Dal Goes Pink courtesy Fortis Hospital Gurugram

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

Cashless transactions booming in India, cover 7 october 2024

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

Sustainable agriculture

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

Wool importance

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

Elderly persons Difficulties

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

Biography of Author Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai

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Biography of the Author Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai
Padma Awards Nomination also filled for year 2025
Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai
(DOB 07/06/1973) is a passionate Indian Author-cum- bilingual poet while a tremendous lecturer of English by profession in the Ganjam district of Odisha.He is an accomplished source of inspiration for young generation of India .His free verse on Romantic and melancholic  poems appreciated by everyone. He belongs to a small typical village Nandiagada of Ganjam District,the state of Odisha.After schooling he studied intermediate and Graduated In Kabisurjya Baladev vigyan Mahavidyalaya then M A in English from Berhampur University PhD in language and literature and D.litt from Colombian poetic house from South America.He promotes his specific writings around the world literature and trades with multiple stems that are related to current issues based on his observation and experiences that needs urgent attention.He is an award winning writer who has achieved various laurels from the circle of writing worldwide.His free verse poems not only inspires young readers but also the ready of current time.His poetic symbol is right now inspiring others, some of which are appreciated by laurels of India and across the world. Many of his poems been translated in different Indian languages and got global appreciation. Lots of well wishes for his upcoming writtings and success in future.He is an award winning poet author of many best seller books.Recently he is awarded Rabindra nath Tagore and Gujarat Sahitya Academy for the year 2022 from Motivational Strips . A gold medal from world union of poets France & winner Of Rahim Karims world literary prize 2023.The government of Odisha Higher Education Department appointed him
as a president to Governing body of Padmashree Dr Ghanashyam Mishra Sanskrit Degree College, Kabisurjyanagar.Winner of ” HYPERPOEM ” GUNIESS WORLD RECORD 2023.Recently he was awarded from SABDA literary Festival at Assam.Highest literary honour from Peru contributing world literature 2024.Prestigious Cesar Vellejo award 2024 & Highest literary honour from Peru.Director at Samrat Educational charitable Trust Berhampur, Ganjam Odisha.Nominated for Padmashree puraskar 2024
Completed 215 Epistolary poetry with Kristy Raines U SA.
Books.
1.Psalm of the Soul.
2.Rise of New Dawn.
3.secret Of Torment.
4.Everything I never told you.
5.Vision Of Life National Library Kolkata.
6.100 Shadows of Dream.
7.Timeless Anguish.
8.Voice of Silence.
9.I cross my heart from east to west . Epistolary poetry with Kristy Raines.
All eyes would be on him as prestigious Padma Awards Nomination have been filled.

 

Dengue threat

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Dengue threat
Dengue disease is a serious health concern especially in our country.
mosquito-borne viral disease occurring in tropical and subtropical areas.
Dengue can range from asymptomatic infection or mild illness to severe disease. An estimated 1 in 4 dengue virus infections are symptomatic. Symptomatic dengue virus infection most commonly presents as a mild to moderate, acute febrile illness. Infection with one of the four dengue viruses will induce long-lived immunity for that specific virus. Because there are four dengue viruses, people can be infected multiple times in their life. Early clinical findings are nonspecific but require a high index of suspicion because recognizing early signs of shock and promptly initiating intensive supportive therapy can reduce risk of death among patients.
As a matter of fact,
Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing an increase in dengue cases this year, with 934 cases confirmed so far, officials said. They added that the union territory recorded a steady rise in cases over the past week, with daily counts ranging from 19 to 83.
State Malariologist Dr D J Raina, speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said while the number of cases is increasing, the situation remains under control. He said that out of the 934 cases, 592 are from Jammu, followed by 103 from Samba, 87 from Kathua, 44 from Udhampur, 21 from Reasi, 20 from Rajouri, 23 from Poonch, 20 from Doda, six from Ramban, one from Kishtwar, nine from Kashmir, and eight from other states.
A total of 10,644 tests have been conducted this year, with 934 returning positive results, he said. Comparatively, last year saw 1,300 positive cases out of 10,935 tests conducted. Of the 934 confirmed cases this year, 167 required hospitalization, with 99 patients discharged and 62 still undergoing treatment.
The hope on ground zero is that we contain dengue .

Srinagar in limelight-Phase 2 Assembly elections

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Srinagar in limelight- Phase 2 Assembly 2024
News Kashmir Analysis
Srinagar is the soul of Jammu and Kashmir.  It is an historic city.
This year the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar has been officially recognised as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Crafts Council last week as its recognition will boost the handloom and handicraft sectors of the valley as this prestigious honour underscores the city’s rich heritage and the exceptional skills of its artisans whose dedication and artistry.
The assembly elections happening after a gap of 10 years and first after the historic abrogation of article 370 have brought much focus on Srinagar,  which has history of very low voting.
The Election campaign in Srinagar has been electrifying with after gap of nearly 40 years such festive atmosphere being witnessed as candidates try to woo voters.
During the last elections,  Hazratbal Assembly Constituency had the highest voting percentage of 29 percent among the Constituencies with Habbakadal lowest of 21 percent.  Zadibal Assembly Constituency had voting percentage of mere 23.64 and Khanyar 26 percent.
As a matter of fact , Srinagar after delimitation has 8 Assembly constituencies.  The Chanapora Assembly Constituency is the latest addition. Srinagar has been historically a NC bastion with often NC winning most of the seats. This time around a nail bitting fight is witnessed between PDP and NC on 7 seats ,with Apni Party also putting a strong fight in Chanapora.
The women underrepresented in these elections is a matter of serious concern.
of 93 candidates vying for eight assembly seats in Srinagar, only three are women. This minuscule representation becomes even more pronounced when these three candidates contest in only two of the eight constituencies.
PM Modi too during recent Srinagar rally struck historic pulse.
We have said in the parliament that we will restore (the region’s) statehood. Only the BJP will fulfill this commitment,” PM Modi said to a cheering crowd at the rally while referring to Bharatiya Janata Party, without specifying any timeline for the return of statehood.
He called the ongoing election the festival of democracy in the region. “Jammu and Kashmir is strengthening the democracy of India, and I congratulate the people for this,” he said.
The political pulse is excited whether the current elections would witness increase in voting percentage in Srinagar or not .
The eyes would be all set on the 24th September to watch the key elections and analyze them.

How the Landscape of Overseas Education is Changing in India

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How the Landscape of Overseas Education is Changing in India
The current trends in India’s education financing sector are challenging the estimated projections for the future of the industry. But is there a silver lining?
India’s overseas education landscape has faced significant changes over the past year. In 2023, more than 1.2 million students travelled abroad for quality education [1]. This number was expected to reach 1.5 to 2 million by 2025 [2]. However, recent trends and data indicate a major shift in these projections.
Decline in Interest in Abroad Education?
GyanDhan conducted an analysis between March 2024 and May 2024 to understand the current trends. The report estimated a significant 22% drop in the number of students looking for abroad education loans as compared to the same period last year. This decrease in interest was even more pronounced in some states. Telangana witnessed a 30% drop and Gujarat, a 35% drop. Here is an overview of some other states:
Overall (India) -21.92%
Punjab & Chandigarh -28.41%
Maharashtra  -12.79%
Kerala -12.39%
What is Causing This Trend?
Many factors have influenced this declining trend. In the last three years, Indian students who travelled to the US have been facing challenges in bagging jobs. One such student, Ankit Kumar, an MS in Supply Chain Management graduate from the University of Texas at Dallas, pointed out, “There’s a dark reality to studying in the US. Finding a job is not easy and not everyone gets lucky enough to get a work visa.” He further added, “Working in non-tech fields, especially in supply chain, has become tricky for immigrants to be able to survive.”
Canada’s imposition of caps on international student admission [6] [7], Australia’s introduction of stricter student visa evaluations along with doubling of the fees [3] and the UK’s initial plan to consider restricting student entries [4] [5] have all been motivators of this decline. Together, these have made students and their families more careful about investing in an overseas education.
Future Outlook: Will It Get Better?
The critical question is whether this trend will improve in the coming years. GyanDhan’s analysis further examined aspirants’ preparation for exams and their interest in universities. Here are the findings for India as a whole:
Interest in GRE -13%
Interest in IELTS -24%
Interest in TOEFL -16%
These declines are particularly significant in states like Telangana with a drop of 30% in interest in GRE, Gujarat with a 43% drop in interest in TOEFL, and Punjab, with a 57.36% drop in interest in IELTS. These numbers indicate that the upcoming intakes, Spring 2025 and Fall 2025, may continue to experience similar trends until substantial changes in policies come into the picture.
The Other Side of the Picture
The overseas education industry in India may have taken a hit, but this is just one side of the story. International policymakers are soon to meet the results of economic forces. Over time, the exponential rise in the number of students travelling abroad has become an income source that many universities depend on [8]. A recent report highlighted many university staff layoffs and course suspensions in the UK, Canada and Australia [9]. This resulted from restrictive government policies on international students, “reducing an important income stream.”
In Australia, the overseas student caps have agitated universities. In a submission to the federal Department of Education, the University of Sydney says that no attempt has been made to assess the impact of “arbitrary enrolment limits” on a university funding model that is “heavily reliant” on international students’ fees [10]. Almost 44% of their income last year was from foreign students. They’ve requested the department to “consider changes of this magnitude extremely carefully”.
Ankit Mehra, CEO of GyanDhan, emphasises the implications of the restrictive measures on international students, “These measures not only affect universities but also hinder the potential contributions of talented graduates to their country’s economy.”
This was also recently highlighted by Donald Trump in his landmark proposal concerning international students. Preparing for the November presidential elections in the USA, he proposed ‘automatic green cards’ for Indians graduating from the US. He added, after their graduation, the brilliant students return to their country and “become billionaires”. [11]
Most of the recent policy changes and proposals are driven by pandering to the voter base given the impending elections in these geographies. Ankit Mehra further states, ”The economic fallout of alienating the international student segment will be too significant for these countries to ignore. We can expect a return to normalcy once the election cycles conclude and the hype settles.“
The Silver Lining
Despite the current challenges, there are many positive aspects one must consider. The reduction in interest will likely weed out less scrupulous parties who do not prioritise students’ best interests. This market correction could lead to a more transparent and student-focused industry.
Another silver lining for the overseas education industry is the increasing affluence of the upwardly mobile middle class. With the desire for superior educational opportunities, global exposure, and better career opportunities, more parents are sending their children abroad for undergraduate studies.
This surge can be seen in the GyanDhan analysis as well. There has been a notable 20% increase in interest for the ACT and SAT exams in India, both prerequisites for undergrad courses abroad.
Exam-wise searches  (Mar-May’23 versus Mar-May’24) % Change across India % Change across Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh  % Change across Punjab & Chandigarh
ACT 19.92% 8.84% 53.28%
SAT -0.31% 2.27% 1.17%
GRE -13.22% -30.36% -18.38%
GMAT -6.10% -6.99% 2.80%
IELTS -23.84% -20.02% -57.36%
TOEFL -15.60% -1.83% -24.29%
Additionally, the analysis highlighted a growing interest in countries apart from the traditional destinations, the USA, the UK, Canada and Australia. Universities in Ireland, Germany and Spain, among others, are witnessing a surge in interest among Indian students. For instance, abroad education aspirants in Punjab have shown a 99% increase in interest in German universities. Similarly, there is almost a 100% increase in interest in Irish universities among aspirants in Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Conclusion
The overseas education sector in India experienced significant transformations over the past three years– a surge in students travelling abroad post COVID aided by the upwardly mobile middle class driving an increasing demand for superior educational opportunities and global exposure. There have also been numerous changes in immigrant rules.
While the current trends pose challenges, the policy changes intended to address unscrupulous practices should ultimately result in a more sustainable growth for the overall industry. ###
Sources
1. Business Standard Article, 30 May 2024: Where are Indian students headed, how much do they spend abroad?
2. India Today, 8 Dec 2023: By 2025, Indian students studying abroad are expected to spend up to $70 billion
3. Business Standard, 1 Jul 2024: Australia hikes student visa fee by 125%: How Indians will be affected
4. The Economic Times, 25 May 2024: UK tightens student visa rules but keeps Indian students’ favourite graduate route intact for now
5. Hindustan Times, 24 May 2024: What UK’s new visa rules mean for Indian students and migrants, as per experts
6. Frontline, 23 Jan 2024: Canada’s two-year cap on international student visas likely to impact Indians
7. India Today, 26 Jun 2024: Number of Indian students seeking Canada Visa drop due to restrictions
8. Financial Review, 3 Jul 2024: Slashing Foreign student numbers would be economic self-harm
9. The Pie Network, 2 May 2024: Higher ed policies drive layoffs and cuts in the UK, Australia and Canada
10. Times Higher Education, 19 Jun 2024: Australian overseas student caps ‘jeopardise housing projects’
11. TOI, 21 Jun 2024: Donald Trump promises US green cards for foreign graduates
More to Read
1. Shiksha, 20 Jun 2024: India to be the largest source of International students for the US by 2034
2. Economic Times, 5 Feb 2024: Higher education ‘enrolment cliff’ likely to open doors for more Indian students
3. Financial Express, 13 May 2024: Australia announces changes in temporary graduate visa rules
4. The Hindu, 29 Feb 2024: Growing Mismatch between Indians going abroad and foreigners coming to India for higher studies
5. Deccan Chronicle, 30 Jun 2024: Indian students in US wary after rise in violent attacks
6. The Globe and Mail, 21 Jun 2024: The right question to ask about international students and housing

Historic J&K First Phase Polls

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Historic J&K First Phase Polls
News Kashmir Analysis
The historic Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are around the corner.  These are first major elections after abrogation of article 370 on August 5, 2019. These elections are going to be quite unique ,interesting and historic.
All major political parties are fighting with full might. Iltija Mufti, Daughter of PDP head and former CM Mehbooba Mufti , Former NC MP Hasnain Masoodi and Dr Harbaksh Singh of AIP are prominent candidates in Kashmir in fray for the first phase.
political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has undergone significant changes since the BJP withdrew its support from the PDP-led government in 2018. The removal of Article 370 in 2019, followed by the delimitation, has not only redrawn boundaries and added seats but also set the stage for the upcoming 2024 election, where every party is recalibrating its strategy.
Of the total 219 candidates contesting the first phase of the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, scheduled for September 18, a striking 50 per cent have declared assets exceeding Rs 1 crore, a report compiled by the Association of Democratic Reform (ADR) said on Friday.
The average assets of the phase one candidates stood at Rs 3 crore. There are a total 13 candidates with at least Rs 10 crore worth of assets.
Out of 219 candidates, only nine are women, which makes up just 4 percent of the total.
Mehbooba Mufti-led Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has the highest crorepatis: 18 out of 21. The richest candidate in the first phase also belongs to PDP: Abdul Gaffar Sofi, contesting from Anantnag West. In his election affidavit, Sofi declared assets worth over Rs 66 crore. He is followed by PDP’s Imtiaz Ahmed Shan with more than Rs 34 crore in assets.
2014, the election ended with a hung assembly. The PDP won 28 seats, the BJP grabbed 25, the JKNC took 15, and the Congress managed 12. Independents and smaller parties shared seven seats. The BJP and the PDP claimed nearly half the votes, but the close result reflected deep political divisions. The vote share of 2014 told a similar story of division. The BJP garnered 23 per cent of the votes, while the PDP secured 22.7 per cent. The JKNC came in with 20.8 per cent, and the Congress followed with 18 per cent.
Undoubtedly , the Assembly elections in 2024 September are going to go one of the historic epochs.