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PM pays tributes to Mahatma Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid tributes to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his 151th birth anniversary.

PM Modi offered floral tribute to Bapu at Raj Ghat and paid respects to the leader.

Earlier today, the Prime Minister also tweeted on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, saying that there is much to learn from Bapu’s life and noble thoughts and shared a short clip of his remarks on the father of the nation.

“We bow to beloved Bapu on Gandhi Jayanti. There is much to learn from his life and noble thoughts. May Bapu’s ideals keep guiding us in creating a prosperous and compassionate India,” Modi tweeted.

Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar town of Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi or Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was the forefront of the freedom struggle against the colonial British rule with utmost patience. This led to India finally achieving its independence in 1947.

He was fondly known as Bapu, his unwavering belief in Swaraj (self-governance) and Ahimsa (non-violence) won him accolades across the world.

Globally, Gandhi’s birth anniversary is celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence and several events are held in India and across the world to mark the occasion.

-RJV

J&K: Decks cleared for Rs 5,300 Cr, 850 MW Ratle Hydro project

Srinagar (NVI): In a significant decision, the Public Investment Board (PIB) under the Ministry of Finance, has recommended that the 850 MW Ratle HEP be developed through a Joint Venture company (JVC) between the JK Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), an official spokesman said today.

He said that the PIB has also recommended an investment approval for Rs 5281.94 crore for the project including an  Infusion of Equity of Rs 808.14 crore by NHPC in the Joint venture company.

“The equity contribution of JKPDC in the company pegged at  Rs. 776.44 crore will be provided as grant from the Government of India,” the official spokesman said.

“The recommendations of the PIB will pave the way for final approval of the project and an early beginning of work on the project. It may be recalled that 850 MW Ratle HEP was the first project in India which was awarded through tariff-based bidding,” he added.

However, the project was stalled due to the unilateral withdrawal by the erstwhile developer from the Project. “All the clearances for the project are already in place and the project is expected to be completed within 36 months of the start of work.

“The initiation of the project will be yet another step in adding to the revenues of the UT from its abundant hydro resources,” the spokesman said.

It may be recalled that although a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed among J&K Power Development Department, J&K State Power Development Corporation Limited and NHPC Limited on 3rd Feb, 2019, regarding the execution of the project in JV mode, yet the matter had remained pending for want of a final decsion on the mode of execution. The government of J&K had been consistently arguing for exceution of the work in the JV mode as agreed in the Feb 2019 MoU.

J&K has over 20,000 MW of hydro power potential, out of which 16000 MW has been identified. With the PIB decision, J&K would have moved another step closer to harnessing nearly 2500 MW of this potential. While the 1000 MW Pakaldul project  and 624 MW Kiru are already under exceution by Chenab Valley Power Project Private Limited (CVPPL), a Joint Venture of JKSPDC, NHPC and PTC India limited, the 540 MW Kawar is likely to be taken up shortly,” the spokesman said.

J&K’s Covid tally at 76,163 with 17 more deaths, 1,093 fresh cases

Over 3,200 cops COVID positive in J&K and 15 succumbed to virus
File photo

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Seventeen more Covid-19 patients died in Jammu and Kashmir today, while 1,093 tested positive, taking the overall tally of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Union Territory to 76,163.

The death toll due to pandemic in the UT has now reached 1,198.

Of the total 76,163 cases, 46,200 are from Kashmir and 29,963 from Jammu division. Officials said that among 1,093 new cases, 401 belong to Kashmir while 692 are from Jammu division, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir has reached 46,200 including 38,494 recoveries and 843 deaths.

The total number of positive cases in Jammu division has reached 29,963 including 20,058 recoveries and 355 deaths.

The officials said that total number of active cases in J&K is 16,423 including 6,863 from Kashmir division and 9,550 from Jammu division.

With 1,680 more recoveries, the tally of total recoveries in the UT has reached 58,552 which is 76.87 percent of the total cases.

“Cases tested positive in J&K include 164 from Srinagar, 54 from Budgam, 39 from Baramulla, 25 from A Pulwama, 16 from Anantnag, 34 from Bandipora, 27 from Kupwara, 27 from Ganderbal, 13 from Kulgam and 02 from Shopian in Kashmir division while as 692 from Jammu division include 490 from Jammu, 39 from Rajouri, 20 from Udhampur, 16 from Kathua, 22 from Doda, 20 from Samba, 14 from Poonch, 22 from Ramban, 00 from Reasi and 49 from Kishtwar,” officials disclosed.

Notably, in the last 24 hours, 17 persons who were tested positive for COVID-19 have died, which include 4 from Kashmir division and 13 from Jammu division.

As per the media bulletin, patients who have died include two from Budgam and one each from Anantnag and Pulwama in Kashmir division while 13 from Jammu division include eight from district Jammu, three from Doda and one each from Samba and Poonch.

Apart from that, 5,79,313 persons in J&K are under observation while 15,446 persons have been kept under home quarantine. Besides, 16,413 persons are in isolation.

According to the bulletin, 4,95,469 persons have completed surveillance period and 50,787 persons are under home surveillance.

So far, results of 16,43,722 samples are available out of which 15,67,559 stand negative while 76,163 have tested positive. Among positive cases, 16,413 are active, 58,552 persons have recovered and 1,198 persons have died.

-ARK

‘Back to Village’ Phase 3 kickstarts from Oct 2 in J&K                 

Srinagar (NVI): The third phase of the flagship ‘Back to Village’ programme by the J&K government — a 10 days festival of development–  is all set to begin from October 2 in J&K, on the occasion of 150th anniversary of Gandhi Jayanti.

A J&K government official spokesman said that the development oriented action packed programme will witness senior government officials taking review of development scenarios at grassroot level and addressing the grievances of public.

“The unique initiative of its kind in 4,290 panchayats is expected to again witness tremendous response from the public like the earlier phases. The third phase of the B2V programme is a festival of development and democracy among the masses and to ensure redressal of grievances, the Government of J&K has earmarked Rs 450 crore for undertaking developmental works,” the statement said.

To improve the efficiency of the ambitions programme in Phase 3 of Back to Village, it has been made mandatory to carry out atleast two developmental works in every Panchayat, the official spokesman said, adding, “A senior Government official said that B2V3 is preceded by a 21 day Jan Abhiyan to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and their grievances addressed on the spot.”

-ARK

India slams Pak over its criticism of Babri Masjid verdict

MEA

New Delhi (NVI): India today rejected Pakistan’s criticism over the Babri Masjid verdict by a special CBI court, in which all 32 accused have been acquitted. It said that it may be difficult for a country like Pakistan to understand democratic ethos which has a “coercive apparatus” and where people and courts can be silenced.

“India is a mature democracy where the Government and citizens abide by the verdicts of the Court and show respect for the rule of law,” External Affairs Ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said during a weekly media briefing here.

“It may be difficult for a system with a coercive apparatus where people and the courts can be silenced at the will of the establishment, to understand such democratic ethos.,” he added.

The MEA has strongly rejected Islamabad’s criticism over the case and slammed the neighboring country government for trying to raise a controversy.

All 32 accused, including BJP leaders Lal Krishna Advani, Uma Bharti, Murali Manohar Joshi and Kalyan Singh were acquitted in the case by a special CBI court in Lucknow yesterday.

In its judgment, the court said that CBI failed to prove the case and that the accused were acquitted due to lack of evidence.

Special court judge SK Yadav said the demolition wasn’t premeditated and it happened at the spur of the moment with no involvement by any of the accused.

Yadav said that BJP leaders including LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, who were among the accused, tried to stop the mob.

The verdict came 28 years after the structure was razed down by a mob in Ayodhya town in Uttar Pradesh in 1992, sparking communal riots.

-ARK

Over 150 institutions to participate in ‘US University Virtual Fair’ to be held in 2 stages

New Delhi (NVI): To address the concerns of students and parents for admissions in the US universities and institutions amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a unique ‘US University Virtual Fair’ is being organised which will be held in two stages. Over 150 accredited US educational institutions will participate in the event.

The first stage of the Virtual Fair will be held on October 2 and 3, and the second stage on October 9 and 10. The timings of virtual interaction will be 5.30 pm to 10.30 pm (Indian Standard Time) for both stages.

Education USA will host the “US University Virtual Fair 2020” for students and parents to engage directly with US university representatives and Education USA advisers, all from the safety and comfort of their home, from October 2-10, the US Embassy said in a statement here.

For students seeking Master’s or PhD degree programs, the US University Graduate Virtual Fair will be held on October 2 and 3. They can register here

For high school students seeking Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree programs, the US University Undergraduate Virtual Fair will be held on October 9 and 10 from, as per an Embassy press release. They can register here

Speaking on the significance of US higher education, David Kennedy, Minister Counselor for Public Affairs at the US Embassy in New Delhi noted, “An education in the United States is important because it prepares you for your future.  Not only is it the best education, but it connects you to a world of opportunities after your studies. We encourage Indian students to study in the United States not just because it is a great education, but also because they join a diverse community that enriches our classrooms, research, and campus life.”

The US has over 4,500 accredited higher education institutions. This virtual fair will bring together more than 150 of these accredited US universities and colleges representing a range of academic programs, regions, campus sizes, as well as different undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.

“This US University Virtual Fair is a unique opportunity for Indian students to engage with university representatives and Education USA advisers to better understand the wide spectrum of educational opportunities available in the United States,” the embassy said.

Participating in the fair will help students and parents gather valuable information about academic programs, campus life, financial aid options, scholarship possibilities, application procedures, and safety precautions at US universities in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, it added.

This year, Education USA is offering the fair as a virtual experience in order to ensure the health and wellbeing of attendees and participating university representatives.

-ARK

J&K Govt notifies 2 new schemes; major relief to artisans, weavers

GI registration

Srinagar (NVI): In a major relief to artisans and weavers in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the UT government today notified two new schemes to provide a fillip to the famed handicrafts and handloom sector.

The capital infusion shall provide much-needed financial support and credit facility to the traditional craft industry which has been adversely affected due to Covid-19 pandemic, as per an official statement by the J&K government.

“In a first, the Government announced a new financial support scheme for Cooperatives/ SHGs registered in the Handicrafts and Handloom Department under the J&K Self Reliant Cooperative Act, 1999 by replacement of the existing Managerial Subsidy Scheme,” read the statement.

Under the scheme, each Cooperative/SHG shall be provided a one-time financial support of Rs 1 lakh in two equal installments of Rs 50,000 each. The funds shall be transferred to the beneficiary Cooperative/SHG through DBT mode only, it said.

An annual target of 2000 Cooperatives/SHGs has been fixed for implementation in both rural and urban areas of the Union Territory.

Under the Managerial Subsidy Scheme, each Cooperative was earlier provided only Rs 19,104 over a period of three years and there had been no revision or enhancement in the subsidy since 1975.

The Government also announced a new Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Weavers of the Handicrafts and Handloom sector by subsuming the Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Micro Credit Plan Scheme for Weavers in the erstwhile Handicrafts and Handloom Departments. Under the scheme, the loan slab has been enhanced from existing Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh with interest subsidy of 7% for a period of five years from the date of disbursement of the loan.

All artisans and weavers who are duly registered with the Handicrafts and Handloom Department and are involved in production and manufacturing processes shall be eligible for credit facility under the scheme.

The objective of the Scheme is to provide adequate and timely assistance to the artisan community from the financial institutions to meet their credit requirement of both investment needs as well as working capital in a flexible and cost-effective manner.

The annual target under the scheme has been fixed at 5000 in J&K, with break-up of 4000 artisans in handicrafts and 1000 weavers in the handloom sector.

“Both the schemes have been notified on the recommendations made in the J&K Wool Processing, Handicrafts & Handloom Policy – 2020 which has been adopted vide Government Order No.54-IND of 2020, dated 10.03.2020,” read the official statement.

The operational guidelines have also been notified along with the schemes for hassle-free implementation.

-ARK

MoD signs contract with EEL to supply multi-mode hand grenades to Army

New Delhi (NVI): The Acquisition Wing of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a Rs 409 crore contract with the Economic Explosive Limited (EEL) for supply of 10,00,000 Multi-Mode Hand Grenades to the Indian Army.

These grenades will be replacing the hand grenade design of World War-II vintage, in use with the Indian Army, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

It will also provide further boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative of Government of India, it said.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratories (TBRL) designed the Multi-Mode Hand Grenade, which is being produced by EEL, Nagpur.

The grenades have a distinctive design in them, which can be used in both Offensive and Defensive Modes.

However, this is a flagship project showcasing public-private partnership under the aegis of government (DRDO & MoD) enabling “AtmaNirbharta” in cutting edge ammunition technologies and accomplishes 100 per cent indigenous content, the statement added.

-RJV

Gandhi Jayanti eve: Prez pays tributes

President
President Ram Nath Kovind

New Delhi (NVI): President Ram Nath Kovind paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, on behalf of the nation.

He said, “On October 2 every year, Gandhiji is remembered not only in India but all over the world. He remains a source of inspiration for all the humanity. His life-story empowers and strengthens the weaker sections of the society.”

His message of truth, non-violence and love paves the way for the welfare of the world by bringing about harmony and equality in the society. His values ​​were as relevant yesterday as are today and will remain so in the future, President added.

President Kovind further said that people now realize that the solution to the biggest of the problems can be found through the path of goodwill and tolerance as suggested by Gandhiji.

“Gandhiji gave a lot of importance to morality and purity of goals and means in his endeavours. I am happy that Gandhiji’s thoughts and teachings are at the core of our government’s efforts being practised for the development of our country such as Swachh Bharat Mission, Empowerment of Women, Empowering the poor and downtroddens, helping farmers and providing essential facilities in villages etc,” he added.

The President concluded by saying, “On this auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, let us resolve to rededicate ourselves to the welfare and progress of the nation, to follow the mantra of truth and non-violence, and to build a clean, capable, strong and prosperous India, and to make Gandhiji’s dreams come true.”

-CHK

DRDO test fires indigenously developed Laser Guided ATGM 

New Delhi (NVI): In another successful test of indigenously developed defence systems, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) today test-fired Laser Guided Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), defeating a target located at a longer range.

The test was conducted from MBT Arjun at KK ranges (ACC&S) Ahmednagar in continuation of successful trial done on September 22, the Ministry of Defence said in a release.

The ATGM employs a tandem HEAT warhead to defeat Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) protected armoured vehicles in ranges from 1.5 to 5 km. It has been developed with multiple-platform launch capability and is currently undergoing technical evaluation trials from 120 mm rifled gun of MBT Arjun, MoD said.

This Laser Guided Missile has been developed by Armament R&D Establishment (ARDE), Pune in association with High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune and Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO for the successful testing.

Secretary DD R&D and Chairman DRDO also congratulated DRDO personnel for the achievement which paves the way towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pledge for Atmanirbhar Bharat, said the official release.

-ARK

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