SRINAGAR: Going forward with the ease of banking through digital channels and reaching the unreached with banking outlets, J&K Bank has commissioned a new branch at Dharat in Nowshera, taking the network in the District Rajouri to 39, besides dedicating Cash Recycler Machines (CRM) at Sunderbani, Doda, and Bari Brahmana in Jammu.
Deputy Commissioner (Doda) Vishesh Paul Mahajan (KAS) inaugurated the CRM in Doda in the presence of Zonal Head (Doda/Kishtwar) Fayaz Ahmad Bhat and Branch Manager Satpal Singh, amid a gathering of a large number of people and esteemed customers of our bank.
Speaking on the occasion, DC Doda appreciated the Bank for providing hi-tech banking facilities to the people of the area and urged the public to avail themselves of the banking services at their convenience.
Zonal Head Fayaz Ahmad Bhat reiterated that the Bank’s focus is to expand its digital and alternate channels infrastructure to ensure customer convenience through ease of banking.
Meanwhile, Zonal Head (Rajouri/Poonch) Satish Kumar e-inaugurated the Branch at Nowshera in the presence of Branch Manager Shivalik Tuli and elected public representative Sangeeta Sharma, amid a gathering of valuable customers at the branch premises.
While urging the public to avail financial services, Zonal Head said, “As a responsible financial institution, our role is to ensure economic empowerment of the people by ensuring ease of business and customer comfort.” He assured the people of the best customer services at the branch. He also e-inaugurated a new CRM at Sunderbani in Rajouri on the occasion.
Furthermore, the Bank’s Zonal Head (Kathua) Sanjeev Kumar inaugurated the CRM at Bari Brahmana in the presence of Cluster Head (Samba) Sanjay Kumar Belowo, amid a gathering of valuable customers, local traders, and residents, besides Bank officials.
Informing the people on the occasion about the benefits of digital banking, Zonal Head urged them to use the Bank’s digital platforms.
Notably, residents of all these areas hailed the Bank’s efforts aimed at making banking services easy and accessible for the people, irrespective of their location and status.
We must retrofit and audit the existing infrastructure to ensure that they are able to withstand seismic forces, and we must change our construction practices to suit the seismicity of our zone, writes Uzma Khan
An undated photograph showing Christain missionaries treating people in an open dispensary in Baramulla. The people were injured in an earthquake.
As someone who understands the amount of destruction an earthquake can cause in an area where building codes are not followed, it is my responsibility to draw attention to the urgent need for earthquake-resistant construction across Jammu and Kashmir.
We were recently hit by a 6.5 magnitude earthquake on March 21, 2023, just two months after we heard about the devastating earthquake in Turkey. The earthquake hit 40 km SSE of Jurm, Afghanistan, at a depth of 187 kilometres. The Turkey earthquake has shown us the devastating consequences of not being prepared, and we cannot afford to be complacent any longer.
We live in a high seismic zone, with a fault plate running through our region, making us particularly vulnerable to earthquakes. Yet, we continue to build homes and public buildings that are ill-prepared to withstand the forces of nature. Our current construction practices, such as using masonry walls, flat slabs, and inadequate reinforcement, using improper materials, are not enough to withstand an earthquake.
It is concerning to see how we have become accustomed to spending our life savings on building houses that are not even earthquake-resistant. We focus on false ceilings and architectural designs while forgetting the most basic element: strength. Houses in Kashmir don’t have enough reinforcement and ductility for dealing with seismic forces.
A woman carrying her chid looks at the home they once owned in Uri. The home was destroyed on October 2005 earthquake that almost flattened a vast belt straddling the Line of Control.
To address this issue, we must prioritize the creation of resilient public buildings that can be used for community gatherings and events, so that we do not have to rely solely on our homes for weddings and funerals. Rather than focusing on the sizes of our halls and houses, we must prioritize making the structure stronger and more earthquake-resistant. Critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and government buildings, must also be made more resilient to withstand seismic forces.
Despite the clear evidence from the Turkey earthquake that hospitals built using base isolation techniques can withstand seismic forces and play a crucial role in saving lives, the situation in Kashmir is concerning. With just a magnitude 6 earthquake, there were already reports of hospitals in Srinagar developing cracks due to the shocks. This raises serious questions about the strength and resilience of our healthcare infrastructure in the face of a potentially catastrophic event, such as the Great Himalayan earthquake predicted by geologists. If our hospitals cannot withstand the forces of nature, how can we rely on them to provide life-saving aid when it is needed most? It is imperative that we prioritize the seismic resilience of critical infrastructure, including hospitals, to ensure that we are prepared for any seismic event. Failure to do so would be a grave disservice to our communities and put countless lives at risk.
An aerial view of the Mleech Mar, the first locality of Muslims in Srinagar.
We must retrofit and audit the existing infrastructure to ensure that they are able to withstand seismic forces, and we must change our construction practices to suit the seismicity of our zone.
Just like the story of the three little pigs and the big bad wolf, a house made of straw and twigs will not suffice if we have an earthquake in our midst. We need to prioritize strength and resilience in our homes and public buildings.
In addition to improving our construction practices, it’s important that we also prepare ourselves and our families for the possibility of earthquakes. Creating a family emergency plan can be an important step in preparing for natural disasters like earthquakes. One way to start is by making sure that everyone in your household is aware of the layout of your home and can identify any potential weak spots. This could include things like heavy objects that could fall during an earthquake or areas of the house that may be structurally unsound.
It’s also a good idea to identify a safe gathering spot for everyone in your household in case of an earthquake. This spot should be away from any potential hazards, like windows or tall furniture, and ideally in an open area like a park or field.
September 2014: An aerial view of an inundated Srinagar. KL Image: Special Arrangement
Another important part of a family emergency plan is knowing how to turn off utilities like gas, electricity, and water. This can help prevent further damage to your home in the event of an earthquake.
The recent earthquake not only revealed the vulnerability of our buildings but also the lack of awareness among people regarding earthquake safety measures. People were seen taking shelter under walls, standing near electric poles, and running inside their homes during the tremors. This demonstrates a clear need for educating the public about the dos and don’ts during an earthquake. We must know where to stand and what to avoid in such situations. It is crucial to wait outside in case of aftershocks to avoid further danger. It’s time we prioritize earthquake preparedness and equip ourselves with the knowledge to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Uzma Khan
It’s important to remember that during an earthquake, panic can lead people to make dangerous decisions, so being prepared beforehand can help avoid that.
By taking these steps, we can ensure that we are better prepared for seismic events and protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Right now the real major challenge is to take this matter seriously and work towards creating a safer, more resilient Kashmir. Together, society can ensure that it is better prepared for seismic events and protect itself. Remember, earthquakes don’t kill, buildings do. Let us prioritize strength and resilience in our homes and public buildings and critical infrastructure.
Creating a safer, more resilient Kashmir requires action from all of us.
(The author holds a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering. Opinions are personal.)
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has a huge mental health burden according to mental health experts. The authorities have tried to address and reduce the mental health treatment gap by increasing the number of trained mental health professionals and exploring the potential of telepsychiatry, a new study reveals.
This is the core team that literally rebuilt the Government Psychiatric Diseases Hospital Srinagar which is now known as IMHANS.
The paper titled Reducing the mental health treatment gap in Kashmir: scaling up to maximise the potential of telepsychiatry published in the latest issue of The Lancet, authored by Arshad Hussain and others suggests scaling up telepsychiatry especially in Jammu and Kashmir to fill the gap.
To tackle mental health morbidity, the study suggests scaling up telepsychiatry.
“It is especially relevant in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir that have faced political conflict and natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and including impacts from the ongoing Covid19 pandemic,” the study reveals.
A professor and psychiatrist at IMHANS, Hussain writes in the paper that policymakers have also initiated the Tele MANAS centre in Kashmir, where mental health needs are being prioritised by introducing more professionals who can provide services in local Kashmiri and Urdu languages.
The other co-authors of the April 26, 2023 research include Bhupinder Kumar, Manasi Kumar, and Fazle Roub.
Dr Arshad Hussain (Psychiatry)
A nationwide initiative, the provision of free round-the-clock telepsychiatry services via Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Nationally Actionable Plan through States (Tele-MANAS) and a mobile app called MANAS Mitra, has been successful.
“Since its launch on 4th November 2022, the centre has received 4000 calls as people with mental illness from every district of the Union Territory are seeking professional help,” the paper reveals.
According to the study, these numbers convey the enormous demand and needs but also show that TELE Manas is acceptable to people and they are initiating contact with mental health providers.
“Every Tele MANAS centre would have the facility of trained psychiatrists and counsellors who would refer the patients in acute psychological distress to locally available Government runs mental health centres in case the need arises so,” according to the study.
“The current step is expected to ensure cost-and-time-effective and comprehensive services for the poorly served population of the region, strengthening mental health, an area that has been historically neglected in Jammu and Kashmir,” according to the study.
Mental health across the country remains a major concern because of myriad of challenges such as poor awareness of mental illness, stigma, high treatment gap and shortage of mental health professionals to manage widely prevalent mental illnesses.
The National Mental Health Survey of India reported that the point prevalence of any mental illness was 10.6 per cent while 5.1 per cent of the adult population was estimated to have some level of suicidality.
“Between 2012 and 2030, mental illnesses would cost India 1.03 trillion US dollars. The scenario is complicated by a very high treatment gap of 83 per cent along with only 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 population, even though the WHO desires at least three psychiatrists per 100,000 population,” the study predicts.
Similar efforts are made by WHO special initiative for mental health (2019–2023) which is targeting Bangladesh, Jordan, Paraguay, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe, the study reveals.
On the flip side, the paper’s lead author, a senior psychiatrist, has celebrated the publication of his paper in the prestigious Lancet. Though more than 100 of his papers have been published on different aspects of the mess he and his team have been tackling, this is the first that Lancet published.
“When I joined Psychiatry Lancet seemed stones through, I was on the path to full fill my dream, I got a Fogarty Fellowship at St Louis Washington Med School, Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology Fellowship and many travel Bursaries based on my research ideas, but destiny had other plans,” Arshad wrote on his Facebook. “I was challenged with changing the face of psychiatry in Kashmir with my colleagues and teachers we turned a burnt asylum into the Institute of Mental Health from the smallest department in GMC to one of the largest departments, it took some doing and always makes me feel accomplished, credit for this goes to every psychiatrist who worked there with zeal and enthusiasm.”
He added: “I did publish 100 odd papers but that never gave me a thrill because I never saw my name in Lancet. But today it happened even though nothing great, but the child within me is excited.”
SRINAGAR: Seventeen-year-old Tejas Singh, a Sikh boy from Jammu and Kashmir, has achieved the top position in JEE (Mains) with a percentile of 99.91, The Hindustan Times reported.
Tejas secured an all-India rank of 1123 when the JEE Mains results were announced on Saturday. Tejas is the son of Sukhpal Singh, Additional Secretary in the Public Health Engineering Department (Jal Shakti), and government teacher Sonia Singh. He aims to crack JEE (Advanced) on June 4.
Tejas attended Delhi Public School and achieved 93% in his matriculation. “My father had told me about JEE exams. Since I also liked mathematics, I opted for the non-medical stream and started preparing for it. Though I joined the coaching centre in Class 10. The Covid-19 pandemic hampered my preparation in 2020 and 2021,” Tejas said.
“I started serious preparations in 2022. I studied eight to nine hours with breaks in a day but remained consistent. Consistency is very important. It holds the key to one’s success,” he said. Tejas attributed his success to regular mock tests, and expressed his gratitude to God, his teachers, and his parents.
SRINAGAR: A father-son duo from Pakistan-administered Kashmir was apprehended by the army near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district.
Sardar Abdul Hamid and his son Abbas of Polas village in PAK were nabbed by the troops in Gulpur sector shortly after they crossed over from across the border, according to officials.
The questioning of the duo is in progress, and it is not immediately clear whether they crossed the border inadvertently or with some intention.
However, no incriminating material was found in their possession.
SRINAGAR: A father-son duo from Pakistan-administered Kashmir was apprehended by the army near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district.
Sardar Abdul Hamid and his son Abbas of Polas village in PAK were nabbed by the troops in Gulpur sector shortly after they crossed over from across the border, according to officials.
The questioning of the duo is in progress, and it is not immediately clear whether they crossed the border inadvertently or with some intention.
However, no incriminating material was found in their possession.
SRINAGAR: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has opposed the bail plea of separatist leader Nayeem Ahmad Khan in a case related to alleged terror funding under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) before the Delhi High Court.
Khan has been in judicial custody since August 14, 2017, and has been accused by the NIA of “creating unrest” in the Kashmir valley. He was arrested on July 24, 2017, and charges for various offences under the Indian Penal Code, including sedition and UAPA, were framed against him by a special NIA court on March 16 last year.
The NIA has submitted that evidence collected in the case clearly establishes a prima facie case against Khan and that he was involved in terrorist and funding activities. Certain letters were found during search and seizure from Khan’s residence showing that he was getting students admitted for MBBS courses in Pakistan, according to the agency.
The NIA has alleged that this shows Khan’s involvement in terror funding out of commission earned from getting students admitted to MBBS courses in Pakistan. Various videos have also been relied upon by the NIA to allege that Khan is seen leading a “pro-ISIS rally” and “visiting areas where terrorists were killed.” The NIA has stated that the videos have conversations by Khan about funding from Hizbul Mujahideen.
The matter will be heard on May 03 by a division bench of Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Talwant Singh. The case alleges that there was a larger criminal conspiracy for causing disruption in the Kashmir valley by way of “pelting stones on the security forces, systematically burning of schools, damage to public property, and for waging war against India.” The case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the UAPA.
While denying him bail, the special NIA judge had noted that a detailed scrutiny of evidence and statements of various witnesses was done at the time of framing of charges and it was concluded that there is sufficient evidence available raising “grave suspicion” regarding Khan’s involvement. (LiveLaw)
SRINAGAR: JK Bank’s top officials interacted with the members of JK Fruits and Vegetables Processing and Integrated Cold chain Association (JKPICCA) and Industrial Association Lassipora, and the bank was appraised of various issues faced by stakeholders of the industry.
The interactive session organised by Industrial Association Lassipora was attended by dozens of entrepreneurs led by President Cold Stores Association Majid Aslam Wafai.
The representatives of Industrial Association Lassipora were led by its president Haji Muzaffar at Industrial Growth Centre, Pulwama.
According to Wafai, the top officials of Bank were apprised about the various difficulties in banking especially, high rate of interest, high processing charges, delay in renewal, reduction in margin money and too high collateral requirement.
While hailing the JK Bank MD and CEO Baldev Prakash for giving a patient hearing to unit holders, Majid Wafai said, “Our successful journeys are synonymous with JK Bank. Our units wouldn’t have happened had there not been financial support from J&K Bank,” he said, adding that JK Bank has been a backbone for the first generation entrepreneurs.
“The bank has guided and supported us in setting up these units. It gives us heart and hope that our mentoring financial institution has embarked on path of renewed success and profitability,” he said.
On the occasion, MD & CEO assured the participants of Bank’s continued patronage and handholding to industrial sector within regulatory norms.
“We value your association because your progress adds to our growth as well. Therefore, we continue to take measures aimed at ease and comfort of doing business for our entrepreneurs,” Baldev Prakash said.
SRINAGAR: Meteorological department on Sunday forecast “erratic” weather in Jammu and Kashmir for the first week of May.
“A brief spell of rain may occur in the evening at some places today, although chances are less,” a MeT official said.
On May 1, he said, mainly clear weather is expected while a brief spell of rain/thunderstorm may occur at a few places towards late afternoon or evening (60% chance) .
From May 2- 3, he said widespread light to moderate rain (light snow over higher reaches)//thunderstorm with hailstorm and gusty winds at few places during the period.
Overall weather is very likely to remain erratic between May 2 to May 7.
Regarding temperature, he said, Srinagar recorded a low of 10.5°C against 7.4°C on the previous night and it was 1.2°C above normal for the summer capital.
Qazigund, he said, recorded a low of 7.8°C against 7.2°C on the previous night and it was normal for the gateway town of Kashmir.
Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of 2.2°C against 3.8°C on previous night and it was 2.2°C below normal for the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Kokernag recorded a low of 8.8°C against 6.4°C on the previous night and it was 0.8°C below normal for the place, the officials said.
Gulmarg recorded a low of 1.0°C against minus 0.5°C on previous night and it was 3.2°C below normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, he said.
In Kupwara town, he said, the mercury settled at 8.8°C against 6.4°C on the previous night and it was 1.0°C above normal for the north Kashmir area.
Jammu recorded a low of 19.6°C against 19.7°C on the previous night. It was 2.3°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said.
Banihal, he said, recorded a low of 8.9°C (0.8°C below normal), Batote 10.2°C (1.8°C below normal), Katra 17.3°C (1.6°C below normal) and Bhadarwah 8.4°C (0.5°C below normal). Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil recorded a low of minus 0.3°C and 3.8°C respectfully, the official said. (GNS)
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the marathon organised by Hindustan Scouts and Guides, Dogra Kranti Dal and Kashmir Road Safety Foundation on the eve of 100th episode of PM Narendra Modi’s monologue ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
100 marathons were organised today across JK to celebrate 100th episode of PM Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat radio programme, and raise awareness and strengthen action and cooperation against drug abuse and drug trafficking.
The Lt Governor expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inspiring the youth of the country through Mann Ki Baat to overcome challenges and set the ambitious goal in life. Prime Minister has brought together youth from different backgrounds with a single dream of nation building, he added.
“India’s greatest strength is its unity in diversity. Through Mann Ki Baat programme Prime Minister has inspired the people to take pride in their heritage and acknowledged remarkable contribution of scientists, teachers, litterateurs, artistes in raising India’s stature in the world,” Sinha said.
Addressing the youth on the occasion, the Lt Governor said, people from different walks of life have joined the fight against drug menace.
“Today, the youth of Jammu Kashmir have stood up against drug abuse. I am confident that our collective efforts will eliminate the narco-terrorism unleashed by neighboring country and lead the way for realising the goals of building a drug free Jammu Kashmir, observed the Lt Governor.
