Security forces in the Kashmir valley have said that they had input about an infiltration bid by terrorists 15 days prior to the attempt which resulted in the killings of three terrorists and four forces personnel including a Capitan rank officer in Machil sector along the Line of Control in north Kashmir.&nbsp;

Border Security forces today paid tribute to the slain Constable in Budgam and laid a wreath while remembering the sacrifice made by him while fighting terrorists. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-terrorists-woman-killed-crpf-officer-injured-in-srinagar-encounter-328064">Three terrorists, woman killed, CRPF officer injured in Srinagar encounter</a>&nbsp;

Speaking to media after the wreath-laying ceremony of the slain BSF constable who was killed during the initial exchange of fire with the terrorists, Additional Director General of BSF Surinder Pawar said "a patrolling party spotted three shadows after which an exchange of fire took place. Constable Sudhir Kumar was leading from the front and got injured while facing the terrorist."

ADG said that then army reinforcement was called in and a hunt for the other two terrorists was launched. "In the exchange of fire with the terrorists, Captain Ashutosh Kumar and two other army men were martyred."

When asked about the status of infiltration this year, he said only 25 to 30 terrorists managed to enter the valley compared to 135 to 140 last year. &nbsp;"The operation is still on and we are sanitizing the area," he said adding that the troops are alert and ready to foil any more attempts.&nbsp;

Security forces in the Kashmir valley have said that they had input about an infiltration bid by terrorists 15 days prior to the attempt which resulted in the killings of three terrorists and four forces personnel including a Capitan rank officer in Machil sector along the Line of Control in north Kashmir.

Security forces in the Kashmir valley have said that they had input about an infiltration bid by terrorists 15 days prior to the attempt which resulted in the killings of three terrorists and four forces personnel including a Capitan rank officer in Machil sector along the Line of Control in north Kashmir. Border Security forces today paid tribute to the slain Constable in Budgam and laid a wreath while remembering the sacrifice made by him while fighting terrorists. Also read | Three terrorists, woman killed, CRPF officer injured in Srinagar encounter Speaking to media after the wreath-laying ceremony of the slain BSF constable who was killed during the initial exchange of fire with the terrorists, Additional Director General of BSF Surinder Pawar said "a patrolling party spotted three shadows after which an exchange of fire took place. Constable Sudhir Kumar was leading from the front and got injured while facing the terrorist." ADG said that then army reinforcement was called in and a hunt for the other two terrorists was launched. "In the exchange of fire with the terrorists, Captain Ashutosh Kumar and two other army men were martyred." When asked about the status of infiltration this year, he said only 25 to 30 terrorists managed to enter the valley compared to 135 to 140 last year. "The operation is still on and we are sanitizing the area," he said adding that the troops are alert and ready to foil any more attempts.

Operation on LoC in Machil sector still on, forces had inputs 15 days back: ADG BSF

As India and China continue to face off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday instructed officials to expedite the construction of the new USD 47.8 billion railway project connecting the country’s southwest Sichuan province to Linzhi in Tibet close to the Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh, saying it would play a key role in safeguarding stability in the border areas. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/beijing-doesnt-recognize-ladakh-union-territory-and-arunachal-pradesh-chinese-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-334959">Also read | Beijing doesn’t recognize Ladakh Union Territory and Arunachal Pradesh: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs</a> 
 
It will go through the southeast of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, one of the world's most geologically active areas, according to the Chinese official media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-has-got-mail-from-china-337567">Also read | Wion has got mail. From China</a> 
 
The Sichuan-Tibet Railway starts from Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province and travels through Ya'an and enters Tibet via Qamdo, shortening the journey from Chengdu to Lhasa from 48 hours to 13 hours. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-dictates-terms-to-indian-press-protests-wions-interview-with-taiwan-foreign-minister-joseph-wu-see-letter-inside-337366">Also read |&nbsp;China dictates terms to Indian press, protests WION's interview with Taiwan foreign minister Joseph Wu - see letter inside</a> 
 
Linzhi, also known as Nyingchi, is located close to Arunachal Pradesh border. 
 
The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control, the de-facto border between the two countries. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of south Tibet which is firmly rejected by India. 
 
On October 13, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said that Beijing doesn’t recognize "Ladakh Union Territory and Arunachal Pradesh." 
 
The Chinese MFA in a statement had said that Ladakh Union Territory is a region “illegally established by India". 
&nbsp; 
India and China are engaged in a border dispute for the last seven months in Eastern Ladakh. Despite several rounds of talks between the two countries, the dispute remains unresolved. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

As India and China continue to face off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday instructed officials to expedite the construction of the new USD 47.

As India and China continue to face off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday instructed officials to expedite the construction of the new USD 47.8 billion railway project connecting the country’s southwest Sichuan province to Linzhi in Tibet close to the Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh, saying it would play a key role in safeguarding stability in the border areas. Also read | Beijing doesn’t recognize Ladakh Union Territory and Arunachal Pradesh: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs It will go through the southeast of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, one of the world's most geologically active areas, according to the Chinese official media. Also read | Wion has got mail. From China The Sichuan-Tibet Railway starts from Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province and travels through Ya'an and enters Tibet via Qamdo, shortening the journey from Chengdu to Lhasa from 48 hours to 13 hours. Also read | China dictates terms to Indian press, protests WION's interview with Taiwan foreign minister Joseph Wu - see letter inside Linzhi, also known as Nyingchi, is located close to Arunachal Pradesh border. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control, the de-facto border between the two countries. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of south Tibet which is firmly rejected by India. On October 13, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said that Beijing doesn’t recognize "Ladakh Union Territory and Arunachal Pradesh." The Chinese MFA in a statement had said that Ladakh Union Territory is a region “illegally established by India". India and China are engaged in a border dispute for the last seven months in Eastern Ladakh. Despite several rounds of talks between the two countries, the dispute remains unresolved. (With inputs from agencies)

China orders advancing the construction of rail line in Tibet, close to Arunachal Pradesh

A terrorist has been killed while another has surrendered during a joint operation of security forces in Meej Pampore area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The Jammu and Kashmir police said that an unidentified terrorist was killed in the encounter while another surrendered after security forces convinced him to leave arms.&nbsp;

The fresh surrender has brought the number of terrorists surrendering in recent months to five. When the encounter erupted, two civilians were injured during the exchange of fire;&nbsp;one among those later succumbed to his injuries. The slain has been identified as Abid Nabi from the Pampore area while the other injured is undergoing treatment and is said to be out of danger.

The J&amp;K police and the Indian Army, of late, have started a surrender policy for the local youth, where parents of the trapped militants are called to the encounter site to convince them to surrender. This year, alone, security forces have killed around 200 terrorists which included both local and foreign. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A terrorist has been killed while another has surrendered during a joint operation of security forces in Meej Pampore area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The Jammu and Kashmir police said that an unidentified terrorist was killed in the encounter while another surrendered after security forces convinced him to leave arms.

A terrorist has been killed while another has surrendered during a joint operation of security forces in Meej Pampore area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The Jammu and Kashmir police said that an unidentified terrorist was killed in the encounter while another surrendered after security forces convinced him to leave arms. The fresh surrender has brought the number of terrorists surrendering in recent months to five. When the encounter erupted, two civilians were injured during the exchange of fire; one among those later succumbed to his injuries. The slain has been identified as Abid Nabi from the Pampore area while the other injured is undergoing treatment and is said to be out of danger. The J&K police and the Indian Army, of late, have started a surrender policy for the local youth, where parents of the trapped militants are called to the encounter site to convince them to surrender. This year, alone, security forces have killed around 200 terrorists which included both local and foreign.

Civilian, terrorist killed in Pampore operation; another terrorist surrendered

A young engineer in Kashmir valley is trying to re-engineer pottery by giving it a modern look to restart the halted wheels of traditional potters. Saima Shafi is a civil engineer by the day and a potter by the evening. At her small studio in Srinagar, she tries to make kitchen items out of clay to raise awareness among the traditional potters of the valley.&nbsp;

She feels potters have been looked down upon over the years and with time many have left the profession owing to the modern kitchen culture and limited sales. Perusing her passion after completing her engineering and with a government job in hand, Saima went to Bengaluru, the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka chasing her love for pottery.&nbsp;

"Through online platform and media, I'm trying to let traditional potters know that there are modern techniques to pottery which we can have at the international and national level. This sector will have an economic boom by these methods," says Saima Shafi.

Now, she regularly meeting traditional potters to teach them new techniques, make them familiar with modern tools, and bring a sense of pride in them for their art. For years, authors have written the obituary of pottery in Kashmir but if this goes right for her, she may very well prove them wrong.&nbsp;

Her products include modern unearth pots, cups, plates, and other decorative items. Saima likes to call herself a 'Kralkoor,' meaning 'potter girl' rather than an engineer. She now wishes to increase the income of potters to give them a decent living.&nbsp;

A young engineer in Kashmir valley is trying to re-engineer pottery by giving it a modern look to restart the halted wheels of traditional potters. Saima Shafi is a civil engineer by the day and a potter by the evening.

A young engineer in Kashmir valley is trying to re-engineer pottery by giving it a modern look to restart the halted wheels of traditional potters. Saima Shafi is a civil engineer by the day and a potter by the evening. At her small studio in Srinagar, she tries to make kitchen items out of clay to raise awareness among the traditional potters of the valley. She feels potters have been looked down upon over the years and with time many have left the profession owing to the modern kitchen culture and limited sales. Perusing her passion after completing her engineering and with a government job in hand, Saima went to Bengaluru, the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka chasing her love for pottery. "Through online platform and media, I'm trying to let traditional potters know that there are modern techniques to pottery which we can have at the international and national level. This sector will have an economic boom by these methods," says Saima Shafi. Now, she regularly meeting traditional potters to teach them new techniques, make them familiar with modern tools, and bring a sense of pride in them for their art. For years, authors have written the obituary of pottery in Kashmir but if this goes right for her, she may very well prove them wrong. Her products include modern unearth pots, cups, plates, and other decorative items. Saima likes to call herself a 'Kralkoor,' meaning 'potter girl' rather than an engineer. She now wishes to increase the income of potters to give them a decent living.

Engineer-turned-potter tries to re-engineer pottery in Kashmir

In October 1947 a militia of thousands of Pashtun tribesmen invaded the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. The invasion ignited the first India - Pakistan War, traumatised Kashmiri society, and set a precedent for the use of non-state actors by Pakistan to foment unrest in Kashmir that continues today. A special, two-part series by WION on this little-known but definitive event in the history of the subcontinent.

Kashmir 1947: Anatomy of an invasion

October 22 is an important but seldom discussed day in Indian history. It was on this day in 1947 when the first attack on Independent India took place. WION's Palki Sharma tells you the story of the 1947 tribal invasion of Kashmir.

Gravitas: The story of the 1947 tribal invasion of Kashmir

Global protests took place on Thursday to highlight the Pakistani atrocities in Kashmir coinciding with&nbsp;October 22 "black day". On this day on 1947, Pakistani raiders invaded the then princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Five days later, on October 27 1947, Indian troops arrived after the instrument of accession was signed by the then king Hari Singh.

In Nepal, "Indian youths of Nepal Observe Black day" were seen which paid homage to the sacrifices made by "millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims" for the state while dealing with Pakistani atrocities. In the Hague, Netherlands bus with a board saying "black day against illegal Pakistani occupation: seeking compensation for damages" was seen in front of the Peace Palace that houses the International court of justice.

Protests happened in Japan, Seoul, London, Brussels, Geneva, San Francisco, Malaysia. A car rally has been planned in Washington to mark the 73rd "remembrance day of Pakistan's Brutal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir". The rally will go up to the Pakistani embassy in Washington, US.

Global protests took place on Thursday to highlight the Pakistani atrocities in Kashmir coinciding with October 22 "black day". On this day on 1947, Pakistani raiders invaded the then princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Global protests took place on Thursday to highlight the Pakistani atrocities in Kashmir coinciding with October 22 "black day". On this day on 1947, Pakistani raiders invaded the then princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Five days later, on October 27 1947, Indian troops arrived after the instrument of accession was signed by the then king Hari Singh. In Nepal, "Indian youths of Nepal Observe Black day" were seen which paid homage to the sacrifices made by "millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims" for the state while dealing with Pakistani atrocities. In the Hague, Netherlands bus with a board saying "black day against illegal Pakistani occupation: seeking compensation for damages" was seen in front of the Peace Palace that houses the International court of justice. Protests happened in Japan, Seoul, London, Brussels, Geneva, San Francisco, Malaysia. A car rally has been planned in Washington to mark the 73rd "remembrance day of Pakistan's Brutal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir". The rally will go up to the Pakistani embassy in Washington, US.

Global protests against Pakistan to mark October 22 'black day'

In a strongly-worded letter to Twitter CEO, the Indian government has expressed its dismay over the social media giants' act of misrepresentation of the Indian map and asserted any attempts to disrespect the country's sovereignty and integrity would not be accepted.&nbsp;

IT Secretary Ajay Sawhney has penned a letter to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey after Twitter in a recent post showed geo-location of Leh in Jammu and Kashmir as a Chinese region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-under-fire-as-it-shows-jk-as-part-of-china-336260">Twitter issues clarification following backlash for showing J&amp;K in China</a>

Such acts bring not only disrepute to Twitter but also raises the question about its neutrality and fairness as an intermediary, the letter said.&nbsp;

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-under-fire-as-it-shows-jk-as-part-of-china-336260">Twitter under fire as it shows J&amp;K as part of China</a>

Sawhney has also reminded the social media giant that Leh is the headquarter of Union Territory of Ladakh and both Ladakh as well as Jammu and Kashmir are India's integral and inalienable parts of India, governed by the Indian constitution.

The Indian government had asked Twitter to respect the sensitivities of Indians and has also firmly said that any effort to disrespect sovereignty and integrity of India, which is also reflected through its maps, is completely unacceptable and unlawful.

Earlier, the incident happened Nitin Gokhale’s was conducting a live broadcast from Leh’s Hall of Fame, a war memorial for martyred soldiers, and Twitter's geotagging feature showed Leh in Jammu and Kashmir, People's Republic of China.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We became aware of this technical issue on Sunday, &amp; understand &amp; respect the sensitivities around it. Teams have worked swiftly to investigate &amp; resolve the concerned geotag issue: Twitter Spokesperson on location tag in a live broadcast showing Jammu &amp; Kashmir as part of China. <a href="https://t.co/UqpCCgma1q">pic.twitter.com/UqpCCgma1q</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1318082535570616320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Twitter called the issue "technical" and said it has been resolved swiftly.&nbsp;

In a strongly-worded letter to Twitter CEO, the Indian government has expressed its dismay over the social media giants' act of misrepresentation of the Indian map and asserted any attempts to disrespect the country's sovereignty and integrity would not be accepted.

In a strongly-worded letter to Twitter CEO, the Indian government has expressed its dismay over the social media giants' act of misrepresentation of the Indian map and asserted any attempts to disrespect the country's sovereignty and integrity would not be accepted. IT Secretary Ajay Sawhney has penned a letter to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey after Twitter in a recent post showed geo-location of Leh in Jammu and Kashmir as a Chinese region. Also read | Twitter issues clarification following backlash for showing J&K in China Such acts bring not only disrepute to Twitter but also raises the question about its neutrality and fairness as an intermediary, the letter said. Also read | Twitter under fire as it shows J&K as part of China Sawhney has also reminded the social media giant that Leh is the headquarter of Union Territory of Ladakh and both Ladakh as well as Jammu and Kashmir are India's integral and inalienable parts of India, governed by the Indian constitution. The Indian government had asked Twitter to respect the sensitivities of Indians and has also firmly said that any effort to disrespect sovereignty and integrity of India, which is also reflected through its maps, is completely unacceptable and unlawful. Earlier, the incident happened Nitin Gokhale’s was conducting a live broadcast from Leh’s Hall of Fame, a war memorial for martyred soldiers, and Twitter's geotagging feature showed Leh in Jammu and Kashmir, People's Republic of China. We became aware of this technical issue on Sunday, & understand & respect the sensitivities around it. Teams have worked swiftly to investigate & resolve the concerned geotag issue: Twitter Spokesperson on location tag in a live broadcast showing Jammu & Kashmir as part of China. pic.twitter.com/UqpCCgma1q — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2020 × Twitter called the issue "technical" and said it has been resolved swiftly.

Indian govt issues stern warning to Twitter over settings showing Leh in China

A day after facing severe backlash for showing Jammu and Kashmir as a Chinese territory, Twitter has issued a clarification on Monday and called it a "technical issue".

"We became aware of this technical issue on Sunday, and understand and respect the sensitivities around it. Teams have worked swiftly to investigate and resolve the concerned geotag issue," a Twitter spokesperson said on Monday, as quoted by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We became aware of this technical issue on Sunday, &amp; understand &amp; respect the sensitivities around it. Teams have worked swiftly to investigate &amp; resolve the concerned geotag issue: Twitter Spokesperson on location tag in a live broadcast showing Jammu &amp; Kashmir as part of China. <a href="https://t.co/UqpCCgma1q">pic.twitter.com/UqpCCgma1q</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1318082535570616320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday, the social media giant was harshly criticised after its location tag in a live broadcast displayed Jammu and Kashmir as a region in China.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-under-fire-as-it-shows-jk-as-part-of-china-336260">Twitter under fire as it shows J&amp;K as part of China</a>

The issue first came into fore after Kanchan Gupta, Distinguished Fellow, Observer Research Foundation (ORF) raised the matter on Sunday, calling Twitter's actions as a move to "reconfigure history".

"So Twitter has decided to reconfigure geography and declare Jammu &amp; Kashmir as part of People's Republic of China. If this is not a violation of India laws, what is? Citizens of India have been punished for far less. But US Big Tech is above the law?, Gupta tweeted.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A day after facing severe backlash for showing Jammu and Kashmir as a Chinese territory, Twitter has issued a clarification on Monday and called it a "technical issue".

A day after facing severe backlash for showing Jammu and Kashmir as a Chinese territory, Twitter has issued a clarification on Monday and called it a "technical issue". "We became aware of this technical issue on Sunday, and understand and respect the sensitivities around it. Teams have worked swiftly to investigate and resolve the concerned geotag issue," a Twitter spokesperson said on Monday, as quoted by news agency ANI. We became aware of this technical issue on Sunday, & understand & respect the sensitivities around it. Teams have worked swiftly to investigate & resolve the concerned geotag issue: Twitter Spokesperson on location tag in a live broadcast showing Jammu & Kashmir as part of China. pic.twitter.com/UqpCCgma1q — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2020 × On Sunday, the social media giant was harshly criticised after its location tag in a live broadcast displayed Jammu and Kashmir as a region in China. Also read | Twitter under fire as it shows J&K as part of China The issue first came into fore after Kanchan Gupta, Distinguished Fellow, Observer Research Foundation (ORF) raised the matter on Sunday, calling Twitter's actions as a move to "reconfigure history". "So Twitter has decided to reconfigure geography and declare Jammu & Kashmir as part of People's Republic of China. If this is not a violation of India laws, what is? Citizens of India have been punished for far less. But US Big Tech is above the law?, Gupta tweeted.

Twitter issues clarification following backlash for showing J&K in China

A joint team of security forces have held a terrorist during an encounter along with an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition in the Chadoora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir police told WION that a recently-joined terrorist identified as Jahangir who was previously a stone pelter was held during the operation.&nbsp;

The inspector general of police Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar, said that the (arrested) is an associate of SPO Altaf who recently decamped with two AK-47 rifles and is believed to have joined terror ranks.

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Op Chadoora, Budgam. 
During the search at a joint Mobile Vehicle Check Post at Chadoora, today morning, a terrorist fired at the SF. 
Area was cordoned. Extensive search was carried out &amp; the terrorist was apprehended with one AK. 
Joint op concluded.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kashmir</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a> <a href="https://t.co/kZUWLTSMry">pic.twitter.com/kZUWLTSMry</a>
— Chinar Corps🍁 - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1317024289636323328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Indian army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps tweeted “during the search at a joint Mobile Vehicle Check Post at Chadoora, today morning, a terrorist fired at the SF. The area was cordoned. An extensive search was carried out &amp; the terrorist was apprehended with one AK.”&nbsp;

A joint team of security forces have held a terrorist during an encounter along with an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition in the Chadoora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

A joint team of security forces have held a terrorist during an encounter along with an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition in the Chadoora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district. Jammu and Kashmir police told WION that a recently-joined terrorist identified as Jahangir who was previously a stone pelter was held during the operation. The inspector general of police Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar, said that the (arrested) is an associate of SPO Altaf who recently decamped with two AK-47 rifles and is believed to have joined terror ranks. Op Chadoora, Budgam. During the search at a joint Mobile Vehicle Check Post at Chadoora, today morning, a terrorist fired at the SF. Area was cordoned. Extensive search was carried out & the terrorist was apprehended with one AK. Joint op concluded.#Kashmir @adgpi pic.twitter.com/kZUWLTSMry — Chinar Corps🍁 - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) October 16, 2020 × The Indian army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps tweeted “during the search at a joint Mobile Vehicle Check Post at Chadoora, today morning, a terrorist fired at the SF. The area was cordoned. An extensive search was carried out & the terrorist was apprehended with one AK.”

Security forces nab terrorist after he fires at them in central Kashmir

At a time when there is a growing demand for Organic food all over the world, Kashmir Agriculture Department has for the first time introduced a complete organic market in Srinagar.

There has been a boom in the organic food industry and with time it has not just gained popularity but demand is also on the rise. In the coming years, several factors are expected to lead to its growth. In 2017, the government of India projected the domestic organic food market to touch the 1.36 billion US dollar mark by 2020.

The agriculture industry of Kashmir is worth rupees 1600 crores and the growth every year is leading to better changes.&nbsp;With approximately around 50 thousand hectares of land under it, the government says more youth are getting involved in agricultural activities as they find organic farming cost-effective as well as healthy.&nbsp; &nbsp;

"We initiated this program 4 years back for ago for organic vegetables. There is a protocol defined worldwide under which we declare produce organic when cultivation reaches the fourth year which is free from all chemicals, etc," Ajaz Ahndrabi, Director, Agriculture, Kashmir,&nbsp;

The growing use of&nbsp;fertilizers and pesticides on vegetables and fruits has forced people to switch to organic food.&nbsp;The Indian government through various schemes is supporting organic farming in Kashmir.&nbsp;Kashmir has large agricultural and horticultural productions and now the government wants to push for healthy eating.&nbsp;

This retail market is Srinagar offers vegetables to people who have switched to organic foods&nbsp;and it's visible when the sale counters are empty within hours of the sale.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"People aren't fully aware of organic food, we don't use any chemicals for this. The government has provided us kits of worming composite. My entire village cultivates organic vegetables only," says Irshad Ahmad, an organic vegetable farmer.&nbsp;

Farmers say that this is taking them back to old times when farmers only used green manure instead of chemical-based fertilizers and Pesticides.&nbsp;India exported organic products worth 515 million dollars in the financial year 2017-2018.&nbsp;Now, the farmers are expecting the government to start these markets in every district of Kashmir to promote organic food and&nbsp;healthy eating.

At a time when there is a growing demand for Organic food all over the world, Kashmir Agriculture Department has for the first time introduced a complete organic market in Srinagar.

At a time when there is a growing demand for Organic food all over the world, Kashmir Agriculture Department has for the first time introduced a complete organic market in Srinagar. There has been a boom in the organic food industry and with time it has not just gained popularity but demand is also on the rise. In the coming years, several factors are expected to lead to its growth. In 2017, the government of India projected the domestic organic food market to touch the 1.36 billion US dollar mark by 2020. The agriculture industry of Kashmir is worth rupees 1600 crores and the growth every year is leading to better changes. With approximately around 50 thousand hectares of land under it, the government says more youth are getting involved in agricultural activities as they find organic farming cost-effective as well as healthy. "We initiated this program 4 years back for ago for organic vegetables. There is a protocol defined worldwide under which we declare produce organic when cultivation reaches the fourth year which is free from all chemicals, etc," Ajaz Ahndrabi, Director, Agriculture, Kashmir, The growing use of fertilizers and pesticides on vegetables and fruits has forced people to switch to organic food. The Indian government through various schemes is supporting organic farming in Kashmir. Kashmir has large agricultural and horticultural productions and now the government wants to push for healthy eating. This retail market is Srinagar offers vegetables to people who have switched to organic foods and it's visible when the sale counters are empty within hours of the sale. "People aren't fully aware of organic food, we don't use any chemicals for this. The government has provided us kits of worming composite. My entire village cultivates organic vegetables only," says Irshad Ahmad, an organic vegetable farmer. Farmers say that this is taking them back to old times when farmers only used green manure instead of chemical-based fertilizers and Pesticides. India exported organic products worth 515 million dollars in the financial year 2017-2018. Now, the farmers are expecting the government to start these markets in every district of Kashmir to promote organic food and healthy eating.

Eating healthy: Demand for organic food grows as Kashmir valley gets first organic market

Nearly 12 days after curbs were imposed in J&K following the scrapping of Article 370, the valley is gradually returning to normalcy. Broadband services have been restored in some parts

Kashmir on path to normalcy: WION speaks to Srinagar locals; Here's a ground report

At least three terrorists have been killed in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

Armed forces launched the operation last evening in the Sugan village of the district. According to police, the terrorists - once they were holed up - were asked to surrender; however, they refused.&nbsp;

The operation turned into an encounter after terrorists opened fire and security forces retaliated, he added.&nbsp;

IGP Kashmir confirmed the killing of terrorists and said that search operation is still going on.&nbsp;

According to IGP Kashmir, the identity of the killed militants is being ascertained and security forces have recovered arms and ammunition from the site of encounter.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least three terrorists have been killed in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. Armed forces launched the operation last evening in the Sugan village of the district.

At least three terrorists have been killed in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. Armed forces launched the operation last evening in the Sugan village of the district. According to police, the terrorists - once they were holed up - were asked to surrender; however, they refused. The operation turned into an encounter after terrorists opened fire and security forces retaliated, he added. IGP Kashmir confirmed the killing of terrorists and said that search operation is still going on. According to IGP Kashmir, the identity of the killed militants is being ascertained and security forces have recovered arms and ammunition from the site of encounter. (With inputs from agencies)

Three terrorists killed in encounter in J&K’s Shopian district

Two Indian army solider have been killed in action during an unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Naugam sector in north Kashmir's Kupwara district while four others have been inured who are being evacuated to an army facility.&nbsp;

Earlier, Pakistan Army resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire violation on the line of control in Krishna Ghati Sector in Poonch district of Jammu region, killing a solider while another was injured.&nbsp;

In the morning, army said that "Pakistan fired mortars and other weapons while a befitting response is being given."&nbsp;

Three Indian army soldiers have been killed so far since last night in Pakistan's provocation. Before the snow sets in, Pakistan usually tries to push more terrorists to the Indian side because passes and tracks usually used by them get covered and closed.&nbsp;

In the past, Indian army has said that Pakistan violates ceasefire to provide cover to the infiltrators but their alertness have resulted in successfully soiling of these attempts.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two Indian army solider have been killed in action during an unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Naugam sector in north Kashmir's Kupwara district while four others have been inured who are being evacuated to an army facility.

Two Indian army solider have been killed in action during an unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Naugam sector in north Kashmir's Kupwara district while four others have been inured who are being evacuated to an army facility. Earlier, Pakistan Army resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire violation on the line of control in Krishna Ghati Sector in Poonch district of Jammu region, killing a solider while another was injured. In the morning, army said that "Pakistan fired mortars and other weapons while a befitting response is being given." Three Indian army soldiers have been killed so far since last night in Pakistan's provocation. Before the snow sets in, Pakistan usually tries to push more terrorists to the Indian side because passes and tracks usually used by them get covered and closed. In the past, Indian army has said that Pakistan violates ceasefire to provide cover to the infiltrators but their alertness have resulted in successfully soiling of these attempts. (With inputs from agencies)

Three Indian army men killed, five injured as Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in J&K

You might have heard about Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir when it comes to violence and encounter but there is a village that will soon be called a 'Pencil district' of India.&nbsp;

Oukhoo village in south Kashmir supplies around 90 percent wood used to manufacture pencils in India. 
 
The village is the hub of pencil slates where both men and women are employed to process raw wood. 
 
Not many know that this district will soon be called the pencil district of India given it supplies most of the slates needed to make a pencil.

"Companies used to get supplies from Germany and Chine but with time they started taking wood. Later we got machines and designed slates here, I'm happy we are getting employment here through this," says Manzoor Ahmad, one of the factory owner.

It wasn't the same before the 90s when companies in India would import wood from Germany, China, and other countries. This has helped in local employment generation as well.

Special trees which grow in the wetlands of the district are used as it has the right amount of moisture. Around 17 registered units here work hard to write made in Kashmir story.&nbsp;

"The government is trying several initiatives and has been successful too. There is an initiative by which Pulwama will be known as 'Pencil district' and we expect it to happen soon. We want every house to make slates here," says Mubashir, another factory owner.&nbsp;

The slates are stacked before they are dispatched to factories which will process them and make a pencil. Now there is a growing demand for making the entire pencil in Kashmir.

You might have heard about Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir when it comes to violence and encounter but there is a village that will soon be called a 'Pencil district' of India.

You might have heard about Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir when it comes to violence and encounter but there is a village that will soon be called a 'Pencil district' of India. Oukhoo village in south Kashmir supplies around 90 percent wood used to manufacture pencils in India. The village is the hub of pencil slates where both men and women are employed to process raw wood. Not many know that this district will soon be called the pencil district of India given it supplies most of the slates needed to make a pencil. "Companies used to get supplies from Germany and Chine but with time they started taking wood. Later we got machines and designed slates here, I'm happy we are getting employment here through this," says Manzoor Ahmad, one of the factory owner. It wasn't the same before the 90s when companies in India would import wood from Germany, China, and other countries. This has helped in local employment generation as well. Special trees which grow in the wetlands of the district are used as it has the right amount of moisture. Around 17 registered units here work hard to write made in Kashmir story. "The government is trying several initiatives and has been successful too. There is an initiative by which Pulwama will be known as 'Pencil district' and we expect it to happen soon. We want every house to make slates here," says Mubashir, another factory owner. The slates are stacked before they are dispatched to factories which will process them and make a pencil. Now there is a growing demand for making the entire pencil in Kashmir.

Make in Kashmir: A village which supplies 90% wood for pencils in India

Artists in Kashmir valley have long been struggling for a physical art gallery to showcase their work but thanks to the pandemic that made them think out of the box.

India: Artists form online gallery in Kashmir

An Indian Army soldier&nbsp;has been injured after Pakistan violated ceasefire along the line of control (LOC) at Machil sector in Kupwara district this morning, army said.&nbsp;

The injured soldier was evacuated to army hospital where his condition remains stable. In response to the Pakistan’s provocation, Indian army said that they are giving befitting response.&nbsp;

“Pakistan initiated an unprovoked Ceasefire Violation along LoC in Machhhal Sector, Kupwara today morning by firing Mortars &amp; other weapons. Befitting response is being given. One soldier injured &amp; evacuated, condition stable,” Rajesh Kalia, Srinagar based Army spokesman said.&nbsp;

According to government figures, Pakistan has violated ceasefire 3186 times along the LoC in Jammu region till September 7 this year. Eight Indian army soldiers have been killed in action in these ceasefire violations so far.&nbsp;

An Indian Army soldier has been injured after Pakistan violated ceasefire along the line of control (LOC) at Machil sector in Kupwara district this morning, army said.

An Indian Army soldier has been injured after Pakistan violated ceasefire along the line of control (LOC) at Machil sector in Kupwara district this morning, army said. The injured soldier was evacuated to army hospital where his condition remains stable. In response to the Pakistan’s provocation, Indian army said that they are giving befitting response. “Pakistan initiated an unprovoked Ceasefire Violation along LoC in Machhhal Sector, Kupwara today morning by firing Mortars & other weapons. Befitting response is being given. One soldier injured & evacuated, condition stable,” Rajesh Kalia, Srinagar based Army spokesman said. According to government figures, Pakistan has violated ceasefire 3186 times along the LoC in Jammu region till September 7 this year. Eight Indian army soldiers have been killed in action in these ceasefire violations so far.

Indian Army soldier injured in Pakistan ceasefire violation in Kashmir

India on Tuesday disapproved of Turkey's remarks on Kashmir and slammed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for "gross interference" in India's internal affairs. India termed Erdogan's remarks 'completely unacceptable'

"We have seen remarks by President of Turkey on Indian UT of Jammu and Kashmir. They constitute gross interference in India's internal affairs and are completely unacceptable. Turkey should learn to respect the sovereignty of other nations and reflect on its policies more deeply," TS Tirumurti, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said in a tweet.

Erdogan made remarks on Kashmir on the second day of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He said that Kashmir was still "a burning issue".

"The Kashmir conflict, which is also key to the stability and peace of South Asia, is still a burning issue," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unga-2020-erdogan-calls-kashmir-conflict-a-burning-issue-329483">UNGA 2020: Erdogan calls Kashmir conflict a 'burning issue'</a> 
 
"We are in favour of solving this issue through dialogue within the framework of the United Nations resolutions, especially in line with the expectations of the people of Kashmir," Erdogan added in a prerecorded message.

Turkey, a Pakistan ally, has raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir many times on various platforms in last one year.

As recently as last week, India had slammed Turkey in Human Rights Council for its interference in India's internal matters.

India on Tuesday disapproved of Turkey's remarks on Kashmir and slammed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for "gross interference" in India's internal affairs.

India on Tuesday disapproved of Turkey's remarks on Kashmir and slammed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for "gross interference" in India's internal affairs. India termed Erdogan's remarks 'completely unacceptable' "We have seen remarks by President of Turkey on Indian UT of Jammu and Kashmir. They constitute gross interference in India's internal affairs and are completely unacceptable. Turkey should learn to respect the sovereignty of other nations and reflect on its policies more deeply," TS Tirumurti, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said in a tweet. Erdogan made remarks on Kashmir on the second day of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He said that Kashmir was still "a burning issue". "The Kashmir conflict, which is also key to the stability and peace of South Asia, is still a burning issue," he said. Also Read | UNGA 2020: Erdogan calls Kashmir conflict a 'burning issue' "We are in favour of solving this issue through dialogue within the framework of the United Nations resolutions, especially in line with the expectations of the people of Kashmir," Erdogan added in a prerecorded message. Turkey, a Pakistan ally, has raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir many times on various platforms in last one year. As recently as last week, India had slammed Turkey in Human Rights Council for its interference in India's internal matters.

India slams Erdogan's Kashmir remark as 'gross interference' in internal affairs

Two associates of militants were arrested in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir and incriminating material was seized from their possession, police said on Saturday.

The two were arrested from Awantipora and Khrew areas of the south Kashmir district, a police spokesman said, without disclosing their names.

He said incriminating material of outfits Hizb-ul-Mujahdeen and Al-Badr was seized from the possession of the militant associates.

Cases have been registered and investigations initiated, the spokesman said.

Two associates of militants were arrested in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir and incriminating material was seized from their possession, police said on Saturday.

Two associates of militants were arrested in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir and incriminating material was seized from their possession, police said on Saturday. The two were arrested from Awantipora and Khrew areas of the south Kashmir district, a police spokesman said, without disclosing their names. He said incriminating material of outfits Hizb-ul-Mujahdeen and Al-Badr was seized from the possession of the militant associates. Cases have been registered and investigations initiated, the spokesman said.

Two terrorist associates held in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama

India has slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human rights council after they raked Kashmir at the Geneva-based body.&nbsp;

First Secretary at Permanent Mission of India in Geneva, Pawan Badhe said, India doesn't need "unsolicited lecture on human rights from a country that has consistently persecuted its ethnic and religious minorities" and "is an epicentre of terrorism..(with) the distinction of providing pensions to individuals on UN Sanctions list and has a Prime Minister who proudly admits training tens of thousands of terrorists to fight in Jammu and Kashmir."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-violates-sco-charter-puts-map-showing-kashmir-in-sco-nsa-meet-as-india-protests-327747" hreflang="en">Pakistan violates SCO charter, puts map showing Kashmir in SCO NSA meet as India protests</a>

Highlighting how, "mass influx of outsiders has whittled down the number of Kashmiris to an insignificant number in Pakistan", Pavan in India's right of reply highlighted how, "Thousands of Sikh, Hindus and Christian minority women and girls have been subjected to abductions, forced marriages and conversions in Pakistan.'

Pakistan has been raking Kashmir at various international forums, and last year saw Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi, in the backdrop of revocation of special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, visiting Geneva&nbsp;himself but got no traction.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/focus-on-saving-lives-as-well-as-livelihoods-india-lists-covid-19-strategy-at-un-327721" hreflang="en">Focus on saving lives as well as livelihoods, India lists COVID-19 strategy at UN</a>

On OIC, the Indian diplomat said, it has "no locus standi to comment on internal affairs of India" and the grouping of Islamic countries has "allowed itself to be misused by Pakistan to subverse its own agenda", suggesting, "It’s for the members of the to decide if it is in their interests to allow Pakistan to do so."

On Turkey, Pavan said, can "only advise Turkey to refrain from commenting on the internal affairs of India and develop a better understanding of the democratic practices."

Turkey in the last few years has grown closer to Pakistan and has been raking Kashmir at international forums like UN. The country's closeness to Islamabad, many attribute to a possible transfer&nbsp;of nuclear know-how.

India has slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human rights council after they raked Kashmir at the Geneva-based body.

India has slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human rights council after they raked Kashmir at the Geneva-based body. First Secretary at Permanent Mission of India in Geneva, Pawan Badhe said, India doesn't need "unsolicited lecture on human rights from a country that has consistently persecuted its ethnic and religious minorities" and "is an epicentre of terrorism..(with) the distinction of providing pensions to individuals on UN Sanctions list and has a Prime Minister who proudly admits training tens of thousands of terrorists to fight in Jammu and Kashmir." Also read: Pakistan violates SCO charter, puts map showing Kashmir in SCO NSA meet as India protests Highlighting how, "mass influx of outsiders has whittled down the number of Kashmiris to an insignificant number in Pakistan", Pavan in India's right of reply highlighted how, "Thousands of Sikh, Hindus and Christian minority women and girls have been subjected to abductions, forced marriages and conversions in Pakistan.' Pakistan has been raking Kashmir at various international forums, and last year saw Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi, in the backdrop of revocation of special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, visiting Geneva himself but got no traction. Also read: Focus on saving lives as well as livelihoods, India lists COVID-19 strategy at UN On OIC, the Indian diplomat said, it has "no locus standi to comment on internal affairs of India" and the grouping of Islamic countries has "allowed itself to be misused by Pakistan to subverse its own agenda", suggesting, "It’s for the members of the to decide if it is in their interests to allow Pakistan to do so." On Turkey, Pavan said, can "only advise Turkey to refrain from commenting on the internal affairs of India and develop a better understanding of the democratic practices." Turkey in the last few years has grown closer to Pakistan and has been raking Kashmir at international forums like UN. The country's closeness to Islamabad, many attribute to a possible transfer of nuclear know-how.

India slams Pakistan, Turkey and OIC at human rights council after they rake Kashmir

India has said that Kashmir should be removed from the United Nations Security Council’s agenda, something Pakistan keeps on raking. 
&nbsp; 
In its statement on the Report of the Security Council for 2019, India hitting out at Pakistan said, a "delegation keeps pushing for discussions on an outdated agenda item in the Council" which for "all matter needs to be removed from the Council’s agenda permanently."

Since the abrogation of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcation into 2 union territories in August of last year, Pakistan along with China tried to raise the matter 3 times.

The attempts have met with failure with informal closed-door discussions happening with no outcomes and other members of the council reiterating that Kashmir is a bilateral India Pakistan issue. The last time Kashmir was formally raised at UNSC was in 1965, according to UN records.

India in its statement also highlighted how Islamabad has attempted to "rebrand itself as contributing to international peace" but "unfortunately fails to recognize that it is globally known for being the fountainhead of international terror and the hub for terror syndicates."

A UN report earlier this year showed that around 6000-6500 Pakistani terrorists are operating in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the statement called on UNSC report should not be just "statistical compilation of events, a bland summary and listing of meetings and outcome documents" and must "highlight and analyze the measures that it has decided upon or taken to maintain international peace and security during the reporting period".

New Delhi pointed out how the report was "short of analysis on the UN peacekeeping operations" and since most peacekeepers are contributed by non-Council members "who put the lives of their troops at risk to serve the cause of international peace" a better partnership between the "Security Council and the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) is needed"

The India Statement asked Security Council "to prove its credibility and improve its performance" as "performance assessment has become one of the focus areas at the United Nations'.

India has said that Kashmir should be removed from the United Nations Security Council’s agenda, something Pakistan keeps on raking. In its statement on the Report of the Security Council for 2019, India hitting out at Pakistan said, a "delegation keeps pushing for discussions on an outdated agenda item in the Council" which for "all matter needs to be removed from the Council’s agenda permanently.

India has said that Kashmir should be removed from the United Nations Security Council’s agenda, something Pakistan keeps on raking. In its statement on the Report of the Security Council for 2019, India hitting out at Pakistan said, a "delegation keeps pushing for discussions on an outdated agenda item in the Council" which for "all matter needs to be removed from the Council’s agenda permanently." Since the abrogation of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcation into 2 union territories in August of last year, Pakistan along with China tried to raise the matter 3 times. The attempts have met with failure with informal closed-door discussions happening with no outcomes and other members of the council reiterating that Kashmir is a bilateral India Pakistan issue. The last time Kashmir was formally raised at UNSC was in 1965, according to UN records. India in its statement also highlighted how Islamabad has attempted to "rebrand itself as contributing to international peace" but "unfortunately fails to recognize that it is globally known for being the fountainhead of international terror and the hub for terror syndicates." A UN report earlier this year showed that around 6000-6500 Pakistani terrorists are operating in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the statement called on UNSC report should not be just "statistical compilation of events, a bland summary and listing of meetings and outcome documents" and must "highlight and analyze the measures that it has decided upon or taken to maintain international peace and security during the reporting period". New Delhi pointed out how the report was "short of analysis on the UN peacekeeping operations" and since most peacekeepers are contributed by non-Council members "who put the lives of their troops at risk to serve the cause of international peace" a better partnership between the "Security Council and the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) is needed" The India Statement asked Security Council "to prove its credibility and improve its performance" as "performance assessment has become one of the focus areas at the United Nations'.

Remove Kashmir from UNSC agenda permanently, says India

Water lilies growing on ponds and lakes are beautiful to look at, and they also aid its ecosystem. but when they grow too thickly over the water's surface, the large pads interfere with oxygen exchange, which leads to algae blooms, that in turn causes stagnation. This is exactly what's happening in Kashmir's Dal lake. A part of the scenic lake is choking due to weeds and lilly pads. WION's correspondent Johan Castell travels to Srinagar to find out more.

Kashmir Connect: Removing water lilies from Dal lake

This week on Kashmir Connect, we take you inside a beautiful Kashmiri wedding, feast on Wazwan, meet a pigeon fancier, and discover how lilies are damaging the Dal.

Kashmir Connect: A Kashmiri Wedding

When you think of Kashmiri cuisine, chances are you think of dishes like rogan josh, yakhni, goshtaba or dum aloo. But do you know that the humble bread is an important part of Kashmir's culinary identity? The people of Kashmir love freshly baked bread, and local bakeries called 'kandur' are thriving in the valley. Our correspondent Johan Castell brings you more on this from Srinagar.

Kashmir Connect: For the love of bread!

Soft and warm, Kashmiri pashmina shawls are a symbol of luxury and a prized possession for many. It is believed that Europeans named the pashmina after the land it came from - 'Cashmere'. Our correspondent Johan Castell met a young designer and entrepreneur from Kashmir who is using modern digital tools to sell pashmina shawls and other handicrafts from the valley. Watch her story.

Kashmir Connect: Weaving dreams in the valley

When we talk about floating markets, we always think about the ones in countries like Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. But do you know that India too has some prominent floating markets, including one in Srinagar? The floating vegetable market on the Dal came into existence as a means of sustenance for communities that were living on or near the famous lake. WION's correspondent Johan Castell visited the scenic market. What's more, he even managed to sell some fresh vegetables. Watch this story for more.

Kashmir Connect: Dal Lake's floating wonders

Apple orchards in the Kashmir valley are abuzz. The world-famous Kashmiri apples are being harvested from orchards of the valley. The crop this year hasn't been that great due to several climatic conditions but farmers are expecting the government's intervention to gain profit.

With the break of dawn, families gather to pick the fruit and pack them for dispatch to domestic markets. Trees are dropping heavily in apple rich districts but the weather has played a spoilsport, yet hopes are high.&nbsp; 
 
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Nazir Ahmad has been an apple farmer for 34 years now. Every day along with his son and other family members, they pack apples. Like other apple farmers, this year doesn't seem to be great as untimely rainfall and other factors have damaged some of his fruit. His son Shahid is now a third-generation apple farmer who hopes for the government's intervention.&nbsp;

<img alt="Kashmir apple" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73a97e8e-3a19-4313-8414-84b6b1e00cdc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202020-08-25%20at%2010.20.44%20PM.jpeg" />

“We have to put in a lot of hard work, mostly in delicious and American varieties. We start working here from November every year till August and now the rates are very low this year,” says Shahid.&nbsp;

3.4 lakh hectares of land is under fruit cultivation of which 48 percent is used to grow apples. It is the primary source of livelihood for about seven lakh families in Kashmir, according to the J&amp;K State’s Economic Survey 2017.&nbsp;

Authorities are expecting a dip of 20 percent in the overall apple generation this year but hope high-density apple trees prove revolutionary.&nbsp;

“Last year, in Mumbai, our fruit was sold at 90 rupees per kilogram which were transported to Dubai. In the international market, the taste of our apple is appreciated. We have formed a buyer-seller group and we are getting a good demand from multinational companies,” says Ajaz Bhat, Director, Horticulture, Kashmir.&nbsp;

The government of India has also been trying to promote Kashmiri apple in the international markets. Last year, tons of apples were shipped out of Kashmir under the market intervention scheme which was aimed at providing optimum price for apple growers in the Kashmir. Nearly 55 percent of India’s Apple export comes from Kashmir valley which is expected to grow in the coming years.

Apple orchards in the Kashmir valley are abuzz. The world-famous Kashmiri apples are being harvested from orchards of the valley. The crop this year hasn't been that great due to several climatic conditions but farmers are expecting the government's intervention to gain profit.

Apple orchards in the Kashmir valley are abuzz. The world-famous Kashmiri apples are being harvested from orchards of the valley. The crop this year hasn't been that great due to several climatic conditions but farmers are expecting the government's intervention to gain profit. With the break of dawn, families gather to pick the fruit and pack them for dispatch to domestic markets. Trees are dropping heavily in apple rich districts but the weather has played a spoilsport, yet hopes are high. Nazir Ahmad has been an apple farmer for 34 years now. Every day along with his son and other family members, they pack apples. Like other apple farmers, this year doesn't seem to be great as untimely rainfall and other factors have damaged some of his fruit. His son Shahid is now a third-generation apple farmer who hopes for the government's intervention. “We have to put in a lot of hard work, mostly in delicious and American varieties. We start working here from November every year till August and now the rates are very low this year,” says Shahid. 3.4 lakh hectares of land is under fruit cultivation of which 48 percent is used to grow apples. It is the primary source of livelihood for about seven lakh families in Kashmir, according to the J&K State’s Economic Survey 2017. Authorities are expecting a dip of 20 percent in the overall apple generation this year but hope high-density apple trees prove revolutionary. “Last year, in Mumbai, our fruit was sold at 90 rupees per kilogram which were transported to Dubai. In the international market, the taste of our apple is appreciated. We have formed a buyer-seller group and we are getting a good demand from multinational companies,” says Ajaz Bhat, Director, Horticulture, Kashmir. The government of India has also been trying to promote Kashmiri apple in the international markets. Last year, tons of apples were shipped out of Kashmir under the market intervention scheme which was aimed at providing optimum price for apple growers in the Kashmir. Nearly 55 percent of India’s Apple export comes from Kashmir valley which is expected to grow in the coming years.

Orchards dazzle with Apples in J&K: Big boost to rural economy

American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow famously said, “music is the universal language of mankind". It's a motto that Kashmiri singing sensation Nargis Khatoon lives by. Our correspondent Johan Castell travelled to Srinagar to meet the songstress from the valley.

Kashmir Connect: Meet a singing sensation from the valley

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister of Pakistan, said China's stand on the issue of Kashmir is clear, rejecting New Delhi's claim on the region.&nbsp;

Qureshi made this statement after recently returning from China for the annual strategic dialogue, where both countries issued a joint statement on Friday which opposed any unilateral action on Kashmir and asked New Delhi and Islamabad to resolve this issue peacefully.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-economy-moving-in-the-right-direction-says-pm-imran-khan-322709">Pakistan’s economy ‘moving in the right direction’, says PM Imran Khan</a>

India on Saturday again rejected China's interference on the matter and its Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that "the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India and we expect the parties concerned not to interfere in matters that are internal affairs of India."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-invites-sanctioned-taliban-members-to-islamabad-for-talks-322648">Pakistan invites sanctioned Taliban members to Islamabad for talks</a>

Qureshi also said that there was an impression earlier that SAARC countries are pro-India but now not only Nepal is showing eyes but ties between Dhaka and New Delhi are also not as close as it used to be.&nbsp;

"We will plan forward keeping all these considerations in mind," he said.&nbsp;

Qureshi also said Saudi Arabia has no ambiguity on the matter of Kashmir and it is being discussed how to take the matter forward.&nbsp;

He further said MEA's comments on the position of Kashmir are laughable, adding that the world also doesn't agree with India's claims, despite only a handful countries criticising New Delhi on the issue.&nbsp;

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister of Pakistan, said China's stand on the issue of Kashmir is clear, rejecting New Delhi's claim on the region. Qureshi made this statement after recently returning from China for the annual strategic dialogue, where both countries issued a joint statement on Friday which opposed any unilateral action on Kashmir and asked New Delhi and Islamabad to resolve this issue peacefully.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister of Pakistan, said China's stand on the issue of Kashmir is clear, rejecting New Delhi's claim on the region. Qureshi made this statement after recently returning from China for the annual strategic dialogue, where both countries issued a joint statement on Friday which opposed any unilateral action on Kashmir and asked New Delhi and Islamabad to resolve this issue peacefully. Also read | Pakistan’s economy ‘moving in the right direction’, says PM Imran Khan India on Saturday again rejected China's interference on the matter and its Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that "the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India and we expect the parties concerned not to interfere in matters that are internal affairs of India." Also read | Pakistan invites sanctioned Taliban members to Islamabad for talks Qureshi also said that there was an impression earlier that SAARC countries are pro-India but now not only Nepal is showing eyes but ties between Dhaka and New Delhi are also not as close as it used to be. "We will plan forward keeping all these considerations in mind," he said. Qureshi also said Saudi Arabia has no ambiguity on the matter of Kashmir and it is being discussed how to take the matter forward. He further said MEA's comments on the position of Kashmir are laughable, adding that the world also doesn't agree with India's claims, despite only a handful countries criticising New Delhi on the issue.

China rejects India's position on Kashmir: Pak Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi

WION's Johan Castell travels to Kashmir to meet a social media singing sensation, experience the floating vegetable market, and indulge in some online retail therapy.

Kashmir Connect: A WION special series

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan completed&nbsp;two years in office on August 18, 2020. Here’s a report on his performance.

Economy

In terms of the economy, Pakistan’s GDP growth has fallen from 5 per cent&nbsp;in 2018 to just 0.5 per cent this year.&nbsp;In January, Pakistan witnessed a 12-year high inflation at 14.6 per cent.&nbsp;Last month, the&nbsp;figure slipped to 10.49 per cent but continues to run in double digits.

The currency too, has weakened. At Rs 168 to a dollar, it has depreciated by almost 35 per cent.&nbsp;The total public debt has increased by 10 trillion Rupees and reached 35.2 trillion in the last two years.&nbsp;International loans continue to pile up, while Islamabad turns to the IMF to meet its balance of payments.

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In April 2020, it borrowed $1.3 billion from the IMF. It&nbsp;was in addition to the $6 billion loan it secured in July 2019, and the many loans Khan's successors have initiated over the years.

Society

Pakistan’s society remains difficult for minorities namely the&nbsp;Shia Muslims, Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus, and Sikhs.&nbsp;All these groups face violence and discrimination in the country.

Since August 2018, at least 31 members of the minority communities have been killed in Pakistan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/sports/you-act-like-god-i-will-come-into-politics-and-talk-to-you-javed-miandad-to-imran-khan-320285" hreflang="en">You act like God, I will come into politics and talk to you: Javed Miandad to Imran Khan</a>

On July 31, an American citizen, a former Ahmadi Muslim was shot six times in front of a judge in the courtroom&nbsp;before he could be placed on trial for blasphemy.

Girls of minority groups have been kidnapped at gunpoint in the country&nbsp;and later forcibly married off to their abductor. In many instances, they are&nbsp;then ordered to stay with their captors by the judiciary. It&nbsp;is what happened to a 14-year-old Christian girl&nbsp;Maria Shahbaz this month.

Pakistan’s foreign policy

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the foreign minister of Pakistan is on the verge of ouster. He recently reprimanded Saudi Arabia over its silence on Kashmir and on August 18, the foreign minister allegedly slapped the principal secretary to Imran Khan.

Leading Islamic countries are taking a step back from Pakistan. Saudi Arabia has shut the oil tap to Pakistan and is seeking one loan payback after another.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/pakistans-foreign-minister-slaps-imran-khans-principal-secretary-reports-321529" hreflang="en">Pakistan's foreign minister slaps Imran Khan's principal secretary: Reports</a>

The OIC has refused to back Imran Khan's claims on Kashmir.&nbsp;Imran Khan gave an hour-long monologue on Kashmir at UNGA in 2019. Since then, he hasn't garnered enough support to get a resolution passed against India, with the exception of China.

Imran Khan is still trying to garner international attention. Pakistan released a new fantasy map this month.&nbsp;From Kashmir to parts of Gujarat, it has claimed everything as its own.

Army,&nbsp;civil society and the Chinese connection

Karachi, the economic hub of Pakistan remains flooded. The Chinese-made Islamabad international airport is leaking&nbsp;with rainwater seeping through it.

Reports of corruption in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) continue to come in&nbsp;with Chinese labourers thrashing Pakistan’s soldiers over small disagreements.

The Pakistan army has unofficially taken control of the government. Islamabad is ceding whatever little space its civilians had in the country's nation-building policy to military generals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/imran-khans-proximity-with-china-has-distanced-his-other-master-318708" hreflang="en">Imran Khan's proximity with China has distanced his other master</a>

Pakistani diplomats continue to disappoint as well. In May, one of them got arrested in Ukraine over charges of sexual harassment.

Places of worship in Pakistan are under attack. In July, radical Islamists issued a fatwa against the construction of a temple in Islamabad.

To make things worse, Imran Khan recently referred to Osama Bin Laden as a martyr.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan completed two years in office on August 18, 2020. Here’s a report on his performance. Economy In terms of the economy, Pakistan’s GDP growth has fallen from 5 per cent in 2018 to just 0.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan completed two years in office on August 18, 2020. Here’s a report on his performance. Economy In terms of the economy, Pakistan’s GDP growth has fallen from 5 per cent in 2018 to just 0.5 per cent this year. In January, Pakistan witnessed a 12-year high inflation at 14.6 per cent. Last month, the figure slipped to 10.49 per cent but continues to run in double digits. The currency too, has weakened. At Rs 168 to a dollar, it has depreciated by almost 35 per cent. The total public debt has increased by 10 trillion Rupees and reached 35.2 trillion in the last two years. International loans continue to pile up, while Islamabad turns to the IMF to meet its balance of payments. In April 2020, it borrowed $1.3 billion from the IMF. It was in addition to the $6 billion loan it secured in July 2019, and the many loans Khan's successors have initiated over the years. Society Pakistan’s society remains difficult for minorities namely the Shia Muslims, Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus, and Sikhs. All these groups face violence and discrimination in the country. Since August 2018, at least 31 members of the minority communities have been killed in Pakistan. Also read: You act like God, I will come into politics and talk to you: Javed Miandad to Imran Khan On July 31, an American citizen, a former Ahmadi Muslim was shot six times in front of a judge in the courtroom before he could be placed on trial for blasphemy. Girls of minority groups have been kidnapped at gunpoint in the country and later forcibly married off to their abductor. In many instances, they are then ordered to stay with their captors by the judiciary. It is what happened to a 14-year-old Christian girl Maria Shahbaz this month. Pakistan’s foreign policy Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the foreign minister of Pakistan is on the verge of ouster. He recently reprimanded Saudi Arabia over its silence on Kashmir and on August 18, the foreign minister allegedly slapped the principal secretary to Imran Khan. Leading Islamic countries are taking a step back from Pakistan. Saudi Arabia has shut the oil tap to Pakistan and is seeking one loan payback after another. Also read: Pakistan's foreign minister slaps Imran Khan's principal secretary: Reports The OIC has refused to back Imran Khan's claims on Kashmir. Imran Khan gave an hour-long monologue on Kashmir at UNGA in 2019. Since then, he hasn't garnered enough support to get a resolution passed against India, with the exception of China. Imran Khan is still trying to garner international attention. Pakistan released a new fantasy map this month. From Kashmir to parts of Gujarat, it has claimed everything as its own. Army, civil society and the Chinese connection Karachi, the economic hub of Pakistan remains flooded. The Chinese-made Islamabad international airport is leaking with rainwater seeping through it. Reports of corruption in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) continue to come in with Chinese labourers thrashing Pakistan’s soldiers over small disagreements. The Pakistan army has unofficially taken control of the government. Islamabad is ceding whatever little space its civilians had in the country's nation-building policy to military generals. Also read: Imran Khan's proximity with China has distanced his other master Pakistani diplomats continue to disappoint as well. In May, one of them got arrested in Ukraine over charges of sexual harassment. Places of worship in Pakistan are under attack. In July, radical Islamists issued a fatwa against the construction of a temple in Islamabad. To make things worse, Imran Khan recently referred to Osama Bin Laden as a martyr.

Imran Khan completes 2 years as Pakistan's PM; how did he perform?

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