Article 370: Abrogation and Current Developments in Jammu and Kashmir Article 370 of the Indian Constitution granted special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Enacted in 1949, this provision allowed the region to have its own constitution, a separate flag, and autonomy over internal matters except defense, communications, finance, and foreign affairs, which remained under the central government’s jurisdiction. However, this special status was revoked on August 5, 2019, by the Narendra Modi-led government, a move that significantly altered the region’s political landscape. The Revocation Process The revocation process began with a presidential order that superseded the…
Author: HaiderAnalyst
HaiderAnalyst
I am Rida Haider, a biomedical science professional with a comprehensive background in global health and immunology, gained from completing both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in the UK. My career has spanned across the healthcare sector and hospitality, including positions at the NHS, Taj Hotels in London, and King's College Hospital. Additionally, I have leveraged my expertise to contribute to various publications, writing for Orbital Magazine and the Royal Holloway University of London blog. In 2011, my writing was internationally recognized when I received an Honorary Mention at a writing event hosted by the United Nations, a testament to my ability to effectively communicate complex scientific ideas. Leadership has always been at the core of my endeavors. I served as the President of the Royal Society of Biology at Royal Holloway University of London and led the Thames 21 Project, emphasizing my dedication to both scientific advancement and community welfare. I have also had the privilege of working closely with the Mayor of London on significant initiatives, which has enriched my experience and expanded my impact on public health and policy. Additionally, as a national officer at NISAU, I have organized events featuring distinguished guests such as Rahul Gandhi, Honorable Justice Chandrachud, Raghuram Rajan, and Salman Khurshid. My journey reflects a commitment to integrating scientific expertise with societal needs, striving to improve health and environmental conditions through education, leadership, and direct engagement.
The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the railway workers’ general strike, a pivotal event in the history of organized labour in India. This strike, initiated by the railway workers, stands out for its extraordinary geographical spread and extensive public involvement. The workers, burdened with grueling work conditions, diminishing wages and bonuses, and soaring prices of essential goods and oil, were provoked by the meagre wage hike proposed by the Third Pay Commission. Their decision to strike on May 8, 1974, was a direct response to these adversities. However, the strike commenced unexpectedly when over a million railway workers…
On May 20, 2024, rescuers located the wreckage of a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials in the mountainous northwest region of Iran. This tragic incident, which reportedly occurred the previous day, resulted in “no sign of life,” as confirmed by state media. The search and rescue operation, which lasted over 12 hours, culminated with the discovery of the helicopter approximately two kilometers from the search base, according to Pir Hossein Kolivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The Immediate Aftermath The loss of Iran’s president and other key officials in such…
NEW DELHI On a sweltering Saturday morning, plastic chairs are neatly arranged in a large hall at the Indraprastha post office in central Delhi. Soon, a group of Pakistani Hindus, mostly related, occupy these chairs, waiting for their turn to be interviewed by government officials. They have applied for Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019. A New Approach to Citizenship The government has introduced a novel system involving officials from the Census, postal department, railways, and National Informatics Centre (NIC) to scrutinize and verify documents submitted online for citizenship under CAA. This empowered committee is the final…
New Delhi, May 19, 2024 — A recent study by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has revealed alarming findings on the impact of climate hazards on women and children in India. The study, commissioned by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, highlights that children exposed to climate hazards such as floods, cyclones, and droughts are significantly more likely to be stunted, underweight, and at risk of early pregnancies. Underresearched Crisis The impact of climate change on women and children is often overlooked in policy formulation. Soumya Swaminathan, chairperson of MSSRF and former chief scientist of the World Health…
The landscape of Indian higher education has long been influenced by political dynamics. Since colonial times, politicians have established colleges and universities not only to promote education but also to enhance their political careers and build support. Both state and central government authorities have strategically located new post-secondary institutions in areas that offer political advantages, addressing various socio-cultural demands. This trend is evident in the politically motivated naming and renaming of universities. Furthermore, academic appointments and promotions have sometimes been influenced by factors beyond the individuals’ merits. In many undergraduate colleges, the norms of academic freedom have not always been…
Kerala Sounds Warning on West Nile Virus Before Monsoon; Neighboring States on Guard As Kerala braces for its annual monsoon season, the state has already begun grappling with an early outbreak of West Nile Virus (WNV), highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by vector-borne diseases in the region. The Health Department issued an official alert on May 7, marking the start of what could be a difficult season for public health officials and residents alike. Endemic Presence and Current Scenario West Nile Virus is not new to Kerala. The state has been dealing with it for over two decades, and this…
Introduction: Singapore, often characterized as a youthful state due to its relatively short history since gaining independence in 1965, has recently undergone a significant political transition. The departure of Lee Hsien Loong, after two decades as Prime Minister, marked the end of the Lee dynasty, which had shaped Singapore’s trajectory since it came into power. In his place, Lawrence Wong, a U.S.-trained economist and a civil servant turned politician, now assumes the mantle of leadership. Wong’s ascent to power signals a departure from the past while embracing a vision for a better future. This essay explores Singapore’s political evolution, the…
Tuberculosis (TB) is a persistent global health threat caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While pulmonary TB, affecting the lungs, is the most common form, extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) arises when the infection spreads to organs beyond the respiratory system. EPTB poses unique challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and management, contributing to its underestimation and impacting public health efforts. The incidence of EPTB is challenging to determine accurately due to its varied presentations and the limitations of existing diagnostic methods. However, it is estimated that approximately 15-20% of all TB cases are extra-pulmonary. This proportion underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing…
Introduction: Uranium, a naturally occurring radioactive element, holds a pivotal role in various sectors, primarily as a source of nuclear energy. With its versatile applications in power generation, medicine, and military technologies, uranium stands as a cornerstone of modern civilization. Abundantly found in the Earth’s crust, particularly in countries like Australia, Kazakhstan, and Canada, uranium undergoes a complex process of extraction and enrichment before it is utilized in reactors or other applications. Composition and Uses: Uranium exists in nature primarily in the form of two isotopes: uranium-238 and uranium-235. Of these, uranium-235, with its ability to undergo nuclear fission, is…
