In a digital era, the adverse effects of smartphone addiction on children and families emerge as a growing concern. Zaira, 36, shares her distress over her 17-year-old cousin, Heeba, whose life revolves around social media, causing family conflicts and social withdrawal. A study suggests that smartphones, with interactive content, surpass traditional toys in captivating children. Cases like Saba's siblings and Nasir highlight the pervasive influence of gadgets, leading to aggression and tantrums. Parents, facing challenges in contemporary parenting, acknowledge resorting to smartphones for distraction. Experts, including Dr Rayees and Dr Yasir Rather, emphasize the detrimental impact on children's physical and mental health, urging parents to set healthy screen time limits and foster balanced lifestyles.
Razia Farooq, also known as Rosie, emerges as a community trailblazer in Shahgund (Hajin), actively involved in Self Help Groups (SHGs) since 2019. In 2022, the young Kashmir woman founded Shining Star with ten other women, introducing Rahat, a brand dedicated to crafting women's personal use products. Successfully registered in August 2022, Rahat's products achieved a flawless 100 per cent cleanliness rating after rigorous tests in Srinagar and Mumbai. The initiative, initially supported by GIAN and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), focuses on women's empowerment and self-employment. Despite facing challenges, including reaching distant markets, Rahat's sanitary pads are now available in cooperative supermarkets. The production process involves daily lab tests, ensuring top-notch quality.
"Warriors and Falcons," authored by Dr Faroque A Khan and Rumana Makhdoomi, underscores the vital role of pioneering doctors in shaping the medical landscape of Kashmir. The book profiles 100 legends who laid the foundations of modern healthcare, replacing superstition with science. These physicians, such as Dr Ali Jan and Dr MS Khuroo, not only served patients but also influenced public policy, established institutions, and conducted ground-breaking research. Divided into sections like Legends, Pioneers, Flag Bearers, and Path Breakers, the book spans a century, providing insightful narratives that intertwine medical progress with sociocultural aspects. It emphasizes the noble responsibility of doctors as change agents, leaving enduring legacies for the benefit of society and medicine itself. The book immortalises the dedication of these outstanding physicians, filling a crucial gap in recording the history of modern Kashmiri medicine.
In Kashmir, the ebb and flow of seasons dictate not only the landscape but also the rhythm of livelihoods. Summer's tourism boom sustains houseboat and shikara owners, while winter's freeze challenges their income. Adaptation is key, as businesses, from ice cream shops to street vendors, weather the seasonal shifts, showcasing resilience in the face of economic challenges.
The Lok Sabha passed two crucial bills for the federally ruled Jammu and Kashmir the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The amendments, viewed by the Government as empowering marginalized sections, include reserved seats for Scheduled Tribes and Castes, nominated members for displaced Kashmiris, and expanded reservations in jobs and education. Critics argue the acts aim to manipulate political dynamics in favour of the ruling BJP before the 2024 elections. Opposition voices highlight the pending Supreme Court decision on Article 370 and question the legality and morality of the legislation. The bills' impact on community dynamics, particularly reservations and nominations, adds complexity to the political landscape. The debate coincides with demands for election timelines and the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. The Supreme Court's upcoming verdict on Article 370 petitions w