GST Reforms Fruits, 6 October 2025 cover story

Posted on by Editor
GST reform fruits
News Kashmir Analysis
In a great development for the people,Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms have started to provide major  relief to the common citizens while improving India’s business and investment atmosphere.
In this regard,the GST reforms, which came into effect on September 22, 2025, are being considered a major change for India’s 64 million micro, small, and medium enterprises. Experts say that this reform has not only simplified the tax structure but also opened the way for increasing the competitiveness of small industries
India’s consumer economy has achieved its highest Navratri sales in over a decade, a surge attributed to the Modi government’s NextGen GST reforms, which reduced tax rates and increased product accessibility. These measures lowered prices and unlocked consumer spending, leading to upgrades of vehicles, investments in home appliances, and increased spending on lifestyle goods.
Brands and retailers across sectors reported significant sales growth, generally ranging from 25 per cent to 100 per cent. The festive season’s first half, including Onam, Durga Puja, and Dussehra, is the country’s largest consumption period, accounting for 40-45 per cent of total festive sales.
In our region, The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has commenced the implementation of Next Generation GST Reforms 2.0, effective from September 22, 2025, aligning with the national tax rationalization drive and reinforcing its commitment to consumer welfare.
The overhaul simplifies the GST framework by reducing multiple tax slabs to just two primary rates—5 per cent for essentials and 18 per cent for most other goods and services. These measures are poised to lower the cost burden on households, insurance, medicines, education, and key livelihood sectors, said an official statement.
Importantly,recently Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, has said that the Modi government has gifted NEXTGen GST reforms to all the mothers and sisters of the country on the auspicious occasion of Navratri.
In a series of posts on X platform, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said, on the auspicious occasion of Navratri, the Modi government presents the gift of NEXTGen GST reforms to all the mothers and sisters of the country! The promise of GST reforms made by Modi ji to the people of the country has been implemented across the nation starting today. This GST reform includes a historic reduction in taxes on over 390 items. Unprecedented relief in GST on sectors such as food and household items, home building materials, automobiles, agriculture, services, toys, sports, handicrafts, education, healthcare, and insurance will bring joy to the lives of the people and increase their savings.

Supreme court orders removal of Stray Dogs, Cover story 10 November,2025

Posted on by Editor
Supreme court orders removal of stray Dogs
News Kashmir Analysis
Stray Dogs Menace is a serious challenge in entire country. The special cause of concern has been dog bites ,which cause serious injuries and deaths too. The stray dogs have become a serious civics  challenge in country too. The animal rights activist have also been quite vocal while advocating rights of stray dogs.
In a landmark decision Supreme court made key observation recently.court was hearing a suo moto case, which was initiated on July 28 over a report on stray dog bites leading to rabies, particularly among children, in the national capital.
According to Livelaw, Having regard to the “alarming rise of dog-bite incidents”, the Supreme Court on Friday ordered that every educational institution, hospital, public sports complexes, bus stand and depots, railway stations, etc must be fenced properly to prevent the entry of stray dogs.
It will be the responsibility of the concerned local self-government institutions to pick up stray dogs from such institutions/areas, and shift them to designated dog shelters after vaccination and sterilisation in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules. The Court further ordered that stray dogs picked up from these areas must not be released to the same spot from which they were picked up. “Permitting the same would frustrate the very purpose of liberating such institutions from the presence of stray dogs,” the Court observed.
In this regard , bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria passed the order in the suo motu Stray Dogs matter. The Court directed that the local bodies must carry out periodic inspections to ensure that no stray dog habitat exists in such premises.
After the order was pronounced, Senior Advocates Anand Grover, Karuna Nundy etc, urged the bench to consider their submissions before signing the order. Nundy said that if dogs are removed, new dogs will occupy the same spot. The bench however refused to entertain the submissions.
The Court took note of various reports regarding dog-bite incidents across the country. Amicus Curiae Senior Advocate Gaurav Agarwal also submitted a report.
Stray dog bites have been also major cause of concern in Jammu and Kashmir as it has lead to precious loss of lives and horrible injuries .
This is undoubtedly a landmark order which would ensure that stray dogs menace is tackled and humans live in harmony.

Smooth Assembly Session, 3 November 2025 cover story

Posted on by Editor
Smooth Assembly session
News Kashmir Analysis
The recent Assembly session in Jammu and Kashmir’s legislature has set a remarkable precedent, marking a significant milestone in the region’s history. The session, which concluded with the adjournment sine die by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, was notable for its smooth functioning and productive proceedings. Despite being a nine-day session, it witnessed minimal disruptions and showcased a commendable level of coordination between the opposition and the government.
The session saw the passage of several key bills, including five government bills, and discussions on two private members’ resolutions. The Assembly Secretariat received an impressive 732 questions, with 682 being admitted and 29 taken up for discussion. Additionally, 97 Zero Hour issues were raised, and 73 supplementaries were discussed by members.
While 14 bills were received, 33 pending bills from previous sessions remain on the agenda. Out of 41 private bills listed, eight were discussed, and one private member’s resolution was passed. The session also saw the submission of 67 calling attention notices, with ten being taken up for discussion.
This session’s success can be attributed to the constructive debates and minimal disruptions, demonstrating the Assembly’s commitment to meaningful deliberations. The cooperation between the opposition and the government has set a positive precedent, showcasing the effectiveness of the legislative process in Jammu and Kashmir.
The members of Assembly also praised the historic session. Minister for Health, Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo said that the Speaker was deserving of congratulations and thanked him for running the House in a non-partisan and objective manner to ensure a productive and fruitful session.
She thanked the opposition for playing its role effectively in holding the government accountable, adding that they deserve credit for their constructive participation.
She expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah for spending time in the House and responding to the Members’ queries.
Regarding the queries raised by MLAs about the replies, Minister said that all replies in the House were prepared after due consideration to ensure satisfactory responses.
MLA M.Y. Tarigami thanked all members and staff for making the session fruitful and productive, suggesting that future sessions be held for a longer duration to allow sufficient time for legislators to raise issues of public importance.
Without an iota of doubt it has been a historic positive Assembly session.

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

Posted on by Editor
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

Posted on by Editor
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

Posted on by Editor
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

Posted on by Editor
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

Posted on by Editor
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

Posted on by Editor
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

Posted on by Editor
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.