New Delhi, Jan 4: Amid concerns regarding the efficacy data of Covaxin, developed by the Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, the company’s managing director Krishna Ella said that its vaccine is safe and the company is conducting trials in more than 12 countries apart from India. “We are not a company without experience in vaccines. We have tremendous experience in vaccines,” ANI quoted Ella as saying.
“We are touching 123 countries. We are the only company that has got such extensive experience & extensive publication in review journals,” he also said.
“We are not just conducting clinical trials in India. We have done clinical trials more than 12 countries including the UK. We are doing clinical trials in Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh & other countries. We are not just an Indian company, we are truly a global company,” Ella also said.
On being asked about wether the vaccine will be effective on new strain of the virus, Ella said, “Give me one week’s time, I will give you confirm data.”
The government recently approved emergency authorisation use of Oxford-AstraZeneca’s Covishield and also to indigenously developed Covaxin. Soon, data on Covaxin was sought by experts.
Meanwhile, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Dr Balram Bhargava had said on Sunday that Covaxin is based on an inactivated whole virus, having potential to target mutated coronavirus strains including the UK variant, and it was a major reason for giving it a conditional nod.
Speaking on the controversy around the vaccine, Ella said, “Now that vaccine is being politicised, I want to state very clearly that none of my family members are associated with any political party.”
“Approval of Covaxin for emergency use is a giant leap for innovation and novel product development in India. It is a proud moment for the nation and a great milestone in India’s scientific capability, a kickstart to the innovation ecosystem in India,” Ella also said.

SURAT, Jan 4: Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday termed as mentally challenged those opposing the efficacy of coronavirus vaccines made in India.
Pradhan’s remarks came after some Congress leaders raised doubts on the restricted use approval granted to Bharat Biotechs vaccine while its third phase trial is still underway.
“Those who have mand buddhi (are mentally challenged) and those who don’t have faith in the scientists and power of India are making such baseless statements,” Pradhan said.
“These vaccines are a special achievement of Indian companies and our scientists. People have welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative. Some mentally challenged people will never improve, especially the leadership of the Congress, which finds fault in everything,” Pradhan said.
Pradhan, who was here to inaugurate the migrant cell of Surat Municipal Corporation, also defended the new farm laws and said they would bring investment into the agriculture sector and allow cultivators to sell produce at market rates.
Meanwhile, Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP member of Rajya Sabha Sushil Kumar Modi demanded Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to explain for his party describing the Covid-19 vaccine rolled out by the government as fraud.
Modi said it was surprising that Congress leaders had described rolling out of Covid-19 vaccine as fraud. People of the country were happy over the availability of Covid-19 vaccine but Congress leaders were trying to create confusion in public and demoralise scientists on the sensitive issue, he alleged.
BJP leader said that parties which had raised doubts over valour of the armed forces during surgical strike and air strike to flush out terrorists on Pakistani soil, were now raising doubts over Covid-19 vaccine.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited labs to boost the morale of scientists engaged in preparing Covid-19 vaccine, he pointed out.
Modi also came down heavily for discrimination over vaccination on lines of religion and faith. Such behaviour was an act against humanity, he noted.

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Jan 4: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today administered the Oath of Office to Justice Pankaj Mithal as the new Chief Justice of the Common High Court for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh at a swearing-in ceremony here at Convention Centre.

The Lt Governor congratulated Justice Pankaj Mithal for his new appointment.

The Registrar General of the High Court read out the warrant of appointment. Proceedings of the Oath Ceremony were conducted by Sh. Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor.

Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal has been appointed to head the High Court for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in view of the retirement of Chief Justice Gita Mittal recently.

Former Chief Justice, J&K, Justice Gita Mittal; Judges of the High Court, J&K; Judges from Allahabad High Court; Members of Parliament; Advisors to the Lt Governor; Chief Secretary; Administrative Secretaries; Senior officers of Judiciary; Civil Administration; Police; family members and friends of Justice Pankaj Mithal were also present on the occasion.

Punjab Minister Randhawa meets Sinha
Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Jan 4: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today called for interstate cooperation in Agriculture and Cooperative sectors for better promotion and growth opportunities to all the stakeholders in the said sectors.
The Lt Governor was interacting with Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Minister for Department of Cooperation and Jails, Punjab during a meeting held here at the Raj Bhavan.
The Minister proposed for bilateral arrangement between J&K and Punjab for effective production and marketing of various agri-products.
The Lt Governor observed that the promotion of Agriculture and allied sectors is our priority and J&K Government is taking comprehensive measures to facilitate rapid growth in the agriculture and cooperative sectors in J&K.
He said that the UT Administration was already keen to work with various States for such multilateral agreements to harness the rich potential in agriculture, poultry, dairy, fisheries and other allied activities, besides extension services and exchange of ideas in better practices.
He asked the Minister to send a detailed proposal for examination and assured that all possible efforts will be made to extend collaboration in agriculture and allied activities. He further emphasized that the new, investor friendly policies being laid out by J&K Government have ample scope for development in every sector.
The Lt Governor invited the interested investors for establishing lucrative units in J&K with a very good support ecosystem from the UT Administration.

With strategic interventions, the UT Government is establishing a better linkage of agriculture produce of J&K with other regions of the country to revolutionize agriculture and allied sectors. The other States/UTs can also avail of the opportunities in the UT in these sectors, he added.
Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Government, Agriculture/Horticulture, & Cooperatives department and Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor were also present.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Jan 4: Amid snowfall, the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Pandurang K Pole today visited different hospitals to take on spot stock of functioning and healthcare facilities being provided to patients in Srinagar.
Taking on spot stock of functioning of hospital during snowfall , the Div Com visited to SMSH, Chest Disease and Lal Ded Maternity hospital. He was accompanied by ADC Srikant Balasaheb Suse, Principal GMC Srinagar, concerned Medical Superintendents and other concerned.
During visit, the Div Com inspected various blocks and wards including OPD, Operation Theatres, Gynae wards, general wards, parking facilities and interacted with a number of patients to have first-hand feedback from them about the quality of services being provided.
While taking stock of availability of medicine including life saving drugs, Div Com stressed on better patient care, including facilities like heating arrangements are available to patients at all hospitals.

He also took stock of snow clearance work of roads, parking spaces, lawns and other premises of Srinagar Hospitals and directed concerned to ensure roads connecting hospitals are not blocked and essential services in case hampered at any hospital is restored on priority.
The Div Com directed concerned to ensure doctors and other staff including paramedics remain punctual and the duty roster is followed properly. He warned that dereliction of duties by anyone shall not be tolerated.
Emphasizing on proper hygiene, sanitation and cleanliness, the Div Com instructed concerned to ensure prompt lifting of wastage from hospitals and its proper disposal.

JK IT Infrastructure Development Company signs MoU with NBCC

>LG sets deadline of 15, 17 month deadline for completion of project
Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Jan 4: In yet another intervention to bring reforms in the Information Technology sector in J&K; a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NBCC and JK IT Infrastructure Development Company for establishing IT Towers in both the Capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar, in presence of Shri Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of J&K.
These IT Towers would be established at a cost of Rs 50 crore each.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor observed that the development of IT infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir would go a long way in creating a conducive environment for Startups, economic growth and creation of employment opportunities.
“Growth of the Information Technology sector is absolutely imperative for economic growth and for creation of gainful employment opportunities” the Lt Governor remarked.
The Lt Governor said that improvement in the regulatory environment and business ecosystem has been a major priority of the Jammu Kashmir government. A number of reforms have been implemented to promote industry and services, he added.
“We have enough money and resources to give a fillip to the Information Technology sector and last year alone, Rs.156 Crore was provided to make substantial investment for effective penetration of digital technology in the entire Jammu and Kashmir”, the Lt Governor maintained.

He said that many of our youngsters, who are working in cities like Bangalore and Gurugram may also like to return and contribute to our efforts of promoting innovation entrepreneurship culture. The UT Government is working with a vision to promote the latest scientific and technology driven innovations to make J&K self-reliant, he added.
“Now, this infrastructure is expected to significantly increase Jammu and Kashmir appeal to top national investors in the field of Information Technology and Enabled Services”, said the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor set deadlines of 15 months and 17 months for completion of the IT Towers at Jammu and Srinagar, respectively, against the time period of 24 months which was earlier set for completion of the projects.
Detailed presentations were given on establishment of IT Towers in J&K, proposed sites and future plans thereof.
It was informed that the proposed amenities in IT Towers, Jammu and Srinagar include Raw Incubation space; Raw Office space; Plug and Play; Data room; Conference hall; Finishing school; Work-station; Cafeteria; Gymnasium/yoga room; Electrical room; HVAC, BMS,CCTV, Fire-fighting; Parking, STP, Sub-station; Landscaping & Horticulture.

Baseer Ahmad Khan, Advisor to the Lt Governor; Sh. BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, Commissioner/Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department; PK Gupta, CMD NBCC; Ankita Kar, JK IT Infrastructure Development Company; MK Chawla, CGM NBCC and Anoo Malhotra, Director, Industries & Commerce, Jammu were present on the occasion.

Police say death natural
Pulwama, Jan 4, One of the injured in South Kashmir’s Tral grenade attack died in his home on Monday. Police said that it was a natural death while his family members informed that the deceased was suffering from intolerable pain his legs after he suffered splinter injuries in the legs.
Pertinently, on January 2, at least 8 civilians including a septuagenarian were injured after suspected militants hurled a grenade towards a security bunker in Tral town of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Militants hurled a grenade upon the bunker of 16 Battalion SSB B-Coy near bus stand Tral that falls under the jurisdiction of police station Tral. The grenade had missed the target and exploded with a bang leaving 8 civilians injured.
All the injured were shifted to hospital for treatment.
Among the injured 70 year old Abdullah Gojar, S/o Muhammad Sideeq Gojar, a resident of Satoora Tral, died this morning. (KNT)

Srinagar, Jan 4: A low intensity earthquake, measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale, hit Kashmir valley on Monday.
An official said the quake occurred in the valley at 1058 hrs on Monday, the tremors of which were felt in most parts of north and some areas in central Kashmir.
He said the epicentre of the earthquake was located in Bandipora in north Kashmir, adding the co-ordinates of the earthquake are latitude 34.28 degrees north and longitude 74.52 degrees east. “The earthquake occurred at a depth of 5 km,” he said, adding that there is no report of any casualty or damage to property.
Earthquakes have caused massive damage in Kashmir valley in the past as it is located in a highly sensitive seismological region. In 2005, an earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale caused massive damage on both the sides of the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K.

Tasaduq Hussain
Srinagar, Jan 4: In a relief for the people of Jammu and Kashmir the construction work on the much-awaited Qazigund-Banihal four-lane tunnel is nearing completion and is likely to be open for traffic from April in the ensuing year.

The construction work of the four-lane Qazigund to Banihal tunnel was awarded to an Andhra Pradesh based Navayuga Engineering Company by the NHAI with an estimated cost of over Rs 2000 crore.

The project missed several deadlines for many reasons in the past including the land conditions, lockdown besides financial issues known to the construction company.

Talking to KNO, the Project manager of Qazigund-Banihal tunnel, Gaurav Gopal said that the work is expected to be completed by April 2021.
“The work on the Qazigund-Banihal four-lane tunnel is expected to be finalised by April 2021,” Gopal said.
Officials privy to the construction work said that the CCTV cameras and other facilities have been ensured with exhaust while some related work is still going in and outside the tunnel.

The tunnel is believed to reduce the road distance between Banihal in Jammu province and Qazigund in south Kashmir by 16 km from the present 35 km and will bypass Jawahar Tunnel and Shaitan Nalla, which is prone to heavy snowfall and slippery conditions during winters.
The Qazigund- Banihal stretch often remains closed for traffic movement due to the heavy snowfall and rains in the areas especially during the winter season.
The construction of the Qazigund-Banihal tunnel was started over a decade back but missed several deadlines will now make the travel over Srinagar Jammu Highway easier with the less consuming time that will be a major relief for the people of both Kashmir and Jammu division especially for the tourists who visit the Valley to enjoy the snowfall.

Srinagar, Jan 4: District Administration Srinagar has ordered the resumption of Coaching centres in Srinagar with set Covid-19 protocols and guidelines in place.
In a meeting today between Srinagar Administration and heads of Coaching Centres which was headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr. Syed Haneef Balkhi (KAS) discussed the various issues regarding the re-opening of Coaching centres in Srinagar in view of the Pandemic.
ADC Srinagar, Dr Syed Haneef Balkhi while talking to KNO said, “There is no ban on running the authorised coaching centres in Srinagar, all that needs to be followed in letter and spirit are the Covid-19 guidelines and SOPs which are already in place.”

Earlier, district administration had ordered the closure of some coaching centres as many Covid-19 positive cases were reported, particularly those operational in Parraypora and Rajbagh areas of the city.

It had stated that the mandatory sampling of all coaching institutes (students and staff) irrespective of positive cases shall be carried out and repeated after every 21 days. “Also, management shall ensure that Covid-19 SOPs are strictly followed.”

In a recent Government order administration has issued various measures in case if there is any positive case being reported from shopping Malls, offices, restaurants, hotels, hospitality services and employees working in offices.

The order reads that in case if anyone is found to be suffering from the symptoms suggestive of covid19 the infected person should be home isolated immediately till the reports are not received.

The order further reads “Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and concerned SHO should be informed and concerned District authorities will undertake the risk assessment.”

“On a single case being reported the disinfection procedure will be limited to the places or areas visited by the covid infected patient in past 48 hours. There is no need to close the building or halt the work of other areas”, reads the order.

The order issued by the Government also states that in case of a larger outbreak with two or more covid positive cases reported the building or work place has to be closed for 48 hours for thorough disinfection.

Dr. Syed Haneef Balkhi while presiding the meeting said that action will be taken under relevant sections of disaster management Act 2005 and Epidemic Disease 1897 in case of any violation or non-compliance of the existing order.