Air Quality Concerns in Kashmir, cover story 13 November 2023

Air quality concerns in Kashmir
News Kashmir Analysis
Clean air entails healthy body.
Breathing clean air can lessen the possibility of disease from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer as well as chronic and acute respiratory illnesses such as asthma. Lower levels of air pollution are better for heart and respiratory health both long- and short-term.
As a matter of fact, An air quality index (AQI) is an indicator developed by government agencies to communicate to the public how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become.
According to a study, the air quality recorded for Srinagar city in the Kashmir valley, which is relatively surrounded by pollution-free environment, was found to start declining from the month of October.
This year, According to IQ Air, a real-time air quality information platform, the PM2.5 concentration in Srinagar’s air on January 9 was 28.2 µg/m³, which is 5.6 times over the World Health Organisation’s air quality values. The Air Quality Index was 83 at moderate level. On January 7, the PM 2.5 level reached an alarming 64.2 µg/m³ while the Air Quality Index in Srinagar touched 155 which is considered unhealthy. On an average, Kashmir has been witnessing moderate to high to moderate PM 2.5 and AQI levels with
onset of winter.
As a matter of fact, few time back
On world stroke day, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) has  said exposure to air pollution increases the risk of stroke.
“Poor air quality heightens your chances of getting a stroke,” said DAK President Dr Nisar ul Hassan.
Dr Hassan said according to a new study published in Journal Neurology short exposure of just 5 days to air pollutants could increase a person’s risk of stroke.
Previous studies have established a link between long term exposure to air pollution and increased risk of stroke.
The expert pulse is On average person inhales around 14,000 litres of air every day. When the air we breathe is of poor quality it can affect our health.
Particulate matter (PM) is a collective term for solid and liquid particles suspended in the air and small enough to be inhaled. PM varies greatly in structure and chemical composition depending on where it comes from. PM comes from human activities and natural sources. It is often classified according to its size because size determines how PM interacts with the environment and human body.
One hopes air quality in Kashmir improves in coming times.

Fruit price rise in Kashmir, 23 october 2023 cover story

Fruit Price Rise in Kashmir
News Kashmir Analysis
Fruits are a very vital  part of diet. They are essential segment of diet important for good health. The expert pulse is that Fruits are a good source of vitamins and minerals, recognized for their role in preventing vitamin C and vitamin A deficiencies. People who incorporate fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy eating pattern have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases.
In Kashmir valley the people in many parts are unable to take quality fruits due to their price hikes . The all important fruits are priced at very high rates beyond the reach of common man.
We take a detailed look at the overwll market scenario.  Kiwi contains abundant amounts of Vitamin C, which stimulates the body’s immune response. In fact, the kiwifruit contains roughly 230% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin C.
In  Kashmir at most of the fruit shops the quality Kiwis are priced at rs 50 rupees one piece, which is very taxing for a common man.
Banana is among widely 0 popular fruits of world and highly popular in Kashmir too. In Kashmir a single piece of Banana now cost rs 10 which amounts to rs 120 a dozen quite expensive from previous times. We need to bear in mind Bananas contain a number of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B6: A medium banana gives you about a quarter of the vitamin B6 you should get each day. It helps with metabolism. And it plays an important role in brain development during pregnancy and infancy, as well as immune system health.
Watermelon is one of the widely used fruit in Kashmir especially in the fasting month of Ramadan. As a matter of fact, Watermelon is rich in an amino acid called citrulline that may help move blood through your body and can lower your blood pressure. Your heart also enjoys the perks of all the lycopene watermelon contains. Studies show that it may lower your risk of heart attacks.
This time the current price of watermelon is ranging from rs 60 to rs 70 in Kashmir per kg and single ball of watermelon  costs from  rs 350 to 400.
Although due to bulk production often Apple is available at cheaper Price.
Syed Irfan Hashmi, a consumer observed that fruits esential part of every diet. He  states :”  Due to varied reasons the prices of all most all the important fruits in Kashmir are on higher side. The hope is that with improvement of transportation and logistics the fruit prices in Kashmir would in future times come down. Throughout the world climate Change is also hamppering   fruit production and it needs to be looked into. Fruit at affordable price is must.”
The hope is fruit prices in Kashmir would be affordable in coming  times.

Respecting elders, cover story 6 November 2023

Respecting Elders

News Kashmir Analysis
Elders are integral part of every society. Respecting elders should be cornerstone of every society. Unfortunately enough, in Kashmir valley with passing time the respect for elders has been dwindling as a result the society is facing multiple issues.  The need of the hour is to enforce the respect of elders .
The Valley of Kashmir is known for its rich ethos  cultural values and strong moral heritage since centuries. The respect towards elders especially parents has been the founding cornerstones of our moral values in Kashmir.  Thus taking care of parents in old age by children , like they took care of their children in young age is a logical outcome of these longstanding moral traditions.
However since sometime the idea of establishing multiple old age homes is creeping in Kashmir.
retirement home – sometimes called an old people’s home or old age home, although old people’s home can also refer to a nursing home – is a multi-residence housing facility intended for the elderly. Typically, each person or couple in the home has an apartment-style room or suite of rooms. This trend suggests we are towards a moral dilemma in our society.
Expert pulse has been that
The respecting elders means you cannot ignore or cut their voices. Whenever they are speaking to someone or discussing anything, don’t interrupt.
They have rich heritage of experience. Maybe you are having more knowledge about that particular topic, but let them speak first and listen then put your points when they complete it.
The accumulated wealth of insight gained over the years makes the elders in our home and life a source of solace, tranquility, and stability. Our parents, grandparents, and other older relatives help us understand the evolution of ideas across time and bring greater depth and perspective to our thoughts.
and kids have almost surrendered on this issue. It has been found that settling abroad is usually one way traffic; you rarely return to attend your moral obligations and this trend is increasing.
On the otherhand the brain drain of youth in search of jobs is also hurting the society of Kashmir.
The voices of sanity on ground state  that if this phenomenon remains unchecked and more youngesters began to abandon their homes, the need for setting up old age homes may become a reality.
All this will also hurt the overall talent pool of the Kashmir valley .
The reality of hour demands we reinforce respect towards elders and move in right direction.

NEP 2020 a learner Centered Policy, cover story 30 october 2023

NEP 2020  a learner Centered Policy
News Kashmir Analysis
Education is the cornerstone of civilization.
No society can progress without education.
In a bright development for education system of country,
The National Education Policy of India 2020 (NEP 2020), which was started by the Union Cabinet of India on 29 July 2020, outlines the vision of new education system of India.[1] The new policy replaces the previous National Policy on Education, 1986.[a] The policy is a comprehensive framework for elementary education to higher as well as vocational training in both rural and urban India.
It is heartening to note that The policy aims to transform India’s education system by 2030.
NEP also aims to make the education in India learner or student centered.
Globally it has been found that Learner-centered teaching encourages students to reflect on what they are learning and how they are learning it. It is teaching that encourages collaboration, acknowledging the classroom (be it virtual or real) as a community where everyone shares the learning agenda.
Some months back , in order to celebrate the successful completion of three years of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central University of Kashmir (CUK)  organised a press conference in Srinagar. The press conference was addressed by the Vice-Chancellor (VC) CUK Prof. A. Ravinder Nath.
Addressing the media, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath said, “NEP-2020 is basically focussing on catering to the learner interest and nurturing the learner abilities in developing economies, building societies and fostering leadership, which can convert the human potential into national empowerment”.
The programme was conducted as part of Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam, a nationwide celebration regarding the completion of NEP-2020.
Flanked by the Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Convener NEP-2020 Implementation Committee, Prof. Syed Zahoor Geelani, and Deans of various schools of the varsity, Prof. Nath presented an overview of various steps and measures initiated by CUK and said that no stone is being left unturned to ensure proper and timely implementation of NEP in letter and spirit. He said that all efforts are being made to equip the students with skills relevant for the market and the opportunity for both vertical and horizontal mobility across the nation and abroad. CU Kashmir intends to offer holistic education through multidisciplinary approaches, while focusing on skill development, innovation and enterprise, he added.
NEP focuses on : To provide equitable access to quality education to all students irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds, gender, or physical abilities.
One hopes that NEP 2020 is full implemented in Jammu and Kashmir,  and in heartening developments we are seeing academic authorities fully implementating the NEP 2020.
It is  a welcome development above all that NEP is a learner centered approach.

Mental Health Key to Progress, cover story 16 october 2023

Mental Health key to progress
News Kashmir Analysis
Mental health is foundation of stronger nations. We in the Country have seen several steps taken to improve Mental health, but still many challenges remain. In Valley of Kashmir the Jewel of crown of India we have seen Mental health of people overall not presenting much good picture. We as a country need to recognise the importance of Mental health and make our country mentally strong .
In a series of positive developments, recently,The Union Health Minister launched the logo of Tele-MANAS and inaugurated the new facilities in National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore namely Platinum Jubilee Auditorium and Academic facility, New Administrative Office complex at NIMHANS, Centre for Brain and Mind.

The Union Health Minister stated that “Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres have facilitated the integration of mental health services with primary health services as priority services for mental health, neurological disorders and substance use disorders. District level activities are organized by a dedicated district mental health intervention team stationed in the district hospital. Additionally, OPD, counselling, care and medical support for mental health issues are provided at Community Health Center and Primary Health Center level. They are being provided through 1.6 lakh AB-HWCs situated across the country. Mental health also features under the Prime Minister-Jan Arogya Yojana.”

Dr. Mandaviya further added “To improve coverage and access to mental health care, district level activities have been supported under the National Mental Health Program in 743 districts across all 36 States/UTs.” He highlighted that at the tertiary level, there are a total of 47 government mental health hospitals in the country, including three central mental health institutions at Bengaluru, Ranchi and Tejaspur. Many other central and state government hospitals have psychiatry departments. In addition, psychiatry departments have been established in the newly established All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Still the expert pulse is India’s mental health crisis is alarming. According to data, approximately 10.6 per cent of India’s population lives with mental health conditions. Shockingly, between 76 per cent and 85 per cent of those in need of mental health care do not receive any services or support.
In the entire country, To ensure the delivery of high-quality mental healthcare, it is crucial to provide comprehensive and specialized training to mental health professionals.
One hopes with continued efforts mental health would vastly improve in India .

Excessive Salt Woes, cover story 2 October 2023

Excessive Salt Woes
News Kashmir Analysis
Salt is important for our diet.
It helps you stay hydrated. To stay better hydrated your body needs a delicate balance of sodium and potassium.
Promotes good vascular health.
Balances electrolytes and prevents muscle cramping.
An estimated mean daily salt intake in India stands at 8.0 g (8.9 g/day for men and 7.1 g/day for women) against the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation of up to 5 g daily.
Additionally the salt intake was significantly higher in men, those in rural areas and overweight and obese respondents, according to a recent survey by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) published in the Nature journal. The study is based on a sample survey carried out as part of National NCD Monitoring Survey (NNMS) in India.
The study was conducted in a nationally representative sample wherein dietary sodium intake was estimated from spot urine samples, a validated method used to assess intake. The population mean was calculated using sampling weights; thus, the study findings could be generalised at a population level and used to plan and implement control measures.
“The information on awareness and behaviour of salt intake was self-reported and could be subjected to information bias. The study did not capture data on the actual dietary sources of salt in food items and condiments for any correlation analysis,” it said while declaring the limitation of the study.
The excess use of salt is harmful.The global average salt intake is estimated to be 10.8 grams per day, more than double the WHO recommendation of less than 5 grams of salt per day (one teaspoon). Eating too much salt makes it the top risk factor for diet and nutrition-related deaths. More evidence is emerging documenting links between high sodium intake and increased risk of other health conditions such as gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis and kidney disease.
WHO calls on Member States to implement sodium intake reduction policies without delay and to mitigate the harmful effects of excessive salt consumption. WHO also calls on food manufacturers to set ambitious sodium reduction targets in their products.
In Kashmir Valley too we are among the highest consuming places of salt in world. From Bakery to tea we have salt in everything, which needs to be controlled.
Frequent urination is a classic sign that you are consuming too much salt. Most of the time, you may feel an urgent need to wake up in the middle of the night to urinate.
Consuming too much salt can give you swelling in different parts of the body. This could be a reason why you feel bloated in the morning. The swelling can be felt on the fingers and around the ankles. This swelling is caused by excessive fluids in the body’s tissues and is known as edema. Edema is believed to be a symptom of an underlying health condition or a sign of the fact that you are consuming too much salt. Simple solution for this is to cut down on your sodium intake.
The salt woes should be addressed as soon  as possible to save this planet from havoc.
We in Kashmir should also limit the use of salt to have healthy life.

Historic development: Women Reservation Bill Passed, cover story 25 September 2023

Historic development: Women Reservation Bill Passed
News Kashmir Analysis
Reservation for women especially in the elected bodies of the country had been long pending dream of women of India to achieve empowerment.
In a landmark previous week,Twenty-seven years after the women’s reservation Bill was first introduced in Parliament, the Lok Sabha on September 20 passed a Bill with near unanimity to amend the Constitution and provide one-third reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
Calling it a “historic legislation” that will enable greater participation of women in the political process, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly, Twitter) to thank the Lok Sabha members.
On the otherhand,  The Rajya Sabha on Thursday (September 21) unanimously passed the Bill proposing to reserve one-third of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha, the state legislatures, and the Delhi legislative assembly. The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-eight Amendment) Bill 2023 was introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal in the upper house , after the Lok Sabha passed it.
News Kashmir talked to cross section of women on this historic feat.
Rekha Mody, Founder Stree Shakti and She Leads ,a prominent voice of the country championing reservation cause  for women since long while talking to the News Kashmir
observed that ” It is a historic development.  Yes Indian women have united. Only 2 votes in opposition, we have created history . New India will usher in peace, prosperity and progress with women’s participation. “
Several other voices also affirmed their views.
Kusum Kaul , Prominent buisness leader and activist  remarked that
Women Reservation Bill Is an excellent initiative by the Government of india to give proper and much needed space to 49% women of india in Politics.
She remarked further :”
According to Article 334 of Indian constitution, this reservation will come to effect after delimitation and that will happen only when census takes place, which is due overtime . So, if Modi jee wants to take the credit of introducing women Reservation Bill , he has to swiftly act on other 2 parameters first . As some opposition parties shared their concern that before passing this bill, the reservation for schedule castes, schedule tribes and other Minorities like Sikhs, Jains and parsis should also be taken into consideration within this reservation.
Besides the political parties don’t have enough women members to field in as candidates during elections, I think it will become imperative to field in wives/ daughters and sisters of the politicians, who are known to the voters. Winning the election is of utmost priority for all parties rather than fielding 33% women Women Reservation Bill Is an excellent initiative by the Government of india to give proper and much needed space to 49% women of india in Politics.  Here is the twist to the tale . Political parties will have to rope in more such women, who can win elections. A humongous exercise  for the parties . In BJP , women candidates will win in the name of Modi jee, in Bengal may  be due to Mamta Didi , but a stalemate for other parties. This is not an easy proposition in  the present scenario for opposition . It needs time for all, but the procedure needs to be started as soon as possible. It will take time both for Government as well as parties to prepare for this Reservation and give women of india their due representation in Indian parliament. The sensitive and thoughtful nature of women may take away the violence, malpractices and goondaism from the Election scenario of india . The
parties will have to rope in more women . The process will take time both for Government as well as parties to prepare for this Reservation and give women of india their due representation in Indian parliament. The sensitive and thoughtful nature of women may take away the violence, malpractices and goondaism from the Election scenario of india . “
It is pertinent to mention that prominent women  face of Politics in Jammu and Kashmir, Senior BJP leader
and Vice Chairperson of J&K Khadi & Village Industries Board – Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat stated :”
It’s great step taken by honorable  Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  A Remarkable step towards women empowerment
Two parliament seat share will be given to J&k
We will see now about 180 women parliament members.
Women are the back bone of society they can nourish country with better loyalty and dedication. It’s historic step towards respect and gender equality.”
Dr KuwaRani Ritu Singh, well known Entrepreneur and educationist of the country while talking to News Kashmir stated:”
The passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill is a monumental step towards gender
equality in our nation. In a society where gender disparities have long been entrenched, this
legislation marks an unprecedented leap forward, ensuring that the voices of women are
heard in the corridors of power.
The Women’s Reservation Bill’s impact goes beyond political representation. It sends a
powerful message to young girls across India that their dreams and aspirations have no
limits. It encourages them to aim for the highest offices and contribute meaningfully to the
nation’s progress.
This landmark legislation aligns with India’s commitment to the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality. It
positions India as a global leader in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.
As we celebrate the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, it is imperative to
honour and applaud Prime Minister Modi ji’s leadership in advancing women’s role
in legislation, policy-making, and governance. Under his leadership, we’ve seen a
renewed commitment to gender equality, exemplified by the passage of the Women’s
Reservation Bill. His vision for an inclusive and equitable India has been a driving
force behind this historic achievement.
Prime Minister Modi’s dedication to empowering women in all spheres of society is
evident in initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and Ujjwala Yojana, which aim to
uplift and support women across the nation. His emphasis on women’s participation
and leadership is a significant step towards a more equitable and progressive India.
As we celebrate these accomplishments, we must remember that the work is far from over.
We need comprehensive strategies to ensure the effective implementation of the Women’s
Reservation Bill, and continued global collaboration to address the pressing challenges that
affect us all. Together, we can create a future where gender equality is not just a national
achievement but a worldwide reality.
Initiating the implementation of this historic bill in Jammu and Kashmir during the upcoming
elections, given the region’s recent delimitation process, would be a strategic move. It would
set a precedent, ensuring that no part of our nation remains untouched by the winds of
change.
In this era of global challenges and opportunities, seizing this historic moment is crucial. By championing women’s empowerment, we can reshape our society, strengthen our economy,
and create a more equitable world. Just as India reached the moon, the success of the G20 ,and the Women’s Reservation Bill can be the catalyst for a future where gender equality is not a dream but a living reality.”

Improving Digital quality of life in India, cover story 18 September 2023

Improving Digital Quality of Life in India
News Kashmir
The Digital Quality of Life (DQL) Index by cyber-security company Surfshark is an annual study that ranks 121 countries by their digital wellbeing based on 5 core pillars — internet quality, internet affordability, e-security, e-infrastructure and e-government.
Digital life allows us to receive online education at any time and almost everywhere. Information for research can be easily found through search engines which can provide thousands of results for a single question.
India has been ranked 52nd out of 121 countries in Digital Quality of Life Index survey. The survey has been carried out by cybersecurity firm Surfshark. The annual survey by the Netherlands-based firm has ranked 121 countries on five factors: internet quality, internet affordability, e-infrastructure, e-government and e-security.
In many nations, ‘digital quality of life’ has merged into the broader concept of overall ‘quality of life’. There’s no other way to look at it now that so many daily activities, including work, education, and leisure, are done online. That’s why it’s crucial to pinpoint the areas in which a nation’s digital quality of life thrives and where attention is needed, which is the precise purpose of the DQL Index”, says Surfshark spokesperson Gabriele Racaityte-Karasauske.
India was ranked 59th last year. This means that it has jumped seven places this time. Surfshark has said that this jump is due to improvement in internet quality in the country. In terms of internet quality, India ranks 16th among 121 countries.
As a matter of fact,
From communication and transport to healthcare and connectivity, the digital technology has enhanced our lives for the better. The best part is that it is ever-evolving by facilitating more advanced features. For instance, we have come far from traditional audio calls to instant messaging and facetime.
We need to bear in mind that
Developing a digital mindset requires cultivating curiosity about technology and its potential. Embrace a mindset of exploration and experimentation. Be open to trying new digital tools, platforms, and software.
The improvements in Digital Quality of Life in India is a step in right direction.
On the otherhand of the spectrum, internet affordability remains a question for the majority of the population. India holds the 28th rank in terms of internet affordability. It considers the time spent working to afford the cheapest broadband and mobile internet. For fixed broadband and mobile internet, Indians must work for 1 hour, 48 minutes, and 44 minutes, 22 seconds each month, respectively.
 The Index highlights the gaps in the nation’s digital infrastructure and draws our attention to improving them. It holds the 91st rank in terms of e-infrastructure. Recently, the G20 forum revealed that the adoption of digital public infrastructure has been boosted. This parameter measures the number of active internet users and their smooth online experiences.
With every passing day Digital Quality of Life in India is improving.

G20 in India

G20 in India
News Kashmir Analysis
The G20 is composed of most of the world’s largest economies’ finance ministries, including both industrialised and developing countries; it accounts for around 80% of gross world product (GWP), 75% of international trade, two-thirds of the global population, and 60% of the world’s land area.
Leaders from the most powerful nations in the world flocked  to New Delhi for the G20 Heads of State and Government Summit held on September 9-10.
It has been seen as the rise of India as a global leader .
The culmination of India’s year-long presidency of the G20, the summit envisages to be  concluded with the adoption of a G20 Leaders’ Declaration, which will state the participating leaders’ commitment towards the priorities discussed and agreed upon during the respective ministerial and working group meetings.
The summit was  held at the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex, also known as Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated this complex on July 26 this year. It boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a convention centre, exhibition halls, and an amphitheatre.
As a matter of fact, As of 2023, there are 20 members in the group: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. Guest invitees include, amongst others, Spain, the United Nations, the World Bank, the African Union and ASEAN.
United States President Joe Biden on Friday said that he is headed for India to hold discussions with other G20 leaders on several pressing world issues. Taking to his official X (formerly known as Twitter) account, Biden said that every time the G20 engages, it “gets better”.
“I’m headed to the G20 – the premier forum for international economic cooperation – focused on making progress on Americans’ priorities, delivering for developing nations, and showing our commitment to the G20 as a forum that can deliver. Every time we engage, we get better,” Joe Biden said.
As a matter of fact, The main agenda for the annual meeting of the G20 countries in Delhi includes climate change, economic development and debt burdens in low-income countries as well as inflation including food and fertilizers. On each of these issues, there are deep divisions among the participants with the Russia-Ukraine war causing a major schism between Russia and China at one end and the Western Block on the other.
The holding of G20 summit 2023 in India is a big achievement for India.

Screen Time Hurting Children, Cover story 4 September 2023

Screen time hurting children
News Kashmir Analysis
We live in day and age when the technology has seen lot of Innovation and it has bore more fruits. Television was a big invention so was mobile phone and internet. Although,  The flip side of technology is there mainly due to not good use by humans. Kids and children spending too much time on screen is a major worry. This is eating the health and intelligence capacity of children. Parents also give in a wrong manner mobile phones to kids in order to escape from responsibility of care. All this is having negative impacts on our children and youth.
Expert pulse is worried.
Handing phone to your babies could delay their speech, problem-solving skills according to sane opinion.
In this regard,  the Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on few days back said handing phone to your babies could lead to delay in their development.
“The more time babies spend on smartphones, the more likely they are to have developmental delay,” said DAK President Dr Nisar ul Hassan.
Dr Hassan said parents hand over phones to children to calm them. Also, it allows parents to get other tasks done like cooking, cleaning and washing.
“Letting your baby play with a phone may seem like a simple way to keep them occupied, but it could affect their development,” he said.
“According to a new study published on August 21 in the Journal of the American Medical Association Paediatrics, babies who spent more time on phones at age one year were more likely to have delays in speech and problem-solving skills,” said Dr Hassan.
“Researchers found that by age two years, babies who had spent up to 4 hours in front of the screen were 3 times more likely to have communication and problem-solving delays, while those who had spent 4 or more hours on screens were 4.78 times more likely to have underdeveloped communication skills, 1.74 times more likely to have subpar fine motor skills and two times more likely to have underdeveloped personal and social skills,” he said.
“By age four years, risk remained only in the communication and problem-solving areas.”
The DAK President said kids develop their language skills by interacting with others including parents and if they are just watching a screen they are not having an opportunity to practice talking.
“Babies need face to face interaction for social development. Looking at people’s faces is when our brain turns on to figure out how to interact with them,” he said
“Screens disrupt interactions and limit opportunities for kids to practice interactive problem-solving skills,” he added.
“Parents should spend time with their kids and delay introducing phones to infants and young children,” said Dr Nisar.
“World Health Organisation and American Academy of Paediatrics recommend that children under age 2 should not be exposed to screens at all and limit screen time to one hour per day for children aged 2-5 years,” he said.
The need of the hour is we cut screen time of our children.