London: A highly infectious variant of Covid-19 that has spread around the world since it was first discovered in Britain late last year is between 30% and 100% more deadly than previous dominant variants, researchers said.

In a study that compared death rates among people in Britain infected with the new SARS-CoV-2 variant – known as B117 – against those infected with other variants of the Covid-19-causing virus, scientists said the new variant’s mortality rate was “significantly higher”.

The B117 variant was first detected in Britain in September 2020, and has since also been found in more than 100 other countries.

It has 23 mutations in its genetic code – a relatively high number – and some of them have made it far more easily spread. Scientists say it is about 40%-70% more transmissible than previous dominant variants that were circulating.

In the UK study, published in the British Medical Journal on Wednesday, infection with the new variant led to 227 deaths in a sample of 54,906 Covid-19 patients, compared with 141 among the same number of patients infected with other variants.

“Coupled with its ability to spread rapidly, this makes B117 a threat that should be taken seriously,” said Robert Challen, a researcher at Exeter University who co-led the research.

Independent experts said this study’s findings add to previous preliminary evidence linking infection with the B117 virus variant with an increased risk of dying from Covid-19.

Initial findings from the study were presented to the UK government earlier this year, along with other research, by experts on its New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group, or NERVTAG, panel.

Lawrence Young, a virologist and professor of molecular oncology at Warwick University, said the precise mechanisms behind the higher death rate of the B117 variant were still not clear, but “could be related to higher levels of virus replication as well as increased transmissibility”.

He warned that the UK variant was likely fuelling a recent surge in infections across Europe.

Ganderbal:  Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Pandurang K. Pole Thursday visited under construction Z- Morh tunnel where he initiated blast for first breakthrough of the Z-Morh Tunnel between West Portal and the Ventilation Tunnel Portal, here.

Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Shafqat Iqbal and General Manager(P), NHIDCL, V. K. Pandey, ACR Ganderbal, SDM Kangan, ARTO Ganderbal and officials from NHIDCL  were present on the occasion.

After initiating the blast, the Div Com reviewed the process of ongoing work at the site. He was briefed about the progress made on various works of Z-Morh tunnel including construction of approach roads, lanes, protective walls, drains besides other affiliated works of the project.

After the physical inspection of East & West Portals of Z-Morh tunnel, the Divisional Commissioner stressed upon speeding up the construction work by the engaged contractor. On the occasion, he was assured that the Z-Morh escape tunnel will be ready for controlled movement by November this year.

Pertinently, the opening of the Z-Morh escape tunnel facilitates locals and tourists to access Sonamarg during the winter season as well.

Holy Relic of Prophet (SAW) will be displayed after prayers

Srinagar: The congregational prayers will not be held on the occasion of Meraj-un-Nabi (SAW) being celebrated during the night in the shrines, including Assar-e-Sharief Hazratbal, which houses the Holy Relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), in the valley in view of COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the devotees will have the “Deedar” (glimpse) of holy Relic on Friday after every prayers from Fajr (morning) till “Ishaa” (night prayers).

Meanwhile, Awami Action Committee (AAC) has canceled the decades-old tradition of “ Majlis Waaz-o-Tableegh” at historic Aali Masjid on the occasion of Meraj-un-Nabi due to the continued detention of Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq, who is also chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC).

In a tweet, yesterday AAC, also headed by Mirwaiz said “ Due to the continued house detention of .@MirwaizKashmir, the decades-old tradition of Majlis Waaz-o-Tableegh scheduled tomorrow at historic Aali Masjid on the occasion of Meraj-un-Nabi (SAW) stands canceled”.

The Wakf Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mufti Muhammad Farid-ud-Din Showkat Beigh has said that it has been decided not to observe night-long prayers at any shrine falling under the domain of Wakf Board because of the pandemic.

Similarly, no night prayers would be held in Hazratbal shrine. However, devotees will have deedar of Holy Relic after every prayers.

Thousands of people, including women and children, were participating in the night long prayers at Hazratbal shrine on the bank of Dal Lake on the occasion of Meraj-un-Nabi every year.

Meanwhile, administration has made all necessary arrangements, including security, for devotees visiting shrines and other holy places in the valley.

The traffic department has also announced a traffic plan for Friday to avoid any traffic jams or chaos during the visit of devotees to the Hazratbal shrine.

Srinagar: Despite rain, the 270-km-long highway, the only all weather road connecting Kashmir valley with the rest of the country, was through on Thursday for two-way Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs)  while only Jammu bound Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) will ply from Qazigund.

Last night the traffic department had said that in view of inclement weather prediction issued by the Met department for next few days, there are chances of blockade of Srinagar-Jammu national highway. Therefore, the department said that people are advised to avoid journey on the highway.

However, a traffic police official said despite rain the highway was through for traffic.

“LMVs were allowed to ply from both sides,” he said adding HMVs will be allowed to ply from Zig Qazigund in south Kashmir towards Jammu.

But, he said, LMVs from Jammu will have to pass Nagrota between 0500 hrs to 1000 hrs and Jakheni Udhampur between 0600 hrs to 1100 hrs.

Similarly, Jammu bound LMVs were directed to cross Zig Qazigund between 0800 hrs to 1200 hrs, he said adding no vehicle will be allowed after cut off timing from both sides.

Jammu:  Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has extended his heartiest greetings to people of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of Shab-i-Miraj.

In his message of felicitations, the Lt Governor hoped that the auspicious occasion would spread the message of peace and promote the spirit of brotherhood, harmony, and amity among people of all faiths.

He prayed for peace, progress, and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.

‘Seeks special budgetary provisions for connectivity in JK’

Srinagar: A parliamentary panel has recommended to the Centre that it must place special focus on the maintenance of roads in the Jammu & Kashmir region.

In its report, the department-related parliamentary standing committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture has recommended to the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways to ensure sufficient budgetary provisions for road connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory.

“The Committee is of the considered view that the Ministry must place special focus on the maintenance of roads in the Jammu and Kashmir region, since the region needs good connectivity throughout the year, from both economic as well as strategic viewpoint. A well-connected, well maintained road network would spur economic activities and further the tourism prospects of the region. The Committee, therefore, recommends the Ministry to ensure sufficient budgetary provisions for this purpose and in case any shortage is felt in this regard, the same may be communicated to the Ministry of Finance at the Revised Estimates (2021-22) stage,” reads the report.

The report was tabled in both Houses of the Parliament on Tuesday.

The panel headed by MP T.G Venkatesh made the recommendation after its recent visit to Kashmir where it interacted with different stakeholders on issues related to road, travel & hospitality sectors.  It also heard the officials of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, National Highways Authority of India AI and Government of Jammu & Kashmir on ‘role of highways in nation building’ with reference to the status of national highways/ state Highways in Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)

Jammu: Crime Branch Jammu (CBJ) Thursday conducted simultaneous searches at the houses of former Special Secretary (Legal) Home Department J&K at Jammu and Budgam.

“Team of Crime Branch Jammu conducted simultaneous searches at the residences of accused Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Ganai, son of Abdul Salam Ganai of Hanjura, Tehsil Chadoora, District Budgam, former Special Secretary (Legal) Home Department J&K, in Jammu and Budgam (Kashmir) in a case under FIR number 14/2021 under sections 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, 120-B RPC, r/w sec. 5 (2) P.C Act Police Station Crime Branch Jammu,” the official statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reads.

The statement said that the accused is involved in forging and manipulating his own date of birth in his service/official records in connivance with others in order to take illegal monetary gains for himself and enjoy powers as senior Legal Officer to illegally remain four more years in Government service of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

“The accused has been superannuated by the Jammu and Kashmir Government retrospectively as on 31st March, 2019 from the post of Special Secretary (Legal) Home Department  J&K,” it added.

The statement said that multiple teams headed by senior officers conducted simultaneous searches in the presence of Executive Magistrates Ist class. “During searches documents, electronic gadgets and incriminating material have been seized. After due scrutiny of the seized articles, expert opinion would be sought wherever required by Crime Branch to substantiate the charges against the accused with scientific evidence,” the statement said, adding that further investigation of the case is going on—(KNO)

By: Umer Rashid

Srinagar: A day after going missing from her home, the Narwani girl in south-Kashmir’s Shopian district has been found in Jammu this evening.

A police official confirming the tracing of the teenage girl said she has been found by a team in Jammu area.

Pertinent to mention here that an FIR number 10/2021 stands registered into the instant case under relevant sections of law at Imam Sahib Police station in Shopian. (GNS)