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J&K LG constitutes high-level panel for relief, revival of UT’s business sector

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Showing concern over huge losses inflicted on Jammu and Kashmir’s business community since past one year, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today constituted a high-level committee for working out a proposal for relief and revival of the business sector in the UT.

Headed by advisor KK Sharma, the panel comprising senior bureaucrats and chairman/managing director of Jammu & Kashmir Bank would hold discussions with business associations and submit a consolidated proposal for consideration of the government at the Union Territory and at Central level.

The panel comprising of Finance Commissioner; Secretary, Industries and Commerce; Secretary, Tourism department and Chairman/Managing Director- J&K Bank has been directed to submit a consolidated report by September 1, 2020.

The announcement for the constitution of the committee was made by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha during his interaction with Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries here today.

During the interaction, the Lt Governor said that trade and industries are the major impact sectors for the economic development of any region and more effective measures are on cards to develop a conducive environment for the development and growth of the industrial and business sector in the UT.

The members of the delegation of KCCI led by its President, Sheikh Ashiq Hussain apprised the LG on a range of issues concerning the prominent business sectors including industries, hospitality, handicrafts sector, houseboats, tourism, private schools, apple cold storage, young entrepreneurs, etc.

-ARK

FS in Dhaka as Bangladesh looks to inch closer to China

Dhaka/New Delhi (NVI): Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla arrived here on an unannounced visit and met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, against the backdrop of indications that Dhaka is cozying up to China.

External Affairs Ministry said in a statement in Delhi that Shringla was on a two-day visit, beginning today, to “discuss and take forward cooperation on matters of mutual interest.”

Shringla, who has served as India’s High Commissioner in Dhaka earlier, arrived in the Bangladesh capital by a special plane at around 11.30 and soon after met Hasina, according to local media reports. He was believed to be carrying a special message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Hasina.

Shringla had last visited Dhaka in early March and this is the first visit by a high-level Indian official since the Covid-19 pandemic exploded in the same month.

Significantly, the visit takes place against the backdrop of an announcement that China would be granting a loan of one billion dollars to Bangladesh for the ‘Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project’ of Teesta River.

The Chinese funding for the Teesta project is worrying for India as a proposal for signing a pact between India and Bangladesh regarding sharing of this river’s water has been pending for long.

According to local media reports, Bangladesh is going for the deal with China on the Teesta project because Indian government failed to finalise the treaty.

The river originates in Sikkim, passes through West Bengal and merges with Brahmaputra in Assam and Jamuna in Bangladesh. Around 113 kilometres of the 315-kilometre river lies in Bangladesh.

The India-Bangladesh Teesta water-sharing pact was almost done in 2011 but it got stuck at the eleventh hour as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refused to agree to it.

Prime Minister Modi, on his first visit to Dhaka in 2015, had promised that India will expedite finalisation of the treaty but there has been no headway still, mainly due to opposition by Banerjee.

The development related to Chinese funding of the project is worrying for India as it shows China is gaining footprint in Bangladesh, as part of Beijing’s aggressive effort to gain influence and foothold in all the neighbouring countries of India.

As years of negotiations with India over the Teesta river’s management led to no visible output, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Water Resources thought of getting it done by China, that too with a loan from the latter, according to Daily Star newspaper of Bangladesh.

In a letter to the Economic Relations Division (ERD) last month, the ministry sought a $983.27 million loan from China to implement a “Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project”, it said.

The project summary states that floods lead to serious erosion for a lack of necessary protective measures, leaving huge amounts of property and home estates submerged every year.

The majority of an existing embankment has been eroded for a lack of proper maintenance while a water crisis arises in the dry winter months.

The letter, signed by Khairun Nahar, the ministry’s senior assistant chief, and sent on 23 July, also talked about plans to construct and commission a photovoltaic power plant under the project.

The development plans have been held back for a decade for a lack of funds.

Several Chinese companies were interested in implementing this project but the Chinese government was yet to give a green signal, Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, joint secretary (Asia wing) to the ERD, was quoted by the newspaper as saying.

The ministry needs to fill up a Chinese application form seeking the loan, he said.

“We will send the documents to the Chinese embassy for including the project under applications seeking Chinese funds,” Siddiky added.

There are three to four hydro-electricity projects on Teesta in Sikkim and two irrigation projects in West Bengal, the newspaper quoted Syed Muazzem Ali, a former High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India.

A dam constructed on the Indian side causes the water flow to reduce downstream in winter, leading to a water crisis for two months on the Bangladesh side, it quoted Md Kabir Bin Anwar, senior secretary to the ministry.

“If we can implement the project, a vast area on the Bangladesh side can be supplied with water during the crisis season,” Anwar said.

The project not only aims at river regime and flood control but also to meet a water crisis in the dry season and enable economic development in the greater Rangpur region, the newspaper report said.

Its other aspects are land reclamation, development and utilisation, transportation and shipping, mitigation of social and environmental impact and restoration of ecosystem and promoting socio-economic development of locals, it said.

Two soldiers, injured in Baramulla encounter in north Kashmir, succumb

Security forces launch search op in South Kashmir's Pulwama
(File/Representational Image)

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Two soldiers, who were injured in an encounter with terrorists in Kreeri area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district yesterday, succumbed at Army hospital in Srinagar today, defence officials said.

Yesterday, three security personnel lost their lives after terrorists targetted a joint security patrol in Kreeri area. A massive search operation was launched and all three terrorists involved in the attack were neutralised. The two jawans who died today had sustained injuries during the day-long search operations yesterday as hiding militants opened fire.

With this, total five security personnel have lost their lives since yesterday. The three slain militants also included two top commanders.

Defence spokesman in Srinagar Rajesh Kalia told NVI that two injured soldiers who had sustained injuries yesterday at Kreeri gunfight, succumbed today at Srinagar.

A police officer said that search operation is still on in the area to rule out the presence of any other militant. He said that in total, three militants were killed that include top Lashkar commanders—Sajad alias Haider, who was active since past five years and a Pakistani militant Usman who was north Zone commander of Lashkar. The third slain militant has been identified as Anayatullah Mir of Pattan area of north Kashmir.

Earlier yesterday, these militants had targeted joint a naka (patrol) party of forces at Kreeri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla, killing two CRPF men and a J&K Special Police Officer (SPO). “The total number of security men killed in two-day long operation reached eight including five security personnel and three militants,” a police official said, adding that search operation was on. He said that one Ak-47 rifle and three pistols were recovered from the site of encounter.

Pertinently, police had engaged the attackers, soon after they attacked the joint party of forces, which led to the encounter in orchards in Kreeri area.

-ARK

Environment Ministry to bring all regional offices under one roof

New Delhi (NVI): With a view to achieving outcomes in an improved, timely and effective manner related to the mandates of Environment Ministry, establishment of 19 Integrated Regional Offices (IROs) has been approved by the ministry today.

The IROs will be established though redeployment of human and other resources available with 10 Regional Offices of ROHQ Division, 4 Regional Offices of Forest Survey of India (FSI), 3 Regional Centre of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), 4 Regional Offices of Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and 5 Regional Offices & 3 Sub-regional Offices of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) in an integrated manner, and their further strengthening.

Each regional office will have representation from existing Regional Office/Regional Centre of MoEF&CC as available to them from time to time.

The Integrated Regional Offices will be headed by deputy director general of forest, called as regional officer.

These IROs are mandated to start their functioning from October 1, 2020.

-CHK

Ashok Lavasa resigns, set to join ADB

Ashok Lavasa

New Delhi (NVI): Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa, who was next in line to head the poll panel, resigned today to join the Philippines-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) as the post of vice-president.

He has submitted his resignation to President Ram Nath Kovind and has requested to be relieved on August 31.

There is, however, no confirmation on whether the resignation has been accepted by the President or not.

Last month, the ADB appointed Lavasa as vice-president for Private Sector Operations and Public-Private Partnerships. He will succeed Diwakar Gupta, whose term will end on August 31.

Ashok Lavasa is a retired 1980 batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre, appointed as Election Commissioner in January, 2018. He has now become the second election commissioner to step down from the poll panel before the completion of his term.

He had two years of tenure left in the ECI and would have retired in October 2022 after overseeing elections in various states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Goa.

-RJV

 

Resolution to condemn Chinese aggression at India-China border introduced in US Senate

New Delhi (NVI): The US Senate has condemned the Chinese aggression at the India-China border and Beijing’s use of military to change the status quo at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) while calling for a solution to the dispute through diplomatic channels.

US senators John Cornyn and Mark Warner introduced the resolution on the Senate floor last week, which has been sent to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for consideration. Cornyn is the Republican Senate Majority Whip, while Warner is the ranking member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

This follows instances of Chinese military forces harassing Indian patrols as well as increased troop deployments and infrastructure construction in contested areas, the resolution, whose text was released yesterday, said.

“As a cofounder of the Senate India Caucus, I know firsthand the importance of a strong relationship between the United States and India,” said Senator Cornyn.

“I commend India’s commitment to standing up to China and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. It is more important than ever that we support our Indian partners as they defend against Chinese aggression,” he added.

Cornyn further stated in the August 13 press statement that the June 15 violent clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh near LAC “should set off alarm bells regarding the PRC’s provocative actions in disputed territory.” At least 20 Indian soldiers had lost their lives in the deadly face-off with PLA.

“This resolution condemns PRC’s actions to change the Line of Actual Control, especially in the midst of diplomatic negotiations between the two countries; and encourages the two nations to find a diplomatic resolution that restores the April 2020 status quo at the LAC,” the US senator added.

He has stated in the resolution that US has long enjoyed a partnership with India strengthened by shared democratic values. “That partnership only becomes more important as we work to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he told the Senate.

Tensions between India and China reached a new high after the Galwan Valley clashes and troops on both sides of LAC are on high alert since May 5. A series of military and diplomatic level talks have taken place after the situation deteriorated but a complete de-escalation and disengagement of troops along the McMahon line in the disputed Ladakh region has still not been reached.

-ARK

Recovered cases 2.93 times the active Covid cases in India: Govt

positivity rate
Health secretary Rajesh Bhushan

New Delhi (NVI): The number of recovered coronavirus cases in India are 2.93 times the number of active cases in the country, the Union Health Ministry said today.

Addressing a media briefing, Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Health Ministry, said, “Recovered patients are more than 19.7 lakhs, which is 2.93 times the active cases. The case fatality rate (CFR) is below 2 per cent,” he added.

A total of 19,77,779 people have been recovered so far. Out of which, 6,73,166 are active COVID-19 cases and all are under medical supervision, the minister said.

Bhushan also said that, the country recorded the highest ever number of tests in the last 24 hours – a little more than 8,99,000.

“Despite sustained level of 7 lakh-8 lakh tests a day, the positivity figure has come down from 10.03 per cent to 7.72 per cent in India,” he said.

During the media briefing, NITI Aayog member VK Paul also spoke on the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the country. He said one of the three vaccines being developed in India will enter Phase 3 trial either on Tuesday or Wednesday.

“As far as vaccines are concerned, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured the country on Independence Day, that 3 vaccines are being developed in India and are in different stages. One of them will enter Phase 3 clinical trials today or tomorrow. The other 2 are in Phase 1 and 2 trials,” said Paul.

However, the continuous increase in average daily recoveries has led to India’s recovery rate touching 73.18 per cent and a low case fatality rate (CFR) to 1.92 per cent, Bhushan said.

-RJV

India in talks with 13 countries to establish bilateral air bubble arrangements: Puri

Vande Bharat

New Delhi (NVI): India is negotiating with 13 countries to establish separate bilateral air bubble arrangements for international flight operations, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said today.

Under a bilateral air bubble pact, airlines of both the countries can operate international flights with certain restrictions.

Taking to twitter, Puri said, “We’re taking our efforts forward and negotiating with 13 more countries to establish air travel arrangements. These include Australia, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Nigeria, Bahrain, Israel, Kenya, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea & Thailand.”

“The ongoing negotiations will benefit stranded Indians & nationals of these countries,” Puri further said.

Air bubbles have also been proposed with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal and Bhutan, Puri said, adding that his ministry will continue to further strengthen the reach and scope of Vande Bharat Mission.

Since July, India has established such air bubble arrangements with the US, the UK, France, Germany, the UAE, Qatar and the Maldives.

-CHK

Heavy rains predicted over Delhi for next 2 days; IMD issues orange alert

New Delhi (NVI): A fresh spell of rains drenched the national capital today, resulting in water-logging in some parts. Increase in the intensity of showers is predicted for the next two days, according to IMD.

In addition to this, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued an “orange” alert for the city for the next three days with moderate to heavy showers likely expected.

“The monsoon trough has once again shifted towards the north and will remain close to the national capital over the next three days,” IMD stated.

The weather department further said that a low-pressure area has also developed over northeast Madhya Pradesh and southeast Uttar Pradesh, which will further intensify the convergence of moisture-laden southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea and southeasterly winds from the Bay of Bengal.

An orange alert has been sounded for Kolhapur and Satara districts in western Maharashtra as well for today with the prediction of heavy to very heavy rains at isolated places in ghat areas, according to Met department.

A forecast of light to moderate rains is made for Pune and adjoining areas of the district for the next 48 hours.

Meanwhile, water levels of Krishna, Warna and Koyna rivers in Sangli district have risen due to continuous rains and the residents have been put on alert.

“Light to moderate rains are likely to take place in Pune and adjoining areas on Tuesday and Wednesday. Rain activity in the district will increase as moderate rains are predicted on Thursday and Friday as well,” IMD said.

-CHK

PM to announce results of Swachh Survekshan 2020 on Aug 20

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will announce the results of Swachh Survekshan 2020, on August 20, the fifth edition of the annual cleanliness survey of the country.

 

The virtual event is being organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). During the event, a total of 129 awards will be handed over to the top performing cities and states in the programme, titled “Swachh Mahotsav”.

The Prime Minister will also be interacting with select beneficiaries, swachhagrahis and SafaiKarmis under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U), from different parts of the country through video conference, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

He shall launch the Swachh Survekshan 2020 results dashboard on the occasion, it added.

Swachh Survekshan 2020 is the world’s largest cleanliness survey which ranked a total of 4,242 cities, 62 cantonment boards and 92 ganga towns and saw an unprecedented participation of 1.87 crore citizens.

The government introduced Swachh Survekshan with the objective of generating large scale citizen participation in the Mission, along with inculcating a spirit of healthy competition among cities towards becoming India’s cleanest cities.

In 2016,  MoHUA had conducted Swachh Survekshan for rating 73 major cities in January, followed by Swachh Survekshan 2017 conducted in January-February for ranking 434 cities.

Swachh Survekshan 2018, which, ranked 4,203 cities followed by the 2019 edition which not only covered 4,237 cities but was also the first-of-its-kind completely digital survey completed in a record time of 28 days.

According to the ministry, in Swachh Survekshan 2020, in order to ensure continuous assessment and sustainability of on-ground performance of cities, the government had also introduced Swachh Survekshan League, a quarterly cleanliness assessment of cities and towns conducted across three quarters, with 25 per cent weightage integrated into the final Swachh Survekshan results for this year.

Moreover, the survey has also caught the imagination of citizens and stakeholders alike and the increasing participation from citizens with every passing year is testimony to the way in which common citizenry has taken complete ownership of the Swachhata of its cities.

Swachh Survekshan has today made ‘Swachhata’ a thing of motivation and pride – something to look forward to and aspire for. In the first edition of the survey, Mysuru had won the award for the Cleanest City of India, while Indore has retained the top position for three consecutive years (2017,2018, 2019), the PMO stated.

The results to be announced on August 20 will bring the curtains down on the much-anticipated results for the 2020 edition which were delayed owing to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, the event will also bring together and felicitation of MoHUA’s partner organizations in the SBM-U journey, including United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Google, etc.

Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State (I/C), MoHUA Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary, MoHUA shall be participating in the event along with various Mayors, State Mission Directors, Municipal Commissioners and other stakeholders in the area of urban sanitation and waste management.

However, Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) has made significant progress in the area of both sanitation and solid waste management.

-RJV

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