Srinagar, Sep 7: As many as 1013 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday taking the number of infected persons to 44750. Six hundred tested positive in Jammu and 413 in Kashmir.
Moreover, 433 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals, 69 from Jammu Division and 364 from Kashmir Division.
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 44570 positive cases, 11009 are Active Positive, 32760 have recovered and 801 have died; 105 in Jammu division and 696 in Kashmir division.
The Bulletin further said that out of 1088652 test results available, 1044082 samples have been tested as negative till September 07, 2020.
Till date 482771 travelers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for observation which included 40114 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 11009 in isolation and 49120 under home surveillance. Besides, 381727 persons have completed their surveillance period.
Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Srinagar has 10300 positive cases (including 136 cases reported today) with 1400 Active Positive, 8660 recovered (including 161 cases recovered today), 240 deaths; Baramulla has 3079 positive cases (including 31 cases reported today) with 604 Active Positive, 2369 recovered (including 09 cases recovered today), 106 deaths; Pulwama reported 2896 positive cases (including 40 cases reported today) with 509 active positive cases, 2328 recovered (including 24 cases recovered today), 59 deaths; Kulgam has 2000 positive cases (including 03 cases reported today) with 126 Active Positive, 1835 recoveries (including 06 cases recovered today), 39 deaths; Shopian has 1756 positive cases (including 10 cases reported today) with 114 Active Positive, 1613 recovered, 29 deaths; Anantnag district has 2600 positive cases (including 40 cases reported today) with 563 Active Positive, 1985 recovered (including 17 cases recovered today), 52 deaths; Budgam has 2923 positive cases (including 56 cases reported today) with 755 Active Positive and 2102 recovered (including 35 cases recovered today), 66 deaths; Kupwara has 2421 positive cases (including 38 cases reported today) with 726 Active Positive, 1641 recovered (including 14 cases recovered today), 54 deaths; Bandipora has 2395 positive cases (including 31 cases reported today) with 702 Active Positive, 1667 recovered (including 25 cases recovered today), 26 deaths and Ganderbal has 1782 positive cases (including 28 cases reported today) with 437 active positive cases, 1320 recoveries (including 73 cases recovered today) and 25 deaths.
Similarly, Jammu has 5795 positive cases (including 442 cases reported today) with 3386 active positive cases, 2342 recoveries (including 23 cases recovered today), 67 deaths; Rajouri has 1043 positive cases (including 12 cases reported today) with 214 active positive cases, 822 recovered (including 03 cases recovered today), 07 deaths; Ramban has 703 positive cases (including 01 case reported today) with 51 active positive, 651 recoveries, 01 death; Kathua has 1091 positive cases (including 21 cases reported today) with 307 Active positive, 774 recovered (including 15 cases recovered today), 10 deaths; Udhampur has 1030 positive cases (including 32 cases reported today) with 278 active positive cases, 748 recovered, 04 deaths; Samba has 850 positive cases (including 22 cases reported today) with 249 Active Positive, 597 recoveries (including 15 cases recovered today), 04 deaths; Doda has 542 positive cases (including 13 cases reported today) with 159 active positive cases, 377 recoveries, 06 deaths; Poonch has 547 positive cases (including 41 cases reported today) with 166 active positive, 376 recoveries (including 07 cases reported today), 05 deaths; Reasi has 462 positive cases (including 15 cases reported today) with 117 active positive, 345 recoveries (including 06 cases recovered today) while Kishtwar has 355 positive cases (including 01 case reported today) with 146 active positive cases and 208 recoveries and 01 death .
According to the bulletin, of the total 44570 positive cases in J&K 7126 have been reported as travelers while 37444 as others.
The Bulletin said that the breakup represents districts from which the patients have been traced or are ordinarily residing.
The bulletin has informed the people that, the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 2 meter from others, frequently cleaning hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer or washing them with soap and water and following good respiratory etiquette and hygiene.
As a measure for social distancing in public places and workplaces wearing a face cover is compulsory.
The bulletin again explained that early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease so we need to be responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us. “Not disclosing symptoms could put life of individuals and their families at risk. In case of symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing report early. Do not fear, call COVID-19 helpline numbers and seek medical advice”.
Advisory has further exhorted upon the people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent hand washing with soap and water.”
In case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll-free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialing toll-free number 102.
People can also call on toll-free national helpline number 1075; J&K COVID-19 Helpline Numbers 0191- 2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health-related queries on Novel Corona virus Disease (COVID-19).
The bulletin has informed that the Directorate of Indian Systems of Medicine, J&K is distributing AYUSH Medicines having immunity boosting, immuno-modulator, anti-oxidant, rejuvenator, anti-stress, metabolism regulator, anti-allergic, anti-pyretic, anti-tussive, bronchodilator, etc properties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department so far has provided medicine to 9.03 lakh people that include various frontline workers, senior citizens, PRIs, police/paramilitary personals and general masses. Moreover, preventive measures and Yoga therapies are also being advised to the people to take care of lifestyle/mental disorders so that physical and mental health is ensured during this pandemic.
Public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the government from time to time and rely only on the information released by the government through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media.
People are also advised to refrain from spreading rumours and pay no heed to them at the same time.

New Delhi, Sep 7: A rattled and battered world includes India registering a record spike of 90,802 new COVID cases during the past 24 hours, occupying second position globally on all COVID parameters with US at number one position, registering 61 lakh cases.

It was for the second consecutive day that the nation clocked a single day surge of more than 90k cases, as per the Union Health Ministry data.

The country’s overall Covid tally has now pushed past 42 lakh mark , with the figure presently at 42,04,614. Active case load on the country has now increased to 8,82,542 , while fatalities due to the virus have reached 71,642 after 1016 more people lost their battle to COVID 19 since Sunday.On the brighter side, recoveries have now reached 32,50,429 after 6,564 people were cured/discharged during the past 24 hours.

The country’s recovery rate now stands at 77.31 per cent, while the fatality rate is at 1.70 per cent presently. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in the past 24 hours, 7,20,362 samples were tested, taking the total tests conducted to 4,95,51,507, till date.

Pessimism has given way to optimism with total recoveries crossing 32.5 lakh till Monday and 69,564 patients being discharged in the past 24 hours.The Recovery Rate touched 77.31 per cent. The total number of recoveries stood at more than 32.5 lakh — 32,50,429 — Monday, an official statement here said.

In the past 24 hours, Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest recoveries with 11,915 newly recovered cases. Karnataka and Maharashtra saw 9,575 and 7,826 recoveries while Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh witnessed 5,820 and 4,779 new recoveries, respectively.

These five states together contributed 57 per cent of the recoveries in the past 24 hours.

Five states are contributing 60 per cent of total cases with Maharashtra at the top with 21.6 per cent, followed by Andhra Pradesh (11.8 per cent), Tamil Nadu (11 per cent), Karnataka (9.5 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh at 6.3 per cent.

Maharashtra also contributed 26.76 per cent of the active cases in the country, followed by Andhra Pradesh (11.30 per cent), Karnataka (11.25 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (6.98 per cent) and Tamil Nadu (5.83 per cent). These five states at present contribute 62 per cent of total active cases.

Uttar Pradesh, which is the most active state politically recorded 5649 fresh Covid-19 infections in a day on Monday, taking the total to 2,71,851 cases.The death toll too inched towards 4K cases and now it has touched 3976 with 56 fresh casualties.

The recovery rate of the Covid patients in the state has gone up to 75.67 per cent while the fatality rate was 1.46 per cent.In far flung areas of Uttar Pradesh like Muzaffarnagar 87 new cases have come to the fore taking the tally to 2,500.A total of 899 active coronavirus patients are currently undergoing treatment.

Varanasi, a religious place recorded 81 new cases, tally surpasses 9000 mark on Monday. Tota 1,811 patients were currently undergoing treatment while 158 have so far succumbed to the contagion.

Meanwhile, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dedicated a 300-bedded Covid hospital and a testing lab in Gorakhpur to COVID patients and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his helping hand.

He said, ‘The testing capacity would be doubled now.”

Maharashtra, which has maintained the lead in COVID infections since its outbreak saw 42 deaths and 1589 cases across eight districts of Marathwada region of the state during the past 24 hours.

The districtwise data collected by UNI stated that Latur was the worst-affected with seven deaths and 336 fresh cases; followed by Nanded, recording seven deaths and 328 cases; Aurangabad seven deaths and 310 cases, Beed 110 cases and seven deaths, Osmanabad six deaths and 211 cases, Jalna four deaths and 158 cases, Parbhani 62 cases and four deaths, and Hingoli registering 63 new cases.

Dr Nissar advises people to take quadrivalent vaccine within this month

Srinagar, Sep 7: With the Coronavirus still spreading widely, it is time to start thinking seriously about influenza which typically spreads in winter in Kashmir. Experts say that major flu outbreaks would not only overwhelm hospitals but can also affect a person to greater extent if a person contracts both flu and virus simultaneously thereby advocating early flu shots in the form of vaccines.

Experts believe that this year people have to remain extra vigilant and authorities should start giving flu vaccines in September as it is the ideal time to get your flu shots to prevent yourself from getting both flu and virus at a time.

Talking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Dr Nissar Ul Hassan, a prominent flu expert in Kashmir who is also president of Doctors Association Kashmir said that every year before the arrival of the flu season which begins from October and can last even upto May, people must get flu vaccine shot to stay safe.

“December and January are the peak months of flu. We keep on urging people to get flu shots well on time,” he said. u season and every year we ask people to get vaccinated.

He said that everywhere you have new vaccines as there are viruses that keep on changing every year and this year also different virus strains are circulating in the community and there is a need to get updated vaccination.

H1N1 popularly known as Swine flu, H3N2, Victori and Yamagata are four viruses whose strains are moving in J&K this year and there is a need for a quadrivalent vaccine this year which can prevent people from all four types of flu.

“People should get the flu shot this year in September as usually people were getting flu shots by the end of October or beginning of November. However, this due to covid-19 people should get vaccinated in September as it takes at least two weeks to build antibodies and if you get vaccinated in September, you will be fully protected in October and flues cannot affect you, he said, adding that it is very important in Covid times as this winter we would have double wave of epidemic this year one is flu and other is Covid-19 as covid-19 cases are expected to rise in winters as it is characteristics of respiratory viruses,” the flu expert told KNO.

He said that keeping in view that Kashmir will have more cases of Covid-19 in winter there is need to vaccinate people at an earliest. “If people get flu in winter, we won’t be able to differentiate whether it is flu or covid-19 as both have common symptoms,” he said.

Dr Nisar said that if one gets the flu his/her immune system gets weakened and the person is more prone to other infections like covid-19. “Based on Brazilian study of 92,000 Covid positive patients, where in it was found that flu vaccine decreases mortality rate among Covid positive patients besides that they found that if you give flu vaccine before onset of Covid-19, it decreases the mortality by 20 percent and if you give same after onset of covid-19 it decreases mortality by 27 percent,” the doctor said. “Quadrivalent vaccines must be given to 0.5 ml to all persons who are of age from 3 years onwards and 0.25 ml from 6 months to 3 years. We have injection available in injection and nozzle form available, he said, adding that vaccines must be given to elderly and other patients to develop their immune system.”

PM says new policy will make India a knowledge hub

New Delhi, Sep 7: The day-long virtual Conference on the National Education Policy (NEP) got off on Monday with unanimity expressed by President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Governors, Lieutenant Governors, administrators and education ministers of the States/UTs that the policy is not a mere document but an attempt to realise the aspirations of the nation.
Speaking at the opening session of the conference, inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it would not be correct to confine this policy to the government’s domain.
“Like foreign policy or defense policy, education policy belongs to the country irrespective of the governments,” he said while initiating the discussion in his welcome address.

Concurring with this view, President Ram Nath Kovind appreciated the manner in which the policy is distilled into a coherent and effective document by drawing inferences from lakhs of suggestions from across the social spectrum. He lauded the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in guiding the policy towards the goal of making the country a “knowledge hub”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcoming the President at the Conference of Governors on National Education Policy, said that this event is very significant in the process of implementing the new education policy.
He said that NEP is being welcomed by all because people have accepted it as their own.
‘’It is this acceptance which is the bedrock for success of any policy. Pervasive participation and contribution has led to ownership of this policy,’’ he added. He further said that this policy not only related to education but also prepares India for the new social and economic changes of the 21st century. It prepares the country to be self reliant in tune with the policy of Atmanirbhar Bharat. But, to make it a success, all doubts about NEP should be cleared.
Talking about the principles of NEP, the Prime Minister said that it emphasizes upon learning and focus on research rather than curriculum and practical performance, access and assessment. He added that this policy is an extraordinary effort to move out from one size fits all approach which was being pursued till now.
The Prime Minister stressed that it is imperative to integrate culture, language and traditions with the learning so that the children are able to assimilate it in an integrative manner and this is precisely what the new policy endeavours to focus on.
Changing from the present scenario where students are under societal pressure to pursue certain streams which may not be as per their choice, National Education Policy plans to provide platform to students to pursue any stream as per their aptitude.
In this context, vocational education exposure would also be provided to them which would also help them to gain employment skills. He observed that steps should be taken to make India the nerve centre of knowledge at global level. In this regard, the best international institutions will also be established in India. Technological solutions should be utilized for creating greater access to the socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Affordable and accessible facilities to ordinary people is the priority of NEP.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that regulation has been simplified and streamlined. In fact, graded autonomy is also a step towards introducing healthy competition. It would inspire institutions to provide quality higher education. He further advised that before 25 September, virtual conference in as many Universities as possible should be held and a dialogue on the implementation of NEP should be initiated.
The Prime Minister also said that this policy can be a success only when we show maximum flexibility from our side. He emphasized that this policy is of the country as a whole and not of a particular government. The policy, he reiterated, is the result of aspirations of the people and hence all steps should be taken to implement the National Education Policy in letter and spirit.
Addressing the Conference, President Ram Nath Kovind said that National Education Policy (NEP) will take the country, especially the youth forward in accordance with the needs and aspirations of the twenty-first century. Congratulating the Prime Minister for his visionary leadership and inspiring role in shaping this historical document, he also appreciated Dr. Kasturirangan and Ministers as well as the officials of Education Ministry for giving shape to National Education Policy through an elaborate process which took into consideration more than two lakh suggestions received from 2.5 lakh gram panchayats, more than 12,500 local bodies and about 675 districts. If changes are effectively brought about, India will emerge as an education superpower, he added.
Elaborating on the NEP, the President said that Governors being Chancellors of State Universities have a crucial role to play in the implementation of NEP. There are some 400 State Universities with about 40,000 colleges affiliated to them, hence it was imperative to establish coordination and dialogue with these universities which could be done by Governors who are also the Chancellors, the President said.
President Kovind said that education is the most effective way for social justice and hence the National Education Policy calls for an investment of about 6 per cent of GDP jointly by the Centre and the States. He said the NEP emphasizes on strengthening of public educational institutions for a vibrant democratic society and at the same time inculcate respect among students for Fundamental Rights, Duties, Constitutional values and patriotism.
Briefing the Governors about NEP, President Kovind said socially and economically disadvantaged groups (SEDGs) have been given priority in this policy through various initiatives. It includes providing foundational literacy and numeracy to all children at primary school level by 2025.
Reiterating the role of teachers in NEP, President Kovind said that teachers will have a central role in the new education system, the most promising people being selected for the teaching profession. With this perspective, a new and comprehensive curriculum for teachers’ education will be formulated by next year, he said.
Talking about the importance of vocational education, President Kovind said that less than 5 percent of the workforce in India received formal vocational education which is nominal in comparison to the western countries. Hence, in NEP vocational education will be considered as a part of mainstream education and such education will be given equal status which will make the children not only more skilled but will also generate respect and dignity of labour, he said.
President Kovind also observed that it has been widely accepted that the mother tongue should be the medium of primary education and hence the new policy adopts the spirit of the three-language formula. It has the benefit of encouraging the Indian languages, arts and culture which is a significant step in preserving the unity and integrity of our country characterised by great linguistic diversity.

With the aim of achieving quality education, multi-disciplinary education is being appreciated worldwide and hence as per the NEP, Multi Disciplinary Research Universities i.e. ‘MERU’ will be set up which will be beneficial for the development of qualified, versatile and creative youth, the President said.

‘’One large multi-disciplinary higher education institution in or around each district by 2030 to provide higher education in underserved regions is being targeted under this policy. These steps are being taken to make quality higher education accessible to the socially and economically disadvantaged groups,’’he said.

In addition, he said, efforts are being made to make India global study destination and it is envisioned that foreign universities of repute would be allowed to impart education in India.

President Kovind opined that the success of this Education Policy will depend on the effective contribution of both the Centre and the States. Education being enumerated in the concurrent list of the Constitution, it requires coordinated action by the Centre and the States. Appreciating the enthusiasm of the Governors, the President said that some of them have already started preparations for the implementation of National Education Policy by initiating dialogue with the respective Education Ministers and the Vice Chancellors. He advised the Governors to have a theme based virtual conference on the implementation of the same and also invited suggestions to the Union Education Ministry which could be utilised across the country. President Kovind concluded with the observation that such contribution by the Governors and Education Ministers will be helpful in transforming India into a ‘Knowledge Hub’.

Education Ministers of all states, Vice-Chancellors of state universities and other senior officials are attending Monday’s conference titled “Role of NEP-2020 in Transforming Higher Education,” being organised by the Ministry of Education

Jammu, Sep 7: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today gave his valuable suggestions for effective implementation of National Education Policy in Transforming Higher Education across the Country.

The Lt Governor was speaking at Governors’ Conference on Role of NEP-2020 in Transforming Higher Education which was graced by President Ram Nath Kovind; Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by Union Minister for Education, Romesh Pokhriyal; Governors/Lieutenant Governors; Education Ministers of States; Chairman, Committee for Drafting New Education Policy; Vice Chancellors and the Officers of the States.

Underlining the importance of integrated development of children, the Lt Governor suggested that extra-curricular activities such as NSS, NCC, Sports, Music etc. need to be made part of the curriculum and students should get credit of these activities.

Further, the Lt Governor observed that the NEP-2020 could be effectively implemented if institutions are given freedom to redefine teaching positions as per need.

The Lt Governor stressed on the need to lay special emphasis on Students’ feedback on teaching. He said that the Students’ feedback is globally practiced and it helps lend perspective to the teaching of pedagogical standards and practices of universities. Universities may be asked to explain how they have used students’ feedback. If they do not have this practice, they must implement it in a generic manner. The NAAC assessment requires this but universities tend to not implement this seriously, worrying that it can be misused against teachers, he added.

During his address, the Lt Governor observed that our priorities guide all policies and our policy decisions guide our destiny.

He congratulated the Prime Minister and the Government of India for approving the new National Education Policy, which replaced the 34-year-old National Education Policy. He also complimented the Prime Minister for renaming Ministry of Human Resource Development as Ministry of Education.

“I personally believe that education is the biggest catalyst for change. When education is the guiding force behind human development, humans are no longer limited to a ‘resource’. They become ‘assets’ for the society”, he maintained.

The Lt Governor said that education as a holistic approach broadly focuses on the development of human consciousness, while education in terms of human resource development looks to be just a means to employment.

This journey of becoming assets from mere resources is possible only when we ensure value-based education to our children. To understand your value system, you need to understand your roots, your tradition and rich cultural heritage, and to understand all these, you should know your mother tongue. The importance given to the mother tongue in the new National Education Policy will help our youth in this regard, he added.

The Lt Governor observed that the new Education Policy is strengthening the vision of our Prime Minister -“teach to transform, learn to leave and educate to empower”. This policy has blurred the division of schemes like science, commerce, humanities and social sciences.

The Lt Governor quoted Guru Nanak ji’s saying-the education makes a person thoughtful and wise, so that he can live a life which is humane and philanthropic.

In the National Education Policy-2020, the development of skills, experience-based learning and rationality with special focus on issues like Accessibility, Equality, Quality, Affordability and Accountability of Education Attention has also been given to encourage critical thinking.

Jammu and Kashmir is a land of extremely talented people. The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have excelled in every field. Today, when we are witnessing a new dawn in Jammu and Kashmir, we want the youth of this state to be the pioneers of change. And, I think the new Education Policy will help them realize their true potential and make their dreams come true, he continued.

We live in an era where research and innovation are the keys to success and development. We want to make Jammu and Kashmir the centre of knowledge, enterprise, innovation and skill development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to make India self-reliant. This is possible only when we make our youth self-reliant. And vocational training will play an important role in this regard, he asserted.

The Lt Governor said that there is a general but flawed belief that vocational education is inferior to mainstream education. The new education policy aims to change this perception and for this, it has been said to teach vocational subjects from Sixth Standard itself.

With the new education policy, we will empower our youth so that they contribute significantly in nation-building, the Lt Governor affirmed.

Pertinently, earlier in a meeting with Vice-Chancellors of the Universities across J&K on August 14, the Lt Governor had asked them to prepare a roadmap for bringing qualitative improvement in the overall functioning of the Universities and adopt J&K centric changes as per the new Education Policy.

‘DIPR has pivotal role to highlight benefits of Back to Village-3 initiative’

Srinagar, Sep 7: Director Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar today chaired a preparatory meeting with DIPR officers to discuss the arrangements for the conduct of the 3rd phase of Back to Village (B2V-3) programme.
The meeting was attended by Joint Director Information (Headquarters), Deputy Director Information (AV), Administrative Officer, Information Officers, Media Coordinator and other officers.
As the Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced the ambitious B2V-3 programme scheduled to be held from October 2 to 12, 2020, Dr Sehrish outlined the aim of the flagship programme with respect to the first two phases and the importance of the 3rd phase.
Dr Sehrish reaffirmed that DIPR has a pivotal role to highlight the Back to Village-3 and sensitize the people about the benefits of the unique initiative while enjoining upon the officers to sensitize their respective staff to make the programme a grand success.
On the occasion, Joint Director (Hqtr) and Deputy Director (AV) were directed to keep liaison and close coordination with the Rural Development Department regarding publicity and advertisement material.
The Deputy Director (AV) was further asked to formulate a strategy regarding audio-video spots/jingles to be telecasted and broadcasted across the length and breadth of J&K.
Also, she directed the Public Relations section of the directorate to keep liasioning with the offices of the Lieutenant Governor, Advisors to LG and other senior officers and relevant departments in order to remain updated about the latest information regarding the Phase-III of B2V programme.
During the meeting, it was also decided that the Cultural Officers of both the divisions (Kashmir/Jammu) shall organize the Nukad Natak at block/ district/Divisional/UT levels by strictly adhering SoPs and guidelines regarding COVID-19.
The meeting also decided that Doordarshan should be coordinated for arranging a programme on B2V-3.