Precious Kashmir

Entrance test must for admission across central varsities from 2022

National

27/12/2021

Entrance test must for admission across central varsities from 2022

New Delhi: The admission process in most of the central universities will change from the upcoming academic session as Central University Common Entrance Test (CUCET) will come into force for admission to all undergraduate courses in different central universities across the country.

The Union Education Ministry and the University Grants Commission (UGC) have informed central universities about the mandatory entrance test from next academic session, after which all central universities have started preparations for the CET. Delhi University (DU) has also made the CET mandatory for the academic session 2022-23.

These central universities have also passed proposals in their respective Academic and Executive Councils regarding the CET.

According to renowned educationist C.S. Kandpal, this is a new system and its efficacy can be tested on the basis of experience. It is not proper to comment on the merits and demerits of the new system as of now. Educational institutions must see this as a positive change, he added.

The entrace examinations can open new doors for students. If there are demerits in the system or in the conduct or in the process of examinations in future, there is always a chance to improve, Kandpal said.

According to DU Professor Hansraj Suman, class 12 marks will not be completely neglected in the name of CUCET. Many central universities have approved CUCET in their academic council but class 12 board exam results will also be given importance.

The Union Education Ministry says that there has been a demand to implement the CUCET for a long time, but has come into effect now.

Hansraj Suman, also former member of DU Academic Council, said that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the process for awarding marks in class 12 board exams was misused by several schools which presented exaggerated performance of the students.

The DU Professor is also in favour of completely revamping the admission process in his varsity. However, he says that while doing so the interests of the students from the marginalised and economically weaker sections must be kept in mind.

According to Suman, the way the CET is being introduced, coaching centres will see its importance rising as a result of which students from economically weaker sections may be left behind.

Now from the next cademic session, students will now have to pass the CET with good marks to seek admission in DU, he said.

Other central universities are also following the same admission policy. This means that from the next academic session 2022-23, admission in DU, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Banaras Hindu University, among other central universities, can be possible only through CET.

Under the present admission system, merit list is prepared on the basis of marks obtained in class 12 exams in most of the universities. Students fill the respective university forms on different dates to seek admissions. Unable to get admission in the university of their choice, students approach those universities and colleges where seats are vacant.

The UGC has said that the CET will be conducted from the academic session 2022-23 by the National Testing Agency.

Rahul century, Agarwal fifty help India dominate day one

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

27/12/2021

Rahul century, Agarwal fifty help India dominate day one

Centurion, Dec 26 (IANS) A sublime century by KL Rahul, his fifth Test hundred outside Asia, along with a half-century from Mayank Agarwal helped India dominate day one of Boxing Day Test at the SuperSport Park here on Sunday.

At stumps, India are 272/3 in 90 overs with Rahul (batting 122) and Ajinkya Rahane (batting 40) at the crease on a day that totally belonged to the tourists. For the hosts, Lungi Ngidi was the only wicket-taker with 3/45 in 17 overs. Rahul stitched partnerships with Agarwal for India’s first century opening stand since 2010 before putting 82 and 73 runs with Virat Kohli and Rahane, respectively.

Electing to bat first on a semi-lively pitch, India made the most of a South Africa attack which was lacklustre in the start but got into the groove as the day progressed. But the day belonged to Rahul, who was assertive in doing what was needed of him as an opener: leaving balls outside the off-stump, not being rattled by short-ball examination, creaming the drives, and showing patience on an excellent day for his side.

In the first hour of the day, South Africa employed four pace options in Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Wiaan Mulder, and debutant Marco Jansen. But none of them were able to put Rahul and Agarwal in trouble. Rahul was extremely compact with his leaves while Agarwal fetched India’s first boundary with a square drive off Ngidi.

Five overs later, Rahul got his first boundary with a straight-bat drive past mid-off off Rabada. Jansen, coming in at first-change, got hit for three boundaries as Agarwal drove him through the off-side while flicking him twice through mid-wicket. Jansen came under further attack from Agarwal as the right-hander smashed successive boundaries on both sides of the wicket. On the next ball, Agarwal was dropped on 36 by keeper Quinton de Kock, spoiling South Africa’s first genuine chance of getting a breakthrough.

The Karnataka duo complemented each other by capitalising on South Africa’s errors with line and length. Agarwal reaching his half-century with a creamy drive through long-off off Jansen. Jansen would come under further attack from Rahul, clipping him through mid-wicket and an outer edge flying through slip cordon as the pair brought up the century of the opening wicket, marking it just the third hundred-plus opening stand for India in South Africa.

Rahul gained pace as he drove Mulder twice through sweeper-cover while Agarwal tucked a short ball from Ngidi through fine leg. But on the next ball, Ngidi trapped Agarwal lbw with a delivery that came in from back of a length and hit pads after going past the inner edge. South Africa took the review and got to change the decision as ball-tracking showed it was hitting the top of leg-stump, ending India’s opening stand at 117.

One brought two for Ngidi as he bowled a fiery in-swinger which Cheteshwar Pujara inner-edged to his thigh and ball lobbed to Keegan Petersen running in from backward short leg. It was also the second time Pujara bagged a golden duck in his Test career. Coincidentally, both came at Centurion and had Ngidi involved (in 2018, he affected the run-out of Pujara).

Rahul brought up his fifty with a nicely-timed cover drive off Ngidi. Kohli was off the mark by leaning into the cover drive off Jansen and followed it up with a clip through mid-on off left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj. Rahul and Kohli kept the scoreboard ticking till tea.

Kohli then began the final session with a flick through square-leg off Maharaj. Rabada troubled him a bit but Kohli came forward and unfurled his cover drive. Rahul too was troubled by Rabada but managed to caress a drive through extra cover.

Rahul then went on to smack Maharaj for a pulled four through mid-wicket, followed by dancing down the pitch to hit a six over long-on. Ngidi bowled seven consecutive dot balls to Kohli and on the eighth ball, in a bid to break free, Kohli chased a delivery wide outside the off-stump and gave an easy catch to Mulder at first slip.

Rahane was off the mark on his second ball, creaming a Ngidi half-volley through the cover. He began to deal in boundaries, slicing Ngidi through off-side, flicking Jansen through mid-wicket, cutting off backfoot through backward point off Maharaj, and punching off backfoot through cover over off Mulder.

Rahul brought up his seventh Test century by steering Maharaj through backward point despite a desperate dive by Keegan Petersen. He also became the second Indian opener to score a Test century in South Africa after Wasim Jaffer’s 116 at Cape Town in 2007. After reaching his hundred, Rahul upper-cut Jansen over the slip cordon.

Rahane, on the other hand, leaned into a square drive off Jansen and nailed an along the ground pull on a bouncer from Rabada through backward square leg. Rahul took another boundary off Maharaj with a punch through point and hung around to put India in a dominating position at stumps.

Brief scores: India 272/3 in 90 overs (KL Rahul 122 not out, Mayank Agarwal 60, Lungi Ngidi 3/45) against South Africa

Every initiative in J&K aimed at ensuring equitable, fair growth: LG

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Precious Kashmir

25/12/2021

Every initiative in J&K aimed at ensuring equitable, fair growth: LG

Addresses Utthan Foundation Trust Conference at Ghazipur

Ghazipur: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Friday addressed the Utthan Foundation Trust’s conference at Ghazipur.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor emphasized that after 2014 country ushered in a growth process that is inclusive, caring, and equitable to all sections of society.

“The development march in the last seven and half years is not confined to a few but of all. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the country is witnessing a growth process that is inclusive, equitable. Unprecedented steps have been taken to develop infrastructure, revive manufacturing and agriculture, and every step has a single objective- accelerated and equitable growth,” Lt Governor said.

“Prime Minister has economically and socially empowered marginalised sections that were neglected for decades. Policies of ‘Make in India’, ‘Aatm Nirbahr Bharat’ and concerted effort to make the country an economic superpower have ensured that India stands tall at the global stage,” Lt Governor further said.

The Lt Governor said the poor and weaker sections of society were neglected for many years in J&K but on the historic day of 5 August 2019, Article 370 and Article 31A were abolished and the citizens of Jammu & Kashmir were given all the Constitutional rights.

“In J&K we have charted a new development path after August 2019. For decades, infrastructure was in tatters despite huge amount of money sent by the centre. The non-development agenda of seven decades in J&K mired the UT in a low growth syndrome. Under the guidance of Prime Minister J&K is witnessing a new dawn. Tribals are getting land rights, 11,000 government jobs have been provided within record time with complete transparency and major steps have been taken to ensure the empowerment of women, marginalized and weaker groups,” Lt Governor said.

Even today, projects pending since 1980 are being completed. Earlier, 2000 km of road was built, now 5000 km of road is being built. We have completed record 21,943 projects within a year. In Jammu and Kashmir, only 3500 MW of electricity was generated in 72 years, now we are initiating projects to generate double the power in just 5 years. Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, more than 24,000 houses have been completed in less than two years, whereas 3,500 houses were built in Jammu and Kashmir till March 2018. Even before 2022, the income of farmers has doubled in J&K, the Lt Governor said.

We have also succeeded in destroying the ecosystem of militancy and today stone pelting has become a thing of past, he added.

Highlighting the empowerment of all sections on the national level, Lt Governor said around 15 crore houses in the country were without piped water supply. Prime Minister initiated the ambitious program ‘Har Ghar Nal se Jal’ and by August next year, every household will be connected with tap water.

Ujjwala Yojana has brought about real change for women empowerment and 11 crore LPG connections were provided under the scheme, said the Lt Governor.

In just one year, 5 crore 23 lakh households have been linked with employment ventures, and within a year, financial assistance of around Rs 3 lakh 55 thousand crore provided to the youth of the villages to start their business. In the coming days, the central government is going to spend Rs 25 lakh crore to strengthen the rural economy, he added.

The Lt Governor also spoke on how various government-run schemes made a huge impact on the lives of the people.

About Rs 1 lakh 70 thousand crore has been saved because of transparency in the system of implementation of schemes and by eliminating middlemen, he added.

Highlighting the achievements made under various schemes, the Lt Governor said that from providing homes to 4 crore poor to opening up Jan-Dhan bank accounts of 44 crore such people, besides free treatment facility up to Rs 5 lakh to 50 crore people, insurance cover to 24 crore people, free electricity connection to more than 2.5 crore people, dedicated focus is being given for the upliftment of the marginalised section of the society.

No one could have imagined that 85% farmers of the country, who have small pieces of land, would become the priority of the government. An amount of Rs 1.5 lakh crore has been deposited in the bank accounts of more than 12 crore farmer families since December 2018 under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, the Lt Governor said.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, about 5 thousand crore rupees have been directly transferred by the government to 1 crore 20 lakh women of the country in their bank accounts. Mudra Yojana has proved to be a boon to more than 5 crore 54 lakh new entrepreneurs.

As on date, 1 lakh 47 thousand crore rupees deposited in the bank accounts of these poor people. Not only this, 2 crore houses have also been built for the poor living in the cities, the Lt Governor observed.

Today, more than 129 crore people in the country have Aadhar card and about 60 crore people have RUPAY card. About 450 schemes of the government have been linked to DBT using JAM (i.e. Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) trinity.

The budget for road construction for good infrastructure for border security was about Rs 23,000 crore in 2008 to 2014 but from 2014 to 2020, it has been substantially increased to Rs 44,600 crore, he added.

Despite the crisis of Covid pandemic, financial assistance was extended to crores of people under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.

Now, street vendor, hawkers are getting loans from the bank. Shram cards are being made for the first time in history for the social security of poor workers. In the future by making 40 crore e-shram cards, the potential of laborers will be directly linked to the future of strong and aatm-nirbhar India, he said.

The Lt Governor, while informing about the future endeavors of the government said that emphasis is being given on developing more connectivity, new highways, new waterways, new airways.

Over Rs 110 lakh crore will be invested in the next five years on modern infrastructure, he added.

The reforms introduced and the work that has been done so far in the last seven & a half years is historic and we are ready to deal with the new challenges of the modern world, the Lt Governor said.

Members of Utthan Foundation Trust and people from all walks of life were present on the occasion.

Delimitation Commission to seek public suggestions before finalizing its proposals

Anchor stories

Ibni Maqbool

25/12/2021

Delimitation Commission to seek public suggestions before finalizing its proposals

By: Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar: The Delimitation Commission constituted by the Government of India to redraw Jammu and Kashmir’s electoral map would consider all objections and suggestions received by it over its draft proposals.

Officials told The Precious Kashmir that the Commission headed by Justice (retd.) Ranjana Desai would seek suggestions/ objections over its draft proposals for delimitation of Assembly segments in Jammu & Kashmir.

“The delimitation commission would publish its draft proposals in the gazette of India and the gazette of Jammu and Kashmir. It will then invite objections and suggestions in relation to the same,” they said, adding that the panel would also publishing dissenting proposals, if any of its associate members. Five MPs from J&K are associate members of the panel.

According to officials, the commission would then hold public sittings for considering suggestions/objections.

“The commission would issue a public notice specifying the places and dates of its public sittings to consider all objections and suggestions before finalizing its proposals,” they said.

It is worthwhile to mention that the delimitation commission has proposed to allocate six additional seats to Jammu and only one seat to Kashmir.

The commission has mooted one seat each for the districts of Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Rajouri, Doda and Kishtwar in Jammu and one for Kupwara district in the Kashmir valley.

The panel has also proposed to reserve seven seats for scheduled castes and nine for scheduled tribes.

The commission was constituted on March 6, 2020 to fix boundaries for 90 assembly segments of Jammu and Kashmir and reserve seats for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes within them.

Govt committed to fulfil dreams of equitable, prosperous society: LG

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Precious Kashmir

25/12/2021

Govt committed to fulfil dreams of equitable, prosperous society: LG

Pays tributes to Vajpayee on Good Governance Day

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has extended his greetings to the people on the “Good Governance Day”, celebrated every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of India’s former Prime Minister, Bharat Ratna, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Paying tributes to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Lt Governor described him as a people’s leader, revered Statesman, great social reformer, influential orator, and an able administrator who always believed in the policy of ‘India first’ and always acted to safeguard country’s national interest.

The former Prime Minister’s valuable contribution to the Indian polity, indomitable will, and determination towards the nation’s development is unparalleled. His dedication to bring in reforms in governance, equitable development, and inclusive accelerated growth will remain a guiding light for generations to come, the Lt Governor observed.

Terming active participation of people a prerequisite for good governance, the Lt Governor called upon all stakeholders to complement Government’s efforts towards inclusive and sustainable development.

The Lt Governor said that the values and teaching of the great leader and social reformer would continue to guide us in making our nation a superpower of the world. The younger generation must carry the immortal flame of his legacy through constructive contribution to society.

He observed that treading on the path laid by the great leader, the UT Government is committed to fulfilling the dreams of an equitable, just, and prosperous society.

The Lt Governor also paid tributes and remembered Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya on his 160th Janam Jayanti.

“Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, a great educationist, reformer, politician, and founder of the Banaras Hindu University was a pioneer of India’s industrial revolution. He tirelessly worked for ensuring modern education to all, generating the spirit of women empowerment and industrial development in India”, the Lt Governor said in his message.

Mahamana promoted a harmonious blend of oriental and modern education, which has now been adopted in India’s New National Education Policy. He made an invaluable contribution to the Indian Renaissance, Nationalist Ideology, Public Awakening, Welfare, Justice and Freedom, and in the fields of Education and spirituality, the Lt Governor added.

Hizb militant killed in Anantnag gunfight: Police

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Precious Kashmir

25/12/2021

Srinagar: A militant, involved in a spate of killings including of a police inspector and three BJP workers and other attacks, was shot dead in an encounter at Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag on Friday, after he refused to surrender and instead opened fire at the security forces, police officials said.

Based on a specific input regarding the presence of a militant in Mominhall Aarwani village of Bijbehara area in Anantnag, a joint Cordon and Search Operation was launched by the police, the Army’s 1st Rashtriya Rifles and Central Reserve Police Force, police said in a statement.

“During the search operation, as the presence of the trapped militant got ascertained, he was given ample opportunities to surrender. However, he refused to surrender and instead fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which retaliated, leading to an encounter,” police added.

In the ensuing encounter, the militant identified as Shahzad Ahmad Seh, a resident of Sehpora in Kulgam, and active since September last year, was killed and his body was retrieved from the site.

“As per police records, the killed militant was a categorised militant linked with Hizbul Mujahideen and was part of groups involved in several cases. He was involved in the killing of J&K Police Inspector, Mohammad Ashraf Bhat of Chandpora, Kanelwan, in Anantnag at his residence on October 19, 2020, three BJP workers at YK-Pora in Kulgam on October 29, 2020, as well as a BJP Sarpanch and his wife at Lal Chowk in Anantnag on August 9 this year.”

“Besides, the militant was involved in an attack on District Development Council candidate Anees-ul-Islam Ganie at Sagam Kokernag on December 4, 2020, and snatching a weapon from a police constable at Shamispora crossing in Khudwani area of Kulgam on July 25, 2021. Moreover, he was involved in various grenade lobbing incidents and attacks on security establishments in Anantnag and Kulgam areas,” police said.

Incriminating material, arms and ammunition, including an AK-47 rifle, two AK magazines, 40 AK rounds and a grenade were recovered from his possession. All the recovered material has been taken into case records for further investigation.

‘2 LeT aides held in Budgam’

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Precious Kashmir

25/12/2021

Srinagar: Two associates of Laskhar-e-Toiba militant group were arrested in Kashmir’s Budgam district, officials said on Friday.

Imran Majeed Magray and Aqib Amin of Mochwa Budgam were arrested from Chadoora by a joint team of forces.

Police said the duo were in touch with the Lashkar commanders.

“During preliminary investigation, it surfaced that both have been in touch with LeT commanders and were involved in providing logistics and shelter to militants and transporting arms and ammunition in Mochwa, Kralpora, Chattergam, Sathsoo, Nowgam, Chadoora and other adjacent areas,” a police statement said.

He said incriminating material of LeT and explosive substance including two grenades, two AK-47 magazines and 30 AK-47 rounds were recovered from them.

In last two days, four suspected militant associates have been arrested in Budgam district.

On December 23, two associates of Lashkar were arrested from Magam area in Budgam. Police identified them as Mohammad Shafi Ganai of Kawoosa Khalisa and Zahoor Ahmad Chopan of Mamoosa Pattan.

Dir SKIMS post: Govt constitutes CS-led 5-member Selection Committee

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Precious Kashmir

25/12/2021

Srinagar: Government on Friday constituted a Selection Committee for the post of Director, SKIMS Soura.

The committee is headed by Arun Kumar Mehta (IAS), Chief Secretary, J&K and members include Dr. Randeep Guleria, Director, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi; Dr. Surjit Singh, Director, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh; Prof. M. C. Mishra, Former Director, All India Institute o Medical Sciences, New Delhi and Vivek Bhardwaj, IAS, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary, (Health & Medical Education Department).

“The Selection Committee shall prepare a panel of three candidates in order of merit as per the criteria laid down in Government Order NO.12-SKIMS of 2010 dated 14.05.2010 for making selection for the post of Director, SKIMS,” the order added. (GNS)

KU announces winter vacations from Jan 1

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Precious Kashmir

25/12/2021

By: Asif Iqbal

Srinagar: Authorities at University of Kashmir Dargah Hazratbal Friday announced winter vacations for main campus and all its satellite campuses from January 1, 2022.

“This is for the information of all concerned that the teaching Departments of the University and its satellite campuses shall observe winter vacations w.e.f 1st January, 2022 to 28th February 2022”, reads a notification authenticated by Joint Registrar, Academic Affairs.

“However the Departmental offices shall function normally and the Heads of the Departments/Directors of Campuses/Centres shall ensure that the examinations, (if any) and other activities are conducted as per schedule”, reads the notification.

“The remedial classes (offline or online mode) shall be conducted by the Departments to complete the remaining syllabus, if any, during the period of winter break”, it further reads.

Pertinent to mention here that Government on Thursday announced winter vacations in all Government Degree Colleges in Kashmir and Jammu divisions falling under winter zone from December 27, 2021 up to February 14, 2022.

All Government Degree Colleges of Jammu division falling under Summer Zone shall observe winter vacations from December 27, 2021 to January 05, 2022, the government announced. (GNS)

LG, his Advisors, CS, DGP greets people on Christmas

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Precious Kashmir

25/12/2021

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has greeted the people of Jammu & Kashmir on the joyous occasion of Christmas.

In a message, the Lt Governor said the festival is a celebration of peace, love, hope and harmony.

“Christmas provides an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of sharing and brotherhood. The festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ is an occasion to celebrate and imbibe Lord Christ’s message of peace, love, compassion and forgiveness. We must rededicate ourselves for the welfare of humankind”, observed the Lt Governor.

“May the Christmas this year usher in peace and joy for all,” prayed the Lt Governor.

Advisors to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan and Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar have extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Christmas.

In their message, the Advisors said that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Lord Jesus Christ and this festival reaffirms our faith in the values of compassion and forgiveness taught by Lord Jesus for the enlightenment of humanity.

“Let us all imbibe the Jesus Christ’s teachings of love, compassion and humanity on this holy festival and commit ourselves to the welfare of our nation and society”, Advisors added.

The Advisors also prayed for peace, progress and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, extended greetings to people on the occasion of Christmas.

In his message on the eve of Christmas, the Chief Secretary said that Christianity teaches the principles of truthfulness, honesty, harmony, and sacrifice. He hoped that the festival shall bring greater peace and prosperity, and inspire people from all faiths to emulate the teachings of love and compassion for all.

Keeping in view the emergence of Omicron, the Chief Secretary urged people to follow COVID appropriate behaviour including mask-wearing, social distancing, and hand hygiene.

Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh also greeted the people of J&K, all ranks of JKP, Security Forces, their families and families of slain on the eve of Marry Christmas. He wished for a joyful festival.

In his message, Singh has expressed hope that the festival will bring peace and happiness among the people of the UT including J&K Police personnel, Security forces and the families of slain.

“May the noble teachings of the Jesus Christ guide us all to preserve the unity and secular outlook of our country,” the DGP has further said in his message.

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