Srinagar, Jan 10: Over 72% of children under the age of five are suffering from anaemia in Jammu and Kashmir, one of the highest rates in the country.
Experts warn that this alarming trend poses serious risks to the growth, immunity, and development of the region’s youngest population.
As per the 'Children in India 2025' report by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, 72.7 per cent of children, including 73.9% male and 71.4% females, are anaemic in J&K which includes 73.5 per cent in rural areas and 70.1 per cent in urban areas.
Doctors termed it a serious public health concern.
"When a child is anaemic, their blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin needed to carry oxygen throughout the body," the doctors said.
"This leads to fatigue, weakened immunity, delayed growth, impaired brain development, lowered learning ability, and increased risk of infections," they said.
Dr Shabeena Shah, a child specialist, said the most common cause of anaemia worldwide and in India is nutritional deficiency, especially iron deficiency.
"Young children have high iron needs for rapid growth, but many diets do not supply enough iron or other vital nutrients like folate and vitamin B12," she said.
"Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) is the predominant form responsible for a large share of anaemia cases in toddlers and young children."
According to the doctor, a diet too reliant on staple grains without enough iron-rich foods (like leafy greens, lentils, eggs, meat, fortified cereals) worsens this deficiency.
She said the children whose mothers are anaemic themselves are more likely to be anaemic.
Low maternal iron stores during pregnancy limit the amount of iron the baby receives before birth and through early infancy, Dr Shah added.
Dr Showkat Hussain, another doctor, said that after six months of age, breast milk alone is not enough to meet a baby’s iron requirements.
He said that if complementary foods aren’t introduced properly or are low in iron, the risk of anaemia increases.
He added that parasitic infections like hookworm and other gastrointestinal infections can cause blood loss and reduce nutrient absorption, contributing significantly to anaemia.
Dr Hussain added that inclusive breastfeeding for the first six months provides optimal nutrition and helps build immunity. "Breast milk contains iron that is easily absorbed by infants, helping protect against anaemia in early infancy.
However, after 6 months, iron stores from birth get depleted, and complementary foods need to be introduced. If the complementary diet lacks iron-rich foods, anaemia risk rises," he added.
Doctors said that inadequate complementary feeding, such as giving mostly watery cereals or liquid foods without iron enrichment, can worsen anaemia.
They added that eating fried or junk foods does not directly cause anaemia, but it contributes indirectly by displacing nutritious foods in a child’s diet, providing empty calories with little iron, vitamins, or minerals.
Doctors called for introducing iron-rich complementary foods after six months, such as meat, eggs, green leafy vegetables, lentils, beans, pair iron foods with vitamin C-rich foods (like citrus fruits, tomatoes) to improve iron absorption and avoid overreliance on packaged snacks and fried foods.
They said the government programmes, such as Anaemia Mukt Bharat and Mission Poshan 2.0, provide iron and folic acid supplements for children and mothers.
The weekly iron supplementation and fortified foods can substantially reduce anaemia prevalence, the doctors said, adding that routine deworming and immunisation help reduce anaemia caused by parasites and infections. (KNO
'Results likely to get delayed in absence of Chairman' Jammu, Jan 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Wednesday said the result of the class 10th examinations will be declared soon after the appointment of the Chairman of the Board. The statement comes amid the uncertainty about the declaration of the results by JKBOSE. In an official handout issued here, JKBOSE has advised students not to pay heed to fake links and websites announcing declaration of class 10 results. "Result of class 10th will be declared within few days soon after the appointment of new Chairman," the statement reads. The JKBOSE has stated that the results of annual examination of class 10 of Kashmir valley and winter zone areas of Jammu Division are almost ready. "But its approval by Result Declaration Committee headed by BOSE Chairman is a pre- requisite before its declaration. In absence of the Chairman the results are likely to get a little delayed," it reads. The JKBOSE officials have advised the students to wait for the formal declaration on the official website of the Board- www.jkbose.nic.in. "Students should not get misled by scamesters and fake narratives circulated by some mischievous elements, whose sole aim is to create confusion in the innocent student community," the statement reads.
Suhail Khan Baramulla, Jan 6: A young aerospace engineer from Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is proving that dedication and ambition can propel one to global heights. Munaf-ul-Raquib who holds a B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, has gained international recognition for his research on black holes and cosmology. Munaf-ul-Raquib revealed that his paper on the thermodynamics of black holes was recently published in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). “About a year ago, I conducted research on the gravity of black holes and cosmology, which has now been published in IJSR,” he said. He said that since his research was published in the international journal, he has been receiving opportunities from various countries to participate in research dialogues. Raquib added that in the coming months he is scheduled to participate in international conferences in Paris on April 16 and later in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Sopore aerospace engineer noted that he is also participating in various conferences across different countries. Speaking about his research, Munaf-ul-Raquib addressed a fundamental paradox in astrophysics: how black holes can appear to violate thermodynamic laws, particularly concerning entropy.“If we observe a black hole, it seems to contradict thermodynamic principles,” he said. Using the frameworks of Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and Conformal Field Theory (CFT), Raqeeb’s research proposes a theoretical model that reconciles black hole mechanics with thermodynamics. “In this paper, I have explained how a black hole can function without violating thermodynamic laws,” he said. He described the achievement as both personal and symbolic. “It is a proud moment for me to represent my state, especially Sopore, on an international platform,” he said. Raqeeb shared that Astrophysics was his childhood dream, and his grandfather encouraged me immensely. "After my grandfather passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, my parents continued to champion my aspirations. My parents left no stone unturned in helping me pursue my dreams,” he said. He said that his academic path included taking the JEE and later the AME CET entrance exams, through which he secured a seat in aerospace engineering at the Nasik Research Centre. “My parents not only supported me morally but also created an environment where I could pursue my dreams freely,” he said. He emphasized the role of family in nurturing talent. “Just as my parents supported me, it is the responsibility of all parents to help their children follow their dreams.” “Young people should avoid wrong practices. They must dream of a beautiful tomorrow but work hard today to make their parents proud,” he further added.
Srinagar, Jan 8: The University of Kashmir (KU) has made the biometric attendance mandatory for the students of its affiliated colleges from Academic session 2026-27. The development comes in wake of the complaints about the thin attendance of the students in various private B.Ed colleges affiliated with the Kashmir University. A circular in this regard has been issued by the Assistant Registrar Dean Colleges Development Council (DCDC) of the University. "All the Chairpersons and Principals of private affiliated colleges of the University of Kashmir are hereby informed that biometric attendance for all the enrolled students and staff has been made mandatory from the year 2026-27," the KU circular reads. The Principals of all the affiliated colleges have been directed to install biometric attendance machines in their respective institutions on or before the commencement of the Academic year 2026-27 under intimation to the Dean College Development Council of the University. "The college shall also ensure proper upkeep, maintenance, and systematic preservation of all biometric attendance records for future reference and verification," it reads. The Colleges have been directed to comply with this directive "without fail." The move comes in wake of the inspections conducted last year by the DCDC of KU in various B.Ed colleges where most of the students were found absent. An official said that there were complaints about the poor attendance of the students in B.Ed colleges. "The students do not attend their B.Ed classes regularly which defeats the purpose of the course," the official said. Earlier, DCDC of KU earlier barred the B.Ed students to appear in teh semester exams for falling short of attendance. The decision was taken in wake of the surprise inspection conducted by Dean College Development Council (DCDC) in various B.Ed colleges of Kashmir in June-July month of 2025 and several students were found absent from the classes. Following this, the students were directed to attend supplementary classes to complete the recommended attendance for appearing in their exams. Also, the exam of these students was deferred by few months.
Baramulla, Jan 9: Deputy Commissioner Baramulla on Thursday said that the situation caused by the landslides on Ur-Baramulla was temporary and would be resolved once the excavation process of the road is completed. The statement comes amid the concerns over recurring landslides on the Uri–Baramulla road due to ongoing road widening project being executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Talking to Kashmir Square, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa said that such issues are common during the construction of hill roads and should not be viewed as an unusual development. “There is no major issue. Whenever a hill road is constructed or widened, such problems are recurrent,” he said. He further said that the slopes usually take time to stabilise after excavation. "The excavation process affects the natural stability of the hillside and it generally takes one to two years for slopes to fully stabilise," he said. Minga Sherpa said several slope stabilisation measures are already in place to minimise risks. “Grouting has been done and protective walling has also been constructed at several points,” DC Baramulla told Kashmir Square. He further said that around 200 metres of excavation work is still pending on the stretch and the remaining cutting work is expected to be completed within a month. “Once the excavation is finished, the BRO and concerned agencies will carry out full-fledged slope stabilisation measures. After that, such incidents will not occur again,” he said. Over the past few weeks, the Uri–Baramulla road, a vital link connecting the border town of Uri with Baramulla district witnessed intermittent traffic disruptions due to landslides triggered by excavation work, raising safety concerns among commuters. The Baramulla–Uri National Highway remained closed on Thursday after another landslide struck the stretch - the third such incident reported in the last 20 days, causing severe inconvenience to commuters. A fresh landslide hit the highway on Thursday afternoon, forcing authorities to immediately halt traffic movement on the route as a precautionary measure. It was the third such incident in just 20 days on the Baramulla–Uri National Highway, following two earlier slides that also triggered full traffic halts and diversions through alternate routes. Only emergency vehicles were allowed to pass, while all routine traffic was stopped to avoid any untoward incident. An official said the road clearance operations were launched soon after the incident, with personnel and machinery mobilised to remove debris and stabilise the affected area. "The highway was made motorable again from the evening hours," he said. The closure of the main Baramulla–Uri National Highway compelled authorities to divert vehicles through the dilapidated Khadniyar–Gantamulla road.
Srinagar, Jan 8: The Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has pulled up the officers vested with the powers of Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) as their additional assignment, for indulging in administrative works, beyond their domain. As per the order issued by the Director School Education Kashmir Naseer Ahmad Wani, the officers having additional DDO powers, have been reprimanded for going beyond their role of duties. "It has come to the notice of the DSEK that many officers of the department vested with DDOs powers are affecting transfers and doing administrative works having no authority to do so," the order reads. As per the order, all these DDOs holding charge in additional capacity have been asked to utilise the powers for the purpose of drawing and disbursing salary and other financial matters within the limits of the authority. "The officers shall not exercise any administrative powers particularly with respect to the transfer of staff," it reads. The DSEK has warned of disciplinary action in case of violation of the order by any officers. "Any deviation from the instant order shall be viewed seriously and invite disciplinary action," it reads.
Srinagar, Jan 10: Over 72% of children under the age of five are suffering from anaemia in Jammu and Kashmir, one of the highest rates in the country. Experts warn that this alarming trend poses serious risks to the growth, immunity, and development of the region’s youngest population. As per the 'Children in India 2025' report by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, 72.7 per cent of children, including 73.9% male and 71.4% females, are anaemic in J&K which includes 73.5 per cent in rural areas and 70.1 per cent in urban areas. Doctors termed it a serious public health concern. "When a child is anaemic, their blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin needed to carry oxygen throughout the body," the doctors said. "This leads to fatigue, weakened immunity, delayed growth, impaired brain development, lowered learning ability, and increased risk of infections," they said. Dr Shabeena Shah, a child specialist, said the most common cause of anaemia worldwide and in India is nutritional deficiency, especially iron deficiency. "Young children have high iron needs for rapid growth, but many diets do not supply enough iron or other vital nutrients like folate and vitamin B12," she said. "Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) is the predominant form responsible for a large share of anaemia cases in toddlers and young children." According to the doctor, a diet too reliant on staple grains without enough iron-rich foods (like leafy greens, lentils, eggs, meat, fortified cereals) worsens this deficiency. She said the children whose mothers are anaemic themselves are more likely to be anaemic. Low maternal iron stores during pregnancy limit the amount of iron the baby receives before birth and through early infancy, Dr Shah added. Dr Showkat Hussain, another doctor, said that after six months of age, breast milk alone is not enough to meet a baby’s iron requirements. He said that if complementary foods aren’t introduced properly or are low in iron, the risk of anaemia increases. He added that parasitic infections like hookworm and other gastrointestinal infections can cause blood loss and reduce nutrient absorption, contributing significantly to anaemia. Dr Hussain added that inclusive breastfeeding for the first six months provides optimal nutrition and helps build immunity. "Breast milk contains iron that is easily absorbed by infants, helping protect against anaemia in early infancy. However, after 6 months, iron stores from birth get depleted, and complementary foods need to be introduced. If the complementary diet lacks iron-rich foods, anaemia risk rises," he added. Doctors said that inadequate complementary feeding, such as giving mostly watery cereals or liquid foods without iron enrichment, can worsen anaemia. They added that eating fried or junk foods does not directly cause anaemia, but it contributes indirectly by displacing nutritious foods in a child’s diet, providing empty calories with little iron, vitamins, or minerals. Doctors called for introducing iron-rich complementary foods after six months, such as meat, eggs, green leafy vegetables, lentils, beans, pair iron foods with vitamin C-rich foods (like citrus fruits, tomatoes) to improve iron absorption and avoid overreliance on packaged snacks and fried foods. They said the government programmes, such as Anaemia Mukt Bharat and Mission Poshan 2.0, provide iron and folic acid supplements for children and mothers. The weekly iron supplementation and fortified foods can substantially reduce anaemia prevalence, the doctors said, adding that routine deworming and immunisation help reduce anaemia caused by parasites and infections. (KNO
New Delhi, Jan 8: A higher intake of industrially processed foods and beverages containing preservatives used to prolong shelf life may increase the risk of cancer, according to a new study published in The BMJ. The study found that people consuming greater amounts of several commonly used preservatives—mainly non-antioxidant additives—faced a higher cancer risk compared to non-consumers or those with lower intake. These preservatives include potassium sorbate, potassium metabisulfite, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate and acetic acid. Researchers observed that total sorbates, particularly potassium sorbate, were linked to a 14 per cent higher risk of overall cancer and a 26 per cent increased risk of breast cancer. Total sulfites were associated with a 12 per cent rise in overall cancer risk. Sodium nitrite intake was linked to a 32 per cent higher risk of prostate cancer, while potassium nitrate was associated with a 13 per cent increase in overall cancer risk and a 22 per cent rise in breast cancer risk. Similarly, total acetates were linked to a 15 per cent increase in overall cancer risk and a 25 per cent higher risk of breast cancer, while acetic acid alone was associated with a 12 per cent increased risk of overall cancer. Among antioxidant preservatives, only total erythorbates and sodium erythorbate were found to be associated with a higher incidence of cancer. “This study provides new insights that could support future re-evaluation of the safety of these food additives by health authorities, balancing their benefits in food preservation against potential cancer risks,” the research team from Université Paris Cité, France, said. The researchers added that public health guidance already strongly recommends reducing intake of processed meat and alcohol, offering practical steps for individuals even as evidence on the carcinogenic effects of preservatives continues to emerge. While further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms, the study noted that several of these compounds may disrupt immune and inflammatory pathways, potentially contributing to cancer development. The analysis included 1,05,260 cancer-free participants aged 15 years and above and examined 17 individual preservatives, including citric acid, lecithins, sulfites, ascorbic acid, sodium nitrite, potassium sorbate, sodium erythorbate, potassium metabisulfite and potassium nitrate. During the follow-up period, 4,226 participants were diagnosed with cancer, including 1,208 cases of breast cancer, 508 prostate cancers, 352 colorectal cancers and 2,158 cases of other cancers.
New Delhi, Feb 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday invited ten prominent personalities to join the national movement against obesity and promote awareness about healthy food consumption, aligning with his Fit India initiative.Among those nominated were Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, businessman Anand Mahindra, actor-turned-politician Dinesh Lal Yadav aka Nirahua, Olympic medalists Manu Bhaker and Mirabai Chanu, actors Mohanlal and R. Madhavan, singer Shreya Ghoshal, Rajya Sabha MP and philanthropist Sudha Murthy, and Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani.PM Modi urged these personalities to further nominate ten individuals each, amplifying the movement's reach and impact.Taking to X, the Prime Minister stated, "As mentioned in yesterday's Mann Ki Baat, I would like to nominate the following people to help strengthen the fight against obesity and spread awareness on reducing edible oil consumption in food. I also request them to nominate ten people each so that our movement gets bigger! Collectively, let us make India fitter and healthier."In his monthly radio program, 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, PM Modi lauded India's rapid progress toward becoming a global sporting powerhouse and stressed the importance of leading a healthy life.During the address, he also highlighted a growing health concern -- obesity. Referring to discussions at the National Games' opening ceremony in Dehradun, he emphasised the urgent need to address India's rising obesity crisis.Citing World Health Organization data, he warned that one in every eight people in India is affected by obesity, with cases having doubled in recent years. More alarmingly, childhood obesity has increased fourfold.He pointed out that excessive weight is linked to numerous health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. However, he reassured that small yet meaningful lifestyle changes could help tackle the issue.To further this initiative, he invited Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, boxer Nikhat Zareen, and renowned cardiologist Dr Devi Shetty to share their insights on combating obesity in the radio programme.The Prime Minister urged citizens to embrace healthier eating habits, particularly by reducing excessive oil consumption. He emphasised that making informed dietary choices is not merely a personal decision but a collective responsibility toward family and society."Using less oil in food and dealing with obesity is not just a personal choice but also our responsibility towards the family. Excessive use of oil in food can cause many diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension," he said."By making small changes in our food habits, we can make our future stronger, fitter, and disease-free. Therefore, without delay, we must increase our efforts in this direction and implement them in our lives. We can all do this together in a very playful and effective way," he said. (IANS)
