News Kashmir Magazine

Making Research more robust in India 

No country in today’s world can progress without making its research fields more robust and understanding the importance of research. 
Scientific administrators from across ministries deliberated on ways to make research assessment methods robust and inclusive so that new ideas that are relevant for India are encouraged and young talents get opportunities, at a workshop on Research Assessment Practices in Indian Funding Agencies.“Assessment of research is a burning challenge across the globe and experts from around the world are looking for ways to tackle it. India should develop its own method of assessing research projects, their outputs and outcomes that are adaptable to the country,” said DST Secretary Dr S Chandrasekhar. He highlighted the benefits of blind assessment—where the reviewer assesses projects without knowing the person or the institute which has submitted the proposal. Dr Chandrasekhar also stressed on the need to organize workshops for sensitizing reviewers.The recent day long workshop was organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and attended by scientific administrators of different levels who participated in activities to help assess the current status of research evaluation and suggest measures for improvement.Senior Advisor, DST, Dr Akhilesh Gupta stressed on responsible research assessment that takes into account the huge diversity of India, in terms of geography, gender, access to resources, institutional facilities, etc. He also highlighted the need for a thematic club of reviewers and paying honorarium to reviewers for improving the quality of review process.
On the otherhand,  The science administrators discussed that since research priorities and challenges are changing with the time, the current practices built on incentives or indicators and primarily based on journal-based matrices required a relook and as recommended by the draft 5th STI Policy of India needed a reworked research assessment framework to improve the research .
One hopes we take all the steps to make our research more robust .

Overpricing Overpricing is the act of setting a higher price than the value of a product or services. From an entrepreneurial standpoint, overpricing means setting a price that’s higher than what the market is willing to pay. In most cases, overpricing goes hand in hand with low sales volumes, and so it is not a commonly recommended pricing strategy.In Kashmir overpricing has been a serious issue . This issue breaks the economic backbone of the masses.  
Amid  complaints about overpricing of essentials, the government has sealed over 50 shops and also recovered over Rs five lakh fine from the norm violators in the ongoing holy month of Ramadan.According to the data available the Directorate of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) has sealed a total of 54 shops in the ongoing month while 23 have been sealed in Srinagar only.The other districts where the shops have been sealed include Bandipora, Budgam, Kulgam, Kupwara and Pulwama districts.Earlier, The Jammu and Kashmir administration had said that market checking committees have been constituted in view of the complaints regarding the selling of essential commodities at exorbitant rates in the holy month of Ramazan.The need of the hour is to check the menace of rising prices of especially essential commodities and go hard on hoarding and overpricing by the Shopkeepers  .The prices of large number of vegetables and fruits  which are being consumed by the people including dates, watermelons, bananas, meat and chicken have gone up since the commencement of the holy month. One hopes overpricing would soon be a thing of past in Kashmir.

Address Concerns of Diagnostic labs in Kashmir 
Diagnostic labs have an important role to play in the health care especially when it comes to diagnosing diseases and health issues of the masses . The private Diagnostic centers also serve a purpose to lessen the burden on public health care .The diagnostician’s main role is determination of disease etiology. Secondary but equally important roles played by the diagnostic laboratory include: 1) consultative/advisory role; 2) interpretative role; and 3) disease surveillance role.In Kashmir too scores of diagnostic labs spread across length and breadth of Kashmir are rendering important services. 
It is a matter of grim Concern in the valley of Kashmir  the owners of hundreds of Diagnostic Labs in Kashmir fear they may have to wrap up their enterprises with a fresh rule being implemented in the UT that requires every laboratory, even those doing the most basic of tests, to have an MBBS doctor on board.It is worth mentioning here in this regard that the debate that has been going on in India for the past couple of years has reached Kashmir. With the Clinical Establishments Rule Amendment 2020, and its applicability in J&K, every diagnostic laboratory is required to have at least an MBBS doctor on board to sign the reports.
The Kashmir Private Diagnostic Centers Association (KPDCA) also recently  urged the government to amend the registration policy and expedite the registration process of over 2000 diagnostic labs that have been waiting since 2019.
The need of the hour is to provide such pathway that neither people nor diagnostic labs suffer .

Addressing Plastic Pollution 

Plastic is one of the serious menace faced by the humanity throughout the world . The need to address Plastic menace is felt since long .Addressing plastic pollution is recognized as a global environmental challenge.Recently in a major development, The resumed session of fifth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5.2) held from 28th February 2022 to 2nd March 2022 in Nairobi, considered three draft resolutions to address plastic pollution. One of the draft resolutions under consideration was that of India. The draft resolution submitted by India called for immediate collective voluntary action by countries.India engaged constructively with all member states in UNEA 5.2 to develop consensus on the resolution for driving global action on plastic pollution by setting up of an intergovernmental negotiating committee for a new international legally binding treaty.On the insistence of India, the principle of national circumstances and capability while taking actions to address plastic pollution was included in the text of the resolution to allow developing countries follow their development trajectories.India also stood for not mandating the inter-governmental negotiating committee with development of targets, definitions, formats and methodologies, at this stage, pre-judging the outcome of deliberations of the Committee. The provision for immediate collective voluntary actions by the countries was also included to address plastic pollution on urgent and continual basis.After long protracted negotiations, the principal objectives of India’s draft resolution were sufficiently addressed in the resolution on “End plastic pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument” adopted in the resumed fifth session of UNEA, which concluded on 2nd March 2022. The UNEA 5.2 will be remembered for agreeing for collective global action while respecting national circumstances.

Record breaking Tourism in Kashmir

 Kashmir is known to world as a heaven full of beautiful places and world class scenic spots.  But owing to Turmoil of last three decades and the pandemic since last few years  in shape of Coronavirus the tourism activity in Kashmir had come to grinding halt.  But now since past few months the tourism activity of Kashmir is picking up.Currently,  the Kashmir valley in ongoing Spring 2022 season is witnessing record tourist footfall. The present reality is one of hope and positivity.  More than 3 lakh tourists have arrived here in the first three months to enjoy the cool climes and witness winter sports events like skiing, winter sport championships, gandola etc. 
More than 90,000 tourists have already visited Asia’s largest Tulip garden in Srinagar in the first week after it was thrown open for visitors. Approximtaely1.5 million Tulips of 68 varieties are decked up across the sprawling garden overlooking the world famous Dal Lake.
On the other hand of the spectrum , India resumed normal international air travel on Sunday, travel trade stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir are optimistic that footfall of foreigners will significantly pick up in days to come.The Kashmir tourism is once again witnessing boom and it is a good news for one and all .It is pertinent to mention here that Jammu and Kashmir government recently that Kashmir has recorded highest ever tourist footfall in last six months and that a further increase in tourist arrivals was expected in the months ahead.After inaugurating Tulip festival at Asia’s largest Tulip garden, Chief Secretary AK Mehta had stated to  media persons that Kashmir in the month of March so far has recorded highest–ever tourist footfall and in the last six months the number of tourists visiting Kashmir remained all-time high. The famous Tulip garden was also thrown open for general public.

Bad Impacts of Smartphones on Children  

A smartphone is a portable device that combines mobile telephone and computing Functions into one unit. They are distinguished from feature phones by their stronger hardware capabilities and extensive mobile operating systems, which facilitate wider software, internet (including web browsing over mobile broadband), and multimedia functionality (including music, video, cameras, and gaming), alongside core phone functions such as voice calls and text messaging. In our part of the world it is learnt that Around 23.8 per cent of children use smartphones while they are in bed before going to sleep and 37.15 per cent of children have experienced reduced levels of concentration due to smartphone use as per a study, Parliament was informed few days back.
Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar told the Lok Sabha in a written reply that the Meity does not have any specific information on Internet addiction in children but cited data from a study done by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights on “Effects (Physical, Behavioral and Psycho-Social) of using Mobile Phones and other devices with internet accessibility by children”.

“As per the study, 23.80 per cent of children use smartphones while they are in bed, before going to sleep which increases with age and 37.15 percent of children, always or frequently, experience reduced levels of concentration due to smartphone use,” Chandrasekhar said.We need to bear in mind that in the new era, the children are exposed to technology at younger ages than ever before. There are different types of radiations generated by mobile phones and wireless devices, microwave radiations, ionizing and non-ionizing radiations. Ionizing radiations such as x-rays, radon, ultraviolet rays of sunlight all are high frequency, and high energy. Non-ionizing radiations are low in frequency and energy. Cell phones have non-ionizing radiations. Mobile phones send radio-frequency waves from its transmitting unit or antenna to nearby cell towers. When we make or receive a call, send or receive text, or use data, our phone receives radio-frequency waves to its antenna from cell towers.The need of the hour is to minimize the bad impacts of smartphones on Children Development.

Refurbishing WAKF in Kashmir 

The sacred shrines in Kashmir belong to both Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims and are visited by lakhs  of devotees every year .
Some of the shrines are the world renowned  such as shrine of Dargah Sharif Hazratbal, Baba-Zain-ud-Din Wali R.A. (Aishmuqam), Baba Hyder Reshi R.A. (Anantnag), the last of the saints of the Rishi order in Kashmir also known as  the Alamdar-i-Kashmir (Flag Bearer of Kashmir), Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Rishi R.A. (Charar- e -Sharief) , Baba Dawood Ghoni R.A. (Vailoo), Hazrat Noor Shah Bagdadi R.A. (Kund), Hazrat Sheikh Syed Samnani R.A. (Kulgam), Baba Naseeb-ud-Din Ghazi R.A. (Bijbehara) Hazrat Syed Yaqoob Sarfi R.A.,Hazrat Baba Gulindin Sahib (R.A.),Hazrat Baba Reshi Sahib R.A. Gulmarg, Hazrat Baba Shikur – u –din Sahib R.A. Watlab Sopore, Shrine of Hazrat Peer-e-Dastgeer Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Geelani R.A.at Khanyar Srinagar etc.

Muslim WAKf Board is managing these all shrines which has the unique distinction of being second largest asset rich body in Jammu and Kashmir after the  government as it  is the custodian of these 47 holy shrines in the Kashmir Valley. WAKF Board gets tremendous income   from the Nazar o Niyaz (Donations) made by the devotees visiting these sacred shrines with unflinching faith.But there have been question mark on WAKF over its efficiency .Now in a bright development,  J&K Wakf Board’s newly-elected chairperson Darakshan Andrabi has expressed her resolve to create assets like schools, universities and hospitals in the Union Territory from the proceeds of waqf property.Andrabi, also a BJP’s national executive member, was unanimously elected as chairperson of the Wakf board in the maiden meeting of its newly appointed members here .The Wakf Board’s members, appointed recently by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, include Ghulam Nabi Haleem, Suhail Kazmi, Syed Mohammad Hussain and Nawab Din. The board term will last for five years.One hopes WAKF will move in right direction in coming times .

High Chicken Rates in Kashmir 
Chicken is among the  most  used food items in Kashmir.  It also with sheep or goat meat forms important part of the non vegetarian diet of Kashmir. 
The fluctuations in the rates of chicken especially on the upper side is a matter of concern . The masses are concerned  that the   Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCSCA) has failed to regulate the rate list for poultry which has led to overpricing of chicken in the market, leaving consumers high and dry.
Earlier, the government fixed Rs 125 per kg for broiler chicken in the market.Since past few days the chicken rates have gone up from Rs 120 kilogram to Rs 170 in matter of just few days .
Lack of Hatcheries in responsible for dependency of Kashmir on other parts of country for chicken and eggs .
According to the import bill of Jammu and Kashmir, the value of poultry and egg imports to the erstwhile state was estimated at 2,000 crore rupees annually.
 This is a potentially huge market that could be captured by local farmers but locally reared chickens are more expensive than those imported from outside the Valley, thereby limiting local farmers to the role of merely filling the gaps in the supply.
The lack of hatcheries in Kashmir according to ground voices has forced local farmers to import chicks from north Indian states, like Haryana. 
One hopes that the authorities will take all the measures to control chicken rates in Kashmir.

International Women’s Day 2022

International Women’s Day is an important  celebration.   As a matter of fact, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women.It is also a focal point in the women’s rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.
Spurred on by the universal female suffrage movement that had begun in New Zealand, IWD originated from labor movements in North America and Europe during the early 20th century.The earliest version was purportedly a “Women’s Day” organized by the Socialist Party of America in New York City February 28, 1909. This inspired German delegates at the 1910 International Socialist Women’s Conference to propose “a special Women’s Day” be organized annually, albeit with no set date.The theme of International Women’s Day is very burning in the year 2022.IWD 2022 campaign theme: #BreakTheBias
Imagine a gender equal world.A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.A world where difference is valued and celebrated.Together we can forge women’s equality.Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.Without a doubt, Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day.We can break the bias in our communities.We hope that the entire world and humanity at large takes a pledge to make world a better place for women . 

Russia’s Full Scale Invasion  of Ukraine 
Russia has launched full scale war against Ukraine. of people have been killed during the first hours of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to local officials.Oleksii Arestovich, an adviser to Zelenskyy, said that more than 40 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed and dozens of others wounded within hours of Moscow launching its attack. He added that up to 10 civilians had also been killed.Russia said Thursday that its military had destroyed more than 70 military targets, including 11 airfields in Ukraine.”As a result of strikes carried out by the Russian armed forces, 74 Ukrainian military ground facilities were destroyed,” said Igor Konashenkov, a defence ministry spokesman.Destroyed facilities included 11 airfields, three command posts and 18 radar stations of the S-300 and Buk-M1 anti-aircraft missile systems, he said.On his part USA President  Joe Biden  stated :”The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable.”Indian Foreign Secretary Harshvardhan Shringla in a press conference on Thursday said that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has dispatched Russian speaking officers to Kyiv and neighbouring countries to facilitate the evacuation of Indian students and nationals stranded in Ukraine.“Neighbouring countries have been asked to send their officers to border areas to facilitate entry of Indian nationals. We have asked some officers to go to border areas to set up makeshift facilitation centres,” the Foreign Secretary said.