Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Home Blog Page 1201

J&K: Fresh spurt in Covid-19 cases takes UT’s tally over 30,000

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

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir today witnessed yet another spurt in Covid positive cases as 708 fresh infections were recorded in the Union Territory, taking the total number of cases in the UT to over 30,000.

The 708 fresh cases include 43 travelers. Of the total 30,034 positive cases, 23,386 are from Kashmir and 6,648 from Jammu division.

Officials said that among 708 new cases, 606 belong to Kashmir while 102 are from Jammu division, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir division has reached 23,386 including 17,381 recoveries. The total number of positive cases in Jammu division has reached 6,648, including 5,116 recoveries and 41 deaths.

The officials said that total number of active cases in J&K is 6,965 including 5,474 from Kashmir division and 1,491 from Jammu division.

With 611 more recoveries, the tally of total recoveries in the UT has reached 22,497 which is 74.90 percent of the total cases. 

Pertinently, Srinagar district alone has 7,253 positive cases which is more than the total number of positive cases in Jammu division where total cases are 6,648.

“Cases tested positive in J&K include 229 from Srinagar, 35 from Baramulla, 24 from Pulwama, 88 from Budgam, 48 from Anantnag, 19 from Kulgam, 10 from Shopian, 43 from Kupwara, 48 from Bandipora and 62 from Ganderbal in Kashmir division while as 102 from Jammu division include 41 from Jammu, 04 from Rajouri, 04 from Kathua, 02 from Udhampur, 02 from Ramban, 10 from Samba, 03 from Doda, 01 from Poonch, 34 from Reasi and 01 from Kishtwar,” as per the daily Covid bulletin.

4,21,057 persons in J&K are under observation while 42,323 persons have been kept under home quarantine. Besides that, 6,965 persons are in isolation.

According to the bulletin, 3,26,780 persons have completed the surveillance period and 44,417 persons are under home surveillance.

So far, results of 8,22,574 samples are available out of which 7,92,540 stand negative while 30,034 have been tested positive. Among positive cases, 6,965 are active and 22,497 persons have recovered.

-ARK

MHA orders immediate withdrawal of 10,000 forces personnel from J&K

J&K Bar Association issued 3 notices over its constitution
Kashmir (Representative Pic)

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) today ordered immediate withdrawal of more than 10,000 security forces personnel from Jammu and Kashmir, who were deployed in the erstwhile state prior to last year’s August 5 announcement on rollback of article 370.

The MHA in its order sent to Advisor to the Administration of J&K UT, Commissioner Secretary, Administration J&K UT and Director General of Police J&K, Dilbagh Singh, stated that the deployment of Central Armed Forces in J&K has been further reviewed by the ministry.

“It has been decided to withdraw 100 Companies of CAPFs with immediate effect from J&K and revert them back to their respective locations,” reads the MHA order.

A paramilitary force company generally comprises 100 to 110 men, which means over 10,000 forces personnel will be withdrawn from the UT. Of the 100 companies that are being pulled out of J&K, 40 companies are from CRPF, 20 from BSF, 20 SSB and 20 from ITBP.

At least 40,000 additional troops were deployed across J&K prior to last year’s announcement on the abolition of Article 370 under which the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was given a special status. After the Centre’s historic move on revoking the special status to merge the erstwhile state into the national mainstream, J&K was bifurcated into town Union Territories-  J&K UT and Ladakh UT.

The additional forces were deployed for almost four months amid spontaneous shutdown—from August to November 2019 on all streets and sensitive places, to contain possible protests and to deal with the law and order issues.

However, they were later retained and now after over a year, MHA today decided to withdraw 100 companies. Sources revealed that 300 additional forces continue to remain stationed in Kashmir and their withdrawal will depend on the second review by the Home Ministry scheduled to be held next month.

-ARK

Cabinet approves proposal to lease out 3 airports of AAI

Thiruvananthapuram airport (File photo)

New Delhi (NVI): The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal for leasing out the three airports at Jaipur, Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram of Airport Authority India (AAI).

In a media briefing, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said, “Cabinet approves the proposal for leasing out Jaipur, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram of Airports Authority of India (AAI) through Public Private Partnership (PPP).”

These airports to be handed over to Adani Enterprise Ltd for operation, management and development, who is declared as the successful bidder in a Global Competitive Bidding conducted by the Airports Authority of India, for a period of 50 years, he added.

The three airports were part of AAI’s first phase of airport privatisation but were stuck in legal hurdles after the highest bidders were announced.

Javadekar also said that the Airport Authority of India will get an upfront amount of Rs 1,070 crore from handing over the airports to the private developer.

“The upfront Rs 1,070 crore that will come to AAI will be used for developing airports in smaller airports. The other benefit is travellers will get better facilities. It will also improve efficiency of airports,” the minister added.

He clarified that the lease was only for 50 years after which the AAI will get the airports back. These airports will be re-developed in a public private partnership mode.

Meanwhile, the other three airports in the first tranche— Ahmadabad, Lucknow and Mangalur were earlier awarded to the Adani Group, the highest bidder.

Earlier, the government had leased out the Airports Authority of India’s airport at Delhi and Mumbai on Public Private Partnership (PPP) for operation, management and development about a decade ago.

These PPP experiments have helped create world class airports and helped in delivery of efficient and quality services to the passengers. It has also helped AAI in enhancing its revenues and focusing on developing airports and air navigation infrastructure in the rest of the country.

Therefore, the government decided to lease out more airports of AAI for operation, management and development under PPP through Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC).

-RJV

Govt relaxes working capital norms for discoms to provide further liquidity

Power Ministry

New Delhi (NVI): The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today approved one-time relaxation in working capital limit norm for discoms under the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) to get loans as part of the Rs 90,000 crore liquidity infusion scheme.

After the Cabinet meeting, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar in a press conference said, “Power sector has problems. The bills are not being collected by them. PFC and REC have been allowed to give loans above the limit more the 25 per cent working capital limit. This will increase liquidity of the state discoms.”

“The working capital limit is 25 per cent of last year’s revenue. Now, the limit is relaxed,” Javadekar added.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved a one-time relaxation to Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and REC Ltd for extending loans to discoms above limits of working capital cap of 25 per cent of last year’s revenues under UDAY, according to the official statement.

One-time relaxation will help in providing liquidity to the power sector and ensure payments by discoms, it added. The COVID-19 outbreak and nationwide lockdown have exacerbated liquidity problems for the power sector.

Revenue of the power distribution companies has nosedived as people are unable to pay for the electricity consumed, while power supplies, being an essential service, have been maintained.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had in May announced the Rs 90,000 crore liquidity infusion into cash-strapped discoms, facing demand slump due to the lockdown to contain Covid-19.

-CHK

Indigenously built interceptor boat launched at Surat

 New Delhi (NVI): ICGS C-454, an indigenously built interceptor boat by Larsen & Toubro under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ (self-reliant India campaign), was launched at Surat in Gujarat today.

51 such boats, out of 54 ordered, have been handed over to the Indian Coast Guard, PRO Defence Gandhinagar, said in a tweet.

“IB C 454 of 27m length with average draft of 1.4 m has an excellent seakeeping, maneuverability, maximum speed of 45 nautical miles (83 Km/hr) and endurance range of 500 nautical miles,” the PRO said in another tweet.

-ARK

Rajnath appreciates Indian Navy’s role in ‘Op Samudra Setu’

New Delhi (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today congratulated the Indian Navy on conducting the biggest ever evacuation programme ‘Operation Samudra Setu’, which has contributed extensively to the national interest.

Addressing the Naval Commanders’ Conference, Singh expressed confidence in the Navy’s preparedness to meet any challenge through a proactive response in deploying its ships and aircraft.

Singh also applauded the Indian Navy for their role in protecting the maritime interests of the nation.

“The Navy was instrumental in bringing home almost 4,000 people from neighboring countries based in the Indian Ocean Region,” he said.

He further stated that Indian Navy has effectively carried out Mission Based deployment to protect maritime interests by deploying naval ships and aircraft at major and sensitive locations.

“These deployments have helped increase Maritime Domain Awareness, and provided rapid humanitarian aid,” he said

The Indian Navy has also been at the forefront of the indigenization process. It is important that we keep pace with the successes which have been achieved so far, Singh said, adding that, the recently inaugurated NIIO (Naval Innovation Indigenisation Organization) is one such step.

On the occasion of the Naval Commanders Conference, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh also addressed the top Commanders of the Navy.

This three-day conference is a biennial conference which was to be held in April but was postponed due to the pandemic.

-RJV

Pak violates ceasefire along LoC in J&K’s Rajouri

LoC

Jammu (NVI): Pakistani troops today violated ceasefire in Keri Battal area of Sunderbani Sector in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri along the Line of Control (LoC), exactly a week after they had targetted forward areas in the district.

Today’s CFV (ceasefire violation) took place at around 04.30 pm as Pakistan started unprovoked firing with small and heavy arms, defence officials said.

“…at about 1630 hours, Pak initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with Small Arms & intense shelling with Mortars along LoC in Keri Battal area of Sunderbani Sector, District Rajouri (J&K),” they said, adding that the Indian Army was retaliating befittingly.

Earlier on August 12, Pakistani troops had shelled forward posts along LoC in Nowshera sector of Poonch district in J&K.

-ARK

Cabinet approves National Recruitment Agency; Common Eligibility test for govt jobs

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar (File)

New Delhi (NVI): Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today approved a proposal to set up National Recruitment Agency that will conduct Common Eligibility Test (CET) for selection to non-gazetted posts in the central government and public sector banks.

“Union Cabinet approves setting up of ‘National Recruitment Agency’ to conduct Common Eligibility Test. This decision will benefit job seeking youth of the country,” Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said.

The new decision will benefit job seekers of the country and help in selecting candidates for different sectors.

There will be single entrance examination for all non-gazetted posts — Group B and C posts. Candidates who qualify this Common Entrance Test (CET) can apply to any recruitment agencies for higher level of examination.

The score will be valid for three years during which candidate can apply for jobs in different sectors depending upon his/her aptitude and preferences. There will be no bar on the number of attempts.

PM Modi took to twitter and wrote, “The #NationalRecruitmentAgency will prove to be a boon for crores of youngsters. Through the Common Eligibility Test, it will eliminate multiple tests and save precious time as well as resources. This will also be a big boost to transparency.”

Bringing in transformational reform in the recruitment process for central government jobs, the Cabinet has announced the creation of a National Recruitment Agency (NRA) to make the process of applying for such jobs easier for the youth.

At present, the exams conducted by three agencies: banking personnel selection agency IBPS, railway recruitment board RRB and the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) will be unified.

-CHK

Terrorist killed in encounter in J&K’s Shopian, operation underway

July 18 Shopian encounter: Army completes summary of evidence
An encounter site in Kashmir (File Pic)

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): An unidentified terrorist has been killed in an ongoing encounter in Molu-Chitragam village of South Kashmir’s Shopian district, police officials said.

The encounter started after a joint team of Police, Army and the CRPF launched a cordon and search operation on the basis of specific information about the presence of militants in the area, they said.

“As the joint team of forces zeroed in on a suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon them which was retaliated, triggering an encounter. Heavy exchange of firing is going on at present,” the official said.

At least two to three militants are believed to be trapped in the area. A police source said that security forces are maintaining a close synergy while carrying out the ongoing operation professionally to avoid any collateral damage.

Today’s encounter comes a day after a two-day long gunfight ended in the Kreeri area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district in which three militants including two top Lashkar-e-Taiba commanders were gunned down.

These militants were killed in a joint massive search operation by forces after the ultras attacked a joint patrol in Kreeri, in which three security personnel lost their lives.

Three army soldiers also died later as they succumbed to the injuries they had sustained during the search operations, taking the total number of security personnel killed to six.

(Further details awaited)

-ARK

India’s COVID-19 recoveries cross 2 million; recovery rate past 73%

New Delhi (NVI): India’s coronavirus disease recoveries have crossed the two-million mark, as the number of recovering patients has outnumbered new viral infections, the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) data showed.

A continuous uptick in average daily recoveries has led to India’s recovery rate at 73.64 per cent and a low case fatality rate (CFR) at 1.91 per cent.

At present, the number of active Covid-19 cases are less than 25 per cent of the total number of the viral infections reported since January 30.

The total number of recoveries currently stands at 20,37,870 in the country. Around 60,000 Covid-19 patients are recovering daily from their viral infection.

A higher number of recoveries and declining fatality has shown that India’s graded strategy has worked. India has posted 13,61,356 more recoveries than the active cases currently at 6,76,514.

From the beginning of January 2020, the Centre assiduously followed a graded, pre-emptive and proactive response and management strategy for COVID-19 in the country. The focused, collaborative and ‘whole of government’ approach has yielded success.

Building on the continuum of care approach, the policy of testing, tracking and treating efficiently is led by the Centre and implemented in conjunction with the state and UT governments.

Focused attention on effective surveillance and house-to-house contact tracing has led to early detection and identification of COVID-19 cases. The mild and moderate cases are treated under supervised home isolation. As per the standardized clinical management protocol based on the holistic Standard of Care approach, the critical and severe patients are hospitalised and provided the best medical care.

Meanwhile, the The ‘eSanjeevani’ digital platform of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has completed 2 lakh teleconsultations. Union Government has pointed out that ‘eSanjeevaniOPD’ enabling patient-to-doctor telemedicine owing to the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020 has proved a boon in containing the spread of COVID while simultaneously enabling provisions for non-COVID essential healthcare.

-CHK

1...1,2001,2011,202...1,730Page 1,201 of 1,730

MUST READ