Silence falls on a Young Life: How a lost Sound Processor stilled Numaan’s world

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Silence falls on a Young Life: How a lost Sound Processor stilled Numaan’s world

 

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Mohammad Hanief

Father’s Diary

 

In the serene beauty of Harwan Garden, where the laughter of children usually mingles with the rustle of trees, a sudden silence descended for ten-year-old Mohammad Numaan. A Class 3rd student at Legends School of Education, Sadrebal, Numaan lost the sound processor of his cochlear implant during a family outing — an incident that, in an instant, stripped him of the voices, music, and everyday sounds that had once filled his world. What for others might seem like a misplaced gadget has, for him, become a profound loss, affecting not just his hearing but his education, friendships, and daily life.

 

For most people, sound is a constant backdrop — the call of a parent, the greetings of friends, the clatter of a busy street. For Numaan, born with profound hearing loss, these sounds became part of his life only through the marvel of modern medicine. His cochlear implant — a combination of an internal surgical component and an external sound processor — serves as his bridge to the world of sound.

 

The internal implant rests securely beneath his skin, but the sound processor, worn externally, is the lifeline that captures noises, processes them, and transmits them to the internal component. Without it, there is only silence. On that afternoon in Harwan Garden, as he ran and played among the flowers and pathways, this vital link somehow came loose and vanished.

 

From that moment, the lively soundscape that accompanied his life was gone. Where there had been birdsong, children’s laughter, and the voices of his family, there was now stillness. Communication shifted instantly to a world of lip-reading, gestures, and guesswork. Even at home, where surroundings are familiar, the absence of sound can feel isolating and disorienting.

 

The loss has hit his education particularly hard. In a primary school classroom, learning is built on listening — following the teacher’s explanations, joining discussions, and responding to spoken instructions. Without his sound processor, Numaan cannot participate fully in oral lessons. Teachers at Legends School of Education have stepped in to adapt, using written instructions, visual aids, and extra one-on-one time. But the natural rhythm of interactive learning is interrupted.

 

There are social challenges too. During breaks, children chatter, call each other to games, and share jokes. Many games depend on sound — clapping patterns, calling out in hide-and-seek, or reacting to a shouted instruction. Without hearing these cues, Numaan is at risk of missing out. His classmates, aware of the situation, are making efforts to include him through visual signals and gestures, but the spontaneity of play is harder to maintain.

 

For a child who has been hearing with assistance for years, sudden silence is not something the brain adjusts to easily. It can lead to moments of confusion, frustration, and sadness. For Numaan, the change has meant extra effort to keep up with lessons, more concentration to read lips, and an increased need for support from both teachers and family. These adjustments, while necessary, are physically and mentally tiring for a child.

 

The effects extend beyond the classroom and playground. At home, casual conversation now requires eye contact and slower, clearer speech. Everyday background noises — the clang of utensils, the hum of appliances, the call to dinner — no longer reach him. Safety awareness is also affected, as he cannot hear approaching vehicles, alarms, or other warning sounds.

 

Therapy sessions, which play a crucial role in the development of speech and listening skills for cochlear implant users, have also been disrupted. These sessions rely heavily on hearing exercises and auditory feedback, which are impossible without the processor. While therapists can still focus on visual and speech articulation exercises, the progress made through regular auditory practice is paused.

 

The loss of the processor also highlights the vulnerability of such assistive technology. It is a device no bigger than a small matchbox, yet it carries the weight of a child’s access to spoken language, learning, and social interaction. One accidental loss can bring life to a standstill in ways that those without hearing challenges may never imagine.

 

In response to the incident, teachers, classmates, and family members have rallied to ensure that Numaan does not feel left out. In class, peers sit beside him to help with written notes. Teachers adapt their methods to include more visual demonstrations. Friends on the playground use hand signals and facial expressions to invite him to join games. This collective support has softened the blow, showing that communication can transcend spoken words when necessary.

 

Even so, the days without sound have been a reminder of the central role hearing plays in a child’s sense of belonging and confidence. For Numaan, regaining his processor will mean more than just hearing again — it will be the return of his independence in learning, his ease in conversations, and his full participation in the joyful noise of childhood.

 

Until that moment arrives, the world remains quieter for him. But within that quiet, there is also resilience — the resilience of a young boy adjusting to challenges, of teachers and classmates adapting their communication, and of a family ensuring he stays connected to the life he loves. The incident at Harwan Garden may have stilled his world for now, but the bonds of understanding and support around him ensure that silence does not mean isolation.

 

In the end, Numaan’s story is not just about the loss of a device. It is about the fragile but profound link between technology and the human experience, about the ways in which sound shapes learning and relationships, and about the compassion that emerges when a community comes together to bridge the gap left by silence. For those who know him, the hope is simple and strong — that soon, the gentle click of a new sound processor will bring back the voices, laughter, and music that make his young life complete.

 

The author can be mailed at m.hanief@gmail.com

X/Twitter: @haniefmha

 

Buried Beneath the Garbage: Jammu & Kashmir’s Silent Waste Crisis. Opinion 4 August,2025

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Buried Beneath the Garbage: Jammu & Kashmir’s Silent Waste Crisis.

By Dr Noour Ali Zehgeer

First Prime Minister of India used to love water from cheshmashahi, we were the state where hydel power generation was expected to cater the nation and yet we can foresee the water crisis in coming years, just because we abused water bodies of our state. Jammu and Kashmir takes strides toward development and modernization, an ugly and largely ignored issue continues to fester beneath the surface—solid waste. Despite several pilot projects and government promises, the garbage heaps lining roads, clogging water channels, and poisoning the very soil of the region tell a starkly different story.

Pilot Projects or Policy Placebos?

Over the past few years, the administration, often in collaboration with private companies, has launched various pilot projects aimed at improving waste management in both urban and rural areas. These initiatives, on paper, appear promising—offering structured collection systems, waste segregation at source, and improved processing techniques. However, in practice, they have yielded limited results.

One of the glaring issues is the symbolic nature of these efforts. Projects are often launched with pomp and media coverage but fizzle out due to lack of follow-through, mismanagement, or insufficient scale. The question then arises: Are these projects sincere efforts to address the waste problem, or merely exercises in public relations and fund utilization?

A Disjointed Strategy in a Fragile Ecosystem

J&K’s topography, climate, and socio-political fabric present unique challenges. From the snowbound mountains of Kupwara to the plains of Jammu, waste disposal needs context-specific strategies. Yet, the government seems to be relying on one-size-fits-all policies that fail to consider regional diversity.

Rural areas suffer the worst. Villages lack basic waste collection systems, leaving residents to resort to open dumping and burning. These practices not only degrade the environment but also pose serious health risks due to the release of toxins into the air and groundwater.

Lack of Community Involvement: The Missing Link

Perhaps the most fundamental failure lies in the near-absence of community participation. Waste management isn’t just about trucks and bins—it’s about behaviour change. And that change can only come through consistent public engagement, education, and accountability.

In many areas, residents are either unaware of or indifferent to the concept of waste segregation. Plastic, kitchen waste, medical waste—all go into the same bag. The absence of awareness campaigns, school programs, or grassroots mobilization means that people continue with old habits, unaware of the environmental cost.

 

Other Indian cities like Indore and Ambikapur have demonstrated that successful waste management begins at the community level. In those cities, citizens segregate waste, local women’s groups manage composting, and the government provides incentives for compliance. The results have been astonishing—cleaner streets, better public health, and even revenue generation.

Local Governance Left Powerless

While the success of any such initiative depends heavily on local governing bodies like Municipal Committees and Panchayats, in J&K, these institutions are either sidelined or under-resourced. Officials often lack the training, funds, and equipment necessary to implement waste management plans effectively.

Empowering these grassroots bodies with decentralised systems—like community compost pits, local recycling units, and door-to-door collection—can prove far more effective than large, centralised systems that are costly and difficult to maintain in J&K’s terrain.

Policy Paralysis and Poor Enforcement

In 2016, the Government of India laid down clear Solid Waste Management Rules that mandate segregation at source, door-to-door collection, and scientific disposal. But like many laws in the country, their implementation in J&K remains half-hearted at best.

There is little to no monitoring of whether these rules are being followed. Penalties for non-compliance exist only on paper. The absence of digital tracking systems, field audits, or citizen feedback loops means that violators go unpunished and responsible citizens remain unrecognized.

Time to Look Beyond Borders

If J&K’s policymakers are serious about addressing the waste crisis, they must look at success stories from across India and the world. Cities like Panaji, Pune, and Mysuru have achieved significant improvements by introducing user charges, integrating informal waste pickers, and incentivizing bulk waste generators like hotels and institutions to manage their waste responsibly.

Globally, countries like Sweden and South Korea have nearly eliminated landfill use through aggressive recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives. While such models can’t be transplanted wholesale, their principles—community involvement, strict regulation, and technological innovation—can certainly inspire localized adaptations in J&K.

A Crisis That Demands Urgent Action

At a time when the region is trying to attract tourism, boost its economy, and offer better quality of life to its residents, the mismanagement of solid waste threatens to undo all progress. Mountains of garbage not only mar the natural beauty of Kashmir but also pollute its lakes, rivers, and forests—assets that are integral to its identity and survival.

 

The current approach—sporadic projects, passive citizens, and invisible enforcement—simply won’t work. What is needed is a comprehensive, multi-pronged policy that addresses the issue at all levels: policymaking, implementation, community participation, and technological innovation. If the government continues to ignore the problem, it won’t just be squandering taxpayer money—it will be burying the future of Jammu & Kashmir under layers of plastic, toxins, and decay.

Conclusion

Solid waste isn’t just an environmental problem; it’s a social and economic one too. The need for urgent, coordinated, and community-driven action is non-negotiable. It’s time to stop dumping the responsibility from one agency to another and take collective ownership. The future of J&K quite literally depends on it.

Financial literacy for women in Kashmir: The Power to Rise, opinion 18 August 2025.

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 Financial Literacy for Women in Kashmir: The Power to Rise

By Tyima Bilal
When the first light of dawn touches the snow-capped peaks of Kashmir, women are already awake. They are already in motion.They carry baskets into saffron fields, their breaths visible in the crisp morning air. They weave Pashmina under the soft glow of a kangri. They tend to orchards, bake bread, sew garments, and run classrooms.They create beauty, value, and tradition, but too often, they do not control the money their work brings. Financial decisions, in many homes, are still left to men. And this silent exclusion holds back not just the women, but the entire community. They are the heartbeat of the valley, quiet, tireless, and strong. Yet too many times, their work ends with little more than the satisfaction of labour. The money they earn often slips from their hands before it can change their lives.
This is why financial literacy, the ability to understand, manage, and grow money,is not just helpful. In Kashmir, it is urgent. It is a tool of survival, a shield against uncertainty, and a ladder toward independence.
Breaking the Cycle of Dependency
Imagine a woman who spends months embroidering a shawl that will sell for thousands. When the payment comes, it is taken from her hands,sometimes with love, sometimes with authority, and she is left with little more than the pride of her craft. She is the maker of value, yet not the owner of it.A woman without financial knowledge may be left without savings, without a safety net, and without the ability to navigate the banking system. But when she knows how to manage money, she gains the courage to make choices for herself and her family.A financially literate woman in Kashmir is not just someone who can calculate profits from selling her handicrafts, she is someone who can plan for her children’s education, invest in her own business, and face life’s uncertainties with confidence.
 When Knowledge Becomes Freedom
Financial literacy is not simply about counting money,it is about claiming the right to decide. It is the power to say, “This is my earning, and I will use it to secure my child’s education, to invest in my dream, or to save for a day of uncertainty.” For a woman in Kashmir, understanding how to open a bank account, apply for a loan, or invest in a small business can mean the difference between dependence and dignity. It can mean the ability to leave an unsafe marriage. It can mean feeding her family when the orchards fail. It can mean standing tall when the world expects her to bow.Empowering a woman financially does not end with her. A financially literate mother teaches her children to be responsible with money. A financially independent sister inspires her siblings to dream bigger. A woman entrepreneur creates jobs, supports local economies, and breaks stereotypes.It’s not an exaggeration to say: when you educate a woman about finance, you uplift an entire community.
The barriers faced
When a woman is not financially stable, her life becomes a constant struggle between dignity and survival. Through her husband, she may face control, dependency, and sometimes even neglect, with no say in how money is spent. Through society, she bears judgment for her helplessness, as if poverty is her fault. And when a crisis strikes, when her child needs urgent medical care or her family needs shelter, the lack of even a small sum feels like a mountain she cannot climb. In those moments, financial independence is not a luxury, it is her lifeline.A woman without financial stability walks through life with invisible chains. Her dreams are paused by dependence on her husband’s will, her choices silenced by the weight of tradition. Society questions her worth, yet offers no hand when she stumbles. The simplest needs,a child’s hospital bill, repairs for her home, even a warm meal, become battles she cannot fight alone. These barriers are not just about money; they are about dignity, voice, and the power to stand without fear.
Government’s Role: Turning Promises into Pathways:
For Kashmiri women to break free from the cycle of financial dependency, government action must go beyond words on paper. It must be felt in their villages, in their markets, and in their bank accounts.
1. Financial Literacy Programs in Every District The government can set up women-focused financial literacy centers in rural and urban areas, where women learn about budgeting, savings, investments, and government schemes in simple, local languages.
2. Access to Credit & Microfinance: Many women with skills and dreams lack the capital to start. Low-interest loans, microfinance opportunities, and easy access to bank accounts can transform those dreams into businesses.
3. Skill Development & Employment Opportunities :Linking skill training programs directly with job placements or small-business grants ensures that learning translates into earning.
4. Health & Emergency Funds :Government-led women’s emergency funds can provide immediate financial aid for hospital bills, childbirth, or other urgent needs, a safety net that saves lives.
5. Digital Access & Banking Infrastructure:Expanding internet connectivity and digital banking services into remote villages ensures that women can manage finances without depending on others for travel or information.
The Call to Every Woman in Kashmir
Dear sisters, your dreams deserve more than waiting for someone else’s permission to come true. Financial independence is not just about money, it is about your voice, your choices, and your dignity. The moment you earn and manage your own income, you unlock the power to decide for yourself, to stand tall even when life shakes you, and to protect those you love without fear. No matter how small you start , a skill, a savings jar, a home-based venture, it is the first step towards a life where you are the author of your story. The world respects a woman who can stand on her own feet , be that woman.
To the women who rise before sunrise,
To the mothers who give without keeping,
To the dreamers waiting for the right time, The right time is now.
Financial literacy is not just about money,it is about dignity, safety, and power. It is the difference between hoping for security and building it yourself.
The valley has always been full of women who endure. Now, it must be full of women who decide. Because when a Kashmiri woman learns to manage her money, she does not just transform her life,she transforms the future of her family, her community, and her land.And in a place as breathtaking as Kashmir, women deserve to rise as high as its mountains and shine as brightly as its morning sun.
“When women earn, they don’t just make a living, they make a difference.”
 Penned by Tyima Bilal, for every woman who dreams of walking her own path.

Kishtwar Cloudburst Tragedy, Cover story 18 August 2025

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Kishtwar Cloudburst Tragedy
News Kashmir Analysis
Kishtwar Cloudburst has shaken entire India. The large number of deaths just before we celebrated our 79th Independence day made entire country sad. The regular occurrence of cloudbursts in Himalayan states of the Country is becoming cause of concern as they are causing large scale havoc.
Cloufburst struck Chashoti village of Kishtwar and it is the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata pilgrimage, considered holy by the Hindu community. According to eyewitnesses, a large number of pilgrims had congregated there for the annual yatra. The pilgrimage, which had commenced on July 25, was scheduled to conclude by September 5. Reaching the 9,500-feet-high pilgrimage site from Chashoti village involves a nearly 9-km trek.
Pain and grief engulfed all.
 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cancelled the ‘At Home’ tea party scheduled for August 15 evening. “In light of the tragedy caused by the cloudburst in Kishtwar I have taken the decision to cancel the ‘At Home’ tea party tomorrow evening. We have also decided not to go ahead with the cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. The formal events—speech, march past, etc.—will go ahead as planned,” the Chief Minister tweeted.
On the other hand,  Union Minister Jitendra Singh visited the affected region in Kishtwar late on Friday evening and shared details of the government’s swift response.
Speaking to ANI, Singh said, “The government immediately took cognisance of it…PM Modi personally took cognisance of it and monitored it. After that, the equipment was brought here overnight by vehicles. CRPF came here overnight with equipment. Air Force, Indian Army, DG Police, Jammu-Kashmir Police, and today BRO’s services have been utilised because they have machines to clear debris from the roads…”
He added, “52 bodies have been recovered, of which four bodies have not been identified, while the rest have been identified. Seriously injured patients have been referred outside, with about 52 patients admitted to Jammu Medical College, and those who are more critical will be referred outside…Efforts are ongoing. There is no shortage from the government’s side. Work is in progress.”
The expert pulse is worried about frequent cloudbursts in Jammu and Kashmir,  and other Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand.  The need of the hour is experts especially environmentalists start educating masses about the fallout of these cloudbursts and explain holistic contours.
Undoubtedly, Kishtwar Cloudburst has pained entire country.

Food adulteration concern, 11 August 2025 cover story

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Food Adulteration Concerns
News Kashmir Analysis

Food adulteration is a matter of serious concern. It is poisoning us slowly. It is also a matter of grave public health concern. The entire Kashmir valley is rattled after the seizure of over 3000 kilograms of rotten meat unfit for human consumption from various parts of the Valley in the last week; pain and worry have gripped Kashmir. As a matter of fact, the discovery of rotten meat in large quantities has raised serious concerns about food safety, public health, and the effectiveness of regulatory mechanisms in the region. It is worth mentioning here that on July 31, the Food Safety Department Srinagar, in coordination with the Drug and Food Control Organisation (DFCO), seized 1,200 kilograms of rotten meat from an industrial estate in the Zakura area on the outskirts of Srinagar. There are many concerns now, and people are worried about the negative impacts of rotten meat on health, especially that which we consume in restaurants and hotels. It is a matter of misfortune that the use of rotten meat in restaurants poses significant health risks to consumers.

When meat spoils, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter, which can cause food poisoning. Symptoms range from mild stomach cramps and diarrhea to life-threatening conditions like kidney failure and reactive arthritis. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and young children, are particularly susceptible to these health issues. It should also be noted that, beyond health concerns, the practice of serving spoiled meat undermines trust in the food industry. Consumers expect safe, high-quality food, and establishments that compromise on this standard risk their reputation.

The use of rotten meat also raises ethical questions. It is the need of the hour that we get meat only through a clean chain, and restaurants have a responsibility to prioritize customer well-being; serving spoiled food is a clear breach of this duty. It reflects a lack of regard for consumer health and safety, which is fundamental to the hospitality industry. To mitigate these risks, one must implement strict food safety protocols, including regular inspections, proper storage, and thorough cooking procedures.
 By prioritizing food safety, establishments can protect their customers and maintain the trust that is essential to their customer business. It is heartening to note that a case has been registered against Sunshine Foods under Sections 271, 275, and 61(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further legal actions are planned as the investigation progresses. Dieticians and health experts have advised consumers to avoid eating meat at eateries until the supply chain is verified as safe. But food safety concerns are now very high in Kashmir.

AlphaEarth Foundation, cover story 4 August ,2025

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AlphaEarth Foundation- A Great AI invention for humanity
News Kashmir Analysis
Artificial intelligence is making world a revolutionary place to live. It is making great inventions that will define future of humanity towards better .
We are now witness to multiple better things coming out of AI fields-  Pertinent to mention  here that the Google DeepMind’s AlphaEarth Foundations is a revolutionary AI model is designed to transform global mapping and monitoring.
 This world defining  technology integrates large amounts of Earth observation data from diverse sources, including optical satellite images, radar, 3D laser mapping, and climate simulations.
What is important is that this technology combines these data sources, AlphaEarth creates a unified digital representation of the planet, enabling scientists to track changes over time with remarkable precision.
What is more optimistic to note is that expert pulse is clear  AlphaEarth model analyzes the world’s land and coastal waters in sharp 10×10 meter squares, allowing for detailed monitoring of environmental changes.
In this regard, the expert pulse is that It functions as a “virtual satellite,” providing near-real-time insights into the planet’s evolution. This unified digital model makes it easier for computer systems to process and analyze disparate datasets.
The experts have stated that-
AlphaEarth Foundations has far-reaching implications for various fields, including environmental monitoring, conservation efforts, and agricultural monitoring. It can track deforestation, urban expansion, and climate changes with unprecedented accuracy and speed. The model can also identify vulnerable areas and direct conservation efforts with precision. Additionally, it can inform decisions on resource allocation and crop health.
Reports have stated that Google DeepMind is releasing a collection of AlphaEarth Foundations’ annual embeddings as the Satellite Embedding dataset in Google Earth Engine, allowing researchers to access and build upon the model. This initiative has already shown significant benefits, with over 50 organizations testing the dataset on real-world applications.
It is great for planet earth  that  As Google DeepMind continues to explore the best ways to apply this model’s time-based capabilities, we can expect even more innovative uses in the future.
The heartning development to note is that potential applications of AlphaEarth Foundations extend to sectors like agriculture, urban planning, and disaster risk assessment. By providing a detailed and dynamic understanding of the planet, AlphaEarth can help us better prepare for and respond to environmental challenges. With its cutting-edge technology and vast potential.
Be it Kashmir or any other part of world Artificial intelligence is future  and it is  really great to note that  AlphaEarth Foundations is poised to make a significant impact on our understanding of the planet and its changes.

Sudarshan Chakra, 18 August ,2025 Editorial

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Sudarshan Chakra
Defense is very much needed by a country. How a country is able to defend itself during enemy strikes is pivotal to it becoming a global power. The defense of India as nation is well known fact.
In a big leap towards strengthening the defense of country,  India will build a ‘Sudarshan Chakra’, a ‘multi-layered framework’ to integrate advanced surveillance, cyber protection, and physical safeguards to protect its citizens and infrastructure from enemy strikes, terrorist or otherwise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on the eve of independence day.
As a matter of fact ,
This new defensive blanket will be similar to Israel’s much-vaunted Iron Dome and the United States’ proposed Golden Dome – in that it will act as a missile defence shield.
By 2035, I want to expand, strengthen, and modernise this shield. Drawing inspiration from Lord Krishna, we have chosen the path of the Sudarshan Chakra… the entire system should be researched, developed, and manufactured in India, PM Modi said in his independence day speech.
Expert pulse is delighted with overall contours of Sudarshan Chakra.
The Sudarshan Chakra Mission aims to create a robust defense system, integrating advanced surveillance, cyber protection, and physical safeguards to protect India’s citizens and critical infrastructure. With a focus on indigenous development and manufacturing, this initiative will boost India’s self-reliance in defense and enhance national security capabilities significantly by 2035.
We are proud that India is now having such robust and effective defense system.

The 79th Independence of glory

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The 79th Independence Day of glory

India is a great country and civilization.
 Freeedom from British colonial rule, is the top achievement of our country’s leadership. We have come a long way since independence, and our country has developed and progressed in many fields. There are challenges, but the fruits of independence have been unprecedented. We now breathe in free air as proud Indians. India won its freedom from British rule on August 15, 1947. That year counts as the first Independence Day. Thus, the country will mark its 79th anniversary of independence, which spans 78 full years from 1947 to 2025. Furthermore, official channels have confirmed that India will observe its 79th Independence Day. According to a letter from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) distributed by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the nation will mark its 79th Independence Day. “As India prepares to celebrate its 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has extended an invitation to all citizens to contribute their thoughts and ideas for his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15,” the letter added.
We salute the leadership of our country, armed forces, and all sectors that have contributed to making India a global power. On the 79th Independence Day, we should make a pledge to make India a world superpower and further achieve strength.
 On the eve of our Independence Day, we should also make a firm pledge to eradicate poverty and corruption. We should always be loyal to our country. We are proud that we are the largest democracy in the world. Let us make India rule the global economy through its economic power.

New Petrol Pumps in Jammu and Kashmir, editorial 4 august 2025

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New Petrol Pumps in Jammu and Kashmir
Petrol Pumps are important components of development in present era.
Petrol pumps, or fuel stations, play a crucial role in modern transportation. Petrol pumps are globally  convenient and accessible way for vehicles to refuel, ensuring the smooth operation of logistics, transportation, and daily commutes. Petrol pumps also contribute to the economy by generating revenue through fuel sales and creating employment opportunities. Additionally, many petrol pumps offer additional services like vehicle maintenance, lubricants, and convenience stores, making them a one-stop solution for drivers. With the growing demand for alternative fuels, some petrol pumps are also adapting to offer eco-friendly options like CNG and electric charging stations, supporting a more sustainable transportation future. Overall, petrol pumps are a vital part of the transportation infrastructure.
In a significant development for Jammu and Kashmir,
Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi said the selection and setup of new retail outlets are being carried out based on field feasibility, demand potential, and transparent dealer selection processes.
As per the government data, 643 new petrol pump locations have been identified and advertised in Jammu and Kashmir, while 34 are planned for the Union Territory of Ladakh. These outlets are part of the 49,964 dealership slots advertised nationwide in June and July 2023. So far, Letters of Intent (LoIs) have been issued for over 23,000 of these locations, with more than 5,200 petrol pumps already operational as of July 1, 2025.
This is really great development and ushering a new era of progress in Jammu and Kashmir especially when it comes to sufficing fuel needs.

Srinagar needs strong drainage system, 30 June Cover Story 2025

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Srinagar needs strong drainage system
News Kashmir Analysis
Srinagar is the heart of Jammu and Kashmir.  It is highly important city of our great country India. Srinagar is known for many things – Great Gardens, lakes , religious places and vibrant markets.
Lacs of people visit Srinagar daily for diverse reasons. Srinagar also hosts large number of reputed Government and private hospitals.  Srinagar as a city is thus highly important area of the region.
It is matter of great misfortune that Drainage system of Srinagar city is lagging. With rainfall many areas of Srinagar city get choked  the roads and streets get flooded. This causes great distress to the masses.
With heavy rainfall becoming norm due to cloud bursts and climate change we need to be ready for challenges and have a world class drainage system in the Srinagar city.
Srinagar’s drainage woes are a harsh reality that residents face every monsoon. The city’s inefficient drainage system turns roads into rivers during heavy rainfall, causing frustration and disrupting daily life. Traffic jams and congestion are just the beginning – emergency services are often hindered, putting lives at risk.
The Smart City project promised a revamp, but the ground reality tells a different story. Citizens are still waiting for better roads and drainage. Experts stress that a well-planned drainage system is crucial to tackle climate change and urban expansion. It’s time to prioritize Srinagar’s infrastructure and give it the world-class drainage system it deserves.
The Srinagar city’s beauty and great heritage is undeniable, but its drainage system is a pressing concern that needs attention. With the right infrastructure in place, Srinagar can mitigate the risks of flooding and ensure a better quality of life for its residents. The clock is ticking – it’s time for action.
We can only claim to be a world class city when we have efficient drainage system.
The expert pulse is that in place quality drainage system is crucial for a city like Srinagar, preventing flooding, reducing traffic congestion, and protecting residents’ health.
It also  in a major way handles the risks of waterborne diseases, property damage, and economic losses. A well-designed drainage system ensures the city’s infrastructure can withstand heavy rainfall and snowmelt, supporting sustainable development and improving the overall quality of life for its residents. Efficient drainage is essential for a city’s resilience and prosperity.