Precious Kashmir

J&K reports 2 Covid-19 deaths, 174 fresh cases

Front

25/11/2021

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 174 fresh covid-19 cases while two persons died due to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday.

Among the fresh cases, 25 were reported from Jammu Division and 149 from Kashmir, taking the overall tally to 335881.

There was one death each from Kashmir and Jammu division respectively due to the virus during the last 24 hours, they said.

So far 4466 persons—2184 in Jammu and 2282 in Kashmir—have died due to the pathogen, they said.

Giving district wise details of the fresh cases, the officials said that Srinagar reported 58 cases, Baramulla 43, Budgam 18, Pulwama 0, Kupwara 11, Anantnag 3, Bandipora 8, Ganderbal 7, Kulgam 0, Shopian 1, Jammu 11, Udhampur 1, Rajouri 5, Doda 2, Kathua 0, Samba 0, Kishtwar 4, Poonch 1, Ramban 0 and Reasi 1.

A number of these cases were confirmed at CD hospital’s diagnostic labouratory and include female (50) (NA) from Chrarishareef, male (09) (NA) from Ganderbal, female (56) (NA) from Chanpora Sgr, male (50) (NA) from Murran pulwama, female (55) (NA) from Kulbagh, female (08) (NA) from Kahlil, male (70) (NA) from Sgr, male (40) (NA) from Habbak, female (20) (NA) from Hajan, male (40) (NA) from Buchpora, male (59) (NA) from Buchpora, male (75) (NA) from Lalbazar sgr, male (65) (NA) from Khaag budgam, female (55) (NA) from Jawaharnagar Sgr and male (54) (NA) from Umarbad Sgr.

Moreover, 135 Covid-19 patients recovered during the time, 25 from Jammu Division and 110 from Kashmir, they said.

So far 329731 patients have recovered, leaving active case tally at 1684—247 in Jammu and 1437 in Kashmir.

They said there was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today. So far 49 black fungus cases have been confirmed in J&K, the officials said.

The government also informed that 67448 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)

J&K records around 30K crime cases annually

Jammu & Kashmir

Ishtiyaq Ahmed

25/11/2021

J&K records around 30K crime cases annually

By: Ishtiyaq Ahmad

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an increase in crime rate with around 25,000 to 30,000 cases being reported annually.

Official figures reveal that 25,000 to 30,000 crime cases have been registered annually in the last one decade in Jammu and Kashmir.

The highest cases have been reported in 2020, when 29314 cases have been reported as against 25, 408 cases the previous year are indicating a rise in crime rate.

Similarly, 26558, 26907 and 26548 cases were registered in 2012, 2013, and 2016, respectively.

The twin capitals of the erstwhile state have witnessed the highest number of cases. Both these districts have reported over 30 percent of total crime cases in J&K.

A senior police official said there were many factors responsible for the highest rate of crime in Jammu and Srinagar districts.

“Both these districts are the most populated in J&K. People from other areas and states also come to these districts for employment, and many a times, they, too, get involved in crimes,” the official told a local news gathering agency.

The highest number of cases has been related to rioting, burglary, and molestation, cruelty by husband, assault on public servant, attempt to murder, cheating, stabbing, and eve teasing.

The figures say that J&K recorded a 29 percent increase in cases of crime against children with 606 incidents in 2020 in comparison to 470 in 2019.

Similarly, J&K recorded 3069 cases of crime against women in 2019 and the number rose to 3414 in 2020 thus showing 11 percent rise in the cases.

The police official said many crimes go unreported either due to remoteness of the location or victims choose to stay silent out of fear or social stigma attached to some crimes like molestation, eve teasing, or rape.

“There are some crimes, which are increasing in the valley. Police is dealing with such crimes, but it is also the responsibility of the society how to reduce the number of crimes in the region,” the official added. (KINS)

Former MP calls on LG Sinha

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

25/11/2021

Jammu: Former Member Parliament Rajya Sabha, Shamsher Singh Manhas Wednesday called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan.

Manhas apprised the Lt Governor of various concerning issues of people as well the elected representatives and submitted a memorandum of demands pertaining to establishment of Gram Adalats; upgradation of health infrastructure of Jammu region; facilities for the attendants of the patients, strengthening paramedic staff in emergency ward of GMC and other departments as well.

He also projected issues related to mining minerals and updation of ration cards for the proper implementation of PDS.

The Lt Governor, while interacting with the former MP observed that the UT Government is working on the principle of people centric governance and making committed efforts for the holistic and equitable development of J&K on all fronts.

The Lt Governor assured the former MP to address the issues projected by him on merit.

Kala Utsav Arts festival: Visually impaired student of DPS Sgr secures 1st rank

City

Precious Kashmir

25/11/2021

Kala Utsav Arts festival: Visually impaired student of DPS Sgr secures 1st rank

Srinagar: Saqib Ajaz Mir, a class 10th visually impaired student of DPS Srinagar won the first position in the classical vocal category at the three-day long Divisional level, Kala Utsav held from November 20 to 23 at Girls Higher Secondary, Kothi Bagh Srinagar.

He is a student of Learning Resource Centre, DPS Srinagar which focuses on providing holistic education to specially-abled students and integrate them with mainstream education.

The festival was conducted by the Cultural Education Wing, Directorate of School Education Kashmir. Overcoming visual impairment, he has turned his sights on cultivating his voice and vocals; and enthralled the audience with his masterly and soulful singing.

Saqib has recently released his maiden song which is also available on Youtube. The song has received appreciation from across various sections of society.

Kala Utsav is an initiative of the Ministry of Education (MoE) under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, to promote arts in education by nurturing and showcasing the artistic talent of school students at the secondary stage in the country. A total of 180 students got scrutinised in 9 different categories of Art forms from all the Government and Private schools of Kashmir Division out of which 18 students won the prizes.

The Chief Guest of the event was Director School Education Kashmir, Dr Tasaduq Hussain Mir while the Guest of Honour was Principal GHSS Kothibagh, Ms Nusrat Bukhari. The programme was also attended by OSD, Cultural Education Wing DSEK Syed Mansoor Ahmad Qadri. Saqib was felicitated by the Director Education in presence of other dignitaries.

The Vice Principal Shafaq Afshan congratulated the student, and said, “It is a matter of great pride for the school that our student has won such accolades, and defied obstacles to secure the first rank. We are immensely proud of him.”

The Chairman Vijay Dhar, also congratulated the student and said “His achievement testifies that we have been successful in pandering to the marginal sections of the society, and those left out from traditional schooling. We are immensely proud that our intention behind establishing LRC is bearing fruit.”

Statehood, elections soon in J&K: Ashok Koul

City

United News Of India

25/11/2021

Srinagar: Bhartiya Janata Party Unit General Secretary Ashok Koul on Wednesday said elections and statehood would be restored soon after the process of delimitation of assembly seats is completed in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that the BJP and the Narendra Modi led central government were in favour of holding assembly elections in the Union Territory.

The general secretary made these remarks while talking to a news channel in Anantnag district of south Kashmir on Wednesday.

He said: “Elections will be held in Jammu and Kashmir immediately after delimitation of Assembly seats. It will take some time for the Election Commission to make new rules after delimitation and then elections will be held.

He said the government has given the delimitation commission till march 6 the deadline to submit its report and after that no extension would be provided.

Kaul said the assembly election would likely be held in Jammu and Kashmir in the year 2022.

He said both the BJP and the Modi government were in favour of holding immediate elections in the Union Territory.

Asked about the current situation in the valley, he said “the situation is not what it used to be a year ago, when it was difficult to walk on the road”.

“Some people have changed their tactics and there have been targeted killings. The government has tightened its grip and I think all these things will be fine,” he said.

Asked about the Hyderpora controversial encounter, the General Secretary said that a magisterial inquiry was underway and the report would be made public.

In a question whether repeal of Agricultural laws paved way to repeal of article 370, Kaul said “it is not the case that everything is weighed on the same scale. Section 370 needed to be removed in Jammu and Kashmir for overall development and we believe it is now moving towards the development”.

He said that the government in Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is running well and will run even better when the elected representatives come. (UNI)

Dr SD Singh Jamwal chairs session of 5th World Congress at IIT New Delhi

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

25/11/2021

Jammu: Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, Additional Director General of Police Security J&K chaired a Session on Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defence (CBRN) and Biosecurity of 5th World Conference held at IIT New Delhi.

This Conference has assumed special significance in view of prevailing Covid-19 pandemic all over the world.

During the Session on CBRN and Biosecurity, eminent scientists and speakers made presentations which among others included Prof. Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Saveerha Institute of Medical & Tech Sciences, Chennai; Prof. Tamorish Kole, President Asian Society for Emergency Medicine and Dr K.S Pradeep Kumar, Distinguished Scientist, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).

Different issues related to disaster management, including those required for effective management of Covid 19 Pandemic were discussed.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr S.D. Singh Jamwal stressed on all stakeholders including government agencies, health care workers, scientific community, industry and civil society, to work in close coordination to ensure that medical interventions like mass vaccination were conducted on a war footing to immunize the people and control the pandemic. He also stressed upon the need to stay vigilant against future pandemics, especially in view of climate change or chances of a non-state actor initiating a pandemic as an act of terror.

Dr Singh also thanked the organizers for inviting him to chair the prestigious event and deliberate with the stakeholders on an issue which has remained an area of his domain knowledge.

Dr Singh has done his PhD on Biological Disaster Management and has been associated with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) since 2007 and also a member of the Steering Committee of NDMA while drafting Biological Defence guidelines for India.

Every hand should rise together for progress of country: President

National

United News Of India

25/11/2021

Every hand should rise together for progress of country: President

Kanpur: President Ramnath Kovind on Wednesday said that the future of any nation is guided by the experience of the past and enriched by its heritage.

“We all should actively participate in building a strong, successful, developed and prosperous India. Every hand of our country should rise together for the progress of the country,” he said.

The President was addressing the birth centenary celebrations of Chaudhary Harmohan Singh Yadav in Kanpur on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the life of Chaudhary Harmohan Singh Yadav is worthy of emulation for the posterity. He was a perfect example of simplicity and an inspiration for public service. He strove to bring happiness in the lives of the people particularly those living on the margins and the farmers. From the Gram Sabha to the Rajya Sabha, his views about agriculture were heard very seriously by policy makers.

The President said that the doors of Harmohan Singh Ji’s house were always open for all. In the year 1984, he set an excellent example of communal harmony when he saved a large number of lives from a violent mob. In the year 1991, he received Shaurya Chakra for his exceptional gallantry and fearlessness.

The President noted that with Harmohan Singh Ji’s efforts, many educational institutions were established to give fillip to the educational awareness in this area. He understood that education is the basis of progress of every family and society. And education is the best tool to improve the lives of people and make society and country better, he used to say, the President recalled going down the memory lane.

The President said that Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is being celebrated all over the country to mark the 75 years of our independence. During this two-year long Mahotsav, we will remember the contribution of unsung heroes of the freedom struggle who had laid down their lives.

Remembering freedom fighters Ajijan Bai, Mainavati, Jaidev Kapoor, Shiv Varma, Bijay Kumar Sinha and Dr Gaya Prasad on the occasion, the President said that India could get independence due to the important contribution of many such freedom fighters. Therefore, it is the duty of all of us to bring information about the contribution of such anonymous freedom fighters to the public.

President Kovind reached here on Wednesday on a 2 day visit to Kanpur and on Thursday he will attend the function of HBTU in the city before returning back to Delhi. (UNI)

CSK retain Dhoni for three IPL seasons, Rahul likely to lead Lucknow: Report

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

25/11/2021

CSK retain Dhoni for three IPL seasons, Rahul likely to lead Lucknow: Report

New Delhi: Ahead of the mega auction, defending Champions Chennai Super Kings have decided to retain their talismanic captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the next three seasons of Indian Premier League (IPL).

Apart from Dhoni, the franchise has retained all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, who played key roles in CSK 2021 IPL title win. As per BCCI rules, each team is allowed to retain a maximum of four players and four time champions are also in talks with England all-rounder Moeen Ali to come on board.

Ali could be a useful player on the slow and turning track at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai, however, if he doesn’t agree to stay, CSK will then retain another England cricketer Sam Curran as their fourth player, an Indian Express report said.

Earlier, Dhoni had himself confirmed that his last T20 game will be in Chennai.

“I have always planned my cricket. My last ODI in India was in Ranchi. Hopefully, my last T20 will be in Chennai. Whether it’s next year or in five years’ time, I don’t know,” Dhoni had said at a recent CSK event.

Notably, the franchises have to submit their lists of retained players by November 30 and there will be a mega auction after that with two new teams joining the league from the 2022 season.

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals has decided to retain wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, all-rounder Axar Patel, Prithvi Shaw and pacer Anrich Nortje. As per report, Shreyas Iyer wanted to lead DC but the franchise was keen to have Pant as their leader going ahead, so the right-handed batsman decided to move on.

It is also learnt that Mumbai Indians will retain Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Ishan Kishan and they are also in negotiations with their West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard. Five times champions also don’t want to let go Suryakumar Yadav and are planning to buy him from the auction pool.

IPL 2022 will be a ten-team affair and two new teams owners Sanjiv Goenka’s RPSG group and CVC Capitals have approached a few top Indian players. India opener KL Rahul has parted ways with Punjab Kings and is likely to lead the new Lucknow team.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders are likely to retain their two all-rounders Sunil Narine and Andre Russell and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarty too. However, they are still deciding on whether to retain Shubman Gill or Venkatesh Iyer.

GoI committed to develop banking sector in J&K: Union FM Sitharaman

Front

Precious Kashmir

24/11/2021

GoI committed to develop banking sector in J&K: Union FM Sitharaman

LG says want banks in UT to build floors of opportunities

Jammu: On the 2nd day of her visit to Jammu & Kashmir, Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman along with Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Tuesday attended the Credit Outreach programme and other events organized by Banker’s Committee of the J&K UT held at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium Complex, University of Jammu.

On the occasion, the Union Finance Minister handed over sanction letters amounting to Rs 306 crores to 145 beneficiaries of different banks and credit linked schemes like Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), MUDRA Scheme, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Joint-Liability Groups (JLGs) etc.

The Finance Minister also announced new schemes and initiatives for J&K which included the launch of Tejaswini & Hausla schemes; Shikhar and Shikara schemes of Punjab National Bank (PNB) and SIDBI’s Rs. 200 crore Cluster Development Fund, besides laying the e-foundation stone of Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) building at Shopian and Baramulla.

Under PNB’s special scheme ‘Shikara’, credit up to Rs 15 lakh will be provided for purchase/repair of Shikaras and houseboats. While, Shikhar scheme focuses on meeting credit requirements up to Rs 2 crore for the Hotel, Tour & Tourism industry.

JKTPO’s Hausla Scheme will empower existing women entrepreneurs to be role-models in their respective sectors by providing skill development, as well as credit support, marketing support & mentorship. Under Tejaswini Scheme, financial assistance up to Rs 5 lakh to be given to young women for setting up gainful self-employment ventures.

In her address, the Union Finance Minister reiterated Government of India’s commitment to develop the banking sector and extend banking facilities in the UT.

“I will ensure that more bank activities take place in J&K and more Public Sector Banks come here in all the districts so that every person has access to banking facilities”, said the Finance Minister.

“Projects that have been waiting a long time are getting rapidly implemented, sections of society that have never had any assistance from the government are getting it and genuine businesses are also being provided credit”, she added.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor highlighted the vital role of Credit outreach programmes and Smart Lending in enabling the government policies to reach all sections of the society.

My sincere gratitude to the Finance Minister for the mega Credit Outreach campaign in all the districts which will give impetus to the economic activities and ensure that credit is easily accessible to the needy, said the Lt Governor.

I always believe that capital gaps must be bridged for transition in small scale and cottage industries. The credit constraints cannot be a new normal when our capacity to invent new ideas is competing for recognition, observed the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor underlined the need to forge a strong partnership between banks and business entities for greater investment, growth, innovation, and employment. I want the banks in J&K Union Territory to build floors of opportunities, not the walls, the Lt Governor added.

While speaking on the key features of new initiatives and schemes being launched today, the Lt Governor said that the banking sector along with business institutions associated with its programs and beneficiaries of government’s schemes, all together are committed to promoting resourcefulness in the UT.

Financial assistance of Rs 290 crore to business institutions, NABARD’s Farmer-Producer Organization, PNB’s ‘Shikhar’ and ‘Shikara’ schemes and SIDBI’s Rs 200 crore Cluster Development Fund will bring new economic reform in J&K, said the Lt Governor.

He further said that the Rural Self Employment Training Institutes will prove to be a milestone for providing skill training and skill up-gradation to rural youth.

Today, the Government’s policies and credit outreach facilities are meeting the needs of common citizens, youth, women, business institutions, voluntary organizations, rural self-help groups, and farmer-producer organizations and building a strong, prosperous, and future-oriented Union Territory.

Under the guidance of Finance Minister, Department of Financial Services is making strenuous efforts to accomplish the goal of AatmaNirbhar Bharat. I am certain small and medium enterprising sectors, Farmers, young entrepreneurs will fully reap the benefits of more diversified financial offers, said the Lt Governor.

Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, J&K delivered the welcome address and apprised the gathering about the efforts being made by the UT administration for economic development of the region. Sh. RK Chhibber, Chairman & MD, J&K Bank presented the Vote of Thanks.

It was also announced that NABARD, in FY 2020-21, for the UT of Jammu & Kashmir is increasing its commitment under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) from Rs. 787 crore to Rs. 1,500 crore which will help in creation of rural infrastructure for faster economic growth. To further accelerate economic growth, banks will also increase their ground level credit in Jammu & Kashmir from the previous year level of Rs. 14,735 crore to Rs. 16,000 crore in the current Financial Year.

The occasion witnessed the inauguration of various projects by the Union Finance Minister including three J&K Bank branches in Reasi district. Under the aegis of NABARD, registration certificates to 5 FPOs and sanction letter of rural mart to Asha SHG were also handed over.

Earlier, the Finance Minister and the Lt Governor visited stalls put up by beneficiaries from J&K Bank, SBI, PNB, J&K Grameen Bank and NABARD, among others. They interacted with the beneficiaries and enquired about the transformative effect the bank credit has made in their entrepreneurial journey. The Finance Minister also evinced keen interest in the products made by the entrepreneurs.

Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member Parliament; Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt Governor; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department; Sanjeev Kaushik, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Finance and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

J&K economy will double in next few years: Sitharaman

Front

United News Of India

24/11/2021

J&K economy will double in next few years: Sitharaman

Jammu: Stating that Jammu and Kashmir is rapidly passing through developmental phase, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said that economy of Jammu and Kashmir will be doubled in next few years.

“The development is reaching to all sectors and in a transparent manner,” the Finance Minister said while addressing the Financial Inclusion and Credit Outreach program, here at University of Jammu.

She said that economy of Jammu and Kashmir will be doubled in next few years as the region is rapidly passing through the development phase.

She also said that the projects which were earlier stalled are being completed and communities deprived of benefits are now being benefited.

All social security schemes introduced by the Centre are reaching to the people.

“Had good interactions with women entrepreneurs in Kashmir on Monday, which was very inspiring,” said the Finance Minister.

She said that the development of J&K in every aspect is taking place and the World Bank is pooling through an agency for development of this region.

“We ensure that more public sector banks come in J&K so that a healthy credit outreach can be given,” she added. (UNI)

1...3,7703,7713,772...5,099 Page 3,771 of 5,099