NEW DELHI, Dec 16: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday said more than 1,500 private hospitals have been empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the last one year. The scheme is reviewed every month and out-of-pocket expenditure of patients under the scheme has come down, Mandaviya said, replying to a question in Lok Sabha.
Under the scheme launched in 2018, the government provides health security cover to 10 crore families or 50 crore people of India.
Today, 4.5 crore needy people have been empanelled under the scheme, the minister said.
He said seven-eight lakh beneficiary cards are printed daily and the ministry was working to ensure that 50 crore cards are made available in the next four-six months.
“Poor and needy people are covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and they can avail Rs 5 lakh health security cover. Any hospital can empanel under the scheme … In the last one year, more than 1,500 private hospitals have been empanelled under the scheme,” Mandaviya said during the Question Hour.
The minister said 22,000 hospitals, both public and private, have been empanelled under the scheme so far.
Over 1,500 private hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat in last one year: Govt
J&K Govt Orders Transfers, Postings In Administration
Jammu, Dec 16: The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered some transfers and postings in the administration, officials said.
While J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute(JKEDI) got a new Executive Director, Survey and Land Records got its Regional Director.
“In the interest of administration, the following transfers and postings are hereby ordered with immediate effect: Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, JKAS, awaiting orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department (GAD), is posted as Executive Director, J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute,” said an order issued by GAD on Thursday.
“Anju Gupta, JKAS, awaiting orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department, is posted as Regional Director, Survey and Land Records (ex-officio Settlement Officer), Jammu, against an available vacancy, ” it said
Ex-VC BGSBU Masud Choudhary passes away at 78
Srinagar, Dec 16: Retired Additional Director General of J&K Police, prominent social reformer, educationist and founder Vice Chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University of Rajouri, Dr Masud Ahmed Choudhary passed away at his residence in Gandhi Nagar on Friday early morning. He was 78.
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Dr Choudhary was unwell for a long time.
His Nimaz-e-Janaza will be performed at J&K Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust at 4 PM, as per the sources.
He worked for the welfare of Scheduled Tribe and marginalized sections of society by promoting education among them.
J&K HC dismisses petition against BCCI, JKCA
In a much publicized petition filed against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and its affiliated body, Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh at its Jammu Wing on Thursday dismissed the petition seeking fresh conduct of the elections terming it as misconceived and total abuse of the process of law.
In a judgment passed by the Acting Chief Justice of High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh at Jammu, Justice Tashi Rabstan and Judge Mohan Lal, the Court observed that the settled proposition of law as enunciated (supra) the present application is misconceived and total abuse of process of law as such the same being not maintainable is dismissed.
As per the brief case history of the case, Desh Rattan Dubey, Petitioner(s) through Advocate Parveen Kapahi V/s BCCI and others, Respondent(s) through Advocate Parimoksh Sethi, Senior Advocate Rahul Pant, with Advocate Rajat Gupta, application was filed by the applicants submitting that the respondent No.1 may be directed to initiate the process of amendment of constitution of JKCA and hold its election thereby electing its office bearer as they are guilty of disobedience of the order of the court dated 23/03/2021 passed in LPAW No 14/2019 and other connected matters as they have failed to conduct in a manner as called for by the Court to amend the constitution and hold the elections and remove respondent no.2 to 5 as they are conflict of interest as per the Lodha recommendation approved by the Supreme Court and appoint independent committee having no conflict of interest.
The applicant also submitted that in alternative, the Court direct to fix timeline for amendment of the constitution and holding its elections or in alternative order passed and connected matters may be reconsidered in the light of the basic judgment/order passed which was later on confirmed by division bench of J&K High Court and punished them for contempt for disobeying the order of the Court by not amending constitution of JKCA.
The Learned counsel for the respondents 1 to 5 however, argued that the application is not maintainable as the same has been filed by the persons, who were not party to the original petition which was disposed off by the Division Bench of the High Court as such, the applicants have filed the application without filing application seeking impleadment.
On the other hand, learned Senior counsel for the respondent No.6, Rahul Pant relied upon a judgment of the Apex Court in State of UP V/s. BrahmDatt Sharma and another reported as AIR 1987 SC 943.
Taking a cue from the aforesaid judgment, it can safely be concluded that no miscellaneous application could be filed in a writ petition after its disposal as the High Court has no jurisdiction to entertain the application as no proceedings are pending before it.
However, considering the settled proposition of law, the Court observed that the application which is not only misconceived, but, also amounts to abuse of process of law needs to be dismissed.
Vijay Diwas 2022: Nation celebrates India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971 war
Vijay Diwas 2022: The nation is commemorating India’s triumph over Pakistan in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War today by observing Vijay Diwas. On this day, military heroes’ sacrifices are commemorated, and extravagant tributes are paid to them. After their defeat, Pakistani forces led by General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi surrendered unconditionally to coalition forces led by Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora in Dhaka on December 16, 1971. Bangladesh gained independence when the conflict ended. The 1971 war altered relations between the United States and the South Asian countries of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Vijay Diwas commemorates the Indian Armed Forces’ victory over Pakistani troops in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Martyrs who gave their lives to defend their country are remembered. The 13-day conflict between India and Pakistan ended on December 16, 1971. As a result, a new country, Bangladesh, was formed. The day is also known as Bijoy Dibos, or Victory Day, in Bangladesh.
#VijayDiwas#16December marks the historic victory of #IndianArmedForces over Pakistan in the #LiberationWar1971. On this day, let us salute the courage & fortitude displayed by #IndianArmedForces in the 1971 Liberation War.#IndianArmy#InStrideWithTheFuture pic.twitter.com/vkotPUNh7W
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 16, 2022
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “On the eve of Vijay Diwas, attended the ‘At Home’ reception at Army House. India will never forget the valor of our Armed Forces that led to the win in the 1971 war,” in a recent tweet.
On the eve of Vijay Diwas, attended the 'At Home' reception at Army House. India will never forget the valour of our Armed Forces that led to the win in the 1971 war. pic.twitter.com/apG69cObzw
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 15, 2022
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Army Chief General Manoj Pande attended the At Home reception at Army House on the eve of Vijay Diwas.
President Droupadi Murmu attended 'At Home' reception at Army House on the eve of Vijay Diwas. pic.twitter.com/xEX2Ld47ji
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 15, 2022
Rajnath Singh said, “Today, on Vijay Diwas, the Nation salutes the exemplary courage, bravery and sacrifice of India’s Armed Forces. The 1971 war was the triumph of humanity over inhumanity, virtue over misconduct and justice over injustice. India is proud of its Armed Forces”, in a recent tweet.
Today, on Vijay Diwas, the Nation salutes the exemplary courage, bravery and sacrifice of India’s Armed Forces. The 1971 war was the triumph of humanity over inhumanity, virtue over misconduct and justice over injustice. India is proud of its Armed Forces.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 16, 2022
Army veterans, people, armed forces, politicians, and the government pay tribute to express gratitude for these warriors’ sacrifices. The Pakistani Army surrendered on December 16, 1971, bringing the 13-day conflict to an end. Vijay Diwas also celebrates the freedom of Bangladesh from Pakistan.
CUET 2023 to be held from May 21 to 31, NEET-UG May 7: NTA
The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Friday announced dates for Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2023. As per the agency, the exams will be conducted from May 21 to 31, 2023.
NTA had conducted the debut edition of CUET for approximately 14,90,293 candidates this year. The candidates applied for 54,555 unique combinations of subjects across 90 universities.
CUET-UG began in July and was marred by glitches prompting the NTA to cancel the exam at multiple centres. While several students were informed about the cancellation a night before the exam, many of them were turned away from centres.
With 14.9 lakh registrations, CUET, the common gateway for undergraduate admissions in all central universities, is now the second biggest entrance exam in the country, surpassing JEE-Main’s average registration of 9 lakh.
NEET-UG is the biggest entrance test in India with an average of 18 lakh registrations. While JEE-Mains is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted twice a year, NEET is conducted in pen and paper mode.
Two killed in firing near Military Hospital in J-K’s Rajouri
Two individuals lost their lives after unidentified terrorists opened fire on Friday morning near Military Hospital in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri.
The Indian Army has informed that the police, security forces and civil administration officials are currently at the site.
“In an early morning firing incident by unidentified terrorists at Rajouri near Military Hospital, there has been fatal casualty of two individuals. The Police, security forces and civil administration officials are on the site,” White Knight Corps tweeted.
Traffic Police City Jammu sensitizes officers on e-challaning
JAMMU, Dec 15: Traffic Police City Jammu held a sensitization programme on e-challaning in DPL Jammu.
The programme was chaired by Vivek Gupta, DIG Traffic Jammu Range and attended by Dr Koshal Kumar Sharma, SSP Traffic City Jammu; Raj Paul Singh Addl SP Traffic, City Jammu; Bikram Kumar, DYSP Traffic, City South Jammu; Neeraj Kumar DYSP Traffic, City Rural Jammu; Javed Iqbal, DYSP Traffic North Jammu & Gowhar Ahmed, Inspector THO J&K, all DTIS/SO(Ts) of Traffic City Jammu, were also present in the programme.
At the outset of the programme, SSP Koshal Sharma briefed DIG Traffic Jammu regarding the functioning of Traffic Police City Jammu over e-challaning and other enforcement work as well as switching over completely to digital model e-challaning) in coming days.
The DIG Traffic briefed the officers and asked them to switch over to e-challaning while carrying the enforcement duties. He said that e-challaning has been made fully operational and sufficient number of e-challaning apparatus had also been made available to Traffic cops who shall wear the body worn cameras during duty hours.
The officer further stressed upon proper utilization of the electronic gadgets (e-challaning machines / body worn cameras) to achieve the desired results. He emphasised that e-challaning mode is more transparent and quick disposal for enforcement agency. He briefed all the officers to be more dedicated and involve themselves in ensuring 100 percent digital by implementation of e-challaning besides keeping close coordination with the concerned SDPOS/ SHOs in calming the unpleasant situation on pressure point during peak hours on regular basis and marriage seasons.
SSP Koshal Kumar Sharma also reviewed the individual functioning/ performance of all challaning officers and stressed for strict implementation of the Traffic rules on roads. The challaning officers were directed to make all possible efforts to regulate traffic in peak hours and ensure smooth flow of traffic in City Jammu.
He further directed all the challaning officers to remain focused against all visible traffic violations especially check over the over-speeding, drunken driving, stunt biking, repeated offenders so that their D/Ls are recommended for cancellation to respective RTOS.
During the meeting Inspr Gowhar Ahmed of THO J&K gave a detailed briefing to all officers in handling the e-challaning machines.
Man kills tenant,PhD student, chops body into pieces for money
Police have arrested a man and his accomplice two months after he strangled his tenant, chopped his body into pieces and disposed them off at different places, police said yesterday.
The accused have been identified as Umesh Sharma and Pravesh, they said, adding a saw used in commission of crime and bloodstained clothes among other things have been recovered.
Ankit Khokar, a native of Baghpat, was living in a rented house in Radha Enclave colony and had close friendship with his landlord Sharma.
Khokar, a PhD scholar at Lucknow’s Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, had recently sold his agricultural land in Baghpat’s Mukundpur village for around Rs one crore and loaned Rs 40 Lakhs to Sharma from this amount for business purpose, Deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Iraj Raja said.
Sharma, with an intention to get the rest of the money, hatched a plan to kill Khokar, he said.
On October 5, he strangled Khokar and severed his body in three parts using a saw, which he had purchased before carrying out the murder, the DCP said.
He later stuffed the body parts in polythene bags and threw them in the Ganga canal near Khatauli, Masuri and at Eastern Peripheral Expressway, he said.
Sharma then started withdrawing money using Kokar’s debit card and kept using his mobile phone to hide the murder, the DCP said.
When Khokar’s cousin Sanjiv could not reach him, he visited his rented accommodation and discovered that he is missing for the last two months, he said.
Following this, Sanjiv filed a missing report at Modinagar police station on December 12.
After investigation, police detained Sharma for interrogation during which he confessed to killing Khokar. He was arrested along with Pravesh, the DCP said, adding further investigation is underway.
India’s longest escape tunnel on Banihal-Katra rail link completed
The 12.89 km tunnel, which is the longest escape tunnel of India, on the 111 km under-construction Banihal-Katra railway line in Jammu and Kashmir was completed, officials said.
It is part of the prestigious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) project.
This is the fourth tunnel on the Banihal-Katra route following the 12.75 km tunnel T-49 (longest tunnel of Indian Railways), which was completed in January this year.
According to officials, the escape tunnel ‘T-13’ has been constructed to facilitate rescue work in case of an emergency.
On 14 August, the world’s highest rail bridge over the Chenab river in the Kouri area of Reasi district achieved a milestone when the overarch deck of the bridge was completed with a golden joint.
The breakthrough was executed by conducting a blast and with it, the work on the escape tunnel was started.
“The construction work of escape tunnel (12.895 km) for the longest rail tunnel T-49 between Khari and Banihal stations of Katra under USBRL project was completed today after successfully negotiating major cavity formation,” a senior official engaged in the work said.
“This is the longest escape tunnel of India and its line and level are precisely achieved,” the official said.
He said that it is a modified horseshoe shape tunnel connecting the Sumber station yard on the south side and tunnel T-50 after crossing bridge number 4 over Khoda nullah on the north side at Khoda village.
The elevation of the south end at Sumber is approximately 1400.5 metres and of the north end is 1558.84 metres.
Tunnel T-49 is a twin tube tunnel comprising the main tunnel (12.75 km) and escape tunnel (12.895 kms) connected with 33 cross-passages, the officials said.
Several challenges were encountered in the course of construction such as shear zone, perched aquifer, highly jointed rock mass, and heavy ingress of water, among others, they said.
Out of the total 272 kilometres of the USBRL project, 161 km has already been commissioned and operationalized.
The work of balance 111 km between Katra and Banihal is under progress at a rapid pace, the officials said.