Little Victims, Big Scars: Kashmir’s Mental Health Emergency

Little Victims, Big Scars: Kashmir's Mental Health Emergency

Unemployment, Mental Health, and the Kashmir Crisis By: Javid Amin Kashmir, a region of breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage, is grappling with a silent epidemic: the devastating impact of unemployment on mental health. The socio-political turmoil that has plagued the region for decades has created a perfect storm, leaving its youth disillusioned, hopeless, and, tragically, in some cases, driven to despair. A Region in Crisis The unemployment rate in Kashmir is alarmingly high, particularly among the young, educated population. This economic distress, coupled with the ongoing political unrest, has…

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Vegetable Prices Outpace Meat in Kashmir: A Shocking Reality

Vegetable Prices Skyrocket in Srinagar

Vegetable Prices Skyrocket in Srinagar: A Green Nightmare By: Javid Amin Srinagar, once a haven for affordable and fresh produce, is now grappling with a surreal situation: the price of vegetables has eclipsed that of meat. This unprecedented surge in prices has thrown the local populace into a state of disbelief and financial distress. A staple in Kashmiri cuisine, collard greens, or Haakh as it’s locally known, now commands a staggering Rs 120 per kilogram, surpassing the price of chicken at Rs 115 per kilogram. This absurd anomaly highlights the…

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Outrage Erupts in Kashmir Over Government’s 40% Open Merit Policy

Outrage Erupts in Kashmir Over Government's 40% Open Merit Policy

Kashmir Youth Raise Concerns Over Revised Reservation Policy By: Javid Amin The decision by the Jammu and Kashmir government to allocate only 40% of positions for open merit in government job recruitments has ignited widespread outrage among the youth in the Union Territory. This new policy, introduced after accounting for reserved quotas, has stirred significant opposition across various districts of the erstwhile state. Unlike past trends where frustration often led to support for terrorism or separatism, today’s youth in the Kashmir Valley and parts of Jammu are taking to the…

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Beyond the Beauty: Kashmir’s Tourism Industry Faces Growing Pains

Beyond the Beauty: Kashmir's Tourism Industry Faces Growing Pains

On Friday, the Director General of Tourism Manisha Saxena led a stakeholders conference in Srinagar, where representatives of various tourism bodies flagged their issues While commending the government’s efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure in Kashmir, tourism industry stakeholders in the Valley raised concerns over sustainability and called for regulations on the number of tourists. On Friday, Director General of Tourism Manisha Saxena led a stakeholders conference in Srinagar, where representatives of various tourism bodies in the Valley raised their concerns. “With trains reaching Srinagar soon, we are expecting greater influx…

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Decoding Backtalk: Understanding and Addressing Disrespectful Communication in Children

Decoding Backtalk: Understanding and Addressing Disrespectful Communication in Children

The Symphony of Childhood: Understanding and Addressing Backtalk for a More Harmonious Family By: Saika J The symphony of childhood is rarely a flawless concerto. While giggles and playful banter fill many a parent’s heart with joy, there are inevitable moments of discord – one of the most common being backtalk. Backtalk, that sassy retort or disrespectful response, can leave parents feeling frustrated and confused. But fret not, for this article delves into the world of backtalk, exploring its causes, offering practical solutions, and ultimately fostering a more harmonious parent-child…

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Supreme Court: Divorced Muslim Women Entitled to Maintenance

Supreme Court: Divorced Muslim Women Entitled to Maintenance

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that a divorced Muslim woman is entitled to seek maintenance from her husband under Section 125 of the CPC. The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that a divorced Muslim woman is entitled to seek maintenance from her husband under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, adding that the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, will not prevail over the secular law. A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Justice Augustine George Masih pronounced the judgments upholding a Muslim woman’s right…

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The Insidious Threat: Unveiling Insurance Fraud and Empowering Policyholders

The Insidious Threat: Unveiling Insurance Fraud and Empowering Policyholders

Don’t Be a Victim: Unveiling the Deceptive World of Insurance Fraud By: Javid Amin Insurance is a cornerstone of financial security, offering a safety net during unforeseen events. However, the unfortunate reality is that this very system can be exploited by malicious actors through a practice known as insurance fraud. This article aims to empower you, the policyholder, with the knowledge and tools to combat this threat. The Deceptive Landscape: Understanding Insurance Fraud Insurance fraud encompasses a wide range of deceptive activities undertaken to gain financial advantage from an insurance…

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Kashmir’s Chilling Waters: Drowning Surge Demands Action

Kashmir's Chilling Waters: Drowning Surge Demands Action

Kashmir Under Water: A Surge in Drownings Raises Alarms By: Javid Amin Kashmir, renowned for its serene lakes and majestic rivers, is grappling with a disturbing rise in drowning incidents. This year, a chilling reality unfolds – 35 lives have been claimed by the water bodies from January to July 2024, marking a staggering increase compared to the same period last year (22 incidents). The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) paints a grim picture. With 73 rescue operations launched so far, their swift intervention has potentially saved countless lives. June…

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Poisoned Paradise: J&K’s Horticulture Faces a Reckoning on Pesticides

Poisoned Paradise: J&K's Horticulture Faces a Reckoning on Pesticides

Jammu & Kashmir’s Fruits: A Bitter Harvest? – Pesticide Use Threatens Health By: Zahid Ahmad Khan Jammu and Kashmir is also celebrated for its flourishing horticulture industry. The region’s fertile terrain supports a rich diversity of crops including apples, apricots, cherries, pears, and walnuts, among others. Over the decades, this sector has experienced exponential growth, with production skyrocketing from 10,000 metric tonnes in 1950 to an impressive 25 lakh metric tonnes in 2020. Today, approximately 332,704 hectares of land are dedicated to horticulture in Jammu and Kashmir, with a significant…

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Shift in Kashmir’s Addiction Landscape: Rise in Pharmaceutical Drug Abuse Among Former Heroin Users

Shift in Kashmir's Addiction Landscape: Rise in Pharmaceutical Drug Abuse Among Former Heroin Users

Shift in Kashmir’s Addiction Landscape: Rise in Pharmaceutical Drug Abuse Among Former Heroin Users By: Javid Amin Shabir Ahmed (name changed), a 27-year-old resident of Budgam, was once a heroin addict. The high cost and scarcity of heroin led him to switch to Tramadol, which he found easier to obtain. Initially prescribed for pain relief, Ahmed began abusing the drug, leading to severe addiction. His family noticed a drastic change in his behavior and sought help from ATF Budgam. With counseling and medical support, Ahmed is now in recovery. Like…

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