Janadesh 2024

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Janadesh 2024
News Kashmir Analysis
The biggest festival of Democracy in World The Indian National Elections 2024 have come to an end . Now, all eyes are Fixed on June 4, 2024 for the much anticipated verdict.
As a matter of fact, the high-decibel campaigns for the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha elections draw to a closed on Thursday, 30 May and all eyes are on verdict day on June 4, when the fate of the incumbent NDA government and the opposition INDIA alliance will be decided. The last phase of polling  held on June 1 saw polling for  57 seats across eight states and Union Territories.
The prediction market is in full swing.
As a matter of fact, the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had been making predictions recently about INDIA bloc going to form a government at the Centre. Amit Shah’s candid predictions may cause worries for these leaders.
Home Minister and BJP’s master election strategist Amit Shah, in an exclusive interview to India TV, has predicted a thumping majority for his party in Lok Sabha elections. He has also predicted that BJP would form government in Odisha and a coalition government with Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh this time. Shah predicted a clean sweep for BJP in 16 states and Union Territories. Shah Predicted BJP winning 70 seats out of 80 in Uttar Pradesh.
The concluding day saw high power  campaigning with top leaders of the BJP-led NDA and the Opposition INDIA bloc making last-ditch efforts to woo voters. While Prime Minister Modi held rallies in Punjab before heading to Kanyakumari for a three-day meditation trip, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed rallies in Punjab, where 13 seats are up for grabs.
Prominent Political Analyst
Yogendra Yadav shared his predictions for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections last week, suggesting that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) may face challenges in achieving a decisive victory.
Yadav predicts that the BJP alone will not exceed 260 seats and will find it “impossible” to surpass the 300-mark. He even suggested that the saffron party might fall below 275 or even 250 seats.
On the other hand, Political strategist Prashant Kishor has stated that the incumbent BJP government at the Centre faces neither significant dissatisfaction nor a strong demand for an alternative in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The Jan Suraaj Party chief predicts that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to lead the BJP to another victory, with the party potentially matching or surpassing its 2019 seat tally of 303.
“I think the Modi-led BJP is returning. They may get the same numbers as last election or do slightly better,” Kishor told NDTV.
All the eyes of Nation will be glued to Mobiles and Television sets to watch the results and there is lot of excitement.
What Happens on June 4, 2024 would have larger ramifications on the development and polity of the country .
It will be also interesting to see who wins the five parliamentary seats from Jammu and Kashmir.

Ladakh Parliamentary constituency Profile, 20 May, 2024

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Ladakh Parliamentary Constituency Profile
News Kashmir Analysis
Ladakh is the only Lok Sabha (parliamentary) constituency of the union territory of Ladakh, India. It is the largest such constituency in India, in terms of area, with a total area of 173,266 square kilometres (66,898 sq mi). The number of electors (voters) in the constituency was 159,000 in 2019.
This time around, Ladakh Lok Sabha seat, which is lone Parliamentary constituency in the Union Territory of Ladakh, has 1,84,803 electorates in total and is among very few Lok Sabha constituencies which have less than two lakh voters. It will go to polls in fifth phase on May 20.
As per the official data, out of a total electorates of 1,84,803 in Ladakh seat; 92,689 are male and 92,114 are females. Leh district has 88877 voters and Kargil 95926.
On the last day for withdrawal of nomination, a total of two independent candidates have withdrawn their nomination papers including in favor of independent candidate Haji Hanifa Jan. The candidates that have withdrawn their nominations include Kacho Mohd Feroz and Sajjad Hussain Sajjad Hussain Kargili. Now a total of three candidates remain in fray to contest Lok Sabha election 2024 for Ladakh Parliamentary seat.
On the other hand, National Conference (NC) has faced a revolt in the Kargil district of Ladakh ahead of the Lok Sabha elections for the parliamentary constituency after the district unit Kargil submitted a mass resignation letter to the party High Command .
The setback for the NC in Kargil comes following disagreements over the choice of candidate for the Lok Sabha elections between the National Conference (NC) and Congress who are part of the INDIA bloc.
On the otherhand of the spectrum,
Sonam Wangchuk,  a celebrated environmentalist and innovator, recently decided to sit on a 21-day hunger strike to express the anguish of Ladakhis. This protest followed a series of talks between the Ladakhi leadership and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which hit a cul-de-sac on March 3, 2024.
The Ladakhi leaders approached the MHA with four demands: 1) Statehood for Ladakh 2) Inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution 3) Setting up of a separate public service commission for Ladakh 4) Two parliamentary seats for Ladakh.
Ladakh is also a world famous tourism spot ,and with unique and fragile ecosystems with issues of voters also ranging on preserving the same .
The contest is hoped to be triangular and very interesting this time around.

World Bee Day

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World Bee Day
We all eat honey and it comes from honeybees.
Bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats and hummingbirds, are increasingly under threat from human activities.
Pollination is, however, a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems. Nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend, entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world’s food crops and 35% of global agricultural land.
Not only do pollinators contribute directly to food security, but they are key to conserving biodiversity.
To raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development, the UN designated 20 May as World Bee Day.
The goal is to strengthen measures aimed at protecting bees and other pollinators, which would significantly contribute to solving problems related to the global food supply and eliminate hunger in developing countries.
We all depend on pollinators and it is, therefore, crucial to monitor their decline and halt the loss of biodiversity.
Importantly, recognition of the pivotal role that youth can play in addressing challenges bees and other pollinators are facing, World Bee Day 2024 focuses on the theme “Bee engaged with Youth.” This theme highlights the importance of involving young people in beekeeping and pollinator conservation efforts, recognizing them as the future stewards of our environment.
This day has a very rich history behind it.World Bee Day is celebrated on May 20. On this day Anton Janša, the pioneer of beekeeping, was born in 1734. For a strong ecosystem we need to take pledge to save the Bees and promote strong ecosystems for Bee Flourishing.

Academic Stress, Cover story 27 May, 2024

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Academic Stress
News Kashmir Analysis
Academic stress is hurting children and youth across the world.  In our country India the Academic stress is of burning concern. In Jammu and Kashmir too, Academic stress is of serious concern.
No doubt the children should excel in their studies but pressure of academics should not wear them out. As sometimes, too much Academic stress can have damaging consequences on them.
It is said that 65 percent teens in Kashmir face academic stress.
As a matter of fact, stress and exam pressure can lead to dire consequences for kids.
Few time back, a  study conducted by the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) has shown widespread academic stress prevalent among students in Kashmir, with
Study, titled “Prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among school-going adolescents in the age group of 13–19 years,” asserts that there is a very high prevalence of psychiatric morbidity (anxiety combined with depression) of any kind among adolescents in Kashmir, many of which are unidentified and thus untreated.
The study found depression as the most common psychiatric illness among adolescents with a higher prevalence in males, while anxiety disorders are more common among females.
The study was carried out on 16 schools in the twin districts of Srinagar and Ganderbal.
A worrying facet is that the relentless pursuit of academic excellence, a majority of students feel pressured by the weight of exams. Every now and then, we keep hearing about one student or the other succumbing to death because they were either too depressed or couldn’t handle the pressure their parents and teachers were putting them under. In light of an increasing number of deaths of students due to academic stress.
In a welcome development, sometime back, central government issued guidelines in January 2024 to control bullying and prevent suicides caused due to academic stress in coaching centres. According to the guidelines, coaching centres will not be allowed to admit students below 16. The central government’s new guidelines mandate the registration of coaching centres along with their strict regulation. According to the guidelines, coaching centres should have basic facilities; provide extra academic support to students facing learning difficulties; holidays should be given to students every week; exams should not be conducted immediately after holidays and other positive guidelines were also issued.
The hope on ground is that we are able to contain academic stress in our country for a bright future.

World Potato Day , Editorial 27 May 2024

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World Potato Day 2024

The International Day of Potatoes falls on 30th May every year. This day is celebrated to highlight the versatility of potatoes and their nutritional and cultural value.
Potatoes were a life-saving food source in early times because the vitamin C prevented scurvy. Another major nutrient in potatoes is potassium, an electrolyte which aids in the workings of our heart, muscles, and nervous system. Potato skin contains fiber, which is important for digestive health.
The United Nations, with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), established this day to draw attention to the potato’s benefits, which range from its nutritional value to its economic, environmental, and cultural significance​​​​​​​​.
As a matter of fact, theme for the International Day of Potato 2024 is “Harvesting Diversity, Feeding Hope.” This theme highlights the importance of having a wide variety of potato types. With over 5000 different kinds, including both improved varieties and traditional types grown by farmers, there are many options to meet the needs of different farming methods, cooking styles, and industrial uses.
The celebration of International Day of the Potato underscores the potato’s journey from its origins in the South American Andes to becoming a staple food consumed by billions worldwide.
This day not only celebrates the potato’s nutritional and cultural value but also emphasizes its importance in providing food security and supporting economic development. With over 5,000 varieties, the potato is adaptable to various climates, making it a key crop in efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition.
India is the second largest producer of Potato in world, with China ranking first.
In Kashmir valley,  the picturesque Gurez is known for producing one of the finest potatoes of world, known for their high quality and taste .We should take all measures to Boost production of Potatoes.

Protecting fundamental freedoms is vital for maintaining a fair and equitable society

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 Protecting fundamental freedoms is vital for maintaining a fair and equitable society.

Rameez Bhat

ramizspeaks77@gmail.com

The core importance of human freedom is greatly enhanced by the practical effectiveness of specific freedoms in promoting others. This is because the connections between different types of freedoms are based on evidence of cause and effect, rather than being inherent or compositional. For example, economic and political freedoms tend to support each other rather than clash. Likewise, social opportunities such as education and healthcare complement individual opportunities for economic and political participation, fostering people’s ability to overcome their respective challenges.

The Urdu saying “Khali Paet to ibadat bee Nahi Hoti” succinctly captures this idea, emphasising that essential human activities like ensuring basic sustenance cannot be subordinated to political goals. Hunger doesn’t wait for political outcomes, and patients can’t delay healthcare until certain political objectives are achieved. Human activities must continue alongside political processes; halting essential activities for political reasons goes against common sense and falsely pits one freedom against another.

Any movement for political freedom must recognize and support all other freedoms and liberties people already possess. While occasional strategic maneuvers may be permissible for tactical reasons, undermining the support base of the general public is counterproductive. Freedom, as understood by the masses, entails the removal of constraints on existing freedoms, with movements striving to eliminate “unfreedoms” such as poverty and tyranny.

A brief analysis of the situation in Kashmir reveals that both sides have encroached upon the basic freedoms of the common people. Governments are culpable for tyranny and repression, while opposing forces have restricted people’s mobility, economic opportunities, and access to healthcare and education. Unfortunately, political discourse often disguises self-interest as popular demand, furthering agendas at the expense of elementary freedoms for many.

Both sides must recognize that the lack of substantive freedoms directly contributes to economic poverty, denying people the freedom to satisfy basic needs, seek medical treatment, or access education. Similarly, violations of freedom stem from the denial of political and civil liberties through authoritarian measures and restrictions on participation in society’s life.

In light of these considerations, political leaders—both the establishment and opposition—must prioritize restoring elementary freedoms to the people. Only then can they expect to garner support for broader political objectives, which they often promise but fail to deliver amidst ongoing conflicts.

In conclusion, safeguarding fundamental freedoms is not only a moral imperative but also a pragmatic necessity for building and sustaining a fair and equitable society. These freedoms underpin democratic governance, human rights, individual dignity, social cohesion, and economic prosperity.

 

Dr. Vivek Gupta Interview

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Dr. Vivek Gupta interview
Dr.Vivek Gupta – prominent  Neurointerventional Radiologist in Fortis  Mohali in an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.
Tell us a bit about Neurological interventions ?
The Neurological intervention is a new technique of repairing the blood vessels of brain without opening the brain, similar to manner in which cardiologists repair heart arteries and  vessels without opening heart. It is operating brain without opening it.
What is the cost of this surgery?
The minimum cost is 4 to 5 lac and it can go to even 15 lac ,so it is still slightly costly.
How many days patients stay in hospital?
In case of Neurological interventions the patient comes a day prior of Neurological intervention, and within 2 to 3 days is discharged.
Any precautions for patients after Neurological interventions?
Generally there are no major  precautions ,and within 5 days patients can resume there normal life and in some cases blood thinners are prescribed and asked to avoid contact sports like Swimming for sometime in order to avoid injury.
Do you believe dearth of Neurological intervention experts is there in India ?
Yes there is dearth of Neurological intervention experts in India and centers, but with passing time the experts and centers are increasing and it will improve with the time .
Do you believe there is increase in brain Haemorage cases in Young ?
Yes the cases are increasing and it could be due to varied factors especially lifestyle changes.  Many youth consume lot of junk food, do very little exercise, sit whole day in front of computers and this causes raise in blood pressure and thus increase in brain Haemorage cases.
Your message for healthy brain ?
My message is eat healthy and do often exercises ,shun lethargic lifestyle and remain active .

World Thalassaemia Day. 6 May 2024 Editorial

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World Thalasesemia Day
Thalassemia is a blood disorder involving lower-than-normal amounts of an oxygen-carrying protein.
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by less oxygen-carrying protein (hemoglobin) and fewer red blood cells in the body than normal.
Thalassaemia Day is an important day.It is observed on May 8 to spread awareness about thalassaemia being a blood disorder, myths related to the disease, and to help the patients lead a normal life. The day also deals with the social stigma attached to the lives of individuals who are suffering from and living with this disease. The efforts of doctors and medical professionals are also honoured on this day for helping patients and bringing advancements.
The day is observed to encourage those who struggle to live with the disease. This day is a commemoration day in honour of all patients suffering from thalassaemia and their parents who have never lost hope for life, despite the burden of their disease and also to all scientists who are doing hard work with dedication and trying to provide improved quality of life to people with thalassaemia across the globe.
1994, Panos Englezos, President and Founder of the Thalassemia International Federation, established World Thalassaemia Day in memory of his son George and other Thalassaemia patients who displayed great courage in their battle against the disease. Since then, May 8 has been dedicated to commemorating World Thalassaemia Day each year.
It is opined that raising awareness about Thalassaemia on World Thalassaemia Day, we aim to promote understanding, support affected individuals and families, and encourage advancements in treatment and care for this condition.
We also in Kashmir need to take a key outlook of the Thalassaemia disease and its outlook in our region.

Baramulla Loksabha Constituency Profile, 6 May 2024 cover story

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Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency profile
Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency is one of the five Lok Sabha (parliamentary) constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir . The prestigious seat of Baramulla  loksabha constituency has over 17.28 lac voters registered with 8.7 lac males and 8.5 lac females. There are 33 transgenders registered as well
After the Delimitation, New Assembly segments in the Baramulla Loksabha Constituency are :
AC No. AC Name District
1 Karnah Kupwara
2 Trehgam
3 Kupwara
4 Lolab
5 Handwara
6 Langate
7 Sopore Baramulla
8 Rafiabad
9 Uri
10 Baramulla
11 Gulmarg
12 Wagoora-Kreeri
13 Pattan
14 Sonawari Bandipora
15 Bandipora
16 Gurez (ST)
27 Budgam Budgam
28 Beerwah.
The previous election on the seat was won by Mohammad Akbar Lone of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference.
As a matter of fact, The number of assembly constituencies in Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency increased from 15 to 18 after J&K’s delimitation in 2022. The delimitation exercise, which was necessitated by J&K Reorganisation Act 2019, increased the number of assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir from 83 to 90.
Pertinently, the last date for filling of nomination papers to contest Lok Sabha elections 2024 for 1-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency was 3rd of May till 3 PM.
The contest on the constituency is quite stiff.
People’s Conference president Sajad Gani Lone on Wednesday , 1 May, 2024 filed nomination papers from the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jailed Awami Ittehad Party leader Abdul Rashid Sheikh alias Engineer Rashid has already filed nomination papers from this north Kashmir constituency.
It is worth mentioning here that National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah filed his nomination papers for the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmi on Thursday, May 02, 2024.
Accompanied by NC’s treasurer Shammi Oberoi and senior vice president of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee G N Monga, Abdullah filed the nomination papers before Baramulla Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa, who is the returning officer of the constituency.
The main contest is between Omar Abdullah and Sajad Gani Lone.
PDP has fielded Fayaz Mir from the constituency.
Expert pulse is that The support bases of Sajad, Fayaz and Rashid, who is popularly known as Engineer Rashid, are mainly centred on Kupwara district, where they would be hoping  from the same vote pie. This would give an edge to Omar not only on account of his appeal as an ex-CM but also due to the point that the NC has a cadre base spread throughout  the length of Valley.
The contest on the Baramulla Constituency is going to be very interesting.

Dr. Sanjay Chaudhary, World Known Opthalmologist Interview 

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Dr. Sanjay Chaudhary, World Known Opthalmologist Interview
Dr. Sanjay Chaudhary is the founder and director of the ​group of Eye7 Chaudhary Eye Centre ,a chain of Eye Hospitals across Delhi, NCR. In an exclusive interview especially on Speeding for Sight a eye donation awareness campaign from Kashmir to Kanyakumari organized by Eye7 and Seven Sight Foundation ,he talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.
Tell us a bit about your endeavors of Eye Donation awareness from Kashmir to Kanyakumari?
We have selected exotic Lamborghini car to attract everyone’s attention towards eye donation in our awareness campaign on same ,from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The Eye7 Chaudhary Eye Centre is a chain of Eye Hospitals in Delhi ,NCR . We in India have millions of people not able to have Eye vision as cornea donation is still abysmally low, with We being able to do just 15000 operations per year  with available donations. As a result, millions of pendancies are there.
Srilanka a tiny island nation is the world largest cornea donating country providing eyes donation to entire world.
What is your thrust on?
Our thrust is to encourage more and more people towards noble cause of Eye donation and also once one has willed to donate eyes , immediately after death his family should inform the Eye donation bank to fulfil the wish of deceased and thus help humanity at large .
What is importance of organ donation?
The organ donation is of high importance as it saves lives. There can be no bigger gift than donation of Eyes after you leave this world, as donation from single human can help two visionless humans to see world. There is no bigger gift of Sight in this world.
Your take on awareness of Eye donation in Kashmir?
The awareness with reference to Eye donation is still very low in Kashmir, and we are trying to increase it. The response from Honorable Divisional Commissioner and Medical, Hospital administrators has been awesome and they are charting to devise road map for increasing the magnitude of Eye donation. This will help lot of blind people in Jammu and Kashmir to see again once Eye donation increases.
Do you think due to lack of Eye donation, India is blind capital of world?
Yes due to poor donation rate India is blind capital of the world. But, people here are ready to donate and only thing needed is awareness.  They just want to know what ,when and how of the process of Eye donation.
What is role of religious scholars in Organ donation?
The religious scholars have a very crucial role to play on the all important phenomenon of organ donation. Religious leaders across spectrum are playing a key role in this regard.
Lastly, why have you chosen Lamborghini car for your Speeding for Sight awareness campaign ?
Eye donation is a crucial subject and much needs to be done to increase Eye donation in India. We didn’t want our awareness campaign to be dull but active in every sense. When children see Lamborghini car they tell there parents about same as it is their dream car. They also thus spread message of campaign in proactive manner.