News Kashmir Magazine

Stray Dog Menace

Stray Dog menace is still a serious issue in Kashmir despite many solutions and measures proposed from time to time.

Stray or street dog menace is major problem for Jammu and Kashmir .

Stray or street  dogs, known in scientific literature as free-ranging urban dogs,are unconfined dogs that live in cities. They live virtually everywhere where cities exist and the local human population allows, especially in the developing world and the former USSR.

In our region we all are aware about the facets that Street dogs may be stray dogs, pets which have strayed from or are abandoned by their owners, or may be feral animals that have never been owned.Street dogs may be stray purebreds, true mixed-breed dogs, or unbred landraces such as the dog. Street dog overpopulation can cause problems for the societies in which they live, so campaigns to spay and neuter them are sometimes implemented. They tend to differ from rural free-ranging dogs in their skill sets, socialization, and ecological effects.

Stray Dog bites over the years have taken many a precious lives in Kashmir.

Stray dog bites are a big worry  causing deaths and injuries.

Stray dogs have bitten around 58,869 persons in the last decade in Kashmir, which works out to 16 such cases on an average per day.

Some years back it was known,

As per a report by the department of Community Medicines, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, around 58,869 persons were bitten by the dogs in the last ten years (2011 to 2021) in Kashmir. The people in Kashmir are pressing authorities to do more about the issue as the dog attacks have seen a rise in recent months.

Srinagar district is among the worst hit districts by dog menace.

World Stroke Day

Strokes are a serious health challenge throughout the world.

The brain stroke is the second leading cause of death and third leading cause of disability and second leading cause of death. Every year, approximately 18 lakhs people suffer from stroke. It is noted that low and middle income countries, of which India is a part, have witnessed more than 100 percent increase in stroke whereas the developed countries have witnessed a drop of 42 percent.

As a matter of fact, every year World Stroke Day is observed on October 29th to emphasize the serious nature and high rates of stroke. The day is also observed to raise awareness of the prevention and treatments of strokes.

The theme for World Stroke Day 2024, “#GreaterThanStroke Active Challenge,” harnesses the inspiring impact of sports to drive awareness about stroke prevention and rehabilitation. Sport’s universal appeal crosses all geographic, cultural, and demographic lines, engaging people from all walks of life. By using sports as a powerful platform for awareness, this initiative aims to reach a wide and diverse audience, inspiring action and understanding around stroke.

average incidence rate of stroke in India is 145 per one lakh (1,00,000) population. According to researchers, three Indians suffer a stroke every minute.

Although the elderly age group are more commonly affected by brain stroke, it also can occur to anyone at any age. Understanding the risk factors and recognizing the symptoms may help in preventing a brain stroke.

We need to take all the measures to maintain a strong brain health so as to save ourselves from brain stroke.

World Mental Health Day

Mental health is of great importance. 10th October is world Mental Health Day.

overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

The Official Theme of World Mental Health Day 2024 – ‘It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.

is essential for governments, employers, the organizations which represent workers and employers, and other stakeholders responsible for workers’ health and safety to work together to improve mental health at work. Action to address mental health at work should be done with the meaningful involvement of workers and their representatives, and persons with lived experience of mental health conditions. By investing efforts and resources in evidence-based approaches and interventions at work, we can that everyone has the opportunity to thrive at work and in life.

Poor mental health can lead to decreased performance, absence from work, and increased staff turnover. Depression and anxiety alone result in the loss of approximately 12 billion workdays each year.

Kashmir population also due to varied reasons has poor mental health which needs to be improved.

We need to bear in mind that

health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Wool importance

Wool has always been an important sector for people. As a matter of fact, the Wool is a natural product which in its purity – and with correct and gentle treatment processes – is the highest-ranking sustainable fibre in the clothing industry for the environment, especially for its long lifespan. UV resistant. Wool absorbs UV rays and protects the skin.

In contrast to synthetics, wool can absorb moisture vapour, which means less sweat on your body. They even absorb and locks away the odours from sweat, which are then released during washing. Stain-resistant — wool fibres have a natural protective outer layer that prevents stains from being absorbed.

Jammu and Kashmir has great potential to be a quality producer of wool and if tapped in right direction wool industry can generate lot of employment in Jammu and Kashmir.

We have many bright facets in it.

J&K produces 7 million Kg of wool annually against the country’s production of 40 million Kg thereby accounting for 19% of the country’s production. Recently in a mega meeting on the subject It was said that the considerable wool production amalgamated with the installation of processing units would result in bolstering the economy of UT.

We need to understand  that the domestic production of wool in the country is not adequate and the industry is dependent on imports. The wool import to the nation stands at 77 million Kgs per year.

Government has also been giving many efforts to promote the wool industry of Kashmir.  People too need to understand its importance and promote the sector to fullest.

Dengue threat

Dengue disease is a serious health concern especially in our country.

mosquito-borne viral disease occurring in tropical and subtropical areas.

Dengue can range from asymptomatic infection or mild illness to severe disease. An estimated 1 in 4 dengue virus infections are symptomatic. Symptomatic dengue virus infection most commonly presents as a mild to moderate, acute febrile illness. Infection with one of the four dengue viruses will induce long-lived immunity for that specific virus. Because there are four dengue viruses, people can be infected multiple times in their life. Early clinical findings are nonspecific but require a high index of suspicion because recognizing early signs of shock and promptly initiating intensive supportive therapy can reduce risk of death among patients.

As a matter of fact,

Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing an increase in dengue cases this year, with 934 cases confirmed so far, officials said. They added that the union territory recorded a steady rise in cases over the past week, with daily counts ranging from 19 to 83.

State Malariologist Dr D J Raina, speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said while the number of cases is increasing, the situation remains under control. He said that out of the 934 cases, 592 are from Jammu, followed by 103 from Samba, 87 from Kathua, 44 from Udhampur, 21 from Reasi, 20 from Rajouri, 23 from Poonch, 20 from Doda, six from Ramban, one from Kishtwar, nine from Kashmir, and eight from other states.

A total of 10,644 tests have been conducted this year, with 934 returning positive results, he said. Comparatively, last year saw 1,300 positive cases out of 10,935 tests conducted. Of the 934 confirmed cases this year, 167 required hospitalization, with 99 patients discharged and 62 still undergoing treatment.

The hope on ground zero is that we contain dengue .

World Suicide Prevention Day

Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. Mental disorders (including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and cognitive disengagement syndrome), physical disorders (such as chronic fatigue syndrome), and substance abuse (including alcoholism and benzodiazepine use and withdrawal) are risk factors.

Suicide is a serious public health issue with wide-ranging social, emotional, and financial ramifications. As per the data, around 700,000 suicides are reported annually on average around the world, which profoundly affects the lives of many. And to curb the unfortunate crisis September 10 is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day annually. The day aims to encourage understanding, sharing experiences and reaching the masses to take action and prevent suicides.

The International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO) together created World Suicide World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) in 2003. Every year on September 10, organizations, governments, and the general public are encouraged to increase awareness of the problem and focus attention on it with the clear message that suicides may be avoided.

World Suicide Prevention Day each year aims to focus attention on the issue, reduce stigma and raise awareness among organizations, governments, and the public, giving a singular message that suicides are preventable. It represents a global commitment to focus attention on suicide prevention. All of us- family members, friends, co-workers, community members, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, political officials, and governments can take action to prevent suicide in the Region.

We in Kashmir too have witnessed a spurt in suicide cases over the past few years and lot needs to be done to save people from committing this cruel and painful act.

A lot needs to be especially done to heal those who are facing crushing depression and stress.

National Sports Day

Sports are very vital for human health. They keep us fit and are also source of entertainment for us. We can also make a good career in diverse sports.

helps us to stay healthy, fit, and active. It teaches us the value of teamwork and encourages us to work hard and never give up. Sports also help us develop discipline, dedication, and commitment, which are essential values for success in life. It is also a great way for people to socialize and make new friends.

We need to bear in mind that sports are integral part of the human life and there is great importance of sports in all spheres of life. Furthermore, Sports help build the character and personality of a person.

The National Sports Day of India is celebrated on August 29 every year. It is a timely reminder for the need for sporting activities in life. National Sports Day 2024 is on Thursday.

States like Haryana, Punjab and Karnataka, among others, organise various sporting events and seminars aimed at spreading awareness about the importance of physical activities and sports in life.

Over the years, the government has also used this day as a platform to launch various sports schemes, including the Khelo India movement, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.

We need to remember that

National Sports Day in India is celebrated on 29 August every year. It is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand Singh. The day also serves as a reminder for all of us to recall the contributions, determination and extraordinary achievements of the athletes and their influence in shaping societies. The first National Sports Day was celebrated on August 29, 2012 and hence this year marks the 12th anniversary of Rashtriya Khel Divas.

We too in Jammu and Kashmir should take sports seriously and encourage our children to take different sports.

International Youth Day

Youth is season of hope. Youth is the most important segment of the society. Without active participation of Youth no society can progress in right direction.

The young generation simply needs to renew, refresh and maintain the current status of society. When the youth contributes his ideas and energy to resolve social issues, he or she  becomes a capable leader and can also make a difference in the lives of others.

International Youth Day is celebrated every year on August 12 and it aims to raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities faced by young people worldwide.

This day is created by the United Nations and every year the youth organisations and members of the UN Inter-Agency decide the theme.

The UN states: “International Youth Day is commemorated every year on 12 August. The Focal Point on Youth selects a theme for the day often with input from youth organizations and members of the UN Inter-Agency Network in Youth development.”

“It also organizes a virtual commemoration of the Day. The Programme encourages youth around the world to organize activities to raise awareness about the situation of youth in their country,” it adds.

meant as an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention to youth issues worldwide. During IYD, concerts, workshops, cultural events, and meetings involving national and local government officials and youth organizations take place around the world. IYD was designated by the United Nations in 1999 with the adoption of Resolution 54/120.

On International Youth Day we should take every step to make the life of our youth better . Unemployment is one of the major problem faced by the youth of our country and it is hoped that with holistic efforts it would be a thing of past soon.

Wayanad Landslide Tragedy

Wayanad tragedy has struck the pulse of  entire nation,  also pointing out the hazards impacts of climate change.

The extent of devastation caused by landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad is not known yet, as rescue teams have not even reached the settlement first struck by the landslides, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan told NDTV as the death count in the calamity crossed the 200 mark on 31 July.

This year has seen a series of landslides around the world — from Yunnan in China in January to Papua New Guinea in May that killed more than 2,000 to Sulawesi island in Indonesia and Wayanad in Kerala in July.

The death toll from the series of landslides in Meppadi in Wayanad district had reached 276 on Thursday (August 1) morning, with at least 240 people still missing. Some 200 people are injured.

An eminent scientist Soman opined

The scale of the Wayanad tragedy is the direct result of unscientific land use patterns in the affected areas, an eminent scientist said explaining the role of tea plantations in the tragedy. “When the British set up tea plantations in areas of high altitude, they levelled the small gullies through which water flowed downstream, and settled their workers along the river terraces (levelled surfaces formed by sediments deposited by the river). Later, towns developed along these areas.”

“Water has memory, it remembers its course, even centuries after it was diverted. It’s dangerous to attempt to trick nature by occupying the path of a river,” he said.

Soman also pointed to another reason why Chooralmala and Mundakkai were unsuitable for human habitation. The area had experienced landslides of lesser intensity in 1984 and 2020. Soman said that the angular rocks point to the possibility that there had been other landslides too in the past century or before.

As a matter of fact ,

Landslides are natural phenomena that usually occur in mountainous regions with steep slopes. During a landslide, large amounts of rock, boulders,g

 loose mud, soil, and debris roll down slopes and hillsides, gathering great momentum and often taking vegetation or buildings along.

Landslides caused by TRIGGERING FACTORS are intense rainfall, and anthropological activities such as thoughtless changes of land use, road and bridge building, haphazard and unscientific construction, and large-scale destruction of forests.

We too in Kashmir need to take collective steps to save our forests and waterbodies to protect ourselves from landslides.

Supreme Court observations on NEET

The competitive exams atmosphere credibility in the country has been marred by allegations of fraud practices, that has hurt students aspirations. In a series of welcome developments,

The Supreme Court on Thursday, 18 July, 2024 ordered the National Testing Agency (NTA) to publish the results of all candidates who took the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test undergraduate exam (NEET-UG) for the year 2024 on July 20 by noon.

In this regard,

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud however said that the marks should be published without revealing the identity of the candidates.

Earlier, the Bench also comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra had underscored that the fact that the sanctity of the exam was compromised was “beyond question”. It however, maintained that the decision to cancel the exam in its entirety would be last resort as it affected lives of 23 lac.

One hopes all the efforts would be done to restore the faith of the millions of students of our country in the all important career shaping competitive exams.

As a matter of fact, Union government submitted to the Supreme Court that the score cards of 1,563 candidates who were given compensatory marks in the common undergraduate medical entrance examination, NEET-UG 2024, held on May 5, will be cancelled. Another test will be held for them, likely on June 23. Results would be out by June 30 and the counselling for seats can begin by July 6. These candidates will be informed of the actual score, without the grace marks, and they can choose to take another test. If they opt not to sit for the re-test, their scores, without the grace marks will be the final score.