Srinagar, March 15, 2024 – The Food Safety Department of Kashmir has dismissed claims of watermelons being artificially ripened with chemicals, reassuring consumers of the fruit’s safety for consumption.
Deputy Commissioner of the Food Safety Department, Shugufta Jalal, affirmed that rigorous testing by experts specializing in food technology across the region has conclusively refuted allegations of premature ripening.
Jalal emphasized that the department’s tests, employing advanced equipment for both surveillance and in-depth analysis, have confirmed the safety of watermelons available in Kashmir markets. Contrary to claims suggesting otherwise, she highlighted that watermelons are cultivated throughout the year in various parts of India due to the country’s diverse climatic conditions, ensuring their availability in all seasons.
In response to the recent controversy sparked by a viral social media post by a oncologist doctor alleging chemical ripening of watermelons, Jalal criticized the lack of consultation with authorities before making public statements. She expressed concern over the undue distress caused among the population due to such unverified claims.
“The department remains committed to maintaining stringent food safety standards and preventing misinformation from causing panic,” Jalal asserted.
She assured the public of ongoing monitoring efforts and transparent communication to uphold trust and ensure the health and safety of all consumers.
The controversy comes at a time when watermelons are a staple fruit during Ramadan, often consumed during Iftar. Despite concerns raised by the social media post, consumers can be reassured of the safety of watermelons available in Kashmir markets, as confirmed by the Food Safety Department’s thorough testing.
For further inquiries or concerns regarding food safety, consumers are encouraged to reach out to the Food Safety Department of Kashmir for accurate information and guidance.
By Justice Markandey Katju, former Indian Supreme Court Judge, and Arifa Nadeem, a Pakistani attorney
Dear CJP Bandial and Hon’ble Judges of Pakistan SC.
We are appealing to you to take suo motu action to get Prof Zahoor Mashwani released by issuing a writ of habeas corpus.
The details are given below.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s focal person on Social Media @MashwaniAzhar has described the ordeal of his family since his brother, Professor Zahoor Mashwani, was abducted.
Prof. Zahoor and his children are one of many being punished simply for being related to a member of the PTI.
A translated version of Azhar Mashwani’s tweet is below :
” On March 23rd, 2023, 1st of Ramadan, I was forcibly abducted and unlawfully detained for a period of 8 days. We registered an FIR (First Information Report) of my abduction, which, up to this day, has not been subjected to a proper investigation.
Similarly, on the night of May 9th, our residence, where I reside with my family, was subjected to three raids in my absence. During these incidents, my 73-year-old father and elder brother, Professor Zahoor Mashwani, were taken into custody by individuals attired in CTD uniforms and plain clothes. Fifth month has started and there has been no information regarding the whereabouts of my brother.
It’s important to note that Professor Zahoor Mashwani has dedicated his life to educating countless students and has maintained no involvement in any unlawful activity or political activism. This unjust situation has unfairly impacted his young children, wife, and my parents, all of whom have been enduring the agonizing wait for his return. In light of these distressing circumstances and in an attempt to alleviate the ongoing hardships faced by my family, I made the difficult decision to leave my home and loved ones. I have refrained from using social media for the past two months, and I have had to depart from my homeland, Pakistan. However, despite these sacrifices, my brother remains in captivity, and my parents have been presented with the heartbreaking demand to surrender one son for the release of the other. Throughout this trying period, the role of the judiciary has been profoundly disappointing. The four petitions filed by my father in the Lahore High Court were disposed-off, without any meaningful judgement, towards securing my brother’s release, based on false statements provided by the police. From March until now, multiple reports submitted by various institutions to the High Court have affirmed that neither I nor any member of my family am named or wanted in any criminal case or investigation, and they do not acknowledge the custody of my brother.
Everyone in Pakistan thinks that those involved in acts of vandalism and arson on May 9th, should be tried in accordance with the law. However, beyond these actions, there is no legal or moral justification for subjecting thousands of political workers and their families to physical and psychological torment, loss of life and property, and inhumane treatment. Our family is one that abides by the law, has consistently upheld the Constitution, and has been deeply intertwined with academia for many decades. Our loyalty to the soil of Pakistan has been unwavering, and it appears that this loyalty is the only reason for the suffering that every member of our household endures today ”.
The eminent journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of ‘The Hindu‘, N Ram, has, in a recent interview, once again lamented on the attacks on media freedom in India
What N Ram forgets is that freedom of the media cannot be an end in itself, it can only be a means to an end, and that end must be raising the standard of living of the people, and giving them better lives.
If freedom of the media helps in attaining that end it should be supported, but not otherwise. Let me explain.
Historically, the media arose in England and France in the 17th and 18th centuries as an organ of the people against feudal oppression. At that time all the organs of power were in the hands of the feudal authorities. Hence the people had to create new organs which would represent their interests. The media ( which was then print media, and was often in the form of leaflets, pamphlets, etc ) was one of those powerful organs created by the people. In England, France and America the media represented the voice of the future, as contrasted to the established feudal organs which wanted to preserve the status quo.
Great writers like Voltaire and Diderot attacked religious bigotry, Rousseau attacked the entire feudal social and political system, Thomas Paine proclaimed the Rights of Man.
In my opinion the Indian media should likewise give leadership to the people in the realm of ideas, the way Voltaire, Rousseau, Thomas Paine, etc did when Europe was passing through its transitional period.
Today India is passing through a transitional period in its history, transition from feudal agricultural society to modern industrial society, a process which in my opinion will last another 20 years or so.
A transitional era is a very painful and turbulent period in history. If one reads the history of Europe from the 16th to the 19th centuries ( when Europe was passing through its transition) one finds that it was full of turmoil, wars, revolutions, social chaos, intellectual ferment,etc. It was only after going through this fire that modern society emerged in Europe.
India is presently going through that fire. We are going through a very painful period in our history, which I guess will last another 20 years or so.
In this transitional period the role of ideas becomes very important, and therefore the role of the media becomes very important, because the media is not an ordinary business which deals in commodities, it deals with ideas. It is the duty of all patriotic Indians, including media persons, to help shorten this transitional period and make it less painful, so that India becomes a modern, powerful, industrial power, with all its people ( and not just a handful) prosperous and leading decent lives, with food, employment, healthcare, education, etc available to the masses. For this it is essential for intellectuals, including the media, to promote modern and scientific ideas and combat backward and feudal ideas and practices like casteism, communalism and superstitions.
Instead of pandering to the low tastes of the Indian masses, our media should seek to uplift its intellectual level so as to make our masses part of enlightened India.
Today India’s main problems are socio-economic i.e. massive poverty in over 75% of our people, record and rising unemployment, almost total lack of proper healthcare and good education for the masses, farmers suicides, appalling level of child malnutrition ( half of our children are malnourished, according to Global Hunger Index ), etc. as well as rampant casteism, communalism, and widespread crimes against women, dalits and minorities, like dowry deaths, honour killings, lynching, etc.
Yet the media focuses on film stars, cricket, fashion parades, petty politics, astrology etc as if these are the real problems of the Indian people. Thus the real problems of the Indian people are sidelined or treated as non issues, and the non issues are projected as if they are the real issues. Sensationalism, trivialization, etc are the hallmarks of most of the Indian media today, obviously for T.R.P. rating and profits from advertisement revenues. Some years back I saw on TV that Aishwarya Bachchan had given birth to a girl, and read in a newspaper that Hema Malini’s younger daughter had been engaged. What great historical events !
A fashion show was organized sometime back in Mumbai by Lakme Fashion which was covered by 512 accredited journalists. In that fashion show, women were displaying cotton garments, while the men and women who grew that cotton were killing themselves one hour flight away in Vidharba due to their economic woes. Nobody told their stories except one or two journalists locally.
Does not the Indian media behave like Marie Antoinette who said that if the people do not have bread let them eat cakes ?
The Roman Emperors used to say that if you cannot give the people bread give them circuses. Much of our media seems to say, if you cannot give the people bread give them film stars and cricket. Cricket today is the opium of the Indian masses, doled out by the media to the gullible public.
Is the Indian media doing its patriotic duty ? No doubt there are some great media persons like P. Sainath who exposed farmers’ suicides, but what about others ? Filmstars and cricket dominate much of our media. Many TV channels show astrology, which is promoting superstitions, when the media should promote scientific ideas.
At a time when our nation should be united if we are to progress, a large section of the media ( particularly many TV channels ) promotes communalism by demonizing Muslims and portraying them as terrorists, fanatics, anti-national, etc.
Recently a lot of media coverage was on Chandraayan, the Indian rocket landing on the moon. But did any mediaperson raise the questions I raised in this article ?
The G20 Summit has been widely covered by our media, but has any journalist, including N Ram, asked how it will affect the lives of the Indian people ? Or was it just ‘aamadam, guftam, barkhaastam’, but zero haasildam ?
What people like N Ram forget is that freedom of speech and expression is a double edged sword. It can be used for promoting scientific and rational ideas, but it can also be used for spreading hatred, casteism, communalism and superstitions.
As mentioned before, freedom of speech and expression is only a means to an end, and cannot be an end itself. The end must be securing to our countrymen decent lives with a high standard of living, and that is possible only if India rapidly modernizes and industrializes.
Freedom of speech and expression must therefore advance and promote that end. It should not be treated as an absolute right. For instance, hate speeches which incite hatred between religious communities should be banned. Hitler used his freedom of speech under the Weimar Republic to propagate hatred of Jews, which ultimately led to the Holocaust, and much of the Indian media ( particularly TV ) uses its freedom to promote communalism.
The truth is that the
Indian Media has largely lost the people’s trust. Most of it has turned into what it is referred to as the “Godi Media” (patronized media), and instead of being the ‘Fourth State’ and serving the people, has simply become
part of the ‘First State’.
As regards the ‘liberal’ and ‘independent’ Indian media and journalists, I have mentioned about their inanity and superficiality in these articles, and have explained that there is really no difference in substance between the godi and the ‘liberal’ media :
We all must have grown up listening to the age old maxim, “Education is the key to a successful life” in some form or other. That this maxim holds substance is a point beyond doubt. Education is a medium of not only enlightenment but also empowerment. It has proven to be a social ladder for the historically backward communities. But, in this just full glorification of education, one tends to forget the true meaning of education. As a result we often end up equalizing education with just literacy. Education, however, is a complex phenomena. It’s not just limited to literacy or technical expertise. While both literacy and technical expertise are necessary to make sense of this complex world of ours, they alone did not constitute education. Education, in my understanding, is the opening up of the mind to diverse, complex, and unfamiliar ideas and information. A truly educated person is the one who is capable of independent cum rational thinking and making well-informed decisions in life.
However, often we fall prey to the tendency of judging one’s education merely by his/her degrees or rather I say, formal education. This has gained much currency among the privileged classes of society as a tool to look down upon the not so privileged section. Wards of this section of society has the privilege of studying in top class educational institutions with up-to-date curricula and latest technologies. This often creates an ambivalence in their minds regarding the ‘less educated section’. This so called ‘less educated section’ includes farmers, artisans, plumbers, grocers, etc.
There are primarily two major anomalies of this categorisation. First, as I said, education is a complex phenomena. It’s not a uniform process. It’s implication is different for different individuals. What’s education for a farmer need not be so for a scholar. Their training would necessarily be different, given the disparate nature of their work. While a farmer’s work serves our material needs, a scholar’s work serves our intellectual needs. For the former, understanding of which crop to grow, suitability of land, use of fertilizer, irrigation etc. constitutes education along with a given level of understanding of his/ her surroundings. While literacy is certainly an advantage, higher degree based education is not as much a necessity (However, I do not discount the importance of studies in agriculture or organic farming but most of them do not directly involve in the actual task of farming). For the scholar on the other hand rigorous training of complex concepts of and research in their chosen disciplines. Secondly, in our glorification of formal education, one tends to lose sight of the fact that quality formal education is still a distant dream for a significant proportion of our population. Given the sheer poverty and lack of opportunities means that it become difficult for many students to carry on their education post high school. The quality of most government run schools, particularly in rural areas, is no secret and this did not help the cause of this students. Private schools are either absent or when present, are completely unaffordable for most of them. So, it’s important for us to have a sense that while formal education is utilitarian for some of us, for many it’s still a luxury.
Education, is without a doubt essential. And it’s encouragement and propagation a noble task. But while doing so, one should not lose sight of the meaning of true education and the socio-economic reality of our country.
The insightful reflections provided in this piece were penned by Rajdeep Mahanta from Assam.
Srinagar, July 13(GNS) Three Non-locals Labourers were injured after suspected militants fired upon them in Gagran area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district on Thursday evening.
A top police officer told GNS that militants this evening fired upon three non-locals in Gagran area.
All three were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, the status of their condition was not available.
As per intial reports they have been identified as Anmol, Hirlal and Pinto. More details emerging.(GNS)
Srinagar, Jul 13 (GNS): In order to review the arrangements made with regard to various safety arrangements made for Amarnath Yatra, especially Fire safety arrangements, Alok Kumar, ADGP Director Fire & Emergency Services J&K on Thursday made an exclusive visit from Srinagar to Domail via Baltal axis.
During the visit, ADGP as per GNS, visited all yatra camps enroute Srinagar to Baltal including Manigam, Neilgrath, Baltal Base Camp, Baltal Tent City, Domail.
In addition the ADGP also conducted surprise inspection of F&ES Gund and Kangan located on the Srinagar Baltal yatra route.
He interacted and discussed with the officers of Paramilitary, Police and Civil Administration regarding the safety and security arrangements of yatris and appreciated all the officers for their tireless work.
At Neilgrath helipad Campus, he interacted with all the officers including Camp Director, Yatries as well. He gave compassionate hearing to the yatris and passed necessary directions on spot to the officers to resolve their legitimate issues.
The ADGP during the visit enjoined upon all the Officers and Jawans of this Department to keep the close liason with all the stake holders for prompt and efficient response during any emergency during the Yatra.
He had a detailed meeting with SSP’s deployed in Joint PCR at Baltal base camp. He was apprised regarding telecommunication CCTV and Satellite facilities too being provided to the Yatries during their travel/trekking from Baltal to holy cave. He also interacted with representatives of Police, Army, CRPF, SSB, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF and Indian Air Force.
The Director F&ES J&K was accompanied by a team of officers/officials of the Department. (GNS)
SRINAGAR: In a bid to provide free medical services to the people of Gurez, the Department of Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar in collaboration with five specialties of GMC Srinagar organized a free outreach health camp in the area.
The health camp was staffed by a team of experienced medical professionals, who provided a wide range of services to the local residents. The camp offered services such as free medical check-ups, radiology, antenatal scans, and ophthalmological, orthopedic, and ENT examinations.
The consultants and specialist doctors, along with a team of medical staff, set up various examination and treatment stations to cater to the different healthcare needs of the patients. Medicine specialists provided general health check-ups and prescribed medications for common illnesses while ophthalmologists conducted eye examinations and distributed free medications
ENT specialists addressed ear, nose, and throat problems, while orthopedic doctors provided consultations on bone and joint problems. Obstetricians and gynecologists provided prenatal check-ups and discussed family planning methods.
During the free health outreach camp in Gurez, over 500 patients were seen and treated who had various ailments including chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD), acute pancreatitis (APD), upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), documented cases of fatty liver, febrile illness, scabies, dermatitis, and eczema.
Among the pediatric patients, there were 62 cases with clinical features of anemia and URTI. Additionally, one case was diagnosed with cyanotic heart disease and was referred to the Children Hospital Srinagar.
35 patients were seen for gynecology and obstetrics issues. Among them, 13 were expecting mothers who underwent Antenatal Care (ANC).
A significant number of patients were observed seeking treatment for various ear-related problems. Out of the 52 patients seen, a majority presented with conditions affecting their ears, reflecting the prevalence of ear issues within the community.
Among the cases encountered, particular attention was given to two young siblings, aged 4 and 3 years, who were diagnosed with congenital Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL). Congenital SNHL refers to a hearing impairment that a person is born with, and it can significantly impact their quality of life if left untreated.
Understanding the importance of early intervention, the concerned medical professionals at the ENT have advised the siblings to visit the ENT department at SMHS Hospital or any relevant hospital] for further evaluation and management. By taking this step, the medical team aims to provide the best possible treatment and support for the young patients in improving their hearing abilities and overall development.
During the camp, 65 abdominal ultrasound scans were conducted, and some interesting findings were observed. Out of 18 patients, 9 males and 9 females had hepatic steatosis, while three patients had moderate hepatic steatosis. Additionally, three cases of cholelithiasis and two cases of hydronephrosis were diagnosed.
The health camp also offered antenatal scans, and 11 scans were conducted.
In Orthopedic OPD, a variety of patients attended the clinic. The majority of patients were suffering from LBA with radiculopathy. Ophthalmology OPD was attended by 85 patients. The predominant problem among the patients was congested pterygium, followed by refractive error, allergic conjunctivitis, dry eyes, and cataract.
During the camp, the ophthalmologists provided a range of services to the patients. Patients with congested pterygium were provided with appropriate treatment.
Patients with cataracts were referred for further evaluation and treatment, while patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis and episcleritis were provided with appropriate medication and lifestyle modifications.
The camp was very well coordinated by BMO Gurez Dr Tahira with support from her staff at PHC Budupora. The camp organisers expressed their gratitude to DC Bandipora Dr Owais Ahmad, concerned HODs of GMC Srinagar, CMO Bandipora, and SDM Gurez for their support and cooperation in conducting a successful camp and expect similar camps in such far-off places in the future too.
SRINAGAR: The National Investigation Agency on Thursday conducted raids at five locations of the hybrid militants and OGWs in south Kashmir.
In a statement, NIA said, “Raids were carried out in Shopian, Awantipora, and Pulwama at the premises of hybrid militants and OGWs of the outfits and affiliates of Pakistan-backed banned militant organisations.”
“NIA also raided the premises of sympathisers and cadres of the newly floated outfits, namely The Resistance Front (TRF), United Liberation Front Jammu & Kashmir (ULFJ&K), Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind (MGH), Jammu & Kashmir Freedom Fighters (JKFF), Kashmir Tigers, PAAF and others,” it reads.
“These outfits are affiliated to various banned Pak-backed organisations like Laskhar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Al-Badr, Al-Qaeda, etc. Several digital devices containing large volumes of incriminating data were recovered by NIA during today’s searches, which have once again put the spotlight on OGWs as an important part of the terror ecosystem in the Valley, which is being dismantled on a continuous basis. Also known as hybrid terrorists, they provide support to militants and terrorists based in Pakistan.”
It added that the NIA had registered a suo moto case (RC-05/2022/NIA/JMU) on 21st June 2022 to investigate the involvement of the cadres and OGWs of the various outfits in spreading activities relating to terror, violence, and subversion in J&K.
“These cadres and workers have been involved in the collection and distribution of sticky bombs/magnetic bombs, IEDs, funds, narcotic substances and arms/ammunitions.”
It further reads that the NIA investigations have revealed that Pak-based operatives were using social media platforms to promote terror.
“Drones were being used by them to deliver arms/ammunition, explosives, narcotics, etc. to their operatives and cadres in the Kashmir valley. The terror conspiracy relates to plotting by the banned outfits in both physical and cyberspace to unleash violent terrorist attacks in J&K with sticky bombs, IEDs and small arms etc.”
As per the statement the organisations, supported by Pakistan, have been conspiring to commit acts of terror and violence, by radicalizing local youth and mobilizing overground workers, to disturb the peace and communal harmony in J&K—(KNO)
SRINAGAR: CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Thursday paid tribute to the July 13 Martyrs, acknowledging the sacrifice made by 22 individuals 92 years ago in their pursuit of a brighter future and democracy.
“The sacrifices of these courageous men to free society from the shackles of autocracy and tyranny could not be forgotten. The date has gone down in the annals of history as a momentous and historic day. This day marked the beginning of a new dawn of democracy, equality and justice,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the present regime has put paid to the official commemoration of Martyr’s day. Such attempts could not erase the history and the watershed moment that are etched on the minds of people. We pay our glowing tributes to the supreme sacrifices made by these brave men,” the leader concluded.
Selection of candidates as Junior Stenographer in Employment Department and verification of Character and Antecedents of selectees thereof.
Reference : Administrative Department letter No. LE-Gen1/67/2021-11-L&E dated: 06.07.2023
Following candidates who have been recommended by J&K Service Selection Board vide letter No. JK55B/23/2023.03 (E-7164134) dated: 21.06.2023 for appointment to the post of Junior Stenographer (UT Cadre) in the Employment Department pursuant to JKSSB advertisement notification Na 04 of 2020 dated: 16.12.2020 under Item No.075 are hereby’ directed to submit their e-mail IN and contact number to this office either in person oil on official email ID ([email protected]) by or before 31st of July, 2023 as the same are required for uploading their details on Employee Verification System (EVS), failing which it will be presumed that they are not willing to take up their appointment as Junior Stenographer in the Employment Department and shall forfeit the right of appointment without any further notice.
Further Details :
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