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Jammu & Kashmir Hosts World Craft Council Celebrations in Srinagar

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Jammu & Kashmir Hosts World Craft Council Celebrations in Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage has been further celebrated with the prestigious event marking the designation of Srinagar as the 63rd World Craft City. The event, which took place in two phases, began in New Delhi from November 21-24, and culminated in Srinagar from November 25-27. This occasion has highlighted the region’s significant role in global crafts, emphasizing its rich artisanal heritage and the importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship.

The World Craft Council (WCC) celebrations aim to showcase Jammu & Kashmir’s contribution to the global crafts industry and recognize the region’s standing as a hub for artistic excellence. Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stressed the importance of handicrafts and handlooms in preserving cultural identity and fostering economic growth. He emphasized the potential of these sectors to uplift rural areas, particularly through job creation for local artisans.

“Jammu & Kashmir takes immense pride in its cultural heritage, deeply ingrained in traditional craftsmanship. These crafts are not only a symbol of our identity but also a source of livelihood for many in our community. The growth of the handicraft sector is vital for our social and economic development,” the Chief Minister remarked.

He expressed his hope that the collaboration with the World Craft Council would allow the crafts sector in Jammu & Kashmir to grow stronger over the years. He also highlighted the importance of transferring traditional craft knowledge to younger generations to ensure its sustainability for the future.

The event featured a presentation of several key initiatives taken by the Jammu & Kashmir government to promote the region’s handicraft industry. These initiatives include the Wool Processing, Handloom, and Handicrafts Policy-2020, skill development programs like the Karkhandar initiative, and the promotion of Geographical Indication (GI) certification for Kashmiri crafts. These efforts have led to a remarkable increase in the export of handicrafts, which has more than doubled from Rs 563 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 1,162 crore in 2023-24.

One of the event’s key highlights was the announcement of a new partnership between the Jammu & Kashmir Government and the World Craft Council to establish a World Craft Hub and International Crafts Museum in Srinagar. This initiative aims to further position Srinagar as a global center for artisanal excellence, preserving traditional skills while also creating sustainable revenue streams for local artisans.

A short film celebrating the global legacy of crafts was showcased, along with a presentation on the crafts of Jammu & Kashmir and future plans for the sector. The announcement of the establishment of the World Craft Hub was met with widespread support, as it is expected to enhance the region’s visibility on the global stage while offering new opportunities for artisans to connect with international markets.

The event was attended by a distinguished group of international delegates from across the world, including representatives from Australia, Kuwait, France, the UK, Uzbekistan, South Africa, Ireland, Malaysia, and Turkey. Key dignitaries from the Jammu & Kashmir Government, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Commissioner Secretary for Industries & Commerce Vikramjeet Singh, and Director of Handicrafts Mehmood Ahmad Shah, were also present.

The celebrations underscore the immense potential of Jammu & Kashmir’s handicraft industry, which is increasingly seen as a catalyst for sustainable development and economic growth. The upcoming participation of artisans from Iran and Central Asia during the second leg of the event is expected to foster cross-cultural learning and celebrate the shared heritage of Kashmiri and Central Asian crafts, further strengthening the historical and cultural ties between the regions.

The World Craft Council’s involvement in the event is expected to play a critical role in reviving and sustaining the region’s rich craft traditions, ensuring that Jammu & Kashmir’s artisanal heritage remains vibrant for generations to come.

Jammu Tourism Packages:

The rise in global attention on Jammu & Kashmir’s crafts is also expected to enhance the region’s tourism sector, offering visitors an opportunity to explore its rich heritage through various craft tours and artisanal experiences. For more information on Jammu tourism packages, visit local tourism boards or travel agencies.

Delhi’s Air Quality Improves to ‘Poor’ as Night Temperatures Remain Above Normal

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Delhi’s Air Quality Improves to ‘Poor’ as Night Temperatures Remain Above Normal

New Delhi, Nov 25 – Delhi’s air quality improved to the ‘poor’ category on Monday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). At 9 am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 281, showing improvement from 318 at 4 pm on Sunday.

As per the AQI scale, readings between 201 and 300 are categorized as ‘poor,’ while 301 to 400 is ‘very poor.’ Despite the overall improvement, 15 out of Delhi’s 39 monitoring stations reported AQI levels in the ‘very poor’ range, with Shadipur recording the highest at 353.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 14 degrees Celsius, 2.7 degrees above the seasonal average. The maximum temperature is expected to reach around 28 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels stood at 85% at 8:30 am, with moderate fog anticipated during the morning and nighttime hours.

Delhiites continue to experience a mix of slightly improved air quality and mild winter weather.

Health Deptt along with HDFC Bank organises Blood Donation camp in Doda

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Health Deptt along with HDFC Bank organises Blood Donation camp in Doda

By King RJ

Bhaderwah, Nov 23:- Health Department in collaboration with HDFC Bank Doda organized Blood Donation camp in Doda.

The event was organised at Associate Hospital GMC Doda, where Dr Sumat Ul Khurshid HOD Blood Bank GMC Doda was the chief guest, while Xen PWD Doda Er Mohd Sajad Khan was the guest of honor. Branch Manager Doda Kamran Nehru and WBO Unit Head Musarrat Butt presideed over the event.

Prominent among those who were present during the mega event including Dr Haseeba, Blood Bank Staff, BBM Randeep Kotwal, Raja R Jamal (TW Deptt), Aamir Ramzan, Nadeem Ahmed, Aqib, Nasir and others.

A total of 15 units of blood were collected from as many donors including HDFC BANK staff, R&B PWD staff Doda and others.

“It is heartwarming and encouraging to see the overwhelming response of the staff of PWD along with Bank came in large numbers for their turn to donate blood,” said Branch Manager, Kamran Nehru.

“We are very thankful to Health authorities for their cooperation,” he added.

Punjab Stands with AAP Again: Kejriwal on Bypoll Victory

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Punjab Stands with AAP Again: Kejriwal on Bypoll Victory

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has achieved a significant triumph in the Punjab Assembly bypolls, winning three out of four contested seats. National convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed gratitude to the people of Punjab for reaffirming their trust in the party’s governance.

In a post on X, Kejriwal stated, “The people of Punjab have once again reposed faith in the ideology of AAP and the work of our government by giving us three out of four seats in the by-elections.” He thanked the voters for their continued support and confidence in AAP’s governance model.

Reacting to the victory, senior AAP leader and MP Raghav Chadha emphasized the growing public trust under the leadership of Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. “Heartfelt congratulations to all AAP Punjab volunteers and supporters on this win. Under the visionary leadership of Arvind Kejriwal ji and Bhagwant Mann ji, people’s trust in our welfare policies and honest politics is growing stronger,” he wrote on X, expressing optimism for future victories.

Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia credited the leadership of Kejriwal and Mann for the success. He remarked, “This victory reflects the result of Bhagwant Mann’s hard work and Arvind Kejriwal’s honest politics. The people of Punjab have sent a clear message—only the politics of work will prevail, not lies and corruption.”

AAP MP Sandeep Pathak also lauded the party workers and the people of Punjab for their overwhelming support. In a message on X, he wrote, “Many congratulations to the people of Punjab and all party workers for this spectacular victory in the Punjab bypolls.”

The bypoll results signify a robust endorsement of AAP’s governance in Punjab, reinforcing its position in the state ahead of future political contests.

BJP Surpasses SP in UP Bypolls, TMC Strengthens Hold in West Bengal

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BJP Surpasses SP in UP Bypolls, TMC Strengthens Hold in West Bengal

New Delhi, Nov 23 – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), are leading in six of the nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, according to trends for the bypolls to 46 assembly seats across 13 states. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) held strong in West Bengal, while the Congress maintained its position in Karnataka.

In Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress each claimed a seat in the four-seat bypolls, with Congress candidate Kuldeep Singh Dhillon winning the Barnala seat and AAP’s Ishank Kumar Chabbewal securing Chabbewal.

The Rajasthan bypolls saw a tight race, with BJP, Congress, and Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) candidates leading in two seats each, while an Independent was ahead in Jhunjhunu. In Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh, BJP candidates were leading in their respective constituencies.

In Bihar, the ruling NDA alliance secured leads in all four assembly constituencies, while in Assam, the ruling party led in four out of five seats.

In Meghalaya, the National People’s Party (NPP) gained ground with a victory in the Gambegre bypoll, where Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s wife, Mehtab Chandee Agitok Sangma, won by a margin of over 4,500 votes.

The bypolls also included elections for two Lok Sabha seats, one in Wayanad (Kerala) and another in Nanded (Maharashtra). In Wayanad, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was leading, while in Nanded, the BJP candidate was ahead.

In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP and RLD were leading in six seats, including Kundarki, Khair, Ghaziabad, Phulpur, and Majhawan, with RLD’s Mithilesh Pal ahead in Meerapur. The Samajwadi Party (SP) was leading in three constituencies: Karhal, Katehari, and Sisamau.

The TMC in West Bengal reinforced its dominance by securing victories in three seats, including wresting the Madarihat seat from the BJP. The party also maintained unassailable leads in three other constituencies.

In Karnataka, the ruling Congress was leading in all three seats: Channapatna, Shiggaon, and Sandur.

In Kerala, Congress-led UDF candidate Rahul Mamkootathil extended his lead by over 15,000 votes in the Palakkad assembly bypoll, while LDF candidate U R Pradeep maintained his lead by over 11,000 votes in Chelakkara.

In Madhya Pradesh, the Congress candidate was leading by 4,747 votes in the Vijaypur assembly seat, while BJP’s candidate was ahead by 5,362 votes in Budhni.

In Chhattisgarh, BJP’s Sunil Kumar Soni was leading by 20,629 votes over Congress’ Akash Sharma in the Raipur City South assembly bypoll. In Gujarat, Congress candidate Gulabsinh Rajput widened his lead by 13,978 votes over BJP’s Swarupji Thakor.

Bypolls were held in various constituencies, including nine seats in Uttar Pradesh, seven in Rajasthan, six in West Bengal, five in Assam, four each in Punjab and Bihar, three in Karnataka, and two each in Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. There were also single-seat bypolls in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Meghalaya.

ICC Issues Arrest Warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu Over Alleged War Crimes

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ICC Issues Arrest Warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu Over Alleged War Crimes

Nottingham, Nov 23: The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif. The warrants stem from alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.

Although Israel claims Deif was killed in an airstrike in July, Hamas has not confirmed or denied this. Should Deif ever face trial, a conviction is a possibility.

The charges against Netanyahu are grave. A three-judge panel unanimously found Netanyahu and Gallant responsible for “starvation as a method of warfare” and for crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts. The ICC also found reasonable grounds to believe they directed attacks against civilian populations, a violation of international law. Furthermore, the International Court of Justice has suggested that Israel’s actions in Gaza could potentially violate the Genocide Convention.

If arrested, Netanyahu would face trial at the ICC, where he could be acquitted or convicted. In the case of conviction, Netanyahu would join a list of world leaders previously convicted for crimes against humanity, such as Charles Taylor, Saddam Hussein, and Slobodan Milosevic.

The likelihood of Netanyahu’s arrest is uncertain. Arrest warrants issued by the ICC require action from member states, and some countries, like Russia, have avoided arrest despite similar warrants. For example, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been wanted by the ICC since 2023, but he was not arrested during a recent visit to Mongolia, a member state.

The absence of arresting perpetrators undermines the ICC’s credibility. Past cases, such as that of Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir, show how international warrants can be bypassed, with Bashir even attending summits in ICC member states. His eventual overthrow and subsequent conviction underscore the challenges faced by the ICC in enforcing justice.

For Netanyahu, the ICC’s actions could lead to significant political consequences. The warrants could further erode his domestic legitimacy, as civil society groups in Israel, such as B’Tselem, are closely following the ICC’s proceedings. Netanyahu’s travel may also be restricted, and he could face international isolation from the 124 states that are party to the ICC.

The European Union, a strong supporter of the ICC, may face pressure to take action, though unanimous approval across the bloc is required. Some countries, including Germany and France, have signaled support for Netanyahu’s arrest, but there is uncertainty over whether the EU will move forward with sanctions against him.

Pro-Palestinian protests have been widespread across US colleges and in the UK, signaling a growing global movement for accountability. The US remains an outlier in its reluctance to fully support international law and the ICC’s efforts for justice.

This unprecedented move against a sitting leader of a western nation marks a significant moment in the ICC’s pursuit of justice for victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

New Study Finds COVID-19 May Trigger Shrinking of Cancer Tumors in Mice

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New Study Finds COVID-19 May Trigger Shrinking of Cancer Tumors in Mice

London, Nov 23 – A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has revealed an unexpected potential benefit of severe COVID-19 infection: it may contribute to shrinking cancer tumors. While this surprising discovery is based on research in mice, it offers new insights into the intricate relationship between the immune system and cancer, potentially opening the door to innovative cancer treatments.

The study focused on monocytes, a type of white blood cell essential to the body’s defense against infections. In cancer patients, monocytes are often hijacked by tumor cells to shield the cancer from immune attacks. Researchers found that severe COVID-19 infection induces the production of a unique type of monocyte with enhanced anti-cancer properties.

The Mechanism at Work

These “induced” monocytes, trained to combat the COVID-19 virus, retain the ability to attack cancer cells. Researchers identified a receptor on these monocytes that binds specifically to a sequence of COVID RNA, acting like a perfect “lock-and-key” fit, according to Dr. Ankit Bharat of Northwestern University.

In experiments, mice with advanced cancers—melanoma, lung, breast, and colon—were given a drug that mimicked the immune response to severe COVID-19, triggering the production of these specialized monocytes. The results were remarkable: tumors shrank across all cancer types studied.

Unlike regular monocytes, these induced cells retained their cancer-fighting properties and activated natural killer cells, which directly attacked the tumors. This mechanism bypasses the need for T cells, which are the focus of most current immunotherapies but are ineffective in many cases.

A New Approach to Cancer Treatment

This discovery presents a promising alternative to T-cell-based immunotherapies, which work in only 20-40% of cases. By leveraging a pathway independent of T cells, this mechanism could provide new hope for patients who don’t respond to traditional treatments.

Potential Implications

Although the study was conducted in mice, researchers believe the findings could pave the way for human treatments. Clinical trials are needed to confirm if this mechanism applies to humans and if it can combat other cancer types.

Importantly, COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to trigger this effect since they do not use the full RNA sequence of the virus. However, the research opens the possibility of developing drugs or vaccines that specifically stimulate these cancer-fighting monocytes.

Trained Immunity and Future Research

The study highlights the concept of “trained immunity,” where the immune system adapts to one threat and becomes more effective against others. While severe COVID-19 infections remain life-threatening and should not be sought as a cancer treatment, the research provides valuable insights for developing safer, targeted therapies.

This study underscores how scientific exploration can lead to unexpected breakthroughs, even amidst a global health crisis. It not only advances our understanding of COVID-19 but also lays the foundation for potential new treatments for cancer and other serious diseases.

While much work remains before these findings can be applied to human patients, this research represents a significant step forward in understanding the interplay between viruses, the immune system, and cancer, offering hope for future therapeutic innovations

Jharkhand Elections: BJP Leads in 25 Seats, JMM Ahead in 10

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Jharkhand Elections: BJP Leads in 25 Seats, JMM Ahead in 10

Ranchi, Nov 23: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in 25 out of the 81 assembly seats in Jharkhand, while the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is ahead in 10, as counting of postal ballots progresses, according to early trends reported by TV channels. However, the Election Commission has yet to update official trends on its website.

The assembly elections were conducted in two phases on November 13 and 20, with 43 seats going to polls in the first phase and 38 in the second.

Counting began at 8 AM across all 24 counting centres, starting with postal ballots. Votes from the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are scheduled to be counted from 8:30 AM, with the first trends expected around 9:30 AM, officials from the Election Commission said.

Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar stated that the counting process is likely to conclude by 4 PM. The number of counting rounds varies, with Torpa assembly segment having the lowest at 13 rounds and Chatra the highest at 24 rounds.

Strict security measures have been implemented at all counting centres. Only returning officers and district election officials are permitted to carry mobile phones inside the centres. Observers have been appointed for each constituency, and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) are overseeing the fair counting of postal ballots.

This year’s voter turnout reached a record 67.74%, the highest since Jharkhand’s formation on November 15, 2000.

The results will determine the political fate of 1,211 candidates, including key figures such as Chief Minister Hemant Soren (Barhait constituency), his wife Kalpana Soren (Gandey), former Chief Minister and BJP state president Babulal Marandi (Dhanwar), and ex-CM Champai Soren (Seraikela).

The counting process continues to shape the electoral landscape in Jharkhand, with all eyes on the final results.

SKIMS gets approval to start DM Critical Care Medicine programme

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SKIMS gets approval to start DM Critical Care Medicine programme

Srinagar, Nov 22: Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Friday announced the launch of its DM Critical Care Medicine programme, a significant milestone in advancing healthcare delivery in Jammu and Kashmir.

A statement of SKIMS issued here said that Director SKIMS and EOSG Prof Muhammad Ashraf Ganie termed it a major accomplishment for the institute.

He said that the Department of Critical Care Medicine at SKIMS was the only separate and approved Department in J&K catering to critically ill patients from major hospitals across J&K and national institutions.

Equipped with state-of-the-art ventilators and life-saving support systems, the department operates at 100 percent bed occupancy, underscoring the urgent need for expanded critical care facilities.

Prof Ganie underscored the need to have a 200-bedded critical care block at SKIMS and said that the demand for critical care facilities was increasing.

“There is a need to increase the number of critical care beds not only in our institution but also in other institutions of J&K. The administration at SKIMS will make every possible effort and work out a detailed plan for 200-bedded critical care block and submit to the government for consideration,” he said.

Dean Medical Faculty SKIMS Prof Shariq Masoodi overwhelmed by the significant achievement said that following a rigorous evaluation, the National Medical Commission had granted permission for the DM Critical Care Medicine programme with an initial intake of two seats for the academic year 2024-25. “This academic initiative will elevate quality care for critically ill patients, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, enhance emergency preparedness, contribute to societal well-being, and provide skilled manpower for J&K and the country,” he said.

The Department of Critical Care Medicine SKIMS headed by Dr Muhammad Akbar Shah thanked the Director SKIMS, Dean of Medical Faculty, Head NMC Section Prof Fazal Parray, Additional Director, Medical Superintendent and Academic Registrar for their efforts in making this programme a reality.

Dr Shah while reflecting on the DM programme said that the team of critical care was thankful to Director SKIMS and ESOG for his support for this to happen.

“We thank the Dean of Medical Faculty for his guidance and help. We also appreciate the hard work and timely communication, deliberations, and vigorous follow-up with NMC. We are thankful to the NMC head Prof Parray and his team for their tireless efforts,” he said.

Baramulla Police Seize Properties Worth ₹1.72 Crore from Notorious Drug Peddler

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Baramulla Police Seize Properties Worth ₹1.72 Crore from Notorious Drug Peddler

BARAMULLA, Nov 23: In a decisive action against drug trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir, Baramulla Police have attached properties worth ₹1.72 crore belonging to a notorious drug peddler, Rafiq Ahmad Khan, also known as Rafi Rafa, son of Gh Hassan, a resident of Trikanjan Boniyar, Baramulla.

The seized assets include double-storied residential houses located in Chowadhi Jammu and Trikanjan Boniyar, along with a tipper, trailer, and a four-wheeler. These properties were linked to the proceeds of illicit narcotics trafficking, as confirmed during the investigation, police said in a statement on Saturday.

The action was carried out under Sections 68-E read with 68-F(1) of the NDPS Act, 1985, in connection with FIR No. 134/2016 registered under Sections 8/21, 29 of the NDPS Act at Boniyar Police Station.

Baramulla Police stated that the properties were identified as illegally acquired through the trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances. This move underscores the ongoing crackdown against the illegal drug trade in the region and reflects the authorities’ commitment to dismantling drug networks.

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