Militants hurl grenades in Baramulla, Srinagar; SSB personnel wounded
Precious Kashmir Desk
Srinagar, Dec 24: A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) man, who was injured in grenade blast yesterday, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday at SK institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura.
Officials told KNO that a CRPF man identified as Ct Mritunjoy Chutia, 24, of 115 bn CRPF G Coy has succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS Soura.
He along with two other CRPF men was injured in the grenade blast in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, a personnel of Sema Suraksha Bal (SSB) was wounded in a grenade explosion in Malpora, Watergam area of Rafiabad in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Thursday evening. An official said that a grenade was hurled at the SSB vehicle in Watergam area resulting in injuries to SSB personnel.
He said that the injured SSB man has been identified as CT Rakesh. “The injuries are minor in nature and the SSB man stable,” he said, adding that the area has been cordoned and a massive hunt launched to nab the attackers.
On Thursday evening suspected militants hurled a grenade towards Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) men at Braripora area of Srinagar City. However, no loss of life or injury was reported, officials said.
Officials told KNO that suspected militants lobbed grenade towards CRPF 161 bn, A Coy camp Braripora Chowk Nawa Kadal, which exploded some distance far from the bunker with a huge bang.
However, no damage was reported while officials from Police Station Safa Kadal reached the spot—
CRPF man injured in Ganderbal attack succumbs
3rd round of “LG’s Mulaqaat-Live Public Grievance Hearing”
Sinha holds interaction with public through virtual mode; several grievances redressed on spot
Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Dec 24: In continuation to the UT Government’s initiative of reaching out to the people with prompt disposal of their grievances, the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today held 3rd round of the series – “LG’s Mulaqaat-Live Public Grievance Hearing”, wherein he took the first hand appraisal of people’s issues and grievances through virtual mode.
Through LG’s Mulaqaat”- Live Public Grievance Hearing, an institutionalized mechanism has been laid for making the grievance redressal mechanism prompt, robust, responsive and more efficient, observed the Lt Governor.
At the same time, the performance efficiency of online Grievance Redressal System is also being monitored so that requisite measures can be taken to achieve the desired results on ground, he added.
On being informed that overall disposal of grievances has increased from 52% in 1st and 66% in 2nd to 79% in 3rd round of LG’s Mulaqaat, the Lt Governor expressed satisfaction over the improvement in the performance and increase in the rate of grievance disposal. He underscored the importance of constantly making improvements in the grievance redressal mechanism in order to provide the people with effective citizen centric governance.
While taking a detailed assessment of the performance of online Grievance Redressal System-JKIGRAMS, the Lt Governor took feedback from the people on the grievance redressal mechanism being put in place by the Administration. He also reviewed the implementation of directions passed during the earlier held interactions.
The Lt Governor observed that Administration at all levels must put in dedicated efforts on grievance redressal to meet the expectations of public.
The objective of the initiative -“LG’s Mulaqaat-Live Public Grievance Hearing”, is to hold one-to-one interaction with the individuals from across the UT every month selected randomly, and take stock of their issues and concerns for prompt redressal. It also provides an important feedback on the working of Administration thus opening the window for making improvements in the working of the Government, the Lt Governor maintained.
In today’s two-hour long programme, randomly selected applicants from across the UT projected several issues pertaining to the augmentation of water supply; replacement of electricity poles; removal of encroachment on playground; pending payments on account of various works and schemes, on which the Lt Governor issued on spot directions for their immediate resolution and set timelines for the redressal of other grievances raised during the interaction.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt Governor; BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner, Finance Department; Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education Department; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; All Administrative Secretaries; Divisional Commissioners; IGPs; DCs; SSPs; HoDs and other senior officers of the various government departments and agencies remained present throughout the interaction and briefed the Lt Governor on measures taken for the redressal of the grievances received and their present status.
COVID-19 kills 7 more in J&K, 291 test positive
Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Dec 24: A 92-year-old man was among seven more people who died to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, while 291 more people tested positive for the virus across Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Thursday.
They said that fatality count due to the pestilence has mounted to 1860, while 119344 persons have tested positive for the virus in J&K till date.
Four among those who died today belonged to Jammu division and three to Kashmir, officials said.
They said the victims include a 55-year-old man from Chatha Near Satwari Jammu, 73-year-old man from Janipur Jammu, a 92-year-old man from Gole Gujral Jammu, a 65-year-old man from Budhwani Samba, an 80-year-old woman from Nambal Anantnag, an 85-year-old man from Tengpora Srinagar and a 70-year-old man from Beerwah Budgam.
With these deaths, the total fatality count in J&K reached 1860—1174 in the Valley and 686 in the Jammu region.
Srinagar district with 444 deaths tops the list followed by Jammu (350), Baramulla (170), Budgam (107), Kupwara (90), Pulwama (88), Anantnag (83), Doda (61), Bandipora (59), Udhampur (57), Kulgam (53), Rajouri (54), Kathua (48), Ganderbal (43), Shopian (37), Samba (38), Poonch (22), Ramban (21), Kishtwar(21), and Reasi (14).
291 fresh COVID-19 cases in J&K
Meanwhile, nineteen travelers and two minors were among 291 fresh COVID-19 cases reported in last 24 hours in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
They said Srinagar reported 66 cases, Baramulla 7, Budgam 22, Kupwara 12, Pulwama 18, Anantnag 3, Bandipora 3, Ganderbal 4, Kulgam 4, Shopian 8, Jammu 94, Udhampur 9, Rajouri 8, Doda 3, Kathua 8, Kishtwar 3, Samba 8, Poonch 1, Ramban 6 and Reasi 4.
A number of these cases were confirmed at diagnostic laboratories of CD hospital, SKIMS Soura and GMC Anantnag.
The CD cases include two females (45, 40) from Habakadal, female (46) from Naveedabad Batamaloo, female (80) from Pulwama, female (70) from Pulwama, four males (21, 40, 42, 73) and four females (47, 33, 54, 70) from Safakadal, female (24) from Deedarpora Handwara, female (42) from Chadoora, female (30) from Rangwara Baramulla, male (65) from Safakadal, female (35) from Khanyar Srg, two females (35, 57) from Sanatnagar, female (28) from Budgam, male (50) from Chanapora, female (30) from HMT, female (19) from Hyderpora, male (03) from Bemina, female (49) from Gagribal, male (44) from Makdomi Sahib, female (25) from Hawal, male (50) from Eidgah, male (19) from Lal Bazar, male (34) from Malarata, male (19) from Hope Classes Parraypora.
SKIMS Cases
The Budgam cases include male (45) from PS Charisharief, female (30) from Sangarwani, female (25) from Dragger, female (65) from Ranger Chadoora, male (80) from Kralwari Chadoora, male (23) from Kralpora Magam, male (60) from Peth Makhama, male (45) from Hyderpora, male (65) from Beerwah, female (30) from Hanjilawaypora, male (36) from Parryangan Ompora, male (85) from Patah Sharan Budgam.
The Kupwara cases include male (24) from 328 Fd Hosp Niyari Kupwara.
The Ganderbal cases include female (26) from Beehama, male (35) from Wakura Ganderbal.
The Srinagar cases include female (50) from Sir Syed Avenue Peerbagh, male (15) from Batamaloo, male (42) from Buchpora, male (36) from Nishat, female (37) from Zakura, two females (36, 10) and male (09) from Nishat, two males (55, 69) from Nigeen, female (28) from Chasmashahi, female (22) from Malabagh, male (34) from Lal Bazar, female (20) from Srinagar, male (60) from Baghat, female (24) from Skims Srinagar.
The Baramulla cases include male (31) from Uplina, male (60) from Boniyar Baramulla.
The Anantnag cases include male (70) from Harnag Anantnag. The Jammu cases include male (30) from Kujwani Jammu.
The GMC Anantnag female (62) and two males (73, 30) from Lalpora, male (45) from Kadalbal Pampore, four females (55, 50, 40, 26) and male (39) from Athwajan Srg, female (29) from Kanipora Budgam, two females (56, 18) from Bemina Srg, three males (70, 30, 18) and female (62) from Kanipora Budgam, female (48) from Barpor Pulwama, male (67) from S Karewa, two females (25, 53) from Gagren. Moreover, the officials said that 299 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals including 160 from Jammu Division and 139 from Kashmir. (GNS)
JEE Mains- 2021 to be held in 13 languages
Jammu, Dec 24: Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), Mains is being held in 13 Languages including Urdu Language for the next session (2021).
As per the exam conducting authority, National Testing agency the JEE mains 2021 would be held in 13 languages including Hindi, English Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi Odia, Bengali, Assamese, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu & Urdu as per the New Education Policy of India .
The NAT has also released the examination schedule according to which the Session-I exam would be held from February 23 to Feb 26, 2021, the Session-II from March 15 to March 18, 2021, Session-III from April 27 to April 30, 2021 and Session-IV from May 24 to May 28, 2021.
Govt announces winter vacations for colleges
Jammu, Dec 24: Jammu and Kashmir’s Higher Education Department today announced winter vacations for the Government Degree Colleges falling in winter and summer zones.
As per an order issued here today, Government Degree Colleges in Kashmir Valley and winter zones of Jammu Division would close on December 28, 2020 and open on February 14, 2021, while those falling on Summer Zone of Jammu Division would close on December 26, 2020, and open on January 4, 2021.
‘PAGD stronger than it was formed, it’s here to stay’
Srinagar, Dec 24: Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) on Thursday said that the alliance was stronger than when it was formed, saying that it is here to stay and nobody should have a doubt on the future of the group.
“We are here to stay and nobody should have any doubt about it,” PAGD president Farooq Abdullah told reporters during a joint press conference of the alliance leaders, who meet here for the first time after the results of the District Development Council (DDC) election.
Hitting out at the administration over detentions of political leaders, the PAGD leadership demanded for their release immediately.
The PAGD members on Thursday met at the Gupkar residence of Dr Abdullah and discussed further course of action. “We want to express gratitude to the people of Jammu and Kashmir who voted for me and also to those who didn’t vote for us. Gratitude for coming out in large numbers to vote and repose faith in democracy,” PAGD spokesperson Sajad Lone, who is the chairman of People Conference (PC), told reporters.
He said now the people of J&K, after upheavals, have reposed faith in democracy of this country, the onus lies with the administration to reciprocate that respect and faith in democracy.
“There are disturbing reports about interference in democracy where the government of the day is acting in a partisan manner by directly or indirectly supporting moves by some people… to attract votes of Independent DDC member by confining them. I think they should resist from this and not humiliate this great verdict of the people of J&K,” he said.
He said history is full of examples that those who try to humiliate verdict of the people end up in disaster. “We need to respect this verdict and the people of J&K. Under no circumstance should the democracy be tinkered with,” he said.
“The other new trend is preventive detentions… what is the logic behind it as the elections have ended. It has been one of the most peaceful elections in the last three decades and this should have ended with something good. It ending with detentions is totally antithetical to the way elections were held in terms of lack of violence. One fails to understand that when elections were held so peacefully what is the need for detentions? And they should be release immediately,” he added.
LG, Advisors, DGP extend Christmas greetings
Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Dec 24: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has extended warm greetings to the people of J&K on the auspicious occasion of Christmas. He also prayed for peace and prosperity in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
In his message, the Lt Governor observed that Christmas is a day to remember the pious teachings of Jesus Christ. He said that the message of peace and compassion preached by Jesus Christ is as valid today as it was thousand years ago.
“I pray that we all try to emulate his life lessons, wisdom and be loving and compassionate towards one another and work selflessly for the betterment of the society”, said the Lt Governor.
Advisor Bhatnagar
Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar in his message said that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Lord Jesus Christ and this festival reaffirms our faith in the values of compassion and forgiveness taught by Lord Jesus for the enlightenment of humanity.
“Let us all imbibe the Jesus Christ’s teachings of love, compassion and humanity on this holy festival and commit ourselves to the welfare of our nation and society”, Advisor Bhatnagar added.
The Advisor also prayed for peace, progress and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Advisor Baseer Khan
Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan in a message expressed hope that the festival would usher peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir besides being a harbinger of communal harmony and brotherhood.
He said that the region has a long standing history of celebrating the festivals irrespective of their religious beliefs.
The Advisor said that the message of peace, love and compassion as preached by Jesus Christ are more relevant in present era and we should religiously follow those.
DGP, Dilbag Singh
Director General of Police, J&K Dilbag Singh in his message said that the Jesus Christ gave to the world great virtues of humility , humanity, compassion and tolerance . He said that the noble teachings of the Jesus Christ should guide our endeavours to preserve the unity and secular outlook of our country. He said on this Christmas, may the people of J&K find peace and prosperity in every sphere of their life.
Stanford University enlists Kashmiri professor among top 2% scientists in world
Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Dec 24: A scientist from Srinagar presently working as Professor in the Department of Civil engineering at King Saud University has brought laurels to Kashmir as he has earned a very rare honour of figuring in top 2 per cent scientists in the world.
Professor Mohammad Iqbal Khan a resident of Khan Mohalla, Chanapora, Srinagar an alumnus of NIT Srinagar and IIT Delhi who has earned his PhD degree in Structural Engineering from the University of Sheffield United Kingdom has been listed among two per cent scientists by Stanford University, one of the world’s most prestigious Institutions based on the international evaluation of their research work.
Dr Khan is faculty of University of Nottingham, UK, currently, working as Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at King Saud University. He is an Adjunct Professor, at Department of Civil, Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, USA and enrolled as visiting Professor at numerous universities in Canada, China and Germany.
Concurrently, Prof Khan currently holds many key positions in vital state-run R&D establishments viz. Managing Director, Center of Excellence for Concrete Research and Testing (CoE-CRT); Director, Laboratories of Structural Engineering Division in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Prof Khan is actively engaged in research in structural engineering and construction materials. His primary research interests are developing blast and impact-resistant materials; structural behaviour of concrete-filled tubes; nano- and micro-mechanics of composite materials; fibre-reinforced composites; sustainability and environmental impact; prediction modelling; and application of artificial intelligence. He has published well over 200 research publications, holds 21 international patent inventions, prepared four books related to modern paradigms in construction and concrete technology (published by Springer and Elsevier), and supervised over 40 research scholars.
Innovativeness and industrial applicability of his inventions’ prototypes have been acknowledged internationally and fetched him four Gold and two Silver commemorations at international technology conventions.
He is a proud recipient of eight International Excellence and Distinguished awards for bringing new innovative technologies and practices in structural and concrete engineering. He serves as editor/associate editor of six highly reputed international journals. He has delivered over 30 invited lectures/seminars, over 25 conference lectures in various countries including USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Singapore, Malaysia, Netherlands, Hong Kong, China, etc.
He has served as the principal investigator for numerous research projects in the Kingdom and internationally and attracted above 10 million US dollar grant for funding his academic research. Over the years, Prof. Khan has rendered consultancy services to multiple construction/structures industry research projects in KSA, Germany, Canada, UK and USA.
While talking to KNO Prof Khan said that the higher education setup within Jammu and Kashmir seems to concentrate moreover, graduation rates while ignoring danger signs that the skills and competencies attained by students in the colleges may be declining.
“Merely increasing the levels of educational attainment will accomplish little if students do not learn something of lasting value,” he said.
When asked about if he will get a chance to streamline higher and technological educational frontier in J&K, Khan said that it would be a matter of honour and pride for him.
“If I can contribute towards improving the quality of education and research of institutions of higher learning of my motherland, during the last phase of my academic and research career. It will be an honour,” he said.
Khan said during the years 2017 and 2015, he was contacted and offered executive roles in academics and administration within an emerging regional university and a newly established IIT, respectively but due to some personal reasons and prior commitments, he could not take up any full-time role by then.
“However, currently, I am available to render services in establishing and streamlining the research pathways within and facilitate outreach collaboration,” he said.
“I can contribute in developing mechanisms for the quality assurance of engineering and technological education in line with international standards and its implementation process to achieve the graduate attributes, skill and competence of engineering graduates,” Khan said.
Prof Khan is an internationally acknowledged specialist in Accreditation and Quality Assurance in engineering education. He provides tenured consultancy and evaluatory services to Ministry of Education, KSA and Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), USA to ascertain institutions/programs meet the anticipated quality standards of the profession for which they prepare graduates.
Govt issues list of holidays for 2021: 27 holidays declared across J&K
Srinagar, Dec 24: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Thursday issued a list of holidays for the upcoming year—2021 in the Union Territory.
The order in this regard, has mentioned holidays in two annexures including holidays to be observed across UT & Provincial holidays, local holidays and restricted holidays.
The note given below in the order, reads that all the Muslim holidays are subject to appearance of moon.
“The holidays listed in Annexure-“A” & ‘B” to this order shall be observed in the Government offices and educational institutions of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir during the calendar year-2021,” the government order issued by Additional Secretary to the Government, Rohit Sharma, under number 1159-JK(GAD) of 2020, dated 24-12-2020, reads.
The 27 holidays to be observed across UT include Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s birthday, Republic Day, Mahashivratri, Shab-i-Miraj, Nauroz, 1st Navratra, Baisakhi, Birthday of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Ramanavami, Juma-tul-Vida, Shab-e-Qadr, Eid-ul-Fitr, Buddha Purnima, Guru Hargobind Ji’s Birthday, Eid-ul-Azha, Independence day, Ashoora, Janmashtami, Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday, Mahanavami, Dussehra, Eid-i-Milad-u-Nabi (SAW), Friday following Eid-i-Milad-u-Nabi (SAW), Accession Day, Diwali, guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday, Christmas Day.
According to the list, there are four provincial holidays for Kashmir province and three for Jammu province while eight local holidays in Jammu districts and four restricted holidays. (KNO)
Courts to function via virtual mode till Jan 15
Srinagar, Dec 24: Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Thursday ordered that courts will continue to function through virtual mode till January 15, 2021.
In an order, Registrar General J&K High Court, Jawad Ahmed, said: “After taking feedback with regard to the prevailing situation due to the spread of COVID-19 infection and also the latest SOPs and Guidelines of the Government in vogue, by virtue of the Full Court Resolution dated 31.05.2020, the High Court Order No. 456/GS dated 12.10.2020, read with Order No. 529 dated 02.11.2020, is extended up to January 15, 2021.”—(KNO)
