Shrinking Footpaths: A Big Problem

Footpaths are important because they let people walk safely on roads, giving them a special place to move around. But in Jammu, these footpaths are becoming smaller and narrower over time. This is happening because shops, street vendors, parked cars, and other things are taking up the space meant for walking. Because of this, people, including children, are forced to walk on busy roads where vehicles are moving fast, which makes accidents, injuries, and even deaths more likely. This issue is getting worse quickly and is affecting everyday life. For example, in places like Purani Mandi in the old city, street sellers often set up their stalls directly on the footpaths in the morning, making it impossible to walk through. Also, many of these footpaths don't have proper ramps, which makes it hard for people using wheelchairs, strollers, or those with walking difficulties to use them.

This makes it very hard and annoying for elderly people, young kids, pregnant women, and those with disabilities to move around safely in their local areas. The government has set clear rules about keeping footpaths clean and open, but local officials often fail to follow them properly because of corruption or not having enough money. Even when courts strongly tell these authorities to remove the blockages and fix the situation, the changes don't stay for long. The same problem happens again within a few days. At the same time, there's a serious lack of proper parking spaces in Jammu, which leads more people to take over footpaths illegally. Because of all this, the footpaths are not kept clean, safe, and open as they should be, which breaks important city laws and hurts the basic rights of all citizens to use them freely.

Now, let's look at Jammu city areas, where the problems are especially serious and clearly seen in daily life. Busy places like BC Road, Rehari, City Chowk, Canal Road, and others have almost no space left for safe walking. Vendors with their carts, parked bikes, scooters, and illegal shop extensions fully block the footpaths from morning till late at night. People living in these areas and those who travel through them often express strong frustration about this ongoing issue. It makes simple tasks like buying groceries, going to work, or taking a family trip difficult and stressful, as there's always a worry about safety. For instance, just on December 15, 2025, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) took strong and decisive action by breaking down numerous illegal structures and stalls to free up much-needed space along BC Road and other equally crowded areas in the city. In addition, JMC has recently launched major anti-encroachment drives across various city zones, working tirelessly to restore footpaths and reclaim precious road space for the public's benefit.

Moreover, the Jammu & Kashmir High Court issued a firm and landmark order in June 2025 to immediately remove all commercial encroachments from key roads like Rehari and surrounding areas, emphasizing the urgent need for regular cleanup drives every two weeks, zero tolerance for any pathway blockages whatsoever, and a strict minimum width of 1.5 meters to ensure truly safe walking for all citizens regardless of ability. Local traders in Jammu welcomed this important decision as a positive step forward for business and safety, but unfortunately, problems tend to return quickly due to inconsistent follow-up, limited manpower, and sometimes political pressures.

Although the city has started adding helpful underpasses for safer road crossings, such as the newly opened JMC pedestrian subway, these isolated measures alone are still not sufficient to fully address the massive scale and urgency of the ongoing problem. The bad effects of these shrinking footpaths are quite clear and far-reaching across society. They hurt public health in multiple ways because people walk less often for exercise or necessity, rely excessively on private cars and bikes, and cities become dirtier with increased air pollution from extra vehicles. While the government does have various plans, Smart City projects, and initiatives in place to improve infrastructure, they often fail to deliver real, tangible results on the ground due to poor coordination. Courts continue to demand thorough audits, regular checks, and dedicated regulated areas for sellers to operate fairly. Some cleanup operations do provide much-needed temporary relief and hope to residents, but sustained, long-term efforts with community involvement are essential for creating lasting change that benefits everyone.

To address this properly and for good, officials need to start by strictly following and applying all current rules without making any exceptions or delays. They should also quickly set up well-organized areas for vendors, especially in Jammu's busy markets, with basic amenities like water and shelter. Additionally, practical improvements such as installing bright streetlights for safety at night, adding smooth ramps for easier access, and fixing all damaged areas on time should be done everywhere without any excuses. Most importantly, future city planning should always consider walkers and pedestrians from the start of every project. This means using Smart City funds in Jammu and Kashmir more effectively and specifically to build strong, lasting infrastructure.

Finally, local media campaigns, social media drives, and public awareness programs can help raise consciousness, build strong community pressure, and hold officials accountable for real progress. In end, Jammu and Kashmir, can become much nicer, safer, and more livable if footpaths are properly restored, protected, and maintained as a top priority. Every single walker, from young students to senior citizens, deserves this basic human right without compromise, so there should be no more excuses or delays in taking bold, immediate action to make it happen.

 

 

Critical Time For Congress In 2026

The Congress party faces significant political challenges in 2026, as it struggles to transform its gains from the 2024 and 2025 elections into a revival plan. After performing better than expected in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and some state elections, the party now confronts a tough landscape dominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and powerful regional players. Key state assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, combined with crucial Rajya Sabha vacancies in 2026, will put immense pressure on Congress. A major turning point is the party's planned "MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan" (Save MGNREGA Campaign), protesting the BJP's Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G Bill), which replaces the UPA-era Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

Without bold reforms, Congress risks further decline in a polarized political environment. At the national level, Congress faces persistent leadership uncertainties and organizational weaknesses that erode public trust. For instance, questions still linger about Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi's roles and the high command's ability to project a united, decisive front against Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Many voters and analysts doubt whether Congress can offer a credible alternative government in 2029, given its history of internal factionalism. Additionally, the party's agenda remains unclear, focusing more on criticizing BJP policies—like the MGNREGA name change. Instead of bringing more youth leaders on top positions in the party, Congress often resorts to mere anti-BJP rhetoric.

Moreover, years of electoral setbacks have hollowed out Congress's grassroots machinery. Weak booth-level cadres in key states mean the party would again struggle to convert anti-incumbency sentiment into actual votes and seats. In 2024, it managed a vote share increase partly through alliances within the INDIA bloc, but sustaining this requires massive investment in young local leadership, membership drives, and digital outreach. Without refreshing its organizational base, recent successes could prove momentary, leaving Congress vulnerable to the BJP's superior election machinery and resource mobilization. Building cadre depth requires cultural change; empowering state units and holding veteran leaders accountable could help rebuild worker-level loyalty within the party. Alliance dynamics within the INDIA bloc present another major dilemma because of mistrust and competing ambitions. Regional parties like Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC), the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and others fear that a resurgent Congress will encroach on their voter bases. As a result, negotiations over seat-sharing for polls often turn controversial, with allies demanding unequal considerations. The BJP exploits these cracks by branding Congress a "parasite" that weakens opposition unity, encouraging regional leaders to go solo or realign. For example, in Bihar's recent elections, Nitish Kumar highlighted how fragile these partnerships are.

The INDIA coalition members disagree on many issues and small details. Creating a national program is tough because of different opinions among alliance partners, which is even visible in J&K politics. This makes it hard to reach an agreement. In states like West Bengal and Kerala, Congress faces competition from groups like the TMC and the Left, who also fight against the BJP. This creates a problem: working together nationally against Modi means making many compromises that weaken Congress's unique identity. To move forward, the Congress party needs to focus on practical talks on issues that affect the whole country. State elections in 2026 will intensify this, testing Congress's survival instincts rather than focusing only on total victory prospects.

In Assam and Puducherry, the BJP-led NDA holds strong advantages, backed by welfare schemes and Hindu vote consolidation. MGNREGA protests could not impact the BJP if the campaign was not made strategic. In West Bengal, the party faces TMC's machinery on one side and BJP's rising Hindutva wave on the other, forcing tough choices on targeting Mamata or Narendra Modi. Tamil Nadu's DMK and Kerala's contest between Left and Congress allies complicates matters further in Southern India. These polls are existential battles for Congress, where failure could signal irrelevance, prompting defections and ally desertions. Yet, opportunities exist amid widespread discontent over economic slowdowns and governance lapses that could boost opposition turnout if Congress invests in targeting swing voters through social media and door-to-door canvassing tied to the campaign.

The Rajya Sabha elections present a key moment, with about 75 seats becoming vacant in 2026. These indirect elections might change how the Congress party operates in the upper house, especially when it comes to passing new laws and making changes. If Congress performs badly, its influence in the upper house will likely decrease. On the other hand, the party needs to carefully shape its message to show it supports secularism, social justice, and national pride. The idea that Congress is "anti-Hindu" still lingers, which could push away upper castes and undecided voters. Instead of just criticizing Modi, the party should focus on positive ideas like Nyay Patra 2.0, which aims to create jobs and support young people. In short, 2026 is a time for Congress to completely refresh itself: it needs clear leadership, a new way of working, strong partnerships, and a clear set of ideas. If Congress gets this right, it could become a real rival to Modi by 2029 and once again be a major player in India’s lively democracy.

 

Protect Yourself From UPI Fraud

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized digital payments in India, making transactions fast, simple, and accessible to everyone. Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), it has transformed the way people transfer money digitally. Although UPI originated in India and remains most popular here, it has also expanded to countries such as Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates.

Over the years, digital transactions have become increasingly common in India, with more than half of all financial dealings now taking place online. However, alongside this growth, cases of UPI-related fraud have also risen sharply. In 2024, for instance, many residents of Rajasthan lost significant amounts of money in a single day due to UPI scams. Similar incidents continue to occur almost daily across various states. In most of these cases, victims suffer losses because they unknowingly share sensitive information such as their bank account details, one-time passwords (OTP), or UPI PINs, or because they click on suspicious links sent by fraudsters.

Even when victims promptly report incidents to the police, recovering the stolen money often proves difficult, mainly because quick action is essential and delays drastically reduce the chances of compensation. In some unfortunate cases, individuals have seen their entire savings vanish within minutes. To stay safe, users must always remain vigilant. Never share your UPI PIN or OTP with anyone, under any circumstances. Avoid clicking on links that appear suspicious or are sent by unknown sources. Always use official bank applications and carefully verify website links before entering personal or banking details. Moreover, enabling two-factor authentication adds an additional layer of protection.

It is also wise to update your UPI app regularly and use strong, unique PINs for each account. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it immediately. In case you become a victim of UPI fraud, act without delay—register a complaint at the nearest police station and on the national portal cybercrime.gov.in. Additionally, submit your complaint to the RBI’s Central Payments Fraud Information Registry using your UPI ID and transaction details. Be sure to keep all relevant evidence, such as transaction slips and screenshots, for the FIR and follow-up process. If your grievance remains unresolved, escalate it through cms.rbi.org.in.

Recently, UPI safety standards have seen significant improvements. Each transaction now carries a unique UPI ID, which helps banks and authorities track suspicious activity and resolve complaints more effectively. Importantly, filing a complaint within 24 hours of the fraud greatly increases the chance of recovering lost funds. Some common mistakes can put users at risk. Saving your PIN or password where others can see it is highly dangerous. Similarly, never share sensitive information, even with friends or family. Avoid making transactions over public Wi-Fi networks and never respond to messages containing fake links or QR codes. Keep your UPI applications updated for better security and use different PINs for separate accounts.

It is also advisable not to keep large sums in accounts linked directly to UPI. Always pay close attention to app warnings and security notifications about potentially suspicious activity. While UPI provides a quick, convenient, and reliable way to make digital payments, users must exercise caution and follow safety protocols. By staying alert, using secure channels, and acting swiftly in the event of fraud, one can significantly reduce risks. Responsible use of UPI ensures that digital payments remain safe, seamless, and worry-free for everyone.

Congress Left Seva Dal Behind

Many readers will recall the reasons behind Congress's recent defeat in Bihar, while others may reflect on the current crisis faced by the J&K Congress in its alliance with the National Conference as they read through to the end. The Indian National Congress is one of India’s oldest and most important political parties. Its history is closely linked to India’s freedom struggle and later political growth. A big part of its strength during the independence movement was the Congress Seva Dal, a group of volunteers created in 1923 to organize and discipline party workers. Rahul Gandhi has even called it the “backbone” of the Congress. The Seva Dal was once central to the party, but today it seems to have lost importance. This raises the question: has the Congress left behind this once-vital institution?

To begin with, the Seva Dal was born out of necessity during the freedom struggle. It was founded by Dr. Narayan Subbarao Hardikar and supported by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru. The goal was to create disciplined volunteers who would help the Congress in its non-violent fight against British rule. Therefore, members were trained in physical fitness, organization, and ideology. They became the foot soldiers of the Independence movement. In addition, Seva Dal volunteers played active roles by joining protests, providing relief during crises, and spreading the message of unity and self-reliance. Their uniforms made them recognizable as symbols of service and sacrifice. After 1947, the Seva Dal continued to work at the grassroots level by staying present in towns and villages. It became a training ground for future Congress leaders and helped the party stay connected to its core values of social justice, secularism, and nationalism.

Leaders like Rahul Gandhi often reminded people of its role, calling it an “unshakable pillar” of the party. However, as Indian politics changed, the Congress began to pay less attention to the Seva Dal. The rise of regional parties, identity politics, and the growing power of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shifted priorities for Congress party. Unlike the BJP, which built a strong volunteer force with support from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Congress did not modernize or properly invest in the Seva Dal. First, the Congress shifted from building a grassroots network to focusing mainly on elections, media campaigns, and alliances. Although this seemed practical in a competitive environment, it made the slow but steady work of the Seva Dal look outdated. Second, internal divisions in the Congress made things worse. The Seva Dal, which once united people, got sidelined because of leadership struggles and lack of attention. Even though leaders like Lalji Desai were appointed to revive it, these efforts were not strong enough. Today, the Seva Dal still organizes marches, training programs, and camps, but its activities rarely influence the party’s larger strategy. As a result, the neglect of the Seva Dal has hurt the Congress.

Earlier, the Seva Dal showed the party’s commitment to service and unity, which gave it strong connections with ordinary people. By ignoring it, the Congress has weakened its grassroots strength and begun to look like a party of elites. In today’s politics, where success often depends on strong organizations and local voter contact, this weakness is costly. This is one reason why the Congress has not been able to match the BJP’s reach in many states.  On the positive side, the legacy of the Seva Dal still offers a way forward. If rejuvenated, it could help the Congress rebuild its network, connect with rural areas, and appeal to young voters. Rahul Gandhi’s praise of the Seva Dal shows the party recognizes its value, but real action is needed. This means proper funding, modern training programs, and integrating it into the party’s election plans.

The decline of the Seva Dal shows how the Congress moved away from its grassroots traditions to short-term strategies. Once a powerful force in both the freedom movement and the party’s growth, it is now a shadow of its past. However, reviving it could give the Congress new energy and help bridge the gap between its great history and its uncertain present. By investing again in the Seva Dal, the party could reclaim its connection with the people of India. If these words reach the Congress leadership, especially those who confine themselves to closed-door meetings and engage in room politics, their influence over party affairs will diminish significantly. This opaque style of functioning has been detrimental to the Congress's image and prospects, causing damage that could potentially set the party back for another 10 to 15 years in J&K.

Gaming Platforms Promoting Sedentary Behaviour

The growth of gaming platforms has changed entertainment, giving people exciting and immersive experiences. However, this digital change also has some downsides, especially for health. Both doctors and gamers now recognize that gaming has physical and mental health risks. To begin with, one of the biggest problems is sitting too much. Since gaming usually means sitting in the same spot for several hours, it can cause musculoskeletal problems. For example, gamers often develop repetitive strain injuries (RSI), like carpal tunnel syndrome, which cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the hands and wrists.

In addition, when people skip exercise because they play for long hours, it can lead to obesity, which is already a major global health concern. Moreover, bad posture during gaming, such as slouching or leaning forward, can result in back pain or even kyphosis (curving of the upper back). On top of that, staring at screens for too long leads to eye strain or computer vision syndrome. This condition often brings dry eyes, blurry vision, and frequent headaches.

On the positive side, gaming can improve skills like problem-solving, quick thinking, and spatial awareness. Even so, too much gaming can create serious issues. For instance, one major worry is gaming addiction. The World Health Organization has officially recognized “Gaming Disorder.” People with this condition often lose control, keep playing even when it hurts their life, and choose gaming over daily responsibilities. As a result, they may grow socially isolated, which can make feelings of loneliness and depression worse. Another common issue is poor sleep. Many people stay up late to keep playing, which causes insomnia or low-quality rest.

Additionally, screens give off blue light, and this light can disturb the body’s natural sleep cycle by lowering melatonin levels. Furthermore, gaming can also affect emotions. Competitive games may lead to stress and anxiety and losing or struggling in a game can increase frustration. For some players, this feels motivating, but for others, it can cause aggression or emotional burnout. Also, violent games often spark debate, as some people worry they may affect real-life behavior, though experts still disagree on this point.

Yet, gaming is not always harmful. On the contrary, many players find it relaxing. It also helps people make new social connections online, and teamwork in multiplayer games can even build communication skills. Nonetheless, the key is moderation. Taking breaks, exercising regularly, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle are crucial for keeping gaming healthy. As awareness grows, gaming communities and policymakers are acting. For example, gamers are encouraged to do “gaming exercises” or take regular “eye breaks.” Likewise, developers are adding in-game reminders that tell players when to rest or limit screen time.

In conclusion, best way to understand is that though gaming platforms bring fun, learning, and social interaction, but they also carry health problems if not managed carefully. Therefore, balancing playtime with physical activity, sleep, and real-life social connections is essential because fault lies in the way we use it and not the way these games are designed.  As gaming technology keeps improving, our strategies must also grow to ensure gaming supports our health rather than harming it.

Oversharing Is A Digital Risk

In today’s digital world, social media plays an important role in communication, networking, and self-expression. Platforms like X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn connect billions of people and allow quick sharing of ideas, experiences, and information. Social media offers many opportunities for connection, but sharing confidential information can also be very dangerous. The risks include identity theft, financial loss, reputational damage, legal consequences, and cybersecurity threats. All such risks come especially when people share confidential information online without restraint. Whether the data is personal, professional, or organizational, sharing it can cause problems for individuals, businesses, and even national security.

One of the biggest dangers in the digital world is ‘identity theft’. Cybercriminals often use details like names, birthdates, addresses, or even small things such as pet names or favorite holiday spots. Because these details can be answers to security questions for bank accounts or email, criminals can collect enough information from posts and profiles to pretend to be someone else and hack into accounts. Fixing such stolen identity cases takes months of effort, money, and legal steps. Besides, these problems can seriously affect both personal and professional lives. In addition, sharing too much online can cause financial problems. For young people, posting about purchases or expensive items is part of a trend and gives them social esteem, but this, in many cases, attracts scammers who design targeted phishing attacks.

For companies, the risk is even bigger when employees reveal confidential information such as product launches or internal accounts. For example, in 2019, a worker at a top tech firm accidentally shared details about an unreleased product on Twitter, which led to a stock price drop. Another important issue is damage to reputation. For individuals, sharing complaints about work, sensitive opinions, or inappropriate pictures can harm their career chances. Similarly, for organizations, leaked documents or internal messages can weaken customer trust and harm brand image. For instance, in 2022, a fast-food company faced anger when an internal memo criticizing franchise owners appeared online, leading to a 15% drop in customer trust.

Moreover, the legal risks are also serious. When employees accidentally share system details or security tips online, cyber criminals can use them to break into networks. Hackers often use details from social media to create fake emails or scams to trick people. When employees share secret information online by mistake, they may break non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), employment contracts, or laws. In such scenarios, clearly, the legal consequences of oversharing can be very costly for them. Additionally, even social media platforms themselves are not fully secure. A major example is the 2020 Twitter hack, where criminals gained access to top accounts through insider information easily available online.

To deal with all kinds of risks, both individuals and organizations must act carefully. First, users should be educated about what counts as confidential information and why it should not be shared. Second, privacy settings should always be used to control who can see posts. Third, organizations must create clear social media policies, explaining what is allowed and what is not. Fourth, regular cybersecurity training should be given to employees so they can identify phishing attempts and protect accounts. Finally, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication is vital for extra protection. Therefore, it is important to be careful, use privacy tools, and practice safe online behavior. In a digital age where information spreads instantly, being cautious and responsible is the best way to protect security.

Ensure Equitable Progress In J&K’s Villages

In past few years, significant progress has been made in exposing and fighting corrupt practices, showing clearly the ongoing vigilance and reform to unlock the region’s full growth potential. Yet, corruption remains a major obstacle to development in Jammu and Kashmir’s rural areas.  This is especially important because about 80 percent of J&K’s population lives in rural communities where livelihoods mainly depend on agriculture, horticulture, and allied sectors. Although, the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department plays a pivotal role in driving sustainable, inclusive growth and wider social transformation. However, despite these department’s efforts, corruption continues to hinder progress on the ground.

The recent convictions highlight how deep rooted this problem is for rural communities. For instance, in September 2025, two engineers from the Public Works Department in Doda were convicted in thirteen years old bribery case, wherein both compromised their official positions and entered a conspiracy to demand a bribe from the contractor. Similarly, in August this year, a Junior Assistant in the Tourism Department in Kashmir was caught manipulating payment records and illegally redirecting funds. Such fraudulent activities directly deprive rural communities of vital resources for essential projects such as water supply, connectivity, and livelihood schemes. The consequences of such corruption are far-reaching. It erodes public trust, stalls infrastructure projects, and hampers welfare services. When funds meant for rural development are embezzled, essential services remain underdeveloped, which in turn perpetuates poverty and inequality. In addition, corruption discourages investment and weakens the empowerment of marginalized groups, thereby deepening economic and social divides across rural J&K.

Nevertheless, the landscape has started to shift since the revocation of Article 370. The introduction of central laws, the digitization of land and revenue records, and the growing empowerment of Panchayats have brought new tools of transparency into local governance. Further, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has intensified its efforts, with several FIRs and convictions signaling that immunity is on the decline. Still, challenges remain, particularly in terms of judicial delays and low conviction rates in some cases, which reinforce the urgent need for speedier court proceedings as well as stronger protections for whistleblowers. Clearly, a multifaceted approach is required to address these challenges while promoting sustainable rural development. Expanding digital platforms for record-keeping and fund tracking, for example, can sharply reduce human discretion while boosting transparency and accountability.

Additionally, empowering village committees and Panchayats to closely monitor projects and verify progress would help ensure that development aligns with local needs and that funds are being used as intended. Equally important is the strengthening of anti-corruption laws, the speeding up of judicial trials, and the protection of whistleblowers—measures that together could provide a strong deterrent against fraudulent activities. Training citizens in ethics, transparency, and digital literacy will build awareness and encourage reporting of corruption.

Ultimately, rural development remains fundamental to Jammu and Kashmir’s overall progress. For a region where most people still depend heavily on agriculture and local industries, tackling corruption through stronger governance, greater transparency, and deeper community participation is essential. Only then can development funds be translated into tangible improvements in people’s lives. By combining good governance with sustainable strategies rural J&K can be transformed into a resilient and prosperous region. If implemented earnestly, this vision has the potential to reduce poverty, generate jobs, and foster self-reliant communities—thereby reshaping the socio-economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir for generations to come.