United Nations: Children are being recruited by militant groups such as Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Kashmir and by Naxalites in other parts of India, according to a report by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who voiced concern over such recruitment and called on the government to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
In the ‘Annual Report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict’, released Tuesday, Guterres said children continued to be affected by incidents of violence between armed groups and the government, “particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and in the context of the Naxalite insurgency.”
He welcomed the measures taken by the Indian government to ensure protection to children. “I welcome the Government’s measures to provide protection to children, notably through the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, but remain concerned by the reported child casualties and the recruitment and use of children in some areas of the country,” he said.
The report said the UN received reports of child recruitment and use in Jammu and Kashmir. “Five children, some as young as 14, were reportedly recruited by militant groups, including by Hizbul Mujahideen (two) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (one).”
Two other children joined Lashkar-e-Taiba, the report said. “In addition, reports of the systematic recruitment of children by Naxalites continued to be received,” the report said.
The report also cited the rape and murder of an 8-year-old girl in Kathua district. (PTI)
Category: National
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Hizbul, Lashkar recruiting children: UN chief
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Pakistani cricketer Hasan to marry Indian girl Arzoo
The 25-year-old will become the fourth Pakistani cricketer to marry an Indian girl after former cricketers Shoaib Malik, Zaheer Abbas, and Mohsin Khan.
Member of Pakistan’s squad in the recently-concluded ICC World Cup, Hasan’s nikah ceremony will be held at a Dubai hotel and the rukhsati will take place in 2020, the News International reported.
The 25-year-old Hasan fell in love with Arzoo during the World Cup held in the UK. Arzoo is an engineer and currently works in Dubai.
Hasan will become the fourth Pakistani cricketer to marry an Indian girl after former cricketers Shoaib Malik, Zaheer Abbas, and Mohsin Khan.
Shoaib married Indian tennis star Sania Mirza in 2010. The couple was blessed with a baby boy Izhaan Mirza Malik in October last year.
Source: ANI
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A Cow Walks Through IIT Bombay Classroom
Source: NDTV
Barely a few weeks after an intern of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay was attacked by stray bulls on campus, a video of a cow interrupting a class in the prestigious institute has gone viral. The video shows the cow sauntering into a classroom as amused students look on. It then strolls around the room as students try to shoo it away.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday. Authorities of IIT Bombay said that it was not clear from the video when and where the incident took place, adding that they were looking into the matter, reports news agency IANS.
Students claim that it was raining heavily when the incident happened, and the cow may have entered the building for shelter, straying into the lecture hall, IANS reports.
Take a look at the video below:
On Twitter, the clip has inspired a sea of hilarious reactions.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by KASHMIR TODAY staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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With a raft and a spear, see the unseen side of PM Modi
The video shows PM Modi, dressed in outdoor casuals, on a makeshift raft, walking through wild growth and making a make-do spear with Grylls.
By Kumar Uttam, Hindustan Times, New Delhi
Come August 12 and the world will see a completely different side of Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he features on Man vs Wild, learning the tricks of survival in untamed wilderness with the show host Bear Grylls to raise awareness about protecting nature.
“People across 180 countries will get to see the unknown side of PM @narendramodi as he ventures into Indian wilderness to create awareness about animal conservation & environmental change,” Grylls tweeted, sharing a short video of the show that will be aired on Discovery channel on August 12 at 9 pm.
Speaking about the show, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said, “For years, I have lived among nature, in the mountains and the forests. These years have a lasting impact on my life. So when I was asked about a special programme focussing on life beyond politics and that too in the midst of nature I was both intrigued and inclined to take part in it.”
Watch | PM Modi to feature in ‘Man vs Wild’ with Bear Grylls
“For me, this show presents a great opportunity to showcase to the world India’s rich environmental heritage and stress on the importance of environment conservation and living in harmony with nature. It was a great experience spending time in the jungle once again, this time with Bear, who is blessed with indefatigable energy and quest to experience nature at its purest,” the Prime Minister further said.
A trailer for the programme shows Modi, 68, driving into the Jim Corbett National Park in northern India guided by Grylls, with images of a tiger, a herd of elephants and deer running in the distance.
“You are the most important person in India, it’s my job to protect you,” Grylls tells Modi.
The popular show, which is in its 8th season, features Grylls tackling extreme challenges and navigating through remote locations around the world, sharing invaluable survival strategies along the way.
Among the celebrities that have earlier featured on the show are actors Zac Efron, Channing Tatum, Ben Stiller, Michael B. Jordan and and then President Barack Obama (in December 2018).
PM Modi is seen in a makeshift raft with show host Bear Grylls ( Photo credit: Twitter/Screengrab ) The US president trekked through a remote part of Alaska to promote action on climate change. “I’m skinny but tougher than I look,” said Obama of the challenge.
The president drank tea made from catkins and melting glacier water and nibbled on a half-eaten salmon, which Grylls later told media, had been discarded by a bear.
(This story has not been edited by KASHMIR TODAY staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Triple Talaq Bill passed in Lok Sabha after intense debate, here is Asaduddin Owaisi’s Speech
Source: PTI
Lok Sabha on Thursday gave its nod to a bill which seeks to penalise the practice of instant triple talaq by a voice vote.
Several amendments moved by the Opposition were defeated.
The clause in the bill which criminalises the practice with a jail term of upto three years for the husband was passed by a division of 302 in favour and 78 against.
The Lok Sabha witnessed an intense debate over the triple talaq bill with the opposition charging the government of targeting one community with the proposed legislation and the government asserting the draft law is meant for gender justice.
Watch Asaduddin Owaisi’s Speech:
(This story has not been edited by KASHMIR TODAY staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Top most Jaish Commander of South Kashmir killed in Shopian gunfight: Police
SRINAGAR: Top most Jaish commander of South Kashmir Munna Lahori/Bihari from Pakistan killed along with his local associate after a night long operation, a police spokesman said.
This militant from Pakistan was known for IED making and responsible for series of civilian killings in the local area. JeM had used him for recruitment also in the belt.
The slain Jaish commander Munna Lahori was responsible for partial Car Blast attack on Security Force convoy on 30/3/19 at Banihal and fatal car blast on Army vehicle at Arihal Pulwahma on 17/6/19.Some fatal & non fatal casualties took place in that blast.
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India has right over entire J&K, including PaK: General Bipin Rawat
SRINAGAR: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday asserted that India has the right over the entire Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan-administrated Kashmir (PaK) and it is a political decision on how India will wrest it back from Pakistan. The Army will follow the orders.
Speaking on the 20th anniversary of India’s victory in the Kargil War, General Rawat said, “India has the right over the entire Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan-administrated Kashmir (PaK). How we will take it back is a political decision. Will it be taken in back in a diplomatic manner or will there be another way, it will be decided. The step to be taken next will be carried out as per orders.”
Army Chief remarks came on a day when the entire country is commenmorating the 20th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, 1999.
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Wake-up call: Brain tumour linked with the use of cell phone
Srinagar, July 26 : The potential connection between cell phones and its harmful effect on the brain is controversial. On the occasion of Brain Tumour Awareness Month and World Brain Tumour Day, let’s focus our attention on symptoms and therapeutic strategies to fight this epidemiology. The rapid rise in communication technology has given rise to the inseparable relationship with the mobile phones.
Brain tumours are eithermalignantorbenign. A malignant tumour, also known brain cancer, grows quickly and often invades or crowds healthy areas of the brain. Benign brain tumors do not contain cancer cells and are usually slow growing.
The biggest myth believed by the people is that brain tumour is cancerous. However, some tumours are benign, which clearly means they do not spread to other organs, whereas the others can be cancerous. The main concern begins when the tumour begins to develop which is associated with the use of cell phone.
Set a time watch
The best a person can do to avoid any illness is by sleeping when it’s night and stay awake during the day. Several studies have asserted that the use of mobile phone emit radiations from their antennas. The tissues that are physically close to the antenna absorb the same energy, invariably developing high risk of brain cancer. It’s suggested, pregnant woman, kids and adolescents should avoid getting in direct touch with the cell phone, rather it’s safe to use a headphone or headsets. Also, either ways it’s dangerous to speak on the cell phone for a longer duration.
Excessive exposure to radiofrequency radiation due to the use of mobile phones has dramatically increased. The radiofrequency radiation has a carcinogenic effect which could be an important factor in regards to deterioration of health. Usually, the radiation induced tumours have an induction period of close to 10 years; however in some cases the induction period could be shorter. To minimize your contact, keep your cell phone conversations short. Utilize a hands-free device or use your speaker phone.
Myths about Brain Tumours
All brain tumours are the same
The one’s in a high radiation environment might be prone to brain tumour/cancer
All brain tumour patients show similar signs and symptoms
Brain tumours do not relapse
All tumours are cancerous
Brain Tumour can affect/occur only in older age group
Healthy Guidelines for your Brain
Fortunately, the tool to prevent brain tumour is very much under our control, it depends on the kind of lifestyle that you carry. When it comes to your diet, try making healthy choices, exercise regularly and avoid direct touch with carcinogens in your environment.Try to get enough sound sleep
Practice stress reduction techniques and breathe in frankincense oil
Consume a diet which contains cancer fighting nutrients
Follow Ketogenic diet
Text instead of talking
Avoid radio-frequency devices like cell phones close to your body while sleeping
Avoid sleeping with a device near your head
The author of the article is Head of Department, Neurosurgery at Global Hospitals, Mumbai.
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Pakistan radicalising Kashmiri youth says Army Chief Bipin Rawat
SRINAGAR: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday said that Pakistan has been radicalizing Kashmiri youth through various means. He said that Pakistan has been continuing with its efforts to radicalize Kashmiri youth.
In Kashmir, after the death of HM commander Burhan Wani in 2016, the conflict zone has witnessed the scores of youth taking up militancy. Rawat said that the misguided youth should be educated and the army can play a pivotal role in it.
He said he wants to convey countrymen that they can rest assured that any task given to defense services will always be accomplished no matter how difficult it is. The soldiers will continue to man and guard our borders, Rawat said.
Reacting over the current weaponry, Rawat said they are looking at modernizing inventory. Their focus is on Artillery weapon system, by 2020 and will get the Howitzers, K-9 Vajra is being manufactured in the country now and two Bofors like guns are being manufactured locally.
Talking strong about Pakistan, Bipin Rawat said misadventures are normally not repeated and for its response, Pakistan will get a bloodier nose next time. (PTK)
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Drought watch: A deficit in July rainfall has been associated with six of India’s worst droughts between 1877 and 2005
India’s present drought-like situation is similar to 1943 Bengal famine
Source: DownToEarth
By: DTE Staff
After a delayed onset and slow progress, monsoon has now advanced to most parts of India. Yet the amount of rainfall received has been largely deficient.
July, which accounts a third of the total — the highest rainfall in the monsoon season — witnessed a 21 per cent deficit rainfall till July 7, 2019. A deficit in July rainfall has historically been associated with an overall deficit monsoon and severe droughts.
The latest data on drought showed that more than 42 per cent of the country is facing abnormally dry to exceptionally dry conditions. Of this, ‘severe to exceptionally dry conditions’ prevailed in 17.31 per cent area, according to data from Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) — a real-time drought monitoring platform — on July 5, 2019.
The percentage is also significantly higher than the same period last year when 8.82 per cent area was under ‘severe to exceptionally dry conditions’, out of 35.18 per cent area experiencing drought.
While just 1.13 per cent of area had ‘exceptionally dry’ conditions by July 7 last year, the figure has jumped to 6.43 per cent, according to the monitoring platform.
In fact, the figure has increased by 0.22 percentage points when compared to same period last month — from 6.21 per cent on June 5 to 6.43 per cent on July 5.
The situation was abysmal in June as India witnessed the second-driest pre-monsoon season in the last 65 years. It was supposed to improve with monsoon showers progressing in July. However, the scant rainfall in July, there was just marginal improved in dry conditions — from 45.18 per cent area on June 28 to 42.92 per cent on July 5.
From June 1 to July 7 this year, 20 states have witnessed deficient rainfall and three are in ‘large deficient’ category, according to data from India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Deficient rainfall in July has caused six of India’s worst droughts between 1877 and 2005, according to analysis of IMD rainfall data by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune.
If the deficit continues, more than 44 per cent of India’s areas that experienced a drought in June are likely to face drought conditions for the next 24 months.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by KASHMIR TODAY staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)