generated a lot of optimism and hope among the local population, according to an official statement.

Singh, the Minister of State for Personnel, discussed various Central projects in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and other related issues with the LG.

The minister also updated Sinha about a mega initiative by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) whereby three bamboo clusters will be set up in the Jammu region and these will be devoted for the production of agarbatti, charcoal, and baskets.

He also revealed a plan to set up a Bamboo Technology Centre in J&K which would impart skill and vocational training to youth for entrepreneurship in the Bamboo sector, the statement said.

Singh reiterated that Prime Minister Modi attaches highest priority to the two Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

He said the prime minister is keen that the two Union Territories receive the same kind of focus and attention which the North East got in the last 5-6 years.

Now that J&K as Union Territory happens to be directly under the purview of Union Home Ministry, Singh said, Home Minister Amit Shah keeps a close track, virtually on a day to day basis.

He has also issued instructions to provide all possible help to enable Jammu & Kashmir to get back on the fast track of development and peace, the statement said.

Don’t act on anonymous corruption complaints: CVC to Govt deptts

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Agencies

27/09/2020

New Delhi, Sept 27: Anonymous corruption complaints should not be taken cognisance of, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has told all Government departments, saying any violation of this guideline will be “viewed seriously”.

The move comes after the probity watchdog noticed instances wherein some departments/organisations were taking cognisance of anonymous complaints, despite strict guidelines issued by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and the CVC.

“Such non-compliance/violation of guidelines by the concerned authorities would be viewed seriously,” said the order issued on Thursday.

All chief vigilance officers — who act as distant arm of the CVC to check corruption — and administrative authorities should ensures strict compliance to these instructions, it said.

The Commission said that earlier orders by the DoPT and the CVC prescribed that “no action would be taken on anonymous/pseudonymous complaints” by ministries/ departments/organisations.

18 arrested in Bollywood drug case: NCB

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Agencies

27/09/2020

‘Mobile phones of Deepika, Shraddha, Sara seized’

Mumbai, Sept 27: More than 18 people have been arrested so far by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in connection with Bollywood drug case, Mutha Ashok Jain, Deputy DG, South-Western Region of NCB has said.
The statements of Karishma Prakash, Sara Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Shraddha Kapoor have been recorded, he said.
“The statements of Karishma Prakash, Sara Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Shraddha Kapoor have been recorded. Kshitij Prasad has been placed under arrested after questioning. No fresh summon has been issued. We have arrested more than 18 people,” Jain said.
NCB on Saturday arrested Dharma Productions executive producer Kshitij Ravi Prasad in connection with teh drug case.
The NCB had launched an investigation into the drugs case after it received official communication from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which was investigating the money trail related to actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case. In the investigation, many revelations surfaced including various chats related to drug consumption, procurement, usage and transportation.
The ED had on July 31 registered an Enforcement Case Information Report in the late actor’s death case after an FIR was filed by Rajput’s father KK Singh against Rhea Chakraborty in Bihar on July 28. Rajput was found dead at his Mumbai residence on June 14. (ANI)

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