Precious Kashmir

Chhari-Mubarak taken to Shankaracharya temple

City

09/08/2021

Srinagar: The holy Silver Mace of Lord Shiva ‘Chhari-Mubarak’ was on Sunday taken to historic Shankaracharya Temple in the summer capital, Srinagar, on the occasion of ‘Haryali-Amavasya’ as per the age-old customs association with the annual pilgrimage to Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas.

The annual pilgrimage was cancelled for the second successive year due to COVID-19 pandemic though Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has made arrangements for live drashan.

The sound of conch shell charged the whole atmosphere at the temple, also known as the Jyeshteshwara temple, located on the hill top of Takhat-e-Suliman in the Zabarwan range in Srinagar for puja on the occasion of Haryali-Amavasya.

Pujan was performed chanting Vedic hymn. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, selected number of Sadhus led by Custodian of the Chhari-Mubarak accompanied Holy Mace and participated in the prayers that lasted for more than 90 minutes. Collective prayers were also offered for peace and prosperity of the Jammu and Kashmir.

This temple was, earlier, known as Jyeshteshwara or Jyoteshwara temple. But after Adi Shankracharya visited this temple, it is, now, popularly known as Shankracharya Temple.

Chhari-Mubarak shall be taken to ‘Sharika-Bhawani’ Temple, Hari Parvat, Srinagar, to pay obeisance to the Goddess on Monday. (UNI)

Rs 4 lakh recovered from COVID-19 norm violators: Police

City

Precious Kashmir

09/08/2021

Srinagar: As many as 3379 people were fined Rs 4 lakh for violating various COVID-19 guidelines during the last 24 hours in Kashmir valley.

A police spokesperson said that continuing its efforts to curb the outbreak of the second wave of Coronavirus, police have realized fine to the tune of Rs 4,08,950 from 3379 people in the valley for violating various guidelines regarding COVID-19.

“The special drive against the violators of COVID-19 guidelines and rules continued in all the districts of Kashmir to ensure that people adhere to SOPs/guidelines envisaged by the government to curb the pandemic,” he said.

He said community members are once again requested to cooperate with the Police in containing the spread of Coronavirus by following the guidelines for their own safety and for the safety of others. “The special drive shall continue throughout the districts of Kashmir Valley to strengthen the safety measures,” he added.

Union Joint Secretary MIDH visits Centre of Excellence

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

09/08/2021

Srinagar: Union Joint Secretary Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and Managing Director National Horticulture Board, Rajbir Singh Panwar arrived here on a two-day visit to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to review the implementation of MIDH Scheme.

He was received by Director General Horticulture and Mission Director MIDH, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat.

Joint Secretary accompanied by the Director General Horticulture and other officers of the department visited the Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Zawoora, Srinagar.

On the occasion, DG Horticulture, briefed Joint Secretary about the objective of establishment CoE.

Pertinently, Centre of Excellence is being established under the centrally sponsored scheme MIDH at an estimated cost of 924 lakhs. “The Centre of Excellence (CoE) serves as a demonstration center for Micro-irrigation, Hi-Tech Green Houses, Tissue Culture Labs and Weather Forecasting Station as well as a source of high-quality planting material to the orchardists of the valley”, DG Horticulture said.

Joint Secretary reviewed the progress made under the different components and advised to complete the project during the current year. He also directed to make the CoE as a self-sustaining model that shall serve as a hub for catering the need of orchardists in respect of quality plant material.

Meanwhile, DG Horticulture pleaded for establishment of more such “Centre of Excellence” in Jammu & Kashmir.

Army man found dead in Rajouri

Jammu & Kashmir

United News Of India

09/08/2021

Jammu: An Army soldier was on Sunday found dead under mysterious circumstances in Rajouri Garrison of Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu based defence spokesman, Lt Col Devender Anand said that at about 2000 hours, one Army soldier (24 years) was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Rajouri Garrison.

“Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate into the circumstances leading to death while police has been informed in this regard,” said the spokesman. (UNI)

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: DC launches cleanliness drive, lauds sanitation workers

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

09/08/2021

Reasi: As part of ongoing “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, a Cleanliness drive “Clean Reasi” was held here which witnessed participation of District officers led by Deputy Commissioner, Charandeep Singh.

Chairman M.C Reasi, Sudhesh Puri; ADDC Jyoti Slathia; CPO Sunita Kanchan; PO ICDS Renu Kumari; ACD Anirudh Rai; ACR Sanjay Badyal; CEO Mohd. Aziz; CAO Sudhir Singh; DYSSO Subhash Chandra; CHO Brij Vallabh Gupta, besides other concerned officers were also present.

During the drive, plastic and other non-decomposable waste was collected from the premises of the Thapa Chowk, Reasi Bus Stand upto the Bhimgarh fort.

In his address, DC said “The government alone cannot do it and everybody has to contribute to make Reasi clean.” He asked the people to inculcate cleaning habits in their lives.

After cleaning premises of Zorawar Singh statue, the officers planted saplings of Marigold and conducted cleanliness inside Bhimgarh fort premises.

Later, the DC along with the District officers appreciated and applauded sanitation workers by clapping for them and concluded the said cleanliness drive by singing the National Anthem.

JKSC holds Basketball event as part of week-long celebrations

Sports

Precious Kashmir

09/08/2021

Jammu: As a part of ongoing week-long celebrations ahead of Independence Day, Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council on Sunday organised Basketball event at Shastri Nagar Sports Field here.

Chief Account Officer, J&K Sports Council, Dr Zafar Iqbal with Chief Coach, Harjinder Singh of Sports Authority of India (SAI), inaugurated the event.

Extending gratitude to Secretary, Sports Council, Ms Nuzhat Full, Dr Iqbal thanked her for initiating such activities ahead of Independence Day.

Hard work blended with honesty is the only ‘mantra’ of success, he told hoopsters.

In the first match, Sparrows beat Dogras 44-37.

In the second match, Local Club outclassed Falcon Club by 28 points (40-12).

In girls section, Hooper Club defeated Kamikaze 32-20 and in the next match, MSP defeated Rookies by 8 points (60-52).

Divisional Sports Officer, Jammu Ashok Singh with Managers Shaktish Chopra, Satish Gupta, S P Singh, Dalbir Mehta and coach Sushma Jamwal, were the key officials in organising the matches. (UNI)

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: DC Reasi launches online competition

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

09/08/2021

Reasi: Deputy Commissioner Reasi Charandeep Singh Sunday launched an online Display your Talent competition for general public of the district on the theme “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”.

It is pertinent to mention here that The ONLINE competition will start from today and end on August 13 by 8PM and is open for all the domiciles of District Reasi.

ADDC Jyoti Slathia; CPO Sunita Kanchan; PO ICDS Renu Kumari; ACD Anirudh Rai; ACR Sanjay Badyal; CEO Mohd. Aziz; CAO Sudhir Singh; DYSSO Subhash Chandra; CHO Brij Vallabh Gupta; AD FCS&CA Md Sayeed; AD Handloom Chander Mohini; District Informatics Officer Ashish, Rajinder; kr Digra KAS (P)besides other concerned officers were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC urged the general public to Post their talent as a reply to the post https://www.facebook.com/267042296976106/posts/1502958010051189/

Those interest in the contest can post their Painting, Song, Dance, Sand Art, Toy Making, Poem , Debate (link will be shared separately), yoga, aerobics , instrument playing, Rangoli making, slogan writing , etc.

There will be 3 cash prizes for the winners with Ist prize carrying Rs. 7000, 2nd Prize Rs 5000, 3rd Prize of Rs. 3000 cash.

The DC further informed that the winners would be awarded on 15th of August 2021 with the prize money and an appreciation letter duly signed by him.

He urged the public of Reasi, especially those from far flung areas to participate and display their talent to get widespread recognition.

Govt gives one year extension to Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba

National

Indo Asian News Service

09/08/2021

Govt gives one year extension to Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba

New Delhi: The Centre on Saturday gave one year extension to Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved extension in service to Shri Rajiv Gauba, IAS (JH:1982) as Cabinet Secretary for the period of one year beyond 30.08.2021, read the Government notification issued late Saturday evening.

A 1982 batch officer of Jharkhand cadre, Gauba was to retire on August 30 this year.

He was appointed as Cabinet Secretary in August 2019, replacing PK Sinha, who was holding this post since 2015 and continued till August 2019 after getting several extensions beyond his two-year tenure.

Prior to his appointment, he also served as Union Home Secretary from August 31, 2017 to August 31. 2019, succeeding Rajiv Mehrishi.

Sixty two-year-old Gauba had also served as Secretary in the Union Urban Development Ministry, Additional Secretary in the Home Ministry, looking after the crucial left wing extremism division, among many other responsibilities.

He has a wide-ranging experience in senior positions at policy making and programme implementation in both central and state governments and in international organisations.

Born in Punjab, Gauba had graduated in physics from Patna University. He had served in Jharkhand as the Chief Secretary for 15 months before returning to serve in the central government in 2016.

Situation Warrants Rise In Vigilance Level

Edit
Oped

Precious Kashmir

07/08/2021

Situation Warrants Rise In Vigilance Level

For the last few days now, as data shows, covid-19 is rearing its head again. Though the numbers are not alarming, the situation should warrant a rise in vigilance levels. The prime objective of the government should be to stop crowds from gathering at busy places. The reason is that the R Value – or reproductive value – of Covid-19 is more than one in several states or UTs including Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Not only in parts of India, there is also an uptick in the cases in the US, Japan, Southeast Asia and parts of Europe. Random changes in the virus’s genetic code are threatening to undo the progress made in containing the pandemic’s spread.

There is enough evidence that the current crop of vaccines limit the number of people falling gravely ill.

Earlier this week, the Home Secretary asked the UT Administrations including J&K to remain in a state of readiness to mitigate future surges, besides undertaking a combined strategy of test-track-treat COVID cases, micro containment of emerging hot spots, speedy vaccination, enforcement of COVID appropriate behaviour, and ramping up of COVID dedicated medical facilities for successful containment of the disease.

As many as 5,62,000 vaccine doses are available with J&K, as per officials. Efforts should be made to achieve the set target of covering 60% of the population by this month.

Dedicated focus must be given on timely inoculation of 2nd dose, besides ensuring 100% coverage of the 18-44 age group with the first dose, the Lt Governor rightly asked the officials during a review meeting.

There is a need for assessing the surveillance activities being conducted in the districts. There is also a need to scale up the surveillance exercises besides contact tracing which must be done at a 1:15 ratio to break the spread chain of the pathogen.

As per officials more than 51 lakh population has been inoculated with 1st dose till date. As per officials the remaining districts viz Kupwara, Srinagar, Doda, Kathua, Reasi, and Udhampur which were yet to achieve saturation of 1st dose in 45 and above age group are also nearing the 100% coverage. Put another way round, a significant number of people, most vulnerable to the lethal ways of the virus, are still unprotected against the pathogen.

Besides increasing vaccination, there is a need to guard against complacency and laxity, which creeps in as positivity declines. Efforts must be stepped up to prevent any probable future surge.

COVID-19: Next 100 days crucial: LG

Front

Precious Kashmir

07/08/2021

Says SOPs must be followed to prevent 3^rd wave

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Friday chaired the weekly meetings with members of Covid Task Force, Deputy Commissioners, and SsPs on present Covid scenario in the UT.

“Next 100 days are crucial as per the experts’ report. We need to be alert, vigilant and must adhere to Covid protocols to prevent the third wave”, observed the Lt Governor.

Emphasizing on reaching out to the maximum population to make them aware about the Covid related SoPs, the Lt Governor directed the Health and Information departments to come up with a comprehensive district-level plan for conducting IEC campaigns. Divisional Commissioners will monitor the implementation of awareness activities in their respective divisions, he added.

He further asked the DCs and SsPs to rope in religious leaders and community heads for spreading awareness regarding adherence of Covid Appropriate Behaviour, besides making informative announcements from religious places to create a sense of responsibility on the part of the general public to follow covid protocols and control the spread of the infection.

The Lt Governor laid special emphasis on mobilizing the joint teams for effective enforcement on the ground and taking long-term solutions to mitigate the spread of Corona virus. Directions were passed to the DCs, SsP to ensure that no congregation takes place with more than 25 people.

On being informed that as many as 5,62,000 vaccine doses are available with J&K, the Lt Governor observed that availability of vaccines in such large numbers will go a long way in complementing the government’s efforts to achieve the set target of covering 60% of our population by this month.

Dedicated focus must be given on timely inoculation of 2nd dose, besides ensuring 100% coverage of the 18-44 age group with the first dose, the Lt Governor told the officials.

While assessing the surveillance activities being conducted in the districts, the Lt Governor directed the district administrations to scale up the surveillance exercises. Contact tracing must be done at a 1:15 ratio to break the spread chain of the virus, he added.

The Lt Governor passed specific directions for uploading of all covid related data at the earliest, besides increasing testing and awareness activities in areas with high positivity rates.

While taking a district-wise thorough assessment, the Lt Governor sought the present standings of the districts in respect of various indicators and norms set for evaluating the Covid situation from Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department, Atal Dulloo, who in turn briefed the chair about the analysis of Covid-19 pandemic including the status of vaccine availability and coverage; real time reproductive number of cases ( Rt value); availability of vaccine; positivity rate; daily trends of COVID 19 cases & testing done etc.

He informed that more than 51 lakh population has been inoculated with 1st dose till date. It was further informed that the remaining districts viz Kupwara, Srinagar, Doda, Kathua, Reasi, and Udhampur which were yet to achieve saturation of 1st dose in 45 and above age group are also nearing the 100% coverage.

The Lt Governor also sought the status of the covid containment efforts of the Administration, besides the measures taken to vaccinate the targeted population under different age-groups and other interventions made to effectively tackle the spread of the corona virus.

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; 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 SsP attended the meetings, in person and through virtual mode.

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Says SOPs must be followed to prevent 3rd wave

Says SOPs must be followed to prevent 3^rd wave