News Kashmir Magazine

Navratri,  Eid, Baisakhi fervor galore

News Kashmir Analysis

Festivals are an occasion of joy for humanity. They strengthen the bonds of love and happiness.

Indian culture, festivals are more than just occasions for celebration; they serve as medium to the deepest and most profound aspects of life. Each festival carries its own unique significance, offering valuable lessons, spiritual insights, and cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations.

We are having during this week  festivals related to Muslims, Hindus,  Sikhs coinciding in a single week one after another which is a good omen, and we take a glance on all these .

Chaitra Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival celebrated annually from the first day of the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar. This year, it will begin on April 9 and end on April 17. While there are four Navratri celebrated throughout the year, Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri are more popularly observed across the country. Devotees worship Maa Durga and her nine divine forms during Chaitra Navratri. However, on the last day, they celebrate Ram Navami. It marks the birth of Lord Rama. Meanwhile, the nine forms of Maa Durga are known as Navdurgas. They are Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri.

The holiday on this account is in Jammu and Kashmir and many other states is  on April 9.

The holiest festival of Eid al-Fitr will also commence on either 10 April or 11 April depending on sighting of moon. The   ’Holiday of Breaking the Fast’ is the earlier of the two official holidays celebrated within Islam (the other being Eid al-Adha). Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar; this does not always fall on the same Gregorian day, as the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on when the new moon is sighted by local religious authorities. The holiday is known under various other names in different languages and countries around the world. The day is also called “Lesser Eid” (Arabic: العيد الصغير, romanized: al-ʿĪd al-Ṣaghīr), or simply Eid.

April 13th we would mark the Baisakhi festival.

Vaisakhi, also pronounced Baisakhi marks the first day of the month of Vaisakh and is traditionally celebrated annually on 13 April and sometimes 14 April.It is seen as a spring harvest celebration primarily in Punjab and Northern India. Further, other Indian cultures and diaspora celebrate this festival too. Whilst it is culturally significant as a festival of harvest, in many parts of India, Vaisakhi is also the date for the Indian Solar New Year.

Sikhs, in addition to its significance as the harvest festival,during which Sikhs hold kirtans, visit local gurdwaras, community fairs, hold nagar kirtan processions, raise the Nishan Sahib flag, and gather to socialize and share festive foods, Vaisakhi observes major events in the history of Sikhism and the Indian subcontinent that happened in the Punjab region. Vaisakhi as a major Sikh festival marks the birth of the Khalsa order by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhism, on 13 April 1699.Later, Ranjit Singh was proclaimed as Maharaja of the Sikh Empire on 12 April 1801 (to coincide with Vaisakhi), creating a unified political state.

Undoubtedly, we should take this as a very good omen that festivals belonging to different faiths are dawning in a single week.

Killer Roads in J&K

News Kashmir Analysis

Road accident deaths or Traffic accident deaths are a grim tragedy of the world we live in . Jammu and Kashmir owing to its tough terrain has a very complex and sensitive Geography making our roads also dangerous.  But owing to many other factors road accidents across Jammu and Kashmir have become a big menace. Even in plain areas many lives are lost in traffic accidents.

The facts and statistics in this regard are worrisome.  The often road accident deaths especially in Chenab area is a matter of huge concern.

As a matter of fact, The

Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a horrifying toll of 4251 road accident fatalities over the past five years, with the National Highway and the Chenab Valley region emerging as particularly treacherous zones, according to data released by the Traffic Department.

On an average, two individuals have lost their lives daily due to road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, a very very grim  reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures.

The National Highway, a crucial transportation artery, has emerged as a major hotspot for road accidents, accounting for a very large number of fatalities over the past five years.

In 2019, 211 lives were lost on this vital roadway, followed by 178 deaths in 2020, 271 in 2021, 261 in 2022, and a further 234 fatalities in 2023.

The Chenab Valley region, known for its treacherous terrain and winding roads, has also proven deadly for motorists and pedestrians.

In 2019, the area witnessed 113 road accident deaths, followed by 64 in 2020, 91 in 2021, 81 in 2022, and a spike of 114 fatalities in 2023. The data highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and infrastructure improvements along these high-risk routes to prevent further loss of life.

Road accident deaths are also a big challenge for our beloved country India.

The “Road Accidents in India 2022” report, released in November 2023, said that the number of deaths reported in India due to road crashes in 2018 was 1,50,785 and it rose to 1,53,792 in 2021. The number was 1.3 lakh in 2010.

The need of the hour is to ensure building of quality roads everywhere,  bringing end to rash driving and making giving driving license a very tough process then only we can find solution to increasing road fatalities.

Tragic accidents happen often. Just last month , Seven persons, including four members of a family, were killed in three separate road accidents in Udhampur, Jammu, and Reasi districts of Jammu and Kashmir on , officials said. A couple and their two daughters were killed and another one was injured after their car was hit by a truck in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, the officials said.

The family from Jammu was on its way to Kashmir. The accident took place at Salore near Tikri along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway shortly after midnight and the rescuers had a tough time retrieving the bodies from the badly crushed vehicle, they added.

One hopes increasing traffic accidents would be a matter of past soon .

Lok Sabha 2024 Election Dates unveiled

Farzana Mumtaz

The Kickstart  for biggest democratic exercise also known as Biggest democratic festival of world has been set in motion as   the dates for General elections also known as Lok Sabha elections for entire India have been announced.

As a matter of fact, on 16th March, 2024 the Election Commission of India in a Jam-packed press conference announced dates of General elections 2024.

Also, Simultaneous election for Lok Sabha and assembly will be held in four states — Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

It is worth pointing out here that The 2024 general election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases that will begin from April 19 and continue till June 1, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said , announcing the commencement of the world’s largest democratic exercise. The results of the election will be announced on June 4.

It was important to note that Mr Kumar, announcing the dates, sent out a strong message on the circulation of fake news on social media, saying political parties should ensure responsible social media behaviour — “verify before you amplify”.

Fake news will be dealt with severely as per existant laws.. Section 79 (3)(B) of the IT Act empowers nodal officers in each state to remove unlawful content,” he said.

The facts and facets related to the biggest electoral exercise of world are fascinating to say the least.

Over 97 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said  and urged everyone to “get inked.”

On its part, the poll authority is preparing to set up 10.5 lakh polling stations across the country.

We have 97 crore registered voters, over 10.5 lakh polling stations manned by 1.5 crore personnel, and 55 lakh EVMs,” he said.

As a matter of fact, The CEC said there are 97.8 crore eligible voters of which 49.72 crore were male voters and 47.1 crore were female voters.

About 21 crore are youth voters.

On Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir the CEC assured that the Commission remains dedicated to organising Assembly elections in JK shortly after the Lok Sabha polls, once there are enough security forces available.

As far as Lok Sabha elections dates are concerned for Jammu and Kashmir,  it would be held in 5 phases.

Date of polls on Lok Sabha seats in J&K are : Udhampur: 19 April.Jammu: 26 April. Anantnag – Rajouri: 7 May.

Srinagar: 13 May. Baramulla: 26 May.

Huge amount of enthusiasm is being witnessed across the country as Dates for Election 2024 have been announced.

” Wed in India”

News Kashmir Analysis

In a progressive development for entire country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on 7th March, 2024  Thursday his next mission is “Wed in India”. Speaking at the ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu & Kashmir’ programme in Srinagar, the Prime Minister urged the citizens of India to avoid hosting weddings abroad.

As a matter of fact, People should host weddings in India…If people feel like coming to J&K and hosting weddings…do their booking here, stay here for three days and spend lavishly here so that people of Jammu and Kashmir also get their livelihood,” PM Modi said on Thursday.

It is worth mentioning here that Modi mentioned his “Wed in India” initiative for the first time during a Mann ki Baat episode on November 26, 2023. He said, “If we celebrate the festivities of marriages on Indian soil… the country’s money will remain in the country…The people of the country will get an opportunity to render some service…even poor people will tell their children about that occasion.

Luxury hotels in India offer wedding packages going up to several crores. The most popular desi wedding venues include Rajasthan, especially lake city Udaipur, Jodhpur and Goa. Recently, the Government has started meetings with wedding industry stakeholders like hotel operators to finalise the contours of the campaign.

The expert pulse is that The Prime Minister’s advocacy for ‘Wed in India’ is a part of a broader vision to enhance the economic and social development of Jammu and Kashmir, which he described as the crown jewel of India. PMs call for a developed Jammu and Kashmir as a priority underscores the region’s significance in the nation’s progress.

The call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Wed in India is yielding magical results with one of richest Indian Mukesh Ambani going for wedding of his son Anant Ambani at Jamnagar Gujarat.

 Mukesh Ambani’s approach to the big fat Indian wedding has been noted by Time, describing the three-day event as a “next level” celebration.

“As big fat Indian weddings go, Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani knows how to take it to the next level. While the wedding itself will not take place until July, a three-day pre-wedding celebration begins on Friday, March 1 in the family’s refinery township of Jamnagar in the Indian state of Gujarat. Some of the biggest names in Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and the entertainment industry are on the guest list,” Time wrote.

Without a doubt the dream and fervent call of making India a top global wedding destination is bearing its fruits.

2024 General Elections- Edge NDA

News Kashmir Analysis

We have entered the month of March. 2024 is a very special year for India as General elections will be held in the month of April and May. So we are just days away from being elections being announced.

As a matter of fact,

India holds the Lok Sabha elections on a five-yearly basis, which are frequently referred to as the largest political event in the nation and possibly in the whole world. Currently serving as India’s prime minister honorable Narendra Modi from BJP.

It is worth mentioning here that

Predictions for the Lok Sabha Election of 2024 indicate that Narendra Modi will triumph once more and take over as India’s prime minister. He took over the position in 2014. To win this election, Congress and the other parties must work a miracle.

The charismatic personality of

Narendra Modi, the head of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has been named. Should the NDA win the upcoming election, the famous personality of Narendra Modi will take over as prime minister of India for third term . The INDIA Alliance did not reveal who would lead their coalition as prime minister should he win the election.

Now, The BJP is expected to release a first list of candidates – over 100 names, which will include heavyweights like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah – for the 2024 Lok Sabha election , after marathon overnight meetings in Delhi, including one led by the Prime Minister at his Delhi residence that began 11 pm Thursday, 29 feburary and finished at 4 am Friday.

It has been observed that the BJP’s strategy, as it bids for a third term, revolves around getting feedback on sitting MPs’ – including but not limited to discussions with grassroots-level workers and voters in their constituencies – and a tactical reshuffle to eliminate the anti-incumbency bias.

The meeting also likely saw talks about leaving six seats in politically key Uttar Pradesh, which sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha, for regional allies like the Apna Dal and the Rashtriya Lok Dal of Jayant Chaudhary, which the BJP reportedly won over from INDIA despite their January agreement.

Meanwhile on opposition front The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the Opposition alliance in Maharashtra, have reportedly inked a seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) is likely to contest 21 seats, while the Congress may fight in 15 seats and the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP could get nine seats, an news channel report said.

Undoubtedly, NDA Has huge edge in year 2024.

Public library culture in  Kashmir Deserves importance

News Kashmir Analysis

Public libraries have played an important role in growth of every civilization as instrument of knowledge.  They provide books and other materials for people to read and intellectual growth.

These materials are very informative and lead to self-improvement and develop basic literacy skills. Public Libraries have always seen as an educational resource for all people.

Experts opinion is that

The public library is the local center for providing a wealth of information through learning facilities and materials to support literacy to the general public. Literacy is also achieved by providing literacy programs and activities for different groups and ages.

The dying reading culture in Kashmir is a matter of concern.

Public libraries continue to play a major role in fostering literacy in communities and societies, particularly among those groups of the populations that need special assistance in developing literacy skills, such as preschool and elementary school children.

In a place like Jammu and Kashmir the public libraries have an important role to play and unfortunately after facing a neglect since many years they are getting desired attention,which is good.

Vijay GarG, Renowned educationist and columnist of News Kashmir writes about their role :”

Access to information: Public libraries provide free access to a wide range of educational resources and information, including books, journals, newspapers, and databases. This enables individuals, regardless of their economic background, to gain knowledge and stay informed about the world around them.

2. Promoting literacy and education: Libraries are essential in fostering a culture of reading and promoting literacy. They provide a supportive environment for learning, whether it be through early literacy programs for children, homework help for students, or adult education programs. Access to books and resources encourages reading, enhances vocabulary and language skills, and promotes lifelong learning.

3. Bridging the digital divide: In today’s digital age, many essential services, job applications, and educational resources are accessible online. However, not everyone has access to computers or the internet at home. Public libraries offer free computer and internet access, helping bridge the digital divide and ensuring that all members of society have equal opportunities to access information and technology.”

The hope on ground zero is that public Libraries would be getting their due attention and they will prosper in Jammu and Kashmir.

Increasing Frauds

News Kashmir Analysis

The increase in frauds across India is a matter of serious concern.

India is seeing a much  upswing in fraudulent activities resulting in an increase in fraud losses with financial services reporting the biggest increase.

A study conducted by Forrester Consulting, commissioned by Experian, a leading global information services provider, found that year-on-year fraud losses are increasing for nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of respondents, with financial services organisations reporting the biggest increase in losses. There are several factors driving this surge in fraud attacks, such as persisting financial pressure on consumers, numerous data breaches leaking sensitive information onto the dark web, and the arrival of publicly accessible Generative AI – which has lowered the technical skills required to conduct fraud.

This concerning trend is compounded by the fact that 67 per cent of these respondents are currently grappling with the challenges of keeping pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of fraud threats.

As a matter of fact, The volume of fraud attacks has gone up in almost every category.

Synthetic identity attacks, where real and fake information are combined to form new identities, are on the rise, particularly in the financial services sector. This is closely followed by identity theft attacks and account takeover attacks. In the e-commerce sector,

Friendly fraud attacks, where customers dispute legitimate charges, have grown the most for merchants, followed by synthetic identity attacks, found the study.

The survey gathered insight from 308 fraud managers in the financial services, telco, and eCommerce sectors across ten countries in the EMEA and APAC regions: India, Denmark, Germany, Australia, Italy, New Zealand, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, and Turkey.

“The study underscores that the future of effective fraud prevention lies in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies.”

According to the study, the biggest challenge limiting businesses’ ability to prevent fraud is a lack of device fingerprinting for fraud identification (62 per cent). A second is an increasing number of referrals, causing increased delays and costs (56 per cent).

Recognising the urgency, businesses emphasize the crucial role of device data in passive customer screening.

The top fraud-related priority is improving the explainability of ML models (65 per cent), which shows how important ML has become to fraud prevention. Transparent ML models allow for human oversight so that unintentional bias can be identified. This capability is essential to ensure ethical AI use and to comply with a future AI regulatory framework.

Nearly two-thirds (67 per cent) of businesses believe that the future of fraud prevention will be driven by AI/ML-powered solutions.

We also need to be cyber alert to prevent cyber frauds .

Cybersecurity awareness helps educate your employees about malicious methods used by cybercriminals, how they can be easy targets, how to spot potential threats and what they can do to avoid falling victim to these insidious threats.

The need of the hour is to take steps to arrest the rising trend of frauds in India .

Declining Fertility Rates in Jammu and Kashmir a challenge

Rameez Makhdoomi

The fertility rate is considered  integral part  to ensure the continuation of coming generations is showing a decline in Jammu and Kashmir, causing much worry in one and all .

As a matter of fact,  The total fertility rate (TFR) of a population is the average number of children that would be born to a woman over her lifetime if:

She was to experience the exact current age-specific fertility rates (ASFRs) through her lifetime.

she was to live from birth until the end of her reproductive life.

Studies and surveys in recent years  have shown that Jammu and Kashmir has a lower fertility rate than any state barring tiny Goa and Sikkim, these studies  have often  stoked much online and offline debate outhere.

The National Family Health Survey (2019-21) reveals a sharp fall in the total fertility rate (TFR) — the average number of children a woman bears in her lifetime — in Jammu and Kashmir from few years back  2.0 to current 1.4, far below the national average of 2.

It is worth noting here that

TFR, as per the survey, has witnessed a decline more in urban areas of Jammu and Kashmir. It has reduced from 1.6 in 2015-16 to 1.2 in 2019-20. In rural Jammu and Kashmir, the TFR has declined to 1.5 in 2019-20 from 2.2 in 2015-16.

Expert view has been  that increasing entry of women into the workforce has also delayed marriages which is a top predictor for the number of babies a woman

In comparison, Uttar Pradesh has a TFR of 2.4, Bihar 3, Madhya Pradesh 2.0, Jharkhand 2.3, Punjab 1.6, Odisha 1.8, and Kerala 1.8. Only two states – Sikkim (1.1) and Goa (1.3) – and the Union Territories of Ladakh (1.3) and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1.3) have TFRs below Jammu and Kashmir’s.

In year 2024 one is witnessing infertility spreading and many couples struggling to have child.

Due to rising mental stress and changing food habits the infertility rates are increasing in Kashmir valley .Some expert voices in recent times have gone to extent of saying  that infertility is found among 45 percent males and 35 percent females in Kashmir.  Many couples now in Kashmir are going for IVF mode  to have babies .

One hopes that we don’t let drop our Fertility Rates beyond an alarming level .

World Health Organization (WHO) states Infertility affects millions of people – and has an impact on their families and communities. Estimates suggest that approximately one in every six people of reproductive age worldwide experience infertility in their lifetime.

In the male reproductive system, infertility is most commonly caused by problems in the ejection of semen (1), absence or low levels of sperm, or abnormal shape (morphology) and movement (motility) of the sperm.

While as the female reproductive system, infertility may be caused by a range of abnormalities of the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and the endocrine system, among others.

The need of the hour is that We need to provide all the important mental health awareness to our young people as stress is the real reason behind poor health and infertility, we need to give them lot of positive energy  in their struggles.

Eminent Gynaecologist of world,  Dr. Swapna Mishra while talking to this correspondent opined that young boys and girls facing infertility issues should

Consume a balanced diet and introduce exercise in your daily routine. Try to plan a baby before 35 years of age. Late marriage should be avoided.

Cancer- A threat to Humanity

News Kashmir Analysis

Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.

Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body, which is made up of trillions of cells. Normally, human cells grow and multiply (through a process called cell division) to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place.

It is deadliest disease confronted by humanity.

World Cancer Day aims to prevent millions of deaths each year by raising awareness about cancer, and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease.

World Cancer Day was born on the 4 February 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris.

World Cancer Day is more than a day on the calendar. That’s why its campaign is built to inspire change and mobilise action long after the day itself. A multi-year campaign means more exposure and engagement, more opportunities to build global awareness and ultimately more impact.

recorded approximately 12 lakh new cancer cases and 9.3 lakh deaths in 2019, making the country the second-highest contributor to the cancer burden in Asia that year, according to a new Lancet study.

Published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal, the study, conducted by an international team of researchers, including experts from the National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, and Bathinda, compared cancer data across 49 Asian countries from 1990 to 2019.

Research states Leukaemias constituted nearly half of all cancers in the 0-4 year age group (42.1 per cent) and the 5-9 year age group (42.5 per cent). Lymphoid leukaemia, including acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, comprised most of the common leukaemia types diagnosed among children.

“This was followed by lymphomas (12.3 per cent ) that had the most significant proportion in the 5-9 year age group (15.7 per cent ), of which Hodgkin lymphoma was the most typical (7.9 per cent ),” the paper said.

Cancer is also a rising disease  in Kashmir.

The Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura is facing a concerning surge in cancer cases, with over 6,000 new diagnoses reported annually.

Few months back,

According to official data, Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are the most prevalent type, accounting for 30% of cases, followed by lung and breast cancers.

We need to bear in mind that

cancer prevention is very important aspect.

Cancer prevention is the practice of taking active measures to decrease the incidence of cancer and mortality. The practice of prevention is dependent upon both individual efforts to improve lifestyle and seek preventive screening, and socioeconomic or public policy related to cancer prevention.

Expert pulse is Some cancer risk factors, such as genetics and environment, are out of your control, but research suggest that about 70% of your lifetime risk of cancer is within your power to change, including your diet. Avoiding cigarettes, limiting alcohol, reaching a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise are all great steps for preventing cancer. Adopting a healthy diet can also play a vital role.

Taking holistic measures can go long way in preventing cancer disease.

Few time back , in an interview with News Kashmir

. Shabnam Bashir doctor of par excellence. Trained in Colorectal and Breast cancer surgeries & cytoreductive surgeries from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai and in Robotic surgeries from USA.   She is currently practicing in  Kashmir and leading the breast cancer awareness related things in Jammu and Kashmir stated that there is no

doubt the cancer is challenging disease among men and women. We need to rely on population registry to get figures.  In population registry few  years back we had oesophagus  cancer leading in Kashmir. The cancers like Lung, Colon, Breast are also leading here.

The need is to make good diet habits to avoid cancers especially avoid too much of non vegetarian, fast food and we have to avoid too much salt .