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.

Post Pahalgam terror attack,  India resolute actions on terror

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Post Pahalgam terror attack,  India resolute actions on terror
News Kashmir Analysis
The Pahalgam tourist massacre by terrorists of Pakistan was attack on both soul of India and humanity. India has acted swiftly through operation Sindoor to punish terrorists.
Scores of terrorists have been killed in operation Sindoor and Pakistan as a result has resorted to escalation.
Five terrorists tasked with important roles in the Pakistan-based terror groups, Jash-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, were killed in the initial phase of Operation Sindoor when Indian forces struck terror camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) in the early morning of May 7, said sources.
On Saturday May 10 , 2025 we knew important things.
Fighter jets of the India Air Force targeted Pakistan Air Force’s bases at Rafiqui, Murid and Chaklala early this morning to counter Pakistan’s reckless drone and missile attacks targeting civilian areas and military infrastructure in India’s western sector.
Foreign Secretary Misri characterised Pakistan’s campaign as “a tissue of lies,” accusing Islamabad of manufacturing falsehoods about damage to Indian critical infrastructure, including airbases and air defence systems. “Claims have been made about large sections of Indian critical infrastructure, power systems, cyber systems, etc, being attacked and destroyed. These are completely false,” Mr Misri said, adding that normalcy had been restored across most of the targeted facilities.
At government briefing, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said India’s precision attacks only targeted military targets. “Pakistan military targets at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian were engaged using air-launched precision weapons from our fighter aircraft. Radar sites at Pasrur and Sialkot aviation base were also targeted using precision munitions. While carrying out these responses, India ensured minimum collateral damage,” she said.
India chose targets carefully. The objective was to cripple Pakistan’s capability to launch aerial attacks using drones and fighter jets. The attack on these key air force centres has likely hit Pakistan’s air reconnaissance and long-range strike capabilities.
India admitted that 26 locations were targeted by Pakistani drones, missiles, loitering munitions, and airstrikes in the early hours of Saturday. Among the sites attacked were airbases in Udhampur, Pathankot, Bathinda, Bhuj, and Adampur. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi confirmed that Pakistani forces used high-speed missiles at approximately 1:40 AM to strike the Punjab airbase.
Despite confirming physical damage to military equipment and personnel injuries, Colonel Qureshi noted that India had managed to intercept many threats. “India neutralised many dangers,” she said, while showing visuals indicating functional status at several bases, including Sirsa and Suratgarh.
She further noted that the Pakistani Army had attempted to infiltrate Indian airspace at more than 26 locations overnight.
India is resolute in crushing terror and masses are happy.

Pahalgam terror attack bleeds Soul of India, cover 28 April, 2025

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Pahalgam terror attack bleeds Soul of India
By Rameez Makhdoomi
The brutal Pahalgam terrorist attack on tourists has bled the soul of India. The nation is in deep mourning. Terrorists attacked a group of tourists in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam, in Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, leaving dozens dead and several more injured. It was the first major terror attack on civilians in Kashmir since the Centre ended J&K’s special status in 2019. As a matter of fact, the attack, the deadliest of its kind in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, specifically targeted male Hindu tourists. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based, UN-designated terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. The whole nation has erupted in anger and grief. The Central Government has taken a series of steps against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty. Houses of two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, Adil Thokar and Asif Shaikh, involved in the Pahalgam attack, were destroyed in a blast on Thursday night in Anantnag and Awantipora, respectively.
Whole Kashmir is on streets protesting the gruesome act loudly .
The facts  of this gut-wrenching terror attack are enough to move every heart. In an emotional exclusive interview, Shital Kalathiya, the wife of Shailesh Kalathiya, who was killed in the recent Pahalgam terror attack, recounted the horror of witnessing her husband being shot dead by terrorists. Cradling him in her lap after he was hit, Shital was left begging for help that never came. She recalled that they had only been at Pahalgam’s popular “Mini Switzerland” spot for 10–15 minutes with their two children and other families when gunfire erupted. Initially confused, they asked a nearby shopkeeper who also claimed it was the first time he’d heard such sounds. Moments later, terrorists appeared and ordered the group to separate by religion — Hindus on one side, Muslims on the other. “All the Hindu men were shot on the spot within two to three minutes,” she said in an interview with Aaj Tak, India Today’s sister website.
In a related development, India has taken a series of strong measures following the Pahalgam terror attack, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960, and closing the Integrated Check Post Attari with immediate effect. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) reviewed the overall security situation in its meeting at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence and directed all forces to maintain high vigil. Briefing the media in New Delhi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. He further stated that any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. He said any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India. The Foreign Secretary informed that the Defence/Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared Persona Non Grata.
In the aftermath of the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, top global leaders reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express their condolences and reaffirm their support for India in the fight against terrorism. Among those who called PM Modi were Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The US State Department has also condemned the terror attack and called for bringing to justice those behind this heinous act. Undoubtedly, this terror act has left the entire country in mourning, and calls for revenge from terrorists and their backers grow loud.

Grim Mood in Kashmir Post Pahalgam Tourist Massacre, cover story 5 May, 2025

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Grim Mood in Kashmir Post Pahalgam Tourist Massacre
News Kashmir Analysis
The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, has dealt a severe blow to Kashmir’s tourism industry. It has also hurt the image of Kashmir. The aftermath of the attack has seen thousands of tourists cutting short their holidays and leaving the region in droves. Special flights and trains were chartered to accommodate the influx of tourists eager to leave.
The Kashmir Hotel Association (KHA) reported a staggering 80% cancellation rate in tourist bookings following the attack. Hotel owners and local businesses are grappling with the devastating impact on their livelihoods. The attack has not only affected the local economy but also tarnished Kashmir’s reputation as a tourist destination.
Tourists from various parts of the country, including Odisha, have been rushing back home, citing safety concerns. Many have cancelled the remainder of their trips, opting to return prematurely rather than risk further exposure to potential danger. The sources in Odisha government has confirmed that a significant number of tourists are canceling their plans to visit Kashmir.
The tourism industry in Kashmir, which is a significant contributor to the local economy, is facing an uncertain future. The region’s breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality have been overshadowed by terror,  fear and uncertainty. The attack has highlighted the vulnerability of the tourism sector to terror threats.
The  government is working to restore normalcy and reassure potential visitors of their safety. However, rebuilding trust will be a challenging task. The Pahalgam terror attack has sent shockwaves through the region, and its impact will be felt for a long time.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the mayhem that terrorism wrecks on the daily chorus of life. The people of Kashmir, who depend heavily on tourism for their livelihood, are anxiously waiting for the situation to return to normal.
As the region struggles to recover from the aftermath of the attack, it is crucial for the authorities to prioritize the safety and security of tourists while also taking measures to promote tourism and revive the local economy. Only time will tell if Kashmir can regain its former glory as a popular tourist destination. The Pahalgam tourist massacre by heinous terrorists has made every eye wet and every home in the country is in mourning demanding culprits and their backers be sent to hell.