World Suicide Prevention Day, 9 September Editoral 2024

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World Suicide Prevention Day
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. Mental disorders (including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and cognitive disengagement syndrome), physical disorders (such as chronic fatigue syndrome), and substance abuse (including alcoholism and benzodiazepine use and withdrawal) are risk factors.
Suicide is a serious public health issue with wide-ranging social, emotional, and financial ramifications. As per the data, around 700,000 suicides are reported annually on average around the world, which profoundly affects the lives of many. And to curb the unfortunate crisis September 10 is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day annually. The day aims to encourage understanding, sharing experiences and reaching the masses to take action and prevent suicides.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO) together created World Suicide World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) in 2003. Every year on September 10, organizations, governments, and the general public are encouraged to increase awareness of the problem and focus attention on it with the clear message that suicides may be avoided.
World Suicide Prevention Day each year aims to focus attention on the issue, reduce stigma and raise awareness among organizations, governments, and the public, giving a singular message that suicides are preventable. It represents a global commitment to focus attention on suicide prevention. All of us- family members, friends, co-workers, community members, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, political officials, and governments can take action to prevent suicide in the Region.
We in Kashmir too have witnessed a spurt in suicide cases over the past few years and lot needs to be done to save people from committing this cruel and painful act.
A lot needs to be especially done to heal those who are facing crushing depression and stress.

Mother!

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MOTHER!
By Monalisa Parida
        It is a painful subject if you think or write about a ‘Mother’. No writer has substantiated till today writing about any Mother. All are dying in debt of mother’s womb but could not elaborate and clearly express the pain of her. She is the key of all grandiose history, reason behind all inventions of science, root of all politics and adjectives of all literatures.
            If mother Kousalya was not there then Ram couldn’t be the Lord of an age and if Debaki was not there then Krishna’s ‘Dharmasansthapanarthaya’ work might be fragmentary.
A mother faces all trials and tribulations for her child. She always craves the best for her child. Wind, storms and rains will come but a mother will understand the pains of her child. She will care and shower love and compassion towards her child. Her child is her world and she is always a symbol of love and care for her child.
           Mom, mother, ayi, amma so many different names still less to put it in what she actually is. Mother the one who’s connected with their child both mentally and physically. She will be happy, sad, angry, proud anything for her child but in the end she want her child to be happy no matter what.

National Sports Day, 26 August 2024

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National Sports Day
Sports are very vital for human health. They keep us fit and are also source of entertainment for us. We can also make a good career in diverse sports.
helps us to stay healthy, fit, and active. It teaches us the value of teamwork and encourages us to work hard and never give up. Sports also help us develop discipline, dedication, and commitment, which are essential values for success in life. It is also a great way for people to socialize and make new friends.
We need to bear in mind that sports are integral part of the human life and there is great importance of sports in all spheres of life. Furthermore, Sports help build the character and personality of a person.
The National Sports Day of India is celebrated on August 29 every year. It is a timely reminder for the need for sporting activities in life. National Sports Day 2024 is on Thursday.
States like Haryana, Punjab and Karnataka, among others, organise various sporting events and seminars aimed at spreading awareness about the importance of physical activities and sports in life.
Over the years, the government has also used this day as a platform to launch various sports schemes, including the Khelo India movement, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.
We need to remember that
National Sports Day in India is celebrated on 29 August every year. It is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand Singh. The day also serves as a reminder for all of us to recall the contributions, determination and extraordinary achievements of the athletes and their influence in shaping societies. The first National Sports Day was celebrated on August 29, 2012 and hence this year marks the 12th anniversary of Rashtriya Khel Divas.
We too in Jammu and Kashmir should take sports seriously and encourage our children to take different sports.

Tobacco Monster in J&K, cover story 26 August 2024

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Tobacco Monster in J&K
News Kashmir Analysis
Tobacco is the common name of several plants in the genus Nicotiana of the family Solanaceae, and the general term for any product prepared from the cured leaves of these plants. More than 70 species of tobacco are known, but the chief commercial crop is N. tabacum. The more potent variant N. rustica is also used in some countries.
The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing over 8 million people a year around the world. More than 7 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while around 1.3 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke (4).
All forms of tobacco use are harmful, and there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco. Cigarette smoking is the most common form of tobacco use worldwide.
As a matter of fact,
Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory has been identified as having the 6th highest prevalence of tobacco use in the country, with over 20 percent of the population engaging in tobacco consumption, according to officials.
Tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, including an estimated 1.3 million non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke (4).
Around 80% of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries.
In 2020, 22.3% of the world’s population used tobacco: 36.7% of men and 7.8% of women.
To address the tobacco epidemic, WHO Member States adopted the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in 2003. Currently 182 countries are Parties to this treaty.
According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2 data, 35.2% of men, 5.1% of women, and 20.8% of all adults in J&K smoke tobacco. It adds that 6.8% of men, 1.5% of women, and 4.3% of all adults currently use smokeless tobacco. Overall, 39.7% of men, 6.2% of women, and 23.7% of all adults either smoke tobacco or use smokeless tobacco.
Tobacco is definitely a monster which we need to do away with .
The expert pulse is that we need to aware the youth about perils of Tobacco menace and make them shun it. One hopes in the great country like India we need to reach a stage where we ban all products of Tobacco . Tobacco is a hydra headed monster and there is no doubt about same .

IAS Dr. Rashmi Singh Interview

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IAS Dr. Rashmi Singh Interview

Commissioner Secretary Hospitality and Protocol , Government of Jammu and Kashmir and  Principal Resident Commissioner IAS Dr. Rashmi Singh in an exclusive interview with News Kashmir talks to Editor in Chief Farzana Mumtaz and Content Editor Rameez Makhdoomi.
A bit on recently concluded Sambhaav Utsav 2.0?
Well, we have had successful Sambhaav Utsav 1.0 in Feburary only with excellent participation and attractive programmes but recently concluded Sambhaav Utsav 2.0 took things to new levels of excellence.  Besides promoting arts and crafts and giving amazing platform to artisans and craftsmans of Jammu and Kashmir,  we had a Series of interactive sessions titled Manthan Satra , wherein we had dynamic sessions like Badlta Jammu and Kashmir,  Nikhrata Jammu and Kashmir,  Sawanrta Jammu and Kashmir.  The burning issues like Sustainable tourism,  e commerce,  more jobs for youth and opportunities were discussed . The prestigious organisations like NITI Ayog , Prasar Bharti shared their wisdom and input for better Jammu and Kashmir.
Those who write and speak on Jammu and Kashmir also shared their positive input.
We need to bear in mind that there was session on Skill and Entrepreneurship too , the contours of National Education Policy too were discussed in a session. Above all, the spread of awareness on all important film policy was also done.  It was made sure that stakeholders get to know how Jammu and Kashmir is becoming once again the film shooting hub of India with effective film policy and old glory of Jammu and Kashmir as global film destination is returning back. The Lieutenant Governor esteemed Manoj Sinha actively took part in all the programmes and ensured giving pragmatic shape to all the suggestions.
We didn’t just kept our programme Mundane but also colorful art and culture programmes were held daily that captivated the audiences and showcased the richness and diversity of the culture of Jammu and Kashmir.
So , it was a two way dialogue and an attractive platform for Jammu and Kashmir products ?
Absolutely yes, the youth  from Baramulla highly talented in music who performed interacted with Youth of Delhi . The people from Delhi especially those having less knowledge were mesmerized by culture , arts and crafts of Kashmir. There were different products from Saffron to Lavender on sale with about 10 farm organizations participating.  The designer clothes were showcased along with exquisite cuisine of Jammu and Kashmir with both vegetarian as well as Non vegetarian.  The programme was much success and paragon of excellence .

Turbulence in Bangladesh: A Critical Analysis

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Turbulence in Bangladesh: A Critical Analysis
Shabir Ahmad Paswal
Historical Context
The political landscape of Bangladesh has long been marred by a legacy of hereditary rule and military intervention. Since the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s founding father, in 1975, his daughter, Sheikh Hasina Wajid, and her political adversary, Khaleda Zia, have dominated Bangladeshi politics. Sheikh Hasina leads the Awami League, while Khaleda Zia heads the Bangladesh National Party (BNP). The rivalry between these two leaders has significantly shaped the country’s political dynamics.
A Legacy of Political Turmoil
Khaleda Zia’s last tenure as Prime Minister ended abruptly in 2007 when a military-backed caretaker government took control, citing widespread corruption and political instability. This interim government imposed martial law and organized elections in 2009, resulting in a victory for Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League. Since then, Sheikh Hasina has maintained a tight grip on power, and Khaleda Zia has faced numerous legal challenges, culminating in her conviction on corruption charges. Although sentenced to seventeen years in prison, Khaleda Zia has been under house arrest since 2019 due to health concerns, a term extended multiple times.
The Military’s Pervasive Influence
The military has played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s political history, having imposed martial law three times (1975, 1982, and 2007) and attempting to overthrow elected governments on several occasions. Sheikh Hasina has managed to keep the military in check by economically strengthening the state and rewarding military officials with various privileges. Additionally, the salaries of government employees have been significantly increased under her administration, making government jobs highly coveted.
Quotas and Corruption: Catalysts for Unrest
Despite economic improvements, the allocation of government jobs has been a persistent source of public discontent. Approximately one-third of these positions are reserved for certain groups, including military families and the descendants of independence war heroes. This quota system has sparked widespread resentment, particularly among students and young professionals who view it as discriminatory and antithetical to meritocracy.
The Spark: Student Protests and Government Crackdown
Fifteen days ago, student organizations began protesting against the quota system, presenting a list of nine demands. The government’s initial response was forceful, with police using batons and tear gas, resulting in several fatalities. The situation escalated when Sheikh Hasina made a controversial televised statement, comparing the protesting students to collaborators with the Pakistani army during the 1971 independence war, labelling them as state enemies. This incendiary rhetoric further inflamed the situation, leading to nationwide protests.
Escalation and Military Intervention
The government’s subsequent crackdown on the protests involved nationwide curfews, and internet blackouts, and aggressive military intervention, which resulted in the deaths of three hundred students and thousands of injuries. Amidst this chaos, the organization of retired military officers publicly called for active-duty soldiers to refrain from acting against the students, expressing their support for the protesters’ demands.
The Fall of Sheikh Hasina
Faced with mounting pressure, the military forced Sheikh Hasina to resign. She was flown to India, where she is currently a guest of the state. Martial law has once again been imposed in Bangladesh, leaving the future of its democracy uncertain. The public’s storming of the Prime Minister’s House and the toppling of Sheikh Mujib’s statue underscore the deep-seated frustration and desperation among the populace.
Uncertain Future
The immediate future of Bangladesh remains unclear. Whether the military will establish a new form of governance, form an interim government, or eventually hold elections is yet to be seen. The student organizations have welcomed the military’s intervention, but whether their demands will be met remains uncertain. This critical juncture in Bangladesh’s history highlights the profound challenges facing the nation as it grapples with issues of governance, military influence, and public discontent.
The events in Bangladesh over the past twenty days have brought to the forefront the longstanding issues of political instability, military intervention, and public dissatisfaction. The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and the imposition of martial law mark a significant turning point in the nation’s history. As Bangladesh navigates this turbulent period, the resilience and demands of its citizens will play a crucial role in shaping its future. The unfolding situation serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of democracy in the face of deep-rooted systemic challenges.

Election Suspense, cover story 12 August 2024

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Election Suspense
News Kashmir Analysis
Elections are soul of Democracy. After a long wait of ten year and nearly after 5 year of the historic abrogation of article 370 Jammu and Kashmir looks all set to conduct Assembly polls very soon. People too have been urging elections since long . But the suspense still remains .
The assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are long overdue and the Supreme Court has set a deadline of September 30 to conduct polls in the Union Territory.
The team, headed by Chief Election Commission Rajiv Kumar, was recently  on a two-day visit and has started meeting with the representatives of political parties to get their feedback before meeting senior police officials of all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
On his part, Union Minister G. Krishna Reddy, the Election Incharge for J&K Assembly elections, announced on Monday that elections in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir are set to take place next month, in September.
Speaking at the ‘Ekatma Mahotsav’ rally organized by the BJP at Bana Singh Stadium in RS Pura, Reddy expressed confidence that the BJP will secure a majority in the upcoming elections.
Also, The Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir led by a group of concerned citizens has called for an immediate announcement of dates of Legislative Assembly elections in J&K much before the Supreme Court’s deadline of September 30, arguing that “that security should not be a consideration given that elections have been held in far worse security situations”.
Addressing a news conference in Jammu, the CEC said that the dates for the elections would be announced after holding a comprehensive security review in Delhi.
He said that the Election Commission of India (ECI) was committed to holding Assembly elections as soon as possible.
” This is the appropriate time for holding Assembly elections in J&K and no force can prevent us from holding elections here. We are committed to this process,” he said.
The hope on ground zero among the common masses is that exact dates for the historic Assembly elections are declared soon as they eagerly want to take part in this great democratic exercise, and elect their representatives to the Assembly so that their issues are resolved at a faster pace .

International Youth Day, Editorial 12 August 2024

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International Youth Day
Youth is season of hope. Youth is the most important segment of the society. Without active participation of Youth no society can progress in right direction.
The young generation simply needs to renew, refresh and maintain the current status of society. When the youth contributes his ideas and energy to resolve social issues, he or she  becomes a capable leader and can also make a difference in the lives of others.
International Youth Day is celebrated every year on August 12 and it aims to raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities faced by young people worldwide.
This day is created by the United Nations and every year the youth organisations and members of the UN Inter-Agency decide the theme.
The UN states: “International Youth Day is commemorated every year on 12 August. The Focal Point on Youth selects a theme for the day often with input from youth organizations and members of the UN Inter-Agency Network in Youth development.”
“It also organizes a virtual commemoration of the Day. The Programme encourages youth around the world to organize activities to raise awareness about the situation of youth in their country,” it adds.
meant as an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention to youth issues worldwide. During IYD, concerts, workshops, cultural events, and meetings involving national and local government officials and youth organizations take place around the world. IYD was designated by the United Nations in 1999 with the adoption of Resolution 54/120.
On International Youth Day we should take every step to make the life of our youth better . Unemployment is one of the major problem faced by the youth of our country and it is hoped that with holistic efforts it would be a thing of past soon.

Wayanad Landslide Tragedy

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Wayanad Landslide Tragedy
Wayanad tragedy has struck the pulse of  entire nation,  also pointing out the hazards impacts of climate change.
The extent of devastation caused by landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad is not known yet, as rescue teams have not even reached the settlement first struck by the landslides, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan told NDTV as the death count in the calamity crossed the 200 mark on 31 July.
This year has seen a series of landslides around the world — from Yunnan in China in January to Papua New Guinea in May that killed more than 2,000 to Sulawesi island in Indonesia and Wayanad in Kerala in July.
The death toll from the series of landslides in Meppadi in Wayanad district had reached 276 on Thursday (August 1) morning, with at least 240 people still missing. Some 200 people are injured.
An eminent scientist Soman opined
The scale of the Wayanad tragedy is the direct result of unscientific land use patterns in the affected areas, an eminent scientist said explaining the role of tea plantations in the tragedy. “When the British set up tea plantations in areas of high altitude, they levelled the small gullies through which water flowed downstream, and settled their workers along the river terraces (levelled surfaces formed by sediments deposited by the river). Later, towns developed along these areas.”
“Water has memory, it remembers its course, even centuries after it was diverted. It’s dangerous to attempt to trick nature by occupying the path of a river,” he said.
Soman also pointed to another reason why Chooralmala and Mundakkai were unsuitable for human habitation. The area had experienced landslides of lesser intensity in 1984 and 2020. Soman said that the angular rocks point to the possibility that there had been other landslides too in the past century or before.
As a matter of fact ,
Landslides are natural phenomena that usually occur in mountainous regions with steep slopes. During a landslide, large amounts of rock, boulders,g
 loose mud, soil, and debris roll down slopes and hillsides, gathering great momentum and often taking vegetation or buildings along.
Landslides caused by TRIGGERING FACTORS are intense rainfall, and anthropological activities such as thoughtless changes of land use, road and bridge building, haphazard and unscientific construction, and large-scale destruction of forests.
We too in Kashmir need to take collective steps to save our forests and waterbodies to protect ourselves from landslides.

5 Years of Article 370 Abrogation:J&K Journey Towards Prosperity

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5 Years of Article 370 Abrogation: J&K Journey towards Prosperity

News Kashmir Analysis
On August 5, 2019, the government of India abrogated Article 370 of the Indian Constitution with a presidential order, and parliamentary resolution overturning a dark  status quo that had lasted for nearly 70 years. The erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir had been granted a special status under which it had its own constitution and autonomy in its internal affairs.
These five years have ensured much peace and prosperity.
PM Narendra Modi, speaking in Kargil, recently  highlighted the upcoming fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5. He emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is now talking about a new future and big dreams, with its global recognition bolstered by hosting important events like the G20 summit. Alongside infrastructure development, the tourism sector in Jammu, Kashmir, Leh, and Ladakh is rapidly growing. After decades, cinemas have reopened in Kashmir, and for the first time in three and a half decades, the Tazia procession was held in Srinagar.
On February 7, 2024 ,
The Central government  informed the Rajya Sabha that an investment of over Rs 5600 crore has been made in various sectors of Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Responding to allegations that the Union government taking over responsibility of Jammu and Kashmir Police is a “trojan horse,” the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, “If at all, there was a trojan horse in regards to J&K, it was Article 335A and Article 370.”
“We are taking the burden of J&K Police money so that J&K administration will have more money for development. But the oppositon is trying to create doubt about India’s governance and federal structure,” she added.
The Rajasthan government has included the celebration of the abrogation of the Constitution’s Article 370, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its semi-autonomous status, as “Swarnamukut Diwas”, the birthdays of Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, and 16th century Mewar ruler Maharana Pratap in the annual school calendar.
Expert pulse is  abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A gave dignified lives to the refugees from West Pakistan, daughters of the soil, Valmiki Samaj, PoJK displaced people and more rights to women  among others.
The tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir has seen significant growth since the abrogation of Article 370, with a total of 1.08 crore tourists visiting in the last six months this year, as per the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). According to a report provided to the MHA by the Jammu and Kashmir government, the sector has maintained an annual average growth rate of 15.13 percent over the past three years.
Undoubtedly, on 5th Anniversary of article 370 abrogation we are seeing much optimism.