Srinagar, May 5 (GNS): Secretary Health & Medical Education, Bhupinder Kumar today visited various health care facilities of North Kashmir and reviewed preparedness of the department for the forthcoming G20 summit.
The Secretary was accompanied by Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed Rather and other Divisional and District Level Health officers during the visit.
The Secretary, during the visit, inspected facilities at PHC Gulmarg, SDH Tangmarg, PHC Narbal, SDH Magam and RIHFW Dhobiwan.
He took a detailed review of the upgraded health facility and laid strict directions to the constructing agency to complete the works as per the deadline.
While inspecting the other health facilities, the Secretary expressed satisfaction over the status of logistics, human resource and equipments that have been augmented in view of the upcoming G20 summit.
He gave on spot directions to the Director Health Services Kashmir to further improve health care facilities at these facilities in view of the G20 summit.
The Secretary also emphasised on having fool proof well-coordinated system at the health care centres for smooth functioning of health care services during the summit.
On this occasion, Director Health Services Kashmir also apprised the Secretary about the status of health care delivery system and status of completion of various works as per the deadlines framed by the higher authorities.(GNS)
Despite three prominent absentees’, the G20 Youth Summit in Ladakh was an impressive success, reports Raashid Andrabi
Some participants of the Y20, a G20 summit activity, in Leh on April 26, 2023
The Sino-Indian standoff has kept the world’s attention diverted towards Ladakh heights for the last two years. Now, the arid desert is in the news again, this time for playing host to around 100 delegates from 30 countries for the Y20 Pre-Summit, a precursor to the G20 Summit.
Ladakh already a preferred tourist destination for Western tourists ensured that the global event be celebrated to promote the brand Shangri La. The event kicked off with a grand flourish. The delegates descended upon the serene Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra Auditorium, transforming it into a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and aspirations. The air was abuzz with contagious energy as the guests were welcomed with traditional Ladakhi hospitality.
Soon, the guests were driven away on local excursions that left them spellbound. The pristine and spiritual monasteries of Hemis and Thiksey offered them a glimpse of Ladakh’s serene and mystic beauty. They also spent time at Sidhu Zanskar Sangam, Pather Sahab Gurdwara and Shanti Stupa.
Participants
Official sources said a total of 103 delegates attended the two-day event. As many as 68 delegates came from 17 members of the G20. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and China skipped participation.
There were 18 delegates from G20 Guest countries – five from Nigeria, four from Oman, five from Singapore and four from Spain. The global institutions that were invited and participated in the event and sent 17 participants included the ASEAN, Morocco, OECD, PAYU, UN and WHO.
Even though Turkey and Saudi Arabia skipped the event, various OIC members did attend the event. These included Indonesia – a permanent G20 member; Oman and Nigeria (G20 Guest countries) and Morocco, a special invitee.
Objective
The Y20 Pre-Summit aims to bring together leading experts, decision-makers, and youth leaders from G20 countries to discuss and formulate actionable plans for the growth and development of the people. The summit aims to address pressing issues facing young people today, including democracy, governance, innovation, climate change, disaster risk reduction, peacebuilding and reconciliation, health, well-being, and sports.
This event was the first major global event held in Ladakh since the region became a Union Territory, and it is significant in light of the ongoing political turmoil and protests that followed the abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A, which reserved special rights over land and jobs for locals.
The session was inaugurated by the Lt Governor of Ladakh, Brig BD Mishra (Retd), and graced by several dignitaries including TashiGyalson, Chief Executive Councillor, and JamyangTsering Namgyal, Member of Parliament, Ladakh.
Brig Mishra (Retd) set the stage with his speech about the potential of the youth of India and the great honour of hosting the delegates at the highest meeting point of India at 11,000 feet above sea level. He emphasized India’s famous philosophy of Athithi Devo Bhava(Guest is God) and assured the guests that they would be treated with the utmost respect and hospitality during their stay in Ladakh. The LG also spoke about the vision of G20 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted the intelligence, commitment, and focus of the Indian youth. In fact, the event saw the launch of [email protected], a book.
Pointing out that no other G20 member had organized a programme of this magnitude, Mishra referred to the delegates as ambassadors who would spread the word about India’s accomplishments when they returned home. To Mishra, G20 has become a household name in India.
In a vibrant display of Ladakhi culture, the LG Mishra cut the ribbon and inaugurated the much-anticipated Ladakh Haat stalls at the Y20 Pre-Summit in the scenic town of Leh. Over 40 skilled artisans from different corners of Ladakh have gathered here to showcase their exquisite handlooms, handicrafts, and processed food products, all steeped in the region’s rich heritage. The event showcased the culture, food, and traditions of Ladakh to familiarise the guest delegates with the unique lifestyle of the region. Things at display included a glimpse of the mountainous landscapes of Ladakh, Anganwadi or courtyard shelter for toddlers, handicrafts and handlooms by SHGs comprised of Ladakhi women, Pashmina wool, wood carving, apricots as a part of the horticulture heritage of Ladakh, sea buckthorn, and winter sports activities like ice climbing, ice skating, skiing, and frozen lake marathon.
Asserting that G20 under India’s Presidency has set new milestones, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister, Anurag Singh Thakur told media that there was a consensus on the five themes of the Y20 summit among the participating countries and international organizations and important suggestions have come on the future challenges including reskilling and Upskilling. The five themes included Youth in Democracy and Governance; Future of Work: Industry 4.0; Innovation and 21st Century Skills; Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction: Making Sustainability a Way of Life; Peace Building and Reconciliation: Ushering in an Era of No War and Health, Wellbeing and Sports: Agenda for Youth. The minister interacted with the delegates in Yuva Samvaad. Without naming any country, the Union minister for youth affairs and sports said those who tried to “spread fear and confusion” would now be feeling the “pain” due to the “roaring success” of the three-day event.
The event which started with yoga sessions in the mornings, concluded with the recording of two short videos on Azadi Ki Amrit Kahaniyan.
SRINAGAR: National Conference president and Member Parliament from Srinagar Dr Farooq Abdullah on Monday said it is unfortunate that G20 meetings are being conducted in Kashmir and Ladakh and not in Jammu.
Abdullah lashed out at the government for ignoring Jammu in the upcoming G-20 event.
“Centre has avoided Jammu and I am surprised that none of the leaders from BJP is speaking about it. Is Jammu being taken for granted or do they think that it is in their pocket? Even those who chanted ‘Jammu and Dodra’ raised voices on not holding meeting in Jammu,” he said.
Asked about the residential facilities for non-locals in Jammu, the NC president termed it “an effort to end the Dogra language and culture”.
“If outsiders are settled here, identity of dogras will vanish. People from outside will take our jobs and land,” he added.
Speaking to the media persons in Jammu, Abdullah further said the party would neither skip any of the elections nor beg for holding the exercise in J&K. He was responding to a question on the speculations on holding Panchayat elections in the Union Territory.
“It is good if panchayat elections will take place; that is the basic democracy,” Farooq said, adding, “Whether it is panchayat or DDC elections, we will contest all and won’t skip any; but we also won’t beg for holding the polls.”
Speaking about the joint opposition platform against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Farooq Abdullah said, “I have no magical lamp to predict opposition unity ahead of 2024 polls, but we are trying”.
Reacting over former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik’s support for the abrogation of Article 370 and his remarks on the Pulwama attack, Abdullah said, “Satya Pal Malik himself acknowledged that the Pulwama incident was their mistake and that they did not provide five aircraft for the transportation of force personnel.”
On the recent Poonch attack, he said that even after the abrogation of Article 370, “terrorism” has not ended.
SRINAGAR: The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) of Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, emphasized the need for greater coordination and synergy among line departments to ensure the timely completion of developmental activities in the city and along routes leading to different destinations.
Bidhuri chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the G20 Summit in Kashmir, which was attended by various officials and representatives from different departments, including communication service providers and hotel managers.
During the meeting, Bidhuri directed the activation of the Control Room within two days to ensure that all necessary facilities are in place for the Summit. He also instructed communication service providers to strengthen the network by increasing the number of COW sites in specified areas.
Additionally, Bidhuri instructed the managers of Taj and Lalit hotels to renovate and enhance the aesthetics of their establishments and to make hospitality arrangements at the venues of SKICC and Golf Course.
Concerning the redevelopment of roads, Bidhuri directed the Chief Engineers of R&B and SSCL to blacktop all the roads included in the City’s beautification plan. He also issued instructions to concerned parties to cut grass along roads and routes, close manholes with lids, make water fountains functional, ensure smooth operation of street lights, remove debris and construction material from roads, and install hoardings and flexes.
Furthermore, Bidhuri directed the Director of Tourism to identify well-furnished and decorated Shikaras for the delegates’ ride during the Summit. RTO Kashmir was directed to identify and earmark twenty Tempo Travelers for dignitaries and ensure that drivers wear a uniform pattern of attire.
Finally, Bidhuri reprimanded the Project Management of NBCC for not completing the reconstruction work of the portion of Ali Jan road where the said agency has carried out developmental work. He also directed concerned officers to complete the works undertaken for the G20 Summit without delay. (KNO)
Emphasizes on greater coordination, Synergy between departments
Srinagar, May 01 (GNS): The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri today emphasized on greater coordination and synergy among line departments for timely completion of developmental activities in City and enroute to different destinations.
The Div Com was chairing a high level meeting convened here to review to review G20 Summit preparations in Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Deputy Commissioner Budgam; CEO Smart City Ltd; Director Tourism Kashmir; Chief Engineers of R&B, SSCL, UEED, I&FC; RTO Kashmir; officers of various departments and representatives of Jio, BSNL besides representatives of Hotel Taj & Lalit.
Addressing the meeting, the Div Com directed for activation of the Control Room within two days to ensure all the facilities are in place in view of the G20 Summit.
He directed representatives of communication service providers to strengthen the network at the specified places by increasing the number of COW sites.
Div Com also directed Managers of Taj & Lalit hotels to renovate, colour coat interior & premises and enhance aesthetics of establishments. He also instructed them to make arrangements at the venues of SKICC and Golf Course regarding hospitality services.
While reviewing the redevelopment process of roads, Div Com directed CEs of R&B and SSCL to blacktop all the roads included in the beautification plan of the City.
Besides, he issued instructions to concerned people for grass cutting along roads, routes, footpaths, closing manholes with lids, colour iron grills, making water fountains functional, smooth operation of streets lights, removing of debris & construction material from roads, installation of hoardings and flexes.
Moreover, he directed Director Tourism for identification of well furnished and decorated Shikaras for the ride of visiting delegates during the Summit.
Similarly, RTO Kashmir was directed to identify and earmark twenty Tempo Travelers for dignitaries besides ensure that drivers wearing uniform pattern of attire.
Meanwhile, he directed strict action against Project Management of NBCC for not completing the work of reconstruction of the portion of Ali Jan road where the said agency has carried out developmental work.
Bhiduri also reprimanded concerned officers for delay in executing and finishing works undertaken for the G20 Summit.(GNS)
German farmers, conservationists and politicians have met at a wolf summit to discuss the animal’s future amid concerns that its population is out of control.
The farmers’ union is calling for a relaxation of rules over when wolves, strictly protected under EU law, can be shot, after a series of highly publicised deadly attacks on farm animals.
It has said that people in rural areas are fearful for their lives as well as the lives of their animals, with many farmers expressing concern for their livelihoods.
Germany is home to an estimated 161 packs of wolves (of between eight to 12 animals each) according to the Federal Wolf Documentation and Advisory Office. A further 43 pairs and 21 individual animals were also registered.
Bavaria’s governor, Markus Söder, attends a farmers’ meeting in Oberaudorf, Germany, on Wednesday. Photograph: Peter Kneffel/AP
Numbers have increased year on year since the wolf was placed under species protection in 1990, after it was considered to have more or less become extinct at the end of the 19thcentury.
The southern state of Bavaria has already taken its own decision to allow farmers to actively kill wolves where livestock is thought to be under particular threat.
Its leader, Markus Söder, visited an alpine village on Thursday that has reportedly been the scene of attacks on grazing animals, where he said the future of farming was in danger if wolf populations were not brought under control.
“I’ll say it quite clearly, the wolf does not belong here,” Söder told a gathering of farmers and their families in Oberaudorf. “We have introduced a new wolf bylaw … one breach is sufficient and the wolf can be removed from a region.”
Söder’s CSU party has said it would like to see the elimination of all wolves from Germany. Photograph: Peter Kneffel/AP
His Christian Social Union (CSU) has said it would like to see the elimination of all wolves from Germany. Its larger sister party, the centre-right CDU, has called for hunting rights to be expanded to include wolves.
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Harald Ebner, of the Greens party, head of the federal committee for environment and nature protection, said it would be wrong for such permission to be granted. “The quick call to arms is no solution and the perpetual appeal for wolf-free zones and quotas contravenes EU law and will bring no relief to keepers of grazing animals,” he said.
The environment minister, Steffi Lemke, also of the Greens, has argued for increasing protection both for grazing animals and wolves. “We cannot in good conscience, call for the protection of animals in African countries at the same time as saying here that it is not possible to protect the wolf,” she said
The farmers’ union in Brandenburg, northern Germany, home to the largest number of wolves in the country with an estimated 47 packs and 14 pairs, is calling for a quota that could be shot legally each year, drawing on wolf population control measures in Finland and Sweden.
Brandenburg permitted wolves to be shot in specifically defined cases in 2022, after a series of livestock killings. A male wolf was killed in March after 76 livestock deaths were attributed to it.
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( With inputs from : www.theguardian.com )
SRINAGAR: More than 100 Y-20 delegates from over 30 countries arrived in the Union Territory of Ladakh on Tuesday while as the J&K administration said that it has made elaborate arrangements to make the G-20 meeting schedules in Srinagar a grand success.
Addressing media persons, the administration has said that till Tuesday, over 100 Y20 delegates from over 30 countries have arrived in Ladakh while a few more are expected to arrive by Wednesday morning.
The officials said that as G20 is being conducted under India’s presidency under the theme of One World One family one future, they have put forward priorities of youth as they (youth) are very much concerned about their future.
“The administration since the last three months has been preparing for the event and overseeing how we can make this programme a grand success,” they said, adding that in this regard, various activities have been held so far.
Pertinently, Ladakh is hosting a three-day youth 20 pre-summit under the aegis of the G-20.
The delegates were welcomed by the senior officers of the UT administration. During the three-day summit, there will be discussions and deliberations on different important topics, reports said.
On the first day of the summit, the delegates will visit local places of importance including Hemis and Thicksey monasteries and Shanti Stupa. On the following day, LG Ladakh Dr. B. D. Mishra will address the delegates at the Sindu Sanskriti Auditorium.
On the third day of the pre-summit, Union Minister Anurag Thakur will interact with the delegates and also participate in a youth dialogue. As per the UT administration officials, sufficient security measures and other arrangements are in place for the smooth conduct of the program.
The Y20 pre-summit in Ladakh will be a valuable opportunity for the global youth to reflect on priority areas in consultation with G-20 member states to come up with policy recommendations that will prove beneficial to the Ladakh region.
Srinagar, Apr 25: More than 100 Y-20 delegates from over 30 countries have arrived in the Union Territory of Ladakh on Tuesday while as the J&K administration said that it has made elaborate arrangements to make the G-20 meeting scheduoes in Srinagar a grand success.
Addressing media persons, the administration has said that till Tuesday, over 100 Y20 delegates from over 30 countries have arrived in Ladakh while a few more are expected to arrive by tomorrow morning.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the officials said that as G20 is being conducted under India’s presidency under the theme of One World One family one future, they have put forward priorities of youth as they (youth) are very much concerned about their future.
“The administration since the last three months have been preparing for the event and overseeing how we can make this programme a grand success,” they said, adding that in this regard, various activities have been held so far.
Pertinently, Ladakh is hosting a three-day youth 20 pre-summit under the aegis of the G-20.
The delegates were welcomed by the senior officers of the UT administration. During the three-day summit, there will be discussions and deliberations on different important topics, reports said.
On the first day of the summit, the delegates will visit local places of importance including Hemis and Thicksey monasteries and Shanti Stupa. On the following day, LG Ladakh Dr. B. D. Mishra will address the delegates at the Sindu Sanskriti Auditorium.
On the third day of the pre-summit, Union Minister Anurag Thakur will interact with the delegates and also participate in a youth dialogue. As per the UT administration officials, sufficient security measures and other arrangements are in place for the smooth conduct of the program.
The Y20 pre-summit in Ladakh will be a valuable opportunity for the global youth to reflect on priority areas in consultation with G-20 member states to come up with policy recommendations that will prove beneficial to the Ladakh region—(KNO)
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin
Seoul: North Korea vowed on Tuesday to strengthen its ties with Russia on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the first summit between the leaders of the two nations.
Vice Foreign Minister Im Chon-il issued a statement confirming “mutual support and solidarity” between Pyongyang and Moscow, marking the anniversary of the 2019 summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, held in Vladivostok, reports Yonhap News Agency.
“The two countries are strengthening mutual support and solidarity in the struggle to resolutely smash the dangers of war and military threats from the outside,” Im said.
The official stressed the North will “(invariably) stand to elevate the long-standing and traditional relations of friendship” between the two nations.
The North has been strengthening its close ties with Russia despite international condemnation over Moscow’s war with Ukraine.
The North has denied allegations that it has provided arms to Russia for use in the Ukraine war.
North Korean arms exports are banned under UN Security Council resolutions over Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs.
SRINAGAR: In order to take stock of developmental works being carried out in view of hosting G-20 at Srinagar and preparations for Eid-ul-Fitr, the Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta on Thursday conducted an extensive tour of the Srinagar city to make on spot appraisal of ongoing developmental works.
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Commissioner SMC & CEO Srinagar Smart City; VC Lakes Conservation and Management Authority; Chief Engineer Srinagar Smart City Ltd and other officers from line departments besides from Police and Traffic departments.
During the tour, the Chief Secretary visited IG Road, Jhelum Riverfront Development Project, Residency Road, Maulana Azad Road, Gupkar Junction, Boulevard Footpath, Nishat Garden precinct, Northern Foreshore Road including cycle track, Shalimar Canal and DargahHazratbal Shrine.
Dr Mehta while taking stock of the works carried out at all these locations directed the concerned officers to further accelerate the pace of work and ensure completion of all these projects within fixed deadlines.
He also directed to make all necessary arrangements for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festival including sanitation, cleaning, traffic management etc.
Reviewing the progress of Dal Lake cleansing at Nishat precinct, the Chief Secretary directed the VC, LC&MA to expedite the Houseboat sewerage connections and cleanliness of remaining patches of Dal with special focus on shoreline. He also directed him to start water sports activities in Hazratbal basin by 15th of May.
The VC, LC&MA apprised the Chief Secretary that the EOI is being floated by I&FC and Tourism Departments shortly. He further revealed that the activities identified for water sports include Waterpark, Jet skies, Zorbing balls, Parasailing etc.
Later, Dr Mehta visited Hazratbal Shrine where he gave necessary directions to the concerned officers for face-lifting of compound wall and other make-over works for the comfort of the devotees.
