News Kashmir Magazine

World AIDS Day 2025

AIDS has been one of the serious health challenge confronted by humanity. But over the years we have made steady progress to eliminate the AIDS disease.

World AIDS day 2025 has dawned.

World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year since 1988,is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease. The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The HIV virus attacks the immune system of the patient and reduces its resistance to other diseases.

According to eminent knowledge source Wikipedia, World AIDS Day is one of the eleven official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), along with World Health Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Immunization Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Malaria Day, World Hepatitis Day, World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, World Patient Safety Day and World Chagas Disease Day.

As of 2020, AIDS has killed between 27.2 million and 47.8 million people worldwide, and an estimated 37.7 million people are living with HIV,making it one of the most important global public health issues in recorded history.

On eve of World AIDS day 2025 United Nations message was World AIDS Day reminds us that we have the power to transform lives and futures, and end the AIDS epidemic once and for all.

The progress we have made is undeniable.

Since 2010, new infections have fallen by 40 per cent.

AIDS-related deaths have declined by more than half.

And access to treatment is better than ever before.But for many people around the world, the crisis continues.

global theme of World AIDS Day is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” which aims to break down the cycle of stigma and shame attached to the tag of “being HIV positive.” The shame, fear, and stigma are rooted in outdated fear built on the foundation of a lack of awareness about HIV and how it enters the body and affects the immune system.

One hopes world including over great country India continues to make constant progress in eliminating AIDS. Jammu and Kashmir region too should continue to monitor it’s progress against disease.

Women are equal part of the human civilization. Women are equal in every respect to man. Unfortunately the violence against women is a burning issue. November 25th International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women raises awareness regarding an ongoing human rights issue. Today, many women around the world are still subject to rape and other types of violence.

The statistics are highly grim.

One in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence — mostly by an intimate partner.

Globally, 35% of women and girls will experience some form of physical and/or sexual violence. In some countries, the statistics are closer to 70%.

Nearly half of all human trafficking victims around the world are women.

650 million women and girls in the world are forced to marry before the age of 18.

200 million women and girls have undergone female genital mutilation in 30 countries.

We know in recent decades , government officials and international leaders have lead the charge to curb violence against women and girls. Unfortunately, however, it is still all too common. Violence against women continues to be a widespread and persistent human rights violation.

According to United Nations violence against Women is highly serious issue .scourge that has intensified in different settings, but this year, the campaign for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women focuses on one in particular: the digital realm. Violence against women on online platforms is, today, a serious and rapidly growing threat that seeks to silence the voices of many women—especially those with a strong public and digital presence in fields such as politics, activism, or journalism.

It is a form of violence on the rise due to weak technological regulation, a lack of legal recognition of this type of aggression in some countries, the impunity of digital platforms, new and fast-evolving forms of abuse using AI, movements opposing gender equality, the anonymity of perpetrators, and the limited support for digital victims.

Budgam bypolls surprise

The recent verdict of Budgam Assembly Constituency has drawn many surprises. The ruling National Conference was defeated as Peoples Democratic Party won a surprising victory.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured a significant victory in J&K’s Budgam, where Muntazir Mehdi won with 21,576 votes, defeating the National Conference and an independent candidate by a margin of 4,478 votes. The BJP’s candidate, Mohsin Mosvi, finished sixth with a low count of 2,619 votes.

As a matter of fact, NC defeat comes as party Member of Parliament (MP) Aga Ruhullah Mehdi stayed away from the poll campaign in protest of the Omar Abdullah government’s “inability to deliver on its promises”. The differences between Mr. Abdullah and Mr. Ruhullah surfaced in the open with the two leaders were seen exchanging barbs against each other during the campaigning. Many see Mr. Ruhullah also a factor in the defeat of the NC, besides the anti-incumbency.

In a cryptic message on X, MP Ruhullah said, “Arrogance is the recipe for disaster. Consciousness, humility and introspection is the way”. Budgam saw pro-Ruhullah rallies after the NC lost to the PDP on Friday.

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that senior National Conference leader Agha Ruhullah “damaged himself politically” by stepping away from the Budgam bypoll campaign, saying the move was intended to send a message to the party but ultimately hurt Ruhullah more than anyone else.

Speaking to reporters, Omar Abdullah, used the English expression “you cut your nose to spite your face” to describe Ruhullah’s decision.

Ruhullah killed himself to give me a message,” Omar said. “But remember, the person who has won from there will never let Ruhullah rise again.

Only Ruhullah can decide whether he will rise again in Budgam or not,” he said. “Whatever happened, happened.

Omar acknowledged that NC anticipated a tough contest even before the campaigning began.

Without doubt this verdict has opened a pandora box.

Women shining in Corporate World

Corporate world is backbone of present day world economy.

Women are playing a formidable role  in the present world economy. Hire or promote a woman to join your board of directors now to reap better results. According to a research, even one woman on the board of directors in a firm can lead to stronger corporate governance practices than those with no women. Moreover, companies with at least three women in board of directors rank even higher, depending on specific industry sectors, the study said. The findings are an eye opener over the burning facts that women are equal partners in economical boom of any society or country.

“The findings suggest the presence of women on a board encourages a greater focus on board practices and behaviours related to good governance, even when they are a lone voice,”said business professor Judith Zaichkowsky from Simon Fraser University in Canada said nearly a decade back.

 The study found significant improvement in scores with one women, especially in traditionally male-dominated industries such as energy and mining. All this proves that women presence in corporate is slated to increase.

In our country too and region also the women are shining in corporate world and making a mark. The corporate world is taking a great direction under the leadership of women.

The presence of women on the board could be a signal that a company cares more about good corporate governance, the expert analysis from time to time has revealed. Women role in corporate world is now redefining the corporate sector and this needs to be done in such a way that women shine in all positions .

Music essence

Music is the greatest form of art, possessing the profound ability to heal stress and soothe the soul. It plays a vital role in our lives, providing solace in sorrow and amplifying joy in happiness. India boasts a rich musical heritage, with every region cherishing its unique traditions. The valley of Kashmir, renowned for its Sufi music, exemplifies this cultural wealth. To preserve and promote this legacy, it’s essential to encourage our youth to explore various forms of music. By incorporating quality music education in schools, we can nurture the hidden talents within our children. This not only fosters creativity but also instills discipline and cultural appreciation. As a nation, India has produced legendary musicians who have inspired generations. Let’s prioritize music education, especially in regions like Kashmir, where it can be a powerful tool for emotional expression and healing. By doing so, we can ensure that the beauty of music continues to thrive and inspire future generations. Moreover, music can bridge gaps and unite people across diverse backgrounds, making it an integral part of humanity’s shared heritage. Let’s celebrate and promote our musical diversity.

The expert pulse also states that Music is important because it fosters emotional and cognitive development, enhances social connections, and serves as a powerful tool for cultural expression and therapy. It improves mood, reduces stress, and can boost cognitive functions like memory and coordination. Additionally, music brings people together and provides a unique way to communicate emotions, preserve cultural heritage, and create a sense of community.

Cognitive and emotional benefits are well known.

Music Improves cognitive function: Learning to play an instrument can enhance memory, attention, and spatial-temporal skills, and is linked to better academic performance.

Boosts emotional well-being: Music can evoke a wide range of emotions, help process feelings, reduce stress and anxiety. Music has great values .

Rajyasabha Election Surprise results

Jammu and Kashmir Rajyasabha elections for 4 seats recently saw a surprise as against all odds BJP was able to win one seat . The ruling National Conference won three seats.

Even Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also sounded surprised after the results.

Taking on micro-blogging platform X, the CM Omar Abdullah wrote, “All of @JKNC_ votes remained intact across the four elections, as witnessed by our election agent who saw each polling slip. There was no cross voting from any of our MLAs so the questions arise – where did the 4 extra votes of the BJP come from? Who were the MLAs who deliberately invalidated their votes by marking a wrong preference number while voting? Do they have the guts to put their hands up and own up to helping the BJP after promising us their votes? What pressure or inducement helped them make this choice? Let’s see if any of the BJP’s secret team own up to selling their souls!”.

Pertinently out of four seats NC Managed to get three while as BJP one.

On Friday , 24 October ,2025 The election, held for the first time in over a decade since the abrogation of Article 370, began at 9 am at the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly complex in Srinagar and concluded at 4 pm. Counting of votes commenced at 5 pm, with results announced shortly.

The  NC’s victorious candidates are former ministers Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan and Sajad Hussain Kichloo, alongside party treasurer Gurwinder Singh Oberoi, alias Shammi Oberoi, a close aide to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, known for his administrative prowess.

For the fourth seat, the NC fielded its articulate spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar, banking on its coalition strength. However, Dar lost to BJP’s J&K unit president Sat Paul Sharma, who secured 32 votes against the BJP’s expected 28, indicating at least four cross-votes from the NC-led alliance.

The results were thus surprising.

One year of Omar Government

Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently completed first year of Government. The one year review of the Government as per ground pulse is mix bag.  On the positive side , Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Government took many steps.

The shifting of exam session was widely lauded. In 2024, the Council of Ministers Decision accorded the sanction to the restoration of the academic calendar from March-April to November-December for classes 1st to 9th.

The government had said that “For the session 2024-25, the restoration of the previous academic calendar (November-December session) shall be done with respect to classes 1st to 9th whose examinations shall be held during the months of November-December, 2024.”

It had further said that for the students of classes 10th to 12th, the restoration of the Academic Session (to November-December session) shall be done from the academic session 2025-26.

The political experts opine _

National Conference’s manifesto, “Dignity, Identity and Development,” had pledged to pursue the full implementation of the 2000 Autonomy Resolution, restore the pre-August 5, 2019 status under Articles 370 and 35A, and reclaim statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. It had also vowed to seek modifications to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, and repeal laws enacted after the revocation of special status that affect land and employment rights of locals.

So far, the government’s tangible actions on these fronts have been limited to two symbolic resolutions — one in the cabinet and another in the assembly   both urging the Centre to restore statehood and constitutional safeguards for the region.

Overall, the first year of Omar Abdullah Government offer mix bag outlook .

Pet Power

In the times we live in the  mental stress and depression is very serious issue

The importance of companionship and emotional support  for mental health in form of Pets have emerged as great development, providing solace, comfort, and a sense of purpose to individuals struggling with depression. The bond between humans and animals is ancient, but its therapeutic potential is only now being fully recognized.

Kashmir is also seeing rise in pet adoption .

Experts pulse opines that Pets offer unconditional love, acceptance, and companionship, which can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation. The simple act of petting a dog or cat can reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and promote relaxation. Moreover, caring for a pet instills a sense of responsibility and purpose, which can be a powerful antidote to the lethargy and hopelessness that often accompany depression.

Experts have also observed that benefits of pet ownership extend beyond emotional support. Studies have shown that pet owners tend to have improved mental health outcomes, including reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. The social connections facilitated by pets can also help individuals build relationships and networks, further enhancing their mental well-being.

As we witness  complexities of mental health, it is essential to recognize the therapeutic power of pets. Whether through animal-assisted therapy programs or simply sharing our lives with a beloved pet, the benefits of human-animal bonding are undeniable.

As we navigate  let us not forget the profound impact that pets can have on our mental health and well-being.

Sudarshan Chakra

Defense is very much needed by a country. How a country is able to defend itself during enemy strikes is pivotal to it becoming a global power. The defense of India as nation is well known fact.

In a big leap towards strengthening the defense of country,  India will build a ‘Sudarshan Chakra’, a ‘multi-layered framework’ to integrate advanced surveillance, cyber protection, and physical safeguards to protect its citizens and infrastructure from enemy strikes, terrorist or otherwise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on the eve of independence day.

As a matter of fact ,

This new defensive blanket will be similar to Israel’s much-vaunted Iron Dome and the United States’ proposed Golden Dome – in that it will act as a missile defence shield.

By 2035, I want to expand, strengthen, and modernise this shield. Drawing inspiration from Lord Krishna, we have chosen the path of the Sudarshan Chakra… the entire system should be researched, developed, and manufactured in India, PM Modi said in his independence day speech.

Expert pulse is delighted with overall contours of Sudarshan Chakra.

The Sudarshan Chakra Mission aims to create a robust defense system, integrating advanced surveillance, cyber protection, and physical safeguards to protect India’s citizens and critical infrastructure. With a focus on indigenous development and manufacturing, this initiative will boost India’s self-reliance in defense and enhance national security capabilities significantly by 2035.

We are proud that India is now having such robust and effective defense system.