JK Breaking News Network

J&K Govt Rolls Out Houseboats Policy

2021-03-29T17:34:00.002+05:30

J&K Govt Rolls Out Houseboats Policy

JAMMU, MARCH 29: The Administrative Council (AC), which met under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, approved the roll-out of policy and guidelines for sustainable operation of houseboats in Dal and Nigeen lakes.

In a bid to preserve the marine eco-system of both the lakes, the new policy aims to regulate the functioning of houseboats moored in Dal and Nigeen lakes by adopting the models of sustainable and responsible tourism.

The policy envisages providing a pleasant experience to tourists and a sustainable source of living to stakeholders while preserving the fragile ecosystem.

Keeping in view the carrying capacities, the Tourism Department has capped the number of houseboats in both lakes at 910. Under the new policy, the houseboats are required to be registered online subject to the fulfilment of various conservation parameters; within 30 days from the date notification of the policy.

The houseboats and associated structures are required to be fitted with bio-digesters for the scientific treatment of solid/liquid waste as per the approved design of the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority, besides ensuring availability of adequate fire safety equipment along with trained staff to be verified by Fire & Emergency Services Department.

Further, the policy lays down regulations for ancillary facilities like kitchen, lodging, furniture, first-aid, electricity, power back-up, sanitary fittings and shikara for navigation. It also ensures the availability of minimum basic facilities to the tourists to be categorised on the basis of different classes of houseboats.

The policy includes provisions for undertaking repairs on damaged, dilapidated and abandoned houseboats, and revival of cruise boats and donga cruise.

Moreover, the policy provides for the constitution of an Advisory Committee under the chairmanship of Director Tourism Kashmir to look into the conservation of the lakes in relation to the functioning of the houseboats while recommending measures to increase the tourist influx in a sustainable manner.

Additionally, a Regulatory Committee headed by Deputy Director, Tourism will also be constituted for ensuring compliance with the norms and procedures laid down in the policy.

The policy bridges the aspirations of all stakeholders while complying with the directions of the High Court in the matter.

Passport Office refuses application citing it as ‘detrimental to security of India': Mehbooba Mufti

2021-03-29T15:40:00.004+05:30

Passport Office refuses application citing it as ‘detrimental to the security of India': Mehbooba Mufti

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti's application for a passport has been rejected by the Regional Passport Office, based on an "adverse" police verification report. "Passport Office refused to issue my passport based on CID’s report citing it as ‘detrimental to the security of India'", tweets Mehbooba Mufti, ex-J&K CM.

Militant killed by security forces in encounter in J-K's Shopian district

2021-03-27T21:09:00.001+05:30

Militant killed by security forces in an encounter in J-K's Shopian district

A militant was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, police said. The encounter took place in the Wangam area of South Kashmir, they said. So far, one militant has been killed in the operation. The militant is yet to be identified, police said. The operation is on and further details are awaited, they said

A militant was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, police said.

The encounter took place in the Wangam area of South Kashmir, they said.

So far, one militant has been killed in the operation. The militant is yet to be identified, police said. The operation is on and further details are awaited, they said.

Traffic Advisory For Sunday In J&K

2021-03-27T17:50:00.000+05:30

Traffic Advisory For Sunday In J&K

JAMMU, Mar 27:Traffic Advisory for Sunday, March 28, in J&K.

*NHW-44.*

Tomorrow, subject to fair weather and better road condition, *LMVs shall be allowed from Srinagar towards Jammu* on Jammu-Srinagar NHW. However, *TCU Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban* before releasing the traffic.

*CUT OFF TIMING:*
LMVs from *Zig (Qazigund) 0700 hrs to 1200 hrs.*
No Vehicle shall be allowed before and after the cut off timing

*HMVs/Load Carriers*
Only stranded vehicles between Jawahar Tunnel and Banihal shall be allowed towards Jammu.

*SFs Convoy Movement*
Security Forces are advised/requested not to ply against advisory/traffic plan in view of traffic congestion on Jammu-Srinagar NHW. They may ply from *Srinagar towards Jammu* after confirming the status of NHW.

*MUGHAL ROAD*
Mughal road closed due to snow accumulation.

*SSG ROAD*
SSG road closed by the J&K Govt. vide DIV COM Kashmir's order No 400/2020 dated 30-12-2020 till further orders.

*ADVISORY*
People are advised to undertake journey on NHW-44 only after confirming the status of the road from Traffic control units as under:-
• Jammu (0191-2459048, 9419147732)
• Srinagar (0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091)
• Ramban (9419993745) • Udhampur (8491928625)

President Kovind’s condition stable, Army hospital refers him to AIIMS

2021-03-27T16:10:00.004+05:30

President Kovind’s condition stable, Army hospital refers him to AIIMS

NEW DELHI: President Ram Nath Kovind was referred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi for further investigation into his health condition by the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital on Saturday.The hospital informed that his condition is stable.

The President was under observation at the hospital following chest discomfort yesterday.

“The President is being supervised by doctors after regular medical checkups. The President has expressed his thanks to all the well-wishers who have come to know about his health,” the office of President of India tweeted.

The President on Friday visited the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital after he complained of chest discomfort.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a two-day visit to Bangladesh had enquired about the President’s health.

“PM Narendra Modi spoke to Rashtrapati Ji’s son. He enquired about the President’s health and prayed for his well-being,” the PMO tweeted. (AGENCY)

Committed to take democracy to grassroots level with minimum bureaucratic interference: LG Manoj Sinha

2021-03-25T14:27:00.001+05:30

Committed to taking democracy to the grassroots level with minimum bureaucratic interference: LG Manoj Sinha

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinah Thursday said that his government is committed to ensuring democracy flourishes from the grassroots level and Panchayats will be strengthened further so that every village is developed with very less interference of bureaucracy. He also said that all sectors will see a major push given the extra budget announced by the Government of India. “We are taking the development to its grassroots level. Union Government has kept a provision of Rs 200 Crore for DDCs and Rs 1312 crores for Panchayat institutions of J&K UT. I will ensure that the decision making body remains the local representatives of people and there is very less interference of bureaucrats,” LG Sinha said

He said that budgetary provisions of all sectors are much higher than in previous years. “There will be equitable development of all sectors and no injustice to any district region,” LG Sinha said.

Asked about the rise in Covid-19 cases, he said the administration will ensure that the vaccination process will be further pushed.

UP CM Yogi pledges to make UP TB-free by 2025; urges lawmakers to adopt a TB patient each

2021-03-25T10:54:00.003+05:30

UP CM Yogi pledges to make UP TB-free by 2025; urges lawmakers to adopt a TB patient each

On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath pledged to make the state TB-free by 2025

In pursuit of making Uttar Pradesh a Tuberculosis (TB)-free state by 2025, CM Yogi Adityanath urged the people, ministers, and lawmakers to adopt a TB patient each and help in achieving the target to make the state free of the disease in the designated timeframe.

Addressing an event at Vidyagyaan School in Kasmanda Block of Sitapur on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath pledged to make the state TB-free by 2025. Each TB patient will be entitled to Rs 500 per month for a nutritious and proper diet. The cash amount will be directly transferred to the patient's account.

Yogi Adityanath also appealed to the people of the state to complete a full course of TB treatment, which is absolutely free in the state. As per the health ministry, undernutrition is an established risk factor for the progression of latent TB infection to active TB. Undernutrition at the population-level contributes to an estimated 55% of annual TB incidence in India. TB leads to weight loss, wasting, and worsening of nutritional status.

Similarly, to combat Poliomyelitis, the Yogi-led BJP government launched the largest ever mass immunisation campaign against polio, targeting 3.40 crore children.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath on March 23 virtually inaugurated regional RTPMU established in Gorakhpur and honoured the District Tuberculosis Officers of the five districts. CM Adityanath also inaugurated 25 digital X-ray machines and 451 Truenat machines which will increase the COVID testing in the state and launched LPA (Line Probe Assay) labs established in Gorakhpur and Meerut

Lakshadweep and Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam first district to be declared TB-free

Recently, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan announced that Lakshadweep, and Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district are the first in the country to be declared TB-free.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the World Tuberculosis Day celebrations at Dr Ambedkar International Centre and said that despite the challenges posed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, India's TB programme saw over 18.04 lakh TB notifications.

Dr Harsh Vardhan said, "Encouragingly, post the lockdown period of April-June, by implementing several innovative strategies, we managed to bring the programme to pre-COVID levels and are back on track to ending TB by 2025, in line with the Prime Minister's vision.

"When India decides, India does. Indigenously developed cost-effective, point-of-care molecular diagnostic machines (called TrueNAT) were deployed to test for both COVID-19 and TB across the country. Many state/UTs also leveraged the house-to-house COVID-19 screening campaigns and integrated TB as well in the COVID surveillance strategies," added Union Health Minister

Covid-19: ‘Double mutant’ among 771 variants found in 18 states

2021-03-25T09:08:00.005+05:30

Covid-19: ‘Double mutant’ among 771 variants found in 18 states

NEW DELHI: A total of 771 Covid variants, including a “double mutant”, have been found across 18 Indian states but there is no evidence to link the current surge in some states to these strains, officials said on Wednesday.

States witnessing higher cases have revealed a different mutation profile but detected variants have been prevalent in the community for last six to eight months, National Centre for Disease Control director Sujeet Kumar Singh said.

The double mutations — which confer immune escape (ability to evade antibodies) and increased infectivity — have been found in about 15-20% of samples and do not match any previously catalogued variants. “We’ve seen this double mutant

E484Q and L452R. This is the double mutant that has been observed in 206 samples in Maharashtra

and then in a varied number in Delhi (nine samples) and so on,” Singh said, adding, “In Nagpur, we have found a substantial number of this, around 20%. But correlating the surge with this 20% is not possible.”

In 10,787 positive samples shared by states and UTs so far, 771 variants of concern have been detected. These include 736 samples positive for viruses of the UK lineage, 34 for those of the South African lineage, and one of Brazilian origin. In samples from Maharashtra, there has been an increase in the fraction of samples with the E484Q and L452R mutations compared to December 2020.

The Centre said while genomic sequencing has increased “exponentially”, it will be increased further.

A Great achievement for J and K 's Budgam and Lakshadeep

2021-03-24T23:29:00.003+05:30

Lakshadweep, J&K's Budgam First in India to Be Declared TB-free: Harsh Vardhan

Lakshadweep and Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district are the first in the country to be declared TB-free, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan Singh said on Wednesday as he called for a TB Mukt Bharat'. He also and asked all citizens to rise to the occasion and make India's resolve to end tuberculosis by 2025 into a Jan Andolan.

Vardhan, who inaugurated the World Tuberculosis Day celebrations at Dr Ambedkar International Centre here on Wednesday, said that2020 has seen some setbacks in the direction of treating tuberculosis but despite the challenges posed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, India's TB programme saw over 18.04 lakh TB notifications, according to a health ministry statement. Encouragingly, post the lockdown period of April-June, by implementing several innovative strategies, we managed to bring the programme to pre-COVID levels and are back on track to ending TB by 2025, in line with the prime minister's vision.

When India decides, India does. Indigenously developed cost-effective, point-of-care molecular diagnostic machines (called TrueNAT) were deployed to test for both COVID-19 and TB across the country. Many state/UTs also leveraged the house-to-house COVID-19 screening campaigns and integrated TB as well in the COVID surveillance strategies, Vardhan was quoted as saying in the statement. Addressing the event, he said India has 30 per cent of the world's TB cases and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi highest priority has been accorded to end tuberculosis by 2025.

We have also ensured that the commitments are supported with commensurate resources. Budget allocation for TB in India has witnessed a fourfold increase in the last 5 years, he said. High-quality drugs, digital technology, engaging the private sector and communities, integrating TB services across all levels within the health system, are all aligned to rapidly decline TB incidence and mortality in the country, Vardhan added. Awards were also given to the best performing states and union territories based on their state TB Index. Lakshadweep (UT) and the district of Budgam (J-K) were declared TB-free, the statement said.

While distributing the medals and certificates to awardees, Vardhan noted that this is a historic day for India as one UT and one district have been declared TB-free. I am confident that next year we shall have more states, UTs and districts stepping up to the challenge and laying such claims. The last few years have seen the country take definitive steps towards the elimination of tuberculosis from the country.

The sustained efforts of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme have led to an unprecedented increase in TB notifications and significant improvements in timely diagnosis, adherence, and treatment outcomes, Vardhan said. It is an encouraging sign and reflects that citizens now have better access to TB patients and the ability to provide free treatment to patients from both the public and private sectors.

Over the past few years, we have significantly ramped up India's diagnostic capacity for TB and we now have at least one rapid molecular diagnostic facility available in each district and we are aiming to decentralise it down to the block level, he said. On this occasion of World TB Day, I call for a 'TB Mukt Bharat' and ask all of you present here and all citizens of this country to rise to the occasion and make India's resolve to end TB by 2025 into a Jan Andolan. Let us pledge to march together as one people and truly make sure our country defeats this disease in the next four years, he said.

We aim to detect cases early and prevent the emergence of new cases of TB by expanding TB care through the engagement of various stakeholders including the community, Vardhan said. He further said they are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and regain lost momentum. The experience gained from COVID-19 can be replicated in achieving the aim of elimination of tuberculosis, he said.

He said the scale on which India increased the testing of COVID-19 from just a few tests in a day to more than a million tests a day is commendable. We can adapt this experience to enhance testing in TB also. Not only we have administered more than 5 crore doses in our country, but we have exported the vaccines to many other countries also. We have adopted pre-emptive strategies like the integration of TB and COVID-19 bi-directional screening, ramping up laboratory services, diagnostic and treatment capacity upgrades and procedures for co-located testing for TB and testing for COVID-19 (among notified TB patients) at health centres and hospitals to boost surveillance and TB case-finding efforts, Vardhan said. Dr Roderico H. Offrin, WHO representative to India said, The theme of World TB Day this year is 'The clock is ticking. We must use setback during last year due to COVID-19 to step up our efforts to end TB. India has launched a Jan Andolan to end TB and this commitment has been backed by budgetary allocation, infrastructure and resources. The efforts have almost doubled. TB initiatives at the central level have been percolated down to States, Districts, Blocks and Gram Panchayat levels, he said.

Later during the day, Vardhan addressed an international event organised by the World Health Organisation to raise awareness against TB through a video conference Wednesday.

Gauges well below danger mark: I&FC deptt

2021-03-24T21:48:00.007+05:30

Gauges well below danger mark: I&FC deptt

Srinagar: The irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) department Wednesday said that there was no threat of floods in the Valley as the gauges were well below the danger mark.

A top official of the Irrigation and Flood Control department told Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that there is no flood threat and the gauges are below the alert mark.

“At Ram Munshi Bagh the gauge reading is 12 ft and if it touches the 14 ft, flood spill channels will be opened which will recede the water level in Jhelum, and the gauge level in all water bodies is below normal,” he said.

J&K Prepares For Largest Amarnath Yatra With An Expected Footfall Of 6 Lakh Yatris

2021-03-24T19:41:00.002+05:30

J&K Prepares For Largest Amarnath Yatra With An Expected Footfall Of 6 Lakh Yatris

JAMMU, MARCH 24: The Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam today chaired a meeting to review the preparations being made for a safe and hassle-free Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2021.

Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor/CEO, SASB, Administrative Secretaries of departments of Public Works (R&B), Industries and Commerce, and Tourism besides Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir & Jammu, concerned Deputy Commissioners and Additional CEO SASB participated in the meeting.

The Chief Secretary reviewed the arrangements for safe, smooth, and secure movement of pilgrims particularly along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and Baltal and Chandanwari yatra tracks up to the Holy Cave. He enjoined upon the administration to undertake preparations for an expected footfall of 6 lakh yatris this year.

To ensure secure passage of pilgrims, directions were issued to appropriately ramp up the holding capacities, yatri accommodations, and public utilities across the route from Lakhanpur to the Holy cave and vice-versa; with special attention to arrangements in consideration of weather extremities.

He directed the Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu to closely monitor the arrangements being put in place in transit camps along the Yatra route particularly at Kathua, Samba, Jammu, Udhampur, Ramban, Anantnag, Srinagar, Baltal, and Chandanwari.

Deputy Commissioners were directed to enhance the holding-capacity of transit camps under their jurisdictions to accommodate approximately 1.22 lakh yatris including both the cave-bound pilgrims as well as those on the return journey; on a daily basis.

The Chief Secretary asked the Divisional Commissioners to ensure the availability of basic amenities at these transit camps, besides, ensuring adequate provisions all along the route.

They were asked to project an additional requirement of resources to the Tourism Department for timely projection and approval. To ensure completion of various works and arrangements well in time, it was impressed upon the concerned to initiate the implementation of plans and projects in the 1st week of April 2021.

LG Manoj Sinha E-inaugurates 73 AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres Across J&K

2021-03-24T18:33:00.001+05:30

LG Manoj Sinha E-inaugurates 73 AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres Across J&K

Jammu, March 24: With the aim of promoting good health and expanding the outreach of comprehensive primary healthcare services to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today e-inaugurated as many as 73 AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) Health & Wellness Centres under Ayushman Bharat across the UT.

The Lt Governor, while speaking on the occasion, observed that healthcare services in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a revolutionary transformation in the past several months.

Unprecedented work is being done for the advancement and up gradation of medical facilities for ensuring quality and affordable healthcare services in the UT, he added.

The Lt Governor remarked that the Government is making committed efforts to fully integrate AYUSH with the healthcare delivery system, besides promoting good health through preventive, rehabilitative, mitigative and curative interventions of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy (ISM&H).

Speaking on the significance of the AYUSH system of treatment and medicine, the Lt Governor said that this system of medicine focuses on the overall wellness of a person. It not only treats a patient but also guides people for adopting a healthy lifestyle along with teaching Yoga and other natural, healthy practices.

The Lt Governor observed that AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres would be a game-changer in the UT of J&K, especially in promoting the AYUSH sector, so that comprehensive primary health care through AYUSH principles and practices is provided to the community for achieving the basic objective of holistic wellness model by advocating self-care and home remedies amongst the community.

He laid special emphasis on creating awareness and sensitizing all stakeholders and health service providers about the strengths of AYUSH systems for optimum utilization of its potential, and revival of the traditional systems of medicine.

The Lt Governor also expressed his gratitude towards the Hon'ble Prime Minister for bringing reforms in the healthcare sector by establishing two AIIMS in J&K, besides sanctioning several medical colleges and hospitals for overall revamping of the healthcare sector here.

Meanwhile, the Lt Governor interacted with the staff of various Health and Wellness centres and enquired about their functioning, daily and monthly patient in-take and free of cost healthcare services being provided to the patients in these centres.

The Lt Governor also launched “Arogya Siddhi”, a compendium of clinical outcomes of AYUSH Interventions across the UT.

A video presentation giving detailed information about the AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres, and the facilities being provided to people in these centres, particularly in far-flung areas, was also displayed. It was informed that some of the AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres have been established in far-flung areas like Manjikote, Mahore, which is 115 km away from District Headquarters.

Some of the features of AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres include medicinal plants garden, yoga space, providing training and suggestions for home treatment, promoting Dincharya (Art of healthy Living), Ritucharya (Wellness calendar) and a personalized healthcare approach.

Pertinently, out of 73 AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres, nine are in Udhampur; seven in Rajouri; six in Reasi; five in Baramulla; four in Budgam, Bandipora, Doda and Ramban; three in Jammu, Srinagar, Kathua, Kupwara, Poonch, Anantnag and Pulwama; Two in Kulgam, Ganderbal, Shopian, Samba and one in Kishtwar.

Out of the 571 approved AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres, 94 have been completed in the first phase and 100 others will be completed in the second, it was informed.

Sh. Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt Governor; Sh. BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Sh. Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner Health and Medical Education; Dr Mohan Singh, Director ISM&H (AYUSH), besides doctors and scores of people in various AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres attended the launching ceremony in person and through virtual mode.

‘Majestic’ tulip garden in Jammu and Kashmir to open for visitors from Thursday: PM Narendra Modi

2021-03-24T14:38:00.003+05:30

‘Majestic’ tulip garden in Jammu and Kashmir to open for visitors from Thursday: PM Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has informed us that the “majestic” tulip garden on the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountains in Srinagar will open for visitors from Thursday ahead of the Tulip festival in the Valley.

In a tweet on Wednesday, the Prime Minister also urged people to visit the garden whenever they get an opportunity.

“Tomorrow, 25th March is special for Jammu and Kashmir. A majestic tulip garden on the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountains will open for visitors. The Garden will see over 15 lakh flowers of more than 64 varieties in bloom,” PM Modi tweeted.

“Whenever you get the opportunity, do visit Jammu and Kashmir and witness the scenic Tulip festival. In addition to the tulips, you will experience the warm hospitality of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.

Considered Asia’s largest tulip garden, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Kashmir is located on the foothills of the Zabarwan hills range and attracts thousands of tourists from different parts of the world every year.

Last year in March, when the department of floriculture fully prepared the garden to welcome visitors, the central government had announced a nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (AGENCY)

What the British could not do, Cong did by dividing country : Yogi Adityanath

2021-03-23T23:39:00.001+05:30

What the British could not do, Cong did by dividing country : Yogi Adityanath

Launching a scathing attack on the Congress during an election rally in poll-bound Assam, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said what the British could not do in 1905, the Congress did in 1947 by dividing the country. The party is still in a pact with inimical and communal forces, he added. Addressing three election rallies at Joypur, Hatichara and Silchar in southern Assam's Cachar district, Adityanath said the Congress has no vision for development, they have a plan only to grab the 'Kursi' (chair) in alliance with any force, that's why people went far away from them. He said the Congress despite strong opposition by Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee in 1952 had introduced Article 370 granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir, paving the way for militancy there and restricting the purchase of land and other property by Indians residing outside the state."The Modi government fulfilled Mookerjee's dream by revoking Article 370, allowing all Indians from any part of the country, even from Assam, to buy property there. Militancy is also largely curbed in Jammu and Kashmir."

Saying that genuine Indians cannot support the Congress, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister alleged that the party while it was in power in the state from 2001-2016 helped the poachers in poaching rhinos, which are Assam's pride."Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has added a new facet to the north-east's development. With the Modi government's series of initiatives, the north-eastern region is now one of the strong regions of India."Adityanath, the longest-serving Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party, on completing four years in office on Friday, said a large number of Assamese contributed in building the Ram Mandir in Uttar Pradesh." The Congress has created the Hindus in India," he alleged. The star campaigner of the saffron party said the BJP would permanently solve the problems of illegal migrants and chronic floods if the party is re-elected in Assam."The BJP has been giving a new identity to the tea gardens and their workers in the state. Besides, increasing their daily wages, the BJP government in Assam has taken a series of welfare measures for the tea garden workers," he added. The senior BJP leader said to give a fillip to the development of the north-eastern region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had converted the 'Look East policy to the 'Act East policy.

No takers for ISIS ideology in J&K, need to counter social media radicalization propaganda: LG Manoj Sinha

2021-03-23T21:46:00.005+05:30

No takers for ISIS ideology in J&K, need to counter social media radicalization propaganda: LG Manoj Sinha

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday said that even though ISIS has cast its net in Syria and Iraq through its radicalization propaganda but in J&K UT there were no takers for the ISIS ideology. He, however, said that there was a need to counter the social media radicalization propaganda sponsored from across the LoC.

Addressing the “Confluence of Religious Leaders in Kashmir” Conference at SKICC here, the LG said that ISIS ideology is being promoted to radicalize youth in Syria and Iraq. “In J&K UT there are no takers for ISIS ideology. That sort of radicalization is comparatively very, very less in J&K UT. But our concern is that social media sponsored radicalization from across the LoC,” LG Sinha said. He said that efforts made from across LoC to lure youth towards violence needs to be understood.

“A human being is clear by his heart, but at times, the atmosphere around him lures him towards wrong. How to prevent this radicalization should be our priority. We need to promote Sufism and the teachings of our Gurus. We don’t need any foreign model to deal with this menace,” Sinha said, adding that religious scholars are the torch bearers and hold the key to tackle the challenges like radicalization.

The LG said that at times it has been seen that even educated youth tread the wrong path. “If that happens, parents and religious scholars need to play their part. At the same time, mainstream media shouldn’t blow things out of proportion by focusing on a single case,” he said, adding that the role models for the youth should be Maqbool Sherwani and Brigadier Rajinder.

He said that radicalization should not be associated with a specific religion. “There is a need for Islamic Scholars to formulate a policy and a process by which a helpless person, who is exposed to a violent ideology, is prevented from getting radicalized,” said the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor appreciated the efforts being made to discuss the role of religious leaders and women in creating a violence-free society, Counter-Radicalization and modernization of Madrassa education.

“J&K has remained home to diverse religious and cultural influences which deeply enriched its pluralistic ethos. No development and progress are possible without sustained peace, communal harmony and brotherhood,” said the Lt Governor. “The Lt Governor emphasized the need for restoration of the pristine glory of J&K as an abode of peace, amity, communal harmony and brotherhood and urged the people to come forward in achieving this goal.”

He said that “Violence has no place in any civilized society and peaceful co-existence is the best means to resolve problems.”.

COVID: Nine students test positive at Govt Hr secondary School Budgam

2021-03-23T17:35:00.000+05:30

COVID: Nine students test positive at Govt Hr Secondary School Budgam

BUDGAM: At least nine students were tested COVID-19 positive at Government Higher Secondary School in Hardapanzoo area of Khansahib in Budgam district, officials said on Tuesday.

An official said that “Nine COVID-19 positive cases have been detected from this school in mass/random sampling, testing for all the contacts will be undertaken in due course of time.”

He said that all the primary and secondary contacts of the affected students have been advised to self-isolate, quarantine themselves.

Punjab’s Request To Centre After 81% New Covid Cases With UK Variant

2021-03-23T14:36:00.001+05:30

Punjab’s Request To Centre After 81% New Covid Cases With UK Variant

PUNJABI: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urgently allow vaccination for younger people as 81 per cent of Covid samples tested in the state showed infection by the UK variant of the virus. The B117 – an extremely virulent form of the virus – is largely affecting younger people and the UK authorities have found that the Covishield vaccine is effective against it, the Chief Minister has said. Genome sequencing was done on 401 samples from Punjab recently and the results showed 81 per cent of samples were of the B117 virus.

Over the last few weeks, coronavirus numbers have been shooting up in the state, reflecting a similar trend in at least seven other states. It is suspected that the resurgence of the virus — which is identified as the emergent second wave of Covid in the country – was triggered by mutant forms of the virus. (AGENCY)

Schools upto middle standard closed in Kupwara due to inclement weather

2021-03-23T12:23:00.007+05:30

Schools up to middle standard closed in Kupwara due to inclement weather Kupwara: The authorities on Tuesday ordered the closure of schools up to middle standard for a day in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district due to inclement weather conditions.

In a statement issued to the news agency (KNO) chief education officer Kupwara, Abdul Hamid Fani said that all the schools up to middle standard shall remain closed for today keeping in view the inclement weather conditions and for the safety of students.

“This is as per directions of DC Kupwara”, the statement said.

Notably, the border district experienced fresh rains across for the second consecutive day.

Pakistani delegation arrives in India for annual Permanent Indus Commission meeting

2021-03-22T22:36:00.003+05:30

Pakistani delegation arrives in India for annual Permanent Indus Commission meeting

NEW DELHI: A seven-member Pakistani delegation led by the country”s Indus Commissioner Syed Muhammad Meher Ali Shah arrived here Monday for the annual Permanent Indus Commission meeting during which he will hold talks with his Indian counterpart, an official said. The Indus commissioners of the two countries will hold the annual dialogue on March 23-24.

The Indian delegation will be led by PK Saxena who will be joined by his advisors from the Central Water Commission, the Central Electricity Authority and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation.

The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) warrants the two commissioners to meet at least once a year, alternately in India and Pakistan.

However, the last year”s meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi in March was cancelled, a first since the Treaty came into being, in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

This year”s meeting will be the first between the two commissioners after the August 2019 nullification of the operative provisions of Article 370 that gave special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The erstwhile state was also carved into two union territories — Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. India has since cleared several hydropower projects for the region. Of these, Durbuk Shyok (19 MW), Shankoo (18.5 MW), Nimu Chilling (24 MW), Rongdo (12 MW), Ratan Nag (10.5 MW) are in Leh; while Mangdum Sangra (19 MW), Kargil Hunderman (25 MW) and Tamasha (12 MW) have been cleared for Kargil.

India had informed Pakistan about the projects. The issue is expected to come up for discussion during the meeting.Pakistan is also likely to raise objections on the design of Indian hydropower projects on the Chenab River whose water is largely assigned to Pakistan under the IWT.

Ahead of the meeting, Saxena said, “India is committed towards full utilisation of its rights under the Treaty and believes in an amicable solution of issues through discussion.”

In July 2020, India had proposed to Pakistan that the meeting for discussing pending issues pertaining to Indus Water Treaty (IWT) be held virtually in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, but Pakistan insisted on holding talks at the Attari check post.

However, in response, the Indus said that it is not conducive to hold the meeting at the Attari Joint Check Post due to the pandemic. With the improvement in the situation, this mandatory meeting is being held with all COVID-19 related protocols.

The meeting will take place after a gap of nearly two and a half years. The last meeting took place in Lahore in August 2018.

Under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, all the water of the eastern rivers – Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi amounting to around 33 million acre-feet (MAF) annually — is allocated to India for unrestricted use. The waters of western rivers – Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — amounting to around 135 MAF annually has been assigned largely to Pakistan.

According to the Treaty, India has been given the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river projects on the western rivers subject to specific criteria for design and operation. The Treaty also gives the right to Pakistan to raise objections on the design of Indian hydroelectric projects on western rivers. (AGENCY)

COVID-19 rules violation: Over 9000 people fined so far in Jammu

2021-03-22T18:53:00.001+05:30

COVID-19 rules violation: Over 9000 people fined so far in Jammu

JAMMU: Over 9000 people have been fined so far in the Jammu district for violating COVID-19 guidelines by not wearing masks and Rs 45 lakh recovered from them, officials said on Monday.

Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday recorded 158 fresh coronavirus cases, including 34 travellers, taking the infection tally to 1,28,547.

Officials said, “During the drive against violators of COVID-19 guidelines, more than nine thousand persons have been fined for not wearing face masks during the year 2020-21”.

A total fine imposed on them amounted to Rs 45 lakh, they said

Those found violating the COVID-19 guidelines in the district will be strictly dealt with under the law, police said. (Agency)

JKBOSE 12th Result 2020 For Leh Division Declared, Check Your result Here

2021-03-22T14:29:00.005+05:30

JKBOSE 12th Result 2020 For Leh Division Declared, Check Your Result Here

LADAKH: Jammu Kashmir Board of Secondary Education (JKBOSE) has announced the results of the 12th Leh class on its official website. Candidates can check their results by visiting the official website-jkbose.ac.in. The candidates can click on the direct link provided here for their convenience.

CHECK YOUR RESULT HERE

Fair to heavy rain, snow likely in Jammu and Kashmir till March 24

2021-03-22T12:54:00.000+05:30

Fair to heavy rain, snow likely in Jammu and Kashmir till March 24

JAMMU: Moderate rain lashed the plains while light snowfall occurred in the mountains in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday as the meteorological (MET) department forecast heavy rain/snow at scattered places in the next two days.

“Please remain alert and cautious of possible thunderstorms/lightning (Don’t sit under trees, iron poles etc), avalanches, water logging in low lying areas, flash flood/mudslides,” Sonam Lotus, the MET director said.

“Widespread moderate rain/snow most likely to continue till March 24. Heavy to very heavy rain/snow most likely at scattered places of the union territory.”

Srinagar had 7.4, Pahalgam 4.3 and Gulmarg minus 0.5 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature of the day.

Leh town of Ladakh had minus 1.5, Kargil 1.6 and Drass 0.1 as the night’s lowest temperature.

Jammu city had 16.2, Katra 14.6, Batote 8.4, Banihal 8.6 and Bhaderwah 7.5 as the minimum temperature. (AGENCY)

Four LeT terrorists killed in Shopian encounter

2021-03-22T11:16:00.001+05:30

Four LeT terrorists killed in Shopian encounter

Shopian (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], March 22 (ANI): All four terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba have been killed in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in the Munihal area of Shopian in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.

“All the four terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian. The operation is over. One Indian Army personnel injured. The situation is under control,” said Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir

Earlier today, Kashmir Zone Police informed, “Two unidentified terrorists got killed in an encounter with security forces in Munihal area of Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir.”

Earlier on March 16, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Shopian. (ANI)

PM to launch ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain’ campaign on Monday

2021-03-21T20:50:00.002+05:30

PM to launch ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain’ campaign on Monday

New Delhi [India], March 21 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be launching the ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain’ campaign on World Water Day, which is celebrated on March 22.

The Prime Minister will be launching the campaign at 12:30 PM tomorrow through video conferencing.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s office, The Campaign will be undertaken across the country, in both rural and urban areas, with the theme “catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls”.

“The campaign will be implemented from March 22 to November 30 November – the pre-monsoon and monsoon period in the country. It will be launched as a Jan Andolan to take water conservation at the grass-root level through people’s participation. It is intended to nudge all stakeholders to create rainwater harvesting structures suitable to the climatic conditions and subsoil strata, to ensure proper storage of rainwater,” the statement said.

Other than the launching of the campaign, Prime Minister Modi will also witness the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Union Minister of Jal Shakti and the Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to implement the Ken Betwa Link Project, the first project of the National Perspective Plan for interlinking of rivers.

“The agreement heralds the beginning of inter-state cooperation to implement the vision of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to carry water from areas that have surplus water to drought-prone and water deficit areas, through the interlinking of rivers. This project involves the transfer of water from the Ken to the Betwa River through the construction of Daudhan Dam and a canal linking the two rivers, the Lower Orr Project, Kotha Barrage and Bina Complex Multipurpose Project,” the statement said.

“The Project will be of immense benefit to the water-starved region of Bundelkhand, especially to the districts of Panna, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Sagar, Damoh, Datia, Vidisha, Shivpuri and Raisen of Madhya Pradesh and Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi and Lalitpur of Uttar Pradesh. It will pave the way for more interlinking of river projects to ensure that scarcity of water does not become an inhibitor for development in the country,” the statement added. (ANI)

Security forces strengthen bullet-proofing after steel bullets recovered during Shopian gunfight

2021-03-21T18:49:00.001+05:30

Representation pic

Security forces strengthen bullet-proofing after steel bullets recovered during Shopian gunfight

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have strengthened the bullet-proofing shield of their vehicles and bunkers after steel bullets that can pierce through normal protective shields were recovered from militants during an encounter in South Kashmir recently.

A few days back, the local commander of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed militant group, Vilayat Hussain Lone alias Sajjad Afghani, was killed in an encounter at Shopian. The army had recovered 36 rounds of armed steel-core bullets.

The recoveries raised alarm bells within the security establishment as these bullets can harm personnel even wearing a regular protective shield.

Officials said that now the vehicles, especially deployed in South Kashmir, and personnel moving for anti-militant operations are equipped with shields that have an extra layer of protection for blunting such penetrative bullets.

The ammunition normally used in the AK series rifles was being modified from across the border with the help of Chinese technology of encasing bullets with hard steel core, the officials said.

The bullet, termed Armour Piercing (AP), is built of hardened steel or tungsten carbide, they explained.

The first incident of use of the 'steel core' bullet was noticed on the New Year eve of 2017 when JeM militants had carried out a suicide attack on a CRPF camp in Lethpora in South Kashmir.

Five paramilitary personnel were killed in the attack and one of them was hit by a bullet fatally despite using a static bullet-proof shield provided by the Army.

Normally, the bullets militants use in their assault rifles have a lead core covered with mild steel which cannot penetrate a bullet-proof shield, but after the December 31, 2017 encounter and detailed analysis, forces had to change the way they protected themselves, the officials said.

They said that the terrorists, mainly from the banned Jaish group, were armed with the best possible arsenal including M-4 carbines and bullets with steel core, with the capability to pierce a static bullet proof bunker used during anti-militancy operations.

After the December 31, 2017 attack, the then Additional Director General of CRPF for Jammu and Kashmir S N Shrivastava, who now heads the Delhi Police, had conducted a thorough inquiry which revealed that the bullet fired by the militant from the assault AK rifle was of a steel core with the capability of piercing through the static bunkers used by security personnel during encounters with militants.

An analysis of previous suicide attacks was also carried out during which ballistic experts opined that 'steel core' bullets had previously been used by militants during an attack on district police lines of Pulwama in South Kashmir in August 2016.

Eight security personnel had lost their lives in the militant strike.

It was last used by militants during a suicide attack at Anantnag in June 2019 where five CRPF personnel and a Jammu and Kashmir police inspector were killed.

The post-incident analysis showed that the militant had used the same steel bullet, the officials said.