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Man held with 5kgs of brown sugar in Karnah

 

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, Sept 21:  Kupwara police Monday claimed to have arrested narcotic drug peddler and have recovered narcotics worth cores.

A police spokesman said in continuation to its war against drug menace Kupwara Police today arrested a notorious drug peddler.

“Acting upon a reliable input about the smuggling/transportation of some narcotics in Pingla-Haridal area of Karnah, Police Kupwara and Army 17 Bihar established nakas at different locations in the area and started checking of the pedestrians. During checking one individual namely Waqar Ahmad Baden s/o Farooq Baden R/o Amrohi, Karnah was asked by the teams of Police and Army to stop for checking who tried to flee from the spot but was chased and apprehended by the SFs with a bag from which 5 packets weighing 5 kgs of Brown Sugar have been recovered,” he said.

In this regard a case FIR No. 71/2020 in PS Karnah, u/s 8/21 NDPS has been registered and investigation taken up.

Police appealed public to cooperate in sharing all the information (KNS)

 

 

 

ACB conducts surprise check in LAWDA

 

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, Sept 21: Based on a complaint lodged by New Youth Electrical and Mechanical Workshop Holders Association Karan Nagar, Srinagar, a Joint Surprise Check (JSC) under No.11/2020 was conducted  at LAWDA Office, Nishat in the backdrop of allegations that an ineligible candidate had been engaged as JE in LAWDA and the contract of maintenance of procured machinery used for de-weeding Dal Lake is being given to blue eyed un-registered firms and some engineers of LAWDA are having partnership in these blue eyed un-registered firms, a spokesman of Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) said.

He said there are  also allegations that  chemical procured and used by LAWDA is substandard in quality.

“During the course of joint surprise check, it transpired that the LAWDA, has illegally engaged one Wardha Syed Buchh son of Mohammad Syed Buchh R/O Shivpora, Srinagar, as Junior Engineer on consolidated basis vide their order No. 65 –LDA of 1998 dated 31.10.1998, whereas the said Engineer had not completed his diploma in electronics engineering at the time of engagement, whereas he earned his diploma in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) in 1999. The said JE is from ECE background whereas the LAWDA requires engineers of Mechanical Engineering background,” the spokesman said.

He said during Joint Surprise check, copies of the relevant records pertaining to the repairs  and to other allegations,  have been seized on spot.

“Further probe of the case is in progress,” the spokesman added.

 

 

Gandhi College felicitates students for participating in essay writing competition

Srinagar, Sept 21: The Gandhi Memorial College has felicitated all the students, who participated and won prizes in the online inter college essay writing competition.
The College’s Department of English congratulated all participants for their diligent and determined hard work for an enthusiastic and positive response for the online Inter-College Essay Writing Competition on the topic, “Why the English language became the world’s lingua franca”.
The essays were evaluated by a panel of experienced faculty members on the basis of content, writing style, logic, survey, plagiarism, proper citation and innovation of the articles.
The college appreciated the work put in by every participant in preparing the essay.
Wajid Ali Bhat of Baghi Dilawar College, Srinagar secured first position while
Atif Latief of Gandhi Memorial College, Srinagar bagged 2nd position, Burhan Ahmad of Gandhi Memorial College, Srinagar secured 3rd position, Bazila of Govt Women College, M.A. Road, Srinagar got 4th position and Sahiba Jan of Govt Women College, M A Road, Srinagar secured 5th position.
The students were given certificates and prizes in the Principal chamber of the college today. Patron of the college Prof Manzoor Ahmad Lone, Prof Fouzia Hamid and others attended the prizes giving function and felicitated students and encouraged them to continue to work hard to excel in their lives.

 

 

Self Protection Still Holds Key Against Covid-19

 

It is clear as of now that the economic run cannot be impeded amid rising covid-19 numbers. Undoubtedly the businesses have been badly hit across globe, more so in Jammu and Kashmir given the catastrophic impact of the lockdown in the aftermath of 5 August 2019 decisions by centre and one after it due to the virus.

In other words, the returned to lockdown in a bid to contain the virus spread seems unlikely even as there has been a surge in the number of the covid-19 cases.

For last three weeks now, the J&K recorded more than a thousand covid-19 cases daily. The numbers have sprinted to 63990 while deaths due to it have crossed grim milestone of 1000, around 300 added this month alone.

How the economy evolves ahead remains up in the air, as coronanomics proves difficult to pin down even as global clamour for a COVID-19 vaccine has whipped up unrealistic expectations that one or two are just around the corner. In reality, the world will gain from a vaccine that has been critically and transparently evaluated and not one that crosses a chimerical finish line first. All in all, the vaccine in contemporary times seems still at some time away.

The pandemic has also brought into focus the unavoidable role of uncertainty. New aspects of the disease are being brought to light, sometimes day after day. The best strategy, in the midst of such flux, is adherence to the measures to prevent the spread of the virus. The social distancing, hand washing etiquettes and wearing masks remain the key. At one point in time, the government had announced hefty penalties in a bid to make people wear face coverings. One who fails to wear one had to be fined Rs 500. The non-payment should land anyone to jail for disobedience of public order under section 188 IPC. Even as the penal provisions have not been withdrawn, the compliance to wearing masks seems least and government action more feeble.  In India and the world, some places which were swamped with new cases in the beginning managed to significantly reduce the transmissions. The logic behind the success remained relatively inexpensive and simple preventive method whose use could be greatly expanded: face coverings. When many people refuse to wear masks, for varied reasons including absurd ones, they give the virus a helping hand. It is important to note that wearing masks is important to prevent virus spread and hence save lives and livelihood.

Shift in NC’s stand: From J&K’s special status to 4G restoration  


Afaq Bhat

Srinagar, Sep 20: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah raising the issue of restoration of 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir in the Parliament and speaking about other issues surprised many people in the Valley.

A Kashmir watcher while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “It’s strange that Dr Farooq Abdullah has spoken on every issue in the Parliament except change in J&K’s status-quo.”

He said, “There is no harm in raising the issues which touch the skin of a common man, like oxygen shortage in Jammu hospitals and suspension of high speed internet services in J&K, but it seems NC leaders are indecisive about whether to speak about Centre’s August 5, 2019 decision in the Parliament or not.”

It’s in place to mention here that soon after the Monsoon session of the Parliament commenced the NC parliamentarians had requested the Lok Sabha Speaker, to allow them to talk about revocation of J&K’s special status. “Since then NC leaders, especially Dr Farooq Abdullah, has got many chances to speak in the Lok Sabha but he has maintained silence over this issue,” the analyst added.

He said that last month when the leaders of regional parties met at Dr Farooq Abdullah’s Gupkar residence in Srinagar they had reiterated that they stand by the “Gupkar Declaration” which they had issued just one day before J&K’s special status was abrogated last year.

An analyst said, “From J&K’s special status, the National Conference has moved on to the restoration of 4G internet services in the newly carved out Union Territory. It’s a significant shift in party’s stand.”

Referring to the Oped which National Conference vice-president and former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah had written in a national daily that he won’t contest the assembly elections till J&K’s statehood is restored, the analyst said, “Omar breaking his silence had stirred the Hornet’s Nest as many people had interpreted it as shift in NC’s stand. Following Omar’s Oped, party’s chief spokesman Aga Ruhullah had raised the banner of revolt and had tendered his resignation.”

He said that after Ruhullah’s resignation Omar had gone into damage control mode and had claimed that his Oped has been misinterpreted. “If NC leaders don’t talk about the abrogation of Article 370 during the ongoing Parliament session it will be proven beyond doubt that the party is in no mood to take cudgels with the Centre and wants things to move on.”

An observer said, “If the Centre restores 4G services after Dr Farooq Abdullah raking up the issue in Parliament, the NC can project it as party’s victory and tell the people that New Delhi still takes NC seriously. It appears that NC has felt the pulse of people and has realized that people are desperately waiting for 4G to return.”

It may be recalled that 4G internet services were snapped in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019, when the Centre announced its decision to abrogate J&K’s special status and divided it into two union territories. The 2G services were restored after 6 months in J&K, while 4G returned to Ganderbal district in Kashmir and Udhampur district in Jammu last month on trial basis after Supreme Court’s intervention.

 

J&K Law Commission functions even after completing its 3-year term   

 

Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar, Sep 20: In a move that could raise eyebrows, Jammu & Kashmir’s Law Commission is functioning even after completing its term.

The panel, which was mandated to recommend changes in state laws, is presently functioning from its office housed in Old Assembly complex here, even as its three-year term came to end on August 3, 2019. “The panel’s chairman and staff are attending the office in absence of any direction from the authorities,” sources disclosed to the Precious Kashmir.

On August 4, 2017 the Law department(vide order NO. 3379-LD(A) ) ordered creation of the Commission comprising of a chairman, two full-time members, two part-time members and secretary department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

The order governing establishment of the Commission clearly states that it would be for three years. “The term of the Commission shall be for a period of three years,” the order reads.

The Commission’s terms of reference include identification of redundant and obsolete state laws which can be repealed, identification of laws that require changes and amendments and make recommendations in this regard. It was also empowered to suggest measures for quick redress of public grievances in the field of law, and examine laws that affect the poor and carry out post-audit of socio-economic legislation.

However, the commission became functional after January 7, 2019 when former High Court Judge, Justice(retired)MK Hanjura was appointed as its chairman.

The order issued by government on January 7, 2019 mentions that Hanjura is appointed as chairperson of the commission established vide Government order No. 3378-LD(A) of 2017 dated 04-08-2017.

“The terms and conditions of the chairperson shall be governed by Government order N0. 3379 LD(A) of 2017 dated 04-08-2017,” it further states.

Asked how the Commission is functioning when its 3-year term is over, Jutsice(retd) M K Hanjura said: “Let us see what government will decide on the matter.”

 

Sources disclosed that the matter is likely to come up before the administrative council headed by LG Manoj Sinha. “The AC will decide whether to disband or continue the commission,” an official disclosed.

It is worthwhile to mention that unlike other commissions and rights bodies, J&K Law Commission survived post re-organisation of J&K .

As many as nine commissions were abolished on October 31, 2019 as laws governing them were abolished by the Parliament when it approved J&K Re-Organisation Act.

 

COVID-19: Death toll surpasses 1000 mark, 18 more die in J&K

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Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Sep 20: Jammu and Kashmir reported eighteen deaths due to COVID -19 on Sunday, while 1457 more people tested positive for the virus across the Union Territory, officials said.
They said that fatality count due to COVID-19 has risen to 1005, while the number of people who have tested positive till date has mounted to 63990.
Officials said that nine deaths each were reported in Kashmir and Jammu division. Four of the deaths were reported at SKIMS Soura while others at SMHS and CD hospitals here.
They said a 60-year-old woman from Veerinag Anantnag died four days after she was admitted to the tertiary care hospital.
They said a 56-year-old man from New Qazi Bagh Anantnag died, five days he was admitted to the hospital. Two other persons who died at SKIMS include a 50-year-old man from Sangam Anantnag and a 68-year-old man from Firdous Colony Buchpora Srinagar.
The other deaths include a 60-year-old woman from Trakanjan Boniyar Baramulla who died at SMHS hospital here, they said, a day after being admitted there.
A 75-year-old woman from Habba Kadal died at the SMHS hospital, 12 days after she was admitted and diagnosed with bilateral Community Acquired Pneumonia, the sources told GNS.
Two more persons, a woman from Parnewa Budgam, admitted with bilateral CAP on September 16 and a 66-year-old man from Narabal Magam, admitted with bilateral CAP on September 16, also died at SMHS hospital.
An 80-year-old man from Hazratbal Srinagar died at CD hospital, four days after he was admitted there, they added.
Meanwhile, regarding nine deaths from Jammu division, they said, three victims were from Jammu district, two from Kishtwar and one each from Rajouri, Udhampur, kathua and Doda. (GNS)

COVID-19: J&K reports 1457 new cases, total 63990
Srinagar, Sep 20: Thirty six security personnel, five minors and two pregnant women besides 77 travelers were among 1457 fresh COVID-19 cases reported in Jammu and Kashmir in last 24 hours, taking its total count to 63990.

Official sources told GNS that 817 cases were from Jammu and 640 from Kashmir.
Giving breakup of the cases, they said, Srinagar reported 228, Budgam 78, Baramulla 86, Pulwama 50, Anantnag 49, Bandipora 35, Kupwara 29, Ganderbal 57, Kulgam 19, Shopian 9, Jammu 266, Rajouri 76, Udhampur 62, Kathua 46, Doda 151, Samba 33, Poonch 60, Ramban 65, Reasi 14 and Kishtwar 44.
A number of cases were confirmed at CD and SKIMS diagnostic labouratories, they said.
The CD cases include six males (42, 29, 23, 24, 09, 21) from BB Cantt Srg, female (34) from Lal Bazar, male (43) from Nowshera, male (60) and female (28) from Lal Bazar, two males (03, 22) and female (55) from Bemina, three females (50, 52, 60) from NA, female (08M) from Beerwah, male (60) from Barbarshah, male (24) from Chattabal, male (45) from Lawaypora, male (21) from Lawaypora, male (37) from Upper Soura, male (35) from Tankipora, male (30) from Bohrikadal, male (NA) from Rajbagh, male (27) from Batwara, female (40) from Sonwar, male (32) from Jawahar Nagar, male (18) from Hawal, male (55) from Lal Bazar, male (35) from Srinagar, male (70) from Srinagar, male (47) from Chanapora, female (23) Islamabad, male (14) from Rangreth, female (50) from Jawahar Nagar, female (75) from Shahgund Sumbal, male (55) from Bandipora, female (45) from Batwara, male (20) from Sholipora Budgam, female (60) from Hyderpora, female (34) from Alochibagh, female (30) from Lal Bazar, male (20) from Kupwara, female (30) from Jamai Qadeem Sopore, female (40) from Ashpeer Sopore, female (70) and male (40) from K Colony Sopore, female (33) from Sopore Baramulla, female (65) from Nowpora Sopore, male (35) and female (45) from Old Town Baramulla, female (35) from Ashpeer Sopore, female (34) from Ningli Sopore, female (38) from Tarzoo Sopore, male (13) from Noorbagh Sopore, female (70) from Upper Ashpeer Sopore, female (51) from Aadipora Sopore, male (28) from Bulgam Sopore, male (40) Wadoora Sopore, male (40) from Old Town Baramulla, male (65) from Down Town Sopore, female (27) from Nowpora Sopore, female (70) from Sopore Baramulla, female (25) from Zaloora Sopore, male (32) from Ashpeer Sopore, female (24) from Shangergund Sopore, male (40) from Wadoora Sopore, female (36) from Ashpeer Sopore, female (17) from Badambagh Sopore, male (50) from Badambagh Sopore, female (57) from Tangmarg, male (63) from Chandoosa, female (30) from Kanth Bagh, two males (40, 27) from DPL Baramulla, female (60) from Sheeri Fathegard, male (30) from Bemina Srg, male (45) and female (38) from Heewan Bla, female (40) from Hygam Baramulla, male (36) from Uri, male (34) from Khawaja Bagh, two females (29, 51) from Kralhar Bla, male (39) from Khagund Dooru, male (80) from Ashmuqam, male (75) from Achabal, male (69) from KP Colony Vessu, male (25) from Katoo, female (45) from Pinglena, male (20) from Lariyar, six females (10, 65, 28, 41, 22, 42) and male (75) from Nelbugh, male (45) from Gulab Bagh, male (38) from Rathsuna, male (65) and female (36) from Midoora, female (33) from Aghanzpora, female (23) from Lorow, ten males (30, 30, 30, 30, 30, 30, 30, 30, 30, 30) from RR Panzgom Red Zone, female (50) from Juhama Newa, male (30) from Jandwal, male (55) and female (48) from NA, male (55) from Gopalpora Anantnag, male (03) and female (29) from Tengpora, three males (55, 72, 63) from NA, male (44) from Kishtwar (Bemina), male (31) from Baghwanpora Srg, female (70) from Sonwar, male (55) from Lal Bazar, male (38) from Saribala, male (33) from Sonwar, female (54) from Chanapora, female (63) from Hakripora, male (77) from Khanpeth Baramulla, male (71) from Pattan Baramulla, male (60) from Bandipora, female (62) and three males (85, 55, 55) from NA, NA (30) and male (65) from Shivpora, female (42) from Barji Harwan, male (45) from Ganderbal, female (45) from Chattabal, female (45) from Hawal, male (45) from Fateh Kadal, male (37) from Safakadal, male (30) from Hawal, male (52) from Fateh Kadal, female (31) from Baramulla, two males (65, 40) from Kupwara, male (23) from Beerwah, male (47) and female (45) from Pirbagh, female (45) from Hanji Danter, male (38) from Bon Dailgam, female (36) from Anantnag, male (60) from Lolab Kupwara, male (NA) from NA, female (55) from Kupwara, female (35) from Barzulla, female (45) from Hawal, female (12) from Aalikadal, female (60) from Safa Kadal, male (70) from Umerabad, male (50) from Srinagar, male (30) from Eidgah, female (60) from Chattabal, female (62) from Umer Abad HMT Srg, male (65) from Uri, male (47) from Chattabal, three males (40, 25, 54) from Parraypora, two females (55, 30) and male (28) from Srinagar, male (60) from Hazratbal Srg, three males (35, 84, 53) and two females (48, 20) from Alochibagh Srg, NA (17) from Alochibagh, female (34) and male (34) from Shalimar Srinagar.
The Srinagar cases include male (22) from Eidgah Srinagar, male (46) from HMT, female (45) and male (27) from Sanat Nagar, male (59) from Alochibagh, male (38) from Police Colony Housing Colony Bemina, male (50) from Alochibagh, male (38) from Lal Bazar, female (45) from Srinagar, male (54) from Shalimar, female (30) from Skims Soura, female (63) from Khar Mohalla Pampore, female (30) from Gasoo Batapora, male (65) from Lal Bazar, male (27) from Sheributt, female (27) from Alamgiri Bazar, female (01) from Sheributt, male (46) from Buchpora, male (28) from Bemina, female (25) from Khanyar, two females (52, 28) from Soura, male (51) and female (47) from Zakura, male (67) from Brane Nishat, male (20) from Gulab Bagh, female (34) from Gogibagh, male (29) from Soura, male (60) from Zoonimar, male (46) from Batamaloo, female (26) from Saidakadal, female (60) from Malbagh, male (45) from Botakadal, male (55) from Saidakadal, male (55) from Nishat, female (55) from Ishber Srinagar.
The Kishtwar cases include female (64) from Kishtwar, male (45) from Kralpora Kupwara. The Udhampur cases include male (47) from Chenani Udhampur.
The Ramban cases include male (75) from Methra Ramban. The Ganderbal cases include male (39) from Yar Muqam Manigam, female (32) from Rampora, female (29) from Tulmula, male (65) from Manasbal Ganderbal, female (70) from Takiabal Ganderbal. The Baramulla cases include male (63) from Pattan Baramulla. The Kupwara cases include male (53) from Gulgam Kupwara. The Pulwama cases include ten males (22, 38, 35, 27, 34, 43, 43, 30, 30, 36) from Awantipora Pulwama, male (65) from Tral Pulwama. The Rajouri cases include female (26) Bangahi Rajouri.
The Budgam cases include female (32) from Larkipora, female (33) and male (04) from Shunglipora, male (20) from Naraspora, female (82) from Razivistop Magam, male (60) from Alamdarpora, female (29) from Jamia Mohalla Magam, two females (40, 65) from Aripanthan, male (30) from Bonzanigam, male (30) from Kalipora, male (30) from Kanigund, female (40) from Ohangam, two males (70, 20) and female (30) from Iskanderpora, male (38) from PHC Soibugh, female (28) from Russo, female (35) from Durbal, male (26) from JKB Soibugh, male (40) from Chek Number one Dangerpora, three females (38, 12, 08) from Dangerpora, male (40) from Chattergam Kouthipora, male (31) from Chararisharief Rader, female (70) and male (57) from Chadoora Town, male (55) from Imambara Budgam. The Bandipora cases include male (70) from Hajin Bandipora. The Shopian cases include female (45) from Taing Shopian. The BSF cases include male (50) from Ch BSF Humhama Srinagar.
The CRPF cases include two males (42, 28) from 35 Bn Crpf Humhama Budgam, ten males (30, 29, 49, 30, 32, 56, 49, 36, 52, 53, 38) from 161 Bn Crpf Dal Gate Srg, male (38) from Ccc Rtc Crpf Budgam, four males (NA, 39, 39, 38) from 117 Bn Crpf J&K Alochibagh Srg, male (NA) from 171 Bn Crpf J&K Alochibagh Srg, male (27) from 23 Bn Crpf Karan Nagar Srinagar.
Moreover, they said, 692 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals— 312 from Jammu and 380 from Kashmir Valley.

COVID-19: India records 92,605 fresh cases, tally crosses 54 lakh mark

12,06,806 tests conducted in 24 hrs

New Delhi, Sep 20: India on Friday registered 94,612 cured or discharged COVID-19 cases during the past 24 hours, as per the Union Home Ministry data.
A total of 92,605 fresh cases further pushed the tally past 54 lakh-mark, with the figure now standing at 54,00,620.

The recoveries have now reached 43,03,044 , that is 79.68 in percentage.

On the brighter side , with the good number of recoveries, the active cases have come down further on the second consecutive day, and presently the active case load is 10,10,824.

However, the fatality count also rose to 86,752 with 1,133 more people succumbing to the virus since Saturday, the government data added.

In terms of percentage at present, the active cases are 18.72 per cent, recovered at 79.68 per cent, and the deaths at 1.61 per cent.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 12,06,806 samples were tested in the past 24 hours, taking the total cumulative samples tested since the beginning of the pandemic till Saturday to 6,36,61,060.

Maharashtra continues to remain the worst affected state in the country with maximum case count in total , as well as in terms of maximum active cases of the pandemic.

Globally, United States continues to remain the most-infected, followed by India and Brazil.

COVID-19: 12,06,806 tests conducted across India in 24 hrs
For the first time, a record number of more than 12 lakh Covid tests in a single day.
With 12,06,806 tests conducted in the past 24 hours, the cumulative tests have touched 6,36,61,060.
India’s daily testing numbers are one of the highest in the world, an official release here said.
This strongly demonstrates an exponential increase Covid-19 testing infrastructure in the country.
From conducting merely 10,000 tests a day on April 8, the daily average the country’s testing capacities have multiplied manifold and crossed 12 lakh on Saturday.
In fact, the last one crore tests were conducted in merely nine days.
Expanded diagnostic lab network and facilitation for easy testing across the country have given a sharp boost to the enhanced testing numbers. Tests Per Million (TPM) have been boosted to 46,131.
India has performed remarkably on fulfilling WHO’s advise of 140 tests/day/ million population.
In another achievement, 35 States/UTs have crossed the advised number of tests.
A prominent determinant of the strengthened testing numbers is the steadily widening diagnostic lab network

in the country. This has grown to 1,773 labs oN Sunday, including 1,061 labs in the government sector and 712 private labs. There are 902 Real-Time RT PCR based testing labs: (475 Government and 427 private), 746
TrueNat based testing labs (552 Government and 194 private) and 125 CBNAAT based testing labs ( 34 Government and 91 private).

India’s first CRISPR COVID-19 test approved for use

 

New Delhi, Sep 19: The indigenously-developed, cutting-edge technology to detect the genomic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 virus, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) test, has received regulatory approvals from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for commercial launch, as per the ICMR guidelines.

Meeting high quality benchmarks with 96 per cent sensitivity and 98 per cent specificity, Tata CRISPR is the world’s first diagnostic test, to deploy a specially adapted Cas9 protein to successfully detect the virus causing COVID-19, said Girish Krishnamurthy, CEO, TATA Medical and Diagnostics Ltd.

This marks a significant achievement for the Indian scientific community, moving from R&D to a high-accuracy, scalable and reliable test in less than 100 days, he added.

Mr Krishnamurthy said the Tata CRISPR test achieves accuracy levels of traditional RT-PCR tests, with quicker turnaround time, less expensive equipment, and better ease of use.

Moreover, CRISPR is a futuristic technology that can also be configured for detection of multiple other pathogens in the future, the Ministry of Science and Technology said in a statement here.

The effort is the result of a fruitful collaboration between the scientific community and industry. The Tata Group has worked closely with CSIR-IGIB and ICMR, to create a high-quality test that will help the nation ramp up the COVID-19 testing quickly and economically, with a ‘Made in India’ product that is safe, reliable, affordable, and accessible.

”The approval for Tata CRISPR test will give boost to the country’s efforts in fighting the global pandemic. The commercialisation of the Tata CRISPR test reflects the tremendous R&D talent in the country, which can collaborate to transform the country’s contributions to the global healthcare and scientific research world,” said Mr Krishnamurthy.

Dr Shekhar C Mande, DG-CSIR, complimented the CSIR-IGIB team of scientists and students, TATA Sons and DCGI for the exemplary work and collaboration carried out during the current pandemic, leading to the approval of the novel diagnostic kit and paving the path for further innovations towards making India self-reliant.

Dr Anurag Agrawal, Director CSIR-IGIB, expressed delight that the work started by CSIR under the sickle cell mission for genome diagnostics and therapeutics led to new knowledge that could be harnessed to quickly develop new diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2.

He emphasised that this shows the interconnectedness of scientific knowledge and technology and the innovation of the young research team, led by Dr Debojyoti Chakraborty and Dr Souvik Maiti.

 

Artificial Intelligence can detect diseases including COVID-19

Sumit Pandey
Taoyuan City (Taiwan), Sept 20: Even as the world awaits a COVID vaccine, Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used for detecting pneumonia caused by the pandemic which has claimed nearly a million lives globally.
The dataset commonly used for this work is open source chest X-ray images from Kaggle or other open-source websites. Some of these models have reported an accuracy even greater than 98 percent, experts have said.
The experts while calling for integrating the AI systems into the medical practice, said it would build a mutually-beneficial relationship between AI and Medicine.
In future AI would offer greater efficiency or cost-effectiveness and Doctors (or Medical Staff) would offer AI the essential medical exposure of complex cases.
In this process, it will be necessary to ensure that AI does not hide the human face of medicine because the biggest obstacle to its adoption will be the public’s hesitation to embrace this technology.
According to Prof (Dr.) Andrew Ng, computer scientist from Stanford University, Artificial Intelligence will change all the ”paradigms of our life as electricity did around 200 years ago.”
Medical Prognosis is used for predicting the expected development or likelihood of the disease.
Currently one of the most recent advancements of Artificial Intelligence is in three fields of medicine: Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment. Medical Diagnosis is used for determining the disease or condition that explains the symptoms of the patient.
The core of these Artificial Intelligence models is Machine Learning (ML) or Deep Learning (DL) algorithms. Both (ML and DL) algorithms are called data-driven which means that instead of defining the situation, these algorithms learn from previous examples. Generally, by increasing the amount of the data, the accuracy of these models also increases.
Researchers from Stanford University have developed a Deep Learning based Artificial Intelligence CheXNet that can detect 14 different diseases by analyzing the input front view chest X-ray images.
To train this model, researchers used an open source dataset released by the National Institute of Health (NIH) which contains 112,120 frontal-view X-ray images of 30,805 unique patients, annotated with up to 14 different thoracic pathology labels using Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods on radiology reports.
In 2019, a team of researchers at MIT-CSAIL developed an Artificial Intelligence model that could predict breast cancer in a person five years before its development. Based on the prediction, this model can also develop personalized treatment.
Researchers from Stanford University have developed a Machine Learning-based Artificial Intelligence system that can predict the survival of a person in the next five years. The system takes inputs in the form of body parameters (blood pressure, age, sugar level etc ) and results in the survival rate of a person in the next five years, based on the prognosis report the model recommends the personalized cure to the person.
Researchers have also developed many Artificial Intelligence models for health sectors and if implemented in hospitals, these can help doctors and clinicians in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
However, it was observed that most of these models have limitations and were highly accurate in labs but failed to perform better in real life.
According to a report published in MIT technology review (on April 2020), Artificial Intelligence was accurate in lab testing but the real-life story was different. Google developed a Medical Diagnosis Artificial Intelligence for detecting diabetic retinopathy. To test it in real life Google got permission from Thailand’s Health Ministry.
The model performed with 90 percent accuracy but more than one-fifth of the images were rejected by the Artificial Intelligence.
The problem is related to data generalization and the AI model in the lab was trained and tested on good high-quality images, whereas in real life it was tested on both good and poor quality images.