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5.9 Million Tons of Lithium Found in Kashmir, India

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Lithium found in Kashmir

The world is in dire need of cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, and Lithium has emerged as a powerful tool in the quest. This versatile element is playing a critical role in the transition away from polluting fossil fuels to greener and more eco-friendly power sources. And now, with the recent discovery of a Lithium mine in Kashmir valley by the Geological Survey of India, there’s hope for a more abundant and cost-effective supply of this valuable mineral.

Amounting to about 5.9 million tons, Kashmir’s lithium resource can potentially change India’s position in global green energy resources.

The discovery is huge for India’s energy reserves and Kashmir’s economy. However, the announcement has triggered both hopes and concerns from Indians and the world.

Why Does the Discovery of Lithium in Kashmir Matters?

Lithium is a shining gray metal with a nickname that’s just as brilliant – “white gold.” It’s a crucial component of electric batteries, making it an essential element in the quest for cleaner and more sustainable energy.

The recent discovery of lithium reserves in India is being celebrated by experts worldwide, and for good reasons. The discovery could be a game-changer for India’s energy independence, potentially reducing its reliance on imports to meet growing demand. In 2020-21 alone, India imported lithium and lithium ions worth INR 173 crore and INR 8,811 crore, respectively. As the country pushes towards electric vehicles, demand for lithium is only set to increase.

Moreover, Lithium deposits are rare, with only 98 million tonnes found globally, according to Rishabh Jain, senior program director for the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW).

India has already discovered 5.5% of these resources, which is significant in comparison to countries like Chile and Australia, which have 9.2 million tonnes and 6.2 million tonnes of lithium deposits, respectively.

The potential impact of this discovery is massive, particularly for the production of electric vehicles.

However, further assessments are needed to determine the exact quality and quantity of the resources and whether they can be extracted and used efficiently. If proven feasible, this discovery could pave the way for a more sustainable future for India and the world as a whole.

The Geographical Barriers

The Lithium reserve is discovered in Salal-Haimana, Reasi district of J&K, a region known for being seismically active. With the Reasi placed in the seismic zone IV, mining white gold from the area can pose a high risk.

Moreover, the region is also situated in the renowned Kashmir seismic gap, which experts have forecasted as the site of potential “great” earthquakes with a magnitude exceeding eight on the Richter scale.

According to Parveen Kumar, senior manager of Electric Mobility, WRI India; the most recent lithium discovery is “a significant step towards self-reliance in the LIB [lithium–ion battery] supply chain.”

“Although this is good news, a balanced appraisal that considers the region’s ecological sensitivity is also necessary,”

Parveen Kumar

Lithium mining also adversely impacts the ecosystem and environment. Pollution of the soil, water, and air is among them. For example, one estimate states that it requires around 2.2 million liters of water to generate one tonne of lithium while extracting it from its ore.

Plus, with Reasi already living in water scarcity, and to sustainably extract Lithium, the authorities would have to tackle the issue first.

Can India Become the Leader in Lithium Refining, Outcompeting China?

China is an outlier in the lithium market. The nation held only 7.9% of the world’s lithium reserves at the end of 2020, according to BP’s Statistical Review of World Energy 2021. But the fabrication of metal is where the nation excels. As a result, 60% of the world’s capability for refining and processing lithium is estimated to be located in China.

However, lithium refining is a complex process. World’s major lithium producers, including spodumene, petalite, and lepidolite, need to process the minerals in order to get the lithium out. This procedure involves crushing the ore, followed by the extraction of the lithium using froth flotation, magnetic separation, and gravity separation, among other methods.

Lithium refining plants in China
Lithium refining plants in China

Lithium can also be obtained from brine lakes, collected via sun concentration and evaporation. Although this process can take longer, it is often less complicated than mineral processing.

Amongst all this, India, a country that depended on exports for fulfilling its energy requirements, can now potentially be among the leader of the green energy revolution with the Lithium found in Kashmir.

And if extracted and refined wisely, India’s lithium reserves could enable it to compete with China. However, now the focus must shift to assessing the commercial extraction potential of Lithium reserves in Kashmir.

Extracting Lithium from Disputed Region Would be a Challenge

While developing lithium resources in Kashmir valley will require the Indian government to lure industrial development and investment in the region, the state continues to be volatile. Moreover, with Salal-Haimana just 30 miles from the Line of Control (India-Pakistan border), obtaining lithium from the region will be a huge challenge from a military standpoint.

J & K holds only 1% of the total Indian population but accounted for 57% of all deaths triggered by armed conflicts between 2019 and 2021. And Salal-Haimana is among such disputed areas.

It is difficult to predict whether a lithium boom might lessen or exacerbate these local governance issues. But, on the other hand, more economic benefits might be provided for the Indian economy and major regional advantages in employment possibilities and improved road and rail infrastructure.

Lithium in Kashmir: “The batteries of the Indian economy”

The Tribune and the Kashmir Picture, two Indian English-language media publications, have already published articles praising the discovery and referring to it as “the batteries of the Indian economy” to address the region’s unemployment issues. It’s impossible not to be excited.

Lithium Found in Kashim – Final Thoughts

The discovery of huge reserves of Lithium in Kashmir has the potential to bring India up to the competition in the green energy industry.

However, the government must ensure that to make India “atmanirbhar” (self-sufficient) in terms of this vital mineral to attain its net zero goals, they do not compromise the union territory’s delicate ecosystem.

In light of the fact that the agricultural sector is already vulnerable to climate change, if lithium mining operations are to be developed, their implications on agricultural productivity must be fairly and thoroughly evaluated.

Furthermore, it is critical that the government extract these minerals as ethically as possible; failing which, the fundamental motivation for developing these green technologies would be undermined.

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Human Rights

The War No One Sees: What Will it Take to End Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis

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Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis

The war no one sees is casting an unrelenting shadow over Gaza, and the suffering of its people is intensifying by the hour.

With Israel ramping up its military operations, Gaza has tragically become the epicenter of what many are calling an unprecedented humanitarian disaster, a “genocide in plain sight.” Calls for a ceasefire have gone unheard as the conflict escalates, spilling over into Lebanon and deepening the crisis.

As the death toll surpasses 41,000, and with each passing day bringing new waves of destruction, Gaza’s civilians are trapped in a relentless cycle of terror and uncertainty.

Families huddle together in homes reduced to rubble, parents are grieving for children they couldn’t protect, and hospitals, overflowing and under-resourced, struggle to care for the wounded. Life in Gaza has devolved into a harrowing fight for survival, where each day brings new heartache, and the hope of relief seems further and further out of reach.

What will it take to end Gaza’s humanitarian crisis? In a world that’s watching but not yet acting decisively, is there a way to bring peace and stability to the people of Gaza?

Ending this crisis will take more than calls for ceasefires or temporary measures; it will require a global commitment to uphold humanity, demand justice, and work toward lasting peace.

What is Currently Happening in Gaza?

Gaza is in utter despair. The war has taken a devastating new turn, with Israel intensifying its bombings, leaving the region in relentless chaos and destruction.

After the targeted killings of Hamas’s supreme commander and Iran’s supreme leader, Iran retaliated against Israel with drones and missiles. In response, Israel launched air strikes on Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, sparking even greater devastation. What little remained standing in Gaza is now on the brink of collapse.

Schools that once served as fragile shelters for families are now reduced to ashes, with no refuge left for those desperately seeking safety. The northern region of Gaza is being evacuated under gunpoint, while Palestinian teens are being forced to strip and walk in humiliating lines, with no dignity spared.

Humanitarian aid—previously trickling in through borders from other countries and the UN—has been largely cut off. Attacks on hospitals, schools, and aid tents continue without warning, intensifying daily to an unimaginable level, as if Gaza itself is being systematically erased.

The fear, grief, and despair of Gaza’s people are overwhelming as they witness their world disappearing, wondering if anyone will stand up to end their suffering.

Enduring the Unthinkable: The Human Toll of Gaza’s Crisis

What is unfolding in Gaza goes beyond the realm of conflict; it is devastation on an unimaginable scale. According to official sources, thousands are under relentless bombardment, with civilians struggling to survive amidst rapidly deteriorating conditions. 

Reports from the UN Human Rights Office and other humanitarian bodies reveal scenes of people huddling in makeshift shelters, often constructed from whatever they can find, such as plastic bags and wooden scraps. 

Families are forced to endure shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies while constantly moving to escape the latest round of airstrikes. For many, life now means seeking refuge in overcrowded shelters or ruined schools, only to see these places targeted again in continued attacks.

One heart-wrenching account comes from an official at the UN, who described watching over a hundred children chase after a lone food cart—a tragic reminder of how scarce resources have become for Gaza’s 2 million residents, half of whom are children. 

The scarcity of aid is felt even more as supplies that manage to cross borders are limited by the dangerous conditions. Meanwhile, hospitals struggle to function with dwindling medical supplies, unable to treat the increasing number of casualties, and some have faced attacks themselves, leaving thousands without essential care.

Even the basics of humanitarian aid are now nearly impossible to deliver effectively, hindered by severe restrictions on movement and escalations in violence. Representatives from the UN have voiced that an immediate ceasefire and an “enabling environment” for aid are the only ways to provide an effective humanitarian response in Gaza. 

Without political commitment, the efforts of humanitarian workers on the ground cannot meet the overwhelming needs of Gaza’s population. The international community has called repeatedly for a lasting resolution, emphasizing the severe risks of disease outbreaks due to unsafe sanitary conditions and lack of vaccinations—conditions that many officials warn could lead to even more tragic losses if urgent action is not taken.

What Will It Take To End the Gaza Humanitarian Crisis?

Ceasefire!

Humanitarian organizations and leaders around the world are unanimous: Gaza needs an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and enable lifesaving aid. Without one, the consequences may spiral further into catastrophe.

As Dr. Tedros urges, protecting hospitals, health workers, and patients is the most fundamental step in averting a deepening humanitarian crisis.

Ending this crisis requires international voices to unite for Gaza. Leading powers, including the U.S., European nations, Russia, and others, must unite to amplify calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian protection. Only with coordinated global pressure can diplomatic efforts potentially lead to sustainable peace and end suffering.

A ceasefire alone is not enough; there must be accessible and safe channels for humanitarian aid currently restricted at border crossings.

This blockade prevents access to essential items like food, water, and medical supplies, violating the fundamental rights and dignity of those in Gaza.

World leaders must come to the table, with ceasefire negotiations as a non-negotiable first step. If left unchecked, the scale of this crisis could destabilize the region and escalate into larger global conflicts. Immediate, concerted action is critical—not just to prevent further suffering but also to work toward a stable, humane future for Gaza and the region.

Ending the suffering requires not just diplomatic words but concrete actions from all parties involved, focusing on peace, protection of human rights, and preservation of life.

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Israel

The Overnight Strikes Turned Tents Into Coffin — The Khan Yunus Massacre

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Jewish Nazism

In a devastating act of betrayal, Israeli military forces declared Khan Yunus al-Mawasi a humanitarian zone, promising civilians a “place of safety”. 

But in a cruel twist, under the cover of darkness, rockets struck the very area where exhausted and relocated families were lying asleep.

At least 37 people were killed, and hundreds more were wounded. Heartbreakingly, entire families were buried alive under the sand, leaving behind nothing but silence and devastation. 

What was meant to be a safe zone turned into a mass grave in an instant, marking yet another night of horror for the people of Gaza.

Dozens are Injured, and Many Remain Unaccounted

As dawn broke over Khan Yunus al-Mawasi, the promise of safety shattered with the sound of explosions. Families had gone to sleep under the belief that this humanitarian zone was free from violence, only to be awakened by the brutal reality of war. 

The Israel Defense Force justified their assault by claiming it had killed two “senior Hamas commanders” in the area. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a “tragedy”.

However, in search to kill Hamas commanders, they have killed innocent and poor Gaza civilians. The strikes were so brutal that entire families were buried under the rubble, and no one knew what had happened to them as desperate searches started in the wreckage.

“We were sitting safely at the door of our house when suddenly we heard the sound of a missile,” witness Fadi Dukhan told Reuters.

According to another witness, Ola Al-Shaer, who moved with her family to al-Mawasi to escape fighting elsewhere in Gaza, says —

“We heard around five or six strikes, one after the other,” she said. “We rushed to help and saw women and children cut to pieces, but there are still people missing.”

The rescue efforts began in complete darkness, as the camp lacked sufficient electricity for lights. Rescuers used flashlights to search through the sand, hoping to find anyone still alive.

When the sun finally rose, it revealed massive craters in the sand, scattered with fragments of tent frames and bits of clothing.

The Whole Families Disappear in the Sand

According to civil defense spokeperson Mahmoud Basal, the people in the camps were not given any warning before the strike. He added they destroyed at least 20 to 40 camps and left three deep craters.

“There are entire families who have disappeared under the sand in the Mawasi Khan Younis massacre,” Basal said.

The most horrifying part of the strike is that people had already fled from one overcrowded area, only to be displaced again to the camps in Khan Yunus.

And just when they thought they had found some measure of safety, they were hit by a barrage of strikes that tore through the camp without warning.

The impact was devastating. It was complete genocide at Khan Yonus that night.

“I was under the sand as well. I got out and started looking for my daughters and my wife. I saw body parts of the neighbours in my tent – I did not know those were our neighbours’ parts until I saw my family in one piece.”

Abu Muammar a survival who lost one of his daughter. 

Furthermore, the rescue teams were working tirelessly, but the lack of proper equipment and shovels to dig through the rubble made their efforts less effective than needed, costing many lives. 

On top of that, the darkness severely limited visibility, hindering the rescue operation.

According to an earlier report, the Israeli defense forces had taken an aerial view of the area to assess the situation and minimize damage. Seizing the opportunity, they launched the strike under the cover of night. 

This deliberate act shows that the attack wasn’t aimed at targeting a Hamas commander but rather seemed to be a calculated move to harm innocent civilians, including children, the elderly, and women.

The World Should Reunite Now

Global outrage is growing as world leaders and high-ranking officials condemn the recent atrocities committed by the Israeli military. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has labeled the actions as “unacceptable,” following the fatal shooting of a U.S. activist during the violence before this genocide. 

He emphasized that such acts of genocide must be stopped immediately, calling for accountability and justice for the victims.

The international community cannot stand by in silence as entire families are wiped out and innocent civilians continue to suffer. The time has come for world leaders to unite and take decisive action. 

The United Nations must urgently call for a ceasefire to halt the ongoing bloodshed and prevent further loss of life. Every second counts as the situation in Gaza spirals out of control, and without global intervention, the devastation will only deepen.

The world needs to act now—for humanity and the survival of the people of Gaza.

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Children

The Tragedy of Being a Woman in War-Torn Gaza

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Women of Gaza

“It’s a suffering I wouldn’t wish upon any woman”Nada Abdelasalem, a Gaza war survivor. 

It’s been over 11 months since Israel invaded Gaza, and the situation continues to go from bad to worse.

The war has not only impacted lives but has deeply shaken humanity, especially when women and children are specifically targeted.

UN Women estimates that 70% of the total casualties in the Gaza war are women and children, with 10,000 women among the dead, including 6,000 mothers who have left behind 19,000 orphaned children. 

Unfortunately, for the women who are surviving, their existence feels no different from being trapped in a living coffin. They might wish they had been killed in the invasion instead.

Since the Onset of Israel – Gaza War…

The women in the war-affected region are helpless. They are crushed under mountains of sorrow. 

First, there is the unbearable pain of losing their children. Then, for some, it’s the grief of losing a brother; for others, their parents, and for many, their husbands. 

On top of all this, they have no roof over their heads, and they are forced to live in refugee camps without access to clean water, food, or basic hygiene. 

The weight of these tragedies is overwhelming, leaving them with little hope and unimaginable suffering.

The lack of necessities for survival has impacted their overall well-being and dignity. 

“We lived in a cozy three-bedroom apartment with a kitchen, built by my husband after years of hard work in construction. But when the war erupted, we lost everything, including my five-month pregnancy. 

We are forced to live in a single tent, with toilets that aren’t even enclosed by four walls. I can’t shower regularly to maintain proper hygiene. I feel like my privacy is constantly being violated.” — Reham conflict survivor. 

The situation for women in Gaza is so dire that they don’t even have extra clothes to change into. Many were forced to flee their homes wearing only the clothes on their backs.

“I wear a prayer robe for everything – to sleep in, to go out,” — Nada, a war-torn victim. 

The situation is even worse, as nearly 1 million women and children now have almost no food, clean water, restrooms, and sanitary pads. It has created a poor environment, as diseases spread rapidly in these unbearable living conditions.

The Doors of Aid Are Almost Closed

What could be worse than all of this? Sadly, for the women of Gaza, their suffering goes even deeper as they endure conditions even more horrific than what has already been described.

According to the World Health Organization and UN agencies, there have been 117 attacks on Gaza’s health infrastructure since the war began. 

These attacks have led to the closure of 64% of primary healthcare centers, and half of the hospitals are now non-operational.

The most heartbreaking aspect of this situation is that every day, 150 women in Gaza give birth to a child. With fuel, medicine, water, and health supplies rapidly diminishing, women are forced to give birth without anesthesia. 

“The war turned our lives upside down,” Etemad Assaf says, rubbing the clothes with her hand.

“Every night, I feel like I’m going to give birth now because I’m so tired.”

“You see? Is this a suitable life for a pregnant woman? A tent, cold, open air, and the lack of the necessities of life?”

Additionally, it is estimated that 15% of these pregnant women experience birth complications, requiring basic or comprehensive obstetric care. Sadly, several women have reported dying during or before giving birth to a child. 

Furthermore, according to a survey, around 50,000 women are currently pregnant, and more than 690,000 menstruating women and girls have limited access to menstrual hygiene products.

Help for diseases is a distant thought; right now, the condition of women in Gaza is so dire that they don’t even have access to basic medical facilities.

Being Women in Gaza 

For women in Gaza, it feels like they are forced to endure the constant fear of death every day—whether from bombings, the lack of healthcare resources, or the unbearable grief of losing their loved ones.

Survival is becoming increasingly difficult with each passing day, especially for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. 

Many areas are grappling with severe hunger and food shortages, which makes it even more challenging for women to care for their children and newborns. Many have lost their breadwinners and are now relying solely on humanitarian aid to survive.

Finding milk for their children has become nearly impossible, and providing basic nutrition is a constant struggle. 

As the situation worsens, these women are forced to make heartbreaking choices, trying to sustain their families with whatever little they can find. 

The lack of food, medical care, and safety is pushing them to the brink, with no end in sight to their suffering.

Their only hope for improvement lies in the end of the war and the continuous flow of humanitarian aid and essential resources. Without peace and consistent support, their struggle for survival will only grow more desperate.

Despite the lack of sustainability and safe access, the UN has dispatched life-saving and humanitarian aid to Gaza. 

Unfortunately, this aid is insufficient, and more support is urgently needed for the women of Gaza, particularly for pregnant women and newborn babies.

It is crucial to note that no fuel has entered Gaza since October 7, leaving food, electricity, and other necessities out of reach for its residents. 

The only thing sustaining them is hope—the hope that the conflict will end soon and that essential supplies like medicines, healthcare resources, and food will once again become accessible.

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