A free and fair recruitment process in the Jobs is the need of the hour for one and all. In Jammu and Kashmir unemployment has been a plague eating the society especially our youth.
The hope on Government jobs is thus much,and burn there day and night to get Government jobs. The fraud and corrupt process in the recruitment of Government jobs has been making life of our youth hard and killing their dreams. The recruitment agencies engaged are often in the news for all the wrong reasons. Currently, APTECH engaged by the premier Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board JKSSB has caused much furore, which needs to be looked for the better future of our youth.
On the other hand of the spectrum the protesting youth have hit the road.
Scores of Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) job aspirants gathered here in Press Enclave on Wednesday, 8 March, 2023, to protest against the purported grant of contract to APTECH Ltd. for conduct of various exams.
The protesters, as reported by GNS, demanded that the LG administration must investigate as to why paper leaks and scams only occur in Kashmir.
“All blacklisted companies should be banned in Jammu and Kashmir, until action is taken against these blacklisted companies, no student will sit for any competitive exams,” the protestors said.
The recent move of the Jammu and Kashmir government to again consider Aptech Ltd to conduct various exams including the Finance Account Assistant exam stirred the protestors.
Even in Jammu the anger hit the streets. Police resorted to cane charge and detained a large number of job aspirants in Jammu after they tried to stage a massive protest.
The protesters had assembled outside Dogra Chowk in the heart of the city and tried to take out a march but police swung into action and restored to cane-charge and detained several youths, the officials said. Police said protestors tried to take out a march in violation of prohibitory orders.
It is the need of the hour to revisit the role of the Aptech Company which is assigned to hold examinations for various posts of JKSSB in separate government departments.
Even the polity of Jammu and Kashmir is now speaking against APTECH.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Minister Sajad Lone asked JKSSB on APTECH issue that you can’t thrust a black listed company on our future:
LOne said “I have received a lot of emails and messages about APTECH which has been blacklisted in other states .
One hopes this issue is resolved soon as per wishes of youth.
Salt is essential for human body, but too much of it can damage the body.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday called on countries to make “massive efforts” to reduce people’s salt intake that can prevent the risk of heart problems, stroke, and cancers.
In a first-of-its-kind global report on sodium intake reduction, the global health body noted that the world is off-track to achieve its global target of reducing sodium intake by 30 per cent by 2025.
The report shows that only 5 per cent countries are protected by mandatory and comprehensive sodium reduction policies, while 73 per cent, including India, lack full range of implementation of such policies.
Implementing highly cost-effective sodium reduction policies could save an estimated seven million lives globally by 2030, the WHO said.
Sodium is an essential nutrient, but eating too much salt makes it the top risk factor for diet and nutrition-related deaths. The main source of sodium is table salt (sodium chloride), but it is also contained in other condiments such as sodium glutamate.
The global average salt intake is estimated to be 10.8 grams per day, more than double the WHO recommendation of less than 5 grams of salt per day (one teaspoon).
Several studies have revealed that increased intake of salt in food items can raise the risk of premature death. Emerging evidence also links high sodium intake and increased risk of other health conditions such as gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, and kidney disease.
The need of the hour is to reduce the salt intake for a healthier humanity, and experts should raise its intake.
Prominent weekly Newspaper of Kashmir the News Kashmir today at Hotel Downtown Srinagar, Munwarabad organised the world women’s day programme on the topic ” Issues and Aspirations of women.”
Noted people from different walks of life participated in the programme .
It was stressed that realities with reference to women in Jammu and Kashmir are a mix bag, with domestic violence being biggest negative facet and women excelling in education and competitive exams is a positive development .
Content editor News Kashmir Rameez Makhdoomi , Editor in Chief News Kashmir Farzana Mumtaz anchored the whole event.
The event was sponsored by the PR Professionals also known as PRP , Premier PR company of India, Habiart Foundation, Premier organization working on showcasing and promotion of arts in India, Rouble Nagi Art Foundation working for education of underprivileged children.
Grand Attire by Ambreen, Prominent cloth store sponsored the programme . Paras Hospital Srinagar also coordinated.
Scholarly voice Mushtaq Ul Haq Sikander, Sufi Painter Badrru Nisa , eminent Journalists Syed Rizwan Geelani, Bilal Bashir Bhat , Mir Sabeen Gulrez, Ajaz War, Aadil Salaam and Prominent women entrepreneurs Ambreen Nawaz, Sabah Imtiyaz , Mehreen also attended the event.
On the other hand, emerging lawyers Advocate Syed Mujtaba, Advocate Sana Shabir , Advocate Sharif Hussain , also including young and dynamic kids of Kashmir Saroosh Tanveer , Mahnoor Tanveer, Sulian participated in the event .
It is worth mentioning that Shahid Yaseen Hakak, Director SR Pixels Private Limited along with Phoneix Home Tuition service Manzoor Sultan and tutor Asima Lateef, teacher Jagmeet Kaur Bali participated in the event. Activist Bilal Bhat , Hanan Azad, entrepreneur, teachers Ishaan Mattoo and Vineet Koul also participated.
The one day event passed a joint resolution in an unanimous way of giving women full space in mosques, property rights and Gender education which are duly enshrined in Islam.
The burning issues faced by women in Kashmir and Globe were highlighted and their due achievements were highlighted.
Masooda Akthar, Deputy Director ICDS, Majid Mushtaq from Press Information Bureau and Mantasha Binti Rashid, Secretary Srinagar Development Authority , Ambreen Nawaz, women entrepreneur were guests of honour.
Certificates of excellence were awarded to participants for their contribution to cause of women.The event was widely applauded by the social and civil circles of Kashmir as a big leap towards ensuring positive era of development with reference to issues of women.
BJP believes in politics of we: Ghulam Ali Khatana, Rajya Sabha MP
Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Ghulam Ali Khatana, is an prominent politician of Bhartiya Janta Party BJP in Jammu and Kashmir, in an exclusive interview with News Kashmir he talks to Editor in chief Farzana Mumtaz.
Would you able to serve your purpose in Rajya Sabha ?
Rajya Sabha is among the top most institutions of the country. The Constitution empowers the Parliament of India to make laws on the matters reserved for states. However, this can only be done if the Rajya Sabha first passes a resolution by a two-third majority granting such a power to the union parliament.
It has been endeavor since becoming Rajya Sabha member to see to diverse issues of masses of Jammu and Kashmir get solutions and visionary schemes of Government lead by esteemed and popular Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji are implemented on ground. It is the vision of present Government that progress touches every citizen of the country. Be it awareness about forest rights act or seeing progress in all sectors of life here in Jammu and Kashmir, my Rajya Sabha membership would give boost to all these and serve its purpose.
What lead to your journey in the Bhartiya Janta Party?
Before joining the BJP, I use to think in my days as student how Congress at the time of Independence lead by Jawahirlal Nehru deliberately kept the other side of Jammu and Kashmir under illegal occupation of Pakistan, to keep the boil of divisions and conflict alive. Plus there was not just discrimination between Jammu and Kashmir but different communities within Jammu and Kashmir barring a minor elite class and they suffered equally due to dynasty politics, nepotism and corruption. Youth were engaged in futile and meaningless daily wage system by dynasty parties like Congress, National Conference and PDP thus wasting their primes ,plus there faulty vision harmed Jammu and Kashmir.
So you felt BJP is answer?
Bhartiya Janta Party is Party which believes first in nation then in Party and at last in self, while as Congress believes in self first ,Party second and nation at last. BJP introduced politics of “we” rather than “I” and has lead an era free from nepotism and elite culture. Sometimes the level of simplicity, equality and respect of all I see in my Party BJP I feel they have copied all the teachings of Islam. BJP has been an agent of positive change for the country ,while as Congress lead polity was full of nepotism and dynasty.
Would you be able to make BJP a majority Party in Jammu and Kashmir?
Yes we do work as team and would make BJP the majority Party here as it is popularity is growing in entire Jammu and Kashmir. In this era of social media when thoughts and developments reach from one part of globe to other in matter of minutes ,gone are those days when parties like Congress would be able to play politics of vested interests and selfish nature.
What demands you mostly see common masses coming up with?
I was in Bandipora district for a public rally , the people there came up with large number of issues related to basic amenities like Road, health and including an area in tourism , providing clean water and upgrading sports infrastructure. After listening to these so many issues I made pledge to get all these issues solved during my tenure. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a pledge to work for betterment of neglected sections Ike Gujjars ,Paharis and Shias in year 2013 and once in power he has fulfilled his promises.
I always urge and request Government officers to shun the elitist mentality and connect with people on grassroots and solve their issues. The attitude shown by some Government officers of always in meeting and neglecting hearing to the issues of common people should be shunned. Common masses are boss in democracy.
The International Women’s Day marked every year on 8 March is an important celebration.
International Women’s Day, also known as IWD for short, grew out of the labour movement to become a recognised annual event by the United Nations (UN).
The seeds of it were planted in 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote. A year later, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Woman’s Day.
The idea to make the day international came from a woman called Clara Zetkin, communist activist and advocate for women’s rights. She suggested the idea in 1910 at an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. There were 100 women there, from 17 countries, and they agreed on her suggestion unanimously.
It was first celebrated in 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. The centenary was celebrated in 2011, so this year we’re technically celebrating the 111th International Women’s Day.
The theme of this year’s women’s day is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”. It is aligned with the priority theme for the upcoming 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-67), i.e. “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”.
Keeping the theme of this year in mind, we need to bear in mind that 37% of women do not use the internet. 259 million fewer women have access to the Internet than men, even though they account for nearly half the world’s population.
If women are unable to access the Internet and do not feel safe online, they are unable to develop the necessary digital skills to engage in digital spaces, which diminishes their opportunities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related fields By 2050, 75% of jobs will be related to STEM areas. Yet today, women hold just 22% of positions in artificial intelligence, to name just one.
Maternal Deaths is an issue of grave concern. Every two minutes, a woman dies during pregnancy or childbirth, according to the latest estimates released in a report by United Nations agencies today. This report, Trends in maternal mortality, reveals alarming setbacks for women’s health over recent years, as maternal deaths either increased or stagnated in nearly all regions of the world.
“While pregnancy should be a time of immense hope and a positive experience for all women, it is tragically still a shockingly dangerous experience for millions around the world who lack access to high quality, respectful health care,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). “These new statistics reveal the urgent need to ensure every woman and girl has access to critical health services before, during and after childbirth, and that they can fully exercise their reproductive rights.”
The report, which tracks maternal deaths nationally, regionally and globally from 2000 to 2020, shows there were an estimated 287 000 maternal deaths worldwide in 2020. This marks only a slight decrease from 309 000 in 2016 when the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) came into effect. While the report presents some significant progress in reducing maternal deaths between 2000 and 2015, gains largely stalled, or in some cases even reversed, after this point.
The silver lining amid dark clouds is that there is good news from India. per the Special Bulletin on MMR released by the Registrar General of India (RGI), the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of India has improved further by a spectacular 6 points and now stands at 97/ lakh live births.
On the regional level, Assam continues to have the highest MMR (195) but has improved its own performance over the years.
In 2014-2016, the northeastern state’s MMR was at a dangerously high 237 deaths per one lakh live births. This has improved significantly over the years to 229 in 2015-2017, 215 in 2016-2018 and 205 in 2017-2019, showed the data released November 28, 2022.
One hopes India and world is able to deal with the grave issue of maternal deaths.
To tackle maternal deaths, women need quality, respectful healthcare before, during and after pregnancy and childbirth.
It is worth mentioning here that India recorded the second highest number of maternal deaths in 2020, coming second at 24,000 to only Nigeria which saw 82,000 maternal deaths in the pandemic year. However, there has been an overall reduction of 73.5 per cent in maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in India — deaths per lakh live births .
Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. Children younger than 6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.
Lead poisoning is not a new concern. For more than a century, scientists have been aware that the naturally occurring metal has no biological function that can benefit the human body, but can cause devastating physical and developmental impacts.
However, despite the awareness, lead toxicity continues to be a public health concern. Half the children in India report high blood lead levels, reveals a 2020 report by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Pure Earth, a US-based environmental health non-profit. The report says 275 million children in India record blood lead levels of beyond the tolerable limit of 5 µg/dL. Of these, 64.3 million children’s blood lead levels exceed 10 µg/dL.
Adults are also affected by lead toxicity. In July 2022, Union government think tank NITI Aayog and the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) conducted a meta analysis of 89 datasets from 36 studies between 1970 and 2014; its results validate the UNICEF-Pure Earth report.
In terms of average blood lead levels among the population, some 23 states exceed the 5 µg/dL margin; levels in the remaining 13 states and Union Territories cannot be determined as there is a lack of research and screening mechanisms to collect data.
We need to bear in mind that Lead in the body is distributed to the brain, liver, kidney and bones. It is stored in the teeth and bones, where it accumulates over time. Human exposure is usually assessed through the measurement of lead in blood.
Lead in bone is released into blood during pregnancy and becomes a source of exposure to the developing fetus.
There is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects.
Poverty has several consequences, which can differ in scope for residents of developed and developing countries. The outcome of poverty can be more severe for certain social groups within a society.
• The social consequences of poverty include family issues, impacts on social and cultural lives, and higher rates of crime and victimisation.
• The economic consequences of poverty are a lack of social mobility, problems with housing and homelessness, and a segregated society.
• Poverty can negatively impact health in a number of ways.
• Child poverty can have serious consequences on children’s education and development.
Poverty is one of the calamities that Allah swt has decreed should happen, either to a specific person or a family or a society. Poverty has negative effects on people’s beliefs and conduct. Immoral behaviour becomes widespread to a large extent because of poverty, as a means of meeting people’s needs, so theft, murder, zina and sale of haraam things become widespread.
Undoubtedly these things have a negative effect on individuals and societies.
Allah swt tells us that some of the mushrikeen used to kill their children, the apples of their eyes, either because of the poverty in which they were living or for fear of poverty that might befall them. Allah swt says of the first case (interpretation of the meaning):
“kill not your children because of poverty — We provide sustenance for you and for them” [al-An’aam 6:151]
And He says of the second case (interpretation of the meaning):
“And kill not your children for fear of poverty. We shall provide for them as well as for you. Surely, the killing of them is a great sin” [al-Isra’ 17:31]
In al-Saheehayn there is narrated the story of a woman of the Children of Israel who, when she needed money and felt under pressure, she could not find anyone but her paternal cousin who wanted to have his way with her in return for giving her money. Then Allah swt saved her from that after she reminded him of Allah swt and told him to fear Him.
Whatever the case, it is well known that poverty leads to crimes and corruption. Many nations suffer from it and are looking for solutions to this problem, but to no avail, and there is no solution except in Islam, which brought rulings for all people until the Hour begins.
Secondly:
The means that have been prescribed by Islam to solve the problem of poverty and combat it are as follows:
1 – Teaching people to believe truly that provision comes from Allah swt and that He is the Provider (al-Razzaaq), and every calamity that Allah swt decrees is for a reason, and that the poor Muslim should be patient in bearing his calamity and strive to relieve himself and his family of poverty.
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, Allah swt is the All Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong” [al-Dhaariyaat 51:58]
“And no moving (living) creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allah swt. And He knows its dwelling place and its deposit (in the uterus or grave). All is in a Clear Book (Al Lawh Al Mahfooz — the Book of Decrees with Allah swt)” [Hood 11:6]
“Who is he that can provide for you if He should withhold His provision? Nay, but they continue to be in pride, and (they) flee (from the truth)” [al-Mulk 67:21]
“And indeed We have honoured the Children of Adam, and We have carried them on land and sea, and have provided them with At Tayyibaat (lawful good things), and have preferred them above many of those whom We have created with a marked preferment” [al-Isra’ 17:70]
It is because of these beliefs that a man should bear with patience whatever befalls him of the calamity of poverty, and turn to Allah swt alone in seeking provision, and accept the decree of Allah swt, and strive to earn a living.
It was narrated that Suhaib al-Roomi (may Allah swt be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “How wonderful is the situation of the believer, for all his affairs are good. If something good happens to him, he gives thanks for it and that is good for him; if something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience, and that is good for him.” Narrated by Muslim (2999).
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Truly, your Lord enlarges the provision for whom He wills and straitens (for whom He wills). Verily, He is Ever All Knower, All Seer of His slaves” [al-Isra’ 17:30].
Ibn Katheer (may Allah swt have mercy on him) said:
The words of Allah swt “Truly, your Lord enlarges the provision for whom He wills and straitens (for whom He wills)” tell us that He, may He be exalted, is the Provider, the Withholder and the Bestower, Who deals with His creation as He wills. He grants independence of means to whomsoever He wills and makes poor whomsoever He wills, with wisdom in that. Hence He says “Verily, He is Ever All Knower, All Seer of His slaves” i.e., He knows and sees who deserves to be rich and who deserves to be poor.
In some cases wealth may be a means of letting people get carried away in sin and poverty may be a punishment. We seek refuge with Allah swt from both. Tafseer Ibn Katheer (5/71).
2 – Seeking refuge with Allah swt from poverty.
The Sunnah relates to us what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) used to do and what he taught his ummah to do, which is seeking refuge with Allah swt from poverty, because of the effect that it has on a person, his family and his society.
It was narrated that Muslim ibn Abi Bakrah said: My father used to say following every prayer: (O Allah swt, I seek refuge with You from disbelief, poverty and the torment of the grave), and I used to say them too. My father said: O my son, where did you get this from? I said: From you. He said: The Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) used to say that following every prayer.
Narrated by al-Nasaa’i (1347); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.
It was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah swt be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) used to say in his prayer: (O Allah swt, I seek refuge with You from sin and heavy debt).” Someone said to him: “How often you seek refuge from heavy debt!” He said: “When a man gets into debt, he speak and tells lies, and he makes a promise and breaks it.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (832) and Muslim (589).
3 – Encouragement to work and earn a living, and to travel in the land to seek provision.
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“He it is Who has made the earth subservient to you (i.e. easy for you to walk, to live and to do agriculture on it); so walk in the path thereof and eat of His provision. And to Him will be the Resurrection” [al-Mulk 67:15]
“Then when the (Jumu‘ah) Salaah (prayer) is ended, you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allah swt (by working), and remember Allah swt much, that you may be successful” [al-Jumu’ah 63:10]
It was narrated from al-Miqdaam (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “No one ever eats any food better than that which he has earned with his own hands. The Prophet of Allah swt Dawood (peace be upon him) ate that which he earned with his own hands.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1966).
It was narrated from al-Zubayr ibn al-‘Awwaam (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “If one of you were to take a rope and bring firewood on his back and sell it, thus preserving his dignity, that is better for him than asking of people who may give to him or withhold from him.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1402).
4 – Making zakaah obligatory on the wealth of the rich
Allah swt has granted the poor a share of zakaah, which is to be given to the poor to keep, and is to be given until he becomes independent of means and is no longer poor.
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah swt’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah swt. And Allah swt is All-Knower, All-Wise” [al-Tawbah 9:60]
“And those in whose wealth there is a recognised right
25. For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth (and his means of living has been straitened)” [al-Ma’aarij 70:24, 25].
5 – Encouragement to give charity, set up waqfs and sponsor orphans and widows
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“So keep your duty to Allah swt and fear Him as much as you can; listen and obey, and spend in charity; that is better for yourselves. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, then they are the successful ones” [al-Taghaabun 64:16]
“and whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allah swt’s Cause), He will replace it. And He is the Best of providers” [Saba’ 34:39]
“And whatever good you send before you for yourselves (i.e. Nawaafil — non obligatory acts of worship: prayers, charity, fasting, Hajj and ‘Umrah), you will certainly find it with Allah swt, better and greater in reward” [al-Muzzammil 73:20]
It was narrated that ‘Adiy ibn Haatim said: I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) say: “Whoever among you can shield himself against the Fire, even with half a date, let him do so.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1347) and Muslim (1016).
It was narrated that Sahl ibn Sa’d said: The Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “I and the one who sponsors an orphan will be like this in Paradise” – and he gestured with his forefinger and middle finger, holding them slightly apart.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (4998). Muslim (2983) narrated a similar report from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah.
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “The one who strives to help widows and the poor is like the one who strives in jihad for the sake of Allah swt and the one who prays at night and the one who fasts during the day.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5038) and Muslim (2982).
6 – Prohibition on riba (usury), gambling and deceit in selling
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Fear Allah swt and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribaa (from now onward) if you are (really) believers.
279. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah swt and His Messenger but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums), and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums)” [al-Baqarah 2:278-279]
“O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al Ansaab (stone altars for sacrifices to idols etc) and Al Azlaam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaytaan’s (Satan’s) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful” [al-Maa’idah 5:90]
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) passed by a pile of foodstuff; he put his hand in it and found that it had gotten wet. He said, “What is this, O seller of the foodstuff?” He said: It got rained on, O Messenger of Allah swt. He said: “Why don’t you put it on top of the food so that people can see it? Whoever deceives (people) does not belong to me.” Narrated by Muslim (102).
That is because if these things are done and become widespread among people, it means that some are taking people’s wealth unlawfully, and people may lose all their wealth because of them. Hence the texts clearly forbid them.
7 – Encouragement to help the needy and support the weak
It was narrated that al-Nu’maan ibn Basheer said: The Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “The likeness of the believers in their mutual love, mercy and compassion is that of the body; when one part of it is in pain, the rest of the body joins it in restlessness and fever.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5665) and Muslim (2586).
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “He is not a Muslim who eats his fill when his neighbour goes hungry.” Narrated by al-Bayhaqi in al-Shu’ab (9251) and by others. Classed as hasan by al-Albaani.
In Muwatta’ al-Imam Maalik (1742) it is narrated from Yahya ibn Sa’eed that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab met Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah swt who was carrying some meat with him. He said: What is this?
He said: O Ameer al-Mu’mineen, we desired meat so I bought some meat for a dirham.
‘Umar said: Would one of you want to fill his belly apart from his neighbour or his cousin? What don’t you pay heed to the verse “You received your good things in the life of the world, and you took your pleasure therein” [al-Ahqaaf 46:20]?
In conclusion: This is a brief look at poverty, which points to some of its bad effects. The Muslim knows that poverty and richness, and whether things are given to one or withheld, are all subject to the decree of Allah swt. So he bears hardships with patience when they come, and he thanks Allah swt, may He be exalted, for good times when he finds them. But he is required to work and seek to earn a living so as to relieve himself and his family of poverty. But if someone is unable to do that because of health reasons or problems in his land, then Islam relieves him of poverty by means of zakaah and charity that are given by the rich. This is the share of their wealth that the poor are entitled to.
Environmental Pollution; Death Staring us in the Face
By Syed Mustafa Ahmad
In today’s world, there are many burning issues like poverty, human rights violations, global warming, green house effect, environmental pollution, etc. But here, I will discuss about the environmental pollution. It can be defined as the addition of some unwanted substances in the environment, which are harmful for both living and non living. It is not a recent phenomenon but it is the process of many centuries. The previous decade witnessed some of the hottest years of the century. It is visible in the decreasing of the ground water level in India, flooding of many areas, the bushfires of Australia, the melting of glaciers in the fragile Himalayan region, the thinning of ice cover in Antarctica, the extinction of species, the vulnerability of species, the huge storms, the spreading of deadly diseases, etc. If this is the situation, then what are the causes responsible for this global problem. Let us try to know more about this.
First is industrialization. The heavy machinery creates havoc in the environment. The chimneys produce the toxic gases. The effluents or the hot waters from the industries go into the seas. They destroy the ecosystem of the marine life, which eventually disturb the ecological stability or balance of the environment. Moreover, the other wastes produced by the industries are dumped without any scientific watch. In Delhi, the dumping site is as big as a mountain. It kills animals, human beings, spreads diseases, wastes energy, litters the landscape, etc. In our valley, we also witness the same situation. There is no planning on the part of the government to decompose the wastes in a scientific manner.
Second is deforestation. Deforestation results in rain deficiency on the one hand and droughts on the other hand. It is being reported that a large part of the Amazon forests is cleared due to continuous felling of trees. In our valley, the smugglers are hand in glove with the government in looting our precious resources. Everyday we come across the news that smugglers are caught red-handed in this and that part of the valley. It has given rise to the loss of the habitats of the wild animals. The end result is the human-wild conflict. Overall, the continuous felling of trees has brought a lot of harm to the environment. Trees keep the ecological balance of the environment. When they are cut ruthlessly, there are cent percent chances of environmental pollution.
Third is the continuous rise in the plying of vehicles on the already narrow roads. Every day, new vehicles appear playing on the roads. First, the roads are not so wide to drive comfortably. The result is that many lives are lost. The fuel used in the majority of vehicles is non-renewable. It means that it won’t last forever. Moreover, these vehicles produce the toxic gases that disturb the environment on the large scale. Acid rain is a good example of this. Slowly and steadily, the ground is prepared for the environmental pollution.
Fourth is that we waste energy. The bulbs are on without any purpose. The taps drip through out the day and night. The vehicles are washed with the drinking water. The engines of the vehicles are not stopped at the red light. Food is wasted on most of the functions. Mobile phones are on without any purpose. The televisions and radios are running day and night without any listeners. Refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, etc., are on without any real purpose.
Last is that we are unaware about the importance of the environment. We take things for granted. We don’t have such kind of mindsets that may help us to ponder over the diversities in the environment. We never bother to respect the endowments bestowed upon us by the Creator of the universe. We come to senses when it is too late. This approach of ungratefulness is very dangerous. It is necessary to have compassion towards the environment. It pays and will pay if we remain little bit diligent.
A lot of damage has been done. Now, there is need to carry out the mission of the real construction. We have to remain careful in not destroying the environment further. There is an urgent need of this mindset. We can’t be so complacent. Let us pledge that every person at his or her individual level will try his or best to protect the environment.
Naveen Patnaik (born 16 October 1946) is an prominent politician of India serving as the current and 14th Chief Minister of Odisha. He is among the iconic leaders of India. He is also the President of the Biju Janata Dal, a writer and has authored three books. He is the longest-serving chief minister of Odisha and as of 2023, one of the longest-serving chief ministers of any Indian state, holding the post for over two decades, and only the third Indian chief Minister after Pawan Chamling and Jyoti Basu to win five consecutive terms as Chief Minister of an Indian state.
He is Chief Minister of Odhisa since 23 years and destined to be longest Chief Minister of India.
His life is full of accolades and noteworthy accomplishments which make him one of the tallest figures of India.
Patnaik was born on 16 October 1946 in Cuttack to Biju Patnaik, former Chief Minister of Odisha, and his wife, Gyan Devi .He was educated at the Welham Boys’ School in Dehradun, and later The Doon School.At Doon, he was a classmate of Sanjay Gandhi and three years junior to Rajiv Gandhi, who later became prime minister.After school, he went to the St. Stephen’s College of Delhi University, and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Naveen Patnaik is iron man of Odhisa and India. He has also an intellectual mind of par excellence.
Patnaik is a writer and had for the most part of his youth been away from both politics and Odisha, but after his father Biju Patnaik’s demise, he entered politics in 1997 and a year later founded the Biju Janata Dal, named after Biju Patnaik, which won the state election with the BJP as its alliance and formed the government in which Patnaik became Chief Minister. His mild mannerism, “Stand against corruption” and “Pro-poor policies” have resulted in the development of a huge support base in Odisha, which has voted him to power in the last five consecutive terms. Like his father, he has managed to control the bureaucracy and transformed it into a machine for the development of the state.
His Honest, dedicated spartan personal lifestyle and detachment from material possessions has been liked by the people of the state.He is also one of the founding members of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage.His elder sister is the writer Gita Mehta.
Undoubtedly, Naveen Patnaik is towering personality of India under whose leadership Odhisa has transformed into oasis of development.
Under his great leadership,
each one of the 4.5 crore Odias is the catalyst of change.
Naveen Patnaik is synonym of progress and prosperity.
Hosting of the prestigious Men’s Hockey World Cup in Odisha for the second time, industrialisation and attracting investment, growth of self-help groups, ST transformation, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, KALIA, Millet mission and other initiatives of the state government under great leadership of Naveen Patnaik are applauded by one and all.
He has bagged prestigious awards and global recognitions. The United Nations in 2019, complimented Naveen for his government’s proposal of reserving 33% of seats for women in the National Parliament as well as in the state’s Legislative Assembly.
Naveen Patnaik is undoubtedly the precious diamond of Indian politics.
