The Varmul Post
RNI Title Code: JKENG 01109/09/1/2014-TC Baramulla
Volume: 02
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Issue: 03
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16th Jan - 22nd Jan 2015
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Friday
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Pages: 08
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English Weekly |
First Encounter of the Year
26th Road Safety Week
What Is In Store For Kashmiris
World Cup Schedule
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Rs. 3/-
ROAD SAFETY WEEK IS TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT SERIOUS ABOUT IT? WHILE TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT IS OBSERVING 26TH ROAD SAFETY WEEK, BLOOD KEEPS SPILLING ON ROAD IN KASHMIR FROM NORTH TO SOUTH. RECENT ACCIDENT IN BARAMULLA DISTRICT HAS PUT A BIG QUESTION MARK ON WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MESS ON ROADS. IS IT INCOMPETENCE OF TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT OR NEGLIGENCE OF DRIVERS?
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The Varmul Post
Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled persons held at Sopore District Development Commissioner, Baramulla, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Lone distributed free wheelchairs and Tricycles among 30 disabled persons, worth Rs. 7000 each during a Rehabilitation Camp held at Dak Bunglow, Sopore. The rehabilitation Camp was organized at Sopore by Sultan-ul Aarifeen Limb Centre , a branch of Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahiyata Samiti, Jaipur under Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. It is worth to mention here that the process of distribution of wheelchairs is the continuation of the earlier camp that was held at Dak Bunglow Baramulla for disabled persons before the recent floods. It was given out during the Camp that such Camps for disabled persons are being organized at regular basis in the District. District Social Welfare Officer, Baramulla also remained present among other Officers at the Camp.
ICICI Opens Branch at Sopore
ICICI Bank opend a branch at Sopore which will be the first branch of the ICICI Bank in the district. District Development Commissioner, Baramulla, Farooq Ahmad Lone inaugurated the branch While deliberating upon the occasion, the DDC highlighted the importance of financial institutions for the process of development. He stressed for full cooperation from the ICICI Bank in enabling the people of the district to move on the process of development. The Bank Manager, ICICI Bank, branch Sopore, Mansoor Habib informed that the vision of the Bank would be to provide full assistance in the view of providing financial credit and other services for the people of the district.
Need stressed to counter BJP’s antiKashmiri plan with unity The Jamaat-e-Islami Amir, Muhammad Abdullah Wani has emphasized the need for chalking out a common and united strategy to foil the move to permanently settle the nonKashmiris, who had migrated to Jammu in
1947, in the territory. Muhammad Abdullah Wani was interacting with delegations of people from different areas of Valley at Jamaat’s Batamaloo office in Srinagar. The delegations, comprising religious, social and political personalities, discussed the New Delhi’s plan to grant citizenship and voting rights to the non-locals Expressing concern over the plan, Wani on this occasion said, “Granting citizenship rights, voting rights and jobs to those, who are non-state subjects, was aimed at changing the demographic and Muslim majority status of Jammu and Kashmir.” “Jamaat will spare no efforts to gath-
WEEKLY SNIPPETS er the people of all schools of thought and their leaders on one platform to fight against the move,” said Wani, adding that “If at this crucial juncture we failed to unite and raise our voice, we will have the same fate as that of Palestinian Muslims.” Meanwhile, a delegation from Jammu called on National Front Chairman and Hurriyat Conference leader, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, apprising him about their concerns about New Delhi’s plans to settle outsiders in the territory. The delegation comprised civil society members and some University students from Rajouri and Poonch districts. They assured Khan that the Muslims of Jammu division were with the Muslims of the Valley in every step towards the protection of their identity. Nayeem Khan on the occasion said that India was busy hatching conspiracies against Jammu and Kashmir Muslims, but the majority population had always resisted successfully. “Now the Hindu fascists like RSS have got direct influence in the power corridors to implement their antiKashmiri and anti-Muslim agenda more brazenly,” he added. Hurriyat leaders, Muhammad Yousuf Naqash, Javed Ahmad Mir and Yasmeen Raja stressed the need of uniting to counter such RSS onslaught .
Authorities criticized for slapping PSA on Mushtaq-ul-Islam HCJK leader and the Chairman of Islamic Political Party, Muhammad Yousuf Naqash has condemned authorities for once again slapping draconian law, Public Safety Act (PSA) on Hurriyat leader Mushtaq-ul-Islam. Muhammad Yousuf Naqash in a statement said that despite court orders, the so-called administration continued to keep Mushtaq-ul-Islam behind the bars without any legal or constitutional justification. Naqash said that the jail authorities didn’t follow jail manuals and the detainees were being deprived of even basic facilities like hygienic food and medical treatment. “Mushtaq-ul-Islam’s health is deteriorating with each passing day and the jail authorities do not even provide him proper medical checkup. This is indeed the grave human rights violation,” he deplored.
Kerosene oil quota enhanced for J&K Following the intervention of Governor N N Vohra, the union petroleum minister decided to enhance quota of kerosene oil to Jammu and Kashmir. “The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has increased Kerosene oil allocation for the 4th quarter (January-March, 2015) for the state by 4512 KL,” a statement issued by Raj Bhavan said. The allocation, it said, has been increased following the Governor’s request to the Ministry of Petroleum.
Syed sallah-ud-din condoles demise of Ashraf Sehraie’s mother-in-law The UJC chief and Hizb supremo Syed Sallahud-din has condoled the demise of mother-in-law of senior separatist leader and Tehreek-Huriyat general secretary Mohammad Ashraf Sehraie. In a statement Syed Sallah-ud-din paid tributes to Sehraie’s mother in law, saying the Huriyat leader has always struggled for the birth right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The UJC chief while speaking in two separate condolence meetings expressed solidarity with
Jan 16 - 22 Jan 2015
the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul.
AIP to organize seminar on WP Refugee issue
Awami Itehad Party lead by MLA Langate Er. Rasheed is going to organize a seminar to discuss the BJP’s plans of settling the West Pakistan refugees in the state. A party spokesman said in a statement that the seminar has been scheduled to be held in a Srinagar hotel on Monday. In a statement he said that the issue of West Pakistan refugee issue will be thread bear discussed in the seminar and the ways to fail the dangerous anti Kashmir conspiracies would be thought upon. He said that the party has invited the mainstream as well as separatist parties to participate and present their view point, regarding the issue, in the seminar. He said that many intellectuals, journalists and writers have also been invited and the party expects a learned panel to discuss the issue in the said program. He added that AIP has already expressed its concern about the BJP’s plans and cautioned India about the repercussions. Referring to the party chief the statement said that Er.Rasheed has not only condemned, the unjustified plans of the settlement of refugees, but lead a protest rally in Srinagar recently. AIP spokesman further said “it seems that efforts are really being made to change the demography of this Muslim majority state but the Govt. of India should bear it in mind that the Kashmiri people will not let it do whatever it has been planning for so long”. Asking Kashmiri parties to come clear about the issue the spokesman quoted Er.Rasheed and said “some people are exhibiting worst kind of hypocrisy as they want to have a cake and eat it too, they should either oppose the anti Kashmir policies or should plainly say that they are for power”.
Online Baitul-ul Maal website launched at Pattan
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Besides senior executive body members of Baitul Maal Abdul Hamid Tantray,Ghulam Hassan Rather,Hilal Ahmad, Nadeem Rashid, Farooq Ahmad, Abdul Majid Khan, Abdul Ahad Ganaie, Mohmmad Ismail,Abdul Majeed were also present on the occasion.
J&k bank inaugurates chowkibal kupwara branch’s new premises Dedicated to highest standards of customer convenience, J&K Bank today inaugurated the new premises of its business unit Chowkibal Kupwara. M S Kaboo, Bank’s Zonal Head for Kashmir North dedicated the state-of-the-art premises to customers at a simple function attended by local traders, senior citizens, students and government employees today. Mohammed
Shafi, Cluster Head Kupwara was also present on the occasion. In a statement issued to KNS speaking on the occasion, M S Kaboo said, “Customer convenience has always been J&K Bank’s top priority. While we constantly improving our business strategies and product offerings, we never lose sight of the customer centricity in all our approaches to and operations of business. Everything from policies to procedures is guided by the customer delight”. He urged the people of the area to be proactive in being part of the change on the economic front of the area. “We have highly customized products for you to take advantage of. Our financial solutions can mitigate your economic problems and pave way for empowerment’, he added.
Timber confiscated, 5 persons arrested in Handwara. 60 ft. timber was confiscated along with the arrest of five persons for allegedly smuggling the green gold in north Kashmir’s Baderkal Handwara. After receiving a tip off Range officer Abdul Qayoom Malla directed the team led by BO Baderkal Manzoor Ahmad who created check points to check the smuggle of illegal timber. Later 60 ft timber was confiscated while as five persons namely Anwar Khan, Gul Ganaie, Mohammad Shafi, Rasool Dar and Bilal Khan were arrested and a case was registered in the police station Handwara with Fir No 05/2015 under section 06 forest act.
5 militants killed in Shopian encounter. First online Islamic website was launched in Pattan town of North Kashmir’s district Baramulla in the interest of muslim Ummah and for the online donation of Zakat. The website powered by Telcro technologies can be accessed at www. islamicbaitulmaal.org, and was launched by chairman Nazir Ahmad Dar and Vice chairman Fayaz Ahmad Shah in presence of Advocate Saleem Yousuf, Nisar Ahmad Sofi, Bashir Ahmad Sofi and other senior members of Baitul Maal at a function held in Pattan. “Every muslim from any corner of the world can offer his or her Zakat and other donations online by clicking on ‘Donation Button’ which is visible to the right side of the Home Page of the Website”, said Nazir Ahmad.
At least five militants were killed by the forces after a fierce gunfight in south Kashmir’s Shopian district. According to Police statement, On a tip off, Shopian police alongwith 44RR and CRPF launched a search operation in forest area of Gader in the jurisdiction of police station Kellar, Shopian, this morning. During the searches, militants present in the forest fired upon the joint search team, triggering an encounter in which five militants were killed. 3 AK rifles, one SLR rifle and one pistol has been recovered from the encounter site so far. The search operation was still going on when the report was filed.
The Varmul Post
NEWS
DM Baramulla Orders inspection of coaching centres Baramulla: In view of keeping check on the coaching centres in the district, District Magistrate Baramulla, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone, IAS chaired a meeting of Concerned Officers. Additional District Commissioner, Assistant commissioner Revenue, Superintendent of Police, SDPO’s, Chief Education Officers, SDM’s, Tehsildars and other concerned Officers attended the meeting. A total of Five committees were framed for monitoring and enforcing guidelines issued by the Honorable High Court for checking running of the coaching centers in the district. For Tehsil Baramulla, Wagoora and Kreeri, the committee will be led by Assistant Commissioner Revenue Baramulla and with members’ viz. DySp Headquarters, Tehsildar Tangmarg and Principal DIET. Committee headed by SDM Sopore and members viz. SDPO Sopore, Tehsildar
Sopore and ZEO Sopore will be responsible for Sub-district Sopore. For Sub-district Pattan, SDM Pattan led committee will be responsible with other members being SDPO Pattan, Tehsildar Pattan and ZEO Pattan. SDM Uri led committee consisting of members viz SDPO Uri, Tehsildar Uri and ZEO Uri will look after Sub-district Uri. Similarly, for Sub-district Tangmarg, the committee will be headed by SDM Tangmarg and other members will be SDPO Kunzer, Tehsildar Kunzer and ZEO Tangmarg. Meanwhile, it was decided that separate timings for coaching classes for boys and girls will be enforced in the district, with coaching classes for boys in forenoon session from 9 AM to 1 PM and for girls in the afternoon session. The DM directed all the Officers to follow the Honourable High Court guidelines as for as the Coaching Centres in the district
P/3 Drug peddler arrested in Sopore
Jan 16 - 22 Jan 2015
are concerned. The DM impressed upon all the Officers to make surprise visits to the coaching centres at regular basis. It must be noted that as per the recently issued guidelines regarding coaching centres, the coaching centres must contain all the basic facilities. Moreover, the DM directed the Officers to work in coordination to ensure that there are separate toilets for boys and girls, enough heating arrangements, seating arrangements, and separate rooms for boys and girls in the coaching centres. In addition to this, subject wise teachers, segregation of boys and girls, registration and attendance records and CCTV cameras must be present in the coaching centres. Moreover, a check on the tuition fee charged from the students, reservation of 10% for poor and orphan and suitable timings for coaching classes will also be ensured.
Sopore: Sopore police arrested a drug peddler and recovered 173 kgs of fukki from his possession. A police spokesman said, a police party searched the house of Bilal Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Ahmad Dar of Nigli Sopore and recovered the narcotic drugs from it. He said Bilal was taken in to the custody and a case FIR no. 11/2015 under section 8/15 NDPS Act was registered against him and investigation has been taken up. The arrested peddler had been on under constant surveillance since few months.
First encounter of the year: Foreign militant killed in Sopore Sopore: The gunfight between Government Forces and a militant resulted in the death of a foreign millitant in North Kashmir’s Sopore town of Baramulla district. Based on specific intelligence about presence of militants in Sofi Hamam Chankhan area of the Sopore town, a joint operation was launched by Rashtriya Rifles 55 unit, CRPF and the Special Operation Group, resulting into killing of one non-local militant and recovery of one AK 47 rifle, ammunition and the other war like stores. Defence sources informed that soon after receiving information about the presence of militants in the house of a local namely Ghulam Muhammad Kawa, Rashtriya Rifles, unit along with the SOG launched the operation during
late hours on Tuesday. “The area was effectively cordoned preventing escape of the militant. As the noose tightened in the morning hours on Wednesday, the militant hiding in the buildup area opened heavy volume of fire. The
Army accordingly retaliated and neutralized the militant without any damage to any civilian or security personnel.” The slain militant was identified was Abu Sufiyaz and according to Army sources he was
affiliated with militant outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba. A police official told CNS that an AK-47 rifle, 3 magazines, 89 rounds of ammunition, one UBGL, three UBGL rounds and other war like stores were recovered from the encounter site. Soon after the gunfight ended, youth in groups pelted stones on government forces. The youth chanted profreedom slogans following which contingents of police arrived at the spot and dispersed the protestors. The area observed a complete shutdown. (CNS)
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Sopore: District development Commissioner, Baramulla, Farooq Ahmad Lone chaired a meeting of Officers at Dak bunglow Sopore. The meeting was attended by Executive Engineers of various essential departments, Block Medical Officer Sopore, Tehsildar Sopore and other concerned Officers. During the meeting, the DDC took a comprehensive review of the availability of essential facilities in the Sub-district. Removal of encroachments from the rivers and river banks remained the main focal point of the meeting. It was given out that removal of plantation an illegal structures is going on in the Nallahs, besides 39 bundh breaches that had taken place in the Ningli Nallah have all been reconstructed. The DDC highlighted thee importance of sanitation and cleanliness and directed the Municipality that proper dumping of garbage and removal of polythene should be focused upon. Besides sanitation, they were stressed upon to ensure installation of the street lights and wherever installed, they should be made functional especially at places of public importance and gathering like Hospitals and other public institutions. The availability of essential facilitates at Sub-District Hos-
pital, Sopore was also comprehensive reviewed in the meeting. It was given out in the meeting that the Hospital consists of a total of 200 beds for patients besides two pay rooms, with cent per cent occupation of the beds at all the time. While informing DDC, Block Medical Officer, Sopore said that the SDH Sopore runs 24*7 and is at par with the district hospital Baramulla. Besides, Internal Heating system and Ac’s are also installed in the Hospital. It was also given out that in addition to the neural surgery, plastic surgery has also been initiated at the hospital. While showing satisfaction over the availability of essential facilities at the Hospital, the DDC directed the Executive Engineer, PHE that efficient water supply should be made available for the hospital with immediate effect, the problem which the BMO had put forth in the meeting. Meanwhile, DDC also took a review of the electricity and food supply situation in the meeting. During the final note, the DDC impressed upon all the Officers to pay personal visits in the field besides making regular market check ups to ensure good governance for the public.
The Varmul Post
Jan 16 - 22 Jan 2015
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26th Road Safety Week
Safety is Not Just A Slogan, It Is A Way Of Life By Mir Mushtaq Road Safety Week is being observed in Kashmir from 11th to 17th of January with Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Farooq Ahmad Shah inaugurating the safety week in Zabarwan Park Srinagar which was organised by Regional Transport Officer in collaboration with Traffic Police. The weeklong program is witnessing several events including road shows, medical camps, checking besides educating the commuters about the value of life and hazards of rash driving and accidents, throughout the valley. As a part of observing of 26th Road Safety Week several functions were held across the valley. In this regard an awareness program was organised in North Kashmir at Dak Bungalow Baramulla, in which Deputy Inspector General of Police North Range Kashmir was the Chief Guest. The program was organised by traffic police rural, Kashmir and was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Baramulla, Additional Deputy Commis-
sioner Baramulla, DySp Headquarters Baramulla, SHO Baramulla besides civil society members, other dignitaries and 400 orphanage home children. The speakers on this occasion delivered lectures and sensitized the participation about the importance of organizing such programs with regards to road safety. While shedding light upon the topic the Additional Deputy Commissioner stressed for implementation of traffic rules in letter and spirit. He hoped that necessary steps will be taken by the concerned department so that road accidents can be decreased. Besides he also stressed upon the civil society to act as responsible citizens. The Chief Guest Deputy Inspector
General of Police North Range Kashmir on this occasion termed traffic accidents a menace to which coordination must be kept to eradicate it. The Civil Society also put forth their points and problems regarding the roads and traffic regulating agencies. Pertinent to mention that the theme of this year road safety week is, “Safety is not just a slogan, it’s a way of life”. The main aim of the road safety week is to motivate the people to obey traffic rules and ensure traffic discipline. In this connection, Assistant Regional Transport Officer Sopore Jamshed Chowdhary in collaboration with traffic police organised a road show at Baramulla here on Tuesday, where in banners,
posters with road safety messages were seen throughout the towns of North Kashmir. “We are going to organise special medical camps at Sopore and Pattan besides holding routine checking’s wherein commuters will be educated about traffic rules and hazards of disobeying traffic rules and regulations,” Jamshed said. Meanwhile a special drive against visible offences shall be launched on Friday and Saturday here. However the road safety week started on a grim note in this town of North Kashmir as several persons died in different road accidents in a single day on Jan 12. Eight people died and four others were injured in the tragic road accident that occurred early Monday morning in the outskirts of North Kashmir’s at near Haigam, Pattan On the same day, a passenger vehicle hit and injured another pedestrian Manjeet Singh near Sherwani Hall, Baramulla. The injured later succumbed to his injuries at local hospital.
Road Safety Week :
We should have zero tolerance for road accidents: IGP Kashmir
We should have zero tolerance for road accidents and we should work at both individual as well as collective levels to forbid from negligent driving to save precious lives in road accidents. This was stated by Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Sh. A G Mir while addressing a function on Road safety Week here today. Life is precious than anything else and needs to be celebrated rather than wasted due to our negligent acts. He said that the total number of deaths in road accidents in valley were higher than the number of lives lost in the past year due to militancy. IGP while referring to the early morning accident at Rengi, Sopore in which 07 precious lives including three members of one family were lost said that the objective of observing road safety week is that we should do all what is needed at individual and collective levels to avoid fatalities in road accidents. He said that we should take pledge to inculcate road safety habits such as avoiding use of mobiles during driving and ensuring use of crash helmets by us and our family especially young members. The IGP said that it has been found that some public transport drivers do take drugs and drive which leads to neg-
281 people died in road accidents in 2014: DIG traffic
ligent and rash driving on their part. He exhorted upon the commuters to take a pledge not to let the drivers cross the prescribed speed limits. Mr. Mir while referring to the road engineering and traffic regulation said that there should be perfect coordination among the departments and the road users. He concluded his speech by saying that instead of complaining we should all as responsible citizens do our bid to make the roads and travel safe.
Srinagar: At least 281 human lives were lost and 2, 536 were injured in 1, 865 traffic accidents that took place in the Valley last year. The tragic figure was revealed by Deputy Inspector General of Traffic, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar while speaking on ‘Road Safety Week’ here, which was organized by the Traffic Police. Kumar said the total number of road accidents that took place in Kashmir were 1,865 in 2014 which claimed 281 human lives and 2, 536 were injured. He said 1.85 lakh erring drivers were challaned and the traffic police collected a total revenue/fine of rupees 3.70 crore. Others speakers also insisted that the police and the authorities should generate awareness regarding road safety in the State.
The Varmul Post
CARE
Jan 16 - 22 Jan 2015
P/5
12 Tips to Keep Skin Soft and Glowing In Winter Winter weather is not fun for skin. Cold weather and low humidity levels result in dry air, which then steals moisture away from the skin every second of every day. Without immediate care, dry skin can lead to cracking and bleeding, and harsh winter wind makes the problem worse. Indoor heat further robs the air of moisture, as do hot showers or baths and harsh cleansers. Additional moisture helps, but you need to do more to actually counteract these effects and keep skin looking youthful and smooth. To reduce chapping, redness, itching, and keep skin more healthy and comfortable this season, try these tips.
1. Wash in Lukewarm Water Hot showers and baths always feel good in the winter, but when you can, particularly when just washing your face or hands, choose lukewarm water to avoid stripping as many oils away from the skin.
2. Moisturize Immediately Afterwards Your skin not only needs more moisture, but moisture right after you wash. Applying moisture to damp skin helps seal that dampness into the skin. Keep a bottle near the bathtub, shower stall, and at every sink and use liberally every time you wash.
3. Choose Moisturizer Carefully Some over-the-counter moisturizers have petroleum-based ingredients that can actually further dry your skin in the winter months. Be sure to choose a smart formula that has natural, nourishing ingredients. Go for an oil-based rather than a waterbased solution, as it’s more likely to help your skin retain moisture in the winter.
4. Protect Get used to wearing gloves and scarves to protect skin from cold winds, rain, and snow. Also, don’t forget the sunscreen.
Winter sun can be just as damaging as summer sun, so apply a safe option like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to any exposed areas.
5. Humidify Heating systems dry out the air, so consider installing a humidifier in your home, particularly in your bedroom, to put moisture back into the air and help prevent your skin from drying out.
6. Drink We tend to drink less water in the winter because we turn to hot drinks like cocoa and tea, but don’t forget that your skin needs hydration from the inside, out. A little warm water with lemon can be very refreshing and hydrating at the same time.
7. Overnight Moisturize Dryer areas like hands, feet, elbows, and knees have thin skin and tend to lose moisture faster than other areas on the body. Consider slathering on a deep moisturizing balm Skin Food by Weleda at night, then wear cotton gloves and socks to seal in the moisture until morning.
8. Exfoliate We often forget to help the skin slough off dead cells in the winter, particularly on our hands. Yet moisture can’t get in if the dead cells are too plentiful. Find an exfoliating mask and use it on your face and your hands, as well as gently on your lips, then follow immediately with moisture to truly see a smoother difference. Exfoliating body washes are also helpful in the winter months.
9. Avoid Toxins, Specifically Allergens and Irritants
Particularly if you have eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis, you have to avoid allergens and irritants that may trigger a flare up. Winter skin is more fragile, so avoid irritating fabrics (like wool) and chemical-laden detergents, and use mild cleansers and moisturizers designed for sensitive skin.
10. Hydrate From the Inside Out Eating foods high in water content can help hydrate your skin from the inside out. Try watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, oranges, kiwi, and watery veggies like celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C and zinc to support the healthy production of collagen and elastin. Also consider an omega-3 supplement, or consume more fatty fish and flaxseed to give your skin the building blocks it needs to appear supple and smooth.
11. Change Your Cleanser Cleansers can be extremely drying to the skin. If you’re used to using options that contain glycolic or salicylic acid, rotate with a more hydrating version that contains moisturizing ingredients. Try like Moisture-Rich Cleansing Lotion, or for really dry skin, try a cleansing balm. After cleansing, don’t leave the skin naked for more than 30 seconds, as this can dehydrate it, leading to increased dryness. Apply a hydrating toner and moisturizer to seal in moisture.
12. Use DIY Masks Homemade hydrating masks can provide needed moisture in the winter months. Use natural moisturizing ingredients like honey, avocado, yogurt, olive and jojoba oils, almond oil, bananas, and aloe. Mix what you like together to create a cream or paste, and leave on skin for 10-30 minutes for lasting hydration.
Driving In Snow Before you set out: •
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Check tyres for adequate tread. Poor tyres will not grip when driving on snow and ice. If you live in an area where snow is common it might be worth changing to winter tyres with deeper tread Use a good quality screenwash that protects down to at least -35 to prevent the water from freezing. If you don’t, your windscreen wipers could be rendered useless in extreme conditions Allow more time in the morning to clear car windows and mirrors of snow before setting off Use lukewarm water or de-icer to defrost the outside of your vehicle. You should never use hot or boiling water Make sure any auto wiper control is switched off before turning the ignition on as this could blow the wiper control fuse if they are frozen to the screen Be prepared for every eventuality by ensuring that your car is equipped with the following: demisting pad, torch (wind-up so you don’t run out of battery), spare screenwash, de-icer, ice scraper, blanket, shovel, phone charger, map and a square of carpet that you can use to put under your drive wheels should you get stuck in the snow. Alternatively, you can buy RAC Recovery Track which will get you out of the snow as well as mud and sand Remove snow from the top of your car. Otherwise breaking sharply could cause snow to fall onto the windscreen and hamper your vision or another driver’s Do you need to use snow socks?
De-icing your vehicle •
The following tips should always be followed when driving in the snow: •
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It’s important to accelerate gently, use low revs and change up to a higher gear as quickly as possible. You may need to move off in second gear as this will help reduce wheel slip You may need to leave as much as 10 times the normal recommended gap between you and the car in front If you do encounter a skid, steer gently into it - for example, if the rear of the car is sliding to the right, steer to the right. Do not take your hands off the steering wheel or stamp your foot on the brakes If the road has not been gritted, be wary of driving in the wheeltracks or other vehicles as compressed snow is likely to be more icy than fresh snow Controls such as the brakes, as well as the steering, accelerator and even gear changing should be operated smoothly and slowly Sunglasses can help to reduce the glare of low winter sun on the snow Keep your speed down and allow more time to stop and steer
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We recommend allowing about 10 minutes to clear your windscreen thoroughly using a scraper and deicer if necessary. Don’t forget about the other windows and your mirrors as well … they’re just as vital for safe visibility and are often ignored, limiting your vision, especially at junctions. Don’t be tempted to pull away until the windscreen is fully clear – it can be dangerous and the Highway Code states it is illegal to drive with poor visibility. Plan ahead to save time in the mornings, either by putting an RAC windscreen cover on the night before or getting up a little earlier so you have plenty of time to de-ice your vehicle. You can buy everything you need to de-ice your windscreen in the RAC Shop. Never pour hot or boiling water on your windscreen, otherwise you run the risk of cracking the glass and an expensive repair bill. If you don’t have any deicer, you could use lukewarm water. It’s also a good idea to carry a lock de-icer with you to clear your lock. If your locks do get frozen, try warming the key or spraying de-icer or an oil-based lubricant into the lock. Finally, ensure all your vehicle lights, front and rear, are free from frost and/or snow – a thick film of frost on the lens can affect the intensity of the lights, making it difficult for other road users to see you or your signals. If you use the vehicle’s heater /screen demister, don’t leave your car unattended while you wait for it to defrost as you run the risk of having your vehicle stolen.
The Varmul Post
OPINION
Jan 16 - 22 Jan 2015
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What’s In Store For Kashmiris If BJP Is Part Of The Government? By Ram Puniyani
The recent (December 2015) verdict of Kashmir elections has been fractured, so to say. While PDP has emerged as the largest single party, the BJP is a close second with substantial percentage of votes. Interestingly BJP has secured most seats and major vote share from the Hindu majority Jammu region of Kashmir. Now the dilemma for the other parties, National Conference, Congress is in which direction to go as for Government formation is concerned. BJP is a part of the RSS combine which wants to achieve Hindu Nation. It has become quite obvious during the last over six months of Modi Sarkar, that the associated organizations of BJP are actively communalizing the society along religious lines. Those making statements contrary to the values of Indian Constitution (Gita as the national book, those not sons of ram are illegitimate, Godse was a nationalist), the aggressive Gharvapasi campaign (Reconversion to Hinduism), opposing the film PK, on grounds that it promotes love Jihad, have made it amply clear that under Modi’s leadership, BJP patriarch, RSS, wants to make a fast transition towards Hindu Nation and in this direction the religious minorities and Indian Constitution’s values are its major target. What this agenda will give to the Kashmir as a state and Kashmiri people as citizens needs to be assessed. One can briefly go through the troubled history of Kashmir to understand this. The Kashmir Maharaja’s decision was to remain independent and the likes of Pandit Premnath Dogra (Praja Parishad, the predeces-
sor of Bhartiya Jansangh, the previous avatar of BJP) also opposed Kashmir’s merger to India on the grounds that Kashmir is being ruled by a Hindu king (Raja Harisingh) so why should it merge with secular India. Later Kashmir was attacked by Pakistani tribal, and the intervention of Indian army took place after the treaty of accession to India with article 370 coming to fore, are too well known by now. The article 370 gave the special status to Kashmir, giving it autonomy in all the matters barring defense, communications, and currency and external affairs. RSS was totally opposed to it. One of the Hindu Mahasbaha leaders, Shyama Prasad Mookerji raised the flag of opposition to this treaty and demanded total merger of Kashmir in to India right away. During this time India witnessed the ugly face of communalism, in the form of murder of Mahatma Gandhi by a RSS trained pracharak and active worker of Hindu Mahasabha, Nathuram Godse. At the same time RSS–HMS made loud and aggressive noises against the Article 370. This led to a bit of rethinking in the mind of Sheikh Abdullah, who started saying whether he has committed a mistake by acceding to India, as the major premise of his decision was Secular India and these acts showed the erosion of secular values. In this phase of his thinking he was arrested on the charges of sedition and put in jail, leading to great amount of alienation amongst Kashmiris. RSS stuck to its guns and gradually under its pressure the clauses of autonomy started getting diluted. The major example was re-designating Prime Minister of Kashmir to Chief Minister and Sadar-e-Riyast to Governor. The alienation of Kashmiris was taken advantage of by the US backed Pakistan, which encouraged and sup-
ported the militancy in the area. In 1980s with the entry of Al Qaeda elements in to Kashmir the militancy took a communal turn. The hanging of Maqbool Butt further accentuated the violent actions. This led to the fear amongst the Kashmiri Pandits, who were encouraged by the pro Hindutva Governor, Jag Mohan, to leave the valley. This complex fact has been constantly harped by the RSS combine and presented in the communal color. The Kashmiriyat as such is a synthesis of Vedanta, Buddhism and Sufi Islam. Sheikh Abdullah had implemented land reforms in right earnest, changing the complexion of Kashmir society towards democratic direction. The prolonged militancy and intervention of Indian army, has added to the sour wounds of Kashmiri people. At one time RSS had proposed the prescriptions, which demanded that Jammu be made a separate state, Ladhak be made a Union territory and a separate union territory be carved out from the valley for the Kashmiri Pandits. These are the lines similar to what BJP had been demanding when not in power. This betrays their total communal ideology. Even in these elections the communal polarization, Hindu Jammu versus Muslim valley is what has been propagated for electoral benefit by BJP, and thus BJP has gained the ground on divisive basis. The issue of Amarnath yatra has also been used to polarize Kashmir along religious lines. Opportunistically, during election campaign Modi and company had been talking in a clever way about article 370, while their intentions on the subject are very clear. This BJP gaining electoral ground in Kashmir is a major blow to the Kashmiriyat culture and is a sign of aggressive policies to abolish article 370 and to bring in the agenda of Hindu
Nation. The trajectory of BJP in different states so far is that it allies in the beginning in the name of some common program and then gradually weakens its allies to come one up and grab the total power. What Kashmir needs is a representative Government, which respects the existing Constitutional provisions and upholds the Hindu Muslim unity, in the form of Kashmiriyat a valuable inheritance of Kashmir’s history. Kashmir is standing on the cross roads. It has suffered a lot due to the militancy and the ways of army in the valley. In case the BJP is in the driver’s seat or in the driving seat, the plight of Kashmir will worsen. Surely the next Government must focus on addressing the issues of Pundits, issues of Kashmir youth and evolve a development model for the state where the youth can get employment, pundits’ grievances are addressed and a surge for peace to promote tourism and development should be top most on the agenda. The rising tide of communalism has to be checked, at the same time congenial situations are to be created where separatism, dies its natural death and the peace inside and peace from outside is enhanced by inclusive politics of the state government. [Ram Puniyani was a professor in biomedical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, and took voluntary retirement in December 2004 to work full time for communal harmony in India. He is involved with human rights activities from last two decades.He is associated with various secular and democratic initiatives like All India Secular Forum, Center for Study of Society and Secularism and ANHAD. Response only to ram.puniyani@ gmail.com]
Note: All views expressed in this column are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the organisation
The Varmul Post
SPORTS
Jan 16 - 22 Jan 2015
P/7
Date Fixture Venue
India vs Pakistan:
Umar Akmal confident of Pakistan win Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal said all the players have high hopes about the performance in their World Cup opener against India Feb 15 in Adelaide. “We will try to perform our best against India. If we continue with the same form we are sure to emerge victorious,”
Brett Lee to retire from all forms of cricket after Big Bash League season Australian pacer Brett Lee announced he is to retire from all forms of cricket after a 20-year career, saying he was both emotional and excited. The 38-year-old called time on his international commitments in July 2012, but continued to play Twenty20 in both the Aus-
About a popular belief that Pakistani players lose their ground in major events against powerful teams such as India, he said he was equally surprised why the team ends up failing against its South Asian neighbours. He hopes the upcoming World Cup will see an end to this custom, adding that the confidence being provided by team management and coaches has been a morale booster. The 24-year-old is also looking at the World Cup to redeem himself as the prodigious batting talent that he has looked like even though the instances have been few and far between.
tralian Big Bash League and the Indian Premier League. His Sydney Sixers have one Big Bash regular-season match remaining, against cross-town rivals Sydney Thunder next Thursday at the Sydney Cricket Ground ahead of a possible finals clash. “When that last ball’s bowled I’ll walk off happy and content,” Lee said. “I’m excited, I’m emotional, I’m happy, but I’m certainly not worried because I know that I’ve made the right call.” Lee played 76 Tests for Australia, taking 310 wickets, and
221 one-dayers with 380 dismissals. His fastest delivery cracked the 161 kilometres per hour mark (100 miles per hour), with the blond speedster consistently bowling at 150kph over 20 years, making him a fearsome opponent through his sheer pace and toecrushing in-swinging yorkers. “He has been an exceptional cricketer who gained fans around the world not only for his electrifying pace and performances with the ball, but the way that he played the game,” said Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland.
14.2.2015 14.2.2015 15.2.2015 15.2.2015 16.2.2015 17.2.2015 18.2.2015 19.2.2015 20.2.2015 21.2.2015 21.2.2015 22.2.2015 22.2.2015 23.2.2015 24.2.2015 25.2.2015 26.2.2015 26.2.2015 27.2.2015 28.2.2015 28.2.2015 1.3.2015 1.3.2015 3.3.2015 4.3.2015 4.3.2015 5.3.2015 6.3.2015 7.3.2015 7.3.2015 8.3.2015 8.3.2015 9.3.2015 10.3.2015 11.3.2015 12.3.2015 13.3.2015 13.3.2015 14.3.2015 14.3.2015 15.3.2015 15.3.2015
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand England vs Australia South Africa vs Zimbabwe India vs Pakistan West Indies vs Ireland New Zealand vs Scotland Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Zimbabwe vs UAE England vs New Zealand Pakistan vs West Indies Australia vs Bangladesh Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan South Africa vs India England vs Scotland West Indies vs Zimbabwe Ireland vs UAE Afghanistan vs Scotland Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh South Africa vs West Indies Australia vs New Zealand India vs UAE England vs Sri Lanka Pakistan vs Zimbabwe South Africa vs Ireland Pakistan vs UAE Australia vs Afghanistan Bangladesh vs Scotland India vs West Indies South Africa vs Pakistan Zimbabwe vs Ireland New Zealand vs Afghanistan Australia vs Sri Lanka England vs Bangladesh India vs Ireland Sri Lanka vs Scotland South Africa vs UAE Bangladesh vs New Zealand England vs Afghanistan India vs Zimbabwe Australia vs Scotland West Indies vs UAE Pakistan vs Ireland
18.3.2015 19.3.2015 20.3.2015 21.3.2015
TBD vs TBD TBD vs TBD TBD vs TBD TBD vs TBD
SCG, Sydney MCG, Melbourne Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Wellington Stadium, Wellington
24.3.2015 26.3.2015
TBD vs TBD TBD vs TBD
Eden Park, Auckland SCG, Sydney
29.3.2015
TBD vs TBD
Quarter Finals
Semi Finals Final
Hagley Oval, Christchurch MCG, Melbourne Seddon Park, Hamilton Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Saxton Oval, Nelson University Oval, Dunedin Manuka Oval, Canberra Saxton Oval, Nelson W.R Stadium, Wellington Hagley Oval, Christchurch The Gabba, Brisbane University Oval, Dunedin MCG, Melbourne Hagley Oval, Christchurch Manuka Oval, Canberra The Gabba, Brisbane University Oval, Dunedin MCG, Melbourne SCG, Sydney Eden Park, Auckland WACA, Perth W.R Stadium, Wellington The Gabba, Brisbane Manuka Oval, Canberra McLean Park, Napier WACA, Perth Saxton Oval, Nelson WACA, Perth Eden Park, Auckland Bellerive Oval, Hobart McLean Park, Napier SCG, Sydney Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Seddon Park, Hamilton Bellerive Oval, Hobart W.R Stadium, Wellington Seddon Park, Hamilton SCG, Sydney Eden Park, Auckland Bellerive Oval, Hobart McLean Park, Napier Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
MCG, Melbourne
Pakistan’s top-order problems could cost them at the World Cup It is slightly hard to make a judgement about Pakistan’s World Cup squad. The rumours and whispers heard in the lead-up to the announcement led many to expect the worst, and so the final 15 largely prompted a lot of relief. But have Pakistan picked their best possible squad, or one with the best chance of winning the tournament? The answer is inconclusive at best and a flat “no” at worst. The exclusion of Fawad Alam was perhaps the most controversial call, although it was cushioned slightly by Haris Sohail and Umar Akmal making the squad. Like Fawad , these two are busy ODI players, who play at a decent tempo and are used to rotating the strike. But the logic, or rather lack thereof, for Fawad’s exclusion was more worrisome - it is one thing to drop a man averaging almost 70 for the year, but quite another to attempt to justify it with perceptions of his physique and style rather than the stunning stats he achieves. Beyond Fawad’s patently unfair exclusion, it was also a relief to see Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal not making their way into the side. A look at their recent numbers would have made this an obvious decision. Yet both players were pulling strings across the media to make their case, and actually seemed to be seriously considered. Their not making the side was a
pro to chalk up against the con of dropping Fawad. Meanwhile, it is a testament to Pakistan’s innate belief in their bowling that this aspect of their squad didn’t set off the alarm bells it would have elsewhere. Losing both Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez was an unprecedented blow, and it means Pakistan will be trying a new strategy during the tournament after four years of having those two. Shahid Afridi has often shone as the joker in the bowling pack, but having him as the effective leader is a different, and unproductive, situation. Moreover, Junaid Khan hasn’t come back from his injuries, while Mohammad Irfan is still prone to them. Wahab Riaz is expensive, Ehsan Adil is a novice, Sohail Khan is a secondtry, and Yasir Shah is untested. But it is genuinely difficult to get too worried - Pakistan’s attack finds a way in most places, and New Zealand and Australia will always have enough to keep them busy. A cause for concern - and the biggest reason why Pakistan realistically don’t have a chance of winning the tournament - is the top order. Though he has my unconditional love and respect, Younis Khan’s inclusion in the side is
unwarranted based on his numbers and performances. Add Misbah to the mix and you have two batsmen who play ODI cricket from a previous era. The fact that Younis looked terribly scratchy in recent matches and that Misbah lost his previously phenomenal ODI form in 2014 makes things worse. Equally worrying are the openers, Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad. Shehzad had a great year in 2014, but he is a player who takes up a lot of deliveries to get going. Hafeez never seems to deliver in important matches, and is also poor at rotating the strike and scoring at a quick tempo. Given that these four will take up the top batting slots, Pakistan’s chances of putting up large totals or chasing challenging ones already looks difficult. The problem with Pakistan, of course, is that their entire myth centres on the “cornered tigers” way of thinking, and so having the odds stacked against them is never a bad thing. Going into the tournament with a host of untested, unknown players and some ageing senior ones is the sort of recipe that Pakistan cricket forges legends from. Moreover, the competition’s format ensures that the team can stumble its way into the knockouts and look to achieve three wins on the trot
from there. Of course, the last time Pakistan won three ODIs in a row against sides in the top eight was in 2011, so that could be a tough ask. Personally, I don’t think Pakistan have the squad to win the cup. Modern cricket is overwhelmingly about explosive batting, and not only do Pakistan lack such batsmen, the ones they do have are likely to be played in the lower middle order. However, trying to judge Pakistan’s chances on rational factors is useless: they are at their best when written off. Winning the cup would require at least two of their bowlers to be in predatory form (which is quite possible), and at least two batsmen to score consistently big scores (which would require some divine intervention). It would also require a slight (imagined or real), and a chip on their shoulder, because this is a team that is at its best when it wants to prove the world wrong. With Misbah, Younis and Afridi all looking to secure their legacies, there is hope that they can pool together to find some magic. Whatever the result, 2015 looks set to be like 2003, in that it would mark the end of an era of Pakistani cricket. Given how disastrous and difficult the current period has been, it would be fitting for this nomadic, forgotten team to cap it with glory.
The Varmul Post
Jan 16 - 22 Jan 2015
P/8
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