Precious Kashmir

Youth from minority communities getting selected in UPSC without discrimination: Naqvi

National

19/08/2020

New Delhi, Aug 18: Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Tuesday felicitated 22 youths belonging to minority communities that cleared the UPSC examinations and got selected for Civil Services.

These candidates with the help of the free coaching provided under ‘Nayi Udan’ scheme by the ministry, worked hard and achieved the success.

He said that there is a lot of un-tapped talent within the minority community and the government’s efforts to promote and motivate the youth, this result has been possible.

These people have created an impression and atmosphere with the help of the ministry’s scheme, and he added saying that prior to this there were no such efforts of making such an atmosphere which could have given importance to the capabilities.

This year more than 145 candidates from the minorities have been selected for the Civils and since the past three years such impressive numbers have shown up and they are a role model for the youngsters of the community.

Under the Nayi Udan and Naya Savera scheme the ministry has been providing free coaching and training for the fields like medical, UPSC, engineering, banking and other sectors.

CAG Murmu calls on PM Modi

National

United News Of India

19/08/2020

New Delhi, Aug 18: The Comptroller and Auditor General of India Girish Chandra Murmu on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister’s office said.
Murmu had on Monday called on President Ram Nath Kovind.
Girish Chandra Murmu had on August 6 resigned from the post of the Lieutenant Governor of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Later, he was appointed as the new Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

Shut and Open

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Precious Kashmir

18/08/2020

Four weeks after the gradual unlocking started, a fresh lockdown was imposed on July 23 by the administration, apparently to contain the spread of covid-19 in Kashmir Valley including Srinagar.
After a gap of more than three weeks, encompassing August 5, the day marking the first anniversary of Article 370 revocation and splitting of the J&K state into two union territories and August 15, Independence Day of the country, the administration has ordered reopening of the markets again. When the previous lockdown was announced, covid-19 tally stood at 16429 in the J&K while the death count attributed to the virus was at 285. Since then, the virus case tally has mounted to around 29000, recording an addition of 12000 cases, while the number of those succumbing to the pestilence stands at around 550 with more than 500 victims belonging to the Kashmir Valley alone. The figures seem disturbing and sound contrary to the rationale behind the lockdown. However, given the speed and vitality with which the virus is spreading, dubbing it a failure might not be prudent.
Recently, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry issued a statement, claiming that the indefinite lockdown of business establishments in the Valley especially Srinagar was a serious infringement on the rights of the business community to earn a livelihood. “Despite full cooperation extended by the general public and the business community, it said that the administration appeared to be running around in circles since the previous five months and seem oblivious to the fact that the business community of Kashmir was presently in the 13th month of a disruption which has wiped out enterprises and devastated the economy.”
Faced by the situation, when managing livelihood and lives are concomitant, the administration has again announced to unlock, allowing markets to open and public transport to ply. However, what remains to be important for both the government as well as people is to continue to fight against the virus.
The government needs to step up efforts and in the first instance adhere in letter and spirit to the union health ministry’s directive calling for testing the vendors. Understandably, the grocery, vegetable, milk shops, and other vending outlets are most frequented by the people and these points of buying and selling could be silent carriers of the deadly infection. People on the other hand are required to adhere to the safety and precautionary measures strictly. Both the administration and the people must remember how easily things can go wrong if caution is thrown to the wind.

LG Sinha to revive political process without Advisory Council

Anchor stories

Afaq Bhat

18/08/2020

LG Sinha to revive political process without Advisory Council

Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Aug 17: The much hyped Political Advisory Council, which was likely to be constituted in Jammu and Kashmir after August 15 seems to have hit a roadblock.
Sources told Precious Kashmir that the J&K unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party has opposed the idea of any such political council. “The BJP leaders have conveyed to the party high command that power cannot be handed over to anyone through a backdoor as it will send a wrong message,” they added.
Senior BJP leader and organizational general secretary of the party Ashok Kaul while talking to this newspaper on Monday said, “I don’t see any advisory council being formed in coming days. I believe the proposal has been shelved.”
Asked then how the Centre is planning to revive the political process in J&K, Koul said, “A seasoned politician (LG Sinha), who has also remained an union minister has taken over the reins of the Union Territory. In the coming days he will initiate the political process by taking politicians on board.”
The BJP leader reiterated that the political process will be revived “without setting up an Advisory Council.”
It may be recalled that the proposal to set up the political council headed by Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari was moved nearly three months ago and it was almost finalized. But the move couldn’t materialize due to the India-China standoff in Ladakh. At that point of time also the BJP President Ravinder Raina had expressed resentment against any such council being formed. It was after his statement the things stopped moving.
Rumours about the Centre mulling to form the Advisory Council once again started making rounds just few days before August 15. Feelers were sent that the council will be put in place soon after Independence Day.
Sources said, “Local BJP leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have once again put their foot down and are insisting that Kashmir based leaders should contest the elections first.”
A politician, who wished not to be named, said, “Centre during the past 70-years gave many leverages to the leaders from the Valley but now the things have changed and so has the system. Having an advisory council at place without kick-starting the democratic process is not a good idea.”
He said, “There are many other ways also through which politicians can make their presence felt on the ground and help the people. Looking for shortcuts to grab the power is not a workable proposal.”

Delimitation process well-defined, says CEO

Anchor stories

Ibni Maqbool

18/08/2020

Delimitation process well-defined, says CEO

‘Have submitted requisite information to commission’

Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar, Aug 17: J&K’s Chief Electoral Officer Hirdesh Kumar on Monday said that his office has submitted requisite information to Delimitation Commission constituted by the Central Government to fix boundaries for 90 Assembly segments in the J&K UT.

Talking to Precious Kashmir, Kumar— who is also part of the three-member delimitation panel— said the details which have been submitted include population data, administrative units and maps of constituencies.

“The process of delimitation is well-defined,” he said, adding that the commission will undertake preliminary exercise for delimitation of constituencies.

He said the preliminary exercise will be notified for general public. “Then discussions will be held with people and their representatives,” he said, adding that the commission holds such meetings whenever there is such requirement.

Going by the order issued by Union Law Ministry, the delimitation commission headed by Justice (retd) Ranjana Desai still has time till March 5, 2021.

“The appointment of Justice (Retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai shall be for a period of one year from the date of the publication of this notification in the Official Gazette or till further orders, whichever is earlier,” reads the notification issued by the Ministry on March 6, 2020.

Under the J&K Re-Organisation Act, the Commission is mandated to fix boundaries for 90 Assembly and five parliamentary segments of Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory.

It has also been empowered to reserve seats for Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes from 90 LA seat of J&K UT.

It is worthwhile to mention here that Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech from ramparts of Red Fort had announced that elections in J&K will be held after delimitation exercise is over.

“Delimitation process is underway in Jammu and Kashmir. Once it is completed, an election will be held in the Union Territory. Jammu and Kashmir will have its own chief minister and ministers. We are committed to this,” he had said.

2 CRPF men, SPO, 3 LeT militants killed in Kreeri encounter

Front

United News Of India

18/08/2020

2 CRPF men, SPO, 3 LeT militants killed in Kreeri encounter

Most wanted Haider among dead, he had recruited 20 OGWs; DGP Singh

Srinagar, Aug 17: Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and a Special Police Officer (SPO) were killed in a militant attack on a naka party in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday.
However, after the attack on joint naka party, security forces gunned down three Lashkher-e-Toiba (LeT) militants, including a top commander Sajjad Haider alias Raja in an encounter in the nearby orchard.
Inspector General of Police(IGP), Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar described the killing of Haider a major success for security forces.
Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh told reporters at Police Control Room (PCR) here this evening that three militants were killed in the encounter by security forces. He said Haider, a most wanted, was responsible for recruiting Over Ground Workers (OGWs).
DGP Singh said he had recruited 20 youths as OGWs who were arrested so far. He said Haider was involved in number of killings and other militancy incidents, including murder of fruit merchants, non local labourers and security force personnel.

He said two other militants killed in the encounter included a Pak national Usman and Annatullah Mir who had joined the LeT in March this year.
Spokespersons of defence ministry and police said that a group of three militants attacked a joint naka party of CRPF and police at Watergam Kreeri in Baramulla district this morning. Two CRPF and a SPO were critically wounded who were shifted to hospital. However, all the three security personnel succumbed.
IGP Kumar said three militants of LeT appeared in the area from dense orchard to attack naka party. Later, they escaped back from the orchard, he said adding additional security forces were immediately rushed and a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) launched.
Spokespersons said during the operation contact was established with militants hiding in the area after the attack. Sniffer dogs were pressed into service to identify the area where the militants were hiding.
Encounter ensued after militants attacked search party with automatic weapons. Two LeT militants, including top commander Sajad alias Haider were killed.
Kumar described the killing of LeT commander a great success for security forces as the militants were wanted in several cases. Large cache of arms and ammunition, including a snatched rifle were recovered from the slain militants.

10 more, including renowned Sgr doctor, die of COVID-19, J&K toll 554

Front

Nadeem Nadu

18/08/2020

Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Aug 17: Ten more people including a renowned chest specialist died due to COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir during the past 24 hours thus taking the death toll in the Union Territory to 554—513 in Kashmir and 41 in Jammu—officials said on Monday.
Among the dead, five belonged to Srinagar and two each to Budgam and Bandipora while another was from Anantnag district. With these fatalities, the death toll has risen to 544 in J&K—in Jammu division.
Officials said that the 81-year-old doctor, a chest specialist, from Srinagar’s Gil Kadal area was admitted to CD hospital, one of the exclusive facilities for the management, on August 13. Besides severe pneumonia, the doctor was diagnosed with hypertension, hypothyroidism, Bronchial asthma and osteoarthritis.

Also, a 75-year-old woman from Zakoora Srinagar who was admitted to the hospital on August 14 in view of severe pneumonia with underlying hypertension and hypothyroidism died at 9:20 a.m. today, a doctor at the hospital told GNS.
A 53-year-old woman from Pantha Chowk Srinagar who was admitted to the hospital on August 6 and diagnosed with pneumonia with “hypertension, DM 2” also died at the hospital. “She was admitted to ICU on August 10 and developed cardiac arrest twice today morning and was declared death at 10:40 am,” they said.
The two other residents from Srinagar who succumbed to the virus include resident of Natipora who was admitted on 11 August at SMHS and a 65-year-old man from Makhdoomsahib area who died at SKIMS Soura.
The two victims from central Kashmir’s Budgam district include a resident a man, in early 30s from Lassipora who was admitted to SMHS hospital on August 16 and a 70-year-old from Chadoora who was admitted to the hospital nine days ago.
The fatality from Anantnag, they said, include a 65-year-old man from Verinag area who was admitted to SKIMS Soura on August 4 and died at 7:40 a.m. today. “He was suffering from CKD, bilateral community acquired pneumonia with T1RF,”a doctor at the tertiary care hospital said, adding, “he had cardiopulmonary arrest.” The virus also claimed two lives in Bandipora and one of them was a 70-year-old resident, the officials added.
With these deaths, officials said, 554 people have succumbed to the virus in Jammu and Kashmir so far—513 from the Valley and 41 from Jammu division.
Srinagar district with 178 deaths tops the list followed by Baramulla (88), Budgam (42), Anantnag (39), Kulgam (31), Pulwama (40), Kupwara (34), Shopian (25), Jammu (29), Bandipora (22), Ganderbal (14), Rajouri (3), two each in Doda, Poonch and Udhampur besides one each in Ramban, Samba, and Kathua. (GNS)

COVID-19: 422 fresh cases, J&K tally at 28892

Front

Precious Kashmir

18/08/2020

COVID-19: 422 fresh cases, J&K tally at 28892

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Aug 17: As many as 422 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, thus taking the tally of infected persons in the Union Territory to 28892, officials said.
Of the fresh cases 341 were reported in Kashmir division and
81 in Jammu, they said, adding that moreover, 353 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals, 89 from Jammu and 264 from Kashmir Division.
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 28892 positive cases, 7048 are Active Positive, 21296 have recovered and 548 have died; 41 in Jammu division and 507 in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 801329 test results available, 772437 samples have been tested as negative till August 17, 2020.

Additionally, till date 415725 travelers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for observation which included 41738 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 7048 in isolation and 45785 under home surveillance. Besides, 320606 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Srinagar has 6960 positive cases (including 48 cases reported today) with 1635 Active Positive, 5151 recovered (including 98 cases recovered today), 174 deaths; Baramulla has 2438 positive cases (including 09 cases reported today) with 605 Active Positive, 1745 recovered (including 03 cases reported today), 88 deaths; Pulwama reported 2095 positive cases (including 42 cases reported today) with 460 active positive cases, 1595 recovered (including 18 cases recovered today), 40 deaths; Kulgam has 1712 positive cases (including 15 cases reported today) with 197 Active Positive, 1484 recoveries (including 17 cases reported today), 31 deaths; Shopian has 1576 positive cases (including 06 cases reported today) with 103 Active Positive, 1448 recovered, 25 deaths; Anantnag district has 1815 positive cases (including 43 cases reported today) with 353 Active Positive, 1423 recovered (including 41 cases recovered today), 39 deaths; Budgam has 1828 positive cases (including 40 cases reported today) with 511 Active Positive and 1276 recovered (including 47 cases recovered today), 41 deaths; Kupwara has 1571 positive cases (including 46 cases reported today) with 415 Active Positive, 1123 recovered (including 10 cases recovered today), 33 deaths; Bandipora has 1476 positive cases (including 49 cases reported today) with 709 Active Positive, 745 recovered (including 14 cases reported today), 22 deaths and Ganderbal has 963 positive cases (including 43 cases reported today) with 474 active positive cases, 475 recoveries (including 16 case recovered today) and 14 deaths.

Similarly, Jammu has 2005 positive cases (including 40 cases reported today) with 757 active positive cases, 1219 recoveries (including 46 cases recovered today), 29 deaths; Rajouri has 788 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today) with 121 active positive cases, 664 recovered (including 13 cases reported today), 03 deaths; Ramban has 624 positive cases with 29 active positive, 594 recoveries, 01 death; Kathua has 674 positive cases (including 11 cases reported today) with 113 Active positive, 560 recovered (including 06 cases recovered today), 01 death; Udhampur has 649 positive cases with 96 active positive cases, 551 recovered (including 02 cases recovered today), 02 deaths; Samba has 577 positive cases (including 10 cases reported today) with 163 Active Positive, 413 recoveries (including 09 cases recovered today), 01 death; Doda has 343 positive cases (including 06 cases reported today) with 42 active positive cases, 299 recoveries (including 04 recoveries reported today), 02 deaths; Poonch has 329 positive cases (including 01 case reported today) with 85 active positive, 242 recoveries (including 02 recoveries today), 02 death; Reasi has 288 positive cases (including 11 cases reported today) with 162 active positive, 126 recoveries (including 02 cases recovered today) and Kishtwar has 181 positive cases with 18 active positive cases, 163 recoveries (including 05 recoveries today).

According to the bulletin, of the total 28892 positive cases in J&K 5575 have been reported as travelers while 23317 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 7. 98 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 ensued 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.

COVID-19: Death toll crosses 50000 mark in India

Front

United News Of India

18/08/2020

Recovery rate reaches over 72%

New Delhi, Aug 17: The country’s death toll due to Novel Coronavirus on Monday crossed the 50,000-mark, as 941 more patients succumbed to COVID-19, while the recovery rate reached over 72 per cent, after the registration of the highest single-day recoveries of 57,584.
In terms of deaths, India stood next only to the United States, Brazil and Mexico, though the fatality rate of the country remained low at 1.92 per cent.
Trinamool Congress MLA from Egra in East Midnapore Samaresh Das succumbed to the pandemic in the wee hours of Monday.
Even though there has been a spurt in new cases of Coronavirus infection, India has steadily been marching on the road to enhanced recoveries.
The number of recoveries reached 19,19,842, including 57,584 fresh ones, an official statement said.
Due to this, the difference between the recovered and active cases stands at 12,42,942, as the active cases now stand at 6,76,900.
As the number of recoveries increased, the lockdown imposed due to COVID-19 was eased in central Kashmir district of Srinagar. Besides, opening of shops on rational bases, the District Administration also allowed operating of passenger vehicles.
In a major milestone, India has conducted three crore tests, conducting 7,31,697 tests in the past 24 hours. The nation has resolved to increase its testing capacity to 10 lakh tests daily. Tests Per Million (TPM) have seen a sharp increase to 21,769.
Meanwhile, the country recorded as many as 57,981 fresh COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 26,47,663.

Tollywood Director Raj Chakraborty, Odisha Minister for Rural Development, Labour and ESI Sushant Singh and Law Secretary of Tripura were among the fresh infections.
The worst-hit state of Maharashtra reported 11,111 new positive cases during the day, which pushed its overall tally to 5,95,865. The number of deaths caused by the infection now stands at 20,037.
Tamil Nadu reported 5,890 new COVID-19 cases and 120 deaths, taking the overall tally to 343,945.
The National Capital currently houses 1,52,580 cases, including 10,823 active ones and 4,196 deaths.
Uttar Pradesh witnessed 4186 fresh cases in a day, while 4376 more patients recovered from the virus. The state also reported record 69 COVID-related deaths, taking the death toll to 2515. The total cases in the state reached 1,58,216.
Four people succumbed to COVID-19 last night in Tripura, taking the death toll in the North-Eastern state to 59, while the tally jumped to 7240.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands were witnessing a steep surge in COVID-19 cases since the past two weeks. According to the last official report, 2399 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Andaman, out of which 1145 were active and 1126 people have recovered. Till now, 28 deaths due to the contagion have been reported in Andaman.
The COVID tally in Odisha surged to 62,294 with the detection of 2244 new cases during the last 24 hours while ten more Covid patients succumbed to the virus taking the total toll figure to 353.
The Sikkim state Secretariat has been closed for the next 72 hours, after a COVID-19 patient was found to have visited offices of certain departments. Currently, 493 active cases are undergoing treatment, while the tally of the state touched 1167.

COVID-19 lockdown eased in Srinagar

Front

Precious Kashmir

18/08/2020

Srinagar, Aug 17: Lockdown imposed due to COVID-19 was on Monday eased in central Kashmir district of Srinagar, where 129 positive cases were reported on Sunday.
Besides, opening of shops on rational bases, the District Administration also allowed operating of passenger vehicles from today.
Shops and business establishments opened this morning in major business hubs in the city. However, at busy Mahraja Bazar shops on one side of the road remained closed while people could be seen shopping on other side of the road. Similar scenes were witnessed in other parts of the civil lines, including historic Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the city.
In the down town, where people were seen washing historic Jamia Masjid, shops were open though the number of customers was very less. Shops and other business establishments were also open in the down town and Shehar-e-Khas and outskirts.
Reports of resumption of business and other activities were also received from other parts of the district, including outskirts and uptown.

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