SRINAGAR: In response to growing complaints from buyers and tourists about the sale of machine-made carpets from outside the region being falsely marketed as authentic Kashmiri handmade carpets, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, has further intensified its crackdown on unscrupulous carpet sellers.
Several counterfeit products were confiscated and stern warnings were issued to errant dealers to ensure compliance with Quality Control standards.
In a press statement issued here today, a spokesperson from the Department said that this action follows recent reports in local dailies highlighting the influx of machine-made Turkish and Iranian carpets being sold under the guise of genuine Kashmiri hand-knotted carpets. “The enforcement wing of the Quality Control Division conducted a comprehensive inspection of several wholesale carpet dealers in Srinagar and this exercise shall continue,” he added.
During the inspection, the team discovered stocks of Turkish and Iranian carpets, some of which were unlabelled or partially labelled. Such practices mislead consumers about the origin and nature of the products, constituting a violation of fair-trade practices, he stated, adding that the dealers found in violation of the Tourist Trade and Quality Control Acts will be issued warnings and advised to ensure all products are properly labelled as per prescribed specifications. “This includes clearly distinguishing between the machine-made carpets and authentic Kashmir hand-knotted carpets,” he added.
The Handicrafts and Handloom Department has reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparency and safeguarding consumer interests. Regular inspections will continue to ensure compliance and protect the reputation of genuine Kashmiri handmade carpets, which are an integral part of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The spokesman further emphasized Department’s commitment in upholding the integrity of Kashmir’s handicrafts sector. “All stakeholders are urged to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations governing the industry. Any deviations or malpractices will be met with stringent actions to protect the interests of genuine artisans and preserve the authenticity of Kashmir’s heritage.”
Govt cracks down on machine-made carpet sales
Badhaal Deaths: 2 months on, Govt clueless
Locals seek answers
By: Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar: Despite the elapsing of two months, the investigations into the deaths in Badhaal area of Rajouri have failed to uncover the truth with the locals continuing to seek answers from the government.
Since December 7, 2024, 17 individuals, including 13 children, have died due to an unidentified illness. Despite extensive efforts by various health agencies, the exact cause remains undetermined.
Over the last 15 days, no new cases have been reported, and most of the previously admitted patients have recovered, which has brought some relief to the fear-stricken community.
Locals said that though delayed, the government’s preventive measures have helped in containing the crisis. However, they demanded urgent response regarding the exact cause of the deaths so that proper safety measures can be put in place and that the residents can resume normal life without fear.
They expressed frustration over the slow pace of the investigation, saying the issue should have been treated as a health emergency and resolved on priority.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has questioned over 100 individuals but has not uncovered any new leads.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has ruled out infectious agents as the cause, shifting the focus of the investigation toward potential toxins. Experts from AIIMS Delhi and PGIMER Chandigarh have visited the affected area, collected samples, and are conducting analyses to identify possible toxic substances.
A top doctor said that all the patients at GMC Rajouri have recovered and all of them are off the atropine now.
He said that antidotes given to the affected patients have been effective, but authorities still lack conclusive evidence about the cause of the deaths and are awaiting Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reports.
The medico said that authorities have narrowed down investigations on toxins like Aldicarb, Cadmium and other salts but official reports are yet to come.
“At least, we have found a solution in the form of antidote Atropine, which has given 100 percent results,” he said.
“Atropine is an antidote for organophosphorus poisoning, but surprisingly the typical features of organophosphorus poisoning were not there but based on treatment data analysis of those who survived in December with those who could not, atropine was given that helped to treat patients,” he added.
He said official reports are yet to come but they are expecting them this week.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and the village remains under strict surveillance to prevent further incidents. (KNO)
INDIA bloc intact: Dr Farooq
By: Owais Gul
Srinagar: National Conference (NC) President, Dr Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said that the INDIA bloc is intact and will remain so in the future.
The statement was made by him just a day after his son and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated his call for ‘strategy shift’ in the INDIA bloc in a time-bound manner, failing which the purpose of the alliance will be defeated.
Dr Farooq while speaking to the media persons said that the INDIA bloc is doing absolutely fine and will keep doing good in the future as well.
Pertinently, Omar Abdullah on Monday underscored the need for the INDIA bloc to have a structured discussion on its future strategy, cautioning that internal rifts could harm its larger goal.
It’s in place to mention here that in January this year when Omar had stated that the constituents of the alliance were treading different paths, Dr Farooq Abdullah had put his weight behind the INDIA bloc saying,
“The alliance is not just about contesting elections. It is about strengthening India and eliminating hatred. Those who believe this alliance exists only for parliamentary elections are mistaken. The alliance is permanent — it is for every day and every moment.” (KNO)
Snow blankets Kashmir parts
Srinagar, Feb 04: The fresh snowfall was experienced at multiple places in Kashmir on Tuesday late afternoon while rans lashed plains of southern parts of the Valley, bringing down the mercury here.
The light to moderate snowfall was predicted by the local Meteorological department here from this afternoon till tomorrow (February 5) afternoon.
The fresh snowfall was experienced at multiple places including Sonamarg, Sinthan Top, Pir ki Gali, Kokernag and other places while light rains lashed Banihal, Qazigund – Kulgam axis and in Anantnag.
Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that an improvement is expected from February afternoon, adding that the higher reaches of Chenab Valley & Pirpanjal Range in South Kashmir may receive snow depth of 8-10 inches till tomorrow forenoon.
Ahmad also said that the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy with generally dry from February 06 to 08 while fresh spells of light rain and snow is expected at isolated to scattered places on February 09.
From February 10-11, the weather would remain generally cloudy with the possibility of light rain and snow scattered to fairly widespread places.
Pertinently, the MeT had predicted back-to-back WDs in Jammu and Kashmir till February 05.
It is worth mentioning that Jammu and Kashmir had recorded a deficit rainfall of 87 per cent in the month of January as against the normal rainfall of 88.2 mm, the Union Territory has recorded a precipitation of just 11.5 mm only.
Moreover, the MeT has issued an advisory for tourists, travellers and transporters, asking them to follow administration and traffic advisory. (KNO)
J&K NDPS arrests soar 70% since 2019
By: Sajid Raina
Srinagar: From 2019 to 2024, a total of 13,186 arrests were made in Jammu and Kashmir under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, while only four convictions were recorded during the same period.
According to the data provided by the Ministry of State (MoS) for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, in response to a question in the Lok Sabha, arrests in Ladakh were minimal, with only 11 cases reported between 2021 and 2022, and no convictions since 2019.
“The arrests in J&K saw a steady increase in the first five years, with 1,700 arrests in 2019, 1,769 in 2020, 2,217 in 2021, 2,755 in 2022, and 3,072 in 2023. However, the number of arrests dropped to 1,673 in 2024 (till date). As for convictions, J&K reported a total of 4 convictions during the same period. There was 1 conviction in 2019, no convictions in 2020, followed by 1 conviction each in 2021 and 2022. No convictions were recorded in 2023, but 1 conviction was made in 2024,” the reply reads.
The data indicated that the number of arrests in J&K increased by more than 70% from 2019 to 2024.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has established a 4-tier Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism to improve coordination between central and state drug law enforcement agencies. An NCORD portal has been developed to provide comprehensive information on drug law enforcement, including data on narco-offenders, legal information, and state initiatives, it added.
Following the 5th Apex Level Committee meeting of NCORD, each state and union territory has set up an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), headed by an ADG/IG-level police officer, to act as the NCORD Secretariat and ensure compliance with decisions taken during NCORD meetings, the MoS said.
Border Guarding Forces like the BSF, Assam Rifles, and SSB, along with agencies such as the RPF and NIA, have been empowered to take action under the NDPS Act. Intelligence sharing and controlled delivery operations are being conducted regularly within India and with foreign countries.
To strengthen the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), 425 new posts have been created, increasing its sanctioned strength to 1,598. The NCB is also actively conducting drug awareness programs in schools and colleges, organizing rallies and dramas in collaboration with NGOs, and sending SMS alerts through mobile service providers to spread awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
Every year on June 26, the NCB observes the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to educate the public about the harmful effects of drug abuse and trafficking. (KNO)
‘Cervical cancer cases in J&K up 11.5% in 5 yrs’
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has reported a total of 3,468 cervical cancer cases over the past five years, a data presented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the Parliament reveals.
The year-wise breakdown shows an increase in cases, with 656 in 2019, 676 in 2020, 694 in 2021, 712 in 2022, and 732 in 2023.
The cases increased from 656 in 2019 to 732 in 2023, reflecting a year-on-year rise. Specifically, the number of cases grew by 3.05% from 656 in 2019 to 676 in 2020, 2.66% from 676 to 694 in 2021, 2.59% from 694 to 712 in 2022, and 2.81% from 712 to 732 in 2023.
This rise aligns with a national trend attributed to factors such as an aging population, improved life expectancy, greater awareness, and advances in diagnostic technology. In response, the government has taken measures to make cancer treatment more affordable, including price caps on scheduled cancer drugs, reduced customs duties, and discounts on anticancer medications through the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
The government also offers financial assistance through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), which covers health insurance of Rs 5 lakh per family annually. Additionally, cancer treatment is available at various healthcare facilities, including district hospitals and specialized centers like AIIMS, with AMRIT Pharmacy stores providing cancer drugs at lower prices. Awareness campaigns on prevention and early detection are also being conducted nationwide. (KNO)
Online Sorrow
We live in an era dominated by technology and social media. Information is available at our fingertips, and yet, instead of using these platforms for positivity and enlightenment, they have become sources of endless distress. Every time we open a social media app, we are met with heartbreaking news death, disease, and despair. The digital space, which could have been a beacon of hope and knowledge, has turned into a relentless stream of sorrow, draining the mental and emotional strength of people.
The Digital Burden of Grief
In Kashmir, this phenomenon is even more pronounced. Every second, we come across posts about someone’s passing, another person battling cancer, or someone suffering from kidney failure. These tragedies are real, but their constant exposure through social media has left people feeling hopeless and mentally exhausted. Even those who are physically fit and fine are now feeling the weight of collective grief.
While awareness about illnesses, deaths, and social struggles is necessary, the sheer volume of such content flooding our digital spaces is taking a toll on our mental health. Studies have shown that continuous exposure to distressing content increases anxiety, depression, and a sense of helplessness. For a place like Kashmir, already struggling with numerous socio-political and economic challenges, the addition of this emotional burden is overwhelming.
The Role of Social Media:
Awareness or Exploitation?
Social media is a powerful tool, capable of shaping narratives and influencing emotions. While some media professionals and individuals genuinely aim to spread awareness, many others share distressing content solely for engagement likes, shares, and comments without realising the deep psychological impact it has on the people of Kashmir.
Tragedy should never be used as a means to gain social media traction. Unfortunately, the race for viral content has led to an increase in posts that capitalize on human suffering. People are now consuming grief like entertainment, scrolling through endless sorrow without realizing its effect on their emotional well-being.
The Psychological Toll of
Continuous Negativity
Kashmir has already witnessed decades of conflict, uncertainty, and trauma. The addition of digital grief has further intensified the emotional strain on its people. With every tragic post, a sense of powerlessness deepens. The people of Kashmir are not just battling real life struggles but are also fighting an unseen war of digital despair.
Psychologists warn that exposure to excessive negative content can lead to:
Increased Anxiety and Depression: Constantly reading about death and disease creates a sense of fear and helplessness.
Desensitization to Tragedy: Over time, people may become numb to suffering, losing empathy for real life issues.
Emotional Exhaustion: The continuous flood of bad news leaves people drained, reducing their ability to function effectively in daily life.
Reclaiming Our Digital Space: A Shift Towards Positivity
It is high time we reconsider our digital habits. Instead of flooding social media with despair, let us make a conscious effort to share hope, encouragement, and stories of resilience. There are still moments of kindness, acts of bravery, and instances of love that deserve recognition. Let’s highlight those.
Imagine a social media
feed filled with:
Stories of Courage: Tales of individuals who have overcome hardships and inspired others.
Acts of Kindness: Stories of people helping each other in times of need.
Achievements and Progress: Celebrating the successes of Kashmiris in various fields, from education to entrepreneurship.
Mental Health Awareness: Encouraging conversations around well-being, self-care, and seeking professional help when needed.
A Collective Responsibility
Social media is shaped by its users. Each one of us plays a role in determining what kind of content dominates our digital spaces. By being mindful of what we share, we can collectively break this cycle of sorrow and inject some light into our online world.
This is not to say that we should ignore real-life issues. Rather, we should balance awareness with optimism. While it is important to acknowledge struggles, it is equally crucial to remind ourselves and others that life, despite its hardships, still holds beauty and hope.
Conclusion: Be the Voice of Positivity
The people of Kashmir deserve a sense of hope, a reason to smile, and the reassurance that better days lie ahead. It is our responsibility to create a digital environment that uplifts rather than drains, that empowers rather than disheartens.
I urge every individual to be mindful of what they share. Let us become the voices of optimism, guiding each other toward a future filled with strength, resilience, and positivity. The change begins with us. Let’s choose hope.
The writer is a i law student, author, poet & a student activist & he tweets at @Shahidulislam_0
Expand Milk Access
Policy measures to ensure equitable milk access come first. Improve nutrition programs such as Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman and increase financial support for schemes such as Integrated Child Development Services, which supply milk in school meals and take-home rations. States such as Karnataka and Gujarat currently provide milk through school nutrition programs, but expanding coverage could improve children’s health. Introduce milk vouchers for needy families in areas with strong dairy networks to reduce distribution costs and increase affordability. Dairy cooperatives in Gujarat could work with social initiatives to provide milk coupons that can be redeemed at local shops. Investigate social bonds, CSR funding, and taxing unhealthy foods to generate funds for subsidized milk distribution. A small tax could be imposed on high-sugar dairy products such as ice cream to fund milk distribution.
India’s dairy sector, driven by the White Revolution, has become the world’s largest milk producer, yet access to milk remains highly unequal. Milk consumption is limited among disadvantaged groups due to factors such as income differences, regional variations, and affordability limitations. With growing concerns about undernutrition and overnutrition, specific policies are needed to bridge this gap and promote equitable nutritional security for all sections of society. When we look at differences in milk consumption across socio-economic and regional groups, households with the highest incomes consume three to four times more milk per capita than those with lower incomes, reflecting significant economic inequalities. The lowest 30% of households consume only 18% of India’s milk, highlighting affordability issues among lower-income groups despite high overall production. Urban households consume 30 percent.
Western and northern states such as Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana have higher per capita consumption (333 g-421 g per day), while eastern states such as Chhattisgarh and Odisha consume only 75 g-171 g per day. Haryana’s dairy-friendly culture and cooperative networks promote high milk consumption across households. Tribal (ST) households in general consume four liters less milk per capita than other households, highlighting long-standing social inequalities. Despite the nutritional benefits of milk, limited access to dairy markets and economic constraints push ST communities to rely on less expensive, non-dairy alternatives. While wealthy metropolitans consume more than twice the recommended amount, mainly from high-fat, high-sugar dairy products, milk is expensive for low-income households, accounting for 10%-30% of their monthly expenditure to meet the recommended daily consumption of 300 g.
A daily wage worker earning ₹300 per day may struggle to budget ₹30-₹90 for milk alone, resulting in diets being affected. Rural producers lack adequate storage and distribution networks, resulting in an inability to reach low-income and isolated households. Lactose sensitivity and dietary preferences affect milk intake, especially in eastern and tribal areas, where alternative protein sources are preferred. Adivasi tribes in Jharkhand rely on pulses and millets due to cultural food preferences. Due to financial constraints, some states eliminated milk provision from welfare programs, restricting access to vulnerable communities. Chhattisgarh stopped milk supply. Policy measures come first to ensure equitable milk access.
Improve nutrition programs. Increase financial support for schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman and Integrated Child Development Services, which supply milk in school meals and take-home rations. States such as Karnataka and Gujarat currently provide milk through school nutrition programs, but expanding coverage could improve children’s health. Introduce milk vouchers for needy families in areas with strong dairy networks to reduce distribution costs and increase affordability. Dairy cooperatives in Gujarat could work with social initiatives to provide milk coupons that can be redeemed at local stores. Investigate social bonds, CSR funding, and taxing unhealthy foods to generate funds for subsidized milk distribution. A small tax could be imposed on high-sugar dairy products such as ice cream to fund milk distribution.
Use Anganwadi centers, self-help groups, and media partnerships to educate women and families about the importance of milk. Maharashtra’s Poshan Maah 2024 campaign successfully raised awareness about a balanced diet, improving dietary diversity in rural communities. To prevent excessive dairy intake, encourage moderation through health messaging, similar to the UK’s Change4Life Sugar Swap campaign. Doctors and nutritionists can advocate for healthy dairy consumption patterns, which can reduce the burden of obesity and non-communicable diseases. Targeted subsidies, strong public distribution systems, and incentives for small-scale dairy farming are needed to bridge milk consumption inequalities. Strengthening cold storage infrastructure and promoting fortified dairy products can increase access.
A multi-stakeholder approach, integrating technology and awareness campaigns, will ensure nutritional security, leading to a healthier and more equitable India.
The writer is a Research Scholar in Political Science, Delhi University
Amit Shah to virtually distribute job offer letters in Tripura tomorrow
Agartala: Union Home Minister Amit Shah would virtually distribute job offer letters to those selected for various posts in the Tripura government departments on Wednesday, officials said on Tuesday. A senior Tripura government official said that all 2806 newly selected candidates, who have been appointed in various posts of Tripura government departments, would get the job offer letters in Wednesday’s function, to be held at the Swami Vivekananda ground here. The official said that over 2400 candidates who were earlier selected through various examinations conducted by the Joint Recruitment Board of Tripura (JRBT) in 2021 would also be included in the 2806 new staff. The other candidates selected for various departments include pharmacists in the Health Department, laboratory technicians, and multi-tasking staff for various other departments. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, his 10 cabinet colleagues, and Chief Secretary J K Sinha will also attend Wednesday’s event. The Chief Minister in a social media post announced that in order to strengthen general degree colleges, 13 posts of principals for degree colleges have been notified. Saha in a separate post announced that 201 assistant professors would be recruited for the government general degree colleges in the state and necessary notification was already published. Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu in his address to the recently concluded state assembly said that the state government is committed to provide employment following a transparent process of recruitment by which it has relentlessly created jobs. “Government has recently completed the process of recruitment of 2410 candidates through JRBT. Further, it has been making all-out efforts for creating job opportunities for unemployed youths via skill development and other means for which the process is ongoing,” the Governor had said. He said that the government has provided the one-time financial benefit of Rs 4000 per beneficiary to 36,389 registered construction workers due to the loss of wages in last year’s rain and floods in Tripura during the year with a total financial involvement of Rs. 14.55 crore. –IANS sc/dan
India’s premium smartphone market grows 36 pc, affordable 5G share at 80 pc
New Delhi: India’s premium smartphone segment continued its strong double-digit growth momentum last year, with Apple, for the first time, securing a spot among the top five smartphone brands in India in Q4 2024, according to a new report on Tuesday. Apple recorded a 72 per cent YoY growth, capturing an 11 per cent market share in Q4. Similarly, the super-premium smartphone segment and uber-premium segment (above Rs 1,00,000) posted impressive gains, up 10 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively, according to the CyberMedia Research (CMR) report. Apple’ market share in the super-premium segment (Rs 50,000–Rs 1,00,000) segment skyrocketed by 82 per cent YoY, while the uber-premium segment (Rs 1,00,000) surged by 32 per cent YoY. Aggressive marketing, deep festive discounts, and strong demand for both latest and previous-generation iPhones enabled this market growth, according to the report. According to Menka Kumari, senior analyst, Industry Intelligence Group (IIG), CMR, in 2024, India’s smartphone market presents a complex picture of a heterogeneous consumer base. On one end, the premium segment continues to expand, reflecting a shift toward high-performance lifestyle statements. On the other hand, less than Rs 10,000 segment is experiencing green shoots of recovery, she mentioned. Across price segments, affordability and accessibility initiatives are empowering consumer aspirations and driving market growth. The India smartphone market in 2024 saw mixed trends across segments. While the affordable segment grew slightly by 1 per cent YoY, the value-for-money segment declined by 7 per cent, reflecting a shift toward premium smartphones, the findings showed. The sub-Rs 10,000 5G segment saw 80 per cent YoY growth in 2024, driven by new launches and rising demand for affordable, feature-rich smartphones. —IANS na/
