NEW DELHI, Nov 6: With Delhi facing the third wave of COVID-19, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday that there was a need to promote wearing of face masks as a movement to check the spread of virus.
Inaugurating a PWD project to strengthen Rohtak road in Mundka, the chief minister said he hoped that just as people faced the first two waves of coronavirus, they would face the third wave too and that it will end soon.
“Till there is a medicine for corona, face masks are the medicine. These are the biggest protection against COVID-19 infection. We need to promote wearing face masks as a movement,” he said.
Citing the arrival of 32,000 Indians from virus-hit countries in March as well people coming from different parts of the country, he noted that Delhi faced a tough situation.
On the issue of air pollution, he said air quality in Delhi remains good from January till mid-October but worsens after that due to stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana and UP.
Delhi has provided an alternative in the form of a chemical developed by the Pusa Institute that converts stubble into manure. Next year there should not be any excuse by Punjab, Haryana and UP and stubble burning should stop, he said.
If needed, the Delhi government or Pusa Institute may give the chemical (bio decomposer) to the states where stubble is burnt, he said. (PTI)
PWD minister Satyendar Jain said strengthening of the 13.33 Km stretch of Rohtak Road from Jakhira to Delhi Border is scheduled to finish in six months but he would ensue that efforts are made to wrap it up in four months instead. (PTI)
Need to promote use of face masks to check spread of COVID-19: Kejriwal
Bumrah is world’s best T20 bowler, says MI bowling coach Bond
DUBAI, Nov 6: Mumbai Indians bowling coach Shane Bond has described his side’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as the best T20 bowler in the world, saying it was always a privilege to watch him play in the Indian Premier League.
Bumrah and his pace partner Trent Boult blew away the Delhi Capitals batting line-up in the IPL Qualifier 1 on Thursday to help MI reach the final.
“Jasprit (Bumrah), it’s a privilege to watch. The best T20 bowler in the world going about his work,” Bond said in a video posted by MI on its twitter handle.
Bumrah returned with figures of 4/14 from his four overs while Boult had 2/9 from his two overs as MI beat DC by 57 runs.
Bond also praised Boult for the impact he has made for MI in the IPL.
“I loved working with Trent (Boult) since 2012. We have seen him at his very best and I was really excited to have him at our team because what a devastating bowler he can be and he has done that throughout the tournament for us.
“It makes life so much easier. When you are picking up wickets early and he has been the no.1 guy in the tournament,” the former New Zealand pacer added.
Talking about his team’s strengths, Bond said MI have an “intimidating” batting department.
“We’re an intimidating batting line-up, it’s just relentless. Delhi fought really hard in the middle of the innings and got back themselves well into the game. If they had little bit of more luck, we would have been under pressure at the back,” he said. (PTI)
Govt yet to take call on China’s entry into 5G: Bhalla
NEW DELHI, Nov 6: Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Friday said the Government has not taken any call on allowing Chinese telecom companies to enter into the 5G trials in India but acknowledged that the penetration of the neighbouring country into the existing network is too extensive.
Bhalla, however, also made it clear that the Government is making special safeguards to ensure safety and security of the country’s communication network.
“On 5G, the government in any case has not taken any call. Discussions are still on…When it will be allowed and who are the people to be allowed. Point is very valid. The penetration of existing telecom hardware and software is too extensive,” he said at the Diamond Jubilee webinar organised by National Defence College.
He was replying to a question on participation of Chinese telecom players in India’s 5G trials.
The home secretary said unless India gets a substitute, the existing facilities cannot be closed down abruptly.
“Unless we have a substitute available, we just can’t switch off and say that this will not be allowed. But the government can definitely make special safeguards and ensure the safety and security of the system of communication of the country. That we are having and we are developing and we will definitely be able to deal with that,” he said.
The US has banned Huawei, the world’s leader in telecom equipment and the number two smartphone producer, over concerns of security and Washington has been putting pressure on other countries to restrict the operations of the Chinese telecom firm.
India, however, is yet to take a call on whether it intends to place curbs on Huawei or allow the Chinese telecom equipment maker to participate in the upcoming 5G trials.
Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had earlier said India has its security issues over allowing Huawei to participate in the upcoming 5G trials.
“We will take a firm view on it. There are also security issues…It is not only a matter of technology, as regard their participation in 5G is concerned…Participation of 5G is not conditional upon the trial being started. Whether a particular company is allowed to participate or not, is a complex question, including security issues,” he had said. (PTI)
AM Hyundai launches all-new i20
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 6: AM Hyundai today launched India’s most anticipated car–the all-new i20.
Through its sleek styling, futuristic design, exhilarating performance and segment leading technologies, the all-new i20 is slated to redefine benchmarks, creating yet another iconic offering for the smart Indian customer.
Commenting on the launch of ‘the all-new i20’, Jatinder Gupta, Chairman, AM Hyundai, said, “With the launch of the all-new i20, Hyundai has once again redefined standards in the premium hatchback segment. As a customer centric organization, Hyundai has developed the all-new i20 to offer state-of-the-art technologies and flamboyant design, bringing to life an unparalleled mobility experience for new age customers. Hyundai has packaged the all-new i20 as a future ready car that will not just become the pinnacle of this segment, but set the benchmark for automobiles in India.”
The car was unveiled at the dealership by SBI DGM Ajitav Prashar and AGM SBI SS Bali.
Present on the occasion were Managing Director AM Hyundai Sanjay Mahajan, Directors Ankur Mahajan, Akshay Mahajan and Aryan Mahajan.
Friday following Eid-e-Milad observed with fervour in Valley
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Nov 6: Friday following of Eid-e-Milad was today observed across Kashmir with religious fervour with the largest gathering of devotees reported from Dargah Hazratbal in Srinagar.
People in thousands participated in Friday congregational prayers with adherence to COVID-19 SOPs. The large participation of people was also witnessed during other prayer timings during the day.
Devotees including women, elderly and children were seen reaching Dargah Hazratbal at around noon to participate in the prayers. Earlier, on the eve of Eid Milad similar scenes were witnessed there.
Reports of conduct of large gatherings on the occasion were also received from other parts of Kashmir valley.
Anticipating a rush of people at the venue, a detailed route plan was put forth by the Traffic Department whose personnel were seen on the roads leading to Dargah manning traffic throughout the day.
Keeping in view the rush of people, two parking spaces that were notified on the eve of Eid-e-Milad, Kashmir University Campus and NIT, Srinagar, were again designated as parking spaces where the devotees were asked to park their vehicles.
Despite the route plan, traffic jams were observed at various places along the route leading to the main venue of the day.
People from across Kashmir Valley had managed to reach to Dargah and offered Friday congregational prayers, while some had plans of staying up till the last prayer of the day, others headed to their homes soon after the Friday prayers.
Notably, after the culmination of every prayer of the day, the holy relic of the Prophet (SAW) is displayed with utter caution from one of the minarets of Dargah Hazratbal.
People who were coming out the mosque said that they prayed for the peace and prosperity of J&K as a whole and particularly asked Almighty’s blessings in putting an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The last time I was here, I prayed for the end of COVID pandemic which has wreaked havoc everywhere, today I prayed for the peace and prosperity of this place which has now seen a lot of turbulence,” an elderly lady said.
On part of the administration, the arrangements were similar to what was put in place on the eve of Eid-e-Milad. Adequate buses were made to ply on all the major routes leading to Dargah Hazratbal and additionally, more sumos were also made available on the route for the day.
Officials said that proper parking facilities were arranged for the public reaching Dargah, while as basic medical camps and ambulances, infrared thermometers were also put in place on all the ten entrance of Dargah.
Also, proper arrangements were made for the conduct of prayers; mats were placed in a way to make sure that the social distancing is maintained across.
BJP to launch counter offensive against Gupkar Alliance from today
Chug holds strategic meetings with Core Group, office bearers
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 6: In a bid to frustrate the designs of Gupkar Alliance who are going to hold first ever meeting in Winter Capital here tomorrow, BJP is going to launch a counter offensive.
This was decided in Party’ s Core Group meeting here, today which was chaired by party national general secretary, Tarun Chug who is on two days hectic tour of Jammu to finalise strategy for upcoming District Development Committees (DDCs) and Panchayat elections in the UT.
According to party sources, the BJP is convening the meeting of its J&K office bearers , district presidents, Morcha presidents and Prabharis at party Headquarters Trikuta Nagar here at 11 am which among others will be attended by Union Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh, two MPs , Jugal Kishore Sharma and Shamsher Singh Manhas. The meeting, besides devising poll strategy, selection of prospective candidates, tie up with independents in Kashmir valley both for DDCs and Panchayat elections and security issue of candidates, Panchs, Sarpanchs and councilors will also launch an offensive campaign against Gupkar Declaration whose leaders are holding first ever meeting at Jammu tomorrow.
Sources said meeting will be chaired by BJP national general secretary, Tarun Chug and party will fully counter the Gupkar Alliance by terming it against the cause of people of J&K and Ladakh UTs.
Sources said soon after his arrival here, today Chug held the stratigic meeting with leaders from Kashmir valley and sought their views on upcoming DDCs and Panchayat polls as well as names of probable independents with whom party will have a tie up. Sources said Chug conveyed Kashmiri leaders to go ahead with full vigour in upcoming elections.
He assured the party men that the security concerns of candidates will be addressed and Home Minister has conveyed the same to a delegation of senior leaders from Delhi.
Sources said the BJP leaders from Valley with whom Chug held meeting included its vice president and former MLC, Sofi Yous, Mudasar, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, former MLCs, Surinder Ambardar and G L Raina , party incharge for South Kashmir, Veer Saraf and corporator Arif Raja.
Later Chug convened the Core Group meeting and discussed the prevailing situation in UT with them. The meeting also discussed the constitution of committees for selection of candidates in both regions of UT.
The meeting was attended by BJP J&K UT president, Ravinder Raina, party general secretary, (Org) Ashok Kaul, party national secretary, Dr Narinder Singh, former presidents, Sat Sharma and Dr Nirmal Singh, senior leader, Kavinder Gupta, general secretary ,Sunil Sharma and Dr D K Manyal.
Later talking to Excelsior BJP president, Ravinder Raina said the party has decided to launch a forceful counter campaign against Gupkar Alliance. “We will not let them to succeed in their designs. This is not People’s Alliance but the alliance of disgruntled politicians who deceived the people of the J&K over the years”, he added.
He said these leaders in their rule promoted corruption, dynastic politics and secessionism.
He said these leaders are responsible for promotion of secessionist Hurriyat and prevailing mess in J&K. But now BJP will not allow them to succeed in their designs and party will launch forceful campaign against them.
Justice Magrey on 2-day visit to Leh, inaugurates office of LLSA
Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Nov 6: Executive Chairman of Ladakh Legal Services Authority (LLSA) and Judge of High Court Justice Ali Mohd Magrey today started his two day visit to Leh district.
During his visit, Justice Magrey inaugurated office of Ladakh Legal Services Authority and interacted with Bar members. Many officers of the administration along with several NGOs, lawyers, para-legal volunteers attended the inaugural function.
He also inaugurated the Retainer/ Panel Lawyers, Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) meet and training program which was jointly organized by Ladakh Legal Services Authority and District Legal Services Authorities of Ladakh at District Court Complex Leh.
Speaking on the occasion, Justice Magrey said, “endeavor of Ladakh Legal Services Authority is to safeguard the rights of the marginalized and downtrodden sections of society”. He advised Panel/Retainer lawyers and PLVs to work in coordinated manner to streamline the justice delivery system at grass root level.
He also highlighted the objective behind the enactment of Legal Services Authority Act 1997 and said that PLVs play an important role in the society for creating legal awareness in respect of constitutional rights being a link between the legal services institutions and general masses. “Legal Service Authority provide free and competent legal services to the weaker section of the society to ensure that opportunity for securing justice is not deprived to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities”, he said and directed to organize Lok Adalats to secure the operation of the legal system, promote justice on the basis of equal opportunity.
Advocate Mohd Shafi Lassu, President Bar Association Leh highlighted the concerns regarding the difficulties faced by the advocates and Justice Magrey asked the advocates of the Bar to work hard and compete with the best of the lawyers of the country to achieve the epitome of profession with aim to appear before the highest court of the J&K and Ladakh as well as before the Supreme Court.
Prayers offered on Friday following Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 6: There was merriment near mosques in the City of Temples and members of Muslim community offered prayers as it was the Friday following Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi.
Mosques across Jammu were beautifully decorated and there were stalls outside for Islamic books, caps, rosaries, eatables etc.
The authorities have made all the necessary facilities for the devotees and the mosques too had put in place special arrangements like social distancing etc in view of COVID-19 pandemic.
“Routine prayers were offered in mosques today like other Fridays. This was the first Friday following Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi which is celebrated as the birthday of Prophet Mohammad,” Imam Jamia Masjid Talab Khatikan, Mufti Inayat Ullah said.
Tariq Janjua, who lives near Jammu University said due to COVID-19 pandemic he preferred to offer prayers at home as a safety measure.
Gujjar leader, Sobat Ali said the day is like other Fridays and they offer prayers for peace and well being of the world.
Kavinder kick-starts blacktopping work
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 6: Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta today kick-started blacktopping works at Uttam Nagar falling in Ward No-55 of Gandhi Nagar Assembly Segment.
Gupta was accompanied by former MLC Ch Vikram Randhawa and Baldev Singh Billawaria (Chairman JMC).
Addressing the gathering, Kavinder said that mission of his party is to provide much required momentum to the ongoing development works so that people don’t face any kind of inconvenience. He said that people should rest assured that the development works commenced under his patronage will be of best quality and long lasting.
“Creating an all season and upto the mark infrastructure in Jammu is my top priority and I will do everything which is possible to achieve this goal”, he maintained adding that to achieve this objective certain exemplary steps are in pipeline and soon development of Jammu region will see the light of the day.
The residents of the area apprised the BJP leaders about other issues and problems which they were confronting with. After giving a patient hearing, Kavinder told them that all their issues will be addressed in a phased manner.
He assured that BJP under the strong leadership of PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah will change the entire spectrum of development in J&K as it is only matter of days now when facilities and opportunities will knock the doors of each and every resident of the UT.
Others present on occasion were Vinay Gupta (district president), Bharat Bushan (Satwari Mandal president), Narinder Gupta, Ajmer Singh, Pawan Singh, Dilbar Singh, Monu Slathia, Joginder Singh, Jitender Singh, Jyoti Parkash, Rampal Sandhu, Parkash Chib and Multan Singh.
LG worships Lord Venkateswara Swamy
TIRUMALA, Nov 6: Jammu & Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha worshipped Lord Venkateswara Swamy in Tirumala temple today.
After staying night halt here, he offered prayers to the presiding deity this morning.
On his arrival at the entrance of the temple, Sinha was accorded a warm welcome by the TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy and Executive Officer Dr K.S Jawahar Reddy.
Later, he was rendered Vedasirvachanam in Ranganayakula Mandapam by Vedic Pandits inside the temple complex.
The Chairman and EO presented him a lamination photo of the Lord along with Theertha Prasadam.
After darshan, talking to the media outside the temple, Sinha said, the COVID measures and maintenance of clean environs by the TTD management are praiseworthy.
He said the arrangements made by the TTD management keeping in view the health security of pilgrims visiting for darshan of Lord Venkateswara are highly commendable.
This was Mr Sinha’s maiden visit to the hills after he took over as the new Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir in August last. (UNI)