Select Menu

Ads

BREAKING NEWS

Slider

Video of Day

Powered by Blogger.

Latest News

Technology

Places of Kashmir

Health

World

Slider

Racing

Videos

The armed forces have charged the state of Jammu and Kashmir Rs 500 crore for their relief and rescue operations during the devastating deluge of September last year, a media report said Monday.
To pay the Defence Ministry, NDTV said, the Centre diverted money from Rs. 1,602 crore given to Jammu and Kashmir as part of the State Disaster Response Fund.
The deluge, which had wreaked havoc even in Srinagar, summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, had killed 300 people and displaced one-and-a-half million.
The forces, which included the Army as well, rescued people from various flood-hit areas and air-dropped food supplies in an operation they called “Megh Rahat”.
However, locals accused the forces of being selective in their rescue efforts.
People took to social networking websites and told journalists that the forces rescued only tourists from various Indian states, VIPs and politicians.
“A letter dated February 6, 2015, from the home ministry to the state government on central assistance, lists "payment of Air Bills for airdropping of essential supplies and rescue (tentative Rs. 500 crore) as per actual, based on the bills raised by the ministry of defence," NDTV reported.
The state government has been demanding a rehabilitation package on the likes of one Rs 44, 000 crore already submitted by then NC-Congress government, the Centre recently announced Rs 551 crore for rebuilding of damaged houses.
The trade bodies and opposition parties and some senior PDP leaders have termed the package as a “cruel joke, and a pittance”.

Bright and colourful, berries are one of nature’s sweetest gifts. The pretty colours and the delightful flavours have lent to the creation of many culinary masterpieces. Who could forget baked cheesecake topped with blueberries, or summer tart filled with an assortment of berries?

But these little treats are not just about good looks. They come loaded with anti-oxidants that hep in fighting against free radicals in your body which can lead to numerous diseases. Moreover, they are vitamin boosters, help in making your skin radiant and your hair healthy, and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Why Blackcurrants are Good for You

A recent study has also found that blackcurrants can help in keeping us mentally young and agile. The berries help in managing the mental decline associated with aging populations and in people with brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease or depression.

Berries cut Parkinson's risk by 40 percent

"This study is the first to look at the effects of berry consumption on the cognitive performance of healthy young adults," said Arjan Scheepens, the plant and food research scientist who led the study.

The juice from a specific New Zealand blackcurrant cultivar, 'Blackadder' also reduced the activity of a family of enzymes called monoamine oxidases which regulate serotonin and dopamine concentrations in the brain.

Berries: Perfect for a glowing skin

These chemicals are known to affect mood and cognition and are the focus for treatments of both neuro-degenerative symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease and mood disorders, including stress and anxiety.

"This research has shown that New Zealand-grown blackcurrants not only increase mental performance but also reduce the activity of monoamine oxidases," Scheepens said.

Strawberries Cut Cardiac Risk in Women

"One of the key trends in the food industry is the development of ingredients and foods that have beneficial effects on human health," said Professor Roger Hurst, science group leader food and wellness at plant and food research.

The study was published in The Journal of Functional Foods.

Inputs from IANS

the

A woman was set on fire for resisting a rape attempt in Uttar Pradesh, police said on Friday.

The incident took place late Thursday night in Pipri village of Bhognipur in Kanpur rural.

A local goon named Deepak barged into a labourer's hut and tried to force himself on his wife who raised an alarm while her children sought help from the neighbours. 

Deepak then threw a burning lamp on her in an attempt to burn her alive and fled.

The woman's sari caught fire and she was admitted with serious burn injuries to Hallet Hospital in Kanpur, where her condition continues to be critical. 

Her husband is a daily wager and was out for work when the incident took place. 

Police have registered an FIR against the accused and are trying to arrest him, an official told--  IANS. 

Beatiful

Photo credit: Reuters


An enthusiastic child in Kashmir, who scored 23 runs for his team and won them the match played in a graveyard



When was the last time you checked Whatsapp, Twitter or Facebook on your phone? The invariable answer will be a few minutes or even a few seconds for some. Imagining your life without a cell phone today is impossible. Depriving someone of his/her cell phone in current scenario is equivalent to a crime.
Within a decade, the number of cell phone users has shot up like crazy, with approximately 5 billion subscribers all over the world today. During the recent years, the cell phone technology has gone under some vital changes and the network providers compete by offering cheaper call rates. This, ultimately, is giving rise to the number of hours a person spends on cell phones.
Cell phone radiation and its effect
Cell phone acted as a major contributor in the process of globalization, connecting the diversity of the planet. But no one had ever imagined that it can also have a darker side; a very hazardous side, in fact. Every minute that we spend on the phone chitchatting with our loved ones, is pushing us one step closer towards the deadly brain cancer.
While we are engaged in a call, wave energy is emitted from our cell phones, called radio frequency wave. It is a form of an electromagnetic radiation in which exposure to it can lead to cancer and many other health issues.
Much research has been done till date; some of them supported this ugly fact of harmful cell phone radiation, while the others contradicted it. But in a recent study, it has been confirmed that prolonged exposure to cell phones can lead to brain and neck cancer. Let us look into the facts of cell phone radiations that can severely damage our brain cells.

How Does Cell Phone Work?

When a cell phone is in action, it sends a signal to the nearby cell towers in the form of RF (radiofrequency) waves. RF wave is a form of an electromagnetic wave that is lying in between the FM radio waves and microwaves.
RF waves are similar to other ionizing waves such as FM radio waves, visible light, microwaves, and heat. It does not have the capacity to directly penetrate the chemical bonds in DNA. However, if you stay exposed to it for a long time, then it may cause an issue. The main concern is that whenever we use a phone, it presses against the head that brings this cell phone radiation in direct contact with the tissues in the head. And any person can decipher that it means a huge damage to the brain cells.

Potential Cancer Risk


By now, you are aware that whenever a person uses a cell phone, the dangerous radiofrequency waves are emitted from it. These waves are generated from the antenna that is incorporated in the cell phone.
According to its mechanism, the waves near the antenna are strongest but lose strength as they move further. So, it is simple to notice that the closer the phone is to the head, the greater risk you are at.
Moreover, the tissues that are closest to the antenna are at a higher risk. However, the effect may vary with the SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) of a cell phone.

What Studies Show

In 2009, some respected experts testified the link between the cell phone, rather, cell phone radiation and the deadly cancer. Dr. John Bucher said that with a prolonged exposure to RF waves, there are increasing chances of brain cancer.
According to him, children are at a greater risk than adults, as their skull configuration allows the penetration easily.
Another testimonial came from Dr. Siegal Sadetzki. According to him, he confronted many cases in which tumor appeared on the same side the cell phones were used. In 2011, the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) released a statement depicting cell phones as “possible human carcinogen.”

How to Lower the RISK?

There are very simple ways to lower the exposure to radio frequency waves and prevent the harmful effect of cell phone radiation on you. With a slight shift in the pattern, you can save yourself from being the prey of cancer.
First off, the next time you plan to buy a phone, research well and go for a low SAR value. Remember, looks and features are not as important as your life.
Secondly, rather than using the headset, switch to speaker or hands-free mode. The farther you are from the cell phone, the lesser chances of you to be in direct contact with the harmful radiation.
Thirdly, if possible, opt for texting rather than calling. With so many options of staying connected available today, utilize the texting apps and diminish your calls.
Some of the countries like France, Canada, Israel, and Turkey have set guidelines for the proper use of cell phones along with limiting the age groups. It is time for the rest of the world to bind the making and usage of cell phones under proper guidelines.


Present water level of Jhelum River..



Ultimate adventure destination to the north of Kashrnir, Gurez, is a gateway to the famous silk route across central Asia. The pyramid shaped peak named after famous Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon is most fascinating peak of Kashmir. The emperor Yousuf Shah Chak who is said to be a Dard from Gilgit entered into Kashmir through Gurez. It is believed that when emperor was imprisoned by the King Akbar, his beloved Habba Khafton used to wander near the peak to look for her lover. The roar of mighty Kishan-Ganga river flowing across the valley, resonotes with surrounding mountains that lulls a visitors to sound sleep.The traditional log wood houses make Gurez no less than a European country side. People of Gurez valley are Dards, they speak Sheena language and have their ancestral connection with Gilgit similar to Kashmiri people of mountain region. Though Gurez is a far flung area but the people of the Dard race have uplifted themselves by the hard work and proper education. Dard women are fair with athletic built, who spend the summer in collecting wood from mountains for the harsh winter; when it is impossible to move in 20 feet out side. 


Gurez, The Land of Eternal Bliss.....
Photo Credit: Talib Kaloo

SRINAGAR – Incessant rains in Kashmir on Wednesday resulted in sudden rise in water levels in river Jhelum to the point that government declared flood in South Kashmir late evening and later sounded flood alarm in Central Kashmir.

The water level at 3 am on Thursday was recorded at 25.30 feet at Sangam (Anantnag), 2.3 feet above the danger level, 17.10 feel at Ram Munshibagh (Srinagar), 1.1 feet above the flood alert level and 9.33 feet in Asham (Bandipora), 3.7 feet below flood alert level.

Heavy rainfall was recorded in Kashmir, especially southern region, on Wednesday. The rainfall upto 12:30 am on Thursday was recorded at 112 mm in Anantnag, 58 mm in Pulwama, 50 mm in Shopian, 63 mm in Srinagar and 37 mm in Baramulla, according to the data issued by Indian Meteorological Department. Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control Detriment, Mir Jaffar, last night said, “The habitation residing along the river embankment / Nallah and low lying areas of south and central Kashmir are advised to remain Vigilant.” However, the water levels in river Jhelum have marginally increased since then.

According to the forecast by local weather department, heavy rain / thundershowers would occur at isolated places in the state during next 12 hours. Director Meteorological Office, Sonum Lotus said that there will be a remarkable decrease in the precipitation from Thursday afternoon and after that a sunny day will be witnessed in Kashmir valley. He maintained that the rainfall would no longer be there after Thursday afternoon and consequently the weather will improve.

Higher Reaches of Sonmarg

Gurez valley, Bandipora, Kashmir

Photo Credit: M Zubair Mir

Breathtaking view of Taobutt village in Neelum Valley, Kashmir

Pakistan's PM has called for emergency measures as the death toll from a heatwave in southern Sindh province reached nearly 700.
The army is now being deployed to help set up heat stroke centres, with temperatures reaching 45C (113F).
Officials have been criticised for not doing enough to tackle the crisis.
There is anger among local residents at the authorities because power cuts have restricted the use of air-conditioning units and fans, correspondents say.
Matters have been made worse by the widespread abstention from water during daylight hours during the fasting month of Ramadan.
Sporadic protests
On Tuesday, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said it had received orders from Mr Sharif to take immediate action to tackle the crisis.
This came as Sindh province Health Secretary Saeed Mangnejo said 612 people had died in the main government-run hospitals in the city of Karachi during the past four days. Another 80 are reported to have died in private hospitals.
Many of the victims are elderly people from low-income families.
Thousands more people are being treated, and some of them are in serious condition.
Hot weather is not unusual during summer months in Pakistan, but prolonged power cuts seem to have made matters worse, the BBC's Shahzeb Jillani reports.
Sporadic angry protests have taken place in parts of Karachi, with some people blaming the government and Karachi's main power utility, K-Electric, for failing to avoid deaths, our correspondent adds.
According to Pakistan's metrological officecooler weather is forecast from Tuesday.
The all-time highest temperature reached in Karachi is 47C, recorded in 1979.
Last month, nearly 1,700 people died in aheatwave in neighbouring India.

Life has always been a challenge for Mehraj-u-Din Dar ever since he quit militancy in 1990, soon after joining it.

He married with a hope to live a peaceful life, but fate had something else in store for him. Dar started a small poultry business and had a shop close to the entry of his house at Badambagh, here in north Kashmir.

Dar constructed a two-room house and left the construction mid-way as his priorities changed after having two-daughters—Sehrish and Nisha. Dar, according to his family members, would save money for his daughters to ensure both become doctors. He would always tell his both daughters to fulfill his dream. Little did he know that bullets won’t just pierce his body and leave him dead but also shatter his dream of making both his daughters doctors.

“My brother is no more, he was shot dead here,” says Dar’s sister right at the spot where one bullet hit him on the head and piercing through his left eye while another bullet hitting his belly leaving him in a pool of blood. “They (killers) were two. A woman neighbour saw them from the window of her house. She saw them fleeing after killing my brother.” Dar is one among the six people, who fell to the bullets of unknown gunmen here. The spate of mysterious killings during the past few days has left people terrified.”

Dar’s sister in a deep shock. “I want my brother back. Is there anyone who can bring him back,” she cries in the lawns of her house. “Who will open this shop now? There is none left to take care of his daughters.”

On the inquiry ordered by the Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed, Dar’s family says if Mufti really means business, he should bring culprits to book and deal with them according to law.

Dar’s father, Muhammad Ashsan, is a heart patient, not able to talk properly. “My son was innocent, I don’t know why he was killed,” he says. “I tried to follow the neighbours who took my son to hospital. But I wasn’t allowed by army men. For half-an hour, I remained stuck on the road. Then I got a call that my son is no more.”

Dar’s elder daughter Sehrish studies in 10th standard while Nisha is in class 4th.  “Our papa was innocent. We don’t know why he was killed,” says the elder one as tears roll down on her cheeks. “He would always tell us study by heart so that both of you would become doctors. How can we become doctors now?  We are all alone now. There is no one to take care of us.”  Nisha says she “lost a friend, a guide and a teacher.” “He was everything for us,” she says.

Sehrish’s mother is yet to come to terms. “A typhoon has hit us. We are alone,” she says amid sobs. “Killers should be nabbed. We were expecting at least separatist leaders to visit us, but none of them turned up.”  Sitting in the corner of a room, Dar’s father says he is too old and sick to take care of two daughters and a widow of his son. “I am sick, not able to talk and walk properly. Only Allah can take care of this family now,” he says as tears fill his eyes.

Breathtaking Beauty of Gilgit Baltistan .. what a view. Don't forget to share


Please Don't forget to Share


A 22-year-old woman was allegedly burnt to death by her husband and in-laws for dowry at Badaut area in the district, police said today.

 Kamini was set ablaze by her husband Tej Singh, brother-in-laws Dharm Singh, Dhyan Singh and one more persons for dowry in Saraura village on Monday, In charge of Badaut police station Sunil Kumar Sharma said.

Last night in his complaint, the victim's father Ajeetpal also alleged that the deceased was hurriedly cremated, Sharma said.

An FIR has been lodged and efforts were on to nab the accused, police added.

Representational Picture

We all know that fruit is good for the body. In fact, ALL fruit is good for the body.

But below few are known to heal many ailments in the body
1. Lemons
Help to improve and boost immune system function, as well as dissolve mucoid plaque in the digestive tract and circulatory system. Helps to tighten and tone our cells and skin. Putting lemon in your water to soak over the day has incredible health benefits!
2. Apples
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away!” – this statement couldn’t be more true! Apples are a great colon cleanser, thanks to the miraculous pectin fibre which helps literally pull and push out excess toxins. It is great for boosting the circulatory system and un-clogging our arteries and veins.
3. Cucumbers
Incredibly alkaline and hydrating, and help to beautify the skin. Cucumber skins are high in silica, and are thus great for our hair, skin and nails.
4. Cherries
One of the best blood builders out there! The deep, dark red hue is a good sign that they pack an array of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. They relieve inflammatory pain, prevent diseases like cancer and slow down the aging process.
5. Berries
All berries are high in anti-oxidants which help fight free radicals and prevent disease from manifesting in the body. They are good for the eyes (improve eye sight), brain (help with memory), and the glands (adrenal glands, thyroid, pineal gland, prostate, etc.).
6. Papaya
Wonderful for cleaning and clearing the entire digestive tract. Contains an enzyme called papain, which helps to support and feed the healthy bacteria in our intestine. Papaya is also great for the skin, but this is a given, considering the digestive tract is a major contributor to skin health (clogged up digestive tracts = poor skin).
7. Watermelons
Alkalizing, hydrating, and cleansing. Watermelons are a miracle food! One large oval watermelon contains over 28 grams of protein and 7 grams of natural, mono-unsaturated fatty acids! If you feel like doing a cleanse that will make you feel amazing in the end, eating only watermelon for 3-7 days (aka. “mono-mealing”) is a great way to start!
8. Grapes
Help dissolve stagnant, hardened lymph fluid and give you a plethora of energy. They are also great for reducing blood pressure and strengthening the cardiovascular system due to high antioxidant concentration in the skins (red grapes especially).
9. Grapefruits
Detoxify our cells, and helps dissolve cellulite. One of the best weight loss foods out there! Grapefruits help rev our metabolism, and a higher metabolism means faster fat shedding.
10. Oranges
Alleviate depression and clear the entire system. I like to call oranges, especially freshly pressed orange juice, the golden elixir of the gods. It is truly one of the most hydrating, satisfyingly pleasing fruits out there! If you want to start the day off right, squeeze some oranges and skip the coffee – I guarantee you will feel on top of the world!





Which of these fruits are your favourite for helping cleanse and heal the body? Perhaps you have your own favourite fruits that make you feel just as amazing! Let us know in the comments below!

Village Life of Kashmir

Difficult Roads Often Lead to Beautiful Destinations


Sonamarg meaning Meadow of Gold is a hill station in Kashmir. View of the himalayan glaciers is quite scintillating from Sonamarg. Vehicle movement to the top is not allowed thanks to the icy slippery roads. You are supposed to take a pony ride for the last 11kms which should take more than an hour. Barring the pain on the ass, it is an awesome experience.

Photo Credit: © Arif Nabi-Photographie


Did you know that consuming garlic on an empty stomach is actually  really effective in treating and preventing many ailments and diseases?


Scientists have found that when garlic is consumed on an empty stomach, it will only boost its power, making it an extremely powerful natural antibiotic. This process happens because bacteria is revealed and cannot defend itself from the enormous power of the garlic.
Garlic has more than 400 different mineral components like, many antioxidants which have a great number of positive therapeutic properties.


10 Amazing Health Benefits of Garlic

  • Garlic kills a great number of various bacteria.
  • Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties and lowers blood pressure.
  • Garlic prevents clogging and aging of both peripheral and major arteries.
  • Garlic helps kill the cells of the malignant brain tumor – multiform glioblastoma.
  • Garlic also acts as an anticoagulant, which thins the blood and prevents the formation of dangerous blood clots, helping to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
  • Garlic is an effective remedy for colds and a natural antibiotic.
  • Garlic reduces the synthesis of triglycerides in the liver which help prevent the development of atherosclerosis, thus helping protect against heart disease.
  • Garlic’s healing properties help reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood.
  • It is very important to know that garlic increases the body’s ability to withstand the harmful influences of the environment, because it strengthens the immune system.
  • It is recommended to use garlic for disorders of the nervous system.

Don’t Forget To Share With Your Family And Friends On Facebook, As You Might Help Someone In Need!



Tension gripped the area as people this morning found an apple orchard vandalized during night at Dohama village of Vilgam area in Handwara Tehsil here.
Reports said that unidentified miscreants felled at least 71 apple trees during the intervening night of June 13 and 14, completely vandalizing the orchard at Dohama village. A case has been registered in Police Station Vilgam and police were looking for the culprits.
Locals said the incident occurred at Dohama, some 15 kilometers from Handwara, when Abdul Ahad Tantray son of Fateh Muhammad saw his apple orchard completely axed down and apple trees lying on ground.
“The orchard is not far away from the local habitation but the miscreants, taking advantage of darkness, cut down all the fruit trees of delicious superior variety,” locals said.
“This is a very big crime and worst than murder. I can’t see apple trees which I loved like my sons lying axed,” said distraught Ahad Tantray.
“Police have seized the apple trees and prepared a map of the incident site and felled trees. An FIR has been registered in Police Station Vilgam vide No. 24/2015 under sections 436, 506 RPC and investigation is going on,” SP Handwara, Ghulam Jeelani Wani told Greater Kashmir.
“Initially, we have arrested four suspects and they are being questioned. It seems a case of some rivalry,” SP added.
At least eight people have died and a number more are missing after heavy rainfall and floods overnight in Georgia.
Heavy rainfall turned the Vere river, which flows through the capital Tbilisi, into a torrent that swept away dozens of buildings and cars.
Animals from the city's zoo, including tigers, lions, bears and wolves, escaped from cages damaged by the rainfall.
Three zoo workers are among the dead, and 10 more people are missing.
An escaped hippopotamus was cornered in one of the city's main squares and subdued with a tranquiliser gun.
Some other animals have been located, but it remains unclear how many are on the loose.
Residents are being told to stay inside as zoo workers try to locate them, with helicopters circling the city of around 1.1 million people.
It was not immediately clear if the eight who were killed died as a result of the flooding or animal attacks.
The zoo said one of those who died was Guliko Chitadze, a zookeeper who lost an arm in an attack by a tiger last month.
A preliminary estimate has put the damages at $10m (£6.4m), according to Irakly Lekvinadze, vice mayor of Tbilisi.
He said: "Dozens of families remain homeless as their houses were destroyed or damaged in the capital."

Gulmarg Gondola in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir is the world's second highest operating cable car since the closure in 2008 of the Mérida cable car in Venezuela.



It was inclement weather which shooed away tourists from Kashmir earlier this month and it is now the scorching heat outside the state that is bringing them to the Valley.
The scorching heat wave across the parts of India has brought some fortune to the beleaguered Kashmir tourism industry which was severely hit by September floods last year.
The officials state that inflow of backpackers has increased by around 10 per cent during last few days due to scorching heat in mainland.
However, the tourism players attribute rise in tourist arrivals to various factors including sustained promotional campaigns and discount in tariffs offered by hoteliers in Kashmir.
Director Tourism Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad Shah said that Kashmir’s pleasant environment and weather have always mesmerized backpackers. “There is an improvement in the tourist inflow but it is still below our expectations,” Shah said, adding the heating wave outside Kashmir is encouraging tourists to come here and enjoy the pleasant weather.
He said the tourism department is focused on promoting the sustainable tourism in Kashmir and increase the tourist inflow.
Tourism players are also optimistic that tourism will pick up slowly and steadily.
Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers’ Club, Mushtaq Chaya said there is increase in number of tourists recorded during last few weeks. “The major reason for it is scorching heat in parts of India and also tourism players are welcoming the backpackers by offering heavy discounts which is an encouraging sign and an effort from stakeholders to encourage visitors to visit Kashmir,” Chays said.
He added that efforts of Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed and officials of Tourism department have started yielding results post floods.    
President, Pahalgam Hotel and Restaurant Owners’ Federation (PHAROF), Javid Burza also echoed similar view. He stated that around 10 per cent increase in inflow of tourists is being witnessed in hilly resort of Pahalgam because of heat wave outside Kashmir.
“By God’s grace Kashmir’s weather is pleasant and give some respite to the people coming here from the areas witnessing scorching heat,” Burza said.
President, Adventure Tour Operators’ Association of Kashmir, Rauf Tramboo stated that is a good news for tourism sector that tourists are coming back to Kashmir after much negative publicity about flood scare in Kashmir.
“Things are moving in right direction and efforts of stakeholders have started yielding results. Be it announcement of discount on tariffs by tourism traders or scorching heat wave in India,” Tramboo said, adding that even adventure tour operators are currently offering 25 per cent discount on their services to encourage tourists to visit Kashmir.

To mention, post September floods the tourism sector has not fully recovered. To add to the miseries of tourism traders, a negative campaign was launched by some national media outlets about flood scare in the month of April in Kashmir.

Khyber Resorts, Gulmarg, Kashmir.




Higher reaches of Betaab Valley, Pahalgam, Kashmir


The Visit has notched up 3 million views in 10 days

The first Indian advertisement to feature a lesbian couple has gone viral, theTimes of India reports, and its creators hope that it will have a positive influence on the way homosexuality is viewed a socially conservative country where it is still against the law.
The commercial, created for the clothing brand Anouk Ethnic apparel, is entitled The Visit and shows a lesbian couple preparing to meet their parents. It has already topped three million views across various forms of social media.
“We tried to avoid the stereotypes associated with gay people,” Avishek Ghosh of the ad’s producers, told the Times. “We tried to give it a candid feel, like it is any other couple being apprehensive about meeting the parents.”
Homosexuality is punishable by up to 10 years in jail in India. In 2009, the Delhi High Court declared that section 377 of the penal code, which criminalizes homosexuality, was unconstitutional. However, the Supreme Court overturned that ruling in 2013.
Homophobia remains widespread. In April, India’s entrant to Mr. Gay World was forced to withdraw from the competition, citing threats to his family.