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  • Kids using phones in excess develop squint, double vision, finds study

    Chandigarh: Children using mobile phones for over four hours a day develop squint and double vision, revealed a PGI study, whose report was published in Neuro-Ophthalmology, an international journal, recently.

    Three kids aged 8-12 years were examined in this observational study. The study found that on stopping the use of mobile phones, these children recovered completely.

    As per the study, the three affected kids had visited the PGI for treatment. Doctors found two of them had a summer break at school and were excessively using smartphone for four hours a day in the preceding month.

    The smartphone usage was discouraged and the kids were prescribed cyclopentolate drops to be administered twice a day for two weeks. At the first follow-up, both the patients were recovering and hence, were kept on the same medication. When symptoms subsided, the drops were tapered and then finally stopped. In addition, doctors gave them photochromatic glasses for outdoor use and prohibited the use of smartphone.

    Based on the experience of the above cases, the third patient, who had symptoms only for one week, was discouraged from using smartphone and given placebo drops. In a week, symptoms started decreasing and hence, no cycloplegics were prescribed.

    All three patients recovered in a period ranging from three to eight weeks. Patients were symptom-free at the final follow-up of six months, added the report of the study, which was conducted by doctors Savleen Kaur, Jaspreet Sukhija, Rahul Khanna, Aastha Takkar and Manpreet Singh. “We blame the use of smartphones for accommodative spasm. This is because of a positive and reliable history of cellphone usage and the third patient getting relieved of symptoms without medication. Smartphone usage is a representative of near work. Our cellphone dependence is increasing day by day. In addition, children are influenced by parents using smartphones. Nearly one-fourth of the young population is addicted to cellphone. In a technology-filled world of ours, “screenagers” should often be cautioned about the development of this symptom,” it added.

  • 18 Militant associates arrested in Kashmir during three operations

    Srinagar: Eighteen militant associates arrested in three different operations in Kashmir, police told Valley Media Service on Monday.

    Police busted three militant modules and arrested 18 of its associates in Tral area of Awantipora, Khrew area of Pampore, Baramulla & Srinagar.

    In view of the surge in militant attacks in Tral in which civilians and security forces were targeted, creating an atmosphere of panic and fear, a special team was constituted to investigating these cases and on the basis of material evidence collected, four persons identified as Younis Nabi Naik son of Ghulam Nabi Naik resident of Pinglish, Fayaz Ahmad Wani son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Wani resident of Reshipora, Riyaz Ahmad Ganaie son of Mohammad Ramzan Ganaie resident of Nigeenpora and Bilal Ahmad Rather son of Ghulam Rasool resident of Hafoo Nigeenpora were taken into custody, a police spokesman said Valley Media Service in a statement.

    Investigation into the cases revealed their complicity in the militant attacks carried out in Tral area of South Kashmir.

    Another militant module was busted in Khrew area of Pampore in which six associates of proscribed militant outfit Jaish e Mohammad identified as Javaid Ahmad Parray son of Mohammad Shaban resident of Bethan Khrew, Yasir Bashir Wani son of Bashir Ahmad Wani resident of Babapora Khrew, Tahir Yousuf Lone son of Mohammad Yousuf Lone resident of Khrew, Rafiq Ahmad Bhat son of Ghulam Ahmad resident of Sharshali Khrew, Javaid Ahmad Khanday son of Ghulam Ahmad Khanday resident of Khrew and Imran Nazir son of Nazir Ahmad Najar resident of Mandakpaul Naimsaab Khrew were arrested on the basis of incriminating materials recovered, police spokesman said Valley Media Service.

    Huge quantity of incriminating materials was recovered from this militant module including gelatin sticks, detonators, materials for making IEDs and grenades. All the incriminating materials have been taken in case records to probe their complicity in other militancy crimes, he added.

    Meanwhile, based on a credible input that a “criminal conspiracy” has been hatched by some associates of militants to snatch weapons from on duty police personnel, Baramulla police has detained eight militant accomplices from Baramulla, Tangmarg and Srinagar areas, police said VMS. Consequently case FIR No. 102/2018 under section 18, 38 UA (P) Act was registered in Police Station Tangmarg and further investigation was initiated in the mater.

    During the course of investigation, incriminating materials including arms and ammunitions were recovered from them. (VMS)

  • Jailed JKLF Chief Yasin Malik Admitted in SKIMS Soura ICU for health check-up

    Srinagar: Incarcerated chairman of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Muhammad Yasin Malik has been today admitted in Soura Medical Institute Srinagar at the advice of doctors who examined him at Hospital today. On 01st December, JKLF ailing chairman was taken to Khyber Hospital where a team of doctors including his personal physician doctor Upendar Koul examined him and advised many medical tests for him which were taken at the said hospital. His blood samples, USG, INR, ECHO and other necessary tests were done and his USG showed multiple stones in both of his kidneys while as his INR also showed abnormality. After consultations with a senior urologist who advised many more medical tests, JKLF chairman who is still languishing in police custody was shifted to Soura Medical Institute by police where HOD cardiology Professor Nisar Ahmad Tramboo and HOD urology Doctor Salim Wani examined him and after thorough consultations advised to admit him at the said hospital. Doctors are examining the causes of severe back pain; Abnormality of INR and recurring of multiple stones in his kidneys. JKLF chairman is going through various procedures at SKIMS and after the coming of the result of these tests; doctors will suggest the further course of treatment. It is pertinent to mention that physicians are holding the repeated and prolonged incarcerations of JKLF chairman responsible for the present deterioration of his health and from 2016; Doctors have time and again called for providing Yasin sahib a suitable and healthy environment which so-called rulers and occupational authorities have been denying vehemently.

  • Don’t touch PRC: Sajad Lone

    Srinagar: Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman and former minister Sajad Lone Sunday asked the Governor’s administration to restrict itself to governance only and not to invoke structural changes related to the Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs) and Jammu and Kashmir Bank.
    Taking to micro blogging site Twitter, Sajad wrote, “The governor administration needs to restrict itself to basic governance. No structural changes pertaining to PRC or J K Bank are acceptable. Restrict your energies to what u r mandated to do—which incidentally u r not doing. Please don’t invent new problems (sic).”

  • No power on earth can deter us from our mission: Geelani

    Srinagar: Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani on Sunday reiterated that no power on earth can deter the people of Kashmir from pursuing their mission.
    Addressing the condolence gathering for slain militant Adnan Ahmad Lone over phone Geelani said, “Policy of suppression and repression in Jammu and Kashmir has failed to yield anything for New Delhi. Currently Delhi is facing a powerful people’s political movement for the right to self-determination in every nook and corner of Jammu and Kashmir.”

    Referring to the sacrifices rendered by people especially youth Geelani said, “More than 6 lakh people have laid down their lives for the Kashmir cause and the sacrifices rendered by our youth won’t go in a vain.”
    The Hurriyat (G) chairman said, “New Delhi is suffering from the arrogance of power and has tried its best to muzzle the voice of Kashmiris but has failed to do so.”
    Reiterating his poll boycott appeal, Geelani said that “participation in any election amounts to treason and betrayal with sacrifices rendered by our nation”.

  • J&K integral part of India: Rajnath

    Srinagar: Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Pakistan could seek India’s help if it “cannot handle the fight against terrorism alone”.
    Addressing a press conference here, he said that Jammu and Kashmir was not an issue as it was an integral part of the country. “The issue is of terrorism, and Pakistan can discuss it,” Singh said.

    “I want to ask the Pakistani prime minister that if in Afghanistan, a fight can be carried out against terror and Taliban with the help of the US, then, Pakistan can seek help against terrorism from India if it feels that it cannot handle it alone,” he said. He also accused the Congress of creating a crisis of distrust in politics and claimed there was a difference in their words and deeds.

  • Mehbooba warns of 2008 like uprising if orders on PRC rules, JK Bank or not immediately Withdrawn

    Srinagar, Dec 02 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday warned Governor Administration of 2008 like uprising if it does not withdraw orders on Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) rules and Jammu and Kashmir Bank.
    Talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Mehbooba said, “An unwanted order for land transfer was also issued in 2008 and a public uprising across Kashmir forced then government to withdraw the order immediately and this time when Governor has issued similar unwanted orders on Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) rules and J&K Bank, and I warn Governor’s administration of 2008 like public uprising if it does not withdraw both the orders immediately and forthwith.”
    Saying that all the political parties PDP, NC and others are on the same page as far as the rules governing Permanent resident Certificates and Jammu and Kashmir Bank are concerned, Mehbooba expressed his surprise over the Governor’s nonstop tendencies of issuing unwanted controversial orders like Amendment in J&K Municipal act, J&K Bank, PRC rules.
    Saying that her party (PDP) particularly the patron late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had also warned then government over the land transfer for Amarnath Yatra in 2008, Mehbooba told KNS, “Government withdrew the order but it was too late. We along with NC are on the same page as far as the special status of Jammu and Kashmir is concerned and urge the government to immediately withdraw the orders on PRC and J&K Bank or be prepared to face a 2008 like stir. I as chief minister also resisted such moves and during my address to August 15 day parade at Bakhshi stadium Srinagar, I declared that PDP, NC and other likeminded parties are on the same page as far as the special status of Jammu and Kashmir is concerned. We planned to form a government with the support of NC and Congress only to protect special status of the state but Governor foiled this attempt.”

  • Pakistan can seek India’s help if it feels it cannot handle terrorism alone: Rajnath

    Srinagar: Addressing a press conference here, he said that Jammu and Kashmir was not an issue as it was an integral part of the country. “The issue is of terrorism, and Pakistan can discuss it,” Singh said.

    Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Pakistan could seek India’s help if it cannot handle the fight against terrorism alone.
    Addressing a press conference here, he said that Jammu and Kashmir was not an issue as it was an integral part of the country. “The issue is of terrorism, and Pakistan can discuss it,” Singh said.

    “I want to ask the Pakistani prime minister that if in Aghanistan, a fight can be carried out against terror and Taliban with the help of the US, then, Pakistan can seek help against terrorism from India if it feels that it cannot handle it alone,” he said.
    He also accused the Congress of creating a crisis of distrust in politics and claimed there was a difference in their words and deeds.

  • Winter chill brings more heart attacks, strokes

    Srinagar, Dec 02: With drop in mercury to sub-freezing temperatures in Kashmir valley, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Sunday warned that chill of winter increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
    “You are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke during winter months,” cautioned DAK president Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a communiqué.
    “Research shows that there are up to 53 percent more heart attacks in winter than in summer,” he said.
    Quoting a study published in European Journal of Epidemiology, Dr Nisar said for every 2.9 degree centigrade decline in temperature, the number of strokes in general population goes up by 11 percent. But among those already at high risk due to raised blood pressure, smoking or being overweight the increase is 30 percent.
    “Frigid temperatures constrict blood vessels that increase blood pressure which makes heart attack or stroke more likely,” he said adding “the blood tends to be thicker and stickier during extreme cold which makes it easier to clot.”
    Dr Nisar said flu of winter heightens the risk of these cases. Flu causes acute and severe inflammation that builds up fat deposits in the inner walls of the blood vessels. These fat deposits dislodge and get stuck in heart or brain, where they block the blood flow.
    He added lack of sunlight during winter leaves people vitamin D deficient which is associated with increased risk of dying from heart attack or stroke.
    “While we can’t change the weather, we can take precautions to protect ourselves from heath risks of cold weather. Keep yourself warm to prevent from cold temperature. If you move out, dress in layers, wear a hat, gloves and scarf. Avoid going out in chill for walk and move your workout inside. Get your annual flu shot and don’t forget to take your vitamin D,” suggested Dr Nisar.

  • For 6th straight year, Khyber Gulmarg awarded ‘Favourite Boutique Hotel’

    New Delhi: The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg, has won the award for the Favourite Boutique Hotel at the eighth edition of the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards.

    Hosted in New Delhi on Thursday, the ceremony saw the attendance of select invitees comprising industry leaders, influencers and marquee names from travel, tourism and government bodies.

    The evening was a glorious occasion for The Khyber as readers of Condé Nast Traveller, the last word in Travel, honoured it for the sixth year running.

    “It is a privilege to be selected once again as Favourite Boutique Hotel –India [2018] by Condé Nast Traveller India readers as it reaffirms the traveller’s belief in The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa as an exclusive resort in Gulmarg; offering services, comforts and facilities on a par with international standards,” said Umar Tramboo, MD, Pinnacle Resorts Pvt. Ltd, promoter of The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg.

    He added that it was a heartwarming moment for The Khyber team which constantly strives to exceed the expectations of the guests and makes every visit a memorable experience for them.

    “Of course, the legendary beauty of Gulmarg, its salubrious climate and year round appeal as a destination also augments its charm and we hope it will beckon more travellers to come and experience the warmth of Kashmiri hospitality,” Readers of Condé Nast Traveller India voted for their preferred Destinations, Airlines, Hotels, Spas, Airports and more, across several categories, based on their personal experiences.

    Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards are globally renowned and considered the most prestigious in the industry. They honour the best in travel, tourism and hospitality, as chosen by the discerning and influential readers of Condé Nast Traveller.

    The awards are closely watched, as they are a barometer of the market’s changing tastes and preferences. With no nominations for the award categories and voting left open to readers, Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards are considered indicative of what discerning travellers really want and enjoy.