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Friday, August 8, 2025

Kashmir Times Exclusive: Inside the Valley’s Latest Political Storm

Kashmir Times 

About Us

Since 1954, The Kashmir Times has stood up for democratic rights, equality, peace and justice. We continue to forge a more just and equitable future through fearless reporting and reasoned ideas.

When others chase breaking news and trending topics, we pursue fundamental truths. When others bow to power, we investigate it. Our commitment to independent, fact-based journalism isn't just a principle. It is the very reason we exist.

Our pages are aimed at speaking for the marginalized and voiceless communities, understanding issues holistically for shaping policy and transforming the conversation.

History

Established in 1954, the Kashmir Times is the oldest English-language daily newspaper from Jammu and Kashmir. Ved Bhasin (1929-2015), hailed as the father of modern journalism in Jammu and Kashmir, led the newspaper as both founder and editor-in-chief.

A renowned journalist and peace activist, Bhasin always championed press freedom, secular values, and human rights in the region. He firmly believed in dialogue and democracy as the way to resolve the long-standing problems in J&K and South Asia.

As a journalist and peace activist, he confronted power with truth, choosing the difficult path of honest reporting in a region that has navigated many phases of severe repression. His unwavering defense of press freedom created spaces for voices that power sought to silence.

We carry forward the profound legacy of Ved Bhasin, whose courage and conviction continue to light our path. Every story we publish, every investigation we pursue, and every voice we amplify carries forward Bhasin's vision of journalism as a force for positive change.

In its new digital multi-media format (since November 2023), which replaces the previous print edition, we remain committed to his principles: unflinching secular values, unwavering defence of human rights, and upholding principles of democracy, liberty and equality.

Editor: Prabodh Jamwal
Managing Editor: Anuradha Bhasin

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Welcome to SCO summit, China tells Narendra Modi

China on Friday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned visit to the Tianjin Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to be held later this month, describing the event as "a gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results." 

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) currently has nine member states: China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran. Belarus was also recently admitted as a member in July 2024, bringing the total to ten. 

The SCO was initially formed in 2001 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan joined in 2017, and Iran was added in 2023. 

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), is an intergovernmental organization established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan with the aim of promoting cooperation and peace among its member states, as well as fostering “a new democratic, fair and rational international political and economic order.” The organization expanded to include India and Pakistan in 2017 and Iran in 2023, bringing the total to nine member states. The SCO also includes 3 observer states—Mongolia, Belarus, and Afghanistan (currently inactive)—and 14 dialogue partners: Sri Lanka, Turkey, Cambodia, Azerbaijan, Nepal, Armenia, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Myanmar, the Maldives, and the United Arab Emirates. The official languages of the SCO are Chinese and Russian.

2022 Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
2022 Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Heads of government pose for a group photo at the 2022 SCO Summit, including notable leaders such as China's Xi Jinping, Russia's Vladimir

 Putin, India's Narendra Modi, Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Iran's Ebrahim Raisi.

It is the world’s largest regional organization by geography and population, covering about 80 percent of the Eurasian landmass and 40 percent of the world population. As of 2021, the bloc accounted for 20 percent of global GDP. Following the integration of Iran, the SCO now controls 20 percent of the world’s oil reserves and 44 percent of its natural gas. The SCO is a key institution in the Chinese and Russian strategic push toward a “multipolar world,” positioning itself as an alternative to Western-dominated international forums like the United Nations. At the 2005 SCO summit, Nursultan Nazarbayev, president of Kazakhstan, has been quoted as saying, “the leaders of the states sitting at this negotiation table are representatives of half of humanity.”

History, objectives, and structure

Formerly the Shanghai Five, founded in 1996, the organization was renamed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2001 after Uzbekistan joined. The SCO Charter, effective from 2003, outlines its goals to promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity through cooperation in politics, economics, culture, and a coordinated effort to combat terrorism, extremism, and separatism.

Nursultan Nazarbayev
Nursultan NazarbayevKazakhstan's first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, addresses delegates during the 2007 SCO summit.

The SCO is structured around its supreme decision-making body, the Council of Heads of State (CHS), which meets yearly to discuss organizational objectives. The CHS is supported by the Council of Heads of Government (CHG), which also meets annually to discuss strategic initiatives, economic cooperation, and budgetary matters. Additional councils focus on areas such as security, technological exchange, and environmental protection. The SCO has two permanent bodies: the Secretariat in Beijing, and the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The SCO maintains active partnerships with major regional and international bodies, including the UN, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and ASEAN. While decision making within the SCO requires consensus, necessitating unanimous agreement from all member states, its policies and direction are heavily influenced by Russia and China, who are united in their desire to create a non-Western geopolitical forum and set of international norms. The United States applied for observer status in 2005 and was rejected, demonstrating the SCO’s commitment to maintaining autonomy from Western influence.

Key initiatives

Security collaboration has been a central and highly successful initiative, establishing the SCO as the primary security organization in Central Asia. From 2011 to 2015, the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) reported thwarting 20 planned terrorist attacks, disrupting 650 terrorist crimes, dismantling 440 terrorist training camps, arresting 2,700 extremist group members, neutralizing 1,700 others, and recovering 3,250 improvised explosive devices, 450,000 rounds of ammunition, and 52 tons of explosives. In addition to aggressive counterterrorism measures, the organization has promoted economic development and cultural dialogue as means to prevent further radicalization of vulnerable populations. The SCO has also made significant strides in anti-drug trafficking operations, accounting for 14 percent of confiscated drugs worldwide between 2012 and 2017. Despite initial skepticism of the SCO by the United Nations, the impressive outcomes of the SCO’s security operations have led the UN to recognize it as a crucial force for regional stability in Eurasia.

Energy cooperation is another key priority of the SCO. The SCO Energy Club, established in 2013, has significantly enhanced cooperation between major energy producers like Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, and consumers like China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The Club has supported projects like the Central Asia–China Gas Pipeline, and plans are underway to develop Turkey into a vital gas hub through which trade can be conducted among member states and with Europe. Beyond traditional energy sectors, China and Russia have also exported nuclear reactors to other member states. These initiatives aim to establish the SCO as a self-sufficient energy system and have played a major role in blunting the impact of international sanctions on Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.

Access for the whole family!
The SCO intersects significantly with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) a cornerstone of China’s foreign policy designed to enhance global trade networks and infrastructure development across Asia, Europe, and Africa, functioning as a “new Silk Road.” Most SCO member states, with the notable exception of India, have endorsed or participated in the BRI, implementing projects such as the aforementioned Central Asia–China Gas Pipeline, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) in Kazakhstan, and the planned China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway project. While the BRI’s focus on enhancing regional connectivity overlaps with the SCO’s objectives of promoting integration between member states, these projects have sometimes raised concerns about China’s growing influence in the region, which has led to friction with India and Russia.

Challenges and criticisms
Economic cooperation in the SCO has been limited, largely because Beijing’s proposals for a development fund and a free-trade zone have met resistance from Moscow, which harbors concerns about potential Chinese financial dominance. Some analysts suggest that the integration of India and Pakistan to the SCO may balance the financial influences within the organization and facilitate the establishment of an SCO Development Bank. However, despite the lack of organizational-level economic cooperation, economic ties between individual SCO member states remain robust.

Instability in Afghanistan has been a major challenge for SCO member states since the organization’s creation in 2001, due to the fact that Afghanistan shares borders with six SCO member states. At the SCO opening ceremony in 2001, Nursultan Nazarbayev described Afghanistan as a “cradle of terrorism, separatism, and extremism.” In 2005 the SCO-Afghanistan contact group was established for the purpose of maintaining stability in Afghanistan, and in 2012, Afghanistan became an SCO observer state, suggesting that the SCO saw potential for incorporating Afghanistan as a stable and productive member state. However, the situation in Afghanistan became a critical issue again following the Taliban takeover in September 2021. As of June 2024, no SCO member state has officially recognized the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. This issue has proved divisive within the SCO, with India taking a cautious stance against legitimization of the Taliban government, and Russia, China, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan taking steps toward normalizing relations, arguing that as the Taliban continues to consolidate power in Afghanistan, ignoring the reality of its governance is not an option.
The SCO has often been criticized as a club of authoritarian governments, serving as a forum where Russia and China can normalize their aggressive posturing, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s assertive behavior in the South China Sea and toward Taiwan. However, this characterization is somewhat balanced and made more nuanced by the integration of India, the world’s largest democracy, which has been viewed as a counterweight to Chinese influence in Asia.

Outlook and future prospects
The SCO is currently at a critical point in its development toward being a key force in global affairs. Balancing its relationships with the United States and European Union—characterized by a delicate interplay of cooperation and competition—remains a crucial aspect of its development. Equally important is the SCO’s ability to harmonize the interests of its member states, particularly the major powers: China, Russia, and India. The organization has also been criticized for producing more rhetoric than action, as it has not achieved the level of economic cooperation seen in organizations like ASEAN or the European Union.

Nonetheless, the symbolic power of the SCO is significant, given its massive size, its anti-Western stance, and the historical context of its most influential members—Russia, China, India, and Pakistan—who share an interest in countering Western political and economic dominance. As the balance of global power continues to shift toward a multipolar world order, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and its individual member states are poised to continue growing in power and influence, both in Eurasia and globally.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Location: China, Beijing, Chaoyang District, Ritan road, 7
Postal Code: 100600
Phone: + 86-10-65329807
+ 86-10-65329836 (Administration)
Fax: + 86-10-65329808
E-mail: sco@sectsco.org
https://eng.sectsco.org/

The main reason for the rapid spread of the most common type of cancer has been discovered

The number of cancer patients worldwide is increasing rapidly, and lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed types.

According to statistics, 12.4% of the cancer cases reported globally in 2022 were lung cancer alone.

This disease is not only common but is also considered the most dangerous cancer in terms of mortality rate. In 2022 alone, 18.7% of all cancer deaths occurred due to lung cancer.

Smoking is generally believed to be the biggest cause of this disease, however, recent scientific research has identified another important risk.

Fast food addiction can also be dangerous
According to a recent study published in the medical journal Thorax, excessive consumption of fast food and ultra-processed foods can increase the chances of lung cancer.
The study examined the diet and health of more than 100,000 adults for about 12 years. During this time, 1,706 people were diagnosed with lung cancer.

The foods found to be at risk in the study include:
Burgers, pizza, ice cream, fried foods, bakery items (cakes, pastries), bread, instant noodles, margarine, soft drinks, sweet juices, and breakfast cereals, etc.

Why are ultra-processed foods harmful?
These items undergo multiple chemical processing during preparation, and are high in salt, sugar, and artificial ingredients while low in fiber and nutrients. This is why they have been linked to heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases.

According to research, regular consumption of these items can increase the chances of not only lung cancer but also its various types.

More research needed
Experts say that these findings are not yet conclusive, and further research and confirmation are needed.

However, current evidence does suggest that reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods could be beneficial for public health and potentially prevent the spread of lung cancer.

Echoes of Kashmiris' right to self-determination in the Indian Parliament.

Er. Sheikh Rashid

Engineer Sheikh Abdul Rasheed, who reached the Indian Parliament from North arliament Kashmir, imprisoned in Delhi's infamous Tihar Jail, with 5.5 million votes, has fulfilled his right to represent the Kashmiris.

It should be noted that Engineer Sheikh Abdul Rasheed is brought from jail to attend the Parliament session and is then sent back to jail after the session.

Why Pampore Chooses Chips & Digits for All Their Tech Needs

Chips & Digits Pampore

"Chips & Digits" appears to be the name of a computer-related business or service in Nambalbal, Pampore,Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. It's listed alongside other computer service providers in the area.Writer-South Asia provides a listing of various computer services in Pampore, including "Chips N Digits". 

"Chips N Digits Deals in: Computer / Mobile Sale, Service & Accessories All trending Gadgets, Security & Surveillance Systems, Office Automation, Electronic Accessories, Office Automation, E-Waste Collection & Dismantle. DIY (Do it Yourself) Kits, Tools, Accessories & Consumables for Students, Hobbyists & Creative Minds.."

WhatsApp/Ph: 6006618557

Thursday, August 7, 2025

The FORCE 12-Week Bhartiya Beast Transformation

The editor of FORCE Magazine, a national security and defence news publication, is Pravin SawhneyHe is also the co-author of several books, including "Dragon on Our Doorstep: Managing China Through Military Power"In addition to his role at FORCE, he is active on social media, sharing his perspectives on national security and defense issues. 

FORCE has the largest subscription base from within the 
three armed (Indian Army, IAF and Navy) and the Paramilitary
(CRPF, BSF, ITBP and SSB) forces in India.

Hazelnut trees in Kashmir


Wednesday, August 6, 2025

The China-Pakistan-Iran Triangle: Reshaping Asia’s Geopolitics

 

Pakistan has pulled off a diplomatic coup that has sent shockwaves across the region. At the end of a historic two-day visit to Pakistan by Iranian President Dr. Masoud Peshmerga, the two countries signed 12 comprehensive memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering energy, trade, culture and border security. It was announced in a joint press conference that bilateral trade would be increased from the current $3 billion to $10 billion annually, all with an “immediate” timeline. In an interesting but highly strategic development, a joint free economic zone would be established at the Ramdan-e-Gabad border, just 70 kilometers from Gwadar. The Iranian Supreme Council for Free and Special Economic Zones and Pakistan’s Board of Investment have agreed on a framework for the project, including major tax concessions, uniform customs processing, and integrated infrastructure that will make Gwadar and Chabaharsister ports” of each other. Not only that, but with Beijing’s backing, CPEC is now set to transform into a trilateral corridor. Chinese companies have already invested billions of dollars in Gwadar, and now Iran is also set to connect its Chabahar hub to Gwadar and the ITI (Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul) railway through the “Silk Road Expansion.” The Pakistani and Iranian communications ministers have formed a joint working group to upgrade the ITI line and make the Quetta-Zahedan track dual-lane. But perhaps the biggest setback has come to India and its proxies. The joint statement categorically stated that the first step to prosperity in the border areas is the elimination of terrorism. Both leaders specifically named groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Jaish-e-Adl and expressed their determination to eliminate their “base camps”. Iran indicated that all such hideouts would be uprooted from the areas around Ramdan, Sarawan and Zahedan, while Pakistan would further tighten the intelligence cordon on the western border.

In the global scenario, this development has become a diplomatic troika for India. China’s economic power, Pakistan’s land and maritime geography, and Iran’s energy and market have all lined up in the same row. The biggest worry for New Delhi is that the BLA, which it has been using as a “Fitnat-ul-Hindustan” in the region for a long time, will now face state power tightening its grip on both sides.

Strategic analysts say that the Gwadar-Chabahar “twin port” strategy will not only reduce freight costs by 30 percent but will also establish a new land and sea trade bridge between South, Central and West Asia. It is estimated that direct investment of $3 billion is expected in the first five years in the Ramdan-Gabad zone alone, while thousands of job opportunities will be created in Balochistan. In short, the current phase of CPEC is carving a new geographical reality. China will bring capital, Pakistan will provide a corridor, Iran will provide energy and markets, and the result will be that groups like “Fitna-ul-Hindustan” will be at odds on both sides. For the first time in history, Tehran and Islamabad are walking on a strategic highway where political trust, economic partnership and security cooperation all pass through the same speed breaker and are now moving on the “fast track”.