New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Varanasi district collector to hold a meeting for providing “congenial” working arrangements for ‘wuzu‘ (ritual ablution) for Muslim devotees at the Gyanvapi mosque complex.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala was apprised by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, that the meeting would be held on Tuesday and the decision will be implemented for providing facilities for wuzu‘ on the premises.
The court was hearing a plea by the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee seeking permission for ‘wuzu‘ at the mosque complex in Varanasi during the month of Ramzan.
The top court referred to its order of May 20 last year where it had directed that facilities for wuzu’ and washrooms be provided to devotees following the sealing of certain areas inside the premises.
“The solicitor general assures the court that a meeting shall be convened tomorrow by the district collector so that a congenial working arrangement is provided,” the bench noted in the order.
The bench also recorded the statement of the mosque management committee that it will be satisfied if even mobile toilets are provided.
The court has now posted the matter for further hearing on Friday and directed that the solution if found in the meeting, can be implemented in the meanwhile and a formal order may be passed on the next date of hearing.
The apex court had on November 11 last year extended till further orders the protection of the area where a ‘Shivling’ was claimed to have been found.
Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the Masjid committee, requested the bench to take up the matter for hearing soon, saying the month of Ramzan is underway and adequate arrangements should be made.
He had said the water for ‘wuzu‘ is being used from a drum and the number of worshippers has increased in view of Ramzan.
UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2023 aspirants across the country are gearing up for the big day as less than 45 days left for the examination which is scheduled to be conducted on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
The Civil Services Examination is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in three stages – Preliminary, Main, and Interview to recruit officers for various services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others.
The UPSC Prelims 2023 will be conducted to fill vacancies under 21 posts. However, among all these posts, IAS is the most sought-after choice for most aspirants. The IAS is considered one of the most prestigious and respected services in the country, and it offers a great salary package and perks to its officers.
IAS Officer Salary
As per the seventh pay commission, the basic salary of an IAS officer ranges from Rs. 56,100 to 2,50,000 per month depending upon the post. The salary of an SDM, Undersecretary, and Assistant Secretary is Rs. 56,100 per month, whereas the highest salary is Rs. 2,50,000, which is of the Cabinet Secretary of India. The salary of the Chief Secretary and Secretary is Rs. 2,25,000 per month, which is the second-highest.
During the training period, the salary of an IAS officer ranges from Rs. 33,000-35,000 per month. Apart from the salary, an IAS officer enjoys several other perks and benefits.
Perks and facilities for IAS Officers
IAS officers get a lot of perks and facilities. Some of the significant perks and facilities that an IAS officer gets are:
Security: The government provides security to IAS officers.
Residence: IAS officers get government accommodation or a house rent allowance (HRA) that depends on the city.
Transport: IAS officers get an official vehicle and a driver.
Subsidized water, electricity, phone and gas bills: IAS officers get subsidized bills for water, electricity, phone, and gas.
Eligible for study leave of 2-4 years: An IAS officer is eligible for a study leave of 2-4 years, during which the government bears the expenses of the officer’s education.
Pensions and other retirement benefits: IAS officers are entitled to pensions and other retirement benefits. The salary package and perks offered to IAS officers make it one of the most attractive options for aspirants.
UPSC Prelims 2023
UPSC prelims 2023 is scheduled to be conducted on May 28, and it will consist of two papers – Paper I and Paper II. Paper I will have multiple choice questions from general studies, while Paper II will be a Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT).
It’s important to note that Paper II is qualifying in nature, and the marks obtained in Paper I will determine whether a candidate qualifies for the mains or not. Aspirants must prepare thoroughly for both papers to improve their chances of qualifying for the mains.
SRINAGAR: The National Health Mission in Jammu and Kashmir has announced the release of the February 2023 rankings of public health facilities on the Hospital Management Information System (JK e Sahaj).
The initiative has covered 578 facilities in the first phase of implementation and will gradually extend to other facilities in a phased manner.
In the category of Associated Hospitals of Government Medical Colleges, the first rank has been clinched by Chest Disease Hospital Jammu followed by Psychiatric Disease Hospital, Jammu, GMC Baramulla, AH GMC Rajouri, and GMC Doda. The bottom five in this category included SMHS GMC Srinagar, Kashmir Nursing Home, Srinagar, Children Hospital Bemina, Srinagar, Psychiatric Disease Hospital, Srinagar and GMC Kathua.
In the category of District Hospitals, first rank has been secured by DH Shopian followed by DH Reasi, Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar, Jammu; DH Samba and DH JLNM, Srinagar. The bottom five in this category included DH Kishtwar, DH Handwara, DH Pulwama, DH Ramban and DH Ganderbal.
In the category of Community Health Centres (CHCs), CHC Ramgarh bagged first rank followed by CHC Zainpora, CHC Dooru EH Vijaypur and CHC Seer. The bottom five in this category included CHC Darhal, CHC Magam, CHC Zachaldara, CHC Thatri and CHC Tral.
In the category of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and UPHCs, first rank has been clinched by PHC Achabal followed by PHC Mattan, PHC Kakapora, PHC Srigfwara and PHC Aishmuqam. The bottom five in this category included UPHC Sangam, PHC Thakrakote, PHC Teetwal, PHC Massu and PHC Machil.
JK e-sahaj (Electronic System for Automation of Hospital Administration J&K) initiative was formally launched in November 2022 as part of Jashn-e-Sehat, by the Lieutenant Governor, J&K, for different types of facilities i.e. Tertiary care, District Hospitals, Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres and some New Type PHCs. JK E -Sahaj has been integrated with Rapid Assessment System (RAS), 104 Centralised Health Helpline for outbound calling and RCH portal of MoHFW, Government of India.
The ranking has been done on the basis of registration, conversion of EMR (Electronic Medical Record) and Patient feedback uploaded on the portal of JK e Sahaj for the month of February 2023, on real time basis. The detailed list of facilities has been shared on NHM website. (GNS)
SRINAGAR: Director of the Department of Ayush Dr Mohan Singh on Saturday inaugurated the ultrasonography and spirometry facilities for the general public at Government Unani Hospital at Shalteng here.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Singh said that the installation of ultrasound and spirometer machines was a long-pending demand of patients who come from far-off places to avail the specialized treatment methodologies of the Unani system of medicine.
He said that patients suffering from gastrointestinal, renal, and liver disorders or chronic lung diseases can now avail of diagnostic facilities at the hospital for nominal charges.
Dr Singh thanked Secretary to the Government Health and Medical Education Department Bhupinder Kumar under whose regular monitoring the Ayush Sector is achieving new heights concerning patient care in the UT.
He advised the Unani medical officers to further promote Unani treatment among people. He emphasized lifestyle management and treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by utilizing the principles and practices of age-old Ayush systems.
Incharge Deputy Director Ayush Kashmir Dr Nuzhat Bashir, Assistant Director Unani Dr Sujad Hussain Shuja, Provincial Controller Stores Ayush Kashmir Dr Shameem Ahmad, District Ayush Officer Baramulla Dr Reyaz Ahmad Khan, District Nodal Officer Ayush Pulwama Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Parray, Incharge Officer Govt Unani Hospital Shalteng Srinagar Dr Farooq Naqshbandi and Medical Officers and Paramedical staff of Govt Unani Hospital Shalteng Srinagar were present on the occasion.
Thane: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday expressed displeasure about the conditions in which doctors at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Civic Hospital (CSMH) in Kalwa area here work.
Speaking after a visit to the hospital, Shinde, who is an MLA from Thane, said the doctors must be provided better working conditions and facilities.
He also directed Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar to take strict action against erring officials.
Doctors at the hospital were working hard but they were not getting good facilities, Shinde noted.
His government had vowed to make Mumbai pothole-free within two years and Thane, its twin city, can not be left behind, the chief minister said.
Shinde on this occasion launched road repair works worth Rs 391 crore in the city and inaugurated an underground parking facility at Gamdevi Maidan among other projects.
SRINAGAR: The government on Saturday said that imposing property tax is aimed at ensuring better facilities for the people.
Addressing a news conference today at TRC meeting hall here, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir V K Bidhuri, who was accompanied by SMC Commissioner, Athar Aamir Khan clarified that 1/3rd of the population are already exempted from the property tax as their property area is less than 1000 square feet.
He added that the Jammu and Kashmir is last in the country where the property tax is being imposed. “Unlike other places, the property tax is very less. The property tax will be collected from those whose houses are built at more than 1500 square feet,” he said. He also said that the tax to be paid only once in a year.
He added that the collected amount will be used for the people and the amount will remain in the account of corporation and municipal committees only.
Bidhuri further stated that there was no option other than imposing property tax, which would be acceptable to the people, for ensuring better facilities to them.
The SMC Commissioner, while interacting with media persons, said that the tax that would be collected from people from April will be used for better facilities to people. “At present SMC’s revenue is just ten per cent compared to its requirement. This will help in ensuring better services and facilities to the people as the tax cannot be transferred to the central or state government and used for developmental purposes only,” he said.
Srinagar, Feb 25: The government on Saturday said that imposing property tax is aimed at ensuring better facilities for the people.
Addressing a news conference today at TRC meeting hall here, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir V K Bidhuri, who was accompanied by SMC Commissioner, Athar Aamir Khan as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) clarified that 1/3rd of thr population are already exempted from the property tax as their property area is less than 1000 square feet.
He added that the Jammu and Kashmir is last in the country where the property tax is being imposed. “Unlike other places, the property tax is very less. The property tax will be collected from those whose houses are built at more than 1500 square feet,” he said. He also said that the tax to be paid only once in a year.
He added that the collected amount will be used for the people and the amount will remain in the account of corporation and municipal committees only.
Bidhuri further stated that there was no option other than imposing property tax, which would be acceptable to the people, for ensuring better facilities to them.
The SMC Commissioner, while interacting with media persons, said that the tax that would be collected from people from April will be used for better facilities to people. “At present SMC’s revenue is just ten per cent compared to its requirement. This will help in ensuring better services and facilities to the people as the tax cannot be transferred to the central or state government and used for developmental purposes only,” he said—(KNO)
Amaravati: Various tourism facilities were inaugurated by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture G. Kishan Reddy at Dhyana Buddha Vanam in Amaravati on Tuesday.
Accompanied by Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister R.K. Roja and top officials, Kishan Reddy inaugurated a tourist facilitation centre, meditation hall, open air theatre, restaurant, interpretation centre and landscaped garden.
These facilities have been developed under the theme ‘Buddhist Circuit’ of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism of the Central government.
The project is aimed at leveraging and rejuvenating the Buddhist sites to attract more international tourists by enhancing the tourist experience and increasing employment opportunities in the region.
The Central minister also handed over a valuable antiquity (Railing Pillar) to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) museum.
Kishan Reddy said this was brought back from Britain by the ministry of culture in 2020 and may belong to the famous Buddhist site in Amravati.
The Central minister told reporters that the government is trying to bring back the antiquities taken out from the country since independence till 2014.
“We have already brought back 13 antiquities and efforts are on to retrieve 269 antiquities,” he said.
The minister revealed that Rs 141 crore has been given to Andhra Pradesh under Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
Kishan Reddy said Kakinada Wildlife Sanctuary, Budameru, Mypadu Beach, Buddhist Circuit, Amaravati region will be developed. Plans are also being made to develop Nagarjunakonda.
While the U.S. government disclosed last year that the new malware — called PIPEDREAM — was capable of infiltrating U.S. industrial control systems across multiple key sectors, Lee’s comments suggest that the danger was more acute than officials had disclosed. And his disclosure offers a new picture of the U.S. energy supply’s vulnerability to a crippling cyber assault — a possibility that had drawn widespread concern during the run-up to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s February 2022 invasion.
Lee described the malware as a “state-level, wartime capability.” He did not say if the malware had actually been installed in the targeted networks or if the hackers were just close to getting into the systems.
While Dragos does not link hacking groups to nation states as a matter of policy, other security researchers have said the PIPEDREAM malware used by Chernovite is likely connected to Russia.
The U.S. announced its discovery of the dangerous malware in April 2022, just three weeks after President Joe Biden warned that Russia was “exploring options for potential cyberattacks” against the U.S., and urging critical infrastructure groups to step up security efforts.
Lee said that Dragos worked with partners including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Department of Energy, the FBI and the National Security Agency to “keep something off of American soil that was going to be disruptive in nature.”
“I don’t use those words lightly, not trying to hype anything up, but the state actor responsible for this, there is no chance that this was not their go-to package to be able to actually bring down infrastructure,” Lee said.
A spokesperson for CISA declined to comment on the impact of the malware, and the three other agencies did not respond to requests for comment. When they first announced the discovery of the malware, the agencies said in a joint alert that “certain advanced persistent threat actors” were using new tools to impact multiple types of industrial control systems.
According to Dragos, PIPEDREAM malware is the “first ever” type that can be used across a variety of industrial control systems, and that was not designed to disrupt one specific system — making it particularly dangerous. The malware also does not get into systems through vulnerabilities that could be patched, making it very hard to defend against.
“You could increase temperatures, you could have unsafe conditions in a plant,” Lee said of the impact the use of PIPEDREAM could have. “There is no need to exploit anything, there is no need to find a vulnerability when a capability is already built into the plant so the plant environments can operate.”
Lee told reporters that he believed that since the PIPEDREAM malware was not used successfully against any U.S. infrastructure, the security community “moved past it quickly,” but that there is more to come from these hackers.
“Chernovite is still active, so we assess with high confidence that they are still active and working on this framework and we expect to see it deployed in the future,” Lee said.
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( With inputs from : www.politico.com )
BARAMULLA: The Associate Hospital of Government Medical College Baramulla has failed to come up as an alternative tertiary care health facility for the north Kashmir districts. The hospital lacks diagnostic facilities, hygienic washrooms and also proper accommodation facilities for students.
LG Sinha Lays Foundation Stone of GMC Baramulla on August 14, 2022
The hospital’s washrooms are filthy with the potential to further accentuate an illness or even start a new one.
“Hospitals are meant to make us feel safe and provide an environment where one receives proper medical attention,” Muneera Hassan, a patient said. “But these washrooms here are in a mess.”
A group of patients said that they feel that they are at risk of contracting new infections due to the poor hygiene level of the hospital.
Safeena, a patient said, “The air stinks, there is urine on the floor, and the water faucets are broken.”
Suraya Malik said, “Once I opened the door of a toilet at the hospital I had to immediately step back because a musty, unpleasant odour permeated the air. I could barely make out the shape of the commode as it was covered in mould and mildew. A thick layer of grime had accumulated on the walls and floor, and it was clear that no attempt had been made to clean this public space.
Suraya then opted for the washroom of a nearby restaurant.
Students of GMC Baramulla in December 2022. Pic: GMC Baramulla FB page
While unhygienic washrooms are a part and parcel of the hospital, the facility also doesn’t conduct the ECHO test for several months. An ECHO is an important device used to evaluate the condition of the heart and is essential for patients suffering from cardiac ailments. It checks the structure of the heart and surrounding blood vessels, analyses how blood flows through them, and assesses the pumping chambers of the heart.
The ECHO test facility was started a few years ago at the hospital after Jammu and Kashmir Bank donated the device under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
However, the hospital authorities have failed to ensure that the device was regularly maintained. The ECHO device granted to the hospital by Jammu and Kashmir Bank was in reality secured by the civil society of Baramulla who persuaded the higher officials of the lead bank.
Like the washrooms and the ECHO, the students pursuing their MBBS course from the Government Medical College Baramulla are also in the doldrums.
The students have been complaining about the non-availability of hostel facilities within the premises along with the lack of transport facilities as well. The situation has forced many students to opt for costly private accommodations wherefrom commuting is also expensive. The college has students from as far as Jammu and Ladakh who are forced to take these private accommodations adding to their monthly expenses.
Also, the students have raised concerns about the limited availability of laboratories in the college.
A student said, “Anatomy lab isn’t a proper one. We were supposed to do a practical session at the forensic lab but that never happened. We had to contend with digital content. This presents some difficulties since online content cannot provide the same level of interactivity and first-hand experience that a laboratory setting would have given us.”
A group of students said, “We were promised hostel facilities within the campus. Completion of the hostel seems a distant dream given the slow pace of work,”
Medical Superintendent GMC Baramulla Dr Parvez Masoodi said that on daily basis they receive around 7000 patients for which limited washrooms are available. “We have already put people for proper sanitation in the hospital. But with such a huge influx of patients, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain hygiene, yet the health of our patients and staff remains a priority.”
“I have also implemented strict cleaning protocols to ensure that every single washroom is cleaned and disinfected thoroughly at least twice a day, and we will expand the infrastructure and build more washrooms so that we can provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone.”
Principal GMC Baramulla Dr Rubi Reshi didn’t want to comment on the story.
