Leh, Nov 22: A 4.3 magnitude earthquake hit Ladakh’s Kargil district on Tuesday, the National Centre for Seismology said. There were no reports of casualties or damage to property.
The epicentre of the tremor, recorded at 10.05 am, was 191 kilometers north of Kargil, the NCS said.
The quake in the earthquake prone Himalayan region was at a latitude of 36.27 degrees north and longitude of 76.26 degrees east at a depth of 10 km, it said. (AGENCIES)
4.2 magnitude earthquake hits Ladakh’s Kargil, no casualties
BJP making hollow claims of development: AAP
Need to unite against divisive forces targeting secularism: Amit Kapoor
Jammu, 22 November. Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and vice-president of the party’s Jammu region Amit Kapoor has said that secularism, which has been the hallmark of Jammu and Kashmir and its people, is currently under threat from some divisive forces who are out to destroy it for their vested interests.
Amit Kapoor said this in a statement issued here. He said that Jammu and Kashmir has always been a symbol of secularism, but today some divisive forces are making all out efforts to destroy it to fulfill their personal objectives. He called upon party workers to stand united against such forces and work to preserve the secular credentials of the region at all costs. He further said that only then we will be successful in the fight against such disruptive forces. He said that such elements are working round the clock to create rift among the communities but we will leave no stone unturned to defeat these divisive forces.
Lashing out at the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre, he said that it has given nothing but miseries to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the unemployed youth of the Union Territory who have been disappointed as unemployment is at its peak at this time. Is. He said that the BJP had made tall promises to the people, including industrialization on a large scale, but all its promises had turned out to be empty slogans. He demanded that priority should be given to engage local youth as laborers and employees in the ongoing projects.
Senior AAP leader Amit Kapoor said statehood should be restored in Jammu and Kashmir before assembly elections are held. He said that the present regime is a big blot on democracy as it has completely failed to conduct elections for the last 4 years.
He said that no such development has taken place at the ground level about which the government has been making tall claims. He said that in fact people are getting worried for basic amenities apart from being bothered by false and heavy electricity bills. He said that only Aam Aadmi Party can solve the problems of the people for which the party cadre will have to further strengthen the base of the party at the grass root level. He called upon the people to extend their full support to the Aam Aadmi Party.
The Art of living in collaboration with the J&K Samaj Kalyan
Kendra Jammu Concluded Prajna Yoga program for Hearing and
speech impaired students
November 22, Jammu: The Art of living in collaboration with the J&K Samaj Kalyann Kendra Jammu Concluded a 2-day Prajna Yoga program for Hearing and speech impaired students of Higher Secondary School for Hearing and Handicapped near Shahidi Chowk , Jammu About Seventy Differently Abled students participated in two groups from class 1 St to 6 th in Junior group and Class 7 th to 12 th in the Senior Group A special faculty of Art of Living comprising Ms. Shreya Chugh and Rukmani Devi flew from Bangalore Art Of Living International Centre for this first ever Art of Living specially designed program for kids and teenagers for Deaf & Mute students in Jammu
which was assisted by Art of living Jnk Chapter faculty Ritvik, Akshita, Kanika,Sidhant & dedicated team of volunteers Abhishek, kashish, Bhawna along with SSK staff who helped to execute the program perfectly.
The specially conceived program aims at imparting Prajna Yoga to ensure that these Differently Abled students get the ‘right thought at the right time’ through intuitive power. This program makes them learn to perceive beyond their senses. The basis of the program is to blossom the deep and enigmatic faculties which is present in these deaf & mute students in a latent form. The Intuition Process improves the differently Abled children’s intuition and enhances their sensory abilities, briefed the Organizer of the Prajna yoga Program Ajay kapoor State coordinator – Art of Living Bureau of Communications and Projects After Two Days and 4 hours Sessions the blindfolded students were able to correctly identify and explain, through sign language, the picture or the number recorded on a paper sheet by just touching the paper. They could paint the pictures by simply touching
the Printed Cards and correctly choosing the colors including proper outlining. They did it by accessing the intuitive abilities which helped them to connect with the inner self.
After the session, the participating Specially Abled students were found infused with a lot of confidence. On the Concluding Day State Coordinator – Bureau of Communications and Sewa Projects of Art of Living Jnk Chapter Ajay Kapoor, Treasurer of SKK M D Sharma & Principal of the School Roshan Bhan were present. The President Samaj Kalyan Kendra, K B Jandial who attended the Day 1 Proceedings and the Management was very thankful for such out of world Initiative by AOL .
The Art of Living is happy to present a new and revolutionary program for children and teenagers called ‘Prajñā Yoga,’ which enables the participants to tap into their intuitive abilities. Intuition is the ‘gut feeling’, the knowing or understanding something without the need for conscious reasoning or proof. Traditionally, we are taught to follow our rational thinking and pay little attention to our inner voice, our gut feeling, which goes beyond the layers of reasoning. During the two days of the program, participants learn simple and powerful techniques which enable them to access, cultivate, utilise and maintain their inherent intuitive abilities. This ability is demonstrated through various blindfold activities, such as reading, coloring, walking, playing games and so on. Regular practice enables much more powerful abilities in them and impacts all aspects of their life. Communication improves to a great extent and children learn to express themselves better. There is an improvement in observation and perception as well. Behaviour changes can be dealt with
a lot of ease and effectiveness. Kids and teens report better health, sleep patterns and vibrancy.
The participants learn brain activation exercises, designed specifically for their particular age. They are guided through meditation and relaxation techniques designed by the Art of Living, which is the key tool for accessing their intuition. The Main Benefits are Color identification; Students with low or no vision are able to identify colors, Improved mobility; more aware of their surroundings that helps them to move around more easily.
Get the right thought at the right time: being in a dynamic yet relaxed state of mind this alone is the most important ability which helps them cope with any life situation. Improved academic abilities; development of a photographic memory and ease in answering exams, Removal of fears Improvement in life skills; confidence, willingness to learn and readiness to face any challenes are some of the skills the participants reported after attending the programs.
J&K’s economy growing quite strongly, Agriculture reform best for sustained growth: LG Sinha
Jammu: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha here on Tuesday said that the economy of Jammu and Kashmir is growing quite strongly and Agriculture reform is the best cure for sustainable growth.
“J&K’s economy is now growing quite strongly & Agri reform is the best cure for sustained growth. Our steps are focused on enhancing productivity, competitiveness, removing disparities, diversification to higher-value commodities, expansion of agro-processing & value chains,” Office of the LG J&K tweeted on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, LG Sinha also inaugurated farmer’s convention on liquid Nano Urea.
“Inaugurated @IFFCO_PR’s farmer’s convention on liquid Nano Urea. Biggest challenge before us today is to make fertilizers more sustainable for future & ensure adequate nutrition. Nano Urea enhances productivity, quality, reduces CO2 emission & increases farmer’s profitability,” Office of the LG J&K wrote on its twitter handle.
LG Sinha further said that relationship between admin & society is changing and people & govt are devising new mechanism to work together. In order to put agriculture economy on a new trajectory of growth & better implementation of reforms, farmers & officials should work together & strengthen the collaboration.
J-K: Cache of arms recovered in Bandipora, 2 held
Bandipora, Nov 22: Two suspects were apprehended in a joint operation on Tuesday and a huge cache of arms were recovered in Bandipora district in Jammu and Kashmir, Army officials said.
Two persons were apprehended in a joint operation by the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, said officials on Tuesday.
“On receipt of specific input, the area was cordoned and searches were conducted. 02 suspects were apprehended. 02xAK Rifles and war-like stores recovered,” said Army officials.
Further details are awaited. (Agencies)
Ministers’ panel may recommend 28 pc GST on online gaming, tweak in calculation method
NEW DELHI, Nov 22: The panel of state finance ministers is likely to recommend a uniform GST levy of 28 per cent on online gaming irrespective of whether it is a game of skill or game of chance, sources said.
However, it is likely to suggest a revised formula for calculating the amount on which the Goods and Services Tax (GST) would be levied.
Currently, online gaming attracts 18 per cent GST. The tax is levied on gross gaming revenue, which is the fees charged by online gaming portals.
Sources said that the GoM report is almost final and would be submitted to the GST Council soon for consideration.
The Group of Ministers (GoM), chaired by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, had in its earlier report submitted to the Council in June suggested a 28 per cent GST on on the full value of the consideration, including contest entry fee, paid by the player, without making a distinction such as games of skill or chance. However, the Council had asked the GoM to reconsider its report.
Following that the GoM took the views of the Attorney General and also met stakeholders from the online gaming industry.
Although the GoM deliberated on separate definitions for ‘games of skill’ and ‘games of chance’, it finally decided to tax both as demerit goods attracting a 28 per cent GST.
The message has to be clear that online gaming is a demerit good. However, some relaxation in valuation methods could be provided, sources said.
The GoM report in June had suggested that the GST should be levied on the entire amount received as consideration from the participant.
Charging 28 per cent GST on the entire amount, which a player deposits for a game for both categories of online game, would reduce the prize money left for distribution and drive away players from legitimate tax deducting portals. This may also encourage online gamers towards unlawful portals that do not deduct tax, sector experts had said.
Online gaming witnessed a spurt during the time of Covid lockdown with the number of users in India rising substantially. As per a KPMG report, the online gaming sector would grow to Rs 29,000 crore by 2024-25 from Rs 13,600 crore in 2021. (Agencies)
7.3 magnitude earthquake jolts southwest of Malango in Solomon Islands
An earthquake of 7.3 magnitude has struck south-west of Malango in the Solomon Islands on Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey said. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 15.0 km at 02:03:07 (UTC) on November 22.
The earthquake’s epicentre was determined to be at 9.790 degrees south longitude and 159.601 degrees east longitude. However, no casualties have been reported so far.
The quake comes a day after a 5.6 magnitude earthquake jolted Indonesia’s main island of Java.
West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil said that more than 160 people were killed after an earthquake struck Java in Indonesia, CNN reported. Rescuers were searching for survivors trapped under the debris. Kamil stated that most of those killed were children. Kamil added that the death toll could likely increase further.
The earthquake of magnitude 5.6 hit the Cianjur region in West Java on November 21 at 1:21 pm local time, as per the CNN report. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
MHA’s digital nod mandatory for foreign hospitality to govt servants, politicians visiting abroad
New Delhi, Nov 22: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday revised its guidelines linked to acceptance of foreign hospitality by members of legislatures, office-bearers of political parties, judges, government officials and employees of corporations who travel outside India, asking them to seek prior “online” permission from the Ministry.
As per new guidelines, Rule 7 of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Rules, 2011 says that “any person belonging to these categories who wishes to avail foreign hospitality shall apply to the central government in electronic form in Form FC-2 for prior permission to accept such foreign hospitality”.
The rule specifies that “every application for acceptance of foreign hospitality shall be accompanied by an invitation letter from the host or the host country, as the case may be, and administrative clearance of the Ministry or Department concerned in case of visits sponsored by a Ministry or Department of the Government”.
The application for grant of permission to accept foreign hospitality must reach the appropriate authority ordinarily two weeks before the proposed date of onward journey, mentions the rule.
As per the revised guidelines, “In case of emergent medical aid needed on account of sudden illness during a visit abroad, the acceptance of foreign hospitality shall be required to be intimated to the Central Government within one month of such receipt giving full details including the source, approximate value in Indian Rupees, and the purpose for which and the manner in which it was utilised. Provided that no such intimation is required if the value of such hospitality in emergent medical aid is upto one lakh rupees or equivalent thereto.”
As per rule 7 of FCRR 2011 applicants are required to submit the FC-2 Form electronically on the website https://fcraonline.nic.in.
Also, the list of agencies of the United Nations and other International Organisations, which are not treated as “foreign source”, is available on MHA’s website.
An official privy to the changes said the provision for intimating the Centre ‘online’ has been there since 2015 but it was not included in the guidelines, which has been done on Monday.
“Prior to 2015, the entire process was offline,” said the official.
Under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), any offer made in cash or kind by a foreign source for providing a person with the cost of travel to any foreign country or territory or with free board, lodging, transport or medical treatment is considered as foreign hospitality.
The guidelines issued on Monday said that prior permission is not needed in cases where the entire expenditure on the proposed foreign visit is being met by the central government or state government or any central or state public sector unit (PSU).
Permission is also not needed when the proposed visit is being undertaken in a personal capacity and the entire expenditure is being borne by that person; or when foreign hospitality is being provided by an Indian national living in a foreign country. Visits where members of the Indian parliamentary delegation are visiting a foreign country under bilateral exchange and in courses approved by the government also do not need prior permission.
The FCRA Act aims to prohibit the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions or foreign hospitality for any activities detrimental to the national interest.
In November 2020, the MHA made the FCRA rules stricter, stating that organisations which may not be directly linked to a political party but engage in political action like “bandhs”, “hartals” and “rasta roko” will be considered of political nature if they participate in active politics or party politics. The organisations covered under this category include farmers’ organisations, students or workers’ organisations and caste-based outfits.
In the amended FCRA rules — the law was tweaked in September 2020 — the government barred public servants from receiving foreign funding and made Aadhaar mandatory for every office-bearer of NGOs. The new law also says that organisations receiving foreign funds will not be able to use more than 20 per cent of such funds for administrative purposes. This limit was 50 per cent earlier. (Agencies)
National Conference: Use G20 presidency to engage Pakistan on Kashmir issue
Jammu, November 22:
As India assumes the G20 presidency for a year from next month, National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said the country could use this opportunity to engage Pakistan to address Kashmir issue and also help the world end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
The former J&K CM said he was tired of advocating dialogue with Pakistan as he was dubbed as anti-national. “I am happy that we (India) are assuming the presidency of G20 and I hope the PM (Narendra Modi) will be successful in ending the Russia-Ukraine war that had badly hit the world economy,” Farooq told reporters here. After assuming the G20 presidency for a year on December 1, India will chair over 200 meetings that aim to secure global economic growth.
According to Farooq, he will also join the Bharat Jodo Yatra of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi once it enters the UT.
A delegation of Opposition parties, including the Congress, the PDP, the CPI and the Akali Dal (Amritsar) under the aegis of the All Parties United Morcha (APUM), met Farooq in Jammu and discussed the current political situation in the UT. “There is need to stand against the politics of hate and division in order to strengthen the socio-religious brotherhood,” he said.
A statement of the APUM read that Farooq agreed to have more united and coordinated campaign against the attempts to create political and social division in society.
Div Admin Kashmir issues advisory for sale of X, H and H1 drugs
Srinagar: Under the campaign of Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyan, the Divisional Administration Kashmir on Monday issued an advisory for the sale of X, H, and H1 drugs.
In an official handout, the administration mentions dos and don’ts to adhering to the sale of these scheduled drugs.
It makes mandatory to mention on the prescription the date of dispensing, the number of tablets dispensed along with the stamp of the chemist for Schedule H, H1, and X drugs.
The instructions state that all records and registers should be maintained as indicated in the Act/Rules and they should be made available for inspection by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs Control Administration or any other officer authorized by him in this regard.
Similarly, chemists dispensing scheduled drugs must ensure safety control measures such as video cameras and the prescription should be dispensed only if it is presented within 7 days of its issue.For each Schedule H1 and X medicine dispensed, the pharmacist must record the: name, address, patient’s DoB, name of medicine supplied and quantity supplied, prescription date and dispensing date, and name, and address of the prescriber.
When storing or archiving records and data, pharmacies should ensure they are able to locate and retrieve individual documents or information when needed.
The advisory directs not to dispense medications if the prescription is incomplete, or has alteration(s) without any countersign by the doctor; also not to dispense tramadol, buprenorphine, tapentadol, codeine, methylphenidate for any online prescriptions.
Also, not to dispense psychotropics to minors not accompanied by guardians and not to dispense a prescription when you have reasonable cause to believe that the prescription has been forged or obtained fraudulently and if forged, retain the prescription and forward it to the authorities.
Moreover, it directs not to dispense medications if you do not have a required license-for drug like Schedule X.
In charge of the Divisional Control Room Tahir Magray said that this is part of initiatives taken under Nasha Mukth Bharat by the Govt of India including the toll-free helpline no 18001807202.
Besides, JK Admin is ensuring strict adherence to standing acts and laws related to Schedule X, H and H1 drugs so that any diversion of such drugs into unsafe hands and antisocial elements is averted.
The instructions state that all records and registers should be maintained as indicated in the Act/Rules and they should be made available for inspection by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs Control Administration or any other officer authorized by him in this regard.
Similarly, chemists dispensing scheduled drugs must ensure safety control measures such as video cameras and the prescription should be dispensed only if it is presented within 7 days of its issue.
For each Schedule H1 and X medicine dispensed, the pharmacist must record the: name, address, patient’s DoB, name of medicine supplied and quantity supplied, prescription date and dispensing date, and name, and address of the prescriber.