Kupwara, Nov 14: Hard work can change anyone’s destiny and with this hope, Mohammad Auyob Mir, a 23-year-old visually impaired has qualified JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) exam that was recently held.
Auyob who hails from Sogam Lolab tehsil of northern Kashmir’s Kupwara district was not born visually impaired. But he discovered that he is losing his vision slowly as his age advanced. By the time he entered class 12th at a government Higher Secondary school of Lolab, the same school where the country’s IAS topper Dr Shah Faisal got early education, he found himself as a 70 percent visually challenged person.
Auyob however accepted the challenge and changed his destiny by not compromising his disability. After he cracked the JRF exam, congratulatory messages poured in from all corners. His villagers term his success as “not a simple achievement, especially for him”.
Ayoub did his schooling at a local government school, where he always topped his class with a huge percentage. “My participation was not conferred to academics only, I used to take part in quiz competitions and other school activities as well”, Ayoub said.
“However, my parents never let his blindness come in the way of his education. They provided me with every assistance I needed to continue my studies like other children,” he said and believed that he will be able to change his family’s fortune.
“We have seen difficult days. But all of that will end soon,” he added.
Ayoub said that a local teacher in his vicinity turned out to be his hope, as he guided him throughout the period of his struggles. In higher school, Ayoub got massive support from his teachers to proceed toward his positive goal.
“However during the day, I am somehow able to move but as the evening comes, it becomes impossible for me to see anything,” he said.
In 2017, Ayob completed his bachelor’s in political science and later completed his master’s from Aligarh Muslim University. “Qualifying JRF is not something I have achieved alone, the professors at AMU have a major contribution to my success. The seniors also played a critical role, in my career, they guided me through the entire journey of JRF,” he added.
“Since I lost my sight, my preparation has become a bit different, I used to listen to lectures from my phone or computer. I used to read books through some specific software designed for blind people,” he added.
“Specially-abled students particularly those who are visually impaired are considered as a liability but I want to tell people that if anyone sets his target, disability can’t be a hurdle in achieving his or her goal in life,” he said.
“My family has been always my support to overcome all the challenges I faced throughout my entire journey. Whatever I am going through, I have never complained about anything, I am always thankful to God for everything I have,” Ayoub said.
He has been also creating disable friendly content to help people with visual impairment to crack entrance tests. “I was always diligent with studies and when you are such a student, there is a childish enthusiasm where you want to challenge yourself with more difficult things,” he added.
Meanwhile, the locals while hailing him said that he has proved that facilities alone do not matter. It is perseverance that counts. (Agencies)
J&K’s visually impaired youth qualifies Junior Research Fellowship exam
Department of Roga Nidan and Swasthavritta & yoga celebrated world diabetes day at GAMC Akhnoor
Under the guidance of our Principal Dr Shashi Sudan, Nodal Officer Dr Narinder Sharma and Administrative officer Seema Rani, World Diabetes day 2022 Celebrated at Goverment Ayurvedic Medical college Akhnoor.
During the celebration both the departments conducted three events.A yoga session regarding the Asans for Diabetes were conducted by department of Swasthavritta & Yoga under the guiadance of Dr Abhishek Magotra Associate Professor and Dr Sheetal Gupta Assistant Professor. A free investigation camp for the diagnosis of diabetes and a lecture for students was conducted by department of Roga Nidana under the guidance of Dr Priya Puesh Pargotra Associate professor department of Roga Nidana. From faculty members Dr Harmeet, Dr Sunakshi, Dr Swati, Dr Shrikala were present on the occasion and expressed their views.Students of 2nd ,3rd and final Prof also participated in the above said events.
Scientists repurpose cancer immunotherapy technique for variant-proof Covid treatment
Scientists have adapted what is typically a cancer therapeutic technique, CAR-T cell therapy, for the purpose of eliminating the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to a study.
The team of scientists at the nonprofit biomedical research institution, The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, led by Derya Unutmaz, demonstrated several immuno-based strategies to explore the treatment and prevention of COVID-19.
The first immunotherapy method in the study, published in Clinical and Translational Immunology, focused on the spike protein present in SARS-CoV-2 and the receptor on the host cell, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).
The spike protein is the molecule on the surface of the virus that is responsible for infecting healthy host cells. The protein enters the cell via the ACE2 receptor, allowing the viral RNA to begin its takeover.
In the Unutmaz study, T cells were engineered with anti-spike and anti-ACE2 CAR-T cells to target either the spike protein or the ACE2 receptor, with high specificity and efficiency across various infected cell types.
The second immunotherapy method provides an antibody-based means for preventing COVID-19 infection. T cells were engineered with a bispecific antibody fused with ACE2 to activate the patient’s own T cells to destroy infected cells that present the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein on their surface.
Rather than having cells, modified outside of the body, kill the infected cells, ACE2-bispecific therapy activates the healthy T cells within the individual to target Spike + cells post-infection.
Unlike most present therapeutics, ACE2-bispecific modified cells take advantage of the ACE2 receptor to target the different presentations of the Spike protein across all SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Delta, Omicron, and more.
The ACE2-bispecific therapy can, therefore, provide more efficient elimination of variants with more powerful ACE2 binding. It can also act as a decoy to block viral entry into cells, offering a possible preventative strategy, the study said.
Both the proposed COVID-19 CAR-T cell and ACE2-bispecific-based therapies offer promising potential strategies for future COVID-19 treatment and prevention, according to the study.
PM Modi pays tributes to Pandit Nehru on his birth anniversary
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has paid tributes to the former Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said: “On his birth anniversary, tributes to our former PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji. We also recall his contribution to our nation.”
Mr Nehru was born in 1889 and served as the country’s first prime minister. He died in 1964 and remains the longest serving Indian prime minister yet.
In 1954, the United Nations declared November 20 as Universal Children’s Day and India used to celebrate Children’s Day on that day.
Xen PWD Doda among 3 killed, SE injured in Bolero accident near Assar area of Doda
By King RJ
Bhadarwah, Nov 14:- Xen PWD Doda among 3 killed, while SE got injured when a vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road and fell into deep gorge near Trungla Bridge Assar in District Doda on Monday Morning.
According to reports, four officials of PWD were onboard a vehicle when it skidded off the road and plunged into the George near Assar.
Three officials including executive engineer (Xen) PWD Doda, AEE and driver died on the spot while superintending engineer(SE) was injured.
Police, Al-Khair, locals immediately reached the spot and shifted all to CHC Assar, where doctors declared 3 of them as brought dead and one is seriously injured.
While confirming the incident, SSP Doda Abdul Qayoom, said that as per reports at about 10:40 AM one Bolero Vehicle bearing Registration no JK02CC-0701 was on way from Jammu towords Doda when reached near Trungul Bridge Assar, the vehicle skidded off the road and rolled down 200/300 feets resulting 3 persons died on the spot, while one got seriously injured.
Medical Superintendent Associate Hospital GMC Doda Dr Yudhvir Kotwal confirmed the identity of deceased as Mohd Rafiq XEN PWD Doda R/o Poonch, AEE R&B Doda Kamal Kishore 40 S/o Hem Raj R/o Jakhani Udhampur and Driver Mohd Hafiz s/o Mohd Azim Butt r/o Doda. While Suresh Kumar SE PWD Doda got injured in the incident.
Later, after giving first aid, the seriously injured SE Suresh Kumar was shifted to GMC Jammu for further treatment.
Meanwhile DDC Vice-Chairperson Doda Sangeeta Bhagat expressed shock over the fatal accident near Trungal Pul Assar. Terming the accident as "shocking", Sangeeta Bhagat said, ''The untimely demise of Xen PWD Doda and others in this fatal mishap is shocking. My heartfelt Condolences to their families and friends. May their souls rest in peace. Beside she also prayed early recovery of injured person in the accident. Jammu-Srinagar highway closed after shooting stones in Ramban
JAMMU, Nov 14: The Jammu-Jammu National Highway was on Monday closed for traffic movement after shooting stones and mud slides hit near Ramban area, officials said here.
An official told that traffic was halted on the national highway due to mudslide and shooting stones at various places at Ramban sector.
He said that vehicular traffic will resume as and when rain stops and road gets cleared.
J&K Police to procure 18 UVSS, 5 RoVs and 7 MPVs for anti-terrorism operations
JAMMU: To boost anti-terrorism operations, the Jammu and Kashmir Police is all set to procure seven mine-protected vehicles (MPVs), five remotely operated vehicles (RoVs), and 18 under-vehicle surveillance systems (UVSS).
An official said that the special vehicles and equipment will boost the security and surveillance abilities of the Jammu and Kashmir Police engaged in counter-terrorism operations, they said.
Police headquarters recently floated bids on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal for purchasing security equipment and vehicles. According to officials, the vehicles should protect police personnel against improvised explosive devices (IED) and mine attacks. Besides, police are also procuring two bomb baskets — designed to withstand blasts — and 260 bullet-resistant shields, for which bids have been floated, they said. (PTI)
Classwork suspended in Doda, Poonch parts amid inclement weather
DODA: Classwork for the students in zone Mandi and Baffliaz were closed due to inclement weather, authorities said.
“As per the directions of Deputy Commissioner Poonch, there will be no class work in zone Mandi and Baffliaz of the district (holiday for students only) today due to inclement weather conditions,” a senior officer in Poonch said.
Reports said that primary and middle schools have been closed for today due to bad weather in the Doda district also.
“Due to inclement weather classes upto the Middle (8th) level shall remain suspended today in both Government as well as Private Schools in Doda. 9th class onwards shall work as normal,” reads a tweet on the official Twitter handle of Deputy Commissioner Doda.
Illegal migration, cross-border activities major challenges along Indo-Bangla border: MHA
New Delhi, Nov 14: Illegal migration and cross-border activities are major challenges along the India-Bangladesh border, which is marked by a “high degree of porosity”, the Union Home Ministry has said in a report.
The total length of the India-Bangladesh border is 4,096.7 km, of which 3,145 km has been covered by physical fencing and the remaining is planned to be covered by physical and non-physical barriers, it said.
“The Indo-Bangladesh border is marked by a high degree of porosity and the checking of illegal cross border activities and illegal migration from Bangladesh to India have been major challenges,” according to the annual report of the Union Home Ministry for 2021-22.
On July 26, 2022, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said 2,399 Bangladeshi nationals had been found using fraudulently obtained Indian documents in the last five years.
He said the Centre had asked state governments to take prompt steps to identify illegal Bangladeshi migrants staying in India.
Rai said the states had also been advised to share the particulars of those illegal migrants, who had wrongfully obtained Aadhaar cards, for appropriate legal action.
Former Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju had informed Parliament on November 16, 2016 that as per available inputs, “there are around 20 million illegal Bangladeshi migrants staying in India”.
According to the annual report of the home ministry, to curb infiltration, smuggling and other anti-national activities from across the India-Bangladesh border, the government has undertaken the construction of a fence along it.
“In order to prevent illegal migration and illegal activities including anti-national activities from across the border, the government of India had sanctioned the construction of border fencing with floodlights in two phases,” it said, adding that all the ongoing works are to be completed by March 2024.
The non-physical barrier will comprise technological solutions, while sanction has also been accorded to replace the old design fence with a new design fence.
There have been some problems in the construction of fencing in certain stretches on this border due to riverine and low-lying areas, habitations within 150 yards of the border, pending land acquisition cases and protests by the border population, which have delayed the completion of the project, the report said.
Border roads have been constructed for better communication and operational mobility in border areas, it said.
So far 3,750.87 km of border roads have been constructed out of the sanctioned length of 4,223.04 km. The ongoing work is to be completed by March 2024.
The government has decided to undertake the work of installation of floodlights in West Bengal, Meghalaya, Assam, Mizoram and Tripura along the India-Bangladesh border. Out of 3,077.549 km of border floodlight sanctioned, 2,681.99 km of work has been completed. The rest is to be completed by March 2023.
During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP’s then prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi had said Bangladeshis illegally staying in India would be deported if he came to power.
“They have been given a red carpet welcome by politicians just for votes. You can write it down. After May 16, these Bangladeshis better be prepared with their bags packed,” Modi had said at an election rally in Serampore in West Bengal, which shares a porous border with Bangladesh.
Assam and West Bengal are considered to be the worst hit due to the alleged illegal infiltration from Bangladesh. (Agencies)
Virat Kohli, Suryakumar named in ‘Most Valued Team’ of 2022 T20 World Cup
Melbourne, Nov 14: Tournament’s leading run-getters Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav were on Monday named in the “Most Valuable Team” of ICC 2022 T20 World Cup.
Indian superstar Kohli ended as the tournament’s most prolific batter with 296 runs at a stunning average of 98.66.
Kohli kick-started his campaign with a pivotal 82 not out against arch-rivals Pakistan to anchor his side to a heart-thumping final-ball four-wicket victory.
And further knocks of 64 not out against Bangladesh, 62 not out against the Netherlands, and 50 against England in the semi-finals helped round off an individual competition to savour for one of the greatest white-ball batters of the modern era.
Fellow Indian Suryakumar finished as the tournament’s third highest run-scorer with 239 runs overall.
Three half-centuries— 51 not out against the Netherlands in Sydney, 68 against South Africa in Perth, and 61 not out off just 25 balls against Zimbabwe in Melbourne— helped haul his side into the semi-finals as he scored at a staggering strike rate of 189.68 in his six innings.
Another Indian, Hardik Pandya was named as the 12th man of the side.
“Players from six different teams have been named in the Upstox Most Valuable Team of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022,” the ICC said in a statement a day after England won their second world title in the shortest format.
Captain, wicketkeeper, and opening batter Jos Buttler, fellow opener Alex Hales, and seamer Sam Curran all made the cut for England.
New Zealand star Glenn Phillips and Zimbabwe ace Sikandar Raza occupy the No.5 and 6 positions in the playing eleven. Phillips’ stunning century against Sri Lanka catapulted his team to a comfortable 65-run victory in Sydney.
Another innings of 62 against England helped him reach a total of 201 runs at an average of 40.20.
For Raza, 219 runs and 10 wickets, proved pivotal assets for Zimbabwe with both bat and ball.
He scored a polished 82 off his 48 balls in his country’s opening game against Ireland in Hobart, before further batting contributions against Scotland, Netherlands, and India— bolstered by a brilliant three for 25 as Zimbabwe stunned Pakistan in Perth— rounded off a tournament to remember.
Completing the middle order is Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan, who grabbed an impressive 11 wickets at an average of just 15.00.
And he was similarly impressed with the bat, striking a solid 92 runs at an average of 24.50 to help fire his side to the final in Melbourne.
Sam Curran and Anrich Nortje line up at No.8 and 9, with the former being crowned Player of the Tournament after a series of spellbinding bowling displays.
The left-arm seamer claimed remarkable figures of 3 for 12 off his four overs in the final after getting his tournament underway with a similarly scintillating five for 10 against Afghanistan.
Another bowler who starred was pace ace Nortje, who functioned as a vital weapon in South Africa’s armoury after finishing with a tournament-best average of just 8.54.
Nortje conceded just 94 runs while in the process of taking his 11 wickets as four scalps against both Bangladesh and Pakistan helped him become one of the competition’s most fearsome bowlers.
Rounding off the side at No.10 and 11 are fellow pace bowlers Mark Wood and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took nine and 11 wickets respectively for England and Pakistan.
Despite being ruled out of the semi-finals and final through injury, Wood’s consistency throughout the Super 12s— spearheaded by three wickets against Afghanistan and Ireland— saw him finish the tournament with an average of just 12.00.
And for Afridi, who also suffered an unfortunate injury in Sunday’s final, his figures of four for 22 against Bangladesh and three for 14 against South Africa helped him emulate his new-ball heroics in last year’s tournament as Pakistan were narrowly denied in Melbourne.
Taking his place as the 12th man is Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who starred with both bat and ball by racking up 128 runs and eight wickets.
The dangerous middle-order ace blasted 63 against England in the semi-finals after also taking key wickets against Pakistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe throughout the Super 12s.
The Team in batting order: Alex Hales, Jos Buttler, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Glenn Phillips, Sikandar Raza, Shadab Khan, Sam Curran, Anrich Nortje, Mark Wood, Shaheen Shah Afridi. 12th man Hardik Pandya. (Agencies)