A video featuring an Afghani boy has been making rounds on Twitter and other social media platforms since Monday.&nbsp;

The video shows Ahmed, who appears to be seven or eight years old, celebrating after receiving an artificial limb at the orthopaedic centre of International Committee of the Red Cross in Afghanistan. He lost his limb in a mine blast last year.

The heart-warming video captures the moment when Ahmed got back on his feet after last year’s injury in an explosive attack. The video shows the onlookers and patients gathered at the hospital cheering and greeting the boy as he dances in delight on the local music.

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Ahmad received artificial limb in <a href="https://twitter.com/ICRC_af?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICRC_af</a> Orthopedic center, he shows his emotion with dance after getting limbs. He come from Logar and lost his leg in a landmine. This is how his life changed and made him smile. <a href="https://t.co/Sg7jJbUD2V">pic.twitter.com/Sg7jJbUD2V</a>
— Roya Musawi (@roya_musawi) <a href="https://twitter.com/roya_musawi/status/1125293529486569472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The social media users poured in their support to the small boy's inspiring story and celebratory dancing moment in the video as a symbol of Afghanistan’s resistance to war and optimism to the future and the boy as a living inspiration for millions of Afghanis.

Despite the presence of several international agencies in the region, schools have been targeted in the past by anti-government suicide bombings of Taliban since the Afghan war began after US forces led a campaign to overthrow the Taliban in the wake of 2001's 9/11 attacks.

A United Nation’s report suggests that if the United States of America had the similar share of its citizen killed in conflicts such as Afghanistan in 2018 alone, it will lead to death of almost 34,000 US citizens, which counts more than 10 times the number of people killed in the past attack of 9/11 on twin tower.

The maximum numbers of death in Afghanistan were caused due to anti-government suicide bombings that included the intentionally targeted non-combatants. The 674 civilian casualties have been attributed to international forces were almost all a result of aerial bombings.

Nevertheless, this video also raises the concern of moribund action on 3,804 civilian deaths last year, including 927 children, which is also the highest recorded number of casualties in the country's long-running war.&nbsp;

The international forces have been venturing in the Afghan land for more than a decade now and have been air attacking with missiles, mortars and rockets in several civilian areas as well destructing the city and schools suspected as Taliban terrorist’s hideout location.

A video featuring an Afghani boy has been making rounds on Twitter and other social media platforms since Monday. The video shows Ahmed, who appears to be seven or eight years old, celebrating after receiving an artificial limb at the orthopaedic centre of International Committee of the Red Cross in Afghanistan.

A video featuring an Afghani boy has been making rounds on Twitter and other social media platforms since Monday. The video shows Ahmed, who appears to be seven or eight years old, celebrating after receiving an artificial limb at the orthopaedic centre of International Committee of the Red Cross in Afghanistan. He lost his limb in a mine blast last year. The heart-warming video captures the moment when Ahmed got back on his feet after last year’s injury in an explosive attack. The video shows the onlookers and patients gathered at the hospital cheering and greeting the boy as he dances in delight on the local music. Ahmad received artificial limb in @ICRC_af Orthopedic center, he shows his emotion with dance after getting limbs. He come from Logar and lost his leg in a landmine. This is how his life changed and made him smile. pic.twitter.com/Sg7jJbUD2V — Roya Musawi (@roya_musawi) May 6, 2019 × The social media users poured in their support to the small boy's inspiring story and celebratory dancing moment in the video as a symbol of Afghanistan’s resistance to war and optimism to the future and the boy as a living inspiration for millions of Afghanis. Despite the presence of several international agencies in the region, schools have been targeted in the past by anti-government suicide bombings of Taliban since the Afghan war began after US forces led a campaign to overthrow the Taliban in the wake of 2001's 9/11 attacks. A United Nation’s report suggests that if the United States of America had the similar share of its citizen killed in conflicts such as Afghanistan in 2018 alone, it will lead to death of almost 34,000 US citizens, which counts more than 10 times the number of people killed in the past attack of 9/11 on twin tower. The maximum numbers of death in Afghanistan were caused due to anti-government suicide bombings that included the intentionally targeted non-combatants. The 674 civilian casualties have been attributed to international forces were almost all a result of aerial bombings. Nevertheless, this video also raises the concern of moribund action on 3,804 civilian deaths last year, including 927 children, which is also the highest recorded number of casualties in the country's long-running war. The international forces have been venturing in the Afghan land for more than a decade now and have been air attacking with missiles, mortars and rockets in several civilian areas as well destructing the city and schools suspected as Taliban terrorist’s hideout location.

Afghan boy, who lost a leg to landmine blast, dances with joy after getting a prosthetic leg

India has decided to fully utilise its share of unused water from rivers that have been flowing into Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday during a poll rally in Kurukshetra.

While addressing the farmers and his supporters in his first rally in the state of Haryana during general elections this year, Prime minister Narendra Modi has said that in his governance India will no longer share even a single drop of water with Pakistan.

"Many rivers go to Pakistan from India but sadly this water belongs to our farmers. Congress failed to do anything on this but your chowkidar will ensure that every Indian farmer gets every drop of water. The water from Indian rivers will not go to Pakistan," the Prime Minister said.

PM Narendra Modi slammed the main opposition party Congress for its softer stance against Pakistan in the past and promised with his return to power, India’s share of river water won’t go to Pakistan.

PM Modi said that the previous governments of Congress were never considerate to preserve the water of Indian rivers for the advantage of Indian farmers.&nbsp;

There are more than a few Indian rivers which reach Pakistan and instead of Indians, the Pakistani farmers are yielding profits. PM blamed Congress for failing to take any decisive step to stop water sharing with Pakistan.

India is not a water-poor country, however, the demand for water among the farmers of Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan is increasing every day due to the growing population and inefficient use of water resources.

Under the Indus Waters Treaty, India shares the waters of the Beas and Sutlej rivers with Pakistan. There have been several occasions that the current Indian government spoke of regulations and not sharing water with Pakistan.

After the Uri incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Blood and water cannot flow together.” &nbsp;

After Pulwama attack, Indian minister Nitin Gadkari had said that the government was planning to build three projects on three rivers, water of which was flowing to Pakistan.

India has decided to fully utilise its share of unused water from rivers that have been flowing into Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday during a poll rally in Kurukshetra.

India has decided to fully utilise its share of unused water from rivers that have been flowing into Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday during a poll rally in Kurukshetra. While addressing the farmers and his supporters in his first rally in the state of Haryana during general elections this year, Prime minister Narendra Modi has said that in his governance India will no longer share even a single drop of water with Pakistan. "Many rivers go to Pakistan from India but sadly this water belongs to our farmers. Congress failed to do anything on this but your chowkidar will ensure that every Indian farmer gets every drop of water. The water from Indian rivers will not go to Pakistan," the Prime Minister said. PM Narendra Modi slammed the main opposition party Congress for its softer stance against Pakistan in the past and promised with his return to power, India’s share of river water won’t go to Pakistan. PM Modi said that the previous governments of Congress were never considerate to preserve the water of Indian rivers for the advantage of Indian farmers. There are more than a few Indian rivers which reach Pakistan and instead of Indians, the Pakistani farmers are yielding profits. PM blamed Congress for failing to take any decisive step to stop water sharing with Pakistan. India is not a water-poor country, however, the demand for water among the farmers of Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan is increasing every day due to the growing population and inefficient use of water resources. Under the Indus Waters Treaty, India shares the waters of the Beas and Sutlej rivers with Pakistan. There have been several occasions that the current Indian government spoke of regulations and not sharing water with Pakistan. After the Uri incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Blood and water cannot flow together.” After Pulwama attack, Indian minister Nitin Gadkari had said that the government was planning to build three projects on three rivers, water of which was flowing to Pakistan.

India will 'stop' flow of our share of water to Pakistan: PM Modi at Kurukshetra poll rally

Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh will be contesting his last election this year. The 79-year-old leader announced his intention at a rally with his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mayawati-hints-at-her-prime-ministerial-ambition-207845">arch-rival Mayawati</a>, who has allied with the SP&nbsp;as part of the Mahagathbandhan in the general elections.&nbsp;

Once bitter enemies, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati shared the stage today after 24 years at the historic Mainpuri rally. Both leaders who were at loggerheads for decades, held a joint rally today in India's biggest state Uttar Pradesh which sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

During the rally, Mulayam Singh announced his plan to retire saying he is contesting his last election. Mulayam Singh has been a leader who influenced millions in India's most populated state which has sent several top politicians to parliament including many prime ministers.

It took more than 25 years for both the SP and BSP to join hands once again to stop the BJP juggernaut. In 1995, the then party chiefs - Mulayam and Kanshi Ram - &nbsp;had contested the state assembly elections together and formed the government in the state.

However, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati were unable to see eye-to-eye ever since their alliance came to a sordid end. The SP-BSP alliance of 1993 broke up due to differences between the two leaders.

However, speaking at a historic rally with Mayawati at his side, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav said at Mainpuri that he is happy to share the stage with Mayawati. He said he is grateful for all the support offered by the BSP chief. He appealed to the people of Mainpuri to elect him with a historic mandate.

The bitterness between the two iconic leaders of Indian politics, however, was not so easy to set aside. Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is contesting the parliamentary elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri, had stayed away due to health issues from three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra.

Mayawati bashed the BJP manifesto but also called Congress’s ‘Nyay’ scheme promised in their manifesto an illusion. Appealing to her backward caste voters, Mayawati said: “Mulayam Singh is the real backward leader, not a fake like Narendra Modi.”&nbsp;

Mulayam is known for his outreach among the backward voters of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;Even during the Modi wave in 2014, the BJP candidate had failed to have an impact in this parliamentary seat. For several elections, BJP didn’t even field their candidates from Mainpuri.&nbsp;

However, Mulayam Singh surprised everyone&nbsp;prior to the general elections this year when he controversially said in Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should emerge victorious in the 2019 general elections. While his comments were greeted with loud cheers by members of the governing BJP, it left those in his own party scrambling for explanation.

Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh will be contesting his last election this year. The 79-year-old leader announced his intention at a rally with his arch-rival Mayawati, who has allied with the SP as part of the Mahagathbandhan in the general elections.

Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh will be contesting his last election this year. The 79-year-old leader announced his intention at a rally with his arch-rival Mayawati, who has allied with the SP as part of the Mahagathbandhan in the general elections. Once bitter enemies, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati shared the stage today after 24 years at the historic Mainpuri rally. Both leaders who were at loggerheads for decades, held a joint rally today in India's biggest state Uttar Pradesh which sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha. During the rally, Mulayam Singh announced his plan to retire saying he is contesting his last election. Mulayam Singh has been a leader who influenced millions in India's most populated state which has sent several top politicians to parliament including many prime ministers. It took more than 25 years for both the SP and BSP to join hands once again to stop the BJP juggernaut. In 1995, the then party chiefs - Mulayam and Kanshi Ram - had contested the state assembly elections together and formed the government in the state. However, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati were unable to see eye-to-eye ever since their alliance came to a sordid end. The SP-BSP alliance of 1993 broke up due to differences between the two leaders. However, speaking at a historic rally with Mayawati at his side, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav said at Mainpuri that he is happy to share the stage with Mayawati. He said he is grateful for all the support offered by the BSP chief. He appealed to the people of Mainpuri to elect him with a historic mandate. The bitterness between the two iconic leaders of Indian politics, however, was not so easy to set aside. Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is contesting the parliamentary elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri, had stayed away due to health issues from three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra. Mayawati bashed the BJP manifesto but also called Congress’s ‘Nyay’ scheme promised in their manifesto an illusion. Appealing to her backward caste voters, Mayawati said: “Mulayam Singh is the real backward leader, not a fake like Narendra Modi.” Mulayam is known for his outreach among the backward voters of Uttar Pradesh. Even during the Modi wave in 2014, the BJP candidate had failed to have an impact in this parliamentary seat. For several elections, BJP didn’t even field their candidates from Mainpuri. However, Mulayam Singh surprised everyone prior to the general elections this year when he controversially said in Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should emerge victorious in the 2019 general elections. While his comments were greeted with loud cheers by members of the governing BJP, it left those in his own party scrambling for explanation.

India’s iconic leader Mulayam Singh to contest his last election at Mainpuri

As the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, it is the villagers caught between the two neighbours who suffer.&nbsp;

Since <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-to-50-killed-in-indian-air-strike-on-pakistans-balakot-italian-journalist-quoting-eyewitness-200787">the Indian Air Force's air strike on Balakot</a>, 35-year-old Madan Lal has been worried about the safety of his two children. His eyes and ears have been transfixed on the television ever since the strike, as have those of the other villagers.&nbsp;

Together they keep a constant vigil, on the TV and the skies above their heads.&nbsp;

Their village of Suchet Garh, the last before the border with Pakistan in Jammu's RS Pura sector, is on high alert. And with good reason, for every time there is disquiet on the border, they are the ones who pay the price.&nbsp;

The last time, in May 2018, they were asked to leave their homes and move to a safer location. (Villages on the Pakistani side of the border have already been evacuated by the Pakistani Army.)

“We are living a life of nomads with unpredictable shelling in the village on continuous occasions, we flee to nearby villages or the Jammu city when we are warned to cross firing or shelling. Pakistanis won’t spare us even on the festivals such as Holi and Diwali. Many have fled on the Pakistani side of the border. We don’t hear the daily sound of azaan coming from their mosques after the tensions have risen between the countries,” said Madan Lal.&nbsp;

In his late eighties, Haveli Lal Lambardar sounds a word of caution. Looking back at history, he says, Pakistan has always attacked India first. Haveli Lal lost his daughter to cross-border shelling over a decade ago.&nbsp;

But that doesn't mean he's leaving.&nbsp;

“This violence is never going to end. The governments and forces of both sides are undertaking their roles, but we are the ones who are trapped in between. There are many who have lost their families in the crossfire, but we are not going to leave our village,” he says.

Suchet Garh is surrounded by Pakistan on three sides. And as the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, the villagers' fear and anxiety also rise. That fear is exacerbated in this age of nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

Everybody in the village then desires a solution without war.

As the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, it is the villagers caught between the two neighbours who suffer. Since the Indian Air Force's air strike on Balakot, 35-year-old Madan Lal has been worried about the safety of his two children.

As the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, it is the villagers caught between the two neighbours who suffer. Since the Indian Air Force's air strike on Balakot, 35-year-old Madan Lal has been worried about the safety of his two children. His eyes and ears have been transfixed on the television ever since the strike, as have those of the other villagers. Together they keep a constant vigil, on the TV and the skies above their heads. Their village of Suchet Garh, the last before the border with Pakistan in Jammu's RS Pura sector, is on high alert. And with good reason, for every time there is disquiet on the border, they are the ones who pay the price. The last time, in May 2018, they were asked to leave their homes and move to a safer location. (Villages on the Pakistani side of the border have already been evacuated by the Pakistani Army.) “We are living a life of nomads with unpredictable shelling in the village on continuous occasions, we flee to nearby villages or the Jammu city when we are warned to cross firing or shelling. Pakistanis won’t spare us even on the festivals such as Holi and Diwali. Many have fled on the Pakistani side of the border. We don’t hear the daily sound of azaan coming from their mosques after the tensions have risen between the countries,” said Madan Lal. In his late eighties, Haveli Lal Lambardar sounds a word of caution. Looking back at history, he says, Pakistan has always attacked India first. Haveli Lal lost his daughter to cross-border shelling over a decade ago. But that doesn't mean he's leaving. “This violence is never going to end. The governments and forces of both sides are undertaking their roles, but we are the ones who are trapped in between. There are many who have lost their families in the crossfire, but we are not going to leave our village,” he says. Suchet Garh is surrounded by Pakistan on three sides. And as the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, the villagers' fear and anxiety also rise. That fear is exacerbated in this age of nuclear weapons. Everybody in the village then desires a solution without war.

As India & Pakistan fight, fear and anxiety rise in last village before border

The moments after Pakistan handed over Wing Commander Abhinandan to India, Pakistani forces along the Line of Control started heavy cross firing and shelling in Poonch, J&amp;K. The return of Indian Wing commander was recognised as a peace gesture from Pakistan and instantaneously it killed three members of a family within 12 hours. Among the dead are two children and their mother who lived in a village near the last outpost of the Indian army, four Kilometers away from Chakan Da Bagh, Cross border Trade centre at LOC in Poonch. 
 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/crossing-the-rubicon-many-pakistani-nationals-have-paid-a-heavy-price-for-exposing-army-and-jihadi-connect-201007">Also Read:&nbsp;Many Pakistani nationals have paid a heavy price for exposing army and jihadi connect</a>

Pakistan has habitually kept violating a ceasefire along the Line of Control in the disputed region of Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Tensions have been running high between India and Pakistan after a young suicide bomber in Kashmir brought India and Pakistan into a war resembling situation by killing more than 40 Indian troops of India armed forces, CRPF.

People are living along the line of control in India and Pakistan in a state of war zone losing their loved ones, but the trade continues as usual across the border.

Pawan Anand, president of Cross border traders association, Chakan da bagh says that this barter trade provides liberation from the Suffocation of continuous tension of two countries along the borders.

“Our barter trade is heavily dependent on the trust factor. We neither meet traders of Pakistan nor can check the quality of the imported items until they reach to us. But even the Pakistani merchants have faith upon us,” says Mr Anand, he is dependent on WhatsApp conversations with his Pakistani counterparts for a million rupees deal.

Trade goods were exchanged as usual between both sides during all scheduled days during the week. In violation of the ceasefire agreement with India, Pakistani forces have been shelling areas along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts for eight consecutive days.

The current violence marks the most serious escalation of the long-simmering conflict since 1999.

“People complain why we still trade with Pakistanis in these decisive circumstances? But, they are the privileged ones, who don’t live in the last village near LoC. We live here, we know how cross border trade is helping to feed thousands of families on both sides of the border,” Anand says, answering to objections on their trade with Pakistan.

“We are not the ones who escalate tensions. We are citizens who need protection and peace, not war,” adds Anand.

After the attack on February 14, at least 140 trucks crossed the LoC from this side, while as 70 trucks came from the other side carrying various items. The trade was temporarily halted in Poonch for two days due to curfew in Jammu district because of which transport was not plying. The cross LoC trade is scheduled for four days a week from Tuesday to Friday, while as travel is scheduled once every week.&nbsp;

Pakistan doesn’t accept to go in for banking system of the trade by citing the reason that if the trade takes place on a cash basis in India currency then it would affirm that Kashmir is no more a disputed territory and a part of India.

Traders have been arranging meetings in other parts of the world each quarter to secure a smooth running, as the governments haven’t allowed their meetings in Pakistan or India.&nbsp;

The moments after Pakistan handed over Wing Commander Abhinandan to India, Pakistani forces along the Line of Control started heavy cross firing and shelling in Poonch, J&K.

The moments after Pakistan handed over Wing Commander Abhinandan to India, Pakistani forces along the Line of Control started heavy cross firing and shelling in Poonch, J&K. The return of Indian Wing commander was recognised as a peace gesture from Pakistan and instantaneously it killed three members of a family within 12 hours. Among the dead are two children and their mother who lived in a village near the last outpost of the Indian army, four Kilometers away from Chakan Da Bagh, Cross border Trade centre at LOC in Poonch. Also Read: Many Pakistani nationals have paid a heavy price for exposing army and jihadi connect Pakistan has habitually kept violating a ceasefire along the Line of Control in the disputed region of Jammu & Kashmir, Tensions have been running high between India and Pakistan after a young suicide bomber in Kashmir brought India and Pakistan into a war resembling situation by killing more than 40 Indian troops of India armed forces, CRPF. People are living along the line of control in India and Pakistan in a state of war zone losing their loved ones, but the trade continues as usual across the border. Pawan Anand, president of Cross border traders association, Chakan da bagh says that this barter trade provides liberation from the Suffocation of continuous tension of two countries along the borders. “Our barter trade is heavily dependent on the trust factor. We neither meet traders of Pakistan nor can check the quality of the imported items until they reach to us. But even the Pakistani merchants have faith upon us,” says Mr Anand, he is dependent on WhatsApp conversations with his Pakistani counterparts for a million rupees deal. Trade goods were exchanged as usual between both sides during all scheduled days during the week. In violation of the ceasefire agreement with India, Pakistani forces have been shelling areas along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts for eight consecutive days. The current violence marks the most serious escalation of the long-simmering conflict since 1999. “People complain why we still trade with Pakistanis in these decisive circumstances? But, they are the privileged ones, who don’t live in the last village near LoC. We live here, we know how cross border trade is helping to feed thousands of families on both sides of the border,” Anand says, answering to objections on their trade with Pakistan. “We are not the ones who escalate tensions. We are citizens who need protection and peace, not war,” adds Anand. After the attack on February 14, at least 140 trucks crossed the LoC from this side, while as 70 trucks came from the other side carrying various items. The trade was temporarily halted in Poonch for two days due to curfew in Jammu district because of which transport was not plying. The cross LoC trade is scheduled for four days a week from Tuesday to Friday, while as travel is scheduled once every week. Pakistan doesn’t accept to go in for banking system of the trade by citing the reason that if the trade takes place on a cash basis in India currency then it would affirm that Kashmir is no more a disputed territory and a part of India. Traders have been arranging meetings in other parts of the world each quarter to secure a smooth running, as the governments haven’t allowed their meetings in Pakistan or India.

India-Pakistan cross-border trade continues despite war-like situation at LoC

The United Nations (UN) declared February 6 as International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) this year. FGM, is defined by the World Health Organisation as “the total or partial removal of external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”, is widely prevalent in the Bohra Community and some other minority communities in India.

Amid allegations that Dawoodi Bohra women are oppressed, mute spectators of a patriarchal system, the Dawoodi Bohra Women’s Association for Religious Freedom (DBWRF) comprising over 72,000 practising Dawoodi Bohra women set the record straight about their practices and the community in light of International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.

Bohra Woman's association claims that Dawoodi Bohra women are among the most progressive and educated in India, having a near 100 per cent literacy rate. The representative from the community claims that the women from the community enjoy positions of power across various sectors such as IT, law, medicine, education, engineering, architecture and retail businesses among others, and are empowered and in fact encouraged to build careers for themselves.

In fact, DBWRF claims that women of the community are deeply pained that despite having cemented their position as business leaders, responsible citizens, loving mothers and homemakers, in a highly educated and gender equal community, they have come under scrutiny for their harmless practice of female circumcision (khafz). The same has been wrongly labelled as female genital mutilation by those with an agenda against the community.

Yasmeen vividly remembers being taken by her mom, maternal grandmother and another female relative, when she was seven, to some chawl in Bhendi Baazar called the Bohri moholla.&nbsp;

"I was lying down, my frock was held up…then I don’t remember anything. Just that there was intense pain as I walked back and I was told to keep myself clean, using Dettol water for istinja (wash after urination)," she said as she recalled the trauma she had to undergo on that horrific day.

"I cried a lot. It was not just that. I think it did affect my sexual performance. College days when young girls were too busy trying to get male attention, I was called The Ice Maiden. I went to a convent and then to women’s universities. I had a love marriage but my husband was not happy. He repeatedly told me (jokingly) that my father was to blame for having me circumcised and taking away his pleasure," Says Yasmeen.

Till today she can't figure out, whether it’s a dysfunction of a physical, psychological or emotional nature. Now she has two grown-up boys and she doesn't care much about herself but will surely want to extend all her support to the next generation can see a change.

There are many terms and acronyms to describe female genital mutilation (FGM); female genital cutting (FGC), female circumcision (FC), Khatna and Khafz. In the Bohra Community specifically, it involves the cutting of a seven-year-old girl’s clitoral hood. Ending FGM’s terminology barrier is the specific goal this year of a women survivor lead organisation, WeSpeakOut. "Khafz is FGM.” says Masooma Ranalvi, convener of WeSpeakOut while speaking to WION.

“There is an attempt to confuse and obfuscate the gravity of the practice of FGM by using differing terminologies, claiming that FGM is barbaric while Khafz is more civilized. This use of different terms is only meant to belittle the harm caused by Khafz, by glorifying it,” says Masooma.

As the country faces general elections, women opposing female circumcision call upon all Indian political leaders to heed to their appeal and want the new government to step in to end FGM’s terminology barrier, and to take a categorical stand to end the practice. The practice of FGM is condemned by international human rights treaties to which India is a party.&nbsp;

India has also pledged to eliminate FGM as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The United Nations (UN) declared February 6 as International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) this year. FGM, is defined by the World Health Organisation as “the total or partial removal of external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”, is widely prevalent in the Bohra Community and some other minority communities in India.

The United Nations (UN) declared February 6 as International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) this year. FGM, is defined by the World Health Organisation as “the total or partial removal of external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”, is widely prevalent in the Bohra Community and some other minority communities in India. Amid allegations that Dawoodi Bohra women are oppressed, mute spectators of a patriarchal system, the Dawoodi Bohra Women’s Association for Religious Freedom (DBWRF) comprising over 72,000 practising Dawoodi Bohra women set the record straight about their practices and the community in light of International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM. Bohra Woman's association claims that Dawoodi Bohra women are among the most progressive and educated in India, having a near 100 per cent literacy rate. The representative from the community claims that the women from the community enjoy positions of power across various sectors such as IT, law, medicine, education, engineering, architecture and retail businesses among others, and are empowered and in fact encouraged to build careers for themselves. In fact, DBWRF claims that women of the community are deeply pained that despite having cemented their position as business leaders, responsible citizens, loving mothers and homemakers, in a highly educated and gender equal community, they have come under scrutiny for their harmless practice of female circumcision (khafz). The same has been wrongly labelled as female genital mutilation by those with an agenda against the community. Yasmeen vividly remembers being taken by her mom, maternal grandmother and another female relative, when she was seven, to some chawl in Bhendi Baazar called the Bohri moholla. "I was lying down, my frock was held up…then I don’t remember anything. Just that there was intense pain as I walked back and I was told to keep myself clean, using Dettol water for istinja (wash after urination)," she said as she recalled the trauma she had to undergo on that horrific day. "I cried a lot. It was not just that. I think it did affect my sexual performance. College days when young girls were too busy trying to get male attention, I was called The Ice Maiden. I went to a convent and then to women’s universities. I had a love marriage but my husband was not happy. He repeatedly told me (jokingly) that my father was to blame for having me circumcised and taking away his pleasure," Says Yasmeen. Till today she can't figure out, whether it’s a dysfunction of a physical, psychological or emotional nature. Now she has two grown-up boys and she doesn't care much about herself but will surely want to extend all her support to the next generation can see a change. There are many terms and acronyms to describe female genital mutilation (FGM); female genital cutting (FGC), female circumcision (FC), Khatna and Khafz. In the Bohra Community specifically, it involves the cutting of a seven-year-old girl’s clitoral hood. Ending FGM’s terminology barrier is the specific goal this year of a women survivor lead organisation, WeSpeakOut. "Khafz is FGM.” says Masooma Ranalvi, convener of WeSpeakOut while speaking to WION. “There is an attempt to confuse and obfuscate the gravity of the practice of FGM by using differing terminologies, claiming that FGM is barbaric while Khafz is more civilized. This use of different terms is only meant to belittle the harm caused by Khafz, by glorifying it,” says Masooma. As the country faces general elections, women opposing female circumcision call upon all Indian political leaders to heed to their appeal and want the new government to step in to end FGM’s terminology barrier, and to take a categorical stand to end the practice. The practice of FGM is condemned by international human rights treaties to which India is a party. India has also pledged to eliminate FGM as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Calls for zero tolerance towards Female Genital Mutilation get louder as election nears 

The new is always an attraction to an old distraction and designing this as an effective marketing strategy are manufacturing giants.&nbsp;

This schematic focus has changed consumption and disposal patterns, especially in the electrical and electronics sector. But are these electronic giants, many of them multinationals, doing their bit to manage the end of use electronics?&nbsp;

Eight years after the first e-waste rules were notified in India in 2011, the producers are still shying away from fulfilling their responsibility under EPR, says the latest Toxics Link study Time to Reboot-III.&nbsp;

<img alt="E-waste" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b08175-2a89-498b-ba96-cbe0045d460d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Toxic%20links%202.png" />

The report has assessed and rated 54 major Electrical and Electronics brands on the implementation of Extended Producer responsibility and did not find substantive change on the ground.&nbsp;

The report which has grouped the companies in four categories, based on their initiatives and systems, found that only seven out of 54 companies are in ‘green’ and have initiated measures for implementing efficient take back systems.&nbsp;

13 brands have been assessed as average while 29 brands have performed below average, clearly suggesting that most companies are probably making attempts to be seen as complying but not making any serious efforts to ensure that e-waste is collected and channelised in a sound way.

The most shocking part is that five brands are still in the ‘red’ category, implying that these companies have performed very poorly on their EPR compliance. &nbsp;

Most in ‘red’ is from the lighting industry.&nbsp;

<img alt="E-waste" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14e73226-981f-4472-b1f2-3fe76217da98" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Toxic%20links%201_2.png" />

Satish Sinha, Associate Director, Toxics Link, who has actively worked on e-waste policies for over a decade, reminisced saying, “when we released our first publication in this series, Time to Reboot in 2014, which tested &nbsp;performances of top 50 electronic and electrical brands; we were shocked to find that 17 out of 50 were in the ‘red’ category. It has improved since then but not enough”.&nbsp;

For the study, the companies were rated based on several criteria such as take back policy, &nbsp;E-waste collection target achieved and consumer awareness.&nbsp;

<img alt="E-Waste" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a88d7428-5ece-4404-af84-5ca3e8babdcc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Toxics%20Link%206.png" />

The study also looked at on ground collection system and information provided by the company representatives on the company’s take back policy.

Since the new rules in 2016, even though the amount of efforts has improved, but the ground realities haven’t changed much.&nbsp;

“We are really disappointed to see that the companies are still reluctant to set up effective take-back systems. Helplines with no information and so many non-functional collection centres are clear indications that companies are not making any serious effort, says Priti Mahesh, Chief Coordinator, Toxics Link who has worked closely on the entire study to demystifying the truth behind the inefficacy of systems.&nbsp;

She adds, ‘there is no easy accessibility of information/services for a consumer with regards to the take-back system and hence not surprising that most consumers are unaware and not participating”,&nbsp;

The report is indicative of the fact that though there are experiences of implementation of EPR globally, including setting up of effective systems and reaching out to consumers, the challenge continues to be lack of committed efforts from the complete sector in India.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The new is always an attraction to an old distraction and designing this as an effective marketing strategy are manufacturing giants. This schematic focus has changed consumption and disposal patterns, especially in the electrical and electronics sector.

The new is always an attraction to an old distraction and designing this as an effective marketing strategy are manufacturing giants. This schematic focus has changed consumption and disposal patterns, especially in the electrical and electronics sector. But are these electronic giants, many of them multinationals, doing their bit to manage the end of use electronics? Eight years after the first e-waste rules were notified in India in 2011, the producers are still shying away from fulfilling their responsibility under EPR, says the latest Toxics Link study Time to Reboot-III. The report has assessed and rated 54 major Electrical and Electronics brands on the implementation of Extended Producer responsibility and did not find substantive change on the ground. The report which has grouped the companies in four categories, based on their initiatives and systems, found that only seven out of 54 companies are in ‘green’ and have initiated measures for implementing efficient take back systems. 13 brands have been assessed as average while 29 brands have performed below average, clearly suggesting that most companies are probably making attempts to be seen as complying but not making any serious efforts to ensure that e-waste is collected and channelised in a sound way. The most shocking part is that five brands are still in the ‘red’ category, implying that these companies have performed very poorly on their EPR compliance. Most in ‘red’ is from the lighting industry. Satish Sinha, Associate Director, Toxics Link, who has actively worked on e-waste policies for over a decade, reminisced saying, “when we released our first publication in this series, Time to Reboot in 2014, which tested performances of top 50 electronic and electrical brands; we were shocked to find that 17 out of 50 were in the ‘red’ category. It has improved since then but not enough”. For the study, the companies were rated based on several criteria such as take back policy, E-waste collection target achieved and consumer awareness. The study also looked at on ground collection system and information provided by the company representatives on the company’s take back policy. Since the new rules in 2016, even though the amount of efforts has improved, but the ground realities haven’t changed much. “We are really disappointed to see that the companies are still reluctant to set up effective take-back systems. Helplines with no information and so many non-functional collection centres are clear indications that companies are not making any serious effort, says Priti Mahesh, Chief Coordinator, Toxics Link who has worked closely on the entire study to demystifying the truth behind the inefficacy of systems. She adds, ‘there is no easy accessibility of information/services for a consumer with regards to the take-back system and hence not surprising that most consumers are unaware and not participating”, The report is indicative of the fact that though there are experiences of implementation of EPR globally, including setting up of effective systems and reaching out to consumers, the challenge continues to be lack of committed efforts from the complete sector in India.

Disoriented take back policy by electronic giants leads to swelling e-waste: Study 

As the year's winter is about to get over in North India, there is a worrying spike in the number&nbsp;of swine flu infections spreading in the country. More than 61 per cent of overall cases found in India has been reported from the northern states of Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. Over 226 swine flu deaths have already been reported but many doctors suggest that the figures could be much higher.&nbsp;

Dr&nbsp;Vikram Jeet Singh is a senior consultant in internal medicine at a private hospital in Delhi. He has already diagnosed more than 80 swine flu cases so far and says that the infection, without proper prevention, could become an epidemic.

"Considering a city like Delhi, which has much higher density than most cities, is more prone to H1N1 virus spreading among people. I have already admitted more than 37 patients this year in my hospital. The official number of cases don't indicate the real number of swine flu infections and deaths. There are thousands of small private hospitals and every hospital and doctor do not report swine flu cases to municipal corporation of Delhi (MCD)."

Viruses are multiplying in the bitter cold of north India. Swine flu cases have spiralled in the states of Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana. According to data from the national centre for disease control, Rajasthan is the worst affected state with 2,263 cases and 85 deaths this year. Heavily populated Delhi has registered 1,011 cases. Swine flu cases have come to light in Gujarat, Haryana and other states as well. But, these are official reports which have been reported by different hospitals, there are many cases which have gone unreported.

WION spoke to doctors from over four government hospitals and several private hospitals who claim that the real figures may be much more higher than the numbers reported in New Delhi.

An official&nbsp;from one of the biggest hospitals in New Delhi, Ram Manohar Lohiya&nbsp;said, "We do report the cases of H1N1 virus, but many patients who come to the hospital show symptoms&nbsp;similar to the seasonal flu. This&nbsp;makes it more complicated to differentiate the swine flu patients from them. There are many who leave without treatment who are diagnosed with infection."

In all, India has recorded almost 6700 swine cases and 226 deaths this year, the numbers may, in fact, be higher. Doctors say the elderly, newborns, children and adults under 25 are at higher risk.
<img alt="Swine flu" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e3f7df2f-81ad-4e56-9b9c-3df842faa352" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/swine%20flu.JPG" />
A contagious disease, swine flu gets transmitted usually when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Those infected thus are treated in complete isolation.&nbsp;

There is fear among the people because the infection can become an epidemic. Swine flu made headlines first in 2009 when it affected people in many countries. The symptoms include a headache, fever, runny nose, cough and muscle pain. A majority of the cases have been reported from densely populated areas, where the probability of infection is higher.

The fear of swine flu became worse as the number of people getting infected with the disease is expected to grow this winter. The H1N1 viruses are expected to be the most prevalent strain this flu season. Only time will tell if the fear is justified.

As the year's winter is about to get over in North India, there is a worrying spike in the number of swine flu infections spreading in the country. More than 61 per cent of overall cases found in India has been reported from the northern states of Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab.

As the year's winter is about to get over in North India, there is a worrying spike in the number of swine flu infections spreading in the country. More than 61 per cent of overall cases found in India has been reported from the northern states of Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. Over 226 swine flu deaths have already been reported but many doctors suggest that the figures could be much higher. Dr Vikram Jeet Singh is a senior consultant in internal medicine at a private hospital in Delhi. He has already diagnosed more than 80 swine flu cases so far and says that the infection, without proper prevention, could become an epidemic. "Considering a city like Delhi, which has much higher density than most cities, is more prone to H1N1 virus spreading among people. I have already admitted more than 37 patients this year in my hospital. The official number of cases don't indicate the real number of swine flu infections and deaths. There are thousands of small private hospitals and every hospital and doctor do not report swine flu cases to municipal corporation of Delhi (MCD)." Viruses are multiplying in the bitter cold of north India. Swine flu cases have spiralled in the states of Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana. According to data from the national centre for disease control, Rajasthan is the worst affected state with 2,263 cases and 85 deaths this year. Heavily populated Delhi has registered 1,011 cases. Swine flu cases have come to light in Gujarat, Haryana and other states as well. But, these are official reports which have been reported by different hospitals, there are many cases which have gone unreported. WION spoke to doctors from over four government hospitals and several private hospitals who claim that the real figures may be much more higher than the numbers reported in New Delhi. An official from one of the biggest hospitals in New Delhi, Ram Manohar Lohiya said, "We do report the cases of H1N1 virus, but many patients who come to the hospital show symptoms similar to the seasonal flu. This makes it more complicated to differentiate the swine flu patients from them. There are many who leave without treatment who are diagnosed with infection." In all, India has recorded almost 6700 swine cases and 226 deaths this year, the numbers may, in fact, be higher. Doctors say the elderly, newborns, children and adults under 25 are at higher risk. A contagious disease, swine flu gets transmitted usually when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Those infected thus are treated in complete isolation. There is fear among the people because the infection can become an epidemic. Swine flu made headlines first in 2009 when it affected people in many countries. The symptoms include a headache, fever, runny nose, cough and muscle pain. A majority of the cases have been reported from densely populated areas, where the probability of infection is higher. The fear of swine flu became worse as the number of people getting infected with the disease is expected to grow this winter. The H1N1 viruses are expected to be the most prevalent strain this flu season. Only time will tell if the fear is justified.

Most swine flu cases remain unreported in India: Doctors

The Kumbh Mela has attracted millions of people for centuries on the shores of the confluence of mighty river Ganga, Yamuna and mythical third river Saraswati. But this edition of Kumbh is different for the fact that it is the most expensive Kumbh organised ever in Prayagraj.&nbsp;

The biggest gathering on the planet straight before the delirium of general elections 2019, Kumbh comes in as an exceptional opportunity for the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh where a strong demonstration by a political party can decide the prime minister of the country, and this gave way to worth $600 million event which will try to attract more than 130 million pilgrims and tourists within 49 days. The Mela is to showcase BJP's commitment to the people of India&nbsp;

Foreign tourists

A major part of the funds has been spent to attract foreign visitors who are seen as the real source of revenue. The area has also been doubled to 3,200 hectares as compared to 1,600 hectares in the previous Melas. 
 
According to Confederation of Indian Industry,(CII), the mega Kumbh Mela is expected to generate a revenue of Rs 1.2 lakh crore for Uttar Pradesh, but so far it seems impossible in absence of foreign tourists.

A 4,000 tent-strength city of temporary accommodation has also come up at the Mela for tourists. These tents can be booked for as cheap as Rs 650 a bed or Rs 35,000 for the whole tent.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Kumbh Mela" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aae48043-4555-4ffe-9aa9-f74bf52a411a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/kumbh2.jpeg" />

We visited a tent city with a strength of 1800 tents, which had only 10 foreign tourists staying on January 21, the day of Mauni Amavasya. However, the government had predicted more than 1 crore people visiting Kumbh that day.

They had huge expectations from this Kumbh and these tents were supposed to be booked by now, but so far only a small number of foreign clients have turned up.&nbsp;

One of the studies by CII claims that the hospitality sector aims at employing 2,50,000 people; aviation sector around 1,50,000 and tour operators around 45,000. Apart from this, there will be around 55,000 new jobs in the unorganised sector comprising tour guides, taxi drivers, interpreters and volunteers.&nbsp;

But who are the consumers of these facilities in 2019 Kumbh Mela which has maximum arrivals from some of the poorest states of India, such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar?

An average Indian visiting Prayagraj Kumbh Mela won't spend the money on tour guides and taxies. India's common man doesn't have such spending capacity. Even in the case of 100 million Indians attending the event, to generate revenue above 1 lakh crore we need foreign tourists arriving and staying at Kumbh.&nbsp; 
 
Organisers say 122,000 portable toilets and 20,000 trash cans have been installed for the visitors. Due to a lesser number of toilets in the previous Kumbh, people were forced to defecate in the open. Almost everyone who has attended the Kumbh this year is impressed with the cleanliness and hygiene maintained throughout.&nbsp;

For Kumbh's business, the trump card could be the 12 crore people who are expected to visit the Kumbh between now and the Maha Shivratri on March 4, when the Mela will come to a closure. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Kumbh Mela has attracted millions of people for centuries on the shores of the confluence of mighty river Ganga, Yamuna and mythical third river Saraswati. But this edition of Kumbh is different for the fact that it is the most expensive Kumbh organised ever in Prayagraj.

The Kumbh Mela has attracted millions of people for centuries on the shores of the confluence of mighty river Ganga, Yamuna and mythical third river Saraswati. But this edition of Kumbh is different for the fact that it is the most expensive Kumbh organised ever in Prayagraj. The biggest gathering on the planet straight before the delirium of general elections 2019, Kumbh comes in as an exceptional opportunity for the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh where a strong demonstration by a political party can decide the prime minister of the country, and this gave way to worth $600 million event which will try to attract more than 130 million pilgrims and tourists within 49 days. The Mela is to showcase BJP's commitment to the people of India Foreign tourists A major part of the funds has been spent to attract foreign visitors who are seen as the real source of revenue. The area has also been doubled to 3,200 hectares as compared to 1,600 hectares in the previous Melas. According to Confederation of Indian Industry,(CII), the mega Kumbh Mela is expected to generate a revenue of Rs 1.2 lakh crore for Uttar Pradesh, but so far it seems impossible in absence of foreign tourists. A 4,000 tent-strength city of temporary accommodation has also come up at the Mela for tourists. These tents can be booked for as cheap as Rs 650 a bed or Rs 35,000 for the whole tent. We visited a tent city with a strength of 1800 tents, which had only 10 foreign tourists staying on January 21, the day of Mauni Amavasya. However, the government had predicted more than 1 crore people visiting Kumbh that day. They had huge expectations from this Kumbh and these tents were supposed to be booked by now, but so far only a small number of foreign clients have turned up. One of the studies by CII claims that the hospitality sector aims at employing 2,50,000 people; aviation sector around 1,50,000 and tour operators around 45,000. Apart from this, there will be around 55,000 new jobs in the unorganised sector comprising tour guides, taxi drivers, interpreters and volunteers. But who are the consumers of these facilities in 2019 Kumbh Mela which has maximum arrivals from some of the poorest states of India, such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar? An average Indian visiting Prayagraj Kumbh Mela won't spend the money on tour guides and taxies. India's common man doesn't have such spending capacity. Even in the case of 100 million Indians attending the event, to generate revenue above 1 lakh crore we need foreign tourists arriving and staying at Kumbh. Organisers say 122,000 portable toilets and 20,000 trash cans have been installed for the visitors. Due to a lesser number of toilets in the previous Kumbh, people were forced to defecate in the open. Almost everyone who has attended the Kumbh this year is impressed with the cleanliness and hygiene maintained throughout. For Kumbh's business, the trump card could be the 12 crore people who are expected to visit the Kumbh between now and the Maha Shivratri on March 4, when the Mela will come to a closure. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Cleanest Kumbh: A Rs 4200 crore business gamble

Prayagraj's Kumbh Mela is one of the only opportunities to see the reclusive Naga sadhus. These ascetics take a vow of celibacy and renounce worldly possessions. Besides the sadhus, there are many more saints who have been sharing their wisdom and knowledge with the world in the ongoing Mela. I met one such saint who is helping people by healing their minds and bodies with her cosmic practices.&nbsp;

The shores of Sangam have witnessed the conglomeration of the world’s most learned saints for centuries now. The Mela is touted as the largest religious gathering on the planet. Every nook and corner of the Mela site is studded with akharas set up by sadhus, saints with people gathering to experience their knowledge.

Sanyasini Shailja Devi has been practising meditation since she was 19. A former national basketball captain, she now takes pride in being a cosmic healer and helping people. Devi meditates for hours every day. Born in east Africa, she now lives in Junagadh, Gujrat. &nbsp;

With her years of practice, she claims she can feel the abnormalities in the energy that surrounds the body.

I visited her camp to experience the cosmic healing. I didn’t tell them about my health issues and asked them if they could them find and heal it.

Shailja Devi explained that cosmic healing works in three steps - scanning, cleansing and energising. With the method of cleansing, the excessive energy of the body is cleaned. It could be just excessive energy, diseases energy or blocked energy. After the cleansing is done, the body is energised. Fresh and healthy 'Prana' or energy is transferred to the body that strengthens and heals it.

She said that cosmic healing turns out to be a true life-giver. She has even healed those with mouth cancer

“I had patients of mouth cancer who could neither eat nor speak. After I started their treatment, they were able to eat some liquid food just after a month into the treatment,” she noted.&nbsp;

At the end of the whole process, she was able to tell the issues with my body, her diagnosis was almost true about my health.

I did feel lighter after the process, however, she said it wouldn’t bring immediate relief and asked me to practice meditation.&nbsp;

"A good healer is very important," she noted. Not everyone can practice this technique. "So, if you are attempting this technique or getting a session of healing done, just make sure that you have what is necessary," she concluded.&nbsp;

Prayagraj's Kumbh Mela is one of the only opportunities to see the reclusive Naga sadhus. These ascetics take a vow of celibacy and renounce worldly possessions.

Prayagraj's Kumbh Mela is one of the only opportunities to see the reclusive Naga sadhus. These ascetics take a vow of celibacy and renounce worldly possessions. Besides the sadhus, there are many more saints who have been sharing their wisdom and knowledge with the world in the ongoing Mela. I met one such saint who is helping people by healing their minds and bodies with her cosmic practices. The shores of Sangam have witnessed the conglomeration of the world’s most learned saints for centuries now. The Mela is touted as the largest religious gathering on the planet. Every nook and corner of the Mela site is studded with akharas set up by sadhus, saints with people gathering to experience their knowledge. Sanyasini Shailja Devi has been practising meditation since she was 19. A former national basketball captain, she now takes pride in being a cosmic healer and helping people. Devi meditates for hours every day. Born in east Africa, she now lives in Junagadh, Gujrat. With her years of practice, she claims she can feel the abnormalities in the energy that surrounds the body. I visited her camp to experience the cosmic healing. I didn’t tell them about my health issues and asked them if they could them find and heal it. Shailja Devi explained that cosmic healing works in three steps - scanning, cleansing and energising. With the method of cleansing, the excessive energy of the body is cleaned. It could be just excessive energy, diseases energy or blocked energy. After the cleansing is done, the body is energised. Fresh and healthy 'Prana' or energy is transferred to the body that strengthens and heals it. She said that cosmic healing turns out to be a true life-giver. She has even healed those with mouth cancer “I had patients of mouth cancer who could neither eat nor speak. After I started their treatment, they were able to eat some liquid food just after a month into the treatment,” she noted. At the end of the whole process, she was able to tell the issues with my body, her diagnosis was almost true about my health. I did feel lighter after the process, however, she said it wouldn’t bring immediate relief and asked me to practice meditation. "A good healer is very important," she noted. Not everyone can practice this technique. "So, if you are attempting this technique or getting a session of healing done, just make sure that you have what is necessary," she concluded.

Blog: At Kumbh, a former national basketball captain who is now a cosmic healer

With the beginning of Kumbh on January 15, Prayagraj is lit up like Diwali for the 2019 Kumbh Mela. The first Shahi Snan witnessed unprecedented crowds coming in from across the country and the world &nbsp;More than 15 crore people are expected this time for the Kumbh Mela. I met a German travel photographer, Mark Troger Bergis who is about to write a book on Kumbh and his spiritual journey.&nbsp;

Mark has been travelling to India since 2010 and he first came to India with the renowned photographer Steve McCurry to attend a photography workshop. He landed in Haridwar and was completely stunned by a mass of people.&nbsp;

Mark says it's hard for him to describe the Kumbh but what impressed him the most was&nbsp;Naga Sadhus. He calls them the rockstars of Kumbh Mela. This is Mark's second Kumbh, the first one he attended was held in 2013 in Prayagraj.

"None of the Kumbh gatherings is like the other, I have been here in earlier Kumbh. If I compare two Kumbhs there is a big difference and it's difficult to interpret," he said.

After his first confrontation with Nagas in Haridwar, Mark has been intrigued by their way of living and he has been following them all around in different Kumbh Melas for the past years.

He later travelled to India in 2013 and tried hard to capture the magic moments when Naga Babas come for Shahi Snan in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mystic river Saraswati. But with millions of people around in the gathering, it was difficult for him to get a perfect shot. In 2015, he visited one more Kumbh and travelled to Nashik, Trimbakeshwar, but he failed again as police stopped him. Nevertheless, in 2016 he finally succeeded and captured Naga babas while they took the royal bath.

"I want to tell people about personal experience and the holy event itself. Still, so many people don't know about it and it's the biggest gathering on earth, they are expecting 120 million people this year and it's unimaginable for the westerners."

Mark feels that the western media has always been unfair to India and has stereotyped it and gathering like Kumbh in many ways. He wants to show the true image to the west. He believes that the west can learn from India in many ways.

"In Christianity, we have events like these but nothing compared to the Kumbh, if you count the number of Hindu people, it's the third largest religion and it troubles me a little that we westerners know so little about Hinduism ."

This time, Mark came with his wife and took the first royal bath. The experience was stunning, especially for his wife. He is going to Switzerland to deliver a speech on Kumbh Mela and will return at the end of January.&nbsp;

One advice that Steve McCurry gave Mark in 2010 was- "If you come to Kumbh Mela you don't have to travel entire India, whole India comes to you in the Kumbh. There is something spiritual on the banks of these rivers."&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

With the beginning of Kumbh on January 15, Prayagraj is lit up like Diwali for the 2019 Kumbh Mela. The first Shahi Snan witnessed unprecedented crowds coming in from across the country and the world More than 15 crore people are expected this time for the Kumbh Mela.

With the beginning of Kumbh on January 15, Prayagraj is lit up like Diwali for the 2019 Kumbh Mela. The first Shahi Snan witnessed unprecedented crowds coming in from across the country and the world More than 15 crore people are expected this time for the Kumbh Mela. I met a German travel photographer, Mark Troger Bergis who is about to write a book on Kumbh and his spiritual journey. Mark has been travelling to India since 2010 and he first came to India with the renowned photographer Steve McCurry to attend a photography workshop. He landed in Haridwar and was completely stunned by a mass of people. Mark says it's hard for him to describe the Kumbh but what impressed him the most was Naga Sadhus. He calls them the rockstars of Kumbh Mela. This is Mark's second Kumbh, the first one he attended was held in 2013 in Prayagraj. "None of the Kumbh gatherings is like the other, I have been here in earlier Kumbh. If I compare two Kumbhs there is a big difference and it's difficult to interpret," he said. After his first confrontation with Nagas in Haridwar, Mark has been intrigued by their way of living and he has been following them all around in different Kumbh Melas for the past years. He later travelled to India in 2013 and tried hard to capture the magic moments when Naga Babas come for Shahi Snan in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mystic river Saraswati. But with millions of people around in the gathering, it was difficult for him to get a perfect shot. In 2015, he visited one more Kumbh and travelled to Nashik, Trimbakeshwar, but he failed again as police stopped him. Nevertheless, in 2016 he finally succeeded and captured Naga babas while they took the royal bath. "I want to tell people about personal experience and the holy event itself. Still, so many people don't know about it and it's the biggest gathering on earth, they are expecting 120 million people this year and it's unimaginable for the westerners." Mark feels that the western media has always been unfair to India and has stereotyped it and gathering like Kumbh in many ways. He wants to show the true image to the west. He believes that the west can learn from India in many ways. "In Christianity, we have events like these but nothing compared to the Kumbh, if you count the number of Hindu people, it's the third largest religion and it troubles me a little that we westerners know so little about Hinduism ." This time, Mark came with his wife and took the first royal bath. The experience was stunning, especially for his wife. He is going to Switzerland to deliver a speech on Kumbh Mela and will return at the end of January. One advice that Steve McCurry gave Mark in 2010 was- "If you come to Kumbh Mela you don't have to travel entire India, whole India comes to you in the Kumbh. There is something spiritual on the banks of these rivers." (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Blog: What took this German photographer to Kumbh

Thirty-four years after the killing of more than 3,000 people in the anti-Sikh riots, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-congress-leader-sajjan-kumar-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-to-surrender-by-december-31-184695">Sajjan Kumar</a>, a leader from the Congress, has been sentenced to life by the Delhi High Court for his role in the riots that took place in the year 1984.

Kumar has been convicted for instigating the mob during the riots. However, there are still over 400 cases pending, waiting for justice.

The Delhi High Court, in October this year, had reserved its order on Sajjan Kumar for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plea challenged the lower court’s judgment where Sajjan Kumar was acquitted along with five other men in the case.

On Monday, the higher court found the 72-year-old guilty of instigating the mob during the riots. The order said that the 1984 riots were engineered by political actors and the convicts enjoyed political patronage. The court agreed that the criminals escaped prosecution and punishment for over two decades.

Hailing the judgement, Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that the Kumar's conviction is a delayed vindication of justice.

As per the information shared in the Rajya Sabha, so far 442 people convicted by various courts of Delhi in connection to the anti-Sikh massacre which saw as many as 3,000 people killed in Delhi alone.&nbsp;

The rare punishment of death sentence was handed down to only two accused in the case. According to reports, only 587 First Information Reports (FIR), official complaints were received for the three days of violence in Delhi. Out of those, the police closed 241 cases without investigation, citing the inability to trace evidence.&nbsp;

The court, in its verdict, stated that the police failed to register separate FIRs for several cases. Lawyer HS Phoolka, who fought the case for over three decades, said that the political patronage was provided to the convicts for many years.

The anti-Sikh riots erupted after former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards. The riots gripped several parts of the country. It is estimated that around 8,000-17,000 Sikhs, or more, were killed in other parts of India. Cases are still pending in several courts across India, primarily in Delhi.

Thirty-four years after the killing of more than 3,000 people in the anti-Sikh riots, Sajjan Kumar, a leader from the Congress, has been sentenced to life by the Delhi High Court for his role in the riots that took place in the year 1984.

Thirty-four years after the killing of more than 3,000 people in the anti-Sikh riots, Sajjan Kumar, a leader from the Congress, has been sentenced to life by the Delhi High Court for his role in the riots that took place in the year 1984. Kumar has been convicted for instigating the mob during the riots. However, there are still over 400 cases pending, waiting for justice. The Delhi High Court, in October this year, had reserved its order on Sajjan Kumar for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plea challenged the lower court’s judgment where Sajjan Kumar was acquitted along with five other men in the case. On Monday, the higher court found the 72-year-old guilty of instigating the mob during the riots. The order said that the 1984 riots were engineered by political actors and the convicts enjoyed political patronage. The court agreed that the criminals escaped prosecution and punishment for over two decades. Hailing the judgement, Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that the Kumar's conviction is a delayed vindication of justice. As per the information shared in the Rajya Sabha, so far 442 people convicted by various courts of Delhi in connection to the anti-Sikh massacre which saw as many as 3,000 people killed in Delhi alone. The rare punishment of death sentence was handed down to only two accused in the case. According to reports, only 587 First Information Reports (FIR), official complaints were received for the three days of violence in Delhi. Out of those, the police closed 241 cases without investigation, citing the inability to trace evidence. The court, in its verdict, stated that the police failed to register separate FIRs for several cases. Lawyer HS Phoolka, who fought the case for over three decades, said that the political patronage was provided to the convicts for many years. The anti-Sikh riots erupted after former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards. The riots gripped several parts of the country. It is estimated that around 8,000-17,000 Sikhs, or more, were killed in other parts of India. Cases are still pending in several courts across India, primarily in Delhi.

1984 anti-Sikh riots case: More than 440 cases still pending after over three decades

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