Day: August 19, 2026

Sergio Gor in Kashmir: Why the US Ambassador’s First J&K Visit Matters More Than a Courtesy Call

Editor
Sergio Gor in Kashmir: Why the US Ambassador’s First J&K Visit Matters More Than a Courtesy Call

Sergio Gor Kashmir Visit: Why the US Ambassador Is in J&K and What It Means for India-US Ties By: Javid Amin | 19 Aug 2026 There is a temptation to read US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir as either a routine diplomatic tour or a coded American intervention in the Kashmir question. Neither interpretation fully captures what is happening. The timing, the itinerary and Gor’s position make the visit significant. But the available evidence also points to something more practical: Washington is expanding its engagement with…

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1 Blocking Order Every 68 Seconds: Why India’s Online Takedown Surge Matters

Editor
1 Blocking Order Every 68 Seconds: Why India’s Online Takedown Surge Matters

One Blocking Order Every 68 Seconds: Why India’s Online Takedown Surge Is Raising Free-Speech Questions By: Javid Amin | 18 Aug 2026 Nearly 1.95 lakh government-backed blocking orders were sent to Instagram, Facebook and YouTube between March and July 2026 — an average of about 1,275 directions a day, or one every 68 seconds. The figure is striking enough to sound like a warning in itself. But the number needs careful unpacking. These are not 1.95 lakh separate pieces of content necessarily removed by the government, nor were all of…

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Kashmir’s Lakes Are Choking: Sewage, Waste and Encroachment Push Dal, Anchar, Manasbal and Wular Towards an Ecological Crisis

Editor
Kashmir’s Lakes Are Choking: Sewage, Waste and Encroachment Push Dal, Anchar, Manasbal and Wular Towards an Ecological Crisis

Kashmir Lakes Pollution Crisis: Dal, Anchar, Manasbal and Wular Choked by Sewage, Waste and Encroachment By: Javid Amin | 18 Aug 2026 Kashmir’s Lakes Are Sending a Warning We Can No Longer Ignore From a shikara gliding across Dal Lake to fishermen casting nets in Wular, Kashmir’s waters have long been woven into the Valley’s economy, culture and identity. But beneath the postcard image is a much darker environmental story. Sewage is entering water bodies. Solid waste is accumulating along their edges. Agricultural runoff is carrying nutrients and chemicals into…

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