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.
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.
Salt is essential for human body, but too much of it can damage the body.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday called on countries to make “massive efforts” to reduce people’s salt intake that can prevent the risk of heart problems, stroke, and cancers.
In a first-of-its-kind global report on sodium intake reduction, the global health body noted that the world is off-track to achieve its global target of reducing sodium intake by 30 per cent by 2025.
The report shows that only 5 per cent countries are protected by mandatory and comprehensive sodium reduction policies, while 73 per cent, including India, lack full range of implementation of such policies.
Implementing highly cost-effective sodium reduction policies could save an estimated seven million lives globally by 2030, the WHO said.
Sodium is an essential nutrient, but eating too much salt makes it the top risk factor for diet and nutrition-related deaths. The main source of sodium is table salt (sodium chloride), but it is also contained in other condiments such as sodium glutamate.
The global average salt intake is estimated to be 10.8 grams per day, more than double the WHO recommendation of less than 5 grams of salt per day (one teaspoon).
Several studies have revealed that increased intake of salt in food items can raise the risk of premature death. Emerging evidence also links high sodium intake and increased risk of other health conditions such as gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, and kidney disease.
The need of the hour is to reduce the salt intake for a healthier humanity, and experts should raise its intake.
Advocate Bashir Kakapori Endeavor to provide rs 2.5 lac machinery to Pulwama pottery sector
Young political and social activist Advocate Bashir Ahmad Kakapori has announced that in his Constituency Pampore he will donate a pottery making machine with market value of rs 2.5 lac to the Potter community for their welfare and progress.
He stated that his plan is to ensure welfare of large community of pottery making in his area.
Advocate Bashir Ahmad Kakapori stressed that we have to support local talent and local economy to ensure bright future of Kashmir . He called pottery making a historical industry of the Kashmir Valley.
Advocate Bashir Kakapori termed the pottery industry as industry of civilisation and affirmed that The art of pottery is our cultural heritage. Many people are connected with this art and earn their livelihood from this historical industry.
The social and public circles have appreciated the said move of Advocate Bashir Ahmad Kakapori stating that it will boost the local economy towards an era of betterment .
A mega function in this regard would be held soon .
Draupadi Murmu (born June 20, 1958) is an experienced politician of India, having an bright career.
She is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. She is the official nominee of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance for the 2022 presidential election.She previously served as the ninth Governor of Jharkhand from 2015 to 2021. She is from the state of Odisha. She is the first governor of Jharkhand to complete the five year term, and the first person, belonging to a scheduled tribe, to be nominated to the post of President of India.
The expert pulse is The nomination of Droupadi Murmu, an Adivasi leader from Odisha and the former Governor of Jharkhand, as NDA’s candidate for the forthcoming presidential election is seen as a calculated move by BJP to expand its social base, especially among the ST (Scheduled Tribe) communities. It has been argued that BJP is keen to project Murmu as a symbol of party’s
Sab ka Saath Sab ka Vikaas
slogan simply to attract Adivasi votes. This line of reasoning is not entirely inappropriate. Senior BJP leaders, including JP Nadda, have recognised the fact that Murmu’s tribal identity and her humble economic background were taken seriously by the party .
She has risen despite her personal tragedies Draupadi Murmu was born in a Santali tribal family on June 20, 1958, in Baidaposi village of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, to Biranchi Narayan Tudu.Both her father and grandfather were village heads under the Panchayati Raj system.
Draupadi Murmu married Shyam Charan Murmu. The couple two sons, both of whom died, and a daughter.
Murmu is a devotee of Shiva .
In all possibilities it looks that she would have comfortable win over the opposition Presidential nominee Yashwant Sinha .
In her personality, India would get first tribal President and second women president after Pratibha Patil .
National Consultation on Women’s Reservation in Electoral Politics held in Kashmir
Streeshakti – The Parallel Force
National Consultation on Women’s Reservation in Electoral Politics held in Kashmir
Rakhee Bakshee believes momentum required to acheive women reservation
News Kashmir Desk
In an important development with reference to ensuring women Empowerment, StreeShakti held National Consultation on women reservation in Electoral politics was held recently in Kashmir .
Introductory remarks were made by Prof. Shireen Moti, emphasizing the importance of women in Legislative assemblies and also to provide 33 percent reservation immediately in Union Territories as to achieve goals of sustainable development and balanced progress of India .Prof. (Dr.) Kamal K. Mishra illustrated the contribution of women in History of Kashmir and mentioned Queen Dedda and Noor Jahan. He also elaborated on many reforms initiated by Royal Family and their contribution in women’s education.
In his Presidential Address Hon’ble Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor of Srinagar pointed out on the need of economic empowerment as a first step. He welcomed the idea yet impressed upon the need to train capable women leaders and capacity building. Chief Guest’s Address Hon’ble Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice-Chairperson, Jammu & Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board talked about Gender justice and economic empowerment and supported the idea of electoral reforms .Hon’ble Safina Baig, Chairperson District Development Council Baramulla pointed out that women are joining the election process and are eagerly contesting Panchayat elections. She her self is a leader and supports this important initiative.
Rekha Mody Founder of Stree Shakti -The Parallel Force urged that what we have lost in valley in last 75 years should be achieved in next 75 months and women friendly schemes such as free travel and electoral reforms should be Nations’s first priority . We all should work for muti sectoral reforms.
Prof. Shireen Moti (Moderator) invited , academics, educators, doctors, journalists, civil society members, representatives of various NGOs, and entrepreneurs to share their views .Dr. Suneem Khan Senior Medical Officer, CRPF, Srinagar, Ms. Tehmeena Rizvi Public Policy Professional, Professor Pirzada Mohmad Amin, Prof. Pervez Majeed, Mr. Nazir Ahmad Khan Qaffilla – e – Mohabbat foundation ,Ms. Ila Upadhyaya , Rakhee Bakshee (Moderator)Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Her World India , Mr. Anand Sahu Board member, Ministry of Labour, Government of India also shared their views of urgent need of reforms . Yuva Rani Chitrangda Singh welcomed this important consultation.
While talking to News Kashmir, Rakhee Bakshi well known women face of India , Founder and Editor -In-Chief, Her World India Media and runing her own women organization stated that through constant effort and energy women need to claim the spaces that belong to them.
She observed that no doubt the women achieving political reservation although is a slow process but consultations like these bring us nearer to our goal and with more momentum we can acheive the women reservation in all important political institutions completely.
Pursuing PG in Pol Science at University of Kashmir. The Central & State Governments have always miserably failed at tiding Kashmir Pandits over terrible times.There might have been several objectives placed forward for cutting through their abject miseries but a calibrated & capital strategy has been never put in place to assure a full & speedy rehabilitation of Pandits.Why has state & central Governments at multiple times shrugged off their responsibilities on Pandits is a question that has been taken up at many times & the obvious answer to it is “Tokenism”.Both parties have played the card of tokenism to make one of the grave issues in Kashmir’s conflict look normal.What’s very important to look at is the manner Pandits have been projected in the Political sphere.They have become a community that has been used for political reference during the time’s of election’s.The grave issue of Pandits is shared by everyone in Kashmir & everyone does share their pain & problems.They were a part of this land & had to leave their home & their everything only because of the terrible times in Kashmir.Its obvious that the attachment of motherland in all Pandits can never disappear.It shall remain in their hearts forever. The principal question is that despite the massive decisions taken by central Govt including the abrogation of Art 370 which completely changed the political environment in J&K,the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits is yet to be done.It requires a very well crafted strategy that aims to rehabilitate them & the driving force to this would be consensus building which must be done.If every opinion of Kashmiri Pandits is taken into consideration,it would be possible for any of the Govt to bring them back to Kashmir. It would be very right to say that Kashmir has always been renowned for the celebration of it’s rich diversity & Pandit community has a massive share in making & shaping of Kashmiri culture.We can never deny the fact that they haven’t played any role here but their role is massive & appreciated as well.Its very unfortunate that some disruptive influences try to harm our rich history of togetherness which we would never let to happen.We have always stood up against any such attempt that was aimed to break our unity & our rich history.We may be not together but our emotional attachment to Kashmir makes us both one that we will cherish & relish forever.At the end let me stress,Kashmiri Pandits need a healing touch,a helping hand & a happy future ahead.
Government Support to Urs in Kashmir a great development Sufi Saints have always held an important place in the history , heritage and society of Kashmir as they are deeply respected and adored across all sections .In a very good development,Div Com Kashmir P K Pole few days back said that support would be extended from government for Urs annually observed at different religious places of Kashmir. Pole while interacting with media persons in Rajbagh said that a formal support from the government would come for the observing of Urs, which takes place in different parts of Kashmir. He further said that a proper policy has the government come up with in this regard. “People of Kashmir cutting across religion lines have faith in Saints and often visits to their holy places,” said P K Pole. It is worth mentioning Kashmiri Sufism not just mirrors the conduct of a Kashmiri individual – both Pundit and Muslim, but on the other hand is a whole of the profound astuteness, all things considered, and sages, who have lived in Kashmir valley directly from the hour of Kashyapa Rishi (from whose name, the word Kashmir is gotten from).
The Government support to the Annual Urs of Sufi Saints is a marvellous step taken by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
On average, an adult brain weighs between 1.0 kg – 1.5 kg. It is mainly composed of neurons – the fundamental unit of the brain and nervous system. Recent estimates have suggested that the brain contains anywhere between 86 billion to 100 billion neurons. The brain, along with the spinal cord, constitutes the central nervous system. It is responsible for thoughts, interpretation and origin of control for body movements. Brain on fire is a theory that proposes a relationship between inflammation and depression. Numerous studies show that many people diagnosed with depression have elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which affect brain function and mood. Some people believe that depression could be linked to lifestyle, diet, or even environmental pollution. Other experts believe it’s a physical response to environmental stressors or worries. According to the brain on fire theory, there is a physiological response to a supposed threat. That’s where the inflammatory and immune system response comes from. In this case, it acts like your worst enemy and weakens you instead of protecting you. According to the brain on fire theory, when the brain perceives a stressor, it releases cortisol. This hormone triggers the production of cytokines, vasoactive amines, nitric oxide, and glucocorticoids. When your body detects the presence of a virus, it triggers an immune response with the goal of fighting the enemy. The immune response is inflammation. The brain on fire theory states that our bodies trigger this same immune response when we experience pressure, stress, fear, or anxiety.First of all, let me clarify something important. Not all depression is created equal, and not all depression is caused by inflammation. The brain on fire theory comes into play for individuals who have tried psychological therapy and medication and have seen no improvement.Depression is a mood disorder that effects millions of people around the world. Fortunately, depression has been studied for decades and there is a wealth of information available for people who have depressive symptoms. Many treatments for depression are highly effective and can provide relief in just a few weeks. If you have a mood disorder, your general emotional state or mood is distorted or inconsistent with your circumstances and interferes with your ability to function. You may be extremely sad, empty or irritable (depressed), or you may have periods of depression alternating with being excessively happy (mania). Anxiety disorders can also affect your mood and often occur along with depression. Mood disorders may increase your risk of suicide.Some examples of mood disorders include:Major depressive disorder — prolonged and persistent periods of extreme sadnessBipolar disorder — also called manic depression or bipolar affective disorder, depression that includes alternating times of depression and maniaSeasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a form of depression most often associated with fewer hours of daylight in the far northern and southern latitudes from late fall to early springCyclothymic disorder — a disorder that causes emotional ups and downs that are less extreme than bipolar disorderPremenstrual dysphoric disorder — mood changes and irritability that occur during the premenstrual phase of a woman’s cycle and go away with the onset of periods.Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) — a long-term (chronic) form of depressionDisruptive mood dysregulation disorder — a disorder of chronic, severe and persistent irritability in children that often includes frequent temper outbursts that are inconsistent with the child’s developmental ageDepression related to medical illness — a persistent depressed mood and a significant loss of pleasure in most or all activities that’s directly related to the physical effects of another medical conditionDepression induced by substance use or medication ― depression symptoms that develop during or soon after substance use or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication.Trouble is inevitable in the life of this world; this is how Allah swt has decreed it and He has made it a place of trials and tests, and a bridge to the Hereafter. Even the best of His creation, the prophets, were never free of troubles. Life is never plain sailing for anyone, young or old. You may have reason to rejoice one day, then reason to feel sad for many other days; this is how it always is in the life of this world and this is how people are all the time. Who among us has not felt grief and sorrow as a result of the calamities we see befalling the Muslims, day after day? Who among us has not lost interest in this world and everything in it, because of what we hear or see? But when these feelings of sadness and loneliness or bad moods persist and prevent us from living a normal life or carrying out the duties that are required of us, or fulfilling the rights of others, or they cause us to neglect the blessings of Allah swt which He has bestowed upon us and fail to give thanks for as we should, at that point sadness moves from being something natural to being a case of weakness and sickness that needs to be treated. There is no greater remedy for that than patience and fearing Allah swt, and thinking positively of Allah swt, the Lord of the Worlds, putting one’s trust in Him, delegating one’s affairs to Him and turning to Him in all times of calamity. If the state of grief worsens and leads to some level of depression, then in addition to this spiritual remedy, showing patience, putting one’s trust in Allah swt and always remembering Him, medical attention from a knowledgeable and trustworthy specialist is also needed. The symptoms of depression include the following: · Always feeling sad, anxious and in a bad mood· Loss of interest and lack of enjoyment in activities that people usually enjoy· Constant pessimism and feeling helpless in the face of life’s problems· Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and social alienation· Inability to show or express feelings towards others or to accept feelings from others· Trouble sleeping, such as insomnia, sleeping too long or waking up too early· Eating problems (overeating or loss of appetite)· Chronic physical pain from which no remedy brings relief· Weepiness· Getting tense quickly; hyperactivity and not being able to calm down and relax· Constant feelings of tiredness and inability to do any physical activity· Inability to concentrate, remember or take sound decisions If four or more of the symptoms mentioned above are present, then you should consult a specialist in psychology.In addition to seeking medical treatment, you should try to keep yourself busy with useful activities, such as reading Quran and other books, and engaging in hobbies and so on. Do not forget some natural remedies that will re-energise you and help the brain to regain energy, such as honey and dried fruits.One of the prescriptions that was often used in the past is talbeenah. According to an authentic report, the Messenger of Allah swt (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said concerning it: “Talbeenah brings comfort to the sick person and it lessens grief.” Narrated by al-Bukhari, 5101; Muslim, 2216 Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah swt have mercy on him) said in Zad al-Ma‘ad:This broth clears that from the stomach and intestines, cleanses it, makes it flow, makes it more liquid, adjusts it, and restores balance. Thus it gives relief, especially for the one who usually eats barley bread, which was the custom of the people of Madinah at that time; it was their staple food, as wheat was very expensive for them. And Allah swt knows best. Talbeenah is a broth made from barley flour with its bran, to which a cup of water is added, and it is heated on a low fire for five minutes, then a cup of milk and a spoonful of honey is added.
News Kashmir Exclusive Two years ago, the Government of India via parliament decided to annul the country’s special constitutional arrangement with Jammu and Kashmir and separate Ladakh from the rest of former J&K. The Jammu and Kashmir , Ladakh were made two seperate Union Territories.
Two years down the line the narartives are different . Many in the country believe that after abrogation of the article 370 Jammu and Kashmir has changed for better , while another large section including many local parties believe the Jammu and Kashmir has changed to worse . After the abrogation Jammu and Kashmir like many parts of the country wherein former political rivals came together against the BJP ,the Jammu and Kashmir saw a similar coming together of the principal rivals, the National Conference of the Abdullahs and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) of the Muftis after the BJP fulfilled one of its core agendas. National Conference leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, joined hands and held meetings after their release in 2020 from house detention in August 2019.They adopted resolutions to fight for restoration of the special status available to Jammu and Kashmir earlier. The Gupkar Alliance is said to be preparing for assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir, speculated to be held next year.Another big change has been witnessed with reference to the property rights .Following abrogation of the special status, the central government issued a notification amending the Jammu and Kashmir Development Act dropping the “permanent residents” phrase. Now, ‘outsiders’ can buy land in Jammu and Kashmir if it is not an agricultural land.Regional political parties of Jammu and Kashmir have termed the article 370 abrogation a big disaster. The statement of PAGD also known as Gupkar alliance comprising of NC, PDP, Congress and communists reflected on hopelessness on eve of second anniversary of article 370 abrogation in Jammu and Kashmir as it stated that August 05 marks the completion of two years since the unprecedented assault on the constitution of India was taken to nullify Article 370 of the constitution – thereby damaging the very bond of our relationship with union of India . By demolishing the constitution of Jammu & Kashmir by the Government it has crossed all the limits of constitutionality PAGD observed Downgrading historic state of Jammu & Kashmir and dividing it into two separate union territories without the consent of the people and also ignoring the Resolution adopted by J&K legislature on 03 March 2004 to preserve the unity and the secular character of Jammu & Kashmir state has set a precedent that any state can cease to exist as a state and can be carved up into any number of fragments any time , by placing it under Governors Rule. Thereby the very existence of a state becomes a matter of central discretion, a substantial step towards a unitary state. On the other hand, regarding the regional political parties’ denial against the BJPs claims in context of Jammu and Kashmir, Senior Leader and BJP General Secretary (J&K) Ashok Koul said, “Be they deny it or not, the main thing is that West Pak Refugees were given domicile.” “The biggest injustice was the denial of domicile to those West Pak Refugees living in Jammu and Kashmir. Now they have been given domicile/citizenship; is this achievement not visible to these political leaders?” he asked, adding that L K Advani, who also belonged to the same community became the Deputy Prime Minister of India.On ground zero , The strong view is that economy of Kashmir has collapsed and depression among people is growing since two years of abrogation of the article 370 and partition of State into two Union Territories.
