Precious Kashmir

1,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to come up in J&K

Front

10/12/2021

ATLs will function as innovation hubs to develop scientific temper in students: CS

Jammu: Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta chaired a meeting to take stock of arrangements for opening Atal Tinkering Laboratories in various Educational Institutions of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Principal Secretary, School Education Department, Principal Secretary Youth Service and Sports Department, MD, Atal Innovation Mission, Dr. Chintan Vaishnav NITI Aayog, Programme Director Atal Innovation Mission and Innovation Leads from NITI Aayog, besides Director School Education Jammu & Kashmir attended the meeting.

It was informed that NITI Aayog will be establishing 1,000 Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATL) in Jammu and Kashmir of which 187 will be established by the end of this financial year. ATL is an initiative to boost cognitive development in children where they are given avenues to experiment and widen their understanding of phenomena on scientific ideas.

It was further informed that from 187 of this year’s target, 31 are being established across government schools of the Union territory, whereas 50 will come up in various educational institutions including KVs, JNVs, and private schools. The process for establishing the remaining 106 labs will also be initiated shortly.

The Chief Secretary directed the School Education Department to fix timelines for establishing these laboratories in various districts of the UT and also emphasize on the nomination of trainers/champions against suitable incentives. Besides, the Department was also asked to ensure regular maintenance of infrastructure and equipment of these centres in convergence with other government departments.

Dr. Mehta impressed upon the Department to promote scientific temper among the students in areas such as machine learning and artificial intelligence by proactively engaging them in various experiments and scientific activities. “These centres should be viewed as innovation hubs to expose the children to scientific experiments, stir innovation in the young minds and encourage them to contribute to the scientific advancement of the nation”, he said.

The School Education Department was further asked to explore industrial linkages which can be created to tap the IT and technical prowess of the younger generation in finding scientific and innovative solutions to existing problems.

Omicron: Ban on regular int’l flights extended till Jan 31

Front

United News Of India

10/12/2021

New Delhi: Amid Omicron scare, aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday extended suspension of scheduled commercial international flights till January 31, 2022.

The restriction will not apply to cargo flights and those approved by DGCA.

“However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on case to case basis,” the DGCA said in a circular.

The nodal Civil Aviation Ministry had earlier announced to resume regular international flights from December 15 but in view of the emergence of Omicron, Prime Minister Narendra Modi advised the Ministry to reconsider its decision.

In view of Covid pandemic, the DGCA had last year suspended scheduled commercial international flights with effect from March 23, 2020.

On November 26, the Aviation Ministry announced to allow regular commercial flights from December 15.

“The matter of resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services to/from India has been examined in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and it has been decided that scheduled commercial international passenger services to/from India may be resumed from 15.12.2021,” the Ministry had said.

The Ministry grouped countries into three categories with separate capacity restrictions.

Accordingly, it proposed to allow full capacity entitlements per bilateral air service agreements with countries identified as “not-at-risk.”

With countries identified as “at risk”, it was proposed to allow 75% of pre-Covid operations of Indian or foreign carrier with certain rider.

In case of countries identified as “at risk” and with which air bubble pact had not been formalised, 50% of bilateral capacity entitlements or 50% of pre-Covid operations of Indian or foreign carrier had been proposed. (UNI)

Scattered rains, snow in Kashmir next week: MeT

Front

Precious Kashmir

10/12/2021

Srinagar: Weatherman on Thursday said that there was no forecast for any “major snowfall” till the start of ‘Chillai-Kalan’— the 40-day harshest winter period which commences on December 21.

“Mainly Dry is expected till December 14. Light to moderate snow/rain in likely at scattered places of J&K on December 15,” an official of the meteorological department here said, adding, “There is no forecast for major snowfall till 20th December in both J&K and Ladakh.” He said that there would be warmer days and colder nights in J&K and Ladakh till December 14.

‘Chillai-Kalan’—which commences on December 21 and ends on January 31—is considered the harshest period of the winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum. So far this season there have been already at least two spells of considerable snowfall. The cold wave, however, continues even after that in Kashmir with a 20-day-long ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day-long ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold).

Meanwhile, the MeT official said that Srinagar, the summer capital of J&K, recorded minimum of minus 2.1°C against previous night’s minus 0.4°C. On December 1 the mercury fell as low as minus 2.5°C in Srinagar which was lowest temperature recorded this season in the city so far.

Qazigund recorded minimum temperature of minus 2.1°C against minus 1.6°C on the previous night in the gateway town of Kashmir, he said.

Pahalgam, the famous resort in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 4.9°C against 4.8°C on previous night.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 1.5°C against minus 1.4°C on previous night, the official said.

Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 2.4°C against minus 1.4°C on the previous night, the official said.

Gulmarg witnessed a minimum of minus 5.8°C against minus 6.0°C on the previous night in the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, the official said.

Ladakh’s Leh recorded a low of minus 10.0°C against last night’s minus 7.9°C while Drass in Kargil, the second coldest place in the world after Siberia, recorded a low of minus 15.9°C, the official added. (GNS)

J&K reports 192 fresh Covid-19 cases

Front

Nadeem Nadu

10/12/2021

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 192 new covid-19 cases while as there was no death due to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Thursday.

58 of the fresh cases were reported from Jammu Division and 134 from Kashmir, taking the overall tally to 338390.

There was no death, either from the Valley and Jammu division, due to the virus during the last 24 hours, they said. So far 4489 persons—2189 in Jammu and 2300 in Kashmir—have died due to the virus, they said.

Giving district wise details of the fresh cases, the officials said that Srinagar reported 65 cases, Baramulla 24, Budgam 19, Pulwama 2, Kupwara 5, Anantnag 2, Bandipora 7, Ganderbal 10, Kulgam 0, Shopian 0, Jammu 33, Udhampur 4, Rajouri 4, Doda 1, Kathua 4, Samba 0, Kishtwar 3, Poonch 6, Ramban 0 and Reasi 3.

A number of these cases were confirmed at CD hospital’s diagnostic laboratory and include

male (21) (NA) from Qamarwari, male (35) (NA) from Pulwama, male (90) (NA) from J&K, female (60) (NA) from J&K, male (60) (NA) from Chanpora sgr, male (83) (NA) from Naseembagh, male (50) (NA) from 17 Raj Kupwara, female (70) (NA) from Poshwan, female (25) (NA) from Namlabal pampore, female (28) (NA) from Dadsara, female (20) (NA) from Malikpora pulwama, male (60) (NA) from Malikpora Pulwama, female (35) (NA) from Ratnipora Pulwama, female (60) (NA) from Nawabazar, male (70) (NA) from Hakermullah budgam, female (22) (NA) from Khimber, female (51) (NA) from Sgr, male (27) (NA) from Khayam, male (85) (NA) from Sgr, male (75) (NA) from Rajbagh, male (40) (NA) from Sgr, female (75) (NA) from Tral, female (23) (NA) from Qamarwari, male (85) (NA) from Pulwama, male (83) (NA) from Nowpora Sgr, male (70) (NA) from Zakura Sgr, female (90) (NA) from Shalimar, female (69) (NA) from Soura Sgr and female (42) (NA) from Molvi stop lalbazar.

Moreover, 135 Covid-19 patients recovered during the time, 26 from Jammu Division and 109 from Kashmir, they said.

So far 332205 patients have recovered, leaving active case tally at 1696—490 in Jammu and 1206 in Kashmir.

They said there was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today. So far 58 black fungus cases have been confirmed in J&K, the officials said.

The officials also informed that 59348 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)

Explore possibilities of further mineral extraction in J&K: CS

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

10/12/2021

Explore possibilities of further mineral extraction in J&K: CS

Chairs 174th BoD meeting of JK Minerals

Jammu: Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta Thursday directed for exploring possibilities of further mineral extraction in Jammu & Kashmir. He also chaired the 174th meeting of the Board of Directors of JK Minerals.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Commissioner/Secretary, Mining Department, Director, Geology and Mining, Managing Director JKML, Director General Planning & Monitoring Department, and Financial Advisor / CAO JKML.

It was informed that despite the COVID-19 crisis which had far-reaching economic and social repercussions, J&K Minerals has shown a satisfactory performance and has continued to deliver much-needed raw material to the mineral-based industries in Jammu and Kashmir.

It was further informed that the Corporation, for the first time, ventured into minor mineral exploitation & operationalized four minor mineral blocks in the Jammu region which ensured a regular supply of construction material like sand, boulders, and rbm to various prestigious projects including the construction of AIIMS, IIM, ring road in twin capital cities, and works on the National Highway 44, among others.

Moreover, the preliminary survey of Paddar Sapphire Mine has been completed by the Geological Survey of India and further options are being explored for the scientific exploration of the area. The Chief Secretary directed the constitution of a committee to evaluate the issue regarding the quantity of reserves and a suitable mechanism for its sustainable extraction, besides recommending the future course of action in this regard.

Regarding the Kalakote mines, the Mining Department was asked to conduct a safety audit through the Director-General, Mines Safety, Government of India within 3 months, and rationalize the excess labour from these mines to other minor minerals mines.

Dr. Mehta also reviewed the functioning of Parlanka Gypsum mines in Ramban district and directed allotment of additional blocks to JK Minerals for boosting gypsum extraction from the mines which currently stands at 40,000 MT per month.

Chief Secretary while appreciating the efforts of the management for making the corporation self-reliant, asked the company to explore possibilities of further mineral extraction in Jammu & Kashmir. “This will help to develop the mineral-based Industries in the UT of J&K and create more employment in the region” he added.

Awaam ki Awaaz: LG appreciates Bla man’s suggestion

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

10/12/2021

Srinagar: In his recent Radio Talk Show, Awaam ki Awaaz, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha appreciated the suggestions of a resident of Baramulla for promoting institutions of local self governance.

The LG has appreciated his suggestions proposed to government for promoting and strengthening the institutions of local self governance and in return the resident expressed his gratitude to him for considering his suggestion for the same.

The Lt Governor, while mentioning Mohd Iqbal Badana who shared a roadmap for strengthening the Panchayati Raj Institutions, said that his suggestions complement the endeavor of the administration to enhance the capacity of the democratic institutions at the grassroots level.

Badana lavished praise for the present administration for being responsive to the people’s concerns and said that Awaam ki Awaaz has provided a platform for the common man to vent out his feelings and suggestions. He said that it is a matter of great pride for him that his suggestion has been mentioned by the Lieutenant Governor of the UT in his Radio Talk that is being watched throughout.

He said that promoting local self governance institutions is a very essential step and needs to be further strengthened at the grassroots level for improved governance. He further said that strengthening of local self governance institutions provides an opportunity for officials to involve the local populace to plan, manage and deliver services in the implementation of government programs.

No substitute for physical schooling: PSAJK President

City

Precious Kashmir

10/12/2021

No substitute for physical schooling: PSAJK President

Srinagar: In order to develop Educational skills among students, provide the kids a chance to come out of the stress of COVID pandemic and to bridge the gap of learning, Holy Mission Secondary School Narbal Budgam Thursday organized an impressive educational and cultural program in the school premises.

President Private Schools Association’ G N Var was the chief guest on the occasion while as Executive Magistrate Narbal, Principal Govt Girls Hr. Sec. School Magam cum Zonal Educational Officer Narbal, Cluster Head Zone Narbal, District Coordinator PSAJK Srinagar Abdul Majid, Principal Holy Mission Secondary School Narbal Mursaleen, Dy Coordinator Srinagar Bilal Bhat, Zonal President Batamaloo Tahir Wagay and other dignitaries viz. Aftab Ahmad Qurshi and Dr Nazir Ahmad also attended the function.

Speaking on the occasion, President PSAJ&K, G N Var said that there is no substitute for physical class room and teacher-student interaction through offline mode.

Var appreciated the private schools for their great work in imparting quality education to students and providing job market to lacs of educated youth despite financial crises. He stressed the need of opening the schools for all classes and asked the parents to come forward to make the authorities accept the fact that in the absence of physical schooling, children are facing a traumatic situation and many mental health issues have emerged out of this situation.

Var appreciated the private schools for conducting such events and said that these programs give children a chance to heave a sigh of relief from the stressful situation. He praised the teachers of private schools for their efforts to keep the flame of education burning during the bad times.

Var requested the parents to co-operate with the school authorities so that education of their children goes undisturbed. All the speakers were all praise for the Chairman & Principal of the School Mursaleen for her timeless efforts in educational entrepreneurship despite all odds and obstacles.

On this occasion, students performed various cultural programs, skits and short speeches.

180 SHG members screened at JKRLM eye-care camp

City

Precious Kashmir

10/12/2021

180 SHG members screened at JKRLM eye-care camp

Srinagar: The 2-day eye care camp organized by Rural Livelihood Mission of B K Pora Block for members of Self Help Groups concluded on Thursday.

The camp was organised by Block Mission Management Unit in collaboration with Essilor Vision Foundation and District Health Department Budgam.

In the concluding ceremony Mahesh K V Board Member of Essilor Vision Foundation said, “Lack of awareness and access to eye care prevents 1 in 3 Indians from seeing the world clearly. Essilor Vision Foundation is proud to support the Government of Jammu and Kashmir in this great initiative to provide quality eye care services to the needy rural women associated with SHGs of Rural Livelihood Mission”

The members of the SHGs thanked Essilor Vision Foundation for taking up the initiative for providing free of cost Spectacles to them.
One of the Cluster Coordinators of the block while expressing immense happiness said that this kind of an initiative to make eye check up accessible to the members of the block is first of its kind and has benefitted the members with eye errors.
She thanked BMMU BK pora on behalf of all the SHG members for playing a pivotal role in making this camp be organised in the interiors of the Block for the SHG members.

Block Program Manager Madina Bukhari said ” For the ease of the members camp was organised at two villages of block BK Pora and a total of 180 members were screened. Spectacles for all the members with refractive errors will be provided by Essilor Vision Foundation in a week’s time. “

DGP decorates newly promoted official

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

10/12/2021

Jammu: Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh Thursday decorated a newly promoted official of Police Headquarters with SgCt. rank at a simple pipping ceremony held here.

The promoted official Ranjeet Singh was appointed in Police department in the year 2009 and has been promoted to the present rank in October 2021.

Congratulating the official, the DGP advised the official to work hard, and always come up to the expectation of people. He wished best of luck to the promoted official and extended his warm greetings to his family as well.

Sanctioned in 2019, sub-centre in Shopian awaits up gradation

City

Precious Kashmir

10/12/2021

By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Shopian: Owing to the lackadaisical approach of the administration, a sub-centre which was upgraded to a new type primary health centre (NTPHC) in Turkwangam village of south Kashmir’s Shopian district before several years is yet to be upgraded.

Locals from Turkwangam village said that they were deceived by the administration as in 2019 government accorded sanction for the upgradation of sub -centre to NTPHC but now years have passed centre is yet to be upgraded.

Jahangir Ahmad, a local resident, said that after hectic efforts the administration had upgraded the sub centre to NTPHC but days later we were told that the department is yet to upgrade it.

He said that at the time of the sanction, authorities said that new building will be constructed at Rs 2.34 crore but now when building has been completed health authorities says that it hasn’t been upgraded yet

“The sub- centre was functioning in a rented building but it has been now shifted to the new building but facilities haven’t been upgraded,” Jahangir said.

Locals said they are facing problems as the area lacks health care facilities and no attention is being provided towards their area.

“We are forced to visit district hospitals of southern districts for even headache and minor injuries as no health centre is available in the locality,” they said.

“A doctor has been posted here but in absence of any medicine and facility, he sits idle as nobody turns to the hospital,” locals said. “If hospital wasn’t to be upgraded then for what this building was constructed.”

Locals urged authorities to look into the matter and equip the building with basic facilities so that locals could have a sigh of relief.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Shopian, Dr. Arshid Tak said that the sub centre hasn’t been upgraded NTPHC yet but they have written to higher ups in this regard and hopefully it will be done at an earliest.

“A doctor from district hospital and a pharmacist from SDH Zainapora have already been deputed for the welfare of the locals,” Tak said. (KNO)

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