Is High Blood Lead Level Threating our Children, our Future?

By : Javed Mir Trustee Peoples’ Environment Council (PEC) The trajectory of a society’s progress is intrinsically linked to the well-being of its younger generation. The critical nexus of children’s health and education holds the key to our societal and economic prosperity—both in the present and the future. However, a silent threat looms over this foundation. The presence of lead, an insidious toxin, in our water, food, and air poses a grave risk to the health and educational performance of our children. A revealing study sheds light on a stark…

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The Hidden Pitfalls of Social Media: Unveiling the True Face

The Hidden Pitfalls of Social Media: Unveiling the True Face

By: Javid Amin Before one joins that WhatsApp group or accepts an invitation, it’s crucial to pose a fundamental question: What does one stand to gain from this group? Is it entertainment, networking with like-minded individuals, business opportunities, or something else entirely? Remember, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. The price paid might be time, attention, or, in the worst-case scenario, peace of mind. Indeed, a few months ago, a close friend of mine received an invitation to join a group that seemed relevant to their business pursuits.…

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Kashmir, the Second Laboratory of Hindutva Nationalism

The great leap ideologically is to get the public to accept that constitutional prerogatives and the national interest are not always the same. By: Badri Raina Please recall that Gujarat 2002 came to be captioned “the laboratory of Hindutva politics”. In that first phase, the idea of the newly-forged, doctrinal right-wing under the leadership of the RSS pracharak par-excellence, namely, Narendra Modi, was to make it known that the primary ownership of the nation belonged to Hindus. No official or informal stratagem was spared to make that felt on the…

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Kashmiri Society grapples with the Negative impacts of Modernization

Kashmiri Society grapples with the Negative impacts of Modernization

In our culture, the word “modern” is used to describe a variety of features. Everyone uses it, regardless of their understanding of its historical significance and meaning. In actuality, this word has lost its meaning in Kashmiri society. Does modernity actually mean what our culture uses it for? Our society generally associates it with certain personality traits. Who adopts the clothing, language, hairdo, and popular culture of the main metropolis or any other metropolis in the world? Modernity is defined as city culture, whether it takes the form of a…

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Addressing Social Issues in Kashmir: Beyond Building Mosques and Social Media Calls

Addressing Social Issues in Kashmir: Beyond Building Mosques and Social Media Calls

Prioritizing Social Issues in Kashmir: A Call for Development, Empowerment, and Community Engagem By: Javid Amin Kashmir, known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, is currently grappling with a range of social issues that require urgent attention. While the construction of mosques and social media donation calls have become prominent, it is essential to prioritize addressing core social issues that impact the lives of the people. This article delves into some of the pressing social problems in Kashmir, such as drug addiction, flesh trade, and the need for…

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When people decide they want change, They will bring in Change

When people decide they want change, They will bring in Change

Ever since the elections were announced, uncontrolled media reports began surfacing less in the mainstream media but vast numbers in the freer social media: about corruption, about pushing thousands of Muslim girls out of examination halls due to the hijab ban. By- Mrinal Pande The past week all the nation’s anchors and all the king’s men were trying to analyse the sweeping mandate from the people of Karnataka. It overturned a mighty ‘double engine government’. The large margin of victory made it impossible to put a coalition together again. Reasons…

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Human Trafficking, Flesh Trade, Substance Abuse, and Immoral Activities Reach Alarming Levels in Kashmir Valley

Human Trafficking, Flesh Trade, Substance Abuse, and Immoral Activities Reach Alarming Levels in Kashmir Valley

By: Javid Amin Human trafficking is a serious concern in the Kashmir Valley, and it is growing at an alarming rate. Women and children are the primary victims of human trafficking in the region. They are trafficked for various reasons, including sexual exploitation, forced labor, and organ trade. The primary causes of human trafficking in Kashmir are poverty, illiteracy, political instability, and lack of awareness. According to a report published by the National Crime Records Bureau, Jammu and Kashmir recorded 51 cases of human trafficking in 2019. However, the actual…

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Reflecting on the Martyrs of Badr: Significance and Lessons from Islamic History

Reflecting on the Martyrs of Badr: Significance and Lessons from Islamic History

“The Battle of Badr is the guide of Islam, The victory of Allah in the great Battle of Badr. It is the courage of the Muslims that identifies them, Islam is life, Islam is a way of life.” (Alama Iqbal) The Battle of Badr is one of the most significant events in Islamic history. It took place on 17th Ramadan in the second year of Hijrah (624 CE), and it was the first major military encounter between the Muslims and the polytheists of Mecca. The battle of Badr holds immense…

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Venice of the East: Kashmir Offers an Unmatched Experience for Travelers

Venice of the East: Kashmir Offers an Unmatched Experience for Travelers

A trip to the ancestral homeland reveals new aspects of Kashmir. The canals, water lilies, vegetable markets, the sun rising over the mountains, the traditional houses, and the rhythm of daily life capture a culture of beauty, tradition and sophistication. By: Namrata Wakhloo have traveled to Venice several times and gone for gondola rides on the Grand Canal. During my trips, I always wondered how close the water was to the centuries-old mansions and how beautiful they looked with the soft waves of water splashing against them. Little did I…

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Rising Crime in Kashmir: A Growing Concern for Safety and Security

Rising Crime in Kashmir: A Growing Concern for Safety and Security

By: Javid Amin Kashmir, once known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, is now grappling with a growing concern of crime. Over the years, the region has witnessed a rise in various criminal activities, earning it the unfortunate title of a “crime hub”. The surge in crime in Kashmir has raised alarm bells among the local authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the community at large. Crimes such as theft, burglary, drug trafficking, illegal arms trade, and organized crime have become rampant in some areas, posing serious threats to the…

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