Precious Kashmir

In my mind, I wanted to finish on my own terms: Taylor on retirement

Sports

18/01/2022

In my mind, I wanted to finish on my own terms: Taylor on retirement

Auckland: New Zealand batter Ross Taylor said on Monday that he had the idea in his mind to finish his international career on his own terms. He added that the messages received ever since announcing his international cricket after the 2022 home summer have been ‘unbelievable’.

Taylor’s Test career came to a close after 15 years and 112 Tests at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch against Bangladesh. Taylor took the final wicket of Ebadot Hossain to seal victory for the Blackcaps at Hagley Oval in Christchurch and script a fantastic finish of his career in the longest format of the game.

“I think once the season is over, and I’m not playing for New Zealand anymore it might sink in a bit more. This has been a long time coming, something I had thought about for a while. In my mind, I wanted to finish on my own terms, but I also didn’t really want to make a fuss out of it,” said Taylor on the SENZ Mornings show.

Talking about the messages he has been getting on the final leg of his international career, Taylor was astounded by the flow of congratulations from all around the world.

“You play this game of cricket, but I suppose you touch a lot more people than you think. I love playing for my country, and I try to do my job to the best of my ability, but some of the messages I have received have been unbelievable.”

“To see what people have to say about you in a positive light, and how you’ve inspired different people is just something you don’t really understand when you’re playing and in the heat of battle.”

With 7,683 runs coming at an average of 44.66, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, Taylor has retired as New Zealand’s leading run-getter in Tests. The right-handed batter, who made his debut in South Africa in 2007, recalled how his maiden Test tour set the foundation for him to do well.

“I was hit in the shoulder first ball from Makhaya Ntini and was given a few verbals from behind the wicket. I think it took me 15-18 balls to get off the mark, but I was just happy not to get a golden duck. Facing those bowlers in those conditions, it didn’t get much tougher than that at the time.”

“It was a great series for me. Not necessarily because I scored any runs, because I didn’t, but it told me where I was as a cricketer, and what I needed to do in different areas to improve my game.”

The 37-year-old signed off by paying his respects to former Blackcaps batter Martin Crowe, who had a big influence on his game. “He had a lot to do with my development as a cricketer, taught me a lot of things about batting.”

“From a technical point of view, he taught me how to start an innings, getting forward and eliminating ways of getting out. If you can eliminate being bowled and LBW, then you’re getting over half the dismissals away and working cricket into your favour.”

Taylor will now play the white-ball matches against Australia before signing off from international cricket with ODIs against the Netherlands at home in April.

JE sacked for unauthorized absence from duty

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

18/01/2022

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Pubic Works (R&B) Department has terminated the service of a Junior Engineer from Waniyar, Safakadal area of Srinagar city for unauthorized absence from duty.

The Government in its termination order issued to this effect has stated that Junior Engineer, Shabir Ahmad Bhat son of Abdul Gaffar Bhat was absent for several years and did not reply to the notices of the departments after which it was decided to dismiss him from government job.

The termination order, reads, “Whereas, Shabir Ahmad Bhat attended his duties upto 31.03.2008 and thereafter he remained on unauthorized absence from duty w.e.f 01.04.2008 till date, despite being repeatedly asked by the concerned authorities from time to time to resume his duties vide office letter No. DDP/850-54 dated 13.09.2009, DDP/1352-58 dated 01.12.2008, DDP/228-30 dated 17.05.2009; and, Whereas, he provided another opportunity to join his was duties immediately within a period of seven days by Director/ Chief Engineer Stores Procurement Department vide communication No. DSP/4414-15 dated 04.10.2010, as no leave was due to him; and Whereas, instead of resuming duties, Sh Shabir Ahmad Bhat expressed his wability to join his duty back on health grounds vide his letter nil date nil received in the office of Director/ Chief Engineer Stores Procurement Department on 03.01.2011; and Whereas, show cause notice was also issued by the Directorate of Stores Procurement Department vide No. DSP/9072-74 dated 26.02.2011 to Shabir Ahmad for resuming his duties; and However he chose not to respond to any of the notices and filed a suit before Hon’ble Principal District Session Judge at Srinagar and the same was dismissed by the Hon’ble Court on 01.06.2011, and Whereas, the case of Sh Shabir Ahmad, who was on un-authorized absence examined in the department and vide communication No. was PW/M&S/97/2011 dated 19.12.2011, Director Stores Procurement Department was directed to issue a final show cause notice, and accordingly show cause notice was issued vide No. DSP/218-20 dated 24.04.2012 by the Director Store Procurement Department asking the shabir Ahmad to explain as why his services are not to be terminated for being un-authorizedly absent from duty. The said notice was also published in the two leading News papers viz. Daily Excelsior, and Greater Kashmir of J&K on 12.04.2012; and Whereas, as per Police Report, Sh Shabir Ahmad Bhat S/o Abdul Gaffar Bhat R/o Waniyar is working as Financial Advisor in a Saudi Arabian Company namely ARAMCO situated at Damman and has been working there since 2006 till date.”

“Whereas, the official namely Sh. Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Junior Engineer (Mechanical) remained absent from the duty for more than 05 years despite the fact that he has been served notices from time to time; and Whereas, the matter has been examined by the department in terms of the rule position governing the subject and it has been found that he has not resumed his duties despite repeated notices, the action on his part is willful and intentional and squarely falls under the preview of Article 113 and 128 of J&K CSRs. Article 113 of J&K CSR envisage as under; After five year continuous absence on leave an officer is considered to be out of state employee. And Article 128 of 1&K CSR envisage as under; Absence without leave or after the end of the leave involves loss of appointment, except as provided in Article 203(b) or when due to ill health in which the case the absentee must produce the certificate of Medical officer. Whereas, in the instant case the continuous unauthorized absence period of the delinquent official is more than thirteen years i.e from 01.04.2008 to till date; and Whereas this department doesn’t find it suitable to issue any more notice to the delinquent engineer for giving him any further chance for resumption of his duties.”

“Now, therefore, in terms of Article 113 and 128 of J&K CSR vol-I read with rule 30 of 1&K CCA Rules 1956, it is hereby ordered that the services of Shri Shabir Ahmad Bhat S/O Abdul Gaffar Bhat R/O Waniyar Safakadal Srinagar are terminated w.e.f. 01.04.2008 i.e. the date of his unauthorized absence from duty has: been found,” the termination order reads. (GNS)

COVID-19 claims 6 lives, 3499 test positive in J&K

Front

Precious Kashmir

17/01/2022

COVID-19 claims 6 lives, 3499 test positive in J&K

Srinagar: With no let up in upsurge in Coronavirus cases, the Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday recorded 3499 new positive cases of COVID-19—1210 from Jammu division and 2289 from Kashmir division, the government said.

With fresh 3499 cases, the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir has mounted to 359373. According to the daily bulletin, six Covid deaths have been reported—three each from Jammu and Kashmir divisions.

Moreover, 470 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and been discharged from various hospitals including 308from Jammu Division and162 from Kashmir Division.

On COVID vaccination, the bulletin informs that 33,419doses of COVID vaccine have been administered in the last 24 hours bringing the cumulative number of doses administered across J&K to 1,98,57,038.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 359373 positive cases, 15883are Active Positive (6589in Jammu Division and 9294in Kashmir Division), 338923 have recovered and 4567 have died; 2221 in Jammu division and 2346in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 20296215 test results available, 359373 samples have tested positive and 19936842 samples have been tested as negative till date. Besides, 74,593 COVID tests have been conducted in last 24 hours.

Till date 5510049 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 8402persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 15883 in isolation and 431568 in home surveillance. Besides, 5049629 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup for positive cases reported today, the Bulletin said that Srinagar reported 614 cases, Baramulla reported 463 cases, Budgam reported 404 cases, Pulwama reported 94 cases, Kupwara reported 157 cases, Anantnag reported 230 cases, Bandipora reported 106 cases, Ganderbal reported 27 cases, Kulgam reported 127 cases while as Shopian reported 07 fresh cases for today.

Similarly, Jammu reported 556 cases, Reasi reported 89 cases for today, Udhampur reported 126 cases, Rajouri reported 39 cases, Doda reported 20 cases, Kathua reported 163 cases, Samba reported 112 cases, Poonch reported 67 case, Kishtwar reported 20 cases while as Ramban reported 18 fresh cases for today.

Moreover, the bulletin also highlights that against the availability of 4794 dedicated level 1 & level 2 COVID beds, only 337 (7.02%) are occupied.

The bulletin further informs the general public that they can contact helpline numbers 0191-2520982/2674444/2674115/2674908/2549676 in Jammu Division and 0194-2440283/2430581/2452052/2457313/2457312 in Kashmir Division for any kind of guidance and assistance.

In case of emergency, people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 by calling toll free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free services by dialling toll free number 102, the bulletin reads.

It also informs that the public can reach national helpline by dialling 1075.

Govt unveils regulations for conversion of agri land for non-agricultural purposes

Anchor stories

Ibni Maqbool

17/01/2022

Govt unveils regulations for conversion of agri land for non-agricultural purposes

By: Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar: The administration of Jammu and Kashmir has unveiled regulations governing conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes in the Union Territory.

The Board of Revenue notified the regulations namely “The Jammu and Kashmir Agricultural Land (Conversion for Non-Agricultural Purposes) Regulations- 2022.”

According to the regulations, a copy of which is with The Precious Kashmir, all the applications for change in land use shall be placed before a district-level committee headed by the concerned deputy commissioner and concerned assistant commissioner revenue shall be its member secretary.

The committee shall also comprise of senior most officers of different departments including Public Works Department, Irrigation & Flood Control, Power Development Department, Pollution Control Committee (if required), Agriculture, Industries & Commerce, Development Authority of the district, Forests or any other member(s) co-opted by the chairman.

According to the regulations, the district collector shall forward the application for conversion of land to the Revenue field agencies for verification and shall also endorse a copy of application to PDD, PWD, I& FC, Jal Shakti department, National Highways Authority of India (as the case may be), Railways/ Airport Authority (if required) and other relevant agency/department for verification and no-objection in this regard.

“The district level committee after considering the genuineness of the claim shall give its recommendations and the proceedings of the deliberations of the committee shall be maintained by the Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) concerned and annexed with the case for consideration by the competent authority,” the regulations state.

According to the regulations, the district level committee shall meet on weekly basis, duly notified for information of the general public and the applicants, to consider the cases regarding change in land use.

The regulations state that permission for conversion of land may be granted by the district collector after recommendations from the district-level committee and deposition of requisite fee.

In 5 years, 62 daily wage PDD linemen electrocuted to death

Anchor stories

Ahmed Shabir

17/01/2022

In 5 years, 62 daily wage PDD linemen electrocuted to death

‘84 suffer disabilities, families await compensation, jobs’

By: Ahmad Shabir

Srinagar: At least 62 daily wage linemen of Power Development Department (PDD) lost their lives due to electrocution while 84 others suffered disabilities in the last five years.

In the absence of any provision with the government for the rehabilitation of the families of these poor low paid workers, the families of all of them await compensation or jobs.

Figures shared by the reliable sources, reveal that since 2017, 62 daily wagers who were serving the department for more than a decade on a meager wages died due to electrocution in different villages.

Besides, 62 deaths due to electrocution, 84 others suffered disabilities after falling from electric poles were reported during this period.

General Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Electrical Employees Association (J&KEEA), Waseem Ahmad Jan said that since 2017 when Adhar based biometric system was introduced by the government, the families of none of the electrocuted daily wager has been rehabilitated.

“Before the introduction of Adhar based biometric system, the electric employees union would plead the cases of kin of those dying of electrocution but for last five years not a single family of poor electrocuted daily wagers was rehabilitated by the government,” Jan said.

Most of these daily wagers are poor and are waiting for a couple of decades for regularization. “But, unfortunately they died while serving the department while the families of many of these daily wagers who sacrificed their lives while discharging duties are in miserable condition. No political establishment in Jammu and Kashmir ever bothered to take care of such families,” Jan said.

He also said that these daily wage linemen are neither provided equipments or imparted any training as to how to climb the poles and fix the faults.

“Without any equipments and training, these poor workers light up people’s homes even during harsh weather conditions but leave their own families in darkness and irony is that authorities don’t acknowledge their services and sacrifices,” Jan told Precious Kashmir.

Follow Covid protocols: PM to people

Front

United News Of India

17/01/2022

‘India’s approach to fight virus will always remain scientific’

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the country’s approach against the Coronavirus pandemic will always remain science based, and called upon the people to follow Covid protocols.

In a series of tweets, on one year of the vaccination drive, the PM said, “India’s approach to fighting the pandemic will always remain science based. We are also augmenting health infrastructure to ensure our fellow citizens get proper care. Let us keep following all Covid-19 related protocols and overcome the pandemic.”

On the occasion, Modi expressed his gratitude to those engaged with the world’s largest vaccination drive.

“I salute each and every individual who is associated with the vaccination drive. Our vaccination programme has added great strength to the fight against Covid-19. It has led to saving lives and thus protecting livelihoods,” he said.

Lauding the frontline health workers, the PM said, “The role of our doctors, nurses and healthcare workers is exceptional. When we see glimpses of people being vaccinated in remote areas, or our healthcare workers taking the vaccines there, our hearts and minds are filled with pride.”

As per the latest bulletin issued by the Union Health Ministry on Sunday, 156.76 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered so far under the ongoing nationwide vaccination drive. (UNI)

Coronavirus is here to stay, won’t vanish completely: WHO

Front

Indo Asian News Service

17/01/2022

Moscow: The way the novel coronavirus pandemic is developing suggests that the virus will never go away completely, WHO Representative to Russia Melita Vujnovic said on Sunday.

The virus will circulate as an endemic disease, TASS news agency quoted Vujnovic as saying on the Soloviev Live YouTube channel.

“Coronavirus is on its way to becoming an endemic disease. This means it won’t go away. But we have to learn how to treat it and how to protect ourselves from it.

“Most importantly, we need to contain the outbreak of the infection now and reduce the number of those vulnerable to it. Otherwise, new variants will emerge in an unpredictable fashion,” she said.

Further, Vujnovic noted that evidence indicates that the Omicron variant is less severe than other strains. However, its dangers should not be underestimated, and it is too early for the humanity to relax, she said.

“There is evidence now that Omicron seems to be less serious than (previous variants), but this does not mean that it should not be taken seriously. The coronavirus infection may lead to very serious consequences,” she said.

“Apart from vaccination, it is of utmost importance now to follow other safeguards as well: to wear a face mask and change it at recommended intervals, to ventilate rooms and avoid large groups of people in confined spaces. This is very important,” Vujnovic said.

Meanwhile, Russia registered 27,179 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 10,774,304, the official monitoring and response center said on Sunday. (IANS)

Sgr, Jmu likely to have genome sequencing labs soon

Front

United News Of India

17/01/2022

Jammu: Amid the rise in Covid-19 cases, two genome sequencing laboratories are likely to be installed soon in twin capital cities—Jammu and Srinagar of the Union Territory.

Notably, during the second wave of Covid-19, Jammu and Kashmir administration had initiated the process of setting up two genome sequencing labs one each in Srinagar and Jammu, but the installation of expected labs could not take off.

Thus, owing to the lack of labs, the samples are being sent to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Delhi for genome sequencing.

“Proposed in the second wave, Jammu and Kashmir is likely to have two genome sequencing labs very soon,” Health Department sources said.

As of now, J&K due to lack of labs, Covid tests are being sent to NCDC, Delhi but with an installation of the proposed labs, the samples will be tested in the region.

“The Omicron variant threat is looming large, so authorities have no option other than to send all samples to NCDC for genome sequencing to keep check on its spread,” they said.

“During second wave, authorities decided to set up one lab each in GMC Jammu and in GMC Srinagar/SKIMS Soura following which all details were shared with Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL) for procurement of the machines needed for installing of labs,” they said.

“The tenders to procure machinery for installation of labs were floated thrice but every time a single bid was received,” said Dr Yashpal Sharma, MD, Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited.

He said that rate accessibility exercise is being conducted and the Department of microbiology, GMC Srinagar is on job, adding, “Once it is done and rates issue be settled, order will be placed soon and the machines be procured and installed.”

Pertinently, the government of India has already asked all States and Union Territories to send samples of every Covid positive patient for genome sequencing. (UNI)

Tourism Deptt seeks hassle free movement of tourists

Front

Precious Kashmir

17/01/2022

Srinagar: Tourism department has sought hassle free movement of tourists to reach their respective destinations amid weekend lockdown so as to avoid negative impact on the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

In view of the surge in Covid-19 cases, the Jammu and Kashmir government imposed a weekend lockdown in the Union Territory on Saturday to contain the spread of the virus.

Director Tourism Kashmir in a communiqué to division authorities said tour and travel operators across the valley have alleged that the tourists are not being allowed to proceed to the respective destinations particularly to Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg during the covid-restrictions despite the tourists following Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) properly.

He has urged the government to issue necessary instructions to the district administration to allow hassle free movement of tourists and their vehicles within Kashmir valley including Srinagar so that there is no negative impact on the tourism sector.

It also said the lockdown is likely to cause difficulties to the tourists who have already arrived in Kashmir following a pre-planned itinerary and they should be allowed to move during the lockdown period without any difficulty. (UNI)

“Awaam Ki Awaaz”: Say no to 3rd Covid wave: LG tells people

Front

Precious Kashmir

17/01/2022

“Awaam Ki Awaaz”: Say no to 3rd Covid wave: LG tells people

‘J&K’s First Real Estate Summit witnessed investment agreements worth Rs 18,300 cr’

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha highlighted the success stories, and voiced invaluable suggestions and insights received from citizens in the monthly “Awaam ki Awaaz” radio programme aired on Sunday on all local and primary channels of All India Radio (AIR) in the UT and broadcast on DD Kashir.

During the first episode of the programme in 2022, the Lt Governor also enlisted various breakthrough steps and initiatives that the administration has been taking for furthering the economic growth and equitable development of J&K UT, bringing investment and creating a host of new opportunities for the people of Jammu Kashmir.

The Lt Governor outlined that positive initiatives in the economic sector are imperative for improving the standard of living of all sections and creating a society free from any discrimination.

He said that the first and historic Real Estate Summit organised with the broader goals of ensuring economic prosperity, employment opportunities and financial strengthening of the local business groups, witnessed investment agreements to the tune of Rs 18,300 crores.

Highlighting the recent investment proposals worth Rs 17,000 crores signed between the J&K government and well-known business groups at the Dubai Expo at the beginning this year, the Lt Governor noted that these initiatives are essential to accelerate the pace of economic and social change, thereby improving the lives of the common man.

He cited the example of growth story of Gurgaon- where a cluster of few villages was transformed into a vibrant industrial ecosystem, today housing offices of 250 of the world’s largest multinational companies bringing in massive investment, opportunities and prosperity for common citizens.

“Not only ideas but belief in development creates revolution in the society. All positive changes that have taken place in the society have been achieved by supporting and not opposing development,” the Lt Governor observed.

During the address, the Lt Governor shared several success stories and the suggestions sent by the citizens from across the UT. He also congratulated the Sahitya Akademi Award-2021 awardees – Raj Rahi, Khalid Hussain, and Wali Mohd Aseer Kashtwari, from the region.

The Lt Governor made special mention of success stories of young innovator, Tauseef Ali Malik who has converted the traditional bukhari into a portable room heater and has been awarded the National Innovation Foundation Award; and Masrat Farooq, a 27-year-old girl who is one of the youngest entrepreneurs in Srinagar.

“By successful cultivation of Saffron, Vishal Chandra Sharma of Kotedhara panchayat of Rajouri has scripted history by bringing in new areas on the Saffron map of J&K”, he noted.

The Lt Governor noted that promises made in the last episode have been fulfilled. A proposal has been sanctioned for the appointment of J&K’s sportspersons at gazetted and non-gazetted posts. Now, players from UT who win International Awards in 44 sports disciplines will get government jobs. Out of turn promotion will also be given to such players for winning medals in Olympics, Commonwealth, and Asian Games, he added.

Referring to the suggestion of Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad from Srinagar, who shared a detailed roadmap for the promotion of Cottage Industry, the Lt Governor said that our weavers, craftsmen weave the fabric of the prosperity of the society and keep the traditions, customs alive with full dedication. He also enlisted a host of focused steps taken for the welfare of artisans and revival of their craft.

Responding to the letter of Prof. Geer Mohammad Ishaq in which he stressed the importance of inculcating and promoting the culture of innovation amongst the youth, the Lt Governor said that through Innovation and Incubation Centre at Jammu University, Research and Innovation Centre at Kashmir University, started last year, the administration is constantly trying to provide the right platforms to the youth.

On the suggestion of Gourav Sharma regarding strengthening the working model of the District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Lt Governor observed that the suggestion is in line with the government’s commitment to 3R- Respond, Rescue and Rehabilitate the animals in distress.

The Lt Governor also shared the suggestions of Abrar Kazmi from Baramulla, Fayaz Ahmad Baba from Kulgam, Mohamad Lateef from Baramulla, Randhir Kumar, Rajeshwar Jamwal from Jammu, Mir Adil Farooq of Srinagar; on the introduction of app-based taxi service in Jammu & Srinagar, rationalization of the school education landscape, starting a YouTube channel of the Education Department, online process of attestation for obtaining the Life Certificates, incorporating technology for traffic management and implementing a housing policy in the semi-urban areas, respectively.

Commending the efforts of employees, especially the field staff of the Power Department, the Lt Governor said that despite heavy snowfall on the 8th of January, KPDCL repaired 500 feeders of 11KVs in just 7-8 hours, adding that, efforts are being made on a war footing to ensure better provision of electricity than the preceding years.

Concluding his address, the Lt Governor underlined that people have an important role in stopping Corona. He urged everyone to follow Covid protocol properly amidst the increased risk of omicron variant.

He also extended his greetings in advance to the citizens regarding the upcoming 73rd Republic Day of the country.

“It is our responsibility that each and every step is beneficial for the society and the nation. Together we have to keep both the diversity and unity of the nation intact. With this determination, I wish you all the very best”, the Lt Governor said.

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