Stray Dog Menace

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Stray Dog Menace
Stray Dog menace is still a serious issue in Kashmir despite many solutions and measures proposed from time to time.
Stray or street dog menace is major problem for Jammu and Kashmir .
Stray or street  dogs, known in scientific literature as free-ranging urban dogs,are unconfined dogs that live in cities. They live virtually everywhere where cities exist and the local human population allows, especially in the developing world and the former USSR.
In our region we all are aware about the facets that Street dogs may be stray dogs, pets which have strayed from or are abandoned by their owners, or may be feral animals that have never been owned.Street dogs may be stray purebreds, true mixed-breed dogs, or unbred landraces such as the dog. Street dog overpopulation can cause problems for the societies in which they live, so campaigns to spay and neuter them are sometimes implemented. They tend to differ from rural free-ranging dogs in their skill sets, socialization, and ecological effects.
Stray Dog bites over the years have taken many a precious lives in Kashmir.
Stray dog bites are a big worry  causing deaths and injuries.
Stray dogs have bitten around 58,869 persons in the last decade in Kashmir, which works out to 16 such cases on an average per day.
Some years back it was known,
As per a report by the department of Community Medicines, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, around 58,869 persons were bitten by the dogs in the last ten years (2011 to 2021) in Kashmir. The people in Kashmir are pressing authorities to do more about the issue as the dog attacks have seen a rise in recent months.
Srinagar district is among the worst hit districts by dog menace.

Air pollution a challenge in Kashmir, cover story 21 oct

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Air pollution a challenge in Kashmir
News Kashmir Analysis
Kashmir valley which is known for its natural beauty allover the world has seen degrading air quality over the past few decades due to varied reasons. Delhi too despite being national capital has faced severe air crisis in past decades and it should be lesson for us in Kashmir.
concerns over the air quality of Delhi and its surrounding regions mount, Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday announced that the government has set up a coordination committee to identify and address local sources of pollution at 13 locations in Delhi where air quality has touched the “very poor” mark.
The air quality becomes a special cause of concern especially in the winter months in Kashmir too .
Pollution is emerging as serious challenge to the country. Jammu and Kashmir especially once serene Kashmir valley is also in grip of it now.
pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.
Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires are common sources of air pollution. Pollutants of major public health concern include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Outdoor and indoor air pollution cause respiratory and other diseases and are important sources of morbidity and mortality. It is a big global issue .
WHO data show that almost all of the global population (99%) breathe air that exceeds WHO guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants, with low- and middle-income countries suffering from the highest exposures.
Few time back in worrying development and having Sounded  an alarm, the Former  Director SKIMS, Dr Parvaiz Koul  had  said around 10 thousands deaths in J&K are attributed to air pollution every year.
As a matter of fact, the sidelines of the launch of Doctors for clean Air and Climate Action, J&K Chapter, he said that yearly around ten thousand deaths are attributed to particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) exposure and there is need to control it by countering it.
According to World Health Organization The combined effects of ambient air pollution and household air pollution is associated with 7 million premature deaths annually. Sources of air pollution are multiple and context specific.
The need of the hour is we resort to massive tree planting in Kashmir to save ourselves from bad air quality.

World Strokes Day , 28 october edit

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World Stroke Day
Strokes are a serious health challenge throughout the world.
The brain stroke is the second leading cause of death and third leading cause of disability and second leading cause of death. Every year, approximately 18 lakhs people suffer from stroke. It is noted that low and middle income countries, of which India is a part, have witnessed more than 100 percent increase in stroke whereas the developed countries have witnessed a drop of 42 percent.
As a matter of fact, every year World Stroke Day is observed on October 29th to emphasize the serious nature and high rates of stroke. The day is also observed to raise awareness of the prevention and treatments of strokes.
The theme for World Stroke Day 2024, “#GreaterThanStroke Active Challenge,” harnesses the inspiring impact of sports to drive awareness about stroke prevention and rehabilitation. Sport’s universal appeal crosses all geographic, cultural, and demographic lines, engaging people from all walks of life. By using sports as a powerful platform for awareness, this initiative aims to reach a wide and diverse audience, inspiring action and understanding around stroke.
average incidence rate of stroke in India is 145 per one lakh (1,00,000) population. According to researchers, three Indians suffer a stroke every minute.
Although the elderly age group are more commonly affected by brain stroke, it also can occur to anyone at any age. Understanding the risk factors and recognizing the symptoms may help in preventing a brain stroke.
We need to take all the measures to maintain a strong brain health so as to save ourselves from brain stroke.

Polythene Monster in Kashmir, cover 28 october 2024

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Polythene monster in Kashmir
News Kashmir Analysis
Polythene monster is still being seen in Kashmir used by people and shopkeepers, street vendors despite bans and awareness campaigns. The people of Kashmir are still not awakening to the monster impacts of polythene.
Polythene still being used and customers also taking items in Polythene without questioning is a trending thing in Kashmir.
Polythene is a  monster of epic proportions.
Polythene is generally considered an hazard for our environment and agriculture as it has damaging consequences on the same. Use of polythene bags is rampant across the valley of Kashmir posing a very serious threat to the environment Despite the ban witnesses reveal .In nutshell  the menace of polythene is back to worry the people of Kashmir.
It is a general trend  to see polythene abundantly used still in the nook and corner of the Kashmir Valley from rural to urban areas  despite blanket ban by the authorities announced more than decade ago.
 It is an open secret that the shopkeepers and the vendors are openly seen providing polythene to their customers for carrying various  goods and different  eatables.
Pertinently a decade back the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State government had banned the transportation, dumping, sale and use of non-biodegradable materials in the state.
otherhand, on environmental front the beautiful Valley of Kashmir is facing massive problems. Kashmir’s ecological balance has been harshly disturbed as a result of unabated environmental destruction over a period of several   decades and the resurfacing of polythene monster is going to make the problem further shoddier.
The expert pulse is that in a landfill, a plastic bag will take roughly 1,000 years to degrade. Undergoing a process called photo-degradation, sunlight will transform the plastic into smaller pieces called microplastics. These microplastics can persist in our environment indefinitely, and they often end up mistaken as food.
Although, the only silver lining in dark clouds is that at few serene tourist spots in Kashmir the polythene bag ban has worked very well.
We need to awake as society and shun the use of polythene bags especially. The educated youth of Kashmir need to wake up and educate all about the ills of polythene bags and also further strict and swift action by the authorities on polythene sale and use.

World Mental health day

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World Mental Health Day
Mental health is of great importance. 10th October is world Mental Health Day.
overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
The Official Theme of World Mental Health Day 2024 – ‘It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.
is essential for governments, employers, the organizations which represent workers and employers, and other stakeholders responsible for workers’ health and safety to work together to improve mental health at work. Action to address mental health at work should be done with the meaningful involvement of workers and their representatives, and persons with lived experience of mental health conditions. By investing efforts and resources in evidence-based approaches and interventions at work, we can that everyone has the opportunity to thrive at work and in life.
Poor mental health can lead to decreased performance, absence from work, and increased staff turnover. Depression and anxiety alone result in the loss of approximately 12 billion workdays each year.
Kashmir population also due to varied reasons has poor mental health which needs to be improved.
We need to bear in mind that
health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Dal Goes Pink courtesy Fortis Hospital Gurugram

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#Dal Goes Pink courtesy Fortis Hospital Gurugram
Fortis Hospital Gurugram Organizes Breast Cancer Awareness Program in Srinagar
-October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month-
Srinagar, October 5th 2024: In order to create awareness around increasing incidences of breast cancer in Jammu&Kashmir, Fortis Hospital, Gurugramtoday organized an awarenessprogramme in Srinagar’s Dal Lake. Around 150 Shikaras were tied up with pink ribbons in the Dal Lake, 2000 pink balloons were flown in the air, Local Kashmiri folk dance by local artists were performed on traditional Kashmirimusic,the tourists were given free Shikara rides in the Dal Lake.
The event began with a Press Briefing by Dr. Khalid Hussain Malik Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar who was also the Chief Guest for the occasion, Dr Ankur Bahl (Senior Director, Medical Oncology, Fortis Gurugram), Dr Farah Farooq(Centre Manager, Fortis Medical Centre, Srinagar), Dr Ritu Garg(Chief Innovation and Growth Officer, Fortis Healthcare),Mahipal Singh Bhanot(SBU Head, Fortis Gurugram)andYash Rawat (Facility Director, Fortis Gurugram). Other Senior Dignitaries including Dr Khalid Hussain Malik (Additional DC, Srinagar)Dr Syed Ghazala Nazki,StateProgramme Manager,National Health Mission, J & K, DrBaldev Prakash (MD & CEO – J & K Bank),Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed Chaya (CMD & Founder, Mushtaq Group of Hotels), Mr.Rashid Yahya Naqash, Regional Wildlife Warden, Headquarters J&Kwere present at the event.
Chief Guest said: “I Congratulate Fortis Gurugram on this initiative as it highlights the urgency of combating breast cancer and uniting the community of Srinagar to raise awareness about breast cancer by sending a message of hope, survival, and courage to those who have bravely fought the disease. Together, we need to educate, empower, and inspire hope and save the lives lost to breast cancer”.
Dr. Ankur Bahl,Senior Director, Medical Oncology, Fortis Gurugramsaid, “As per official data, an average of two patients lose the battle to breast cancer daily. Early detection is crucial for achieving a high cure rate, with over 90% success at five years if diagnosed early. Unfortunately, 60% of women are diagnosed at an advanced stage due to lack of awareness of early signs and symptoms, unavailability of screening, ignorance of personal health and fear of treatment.”
Dr Ritu Garg, Chief Innovation & Marketing Officer, Fortis Healthcare said, “As per the World Health Organization, breast cancer continues to be the leading form of cancer in Indian women.Breast cancer has assumed alarming proportions in Jammu and Kashmir with the latest statistics revealing both rising incidence of cases amongst women in the Union Territory. Through this event, it is our endeavor to continuously educate the women about the importance of regular screening, self-examination and empower them to take charge of their health.”
Yashpal Rawat, Facility Director, Fortis Gurugram said, “There’s a significant rise in breast cancer cases in Jammu and Kashmir, often associated with genetic factors and familial history. As per records, 9321 women tested positive for breast cancer in J&K during 2019-2023. A lack of timely diagnosis, and access to quality treatment is also leading to a higher number of deaths annually.It’s important to know the risk factors and adopt a healthy lifestyle.The goal of this event is to educate women about the importance of diagnosing cancer at early stages when treatment is easier and outcomesare better. By following preventive guidelines, and being better informed about cancer, women can significantly reduce their health risk and enjoy a healthy and happy life.”
About Fortis Healthcare Limited
“Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 28 healthcare facilities, 4,500+ operational beds (including O&M facilities) and over 400 diagnostics centers (including JVs). Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Nepal & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company – IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs ~23,000 people (including Agilus Diagnostics Limited) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.”

Cashless transactions booming in India, cover 7 october 2024

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Cashless transactions booming in India
News Kashmir Analysis
India is taking rapid strides towards becoming a cashless economy which is a great development for one and all.
When the transactions in an economy are not heavily based on the money notes, coins or any other physical form of money but are aided by the use of credit cards, debit cards and prepaid payment instruments, such an economy is called cashless economy.
India is taking huge steps to become a major  cashless economy.
As a matter of fact, The Digital India programme is a flagship programme of the Government of India with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. “Faceless, Paperless, Cashless” is one of professed role of Digital India
The country is leading the way towards a cashless economy. India with 89.5 million digital transactions in the year 2022 has topped the list of five countries in digital payments, according to government data.
We need to bear in mind that few time back,  cashless economy refers to a system where digital transactions have taken completely over physical cash. Instead, digital channels such as debit cards, credit cards, internet banking, mobile wallets, electronic fund transfers and digital currencies are used to carry out day-to-day transactions.
In India,  few time back
A tweet by MyGovIndia, a citizen engagement platform of the government of India, read: “India keeps dominating the digital payment landscape! With innovative solutions and widespread adoption, we’re leading the way towards a cashless economy.”
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that the number of cashless transactions the United States does in three years, India does in a month. Jaishankar’s statement came while he was interacting with the people of the Indian community in Nigeria recently.
The country will see lot of benefits by becoming a cashless economy.
Cashless Economy enhances convenience, as digital payments can be made anytime and anywhere, reducing the need for carrying physical cash. It improves transparency and accountability, as digital transactions leave a digital trail that can be tracked and audited.
Greater application of digital payments will save a lot as it will help in bringing down the cost of cash in India. The development of a cashless economy would lead to transparency, curb corruption and lead to convenience for economic growth.
Be it Kashmir or anyother part of the country cashless transactions are taking a major place and having the edge .

Sustainable agriculture

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Sustainable Agriculture via crop neutral incentives
Balancing Resource Use and Crop Diversification for a Resilient Future
DR. K. P. RANJAN
Director, Regional Institute of Cooperative Management, Chandigarh
DR. RAMANDEEP SINGH
Faculty Member, Regional Institute of Cooperative Management, Chandigarh
India’s agriculture sector, a cornerstone of the economy, sustains over 42% of the population and contributes significantly to the country’s GDP. Yet, despite its vital role, the sector is grappling with a series of interconnected problems that threaten its sustainability and future growth. One of the most pressing issues is the over-reliance on a few staple crops like rice and wheat, which though supported by substantial government subsidies, have led to severe environmental and economic challenges. These include the depletion of critical water resources, degradation of soil health, and a disproportionate focus on crops that are not aligned with the evolving needs of food security and nutrition.
Currently, India’s agricultural landscape is skewed towards these water-intensive crops due to the heavy subsidies provided for water, electricity, and fertilisers. This has resulted in excessive production, particularly of rice, making India the largest exporter of the grain. However, this success comes at a significant cost. Exporting rice essentially means exporting vast amounts of water—an increasingly scarce resource in the country. Moreover, the cultivation practices for these crops, particularly paddy, contribute to methane emissions, exacerbating climate change. Soil health is also deteriorating due to the overuse of chemical fertilisers, which are necessary to sustain the high yields of these staple crops.
Recognizing these issues, the government has implemented several initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of these challenges. The introduction of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system and the PM-KISAN scheme provide financial security to farmers, encouraging them to continue farming despite the challenges. Additionally, programs like the Prime Minister’s Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) offer insurance against crop failure, providing a safety net for farmers dealing with the vagaries of weather. However, these measures, while beneficial, are not sufficient to address the underlying issues of crop diversification and sustainability.
The existing solutions are primarily focused on providing short-term relief and support, without addressing the need for a structural transformation in agricultural practices. What is needed is a shift towards a more balanced, diversified agricultural model—one that promotes the cultivation of a wider variety of crops that are less resource-intensive and more aligned with the country’s nutritional needs. This is where the concept of crop-neutral incentive structures comes into play.
Crop-neutral incentives involve providing equal financial support across different types of crops, particularly those that are less water-intensive and more sustainable, such as pulses, oilseeds, and millets. These crops not only require fewer resources but also play a crucial role in enhancing food security and nutrition. By offering equivalent subsidies for these crops, the government can encourage farmers to diversify their production, reducing the environmental impact and making agriculture more sustainable in the long term.
To implement this ideal solution, several steps need to be taken. First, investments in irrigation and water-saving technologies must be increased to reduce the dependency on monsoons and improve the efficiency of water use in agriculture. Second, there should be a focus on developing post-harvest infrastructure and improving market access for diversified crops. This would ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their produce, making diversification economically viable. Lastly, public awareness campaigns and education programs should be launched to inform farmers about the benefits of crop diversification and the availability of financial incentives for cultivating a wider range of crops.
While India’s agriculture sector has made significant strides, it is at a crossroads where continuing with the current practices could lead to unsustainable outcomes. By adopting crop-neutral incentive structures and promoting crop diversification, India can not only safeguard its agricultural future but also ensure that farming remains a viable and profitable endeavour for generations to come. This shift towards a more balanced and sustainable agricultural model is essential for addressing the pressing challenges of resource depletion, environmental degradation, and the evolving needs of food and nutritional security in the country.

Wool importance

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Wool importance
Wool has always been an important sector for people. As a matter of fact, the Wool is a natural product which in its purity – and with correct and gentle treatment processes – is the highest-ranking sustainable fibre in the clothing industry for the environment, especially for its long lifespan. UV resistant. Wool absorbs UV rays and protects the skin.
In contrast to synthetics, wool can absorb moisture vapour, which means less sweat on your body. They even absorb and locks away the odours from sweat, which are then released during washing. Stain-resistant — wool fibres have a natural protective outer layer that prevents stains from being absorbed.
Jammu and Kashmir has great potential to be a quality producer of wool and if tapped in right direction wool industry can generate lot of employment in Jammu and Kashmir.
We have many bright facets in it.
J&K produces 7 million Kg of wool annually against the country’s production of 40 million Kg thereby accounting for 19% of the country’s production. Recently in a mega meeting on the subject It was said that the considerable wool production amalgamated with the installation of processing units would result in bolstering the economy of UT.
We need to understand  that the domestic production of wool in the country is not adequate and the industry is dependent on imports. The wool import to the nation stands at 77 million Kgs per year.
Government has also been giving many efforts to promote the wool industry of Kashmir.  People too need to understand its importance and promote the sector to fullest.

Elderly persons Difficulties

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Elderly Person Difficulties
Elderly persons are the storehouse of heritage and experience. The older persons are synonyms of intellect and wisdom.
The number of older persons, over subsequent three decades across the world is projected more than double, reaching more than 1.5 billion persons in 2050 and 80% of them will be living in low-and-middle-income countries.”
International Day of Older Persons is observed on October 1 annually and is a United Nation’s designated day to recognise the contribution of older persons and also to examine the issues faced by them or affect their lives.
We in Kashmir have number of old persons facing problems some deserted by there children and some having children outside in search of livelihood.
As a matter of fact, United Nations General Assembly designated 1 October as the International Day of the Older Persons  (resolution 45/106) on 14 December 1990. The initiatives were taken via the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing that was adopted by the World Assembly on Ageing in 1982 and endorsed later that year by the UN General Assembly.
The General Assembly adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons in 1991. The Second World Assembly on Ageing in 2002 adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. It was done to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and also to promote the development of a society for all ages.
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Some facts
In recent decades, the composition of the world population has changed dramatically. Between 1950 to 2010, life expectancy across the world rose from 46 to 68 years. There were around 703 million persons aged 65 or over in 2019 across the world. The region of Eastern and South-Eastern Asia was home to the largest number of older persons (261 million), followed by Europe and Northern America (over 200 million).
The number of older persons worldwide is projected to more than double over the next three decades. It will reach more than 1.5 billion persons in 2050. Between 2019 and 2050, all regions will see an increase in the size of the older population.
In Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, the largest increase of around 312 million is projected to occur, growing from 261 million in 2019 to 573 million in 2050.
In Northern Africa and Western Asia, the fastest increase in the number of older persons is expected to rise from 29 million in 2019 to 96 million in 2050 that is an increase of 226 percent.
The second-fastest increase is projected for sub-Saharan Africa. Here, the population aged 65 or over could grow from 32 million in 2019 to 101 million in 2050 that is 218 percent.
In 2050, the development groups that are less developed countries excluding the least developed countries will be home to more than two-thirds of the world’s older population around 1.1 billion as per the UN.
In the least developed countries, the fastest increase is projected to take place where the number of persons aged 65 or over could rise from 37 million in 2019 to 120 million in 2050 that is 225 percent.
We too in Kashmir have lot of old people and many of them face difficulty.