Importance of Book reading

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Importance of book reading
With the advent of Internet and technology the book reading habits among the youth have dwindled to large extent,  the parts like Kashmir are worst hit as youth are here often glued to cellphones and waste their precious time. They need to revive the book reading habits.
Reading books is one of the most rewarding and enriching activities one can engage in. Not only does it provide a means of escapism and entertainment, but it also offers numerous benefits for personal growth, cognitive development, and emotional intelligence. Through reading, individuals can expand their knowledge, broaden their perspectives, and gain insight into different cultures, historical periods, and ways of life.
One of the most significant advantages of book reading is its ability to improve cognitive function and memory. As readers process and retain information, they strengthen their critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and problem-solving capacities. Moreover, reading exposes individuals to new vocabulary, linguistic structures, and communication styles, thereby enhancing their verbal and written expression. This, in turn, can lead to better academic and professional performance, as well as more effective interpersonal relationships.
Beyond its practical benefits, reading books also has a profound impact on emotional intelligence and empathy. By immersing themselves in fictional narratives and non-fictional accounts, readers can develop a deeper understanding of human experiences, emotions, and motivations. This increased empathy enables individuals to form more meaningful connections with others, navigate complex social situations, and cultivate a more compassionate and open-minded worldview. Ultimately, the importance of book reading lies in its power to transform individuals, foster personal growth, and enrich their lives in countless ways.
We definitely need to revive the book reading habits so thar youth excel.

Bread Price Rise Concern in Kashmir, cover story 30 December 2024

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Bread Price Rise Concern in Kashmir
By Rameez Makhdoomi
Globally , the importance of bread is known especially as an important part of staple diet because of Utmost vitality  as part of breakfast and in some regions evening diet too .
Bread is hope of poor humans throughout the world. The recent development of rise in traditional Kandur Roti in Kashmir is a matter of concern especially the poor masses .
Although , some are saying that we should bear out this 100 percent increase but for poor sections it means a back breaking impact.
What is felt on ground is also:
“Kashmir’s Facebook narrative is misleading. Everyone appears to be flaunting lucrative incomes, but the harsh reality is that a vast number of urban and rural poor rely on basic necessities. The recent bread price hike from ₹5 to ₹10 is unjustifiable. A 20% increase might be tolerable, but a 100% surge is excessive.
Moreover, comparing traditional roti to chip packets is absurd. Roti is a lifeline for many, whereas chips are junk food and a luxury. Let’s acknowledge the struggles of those who can’t afford this steep price .
As a matter of fact,
The All Kashmir Bread Makers and Bakers Union cites economic pressures, such as rising costs of ingredients and operations, as the reason for the price hike. However, people opine that such inflation impacts them negatively.
The pulse on ground is that administration addresses this serious  issue, ensuring that essential commodities remain within reach for the average human. Although in heartning development,  Taking strong note of the recent hike in the price of a single roti from Rs. 5 to Rs. 10, the administration has assured swift action to address the issue. A top official from the administration told Kashmir News Service (KNS) that the matter is being treated as a serious concern, and all stakeholders associated with this business will soon be called for deliberations.
We need to bear in mind throughout world adverse impacts of increasing  bread price on poor throughout globe.
The recent surges in bread prices has sent shockwaves throughout communities worldwide. Low-income households, where bread is a primary source of nutrition, are worst hit .
The expert pulse is that this  can lead to a decrease in their overall standard of living of vast sections of population forcing them to make difficult choices between essential expenses like housing, healthcare, and education.
Economic and Social Ramifications of increasing bread price are known.
The effects of increased bread prices extend beyond individual households, with far-reaching economic and social Ramifications.
One hopes all stakeholders would brainstorm on this burning issue and address the steep rise of traditional bread in Kashmir.

Reservation Debate in Jammu and Kashmir writes Ramiz Bhat, opinion 30 December 2024 issue.

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The Reservation Debate in Jammu and Kashmir: Striking a Balance Between Equity and Merit!

 

Ramiz Bhat

ramizspeaks77@gmail.com

 

The reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has become a deeply contentious issue, sparking widespread debates and protest outside the CM’s residence. Prominent political figures, including National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed Ur Rehman Para, have actively joined the protest. The protest, heavily supported by students, reflect growing concerns that the current reservation framework is unfairly skewed against open merit candidates, potentially undermining meritocracy and equitable access to opportunities.

In India, the reservation system was initially conceived to address systemic discrimination and promote socio-economic upliftment among marginalized communities such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). The aim was to bridge societal gaps by reserving seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these communities. In J&K, however, the reservation policies have taken a unique trajectory due to the region’s distinct demographic composition and political sensitivities. While the system was initially implemented with a vision of promoting inclusivity and uplifting underrepresented groups, recent amendments have drastically altered the reservation framework, causing significant concern among various segments of society.

One of the most debated changes in the policy has been the introduction of a 10% reservation for the Pahari community, combined with an increase in OBC reservations to 8%. These adjustments have collectively raised the total reservation quota to nearly 70%, leaving only 30% of opportunities available for open merit candidates. This shift has triggered widespread discontent, particularly among students and critics who argue that such a large reserved quota encroaches on the already limited opportunities for general category candidates. Many believe that this imbalance compromises merit-based selection processes and could ultimately undermine the principle of equal access to opportunities for all.

The dramatic increase in reservations has sparked intense protests, especially among students who aspire to pursue higher education and secure government employment. The discontent reached a boiling point when NC leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi led a protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence, expressing solidarity with open merit students. Mehdi emphasized that while reservations are crucial for achieving social equity, they should not come at the cost of meritocracy. He argued that if merit-based opportunities are diminished, it could jeopardize the future of deserving candidates from the general category. Similarly, PDP leader Waheed Ur Rehman Para has actively participated in these protests, calling for a more balanced and fair approach to reservation policies. Para has urged the government to conduct a time-bound review of the policy to ensure that open merit students are not sidelined. His involvement highlights the bipartisan nature of the concern surrounding the reservation system and its potential negative impact on the youth of J&K.

The current reservation framework has far-reaching implications for open merit students. With 70% of seats now reserved for various categories, the competition for the remaining 30% has become extremely intense. As a result, students with exceptional academic achievements are finding it increasingly difficult to secure admission or employment in their desired fields. This situation has caused considerable frustration, as many hardworking and academically successful students feel that their efforts are not being fairly rewarded. Critics argue that this growing disparity between reserved and open merit seats not only demoralizes students but also raises questions about the efficiency and fairness of the selection process. Moreover, there are concerns that such a system may unintentionally foster dependency among marginalized communities, rather than empowering them to compete on equal terms. By allocating the majority of opportunities to reserved categories, the system risks diminishing the motivation for academic and professional excellence, which could ultimately lower the overall quality of candidates across various sectors.

In response to the growing public dissatisfaction, the Chief Minister of J&K has pledged to review the reservation policy within six months. This assurance signals the government’s willingness to engage with stakeholders and consider adjustments to create a more balanced framework. The government aims to develop a policy that protects the principles of affirmative action while also addressing the concerns of open merit students. The review process will be critical in navigating the complexities of balancing social equity with meritocracy. A transparent, inclusive, and consultative approach will be necessary to ensure that the revised policy reflects the aspirations of all communities and promotes fairness and justice.

The reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir is at a pivotal moment, with profound implications for the region’s youth and their future opportunities. The active participation of influential political leaders such as Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and Waheed Ur Rehman Para underscores the urgency of addressing the growing discontent surrounding the current framework. As the government prepares to undertake a comprehensive review, it faces the delicate challenge of ensuring social justice while safeguarding merit-based opportunities. Striking this balance will be crucial in shaping a policy that respects the aspirations of all students and paves the way for an equitable and progressive future for J&K.

 

 

BLUETHON 2024 by Dr Shabnam Bashir

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BLUETHON 2024 by Dr Shabnam Bashir
  • News Kashmir Health Bureau
March is observed as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common in men and 2nd most common cancer in women (GLOBOCAN 2020) worldwide & in a study at SKIMS (2014-2016): CRC was most common in age group of 56-65 years (25%) & around 20% were less than 35 years of age & 50% had presented in Stage 3. Colorectal cancers have a huge behavioral component and 90% of colorectal cancers are preventable.
In this backdrop, the 3rd Annual Colorectal Cancer Awareness event of Kashmir  BLUETHON 2024 initiated by Dr Shabnam Bashir , senior Consultant Breast & Colorectal Cancer Surgeries & Executive Committee Member of Association of Colon & Rectal Surgeons of India (North Zone), was organised under the aegis of the Association of Colon & Rectal Surgeons of India (ACRSI) in collaboration with Commissionerate Of Disabilities J&K  and Voluntary Medicare Society on 28th  March 2024 at the Voluntary Medicare Society Rehabilitation Centre, Bemina. This year’s theme was ‘Awareness is Everyone’s Right!’ The event received support from Care Foundation J&K and Kashmir Cancer Awareness Network. The Bluethon included a Cancer awareness talk by Dr Shabnam Bashir, a talk by President founder of J&K Care Foundation Mr Dildar representing people with Spinal cord injury in which he mentioned various issues faced wheelchair -bound people and difficulties in accessing healthcare facilities and treatment.
Past President of, the Association of Colon & Rectal Surgeons of India, Prof. Nisar Chowdari reiterated the importance of such cancer awareness events and Commissioner Disabilities J&K Mr Iqbal Lone Congratulated Dr Shabnam Bashir for the initiative and Voluntary Medicare Society for all the support in such activities & extended his support for such activities in future. The event was also attended by Director Social Welfare Mr Ishfaq Ahmed and the Founder President of Voluntary Medicare Society, Prof Mohd. Maqbool.
After welcoming the guests and participants by VMS staff, the Cancer Awareness talk was delivered by Dr Shabnam Bashir, who discussed prevention of colorectal cancers by lifestyle modification in the context of Kashmir and people with disabilities. She said the technologies and advancements are of no use if they do not reach the most vulnerable and needy segments of society. Hence, policies and pathways need to be created to make it accessible to those who cannot avail those facilities due to various limitations and healthcare facilities need to be made equitable by making the access to those facilities feasible for people who have any kind of disability that restricts them from getting an easy access to the same because awareness, screenings and treatment is everyone’s right.
 The function was concluded by vote of thanks by Dr Bashir Lone Director VMS and by creation of a Human Colon logo by all participants with various disabilities.
Colorectal Cancer Awareness themed caps were distributed by Zydus Oncology and refreshments were served to all participants by Dilshad Houseboats.

AFSPA Revocation, Cover story 1 April 2024

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AFSPA Revocation

News Kashmir Analysis
Peace is paramount for progress of any concerned society.  It is heartening to note that peace and prosperity is limping back in Kashmir after decades of turmoil and terror.
The new look Kashmir is witnessing huge number of tourists and youth of Jammu and Kashmir are bringing national and global laurels.
In a bright development, it is learnt recently that esteemed
Union Home Minister Amit Shah  said that the Centre is planning to revoke the AFSPA Act and pull back some troops from Jammu and Kashmir.
With Lok Sabha elections approaching, Home Minister Amit Shah also said that the government will leave law and order to the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
In an interview  Amit Shah said, “We have plans to pull back troops and leave law and order to the Jammu and Kashmir Police alone.
The AFSPA gives armed forces personnel, operating in disturbed areas “special powers” like arresting individuals they find suspicious, and doing encounters if they deem it necessary for the maintenance of “law and order”.
An area or district is notified as disturbed under the AFSPA to facilitate the operations of the armed forces.
As a matter of fact, December 2023, The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024, as it upheld the government’s 2019 decision to scrap Article 370.
Centre has made it clear that elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be held before September deadline of Supreme Court.
Enshrining democracy in Jammu and Kashmir is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise and it will be fulfilled. However, this democracy will not be confined to three families alone and will be a people’s democracy,”  Union Home Minister Amit Shah said.
Expert pulse suggests that AFSPA removal in Jammu and Kashmir suggests peace is heralding in a major manner and the progress would be further cemented on grassroots.
Other developmental are also heralding
OBC reservations have been made in the panchayats and the urban local bodies. We have made space for the SCs and the STs. Without reducing the share of the Gujjar and Bakarwals, the Pahadis have been given 10 per cent reservation. And special provisions have been made to accommodate the displaced people from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. (PoK).. The Centre is determined to ensure that these benefits percolate to the grassroots level,” HM Amit Shah said.
It is great thing to note that
Since the Abrogation of Article 370, militancy related incidents have declined in the J&K, paving the way for the Centre to consider the need to remove AFSPA in the region.

Advocate Syed Junaid Sadaat interview,1 January 2024 issue

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Kashmiri Youth Have immense potential: Advocate Syed Junaid Sadaat
Chairman White Globe NGO, Renowned Advocate and Social activist Advocate Syed Junaid Sadaat is a well known youth face of Jammu and Kashmir.
In an exclusive interview with news Kashmir Syed Junaid Sadaat talks to Editor in Chief  Farzana Mumtaz.
Farzana Mumtaz (FM): Advocate Syed Junaid Sadaat, Chairman of White Globe NGO, Renowned Advocate, and Social Activist, you’ve become a prominent youth face in Jammu and Kashmir. Can you briefly share your journey with us?
Advocate Syed Junaid Sadaat (AJS): Certainly, Farzana. I hail from Shopian District and underwent a transformative journey from Muhamaddiya School in Chanpora to Woodland School in Srinagar, where I completed my law studies. My professional journey started as a standing counsel for government departments, but about five years ago, I transitioned to focus more on social work. Through White Globe, we’ve undertaken various projects addressing societal challenges
FM: It’s commendable that you’re actively contributing to societal betterment. Can you elaborate on some of the projects undertaken by White Globe?
AJS: Absolutely. We initiated projects ranging from raising awareness about the drug menace to empowering women and combating domestic violence. Our project “Kinara” aims to help orphan children acquire essential handicraft skills. Notably, we’ve established a unique behavioral assessment center for specially-abled children facing autism and cerebral palsy, a cause close to my heart
FM: I understand you filed a significant PIL related to ambulances. Could you provide some insights into that?
AJS: Ambulances are crucial for our healthcare system. In 2018, we filed a PIL highlighting the need for hassle-free ambulance movement, specific SOPs, trained drivers, and improvements in both urban and rural healthcare. The government admitted drawbacks, and currently, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir is overseeing efforts to enhance the ambulance system.
FM: Addressing gender injustice is a complex challenge. How do you believe it can be effectively tackled?
AJS: Gender injustice, particularly against women, is deeply rooted in our patriarchal society. I believe fostering mutual respect between couples can significantly diminish gender injustice.
FM: Working closely with the youth, are you optimistic about their future in Kashmir?
AJS: Absolutely. The youth in Kashmir possess immense potential. They exhibit profound knowledge across various subjects and excel in diverse fields, making me optimistic about their future contributions.
FM: There’s a debate on the extent of the drug menace in Kashmir. What is your perspective on this matter?
AJS: While I believe figures might be slightly exaggerated, the situation is indeed concerning. I’ve personally witnessed cases of entire families succumbing to dangerous drug addiction, including the alarming rise of synthetic drugs. If left unchecked, we risk facing a scenario similar to “Udtaa Punjab
FM: Old age homes, unfortunately, have become a necessity. Could you elaborate on their relevance in Kashmir?
AJS: Regrettably, old age homes are relevant in Kashmir due to a shift away from traditional values, necessitating alternative care for the elderly
FM: Lastly, what message do you have, especially for the youth?
AJS: My message to the youth is to steer clear of vices such as alcohol, adultery, and drug addiction. Following the teachings of Islam can bring peace and enable positive contributions in various fields.
FM: Thank you, Advocate Syed Junaid Sadaat, for sharing your insights and the impactful work you’re doing in the community.
AJS: It’s my pleasure, Farzana. Thank you for having me

Never forget your roots: Maqsooda Sarfi Shiotani

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Never forget your roots : Maqsooda Sarfi Shiotni
Maqsooda Sarfi Shiotani a dynamic lady of Kashmiri origin, who has left an indelible mark on Indo-Japanese social and cultural ties.Masooda Sarfi  was Born and brought up in Kashmir India, Maqsooda Sarfi, earned a PhD from the Centre of Central Asian Studies, Kashmir University in 1999.
Maqsooda Sarfi Shiotani has made her tremendous  impact in academic, cultural and social manifestations of life in f Japan,not only this,Her research thesis on the Mongolian history and culture was a positive point to win her a scholarship from the Union Ministry of Human Resources for joining the Mongolian National University for a two-year program. She currently persists in Kanazawa, Japan for nearly 40 years. Besides teaching cross-cultural communication in universities, she runs business in Japan. She marked her potentiality as an integral part of the Japanese social system that helped her rise in the limelight as an icon of the mixed Indo-Japanese cultural stream. Her innate potential blossomed and she made her mark in academic, cultural and social manifestations of life.
 Above all, as an Indian, she has excelled as the unofficial Indian ambassador to Japan, cementing India’s ties with the land of the rising sun. Living in Kanazawa, Japan for nearly 40 years (since 1984), she has left an indelible mark on Indo-Japanese social and cultural ties.
The Ishikawa Indian Association received the “Ishikawa Prefectural Governor’s Award” by the Ishikawa Prefectural Government, Japan, in 2009, for significant contribution to social activities and cultural promotion.
On 10 January 2023  Maqsooda was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by President Droupadi Murmu for outstanding achievement in the field of
Education and in recognition of your valuable contribution in promoting the honour and prestige of India and in
fostering the interests of Overseas Indians.
Journalist Mir Sabeen Gulrez through Maqsooda Sarfi Shiotani  interview with News Kashmir.
1.Sabeen : Tell us a bit about your early life ?
Maqsooda : About my early life, well I was born and brought up in srinagar. Had my schooling here.I am a product of kashmir university where I did my higher education.
2.Sabeen : A bit on your research journey ?
Maqsooda : About my research journey, it started from the Center of Central Asian studies department back in 1980s .I was the first batch student of Central Asian studies
 . I joined as an Mphil  student under professor  Maqbool Ahmad who actually established the department. I was sent to Mongolia which was in those times a socialist country.  My research thesis was on the Mongolian history and culture. I was fortunate enough to win a scholarship from the Union Ministry of Human Resources for joining the Mongolian National University for a two-year program.  After my return I joined the Center as a Research Associate . My Mphil thesis was published by the Center. I did my phd under professor Abdul Majeed Matto Sahib . Soon after I landed in Japan as a bride, where I started business and established the Ishikawa Japan-Indian Association. I took a break from research for some time to give lectures on Indian culture throughout Japan, as head of the said Association. I had the privilege of being the Professor, Komatsu University Japan where I have been teaching cross-cultural communication . Also as an owner of an Indian restaurant, ‘Rubina ‘ I am introducing authentic Indian cuisine and saree in feminist fashion in Japan to help enhance academic, cultural and social manifestations of life in the  Indo-Japanese cultural stream.  While doing business I never left my academics self .  This year January 10th I received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)2023  for my contribution in the educational field.  About research it never ends , the more you dig the more you need to know. it always is a continuing process.
3. Sabeen : How do you see world surfacing post covid ?
Maqsooda : The world is  still struggling hard to come out of the pandemic but fortunately India due to very strong leadership and financial planning  has stood strong and is progressing very fast. Besides we as leaders of G20 are able to bring the world community together. These strong vibes are going to be seen all over the world.
4. Sabeen : Your favorite personalities ?
Maqsooda: My favorite personalities, Swami Vivekanand and A.P .J Abdul Kalam sahib. They have taught me to be spiritual and  work hard. It always pays back.
5. Sabeen : How do you view the rise of Indian youth ?
Maqsooda : It always gives me pleasure to see our youth doing a great job in different fields. Our rising youth is our strength. The world has become very close.
G20 has changed the face of India on the earth. The world cannot do without india and we have a great talented pool of young people in India. we have a skilled work force, technical know hows, our digital technology all these fields are where our young generation could contribute. The slogan  One earth , one family and one future is very meaningful when it comes to collaboration and cooperation in all sectors whether economy business infrastructure or education sector not only between india and japan but also in the whole world.
For me the educational sector always interests me the most. I hope we could collaborate in our MA , phd and post doctorate level as well as faculty exchange with universities in both the countries in jammu kashmir as well.
6. Sabeen : Your message ?
Maqsooda : My message to youth is to have passion in what they want to do , accept and adopt new challenges and never forget their roots, your roots  make you special and unique , you are recognized and appreciated. My own experience speaks so wish all rise and shine.

Increasing Cancer Mortality, Editorial 7 August, 2023 issue.

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Increasing Cancer Mortality 

Cancer refers to any one of a large number of diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. Cancer often has the ability to spread throughout your body.

Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the world. But survival rates are improving for many types of cancer, thanks to improvements in cancer.

The cancer mortality trend in India has decreased by 0.19 per cent annually among men but increased by 0.25 per cent among women, which translates to an increase of 0.02 per cent among the combined sexes, a recent study said.

As a  matter of fact, The striking findings were part of an analysis of mortality trends of 23 major cancers in the Indian population, which killed 12.85 million Indians between 2000 and 2019.

to the study, increasing mortality trends were seen among cancers of the lung, breast, colorectum, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, and mesothelioma between 2000 and 2019. The highest annual increase in mortality was observed in pancreatic cancer among both sexes at 2.7 per cent (2.1 per cent among men and 3.7 per cent among women), it said. However, the stomach, esophagus, leukemia, larynx, and melanoma cancers showed a declining cancer mortality trend irrespective of sex.

The cancer mortality was high among men than women for all common cancers except thyroid (0.6) and gallbladder (0.6) cancers, the study has found. Larynx cancer had almost a 6-fold high mortality among men than women, followed by lung (2.9), melanoma (2.5), urinary bladder (2.3), mouth and oropharynx (2.2), and liver (1.9), while stomach and colorectal cancer mortality was relatively similar among both sexes, it noted.

One hopes we in India are able to save more lives from deadly cancer disease.

Melting Glaciers, Cover story 24 July 2023.

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Melting Glaciers

News Kashmir Analysis 

Glaciers are lifeline of humanity as they are source of major rivers.  Glaciers are keystones of Life on Earth. As giant freshwater reservoirs, they support the planet’s life systems and influence our day-to-day lives, even for communities who live far away from them.

The melting of glaciers is a matter of serious concern as it can lead to nature havoc. For ecologically fragile zones like Kashmir it can have serious consequences. 

Himalayan glaciers are retreating at “varying rates” and melting of glaciers can’t be prevented or slowed down, Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju, told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply few days back. 

The Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO’s) Space Application Centre (SAC) has mapped 5234 glaciers of the Himalayan-Karakoram (H-K) region using primarily IRS LISS III data which indicated a varied loss in glacier area in the region.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) and various Institutes/Universities under the projects funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST)  too have conducted mass balance studies on a number of glaciers and found that the majority of Himalayan glaciers are melting/ retreating at varying rates in different regions.

Rijiju said the glacier inventory prepared by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) for the Chandra basin (2437 km2 area) in the western Himalayas shows that it has lost about 6% of its glacial area during the last 20 years and 2.4-meter water equivalent (m w.e.)  to 9 m w.e. ice mass during 2013-2021. The glaciers in the Bhaga basin lost huge ice mass in the range of 6 m w.e. to 9 m.w.e. during 2008-2021. The annual rate of retreat of Chandra basin glaciers varied from 13 to 33 meters/year during the last decade.

Expert pulse is that disappearance of glaciers makes visible the invisible. It makes tangible the current climate change that can be hard to perceive in other ecosystems. The recent evolution of glaciers found in World Heritage sites paints a true picture of their decline in a warming planet.

Melting of Glaciers is a matter of serious concern for Jammu and Kashmir too. 

Jammu and Kashmir Himalayas hosts some of the largest glaciers in the Hindu Kush region. Scientific studies indicate that Kolahoi, the largest glacier of Kashmir valley’s Jhelum Basin, is retreating rapidly due to spurt rise in temperature triggered by global warming and extreme pollution.

Thajiwas, Hoksar, Nehnar, Shishram, and glaciers around Harmukh are also retreating slowly.

In coming times, the melting of glaciers diminish the stream flow of trans-boundary rivers emanating from the region.

Studies point out grim realities. 2019 study reveals that glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region – which contains the world’s third-largest glacial ice cap and is home to ten major river basins and mountain peaks, such as Mount Everest – could lose more than a third of their volume by the end of the century even if world nations meet their most ambitious climate targets.

One hopes we are able to stem the flow of melting glaciers.

Perils of Smartphone addiction. Edit 5 June, 2023 issue .

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Perils of Smartphone addiction 

Smartphones have become integral part of our lives but they have negative impacts .

The new global study gathered data of 27,969 adults aged 18 to 24 years from over 40 countries, including around 4,000 from India. It found that women appear to be more affected.

As many as 74% of female respondents who received their first smartphone at age 6 were found experiencing serious mental health challenges as young adults with scores that fell within “distressed” or “struggling” MHQ range. This decreased to 61% for those who got their first smartphone at age 10 and 52% for those who acquired the device at 15 years. Among those who got their first smartphone at age 18, 46% were assessed as mentally distressed or struggling, the study found.

For males, the trend was similar though less acute. Around 42% of those who got their first smartphone at age 6 were classified under “distressed” or “struggling” mental states, which fell to 36% for those who got the device at age 18.

The study, “Age of first smartphone and mental wellbeing outcome”, used an assessment covering a range of symptoms and mental capabilities that were combined to provide an aggregate Mental Health Quotient (MHQ). These scores were then compared to the reported age of first smartphone or tablet ownership among the respondents.

The findings come against a backdrop of progressive global decline in the mental health of each younger generation across the internet-enabled world that began around 2010-2014. It is particularly relevant to India. According to McAfee’s Global Connected Family study released last year, smartphone use among Indian children aged 10-14 was at 83%, which was 7% above the international average of 76%.

In Kashmir valley too especially the children are facing much adverse impacts of smartphone. The need of the hour is to raise awareness about addiction  towards smartphones.