Month: February 2022

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that the Union Territory government is committed to the goal of ‘health for all’, and promoting social equality through new healthcare projects.

Sinha said this during the foundation laying of various state-of-the-art health infrastructure projects at GMCs, DHs, CHCs and PHCs across the UT.

The UT government said that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Tata Memorial Hospital and Government Medical College, Jammu for technical expertise and academic support for developing modernized cancer care facilities in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor.

Sinha also launched a social security scheme for employees under the National Health Mission (NHM) and also handed over ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakhs each to the next of kin of the deceased employees of NHM.

The Lieutenant Governor said, “The augmented facilities will contribute further towards strengthening the healthcare system and provide its benefits to people living in far-flung areas.”

The MoU with Tata Memorial Hospital for academic and technical collaboration will help in developing ultra-modern tertiary cancer care facilities and technical expertise to faculty, paramedical staff and integration of the cancer institute into national cancer grid, Tata Memorial Centre, Sinha observed.

Expressing gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transforming the health sector of Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor said that the healthcare infrastructure has changed dramatically since 2014. “Earlier, a privileged few were enjoying medical care facilities in big cities and abroad while the majority of the population did not have access even to ordinary health care facilities. With the commitment to public health, we ensured high-quality healthcare for all,” he added.

Sinha pointed out that the Prime Minister gave seven new medical colleges, two AIIMS, 10 nursing colleges and Rs 7,700 crores worth of projects to the UT to create the best medical institutions.

“PM rolled out SEHAT scheme and brought every citizen under the health care safety net,” the Lieutenant Governor further added.

Sinha further pointed out that before 2019, there were only 129 health and wellness centres in the UT and 1,275 new health and wellness centres have been set up by the government during the last two years.

“In the backdrop of a global pandemic, research, human knowledge and technical intervention in healthcare are increasing at an explosive pace that was unthinkable even a decade ago. We are devoting greater attention to medical education and 1,897 medical education seats have been increased in the last two years,” the Lieutenant Governor added.

Sinha said that the new health infrastructure at CHCs and PHCs will strengthen rural public health infrastructure, creation of human resources in the UT, and help the health department to provide quality health care to the doorsteps of common people.

The Lieutenant Governor said that additional AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres are being set up to meet the increasing demand for Ayurvedic and another Indian system of medicine facilities in the rural and urban areas.

Sinha said that by collaborating with world-renowned healthcare companies like Tata Memorial Hospital and Apollo Hospitals, the government has introduced fundamental changes to ensure the best healthcare to the people of UT.

The Lieutenant Governor also asserted that the government is moving ahead in direction of providing facilities for online appointments and digitisation of medical records of patients.

Sinha paid tributes to all health workers who sacrificed their lives while selflessly serving others. We stand with their families, he added. “The request has been made to the Central government regarding the compensation to the remaining families of NHM employees,” he said.

Sinha also urged the medical fraternity to complement the government’s efforts to make J-K Nasha-Mukt (drug-free), and also raise awareness about a healthy lifestyle.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor announced NHM Employees Welfare Fund and also launched S.H.I.F.A (Stimulated Health Information Facilitation Assistant), a WhatsApp-based integrated technology extension to 104 centralized health helpline, and Asha Gullak App for tracking and monitoring of ASHA payments and performances.

Biomedical Equipment Management and Maintenance Program (BEMMP) Guidelines Booklet and UNICEF DGA (District Gap Analysis) were also released by Sinha.

Health infrastructure projects for which foundation stones were laid today included two paediatric centres of excellence, 28 maternal ICUs, 20 paediatric hybrid ICUs, 15 paediatric wards in Government Medical Colleges and districts of J&K.

Bharat Bhushan, DDC Chairperson Jammu, Anshul Garg, DC Jammu, Shashi Sudhan Sharma, Principal GMC, Shakti Gupta, Director AIIMS Jammu, Ashish Gulia from Tata Memorial Hospital, Dara Singh, Medical Superintendent, Doctors, nursing staff and people were present on the occasion at SMGS Hospital, Jammu. While health officials from across the UT joined through virtual mode. (ANI)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a special “military operation” to protect Donbas, the separatist-held region in eastern Ukraine, media reports said on Thursday.

Delivering an emergency address, Putin said the operation has been launched to demilitarize the country. This comes hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine has not posed and will not pose a threat to Russia.

In an emotional appeal delivered largely in Russian, Zelenskyy said “You are being told that Ukraine can pose a threat to Russia.

“It was not like this in the past, it is not like this now and it will not be so in the future. You demand security guarantees from NATO. We also demand guarantees of our security – from you, from Russia, and other guarantors of the Budapest memorandum,” Zelenskyy said in a video address.

Ukrainian President also refuted Moscow’s claims that his country poses a threat to Russia and warned that a Russian invasion would cost tens of thousands of lives.

The White House warned on Wednesday that Putin will face significant consequences if Moscow invades Ukraine.

Meanwhile, an emergency session of the UN Security Council on the prevailing situation in Ukraine is underway.

Ukraine requested an urgent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Meet after Heads of the Ukraine breakaway regions, Donetsk and Luhansk, have asked the Russian President for help.

Putin has also ordered the sending of the Russian Armed Forces to Ukraine’s breakaway regions.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian parliament, Verkhovna Rada, approved declaring a state of emergency in the whole country except for Donetsk and Luhansk regions amid the escalating situation at the country’s borders. (ANI)

Considering the escalating Ukraine-Russia tensions, Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi on Wednesday said that India is in favour of rule-based order and the Indian embassy is in touch with its nationals.

“India is in favour of rules-based order, peace should be maintained. All stakeholders should resort to talks to resolve differences,” said Lekhi while supporting diplomatic talks to resolve the ongoing Ukraine-Russia tensions.

Regarding the safety and security of Indian nationals in Ukraine, she said, “We are trying to reach out to our students and other people abroad, especially in Ukraine. They should stay in touch with our embassy. The embassy will help them out.”

In a travel advisory to Indians, the Indian Embassy in Kiev advised its citizens to leave Ukraine temporarily in view of the continued high levels of tensions and uncertainties.

“In view of the continued high levels of tensions and uncertainties with respect to the situation in Ukraine, all Indian nationals whose stay is not deemed essential and all Indian students, are advised to leave Ukraine temporarily. Available commercial flights, and charter flights may be availed for travel, for orderly and timely departure,” read The Indian Embassy statement.

The advisory further asked Indian students to contact the associated persons for flights back to India.

Tensions escalated to unprecedented levels when Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree recognizing the independence of breakaway regions Donetsk and Luhansk in Ukraine on Monday.

Moreover, Putin’s move brought a fresh round of sanctions on Russia, announced by several countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Japan.

Speaking on the UNSC briefing on developments in Ukraine, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti said that the escalation of tension along the border of Ukraine with the Russian Federation has the potential to undermine peace and security of the region.

Tirumurti called for restraint on all sides. “The immediate priority is de-escalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries for securing long-term peace and stability in the region and beyond,” he said. (ANI)

Uttar Pradesh recorded an average voter turnout of 57.45 per cent till 5 pm in the fourth phase of the ongoing Assembly polls on Wednesday.

According to the Election Commission, Lakhimpur Kheri witnessed the highest voter turnout with 62.45 per cent while Unnao witnessed the lowest turnout with 54.12 per cent will 5 pm.

The other constituency that witnessed more than 60 per cent turnout is Pilibhit with 61.42 per cent.

Banda witnessed 57.48 per cent, Fatehpur 56.96 per cent, Hardoi 55.40 per cent, Lucknow 54.98 per cent, Raebareli 58.32 per cent, and Sitapur 58.30 per cent.

The voting started at 7 am in the morning.

The counting of the votes will take place on March 10. (ANI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee spoke to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and expressed support after the arrest of Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik in connection with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim money laundering case.

Earlier in the day, the Enforcement Directorate arrested NCP leader Malik in connection with a money-laundering probe linked to the activities of the underworld, fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim.

Meanwhile, NCP leaders’ meeting at party president Sharad Pawar’s residence concludes. Pawar had called a meeting after the arrest of party leader Nawab Malik.

Malik was also produced before the Special PMLA court in Mumbai today. ED had also sought 14-day custody of the NCP leader.

According to the sources, Malik was not cooperating during the questioning.

State Congress President Nana Patole called on all the parties of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to unite and fight against the Central Government in support of Malik. He has said that the Congress party is with Malik in this struggle.

“We will collectively fight such acts of oppression by the power-drunk BJP government at the Centre. All this is being done to defame Maharashtra and to gain power in the state. But, the people of this state are watching everything and they will teach them a lesson,” Patole added.

Earlier in the day, ED summoned Malik in connection with an alleged money laundering case related to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

Last week, the ED on Tuesday conducted raids at the residence of Dawood Ibrahim’s sister Haseena Parkar in Mumbai in connection with the money laundering case. (ANI)

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals on Wednesday announced the appointment of former India pacer Ajit Agarkar as the team’s new assistant coach.

“I am very excited to be part of Delhi Capitals squad for this season. I have been lucky enough to be a player and to be returning in a different capacity,” Agarkar said in a Delhi Capitals release.

“It’s obviously very exciting. We have a young and terrific squad led by one of the most talented players in the world – Rishabh Pant. And the coach Ricky Ponting has been a legend of the game. Looking forward to working with them, can’t wait to get started and creating some special memories,” he added.

The 44-year-old, with 288 ODI and 58 Test wickets to his name, has represented Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils in the IPL.

Agarkar joins the Delhi Capitals coaching staff of Ricky Ponting (Head Coach), Pravin Amre (Assistant Coach) and James Hopes (Bowling Coach). (ANI)

Maharashtra Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Wednesday was produced before the Special PMLA court in Mumbai in connection with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim money laundering case.

“ED officials came to my house early morning, took me to the ED office, detained me and later, recorded my statement. They gave me a summons copy at the ED office and asked me to sign it,” Malik said in the Court.

He was arrested today by Enforcement Directorate.

According to the sources, Malik was not cooperating during the questioning.

Soon after his arrest, the leader said that he is not scared and will fight and win.

Earlier in the day, ED summoned Malik in connection with an alleged money laundering case related to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

Last week, the ED on Tuesday conducted raids at the residence of Dawood Ibrahim’s sister Haseena Parkar in Mumbai in connection with the money laundering case.

Searches were carried out by the ED at several places linked to people associated with the underworld in Mumbai, informed sources said on Tuesday.

The ED had also conducted searches at 10 different locations related to late Haseena Parkar, sister of Dawood Ibrahim, in Nagpada.

The agency had also questioned Dawood’s nephew and Parkar’s son Alishah Parkar and Chota Shakeel’s henchman Salim Qureshi aka Salim Fruits. (ANI)

India’s per capita income is expected to reach USD 10,000 in the next 15 to 20 years from the current around $2,000, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani said on Wednesday.

“India’s per capita income today is around $ 2,000, compared to Europe’s $38,000. I believe that with our progress, we will reach $10,000 per capita in the next 15-20 years,” Ambani said in a virtual chat at the Asia Economic Dialogue.

He said India will be among the fastest-growing large economies and the country’s energy needs are going to double in the next couple of decades. “India will overtake the European Union as the world’s third-largest economy. In my view, by sometime around 2030-2032,” he said.

In the virtual chat moderated by R A Mashelkar, president, Pune International Centre, Ambani said India’s progress is unstoppable.

“We will become a 5-trillion-dollar economy, and we will become 10-trillion-dollar-economy. We can only argue about whether it happens in 2025 or 2027 or whether in 2030 or 2032. So when that happens, the quality of life of every Indian has to improve. Today, our per capita energy consumption is one-third of the world (average).”

Asia’s richest man listed three challenges that India needs to address.

One, India must increase energy output to drive double-digit GDP growth. “We have to do it at an affordable basis through the use of technology,” he said.

“Second, India must increase the share of green and clean energy in this enhanced output. And third, India must achieve the goal of ‘Self-reliance or Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in pursuing the above two challenges,” he added. (ANI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that if the BJP forms the government then it would give Rs 900-1,000 every month to the farmers who will adopt and take care of stray cattle.

Speaking during the campaigning in Amethi on Wednesday, CM Adityanath said, “We will give Rs.900-1000 every month to the farmers who will adopt and take care of stray cattle.”

He further said, “We have completely stopped illegal slaughterhouses. I promise that we will not let ‘Gaumata’ be slaughtered while we’ll also protect fields of farmers from stray cattle.”

Adityanath said, “Whenever there used to be vacancies in the state before 2017, ‘Saifai khandaan’ (family) used to do ‘vasooli’ (charge money) for them but we gave 5 lakh government jobs to the youth.”

The elections in UP will be held seven phases and the result will be announced on March 10. (ANI)

The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday arrested Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik in connection with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim money laundering case.

Malik is being taken from the Enforcement Directorate office for medical examination. Earlier in the day, ED summoned Malik in connection with an alleged money laundering case related to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

Last week, the ED on Tuesday conducted raids at the residence of Dawood Ibrahim’s sister Haseena Parkar in Mumbai in connection with the money laundering case.

Searches were carried out by the ED at several places linked to people associated with the underworld in Mumbai, informed sources said on Tuesday.

The ED had also conducted searches at 10 different locations related to late Haseena Parkar, sister of Dawood Ibrahim, in Nagpada.

The agency had also questioned Dawood’s nephew and Parkar’s son Alishah Parkar and Chota Shakeel’s henchman Salim Qureshi aka Salim Fruits.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)