Death toll mounts to 1841, total cases at 118263

Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Dec 20: Four more people died of COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir during the past 24-hours, while 257 more persons tested positive for the virus, officials said on Sunday.
They said that fatality count due to COVID-19 in J&K has mounted to 1841, while 118263 people have tested positive for the pestilence in the union territory till date.
While giving the details of the causalities that took place today, the officials said that three among the victims belonged to Jammu division and one to Kashmir.
A 85-year-old man from Rajbagh Srinagar, two from Udhampur and one from Jammu died today. With these deaths, the total fatality count in J&K reached 1841—1166 in the Valley and 675 in the Jammu region.
Srinagar district with 442 deaths tops the list followed by Jammu (343), Baramulla (170), Budgam (106), Pulwama (88), Kupwara (88), Anantnag (82), Doda (60), Bandipora (58), Udhampur (52), Kulgam (53), Rajouri (54), Kathua (48), Ganderbal (42), Shopian (37), Samba (36), Poonch (22), Ramban (21), Kishtwar(21), and Reasi (13). (GNS)

J&K reports 257 fresh COVID-19 cases
Meanwhile, twelve security forces personnel and 11 travellers were among 257 fresh COVID-19 cases were reported in J&K in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of people infected with the virus to 118263, the officials said on Sunday.
Among them, 144 were from Jammu Division and 106 from Kashmir Valley, the officials told GNS.
Among them, the officials told GNS that Srinagar reported 36 cases, Baramulla 22, Budgam 10, Kupwara 7, Pulwama 3, Anantnag 1, Bandipora 8, Ganderbal 15, Kulgam 0, Shopian 11, Jammu 98, Udhampur 7, Rajouri 11, Doda 2, Kathua 13, Kishtwar 3, Samba 8, Poonch 1, Ramban 1and Reasi 0.

CD Cases
Male (36) (NA) from Khaniyar, male (27) (NA) from Habakadal, male (08) (NA) from Gagribal, male (45) (NA) from Hyderpora, female (40) (NA) from Hyderpora, male (38) (NA) from Khaniyar, male (63) (NA) from Rawalpora, female (27) (NA) from Indra nagar, male (50) (NA) from Habbak, male (58) from Abhama, male (40) from Abhama, male (75) from Abhama, male (45) from Abhama, female (40) from Abhama, female (32) from Abhama, female (44) from Abhama, female (65) from Abhama, female (22) from Namlabal pampore, male (48) from Drangbal pampore, female (12) from Tral, male (12) from Buchoo, male (12) from Dar ganigund, male (61) (NA) from Perbagh sgr, male (22) (NA) from Kupwara, male (60) (NA) from Malbagh sgr, male (30) (NA) from Sopore, female (60) (NA) from Nowshera sgr, male (38) (NA) from Khaniyar, female (70) (NA) from Pampore, male (65) (NA) from Tangmarg, female (14) (NA) from Lalchowk, male (65) (NA) from Zaldagar, female (60) (NA) from Zaldagar, female (26) (NA) from Zaldagar.

SKIMS Cases
Samples received from BSF Humhama
Male (52) from Ch Bsf humhama sgr, male (35) from Ch Bsf humhama sgr, male (29) from Ch Bsf humhama sgr, male (38) from Ch Bsf humhama sgr, male (34) from Ch Bsf humhama.

Samples received from Budgam
Male (42) from Nagam badipora, female (55) from Dalipora, female (19) from Darwan, male (30) from Bkpora chinar colony, female (40) from Natipora budgam, female (45) from Zagipora Chrarishareef, female (39) from Kawoosa.

Samples received from CRPF
Male (28) from 6RR niyari kupwara, male (29) from 19 Garh niyari kupwara, male (45) from 328 Fd Hosp niyari kupwara, male (22) from Eme Bn niyari kupwara, male (36) from 628 Eme Bn niyari kupwara, male (28) from 628 Eme Bn niyari kupwara.

Samples received from Ganderbal
Female (07) from Yarmuqam, male (45) from Yarmuqam, female (54) from Barkati mohalla.
Samples received from Kupwara
Male (34) from Badkoot, female (45) from Sarmarg, female (45) from Kandi, male (30) from Tang check, female (65) (NA) from Shiloora, male (22) from Harie, female (35) from Rawatpora, male (50) from Manchatter, male (38) from Rawatpora, male (35) from Lastiyal, male (40) from Damni Sarkuli.

Samples received from SKIMS
Male (65) from Buchpora sgr, male (36) from Soura sgr, male (34) (NA) from SKims Hostel, female (55) from Laar ganderbal, male (63) from Soura, male (37) from Soura sgr, female (78) from Kanikadal sgr, male (55) from Kanikadal sgr, female (41) from Kanikadal sgr, female (18) from Chanpora sgr, male (23) from Purshiyar sgr, female (50) from Soura, female (75) from Zainpora shopian, male (62) (NA) from Tral pulwama, male (36) from Skims Soura, male (NA) from Saidkadal sgr, female (60) from Soura sgr, male (35) from Chanduna ganderbal, female (45) (NA) from Kulgam.

Moreover, they said 475 COVID-19 patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals—246 from Jammu Division and 229 from Kashmir Valley. (GNS)

New Delhi, Dec 20: The highest-paid YouTuber of the year is a nine-year-old boy – Ryan Kaji, who made nearly $30 million in a year by making unboxing videos of toys
The highest-paid YouTuber of the year is a nine-year-old boy – Ryan Kaji, who made nearly $30 million in a year by making unboxing videos of toys.
The ambitious kid also reviewed toys and games on his YouTube channel, making him the highest-paid YouTuber in 2020.
Kaji is from Texas, US, and earned $29.5 million from making videos on his YouTube channel called “Ryan’s World”. In addition, he earned $200 million from clothes with his branding. He also got into a deal with Marks and Spencer pyjamas, which brought more fortune for the kid.
That’s not it! The kid has also reportedly signed a multimillion deal with Nickelodeon for his own television series.
Known as a “child influencer” on the internet, Kaji first made YouTube videos in March 2015 when he saw other kids his age making unboxing and review videos on the platform. According to The Guardian, his first reaction to that was – “How come I’m not on Youtube when all the other kids are?”
The intensity of his fame has changed his family in ways more than one, for they dropped their real surname Guan and kept Kaji – his on-screen surname. Together, they now run 9 YouTube channels.
Also read: Now watch Christopher Nolan’s ‘Tenet’ at home on YouTube but there’s a catch
But the most popular channel remains “Ryan’s World” – with 41.7 million subscribers and 12.2 billion views.
One of Kaji’s videos – “Huge Eggs Surprise Toys Challenge” has been watched so many times that it is on the top 60 most watched videos on the platform ever, with over 2 billion views.

New Delhi, Dec 20: As global warming affects the Himalayas, the Ministry of Earth Sciences is planning to measure the depth of glaciers in the region to assess their volume and gauge the water available in them, officials said on Sunday.
The project will start next summer, sometime in June-July, said, M Rajeevan, the ministry’s secretary.
Ravichandran, the Director of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), which will execute the project, said the country’s remote and high-altitude research centre, Himansh, is also studying the Himalayan climate.
The centre was established in 2016.
“The plan is to first study seven glaciers in the Chandra river basin,” he said.
The Chandra river is a major tributary of the Chenab river which itself is a tributary of the Indus.
The Himalayan glaciers are a major source of water for rivers originating from there. The Himalayan rivers are also a lifeline for the Indo-Gangetic plains, home to several million people.
The NCPOR director said while the area of the glaciers is already known with the help of satellites, what needs to be known is the volume.
“The purpose of studying the depth of the glaciers is to understand the volume. This will also help us understand the availability of water and whether the glaciers are increasing or shrinking,” Ravichandran added.
He said they will be using a radar technology that uses microwave signals. It can penetrate through the ice and reach the rocks, something which the satellite images cannot do. The signals, after reflecting on the rocks can help understand the depth.
“The US and the UK have the technology. So, we will be taking help of that technology,” Ravichandran added.
At first, the plan is to use helicopters that will carry these radars. Once successful, subsequent studies would be carried out in the rest of the Himalayas.
Later, an aircraft or drone could be used depending on the radars for studying other glaciers, Ravichandran noted.

Jammu, Dec 20: Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department has framed a committee comprising doctors (Medical Superintendents) and Nodal Officers (doctors) to conduct Prescription Audit in Government Medical Colleges of Jammu and Srinagar and its Associated Hospitals.
Official sources said the Health and Medical Education Department in its order issued by the Deputy Director (Planning), the Principal GMC Jammu and Srinagar, have been asked to conduct the prescription audit in all public health facilities as per the ToRs.
The order read that the Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education Department, Atul Dulloo, has desired to review the progress of Prescription Audit and the department has devised reporting formats to ascertain the level of progress achieved so far by the line of HODs in this direction.
However, as per order issued by the Principal and Dean, GMC Jammu, Dr Shashi Sudan Sharma to conduct Prescription Audit in the Government Medical College, Jammu and its Associated Hospitals, a committee of doctors designated as Chairman, Members and the Nodal Officers has been constituted.
The committee will have Medical Superintendent (MS), SMGS Hospital (for SMGS Hospital), MS GMCH (for GMCH), MS SSH (for SSH), MS, CD Hospital (for CD Hospital), MS, Psychiatric Diseases Hospital (for Psychiatric Hospital) as its Chairman.
Dr Sapna Gupta, Associate Professor, Pharmacology Department has been nominated as Member, official sources said, adding that Dr Saqib Shafi (Casualty Medical Officer, GMCH (for GMCH), Dr Sapna Manhas, Casualty Medical Officer, SMGS Hospital (for SMGS), Dr Divya Mahajan, Medical Officer, SSH, Dr Rekha Rani, Medical Officer, CD Hospital, Dr Sanjogita Raina, Medical Officer, Psychiatric Hospital will also be its member.
As per the order, the Prescription Audit Committees shall prepare and submit fortnightly reports to the respective HODs, who shall prepare a comprehensive monthly report along with their recommendations, highlighting the actionable points, which shall be submitted to the Administrative Department.

Addresses valedictory session of IGNCA on 3rd Edition of Bodh Gaya Global Dialogue on “Sustainable Development, Heritage and Enlightenment”

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Dec 20: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Sunday addressed the valedictory session of Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) and Deshkal Society on 3rd Edition of Bodh Gaya Global Dialogue on “Sustainable Development, Heritage and Enlightenment” through virtual mode here at Raj Bhavan.
While addressing the occasion, the Lt Governor observed that the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha have strong relevance even in contemporary times and are very important for thinkers and intellectuals because of the dynamic changes we are seeing in every field in today’s era.
“The wisdom of Buddha, in essence, is a seed with the potential to grow and awaken the whole of humanity. Let us imbibe the wisdom of Mahatma Buddha and conserve and preserve our tangible and intangible heritage and society woven around it”, said the Lt Governor.
“I am delighted to be a part of the deliberation on the important topic “Sustainable Development, Heritage and Enlightenment”. I believe that sustainable development caters both material developments of Individual, region, place as well as nourishment of the soul. In this context, our focus has to be on conservation, restoration of tangible heritage as well as dissemination of intangible legacy to kindle the center of humanity,” the Lt Governor maintained.
While appreciating the efforts of the organizers for conducting Global dialogue, he observed that Bodh Gaya Global Dialogue is in fact a rare opportunity where people from different walks of life come together, in communion, with the spirit of oneness to promote Bodh Gaya as a World Heritage site, besides strengthening the relationship between Buddhist Pilgrimage in India and the South East Asian Nations.
Sinha said the religious places depict our beliefs, moral values, and cultural heritage and it is the responsibility of one and all to contribute their bit to preserve and redevelop them.
Highlighting the significance of Bodh Gaya, the Lt Governor said that Bodh Gaya is a source of spirituality, meditation, human welfare, and compassion.
“Bodh Gaya teaches the whole world the values of thought, analysis, faith, respect, and is a symbol of kindness and compassion for all living beings. Bodh Gaya is a cradle of Buddhism culture, Buddha teachings, and heritage and a unique location for seekers from India and abroad”, he observed.
The Lt Governor further lauded the efforts of IGNCA and Deshkal Society on various fronts for the multi-dimensional development of Bodh Gaya to strengthen relationships and build a strong and sustainable network between Bodh Gaya and South-East Asian Nations.

Srinagar, Dec 20: Questioning the Election Commission of India(CEI) decision to hold re-poll in a Shopian District Development Council (DDC) seat because of high polling percentage, former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti alleged that it is a brazen way to favour proxies of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP).
Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba said “ Seems like @ECISVEEP applies different standards according to the parties in question.Its decision to hold re poll in Balpora, Shopian because polling percentage was higher is a brazen way of favouring proxies & BJP”.
One of the constituent of Peoples Alliance of Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) Awami National Conference (ANC) alleging rigging had also demanded re-poll in two polling booths in Bandipora in north Kashmir. However, the allegation of rigging was turned down by the State Election Commission (SEC).

Srinagar, Dec 20: The political parties in J&K have reacted sharply to Enforcement Directorate (ED) decision to attach property of former Chief Minister Dr Abdullah in Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) scam and termed it “political vendetta”.
The ED had yesterday attached assets worth Rs 11.86 crore of Dr Abdullah and others in connection with its money laundering probe linked to alleged financial irregularities in the JKCA.
Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, Omar said in a series of tweets “The properties attached are largely ancestral dating from the 1970s with the most recent one built before 2003. There can be no justification for the seizures because they fail the very basic test of having been acquired as the proceeds of the “crime” being investigated”, he said.
“Abdullah is in touch with his lawyers & will fight all these baseless charges in the one place that matters – a court of law, where everyone is presumed to be innocent & is entitled to a fair trial unlike in the court of the media or the court of BJP managed social media,” he said.
Another former CM and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti tweeted, “ Attaching Dr Farooq sahab’s properties is sheer political vendetta as was evident from the abuses heaped on PAGD by BJP. People of J&K were least impressed & placed their faith in the alliance.Using agencies like NIA & ED to settle scores shows BJPs frustration”.
CPI( M) state secretary and PAGD convenor Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said attaching the property of Abdullah is part of vindictive politics practiced by the Central government to kill dissent and disagreement across the country and the present case has surfaced at a time when the DDC polls have just concluded.
“The BJP government must realise the dangers of witch-hunting and intimidation and desist from vindictive designs. It is time for secular democratic forces across the country to raise their voice against such designs of the BJP government,” he said.
In a joint statement NC leaders termed the attachment of Abdullah’s property by ED political vendetta, meant to settle political score.
“The sudden move against Farooq has been taken to divert attention from the ground that BJP seems to be losing in J&K,” the leaders said adding, “It’s not a coincidence that the BJP ordered this action on the day the DDC polls ended because they know how badly they have fared and are now extracting their revenge in advance of the drubbing they will receive at the hands of people of J&K.”

Srinagar, Dec 20: A team of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) rescue passengers in two vehicles caught in snow storm at Radan pass on Bandipora to border town of Gurez road in north Kashmir, officials said.
They said a message was received that two passenger vehicles got stuck in a snowstorm at Razdan Pass on the road.
The BRO personnel, risking their lives, immediately swung into action and rescued passengers and took them to safer place. Later both the vehicles were also removed from the snow and brought back to Bandipora, they said.
Meanwhile, traffic on the Bandipora-Gurez road has been suspended due to heavy snowfall during the past 24 hours. The BRO has launched snow clearance operation, they said.
Due to closure of the road, dozens of far flung and remote villages, including those near the Line of Control (LoC) were cut off from their tehsil and district headquarters.

New Delhi, Dec 20: As a major relief to senior citizens, the Life Certificate submission date has been extended for Pensioners up to February 28, 2021. This important concession for Central government pensioners has been made by the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) in view of the difficulties faced by the elder citizens in the wake of COVID pandemic.
Disclosing this here today, Union MoS PMO Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also In-Charge Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, said this decision has been taken considering all the sensitivities to avoid pandemic risk emanating from gathering of crowds at the Pension Disbursing Banks.
In addition to this, he informed that the pensioners above the age of 80 years were given an exclusive window from 1 October, 2020 onward to submit their Life Certificate so as to avoid major rush likely to happen from the opening date of 1 November, 2020 onwards.
Singh said while the Annual Life Certificate is mandatory for the continuation of pension, the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare recently took an innovative decision to rope in the Indian Post Payments Bank (IPPB) to facilitate Digital Life Certificate (DLC).
The IPPB, he informed, is now helping to collect the Digital Life Certificate from the home of the pensioners through 1,89,000 Postmen and Gramin Dak Sewaks. “This has come as a great comfort to pensioners, especially those residing in rural areas”.