Washington, Oct 4: The number of global Novel Coronavirus cases has topped 34.7 million, while the deaths have increased to more than 1,031,500 on Sunday, the Johns Hopkins University said.

The total number of cases stood at 34,791,855 and the fatalities rose to 1,031,528, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

The US is the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 7,379,614 and 209,335, respectively, according to the CSSE.
India comes in second place in terms of cases at 6,473,544, while the country’s death toll soared to 100,842.

The other with the cases are Brazil (4,880,523), Russia (1,198,663), Colombia (848,147), Peru (821,564) and Argentina (790,818) the CSSE figures showed.

Brazil currently accounts for the second highest number of fatalities at 145,388.

The countries with a death toll above 30,000 are Mexico (78,880), UK (42,407) and Italy (35,968).

Srinagar, Oct 4: Jammu and Kashmir government on Sunday transferred 35 KAS officers.

According to a government order issued here, Hashmat Ali Khan, KAS, Special Secretary to the Government, ARI and Trainings Department, has been transferred and posted as Director, Hospitality and Protocol, J&K.

Amit Sharma, KAS, Administrator, Associated Hospitals, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Special Secretary to the Government, Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment.

Bashir Ahmad Dar, KAS, Managing Director, SIDCO, has been transferred and posted as Director, Social Welfare, Kashmir, against an available vacancy.

Mohammad Harun, KAS, Special Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department, has been transferred and posted as Managing Director, SIDCO.

Ali Afsar Khan, KAS, Additional Secretary to the Government, Higher Education Department, has been transferred and posted as Additional District Development Commissioner, Bandipora, against an available vacancy.

Tariq Ahmad Zargar, KAS, Director, Hospitality and Protocol, J&K, has been transferred and posted as Special Secretary to the Government, Industries and Commerce Department.

Smita Sethi, KAS, Director, Command Area Development Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Director, Social Welfare, Jammu, against an available vacancy. “She shall also hold the additional charge of the post of Director, Command Area Development, Jammu, till further orders,” reads the order, a copy of which lies with GNS.

Ajaz Abdullah Saraf, KAS, Additional Secretary to the Government, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, has been transferred and posted as Additional District Development Commissioner, Baramulla, against an available vacancy.

Surat Singh, KAS, Additional Secretary to the Government, Public Works (R&B) Department, has been transferred and posted as Additional District Development Commissioner, Doda, against an available vacancy.

Nagendra Singh Jamwal, KAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, has been transferred and posted as Administrator, Associated Hospitals, Jammu.

Pawan Kumar Sharma, KAS, Additional Secretary in the Resident Commission, J&K Government, New Delhi, has been transferred and posted as Additional Commissioner in the office of Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, against an available vacancy.

Suraj Parkash Rukwal, KAS, Additional Secretary to the Government, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, shall also be the ex-officio Provincial Rehabilitation Officer, Jammu.

Pran Singh, KAS, Additional Secretary to the Government, Higher Education Department, has been transferred and posted as Additional Secretary to the Government, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.

Rakesh Kumar, KAS, Additional Secretary to the Government, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, has been transferred and posted as Additional Secretary to the Government, Higher Education Department.

Pankaj Gupta, KAS, awaiting orders of posting in GAD, has been posted as Deputy Commissioner, State Taxes (Appeals-II), Jammu headquartered at Jammu.

Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone, KAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, shall hold the charge of Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Doodpathri, in addition to his own duties, till further orders, the order said.

Showkat Ahmad Rather, KAS, Additional Secretary to the Government, Labour and Employment Department, has been transferred and posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam, against an available vacancy.

Malikzada Sheraz-ul-Haq, KAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Poonch, has been transferred and posted as Additional Secretary to the Government, Labour and Employment Department.

Ranjeet Singh, KAS, Secretary, J&K Services Selection Board, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, State Taxes, Enforcement (Kathua) headquartered at Lakhanpur, relieving Sanjay Gupta, KAS of the additional charge of the post.

Suram Chand Sharma, KAS, General Manager, DIC, Udhampur, has been transferred and posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner, Samba, against an available vacancy.

Prerna Raina, KAS, Additional Secretary to the Government, Department of Floriculture, Parks and Gardens, has been transferred and posted as Additional Secretary in the Resident Commission, J&K Government, New Delhi.

Basharat Hussain, KAS, Deputy Commissioner, State Taxes (Appeals-II), Jammu headquartered at Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner, Poonch.

Dr. Tahir Firdous Dutta, KAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Additional Secretary to the Government, Power Development Department.

Satish Kumar, KAS, Registrar, District Udhampur, has been transferred and posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jammu.

Sachin Jamwal, KAS, Deputy Secretary to work with the Committee constituted for Accelerated Recruitments, has been transferred and posted as Secretary, J&K Services Selection Board.

Hitesh Gupta, KAS, Deputy Secretary to work with the Committee constituted for Accelerated Recruitments, has been transferred and posted as Additional Director, National Health Mission, J&K.

Mohammad Syed Khan, KAS, Collector, Lakes and Waterways Development Authority, has been transferred and posted as Administrative Officer in the office of Financial Commissioner, Revenue, against an available vacancy.

Kamlesh Rani, KAS, Project Officer, Self Employment, Samba, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Director, Tribal Affairs, Jammu, against an available vacancy.

Dilshada Akhter, KAS, Project Manager, IWMP, Anantnag, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Director, Tribal Affairs, Kashmir, against an available vacancy.

Ajaz Qeser Malik, KAS, Collector, Land Acquisition, Defence, Rajouri, has been transferred and posted as Assistant Commissioner in the State Taxes Department, Jammu.

Saleem Beigh, KAS, Deputy Secretary to the Government, Power Development Department, has been transferred and posted as General Manager, J&K Medical Supplies Corporation, Jammu, against an available vacancy.

Naser Ali, Assistant Commissioner in the State Taxes, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as SubDivisional Magistrate, Marh, relieving SubDivisional Magistrate, Jammu (North) of the additional charge of the post.

Tanvir-ul-Majid, Deputy Secretary to the Government, School Education Department, has been transferred and posted as General Manager, DIC, Shopian, against an available vacancy.

Rizwan Asgar, Deputy District Election Officer, Rajouri, has been transferred and posted as Collector, Lakes and Waterways Development Authority. Mr. Shafiq Ahmad, Deputy Director, District Employment and Counselling Centre, Rajouri, shall hold the additional charge of Deputy District Election Officer, Rajouri, till further orders. 35. Umesh Sharma, Deputy Secretary to the Government, Home Department, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary to the Government, School Education Department.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 4: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) today conducted Civil Services (preliminary) examination, 2020 at 11 designated centres here.

A total of 2163 candidates appeared in the examination. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir had made overall arrangements for smooth conduct of the examination in Kashmir division besides ensuring foolproof secrecy and custody of the examination material.

A separate centre for 39 specially-abled candidates with all the necessary facilities had also been established at College of Education, Srinagar.

Commissioner/ Secretary, Labour & Employment Department, Saurabh Baghat, also appointed as Examination Observer visited all the examination centres  to take stock of the situation with regard to smooth conduct of the examination.

In the wake of Covid-19 situation, all the prescribed SOPs and guidelines were followed strictly.

Appeals all to contribute towards peace

Kulgam, Oct 4: “Violence, killings of innocents should be condemned, whether it’s the killings of common people or security forces. We can’t be selective in condemning violence. I appeal to all to contribute towards peace. There is no dearth of opportunities for progress and peace”, remarked Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on his visit to Panchayat Halqa, Ashthal, Kulgam during the Back to Village-3 programme.

Addressing a gathering of enthusiastic locals of the district, the Lt Governor said that Innovative financing, Convergence of schemes, Enabling infrastructure, Effective & Efficient implementation will be key to improve growth prospects of J&K. With hard work, dedication & better execution on the ground, every individual in our villages will attain social empowerment.

The Lt Governor observed that Jammu and Kashmir has already been provided with funds to an excess of Rs 1951 crore for the development of its villages and people this year. Agriculture & Horticulture sectors provided Rs 1872 crore, to an excess of Rs 680 crore with respect to last year.

“I am working on 4 key points for the development of J&K: Accelerating growth, Providing benefits of social security and social welfare schemes to all, Eliminating regional disparities and Effective execution of works”, he maintained.

He underscored that the means and resources are abound and with people’s participation, soon there shall be no backward area in the entire J&K. ‘I have brought government at your doorstep.    Now, you shall decide the works to be completed and to be taken up on priority. Back to Village is a celebration of people’s participation in development. The success of Back to Village programmes is entirely due to the active participation of the masses’, said the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor observed that J&K has a lot of potential for growth in Agriculture and Horticulture sectors. Agriculture and horticulture activities need to be viable, stable, and sustainable. People are requested that during the ongoing Back to Village activities, exhaustive information sharing and discussions with concerned officers are held to increase productivity, ensure better inputs, increase implementation and execution of technology and proper guidance with respect to various government initiatives and schemes.

Highlighting the Government’s initiatives, the Lt Governor said that the administration is working on setting food processing units, which once installed, would greatly help the fruit growing areas of the district. Once established, such units will generate employment for the locals as well as help in the overall development of the region. Similarly, Animal Husbandry sector would also be focussed upon by the government post discussions and public feedback on the subject during B2V3.

The Lt Governor said that in the recently sanctioned Economic Package and the upcoming Mega Industrial Package, focus to be on 1) Industry, Business & Services 2) Agriculture & allied sectors, village industries 3) Technology & Innovation 4) Infrastructure 5) Financial Inclusion & Social Security.

Under the new economic package announced recently, the Farmer-Mandi link will be strengthened so that the producers get more options and better prices for their produce. Similarly, the number of satellite markets is to be increased from 17 to 22, he added.

‘Upon my arrival to J&K, I was surprised to notice unusual delays in projects, and I ensure that those responsible for unwarranted delays will be made answerable. Roadmaps for speedy execution have been made and delays will no more be part of the system, the Lt Governor maintained.

“It is heartening to know that Kulgam has achieved 98% Aadhar-Ration Card seeding, more than 27 thousand students have been given scholarships and around 8 thousand people have been linked to the government’s health schemes”, the Lt Governor affirmed.

Entrepreneurs are already earning well through bee-keeping in the district. The government would like to encourage and help more such entrepreneurs and innovative business projects. ‘During B2V3, two youth from each Panchayat would be selected and provided handholding and financial assistance for setting up their own business. More than 8000 youth will be benefitted from this initiative across J&K. Special Desk have been set up by J&K bank for assisting young boys and girls in setting up their business’, the Lt Governor said.

He directed the Deputy Commissioner and other district officers to consider the tough terrain of the district and plan awareness activities accordingly so that nobody is left uneducated about the programme. He also asked the elected PRI members to generate awareness for the benefit of the local population. Every Wednesday is dedicated to public grievance redressal at Sub-Division level on rotation basis, he added.

Quoting several economists, the Lt Governor asked the senior officers to focus their energies on land, labour, material and services for the wholesome development of villages.

The Lt Governor also advised the public to religiously follow COVID related SOPs during and after the Back to Village programme.

Deputy Commissioner, while briefing about the achievements made during Jan Abhiyan programme, informed the Lt Governor that about 913 KCC cases amounting to Rs 3.50 Cr have been sanctioned under Agriculture & Allied sectors, besides 3060 Domicile/Category certificates issued during Jan Abhiyan programme.

Nazir Ahmad Laway, Member Parliament; Pandurang K. Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Simrandeep Singh, Special Secretary to the Government, Department of DMRR&R and Secretary, Public Grievances; Dr. Showkat Aijaz Bhat, Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam; BDC Chairpersons, HoDs, representatives of PRIs and other senior officers, besides a large number of people, were present on the occasion.

Bethesda, Oct 4: US President Donald Trump said in a video released on Twitter Saturday night said that he was feeling “much better” in his battle against the coronavirus — but the next few days would be “the real test.”
The 74-year-old assured the public of his progress hours after a source with knowledge of the president’s condition had warned his vital signs were worrying, with the next 48 hours critical.
“I came here, wasn’t feeling so well,” said Trump, who is being treated at Walter Reed military medical center near Washington following his Covid-19 diagnosis.
“I feel much better now, we’re working hard to get me all the way back.”
It was unclear whether the undated video, apparently filmed at Walter Reed, had been made before or after the dire warnings about his health, which US media later said came from White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.
That message contrasted with a more optimistic assessment from his doctors, such as White House physician Sean Conley who characterized Trump as mobile, fever-free for 24 hours and with an improving cough and less nasal congestion and fatigue.
Sporting a blue blazer and white dress shirt, but more casual than usual without a tie, Trump predicted a quick recovery.
“I think I’ll be back soon and I look forward to finishing up the campaign the way it was started,” Trump said.
“We’ll be seeing what happens over those next couple of days,” Trump said, adding “I guess that’s the real test.”
The president added that he’d had “no choice” other than to work from his hospital suite rather than cocooning himself in his bedroom for his recovery.
Trump has all the capabilities of White House communications in a special suite at the hospital that allows him to carry out his normal duties.
“I was given that alternative: stay in the White House, lock yourself in, don’t ever leave. Don’t even go to the Oval Office, just stay upstairs and enjoy it,” Trump said.
Trump added that this would have involved seeing no one in person, which was not his approach to the presidency.
He also thanked global heads of state “for their condolences… they know what we’re going through.”

New Delhi, Oct 4: The Personal Data Protection Bill, which proposes to put restriction on use of personal data without explicit consent of citizens, is likely to be tabled in the next year’s Budget session of Parliament, according to a source.

The draft of the bill, approved by the Cabinet in December 2019, proposes a penalty of up to Rs 15 crore and up to three-year jail term for company executives for violating privacy norms.

“The time for the joint committee on the Personal Data Protection Bill has been extended to the second week of the winter session. The final bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament in the Budget session after incorporating the suggestions of the committee,” the source said.

The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha in February and has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee of both the Houses, headed by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi, for examination and report.

The draft approved by the Cabinet in December mandates storage of critical data of individuals by internet companies within the country while sensitive data can be transferred overseas only after explicit consent of the data owner.

The bill has been drafted following a Supreme Court judgement in August 2017 that declared ‘Right to Privacy’ a fundamental right.

The need for a strong personal data protection regime was further highlighted by the apex court in its judgement in September 2018 in which it held Aadhaar as a constitutionally valid scheme but struck down some provisions in the Aadhaar Act.

As per the provisions of the bill, all internet companies will have to mandatorily store critical data of individuals within the country. However, they can transfer sensitive data overseas after explicit consent of the data owner to process it only for purposes permissible under the proposed legislation.

Critical data will be defined by the government from time to time. Data related to health, religious or political orientation, biometrics, genetic, sexual orientation, health, financial etc have been identified as sensitive data.

A company’s executive in-charge of conduct of the data business would face a jail term of up to three years if found guilty of knowingly matching anonymous data with publicly available information to find out the identity of an individual — called as ‘re-identify de-identified data’ in technical parlance, under the proposed law.

Social media companies will be required to come up with a mechanism to identify users on their platform who are willing to be identified on a voluntary basis.

It will be voluntary for individuals if they want to get verified or not.

The bill has provisions to grant the right to be forgotten to data owners as well as the right to erase, correct and porting of data.

Srinagar, Oct 4: Hundreds of vendors continued to suffer since March this year in view of the closure of the famous three-km-long Sunday Market due to COVID-19 in the heart of the Srinagar city.
The shops and business establishments also remained closed on Sunday in the main business hubs, including historic Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the summer capital as per directions by the District Administration. However, shops are functioning on other days on rotational basis in the city to avoid rush and further spread of coronavirus.
Hundreds of vendors, selling different products, including cloths, utensils, shoes and shawls, were putting up their stalls on both sides of the road from Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) to Hari Singh High Street (HSHS), including Lal Chowk, Regal Chowk, Amira Kadal and Residency road.
However, the vendors are not being allowed to put up their stalls in view of the COVID-19 since March this year following imposition of lock down and other restrictions.
Though the district administration has allowed plying of public transport and opening of business establishments, Sunday Market remained closed badly hitting hundreds of vendors and their families.
The vendors were doing good business on every Sunday before the lock down. Thousands of people, including women and children from different parts of the valley were visiting the market.
The vendors said that they were doing good business during this period of the year, selling warm cloths, particularly sweaters, snow shoes, warm track suits and different type of blankets.
Last year too we have suffered heavy losses due to curfew restrictions after the centre abrogated Article 370 and this year it is coronavirus, said a vendor Hilal Ahmad Bhat, resident of Maisuma, now working with a carpenter.
If we will not do any other work our family will face starvation, he said adding some vendors are now working as labourers to feed their children.
We had a meeting with the district administration recently and assured that we will follow Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and other directions strictly, said the vendors seeking permission to open the market.

Hands-over Paddy thresher; distributes Kisan Credit Cards, Sports Kits, sanction letters, financial assistance to beneficiaries

Precious Kashmir News

Kulgam, Oct 4:  Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha during his visit to Panchayat Halqa Ashthal, Kulgam, in connection with Back to Village-3 programme, dedicated Ashthal Bridge worth Rs 9.55 crore to the public.

The Ashthal Bridge connects village Ashthal with adjoining areas while benefitting about 10,000 souls residing in 13 habitations.

The Lt Governor also laid the foundation stone for a Solid Waste Management plant. The solid waste management plant is going to benefit 239 households.

To maintain the high sanitation standards, atleast two dustbins in every panchayat are to be installed for solid and liquid waste management.

‘Villages are the lifeline of India and their development is the top priority of the Government. Connectivity plays an imperative role in the socio-economic development of any region, area, or locality and the UT Government is taking various initiatives aiming at accentuating the overall road connectivity, with special focus on rural connectivity’, the Lt Governor maintained.

Sinha also handed-over a Paddy Thresher for use by the locals of the village.

He also distributed Kisan Credit Cards, Sports Kits and handed-over financial assistance to Construction workers, various certificates and sanction letters to beneficiaries under different departmental schemes.

The Lt Governor observed that the ambitious Back to Village programme is an endeavour of the J&K Government to ensure 100% saturation of Social Security and beneficiary oriented schemes so that the benefits of such schemes shall reach to every eligible beneficiary.

Precious Kashmir News
Anantnag, Oct 4: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar Sunday said that the Back to Village (B2V) will imbibe the spirit of development and participation among the common people as well as empower them through PRI institutions.
The Advisor made these comments while participating in a B2V3 function at Panchayat Halqa Ganeshpora of Pahalgam Block.
Bhatnagar while addressing a large gathering said that J&K Administration is committed for over all and equitable development of Jammu and Kashmir. He also asked the people to come forward and take advantage of welfare programmes announced by the government from time to time.
The Advisor on the occasion said that Administration is strengthening Panchayat Raj institutions and the line departments will also facilitate public at all levels. He also appealed to the public & PRI representatives to deliberate upon their requirements and issues for over all development of the villages and prepare a draft plan.
Speaking regarding ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Advisor asked the people to follow all COVID SOPs and other guidelines strictly so that the virus can be contained.
Highlighting the need for collective approach to drug menace, the Advisor maintained that mass campaigning and awareness should be launched in the District with the help of various organizations. He asked the administration, police and civil society to work in coordination to eradicate the menace of drugs from society.
Interacting with the visiting officers at the Panchayat Halqa, Bhatnagar stressed upon them to prioritize the works of immediate need in all the halqas for which Rs. 10 lac have been provided. He directed the officers to ensure cent percent saturation of all schemes like KCC, Ayushman Bharat Golden Card, Ladli Beti pension schemes etc
During the visit, several delegations and individuals met the Advisor and raised several demands and issues with him. The demands included development of play ground, construction of link road from Ganeshpora to Bashinard, restoration of power supply to Bashinard, construction of foot bridge at Jaibal, upgradation of health facilities, establishment of Bank Branch, Degree College and development of infrastructure for upgraded High School.
The Advisor gave patient hearing to the demands and issues raised by the public.

Riyadh, Oct 4:  The Saudi Arabian authorities resumed on late Saturday the Umrah pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah, the kingdom’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said.

Riyadh suspended the pilgrimage for foreign and domestic Muslims in March, after Saudi Arabia reported its first Coronavirus case.

“The resumption of the Umrah pilgrimage will take place in four stages, during the first stage it will resume from October 4 only by 30 percent.

The second stage will begin on October 18 with a 75 percent participation of willing pilgrims.

From November 1, Umrah will gradually begin to accept the participation of all interested pilgrims from within the country and from abroad, 100 percent conducting of Umrah, as it was before, depends on when the end of the pandemic is announced or when the danger disappears,” the ministry told the Saudi Press Agency.

Over 108,000 foreign and local pilgrims, who are in the country, have now received permission to take part in Umrah.

Protective measures, such as disinfection and social distancing, will be taken during the pilgrimage.