News Kashmir Magazine

The Power of Financial Literacy

News Kashmir Analysis

Financial literacy is very much needed for the growth of any country especially in this day and age.

The expert pulse is Financial literacy empowers individuals and households to manage their money effectively, plan for their future, and make informed and responsible financial decisions that lead to financial well-being and makes them aware of their rights as consumers of financial products and services.

As a matter of fact, Financial literacy is the foundation upon which individuals, families, and societies build their economic stability and prosperity. It encompasses the knowledge, skills, and habits necessary to manage financial resources effectively, make informed decisions, and achieve long-term financial goals. In India, where a significant portion of the population lacks access to formal financial services, promoting financial literacy is crucial for inclusive economic growth and development.

We also need to do much about our financial literacy .

A recent survey by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revealed that only 27% of Indian adults possess basic financial knowledge, while a staggering 73% lack even a rudimentary understanding of financial concepts. This financial illiteracy has far-reaching consequences, including reckless spending, inadequate saving, and a heightened vulnerability to financial scams and exploitation.

It is heartning to note that Real-Life Examples of Financial Literacy in Action are found in our country .

In the many villages of our great country , a series of pioneering initiatives have empowered local women to take control of their finances through education and training. By learning basic accounting, budgeting, and investment skills, these women have transformed their lives, increased their incomes, and improved their families’ well-being.

Similarly, in the urban metropolis of our country ,  financial literacy programs have helped thousands of low-income workers develop healthy financial habits, such as saving for emergencies, investing in pension plans, and avoiding predatory lending practices.

Expert pulse is that The Way Forward: Promoting Financial Literacy Across India is much needed.

To address the pressing issue of financial illiteracy, the Indian government, financial institutions, and civil society organizations must collaborate to launch more large-scale financial literacy initiatives. These programs should focus on developing user-friendly educational materials, providing interactive training sessions, and leveraging digital platforms to reach remote and underserved populations.

Many programmes for promoting financial literacy are being launched in recent times which is very heartning .

By prioritizing financial literacy, India can unlock the full potential of its citizens, foster a culture of financial responsibility, and build a more inclusive, stable, and prosperous economy for generations to come.

Costly School Books

News Kashmir Analysis

School books play a vital role in a student’s educational journey. They serve as a primary source of knowledge, introducing students to new concepts, ideas, and perspectives. School books help develop critical thinking, language, and problem-solving skills, while also fostering a love for reading and learning. They provide a structured and comprehensive learning experience, laying the foundation for future academic success.

The private education sector in Kashmir has witnessed significant growth over the past few decades, primarily due to the subpar performance of government schools in Jammu and Kashmir. School books and uniforms are essential components of private schools globally, including Kashmir. Books play a vital role in introducing students to new ideas, improving their language skills, and enhancing their memory and intelligence. Uniforms foster school spirit, unity, and pride among students.

However, in Kashmir, the exorbitant cost of school books and uniforms has become a pressing concern.

Some weeks back, Complaints are pouring in from various places against different private schools for resorting to “illegal profiteering” as the private schools affiliated with J&K Board of School Education (BOSE) are forcing the parents to purchase additional textbooks from specific bookshops.Besides this, some of the CBSE-affiliated private schools are prescribing textbooks from private publishers sold at exorbitant rates.

Parents and students have often alleged that schools are compelling them to purchase these items from specific vendors, particularly in prominent schools. This issue is reminiscent of a similar problem addressed by the Delhi government, which warned private schools against forcing parents to buy costly educational materials and uniforms from specific vendors.

For years, parents in Kashmir have felt helpless, being forced to buy books, uniforms, shoes, and stationery from schools or designated vendors. The frequent change in textbook patterns every two years further exacerbates the issue, with schools altering half or the entire set of books to compel parents to purchase new ones.

It is imperative that school books and uniforms be made available at affordable prices, as they are crucial for a student’s education. Stakeholders must collaborate to find a solution to this pressing issue.

The Need of Minimalism

News Kashmir Analysis

The excess materialism has hurt the humanity at large.  We too in Kashmir have been badly dented by growing scourge of materialism and growing greed.

In an era marked by rampant consumerism and social media-driven materialism, a growing number of individuals are embracing a counter-cultural movement: minimalism. This lifestyle shift prioritizes simplicity, sustainability, and experiences over accumulation and excess.

We too in a place like Kashmir should adopt the minimalism approach.

At its core, minimalism is about redefining what truly adds value to our lives. It’s about recognizing that happiness and fulfillment aren’t directly correlated with the number of possessions we own or the size of our homes. By paring down our belongings and focusing on what truly matters, minimalists are discovering a sense of freedom and clarity that’s hard to find in our cluttered, fast-paced world.

The minimalist movement is also driven by concerns about the environment and social justice. As we become increasingly aware of the devastating impact of fast fashion, single-use plastics, and wasteful consumption, minimalism offers a compelling alternative. By choosing to buy less, buy second-hand, and support sustainable brands, minimalists are helping to reduce waste and promote more equitable systems of production and consumption.

Of course, minimalism isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a highly personal and contextual choice that requires careful consideration and intention. For some, minimalism might mean living in a tiny house or embracing a capsule wardrobe. For others, it might simply involve adopting a more mindful approach to consumption or prioritizing experiences over material possessions.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the minimalist movement offers a powerful reminder that simplicity, sustainability, and intentionality are within our reach. By embracing the principles of minimalism, we can create a more just, equitable, and fulfilling world – one that values people and the planet over profit and excess.

The excess love for materialism in the name of so called worldly competition has hurt the mental peace, so need is to adopt minimalist approach.

Mobile Addiction

News Kashmir Analysis

Mobile addiction is badly impacting our children, youth and elder generation. The long hours of Mobile addiction is hitting our health hard . In Kashmir too Mobile addiction has become a evil.

Recently,  in a big development, The Amar Singh Club in Srinagar organised an interactive session titled “Common Interest Conversations” to address the growing issue of smartphone and internet addiction, particularly among children and adolescents. The event brought together notable experts and professionals, including Prof S A Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology, and eminent advocate Zaffer A Shah, who presided over the session.

As a matter of fact, Mobile addiction has become a pervasive issue in today’s society, with millions of people around the world struggling with the negative consequences of excessive mobile phone use. The dangerous impacts of mobile addiction are multifaceted, affecting not only individuals but also families, communities, and society as a whole.

One of the most significant hard impacts of mobile addiction is its impact on mental health. Excessive mobile phone use has been linked to increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. The constant stream of notifications, social media updates, and emails can create a sense of perpetual alertness, making it difficult for individuals to relax and disconnect.

Mobile addiction also has serious physical health consequences. Prolonged mobile phone use can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the constant use of mobile phones can result in poor posture, eye strain, and headaches. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified mobile phone addiction as a mental health disorder, recognizing its potential to cause significant harm to individuals and society.

Another significant impact of mobile addiction is its effect on relationships and social skills. Excessive mobile phone use can lead to social isolation, decreased face-to-face interaction, and reduced empathy. Individuals who are addicted to their mobile phones may find it challenging to engage in meaningful conversations, maintain eye contact, and develop deep, meaningful relationships. Furthermore, mobile addiction can also lead to decreased attention span, making it difficult for individuals to focus on tasks, learn new information, and engage in creative activities.

Mobile addiction also has significant economic and societal implications. Excessive mobile phone use can lead to decreased productivity, reduced work performance, and increased absenteeism. Furthermore, mobile addiction can also contribute to increased healthcare costs, as individuals may require treatment for related mental and physical health issues. Additionally, mobile addiction can also perpetuate social inequalities, as those who are addicted to their mobile phones may have reduced access to education, employment, and other opportunities.

Expert analysis is the dangerous impacts of mobile addiction are far-reaching and multifaceted. From mental health issues and physical health consequences to relationship problems and societal implications, mobile addiction has the potential to cause significant harm to individuals and society.

We need to shun mobile addiction.

The Rising Tide of Materialism in Kashmir: A Looming Concern

News Kashmir Analysis

Materialism, a philosophical ideology that prioritizes the pursuit of wealth and possessions, has become a pervasive force in modern society. In Kashmir, once renowned for its rich Sufi heritage and non-materialistic culture, the allure of materialism has taken hold, threatening to erode the region’s moral fabric.

Key philosophers and social scientists have long warned of the dangers of materialism, describing it as a vice that destroys social cohesion and fosters emptiness. Compulsive consumption, a hallmark of materialism, has become a pressing issue in Kashmir, where the relentless pursuit of wealth and status has led to a surge in vices such as drug addiction and suicide.

Alarming statistics reveal that Jammu and Kashmir has become a hub for drug-related issues, with huge number of people affected. The demon of suicide is also on the rise, with youth being disproportionately affected. The root cause of these issues lies in the unchecked growth of materialism, which has created a culture of greed and dissatisfaction.

Even our sacred professions like Education and health have become much materialism based.

As the people of Kashmir, it is imperative that we recognize the destructive nature of materialism and take collective action to mitigate its effects. We must rediscover the values of our rich cultural heritage and prioritize the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment over the accumulation of wealth and possessions.

We have also made our social gathering a talk of all materialistic things, and only those are given preference who have money. It is a matter of shame that we are neglecting our poor relatives and friends.

The expert pulse is that we have  the multiple disadvantages of materialism:

Materialism has far-reaching consequences that can negatively impact individuals and society as a whole. The relentless pursuit of wealth and possessions can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. Materialism also fosters a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction, as individuals constantly crave more. Furthermore, it can damage relationships, erode empathy, and promote social comparison and competition. Ultimately, materialism can distract us from what truly brings fulfillment and happiness, leading to a shallow and unfulfilling existence.

The realities urge  for all voices of sanity  to come together and brainstorm solutions to end the urge of materialism. By doing so, we can save ourselves and our society from the devastating consequences of terrible phenomenon materialism.

Cold Wave Precautions

News Kashmir Analysis

From North to South and Central the valley of Kashmir is in grip of intense and severe cold wave, with night temperatures plunging in high minus degrees and days too quite cold .

Recently , Amid no forecast of a major weather activity till December 26, the local Meteorological department here has issued a yellow alert, predicting a cold wave at isolated regions for the next one week.

According to the details available, the MeT has sounded a yellow warning for isolated regions, saying that the cold wave conditions would prevail for the next one  week from December 17 to December 23.

All this calls for must precautions.

Precautions Against Cold Wave according to expert pulse include.

As the temperature drops, it’s essential to take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from the harsh effects of cold waves. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, and other health complications.

Dressing Warmly

To combat the cold, dress in layers to trap warm air and maintain body heat. Wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothing, including a hat, scarf, gloves, and warm socks. Avoid cotton as it can make you feel colder when wet. Instead, opt for woolen or synthetic fabrics that provide better insulation.

Staying Safe Indoors and Outdoors

When indoors, ensure your home is well-insulated, and use heating systems safely. Keep your home warm, especially for vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. When outdoors, limit your exposure to cold temperatures, and take regular breaks to warm up indoors. Be cautious of slippery roads and walkways, and avoid traveling during extreme cold snaps.

Health Precautions

Cold waves can exacerbate existing health conditions, such as respiratory problems, heart disease, and diabetes. If you have a pre-existing condition, consult your doctor for advice on managing your health during the cold wave. Additionally, be aware of the signs of hypothermia and frostbite, such as numbness, tingling, and discoloration of the skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms.

Supporting Vulnerable Communities

Cold waves can disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, such as the homeless, elderly, and those living in poverty. If possible, consider volunteering or donating to local organizations that provide support to these communities during the cold wave.

Persons with Disabilities crave for better future

News Kashmir Analysis

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a UN day that is celebrated every year on 3 December.

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

This year’s theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” underscores the importance of empowering individuals with disabilities to take the lead in shaping their own destinies and contributing to society.

Persons with Disabilities in Jammu and Kashmir too are facing multiple problems.

Although,

In a heartning development for persons with Disabilities in our country India , The Centre has issued recently  comprehensive guidelines to streamline reservation and identification of posts for persons with at least 40 percent disabilities, mandating periodic identification of such posts and formation of committees to assess them.

The guidelines also state that if a post is deemed suitable for them, all subsequent promotional posts will also be reserved for persons with disabilities.

As a matter of fact, Lacs of disable population in Jammu and Kashmir face huge number of multiple worrying problems. The lack of quality public transport makes disability people quite vulnerable,  and coupled with lack of infrastructure in important institutions like ramps adds to their miseries. The Schools catering to needs of the children of disability children in Jammu and Kashmir are very few. The job creation for disability humans in Jammu and Kashmir is also low.

We need to have an inclusive mindset, inclusive education, employement. Equality and equity both hand in hand for this place to be a better one. For disability facing children the availiability of the Early intervention centres, good developmental care, paediatric care and having rehabilitation centres. The infrastructure is not upto the mark.

We in Jammu and Kashmir,  and rest parts of the country should take pledge to have friendly infrastructure for the people facing Disabilities and provide them all possible assistance.

Winter fires

News Kashmir Analysis

Kashmir is known for having one of the harshest winters in world. The winter starts from Mid November and peaks from Mid December and lasts till March end. Sometime winter effects lasts till end May.

As a matter of fact, the fire incidents spiral almost out of control in Kashmir come winters. The basic reason is the careless use of electronic Gadgets by the masses that leads to the fire incidents rising in winters.

Just few days back, At least eight structures were damaged after fire erupted on Tuesday afternoon in a locality of Abhi Gurpora Rainawari of central Kashmir’s Srinagar district.

Officials had stated  that fire broke out in a house and soon engulfed other structures in the vicinity in Rainawari.

Fire incidents in Kashmir over the past few years is a matter of serious concern. The scores of deaths and loss of crores of property is a matter of serious concern.

Last month Kishtwar saw havoc fires garnering worldwide headlines.

major fire broke out in Mulwarwan village of Kishtwar in Jammu Kashmir on Tuesday afternoon. According to police, 68 houses were damaged by the fire.

Locals in Mulwarwan village of Kishtwar sought help after the fire destroyed their houses.

As a matter of fact, Houseboat fires are also a matter of serious concern.

Recently five houseboats were gutted in tragic fires.

Three tourists whre killed and eight others had to be rescued after the fire that broke out at a Houseboat on Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar district on Saturday, 11 November 2023, police had said .

That time ,

According to officials, three tourists from Bangladesh namely Anindaya Kowshal, Das Gupta, and Mohammad Moinud, who were staying in houseboat Safeena lost their lives in the devastating fire, they added.

The statistics over the years are worrying. to the Fire and Emergency Services, there were 2,342 fire incidents in the year 2021, including 341 fires in the month of December 2021, in which property worth Rs. 70 crore was damaged.  As per official figures, across Kashmir Division, the Fire & Emergency Department received 2242 fire calls from January to December 2021, during which 75 people lost their lives.

Kashmir valley witnessed a rise of over 30 per cent in the total number of fire incidents recorded in the year 2022 against the year 2020.

One hopes that masses will take all the steps during ongoing winters to safeguard themselves from fires that hurts interests of one and all.

Stormy JK Assembly Session

News Kashmir Analysis

The first session of historic Jammu and Kashmir Assembly 2024 was held in Srinagar from 4 November to 8 November, the 5 day session was no less than a political storm.

Noisy scenes, MLAs being Marshalled out, disturbances ,slogans all were witnessed during the session.

On First Day, Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha, in his address to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s first session on Monday (November 4, 2024), underscored the need for restoration of Statehood. On the other hand, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra’s move to bring a resolution, though against protocol, on revocation of Article 370 caused an uproar in the House.

While as THE Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Wednesday passed a resolution seeking a dialogue for “restoration of special status and constitutional guarantees” to the Union Territory and urging that “constitutional mechanisms” be worked out for the same. The resolution was passed by a voice vote, with all parties barring the BJP supporting it.

On Thursday 7 November,  2024 Chaotic scenes played out in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly early morning over the resolution seeking restoration of its special status under Article 370 of the Constitution. BJP MLAs clashed with the marshals after Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather ordered that some of the protesting Opposition MLAs be removed from the House. A poster seeking restoration of Article 370 sparked another melee involving several MLAs, including J&K People’s Conference leader Sajad Lone.

The session was then adjourned.

It is worth mentioning here that Chaotic scenes were witnessed in J&K legislative assembly on the fifth and last working day with PDP, PC and AIP MLAs entering into a scuffle with BJP legislators.

Soon after the house convened friday morning, BJP legislators continued to make ruckus over the special status resolution passed by the assembly.

In his address, CM Omar Abdullah told the assembly that the words in the resolution were chosen carefully so that doors wouldn’t shut on them.

“We drafted this resolution carefully. What if we had brought a resolution that would have been rejected immediately? The PM and HM are now talking about our resolution. If it had no impact, they would have remained silent,”.

Also , Chief Minister Omar Abdullah opined After long time, I got opportunity to speak on L-G’s address; so much has changed, we lost a lot. He thanked LG Manoj Sinha for promising Statehood and hoped it would be fulfilled soon.

” I welcome investment in Jammu and Kashmir but we will not sell our crown Jewels,  observed Omar Abdullah.

The first session of historic Assembly was noisy, controversial and marred by bitterness which is hoped to be avoided in future.

Thar Havoc reflects Kashmir accidents tragedy

News Kashmir Analysis

Mahindra Thar was first introduced in India in 2010. Named after the great Indian desert, the Thar gained popularity soon after its launch due to its dominating road presence.

But this famed vehicle became headline in the past week in Kashmir due to a road accident tragedy, probably due to high speed.

The place was Tengpora Srinagar and date was 14 November, 2024.

official said that the collision occurred in the afternoon, resulting in the on-the-spot deaths of two individuals and injuries to another.

The deceased have been identified as Hammad of Lal Bazar and Azeem of Sanat Nagar. The injured person has been identified as Mohammad Eissa Ganie of Nowshera.

Two others were injured. All of them were students .

Almost daily deaths of humans in tragic traffic accidents in Kashmir, and most of them being young reminds us of many undoing as society.

Reckless driving , minors driving ,license less driving , poor road quality have all coupled to give rise to these traffic disasters.

SSP Traffic Srinagar Muzaffar Ahmad Shah, while talking to News Kashmir observed that :” The onus lies on parents and society to get awared about following the right sense. How come parents are giving their vehicles to minors below age of 18 as it is crime. They should not give driving skills to the minors because once they do it children commit blunders.  This skill should be given at legal age. The youth should avoid rash driving. Society also needs to get awared about same especially following due rules and regulations. We as traffic department ate also accelerating our job and concerned by the recent tragic accident involving Thar resulting in unfortunate deaths of children. It is not humanely possible to check each and every vehicle in a city like Srinagar wherein lakhs of vehicles ply, all need to get awared and follow laws and regulations. “

As a matter of fact, in our country too road accident deaths are becoming matter of concern.

Over 1.7 lakh persons were killed in road accidents in 2023. That translates to an average of 474 lives lost every day or one death almost every three minutes, as per data shared by states with central govt. This is the highest number of people killed in a year since govt started collating road accident data at the national level to assess the extent of the problem and reasons behind crashes .

Jammu and Kashmir has a ugly and painful data related to accident deaths.

Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a very worrying spurt  in road accidents in the first nine months of the year, with 4,457 accidents resulting in 621 deaths and 6,122 injuries across the Union Territory.

The recent Thar Havoc has brought to light rising number of road accident deaths in Kashmir.