Lok Sabha 2024 Election Dates unveiled , cover story 18 March, 2024

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Lok Sabha 2024 Election Dates unveiled
Farzana Mumtaz
The Kickstart  for biggest democratic exercise also known as Biggest democratic festival of world has been set in motion as   the dates for General elections also known as Lok Sabha elections for entire India have been announced.
As a matter of fact, on 16th March, 2024 the Election Commission of India in a Jam-packed press conference announced dates of General elections 2024.
Also, Simultaneous election for Lok Sabha and assembly will be held in four states — Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
It is worth pointing out here that The 2024 general election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases that will begin from April 19 and continue till June 1, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said , announcing the commencement of the world’s largest democratic exercise. The results of the election will be announced on June 4.
It was important to note that Mr Kumar, announcing the dates, sent out a strong message on the circulation of fake news on social media, saying political parties should ensure responsible social media behaviour — “verify before you amplify”.
Fake news will be dealt with severely as per existant laws.. Section 79 (3)(B) of the IT Act empowers nodal officers in each state to remove unlawful content,” he said.
The facts and facets related to the biggest electoral exercise of world are fascinating to say the least.
Over 97 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said  and urged everyone to “get inked.”
On its part, the poll authority is preparing to set up 10.5 lakh polling stations across the country.
We have 97 crore registered voters, over 10.5 lakh polling stations manned by 1.5 crore personnel, and 55 lakh EVMs,” he said.
As a matter of fact, The CEC said there are 97.8 crore eligible voters of which 49.72 crore were male voters and 47.1 crore were female voters.
About 21 crore are youth voters.
On Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir the CEC assured that the Commission remains dedicated to organising Assembly elections in JK shortly after the Lok Sabha polls, once there are enough security forces available.
As far as Lok Sabha elections dates are concerned for Jammu and Kashmir,  it would be held in 5 phases.
Date of polls on Lok Sabha seats in J&K are : Udhampur: 19 April.Jammu: 26 April. Anantnag – Rajouri: 7 May.
Srinagar: 13 May. Baramulla: 26 May.
Huge amount of enthusiasm is being witnessed across the country as Dates for Election 2024 have been announced.

From Ancestral tradition to Uncertain Future: The Plight of Kashmiri Paper Mache

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From Ancestral Tradition to Uncertain Future:
The Plight of Kashmiri Paper Mache

A photo story by Farhan Sayeed Masoodi

The art of paper Mache has a long and rich history in Kashmir, dating back to the 14th century when it was first introduced by Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, a Daee who came to Kashmir from Hamdan in modern day Iran along with his followers, many of whom were craftsmen.
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Maqbool Jaan showcasing his products in his showroom which he has setup in his house.
The art of Paper Mache involves using of paper pulp to make decorative items, these items once moulded into shape are painted with vibrant colours and intricate floral designs. This art quickly gained popularity in the region and became an integral part of Kashmiri culture and at the same time, it became a source of skill work for Kashmiris and some, an ancestral profession. Gowhara (sister in law of Maqbool jaan) painting a paper mache flower vase.

(In Progress Paper Mache of Maqbool Jan in his in-house workshop)

 

Maqbool Jaan, a 58-year-old Paper Mache artist from the Lal Bazar area of Srinagar, has been practising this traditional craft since the tender age of 3 years after his father died and he had to learn this craft for it to become his source of livelihood and earning. Despite never having gone to school, Maqbool Jaan says that he not only learned the art of paper mache but also received moral education at the workplace of artisans, which he considers to be his school. He is deeply passionate about his craft and believes that it has the potential to provide livelihoods to many in the region.

Maqbool jaan giving final touches to a painting made for an costumer on order.

However, artisans like Maqbool Jaan face significant challenges in today’s world. Mentioning his experience, Maqbool says that he once visited the Craft Development Institute (CDI) to discuss increase in wages, he says that at CDI he was mistreated by the authorities and even abused by one of the higher officials, who said to him that “we should keep the artisans under our feet.” This lack of support from government officials has contributed to the decline in the number of artisans practising paper mache, bringing their numbers to a few hundred.
Maqbool Jaan fears that the younger generation would not be interested in continuing the tradition due to lack of opportunities and financial instability and that the art of paper mache is at risk of dying out. He believes that the government should do more to promote traditional crafts like paper mache and encourage younger generations to take up the art form. In particular, he suggests organizing workshops in schools and colleges to attract the younger generation towards the craft.

Maqbool Jan sitting among his finished Paper Mache showpiece works.

Despite these challenges, Maqbool Jaan remains dedicated to his craft. Working alongside his wife, brother, and sister-in-law, he creates intricate and beautiful paper mache items in his home. One room is dedicated as the workplace and one as a showroom. The products are sold both locally and internationally, providing a source of income for Maqbool Jaan and his family.

Family of Maqbool jaan working in a room which they have dedicated as a workshop.

  1. Maqbool Jaan’s story is a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional crafts and supporting the artisans who practice them. The decline of paper mache artisans in the region is indicative of a larger trend towards the extinction of traditional crafts. Therefore, the government must take steps to promote and preserve these crafts, ensuring that they continue to thrive for future generations.

“Wed In India”, cover story 11 March, 2024

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” Wed in India”
News Kashmir Analysis
In a progressive development for entire country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on 7th March, 2024  Thursday his next mission is “Wed in India”. Speaking at the ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu & Kashmir’ programme in Srinagar, the Prime Minister urged the citizens of India to avoid hosting weddings abroad.
As a matter of fact, People should host weddings in India…If people feel like coming to J&K and hosting weddings…do their booking here, stay here for three days and spend lavishly here so that people of Jammu and Kashmir also get their livelihood,” PM Modi said on Thursday.
It is worth mentioning here that Modi mentioned his “Wed in India” initiative for the first time during a Mann ki Baat episode on November 26, 2023. He said, “If we celebrate the festivities of marriages on Indian soil… the country’s money will remain in the country…The people of the country will get an opportunity to render some service…even poor people will tell their children about that occasion.
Luxury hotels in India offer wedding packages going up to several crores. The most popular desi wedding venues include Rajasthan, especially lake city Udaipur, Jodhpur and Goa. Recently, the Government has started meetings with wedding industry stakeholders like hotel operators to finalise the contours of the campaign.
The expert pulse is that The Prime Minister’s advocacy for ‘Wed in India’ is a part of a broader vision to enhance the economic and social development of Jammu and Kashmir, which he described as the crown jewel of India. PMs call for a developed Jammu and Kashmir as a priority underscores the region’s significance in the nation’s progress.
The call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Wed in India is yielding magical results with one of richest Indian Mukesh Ambani going for wedding of his son Anant Ambani at Jamnagar Gujarat.
 Mukesh Ambani’s approach to the big fat Indian wedding has been noted by Time, describing the three-day event as a “next level” celebration.
“As big fat Indian weddings go, Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani knows how to take it to the next level. While the wedding itself will not take place until July, a three-day pre-wedding celebration begins on Friday, March 1 in the family’s refinery township of Jamnagar in the Indian state of Gujarat. Some of the biggest names in Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and the entertainment industry are on the guest list,” Time wrote.
Without a doubt the dream and fervent call of making India a top global wedding destination is bearing its fruits.

Historic PM Modi Visit to Kashmir, Editorial 11 March 2024

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Historic PM Modi Visit to Kashmir
In a big development,  Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Kashmir valley. It was his first visit to Valley after abrogation of article 370.
Series of historic measures were announced. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir program in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir today. He dedicated to the nation Holistic Agriculture Development Programme worth about Rs 5000 crores and launched multiple projects related to the tourism sector worth more than Rs 1400 crore under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD scheme including the project for ‘Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine’, Srinagar.  The Prime Minister also launched the  ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll’ and ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign’ and announced tourist destinations selected under Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme. distributed appointment orders to about 1000 new Government recruits of Jammu and Kashmir and will also interact with beneficiaries of various government schemes including women achievers, lakhpati didis, farmers, entrepreneurs etc.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received his fans ,women entrepreneurs, farmers with warm heart and listened to their stories.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that the feeling of arriving in heaven on earth cannot be put into words. “This unparalleled form of nature, the air, the valley, the environment and the love and affection of Kashmiri brothers and sisters”, he remarked. He also acknowledged the presence of citizens outside the venue, and more than 1 lakh people from 285 blocks connected to the event via video link. Underlining that the new Jammu & Kashmir is the one that has been awaited for decades, the Prime Minister said, “Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerji had sacrificed for this Jammu and Kashmir.” He stated that the new Jammu and Kashmir has the sparkle for the future in its eyes and the determination to clear all obstacles. “140 crore citizens feel at peace when they see the smiling faces of the people of Jammu & Kashmir”, PM Modi said.

Elections are soul of Democracy, opinion 4 March, 2024 issue by Syed Irfan Hashmi

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Elections are soul of Democracy
By Syed Irfan Hashmi
Elections are soul of democracy. The upcoming elections in UT J&K an opportunity for the people of J&K to change the fate towards betterment.
The upcoming elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) indeed present an opportunity for the residents to have a say in shaping the region’s future. Elections are a fundamental aspect of democratic governance, providing citizens with the chance to choose their representatives and express their views on the issues that matter to them.
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang Pole has said that preparations were underway in full swing for the elections to the five parliamentary seats in UT of  J&K. Preliminary reports indicate that there could be around 8.7 million electors eligible to vote for the five Lok Sabha seats from J&K.
The parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in April-May.
Bharat as a vibrant democracy and J&K as integral part of Bharat. Every voter has responsibility to cast their votes for development, security, Peace and prosperity . This is the opportunity for 8.7 million people of J&K to change the fate. Everyone should Caste their votes for their potential candidates, through their votes, the people can express their aspirations for peace, prosperity, and inclusive development, as well as for the resolution of longstanding issues that affect their daily lives.
The complex history and unique circumstances of Jammu and Kashmir, the elections hold particular significance. They offer the potential for the selection of leaders who can address the region’s challenges, promote development, and work towards reconciliation and stability.
It’s important that the elections are conducted in a fair, transparent, and peaceful manner, allowing all eligible individuals to participate freely. Additionally, it’s crucial for the elected representatives to prioritize the welfare of the people, fostering inclusive governance and economic progress.
The elections in Jammu and Kashmir are an opportunity for the residents to contribute to the shaping of their own destiny, and it’s essential that the process is carried out with the utmost integrity and consideration for the diverse needs of the population. Upcoming elections are going to be proud event for democratic India.
The upcoming elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir represent an important opportunity for the people of the region to influence and potentially change the trajectory of their future. By participating in the electoral process, the residents of Jammu and Kashmir have the chance to elect leaders who they believe will best represent their interests and work towards addressing the unique challenges facing the region.
The upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir offer the people an opportunity to shape their own destiny and play a crucial role in determining the future direction of the UT J&K.
Article written by Freelancer Journalist / Socio Political Activist SYED IRFAN HASHMI.

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 .