Investment Propels J&K Progress

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Investments Propel J&K Progress

Investment definition is an asset acquired or invested in to build wealth and save money from the hard earned income or appreciation. Investment meaning is primarily to obtain an additional source of income or gain profit from the investment over a specific period of time.
Investment is key to economic growth and all round development. We speak of income effects when increasing investments create jobs, which in turn result in higher total national income, which also increases total consumption within the national economy. This in turn allows more to be saved, which leads to further investment .
In Jammu and Kashmir after many decades of backwardness the Investment has started to pour in an effective manner especially after the abrogation of article 370.
In a bright development it is learnt that Jammu and Kashmir has received 6000 investment proposals worth Rs 90,182 crore and is developing 46 industrial estates for creating over 4 lakh job opportunities, Union Ministry of Home Affairs said Thursday.
J&K was on the path of all-round development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was witnessing unprecedented industrial growth under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
” Under the leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi, #JammuKashmir is on the path of all-round development. Under the able guidance of Union Home Minister Shri @AmitShah, J&K is witnessing unprecedented industrial growth. With more than 6000 investment proposals worth Rs 90,182 crore and the creation of over 4 lakh job opportunities, Jammu and Kashmir is developing 46 New Industrial Estates @HMOIndia @PIB_India @PIBSrinagar @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts,” the spokesperson of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs posted on X.
On the otherhand, During the hearing in the Supreme Court over abrogation of Article 370, the Centre repeatedly argued it was a hindrance to “development and progress” and after the August 5, 2019 decisions, “investments have started coming” into Jammu and Kashmir.
In almost three years since the Jammu and Kashmir government announced a new industrial policy in January 2021, the Union Territory has received proposals worth Rs 84,544 crore in as many as 42 industrial sectors.
Jammu and Kashmir is making rapid progress due to fast investments.

2024 General Elections- Edge NDA, cover story 4 March, 2024

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2024 General Elections- Edge NDA
News Kashmir Analysis
We have entered the month of March. 2024 is a very special year for India as General elections will be held in the month of April and May. So we are just days away from being elections being announced.
As a matter of fact,
India holds the Lok Sabha elections on a five-yearly basis, which are frequently referred to as the largest political event in the nation and possibly in the whole world. Currently serving as India’s prime minister honorable Narendra Modi from BJP.
It is worth mentioning here that
Predictions for the Lok Sabha Election of 2024 indicate that Narendra Modi will triumph once more and take over as India’s prime minister. He took over the position in 2014. To win this election, Congress and the other parties must work a miracle.
The charismatic personality of
Narendra Modi, the head of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has been named. Should the NDA win the upcoming election, the famous personality of Narendra Modi will take over as prime minister of India for third term . The INDIA Alliance did not reveal who would lead their coalition as prime minister should he win the election.
Now, The BJP is expected to release a first list of candidates – over 100 names, which will include heavyweights like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah – for the 2024 Lok Sabha election , after marathon overnight meetings in Delhi, including one led by the Prime Minister at his Delhi residence that began 11 pm Thursday, 29 feburary and finished at 4 am Friday.
It has been observed that the BJP’s strategy, as it bids for a third term, revolves around getting feedback on sitting MPs’ – including but not limited to discussions with grassroots-level workers and voters in their constituencies – and a tactical reshuffle to eliminate the anti-incumbency bias.
The meeting also likely saw talks about leaving six seats in politically key Uttar Pradesh, which sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha, for regional allies like the Apna Dal and the Rashtriya Lok Dal of Jayant Chaudhary, which the BJP reportedly won over from INDIA despite their January agreement.
Meanwhile on opposition front The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the Opposition alliance in Maharashtra, have reportedly inked a seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) is likely to contest 21 seats, while the Congress may fight in 15 seats and the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP could get nine seats, an news channel report said.
Undoubtedly, NDA Has huge edge in year 2024.

Public library culture in Kashmir Deserve Importance, cover story 26 February 2024

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Public library culture in  Kashmir Deserves importance
News Kashmir Analysis
Public libraries have played an important role in growth of every civilization as instrument of knowledge.  They provide books and other materials for people to read and intellectual growth.
These materials are very informative and lead to self-improvement and develop basic literacy skills. Public Libraries have always seen as an educational resource for all people.
Experts opinion is that
The public library is the local center for providing a wealth of information through learning facilities and materials to support literacy to the general public. Literacy is also achieved by providing literacy programs and activities for different groups and ages.
The dying reading culture in Kashmir is a matter of concern.
Public libraries continue to play a major role in fostering literacy in communities and societies, particularly among those groups of the populations that need special assistance in developing literacy skills, such as preschool and elementary school children.
In a place like Jammu and Kashmir the public libraries have an important role to play and unfortunately after facing a neglect since many years they are getting desired attention,which is good.
Vijay GarG, Renowned educationist and columnist of News Kashmir writes about their role :”
Access to information: Public libraries provide free access to a wide range of educational resources and information, including books, journals, newspapers, and databases. This enables individuals, regardless of their economic background, to gain knowledge and stay informed about the world around them.
2. Promoting literacy and education: Libraries are essential in fostering a culture of reading and promoting literacy. They provide a supportive environment for learning, whether it be through early literacy programs for children, homework help for students, or adult education programs. Access to books and resources encourages reading, enhances vocabulary and language skills, and promotes lifelong learning.
3. Bridging the digital divide: In today’s digital age, many essential services, job applications, and educational resources are accessible online. However, not everyone has access to computers or the internet at home. Public libraries offer free computer and internet access, helping bridge the digital divide and ensuring that all members of society have equal opportunities to access information and technology.”
The hope on ground zero is that public Libraries would be getting their due attention and they will prosper in Jammu and Kashmir.

Startups Growing much in J&K, Editorial 26 February 2024

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Startup growing much in J&K
The term startup refers to a company in the first stages of operations. Startups are founded by one or more entrepreneurs who want to develop a product or service for which they believe there is demand.
Startup atmosphere is growing much vibrantly in Jammu and Kashmir .
As a matter of fact, Startup India was a campaign that was first addressed by the PM Narendra Modi on 15th August 2015 at Red Fort, New Delhi. This campaign was introduced under the Government of India as an initiative to develop over 75 startup support hubs in the country.
Jammu and Kashmir administration has greenlit a comprehensive startup policy aimed at nurturing 2,000 startups within the union territory by 2027. The decision was made during a key administrative council meeting chaired by Lieutenant General Manoj Sinha.
Key highlights of the policy include the establishment of a Venture Capital (VC) fund with an initial infusion of Rs 25 crore and a total outlay of Rs 250 crore. This fund is intended to provide crucial financial support to startups. Additionally, startups recognized by the J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) will receive one-time seed funding assistance of up to Rs 20 Lakhs disbursed in four equal instalments.
The newly approved policy focuses on providing entrepreneurship support facilities to students, women, and entrepreneurs. Support will be extended through government, private entities, and high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) to facilitate the setup of startups.
Breaking new ground in Jammu and Kashmir’s entrepreneurial landscape, the Kashmir Angel Network (KAN) has announced the successful facilitation of seed funding for Wildfloc Adventures through a partnership with IIT Ropar. This undisclosed investment, a result of collaboration with the Wadhwani Foundation, signifies a significant leap forward not only for Wildfloc Adventures but also for the burgeoning startup ecosystem in the

Increasing Frauds, Cover Story 19 February 2024.

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Increasing Frauds
News Kashmir Analysis
The increase in frauds across India is a matter of serious concern.
India is seeing a much  upswing in fraudulent activities resulting in an increase in fraud losses with financial services reporting the biggest increase.
A study conducted by Forrester Consulting, commissioned by Experian, a leading global information services provider, found that year-on-year fraud losses are increasing for nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of respondents, with financial services organisations reporting the biggest increase in losses. There are several factors driving this surge in fraud attacks, such as persisting financial pressure on consumers, numerous data breaches leaking sensitive information onto the dark web, and the arrival of publicly accessible Generative AI – which has lowered the technical skills required to conduct fraud.
This concerning trend is compounded by the fact that 67 per cent of these respondents are currently grappling with the challenges of keeping pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of fraud threats.
As a matter of fact, The volume of fraud attacks has gone up in almost every category.
Synthetic identity attacks, where real and fake information are combined to form new identities, are on the rise, particularly in the financial services sector. This is closely followed by identity theft attacks and account takeover attacks. In the e-commerce sector,
Friendly fraud attacks, where customers dispute legitimate charges, have grown the most for merchants, followed by synthetic identity attacks, found the study.
The survey gathered insight from 308 fraud managers in the financial services, telco, and eCommerce sectors across ten countries in the EMEA and APAC regions: India, Denmark, Germany, Australia, Italy, New Zealand, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, and Turkey.
“The study underscores that the future of effective fraud prevention lies in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies.”
According to the study, the biggest challenge limiting businesses’ ability to prevent fraud is a lack of device fingerprinting for fraud identification (62 per cent). A second is an increasing number of referrals, causing increased delays and costs (56 per cent).
Recognising the urgency, businesses emphasize the crucial role of device data in passive customer screening.
The top fraud-related priority is improving the explainability of ML models (65 per cent), which shows how important ML has become to fraud prevention. Transparent ML models allow for human oversight so that unintentional bias can be identified. This capability is essential to ensure ethical AI use and to comply with a future AI regulatory framework.
Nearly two-thirds (67 per cent) of businesses believe that the future of fraud prevention will be driven by AI/ML-powered solutions.
We also need to be cyber alert to prevent cyber frauds .
Cybersecurity awareness helps educate your employees about malicious methods used by cybercriminals, how they can be easy targets, how to spot potential threats and what they can do to avoid falling victim to these insidious threats.
The need of the hour is to take steps to arrest the rising trend of frauds in India .

Women playing great role in corporates, Editorial 19 February, 2023

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Women playing great role in  Corporates

Women are laying a importamt role in the present world economy. Hire or promote a woman to join your board of directors now to reap better results. According to a research, even one woman on the board of directors in a firm can lead to stronger corporate governance practices than those with no women. Moreover, companies with at least three women in board of directors rank even higher, depending on specific industry sectors, the study said. The findings are an eye opener over the burning facts that women are equal partners in economical boom of any society or country.

 

“The findings suggest the presence of women on a board encourages a greater focus on board practices and behaviours related to good governance, even when they are a lone voice,”said business professor Judith Zaichkowsky from Simon Fraser University in Canada. The study found significant improvement in scores with one women, especially in traditionally male-dominated industries such as energy and mining. All this proves that women presence in corporate is slated to increase.

 

 

 

“To call for quotas of three or more women to be on board of directors of these industries, for which the total number of board seats averages about nine, is perhaps asking too much,” Zaichkowsky was quoted as saying in a Globe and Mail report. At this point in time, one woman on these boards may be all it takes to provide a better governed and maybe an even more stable company, she added. This study is undoubtedly a heartening development.

One hopes in the coming times women would continue to prosper and lead world to era of progress.

Balanced Diet, Healthy lifestyle and avoiding smoking key to cancer prevention: Dr Azhar Jan Battoo, renowned oncologist ( World Cancer Day 2024 special interview)

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Balanced Diet, healthy lifestyle and avoiding smoking key to cancer prevention: Dr Azhar Jan Battoo, renowned oncologist
( World Cancer Day 2024 special interview)
Dr Azhar Jan Battoo, Associate Director, Surgical- Head & Neck Oncology at the Paras Hospitals, Srinagar
Surgical Oncology is an eminent oncologist of Jammu and Kashmir.
On the eve of World Cancer Day 2024, Dr. Azhar Jan Battoo in an exclusive interview with News Kashmir he  talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.
How has your short journey been so far in Paras Hospital Srinagar ?
You have answered your question by and large, rightly terming it short journey. Our motive is to improve patient care . We are not stagnant and are progressing in right direction.We are on track in our journey, Day by day the services are improving. We are becoming a full State of Art cancer Hospital.
How has patient feedback been ?
When the whole team including me joined the Surgical Oncology here ,we had no idea how many patient will come. But, to our utter surprise patients have come in large numbers. A patient recently from far flung area ,from poor economic background but for love of his mother and with effective cooperation from hospital authorties was able to get his mother treated. When we can spend lacs on marriage, similarly we need to save money for healthcare. Patients are coming and getting  treated efficiently. Nowhere in the world healthcare comes free.
On eve of world Cancer Day 2024, do you believe cancer cases are alarmingly increasing here in Kashmir and situation is bleak ?
The situation is not bleak. The manpower and human resource dealing with diseases like cancer in Kashmir are of world class nature.  Here doctors are of par excellence standards.
Cancer cases are increasing globally as population is also increasing.
  With increasing diagnostic modalities; we are able to diagnose more patients. Take for example thyroid cancer previously undiagnosed till even 80 years is quickly diagnosed now.
Third reason is smoking and chewing of harming products along with adulterated food is also responsible along with our negative  lifestyle for spurt in cancer cases.
The global pulse is diagnosis vise we have moved lot ahead but still lacking on treatment side of cancer disease.  Your take?
  1. Yes it is a truth and mystery. While diagnosis have improved vastly throughout world, the treatment still remains a challenge.  We cure patient completely and spend 9 to 10 hours with him or her  daily during treatment but suddenly after 8 or 9 months or few years the cancer comes back. Each cancer has got its own signature or nature. Down the line in next 10 to 15 years with advancing treatment each cancer would be having personalized therapies and we would definitely make a big headway on treatment side.
How much prevelant is head and neck cancer cases in Kashmir?
Head and neck cancer cases here are proportionate to the ratio of cases in Sub continent . Be it throat cancer or of skull they are proportionate here . Oral cancer cases here are less.
How much is balanced diet needed to prevent cancer ?
The balanced diet especially consisting of organic food and also vegetables, fruits free from pesticides would go a long way in ensuring cancer free world.
Your message on world Cancer Day 2024 ?
My message to entire humanity is take your health seriously as it is the most important thing in your life.  Consume balanced diet, maintaing healthy life style and avoid smoking .

Declining Fertility Rates in Jammu and Kashmir a challenge, cover story 5 February 2024 issue.

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Declining Fertility Rates in Jammu and Kashmir a challenge
Rameez Makhdoomi
The fertility rate is considered  integral part  to ensure the continuation of coming generations is showing a decline in Jammu and Kashmir, causing much worry in one and all .
As a matter of fact,  The total fertility rate (TFR) of a population is the average number of children that would be born to a woman over her lifetime if:
She was to experience the exact current age-specific fertility rates (ASFRs) through her lifetime.
she was to live from birth until the end of her reproductive life.
Studies and surveys in recent years  have shown that Jammu and Kashmir has a lower fertility rate than any state barring tiny Goa and Sikkim, these studies  have often  stoked much online and offline debate outhere.
The National Family Health Survey (2019-21) reveals a sharp fall in the total fertility rate (TFR) — the average number of children a woman bears in her lifetime — in Jammu and Kashmir from few years back  2.0 to current 1.4, far below the national average of 2.
It is worth noting here that
TFR, as per the survey, has witnessed a decline more in urban areas of Jammu and Kashmir. It has reduced from 1.6 in 2015-16 to 1.2 in 2019-20. In rural Jammu and Kashmir, the TFR has declined to 1.5 in 2019-20 from 2.2 in 2015-16.
Expert view has been  that increasing entry of women into the workforce has also delayed marriages which is a top predictor for the number of babies a woman
In comparison, Uttar Pradesh has a TFR of 2.4, Bihar 3, Madhya Pradesh 2.0, Jharkhand 2.3, Punjab 1.6, Odisha 1.8, and Kerala 1.8. Only two states – Sikkim (1.1) and Goa (1.3) – and the Union Territories of Ladakh (1.3) and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1.3) have TFRs below Jammu and Kashmir’s.
In year 2024 one is witnessing infertility spreading and many couples struggling to have child.
Due to rising mental stress and changing food habits the infertility rates are increasing in Kashmir valley .Some expert voices in recent times have gone to extent of saying  that infertility is found among 45 percent males and 35 percent females in Kashmir.  Many couples now in Kashmir are going for IVF mode  to have babies .
One hopes that we don’t let drop our Fertility Rates beyond an alarming level .
World Health Organization (WHO) states Infertility affects millions of people – and has an impact on their families and communities. Estimates suggest that approximately one in every six people of reproductive age worldwide experience infertility in their lifetime.
In the male reproductive system, infertility is most commonly caused by problems in the ejection of semen (1), absence or low levels of sperm, or abnormal shape (morphology) and movement (motility) of the sperm.
While as the female reproductive system, infertility may be caused by a range of abnormalities of the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and the endocrine system, among others.
The need of the hour is that We need to provide all the important mental health awareness to our young people as stress is the real reason behind poor health and infertility, we need to give them lot of positive energy  in their struggles.
Eminent Gynaecologist of world,  Dr. Swapna Mishra while talking to this correspondent opined that young boys and girls facing infertility issues should
Consume a balanced diet and introduce exercise in your daily routine. Try to plan a baby before 35 years of age. Late marriage should be avoided.

Fight against FGM

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Fight against FGM
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a traditional harmful practice that involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
It is is estimated that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation in the countries where the practice is concentrated. In addition, every year an estimated 3 million girls are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation, the majority of whom are cut before they turn 15 years old.
FGM has no health benefits. It can lead to immediate health risks, as well as long-term complications to women’s physical, mental and sexual health and well-being.
The practice is recognized internationally as a violation of human rights of girls and women and as an extreme form of gender discrimination, reflecting deep-rooted inequality between the sexes. As it is practiced on young girls without consent, it is a violation of the rights of children. FGM also violates a person’s rights to health, security and physical integrity, the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and the right to life when the procedure results in death.
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is observed on 6 February to spread awareness and educate people about the consequences and problems that females face due to genital mutilation. The theme for 2023 was “Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End FGM”.
While as in 2024 the theme is  Her Voice.
Every survivor’s voice is a call to action, and every choice they make in reclaiming their lives contributes to the global movement to end this harmful practice. Join everyone  on 6 February 2024 in the call to action against Female Genital Mutilation.

Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai, an eminent literary figure

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Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai, an eminent literary figure
News Kashmir Analysis
Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai is an eminent author . He states his journey to literary desk.
“
I was born in a middle class family of Ganjam district.My father was  cultivator while my mother was a school teacher,My education was not so romantic I have faced so many obstacles during my education though I have studied so many schools lastly my family settled in Nandiagada my village,my high school and college In Kabisurjyanagar then for my M A I have joined to Berahmpur University.I was fascinated by the English language and literature and inspired by my teachers to do something,that is writing.I have faced so many things in my life the road was not so easy for me , suddenly  there is twist in my life during my University I have decided to write and that is only English now the question is it’s not so easy some one can’t get name and fame in a single day it needs not only hard work lot of patience mean time I have done my phD in language and literature.
I just keep on writing ,I used to write very small poems my critics used to say but there is some intense meaning.i never stopped writing by any means.Sir Shiju H Pallithazheth noticed my writing he took me to his administration team in Motivational strips,and I found this is a place where I can generate my emotions in my writing,cause Motivational strips is a only place so many world class poets produces their thoughts.Motivational Strips  is like a heaven for me. As you know I am a published Author  ,I was awarded by so many international organisations ,in 2022 I was Gujarat Sahitya Academy from Motivational strips My writing is connecting the people.Through my writing I am  not only getting self confidence but also lot of self respect from the society.
Lastly I am really grateful to the media my friends and all well wishers.”