Precious Kashmir Desk
Srinagar, Aug 5:  Girish Chander Murmu, the first Lieutenant-Governor (LG) of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir tendered his resignation on Wednesday, government run All India Radio reported.

The LG resigned exactly one year after J&K was turned into the Union Territory.
Sources said that Murmu is likely to be appointed as the new Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

They said that Murmu will replace Rajive Mehrishi as CAG and his appointment notification is likely be issued on a day or two.

Murmu is a 1985 batch Gujarat cadre IAS Officer who worked closely with PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in Gandhinagar as well as in Delhi. He was Secretary-Expenditure when he was appointed as the first L-G of the UT, after the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories — J&K and Ladakh.
Meanwhile, a local news agency KINS reported that the incumbent CAG,  Rajiv Mehrishi, who is set to complete his term in coming days, is likely to be appointed as the new LG  of Jammu and Kashmir UT.

The KINS said that Mehrishi’s name for the post is in circulation as he is considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also has in-depth knowledge of Kashmir affairs as he held the post of home secretary at the Centre for nearly two years after the NDA government came to power.

Mehrishi belongs to the Rajasthan cadre and was chief secretary before the Modi government brought him to New Delhi as finance secretary. However, after his retirement in 2015, he was given charge of home secretary for a period of two years and thereafter was appointed Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).

Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar, Aug 5: Eleven more persons, including a paramilitary  CRPF man died due to COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, taking the fatality count due to the virus to 428 in the Union Territory.
Among them, three deaths were reported from Srinagar, two each from Anantnag and Budgam including a CRPF man besides one each from Bandipora, Kupwara, Baramulla and Jammu division’s Udhampur district. With these deaths, the toll due to the virus in Kashmir stands at—397 and 31 in Jammu.

Official sources told GNS a 43-year-old woman from Ramnagar Udhampur died at ASCOMS (Batra) hospital. 

 “She was a cancer patient and tested positive for the novel coronavirus subsequently.”

Regarding the CRPF trooper, they said, he belonged to 176 battalion. He had tested covid-19 negative on July 25 but his X-ray showed bilateral lower pneumonia. He was shifted first to BSF hospital and  later to SKIMS Soura where his Covid-19 test was found positive. “He succumbed due to cardiac arrest.”

They said that a 50-year-old woman from Kupwara died this morning at CD hospital, one of the exclusive facilities for the management of the covid-19 patients. Admitted on July 28, the woman was suffering from pneumonia with hypertension and hypothyroidism, they said. “She was on ventilator and had a sudden cardiopulmonary arrest,” they added.

Among others, the fatalities include a 70-year-old from Serhama Bijbehara, a 55-year-old man from Pattan Baramulla, a 65-year-old man from S K Colony Anantnag and a 50-year-old from Srinagar, the officials said.   

The woman from Sirhama Bijbehara, a surgical patient was admitted on July 25, died at SKIMS today while the 65-year-old resident from SK Colony area of the south Kashmir district, admitted on August 2, died last night at the tertiary care hospital.

Regarding the 55-year-old from Pattan, officials said that he was a resident of Goshbugh area and was suffering from bilateral pneumonia. He was admitted to SMHS hospital on July 27 and died on today.

Also, sample of a 50-year-old man from Srinagar’s Bemina area who also died at SMHS hospital has returned positive posthumously.

Srinagar district with 141 deaths tops the list followed by Baramulla (74), Budgam (33), Kulgam (29), Anantnag (28), Shopian (23), Pulwama (24), Kupwara (22), Jammu (21), Bandipora (16), Ganderbal (7), two each in Rajouri, Doda and Udhampur besides one each in Ramban, Samba, Poonch, and Kathua.

Tally at 22955; 15244 recovered so far

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Aug 5: As many as 559 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, thus taking the toll of infected persons in the Union Territory to 22955, officials said.
They said that of the fresh cases 463 were reported in Kashmir and 96 in Jammu.

Moreover, 388 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals, 91 from Jammu Division and 297 from Kashmir Division.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 22955 positive cases, 7285 are Active Positive, 15244 have recovered and 426 have died; 31 in Jammu division and 395 in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 679415 test results available, 656460 samples have been tested as negative till August 05, 2020.

Additionally, till date 379311 travelers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for observation which included 43206 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 7285 in isolation and 43604 under home surveillance. Besides, 284790 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Srinagar has 5590 positive cases (including 160 cases reported today) with 2400 Active Positive, 3049 recovered (including 55 cases recovered today), 141 deaths; Baramulla has 1997 positive cases (including 29 cases reported today) with 393 Active Positive, 1531 recovered (including 79 cases recovered today), 73 deaths; Pulwama reported 1733 positive cases (including 105 cases reported today) with 758 active positive cases and 951 recovered (including 70 cases recovered today) and 24 deaths; Kulgam has 1552 positive cases (including 27 cases reported today) with 186 Active Positive and 1337 recoveries (including 15 cases recovered today) and 29 deaths; Shopian has 1492 positive cases (including 07 cases reported today) with 213 Active Positive, 1256 recovered (including 18 cases recovered today) and 23 deaths; Anantnag district has 1417 positive cases (including 07 cases reported today) with 260 Active Positive, 1129 recovered (including 14 cases recovered today), 28 deaths;  Budgam has 1386 positive cases (including 41 cases reported today) with 453 Active Positive and 900 recovered (including 22 cases recovered today) cases and 33 deaths; Kupwara has 1163 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today) with 185 Active Positive, 957 recovered (including 17 cases recovered today), 21 deaths; Bandipora has 865 positive cases (including 44 cases reported today) with 310 Active Positive, 539 recovered (including 07 cases recovered today) and 16 deaths and  Ganderbal has 560 positive cases (including 41 cases reported today) with 222 active positive cases and 331 recoveries and 07 deaths.

Similarly, Jammu has 1361 positive cases (including 61 cases reported today) with 626 active positive cases and 714 recoveries (including 18 cases recovered today), 21 deaths; Rajouri has 746 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 259 active positive cases, 485 recovered (including 34 cases recovered today), 02 deaths; Ramban has 574 positive cases with 131 active positive, 442 recoveries, 01 death; Kathua has 559 positive cases (including 08 cases reported today) with 131 Active positive, 427 recovered (including 16 cases recovered today), 01 death; Udhampur has 593 positive cases (including 12 cases reported today)  with 219 active positive cases, 372 recovered (including 08 cases recovered today), 02 death; Samba has 462 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 174 Active Positive and 287 recoveries (including 07 cases recovered today), 01 death; Doda has 299 positive cases with 79 active positive cases, 218 recoveries (including 01 recovery today), 02 deaths; Poonch has 251 positive cases (including 03 cases reported today) with 95 active positive, 155 recoveries (including 03 cases recovered today),01 death; Reasi has 198 positive cases with 138 active positive, 60 recoveries and Kishtwar has 157 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today) with 53 active positive cases; 104 recoveries (including 04 cases recovered today).

According to the bulletin, of the total 22955 positive cases in J&K 4683 have been reported as travelers while 18272 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 metre 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 handwashing 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 dialling 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).

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.

Washington, Aug 5:  The worldwide number of COVID-19 fatalities has surpassed 700,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University, which compiles data from federal and local authorities, media and other sources.
According to the university, the exact death toll currently stands at 700,647, with the global case count totaling 18,480,000, and the number of recoveries recorded across the world since the onset of the pandemic amounting to 11,083,012.

New Delhi, Aug 5: Even as the total number of infections touched 19,08,255, India recorded the highest ever single day recoveries in the past 24 hours with 51,706 Covid-19 patients recovering.

The recoveries till now total up to 12,82,215, more than twice the active cases.

The recovery rate has reached a new high of 67.19 per cent and continues to improve each day.

With such consistent increase in recoveries, the gap between recovered patients and active Covid-19 cases has reached nearly 7 lakh. Due to the record highest daily recoveries, the active cases have reduced to 5,86,244 (less than 5,86,298 recorded Tuesday) and all are under medical supervision.

The aggressive testing along with ramped up hospital infrastructure by collective efforts of the public and private sectors has ensured the increasing Recovery Rate which has improved from 63 per cent to 67 per cent in the past 14 days.

Coordinated implementation of “Test, Track, Treat” strategy by the Union and state/UT governments has ensured that the Case Fatality R has been low at stands at 2.09 percent when compared to the global scenario and it has been progressively falling.

With increasing number of Covid-19 patients recovering, there has been a 63.8 per cent increase in recovered cases in the past 14 days, indicating that the Covid-19 response and management driven by the Centre’s “Test, Track, Treat” strategy is yielding desired results.

Ayodhya, Aug 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday laid the foundation for Ram mandir here and declaring that today is a ‘golden day’’ when Ram Janmabhoomi ‘stands liberated’.

Clad in a golden coloured dhoti-kurta, the Prime Minister performed ‘bhoomi pujan’’ and laid the first brick for a magnificent temple at 1244 hrs and 08 seconds amid chanting of vedic hyms and blowing of conch shells. He said “like August 15, today’s day holds a similar significance for crores of people who devoted their lives for the cause of Ram temple’’ …August 5 is a ‘’golden day’’ and Ram Janmabhoomi ‘’stands liberated today’’, he added.

“Nine shilas (bricks) with gold, silver and precious stones embedded on them were worshipped and laid as foundation,” Mahant Kamal Narain Das said.

A 40 kilograms silver plaque with details of the Ram temple movement and construction inscribed on it was worshipped and would be fixed at the main wall of the temple.

Champat Rai, general secretary of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, announced that in 1989, Ram Bhakts had donated 2.75 lakh bricks for the construction of the temple. “We chose nine from the lot and used them to lay the foundation today,” he said.

Before the groundbreaking Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the make-shift Ram Lalla temple, thus becoming the first prime minister of the country to offer prayers at the temple.

The bhoomi pujan ceremony was attended by select people which included UP Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat besides Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Thirath Khetra Trust members.

LK Advani, 92, and Murli Manohar Joshi, 86, the two BJP stalwarts who had led the campaign to build the temple in its early days, are said to have watched the live telecast of the event because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Home Minister Amit Shah, watched the event from his bed in a Gurugram hospital where the 55-year-old top BJP leader was admitted last week due to the virus.

After the ritual was over, the PM also put ‘Tika’ on his forehead and recited the mantras after the priests praying to all the God and Goddess for the completion of the Ram temple and well being of the universe.

President Ram Nath Kovid said in his tweet, “Felicitations to all for the foundation laying of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Being built in tune with law, it defines India’s spirit of social harmony and people’s zeal. It will be a testimony to ideals of Ram Rajya and a symbol of modern India.”

The construction of the temple will be completed within 3 and half years. The original design for the Ram temple was prepared in 1988 but was changed in 2020 after the Court ruled in favour of Hindus. Chandrakant Sompura, the main architect of the temple said that as per new design Ram temple will be 235 feet wide, 360 feet long and 161 feet high. “The temple complex will have a prayer hall, a lecture hall, educational facility, saints residence and a hostel for visitors. It will have other facilities like a museum and a cafeteria,” he said.

“Once complete the temple complex will be the world’s third largest Hindu shrine,” Sompura said.

Srinagar, Aug 5: Strict restrictions crippled life in Kashmir for second consecutive day on Wednesday.
Restrictions, according to the officials, were imposed to thwart protests and prevent any law and order problems on the first anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.
It was on this day last year that the Centre announced its decision to abrogate J&K’s special status and divide J&K into two union territories.
Reports said the entire Nallahmar road remained closed for any traffic and pedestrian movement for the second day on Wednesday. However, there were more nakas and road blocks today against yesterday, when there was official curfew. Security forces had closed road with barbed wire at Tarabal, Nawa Kadal, Rajouri Kadal and Gojwara. However, one tube of the road at Kawdara was open and only pedestrians were being allowed to move.

People living on both sides of the Nallahmar alleged that they are facing strict restrictions for the second day today. Milkmen and vegetable vendors were again not allowed to enter the area from outskirts, they alleged.

The historic Jamia Masjid has remained closed since March this year. However, today large number of security forces and police personnel had been deployed to prevent assembly of people. Roads leading to historic worship place were closed with barbed wire at Rangar stop, Gojwara and Nowhatta. Security forces have also closed road at Khanyar and TRC bridge, where only one side was open and only those having valid passes were allowed to move while others were being directed to return back to their homes.
Road leading to civil lines remained closed for the second day today with barbed wires. Barbar Shah bridge was also closed and only small portion of the road was open where only two wheelers and bicycle could pass.

Situation in the civil lines, including historic Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the summer capital, was no different. Strict restrictions continued for the second day today. The Amira Kadal bridge, connecting Hari Singh High Street (HSHS) with Lal Chowk was closed completely and even pedestrians were directed to take Budshah Chowk route. Pedestrians were allowed to cross bridge yesterday. Goni Khan and Mahraj Bazar markets were closed from both sides with barbed wires and security forces remained deployed to implement restrictions.
Restrictions also continued in the uptown areas in Srinagar where security forces had closed main roads at Natipora and Rambagh. The Jehangir Chowk to Rambagh fly over was also closed this time.
Reports of restrictions were also received from other major towns and tehsil headquarters in the Valley.