Precious Kashmir

Govt is, has always been open to dialogue with farmers: Sitharaman

National

02/02/2021

New Delhi: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the only solution to the ongoing deadlock over agrarian reform laws is ‘discussion’ and the Government is ready to consult with the farmers on each of the provisions of the three farm laws.

Addressing the post-budget press conference here, she said, ‘On Farm laws, Government is and has always been open to dialogue with farmers; Agriculture Minister has been ready to have clause-by-clause discussion with farmers on the farm laws. Hence, we believe that dialogue is the way forward.’

Sitharaman said the Union Budget 2021-22 comes at a time, when ‘all of us desire to give greater impetus to the economy, we thought this impetus would be qualitatively spent well and give the needed demand push if we spend big on infrastructure’.

Outlining two key features of the Budget, she said, ‘We chose to spend big on infra across a wide variety of sectors. We have attended to the needs of the health sector, capacity building in health given a big place.’

She said infrastructure spending on health has been given a big push in the Budget, with focus down to planning of block level requirements.

Making a reference to Agriculture, she said, ‘Agriculture has received emphasis in the Budget’.

The Minister further said that allocation for credit flow through NABARD has increased.

‘We are bringing in Agriculture Infrastructure Development Cess through restructuring, without consumers having to pay more,’ she said.

The Budget introduces various reforms in financial sectors, Ms Sitharaman noted.

She said progressive steps such as IPO of LIC and disinvestment will continue, so will the opening up of insurance sector to FDI.

R-Day violence: Plea in Delhi HC seeks release of all protestors ‘detained illegally’

National

United News Of India

02/02/2021

New Delhi: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been moved in the Delhi High Court seeking release of all persons, including but not limited to farmers who have been ‘illegally detained’ on or after January 26, in and around Singhu Border, Tikri Border and Ghazipur border during the tractor rally protests on Republic Day, 2021.
The petitioner, a law student who filed the plea through counsels Ashima Mandla and Mandakini Singh, submitted that the arrests were violative of Articles 14, 21, 22 of the Constitution.
According to the plea, as many as 200 persons are missing after January 26, following the farmers’ tractor rally which turned violent in the National Capital.
“During the detention, the Delhi Police failed to comply with procedural formalities like signing of the arrest memo, informing the next of kin within a period of 8-12 hours, and production of the persons before the Magistrate u/s 167 CrPC,” the petition alleged, adding this falls within the contours of ‘illegal detention’.
The petitioner has also given 15 names of persons who have been missing and detained after the incidents on January 26. However, there is no legally tenable reason to support such detention, the plea contended, praying the constitutional safeguard can be invoked to enforce the Right of Personal Liberty.

Bollywood Can Revive Tourism

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Precious Kashmir

01/02/2021

For the last two years, Kashmir is looking forward to tourists. After the 14 February 2019 bombing along the Jammu-Srinagar highway near LethporaPulwama in February 2019, tourism has been in a freefall.

On 3 August 2019, the local government ordered all tourists and Amarnath pilgrims to leave. It pressed official fleet to Srinagar airport and bus terminals to facilitate their exit from J&K. Before August 5, when the centre effectively annulled the special status of Kashmir under Article 370 of the Indian constitution, and put the entire J&K under security and communication clampdown that saw even landline telephony snapped, the tourists and the pilgrims had emptied the Valley as also Jammu region.

Chances of any revival of the tourism industry were inflicted a crippling blow by the covid-19.

From an income of Rs 6.69 crore from tourism in 2018, revenue plummeted to just around Rs 45 lakh in the past two years, as per a report.

However, as they said, even a single good event can make a big difference and it can help to bring Kashmir back on the tourist map as the best destination. Earlier this month, Bollywood producers on a FAM trip to Kashmir spent quite some time and held interactions with players for the local travel and hospitality sector, line producers and artists. They, as per the official statement, assured to “utilise their services in their future films to be shot in Kashmir.”

The visit of bollywood members sends a message across the India about the beauty of the land and hospitality of its people. Organisers promoting the events like this can be powerful. In tough times such as the contemporary one, they could be ambassadors for the tourism industry, more particularly the winter tourism. Such events could also be a remedy to some toxic propaganda campaign launched in the past by some television channels and media houses against J&K.

Kashmir has historically been an attraction for anyone who wants to relax, and enjoy. In past, the stakeholders have not been able to promote the Kashmir Valley, its unique weather, mountain peaks, water bodies, vast fields and orchids, archeological sites, and cultural signposts. However, to at least see tourism back on rails in Jammu and Kashmir, both the local and central governments need to work in tandem and promote this part of the globe, known to be a paradise on the earth, as an all-season destination locally and internationally.

Kashmir: Concrete houses with big windows turn Chillai-Kalan more severe

Anchor stories

Afaq Bhat

01/02/2021

Kashmir: Concrete houses with big windows turn Chillai-Kalan more severe

Srinagar: As the Chillai-Kalan—40-day harshest winter period in Kashmir—ended on a freezing note, it put a question mark on the concrete houses that people have built during all these years.
An analyst while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “During the past few years, new constructions have come up everywhere. These are all concrete houses with big windows. This year people have felt the chill and have realized that it’s no easy to live in the concrete houses during harsh winters.”
It’s in place to mention here that houses in Kashmir in earlier times used to have small windows and were mostly wooden. But as the time changed and modernization took place the wood was replaced by cement and bricks. Due to heavy snowfall at many places new designed roofs of the houses also collapsed as these couldn’t withstand the load of the snow.
An architect said, “Things have changed drastically during the past few years. People don’t like small windows and cozy houses. They want bigger rooms with attached bathrooms and big windows. But this year many of us have realized that in winter such homes are not suitable for living as it becomes difficult to fight the freezing temperatures.”
He said, “Many people have started blaming architects for these houses not being able to withstand the sub-zero temperature but the fact is we provide these designs on the demand of our clients. This winter we have learnt an important lesson that small and cozy houses can prove to be more effective in Kashmir. We need to follow the basics like using wood and other material that can keep the homes warm during the winter months in the Valley.”
The architect said, “If winter continues to be the same in coming years then people should think about setting up the fire places in every room so that then remain warm. We cannot turn every room into a hammam.”
Another problem which the people faced during Chillai-Kalan was water pipes getting frozen. For the past many days, water taps are running dry as Kashmir is in deep freeze. “In the recent years, people have started using PVR pipes instead of GI pipes and it has helped but we cannot give any guarantee that the new PVR pipes won’t freeze. In some cases these have worked while at many places these pipes have also frozen,” said an expert.
He said, “If the chill continues to haunt people in winters in coming years also they will have to look for better ways and means to keep their homes warm at least during Chillai-Kalan.”

Elections for DDC chairpersons: Suspense continues, parties tight-lipped

Anchor stories

Gul Owais

01/02/2021

Elections for DDC chairpersons: Suspense continues, parties tight-lipped

PAGD yet to convene any meet, Congress says will talk to other parties except BJP, AP; others claim support of independents

Srinagar: With elections for the chairpersons of District Development Councils (DDCs) coming near, there has been a complete silence within the political parties and majority of them are claiming the support of independents.

The elections for DDC chairmen are likely to be held in February.

All the political parties here have so far preferred to maintain silence over the polls as these parties have so far not issued a single statement in this regard.

Unlike the period of eight-phased maiden DDC polls, no activities are taking place in any of the political parties, whose candidates won the elections on the party tickets from different DDC constituencies.

Talking to Precious Kashmir, the leaders from all the political parties claimed the support of independent DDC members, saying that maximum of chairpersons will be from their party only.

Nonetheless, the parties that fought the recent elections unitedly under the banner of People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), have also not called any meeting so far to discuss the modalities for the polls.

Senior Congress leader and former Member of Legislative Council (MLC), G N Monga said that the party has already moved to the court over reservations announced by the government vis-à-vis DDC chairpersons.

“The issue has not been cleared yet while there is no official announcement regarding the elections for DDC chairpersons. Let the government come up with the dates for the polls and accordingly Congress will meet other political parties except BJP and Apni Party to discuss the future course of action,” he said.

BJP’s Media InchargeManzoor Bhat said that independents are in touch with their party. “We will not support any party, but will try to have our own chairpersons,” he said.

Similarly,Apni Party leader, who wished not be named said that the party is having a good support from independents and will head more than seven DDCs in J&K.

He said the party is waiting for the government to announce the poll dates. “Let the dates be announced first. The party will come up with a statement accordingly,” he said.

Srinagar records coldest night in 30 years

Front

United News Of India

01/02/2021

Srinagar records coldest night in 30 years

Srinagar: World famous Dal Lake and other water-bodies were frozen as Srinagar recorded it’s coldest night in 30 years after the mercury dipped and settled at minus 8.8 degree on Sunday, the last day of Chillai-Kalan.

Meanwhile, chilly weather intensified further with mercury dipping and settling several degrees below normal across the Valley. The weather could become even more extreme as a fresh spell of snow is predicted from Tuesday onwards.

Authorities have warned people, particularly youth and children, not to walk on the frozen water of Dal Lake in the city, where weather remained chilly during the day due to overcast conditions, coupled with ice cold winds.

A Met department spokesperson told UNI that the city recorded the coldest night of the season so far after the mercury dipped over a degree from Saturday and settled at minus 8.8 degree, which is the coldest in 30 years. “We don’t expect the temperature to fall beyond this as ‘Chillai-kalan’, the harshest 40-day winter period in Kashmir, has ended today,” he added.

He said the city recorded minus 11.3 degree in 1991 while the lowest minimum temperature recorded ever in Srinagar was minus 14.4 degree in 1893. “In 1995, the night temperature recorded in Srinagar was minus 8.3 degree,” he said.

He said the city recorded the minimum temperature of minus 8.4 degree on January 14 this year.

Meanwhile, Shikarawalas were finding it difficult to move through frozen parts of the Dal Lake, where River Police has been deployed as a precautionary measure to prevent people from moving on the frozen lake. Tourists staying in houseboats and nearby hotels were pleasantly surprised to see frozen parts of the lake.

It was in 1965 when the entire lake was frozen and a jeep crossed the frozen surface from one end to another end. In the late 80s and 90s, the frozen lake became a major attraction for tourists and locals, who used to take photographs and play cricket on the icy surface. Later, walking and playing on the frozen surface of the lake was banned and police personnel used to be deployed to prevent any accident.

Majority shops and business establishments, including at historic Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the city, reopened only after 1000 hrs. However, the “Haresa”- famous winter dish in Kashmir, was much in demand.

People complained of the lake of passenger transport service available in the morning and in the evening. They alleged that in the absence of public transport, three-wheelers and cabs are charging them several time extra.

People in many areas, including in the city, complained of water shortage. “Our taps were frozen due to chill,” they said and hoped that things may improve as the day progresses.

Summer capital witnesses season’s coldest day at 0.6 C

Front

United News Of India

01/02/2021

City faces acute water scarcity as taps remain frozen

MeT predicts light snowfall in upper reaches

Srinagar: The cold wave further intensified even as people in the summer capital, Srinagar — which recorded the coldest day of the season so far at 0.6 degree — continued to face severe water shortage as taps remained frozen.

However, people are hopeful that there will be some respite from the chill as the 40-km-long Chilai-Kalan, the harshest period of winter, will end today in Kashmir valley. It will be followed by a 20-day-long Chilai-Khurd from Monday and 10-day-long Chilai Bacha before the onset of spring.

The city on Sunday recorded the coldest night and day of the season so far. The mercury during the day dipped further about 2 degrees in Srinagar and settled at 0.6 degree, which is over 8 degree below normal.

People continued to suffer as water taps remained frozen in summer capital, Srinagar and outskirts as severe cold conditions continued. World famous Dal Lake and other water-bodies were also frozen as the city recorded the coldest night in 30 years after the mercury dipped and settled at minus 8.8 degree on Sunday.

Meanwhile, residents from almost all parts of the city, including outskirts complained of water shortage. “Our taps remained frozen for the past three days,” a resident from AazadBastiNatipora, Omar Gassi told UNI.

Due to severe cold wave conditions hundreds of water motors were damaged in Srinagar during the past 72 hours.

A Met department spokesperson said that there could be light snow at few places in Kashmir valley that could result in improvement in night temperature due to overcast conditions.

Country saddened by insult to Tricolor on Jan 26: PM Modi

Front

United News Of India

01/02/2021

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the country was pained to see the dishonour of the tricolour on January 26.

Addressing people of the country on the monthly programme ‘Man Ki Baat’, he said that along with a very good news from the cricket pitch where our cricket team, after initial setbacks made a grand comeback, winning the series in Australia. The hard work and teamwork of our players is inspirational but amidst of all this, the country was pained to see the dishonour of the tricolour.

“Amidst all this, the country was saddened by the insult to the Tricolor on the 26th of January in Delhi. We have to infuse times to come with new hope and novelty” PM Modi said.

Last year, we displayed exemplary patience and courage. This year too, we have to work hard to attain our resolves. We have to take our country forward at a faster pace, he added.

The Prime Minister was referring to the farmer’s tractor rally on this Republic day on January 26 when some miscreants climb to the Red Fort and hoisted a religious flag on the pole of where the national flag is hoisted every year on the Independence Day.

Our vaccination programme turning out to be exemplary: PM Modi

Front

United News Of India

01/02/2021

New Delhi: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India’s vaccination drive is turning out to be exemplary to the world and it has been undertaking the world’s biggest Covid Vaccine Programme.

Addressing the nation on the 73rd episode of Man Ki Baat via radio, he said “India’s fight against Corona became an example, our vaccination Programme too is turning out to be exemplary to the world. Today, India is undertaking the world’s biggest Covid Vaccine Programme.”

He further said “Along with the biggest Vaccine Programme, we are vaccinating our citizens faster than anywhere in the world. In just 15 days, India has vaccinated over 30 lakh Corona Warriors, whereas an advanced country such as America took 18 days to get the same done; Britain 36 days.!”

Noting that the ‘Made in India’ vaccine was a symbol of India’s self-reliance and a symbol of her self-pride, the Prime Minister said that he has received messages of many countrymen saying that the Indian vaccine has generated a new self confidence within.

“Kirtiji writes from Madurai said that the that many of her foreign friends are messaging her thanking India. Kirtiji’s friends have written to her that the way India has helped the world in the fight against Corona has enhanced the respect for India in their hearts”, he noted.

The Prime Minister also said that these days, he too, has been receiving similar messages for India from Presidents and Prime Ministers of different countries of the world and recently the President of Brazil, in a tweet thanked India – every Indian was gladdened at that.

People residing thousands of kilometers away in remote corners of the world are deeply aware of that context in Ramayan; they are intensely influenced by it. This is a specialty of our culture, he said.

Talking further about the vaccination Programme, Mr Modi also said that that during the moment of crisis, India has been able to serve the world today, since she is capable, self-reliant in the field of medicines, vaccines and which the same thought underpinned the Atmanirbhar Bharat Campaign.

The more India is capable, the more will she serve humanity; correspondingly the world will benefit more!, he added.

Shah Faesal praises PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’

Srinagar, Jan 31: Former IAS officer Shah Faesal, on Sunday, lauded Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Mann kiBaat’ saying that it was like ‘1.3 billion coming together as a family’.

While applauding the Prime Minister’s address to the nation, Shah Faesal tweeted, “It is like 1.3 Billion people coming together as a family on a Sunday morning and each one being heard and spoken to, each one feeling counted.”

He further added, “My take away from this program: Communication can build solidarities and make a nation ‘sound’ like a family.”

Prez launches countrywide Pulse Polio drive

Front

United News Of India

01/02/2021

New Delhi: President Ram NathKovind on Saturday launched the Pulse Polio Programme for 2021 by administering polio drops to children less than five years old at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The President and First Lady Savita Kovind administered polio drops to children on the eve of Polio National Immunisation Day, which is observed on January 31 (Sunday), also popularly known as Polio Ravivar.

‘Around 17 crore children of less than five years of age will be given polio drops as part of the drive of

Government of India to sustain polio-free status of the country,’ the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement here.

‘The countrywide drive will be supported by about 24 lakh volunteers, 1.5 lakh supervisors and many Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), WHO, UNICEF and Rotary,’ it said.

‘Healthcare workers will be visiting as many as two crore households to ensure that no child is left without the protection of polio vaccine,’ the statement added.

Union Health & Family Welfare Minister Harsh Vardhan and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey were present on the occasion.

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