Journalists in Kashmir recount their harrowing experiences covering conflict, violence, and personal trauma. They describe the constant danger, the hostility from security forces, and the emotional toll of witnessing and reporting on the violence. The narratives highlight the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity and the personal impact of living and working in a conflict zone.

The article envisions the future of Pakistani brands in 2033, drawing on a socio-political essay by Javed Jabbar. It predicts significant technological advancements, economic stability, and population growth, leading to a digitally savvy consumer base. Local companies are expected to thrive, with major mergers and innovations in the food, beverage, and personal care sectors. E-commerce and digital marketing will dominate, with significant changes in the advertising industry. The article concludes that while the future is uncertain, the fundamentals of creativity and brand building will remain constant.

Sheikh Adil Hussain discusses the evolution of consumer behavior, particularly among Gen Z, emphasizing the need for brands to maintain authenticity and purpose. He highlights the importance of consistent brand positioning and adapting to changing media consumption patterns. Examples from brands like P&G, Pepsi, Lux, and Dettol illustrate successful strategies, while failures like Tarang and Haleeb underscore the criticality of maintaining product quality. The conversation also touches on the challenges multinational companies face in staying relevant and the evolving beauty and personal care market in Pakistan.

Ali Muhammad Chopan, a fourth-generation bonesetter in Kashmir, has been practicing traditional bonesetting for over 50 years, blending spiritual belief with anatomical knowledge. Despite the advancements in modern medicine, many in Kashmir still turn to bonesetters for orthopedic treatment, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic when hospitals were closed. The practice, deeply rooted in spirituality, is evolving as newer generations like Ghulam Nabi Bangoo incorporate modern medical training. The region's sole orthopedic hospital's closure during the pandemic led to an increased reliance on bonesetters, highlighting the need for a blend of traditional and modern medical practices to meet healthcare demands.

Sheikh Adil Hussain, Marketing Director at Unilever Pakistan, discusses the challenges and principles of building successful Pakistani brands. He compares local brands to international giants like Apple and Coca-Cola, emphasizing the importance of brand recognition, identity, and consistent communication. Hussain criticizes the lack of vision and short-termism in Pakistani brand building, citing the need for introspection among brand custodians, agencies, and production houses. He highlights the impact of recent calamities on the market and the importance of adhering to marketing fundamentals, despite changing media landscapes. Hussain concludes that consistent value delivery and adherence to marketing principles are key to creating a successful brand.

A study reports over a two-fold improvement in hadronic energy resolution of a simulated Cherenkov calorimeter using machine learning compared to traditional techniques. The research, conducted at Texas Tech University, utilized the GEANT4 framework to simulate a quartz-fiber calorimeter and compared machine learning-based reconstruction performance against traditional methods. The study highlights the potential of neural networks in enhancing Cherenkov hadron calorimetry and outlines plans for a dedicated beam test to validate these findings with a prototype calorimeter.

The article discusses the eviction of forest dwellers in Jammu and Kashmir by the Indian government, which has led to the destruction of 10,000 trees and the displacement of indigenous communities. The government labels these communities as illegal occupants, despite their claims of residing in the area prior to India's existence. The evictions are seen as part of the BJP's larger plan to change the region's demographics. The Forest Rights Act, which protects traditional forest dwellers, was implemented after the damage was done. The article also mentions the new domicile law that allows non-local residents to gain citizenship and government jobs in Kashmir, further fueling fears of demographic change. Tribal communities face the threat of becoming homeless as anti-encroachment orders are executed, and there is a concern that the government intends to settle outsiders on the cleared land.

Crime against women in India is increasing despite legislative measures like the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2013. The article highlights the alarming rise in crimes such as rape, abduction, and dowry deaths, and criticizes the inadequacy of current laws and mechanisms to protect women. It calls for new cyber laws to address the role of the internet in perpetuating violence against women and suggests that India's development model needs to evolve to curb these crimes effectively.

Jammu and Kashmir's economy is heavily reliant on horticulture, with a significant portion of the population engaged in fruit cultivation. The region's climatic conditions are favorable for temperate and some tropical fruits. Despite an increase in fruit production and cultivation area over the years, the 2020 fruit crop suffered severe damage due to fungal diseases, which were not prevented by the fungicides recommended by the University of SKUAST and the Horticulture Department. Farmers believe the supplied fungicides were substandard. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional selling practices, as travel restrictions prevented farmers and traders from conducting business in person.

The article discusses the aftermath of the Ukraine International Airlines plane crash in Iran, which occurred shortly after Iran launched missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq. Initially, Iranian officials cited a technical failure as the cause, but later admitted that the military had mistakenly shot down the plane due to 'human error.' This admission led to renewed protests in Iran, with citizens expressing anger and distrust towards the government. The protests included a wide range of participants, from lower-income Iranians to prominent figures like a popular actor and journalists. The situation has put Iran's leadership under intense scrutiny, both domestically and internationally, as the U.S. continues to impose sanctions on the country.

Kashmir, a North Indian state claimed by both India and Pakistan, has been a region of conflict since 1947 when Kashmiris sought the right to self-determination. The predominantly Muslim area became a point of contention post-India's chaotic independence, with Pakistan believing it should belong to them and India, led by Prime Minister Nehru whose family was from Kashmir, insisting it was part of India. Nearly thirty years ago, young Muslims took up arms for independence, and the struggle of Islamic militants has since claimed tens of thousands of lives. The killing of a 22-year-old militant leader in 2016 marked a new, bloody phase of the uprising, with recent months seeing thousands protesting and elevating fallen fighters as new heroes amidst growing hatred against predominantly Hindu India.

Shirin Dalvi, the editor of the Mumbai edition of Urdu daily Avadhnama, was arrested and later released on bail for republishing a controversial Charlie Hebdo cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad, which is considered blasphemous by many Muslims. The publication led to multiple lawsuits against her, and she has since been in hiding. The Mumbai edition of Avadhnama was shut down, and all employees were sacked. The incident has sparked a debate on freedom of expression in India, with some online users showing support for Dalvi through the hashtag #IStandWithShireenDalvi, while others criticize the lack of support from the journalistic community. The case has highlighted the tensions between freedom of expression and religious sensitivities in India.