Petitioners had challenged the legality of an Indian government decision in 2019 to strip special rights from Kashmir that included protections on land ownership and its own constitution. India's Supreme Court has upheld a 2019 move by the government to revoke a special semi-autonomous status granted to former state of Jammu and Kashmir. The court said that the special status given to the territory was a "temporary provision." It also said that Jammu and Kashmir should be put on par with other Indian states "at the earliest and as soon as possible," with local elections to take place by September 30, 2024. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the Supreme Court ruling on social media, calling the verdict "a beacon of hope, a promise of a brighter future and a testament to our collective resolve to build a stronger, more united India." What was the case about? More than 20 petitions had challenged the controversial abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 by Modi's Hindu-nationalist government.  The petitioners had contested whether the Indian parliament had the power to revoke the region’s special status, maintaining that only the constituent assembly of Jammu and Kashmir could decide on it. Article 370 had granted a special status to the Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir and had allowed for limited autonomy, including a separate constitution and inherited protections on land and jobs. The revocation was accompanied by the imposition of direct rule in Jammu and Kashmir from New Delhi.  The region was also divided into two federal territories, Ladakh and Jammu-Kashmir, both ruled directly by the central government in New Delhi without a legislature of their own.  The controversial move was followed by massive public backlash. India responded with mass arrests, a complete lockdown and communication blackout that was in place for months as India propped up its armed forces.

Residents launched a protest against the local administration in the Skardu district of Gilgit Baltistan over the arrest of Shabbir Mayyar, a prominent activist who was demanding the opening of Skardu-Kargil Road. The occupied region has long been grappling with severe crises such as high inflation and shortage of commodities, and people have been demanding the resumption of trade with India. The protesters blamed the security forces for misusing the Anti-Terrorism Act against the activists and the residents. The protesters said they believed that the Islamabad-backed local administration in Gilgit Baltistan is against their reasonable demand for the opening of the Skardu-Kargil road and have been arresting those who speak up in their favour. A local leader from the Awami Action Committee addressed a public gathering, demanding the immediate release of Shabbir Mayyar. "He (Shabbir Mayyar) is the voice of Gilgit-Baltistan. He should be released immediately. The only crime Shabbir Mayar committed was that he raised a slogan, 'Aar par Jod do, Kargil border khol do' (Remove barricades from the Kargil border and let the people commute). Whoever speaks of the Kargil border is threatened and punished by them," he said. The arrest of Shabbir Mayyar and many other activists has triggered widespread unrest among locals. Another local activist said, "Our community is not afraid of anyone. Rather than listening to the public, they (the administration) are arresting the poor. They think that by arresting poor people, they can scare us. No, we aren't afraid. We are here to prove them wrong. Through this platform, I announce that we are all with Shabbir Mayar. Unless they are released, we will stand by them." It is believed that the Anti-Terrorism Act, which was introduced to expeditiously bring the perpetrators of terror to justice, has gradually become a tool of extrajudicial killing and repression in Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. 

Amid the ongoing protest sit-ins, the civil society activists in Muzaffarabad city in Pakistani-occupied Kashmir (PoK) threw electricity bills into the river and appealed to the people that they should not pay their electricity bills, Dawn reported. Tens of hundreds of electricity bills were thrown into the water and an equal number of them were torched in Rawalakot on Thursday.Since September 20, the People Action Committee in Muzaffarabad has set up a sit-in camp with an appeal to the populace to stop paying their electricity bills, first at a roundabout in front of the Press Club and later on the club grounds facing the main road. From 9 am to 4 pm every day, participants in the sit-in, which also included traders, solicitors, students and vendors, would gather electricity bills from customers coming from various city neighbourhoods., according to Dawn. Moreover, the local police also arrested a member of civil society on Monday for violating the National Action Programme against terrorism, as some of the people used mosque loudspeakers to convince people not to pay their electricity bills. Participants in the sit-in have been seen building boats and aeroplanes out of power bills recently, which they plan to toss into the Neelum River on September 28.The administration attempted to intimidate the protesters and prevent them from tossing electrical bills into the river on Thursday by stationing multiple riot police units near the sit-in camp, Dawn reported. The Civil society activists conducted a “boycott bills” demonstration on Thursday in Rawalakot, where a sit-in is being held over the problem of the non-availability of subsidised wheat flour and excessive electricity bills for the past 143 days. At the rally’s end, hundreds of electricity bills were set on fire as it had marched through several streets to the beat of drums.A group of individuals led by attorney Saad Ansari destroyed power bills in front of the office of the energy department in the city of Mirpur.

Amid the ongoing protest sit-ins, the civil society activists in Muzaffarabad city in Pakistani-occupied Kashmir (PoK) threw electricity bills into the river and appealed to the people that they should not pay their electricity bills, Dawn reported. Tens of hundreds of electricity bills were thrown into the water and an equal number of them were torched in Rawalakot on Thursday.Since September 20, the People Action Committee in Muzaffarabad has set up a sit-in camp with an appeal to the populace to stop paying their electricity bills, first at a roundabout in front of the Press Club and later on the club grounds facing the main road. From 9 am to 4 pm every day, participants in the sit-in, which also included traders, solicitors, students and vendors, would gather electricity bills from customers coming from various city neighbourhoods., according to Dawn. Moreover, the local police also arrested a member of civil society on Monday for violating the National Action Programme against terrorism, as some of the people used mosque loudspeakers to convince people not to pay their electricity bills. Participants in the sit-in have been seen building boats and aeroplanes out of power bills recently, which they plan to toss into the Neelum River on September 28.The administration attempted to intimidate the protesters and prevent them from tossing electrical bills into the river on Thursday by stationing multiple riot police units near the sit-in camp, Dawn reported. The Civil society activists conducted a “boycott bills” demonstration on Thursday in Rawalakot, where a sit-in is being held over the problem of the non-availability of subsidised wheat flour and excessive electricity bills for the past 143 days. At the rally’s end, hundreds of electricity bills were set on fire as it had marched through several streets to the beat of drums.A group of individuals led by attorney Saad Ansari destroyed power bills in front of the office of the energy department in the city of Mirpur.

Miss World Karolina Bielawska on August 28 hailed the beauty of Kashmir during her visit to India days ahead of 71st edition of Miss World pageant.  Miss World Karolina Bielawska said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to see this beautiful place (Kashmir) in India. I didn't expect it at all, but it just stuns me with its beauty. We've been talking about Kashmir and I knew there would be beautiful scenery.  But what we've seen today was really blowing our minds... And everyone welcomed us so nicely, so warmly that I cannot wait to welcome 140 nations and all my friends and family to bring them here to India and to show places like Kashmir, like Delhi, Mumbai.”  India will host the 71st edition of Miss World pageant. The prestigious international pageant will be hosted in India after 27 years, the last being in 1996.

Miss World Karolina Bielawska on August 28 hailed the beauty of Kashmir during her visit to India days ahead of 71st edition of Miss World pageant.  Miss World Karolina Bielawska said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to see this beautiful place (Kashmir) in India. I didn't expect it at all, but it just stuns me with its beauty. We've been talking about Kashmir and I knew there would be beautiful scenery.  But what we've seen today was really blowing our minds... And everyone welcomed us so nicely, so warmly that I cannot wait to welcome 140 nations and all my friends and family to bring them here to India and to show places like Kashmir, like Delhi, Mumbai.”  India will host the 71st edition of Miss World pageant. The prestigious international pageant will be hosted in India after 27 years, the last being in 1996.

A two-day national level workshop on capacity building for women and gender equity concluded on Saturtday here in the Srinagar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The workshop organized by the Department of higher education, Government of Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with the Government College of Education, Srinagar saw a huge participation of dignitaries, including professors, educationists, scholars, researchers, and students. They highlighted the major and positive role played by women to develop society as well as the nation. The workshop underscored how the lack of education and proper awareness among women were leading to domestic violence, thus forcing the women to clamour for their rights, they said. Experts also thrust on the need for proper education of girl children especially in far-flung areas so that they can play their role in future and overall society will be empowered, they said.

Art Emporium, located in Srinagar, concluded a two-day exhibition under the 'Know your artisan' initiative on Sunday. Organized by the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, the exhibition brought together a captivating display of calligraphy that left visitors from different walks of life enthralled and inspired. At the heart of this artistic extravaganza were two master calligraphers, each with their unique style, drawing an immense audience to the showcase. The first artist, 67-year-old Mohammad Shafi Mir, hails from north Kashmir's Baramulla district. He specializes in paper calligraphy, employing the traditional on-paper approach to create intricate and awe-inspiring pieces. On the other hand, central Kashmir's Srinagar district is home to the second artist, 40-year-old Shahnawaz Ahmad Sofi. Shahnawaz Ahmad Sofi has gained acclaim for his remarkable fusion of calligraphy and carpet weaving, crafting a distinctive blend that mesmerizes onlookers and art enthusiasts alike. The juxtaposition of Mir's classical finesse and Sofi's innovative amalgamation of mediums became the highlight of the exhibition, drawing attention and admiration from all corners. Visitors were treated to a feast of creativity, and the event reverberated with the essence of Kashmir's artistic heritage. Earlier, while inaugurating the exhibition, the Director of Handicrafts and Handloom, Mehmood Ahmad Shah, expressed the profound significance of such exhibitions in promoting art and supporting talented artists of the Union territory. He emphasized that the event's primary aim was to give a platform to budding artists and foster the growth of art in the region. "It helps us explore new markets, and by this, we are ensuring that our craft travels to the places where it has not reached yet," Shah explained. The event also served as a testament to Srinagar's recognition in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for its commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage. By showcasing innovative art forms and providing a stage for local artisans, the city continues to shine as a hub of creativity and craftsmanship. The exhibition received a warm and enthusiastic response from the visitors, who found such initiatives highly welcoming. Suhail Salim, a visitor, commented, "These initiatives are welcoming and go a long way in not only preserving our rich art and culture but also giving talented artists the recognition they truly deserve." In a world that is constantly evolving, preserving traditional art forms and embracing new artistic expressions become paramount.  The art-emporium">Kashmir Art Emporium's calligraphy exhibition stands as a testament to the region's vibrant artistic community and its commitment to nurturing creativity. As visitors departed the exhibition with hearts full of admiration and appreciation, one thing became abundantly clear - art has the power to transcend barriers, bridge gaps, and unite hearts.

The global market for Kashmir Willow bats experienced a surge in demand following their exceptional display in the hands of international cricket players from Oman and the United Arab Emirates during the T20 World Cups. Building on this momentum, an impressive roster of around 17 players representing six cricketing nations has eagerly sought out Kashmiri Willow bats for their participation in the highly anticipated ODI World Cup 2023, set to grace the cricketing stage in India this October. From the sprawling industrial area stretching from Sangam to Awantipora, the rhythmic symphony of hammers resonated through the air, as skilled artisans crafted cricket bats from the coveted Kashmiri Willow. This humble industry, once confined to local markets, had now captured the attention of the world, leaving an indelible mark on the global cricketing stage. Within this vibrant tapestry of craftsmanship, approximately 400 units bring their expertise to life. Among them, one unit, GR8 Sports, has risen to the pinnacle of recognition, proudly showcasing their bats on the international stage, resonating with players and fans alike. Fawzul Kabir, the proud owner of GR8 Sports, is a 30-year-old MBA graduate from the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Awantipora, currently pursuing his PhD from DCU in Ireland. With fervour in his voice, he passionately expressed, "Our bats are not mere instruments of the game; they embody the very essence of Kashmir, serving as a testament to our rich craftsmanship and unwavering spirit." He said that the journey of Kashmiri Willow bats began with the resounding success of players from Oman and the United Arab Emirates wielding these magnificent bats in the T20 World Cups. "Their impeccable performance and undeniable charm caught the eye of cricket enthusiasts worldwide, paving the way for a newfound demand", he added. With pride and excitement, Fawzul Kabir proclaimed, '"The international cricketing community has recognized the excellence of Kashmiri Willow bats. Now, 17 more players from six cricketing nations have chosen our bats for the highly anticipated ODI World Cup". In the tranquil town of Halmulla Sangam, where beauty was as abundant as the flowing rivers, the GR8 Sports industry stood as a beacon of hope. With each stroke of the bat, they etched a new chapter in their legacy, carrying the dreams and aspirations of an entire region. The artisans worked tirelessly, their hands dancing with grace and precision. Fawzul Kabir remarked, "The artistry and dedication of our craftsmen shine through every bat we create. Each piece tells a story, woven with the essence of Kashmir's natural beauty." As the news of the rising popularity of Kashmiri bats spread like wildfire, the people associated with this industry felt a surge of happiness and pride. Their once local trade had now become a global phenomenon, captivating the hearts of cricketers and fans alike. A local bat manufacturer shared their delight, saying, "To witness our bats being used by players from different countries fills us with immense joy. It is a testament to the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of Kashmir Willow." "Seeing players from around the world choose Kashmiri Willow bats is like a dream come true for us. We've always known the magic our bats hold, and now the world is witnessing it too. Local Bat Manufacturer Willow bats extended far beyond the boundaries of the cricket field. It became a symbol of resilience, craftsmanship, and the unyielding spirit of a region long known for its natural wonders," locals said. Fawzul Kabir's eyes shining with determination, noted, "Our aim is to bring our bats into the hands of iconic players like Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. We want the world to witness the magic that unfolds when the spirit of Kashmir meets the passion for cricket." These bats were imbued with the soul of the region. From the gentle whispers of the valleys to the majestic peaks, they carried the essence of their birthplace, transcending the realm of mere sports equipment. Another artisan, his voice filled with pride, shared, "Each stroke of the bat reverberates with the spirit of Kashmir. When players wield our bats, they carry a piece of our land with them, infusing their game with the mystique of our beloved valley." "The success of our Kashmir Willow bats on the global stage fills our hearts with joy and pride. It's a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and dedication of our local artisans," said Mushtaq Ahmad, a local worker. "Seeing players from around the world choose Kashmiri Willow bats is like a dream come true for us. We've always known the magic our bats hold, and now the world is witnessing it too," he added. Source: latestly.com

District Hospital Shopian has become the first hospital in Kashmir Division to implement artificial intelligence (AI) technology in its radiology department. Under the guidance of the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, the hospital has initiated a pilot project for Quick X-ray (Qxr), utilizing AI tools for more efficient diagnoses. This innovative approach allows for the instant identification of abnormal areas in X-rays with an accuracy of over 90 per cent, greatly facilitating the final diagnosis process for radiologists. Artificial intelligence has been revolutionizing the field of healthcare by providing intelligent computing solutions to practical medical challenges. Deep learning techniques, in particular, have significantly amplified the impact of technology in healthcare, especially in radiology, which employs radiation to generate medical imaging, such as X-rays, for the detection of abnormalities. By leveraging artificial intelligence algorithms, complex anomalous patterns in medical image data can be automatically identified, enabling assistive diagnoses for patients. Radiology produces a vast amount of clinical image data, necessitating radiologists to spend hours sifting through these images, crafting analyses, and finalizing diagnoses. However, computer vision (CV), a specialized field of artificial intelligence, can process and analyze medical images to accurately predict diseases. The implementation of artificial intelligence at District Hospital Shopian brings numerous benefits to radiologists, streamlining their work processes. These advantages include more accurate classification of abnormalities, enhanced analysis capabilities, and faster delivery of results. Artificial intelligence in healthcare encompasses machine-learning algorithms and software that mimic human cognition, enabling the analysis, presentation, and comprehension of complex medical and healthcare data. It surpasses human capabilities by providing novel methods of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The patients have commended the Jammu and Kashmir administration for taking such progressive steps and expressed gratitude to the Administrative Secretary, Bhupinder Kumar, the Deputy Commissioner of Shopian, the Director of Health Services Kashmir, the Chief Medical Officer of Shopian, and the Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Shopian. These state-of-the-art medical facilities are expected to enhance healthcare services in the district, bringing District Hospital Shopian on par with other leading healthcare institutions in the Union Territory.