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Woman passes away 17 days after losing son to Asphyxiation in Kulgam district

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NVI Correspondent

Kulgam, Jan 21(NVI): In a heartbreaking incident, a family in Gudder village of Kulgam district has been devastated by the loss of two members to asphyxiation within just 17 days.

Fehmeeda Begum, a 65-year-old woman, passed away in a hospital on Tuesday, following the tragic death of her 24-year-old son, Nisar Ahmad Khan, earlier this month.

The tragedy unfolded when both mother and son were found unconscious in their home after keeping a charcoal heater on overnight in a poorly ventilated room. Despite immediate medical attention—first at District Hospital Kulgam, then GMC Anantnag, and finally SKIMS Srinagar—Nisar succumbed to the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning on January 4, leaving Fehmeeda fighting for her life in the ICU until her passing on January 21.

Yawar Ahmad, the lumberdar of Gudder village, expressed the community’s grief and shock over the incident, noting that the family is now left with only one surviving son.

Experts have long cautioned against the use of traditional heating methods like charcoal heaters in closed spaces, as they can lead to the accumulation of toxic gases, posing a fatal risk. They urge people to ensure proper ventilation, avoid leaving heaters on overnight, and adopt safer heating practices during the winter months.

This tragic event highlights the urgent need for community awareness about heating safety and access to safer, more efficient heating alternatives in cold regions like Jammu and Kashmir.(News Vibes of India)

J&K cabinet clears major reforms, proposes Assembly session in March

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 20(NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, chaired by the Chief Minister, approved several key administrative proposals during its meeting this evening.

Among the major decisions was the approval of revised Dearness Allowance (DA) rates for government employees, pensioners, and family pensioners, effective from July 1, 2024.

The Cabinet also approved the implementation of a 3-tier faculty structure at Government Dental College, Srinagar, and Indira Gandhi Government Dental College, Jammu, in line with the norms set by the Dental Council of India (DCI).

Proposals from the Housing and Urban Development Department received administrative approval, including:

Dumpsite Remediation: Bio-mining and bio-remediation of 11 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste at Achan dumping site, Srinagar, at an estimated cost of Rs 60.50 crore.

River Conservation Projects: Pollution abatement and conservation of River Jhelum in the Chuntkul and Gawkadal areas of Srinagar at Rs 64.45 crore, and River Banganga in Katra at Rs 92.10 crore under the National River Conservation Plan.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the construction of a new hospital block for the emergency operation theatre at SMHS Hospital, Srinagar.

Another significant decision was the elimination of oral tests or interviews for recruitment to posts in pay level-6, as recommended by the J&K Service Selection Board.

Amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, were also passed.

The Cabinet recommended convening a session of the J&K Assembly in the first week of March. All proposals will now be sent to the Lieutenant Governor for final approval.(News Vibes of India)

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha registers for organ donation, leads by example in J&K

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 20 (NVI) Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today set an inspiring example by taking the pledge for organ donation and registering himself on the Ayushman Bharat Organ Donation Registry of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Representatives from the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (SOTTO), including Dr. Elias Sharma, Nodal Officer, Dr. Sanjeev Puri, Joint Director, and Irfan Ahmed Lone, Transplant Coordinator, visited Raj Bhawan to hand over the official pledge certificate to the Lieutenant Governor.

Sandeep Jain, President, and Monika Jain, General Secretary of Bharatiya Jain Sangathan, J&K, were also present at the occasion.

This follows the Lieutenant Governor’s earlier expression of willingness for organ donation during a program organized by Bharatiya Jain Sansthan on January 19. His participation in this initiative underscores the importance of organ donation and highlights the need for public awareness and action in this critical area of healthcare. (News Vibes of India)

Kashmir Handicrafts department Cracks Down on counterfeit products, warns showroom owners against misleading practices

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 20(NVI):The Handicrafts and Handloom Department of Kashmir has issued a stern warning to showroom owners dealing in craft products to immediately stop selling machine-made items under the guise of genuine handmade Kashmir handicrafts.

The department has vowed to take strict action under the Tourist Trade and Quality Control Acts against violators.

According to an official press statement, the department has received multiple complaints regarding the sale of machine-made Turkish carpets to unsuspecting tourists, falsely branded as authentic Kashmir hand-knotted carpets. This malpractice has been tarnishing the reputation of Kashmir’s rich heritage.

In response, the Central Inspection Squad from the department’s Quality Control wing has intensified inspections across prominent locations, including Srinagar City Centre, and health resorts such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Several showrooms have already been inspected, with unlabelled machine-made products confiscated during the raids.

To safeguard Kashmir’s cultural heritage and promote the sale of genuine handmade products, the department has urged stakeholders to avail of GI tagging, testing, and certification services at the Craft Development Institute (CDI) and the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT). These steps are aimed at ensuring customer satisfaction while preserving the authenticity of Kashmir’s exquisite artistry.

The department is also ramping up efforts to increase the testing and certification capacity of handmade products, particularly through the Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre at CDI. Additionally, various Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns are being conducted at both local and national levels, encouraging customers to purchase only labelled, certified handmade products.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to protecting the legacy of Kashmir’s handicrafts while ensuring fair trade practices in the Valley. (News Vibes of India)

Extensive screening of 9000-10000 houses in Rajouri amid Mystery Illness outbreak

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NVI Correspondent

Rajouri, Jan 20: In response to the outbreak of an unidentified disease that has claimed 17 lives and affected 38 individuals since December 2024, the health department in Rajouri is conducting an extensive door-to-door screening of residents. Health officials confirmed that 9,000 to 10,000 houses have already been screened as part of the ongoing investigation into the disease.

Dr. M L Raina, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Rajouri, provided an update on the district’s surveillance efforts, stating that teams have been working tirelessly to identify the cause of the illness. “We have screened approximately 1,600-1,700 houses in detail, and with door-to-door checks, the number of houses screened has reached nearly 9,000 to 10,000,” Dr. Raina explained. “Our teams have been conducting both active and passive surveillance and have deployed medical mobile units, along with a lab system to assist in testing.”

Despite the growing concern, Dr. Raina assured that there is no immediate need to declare a public health emergency. He emphasized that the results of viral and vectorological tests have been negative, further suggesting that the situation is under control.

Resident Surjeet Singh Thakur acknowledged the efforts of the health, police, and civil administrations, which have worked together in the ongoing investigation. “While the exact cause of the deaths is still unclear, we have ruled out bacterial and viral diseases,” Thakur stated. “Investigations are ongoing, and samples of food, water, and daily essentials are being collected. We are also considering the possibility of poisoning.”

In light of the mysterious deaths, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered the formation of an inter-ministerial team, led by the Ministry of Home Affairs, to probe the situation. The Indian Army has been deployed to assist in providing essential supplies, including food, water, and shelter, to the affected residents.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are committed to uncovering the cause of the deaths. Further updates are expected as investigations progress.                    ( News Vibes of India)

Sopore Encounter: Injured Soldier succumbs, Operation On

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NVI Correspondent

Sopore, Jan 20(NVI): A soldier who was injured in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in the Gujjarpati area of Zaloora, Sopore, has succumbed to his injuries, officials confirmed today.

The encounter broke out late last evening in the area.

An official explained that the operation had been temporarily halted due to darkness. “With the first light of day, fresh firing resumed. During the ensuing encounter, a soldier was injured and evacuated to a hospital,” the official said.

Despite all efforts to save him, the soldier later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

On Sunday, joint teams of the Army, CRPF, and police had cordoned off the Gujjarpati area, during which they discovered a hideout. As the security forces conducted searches, they came under fire, leading to the ongoing encounter.(News Vibes of India)

Rajouri deaths: Budhal’s Bawli spring tests positive for pesticides; Jal Shakti Department suspends public access

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NVI Correspondent

Rajouri, Jan 20 (NVI): The Jal Shakti Department has suspended the water supply scheme for Budhal village after samples from the Bawli spring tested positive for high levels of pesticides and insecticides.

The action follows reports of 17 mysterious deaths in the past 50 days, sparking concerns over water contamination as a potential cause.

The contamination was detected during routine testing, raising alarms about the safety of the village’s primary water source. While investigations into the deaths are ongoing, initial findings suggest a link to the consumption of pesticide-laden water.

Local residents have reported symptoms consistent with poisoning, prompting health authorities to intervene.

An official from the Jal Shakti Department stated that the spring has been sealed off, and alternative water arrangements are being made to prevent further casualties. Investigators suspect the contamination could be due to excessive pesticide use in nearby agricultural fields, which may have leached into the water supply.

Health teams have been dispatched to the area to assess the situation and provide medical care to affected individuals. The incident highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations on pesticide use and comprehensive monitoring of water sources to prevent such tragedies in the future.(News Vibes of India)

Sopore Encounter : Soldier injured as fresh firing resumes at Zaloora

FILE PHOTO

NVI Correspondent

Sopore, Jan 20(NVI): A soldier was injured as fresh firing broke out today afternoon during an ongoing encounter between terrorists and security forces in the Gujjarpati area of Zaloora, Sopore in Baramulla district.

The encounter initially began late Sunday evening when joint teams of the Army, CRPF, and J&K Police launched a cordon-and-search operation based on intelligence about the presence of terrorists. During the search, a hideout was uncovered, and the terrorists opened fire, leading to a gunfight.

Operations were temporarily halted overnight due to poor visibility but resumed at daybreak. In the ensuing exchange of fire, a soldier sustained injuries and was evacuated for medical treatment.

Security forces have cordoned off the area, and the operation remains in progress. Additional reinforcements have been deployed to prevent any escape attempts, and further updates are awaited as the situation unfolds.(News Vibes of India)

Rain, Snow Fall predicted across J&K from Monday: MeT

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 19(NVI: Jammu and Kashmir is set to experience a spell of rain and snow starting Monday, according to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar. The forecast suggests light to moderate precipitation across various regions, with higher reaches likely to witness significant snowfall.

On Sunday, the weather is expected to remain largely dry in the plains, with the possibility of light rain or snow over higher reaches. However, from January 20 to January 23, a mix of rain and snow will affect both the plains and the mountains.

Forecast Details:                                                                                                            January 20-21 (Monday-Tuesday):                                                                                  Isolated to scattered light snow is expected in higher reaches.                                      Light rain is likely in the plains of Jammu.

January 22 (Wednesday):                                                                                        Light to moderate rain is forecasted in the plains of Jammu.                                      Snowfall at many places across Jammu and Kashmir, including higher regions such as the Chenab Valley and the Pir Panjal Range.

January 23 (Thursday):                                                                                          Another spell of light to moderate rain is expected in Jammu plains.                        Widespread snowfall is anticipated across Jammu and Kashmir.

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -1°C, which is 1°C above normal for this time of the year.

Gulmarg: Remained the coldest location in the valley at -7.8°C, though it was 2.4°C above normal for the ski resort.

Pahalgam: Recorded -3°C, showing an improvement of 3.3°C above normal.

Kupwara: Dipped to -2.6°C, still 0.3°C above normal.

Kokernag: Dropped to -3.4°C, slightly above its normal range.

Qazigund: Recorded -2.8°C, 0.3°C above normal.

The MeT department has advised people, particularly in higher altitudes, to prepare for the wet and snowy weather, which could disrupt travel and daily activities. Regions such as the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal Range are likely to witness moderate snowfall, posing potential challenges for movement.

With the weather patterns expected to impact the region, residents are urged to exercise caution and plan accordingly. (News Vibes of India)

Another mysterious death in Rajouri’s Budhal village, toll mounts to 17

Policeman
Representational Pic.

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 18(NVI): The death toll from the mysterious illness in Rajouri’s Budhal village today reached 17 as Yasmeena Jan, the sixth and last child of Mohammad Aslam also breathed her last in the hospital.

Yasmeena, who was initially admitted to GMC Rajouri before being transferred to GMC Jammu, died despite receiving intensive care.

Aslam, who has tragically lost all six of his children and other close family members in the past week, now faces an unimaginable loss. Health Minister Sakina Itoo has assured the public that tests at multiple national institutes have ruled out viral infections, urging people not to panic.

Pertinently, a high-level team from the Union Government has arrived in Budhal to investigate the root cause of these mysterious deaths, offering hope for answers.(News Vibes of India)

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