Precious Kashmir

Ganderbal villagers crave for drinking water

City

15/08/2021

By: Raja Syed Rather

Ganderbal: The people living in Kujjar village along with five adjoining villages in district Ganderbal have complained that the Jal Shakti department has been supplying filthy and contaminated water from its abandoned water supply scheme.

Irfan Ahmad, a local, said that in 1989 a water supply scheme was established in the area by the then government, which is still functional but the water is not filtered and the structure has deteriorated with the span of time.

Locals said that the department is least bothered about the maintenance of the water supply scheme despite repeated requests.

“The supply scheme is unsafe and poses a threat to human lives,” they said.

Locals said though there is natural spring near the scheme which was maintained by the department as source of supply to the reservoir but that has also remained defunct over the years.

“This source of pure drinking water has also been wasted due to the negligence of the department,” locals alleged.

Locals demanded a new water supply scheme in the area and sought intervention of Deputy Commissioner and Lt Governor to resolve the general grievance of the villager’s at the earliest. (KNO)

Syllabus Cut

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Precious Kashmir

15/08/2021

Covid-19 shuttered schools and forced students, who could, to study online at home. There has been a long period of learning loss for the students of Jammu and Kashmir as compared to their counterparts in other parts of India or elsewhere. It has been a major setback in itself, affecting the physical and mental health of most students besides depriving them of vital skill development. As things stand, it is unlikely that educational institutions would reopen anytime soon, particularly for middle, primary and lower-primary classes.

Recognizing pedagogical challenges for teachers and learning problems for students, the government has announced 30 percent reduction in the syllabus for both 10th and 12 standards for the second year in a row. The announcement has been made recognizing the stresses of the pupils. In other words, the policymakers agreed that the curriculum remains among the causes of stress for students.

The administration’s decision, though delayed, is nevertheless in the right direction.

The decision is welcome purely for the reason that the mass promotion is not a good solution given the fact that the students will face problems in their future prospects and the credibility of their certificates will remain questionable. While the reduction in the syllabus has been announced, the government must prepare for having offline examinations.

The usual paper pen exam should not be a difficult task to conduct but it would be too early to rule it out as a possibility given the fact the final examinations for 10 and 12th classes among others are normally conducted in October and afterward. It is expected that the authorities while reducing the syllabus have retained the core concepts. As per officials, the question papers will be set from the entire syllabus prescribed for the session. However, the students shall have to attempt questions having a weightage of 70 percent marks instead of attempting all the questions

The school education department also did well to keep the students engaged through virtual classes or at times, some teachers are holding classes under the open sky for the benefit of the students. However, as experts keep on repeating, it can never be a substitution for formal and structured schooling where students learn through teacher-student interactions. The decision to reduce the syllabus would prevent learning gaps created by the pandemic situation which can cause a devastating sense of emotional damage, anxiety, and uncertainty among teachers, students and parents.

England take slender 27-run lead as Root scores unbeaten 180

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

15/08/2021

London: Captain Joe Root scored a fighting 180 not out — his 22nd century and 11th score of 150-plus — to help England make 391 in their first innings and gain a 27-run lead against India on the third day of the second Test at Lord’s on Saturday.

England, who were bowled out on the last ball of the day, batted for 128 overs to defy the Indian bowlers who at times looked clueless and bowled plenty of no-balls.

Mohammed Siraj was the pick of the Indian bowlers, taking four wickets for 94 runs while Ishant Sharma chipped in with 3/69, including two off successive deliveries. Mohammed Shami, who took the last wicket, finished with two for 95.

England started strongly from the overnight 119/3 and did not lose a single wicket in the first session as both Root and Jonny Bairstow (57) brought up their century partnership while adding 97 in the first session.

Bairstow, who came in at No. 5, was aggressive on resumption of play on the third morning, hammering Siraj and Shami for five fours in the first six overs.

That forced a change from skipper Kohli, who brought in Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja. Although tight, both couldn’t get India a breakthrough. England had added 54 in the first hour which allowed them a headstart.

Just before lunch, Jonny Bairstow reached his half-century, his first in two years and after 19 innings. The Indian bowlers struggled to extract movement from a flat deck something that James Anderson had masterfully managed on the second day.

However, the England hard-hitter soon fell prey to India’s plan of attacking with short deliveries, falling to Siraj as he mistimed a pull and ballooned a catch to slip.

While Root and Bairstow had added 121 for the fourth wicket, Jos Buttler and Root added 54 for the fifth wicket before Buttler was beaten by Ishant Sharma through his defence.

Moeen Ali, batting at No. 7, played some shots and took England to tea with five wickets down. Ali added 58 for the sixth wicket with Root before Ishant Sharma took two wickets off two successive deliveries to leave England tottering at 341/7 after tea.

However Root, who at 30 years 227 days became the second youngest batsman to get to 9,000 Test runs after Alastair Cook, added 50 runs with the last three wickets, including 20 with James Anderson (0) to take England to their eventual total. This was Root’s second hundred in this series, after the century in the second innings of the fist Test at Trent Bridge.

Brief scores: India 364 in 126.1 overs vs England 391 all out in 128 overs (Joe Root 180 not out, Jonny Bairstow 57, Rory Burns 49, Mohammad Siraj 4/94, Ishant Sharma 3/69, Mohammed Shami 2/95).

India is prepared for any challenge: Rajnath Singh

National

Indo Asian News Service

15/08/2021

New Delhi: On the eve of 75th Independence Day celebrations, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday called upon the armed forces to be prepared for any challenge that may come their way.

He asserted that the dimensions of security are constantly changing in the evolving environment and the Indian government is always ready for it.

He also said that the government has always been aware to meet the armed forces’ operational requirements.

In the Union Budget for 2021-22, for the modernisation of the defence sector, the capital outlay has been increased from Rs 1.13 lakh crore to Rs 1.35 lakh crore which is 18.75 per cent higher than the previous financial year.

“I want to assure you that the government will take every step to protect the country,” he said.

During his radio address to the armed forces, Singh said: “I assure you (soldiers) that the government is ready and will continue to always meet the needs of you and your loved members.”

The Defence Minister remembered the soldiers who laid down their lives in securing India’s sovereignty, and assured their family members that not only all the Indians are with them, but the grateful nation will always remember their sacrifice.

“While non-violence is our ultimate duty, protecting the integrity of the nation is also equally important. Therefore, we are ready to sacrifice anything for the unity and integrity of the nation,” he said.

Singh asserted that to maintain peace and prosperity in the country, it is necessary that the armed forces remain alert and aware in protecting the nation wherever they are — in water, land or sky.

Speaking about Eastern Ladakh, he said that efforts are being made to resolve the differences along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) through talks with China.

He said that that the process of disengagement has been completed in some places.

Coming to Jammu and Kashmir, the minister said that the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) has remained under control in the last one year due to strict vigilance and indomitable valour of the forces.

He also lauded Indian Army Subedar Neeraj Chopra for winning the first gold medal for India in a track and field event at the Olympics. Javeling thrower Chopra had created history last Saturday by clinching the gold at Tokyo Olympics.

Speaking about air power, the minister said that to maintain the operational edge of the Air Force, the Centre had signed government-to-government agreement with France for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft and so far 26 of them have arrived in India.

He also lauded the Union Cabinet’s decision to procure indigenous fighter aircraft 83 LCA Tejas MK-1A for the Air Force at a cost of Rs. 45,696 crore.

MK-1A is a fourth-generation state-of-the-art fighter aircraft designed and developed in India.

“Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will manufacture these aircraft in India itself. This is a remarkable example of strengthening the aim of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in the field of defence,” Singh added.

The minister also said that on August 8, indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant completed its four-day maiden sea voyage, which is a big achievement towards self-reliant India.

IAC Vikrant has been built with more than 76 per cent indigenous material.

Singh also lauded the project worth over Rs 40,000 crore for the construction of six conventional submarines — Project 75 (India) — for the Indian Navy.

Cyber Crimes

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Precious Kashmir

14/08/2021

Amid growing proliferation of the internet and increasing use of online platforms in day-to-day life, the number of cyber crime cases have increased over the years in India. Over 93,000 of them were reported between 2017 and 2019, Ministry of Home Affairs informed the Parliament in the just concluded monsoon session.

According to the data published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the cybercrime cases registered in 2017, 2018 and 2019 were 21796, 27248 and 44546 respectively, the ministry said in a written reply.

Cyber crime is a criminal activity that involves the use of one or more computer and a network. A target could be an individual, an organisation or a government. Financial fraud, invasion of privacy, illegal trade, online stalking, data theft, subversion and espionage are a few examples of cyber crime.

Crimes such as revenge porn and slut shaming also increased on social media platforms. Some, rather occasional controversies are subsumed over a period. However many problems remain and justice delivery mechanisms appear to be very complex and inaccessible to women and the marginalised when it comes to cyber crimes.

Apart from simplifying means for justice delivery, there is a need to spread awareness as well as training law enforcement agencies and improve cyber forensic facilities including properly educating them on gender sensitisation. These steps would surely help to prevent such cases and expedite investigation.

There are several laws to prevent such crimes. The Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 (21 of 2000) has provisions regarding cheating by personation (section 66D), violation of privacy (section 66E), publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form (section 67), publishing or transmitting material containing sexually explicit act, etc. in electronic form (section 67A), publishing or transmitting material depicting children in the sexually explicit act, etc. in electronic form (section 67B), etc.

Rule 3 (2) (b) of Information Technology (Intermediaries guidelines) Rules, 2011 provides for an obligation for Intermediaries (Social media platforms) to inform users of computer resources not to host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, update or share any information that is grossly harmful, harassing, blasphemous defamatory, obscene, pornographic, pedophilic, libelous, and invasive of another’s privacy.

The government is primarily responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of crimes through law enforcement machinery. Government must ensure prompt action as per provisions of law against the criminals misusing the social media and regularly post horribly misogynistic comments including rape threats to women on social media.

PM launches vehicle scrappage policy, aims to create thousands of jobs

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United News Of India

14/08/2021

PM launches vehicle scrappage policy, aims to create thousands of jobs

Scheme offers road tax rebate, free registration for new vehicles

New Delhi: Launching the long-awaited vehicle scrappage policy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the scheme would fetch Rs 10,000-crore fresh investment and create thousands of jobs.

Under the Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernization Program or the Vehicle Scrapping Policy, vehicle-owners choosing to scrap their vehicles would get a certificate enabling them to get exemption in road tax, free registration for purchase of new vehicle.

The Prime Minister said that the general public will benefit greatly from this policy in every way.

“The first advantage will be that a certificate will be given on scrapping the old vehicle. Whoever has this certificate will not have to pay any money for registration on the purchase of a new vehicle,” he said in his virtual address at Investor Summit in Gujarat.

“Along with this, he will also be given some exemption in road tax. The second benefit will be that the maintenance cost, repair cost, fuel efficiency of the old vehicle will also be saved in this.

The third benefit is directly related to life. There will be some relief from the high risk of road accidents due to old vehicles and old technology. Fourth, it will reduce the harmful impact of pollution on our health,” the Prime Minister said.

He stressed that under the new policy vehicles will not be scrapped merely on the basis of age and they will be scientifically tested through authorized, automated testing centres.

Under the voluntary vehicle scrapping policy, personal vehicles would undergo a fitness test after 20 years while commercial vehicles would require it after completion of 15 years. The registration of vehicles which do not have fitness certificates would be automatically cancelled.

“Unfit vehicles will be scrapped scientifically. It will ensure that registered vehicle scrapping facilities all over the counties are technology driven and transparent,” Modi said.

The policy is set to support the scrap related sector and entrepreneurs involved.

The Prime Minister lamented the fact that India imported Rs 23,000 crore worth of scrap steel during the last year as the country’s scrapping is not productive and unable to recover energy and rare earth metals.

He reiterated that India is committed to providing global standard safety and quality to its citizens and this thinking is behind the transition from BS-4 to BS6 fuel efficiency standards.

The Prime Minister said the new scrapping policy is an important link in the circular economy and in the waste to wealth campaign.

“This policy also reflects our commitment to reduce pollution from the cities of the country and protect the environment and fast development. This policy by following the principle Reuse, Recycle and Recovery will also promote the country’s self-reliance in the auto sector and in the metal sector,” he noted.

Speaking in Parliament, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had said that older vehicles pollute the environment 10 to 12 times more than fit vehicles and pose a risk to road safety.

The scrappage scheme provides strong incentives to owners of old vehicles to scrap old and unfit vehicles through registered scrapping centres, which shall provide the owners with a scrapping certificate.

Apart from road tax rebate and waiver of registration fees, the scrappage policy advises automakers to provide a discount of 5 per cent on purchase of new vehicle against the scrapping certificate. (UNI)

Kashmir politicians follow wait and watch policy

Anchor stories

Afaq Bhat

14/08/2021

Kashmir politicians follow wait and watch policy

By: Afaq Bhat

Srinagar: Political activities in Jammu and Kashmir have once again come to a halt and it appears that politicians have adopted a wait and watch policy.

In June this year, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, chaired an All Party Meet (APM) with J&K leaders and offered them to become a part of the development process. After the meeting ended most of the political leaders, including Dr Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah, Sajad Lone, Muzaffar Hussain Beigh, M Y Tarigami, Altaf Bukhari and others stated that the meeting is a beginning and more is in the offing.

An analyst while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “After the Prime Minister chaired the APM on J&K enough hints were dropped about restoring J&K’s statehood but the leaders were told in clear terms that Article 370 won’t come back and there is no possibility about the clock being reversed.”

He said, “At that point of time it appeared that most of the traditional politicians have accepted the change in J&K status-quo and they would revive their activities. But during the past 2 months nothing much has happened. None of the political parties have initiated the process to restart their activities and reach out to the people.”

It’s in place to mention here that when the politicians were released from detention last year, Kashmir based parties had come together and formed Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) with an aim to seek restoration of J&K’s special status. “As on date the PAGD seems to have crumbled, the Peoples Conference led by Sajad Lone pulled out from the amalgam soon after the District Development Council elections ended, while NC and PDP leaders seem to be standing far away from each other. It appears that politicians have realized that mere promises are not enough to lure people and New Delhi is in no mood to come for their rescue,’ said an observer.

“Politicians are maintaining a low profile as they are aware of the fact that narratives and slogans which they had built during all these years have no takers left. It appears that most of them are waiting for the delimitation process to get completed. Once the process is over a clearer picture will emerge about the role of the Kashmir based politicians,” he added.

“After delimitation Jammu and Kashmir regions will have almost equal number of assembly seats. It won’t be easy for any Kashmiri leader to become a chief minister as Jammu is all set to give tough competition to Kashmir. Things are not going to be that easy,” he said.

Govt declares Mughal-era Masjid in Gbl as protected monument

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Ibni Maqbool

14/08/2021

Govt declares Mughal-era Masjid in Gbl as protected monument

By: Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to preserve the centuries-old Masjid at Malshahi Bagh in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district and declared it as a protected monument.

The department of Culture has issued a notification to declare the Masjid built in the 17th century as a protected monument.

“In exercise of powers conferred by sub-section 1 of section 3 of The Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, Samvat Act-1977(1920 AD), read with amendment Act -2010, the Government on the recommendations of Director Archives, Archaeology and Museums hereby declare the “old Mughal era Mosque, Malshai Bagh, Ganderbal, along with the land measuring 16 Kanals and 10 Marlas falling under Khasra No. 192 as “ protected monument” within the meaning of the said Act,” read the notification.

The Masjid stands in the midst of 360 kanals of orchard owned by J&K Muslim Wakf Board. The Board looks after Muslim shrines and properties in J&K.

As mandated under the law, the government has also asked people to file objections, if any, against the notification before the Secretary, Department of Culture within a period of two months.

“On the expiry of the said period of two months, the government after consideration of the objections, if any, shall confirm or withdraw the notification,” read “The Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act”.

The 17th century mosque is in shambles due to apathetic attitude of successive regime of the State and Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Waqf Board.

The Masjid was built by Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of the Mughal emperor Shahjahan. It is said that Dara Shikoh constructed the Masjid for his spiritual master and saint Mullah Shah Badakhshi.

J&K will emerge as winner in fight against Covid pandemic: LG

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Precious Kashmir

14/08/2021

‘Apply past learning, be prepared to tackle possible third wave’

Srinagar: Keeping a close watch on the present Covid Scenario of J&K and the administration’s preparations to prevent the third wave, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Friday chaired a series of meetings with members of Covid Task Force, Deputy Commissioners and SsP.

While taking a detailed assessment of the District-wise Covid containment measures and the vaccination and other measures to effectively tackle the spread of the corona virus, the Lt Governor asked the concerned officials to apply the learning from the past and prepare themselves to tackle the future challenge of a possible third wave.

The Lt Governor suggested a host of measures to complement the ongoing Covid containment efforts of the J&K Government.

With full capacity utilization of the vaccination; raising IEC and enforcement level; strict compliance of Covid Appropriate Behaviour; increasing surveillance activities; scaling up of Testing & Contact Tracing, J&K will emerge as a winner in the fight against the global pandemic, said the Lt Governor.

In the previous meeting, I have said that the next 100 days are crucial. We need to continuously monitor the evolving situation and implement new strategies, besides expanding our outreach and deploying sufficient workforce to overcome any health exigency, added the Lt Governor.

Emphasizing on giving dedicated focus to cover the maximum population, the Lt Governor passed specific directions for putting extra efforts and taking innovative measures for achieving 100% inoculation of first dose under 18-44 age group.

The Lt Governor directed the health department to ensure uploading of the Covid testing data, besides mobilizing joint teams for strict enforcement of containment measures.

He further asked the Civil and Police administration to maintain close coordination to ensure on-ground implementation of Covid control measures and adherence to the covid protocols.

While congratulating the districts for achieving 100% vaccination amongst the targeted population, the Lt Governor observed that the UT government is ensuring equitable allocation, distribution, and administration of vaccine.

DCs and Health officials were directed to increase the average rate of per day vaccination in order to achieve the set targets.

Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department gave a detailed briefing on district-wise analysis of Covid situation.

He informed the chair that Srinagar has achieved 98% vaccination coverage of 1st dose in 45 and above age group, while Doda, Reasi, and Udhampur have achieved 97%, 96%, and 97% coverage respectively.

All 20 districts are in the green zone as per benchmarks set for assessing Covid-19 situation, he added.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Dilbag Singh, DGP; Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department; Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Government, Public Works (R&B) Department; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Mukesh Singh, ADGP; Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Dr. Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Deputy Commissioners and SPs, attended the meetings, in person and through virtual mode.

LG to honour 50 Covid warriors on I-Day

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Precious Kashmir

14/08/2021

Srinagar: Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir handled the Covid-19 pandemic with great professionalism and used all possible resources to provide Care and Cure to the patients suffering from Covid-19 in both waves.

Sufficient measures were taken by the Health & Medical Education Department, J&K, which included increasing the bed capacity, oxygen generation capacity/availability, ensuring supply of drugs & consumables and management of protocols/directions issued by MOH&FW, GoI, from time to time. Effective mechanism was also adopted for making vaccination successful for the target groups which helped to contain the infection further.

Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha recognizing the selfless services rendered by the COVID Warriors (Doctors/ Paramedics/ Nurses/ Nursing Orderlies/ Drivers/etc.) in managing the pandemic, said, the way men and women health care workers have vaccinated people in difficult and snowbound areas by walking 18-20 kms, has set a new benchmark for the entire country.

“These warriors have put relentless efforts without even caring for their own lives and the lives of their family members and even remained away from their dear ones during this pandemic. With the day and night efforts of these Health Care warriors, Jammu & Kashmir was successful in keeping the positivity rate of patients and mortality rate within controllable limits,” said the Lt Governor.

Appreciating the services rendered by the Health Care Warriors, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has decided to honour 50 Health Care Workers (Covid Warriors) with Certificate of Appreciation on 15th of August, 2021 (Independence Day).

“With the hard work of our doctors, health workers, and other services, we have ensured better healthcare delivery during pandemic. I would like to convey gratitude to them on behalf of the entire Jammu and Kashmir,” the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor has approved the following names in recognition of their dedicated services during Covid Pandemic.

The awardees include Prof.(Dr) Ghulam Jeelani Romshoo, Dr. Rahul Gupta, Dr.Naveed Nazir Shah, Dr.Fayaz Ahmad Sofi, Dr.Tablib Khan, Dr. M.Y Zagoo, Dr. Farooq Ahmed Qureshi, Dr.Tajamul Hussain, Dr.Humaira Noor, Dr.Rajeshwar Sharma, Dr.Parvez Iqbal Wani, Dr.Yash Pal Sharma, Dr.Rakesh Raina, Dr.Tazyeen Younis, Dr.Amrish Kolhi, Dr.Harjeet Rai, Dr.Tajamul, Dr.Shahid Hussain, Dr.Wasim Chouhan, Dr.Abhimanyu Gupta, Dr. Mohammad Shafi, Dr.Irfan Iqbal, Dr.Ravinder Pal Singh, Dr. Sachin Gokhle, Shankutla Devi, Tanzeela, Mary Victoria, Rafiqa Rashid, Abdul Rashid Wani, Muzaffer Maqbool, Rashid Hussain Wani, Javaid Iqbal, Raj Kumar, Naresh Sharma, Sajad Ahmad Mir, Shabina Kowsar, Anjalina Gul, Parveena Akihter, Puneet Kour, Suman Kumari, Rani Devi, Nirmala Devi, Shakeela Banu, Shalini Soodan and Vijay Kumar.

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