Vaishno Devi pilgrimage footfall in 2022 highest in 9 years: Official

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December 10, 2022

Jammu, Dec 10: Nearly 87 lakh pilgrims have paid their obeisance at the famous Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir so far this year, the highest in the past nine years, an official of the shrine board said on Saturday.
The inflow of the pilgrims is expected to pick up further in the coming days as the year draws to close, the official said, hoping that the figure may surpass 90 lakh by the end of December.

“Till December 6 this year, 86.40 lakh pilgrims visited the cave shrine for the blessings of Mata Rani – a manifestation of the Hindu mother goddess, Durga or Adi Shakti – which is highest annual figure in the past nine years,” a shrine board official said.
He said about 13,000 pilgrims on an average are visiting the shrine at present on a daily basis but the number is likely to go up in the coming weeks ahead of the new year celebrations.

The official said the highest number of more than 11.29 lakh pilgrims visited the shrine in June, while the lowest number of 3.61 lakh pilgrims offered their prayers at the temple in February.
Despite a stampede at the shrine on the New Year’s Day that left 12 pilgrims dead and 16 others injured, January recorded a turnout of more than 4.38 lakh pilgrims.
More than 7.78 lakh pilgrims visited the shrine in March, 9.02 lakh in April, 9.86 lakh in May, 9.07 lakh in July, 8.77 lakh in August, 8.28 lakh in September, 7.51 lakh in October and 6.01 lakh in November, the official said.

Only 17 lakh pilgrims, the lowest in more than three decades, visited the shrine in 2020 when the shrine, for the first time in its history, remained closed for five months due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and reopened for visitors on August 16 (2020).
From 13.95 lakh in 1986 when the shrine board took over the affairs of the shrine for better management, there has been a steady increase of pilgrim footfalls with each passing year, touching an all time high of 1.04 crore turnout in 2012 against 1.01 crore the previous year (2011).

The pilgrim arrivals at the shrine touched 31.15 lakh in 1991 and reached 74.17 lakh in 2007. However, the number dropped to 67.92 lakh in 2008 which was attributed to the two-month long Amarnath land row agitation but again went up to 82 lakh in 2009 and 87.2 lakh next year (2010).

The pilgrim arrivals dropped from 93.24 lakh in 2013 to 78.03 lakh in 2014 and further to 77.76 lakh in 2015 and 77.23 lakh in 2016. It increased to 81.78 lakh in 2017 and 85.87 lakh in 2018 but again dropped to 79.40 lakh in 2019 – the year when the central government revoked special status under Article 370 of the constitution to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the erstwhile state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Following the first-ever stampede at the famous shrine, the shrine board in August introduced Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) as part of various new projects sanctioned for the convenience of the pilgrims, better crowd management and tracking of the yatris along the 13-km track and the ‘Bhawan’ (sanctum sanctorum).

The official said the work on mega projects at Bhawan, including Durga Bhawan having provisions to accommodate 2,500 pilgrims on daily basis, and the Sky-walk, conceptualized by the shrine board to overcome the problem of multi-directional flow of yatra and a chaotic condition at Bhawan – are going on at full speed and are likely to be completed soon.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) and Katra Development Authority that was inked on August 30 will create one-of-its-kind intermodal stations for the devotees bringing services like helipad, railway station, bus stand, auto stand, parking, five star hotels, and other modern day facilities at one place, the official said.

He said the underground cabling work from Katra to Bhawan and in the surrounding areas will have a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) compliance based monitoring system of the electric network.

With the implementation of this project, the existing LT/HT overhead electricity line will be replaced by underground cabling to ensure uninterrupted power supply along the track and in the Bhawan area.

AAP stages protest, demands early assembly polls in J-K

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December 10, 2022

Activists of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by former minister Harsh Dev Singh on Saturday staged a protest outside the Nirvachan Bhawan headquarters here, demanding early assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

The protesters were carrying placards and raised slogans against the Election Commission, accusing it of working under the tutelage of the BJP and allowing its ”proxy rule” to continue in the Union Territory.

”The ECI is holding elections in other states but is silent on the (assembly) polls in Jammu and Kashmir,” Singh, who is also the chairman of the party’s State Coordination Committee, told reporters.

Maintaining that the elections continued to be denied on one pretext or the other, the AAP leader said flimsy excuses were being given from time to time to deprive the people of J-K of their right to have a democratic government and to continue the proxy rule of the BJP.

“The BJP believed that if it could hold the reins of power and run the affairs of state without elections, why at all should it take the risk of seeking peoples’ mandate?” Singh claimed “There is no hope of democracy getting restored in the downgraded state under the BJP regime.” Pointing towards the constitutional provisions and the rulings of the Supreme Court, Singh said the top court of the country had categorically observed that fresh Assembly elections in all states, wherein the legislatures were prematurely dissolved, needed to be conducted and completed within a period of six months.

He said the onus lay on the Election Commission to explain and justify its role as an autonomous body and ensure early assembly polls in J-K.

Around 10,000 deaths attributed to air pollution yearly in J&K

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December 10, 2022

Sounding an alarm, Director SKIMS, Dr Parvaiz Koul on Saturday said around 10 thousands deaths in J&K are attributed to air pollution every year.

Talking to a news agency, on the sidelines of the launch of Doctors for clean Air and Climate Action, J&K Chapter, he said that yearly around ten thousand deaths are attributed to particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) exposure and there is need to control it by countering it.

“Todays programme was intended with an idea to create awareness among public that Air Pollution issue is not only in Delhi and Maharashtra but also in J&K due to increasing number of vehicles, construction, brick kilns, cement factories which emit pollutants and significantly pollute our air and effecting our health which makes air pollution a health issue”, he said.

“Our aim is to aware doctors and this message will reach to masses as people treat advice of doctors as words of God and people will get information how to decrease air pollution and how they can contribute in it,” Koul added.

He said the measures, which can contribute to decreasing air pollution include using fewer vehicles, decreasing the use of unleaded petrol, decreasing use of biomass fuels, less use of Kangri, and using vented heaters.

He said air pollution is affecting every single organ of the body and ”we have work to reduce the pollution.”

“Air quality index in Kashmir is gradually going into poor category, especially during winters and in the past few days AQI has gone from moderate to severe and there is need to intervene now,” he added.

He said government is the policy maker and in the recent past good things have happened like plantation on Hari Parbat and changing Hari Parbat from barren to forest land.

“There is need to take similar initiatives so as to reduce the air pollution. Walking tracks have been constructed is also a good initiative as a part of Smart City Project and there is need to do more small steps so as control air pollution gradually,” he said.

Kishan’s 210, Kohli’s 72nd ton power India to 409

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December 10, 2022

Flamboyant opener Ishan Kishan smashed an incredible double century to help India post a mammoth 409/8 in 50 overs against Bangladesh in third ODI at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram. Kishan got able support from batting maverick Virat Kohli who also smashed his 72nd ODI century to silence his critics. The 24-year-old got a chance in the XI after Rohit Sharma was ruled out after sustaining a thumb injury and he made it count in possibly the best way possible.

Kishan became the fourth Indian batter after Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma to smash a double century in ODI cricket. The southpaw smashed 210 runs in 131 balls as his magnificent knock was laced with 24 fours and 10 sixes. He reached the 200-run mark off just 126 deliveries, becoming the fastest cricketer across to world to notch a double hundred.

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With this inning, the opener threw in his hat for the openers slot with the ODI World Cup in sight.

The southpaw grabbed his opportunity to open the innings and came out all guns blazing to become only the seventh batter to smash a double century in ODIs. Kishan played a breathtaking knock of 210 runs off 131 balls that was studded with 24 fours and 10 huge sixes.

Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the third ODI after he injured his left thumb in the previous match while fielding in slip.

Youngster Kishan made the most of the opportunity and played a historic inning surpassing Chris Gayle’s 138-ball record.

He also bettered Virender Sehwag’s record of the fastest 150 in ODI cricket for India. The veteran batter had reached the landmark in 112 balls while Kishan reached the figure in 103 balls.

Kishan, who is 24 years and 145 days old also became the youngest batter in the history of ODIs to smash a double hundred.

The left-hander also stitched a huge 290-run partnership with Virat Kohli for the second wicket, helping India dominate the Bangladeshi bowlers.

JeM militant commander Ashiq Nengroo’s house demolished in J&K’s Pulwama

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December 10, 2022

Srinagar, Dec 10: The residence of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militant commander Ashiq Nengroo was demolished by the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday, officials said.

The two-storey house at New Colony in Rajpora had come up on state land, the official claimed. It was demolished by the district administration in the presence of police.
Nengroo is a wanted JeM commander and an accused in the 2019 Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

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In April this year, the central government declared Nengroo as a “designated terrorist” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
In a notification, the Union home ministry said Nengroo has been involved in the infiltration of terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir and has also been responsible for perpetrating various terror incidents in the Union Territory.
He is running a terror syndicate in Kashmir and is now “engaged in a perilous campaign to orchestrate terror in Jammu and Kashmir”, remote controlled from Pakistan, the ministry had said.
Meanwhile, militant outfit The Resistance Front (TRF) opposed the demolition of the house and threatened officials and police personnel with dire consequences.
Police officials, however, sought to downplay the threats issued by TRF, a shadow outfit of the JeM, saying this was a desperate attempt by the terrorists who had been cornered.

Jammu-based organisations apply for GI tag for 8 traditional items

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December 10, 2022

JAMMU, Dec 10: To ensure protection in the domestic and global markets, organisations have applied for a geographical indicator (GI) tag for eight different traditional items from various districts of the Jammu region, according to officials. This was revealed at a round table meeting — A way forward for GIs of Jammu and Kashmir — at the University of Jammu for assessing the distinctiveness of the Union territory’s native and traditional items.

The organisation have applied for GI tags of 8 different products, including Chikri wood products of the Thanamandi belt of the Rajouri district, Sulai Honey of the Ramban district, Kalari of the Udhampur district, Anardana of the Ramban district, Gucchi of the Doda district, Rajmash of Bhadarwah and Pashmina of Bhaderwah.

“We have got 8 applications for GI-tagging of some products from the Jammu region. We will be reviewing them. Our aim is to meet local artisans, local cultivators and farmers (who make these products)… We will be educated on it closely,” controller general of patents, designs and trademarks, department of promotion of industry and internal Trade (DPIIT) Prof Unnat Pandit said.

He further said that another aim was to hold a round table meeting to do brainstorming sessions on the products, which can be GI-tagged and how can we make universities partners in the GI-tagging campaign.

Pandit in his inaugural address focused on the significance of entrepreneurship in India and the expanding role of mentors towards creating an entrepreneurial environment.
He emphasised the need for training and empowering the faculty towards mentoring and creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Pandit further said that experiential learning can offer useful insights to the youth of the nation and create a roadmap for them to explore several entrepreneurial opportunities and tap their potential.

He appreciated the efforts and initiatives undertaken by UOJSPVF, University of Jammu, towards promoting an entrepreneurial culture in the region.

Amit Khajuria, Assistant handicraft officer, is batting strongly for GI-tagging of Chikri wood products produced in the Thanamandi belt of the Rajouri district.

Similarly, Rahul Rathore of Ramban has showcased ‘Sulai Honey’ for GI-tag before the review team and said that it is also called van-tulsi honey.

“It is the world’s best honey. It was presented to the British queen during an official visit,” he said.

Abha Rishi, CEO, AIC-BIMTECH, in her address deliberated upon the need for inculcating a clear vision in the students aligned towards their professional goals.

She mentioned that the right mentorship, guidance and a complementing team together can support young entrepreneurs to shape their journey.

She also highlighted the importance of thinking out of the box and implementing the same.
Prof Parikshat Singh Manhas said that the workshop has been conceptualised with the objective of promoting entrepreneurial activity and training faculty mentors to encourage students to innovate and become job creators rather than job seekers.

Bangladesh vs India third ODI | Ishan Kishan becomes fourth Indian to score double century

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December 10, 2022

Bangladesh, Dec 10: Ishan Kishan scripted history on December 10 by becoming the fourth Indian and ninth batter to score a double century in one day international cricket, against Bangladesh in Chittagong.

After losing the first two ODIs against Bangladesh, Indian batsmen rose to the occasion in the third ODI with Ishan Kishan and Virat Kohli stitching a 290-run partnership. Put into bat by Bangladesh, India lost Shikhar Dhawan (3) early. Then it was Ishan Kishan and Virat Kohli act.

Opening the batting, Ishan Kishan smashed 210 of just 131 balls with 24 boundaries and 10 sixes, thus becoming the fourth Indian to achieve the feat.

Rohit Sharma has scored three double centuries. Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar have also scored double centuries in the ODIs.

Speeding car rams into house in Jammu

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December 10, 2022

Jammu, December 10, 2022: A speeding car rammed into the gate of a house situated in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu late night yesterday.

According to the report, the Creta car bearing registration number JK02CH2441, which was being driven by a man crashed into the gate of a house in Trikuta Nagar.

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Mr Akashdeep owner of the house told the media around 12:30pm late in the night, a speeding car came and hit their gate and damaged it. Adding he said, ” We were sleeping and heard a blast like sound outside, when the driver rammed his car into our gate. The pillar which supports our house gate protected us from the accident, otherwise there could have been some tragedy. After the incident, the police came in-time to apprehend the driver”.

J&K: 10 Lakhs Cash Reward for info against terrorists

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December 10, 2022

Srinagar, Dec 10: The National Investigation Agency has put up posters in many parts of Kashmir seeking information about four terrorists of The Resistance Front (TRF), a front organisation of the proscribed terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, officials said on Saturday.

The four terrorists, including two Pakistani nationals, are wanted by the NIA in connection with a conspiracy to radicalise, motivate and recruit youths of Jammu and Kashmir to carry out violence in India. The probe agency has already announced a cash reward of Rupees 10 lakh for each of the four terrorists.

Officials said the posters seek information about Pakistani nationals Saleem Rehmani alias ‘Abu Saad’ of Nawab Shah, Sindh, and Saifullah Sajid Jatt of Shangamanga in Kasur, and their local associates Sajjad Gul of Srinagar and Basit Ahmad Dar of Redwani Payeen in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

The NIA has given its email address, phone numbers and WhatsApp and Telegram numbers as well for the public to share the information. It has assured people that the identity of the informer shall be kept secret.

Can’t remove sexually explicit video until we’re given users’ numbers: WhatsApp to HC

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December 10, 2022

Instant messaging platform WhatsApp told the Delhi high court on Friday that it cannot remove the sexually explicit video of a judicial officer with a woman member of court staff until it is provided with the phone numbers that circulated the video.

The video allegedly shows a Central Bureau of Information (CBI) judge in the Rouse Avenue District Court Complex in an objectionable situation with the woman. The video was widely circulated on social media, prompting the woman to approach the high court on November 30. The judicial officer was suspended by the administrative wing of the Delhi high court.

In her plea, the woman had said that the video was false and fabricated. Besides seeking to restrain the circulation of the video, the woman has also sought to disable the users “from sharing or forwarding the video in question over their platforms”.

In a late night order that day, justice Yashwant Varma directed social media websites to block the circulation of the video.

On Friday, Twitter and Meta (formerly Facebook) said that they removed the video from the their websites. The counsel for Google, which owns YouTube, submitted before the court that the URLs on YouTube will be taken down. However, senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for WhatsApp said, “They are expecting us to do something that we cannot do. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) also says we cannot do it till they give us phone numbers that circulated the video.”

The counsel appearing for the woman told the court that he would supply some of the numbers and URLs.

The court noted that details of the URLs on which the video is still available has been handed over to the counsel representing the defendant platforms.

“The counsel for the plaintiff apprises the court that respondents have taken remedial action…he prays for and is granted liberty to provide URLs which carry the content in question to the concerned platforms for its removal”.

The high court also allowed the plaintiff to provide the phone numbers pursuant to which WhatsApp can take action. The matter is next listed on February 8, 2023.

On November 30,the court had said that the video is explicit in nature and imminent, grave and irreparable harm is likely to be caused to the privacy rights of the persons in the video.

“The defendants shall take all permissible steps to ensure that the further sharing, distribution, forwarding or posting of the offending video is restrained forthwith,” the court had said.

“Bearing in mind the sexually explicit nature of the contents of that video and taking into consideration the imminent, grave and irreparable harm that is likely to be caused to the privacy rights of the plaintiff an ad interim ex parte injunction is clearly warranted,” the judge said in the order.