J&K Eliminating TB, cover story 27 October ,2025

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J&K Eliminating TB
News Kashmir Analysis
Tuberculosis is one of the dangerous disease that humanity has encountered. It has been a major health challenge in our region and Country as well.
But we are proud to know that India as country has by and large reduced Tuberculosis threat to great extent.
Recently, Secretary H&ME, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, informed that significant progress has been achieved in strengthening TB surveillance, infrastructure, and early diagnostic systems. He stated that J&K has achieved 100% notification of TB cases, with 11,499 cases reported, while 92% of the vulnerable population has been screened placing the Union Territory among the best-performing regions in the country.
Jammu and Kashmir
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, recently chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and assess the measures undertaken by the Health & Medical Education Department to achieve the vision of a Tuberculosis-free Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Secretary, Health & Medical Education (H&ME), Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah; Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary; Managing Director, JKMSCL; Principals of Government Medical Colleges (GMCs); Directors of Health Services, Jammu and Kashmir; HoD, Chest Medicine, GMC Srinagar; and senior faculty members from various medical institutions across the UT. Deputy Commissioners joined the deliberations through video conferencing.
reviewing the current scenario, the Chief Secretary stressed the need for early identification and comprehensive management of TB patients to ensure their complete recovery. He directed health professionals to undertake end-to-end monitoring of patients, encouraging them to personally adopt a few cases each, extend individualized medical support, and maintain regular contact with patients to track their progress.
Underscoring the importance of vigorous contact tracing, Dulloo called for strengthening the network of ASHA workers to facilitate home visits and ensure ‘at-home’ care and counselling, thereby improving adherence to treatment and recovery outcomes.
A year back ,we had learnt that Three districts in Kashmir—Budgam, Anantnag, and Pulwama—have already been declared TB-free, while Srinagar and Kupwara have achieved gold certification under the Sub-National Certification. J&K has also been recognized with a bronze medal for its efforts under the same programme.
TB which once was severe health challenge for the people of country is steadily becoming less threat due to great efforts of Central Government.
Jammu and Kashmir is taking rapid strides in becoming Tuberculosis free.

Darbar Move is Back, cover story 20 October 2025

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Darbar Move is Back
News Kashmir Analysis
Darbar Move has been restored once again.  In a historic development, the
Jammu and Kashmir government on 16 October, 2025, Thursday issued orders for the closure of the Darbar Move offices in the summer capital Srinagar on October 31, hours after chief minister Omar Abdullah announced restoration of the tradition.
 The lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha-led administration had scrapped the Darbar Move tradition in 2021.
While marking one year of his government in Jammu and Kashmir, Omar told reporters, “Today, I have personally signed the official file, and I hope that the order will be issued soon. We are restoring the old tradition of the Darbar Move.””We promised people that we would restore the Darbar Move. The Cabinet has taken a decision regarding its restoration and sent it to the Lieutenant Governor. The L-G has signed and returned the file,” he said earlier in the day.
 The practise of Darbar move has been unique to the Jammu and Kashmir region and had long heritage.
As a matter of fact,  Darbar move is  the  Dogra imperial tradition in which  huge official paraphernalia is  put on wheels to shift the seat of Jammu and Kashmir government to Srinagar during summers and to Jammu During winters.Yes, it is the Darbar move time now again.
In the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state , At least Forty one government departments also in the erstwhile State including those under the direct charge of the Chief Minister and forty five departments used to  move  to Srinagar in full and in camp respectively for Summer Season. In winter season the Darbar move moved to Jammu, the winter capital of the state.
It is worth mentioning here that the L-G lead admission in year 2021 had scrapped Darbar Move.
As a matter of fact, the Darbar Move tradition has rich history.
The tradition was started during the rule of Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1872.The tradition continued after 1952 as a bridge for administrative, linguistic and cultural interaction between the diverse regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
It’s going to be very much intresting to see how common people take revival of Darbar Move in both regions. Jammu and Kashmir regions overall would welcome the move as it means cultural exchange and much more regional interactions.

Global Handwashing day ,cover 13 October 2025

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Global Handwashing Day
Handwashing is quite necessary for good health. We can’t envisage good health without seeing through a proper handwashing practices.
The Global Handwashing day as an important day is marked every year on 15 October. The Global Handwashing day 2025 is to be marked on Wednesday, 15 October .
We in Kashmir need to strengthen the handwashing habits at every level be it after or before taking bathroom or using washroom .
Global Handwashing Day has rich history as it was established by the Global Handwashing Partnership and is celebrated annually on October 15. It provides an opportunity to test, and replicate several ways to boost people to wash their hands with soap at critical times.
can’t ignore that several germs that can make people sick are spread through hands when we don’t wash them with soap and clean, running water. Therefore, handwashing is very important especially at key times like after using the bathroom, at the time of preparing food, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
Expert pulse is Dirty hands can transfer germs to your eyes, nose, and mouth, and can contaminate food, leading to sickness. Washing your hands with soap and water removes these germs, breaks the chain of infection, and helps prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
In region like ours we need to provide soaps and sanitizers everywhere.
According to eminent knowledge source wikipedia –
Global Handwashing Day (GHD) is an international hand washing promotion campaign to motivate and mobilize people around the world to improve their hand washing habits. Washing hands at critical points both during the day and washing with soap are important. In 2008, Global Handwashing Day was celebrated for the first time[citation needed. This day aims to make people around the world aware of the importance of washing their hands with soap in order to prevent diseases and infections[citation needed. To commemorate this day, over 120 million children in 70 countries were encouraged to practice handwashing with soap. Since then, the movement has built momentum, garnering support from various stakeholders such as governments, schools, NGOs, and private firms.
On the other hand of the spectrum, stated objectives of Global Handwashing Day are to:
Foster and support a general culture of handwashing with soap in all societies
Shine a spotlight on the state of handwashing in each country
Raise awareness about the benefits of handwashing with soap.
We too in Kashmir should promote the handwashing practices with utmost attention.

Kishtwar Cloudburst Tragedy, Cover story 18 August 2025

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Kishtwar Cloudburst Tragedy
News Kashmir Analysis
Kishtwar Cloudburst has shaken entire India. The large number of deaths just before we celebrated our 79th Independence day made entire country sad. The regular occurrence of cloudbursts in Himalayan states of the Country is becoming cause of concern as they are causing large scale havoc.
Cloufburst struck Chashoti village of Kishtwar and it is the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata pilgrimage, considered holy by the Hindu community. According to eyewitnesses, a large number of pilgrims had congregated there for the annual yatra. The pilgrimage, which had commenced on July 25, was scheduled to conclude by September 5. Reaching the 9,500-feet-high pilgrimage site from Chashoti village involves a nearly 9-km trek.
Pain and grief engulfed all.
 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cancelled the ‘At Home’ tea party scheduled for August 15 evening. “In light of the tragedy caused by the cloudburst in Kishtwar I have taken the decision to cancel the ‘At Home’ tea party tomorrow evening. We have also decided not to go ahead with the cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. The formal events—speech, march past, etc.—will go ahead as planned,” the Chief Minister tweeted.
On the other hand,  Union Minister Jitendra Singh visited the affected region in Kishtwar late on Friday evening and shared details of the government’s swift response.
Speaking to ANI, Singh said, “The government immediately took cognisance of it…PM Modi personally took cognisance of it and monitored it. After that, the equipment was brought here overnight by vehicles. CRPF came here overnight with equipment. Air Force, Indian Army, DG Police, Jammu-Kashmir Police, and today BRO’s services have been utilised because they have machines to clear debris from the roads…”
He added, “52 bodies have been recovered, of which four bodies have not been identified, while the rest have been identified. Seriously injured patients have been referred outside, with about 52 patients admitted to Jammu Medical College, and those who are more critical will be referred outside…Efforts are ongoing. There is no shortage from the government’s side. Work is in progress.”
The expert pulse is worried about frequent cloudbursts in Jammu and Kashmir,  and other Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand.  The need of the hour is experts especially environmentalists start educating masses about the fallout of these cloudbursts and explain holistic contours.
Undoubtedly, Kishtwar Cloudburst has pained entire country.

Food adulteration concern, 11 August 2025 cover story

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Food Adulteration Concerns
News Kashmir Analysis

Food adulteration is a matter of serious concern. It is poisoning us slowly. It is also a matter of grave public health concern. The entire Kashmir valley is rattled after the seizure of over 3000 kilograms of rotten meat unfit for human consumption from various parts of the Valley in the last week; pain and worry have gripped Kashmir. As a matter of fact, the discovery of rotten meat in large quantities has raised serious concerns about food safety, public health, and the effectiveness of regulatory mechanisms in the region. It is worth mentioning here that on July 31, the Food Safety Department Srinagar, in coordination with the Drug and Food Control Organisation (DFCO), seized 1,200 kilograms of rotten meat from an industrial estate in the Zakura area on the outskirts of Srinagar. There are many concerns now, and people are worried about the negative impacts of rotten meat on health, especially that which we consume in restaurants and hotels. It is a matter of misfortune that the use of rotten meat in restaurants poses significant health risks to consumers.

When meat spoils, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter, which can cause food poisoning. Symptoms range from mild stomach cramps and diarrhea to life-threatening conditions like kidney failure and reactive arthritis. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and young children, are particularly susceptible to these health issues. It should also be noted that, beyond health concerns, the practice of serving spoiled meat undermines trust in the food industry. Consumers expect safe, high-quality food, and establishments that compromise on this standard risk their reputation.

The use of rotten meat also raises ethical questions. It is the need of the hour that we get meat only through a clean chain, and restaurants have a responsibility to prioritize customer well-being; serving spoiled food is a clear breach of this duty. It reflects a lack of regard for consumer health and safety, which is fundamental to the hospitality industry. To mitigate these risks, one must implement strict food safety protocols, including regular inspections, proper storage, and thorough cooking procedures.
 By prioritizing food safety, establishments can protect their customers and maintain the trust that is essential to their customer business. It is heartening to note that a case has been registered against Sunshine Foods under Sections 271, 275, and 61(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further legal actions are planned as the investigation progresses. Dieticians and health experts have advised consumers to avoid eating meat at eateries until the supply chain is verified as safe. But food safety concerns are now very high in Kashmir.

AlphaEarth Foundation, cover story 4 August ,2025

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AlphaEarth Foundation- A Great AI invention for humanity
News Kashmir Analysis
Artificial intelligence is making world a revolutionary place to live. It is making great inventions that will define future of humanity towards better .
We are now witness to multiple better things coming out of AI fields-  Pertinent to mention  here that the Google DeepMind’s AlphaEarth Foundations is a revolutionary AI model is designed to transform global mapping and monitoring.
 This world defining  technology integrates large amounts of Earth observation data from diverse sources, including optical satellite images, radar, 3D laser mapping, and climate simulations.
What is important is that this technology combines these data sources, AlphaEarth creates a unified digital representation of the planet, enabling scientists to track changes over time with remarkable precision.
What is more optimistic to note is that expert pulse is clear  AlphaEarth model analyzes the world’s land and coastal waters in sharp 10×10 meter squares, allowing for detailed monitoring of environmental changes.
In this regard, the expert pulse is that It functions as a “virtual satellite,” providing near-real-time insights into the planet’s evolution. This unified digital model makes it easier for computer systems to process and analyze disparate datasets.
The experts have stated that-
AlphaEarth Foundations has far-reaching implications for various fields, including environmental monitoring, conservation efforts, and agricultural monitoring. It can track deforestation, urban expansion, and climate changes with unprecedented accuracy and speed. The model can also identify vulnerable areas and direct conservation efforts with precision. Additionally, it can inform decisions on resource allocation and crop health.
Reports have stated that Google DeepMind is releasing a collection of AlphaEarth Foundations’ annual embeddings as the Satellite Embedding dataset in Google Earth Engine, allowing researchers to access and build upon the model. This initiative has already shown significant benefits, with over 50 organizations testing the dataset on real-world applications.
It is great for planet earth  that  As Google DeepMind continues to explore the best ways to apply this model’s time-based capabilities, we can expect even more innovative uses in the future.
The heartning development to note is that potential applications of AlphaEarth Foundations extend to sectors like agriculture, urban planning, and disaster risk assessment. By providing a detailed and dynamic understanding of the planet, AlphaEarth can help us better prepare for and respond to environmental challenges. With its cutting-edge technology and vast potential.
Be it Kashmir or any other part of world Artificial intelligence is future  and it is  really great to note that  AlphaEarth Foundations is poised to make a significant impact on our understanding of the planet and its changes.

Srinagar needs strong drainage system, 30 June Cover Story 2025

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Srinagar needs strong drainage system
News Kashmir Analysis
Srinagar is the heart of Jammu and Kashmir.  It is highly important city of our great country India. Srinagar is known for many things – Great Gardens, lakes , religious places and vibrant markets.
Lacs of people visit Srinagar daily for diverse reasons. Srinagar also hosts large number of reputed Government and private hospitals.  Srinagar as a city is thus highly important area of the region.
It is matter of great misfortune that Drainage system of Srinagar city is lagging. With rainfall many areas of Srinagar city get choked  the roads and streets get flooded. This causes great distress to the masses.
With heavy rainfall becoming norm due to cloud bursts and climate change we need to be ready for challenges and have a world class drainage system in the Srinagar city.
Srinagar’s drainage woes are a harsh reality that residents face every monsoon. The city’s inefficient drainage system turns roads into rivers during heavy rainfall, causing frustration and disrupting daily life. Traffic jams and congestion are just the beginning – emergency services are often hindered, putting lives at risk.
The Smart City project promised a revamp, but the ground reality tells a different story. Citizens are still waiting for better roads and drainage. Experts stress that a well-planned drainage system is crucial to tackle climate change and urban expansion. It’s time to prioritize Srinagar’s infrastructure and give it the world-class drainage system it deserves.
The Srinagar city’s beauty and great heritage is undeniable, but its drainage system is a pressing concern that needs attention. With the right infrastructure in place, Srinagar can mitigate the risks of flooding and ensure a better quality of life for its residents. The clock is ticking – it’s time for action.
We can only claim to be a world class city when we have efficient drainage system.
The expert pulse is that in place quality drainage system is crucial for a city like Srinagar, preventing flooding, reducing traffic congestion, and protecting residents’ health.
It also  in a major way handles the risks of waterborne diseases, property damage, and economic losses. A well-designed drainage system ensures the city’s infrastructure can withstand heavy rainfall and snowmelt, supporting sustainable development and improving the overall quality of life for its residents. Efficient drainage is essential for a city’s resilience and prosperity.

Global Warming Impacts, Cover story 23 June 2025

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Global Warming impacts
News Kashmir Analysis
We are witnessing abnormal weather patterns in world. Growing cloud bursts , lashing rains ,prolonged heatwaves are all hiting the world hard . The rising impacts of Global warming are hitting hard many regions of world.
In Kashmir too we are seeing prolonged heatwave and cloudbursts . This time too in the year 2025 we are witness to Heatwave in Kashmir.
The expert and crisp definition of Global warming is that  Global warming refers to the long-term, gradual increase in Earth’s average surface temperature. This warming is primarily driven by human activities, particularly the release of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes.
Recently renowned expert Professor Stefan  Rahmstorf tweeted -” In just 100 years, fossil fuel use has more than undone 5000 years of natural cooling. It’s hotter now than any time in the history of human civilisation. We are catapulting ourselves out of the Holocene into uncharted territory. Current life on Earth is not adapted to this.”
We need to bear in mind that Today the larger humanity is facing scores of  issues related to his environment. These issues are neither due to conspiracy of his enemy neither an act of God but the issues he is surrounded with are consequences of his own activities. Global warming is one of the issues that is not only affecting biotic (flora and fauna) components but also the abiotic components (soil, temperature, rainfall and water resources).
Even during this spring onset we saw intense heat spells in Kashmir and heavy rainfall and gutsy storms.
The Need of the hour is that with abnormal impacts of global warming hitting entire world we the people of Jammu and Kashmir also remain aware about the overall weather challenges.
We need to respect our nature and environment in order to mitigate adverse impacts of Global warming in our fragile region.
The ground pulse throughout the world is that  We have to bear in mind the main international mitigation effort is the Kyoto Protocol, which seeks to stabilize greenhouse gas concentration to prevent a dangerous anthropogenic interference.
Youth and children should be trained to fight hard hitting impact of Global warming .

Pahalgam terror attack hits hard Kashmir economy, cover story 26 May 2025

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Pahalgam terror attack hits hard Kashmir Economy
News Kashmir Analysis
Pahalgam terror attack has badly dented the Kashmir economy. Tourism sector is worst hit as the attack occurred at a time when the Kashmir tourism was at its peak.
Many other allied sectors have been badly hit. The airfares which used to be sky high at this time are at historic low . In recent years at this time the airfares would sky rocket.
Even the agricultural sector seems to be hit. Many strawberry farmers in Gaasu the Strawberry village of Kashmir opined that last year tourists visited their fields and gave good price to crop, but this time Pahalgam terror tragedy has fetched them low price.
The transport sector especially the cabs services run mostly by youth of Kashmir for tourism purposes is also badly hit.
Expert pulse is The Pahalgam terror attack has dealt a severe blow to Kashmir’s economy and tourism industry. The region’s tourism sector, valued at thousands of  crores and contributing 7-8% to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP, has been significantly impacted. The attack, which occurred at the start of the peak tourist season, has led to widespread cancellations of hotel bookings and travel plans. Local businesses, including taxi services, hotels, and shops, are facing substantial losses. The incident has shaken visitor confidence, potentially affecting the region’s economic progress and livelihoods of around 2.5 lakh Kashmiris who depend on tourism.
It is painful to note that ground realities lay bare the fact tourism may not contribute a major share to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP, the aftershocks of its shocking nlow are being felt across sectors, exposing the deep interdependence of the region’s economic spectrum.
Unemployment is already a chronic problem in Jammu and Kashmir with lacs of youth especially the highly qualified youth facing the perils of joblessness and this all round economic bleak outlook post Pahalgam terror tragedy has worsened the holistic job scenario in Kashmir valley .
From Hotels to Houseboats, Rickshaws to Restaurants,  Agriculture to Street vendors all sectors have been badly dented posy Pahalgam tragedy that has undoubtedly dented holistic picture.
Overall,  the hope on ground zero is that Kashmir will regain its lost glory and enemies of peace and prosperity would be crushed.

The Pollen Menace in Kashmir, cover story 19 May 2025

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The Pollen Menace in Kashmir
By Rameez Makhdoomi
Kashmir has been grappling with the issue of pollen menace for decades, primarily due to the widespread presence of Russian Poplar trees.
It has causes great distress to the common masses.
During the spring and summer months, particularly in May and June, the peak pollen shedding season, residents and visitors alike can be seen wearing masks to protect themselves from the allergens.
This gives rise to throat allergies and other health problems due to pollen circulating in air.
It is worth mentioning here that Russian Poplar trees, while economically beneficial for their wood used in fruit boxes, have a darker side. Their pollen grains are highly allergic and detrimental to human health, exacerbating respiratory disorders like asthma. Despite the administration’s previous ban on planting these trees, a large number  of Russian Poplars continue to thrive in Kashmir, contributing to the pollen menace.
From time to time eminent activists and health experts have repeatedly highlighted the issue, emphasizing the need for concrete action. They suggest that the administration must take a stricter approach to enforcing the ban and preventing the large-scale sale of these plants.
 Some experts also point to the increasing cultivation of ‘Keekar trees’ (Robina Pseudoacacia) as a contributing factor to the growing pollen phenomenon.
In this regard, people of Kashmir are calling for effective measures to control the pollen menace, particularly in Srinagar and other areas. With pollen known as not a good thing the time to address this issue is now.
It is time to strengthen our ecology with guidance species of trees that will both be helpful in increasing the overall oxygen bank and also fighting the rising pollution especially the air pollution.