JK reports 786 fresh cases, tally crosses 37000 mark
Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Aug 30: Seven more persons died due to COVID-19 in last 24 hours in Jammu and Kashmir, taking the fatality count to 697, officials said on Sunday.
They said that among the victims, three were residents of Jammu district while two others were from Srinagar and one from Ganderbal district respectively.

A 70-year-old woman from Nadihal Bandipora died at SKIMS Bemina, 13 days after she was admitted to the one of the exclusive facilities for the management of the COVID-19 patients here.
A 40-year-old man of Bemina who was admitted to a hospital here on August 26 and diagnosed with bilateral community acquired pneumonia died today, they said
A 40-year-old man from Gousia Colony Bemina who was admitted SMHS hospital on August 26 as a case of bilateral community acquired pneumonia died this afternoon, they said.
A 47-year-old woman from Prem Nagar Jammu, who was admitted to GMC Jammu on August 28 and was diagnosed with “bilateral CAP, ARDS, DKA and Old Kocks” died at 8:30 hours, a doctor at GMC Jammu told GNS.
Last night, two women—one of them a 55-year-old woman from Khour Pallanwalla and another a 46-year-old from Chack Arnia died at GMC hospital Jammu.
An officer of health department Ganderbal said that a 56-year-old man from Shaikh Zoo Wakoora who was diagnosed with Bilateral CAP and hypertension died at a hospital in Srinagar.
A 57-year-old from Drass Kargil who was admitted to SKIMS Soira on August 26 died this evening.
With these deaths, 697 persons have died due to the virus—697 from Jammu and 634 from the Valley.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Aug 30: As many as 786 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Sunday.
They said that 354 cases were reported in Jammu division and 432 in Kashmir division, thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 37163.
Moreover, 490 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals, 108 from Jammu Division and 382 from Kashmir Division.
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 37163 positive cases, 7959 are Active Positive, 28510 have recovered and 694 have died; 63 in Jammu division and 631 in Kashmir division.
The Bulletin further said that out of 956733 test results available, 919570 samples have been tested as negative till August 30, 2020.
Till date 458984 travelers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for observation which included 45176 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 7959 in isolation and 45033 under home surveillance. Besides, 360122 persons have completed their surveillance period.
Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Srinagar has 9186 positive cases (including 161 cases reported today) with 1589 Active Positive, 7378 recovered (including 167 cases recovered today), 219 deaths; Baramulla has 2810 positive cases (including 26 cases reported today) with 506 Active Positive, 2204 recovered (including 35 cases recovered today), 100 deaths; Pulwama reported 2590 positive cases (including 25 cases reported today) with 465 active positive cases, 2077 recovered (including 16 cases recovered today), 48 deaths; Kulgam has 1918 positive cases (including 11 cases reported today) with 210 Active Positive, 1673 recoveries (including 03 cases recovered today), 35 deaths; Shopian has 1698 positive cases (including 08 cases reported today) with 120 Active Positive, 1550 recovered (including 05 cases recovered today), 28 deaths; Anantnag district has 2314 positive cases (including 38 cases reported today) with 510 Active Positive, 1755 recovered (including 28 cases recovered today), 49 deaths; Budgam has 2479 positive cases (including 52 cases reported today) with 690 Active Positive and 1729 recovered (including 21 cases recovered today), 60 deaths; Kupwara has 2075 positive cases (including 30 cases reported today) with 632 Active Positive, 1397 recovered (including 20 cases recovered today), 46 deaths; Bandipora has 2142 positive cases (including 37 cases reported today) with 734 Active Positive, 1383 recovered (including 21 cases recovered today), 25 deaths and Ganderbal has 1415 positive cases (including 44 cases reported today) with 443 active positive cases, 951 recoveries (including 66 cases recovered today) and 21 deaths.
Similarly, Jammu has 3149 positive cases (including 258 cases reported today) with 1128 active positive cases, 1979 recoveries (including 51 cases recovered today), 42 deaths; Rajouri has 888 positive cases (including 06 cases reported today) with 117 active positive cases, 766 recovered (including 03 cases recovered today), 05 deaths; Ramban has 653 positive cases with 19 active positive, 633 recoveries, 01 death; Kathua has 871 positive cases (including 18 cases reported today) with 191 Active positive, 677 recovered (including 19 cases recovered today), 03 deaths; Udhampur has 810 positive cases (including 09 cases reported today) with 138 active positive cases, 670 recovered (including 27 cases recovered today), 02 deaths; Samba has 706 positive cases (including 07 cases reported today) with 180 Active Positive, 524 recoveries, 02 deaths; Doda has 415 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 76 active positive cases, 336 recoveries (including 02 cases recovered today), 03 deaths; Poonch has 413 positive cases (including 06 cases reported today) with 85 active positive, 324 recoveries (including 06 cases recovered today), 04 deaths; Reasi has 389 positive cases (including 18 cases reported today) with 70 active positive, 319 recoveries Kishtwar has 242 positive cases (including 27 cases reported today) with 56 active positive cases and 185 recoveries and 01 death .
According to the bulletin, of the total 37163 positive cases in J&K 6494 have been reported as travelers while 30669 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 8.57 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, Aug 30: India on Sunday clocked a record spike of 78,760 new Covid cases during the past 24 hours while 64,935 people defeated the virus in the same duration, with the recovery rate at 76.61 per cent.
According to the Union Health Ministry update, the overall COVID-19 tally stood at 35,42,733 while the recoveries so far have now reached 27,13,933.
At present, the country houses 765302 active cases of the infection.
On the brighter side, the recoveries have exceeded the active cases by 1948631 across the nation.
The death toll also surged to 63,498 with 948 more fatalities, the government data said.
As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in the past 24 hours, 10,55,027 tests were conducted, taking the total to 4,14,61,636 till date.

Washington, Aug 30: Meanwhile, The number of global noval Coronavirus cases has surpassed the 25 million mark on Sunday, while the deaths have increased to over 842,000, Johns Hopkins University said.

The total number of cases currently stood at 25,009,250 and the fatalities rose to 842,702, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

The US accounted for the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 5,961,582 and 182,779 respectively, according to the CSSE.

Brazil came in the second place with 3,846,153 infections and 120,262 deaths.

In terms of cases, India ranks third (3,542,733), and is followed by Russia (982,573), Peru (639,435), South Africa (622,551), Colombia (599,884), Mexico (591,712), Spain (439,286) and Chile (408,009), the CSSE figures showed.

The other countries with over 20,000 deaths were the Mexico (63,819), India (63,498), UK (41,585), Italy (35,473), France (30,601), Spain (29,011) and Peru (28,607).

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Aug 30: Two senior BJP leaders in Jammu and Kashmir tested positive for COVID-19 before meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
“This is to inform that BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul and BJP General Secretary Jammu and Kashmir affairs incharge Vibod Gupta tested positive minutes before their meeting with LG Manoj Sinha. The two leaders have been touring Kashmir in the past few days and meeting several delegations. I request all those who came in contact with these two leaders to get themselves tested and to quarantine themselves,” JK BJP spokesman Altaf Thakur said in a statement on Sunday.

Sputnik

Washington, Aug 30:  The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is ready to authorize a vaccine against COVID-19 before the end of phase three clinical trials if such a move proves to bring more benefits than risks, Stephen Hahn, the head of the FDA, told the Financial Times (FT) in an interview, which was published on Sunday.

At the moment, three pharmaceutical companies, namely AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer, are conducting phase three trials in the United States, and President Donald Trump has said that vaccine could be approved in the country before the November 3 presidential election. Hahn told the FT that the FDA was ready to bypass the usual process for a vaccine authorization but would not do so just to please the president.

“It is up to the sponsor to apply for authorization or approval, and we make an adjudication of their application … If they do that before the end of Phase Three, we may find that appropriate. We may find that inappropriate, we will make a determination,” Hahn said, adding that the FDA’s authorization was possible if “the benefit outweighs the risk in a public health emergency.”

The FDA head also mentioned that the agency’s authorization for the emergency use of a potential vaccine did not equal its full approval.

At the same time, Hahn said that FDA’s decisions would be based on science and medicine, and not on politics or the upcoming election.

New Delhi, Aug 30: Maintaining that there is a rich tradition of local toys in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for developing toy clusters in India to make the nation a toy hub.

Speaking during his monthly programme ”Mann ki Baat”, the Prime Minister said, ”Global toy industry is over Rs seven lakh crore but India’s share is very small; will have to work to increase it.”
He further said, ”During these times, I have been thinking about my young friends. I have been thinking about how can my young friends get more toys … India has the talent and the ability to become the toy hub of the world.”
There has been a rich tradition of local toys in the country, he maintained.
”There is a big trend of computer games today. These games are played by children and grown-ups as well. But even in these games, their themes are mostly extraneous,” he pointed out.
PM Modi stated that these days, the festival of Onam is also being celebrated with fervour.
He further stated that, ”The zest of Onam has reached foreign lands. Be it the US, Europe or Gulf countries, the joy of Onam can be felt everywhere. Onam is increasingly turning to be an international festival.”

He cautioned that this is a time for festivals but at the same time, there is also a sense of discipline among people due to the COVID-19 situation.
Batting for the farmer community, PM Modi further maintained that, ”Our lives and society are driven by the power of agriculture only. Our farmers have proved their mettle even during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The Prime Minister said India is marking Nutrition Month and added that this will benefit young children.
Stresses on ‘vocal for local’,
Reminding that everyone acknowledges the capability of Indians to offer innovation and solutions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it is the responsibility of the young entrepreneurs to develop computer games in and also about India.
PM Modi urged the start-ups to ”team up for toys” for games for India and of India.
He asked young entrepreneurs to develop computer games in and also about India, saying ”Let the games begin”.
PM Modi also praised various apps that were part of ”app innovation challenge”, calls it a good sign for an ”Atma Nirbhar Bharat”.
”Today, when we are trying to make the country self-reliant, we have to move with full confidence; and make the country self-reliant in every area. A seed that was sown in the form of the Non-cooperation movement, it is now the responsibility of all of us to transform it into banyan tree of self-reliant India,” he said.
He insisted that making efforts as today’s small start-ups will transform into big companies tomorrow and become mark of India in the world.
”And you should not forget that the big companies which exist in the world today, were also, once, start-ups,” he further said.

He stated that everyone acknowledges the capability of Indians to offer innovation and solutions, when there is dedication and sensitivity, this power becomes limitless.
He talked about the Atma Nirbhar Bharat App innovation challenge, which was put before the youth of the country at the beginning of this month.
Around seven thousand entries were received, of these too, nearly two thirds have been made by the youth of tier two and tier three cities and awards were given to around two dozen Apps in different categories.
He asked people to familiarise themselves with these Apps and connect with them and added that ”It is possible that you too get inspired to make something like that.”
He talked about various apps, including ”Kutuki Kids Learning App” for children in which they can easily learn many aspects of maths and science through songs and stories and also mentioned apps like micro blogging platform ”Koo”, ”Chingari” and ”Ask Sarkar”.

”There are many business apps and also gaming apps such as Is Equal To, Books & Expense, Zoho Workplace and FTC Talent. Search about them on the Net and you will find a lot of information about these apps. Step forward ? innovate some; implement some,” he added.
‘Youth’s participation in App developing indication for self-reliant India’
Expressing happiness over the participation of a large number of youth from tier two and tier three cities in the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat App innovation challenge’ held earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said it is an auspicious indication for self-reliant India.
Speaking in his monthly radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the PM said, ”At the beginning of this month, an app innovation challenge was put before the youth of the country. Our youth participated enthusiastically in this Aatma Nirbhar Bharat App innovation challenge. Around 7 thousand entries were received; of these too, nearly two thirds have been made by the youth of tier two and tier three cities. This is a very auspicious indication for self-reliant India, for future of the country.”

Expressing happiness on the results of the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat App innovation challenge,the PM said, ”After a lot of scrutiny, awards have been given to around two dozen Apps in different categories. Among these there is an App ‘Kutuki Kids Learning app. This is an interactive app for children in which they can easily learn many aspects of maths and science through songs and stories. Similarly, there is also an app for micro blogging platform. Its name is ku KOO.. ku. In this we can place our opinion and interact in our mother tongue through text, video or audio”.
“Similarly, Chingari App too is getting popular among the youth. There is an app Ask Sarkar. In this you can interact through chat bot and can get right information about any government scheme – that too through all the three ways- text, audio and video. There is another app called, Step Set Go. This is a fitness app and it keeps a track of how much you walked, how many calories you burnt; it keeps track of the data and also motivates you to stay fit”, PM Modi added.

Calling upon the youth to come up with more such innovations, the PM said, ”Step forward ? innovate some; implement some. Your efforts as today’s small start-ups will transform into big companies tomorrow and become mark of India in the world. And you should not forget that the big companies which exist in the world today, were also, once, start-ups.”

>Directs for making all Welfare Schemes run by J&K Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, available online before September 30

>Guidelines of various welfare schemes to be advertised in each of the 3000 Community Service Centers across J&K for maximum awareness of beneficiaries

Srinagar, Aug 30: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today released two Coffee Table Books, one for Labour & Employment Department and another for J&K Entrepreneurship Development(JKEDI) Institute here at Raj Bhavan.
Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Labour and Employment Department was present on the occasion.
The Lt Governor directed the Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Labour and Employment Department for making all Welfare Schemes run by J&K Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (BOCWWB) available online before 30th September 2020 and expediting the already ongoing registration process to cover all leftover construction workers in a time-bound manner.
He further directed for advertising the guidelines of various schemes in each of the 3000 Community Service Centers across J&K for the awareness and welfare of the beneficiaries so that benefits offered by the labour welfare board percolate to the ground level genuine construction workers.
Underlining the importance of effective implementation of Labour Reforms for safeguarding the interests of stakeholders, the Lt Governor stressed on the expediting modalities for effecting all pending Amendments to the Labour Laws to improve the Ease of Doing Business in J&K Union Territory.
The Lt Governor laid special emphasis for creating a healthier entrepreneurial ecosystem and stressed on the use of Employment Exchanges and DECC in every district to provide a much need connect to all job seekers and potential employers.
On the issue of welfare of working-class, the Lt Governor called for ensuring prompt redressal of grievances of the working-class, especially in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by facilitating all the possible assistance to them.
The Lt Governor asked the Department to take various innovative measures to inspire and motivate a new generation of entrepreneurs, so that they can be role models for the young brigade currently enrolled in different educational Institutes of J&K.
Briefing the Lt Governor about the contents of the Coffee Table Books, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Labour and Employment Department, Saurabh Bhagat informed that the publications summarize and highlight the functions, achievements of 2019-20 and role of Labour & Employment Department and J&K EDI during the COVID-19 lockdown by alleviating the miseries of migrant labourers by providing cash relief, masks food, water, counselling and free evacuation through Shramik Trains and busses.
The Coffee Table Book of Labour & Employment Department also highlights the labour reforms which include the amendment in various labour laws & rules as well as providing of 13 online services and 26 services under Public Service Guarantee Act, 2011 of Labour Department keeping in view the concept of Ease of Doing Business. Further, the Coffee Table Book of J&K EDI book highlights the inspirational entrepreneur journey of 50 young boys and girls across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, he added.
Discussions were also held on the Mission Mode Project to cover all the left out Building and other Construction Workers under the J&K BOCWW Board’s flagship scheme intended to help 4 lakh families of construction workers and the role of the department in creating self-employment by giving EDP support and soft loan through schemes like SCS,YLSS, Wep , NMDFC and through institutions like EDI and WDC.