The Israeli military confirmed Wednesday that Iran shot down an Israeli Air Force Hermes 900 drone using surface-to-air missiles. The IDF stressed that "there were no casualties and no risk of information leakage."
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Iran, Pakistan & Afghanistan relations
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards carried out simultaneous raids in eight cities and border towns in Sistan and Baluchistan province. The operation was a covert operation targeting an Indian network that was spying and sabotage activities in both Pakistan and Iran under the direction of Mossad. 312 operatives were arrested, most of them from the BLA BLF and its political front, the Baloch Unity Committee (BYC).
Since the majority were found to have Pakistani identity documents, Tehran did not publicly disclose the arrests out of diplomatic expediency. The covert operation came to light when the Iranian Signals Intelligence Unit successfully intercepted an encrypted data link from an Israeli-made BlueBird Saturn-X drone near Chabahar. It was the first indication that a major foreign agency was operating a spy network in the region.
Then, Financial Intelligence uncovered a key clue: an unexplained transfer of approximately $700,000 from a Dubai-registered company, Horizon Commodities FZE, to a Quetta-based shell company, Baloch Brothers Trading. This financial link confirmed the suspicious activity.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Israeli forces kill 45 Palestinians waiting for aid in southern Gaza
Israeli forces kill 45 Palestinians waiting for aid in southern Gaza
At least 45 Palestinians have been killed and dozens wounded by occupational Israeli forces as they waited for aid at the al-Tahlia Roundabout in Khan Younis.
“Emergency, intensive care and operating rooms [at Nasser Medical Complex] are overcrowded with the large number of casualties and deaths,” said the Health Ministry in Gaza.
The latest carnage came at controversial aid sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by the United States and Israel, which operate in areas tightly controlled by the Israeli military and that critics have slammed as “human slaughterhouses”.
Volker Turk, the UN’s human rights chief, said on Monday that Israel’s “means and methods of warfare are inflicting horrifying, unconscionable suffering on Palestinians in Gaza”.
More than 20 months of Israeli attacks have killed at least 55,362 Palestinians, including tens of thousands of children, women and elderly people.
- 43m ago(06:55 GMT)
Three killed in Israeli attack on Iran’s Isfahan
The Iranian Mehr news agency is reporting that an Israeli projectile hit a checkpoint in the city of Kashan in the central province of Isfahan this morning, killing at least three people and wounding four others.
The agency quoted Akbar Salehi, deputy security officer to the governor of Isfahan.
The Tasnim and ISNA news agencies also reported on the deaths, but gave no further details.
As we’ve been reporting, more than 220 people have been killed in Israel’s attacks on Iran, including at least 70 women and children.
Monday, June 16, 2025
Behind the Fire: What’s Fueling the Iran-Israel War?
"Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has given permission
for Israeli and pro-Israeli forces to use Syrian airspace
to intercept Iranian drones and missiles."
Two important points for people to understand:
First:
Now even the blind can see what the real reason
for the regime change in Syria and the reality of
the so-called "revolution" was; all of this was actually
being done for the interests of Israel.
Second:
Israel was not asking for your permission, the dog is
just proving its loyalty to its master.
Who Is Ahmed al‑Sharaa?
Background: Born Abu Mohammad al‑Julani, he rose through al‑Qaeda in Iraq after the 2003 invasion and was imprisoned by U.S. forces. Later, in Syria, he founded the al‑Nusrah Front, evolving into Hay'at Tahrir al‑Sham (HTS), where he served as its emir from 2017 to 2025
Sunday, June 15, 2025
Where Mountains Meet Medicine : Himalayan Herbal Resorts
Nestled in Lashpathri, Sonamarg....... just 4.6 km from Thajiwas Glacier, surrounded by dense forest and a vibrant herbal garden boasting 300+ rare Himalayan plants...
A scenic bridge and mountain trail lead to the secluded retreat, offering
stunning glacier and valley views from most rooms .
Accommodation
Features six deluxe rooms and three tent-style rooms, with options
for double or twin beds, and terraces overlooking the mountains or garden
Room amenities include AC, ceiling fans, TV, workspace, wardrobe,
fridge, ensuite bathroom with geyser, and complimentary toiletries
Food & Dining
In‑house restaurant offering North Indian and Mughlai cuisine, with
meal plans including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Specialty
“Wazvaan” is available upon request
Ingredients include herbs freshly picked from their own garden,
organic vegetables, trout and locally farmed chicken, all
prepared with spring water.
Amenities & Services
Popular amenities : bonfire area, water sports,
swimming pool (some listings note absence—recommend double-check),
yoga/meditation space, children's play area, lounge, and UNESCO forest trails
General services: 24‑hour front desk, shuttle services (airport/train),
housekeeping and room service, bottled water .
Extra facilities: car parking, fitness center/gym, sauna, garden,
luggage storage, and doctor-on-call for emergencies .
More info : https://himalayanherbalresorts.com/contact
Ph/WhatsApp : + 91-9149817809
Friday, June 13, 2025
Why is Kashmir important ?
Kashmir is important for geopolitical, strategic, cultural,
and ecological reasons.
 |
| Indus river |
1. Geopolitical Importance
Territorial Dispute : Kashmir is at the center of a longstanding conflict between India, Pakistan, and China. Control over this region is a matter of national identity and sovereignty for all three.
Border Sensitivity: It borders China (Xinjiang, Tibet) and Pakistan, making it strategically crucial for regional security.
Territorial Dispute : Kashmir is at the center of a longstanding conflict between India, Pakistan, and China. Control over this region is a matter of national identity and sovereignty for all three.
Border Sensitivity: It borders China (Xinjiang, Tibet) and Pakistan, making it strategically crucial for regional security.
 |
| Medicinal plants of Kashmir |
India–Pakistan Wars : Five major wars (1947, 1965, 1999, 2019 & 2025) were fought mainly over Kashmir.
2. Strategic Importance
Military Advantage: The region’s mountainous terrain provides a tactical high ground and acts as a buffer zone. Control over Siachen Glacier gives India a vantage point over both Pakistan and China.
Water Resources: The Indus River system originates here, crucial for agriculture and drinking water in both India and Pakistan. This makes Kashmir vital in the context of the Indus Waters Treaty.
3. Economic and Ecological Significance
Natural Resources: Known for forests, hydroelectric power, horticulture, minerals, and medicinal plants. Kashmir is famous for medicinal plants due to its unique geography, rich biodiversity, and traditional knowledge systems.
Agriculture: Kashmir is a major producer of apples, saffron, walnuts, and handicrafts like Pashmina wool.
Tourism Potential: Scenic beauty, pilgrimage sites like Amarnath, and adventure tourism make it an economic asset.
Ecological Importance: Home to unique Himalayan flora and fauna, glaciers, and rivers feeding the plains of South Asia.
4. Cultural and Religious Importance
Diverse Heritage: A blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic traditions, with a deep spiritual history.
Cultural Identity: Kashmiri language, literature (like Lal Ded and Sheikh ul-Alam), crafts, and music form a unique part of South Asian culture.
Religious Sensitivity: Sites like the Hazratbal shrine, Sheikh Noor Din, Amarnath Cave (Hindu) and shrines of Sufi saints are spiritually important.
5. Global Attention
International Diplomacy: Kashmir has been a subject of United Nations resolutions and global diplomatic concern, especially due to nuclear capabilities of India,China and Pakistan.
Human Rights Focus: Media and organizations worldwide monitor Kashmir for issues related to conflict, security measures, and civil liberties.
Israeli Migration Trends: Who’s Leaving and Why?
In 2025, nearly 6,93,000 Israelis, including Jewish individuals, left the country, a significant increase compared to previous years. This exodus has been attributed to various factors, including the ongoing conflict, concerns about safety, and political instability. Some Israelis who left cite the October 7 attacks as a trigger for their decision to leave, feeling unsafe in their own country.
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Tragedy in Ahmedabad: Air India Flight with 242 Onboard Crashes
A London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed in a residential area in Ahmedabad minutes after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon. Many people were feared killed. (Details awaited)
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Tufail Matoo: Kashmir’s Youngest Victim of Violence?
Tufail’s Schoolbag: The Weight of a Nation’s Sorrow
Srinagar: June 11, 2010, is now etched into the memory of the Kashmir conflict; a day that marked a generational shift in how Kashmiris opposed Indian rule. The Baton of ‘resistance against Indian rule’ was handed over to a new generation. The day marked a beginning of a famous 2010 summer intifada in which streets of Kashmir-mostly in Srinagar’s downtown- became battlegrounds between pro-freedom youth and government forces. The street stamina was overpowered by state stamina by coming down hard on the protesters, resulting in the death of 120 Kashmiris, mostly youth.
The first casualty of 2010 summer was a teenager: Tufail Mattoo. The lone son of his family, Mattoo’s name is a synonym to the bloody summer. The son of a handicraft businessman- Mohammad Ashraf Mattoo, Tufail was killed by government forces’ tear gas shell that hit his head. Mattoo senior handed over a Rs 10 note to his son as bus fare when he was going to a tuition centre. Tufail was preparing for a medical entrance test. Mattoo didn’t know that the Rs 5 coin that was with Tufail would remain as “souvenir” for him and his son wouldn’t return. He was at home when some neighbours rushed to him with the news that shattered his life, forever: his son had been killed.
Tufail was hit by a teargas shell fired at him from a close range by the J&K police on June 11, 2010, near Gani Memorial Stadium –about 8 km from his home in Saidakadal.
His skull was bust open with the tear gas shell and he died on the spot with the five-rupee coin in his right hand. Tufail’s death led to widespread protests triggering months’ long anti-India summer uprising during which men in uniform killed nearly 120 people, mostly youth. Witnesses in the locality said the police started chasing Tufail when they saw him. As he began to run, the police fired a teargas shell at him hitting him in the head. He died, instantly.
The autopsy of Tufail also confirmed that he was killed by a teargas shell which damaged his brain and skull, busted the police claims that it was a case of “mysterious death”.
The then Chief Minister of J&K state, Omar Abdullah, appointed a retired judge Justice ML Koul to probe the civilian killings of 2010. The Koul Commission report was handed over to the present Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in December 2016 in which it was recommended that a CBI enquiry should be ordered in Tufail’s case. The report has not been made public, however.
In December 2012, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the J&K Police, which had first investigated the case, had also closed the investigation by declaring culprits “untraced”.
On the eighth death anniversary of Tufail, who is buried in Martyrs’ graveyard Eidgah, people from all walks of life came and paid tributes to him.
In February 2015, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court ordered a fresh probe into Tufail Mattoo killing. It was after Amnesty International called on Jammu and Kashmir Government in June 2013 to reopen the investigation into 2010 killing of Tufail Mattoo.
On the long-drawn battle of Mattoo, political commentator Gowhar Geelani maintained that the trigger that led to the 2010 summer uprising was the extra-judicial killings in Machil in which three civilians were lured for a job and killed in fake encounter by Indian army along the Line of Control (LoC).
“Later, a young teenage student Tufail Mattoo became a reference point. His killing by government forces in a way was a paradigm shift in seeing a new generation of Kashmir at war with the state and the idea of India in Kashmir. And the government at war with a new generation. A new generation which has a new vocabulary, that way it was pretty significant in Kashmir narrative,” he said.
Geelani said that denying justice in Tufail Mattoo’s case is a telling commentary on “how India operates in Kashmir and how brazenly it shields perpetrators and gives a free license to armed forces to commit rights violations, and also encourages the guilty personnel to believe they can get away with anything”.
An FIR was filed 11 days after Tufail was killed after the family had run from pillar to post and pleaded with the magistrate to order police to do it.
“I don’t see any progress in the case, the reason is police haven’t done a fair and proper investigation and when police are themselves involved in the crime how can one expect a fair investigation,” said noted human rights activist and lawyer Parvez Imroz. “Tufail’s father is a brave man who is fighting for the justice for last eight years but you have to understand that government forces are enjoying impunity in the state of Jammu and Kashmir where they get easily,” he added.
Human rights activist Khurram Parvez said that Tufail Mattoo was brutally killed at a time when the anger was already brewing up among the people against the killing of three innocent Kashmiris in a fake encounter by Indian Army. “In Srinagar city, such kind of killing also took place after a long time where a child who was coming back from tuition centres was killed by government forces so this killing became the news and people in large number came on roads to protest against the forces repression in Kashmir.”
“Everybody thought that there is no one safe in Kashmir and at that point of time it led to a huge public mobilisation,” he added.
Ashraf has attended more than 50 court hearings in past 8 years and he has lost all hopes on Judiciary. “I tried my best to give the opportunities to the state government for delivering justice by arresting the culprits but unfortunately they, in turn, shield them and they not only murdered the justice but their so-called democracy as well, they have been doing it in Kashmir since three decades.”
Khurram observed that since 2010 the street protest continues in Kashmir. “Whenever there is the killing of a civilian or even we can see when a militant is being killed in an encounter people start protesting in a large number. The uprising is ongoing.”
“The protest trend is not according to calendar given by Hurriyat (Conference) now; the trend is according to the killings be it a civilian or a militant,” he added.
“There is no will shown by the side of the government to investigate any crime whether it’s killing of Tufail Mattoo, rapes, torture and disappearances. They are reluctant to provide justice to the people, therefore, they are not allowing any investigation which means there is complete unwillingness of Government of India and from the state government to allow process of justice, they don’t allow these processes to function as a normal process where accountability can be created so they have given absolute impunity to armed forces and there is no deterrence and therefore these crimes are getting repeated again and again,” he maintained.
“So, his killing was actually the trigger that became the reason for the summer uprising,” he added.
Noted journalist and editor Najeeb Mubarki said that Kashmir is a cotton balefire, where enforced ‘normality’ never douses the smouldering embers and which only needs a spark to rage once again.
“Tufail’s killing in 2010 was one such spark, there have been others since and, given the fact of neither the political conflict being resolved or even the killers being ever given punishment, unfortunately, there will be other such sparks in the form of killings or other abuses. But Tufail also became a symbol, that of Kashmiri youngsters being killed by a brutal military regime calling itself a democracy and of a younger generation becoming the spearhead of resistance against the state of utter brutality,” said Mubarki.
Ashraf said, “When 120 youth were killed after my son’s killing, the parents of those youth decide not to fight the case because they were aware that they will not get the justice from the government. I decided to fight the case as I was believing and I was a staunch supporter of democracy…Today when they meet me, I told them that your decision of not fighting the case was right as justice seems to be elusive to me as well,” he said.
Referring to notes from his son’s case file, Ashraf said that it takes a lot of time for the common people to even register an FIR.
“Our application was rejected by the Police and they accepted it only after court’s direction and when it comes to probing, they do it in a way that culprits are saved and the court hearings are stretched so long that the victim gets exhausted and he ultimately gives-up the case” he explained.
“Investigation in Kashmir is a cruel joke; they do it to hush-up the case that is why I rejected the recommendations of the Justice Koul Commission of Inquiry, which had recommended a CBI investigation into the killing,” he said.
“I am the father of the victim and the points I had raised in my letter before the (Koul) commission were not even touched and thus the real perpetrators had been let off,” he alleged.
He is buried at two places, his body is buried at martyrs graveyard in the old city and the fragments of his brain that lay scattered on the ground were gathered by locals and buried nearby. “This haunts me all the time,” says Ashraf.
Tufail Ashraf Matoo,
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Sunday, June 8, 2025
Janata Ki Baat, Patrika Ke Saath
Public Patrika
Address: Bihar Arwal , Patna New City, India, 804402
Mob: 079821 35880
e-mail: publicpatrika1213@gmail.com
e-mail: publicpatrika1213@gmail.com
Public Patrika
Install new version of Google
Google is an essential tool for quick results & personalised content. I appreciate it's powerful search engine, making it easy to stay informed. The integration with other helpful Google Services like Gmail, Drive, Maps, News, Photos, Meet, Pay, Gemini & many more, making it seamless & everyday life easier on the go. However, I have some concerns about data & privacy about how it is collected. Overall, I believe it's an incredible resource for learning & productivity, as long as users are aware.
You can install or update your Google search application from here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
Saturday, June 7, 2025
All India Progressive Farmers Alliance (AIPFA)
India is a predominantly agricultural country, with farmers constituting 50% of its population. The issues faced by the farmers range from state to state and crop to crop, but in general, procurement of produce, fluctuating market prices, and production losses due to the vagaries of nature are the most potent issues that lead to agitations and suicide deaths among farmers.
In addition, the lack of timely credit from the institutions, leading to higher-cost private loans, spurious inputs that fail crops, and a poor social security net, are the key concerns. But their issues and agenda remain largely unattended, even though various farmer groups and social and political outfits do voice their concerns.
Medicinal plants of KashmirMore info : https://jkmpic.blogspot.com
Attn:- FPO/FPC/Cooperative
societies/NGOs/Farmers
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC, is a pioneer institution to start cultivation of important indigenous medicinal plants and introduce many from other parts of the world. A preliminary study on cultivation of medicinal herbs & fruit plants in Jammu and Kashmir was from this institution.
Availability : Planting materials/seeds
Apple, Apricort, Kiwi, Goji berry, Ginkgo biloba, Almond, Peach,
Pear, Elderberry, Howthorne berry , Hazel tree, Zaitoon, Sweet Chestnut, Walnut
seed fruit plants are available
Spices : Chilli, Saffron, Garlic, wild
Garlic
Berries : Howthorne berry, Red Gojiberry,
Black Gojiberry..
Minerals : Shilajit (Mount Atai)
Write us at : jkmpic@gmail.com
Home: https://jkmpic.blogspot.com
Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal
Plants Introduction Centre
POB 40 GPO Srinagar Kashmir JK 19 0001
WhatsApp: 9858986794
Organized efforts at the national and state levels for setting their agenda, coordination across groups, and taking up research-based advocacy for farmers have been lacking for a long time.
ICFA has been organizing meetings of farmer bodies from time to time, and with that experience, it has created the All India Farmers Alliance to take on board all the key farmer organizations towards addressing the long-felt need. AIPFA has about 30 farmer organizations out of 40 or more significant entities working on a national level. AIPFA intends to broaden its ambit to include more organizations working on various levels for farmers. AIPFA has a national convener and four regional conveners, and its board includes representatives from all major farmer associations.
Organizations interested in joining this Alliance may contact us.
- ADDRESS:B-Wing, 2nd Floor, Naurang House KG Marg, New Delhi 110001
- EMAIL:info@icfa.org.in
The Story Behind Ginkgo Gulzar: Kashmir’s Green Sanctuary
 |
| Ginkgo Gulzar |
Ginkgo Gulzar" most likely refers to Sheikh Gulzar, a renowned figure in the world of medicinal plants, particularly known for his work with Ginkgo biloba in disputed state of Kashmir. He is the Head of the Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre.
Here's what's known about Sheikh Gulzar's connection to ginkgo:
Expert on Ginkgo biloba:
Ginkgo Gulzar is deeply involved in the study and cultivation of Ginkgo
biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree, in the Kashmir region.
Promoting Ginkgo's benefits:
He is known for sharing his knowledge and insights into the medicinal
properties of ginkgo, particularly its potential for improving memory and
focus.
His work is based at "Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction
Centre" in Pampore, Southeren Kashmir, which is the location of the Jammu and
Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre.
Public figures:
He is a well-known figure in Kashmir, frequently sharing his thoughts
and information about medicinal plants and their use, including on LinkedIn.
He is also known for promoting the use of ginkgo tea as a natural way
to boost memory and focus.
In essence, "Ginkgo Gulzar" is used to identify and
associate Sheikh Gulzar with his expertise and work on Ginkgo biloba,
particularly in the context of Kashmir's medicinal plants and traditional knowledge.
Experience Kashmir Through Its Farms: A New Way to Travel
Agro Tourism in Kashmir is an emerging and promising sector that combines agriculture with tourism, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the rural lifestyle, farming activities, and natural beauty of the region. With its scenic valleys, diverse flora, and rich cultural heritage, Kashmir is ideally suited for agro-tourism development.
Ferula communis in Kashmir—also known as Giant Fennel—is a tall, aromatic herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean and some parts of Asia, including the Himalayan regions. In Kashmir, it is gaining attention both for its striking visual presence and its traditional medicinal value.
Local Significance : Though not as widely cultivated, it grows in sunny, dry alpine zones and is part of Kashmir’s diverse medicinal and wild flora.
Visual Beauty : Towering yellow umbels and thick, hollow stems make it a scenic plant, often compared to natural sculptures. It stands out dramatically against Kashmir’s rolling hills and meadows.
Availability : 50, 100, 250 seeds pkt
WhatsApp : +91-9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
Friday, June 6, 2025
Top Environmental Funding Opportunities in India
Explore the latest environmental grants and funding programs available in India for 2025. From climate resilience to biodiversity conservation, these opportunities are ideal for NGOs, social enterprises, and grassroots initiatives driving sustainable change.
......................................................................................
 |
| Environmental Funding Opportunities in India |
FUNDSFORNGOS LLC
140 Broadway, 46th Floor
New York, NY 10005
United States
Office 1018
1060 Broadway, Albany
New York 12204
United States
Websites
https://fundsforngos.org
https://fundsforngospremium.com
Space donated by : Sheikh GULZAR
sustainable development grants India,
environmental NGO grants India,
government environmental schemes India,
eco startup funding India,
CSR grants environment India,
environmental conservation funding India,
biodiversity funding India,
green finance opportunities India,
climate change funding India,
National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC),
MoEFCC climate funding,
DST green technology fund,
FAME scheme India,
MNRE renewable energy subsidies,
state government climate schemes,
environmental NGO grants India,
government environmental schemes India,
eco startup funding India,
CSR grants environment India,
environmental conservation funding India,
biodiversity funding India,
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climate change funding India,
National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC),
MoEFCC climate funding,
DST green technology fund,
FAME scheme India,
MNRE renewable energy subsidies,
state government climate schemes,
____________________________----------------_____________________________
 |
| Elderberr cultivation in cool regions of India |
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC, is a pioneer institution to start cultivation of important indigenous medicinal plants and introduce many from other parts of the world. A preliminary study on cultivation of medicinal herbs & fruit plants in Jammu and Kashmir was from this institution.
Apple, Apricort, Kiwi, Goji berry, Ginkgo biloba, Almond, Peach, Pear, Elderberry, Howthorne berry , Hazel tree, Zaitoon, Walnut seed fruit plants are availableWrite us at : jkmpic@gmail.com
Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB 40 GPO Srinagar kASHMIR JK 190001
WhatsApp: 9858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
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