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Army Man Dies After Shooting

Self in Kupwara Srinagar, Oct 16 An army man died after shooting himself using his service rifle in Tsuntwari in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, official sources said. They told that the army man identi-fied as P. Harish Kumar, serving in 21 Mahar shot himself fatally while on duty at Forward Post. He was shifted to 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar, where the doctors however declared him as brought dead on arrival, they said. It was immediately not known why the soldier took the extreme step.

Grenade attack in Kakapora Pulwama, no injury reported Pulwama, Oct 16 Suspected militants on Saturday evening lobbed a grenade towards security forces in Kakapora area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. An official told that suspected mili-tants hurled a grenade towards security forces in Kakapora, however, no loss of life or injury has been reported in the attack. He said that the area has been cor-doned off to nab the attackers—Body found in Srinagar graveyardrinagar, Oct 16 Body of a 38-year-old man was recovered from a graveyard in downtown Srinagar on Saturday.Official sources said, local people informed the police after discovering the body in the Zaldager area graveyard.A Police team removed the body and further investigations are underway.The deceased was identified as Feroz Ahmad Tantray belonging to the same area. However, the cause of his death is yet to be ascertained, police said.

Woman killed after hit by

tractor in Bandipora

Bandipora, Oct 16 : A 32-year old woman was killed in a road accident that took place in Guroora village of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Saturday evening, officials said. Officials told the news agency—Kash-mir News Observer (KNO) that a trac-tor hit and critically wounded a woman identified as Shakeela Begum, wife of Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir in Guroora village. They said that the injured was imme-diately rushed to a nearby hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. “After legal medical formalities, the body was handed over to her family while po-lice have registered a case and initiated proceedings,” the officials said

In J&K, over six lakh children

anaemic, reveals NITI Aayog

Srinagar, Oct 16: In Jammu and Kashmir, over six lakh children have anaemia while more than two lakh children are stunt-ed, reveals NITI Aayog State Nutrition Profile 2021.According to the figures of NITI Aayog study titled State Nutrition Profile of Jammu and Kashmir accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observ-er (KNO), “Over 625,519 children are anaemic and 251,393 are stunted in J&K. The findings are based on data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 3 (2005-2006), 4 (2015-2016), and 5 (2019-2020).”The anaemic data in the report reveals that in J&K 20 out of 20 districts shows public health concern.As per the data, Anantnag is the highest-bur-den district with 69,576 numbers of anae-mic children while Kupwara stands second with 62,491 number anaemic children. Budgam stands

Lt Governor felicitates UPSC

Civil Services qualifiersSRINAGAR, OCTOBER 16: Lieutenant Gov-ernor, Manoj Sinha today felicitated Sh Waseem Ahmad Bhat and Sh Iqbal Rasool Dar who qualified the UPSC Civil Services examination this year.Congratulating the UPSC qualifiers, the Lt Governor said that their commendable accomplishment will motivate many more youths from Jammu and Kashmir to follow their footsteps and inspire them to compete in the prestigious Civil Services Examination.The Lt Governor observed that the government has been putting in efforts to promote the inherently capable youth of the UT by creating a conducive ecosystem for proper channelization of Youth energies through multi-faceted interventions.“Sustained systematic interventions like Mission Youth, creation of Youth Clubs in all pancha-yats of UT, focused coaching programmes for meritorious students enables access to modern education, and a host

Chief Secretary reviews mining operationsDirects installation of helpline numbers to facilitate grievance redressal

CONT. ON PAGE 05

Government announces operational guidelines to avail export subsidy in JK

HT NEWS DESK

Srinagar, Oct 16 Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday announced the operational guidelines to avail the export subsidy which will boost the export of handicraft and handloom goods from the valley.In a decision which is likely to arrest the decline of the exports of handicraft and handloom goods from Jammu and Kashmir (UT), the Government on Saturday announced the operational guidelines to avail the export subsidy after it was granted by the adminis-trative council recently, an official

spokesman said.He said the main objective of the ex-port subsidy is to provide promotional measures to boost the handicrafts

Two militants killed in Pampore encounterShopkeeper abducted; rescued in Pulwama village

HT NEWS DESK

rinagar, Oct 16, : Police Saturday said that 13 mil-itants have been killed in 9 encounters in Kashmir Valley in the last ten days. Police also claims to have killed 3 out of 5 militants from the Srinagar city. Inspector General of Po-

lice Vijay Kumar said that 13 militants were killed in 9 encounters after civilian killings. He said they have neutralized 3 out of 5 mili-tatns of Srinagar City within less than 24 hours. Earlier today two militants including a LeT commander was killed in a gunfight

Poonch Forest Gunfight: Bodies Of Misisng JCO, Soldier Found, Toll 9

Administration Committed to Urban development in J&K UT ; LG Manoj Sinha dedicated the key Urban Transformation Projects of Srinagar to the Public.

HT NEWS DESK

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 15: LieuS-RINAGAR, OCTOBER 16: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today dedicated key urban transformation projects to the public. These projects worth Rs 40.34 crore were executed by Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Srinagar Smart City Limited.While speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor reaffirmed that the government is committed to urban renewal that mirrors the aspirations of J&K UT.The Lt Governor said that multiple projects inaugurated under AMRUT and Srinagar Smart City will encour-age socio-economic growth, and bring

employment and utilities closer to the residents.The projects which were inaugurated include multi-level car parking at old SMG Lal Chowk; Dewatering station and Drainage Scheme at Indra Nagar; Highway Park-Green Space and Foun-tain at Bemina, built at the cost of Rs 26.91 crore, Rs 9.83 crore, and Rs 3.60 crore respectively.During the inauguration of new multi-level Car Parking at old SMG Lal Chowk, the officials informed that the multi-level Car Parking is having Ground plus three floors for 500 cars and 150 two-wheelers.The new dewatering station and Drain-age Scheme built above the highest

flood level of 2014 equipped with submersible pumps and other elec-

tro-mechanic equipment, and creation of underground drainage network at

Indra Nagar will provide solutions to the problem of water stagnation and flooding of streets in the area.The project will reduce the damages caused to the roads due to water log-ging during monsoons and rainfalls.Informing about the features and ad-vantages of the Highway Park, Green Space, and Fountain at Bemina, the officials said that the development of the park and fountain will provide rec-reation space for residents, benefiting about 1,00,000 population.Sh Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor Srinagar; Sh Parvaiz Ahmad Qadri, Deputy Mayor SMC; Sh. Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Government, H&UDD;

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 16: The Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, today chaired a meeting to review mining activities towards ensuring the availability of construction material at reasonable prices in Jammu and Kashmir.Administrative Secretaries of depart-ments of Revenue, Mining, Forest, Ecology & Environment, besides Director, Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing, Member Secretary, Pollution Control Board (PCB), Divi-sional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, all Deputy Commissioners, District SPs, and concerned officers participated in the meeting.While emphasizing the availability of various minor minerals at reasonable

prices, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned to expeditiously complete the registration process of auctioned mines for their early operationalization so that the supply of these minerals is augmented and consequently prices are stabilized across all districts.The Chief Secretary expressed concern over the failure of successful bidders of the e-auction of minor mineral mines in completing the requisite codal for-malities. The Chief Secretary asked the Mining Department to initiate cancellation proceedings if they fail to apply for the statutory clearances within the stipulated time frame and consider re-auction of the defunct mines.Reviewing the issue of pendency

CONT. ON PAGE 05

M S NAZKI

HT CORRESPONDENT

Poonch, Oct 16 Army on Tuesday said that a Junior Commissioned Officer and a soldier were killed in on-going firefight with militants in Poonch forests. So far, nine soldiers, including two JCO, have been killed in the gunfight which started last Monday. Sources said that duo was missing and their bodies were recovered this evening. “Subedar Ajay Singh and Naik Harendra Singh of In-dian Army were killed in action during search oper-ations being conducted by

the Indian Army along with Jammu and Kashmir Police in densely forested area of Nar Khas forest in Mendhar, District Poonch(J&K),” de-fence ministry spokesman based in Jammu, Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand, told HT “Subedar Ajay Singh and

Naik Harendra Singh were part of search operations launched by the security forces to flush out (militants) hiding in the forested area,” he said.On 14 October, he said, after a fierce firefight with mil-itants, the communication with Subedar Ajay Singh

and Naik Harendra Singh was disrupted. “Relentless operations continued to neu-tralize the (militants) and to re-establish communication with the soldiers,” he said, adding, “Subedar Ajay Singh and Naik Harendra Singh were killed in action in the fierce fight and their bodies have been recovered in the evening of 16 Oct 21,” he said, adding, “The operations in the area are continuing.”Official sources told HT elite para commandos have been rued to the area which is said to be a dense forest. Also helicopters were seen hovering through the

HEADLINES AT A GLANCE

FCS&CA Department rebuts media

reports of inadequate quantity 02

03

04

08

09

11

12

DYSSO Ganderbal organises

District Level Trekking Camp at

Principal Secretary SDD inspects

functioning of ITI Bhaderwah

UK PM Johnson visits church

where lawmaker was stabbed to

Drones Deliver Beer, Sushi And

Ice Cream In Israel

India offers spectrum of

opportunities: FM Sitharaman tells

Former captain Rahul Dravid set

to be next India coach: report

HEADLINES Today Srinagar /Sunday 17 OCTOBER 2021/ 10 Rabi- ul- Awwal 144411th Year of Publication

Vol No:11 Issue No: 231 RNI NO: JKENG/2011/39231 / epaper.dailyheadlinestoday.com./ www.dailyheadlinestoday.com / Pages: 12 / Price: 02/

Srinagar, Jammu Air Bases to get Anti-Drone Security System : NSG Chief

HT NEWS DESK

Gurgaon: Counter-terrorism commando force National Security Guard (NSG) has been deployed at the Indi-an Air Force (IAF) stations in Srinagar and Jammu to provide anti-drone security cover to these vital instal-lations, the force’s director general MA Ganapathy said on Saturday.The first-ever drone attack took place on June 27 at the IAF station in Jammu where two unmanned aeri-al vehicles (UAVs), which came from across the bor-

der, dropped bombs, injuring two airmen and damaging a portion of a building.The two IAF facilities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are located close to the Pakistan bor-der and are categorised as “sensitive” installations.

The NSG chief said the federal counter-terrorist and counter-hijack com-mando force is enhancing its “counter-terrorism pro-file” and preparing itself to meet emerging security challenges.He said the forces’ bomb dis-posal teams had neutralised improvised explosive devic-es (IEDs) and tiffin bombs, including those that were brought by drones from Pa-kistan and dropped in Indian territory.The director general (DG) was speaking during the 37th raising day

CONT. ON PAGE 05

Covid-19 -82 fresh cases reported, 325686 recovered so far across J&K

HT NEWS DESK

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 16: The Government Bulletin on COVID today informs that 82 new positive cases of novel Corona virus (COVID-19), 15 from Jammu division and 67 from Kashmir division, have been reported today, thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 330967.Moreover, 122 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and been discharged from various hospitals including 50 from Jammu Division and 72 from Kashmir Division.The Bulletin informs that no new case of Mucormycosis has been reported today, the total number of confirmed cases remains 48 here.On COVID vaccination, the Bulletin informs that 84,968 doses of COVID vaccine were administered in the last 24 hours across the UT bringing the cumulative number of doses administered here to 13,650,041.According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 330967 CONT. ON PAGE 05

CONT. ON PAGE 05

CONT. ON PAGE 05

J&K Govt terminates services of Geelani’s grandson, brother of militantSrinagar, Oct 16: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday terminated the services of Late Syed Ali Geelani’s grandson and brother of a militant operating from Pakistan ad-ministered Kashmir (PaK).The government today or-dered termination of service of Anees-ul-Islam, Research Officer in Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) under sub-clause (c) of the pro-viso to clause (2) of Article 311 of the Constitution of India.“The Lieutenant Gov-ernor hereby dismisses Mr. Anees-ul-Islam, Research Officer in Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention

Centre S/o Altaf Ahmad Shah R/o 119-MIG Green Park, Bemina, Srinagar A/P Bachpora, Srinagar from service, with immediate effect,” read the order, a copy of which is with the news agency—Meanwhile, in a separate similar order, the govern-ment sacked Farooq Ah-mad Butt, teacher (RRET) in GMS Kathawa, Doda.“The Lieutenant Governor is satisfied under sub-clause (c) of the proviso to clause (2) of Article 311 of the Con-stitution of India that in the interest of the security of the State, it is not expedient to hold an enquiry in

CONT. ON PAGE 05

CONT. ON PAGE 05

UNKNOWN GUN ROARS AGAIN : Two Non-Local Workers Killed in Srinagar, PulwamaPerpetators of these crimes will be punished soon; have intensified our efforts to crush Militancy : LG Manoj Sinha

HT NEWS DESK

Srinagar, Pulwama, Oct 16: At a time when entire valley is on a high security alert in the wake of target killings, two non-local res-idents were killed in two separate incidents in Srinagar

and Pulwama on Saturday.A police official told the news agency—that a non-local resident was shot dead in the evening at Eidgah area of Srinagar. He was identified as Arvind Kumar Shah.“He was fired from a close range and taken to SMHS

hospital where he was declared brought dead on arrival,” the official said. The police sealed the area and a massive search oper-ation was launched to nab the attackers.Barely 30 minutes after the killing of Arvind, the gun-

men killed another non-local resident, a carpenter by pro-fession at Pulwama’s Litter village. The slain was iden-tified as Sagir Ahmed, who was working as a carpenter at a local mill in Litter.“He was rushed to

CONT. ON PAGE 05

BLOODY OCTOBER 2021 : 40 Casualties during 18 Incidents including Gunfights, Shootouts in Last 16 days

Srinagar, Oct 16: Otherwise known for its beautiful weath-er, October is turning out to be the bloodiest month as 36 persons have lost their lives in 16 days so far.As per the data available with news agency—Kashmir News Observer), in 16 days, J&K has witnessed 13 encounters resulting in the killings of 14 militants and seven soldiers.EncountersOne 1 October, a newly recruited militant identified as Mujeeb Lone, resident of Redwani Bala Kulgam was killed in Rakhama Shopian.On 08 October, one militant namely Aaqib Kumar resident of Trenz Shopian was killed in an encounter in Chanapora Srinagar.On 09 October, militants managed to escape after a

CONT. ON PAGE 05

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HEADLINES TODAY 02HT. CLASSIFIED / REGIONALOCTOBER,172021,SUNDAY

FCS&CA Department rebuts media reports of inadequate quantity of rice distribution among the ration-card holders

Urges public/media to verify such reports from the authorities, share specific detailsSRINAGAR, OCTOBER 15: Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Con-sumer Affairs (FCS&CA), has strongly rebutted the news item circulated in a section of media regarding distribution of inadequate quantity of rice by some FPS dealers and quality not being up to mark, in certain areas, among the ration-card holders.Taking strong note of the news, the concerned au-thorities have given out that no such report has been brought to the notice of the Department and that no specific FPS has been identified or area flagged in the said news item where ration below entitlement is being provide to the ben-eficiaries. However, it has been advised that if any such activity is observed by the public or media, it needs to be brought to the notice of the department immediately, with specific details of the area, fair price shop or Sale Centre, assur-ing strict action against the dealers/salesmen involved, including cancellation of licenses or allotment. The public/media has also been advised to verify such re-ports from the authorities and take view of the de-partment, so that correct facts are brought to the

fore for the benefit of the public at large.It has been clarified that the public distribution sys-tem in Jammu & Kash-mir operates through a network of Government Sale Centres, licensed FPS private dealers and the distribution is through PoS machines and nearly 95% of it is distributed in an online mode, drawn by the beneficiaries with Aadhar authentication. Further, the allocation of ration varies from category to category and the prices are as mentioned in the PoS Receipt. It is being pointed out for the information of the public that there is ab-solutely no shortage of any food item including rice, and in fact surplus always remains available with the department, that allocates ration, every month, for each family and each beneficiary as per their entitlement. The quality of rice that is received from FCI and distribut-ed under PDS conforms to prescribed threshold parameters and no stock that does not conform to these threshold parameters is distributed under PDS and wherever any report of deviation in parameters is observed, the remedial measures are taken imme-

diately so that such stocks are not distributed.It has been further clari-fied that the monthly scale of distribution and price under the scheme NFSA, beneficiaries falling under AAY category get 35 Kg of rice per family at the rate of Rs 3/Kg and un-der PHH category 5Kg of rice per beneficiary at the same rate as AAY. While Non NFSA, NPHH cat-egory gets 5 Kg rice per beneficiary at the rate of Rs 15/Kg. The monthly scale distribution for AAY/PHH categories under the scheme PMGKAY is 5Kg rice per beneficiary, free of cost, and under the J&K Government run scheme, JKFES, categories PHH/

NPHH, get rice at the rate of Rs 15/Kg as per the defined scale depending upon the number of ben-eficiaries.It has been clearly spelt out by the department that the beneficiaries must invari-ably seek entitlement from FPS or Government Sale Centre every month as per the defined rates and scale. Further, any ration outlet observed deviating from the said monthly scales or price, which tantamount to cheating/malpractice, by the public/media, needs to be immediately and spe-cifically identified and re-ported to the department, so that immediate admin-istrative action is taken. The beneficiaries need not accept ration found not being provided by the FPS dealer or salesman.

Peoples Conference Senior Leader Khurshid Ahmad Khan Joins Apni Party

North Kashmir victim to staggering developmental disparity: Altaf BukhariSRINAGAR, Oct 16: Apni Party President Syed Mo-hammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday lamented the dis-parity and neglect faced by the North Kashmir at the hands of veteran political leaders who reached success-ful heights forsaking the con-tribution of their electorate. Bukhari was speaking at the sidelines of a joining ceremony at Chijhama Ra-fiabad in Baramulla district where Peoples Conference senior leader Khurshid Ahmad Khan joined Apni Party. Khan joined the par-ty along with scores of his associates and supporters. Bukhari said that there ex-ists a staggering develop-mental disparity between North Kashmir and rest of the regions of J&K for which those who have enjoyed power corridors must be held accountable. “North Kashmir reflects a scenario where development has taken a heavy toll. My heart aches to witness such a disparity. The political lead-ers who built their careers, contesting elections from this region need to be asked about the lack of infrastructure and public welfare works. I am sure there will be no answer to that,” Bukhari remarked.

The joining ceremony took place in presence of Former Minister and Chairman Apni Party Parliamentary Com-mittee Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Party Provincial Pres-ident Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Spokesperson & Mentor Baramulla-Kup-wara Districts Javid Beigh, District President Baramulla Shoiab Lone, District Presi-dent Kupwara Raja Manzoor, Party Leader Yawar Mir, Co-ordinator North Fazal Beigh, Provincial Secretary Altaf Malik, DDC Member and Apni Party Women Leader Parmeet Kour, Party Leader

Rafiq Batote, BDC Dangiwa-cha Mrs. Shamshada along with prominent activists Mohammad Ashraf, Ghu-lam Hassan Dar, Javid Ah-mad, Sajad Ahmad, Bashir Ahmad and Umar Kakroo. Welcoming Khan into the party fold, Bukhari said that his joining will further strengthen the Party cadres in North Kashmir and Apni Party leadership will con-tinue its efforts for bridging the developmental gap be-tween the regions of J&K. “We have always advocated for the equitable develop-ment of Jammu and Kash-

mir without any prejudice. Our narrative has always remained consistent whether in Jammu, Kashmir or Del-hi. We have called spade and spade since day one as our prime concern is to redress the grievances of the public,” he observed. Bukhari said after the abro-gation of Article-370 all the traditional political parties in J&K maintained a crim-inal silence while people kept on looking for a voice that could provide comfort to their pressing concerns. “After August 05, Apni Party unreservedly started talks with New Delhi just to lend a ray of hope to our people who felt immensely dejected and panicked. We have never promised things to the people that are baseless and fraudu-lent rather we have initiated tangible political process-es across J&K,” he said. Bukhari ridiculed political parties who deceived the people of J&K during DDC elections while saying that through such elections Ar-ticle-370 and 35-A would be restored soon. “DDC elections, as you know, were purely meant for de-velopment. But the tradi-tional parties, out of their old habits,

Government of Jammu & KashmirOFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE ENGINEER IRRIGATION DIVISION ANANTNAG

NOTICE INVITING E-TENDERS Notice InvitingE-Tenders-NIT No.08 of 2021-22

For and on behalf of Lt. Governor of Jand K U.T , e-tenders on item rate basis are invited in Double cover system from approved and eligible contractors registered with JandK U.T Govt. for the following works:-

1.The NIT Consisting of qualifying information , eligibility criteria , specifications , bill of quantities (BOQ) set to terms and conditions of contract and other details can be seen/ downloaded from the departmental website www.jktenders.gov.in from :-

The bids shall be deposited in electronic format on the website www.jktenders.gov.in and The bids uploaded shall be opened online on above mentioned date by the Executive Engineer Irrigation Division Anantnag in presence of the bidders who may wish to be present. In case of holiday or office happening to be closed on the basis of opening of the bid, the same will be opened on the next working day at the same time and venue.1.Bidders must ensure to upload scanned copies (on 100dpi) of all necessary documents like Cost of Tender document in the form of

Treasury Challan in favour of Executive Engineer Irrigation Division Anantnag / latest GST clearance certificate /Registration card duly renewed along with Verification.. After opening of tenders online, the 1st lowest bidder shall be asked to deposit the CDR/FDR pledged to tender receiving authority@ 3% of Advertised Cost & cost of tender document in the form of Treasury challan in physical form. The CDR/ FDR@3%Shall be deposited within Two Days positively after opening of tenders. The check list of documents is attached with the NIT & bidders are advised to recheck the uploaded documents as per the Check list. 2.Contractor / Bidder who fails to submit the CDR/FDR / Treasury Challans as required will be barred/prohibited from participating in the

Tendering process for a period of Six Months (06 Months) in the first instance. Their online uploaded tenders will not be considered for the said period.3.Contractor who shall be allotted the work has to start the work within the stipulated time period after the date of allotment as the work

is of very important nature.4.The department shall not be responsible for delay in online submission of bids due to any reason what so ever.5.The tenders shall remain valid for 90 days.(Ninety Days )6.As soon as the contract is fixed with the successful bidder, he has to enter into an agreement with the department. 7.Photographic evidence during, before and after the execution of work is a must and shall be the sole responsibility of the contractor. Other terms & conditions shall be the same as laid down in the PWD Form-25.Remittance Head :- 0702

Position of AAA:- Accorded vide No:-SE/HYD/DB/65 OF 2021 DATED 28.09.2021

Position of TS.:- Accorded vide No.DB/TS/71 OF 2021 DATED 08.10.2021 AND NO.04-ESTT/2701 DATED 13.10.2021

Position of Funds :- Budgetary Provision for the year 2021-22

DIPK-10690/21 Sd

Executive Engineer,

Irrigation Division Anantnag

S.N

o

Name of Work

Estd.

Cost

(Rs in

Lacs

Earnest Money

Time for

completi

on

Class of

Contra

ct

Cost of

Tender

Docume

nt

Major

Head

of

Accou

nt

Tender

Opening

Authorit

y

1.

Repairs to gang hut

including fencing at

Budroo Escape and

Minor repairs to Dadi

Canal

3.97

BID SECURITY

DECELERATION

Form Duly

Notarized

15 Days DEE 400/- M&R

(2701)

Executi

ve

Enginee

r

2.

Repairs to Damaged

Budroo Escape at RD

5560 mtrs of Dadi

Canal

4.88

BID SECURITY

DECELERATION

Form Duly

Notarized

20 Days DEE 400/- M&R

(2701)

Executi

ve

Enginee

r

3.

Checking of Leakages

by way of Providing

Cement Concrete

jacketing near RD

9300 mtrs

(Lal Shah) of Dadi

Canal

2.35

BID SECURITY

DECELERATION

Form Duly

Notarized

10 Days DEE 300/- M&R

(2701)

Executi

ve

Enginee

r

4.

Repairs to Outlet at

RD

17400,17892,19160,19

630,20010,20100,

20235 of dadi Canal

2.27

BID SECURITY

DECELERATION

Form Duly

Notarized

10 Days DEE 300/- M&R

(2701)

Executi

ve

Enginee

r

5.

Crated Protection

work on D/S side of

Aquaduct Nallah

including Minor

Repairs to Aquaduct

at RD 15270 mtrs of

Dadi Canal

2.13

BID SECURITY

DECELERATION

Form Duly

Notarized

10 Days DEE 300/- M&R

(2701)

Executi

ve

Enginee

r

6.

Raising /

Strengthening of

Earthen Embankment

by way of earth filling

at RD 9650 mtrs of

Dadi Canal

1.98

BID SECURITY

DECELERATION

Form Duly

Notarized

08 Days DEE 200/- M&R

(2701)

Executi

ve

Enginee

r

7.

Stabilization of R/S

Embankment by way

of Providing Stone

Pitching and Minor

Repairs to Khiram

Escape of Dadi Canal

1.49

BID SECURITY

DECELERATION

Form Duly

Notarized

08 Days DEE 200/- M&R

(2701)

Executi

ve

Enginee

r

1. Publishing date 14.10.2021 At 4.00 PM

2. Download Date Starts 14.10.2021 At 5.00 PM

3. BID Submission Date Starts 14.10.2021 At 6.00 PM

4. BID Submission Date Ends 28.10.2021 Upto 6.00 P.M

5. Date of opening of tenders 29.10.2021 At 10.00 A.M

PUBLIC NOTICEIt is here by informed to all that I am holding a valid Indian passport (No: Z6001212), where my name

has been mentioned as Sameer Yasir as Given Name, instead of ‘Sameer’ as Given Name and ‘Yasir’ as Surname. My Surname column is blank and because of

this I can’t get a visa to United States or any other Euro-pean country, where surname is mandatory. I request the passport authorities that my name be split into First name as “Sameer” and Surname as “Yasir”. Anyone having any objection can contact the Passport Office Srinagar within seven days.

(GOVERNMENT OF INDIA)(UNION TERRITORY OF JAMMU & KASHMIR)

OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE ENGINEER CITY ROADS (SMC) DIVISION SRINAGAR.SHORT TERM NOTICE INVITING TENDERS

NIT No:- E-NIT/61/CRD/SMC/SGR/2021-22 DATED: 16-10-2021.For and on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of J&K, e-tenders (in Single cover System) are invited on Percentage basis

from approved and eligible Contractors registered with Union Territory of J&K, CPWD, Railways and other State/Central Governments for below mentioned work:-

2.Bids must be accompanied with cost of tender document in shape of introducing Treasury Challan in favour of Executive Engineer City Roads (SMC) Division Srinagar (tender receiving authority).by simply uploading a copy of necessary Treasury Challan Receipt and bid security Declaration as per format attached.3.The date and time of opening of Bids shall be notified on Web Site www.jktenders.gov.in and conveyed to the bidders automatically through an e-mail message on their e-mail address.

The Financial bids of Responsive bidders shall be opened online on same Web Site in the office of Executive Engineer City Roads (SMC) Division Srinagar,. (Tender receiving authority).4.The bids for the work shall remain Valid for a period of 120 days from the date of opening of bids.5.As per the circular issued by the Govt. of Union Territory of J&K Finance Department vide No.A/Misc(2018)-III-895/J dated 22.12.2020.(a)All the bidders have to submit bid security declaration instead of bid security deposit (Earnest money) on court stamp paper (100 rupees) which shall be duly signed by the bidder with

full residential address, Card registration details & active Phone / Cell Nos. Form of bid security declaration attached as Annexure-A.(b)The lowest bidder (L1) also called the successful Bidder has to produce a performance security amount equal to 3% (Three percent) of the contract value in the shape of CDR / FDR

immediately after the opening of financial bids, but prior to fixation of contract. The same shall be released after successful completion of the Defect Liability Period (DLP).(c)In case of abnormally low bids, the tender inviting Authority reserves the right to ask from the bidder for additional performance security with the approval of the next higher Authority

which shall be binding upon the bidder in such case.6.If any bidder / tenderer withdraws/ modified his bid during the period of validity etc, the Department is at liberty to suspend the bidder for one year or as shall be deemed suitable by

the tender inviting Authority. Same shall hold good if the bidder fails to produce performance security within the specified time.7.The successful bidder (L1) shall have to furnish hard copy of the uploaded documents viz Registration card duly renewed, Valid GST Registration, PAN Card, GSTR-3B etc. along

with Treasury Challan Receipt & Bid security declaration form (Annexure-A) on court stamp paper (Rupees 100) in original.8.Instruction to bidders regarding e-tendering process.(a)Bidders are advised to download bid submission manual from the “Downloads” option as well as from “Bidders Manual Kit” on website www.jktenders.gov.in to acquaint bid

submission process.(b)To participate in bidding process, bidders have to get ‘Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)’ as per Information Technology Act-2000. Bidders can get digital certificate from any

approved vendors.(c)The bidders have to submit their bids online in electronic format with digital Signature. No financial bid will be accepted in physical form.(d)Bids will be opened online as per time schedule mentioned in Para-1.(e) Bidders are advised to use “My Documents” area in their user on R&B e-Tendering portal to store such documents as are required.(h)All the bids online shall be open in light of Finance Department communication O.M No: A/24 (2017)-651 Dated:07-06-2018 and No. A/Misc(2018)-III-895/J dated 22.12.2020.Note: - Scan all the documents on 100 dpi with black and white option

9. The department will not be responsible for delay in online submission due to any reasons.10.Bidders are advised not to make any change in BOQ (Bill of Quantities) contents. In no case they should attempt to create similar BOQ manually. The BOQ downloaded should be

used for filling the item rate / (%) percentage rate inclusive of all taxes and it should be saved with the same name as it contains.11.Price escalation and Taxes: - The unit rates and prices shall be quoted by the bidder (item rate basis or %age rate basis whatever the case may be) entirely in Indian Rupees and the

rates quoted shall be deemed to include price escalation and all taxes upto completion of the work unless otherwise, specified. Deduction on account of taxes shall be made from the bills of the contractor on gross amount of the bill as per the rates prevailing at the time of recovery.12.In case of CRF and any other specified project, the relevant guidelines/ standard bidding document shall be followed.13.All bidders shall upload the information and documents with their bids such as Copies of original documents defining constitution / legal status, place of registration and Principal

place of Business, GST Registration and PAN Card.14.The bidder at his own responsibility and risk should visit and examine the site of work and its surroundings before submission of bid.15.A pre-bid meeting will be held to clarify any issues and to answer questions on any matter that may be raised at that stage by the bidders. However participation in the pre-bid meeting

shall not be binding on bidders.16.All documents relating to the bid shall be in the English language.17.The bidders shall have to quote the rate percentage in the prescribed rate percentage column in case of percentage based BOQ and in case of item rate based BOQ if the bidder does

not quote rate for any item or items of the BOQ, cost of such item /items shall be deemed to be part of overall / total contract value and no rate shall be allowed for such item / items in the allotment of contract.20.not fulfill the requirements as laid down in NIT and SBD.

DIPK-10788/21 SD

Executive Engineer,

City Roads (SMC) Division,

Srinagar.

1. The Bidding documents consisting of qualifying information, eligibility criteria, specification, Drawings, bill of quantities, (B.O.Q) , Set of terms and conditions of contract and other details can be seen / downloaded from the departmental websitewww.jktenders.gov.in as per the schedule of dates given below:

8 (f) Bidders must ensure to upload scanned copy of all necessary documents with the bid.DOC DOC 2 DOC 3 DOC 4

CLEAR SCAN COPY OF CONTRACTOR

REGISTRATION CARD DULY RENEWED.(2021 2022)

CLEAR SCAN COPY OF TREASURY CHALLAN

Note: The Date of Treasury Challan should be after the published date of

NIT/ Fresh NIT, any Treasury Challan which is before the date of published

NIT shall be summarily rejected.

Scanned Copy of ;. PAN Card

2. Copy of GSTIN Registration3. GSTR 3B Return of previous

Quarter to the issued date of NIT i.e, June 2021 or after that

CLEAR SCAN COPY OF BID SECURITY DECLARATION FORM (ANNEXURE –A) on Court stamp Paper duly signed

(Refer para 5(a) (b) above)

( ) The bidder should upload all the necessary documents details given above in One “01” No. PDF file.

S.No Name of Work

Advt. Cost

(Rs. In

Lacs)

Cost of

T/Doc.

(In Rs.)

Time of

completion

Class of

Contractor

Major Head of

Account

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1

Improvement/ Upgradation of lane at Hamdania Colony Sector 5 Bemina

Srinagar by way of providing and laying of WBM Grade 1st and 2nd

(including sector 4 of Hamdania Colony).

3.45 200/-

6 Days DEE Class M&R

(Saving)

2

Upgradation of road from Tengpora Byepass to Water Tanky by way of

providing and laying of WBM Grade 1st and 2nd.

4.00 200/- 6 Days Dee Class M&R

(Saving)

Position of AAA: Accorded.

Authorization Issued By Accorded vide Commissioner SMC’s order no. SMC/plg/2021-22/1199-1203 Dated: 05-

10-2021.

Position of TS: Accorded

1. Date of Issue of Tender Notice 16-10-2021.

2. Period of downloading of bidding documents FROM 17-10-2021 10:00 A.M TO 23-10-2021

3. Bid submission Start Date 17-10-2021 FROM 10:00 A.M

4. Bid Submission End Date 23-10-2021 UPTO 10:00 A.M

5. Date & time of opening of Bids (Online) 23-10-2021 at 11:00 A.M in the

Office of the Executive Engineer City Roads (SMC) Division Srinagar.

. The Bidding documents consisting of qualifying information, eligibility criteria, specification, Drawings, bill of quantities, (B.O.Q) , Set of terms and conditions of contract and other details can be seen / downloaded from the departmental websitewww.jktenders.gov.in as per the schedule of dates given below:

8 (f) Bidders must ensure to upload scanned copy of all necessary documents with the bid. DOC-1 DOC-2 DOC-3 DOC-4

CLEAR SCAN COPY OF CONTRACTOR

REGISTRATION CARD DULY RENEWED. (2021-2022)

CLEAR SCAN COPY OF TREASURY CHALLAN

Note: The Date of Treasury Challan should be after the published date of

NIT/ Fresh NIT, any Treasury Challan which is before the date of published

NIT shall be summarily rejected.

Scanned Copy of ;- 1. PAN Card

2. Copy of GSTIN Registration 3. GSTR-3B Return of previous

Quarter to the issued date of NIT i.e, June 2021 or after that

CLEAR SCAN COPY OF BID SECURITY DECLARATION FORM (ANNEXURE –A) on Court stamp Paper duly signed

(Refer para 5(a) (b) above)

(g) The bidder should upload all the necessary documents details given above in One “01” No. PDF file.

SMC’s order

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HEADLINES TODAY 03 HT CITY / SRINAGAR.OCTOBER,172021,SUNDAY

OWNER:SYED JAHANGIR BUKHARI, Printer: SYED JAHANGIR BUKHARI, Publisher: SYED JAHANGIR BUKHARI, Editor: SYED JAHANGIR BUKHARI, Published From: LUBAAB PUBLICATIONS BUILDING, RADIO COLONY GUND HASSI BHAT, LAWAYPORA, SRINAGAR. Printed at: LUBAAB PUBLICATIONS, RADIO COLONY GUND HASSIBHAT LAWAIPORA SRINAGAR 190017.. RNI NO: JKENG/2011/39231. CELL NO: 9419008414.

9999038812. Email Id: dailyheadlinestoday@gmail.com. Website: headlinestodaydaily.com

Horticulture department celebrates World Food Day

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER- 16: The Department of

Horticulture, Kashmir today celebrated “World

Food Day” at Directorate of Horticulture Rajbagh

Srinagar. The theme of this year’s celebration was

“Safe food now for a healthy tomorrow”. On the oc-

casion Director General Horticulture Kashmir Mr.

Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (JKAS), highlighted the impor-

tance of celebrating “World Food Day”, and said that

future of food is in our hands and nobody should be left hungry ormade to suffer from any form of malnutrition. He further said that we need sustainable agri-food systems that are capable of nourishing 10 billion people by 2050. He em-phasized on spreading awareness among the general masses about reducing food losses and wastage, and in view of the food shortage he stressed on reviving food system.Later Director General toured District Kul-gam and Anantnag, where he visited various orchards and met many farmers. He said that we all indebted to the farming community, who despite many odds do their best to pro-duce food for us.He encouraged the farmers to rely on organic method of farming and refrain from unneces-sary usage of insecticides and pesticides on the produce. He added, that land being a lim-ited factor, we should shift towards high Den-sity plantation and intercropping, for better production and yield, and encouraged the farmers

to embrace different Departmental scheme for bet-

ter production with minimal inputs. He further said

that the Department is committed to provide all sort

of assistance to the farmers in doubling their in-

come by 2022 and looking forward for the necessary

cooperation of farmers to achieve the desired goal.

DDC Pulwama listens to people’s issues at Rahmoo

PULWAMA, OCTOBER 16: A public griev-

ances redress camp was held today here at

Rahmoo Pulwama.

District Development Commissioner, Pul-

wama, Baseer Ul Haq Chowdhary listened

to the public grievances and demands in

presence of DDC member, District Offi-

cers, PRIs and general public of Rahmoo

and adjoining Panchayats.

The PRIs and Locals put forth their issues

and demands and demanded Slow pace

of Rahmoo Bridge, electric Poles, Irri-

gation for Karewas of Rahmoo, Mac-

adamization of link roads, Doctor and

other paramedical staff at PHC Rahmoo,

Requirement of Ambulance, Opening of

Fire Service Station, and other several is-

sues related to water, power supply, road

connectivity, health etc raised by the pub-

lic during the camp.

While responding to issues and demands

of DDC and PRIs and the public, the DDC

assured that all their genuine demands

and grievances will be redressed at the

earliest.

Addressing the camp, the DDC said that

the main aim of conducting such pro-

grammes is to improve service delivery

and grievances redressal mechanism. He

further said the Tehsil, Block and District

level officers would remain available at

these events to hear the public grievances

for their on the spot redressal.

Meanwhile, several grievances were for-

warded to the concerned departments for

prompt resolution through an established

tracking system. In the programme, a

review was also taken by DDC on all the

previous issues projected by local people.

Moreover, instructions were also passed

to the departmental functionaries for vis-

iting their respective jurisdictions and

listening to the grievances of the general

public, besides holding awareness pro-

grammes, highlighting various individu-

al beneficiary schemes.

Forest department conducts trainings on forest rights actSRINAGAR, OCTOBER- 16: J&K Forest Department organized a weeklong orien-tation and capacity building programmes for implemen-tation of Forest Rights Act, 2006 in different districts of Kashmir Region.Dr. Arvind Jha,IFS (Retd), Former Commissioner, Trib-al Research Institute, Pune Maharashtra was the expert resource person who con-ducted series of sessions for members of District Level Committees, Sub Division-al Level members of Gram Sahba & FRC committees constituted under the Forest Rights Act. A large number of people in-cluding BDCs and other grass root level PRI functionaries participated actively in these Training programmes.A One day orientation and capacity building programme

on Forest Rights Act, 2006 was organized at Town Hall Tangmarg by Spl. Forest Di-vision Tangmarg. During the programme Dr. Arvind Jha, IFS (Retd) spoke about FRA Implementation in J&K and interacted with stakeholders on the implementations of FRA 2006. He also gave a power point presentation and addressed the queries of the stakeholders. The officials of Rural De-velopment, Revenue, Forest and FRC members partici-pated actively in the event. A ceremonial plantation under Green J&K Drive was also conducted on this occasion.2nd one day sensitization and capacity building programme was organized at Town Hall Ganderbal by Sindh Forest Division, Ganderbal. The programme was attended by DDC members, BDCs,

chairpersons of FRCs, repre-sentatives of Department of

Forest, Rural Development & Revenue Department. Dr.

Arvind Jha initially gave a detailed presentation on the

FRA 2006 and its applicability at various levels. He explained the role of Gram Sabha in chalking out the eligibility of the prospective claimants and various provisions of the Act and rules made there under. He requested the stakeholders for exercising of due care and wisdom during the verification of claims duly emphasizing the sustainability aspect of Forest Rights as well as that of forestry resources. Among others the programme was also attended by ACR Ganderbal, DFO Ganderbal, Range Of-ficer Sindh and Manasbal.A 3rd sensitization and ca-pacity building programme on Implementation of Forest rights ACT 2006 was organ-ised at Dak Bunglaw Anant-nag on 13th October 2021 by Anantnag Forest Division the programme was attended by SDMs, BDOs, Range Officers,

other officials of For-est Department, members of BDCs, chairpersons of FRCs. Dr Arvind Jha IFS, (Retd) gave a detailed presentation on FRA. Which was followed by a brief question answer session in which members and representatives of various Departments raised queries and questions pertaining to implementation of the Act.The week long orientation and capacity building pro-grammes held at three different districts of Kashmir region were attended by large number of official and non official functionaries. The participants have hailed the efforts of the Forest Department particularly the District level awareness programme on FRA conducted by the department for better understanding and effective implementation of the Act on ground.

DDC Shopian Visits Various Areas of Shopian DistrictSHOPIAN, OCTOBER

16:- Responding promptly

to the challenges thrown

by inclement weather,

District Development

Commissioner, Shopian,

Sachin Kumar Vaishya

today made an extensive

tour to various areas of

Zainapora Shopian and

personally monitored the

ongoing developmental

works, restoration of elec-

tricity and water supply,

besides ensuring availabil-

ity of essential commodi-

ties like ration, medicines,

cooking gas etc in the

whole district.

In the early morning,

Sachin visited SDM Office,

Zainapora and took stock

of availability of power

supply, Macadamisation

works and other ongoing

developmental works on

top priority basis within

stipulated timeframe and

emphasised the executing

agencies to speed up the

pace of work on the on-

going works to facilitate

the general masses of the

district there. He also in-

teracted with the people of

the district and also threw

light on some major devel-

opmental issues and initia-

tives need to be redressed

in future.

Sachin also visited

Aglar and took stock of

ongoing work of Aglar

Bridge executed by R&B

Division Shopian, coming

up at an estimated cost of

Rs.306 lacs and repairment

of roads and emphasised

the concerned Engineers

for completion of the said

work of the bridge and en-

quired about the status of

completion of the bridge

from the concerned au-

thorities.

DDC, visited

Play-field,Wachi and other

areas of the District and

took stock of the power

restoration and availabili-

ty of essential items there.

Sachin directed the

Engineers and officers

of R&B and other depart-

ments to activate their men

and machinery in mission

mode besides coordinating

with each other to ensure

uninterrupted supply of

the essential items and ser-

vices in the district.

Sachin also visited

Town Hall Park Shopian,

stressed the Officers of

Muminicipal Committee

Shopian to keep the sur-

roundings of the park neat

and clean and make the

drainage system function

and directed AEE PDD

for shifting of damaged

wooden electrict poles in

the whole of the town at an

earliest.

Besides, Sachin visit-

ed Clock Tower, Main Ba-

zar Shopian, Coffee Shops

Zero Point and Batapora

and Sheikhpora Park Sho-

pian and directed the con-

cerned executing agencies

to gear up their develop-

mental activities to get

them completed withing

the shortest possible time

for the well-being of the

paople and the measures

taken to complete them

within a fixed timeframe

and emphasised them for

activating their develop-

mental activities.

Later, Sachin visit-

ed and inspected under

construnction Slaughter

House near Government

Girls High School, DIET,

Batapora Shopian, the

work on which is going

on speedily and directed

DYSSO Ganderbal organises District Level Trekking Camp at Sonamarg

GANDERBAL, OCTOBER 16: District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO) Ganderbal, today organized District level Trekking Camp at Sonamarg for Boys U/17 & U/19 Years.The said Trekking Camp was flagged off by the District Youth Services and Sports Officer Ganderbal, Sheikh Shafkat Iqbal from Mini Secretariat Gan-derbal.About 47 trekkers of different schools from District partici-pated in the said Trekking Camp which is being organised by Youth Services and Sports.While interacting with the Trekkers, DYSSO advised the students to avoid much mobile usage and go through the history of Sonamarg and the alumni trekkers and other adventur-ists. He also advised the students to keep the environment neat and clean by not throwing polythene and other things.DYSSO informed that Department of Youth Services and Sports will continue to or-ganise such trekking camp for Girls of the District in coming days, adding that the duration of camp will be 05 days for boys, and next five days for girls.Pertinently all arrangements are put in place in advance at Sonamarg by the activity section of Youth Services and Sports Officer Ganderbal..

Chairperson DDC Baramulla calls on Lt Governor

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 16: Ms. Safina Baig, DDC Chairperson, Bara-mulla today called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha here at Raj Bhavan.Ms. Baig apprised the Lt Governor about various important issues pertaining to the development of her district and welfare of its people.She also put forth the demand of granting ST status to Pahari-speaking people, besides raising salary of MGNREGA staff employed under the rural employment guarantee scheme.

The Lt Governor while listening to the demands put forth by the DDC Chairperson assured her of redressal of genuine demands

on merit.He further urged her to continue her noble endeavours of furthering issues of public welfare and development of her district.

Cleanliness drive held in across Ramban BlocksRAMBAN, OCTOBER 16: Continuing the “Clean India” Programme Ramban

Administration intensified Sanitation drive across the district under the

month long cleanliness and sanitation initiative launched by the Govern-

ment to promote ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ slogan.On the occasion, officers and

officials of the Rural Development Department along with PRIs participated

in cleanliness and sanitation drives in their respective areas.

GDC Kilam organises series of events to celebrate Gandhi JayantiFAROOQ RATHER

KULGAM, OCTOBER- 16: Cele-

brating Gandhi Jayanti, Department

of Education and NSS Unit of Govt

Degree College Kilam organised a se-

ries of activities on different aspects

of Gandhian Philosophy.

The events were held under the

supervision of Principal, Prof. Dil-

ruba Rasool Hamdani.

The celebrations began with the

intra-college painting competition

on the theme “Swach Bharat Abhi-

yan”. The students showed their cre-

ativity by making beautiful posters

depicting “Swach Bharat Abhiyan”.

The competition was adjudged by

Ms. Mehraba Akhbar (Assistant

Professor, Sociology), Dr. Shoukat

Ahmad Pala (Assistant Professor,

Botany) and Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Mir

(Assistant Professor, Mathematics).

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions were

secured by Zeenat Mushtaq from (B.

G. 4th Semester), Humaira Mushtaq

from (B. G. 4th Semester) and Hu-

maria Iqbal from (B. G. 1st Semester)

respectively.

A cleanliness drive was held in

the college campus in which NSS

volunteers, students and some staff

members participated. The partici-

pants cleaned the whole college cam-

pus. On this occasion Principal, Prof.

Dilruba Rasool Hamdani said, clean-

liness is next to Godliness, it casts a

positive influence on the wellbeing

of individuals.

Inter-college online quiz compe-

tition on the theme “Gandhiji’s Role

in Freedom Struggle” was also held

in which 2148 students from differ-

ent colleges of UT J & K participated

in the competition. Mujtaba Ahmad

Sheikh from GDC Shopian, Abdul

Khaliq from GDC Surankote and

Abreena Rashid from Govt. College

for Women Anantnag secured 1st,

2nd and 3rd positions respectively.

Essay competition on the theme

“Relevance of Gandhian Principles

in Contemporary World” was held

on 6th October, 2021 in which 26 stu-

dents participated. In almost all the

essays stress was laid on the Gand-

hian principles like Non-violence,

Truth, Satyagraha and Love which

are significantly relevant in today’s

world. The essays were evaluated

by a team of experts who declared

Shobby Jan from B. G. 6th, Seerat

Yaqoob from B. G. 4th Semester and

Saima Hameed from B. G. 6th Semes-

ter as 1st, 2nd and 3rd position hold-

ers respectively.

The celebrations were concluded

with the Swachta Awareness Rally

held in Kilam village on 8th October,

2021. NSS volunteers, students and

staff members participated in the

awareness rally. The main purpose

of organizing the Swachta rally was

to create awareness among the local

people regarding hygiene and sani-

tation. The rally started from college

gate and passed through the main

road and streets of Kilam village.

The participants provided aware-

ness to shopkeepers, street vendors

and house holders of Kilam village

regarding Swachta Hi Sewa Hai.

While distributing the prizes and

certificates among the position hold-

ers of different activities Principal,

Prof. Dilruba Rasool Hamdani high-

lighted the importance of all the ac-

tivities conducted during the week.

She encouraged the coordinator of

the programme (Mr. Irshad Ahmad

Kumar, Assistant Professor, and Ed-

ucation) and organizing secretary

Mr. Niyaz Ahmad Khan, NSS Pro-

gramme Officer for organizing these

events successfully.

Veteran NC leader Abdul Rahim Rather’s son joins People’s ConferenceSrinagar, Oct 16 (UNI) Son of veteran National Conference leader and former Finance Minister, Abdul Rahim Rath-er on Saturday joined Sajad Lone’s Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC).Hilal Rather joined JKPC in Srinagar in presence of Lone and senior party lead-ers.After joining JKPC, he said at a media briefing, “I re-spect my father and right from my college days he has

been magnanimous enough and always gave me space and always told me to take your own decisions.“I have been taking my deci-sion in the past also. I have not consulted him at all (on joining JKPC). I respect where he is. This is my own decision. I am happy with my decision.”He said he joined JKPC as Lone is a dynamic leader and has a progressive vision.“My dream is to work for the

youth of Jammu and Kash-mir. I have done my bid for the youth in the past also. The story is now too big and I need to join a political par-ty and what is better than Sa-jad sahib’s party,” he added.Sajad Lone, president of JKPC, said, “Peoples Confer-ence has arrived. Let there be no delusions.There are many who refuse to see re-ality as it exists and want to create reality as they want to see it.”Hilal, a prominent

businessman, is facing cor-ruption charges and is being probed by a central agency.He was arrested by J&K’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) last year for his al-leged involvement in mis-appropriation of crores of rupees from the loans sanc-tioned by J&K Bank for his township project in Jammu. He was later granted bail in the case.The case was later taken over by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

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HEADLINES TODAY 04OCTOBER,172021,SUNDAY HT - CITY / JAMMU / PIRPANCHAL

Principal Secretary SDD inspects functioning of ITI BhaderwahDODA, OCTOBER 16: Principal Secretary,

Skill Development Department (SDD), Dr.

Asgar Hassan Samoon, who is on an exten-

sive tour to Chinab Valley, today inspected

the functioning of ITI Bhaderwah.

He was accompanied by ADC, SSP, Joint Di-

rector, Jammu, SDD besides other senior offi-

cers.The Principal Secretary took stock of

all trades running in the Institute and inter-

acted with the skill trainers.

While interacting with Superintendent ITI,

Ravinder Singh Bhatti and other faculty

members, Dr Samoon enquired about the

trades and training being provided to stu-

dents in the Institute. He emphasised upon

them to ensure that technological innova-

tions are optimally adopted in the Institute

enabling the pass outs to compete in present

fast growing industrial world.

Dr. Samoon asked the concerned to arrange

regular field visits for the students to differ-

ent industrial houses so that they get practi-

cal knowledge of working there.

GDC Marh organises TB Awareness campaignJAMMU, OCTOBER 16: The Red Ribbon Club

of Government Degree College Marh in as-

sociation with J&K AIDS control society or-

ganized an intra-college poster-making con-

test as a part of TB Awareness Campaign.

The event was held under the patronage of

Principal, Prof. Aekta Gupta.Students of the

college actively participated in the activity

and prepared posters highlighting the caus-

es, effects and preventive measures related

to TB. The participants were judged by Prof.

Ashu Jolly (HOD, Education) and Prof. Ram-

dayal (HOD, Mathematics).Muskan Chib of

Sem III was adjudged first, Simran Koul of

Sem III secured second position and third po-

sition was bagged by Roshni Thakur of Sem

III. The winners will be rewarded with a cash

prize of Rs. 1000/- , Rs. 750/- and Rs. 500/re-

spectively.Principal of the college, Prof. Aek-

ta Gupta congratulated all the participants

and winners of the competition. She empha-

sised that organising such activities related

to TB awareness during COVID times is the

need of the hour. The event was organized by

Prof. Anjana Chib, Nodal Officer,

Doda admin hosting Iconic week festival at BhaderwahDC discusses arrangements for grand event

DODA, OCTOBER 16: District Ad-

ministration Doda is going to host

grand events on October 26 & Octo-

ber 29 in picturesque Bhaderwah

Township to mark celebration of

Week of Iconic festivals being held

across Jammu and Kashmir under

the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrut Maha-

tasav.The Jammu and Kashmir Gov-

ernment has decided to celebrate

week starting from October 23 to

October 29, 2021 as “Week of Iconic

festivals” in whole of the Union Ter-

ritory.In this regard, Deputy Com-

missioner (DC), Vikas Sharma today

chaired a meeting of the concerned

Officers/Officials here in DC office

Doda to discuss the arrangements

for celebration of the forthcoming

Week of Iconic Festivals.

It was informed that the mega event

is being organised under the aegis

of Azadi Ka Amrut Mahatasav on

26th & 29th of October at Bhaderwah

witnessing cultural nights and Mu-

sical carnival.

During the meeting threadbare dis-

cussion was held with regard to the

finalisation of venue, decoration of

stage, safety and security measures,

traffic management, parking facil-

ity, drafting list of invitees, lodging

of VVIPs, Artists, besides availabili-

ty of other essential services on the

scheduled days and dates.

The DC directed ADC Bhaderwah

to call a separate meeting of all

the concerned Officers to finalize

the events and select the venue in

coordination with the nodal depart-

ments.The DC has also directed the

concerned to have an alternative

plan for the celebration of iconic

week festival in case of bad weath-

er conditions on the schedule days,

besides asked them to work in coor-

dination for the grand success of the

mega event.

The meeting was attended by ADC

Bhaderwah Rakesh Kumar; ASP

Bhaderwah Abdul Qayoom; CPO

Doda Parshotam Kumar; DFO Bha-

derwah Chander Shekhar; Ex En

PWD Bhaderwah Jawad Ul Hassan

Kraipak; Ex PDD Doda, EO MC Bha-

derwah BDO Bhaderwah, besides

other officials of BDA and Tourism

department.sical carnival.

During the meeting threadbare dis-

cussion was held with regard to the

finalisation of venue, decoration of

stage, safety and security measures,

traffic management, parking facil-

ity, drafting list of invitees, lodging

of VVIPs, Artists, besides availabili-

ty of other essential services on the

scheduled days and dates.

The DC directed ADC Bhaderwah

to call a separate meeting of all

the concerned Officers to finalize

the events and select the venue in

coordination with the nodal depart-

ments.The DC has also directed the

concerned to have an alternative

plan for the celebration of iconic

week festival in case of bad weath-

er conditions on the schedule days,

besides asked them to work in co-

ordination for the grand success of

the mega event.The meeting was at-

tended by ADC Bhaderwah Rakesh

Kumar; ASP Bhaderwah Abdul Qa-

yoom; CPO Doda Parshotam Kumar;

DFO Bhaderwah Chander Shekhar;

Ex En PWD Bhaderwah Jawad Ul

Hassan Kraipak; Ex PDD Doda.

DC Ramban reviews arrangements for Eid -e-Milad-un- Nabi (SAW)RAMBAN, OCTOBER 16:

Deputy Commissioner

Ramban, Mussarat Islam

today chaired a meeting

of district officers and re-

ligious leaders to finalize

the arrangements for the

celebration of Eid-Milad-

un-Nabi (SAW).Assistant

Commissioner Revenue,

Dherinder Sharma, Te-

hsildar Ramban and other

concerned officers besides

heads and representatives

of religious organisations

attended the meeting.

SDMs of Banihal, Ramsoo

and Gool, Executive Engi-

neer JPDCL and Tehsil-

dars attended the meeting

through virtual mode. The

DC directed the SDMs and

Tehsildars to ensure all

adequate arrangements

in their respective juris-

dictions for the Eid cele-

bration with due adher-

ence to Covid protocols.

He urged the religious

leaders to ensure compli-

ance of Covid SOPs by

devotees participating in

Eid congregations in their

respective areas. He asked

them to wear facemasks

besides maintain physical

distance.The DC said that

Covid is not yet over so the

people need to adhere to

the Covid Appropriate Be-

haviour in letter and spir-

it. He directed the officials

of PDD and Jal Shakti De-

partment to ensure unin-

terrupted power and water

supply.Instructions were

also issued to the Health

Department for providing

health care facilities. Ex-

ecutive Officer MCs were

directed to make cleanli-

ness arrangements in the

market, especially around

the mosques.The Deputy

Commissioner also appre-

ciated the efforts of reli-

gious leaders during the

Covid 19 lockdown.

Div Com tees off golf championship at Jammu Tawi Golf Club, Sidhra76 players participate in one day tournament

JAMMU, OCTOBER 16: The Jammu Tawi Golf Course (JTGC), in association with SLW Golf Management and Golf Plus Magazine, on Saturday orga-nized a JTGC Golf Champion-ship 2021 here at Sidhra. Divi-sional Commissioner, Jammu, Raghav Langer teed off the first ball of the event. ADGP Jammu, Mukesh Singh; Director Tour-ism, Jammu Vivekanand Rai; and Secretary Jammu Tawi Golf Course, Manav Gupta were also present there.As many as 76 players participat-ed in the day-long tournament, who were divided into 19 four-balls including 4 four balls of senior citizens.Vedant Handa (General Cate-gory) and Col. Raghunanadan Sharma (Senior Category) was

adjudged as the overall winner of the tournament, while Shub-ham Puri and Omair Nisar Ga-nai/Prabhunur Singh (General Category) were declared as Ist and 2nd runner–up of the tour-nament respectively. Raj Nath Wanchoo and Col. Vijay Maha-jan (Senior Category) were de-clared Ist and 2nd runner–up of the tournament respectively.Col. Gurpal Singh (1 inch) bagged the award for the straight drive. The longest drive award went to Col. J.S Ranhawa (280 mtr), while Closest to the pin at Hole no. 2 and Hole no.13 award went to Col Raghunandnan Sharma ( 3 feet, 9 inches) and Dr. Shamim Mir (10 inches) respectively.Congratulating the winners, Director Tourism Jammu, Vivekanand Rai stressed the

need for inculcating golfing culture among the younger

generation. Appreciating Ma-nav Gupta secretary JTGC and

management of JTGC for the successful conduct of the event, he said that such tournaments should be organized on a regular basis.Later, Director Tourism Jammu, Vivekanand Rai and Secretary Jammu Tawi Golf Course, Ma-nav Gupta presented trophies and mementoes to the winners, runner-ups and other players, who were adjudged best in dif-ferent categories.The trophies were also present-ed to the players who played best among each four-ball category which included Manav Gupta, Joginder Singh, Shubham Puri, Jaideep Singh Manocha, Sukh-deep Manocha, Vedant Handa, Akash Bhola, Capt. Sachin Shar-ma, Col. KBS Sambyal, Ashkoor Wani, Pankaj Bhardwaj/Vivek

Khajuria, V.M Singh, Arind-ham, Raghunandan Sharma, Col. Vijay Mahajan, IPS Bali, Raj Nath Wanchoo and apprecia-tion award was given to Kuldeep Singh (Supervisor JTGC) for good upkeep and maintenance of Jammu Tawi Golf Course Manav Gupta thanked all the Golfers for participating in the tournament with great enthusi-asm and zeal. He also thanked event partner SLW Golf Man-agement and Golf Plus Maga-zine for making the event a big Success.Secretary JTGC, Manav Gupta informed that many more Tour-naments will be conducted in fu-ture and hoped to conduct PGTI tournaments also. They are also going to conduct tournaments in Sanasar.

DLSA Udhampur hosts awareness events on Anti Ragging Laws, Environment protection

UDHAMPUR, OCTOBER 16:

District Legal Services Authority,

Udhampur, under the guidance of

the Chairman today organized two

online programmes one on “Anti

Ragging Laws” and a Painting Com-

petition on “Protection of Environ-

ment”.

The Webinar on “Anti Ragging

Laws” was attended by School Chil-

dren of Government Model Girls

Higher Secondary School Udham-

pur, Government Higher Secondary

School Sudhmahadev, Government

Higher Secondary School Krimchi

and Government Higher Secondary

School Thial.

The Resource Persons threw

light on various “Anti Ragging Laws”

and stressed upon the students to

stand against Ragging. The Students

and the Participants were sensitized

on the Subject of Anti Ragging. They

impressed upon all the students not

to tolerate any form of ragging as it

is against law.

The Resource Persons of the We-

binar were Advocate Akhil Dubey,

Advocate Pawan Gupta, and Ad-

vocate Mallikarjun Singh Slathia

(Panel Lawyers). Later, a Painting

Competition was organized by DLSA

Udhampur at various schools of Dis-

trict Udhampur. The theme of the

Competition was “Protection of En-

vironment”. Resource person Advo-

cate Akhil Dubey, Advocate Pawan

Gupta and Advocate Mallikarjun

Singh Slathia (all Panel Lawyers)

highlighted the importance of Sav-

ing the Environment as it is the need

of the hour. The Students who par-

ticipated in the Competition were

felicitated by ranking them Ist, 2nd

& 3rd and rest of the students were

awarded with Corticated of Appreci-

ation by Advocate Akhil Dubey (Pan-

el Lawyer). Both the Programmes

were also attended by TLSC Ramna-

gar, TLSC Chenani and TLSC Majal-

ta.

Dir Horticulture Jammu reviews progress of development activities in districtsJAMMU, OCTOBER 16: Director

Horticulture Jammu Ram Savak

today chaired a meeting of Chief

Horticulture Officers and Man-

ager–cum-chemists of Jammu

Division to review the progress of

various developmental activities

(Physical & Financial) being car-

ried out during the current finan-

cial year in Jammu Division.

During the course of meeting, a

threadbare discussion was held on

various agenda points and the offi-

cers appraised the chair about the

status of various works, expendi-

ture incurred- liabilities and prog-

ress made in the implementation

of various developmental schemes

viz: MIDH, ATMA, PMDP, PMKSY,

RKVY, TBO and progress regard-

ing production of quality plant-

ing material in the Departmental

Nurseries.He impressed upon all

the officers to expedite the works

undertaken for the development

of the nurseries under CAPEX,

MIDH and PMDP schemes of the

department, so that the works may

be completed well in time.

The Director instructed the offi-

cers to organise awareness camps,

Kissan Goshties, etc. to ensure ef-

fective implementation of depart-

mental schemes for the ultimate

benefit of the fruit growers.

Further, the Director Horticulture

laid emphasis on meeting the allot-

ted targets under all the schemes

for the year 2021-22. He stressed on

better utilization of funds and also

directed them to identify the areas

for spring season plantation in

temperate areas. As the season for

planting of strawberries is going

on, he asked the officers to achieve

the targets in full.

Among others, Joint Director

Horticulture Jammu, Dy. Director

Planning, Dy. Director Horticul-

ture (central), Divisional Manager

Plant Protection Workshop, Hor-

ticulture Inf. & Publicity Officer,

and other officers were also pres-

ent in the meeting.

CMO Ramban issues advisory on Dengue fever

RAMBAN, OCTOBER 16: In view of Dengue cases reported in few

places of UT of Jammu and Kashmir in the last some days, the

Health Department Ramban has issued an advisory to sensitize

the people about symptoms and preventive measures to contain the

spread.

An advisory issued by the Chief Medical Officer, Ramban, has

advised the general public of the district to follow all preventive

measures including preventing bites by infected mosquitoes; avoid-

ing mosquito breeding; staying away from heavily populated res-

idential areas, if possible; Using mosquito repellents, even while

indoors; wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into

socks, socks, shoes, when outdoors at dawn; Make sure window and

door screens are secure and free of holes, If sleeping areas are not

screened properly or air conditioned, use mosquito nets.

To decrease mosquito breeding, get rid of old automobile tires,

cans, flower pots, Use insect repellent 10% DEET, Permethrin, Gen-

eralised spraying of environs with Organophosphate or Pyrethroid

Insecticides. An advisory issued by the Chief Medical Officer,

Ramban, has advised the general public of the district to follow all

preventive measures including preventing bites by infected mos-

quitoes; avoiding mosquito breeding; staying away from heavily

populated residential areas, if possible; Using mosquito repellents,

even while indoors; wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants

tucked into socks, socks, shoes, when outdoors at dawn; Make sure

window and door screens are secure and free of holes, If sleeping

areas are not screened properly or air conditioned, use mosquito

nets.To decrease mosquito breeding, get rid of old automobile tires,

cans, flower pots, Use insect repellent 10% DEET, Permethrin, Gen-

eralised spraying of environs with Organophosphate or Pyrethroid

Insecticides.

Enforcement teams recover Rs 15,000 fine from SOP

violators in RambanRAMBAN, OCTOBER 16: Continuing the enforcement

drive to implement Covid protocol across the district

Ramban, the Enforcement teams today fined scores of

violators for roaming without wearing face masks and

not maintaining physical distance.

The enforcement teams, during the inspection in their

respective jurisdictions, recovered a fine of Rs 15,600

Taking the total amount fined since April 1, 2021 to Rs.

59,66,250.

The Enforcement officers urged the people to wear face

masks and maintain physical distance besides taking

Covid vaccination doses at their nearest CVC.

District Immunization Officer, Ramban, Dr, Suresh in-

formed that as many as 2511 persons were administered

first and second Covid vaccine doses across Ramban

district today.

As per daily bulletin issued by the Chief Medical Offi-

cer, Ramban, Dr. Mohammad Fareed Bhat, the Health

Department has collected 1335 samples including 367

RT-PCR and 968 RAT samples besides administering

Covid vaccine to 2511 persons at dedicated Vaccination

Centres in the district.The Enforcement officers urged

the people to wear face masks and maintain physical

distance besides taking Covid vaccination doses at their

nearest CVC.

District Immunization Officer, Ramban, Dr, Suresh in-

formed that as many as 2511 persons were administered

first and second Covid vaccine doses across Ramban

district today.

DM Ramban warns suppliers against violation of notified

minor mineral ratesRAMBAN, OCTOBER 16: District Magistrate, Ramban,

Mussarat Islam today advised the general public to file

complaint against suppliers to the District Minerals Of-

ficer, if suppliers charge more than notified rates by the

suppliers.

He also called upon the transporter unions to strictly ad-

here to the transportation charges notified by the Trans-

port Commissioner, J&K, recently.

The District Magistrate said the Government will not

tolerate the violation of the notified market rates and

strict action under rules will be taken against the err-

ing crushers for overcharging as also those transport-

ers who violate the rates fixed by the Government for

crushed sand, bajri and dust. He further added that

checking squads have already been constituted to launch

crackdown on illegal mining in the district.

The District Magistrate urged the people to bring any

such violation into the notice of District Minerals Offi-

cer, Kulwant Singh, on 7006367850, till a dedicated land-

line telephone number is generated.

He also called upon the transporter unions to strictly ad-

here to the transportation charges notified by the Trans-

port Commissioner, J&K, recently.

The District Magistrate said the Government will not

tolerate the violation of the notified market rates and

strict action under rules will be taken against the err-

ing crushers for overcharging as also those transport-

ers who violate the rates fixed by the Government for

crushed sand, bajri and dust.

C

M

Y

K

C

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HEADLINES TODAY 05CARRIED FROM PAGE 01 / CLASSIFIED.OCTOBER,172021,SUNDAY

NSG.celebrations of the force, also known as the ‘black cats’, at its garrison in Manesar in Gurgaon.He said NSG “has been deployed” at the Srinagar and Jam-mu IAF stations to provide security cover to the facilities keeping in mind drone attacks and added that this system is working “successfully”.A senior officer added that this deployment “will continue till a full-fledged and independent counter-drone system is deployed at these two bases”.The NSG has an array of anti-drone equipment, radars, jammers and drone killer guns that essentially work for perimeter security, the officer said.Soon after the drone attack on the Jammu IAF base, he said, an NSG ‘technical surveillance’ team was sent to the station and it deployed its equipment there.Later talking to the media, DG Ganapathy said drone war-fare is a “new challenge” and all the security forces need to upgrade their capabilities and technology against such attacks. ”Drones are an easy way to create mischief, to drop bombs and payload like weapons and ammunition,” he said.All the security forces need to upgrade themselves vis-a-vis counter-drone technology and “I think we are capable to tackle this threat”, the NSG DG said.Asked why was the specially trained force not being in-volved in counter-terrorist operations being carried out in the Kashmir Valley, DG Ganapathy said the NSG has expertise in house intervention, hostage rescue and count-er-hijack tasks and as and when they are requisitioned, the force will respond.Officiating as the chief guest of the event, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai lauded the commando force for its operations and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought an “independent security policy” for the country.The minister said security threats are continuously evolving including the threats of ‘lone wolf’ attacks and aerial strikes.The NSG was raised as a federal counter-terrorist force in 1984 to undertake surgical commando operations to neutralise terrorist and hijack threats. It is also a special squad that provides armed security cover to at least 13 high-risk VIPs at present.The NSG has five hubs in the country, apart from its main garrison in Manesar, and in each of them, a team of com-mandos is stationed in readiness 24x7 to respond to any threat situation within a 30-minute mobilisation timeframe. The five NSG hubs or bases are located in Gandhinagar, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai, and they were created post the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

DAKclosure of schools has resulted in loss of social and emo-tional learning, which is important for holistic development of children.“Now, we have the vaccine that would help children to return to classrooms and ensure safe learning in schools.”The DAK president said, “Covaxin has been found safe and effective in preventing Covid-19 infection among children. The pediatric vaccine can also prevent any more Covid-19 waves. It is hard to defeat Covid-19 pandemic without vaccinating children.”Pediatric vaccine will not only help children, but it will be the basis of eventually eliminating Covid-19 in our population, he added.

LGSh. Pandurang K. Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sh Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Sh. Mohammad Aijaz, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; Sh. Athar Aamir Khan, Commis-sioner, SMC and CEO SSCL; Sh. Sandeep Choudhary, SSP Srinagar, besides Senior officers of the UT administration were present on the occasion.

TWO DEADDistrict Hospital Pulwama for treatment where the doctors declared him as brought dead,” the official said.The fresh killings of non-locals in Kashmir come close on the heels of targeted killings in which seven people including a famous chemist, two school teachers and a non-local vendor were killed. Police had claimed that militants involved in majority of the selected killings were neutralised in the recent encounters. However, fresh killings have left another challenge for the security forces as they have come at a time when entire Kashmir was on a high security alert.Meanwhile, J&K LG Manoj Sinha tweeted: “I strongly condemn the brutal killings of Arvind Kumar Shah and Sagir Ahmad by militants. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. UT Govt stands in solidarity with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Perpetrators of these heinous attacks will be punished soon. We have intensified our efforts to crush militants and their ecosystem. They will have to pay a very heavy price for killing innocent civilians. I urge people to speak in one voice and join hands in the fight against militancy.

POONCHarea, they said. So far nine soldiers including two JCOs have been killed . Yesterday he said two soldiers — 26-year-old Vikram Singh Negi and 27-year-old Yogambar Singh — were killed near the Nar Khas forest area of Mendhar on Thursday evening. “During the operation, there was heavy exchange of fire and in the ensuing gunfight, Rifleman Vikram Singh Negi and Rifleman Yogambar Singh were critically injured and later succumbed to their injuries,” he had said.On October 11, five army soldiers including a Junior Com-missioned Officer (JCO) were killed in the encounter in Dera Ki Gali in the Surankote area of Poonch district.Officially there is no word if the militants involved in the Nar Khas gunfight were those involved in the October 11 encounter even as an army officer told GNS that the “probability” of militants being part of the same group was very high. A key highway through the area also remains closed, they said.

MILITANTSin the Pampore area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Police had a tip off about the presence of these two militants in the area after which a cordon and search operation was launched. Police say in the Pampore area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Police had a tip off about the presence of these two militants in the area after which a cordon and search operation was launched. Police say they also gave them an option of surrender but they denied. ‘’ We offered them surrender but they kept firing, triggering an encounter. They were trapped in a three-storey building, which is a concrete one. We fired grenades and the building caught fire. One of the slain militants has been identified as Umar Khanday of LeT and the other has been identified as Muhammad Sultan, who was the LeT commander .” Police said Umar Khanday was involved in the killing of two policemen in Baghat area of Srinagar.

GUNMANA civilian, who was abducted by unknown gunmen in Nikloora area of Litter hamlet in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday was later rescued safely, police said on Saturday.An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that suspected militants abducted a civilian namely Shakeel Ahmad Sofi, son of Ghulam Mohammad Sofi of Nikloora Pulwama, who is a shopkeeper by profession.

He said that soo after the incident police party rushed to spot and managed to rescue him safely.

It is pertinent to mention here that Shakeel Sofi is brother a militant Shameem Sofi who was arrested recently in his own village in first week of this month

COVIDpositive cases, 855 are Active Positive (159 in Jammu Divi-sion and 696 in Kashmir Division), 325686 have recovered and 4426 have died; 2174 in Jammu division and 2252 in Kashmir division.The Bulletin further said that out of 15631605 test results available, 330967 samples have tested positive and 15300638 samples have been tested as negative till date. Besides, 44,406 COVID tests have been conducted in the last 24 hours.Till date 3662703 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 7222 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 855 in isolation and 455569 in home surveillance. Besides, 3194631 persons have completed their surveillance period.Providing district-wise breakup for positive cases reported today, the Bulletin said that Srinagar reported 37 cases, Baramulla reported 12 cases, Budgam reported 07 cases, Pulwama reported no cases, Kupwara reported 05 cases, Anantnag reported no case, Bandipora reported 05 cases, Ganderbal reported one case while Kulgam and Shopian reported no fresh cases for today.Similarly, Jammu reported 06 cases, Udhampur reported one case, Doda reported 02 cases, Poonch reported 05 cases, Reasi reported one case while Rajouri, Kathua, Samba, Kishtwar and Ramban reported no fresh cases for today.The bulletin further informs the general pub-lic that they can contact helpline numbers 0191-2520982/2674444/2674115/2674908/2549676 in Jammu Divi-sion and 0194-2440283/2430581/2452052/2457313/2457312 in Kashmir Division for any kind of guidance and assistance.In case of emergency, people can avail free ambulance ser-vices 24x7 by calling toll free number 108 while pregnant women and sick infants can avail free services by dialing toll free number 102, the bulletin reads.It also informs that the public can reach the national helpline by dialing 1075.Further the bulletin also informs the public that for any kind of COVID-19 query, logon to www.covidrelief.jk.gov.inThe readers can also reach us on the official Twitter account of DIPR-J&K @diprjk; website: http://www.jkdirinf.in; Webportal: jkinfonews.com and Facebook: @JKInfor-mationOfficial.

LGof opportunities for youth engagement and empowerment”, added the Lt Governor.He called upon the future civil servants to discharge their duties with honesty, integrity and utmost dedication, and strive to be the true makers of an advance and progressive society.

CSof departmental NOCs, the Chief Secretary directed the Divisional Commissioners to hold special reviews and facilitate time-bound issuance of the same.The Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu were also directed to undertake regular market surveillance and ensure the availability of construction material at equitable rates across all districts. They were asked to analyze the difference in rates between districts and rationalize the same, besides ensuring enforcement of the notified rates by curbing any form of illegal mining or trade. They were asked to take strict penal actions against the delinquent agencies found to be associated with illegal activities and overcharging.Dr. Mehta further asked the Mining Department to install dedicated helpline numbers to facilitate grievance redressal on account of unavailability of construction materials at notified prices, besides periodically monitoring district-wise market rates and taking strict action against over pricing.

OCTOBERbrief exchange of fire in Methan area of Srinagar.On 11 October, two militants namely Imtiyaz Ahmad Dar from Shahgund and Yawar Ahmad from Kakapora area were killed in Gund Jahangeer Hajin Bandipora and Khangund Verinag encounters respectively.On 12 October, five militants were killed in two separate encounters in South Kashmir’s Shopian districtThree militants identified as Danish Hussian Dar, Yawar Naikoo and Mukhtar Shah were killed in Tulran Shopian while two militants Ubaid Ahmad Dar and Khubaib Ahmad Nengroo were killed in Feripora Shopian.On 13 October, top Jaish commander Shamsudin Sofi of Satoora Tral was killed in an encounter in Waggad Tral.On 15 October, a militant namely Shahid Bashir Sheikh of Karfali Mohalla Habba Kadal who had joined militant ranks recently was killed in Washbugh area of Pulwama while Tanzeel Ahmad from Habba Kadal area was killed just after hours after Pulwama encounter in Bemina Srinagar.On 16 October, two militants namely Umar Mushtaq Khan-day of Tulbagh Pampore and Shahid Khurshid of Methan Chanpora were killed in an encounter in the Pampore area of Pulwama district.Soldiers killedOn 11 October, five army personnel were killed in gunfight with militants in Poonch area of Jammu division. The soldiers killed were identified as Naib Subedar Jaswinder Singh, Naik Mandeep Sinigh, Sepoy Gajjan Singh, sepoy Saraj Singh and sepoy Vaisakh H. Operation is still going on in the area.On 14 October, two soldiers were killed in an encounter in Mendhar area of Srinagar while in same operation two more soldiers were killed on 16 October.Besides that three soldiers allegedly committed suicide which includes sepoy Stephen at 42 RR camp Rajpora Awantipora, Sepoy Deeraj Kumar at Kralpora Kupwara and Harish Kumar at Tsuntwari Kupwara.Civilian KillingsOn 02 October, Majid Ahmad Gojri a resident of Chattabal Srinagar was killed in Karan Nagar area of Srinagar while as Mohammad Shafi Dar a resident of Batamallo was killed in his locality.On 05 October, Dr Bindroo Lal a chemist, Virendar Paswan a non local street vendor and Mohammad Shafi Lone presi-dent Sumo drivers association Naidkhai were killed in Iqbal Park area, Lal Bazar and Shah Gund Hajin in Bandipora area respectively.On 07 October, two teachers namely Deepak Chand and Su-pindar Kour were killed in Sangam Eidgah area of Srinagar.On 07 October, a nomad named Parvez Ahmad son of Noor u Din from remote Rajkang, Kashwan, was killed after he allegedly ignored a stop signal by the naka party of 40 battalion at Moonghal area of Anantnag district.On 16 October, two non local labourers namely Arvind Kumar Shah of Banka Bihar and Sagir Ahmad of Uttar Pradesh (UP) were killed by suspected militants in Eidgah Srinagar and Litter Pulwama respectively

CHILDERNSreveals NITI Aayog State Nutrition Profile 2021.According to the figures of NITI Aayog study titled State Nutrition Profile of Jammu and Kashmir accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), “Over 625,519 children are anaemic and 251,393 are stunted in J&K. The findings are based on data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 3 (2005-2006), 4 (2015-2016), and 5 (2019-2020).”The anaemic data in the report reveals that in J&K 20 out

of 20 districts shows public health concern.As per the data, Anantnag is the highest-burden district with 69,576 numbers of anaemic children while Kupwara stands second with 62,491 number anaemic children. Budgam stands third with 54,203 numbers of anaemic children. In Srinagar, the numbers of anaemic children are 51,730 and in Baramulla, number of anaemic children are 48, 307.“In Jammu, the numbers of anaemic children are around 47,000. In Rajouri, the numbers of anaemic children are around 34,000 while in Udhampur, the number of anaemic children are around 25, 000. In Poonch, the numbers of anaemic children are around 19,000”, the data reveals.As per the NITI Aayog study report, 18 out of 20 districts show public health concern regarding the number of stunted children in J&K.“Anantnag district has the highest number of 27, 578 stunted children. In Srinagar, there are 24, 680 stunted children and in Kupwara, there are 21, 982 stunted children, with Jammu having 20, 178 and in Budgam there are 19, 025 stunted children,” reveals the data.It further reveals that in Rajouri there are more around 15, 000 stunted children. In Baramulla, there are 18,000 stunted children. In Kathua, there are around 8,000 stunted children. In Poonch, there are around 10,000 stunted chil-dren. In Ramban, there are around 7,000 stunted children. In Udhampur, there are around 15, 000 stunted children. In Doda, there are around 11,000 stunted children. In Kishtwar, there are around 5,000 stunted children

NCseconded by all district, provincial functionaries and del-egates present on the occasion.The entire election exercise was officiated by Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan and Ali Muhammad Dar. Later party functionaries felicitated the Provincial President elect Nasir Aslam Wani for his resounding and unopposed win.Felicitating Nasir on his new stint as Provincial President, Dr Farooq said holding the party flag high is a daunting task and that NC’s history is rife with such numerous men who held the party flag high facing many challenges.He said that it was due to the efforts of numerous NC workers that the struggle which was launched in 1931 culminated in the restoration of democracy in JK.NC, he added, on account of its struggle for the protection of identity and historical individuality of the people of JK, has been immortalized in the hearts and minds of people of Jammu and Kashmir.NC, as a natural, legitimate and powerful voice, Dr Farooq added, espouses the efforts and sacrifice of various workers, some celebrated and others whose names, despite being worthy of all the glory that there is, remain anonymous to the masses today.“Since stepping into the shoes of his predecessors, Nasir has diligently guarded the party heirloom which it has inherited from Sher-e-Kashmir. I pass on my good wishes to him on his astounding victory. Elections reveal how favored a candidate is within masses and the ongoing organizational elections have made selection of widely favored candidates for the organization posts, leaving no room for prejudice,” he said.He said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have always withstood all malicious attempts to engineer the breaking of their unified voice in the shape of NC.“Regardless of intimidation, coercion and incessant con-triving by anti-Jammu & Kashmir forces, the trust of people in it has been rising. From time-to-time people of JK have asserted their authority, ownership of JK by bringing NC to power. For us power is not the ultimate goal, it is a medium to serve our people,” he added.Expressing gratitude to the party delegates, in-charges, Dis-trict, Zonal presidents, YNC, Women’s wing functionaries Nasir Aslam Wani said that NC’s struggle for restoration of J&K people’s rights forms formidable chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir that requires no corroboration and that it speaks for itself.He vowed to rise up to the expectation of the party mem-bers from Halqa to province level and give his best to the party, which he defined as the progressive soul of Jammu and Kashmir.On the occasion, Party’s General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, senior leaders Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, Sakina Itoo, Mir Saifullah, Mubarak Gul, Muhammad Syed Akhoon, Shameema Firdous, Aga Syed Mehmood and Peer Afaq Ahmed also addressed the gathering and felicitated Nasir Aslam Wani on his resounding and unopposed win.In a separate function in Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta was elected to the post of Provincial President Jammu province unopposed. The entire elec-tion exercise was officiated by Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal and Anil Dhar. His name was proposed by Syed Mushtaq Bukhari and seconded by Ajay Sadhotra. Among others Party’s Senior provincial, district and block functionaries of Jammu province, YNC Provincial President Ajaz Jan, functionaries were present on the occasion.Meanwhile, Party president and Vice President have passed on good wishes to Nasir Aslam Wani and Rattan Lal Gupta on their unopposed election for the post of provincial pres-ident Kashmir and Jammu respectively and hoped that the party will benefit from their experience

LATE GEELANI the case of Mr. Farooq Ahmad Butt, Teacher (RRET) in GMS Kathawa, Doda S/o Dawood Butt R/o Kathwa Tehsil Pahgsoo District Doda. Accordingly, the Lieutenant Gov-ernor hereby dismisses Mr. Farooq Ahmad Butt, Teacher (RRET) in GMS Kathawa, Doda S/o Dawood Butt R/o Kathwa Tehsil Pahgsoo District Doda from service, with immediate effect,” the order states.According to security agencies, Farooq’s brother, Mu-hammad Amin Butt is a militant operating from Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK)

HANDICRAFTSand handloom exports from the UT.Under the scheme, an incentive of 10 percent of the total volume of handicraft and handloom products exported to any country with maximum reimbursement of Rs 5 crore (whichever is lesser) will be provided to the eligible exporters who are registered with the Handicrafts and Handloom Department.The export subsidy will be applicable for Government of India (GI) products that will be certified by the quality control wing and testing lab of the Handicrafts Depart-ment and will not be entitled on machine made stuff, the spokesman added.Terming the development as positive, Director Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir Mahmood Ahmad Shah asserted that this step will help in restoring the quantum of exports of the handicraft items that we used to export from this place and was a long pending demand from the Kashmir based exporters.He said the subsidy shall be availed on the handicraft ex-ports whose origin is from Jammu and Kashmir. In case the origin of exports is from outside Jammu and Kashmir, it shall have to be accompanied by e-way bill.All this comes under the recently announced major devel-opments where under various schemes such as Kharandar scheme, financial assistance to the Handicrafts and Hand-loom Cooperative societies and enhancing the limit under the Artisan Credit Card scheme were announced by the government.It is believed that all these steps will strengthen the hand-icraft and handloom eco system of the UT and will give a boost to the ground level artisan.He said the subsidy shall be availed on the handicraft exports whose origin is from Jammu and Kashmir. In case the origin of exports is from outside Jammu and Kashmir, it shall have to be accompa-nied by e-way bill.

MUJAI KUCH KAHNADifferent villages of kulgam without mobile network,people are suffering badly.

Farooq Rather.

Kulgam:16 Oct. Many villages of district kulgam are still without mobile connectivity, because they are located away from mobile towers.The villages Brinal,Batingo, Aagroo Check Gojer Nad,Y.K.Pora, Shurat,Nandi Mar-g,D.k.Marg Nigeenpora Kund and Other Villages of Dis-trict Kulgam are without mobile phone connectivity from past many years.There are Hundreds of customers of BSNL,airtel and Jio Telecommunication companies,but they are unable to even make a voice call on the available network.As due to Covid 19 the students were provided online classes,but the hundreds of students of these vil-lages were unable to get these classes resulting huge loss to their academic career. According to the locals they have repeatedly requested the concerned companies regarding the issue,but none of the companies bothered about the agonies of common masses. People of these villages have once again requested the Heads Of The Companies as well as district administra-tion to intervene and mitigate the miseries of common people.

Javid Qurashi strongly condemns the killing of two non local labours

Says killers won't be spared, killing of civilian, Cowardice, Barbaric

Handwara October 16: Bhartiya Janta Party leader Javid Qurashi on Saturday strongly condemns the killing of two non local labours in Srinagar and Pulwama In a statement to media, Qurashi strongly condemned the attack and said attacking unarmed civilians is cowardice and shameful, he said. Javid Qurashi expressed his sympathy with the families of deceased, also urged the police to nab the attacker's to punish them sternly, he added.

AYUSH J&K starts Yoga and Meditation sessions

in Specialised Wellness Centre Patnitop

UDHAMPUR, OCTOBER 16: To promote wellness tourism in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, 6 specialized wellness centers are being established under the aegis of National AYUSH Mission.In this regard, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Vivek Bhardwaj took an initiative to operation-alise Ayush Wellness Centres at the tourist destinations of different districts of Jammu and Kashmir provinces. In this series, Directorate of Ayush J&K, under the su-pervision of Director Ayush J&K, Dr. Mohan Singh, in collaboration with District Administration Udhampur and Patnitop Development Authority, started the Yoga and Meditation session in Meadow (Near Alpine Hotel), as a part of operationalization of Ayush Specialized wellness centre. The session was attended by 125 participants from the different spheres of life comprising senior citizens, women, and youth.The session began with the Yogic Prayer and participants were made to perform different Yogic asana and Pranayama practices. Dr. Shameen Choudhary and Sunil Bogle, led the session and briefed the public about different types of Yogic and Pranayama practices.The session was Inaugurated by CEO, Patnitop Development Authority, Sher Singh.At the end of the sessions, a free Medical Aid Camp was also organized at the meadow in which Ayush Kwath and other Ayush Immunity booster kits comprising of Im-muno-enhancers supplements like Chayvanprash, Tulsi Tab, Ashwagandha Tab etc were distributed among the participants and others tourists. In all, 400 beneficiaries availed Ayush kits.Dr. Rakesh Kumar Shan, District Ayush Officer, District Udhampur expressed his gratitude towards the participants of the program and urged them to cooperate for making this initiative of Department of Ayush a grand success so that Patnitop can be developed as a hub of Wellness Tourism. The scenic beauty of Patnitop and its pleasant weather are the ideal for the promotion of Wellness Tourism in the District Udhampur. Dr. Rakesh Kumar Shan also presented living memento to the dignitary in the form of Medicinal plants to the guest of honorSher Singh, CEO, PDA appreciated the initiative of Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir for beginning the regular Yoga and Meditation classes and expressed his support for early operationalization of Ayush Specialized centre in the heart of the Patnitop so that many therapeutic facilities and spa like treatments can be availed by the tourists and general public at a minimal cost. Likewise, representatives of Hotel Association of Patnitop expressed their happiness over opening of such a centre in the scenic beauty of Patnitop which would enhance the tourism in the region.Notably, Specialized wellness centers will provide specialty Ayush services like Panchkarma, Hijama, Yoga Meditation, Medicated massages and fomentations for enhancing the travel experience of the tourists and to increase the foot fall in these tourist places of Jammu and Kashmir Union

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06OCTOBER,172021,SUNDAY

HT SUNDAY SALAD HEADLINES TODAY

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SUNDAY 17 OCTOBER 2021,10 RABI- UL- AWWAL 1444

Made in Kashmir Bat to make maiden International debut during T-20 World Cup 2021

ER AIJAZ AHMAD

In T20 world cup 2021, which will be held at Abu Dhabi from 17 October. First time Kashmiri bat will be seen in

the international world cup . The bat was made by a famous cricket sports company which are located in the bijbhera Anantnag . This company has supplied many bats to the players which are playing in the coming T20 World Cup. This company was started by a young educated youth Faisal Kabir . He is very happy with the first success. While talking to media, he said the Kashmiri willow bat which are supplied to the international level various efforts and hard-

work. He further said, with the help of labours he made bats according to the norms of international

cricket council rules. One question was asked by media person to Faisal Kabir, how this idea come to your mind. He said , one team of knowledge persons come to my company for giving the sug-

gestion . How can I can the willow bat according to icc norms. The team had give us idea about this achievement. At last , he said this is the success of whole kashmir. Especially for the persons which are involved in this profession. He work hard for supplying willow bats to the international level.

The Birth of the Prophet Muhammad (saw)

Safa Faruqui

Rabi al-Awwal is one of the most sig-nificant months in Islamic history, because humanity was blessed by the birth of the Prophet (saw) during this

month. He (saw) would eventually lead the world - beginning with the Arabs, Persians and Romans - from the darkness of ignorance and oppression into the light of Tawhid, and true justice and peace. His birth was ‘a mercy to the worlds’ [The Noble Qur’an, 21:107], and Allah chose Rabi al-Awwal to illuminate us with this mercy.The Prophet (saw) was born in Makkah on a

Monday in Rabi al-Awwal, though narrations differ on the exact date. Many narrations say the 12th, but others have mentioned different dates between the 8th and the 17th. Nevertheless, he (saw) was definitely born on a Monday:His birth had been anticipated for a long time.

Isa (as) had mentioned it to his people five cen-turies earlier:’And remember when Isa, the son of Maryam,

said, “O Children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah [sent] to you, confirming the Torah (Law) [which came] before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad”’. [The Noble Qur’an, 61:6]

Ibrahim (as) and Isma’il (as) had also prayed for the Prophet’s (saw) birth when they were rebuilding the Ka’bah:

‘Our Lord, send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise’. [The Noble Qur’an, 2:129]There were many miracles surrounding his

birth. The Prophet’s (saw) mother, Aaminah, was conscious of a light within her when she was pregnant with him, which one day shone from her so intensely that she could see the castles and palaces of Syria. [Ibn Ishaq]There were also the miracles witnessed by his

foster mother, Halimah, who had been hoping for a rich child to nurse, because her family was suffering from drought. Nevertheless, she took fatherless Muhammad (saw) as her foster child, and her family were blessed for years afterwards:It is clear the Muhammad’s (saw) arrival was

much-anticipated and it was widely recognised that he was a blessed and special child. Even his name was unique; it means ‘one who is praised’, and no one else used that name at the time. His mother, grandfather (’Abdul-Muttalib) and foster-parents all knew that great things lay in his future.

So what lessons can we draw from his (saw) birth this Rabi al-Awwal?The Importance of Loving the Prophet Mu-

hammad (saw)‘The Prophet is closer to the believers than

their own selves’. [The Noble Qur’an, 33:6]The month of Rabi al-Awwal is a good time

to remind ourselves of the place of the Prophet (saw) in our lives. He is the best of creation, and he should be dearer to us than any place or person, including ourselves. If we do not feel this closeness to the Prophet

(saw), the solution is simple: learn more about his character and his life, and naturally our love for him will grow.This Rabi al-Awwal, why not begin reading the

Sirah (the Prophet’s (saw) biography) so you can learn more about the best of creation? It is also a good idea to start following Prophetic habits, such as visiting the sick and elderly, smiling often, and feeding the poor. We’ve also created an A2 poster of the Hilye

(a decorated description of the Prophet (saw)) - so you can display this in your home and be reminded of the Prophet (saw) every day! We pray it helps you strengthen your connection with the Prophet (saw), in sha Allah.Event Two: The Hijrah of the Prophet Mu-

hammad (saw)

The Prophet (saw) and his Companion, Abu Bakr (ra), also emigrated from Makkah to Yathrib during Rabi al-Awwal. This event is known as the Hijrah, and we date the Islamic calendar from it. So, the first year they spent in Madinah was the first Islamic year, the second year was the second Islamic year, and on. The Islamic year is denoted by ‘AH’, which stands for ‘After Hijrah’. We are currently in the year 1443 AH.

Umar (ra) said, ‘The Hijrah has separated truth from falsehood, so calculate dates from it’. [Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani]

The Hijrah marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Muslims. The Prophet (saw) united the tribes of Yathrib, guiding them with justice, wisdom and mercy. The city of Yathrib became known as ‘Madinah al-Munawarah’, the Illuminated City, and is now commonly called Madinah. Did you know that the first masjid was also

built in Rabi al-Awwal? The Prophet (saw) left Makkah with Abu Bakr (ra) and they crossed the desert to Quba, a town near Yathrib. They stayed there for three days and built the first masjid, before travelling on to Yathrib, where they would begin building a second masjid, known as Masjid An-Nabi today.The Prophet (saw) greeted the people of Quba

by saying, ‘O people, give one another greetings of peace, feed the hungry, honour the ties of kinship, and pray in the hours when men sleep. Then you shall enter Paradise in peace’.The anniversary of the Hijrah should remind us

of these words. In both Quba and Madinah, the Prophet (saw) established a community centred around Allah’s worship, where the beautiful lessons of the Qur’an and Sunnah were fol-lowed. The Prophet (saw) said, ‘Leave me as I leave you, for the people who were before you were ruined because of their questions and their differences over their prophets. So, if I forbid you to do something, then keep away from it. And if I order you to do something, then do of it as much as you can’. [Bukhari]

This Rabi al-Awwal, we should strive to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw) as much as possible in our daily lives.

The best way to follow the Prophet’s (saw) example is to read, understand and follow the Qur’an. Increase your Qur’anic recitation, and bring life to the Qur’an and Sunnah in your house by reminding yourself to be kind, generous, patient and grateful. The Prophet (saw) is the best example for us, and this Rabi al-Awwal, we should take the opportunity to remind ourselves of the lessons he taught and build good habits.

Event Three: The Death of the Prophet Mu-hammad (saw)On Monday 12th Rabi al-Awwal, in the eleventh

year of Islam, the Prophet (saw) passed away.

A day or two before his death, he had gone into the Masjid and told the people from the pulpit,

‘There is a slave amongst the slaves of God to whom God has offered the choice between this world and that which is with Him, and the slave has chosen that which is with God’. He had been ill for a few days, and his family and closest friends knew that it would soon be time for him to go back to Allah. Nevertheless, it was still a great shock to the

Muslims when he died, so much so that some of them refused to believe that he had passed away. Just a few hours before his death, he had gone into the Masjid and watched the people praying, and Anas (ra) later said, ‘I never saw the Prophet’s face more beautiful than it was at that hour’. It seemed impossible that he (saw) should have left them, and even Umar (ra), one of his closest Companions, was adamant that it was a lie.Abu Bakr (ra), however, reminded the peo-

ple that the Prophet (saw) was only a human Messenger, and he was not immortal. Abu Bakr (ra) said,‘O people! If it was Muhammad whom you

worshipped, then know that he is dead. But if it is Allah whom you worshipped, then know that He does not die’. It was as if the people had not known of the

revelation of this verse until Abu Bakr recited it that day. They took it from him, and it was on all their tongues. Umar (ra) said afterwards, ‘When I heard Abu Bakr recite that verse, I was so astounded that I fell to the ground. My legs would no longer carry me, and I knew that Allah’s Messenger had died’.Allah had presented the Prophet (saw) with

the choice to live a little longer or to return to Him. Allah’s Beloved chose to return to him. The grief and sorrow felt by the Muslims was immense, in Madinah in particular. They were grieving not just for the Prophet (saw), whom they loved more than anyone else, but for the end of Revelation:.‘I don’t weep for him’, said Umm Ayman, who

had been like a mother to the Prophet (saw). ‘Don’t I know that he has gone to something which is better for him than this world? But I weep for the tidings of Heaven which have been cut off from us’. Since the Prophet Muhammad (saw) is beloved

to all Muslims, it is natural for us to mourn the Prophet’s (saw) death, and to feel great sadness at his loss. With that in mind, here is one final lesson we can draw from the month of Rabi al-Awwal.Gratitude for the Prophet Muhammad (saw)It is only through the sacrifices, efforts and

immense love of the Prophet (saw) that we have been given the incredible guidance of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Allah says in the Qur’an:‘Indeed Allah conferred a great favour on the

believers when He sent among them a Messenger from among themselves, reciting unto them His verses, and purifying them, and instructing them (in) the Book (Qur’an) and Al-Hikmah, (the wisdom and the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw)), while before that they had been in manifest error’. [The Noble Qur’an, 3:164]We naturally tend to remember the beautiful

character of the Prophet (saw) more in Rabi al-Awwal, but we should not single out this month to connect with him and follow his Sunnah. Rather, we should use this month as an oppor-tunity to build good habits so we can emulate him throughout the year. Above all, Rabi al-Awwal is a time for being

grateful to Allah for the amazing blessing of sending the Prophet (saw) to us and guiding us to His Light. It is a time for grounding our-selves in our purpose once more and reviving our connection with Allah and His Messenger by learning more about the Qur’an and Sunnah. This is the ultimate blessing and significance of Rabi al-Awwal.If you would like to show your gratitude to

Allah this Rabi al-Awwal, use our Springs of Mercy platform! This will allow you to automate your charity over the first 12 days of this month, thus drawing closer to Allah by increasing your good deeds.

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HEADLINES TODAY 07OCTOBER,172021,SUNDAYHT. IDEAS/ OPINION EXCHANGE.

Rohingya Crisis: Any Solution after the Afghan Situation?

By Tonmoy Chowdhury

The Taliban seized control of the Afghan capital Kabul on August 15,

shortly after the United States began withdrawing its troops. The recent unrest has prompted anti-Taliban Afghans to flee Kabul, creating a new refugee crisis. Ten to twelve countries have accepted more than a hundred thousand Afghans as refugees, but the refugee crisis is expected to intensify in the coming days. About 2.2 million Afghans have been living in neighbouring coun-tries as refugees for the last few years. On the other hand, many of the countries that have played a silent role since the outbreak of the Rohingya cri-sis are today expressing grave concerns over Taliban-related security issues. The current Taliban’s diplomatic success with various parties in Doha including Russia, China, Paki-stan, and consolidating power in Afghanistan by defeating the Afghan National Army with its military force, both have created new history and new threats in the old form.To some zealots, the Taliban’s conquest of Kabul may seem like a re-enactment of “con-quest of Mecca” by the Prophet Muhammad but to experts, it is a defeat for the United States and its allies. After the British as foreign rulers, the Soviet Union and most recently the United States all had to surrender to the nationalism

of Afghan and Taliban. When the then US President Donald Trump announced prepara-tions to leave Afghanistan in 2020, many countries including India were seen investing in Afghanistan without showing foresight on security issues. As a result, about 500 Indian projects worth a total of US$ 3 billion in Afghanistan are in limbo today. Moreover, in the current context, threats to India’s national security continue to be fuelled by the Taliban’s allies and shadow organisations instigated by its two nuclear-armed neighbours. The hasty implementation of the withdrawal of US troops and on the other hand, the meetings and compromises between the US government and the Taliban have made NATO members as well as India, Japan and Thai-land skeptical of the US role. Meanwhile, after the Rohingya crisis, Bangladesh has been raising the issue of terrorism and other possible security risks in the world court. After the Taliban’s victory, the 1.1 million displaced Rohingya living in Bangladesh could now become a thorn in India and Southeast Asia as a secu-rity threat.On 25 August 2017, about 8 lakh Rohingyas took refuge in Bangladesh to escape geno-cide and violent persecution by the Myanmar military. Many countries and international organisations came forward with relief and grants, hand in hand with the generosity of Bangladesh. But in the last four years, the international community has not been able to play a significant role in repatriating the Rohingyas to their ancestral homeland of Rakhine. Moreover, the direct support of China and Russia

to the Myanmar junta and the silent role of India, Japan and some ASEAN countries is re-ally surprising. Although four resolutions on the Rohingya issue have been raised in the

UN General Assembly so far, they have been limited to mere condemnation. For example, at the 75th General Assembly of the United Nations, 130 countries voted in favour of the resolution entitled “Human Rights Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar”, while 9 countries voted against and 26 abstained (including India, Japan, Sin-gapore and Thailand). Many countries in the Asian region have been ignoring the security risks posed by the Rohingya crisis in pursuit of their own commercial interests.Although the activities of the terrorist group ARSA have not been noticed for the time being, its involvement with Al-Qaeda, IS, Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Indian Mujahideen cannot be ruled out. Who will guarantee

that a section of the 1.1 million Rohingyas living in an uncer-tain future in Bangladesh will not join any jihadi group? In the last half of 2020, a new Rakhine based jihadist group

called Qatibah Al-Mahdi Fi Bilad Al Arakan (Al-Mah-di Brigade in Arakan State) launched an online campaign calling on Muslims in Asia including India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to wage jihad on behalf of the Rohingya. The victory of the Taliban will give psychological impetus to such jihadist organisations which will increase the security risks in Asia and the world.India has abstained from voting on every resolution brought to the UN on the Rohingya crisis, citing geo-strategic reasons. It even tried to deport the only 40,000 Rohingyas who were staying in its country illegally to Bangladesh and Myanmar as a threat to its national secu-rity. But India is not looking at the possible threat to the 1.1 million Rohingyas living

in Bangladesh near the Indian border. Although some call it an internal matter of Ban-gladesh, history testifies that terrorism has never obeyed geographical or state bound-aries. Following the fall of the Afghan government, the future activities of extremist organ-isations such as the Haqqani Network, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed are being discussed and analysed at all levels in India. The Taliban have already announced that they will have their own po-sition on Kashmir, mocking India’s military involvement in Afghanistan. One of the sources of recruitment for these orga-nizations is the frustrated and disadvantaged people like the Rohingyas. And the possibility of targeting the Arakan Army as well as the Rohingya as part of an international conspiracy to thwart Indian investment worth about US$ 500 million in Myanmar’s Rakhine state cannot be ruled out.The term “security” is import-ant both literally and practically along with ̀ Human Rights’ and `Investment’. Countries such as India, Japan, Singapore and Thailand have so far avoided the responsibility regarding the deplorable human rights condition of Rohingyas and also the regional security issues by emphasising commercial investment in Myanmar. Myan-mar’s military, which has long robbed the lives and rights of the Rohingya, is now wreaking havoc on the lives of ordinary Myanmar people by staging a military coup on February 1. However, many countries driven by short-term interest are doing business with the so-called caretaker govern-ment formed by this military force. How many more human

rights violations by Myanmar’s military will awaken the con-science of world?The current situation in Af-ghanistan could be an instruc-tive chapter in reshaping future security issues. Bangladesh has always expected a strong role from ASEAN, India and Japan in resolving the ‘Rohingya crisis’ through Rohingya re-patriation to Myanmar. Ban-gladesh has sided with India in dismantling the activities of separatist organisations like ULFA to maintain peace and stability in its ally India and its northeast. Now India should also play a leading role in re-solving the Rohingya crisis in the interest of its own and regional security alongside its all-time tested friend Ban-gladesh. Above all, ASEAN countries as well as India and Japan should take the lead in creating a democratic envi-ronment in Myanmar to keep their investment in Myanmar dynamic. They should also take immediate action to establish equal rights for all citizens of Myanmar including the Ro-hingya sin order to mitigate potential security risks. It re-mains to be seen what steps these regional powers will take in the wake of the Afghan and Rohingya crises for the future security and stability of South and Southeast Asia.

—The writer is a Bangla-desh-based independent researcher and freelance writer. The views expressed are personal. ctonmoy555@gmail.com

"ANGER DOESN'T SOLVE ANYTHING""BEING ANGRY IS LIKE HOLDING A PIECE OF BURNING COAL IN YOUR

HAND ANDHOPING THE OTHER PERSON FEELS PAIN"_Wendy Merron.

Madeeha Farooq.

Anger is one of the basic human emotions as elemental as happi-ness,sadness, anxiety or disust.

Anger is an intense emotion you feel whensomething has gone wrong or someone has wronged you. Anger is related to fight, flight or freeze response of thesympathetic nervous system, it prepares humans to fight. But fightingdoesn't necessarily mean throwing punches. It might motivatecommunities to combat injustice by changing laws or enforcing newnorms. Of course, anger too easily or fre-quently mobilized can underminere-lationships or damage physical health in the long term. Prolongedrelease of the stress hormones that accompany anger can destroyneurons in areas of the brain associated with judgement and short-termmemory and weaken the immune system. Hormone responsible for angeris"Epinephrine or adrenaline" released by adrenal glands,surges at thetime of panic and emergency. It pro-vokes stress response and beingsout the arousal of extreme emotions like fear, anger or amusement.Emotions of anger are often held in our jaw and around the mouth. Many things can trigger anger, in-cluding stress, family problems and-financial issues. Some common anger triggers include personal problemssuch as missing a promotion at work or rela-tionship difficulties, aproblem caused by another person such as cancelling plans, an eventlike bad traffic or getting in a car accident. For some people, angeris caused by an

underlying disorder, such as alcoholism. Anger itselfisn't considered a disorder, but anger is a known symptom of sev-eralmental health conditions. Anger is a connection to Love. A form of love. A form of love thatmeans we stand up for others and for ourselves, we shout loudly thatthings are not ok, we protect other's, we take a stand and

we fightfor What is right. It's a form of love.In Some cases, anger is a healthy and necessary emotion. However, theman-ner in which a person acts on the anger may be problematic. If theanger arises because a person doesn't feel consis-tently understood bytheir partner, it may be justified. Raging anger may lead to physicalabuse or violence. A person who doesn't control their temper canisolate them-selves from family and friends. Some people who fly intorages have low self-es-teem and use their anger as a way to manipulateother's and feel powerful. It might be surprising to know that Islam has rulings about gettingangry; however, it is considered one of the evil Whispers of Shaytaan,the devil. It can lead to many bad events,. such

as doing or sayingsomething without realising the consequence. Let me tell you about the opinion of Prophet (SAW) about anger, theProphet replied, "Do not become angry", and he repeated this threetimes. On the other occasion, the Prophet asked his com-panions, "Doyou know who the strong person is?" His companions replied, "The onewho is able to wrestle other's down", The Prophet responded, "No, itis the one who is able to control their anger". The Prophet of Allah said, "when one of you becomes angry whilestanding, he should sit down. If the anger leaves him, well and good;otherwise he should lie down"...and those Who avoid the greater sins,and illegal sexual intercourse, and when they are angry, theyforgive". (Quran 42 : 36 & 37) There are also many ways to over-come anger like;*Think before you speak*Once you are calm, express your anger*Get some exercise*Take a walk*Take a class you enjoy*Change your mindset*Think of a funny memory Relaxation technique often work for lower intensity anger likefrustration or annoyance, but with a feeling as high energy as rage,try to let that en-ergy out in a safe way. Throw or break something(safely). Physically throw-ing something can relieve stress and behelpful in the immediate moment. "ANGER DOESN'T SOLVE ANY-THING. IT BUILDS NOTHING, BUT ITCAN DESTROY EVERYTHING"

Ex student Target PMT Parrayporamf4.peer@gmail.com

IMPORTACE OF NEW EDDUCATION POLICY

ER AIJAZ AHMAD

NEP stands for new education policy . The new education policy was

introduced on 29 July 2020 . This policy was approved by the unioncabinet to improve the country edu-cation system . The union ministerof our country PRAKESH JAVED-KAR and human resource development [HRD] minister RAMESH POKHRI-YAL NISHANK made theannouncement on the new education policy 2020 . Earlier 1 may 2020prime minister of our country had reviewed the new education policy2020 , for which draft of new education poli-cy was finalized by a panelof experts under the supervision of Indian space research policy chiefKASTURI RANJAN SAMITI . The main theme of new education policy2020 is ‘ India a global knowledge superpower ‘ . In this new policy ,this is also mentioned the new year academic session will begin fromSeptember to October . The chairman of the new education policy isDoctor KASTURI RANJAN . 6 percent of the total gross domesticproduct was spent in new education policy 2020 . In new educationpolicy 2020 , the human resource development ministry was changedto education ministry . First time new education policy was corrected inyear 2020. After 34 years , new ed-ucation policy was implemented inIndia . In India , first time in 1968 , second time in 1986 and third timein 2020 .In new education [policy , some important points are discussed . Thosepoints are mentioned as below ;1. The new pattern of 12 class in the new education policy is 5 + 3+ 3+4

, which means up to third class , this is called as a foundation stage . Upto 5 th Class , this is called as prepa-ratory stage . Up to 8 th class , this iscalled as middle stage . up to 12 th class, this is called as secondary stage.2. After class 10 th , student can choose the skill development course .3. Class 5 th is the minimum class , a student should be taught with hismother tongue .4. Class 10 th board examination was removed in the new educationpolicy 2020.5. The new education policy came in India 3 times so far.6. Government has a target to provide quality education to every child

within the age group of 8 to 13 years .7. In new ed-ucation policy 2020, the Mas-ter of philoso-phy [ M PHILL

]was abol-ished .

8. According to new education

policy 2020, 4 year bachelor degree isnecessary

for doing doctor of Philosophy .9. After studying 2 years in professional Field , he / she will be awardedas diploma certificate .10. The current enrollment in the higher education is 26.3 percent .11. In 2030, minimum qualification for a teaching job is 4 yearsbachelor of education course .In short , the new education policy is very important . Because , shouldhas a opportunity in which field he is interesting . He will choose . Themain motive of new education policy is to provide moral as well asquality education to every child which comes in the age group of 3 to18 years . The target will be achieved up to 2030 .

Compiled by ER AIJAZ AHMAD [ author at own quotes and your quoteswith the ‘ ER AIJAZ’ .Ratheraijaz740@gmail.comAuthor is a social worker , quote writer , freelancer and engineer .

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HEADLINES TODAY 08HT - NATIONAL OCTOBER,172021,SUNDAY

Mere Delay In Eyewitness Statement Can’t Result In Rejecting Their Testimonies: Supreme Court

New Delhi: Mere delay in record-ing the statements of eyewitnesses cannot result in rejection of their testimonies, the Supreme Court has said while dismissing an appeal by four people challenging their conviction in a murder case.A bench headed by Justice UU

Lalit said the material on record definitely establishes the fear created by the accused persons.“It is true that there was some

delay in recording the statements of the eyewitnesses concerned but mere factum of delay by itself cannot result in rejection of their testimonies,” the bench, also com-prising Justice S Ravindra Bhat and Justice Bela M Trivedi, said.The top court said if witnesses felt

terrorised and frightened and did not come forward for some time, the delay in recording their state-ments stood adequately explained.Nothing has been brought on

record to suggest that during the

interregnum, the witnesses were carrying on their ordinary pursuits, the bench said in its October 7 order.The top court was hearing appeals

filed by four accused challenging the order passed by the Calcutta High Court dismissing their pleas and confirming their conviction and

sentence recorded by the Sessions Judge, Malda, under Sections 302 (murder), 120B (criminal conspir-acy) of the Indian Penal Code read with Section 27(3) of the Arms Act, 1959. The counsel appearing for the appellants told the Supreme Court about the testimonies of two eyewitnesses and submitted

that the delay in recording their statements respectively would be fatal to the case of the prosecution.He submitted that no explanation

was forthcoming why there was a delay in recording their statements and apart from the testimonies of the two witnesses, there was nothing on record to justify the conviction of the appellants. The counsel appearing for the State on the other hand submitted that the terror unleashed by the accused was of such magnitude that the concerned witnesses had fled and that it was only after the appro-priate steps were taken by the in-vestigating machinery, including the arrest of the accused, that the witnesses came forward. The top court was hearing appeals filed by four accused challenging the order passed by the Calcutta High Court dismissing their pleas and confirming their conviction and sentence recorded by the Sessions

Judge, Malda, under Sections 302 (murder), 120B (criminal conspir-acy) of the Indian Penal Code read with Section 27(3) of the Arms Act, 1959. The counsel appearing for the appellants told the Supreme Court about the testimonies of two eyewitnesses and submitted that the delay in recording their statements respectively would be fatal to the case of the prosecution.He submitted that no explanation

was forthcoming why there was a delay in recording their statements and apart from the testimonies of the two witnesses, there was nothing on record to justify the conviction of the appellants. The counsel appearing for the State on the other hand submitted that the terror unleashed by the accused was of such magnitude that the concerned witnesses had fled and that it was only after the appropriate steps were taken by the investi-gating machinery,.

India’s Power Demand Rises This Month As Coal Shortage Lingers: Report

Chennai: The country’s electricity demand grew 4.9% during the first half of October, with supply falling short of demand by 1.4% despite a 3.2% rise in coal-fired generation and 30% rise in solar output, a Re-uters analysis of government data showed.Increased economic activity after

the second wave of the coronavirus has driven up electricity demand, resulting in a supply deficit due to a coal shortage that has forced northern states to cut power this month for up to 14 hours a day.The rapid surge in power demand

and high global coal prices have left utilities scampering for coal - the country’s dominant source of power generation - despite record supplies from state-run Coal India, a near-monopoly in coal production.Coal’s share in electricity generation

jumped to nearly 70% during the first fifteen days of October, compared with an average of 66.5% during the whole of September, an analysis of data from central grid regulator POSOCO showed.Nearly three-fifths of the country’s

coal-fired capacities currently have coal inventories that would last three

days or less, union power ministry data shows.The average coal inventory held by

power plants would last four days, two-thirds lower than an average of 12 days two months ago.The power minister had in early

September asked officials to consider diverting coal to power plants with extremely depleted stocks, and reduce inventory targets to 10 days from 14 days, to allow coal to be moved to areas of greatest shortage.A reallocation in coal supplies over

the last two months has led to an increase in the number of power plants with 1-3 days of fuel, while the number of power plants with over a week of stock has declined, the power ministry data shows. Still, the number of utilities with no coal left increased to 18 on Oct 12 from 1 on August 12. Increased economic activity after the second wave of the coronavirus has driven up electricity demand, resulting in a supply deficit due to a coal shortage that has forced northern states to cut power this month for up to 14 hours a day. the last two months has led to an increase in the number of power plants with 1-3 days of fuel, while the number of power plants with over a week of stock has declined, the power ministry data shows. Still, the number of utilities with no coal left.

Second ‘Nihang’ Arrested Over Gruesome Killing At Farmers’ Protest SiteChandigarh: A second Nihang - a ‘warrior’ Sikh - has

been arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of a Dalit labourer at a farmers protest site in Haryana’s Singhu yesterday.The suspect was arrested by police in Punjab’s Amritsar

district. The DSP, or Deputy Superintendent of Police, for Amritsar (Rural) will hold a press conference at 5.30 pm to announce the arrest.Yesterday evening Saravjit Singh - a Nihang - surren-

dered to Haryana Police and claimed responsibility for the sickening killing of 35-year-old Dalit labourer Lakhbir Singh, who was found tied to a police barricade at Singhu with his left hand and right leg cut off.Singh was produced at a local court today and sent to

seven days’ police custody; authorities asked for 14 days’, saying he had info on other suspects and that they had to recover the murder weapons.In a video that emerged today the Nihang member has

claimed “no regrets” over the killing.The video - from before his surrender - shows him

tightly flanked by other Nihangs - at least two of whom still carried swords - as a reporter asks: “Do you feel repentance?”To this Singh looks disinterested, waves the question away and shakes his head, and replies “No”.The body of Lakhbir Singh, 35 years old and from

Punjab’s Tarn Taran district, was discovered early yes-terday morning. It was found tied to a police barricade with the left hand and right foot cut off.As news of the brual and sickening murder spread, at

least three videos were circulated, showing a large group of Nihangs, standing around his body as lay bleeding and in pain. One video shows the group standing over him after his left hand was cut off. Another showed them filming his dying moments and a third showed him strung up by his feet like a slab of meat.

India records 15,981 COVID-19 cases, 166

fatalities in a dayNew Delhi: India recorded 15,981 COVID-19 cases

in a day, taking the infection tally to 3,40,53,573 while 166 more fatalities pushed the death toll to 4,51,980, according to the Union Health Ministry’s data on Saturday.The number of active Covid cases has declined to

2,01,632, the lowest in 218 days. The national recov-ery rate was at 98.07 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.Active cases account for 0.59 per cent of the total

cases, the lowest since March last year.In a day, the active COVID-19 caseload declined by

2,046. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,33,99,961, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.33 per cent.As many as 9,23,003 tests were conducted on Friday,

taking the cumulative tests conducted so far for the detection of COVID-19 in the country to 58,98,35,258.Over 97.23 crore Covid vaccine doses have been ad-

ministered in the country till now under the nationwide vaccination drive.India’s COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark

on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.India crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May

4 and three crore on June 23.The daily case positivity rate was recorded at 1.73

per cent, which has been less than 3 per cent for the last 47 days. The weekly positivity rate was 1.44 per cent and has been less than 3 per cent for the last 113 days, according to the Health Ministry.The 166 fatalities recorded in a day include 67 from

Kerala and 29 from Maharashtra.A total of 4,51,980 deaths have been reported so far

in the country, including 1,39,734 from Maharashtra, 37,931 from Karnataka, 35,869 from Tamil Nadu, 26,734 from Kerala, 25,089 from Delhi, 22,897 from Uttar Pradesh, and 18,935 from West Bengal.The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent

of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.“Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian

Council of Medical Research,” the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

Delhi Water Supply May Be Hit As UP’s Ganga

Canal Closes For Maintenance: Report

Muzaffarnagar: Water supply to Delhi, Noida, and Agra is likely to get affected due to maintenance work of the Ganga canal in Muzaffarnagar which was closed on Friday, an official of the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department said.Upendra Kumar, superintending engineer of UP Irri-

gation Department, told news agency PTI that the canal will remain closed till November 5 for maintenance work, affecting water supply in the national capital and neighbouring cities in Uttar Pradesh.Water supply at 19 districts in UP, including Muzaf-

farnagar, Meerut, Bulandshahr, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Etah, Hathras and Firozabad, would be disrupted and farmers are likely to face a shortage, he told news agency Press Trust of India.During the period of maintenance, farmers may have to partially rely upon tubewells and pumping sets to irrigate their fields.

Rahul Gandhi Says “Will Consider” Becoming Congress Chief Again At MeetNew Delhi: Rahul Gandhi has said he “will consider” returning as Congress President, sources said Saturday after it emerged that several senior leaders, including the chief ministers of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, as well as former Defence Minister AK Antony, had urged the Kerala MP to come back.Statements urging his return were made at today’s CWC meeting, at which it was decided that elec-tions for the party’s top post will be held between August 21 and September 20 next year.“Entire Congress party and workers unanimously want Rahul Gandhi as leader,” KC Venugopal said.“Everybody agreed unanimous-

ly... whether he (Rahul Gandhi) will become or not is up to him. Everybody is of the opinion that Rahul Gandhi should become the party President,” senior leader Ambika Soni was quoted by news

agency ANI.Former Union Minister and Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar told ANI: “Talks were held (about Mr Gandhi as party chief) and everyone unanimously said his name.”Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Channi reportedly urged Mr Gandhi to take charge of the party now.“I will consider...” Mr Gandhi replied, according to sources.Rahul Gandhi quit as Congress chief two years ago after the par-ty’s horrendous showing in the 2019 Lok Sabha election; his resignation threw the party into a leadership crisis from which it has yet to fully recover and prompted the reinstatement of his mother, Sonia Gandhi, as

interim chief.This is far from the first time Mr Gandhi has been urged to come back.In December last year, Randeep Surjewala declared “99.9 per cent want Rahul Gandhi as President” and, in January, the Delhi unit passed a resolution asking him to retake control. The Delhi res-olution was days after another CWC meet at which Mr Gandhi reportedly said: “Once and for all, finish it (internal elections) and move on.”So far Mr Gandhi has been stead-fast in his refusal to return; when he quit in 2019 Mr Gandhi had called on someone not from the Nehru-Gandhi to lead the party (unthinkable for some).

However, while he says “no” to the top job, the Gandhis remain the centre of power and no big party decision is taken without their sign-off - another concern raised by the ‘G-23’.Today’s calls also come as Mrs Gandhi underlined her position as a “full-time and hands-on” party chief; she was responding to critics - such as the ‘G-23’ - who have been pushing for an organisational overhaul and the election of “visible and effective leadership”. Mrs Gandhi made number of pointed statements, including telling critics that a revival of the Congress was welcomed but “requires unity and keeping the party’s interests paramount”.

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HEADLINES TODAY 09HT - WORLD OCTOBER,172021,SUNDAY

OWNER:SYED JAHANGIR BUKHARI, Printer: SYED JAHANGIR BUKHARI, Publisher: SYED JAHANGIR BUKHARI, Editor: SYED JAHANGIR BUKHARI, Published From: LUBAAB PUBLICATIONS BUILDING, RADIO COLONY GUND HASSI BHAT, LAWAYPORA, SRINAGAR. Printed at: LUBAAB PUBLICATIONS, RADIO COLONY GUND HASSIBHAT LAWAIPORA SRINAGAR 190017.. RNI NO: JKENG/2011/39231. CELL NO: 9419008414.

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NASA Launches Spacecraft On 12-Year

Mission To Probe Jupiter AsteroidsWashington: NASA launched a spacecraft called Lucy on a 12-year mission to explore Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids for the first time on Saturday, gathering new insights into the solar system’s formation.The Atlas V rocket responsi-ble for propelling the probe took off at 5:34 am local time (0934 GMT) from Cape Ca-naveral.Named after an ancient fos-sil of a pre-human ancestor, Lucy will become the first solar-powered spacecraft to venture so far from the Sun, and will observe more aster-oids than any probe before it -- eight in all.Lucy will also make three Earth flybys for gravity assists, making it the first spacecraft to return to our planet’s vicinity from the outer solar system.“Each one of those asteroids, each one of those pristine samples, provide a part of the story of the solar system, the story of us,” Thomas Zurbu-chen, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission, told reporters on a call.Lucy’s first encounter will be in 2025 with asteroid Don-aldjohanson in the Main Belt, between Mars and Jupiter. The asteroid is named after the discoverer of the Lucy fossil.Between 2027 and 2033, it will encounter seven Trojan asteroids -- five in the swarm that leads Jupiter, and two in the swarm that trails the gas giant.The largest of them is about 60 miles (95 kilometers) in diameter.

Lucy will fly by its target objects within 250 miles (400 kilometers) of their surfaces, and use its onboard instru-ments and large antenna to investigate their geology, in ,cluding composition, massاdensity and volume.- Diamond in the sky -The Jupiter Trojan asteroids, thought to number well over 7,000, are leftover raw ma-terials from the formation of our solar system’s giant planets -- Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.Scientists believe they hold vital clues about the compo-sition and physical conditions in the protoplanetary disk from which all the Sun’s planets, including Earth, formed.They are broadly grouped into two swarms -- the lead-ing swarm is one-sixth a lap ahead of Jupiter while the trailing swarm is one-sixth behind.“One of the really surpris-ing things about the Trojans, when we started to study them from the ground, is how different they are from one an-other, particularly with their colors,” said Hal Levison, the mission’s key scientist.Some are gray, while others are red -- with the differenc-es indicating how far away from the Sun they might have formed before assuming their present trajectory.Lucy the fossil was discov-ered in Ethiopia in 1974 and helped shed light on human evolution. The space mis-sion’s name was chosen with the hope that it will shed light on the solar system’s

evolution.The paleoanthropologists who discovered the hominin remains named her after the Beatles’ song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”, which they were playing loudly at the expedition camp.Lucy the probe is carrying a diamond beam splitter into the sky -- the Lucy Ther-mal Emission Spectrometer, which detects far infrared radiation, to map asteroid surface temperatures. The Jupiter Trojan asteroids, thought to number well over 7,000, are leftover raw ma-terials from the formation of our solar system’s giant planets -- Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.Scientists believe they hold vital clues about the compo-sition and physical conditions in the protoplanetary disk from which all the Sun’s planets, including Earth, formed.They are broadly grouped into two swarms -- the lead-ing swarm is one-sixth a lap ahead of Jupiter while the trailing swarm is one-sixth behind.“One of the really surpris-ing things about the Trojans, when we started to study them from the ground, is how different they are from one an-other, particularly with their colors,” said Hal Levison, the mission’s key scientist.Some are gray, while others are red -- with the differenc-es indicating how far away from the Sun they might have formed before assuming their present trajectory.Lucy the fossil was discov-

IS claims deadly suicide attack on Shia mosque in Afghanistan’s Kandahar

The militant Islamic State group on Saturday claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack on a Shia mosque in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar that killed at least 41 people and injured scores more.The Friday assault came just a week after another IS-claimed attack on Shia worshippers at a mosque in the northern city of Kunduz that killed more than 60 people.In a statement released on its Telegram channels, the group said two Islamic State suicide bombers carried out separate attacks on different parts of the mosque in Kandahar — the spiritual heartland of the Taliban — while worshippers prayed inside.The group, a bitter rival of the Taliban, which swept back to power in Afghanistan in August as the United States and its allies withdrew, regards Shia Muslims as heretics.UK-based conflict analysis firm ExTrac said Friday’s assault was the first by IS in Kandahar, and the fourth mass casualty massacre since the Taliban took Kabul.ExTrac researcher Abdul Sayed told AFP the attack was “challenging the Taliban claims of holding control on the country. If the Taliban can’t protect Kandahar from an IS attack, how could it protect the rest of the country?”Editorial: In IS-K, the Afghan Taliban have a new challengerInside the mosque, after the blast, the walls were pockmarked with shrapnel and volunteers swept up debris in the ornately painted prayer hall. Rubble lay in an entrance corridor.In the wake of the explosions, Kandahar police chief Maulvi Mehmood said “a brutal attack has been witnessed on a Shia mosque as a result of which a huge number of our countrymen have lost their lives”.In a video statement, Mehmood said security for the mosque had been provided by guards from the Shia community but that henceforth the Taliban would take charge of its protection.Hafiz Abdulhai Abbas, director of health for Kan-dahar, told AFP 41 people had been killed about 70 wounded, according to hospital information.At least 15 ambulances were seen rushing to and from the scene, as Taliban security cordoned off the area.“We are overwhelmed,” a doctor at the city’s central Mirwais hospital told AFP.

Afghan Taliban to announce secondary

school for girls: Unicef deputy chief

A senior UN official said on Friday the Taliban told him they will announce “very soon” that all Afghan girls will be allowed to attend secondary schools.Unicef Deputy Executive Director Omar Abdi, who visited Kabul last week, told reporters at UN headquarters that five of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces — Balkh, Jawzjan and Samangan in the northwest, Kunduz in the northeast and Urozgan in the southwest — are already allowing girls to attend sec-ondary school.He said the Taliban’s education min-ister told him they are working on “a framework” to allow all girls to continue their schooling beyond the sixth grade, which should be published “between a month and two”.“As I speak to you today, millions of girls of secondary school age are missing out on education for the 27th consecutive day,” Abdi said. “We are urging them not to wait. Any day that we wait — it’s a day lost for those girls that are out of school.”During the Taliban’s previous rule of Afghanistan from 1996-2001, they

denied girls and women the right to education and barred them from work-ing and public life. Since their August 15 takeover of Afghanistan as US and Nato forces were in the final stages of their chaotic withdrawal from the country after 20 years, the Taliban have come under increasing international pressure to ensure women’s rights to education and work.Abdi said that in every meeting he pressed the Taliban “to let girls resume their learning”, calling it “critical for the girls themselves and for the country as a whole”.When the Taliban were ousted from power in 2001 by a US-led coalition for harbouring Osama bin Laden, only one million Afghan children were in school at all levels, he said.Over the past 20 years, that figure rose to almost 10m children at all levels, including 4m girls, Abdi said, and in the last decade, the number of schools tripled from 6,000 to 18,000.“Education gains of the past two de-cades must be strengthened and not rolled back,” he said.

Apple worker says she was fired after leading movement

against harassmentAn Apple employee who led fellow workers in pub-licly sharing instances of what they called harass-ment and discrimination at the company said on Thursday that she had been fired.Janneke Parrish, an Apple programme manager, said the iPhone maker informed her on Thursday that she had been terminated for deleting mate-rial on company equipment while she was under investigation over the leaking of a company town hall to media. She told Reuters she denies leaking.Parrish said she deleted apps that contained de-tails of her finances and other personal informa-tion before handing her devices in to Apple as part of the probe.Parrish said she believes she was fired for her ac-tivism in the workplace.“To me, this seems clearly retaliatory for the fact that I was speaking out about abuses that have happened at my employer, pay equity and, gener-ally, about our workplace conditions,” she said.Apple said on Friday it does not discuss specific employee matters.Apple has recently experienced other examples of employee unrest. Last month, two Apple employ-ees told Reuters they had filed charges against the company with the National Labour Relations Board. The workers accused Apple of retaliation and halting the discussion of pay among employ-ees, among other allegations.Apple has said that it is “deeply committed to cre-ating and maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace” and that it takes “all concerns” from employees seriously.US law protects the right of employees to openly discuss certain topics, including working condi-tions, discrimination and equal pay.Over the summer, current and former Apple em-ployees began detailing on social media what they said were experiences of harassment and discrim-ination. Parrish and some colleagues began pub-lishing the stories on social media and a publish-ing platform in a weekly digest titled ‘#AppleToo’.Parrish said she was careful to respect company rules and never shared information that she be-lieved to be confidential. She said she continued to publish the ‘#AppleToo’ digest after coming under investigation at the end of September.“If anything, it’s made the importance of that work clearer than ever, when Apple’s response to criticism is to start internal investigations into those that it wants to see gone,” she said. “It’s eas-ier for them to terminate people than it is for them to actually listen.”

Russia Tops 1,000 Covid Deaths In A Day For First Time

Moscow: Russia on Saturday topped 1,000 deaths over 24 hours for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, with the country’s jab drive at a standstill and few restrictions in place.An official government tally showed 1,002 deaths and 33,208 new infections, setting a high for both fatalities and cases for the third day in a row.The surging outbreak has come with just 31 per-cent of Russians fully inoculated as of Saturday, according to the Gogov website, which tallies Covid-19 data from the regions.A lack of tough restrictions has allowed the virus to spread unchecked, though a number of regions have re-introduced QR codes for access to public places.The Kremlin has avoided re-introducing major restrictions despite calling the country’s vaccination rate “unacceptably” low, saying this week authorities have to ensure “the economy continues working”.

UK PM Johnson visits church where lawmaker was stabbed to deathBritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday visited the church where lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death a day earlier in what police say they are treating as a terrorist attack.Amess, 69, from Johnson’s Con-servative Party, was knifed re-peatedly in the attack at about midday on Friday in Leigh-on-Sea, east of London, during a meeting with constituents.Johnson, interior minister Priti Patel, and leader of the opposition Labour Party Keir Starmer were among those to lay flowers in tribute to Amess at the scene of the murder.Johnson and Starmer stood side by side in a moment of silence before leaving. On Friday, Johnson said Britain had lost a fine public servant and a much-loved friend and colleague.In a statement early on Sat-urday, police said the early investigation had revealed a

potential motivation linked to extremism.Police arrested a 25-year-old British man at the scene on suspicion of murder, adding it is believed he acted alone.As tributes poured in for Amess, politicians described the attack as an assault on democracy, and Patel said se-curity for lawmakers, known

as MPs, was being reviewed and strengthened.“All measures are being put in place for the security of MPs so that they can carry on with their duties as elected demo-cratic members,” Patel said in a broadcast clip following the visit.“We live in an open society, a democracy. We cannot be

cowed by any individual.”In Westminster, where law-makers do much of their work in parliament, armed police are on patrol. But in their electoral districts, known as constituencies, more often than not there is no security.Amess was stabbed while hold-ing a surgery — one-to-one meetings with voters, open to whoever turns up.Conservative lawmaker To-bias Ellwood said that while engagement with the public was a vital part of the job, there was now huge anxiety among MPs and called for a pause in such meetings.Patel said Amess was killed doing a job he loved, and law-makers should remain acces-sible to the public.“We will continue to absolutely stand by the principles that we are elected by: to serve our constituents in the open way in which we have been doing so, but also recognising that

there are safety and protec-tion measures that we have to undertake too,” Patel said.Amess in the second lawmaker in little over five years to be murdered while out meeting constituents, after Jo Cox was shot and stabbed in June 2016, a few days before Britain voted to leave the European Union. Conservative lawmaker To-bias Ellwood said that while engagement with the public was a vital part of the job, there was now huge anxiety among MPs and called for a pause in such meetings.Patel said Amess was killed doing a job he loved, and law-makers should remain acces-sible to the public.“We will continue to absolutely stand by the principles that we are elected by: to serve our constituents in the open way in which we have been doing so, but also recognising that there are safety and protection measures.

US Offers To Compensate, Relocate Relatives Of

10 Killed In Botched Afghan Drone StrikeWashington: The United States said Friday it has offered to pay unspecified compensation to relatives of 10 people in Afghanistan in-cluding seven children who were killed by mistake in a US drone strike as Amer-ican forces were complet-ing their withdrawal.In a statement the Pentagon also said it was working with the State Department to relocate to the United States any of those relatives who wish to leave Taliban-ruled Afghan-istan.The offer to pay these people was made Thursday in a meeting between Colin Kahl, the under secretary of defense for policy, and Ste-ven Kwon, the founder and

president of an aid group active in Afghanistan called Nutrition and Education International, the Pentagon said in a statement.That organization employed Ezmarai Ahmadi, who was wrongly identified as an ISIS terrorist by US intelli-gence on August 29 during the final days اof the chaotic US evacuation from Kabul.US intelligence tracked his white Toyota for eight hours before targeting the car with a missile, killing seven children and three adults, including Ahmadi.US Cen-tral Command commander General Kenneth McKenzie said at the time that Amer-ican intelligence had seen

the vehicle at a site in Ka-bul that had been identified as a location from which IS operatives were believed to be preparing attacks on the Kabul airport.Three days earlier an ISIS-K suicide bomber had killed scores at the airport, includ-ing 13 US service members.But last month US officials conceded the drone attack was an error.In the meeting Thursday “Dr. Kahl noted that the strike was a tragic mistake and that Mr. Ezma-rai Ahmadi and others who were killed were innocent victims who bore no blame and were not affiliated with ISIS-K or threats to US forc-es,”

Myanmar Junta Chief Excluded From Summit: ASEAN

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei: Myanmar’s junta chief will be excluded from an upcom-ing ASEAN summit, the group said Satur-day, a rare rebuke as concerns rise over the military government’s commitment to de-fusing a bloody crisis.Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed at an emer-gency meeting late Friday that Min Aung Hlaing would not be invited to the October 26-28 summit, current ASEAN chair Brunei said.The bloc, widely considered a toothless or-ganisation, took a strong stand after the jun-ta rebuffed requests for a special envoy to meet with all parties concerned -- a phrase seen to include ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.The statement noted “insufficient progress” in the implementation of a five-point plan agreed by ASEAN leaders in April to end turmoil following a coup in February.Some member states recommended giving “space to Myanmar to restore its internal af-fairs and return to normalcy”.It was decided “to invite a non-political representative from Myanmar” to the sum-mit, “while noting the reservations from the Myanmar representative”, the statement said.Mustafa Izzuddin, a global affairs analyst at

consultancy Solaris Strategies Singapore, called the exclusion “a political stopgap measure for ASEAN to assuage internation-al criticism”.“Second, it ensures its regional reputation as an organisation that can still play an ac-tive role in Southeast Asian affairs,” he told AFP.Izzuddin also said the move sent a “politi-cal signal” to the junta “that ASEAN is not one to be pushed around, and that Myanmar must show its seriousness and its commit-ment to roll out the five-point plan”.Myanmar, mostly ruled by the military since a 1962 coup, has been a thorn in ASEAN’s side since it joined in 1997.Elections in 2015 won by Suu Kyi’s Na-tional League for Democracy (NLD) party ushered in the start of civilian rule -- but this was cut short by the coup.ASEAN has been under international pres-sure to address unrest that erupted after the putsch, including massive protests; renewed clashes between the military and ethnic reb-el armies in border regions; and an economy spiralling into freefall.The bloc has expressed disappointment at a lack of cooperation from the junta, which continues to crack down brutally on dissent. More than 1,000 civilians have been killed, according to a local monitoring group.Ads byPart of the consensus was to allow a long-de-layed visit by a special envoy, Brunei’s Sec-ond Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof.ASEAN has insisted that he meets with all parties concerned, but the junta rejected any proposed meetings with people on trial, among them Suu Kyi, who is facing charges including sedition and flouting coronavirus restrictions during last year’s polls.Member nations had already voiced their disappointment at the path the junta has chosen.

Sheikh Hasina meets Hindu leaders after India’s concern over clashes

DHAKA: Police fired

tear gas and rubber bullets

at thousands of protest-

ers in Bangladesh’s two

main cities on Friday as

disturbances lingered on

for a third day.And amid

concern over the “dis-

turbing” violence from

India, Bangladesh Prime

Minister Sheikh Hasina

met leaders of the Hindu

community on Thursday

and promised stern ac-

tion.The protests began

on Wednesday after foot-

age emerged of the holy

Quran being placed on

the knee of a god during

celebrations for the Hin-

du festival of Durga Puja.

Hindus make up 10 per-

cent of the population.

At least four people were

killed late on Wednesday

when police opened fire

on a crowd of around 500

people attacking a Hindu

temple in Hajiganj, one of

several towns hit by the

disturbances.Two Hindus

were also killed and some

150 others were injured

across the country, com-

munity leader Gobinda

Chandra Pramanik said,

with at least 80 makeshift

temples attacked.On Fri-

day up to 2,500 Muslim

worshippers gathered

outside Baitul Mukar-

ram Masjid, Bangladesh’s

largest mosque in central

Dhaka, demanding “ex-

emplary punishment” for

the “desecration”.“They

brought out a procession

and then hurled sandals

and bricks at our officers.

We fired tear gas shells

and rubber bullets to

disperse them,” Dhaka’s

deputy police commis-

sioner said.

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HEADLINES TODAY 10HT - OPEN SPACE/HEALTH OCTOBER,172021,SUNDAY

India resumes Covid-19 vaccine exportNew Delhi: Coronavirus vaccines have

been sent to Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Iran according to the government’s decision to resume their supplies, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the government has decided to send the supplies to the neighbourhood initially.India, the world’s largest producer of

vaccines overall, suspended exports of COVID-19 vaccines in April to focus on

inoculating its own population following a sudden spike in infections. —ptiDip in India’s rank in Global Hunger

Index ‘shocking’, methodology used is ‘unscientific’: GovtThe Centre on Friday said it was shock-

ing that India’s rank was lowered on the Global Hunger Index, terming the methodology used for rankings “un-scientific”.India slipped to 101st position in the

Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021 of

116 countries, from its 2020 position of 94th. It is now behind its neighbours Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.Reacting sharply to the report, the Women

and Child Development Ministry said it is “shocking” to find that the Global Hunger Report 2021 has lowered the rank of India on the basis of FAO esti-mate on proportion of undernourished population which is found to be “devoid of ground reality and facts and suffers from serious methodological issues”.

“The publishing agencies of the Global Hunger Report, Concern Worldwide and Welt Hungerhilfe, have not done their due diligence before releasing the report,” the ministry said in a statement. The methodology used by FAO is “un-scientific”, the ministry claimed. : More than 100 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been provided to states and UTs so far, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.Over 10.53 crore (10,53,11,155) balance

and unutilised vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered, it said.The vaccination drive has been ramped

up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to states and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain, the ministry said.As part of the nationwide vaccination

drive, the Centre has been supporting the states and UTs.

Health Benefits of AlmondsA

lmonds are nutrient powerhous-es. Whether consumed whole, chopped, sliced, or ground into

almond flour or almond butter, this de-liciously satisfying nut truly deserves its superfood status. Here are six re-search-backed almond benefits, and simple ways to incorporate them into meals, snacks, and treats.Almonds are nutrient-richAn ounce of almonds, which is about a

quarter cup or 23 whole nuts, provides a generous amount of heart healthy fat, along with 6 g of plant protein, 4 g of filling fiber (13% of the daily minimum), half of the daily target for vitamin E, and 20% for magnesium—along with B vitamins and smaller amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium.Vitamin E—which acts as an antioxidant

protecting cells from damage that can lead to premature aging and disease—also supports immunity, reduces inflammation, helps widen blood vessels to improve blood flow, and is linked to protection against neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s. Magnesium plays a role in brain health, mood, and sleep, as well as the regulation of blood sugar and blood pressure. The overall nutrient package almonds provide also helps protect bone density.They’re packed with antioxidantsAlmonds are a vital source of antiox-

idants, much of which is concentrated in their brown layer of skin. One study (partly funded by the Almond Board of California), found that in men and women who consumed 2.5 ounces of almonds daily, blood levels of biomarkers for oxidative stress decreased by as much as 27% over one month. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of cell-damaging free radicals and the body’s ability to counter their harmful effects. Scientists believe that the an-tioxidants in almonds are responsible for the protective impact.Almonds can help gut healthBoth raw and roasted almonds have

been found to act as prebiotics, which serve as food for the beneficial bacte-ria in the gut linked to immunity, an-ti-inflammation, and mental health. In a recent study, college students were randomly assigned to snack on almonds or graham crackers. After eight weeks, researchers observed that the almond eaters experienced important chang-es in their gut microbiome makeup, including a decrease in a pathogenic bacterium, and an increase in the diversity of bacteria tied to positive outcomes, including weight management, insulin function, cholesterol regulation, and anti-inflammation.They keep your heart healthyAlmonds protect your heart in several

ways. The nuts have been shown to maintain or increase “good” heart pro-tective HDL cholesterol, while lowering “bad” LDL levels.Almonds and other nuts also help reduce

blood pressure and improve vascular function, meaning they help blood vessels relax and reduce artery stiffness. In one study in people with high cholesterol,

two groups were randomly assigned to a cholesterol-lowering diet that contained either 1.5 ounces of almonds, or the same number of calories from a nut free muffin. After two weeks the nut eaters experienced a reduced LDL while maintaining HDL. The almonds eaters also had reductions in belly and leg fat.Almonds can aid weight regulationThe consumption of tree nuts, including

almonds, has been shown to reduce body mass index, or BMI (a measure of weight compared to height) and re-duce waist measurements. In addition to being satiating, the combo of healthy fat, plant protein, and fiber in almonds boosts feelings of fullness and delays the return of hunger. Also, newer research finds that almonds actually contain about 20% fewer calories than the labels state, because some of the calories are not absorbed from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.They’re good for skinWe know that good fats support skin

health, but almonds may actually help turn back the clock when it comes to skin aging. In a 2019 randomized con-trolled study.In the study, healthy postmenopausal

women were divided into two groups. For 16 weeks one group consumed 20% of their daily calories as almonds, and the other ate the same percentage as non-almond fare. A facial photograph and image analysis system was used to assess wrinkle width and severity at the start of the study, and then eight and 16 weeks later. Researchers found that the almond group had significantly decreased wrinkle severity and width compared to the non-almond eaters. Not a bad perk for a tasty food with so many additional benefits!How to add more almonds to your mealsAlmonds are an easy portable snack

as is, but they can also be incorporated into meals. Whip almond butter into a smoothie, drizzle it over overnight oats, use as a dip for fresh fruit or as the base for energy balls—combined with add-ins

like minced dried fruit, chopped dark chocolate, spices, and seeds.Coat baked or sautéed fruit with a crum-

ble topping made from almond butter, a touch of maple syrup, rolled oats, and cinnamon. Sprinkle almonds onto a salad, cooked veggies, or a stir-fry. Use almond flour in place of bread crumbs to garnish lentil soup, spaghetti squash, or hummus, or in place of all-purpose flour in pancakes and baked goods. I also love to toss veggies with a savory almond butter sauce made with veggie broth, minced garlic, fresh grated ginger, and crushed red pepper.Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, is Health’s

contributing nutrition editor, a New York Times best-selling author, and a private practice performance nutritionist who has consulted for five professional sports teams.What They AreThey come raw or roasted, sweet or

salty, sprouted or unsprouted but they’re always crunchy and satisfying. Today, almonds are the star of the Nut Show. They come in lots of varieties, and they’re classified by their color, shape and size. The land of Hollywood super-stars, California, grows and produces the most almonds worldwide. We may call it a nut, but almonds are actually the seed of a tree. Like any good actor, they can play a number of roles in your diet. You may see them starring on your plate as protein in the form of almond butter. They can also be used as the fat you toss into your salad to keep you satisfied longer. Finally, you may see them in your afternoon snack as energy-laden fuel to rocket you through until dinnertime. So roll out the red carpet, because regardless of the role they’re playing in your diet, almonds are award-winners in the categories of both taste and health benefits. hould you be concerned that “nuts are fattening”? Not really. Almonds are one of those foods that are loaded with nutrition, and few people find themselves overweight or in poor health .

New WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines aim to save millions of lives from air pollution

New WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) provide clear evidence of the damage air pollution inflicts on human health, at even lower concentrations than previously understood. The guidelines recommend new air quality levels to protect the health of populations, by reducing levels of key air pollutants, some of which also contribute to climate change.Since WHO’s last 2005

global update, there has been a marked increase of evidence that shows how air pollution affects different aspects of health. For that reason, and after a systematic review of the ac-cumulated evidence, WHO has adjusted almost all the AQGs levels downwards, warning that exceeding the new air quality guideline levels is associated with significant risks to health. At the same time, however, adhering to them could save millions of lives.Every year, exposure to

air pollution is estimated to cause 7 million premature deaths and result in the loss of millions more healthy years of life. In children, this could include reduced lung growth and function, respi-ratory infections and ag-gravated asthma. In adults, ischaemic heart disease and stroke are the most common causes of premature death attributable to outdoor air pollution, and evidence is also emerging of other ef-fects such as diabetes and neurodegenerative condi-tions. This puts the burden of disease attributable to air pollution on a par with other major global health risks such as unhealthy diet and tobacco smoking.Air pollution is one of

the biggest environmen-tal threats to human health, alongside climate change. Improving air quality can enhance climate change mitigation efforts, while reducing emissions will in turn improve air qual-ity. By striving to achieve these guideline levels, coun-tries will be both protecting health as well as mitigating global climate change.

WHO’s new guidelines recommend air quality lev-els for 6 pollutants, where evidence has advanced the most on health effects from exposure. When action is taken on these so-called classical pollutants – par-ticulate matter (PM), ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO), it also has an impact on other damaging pollutants.The health risks associated

with particulate matter equal or smaller than 10 and 2.5 microns (µm) in diameter (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅, respective-ly) are of particular public health relevance. Both PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ are capable of pen-etrating deep into the lungs but PM₂.₅ can even enter the bloodstream, primarily re-sulting in cardiovascular and respiratory impacts, and also affecting other organs. PM is primarily generated by fuel combustion in different sectors, including transport, energy, households, indus-try, and from agriculture. In 2013, outdoor air pollution and particulate matter were classified as carcinogenic by WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).The guidelines also high-

light good practices for the management of certain types of particulate matter (for example, black carbon/ele-mental carbon, ultrafine par-ticles, particles originating from sand and dust storms) for which there is current-ly insufficient quantitative evidence to set air quality guideline levels. They are applicable to both outdoor and indoor environments globally, and cover all settings.“Air pollution is a threat

to health in all countries, but it hits people in low- and middle-income coun-tries the hardest,” said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghe-breyesus. “WHO’s new Air Quality Guidelines are an evidence-based and prac-tical tool for improving the quality of the air on which all life depends. I urge all countries and all those fighting to protect our

environment to put them to use to reduce suffering and save lives.”An unequal burden of

diseaseDisparities in air pollution

exposure are increasing worldwide, particularly as low- and middle-income countries are experiencing growing levels of air pollu-tion because of large-scale urbanization and economic development that has large-ly relied on the burning of fossil fuels.“Annually, WHO estimates

that millions of deaths are caused by the effects of air pollution, mainly from noncommunicable diseas-es. Clean air should be a fundamental human right and a necessary condition for healthy and productive societies. However, despite some improvements in air quality over the past three decades, millions of people continue to die premature-ly, often affecting the most vulnerable and marginal-ized populations,” said WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge. “We know the magnitude of the problem and we know how to solve it. These updated guidelines give policy-makers solid evidence and the necessary tool to tackle this long-term health burden.”Global assessments of

ambient air pollution alone suggest hundreds of millions of healthy life years of life lost, with the greatest at-tributable disease burden seen in low and middle-in-come countries. The more exposed to air pollution they are, the greater the health impact, particularly on individuals with chronic conditions (such as asth-ma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart disease), as well as older people, children and pregnant women.In 2019, more than 90% of

the global population lived in areas where concentra-tions exceeded the 2005 WHO air quality guideline for long term exposure to PM₂.₅. Countries with strong policy-driven im-provements in air quality

have often seen marked reduction in air pollution, whereas declines over the past 30 years were less noticeable in regions with already good air quality.The road to achieving

recommended air quality guideline levelsThe goal of the guide-

line is for all countries to achieve recommended air quality levels. Conscious that this will be a difficult task for many countries and regions struggling with high air pollution levels, WHO has proposed in-terim targets to facilitate stepwise improvement in air quality and thus gradual, but meaningful, health benefits for the population.Almost 80% of deaths

related to PM₂.₅ could be avoided in the world if the current air pollution lev-els were reduced to those proposed in the updated guideline, according to a rapid scenario analysis performed by WHO. At the same time, the achieve-ment of interim targets would result in reducing the burden of disease, of which the greatest ben-efit would be observed in countries with high concentrations of fine particulates (PM₂.₅) and large populations.Note to editorsWhilst not legally-bind-

ing, like all WHO guide-lines, AQGs are an evi-dence-informed tool for policy-makers to guide legislation and policies, in order to reduce levels of air pollutants and decrease the burden of disease that results from exposure to air pollution worldwide. Their development has ad-hered to a rigorously defined methodology, implemented by a guideline development group. It was based on ev-idence obtained from six systematic reviews that considered more than 500 papers. The development of these global AQGs was overseen by a steering group led by the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health.

Air pollution is one of the biggest environmental threats to human health, alongside climate change.

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CMYKHEADLINES TODAY 11HT - BUSSINESS OCTOBER,17

2021,SUNDAY

OWNER:SYED JAHANGIR BUKHARI, Printer: SYED JAHANGIR BUKHARI, Publisher: SYED JAHANGIR BUKHARI, Editor: SYED JAHANGIR BUKHARI, Published From: LUBAAB PUBLICATIONS BUILDING, RADIO COLONY GUND HASSI BHAT, LAWAYPORA, SRINAGAR. Printed at: LUBAAB PUBLICATIONS, RADIO COLONY GUND HASSIBHAT LAWAIPORA SRINAGAR 190017.. RNI NO: JKENG/2011/39231. CELL NO: 9419008414.

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IMF warns economy recovery threatened by virus, inflation

Washington: The International Monetary Fund is warning of ris-ing threats to the global economic recovery posed by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and an out-break of inflation.The lending agency called Thursday for greater efforts from wealthy nations to boost coronavirus vac-cination rates in poorer countries, while also urging the Federal Re-serve and other central banks to respond quickly if current inflation pressures prove not to be transitory.The IMF panel that sets policy for the 190-nation organization wrapped up its annual meeting with a joint statement expressing concerns about the wide divergence in vaccination rates between wealthy and poor countries.The group urged greater efforts by wealthy nations toward achiev-ing a goal of having 40 per cent of the population of all countries vaccinated by the end of this year and 70 per cent by the middle of next year.While nearly 60 per cent of the pop-ulation in advanced economies are now fully vaccinated, only about 4 per cent of the population in poorer countries are.We will take steps to help boost the supply of vaccines and essential medical products and inputs in developing countries and remove relevant supply and financing constraints, the finance officials

pledged.The emergence of virus variants has increased uncertainty and risks to the recovery are tilted to the downside, the group said.The crisis is exacerbating poverty and inequality.The United States was represented at the finance meetings by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.The finance officials also noted rising global inflation pressures and said the Fed and other central banks need to act appropriately if the price spikes prove to be more of a threat to the economic recovery.The Fed signalled last month that it soon could begin the process of un-winding some of the extraordinary support it put in place in response to last year’s coronavirus-triggered recession.The move would be a first step toward possible interest rate hikes that would slow growth and keep inflation under control.The IMF issued an updated econom-ic forecast this week that slightly downgraded its forecast for glob-al growth to 5.9 per cent from 6 per cent in July. The downgrade reflected persistent supply chain disruptions and the wide disparity in vaccination rates.For the United States, the IMF forecast growth of 6% this year, down from its July forecast of 7 per cent.

The IMF policy panel also endorsed the findings of the agency’s execu-tive board on Monday of full con-fidence in IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.The support for Georgieva came following an investigation into al-legations that, while a top official at the World Bank, she and other World Bank officials pressured staff to boost the rankings of China and other countries in an influential business-climate survey that has since been discontinued.Georgieva told reporters Wednes-day that the review showed there was no there there to the charges.But Yellen said in a speech Thursday to the IMF policy panel that the results of the review by an outside law firm could reduce confidence in the international financial insti-tutions if there is not strong action to boost accountability, protect data integrity and prevent misconduct.Critics have cited the incident to support their contentions that China and other nations are seeking to exercise improper influence over the IMF, the World Bank and other international financial institutions.Yellen said the IMF and the other organizations need to find ways to enhance the rights of whistleblow-ers.The United States will monitor developments closely and evaluate any new facts and findings should they become available, Yellen said.Anti-poverty groups on Thursday expressed disappointment that the IMF was not more specific on how the agency plans to boost vacci-nation rates and provide increased resources to fight climate change.Given how the pandemic is becom-ing worse in most of the world’s countries, I’m concerned by the lack of action at the meetings on vaccine distribution, debt relief and general pandemic response, Eric LeCompte, executive director of the religious development group Jubilee USA Network, said in a statement.

Exports jump 22.63% to USD 33.8 bn in Sept; trade deficit hits record $22.59 bn

New Delhi: India’s mer-chandise exports rose by 22.63 per cent year-on-year to USD 33.79 billion in September on better performance by key sec-tors while the trade deficit hit a record high of USD 22.59 bil- l i o n a s im-

p o r t s of crude oil and g o l d spiked.Official data released on Thursday showed that merchandise imports were worth USD 56.39 billion in September, a sharp increase of 84.77 per cent compared to the year-ago period.The trade deficit in Sep-tember widened to an all-time monthly high of USD 22.59 billion due to a significant jump in gold and oil imports. Previous-ly, the trade gap was at a record high of USD 20.2 billion in October 2012.The balance of trade for the first time touched USD 22.59 billion in a month, a DGFT official said.Gold imports during September zoomed to USD 5.11 billion as against USD USD 601 million during the same period last year. During April-September 2021, imports of the yellow met-al stood at about USD 24

billion as against USD 6.8 billion in the same period last year.Crude oil imports in Sep-tember were USD 17.44 billion compared to USD 5.83 billion in Sep-tember 2020. During April-September 2021, imports stood at USD

72.99 billion as against USD 32.01 billion in the same period last

year.Similarly,

coal, c o k e a n d briquettes imports during september stood at USD 2.18 billion as against USD 1.19 billion.During the first half of this fiscal, these imports aggregated at USD 11.93 billion as compared to USD 6.7 billion in the same period last year.During April-September 2021, imports stood at USD 72.99 billion as against USD 32.01 bil-lion in the same period last year.Export sectors that re-corded positive growth during September include coffee, cashew, petroleum products, handloom, engi-neering, chemicals, man-made yarn/fabrics, gems and jewellery, plastic and marine products.Cumulatively, exports rose by 57.53 per cent to USD 197.89 billion during April-September 2021, as against USD 125.62 billion during in

the year-ago period.Imports during the pe-riod rose by 81.67 per cent to USD 276 billion as against USD 151.94 billion during April-Sep-tember 2020.The trade deficit during the first six months of the fiscal widened to USD 78.13 billion as against USD 26.31 billion during April-September 2020.Federation of Indian Ex-port Organisations (FIEO)

Vice-Chairman Khalid Khan said that going by the trend India will hit USD 400 billion exports by the end of the fiscal. “But we should be a little cautious about the trade deficit,” Khan said.FIEO President A Sakthiv-el said that recovery in the global economies across the world and expecta-tions of buoyant order booking position for the coming months specially during the festive season has also led to such contin-uous growth in exports.Technocraft Industries India founder chairman Sharad Kumar Saraf said increasing exports are a healthy sign for the econ-omy but widening of trade gap is definitely a matter of concern.—PTI During April-Sep-tember 2021, imports stood at USD 72.99 bil-lion as against USD 32.01 billion in the same period

last year.Export sectors that re-corded positive growth during September include coffee, cashew, petroleum products, handloom, engi-neering, chemicals, man-made yarn/fabrics, gems and jewellery, plastic and marine products.Cumulatively, exports rose by 57.53 per cent to USD 197.89 billion during April-September 2021, as against USD

125.62 billion

during in the year-ago period.Imports during the pe-riod rose by 81.67 per cent to USD 276 billion as against USD 151.94 billion during April-Sep-tember 2020.The trade deficit during the first six months of the fiscal widened to USD 78.13 billion as against USD 26.31 billion during April-September 2020.Federation of Indian Ex-port Organisations (FIEO) Vice-Chairman Khalid Khan said that going by the trend India will hit USD 400 billion exports by the end of the fiscal. “But we should be a little cautious about the trade deficit,” Khan said.FIEO President A Sakthiv-el said that recovery in the global economies across the world and expecta-tions of buoyant order booking position for the coming months.

Pampore farmers demand preservation of paddy land,

modern machineryPampore: Farmers of Patalbagh village in Pampore area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district have ap-pealed to authorities for preservation of paddy land.The farmers also demanded modern machinery for harvesting and post harvesting management of paddy.Talking to Kashmir Reader, a progressive farmer of Patalbagh and member of Kisan Advisory Board (KAB), Irshad Ahmad said that rice is the staple food of people of Kashmir.

HDFC Bank Q2 consolidated net profit jumps 18% to Rs

9,096 croreMohammad Abbas

Mumbai, Oct 16, KNT: HDFC Bank’s net rev-enues (net interest income plus other income) increased by 14.7% to Rs 25,085.2 crore for the September quarter from Rs 21,868.8 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. Net Internet In-come (NII) (interest earned less interest expended) by 12.1% to Rs 17,684.4 crore in Q2FY22 from Rs 15,776.4 crore in the year-ago period. “Advances grew at 15.5% reaching new heights driven through relationship management, digital offering and breadth of products. Core net interest margin was at 4.1%,” said HDFC Bank in a regu-latory filing.Other income (non-interest revenue) at Rs 7,400.8 crore was 29.5% of net revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 and grew by 21.5% over Rs 6,092.5 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.Core operating profits came at Rs 15131.8 crore, up 18.24% YoY and 4.1% Q-o-Q. Provisions came at Rs 3924.7 crore, down 18.8% Q-o-Q (aids PAT, as per poll expec-tations).The bank’s loans grew 15.5% from a year ago, about three times the banking sector’s rate. It set aside Rs 3,920 crore toward provisioning in the September quarter, down from ₹4,830 crore three months before. The asset quality improved sequentially. Gross non-performing assets (GNPA) were at 1.35% of gross advances as on September 30, 2021 as against 1.47% as on June 30, 2021 and 1.37% as on September 30, 2020. Net non-performing assets (NNPA) were at 0.40% of net advances as on September 30, 2021.The Bank held floating provisions of Rs1,451 crore and contingent provi-sions of 17,756 crore as on September 30, 2021. Total provisions (comprising specific, floating, contingent and general provisions) were 163% of the gross non-performing loans as on September 30, 2021.The consolidated net profit for the quar-ter ended September 30, 2021 was ₹ 9,096 crore, up 18.1%, over the quarter ended September 30, 2020. Consolidated advances grew by 14.7% from ₹ 1,088,948 crore as on September 30, 2020 to ₹ 1,249,331 crore as on September 30, 2021.

Washington: India offers a spectrum of opportunities to investors and business firms, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitha-raman told executives of top American companies as she met and apprised them of various flagship programmes of the Indian government under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat.Sitharaman, 62, is currently in the American capital to attend the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.On the sidelines of these events, she has been meeting a host of top American CEOs with footprints in India and who have shown interest in seizing the in-vestment opportunities in the country.In her meeting with Amway CEO, Milind Pant, the focus of discussion ranged in the areas of research and development, manufacturing automation, innovation and nutrition segment, the ministry said.In a video message after his meeting with Sitharaman, Pant said that India is one of the top three investment des-tinations for Amway.This was a great meeting with the Fi-nance Minister, Sitharaman. It was a pleasure to understand and appreciate the resilience of the Indian society in economy and at Amway, we’re all in it and committed to continuing to in-vesting in India.“We believe in India. It’s one of the

top three markets across the hundred markets globally that we operate in, he said.Initiatives like National Monetisation Pipeline recently launched the National Infrastructure Master Plan and a spec-trum of opportunities at GIFT City in Gujarat was mentioned by the finance minister during her meeting.The minister underlined the presence and performance of the company in India since 1998 and its keenness to invest in the coming years.During her meeting with B Marc Allen, Chief Strategy Officer of Boeing, the discussion was broadly in the areas of skilling, research and development, manufacturing automation, innovation and the aerospace sector.In a video message, Allen spoke about his meeting with the finance minister and the Government of India’s com-mitment to deliver more growth and competitiveness in the aviation sector,

“Increase Of Fuel Prices Through Taxes Is Extortion”: P Chidambaram

New Delhi: The increase of petrol and diesel prices by way of taxes imposed by the central government is extortion for consumers, P Chidambaram, Former Fi-nance Minister told NDTV. ‘’One third of the price of petrol that consumers pay is a tax to the central government, so, a 33 per cent taxation on any com-modity is extortion,’’ said Mr Chidambaram on rising fuel prices in an exclusive interview to NDTV.Giving a break-up of fuel prices, Mr Chidambaram explained that if a consumer pays Rs 102 per litre for petrol, then ₹ 42 goes to the oil companies compa-nies (OMCs) - which in-cludes processing of crude oil into fuel, ₹ 33 goes to the central government as tax, ₹ 24 goes to the state government, and ₹ 4 to the dealers. ‘’Rs 33 out of ₹ 102 is almost 33 per cent. This, according to me, is extortion,’’ said the former finance minister.The comments from the

top politician comes at a time when petrol and diesel prices have been on rising spree in India, driven by a surge in global crude oil rates. Globally, oil prices jumped to a three-year high above $85 a barrel today, on forecasts of a supply deficit over the next few months, due to rising demand due to the easing of travel restrictions, according to news agency Reuters.Back home, petrol and diesel prices continued to rise on Friday, October 15, following a surge in global crude oil rates. In the na-tional capital, petrol and diesel rates jumped 35 paise to cost Rs 105.14 and diesel is being sold at ₹ 93.87 per litre respectively, according to Indian Oil Corporation. Calling the PM Modi-led government as the ‘’greed-iest’’ government that he has ever come across, Mr Chidambaram added that progressive taxes must be increased and the Centre should stop relying on a

single source of revenue to collect its expenditure. ‘’Tax on petrol and diesel is regressive as the amount of tax paid on fuel by a rich person and a poor person is the same,’’ claimed Mr Chidambaram.State-run oil refiners in India such as Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hin-dustan Petroleum revise the fuel rates on a daily basis, by taking into ac-count the crude oil prices in international markets, and the rupee-dollar ex-change rates.Meanwhile, a sharp drop in oil stockpiles in the United States and the member countries of the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Devel-opment is expected to keep the global supply tight. On Thursday, the International Energy Agency said that the energy crunch is ex-pected to boost oil demand by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd), according to Reuters. International Energy Agen-cy said that the energy.

Petrol, diesel price hiked again; diesel nears Rs 100-mark in Goa, Bengaluru

New Delhi: Petrol and diesel price on Saturday was hiked again by 35 paise a litre to take retail rates across the country to new record highs.With this hike, petrol is now at Rs 100-a-litre mark or more in all state capitals, while diesel has touched the 100-level in a dozen states. Diesel is nearing Rs 100-a-litre mark in Goal and Bengaluru.The price of petrol in Delhi rose to its highest-ever level of Rs 105.49 a litre and Rs 111.43 per litre in Mumbai, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers.In Mumbai, diesel now comes for Rs 102.15 a litre; while in Delhi, it costs Rs 94.22.This is the third straight day of

35 paise per litre hike in petrol and diesel prices. There was no change in rates on October 12 and 13.Since ending of a three-week long hiatus in rate revision in

the last week of September, this is the 15th increase in petrol price and the 18th time that diesel rates have gone up.While petrol price in most of the country is already above Rs

100-a-litre mark, diesel rates have crossed that level in a dozen states/UT including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chattis-garh, Bihar, Kerala, Karnataka and Ladakh.In Panaji, diesel now costs Rs 99.56 a litre while in Bengaluru it comes for Rs 99.97 per litre and Silvassa for Rs 99.86.Prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes.Shedding the modest price change policy, state-owned fuel retailers have since October 6 started passing on the larger incidence of cost to consumers.This is because the international benchmark Brent crude is trad-ing at USD 84.8 per barrel for

the first time in seven years.A month back, Brent was trading at USD 73.51.Being a net importer of oil, India prices petrol and diesel at rates equivalent to interna-tional prices.The surge in international oil prices ended a three-week hi-atus in rates on September 28 for petrol and September 24 for diesel.Since then, diesel rates have gone up by Rs 5.6 per litre and petrol price has increased by Rs 4.30 a litre.Prior to that, the petrol price was increased by Rs 11.44 a litre between May 4 and July 17. Diesel rate had gone up by Rs 9.14 a litre during this period.

India offers spectrum of opportunities: FM Sitharaman tells CEOs

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OWNER:SYED JAHANGIR BUKHARI, Printer: SYED JAHANGIR BUKHARI, Publisher: SYED JAHANGIR BUKHARI, Editor: SYED JAHANGIR BUKHARI, Published From: LUBAAB PUBLICATIONS BUILDING, RADIO COLONY GUND HASSI BHAT, LAWAYPORA, SRINAGAR. Printed at: LUBAAB PUBLICATIONS, RADIO COLONY GUND HASSIBHAT LAWAIPORA SRINAGAR 190017.. RNI NO: JKENG/2011/39231. CELL NO: 9419008414.

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Virat Kohli “Absolutely Delighted” To Have MS Dhoni As Mentor For T20 World Cup

His mere presence aside, Indian team mentor MS Dhoni’s “eye for intricate

details” and “practical advice” will help in enhancing the confidence of the squad in the T20 World Cup, captain Virat Kohli said on Saturday. Iconic former captain Dhoni was last month brought in as mentor of India’s 15-member T20 World Cup squad by the BCCI, a move that took everyone by surprise. During a pre-tournament media interaction organised by the ICC, Kohli, who is still chasing a world title as skipper of the Indian team, expressed his delight at Dhoni’s appointment.“He has got massive experience. He is quite excited himself. He has always been a mentor for all of us. Younger guys who are playing their first major tournaments at early stages of career will benefit,” Kohli said during the media session.“His eye for intricate details and practical advice will help improve the game by one or two per cent. Absolutely delighted to have him...(His) presence will not only boost morale but also increase confidence

that we already have,” he added.Dhoni won the IPL title for a fourth time with Chennai Super Kings on Friday. ndia captain Virat Kohlion Saturday said he has “no idea exact-ly what’s happening” when asked about the legendary Rahul Dravid being in line to be the team’s head coach after the T20 World Cup. Batting great and former captain Dravid is all set to take over as the national cricket team’s head coach following the T20 World Cup, having agreed to the BCCI’s offer after initial reluctance to succeed incumbent Ravi Shastri. “No idea exactly what’s happening on that front. No detailed discussion with anyone yet,” Kohli said when asked about Dravid’s appointment.The India skipper was speaking during a captains’ media session ahead of the T20 World Cup that begins in the UAE and Oman with the first round matches on Sunday.The 48-year-old Dravid, one of the greatest ever to have played for India, has been in charge of the national ‘A’ and U-19 set-up for the past six years and a lot of players such as Rishabh Pant, Avesh Khan,

Prithvi Shaw, Hanuma Vihari, and Shubman Gill have come through

the system prepared by him. He currently heads the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and was in Dubai during the just-concluded IPL to meet his former teammate and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and Board secretary Jay Shah for an elaborate discussion. “He has got massive experience. He is quite

excited himself. He has always been a mentor for all of us. Younger

guys who are playing their first major tournaments at early stages of career will benefit,” Kohli said during the media session.“His eye for intricate details and practical advice will help improve the game by one or two per cent. Absolutely delighted to have him...(His) presence will not only boost

morale but also increase confidence that we already have,” he added.Dhoni won the IPL title for a fourth time with Chennai Super Kings on Friday. ndia captain Virat Kohlion Saturday said he has “no idea exact-ly what’s happening” when asked about the legendary Rahul Dravid being in line to be the team’s head coach after the T20 World Cup. Batting great and former captain Dravid is all set to take over as the national cricket team’s head coach following the T20 World Cup, having agreed to the BCCI’s offer after initial reluctance to succeed incumbent Ravi Shastri. “No idea exactly what’s happening on that front. No detailed discussion with anyone yet,” Kohli said when asked about Dravid’s appointment.The India skipper was speaking during a captains’ media session ahead of the T20 World Cup that begins in the UAE and Oman with the first round matches on Sunday.The 48-year-old Dravid, one of the greatest ever to have played for India, has been in charge of the national ‘A’ and U-19 set-up for the past six years and a lot of players

such as Rishabh Pant, Avesh Khan, Prithvi Shaw, Hanuma Vihari, and Shubman Gill have come through the system prepared by him. He currently heads the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and was in Dubai during the just-concluded IPL to meet his former teammate and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and Board secretary Jay Shah for an elaborate discussion. His mere presence aside, Indian team men-tor MS Dhoni’s “eye for intricate details” and “practical advice” will help in enhancing the confidence of the squad in the T20 World Cup, captain Virat Kohli said on Saturday. Indiacaptain Virat Kohli on Saturday said he has “no idea exactly what’s happening” when asked about the legendary Rahul Dravid being in line to be the team’s head coach after the T20 World Cup He cur-rently heads the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and was in Dubai during the just-concluded IPL to meet his former teammate and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and Board secretary Jay Shah for an elaborate discussion.

PELE of KASHMIR League cum Knockout Football

Tournament 2021NAZIR MAQDOMI

In the ongoing PELE of KASHMIR League cum Knockout Football Tournament 2021 Played at Edi-gah Play field. The 10th match of the Tournament was played on 15th Oct 2021 between Solina FC & Fortview FC . Solina Fc defeated Fort view Fc by 3:1 goals. This Tournament is being held in the Memory of late Farooq Ahmad Bhat, a Veteran Footballer of erstwhile J&K State & is being held in Downtown Idgah Play field. The Tournament is being organized by Player Welfare Forum Iddgah in collaboration with J&K Football Association.

Former captain Rahul Dravid set to be next India coach: report

Former Indian crick- et captain Rahul Dravid is set to take over as the se- nior team’s head coach after the T20 World Cup, local media r e -ports said on Sat-urday.T h e

Times o f

I n d i a news -

p a p e r q u o t e d

an anony-mous official at the Board of Control for Cricket in India as saying that the 48-year-old former batting stalwart would be given a two-year contract.According to the report, Dravid’s former teammate Paras Mhambrey will join as the team’s bowling coach.Former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted on Saturday that “the rest of the world better beware” if reports of Dravid’s appointment were true.Known as “Mr Dependable” or “The Wall” among Indian cricket fans, Dravid played 164 tests and 344 one-day internationals from 1996 to 2012.Currently the director of the National Cricket Acad-emy in the southern city of Bangalore, he is credited with mentoring many of the young cricketers in the current national team.Dravid will take charge ahead of the New Zealand series after the T20 World Cup, the Times of India reported.Current coach Ravi Shastri last month sig-nalled his intention to step down after the tournament, which starts on Sunday and runs until November 14.The former all-rounder has been head coach since 2017 after spending three years as the team’s director.“I believe one thing ... never overstay your welcome,” Shastri said last month.