Srinagar, Dec 27: In an era where every tap is tracked, a young engineer from Kashmir chose silence – building a finance app that works without the cloud, the internet, or prying eyes.

Ikhlaq Yousuf Malik, 25, from south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, has launched Analytica, an offline-only personal finance app that lets individuals and small businesses track expenses, assets, net worth, and ledgers while keeping all data securely on the user’s own device.

He developed the offline personal finance application for users who want to manage money without cloud storage or data tracking.

Malik, a 2021 B Tech graduate of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), launched Analytica, an all-in-one finance app that works entirely without an internet connection.

The app allows users to track expenses, income, assets, net worth, and business ledgers, with all data stored locally on the user’s device.

“Most finance apps today rely heavily on cloud storage and data collection,” Malik said. “With Analytica, the focus is on privacy. The app works completely offline, and all data stays on the user’s device.”

Malik, who hails from the Yaripora area of Kulgam, currently works as a software development engineer (SDE-2) at one of India’s leading UPI payment platforms in Bengaluru.

He said the idea grew out of his dissatisfaction with existing finance apps.

“I tried several popular options, but most were too complex, pushed loans aggressively, required excessive permissions, or depended on constant internet access,” he said. “That never felt right to me.”

According to Malik, Analytica functions as a daily expense and budget tracker, a net-worth and asset management tool covering cash, bank accounts, investments, and property, and a digital ledger similar to traditional Khatabook systems used by small shop owners and freelancers.

“Small businesses and freelancers often need a simple way to manage accounts without fear of data misuse,” he said. “This app is meant to provide financial clarity without sharing information online.”

Unlike many mainstream finance platforms, Analytica does not offer cloud synchronisation and does not collect or track user data, positioning it as a privacy-first alternative in a market dominated by online financial services.

“People should not have to compromise their privacy to manage their money,” Malik said.

He said the app was initially developed for personal use and was not conceived as a startup or commercial product.

“A few months ago, I decided to build something for myself – a small, offline-first app where I could track my expenses, assets, and net worth with full control over my data,” Malik said.

As he continued refining the app’s design and data structure, friends encouraged him to release it publicly.

“I realised the problems I was solving for myself were problems many others faced as well,” Malik said.

He said this was not his first independent project.

Malik has been building applications since 2018 across domains including healthcare technology, drone systems, e-commerce, and fintech.

“Due to family responsibilities, I had to pause my independent work for a while and move to Bengaluru for a full-time role,” he said. “Even then, alongside a demanding job, I continued working on side projects and mentoring others.”

Malik said several other privacy-focused tools he had developed were nearing release and would be launched gradually.

“This app reflects my overall journey,” he said. “It is guided by a belief that technology should empower users without compromising trust, transparency, or privacy.”

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Gowhar Yaqoob, a software developer, said that he had evaluated the app and found it to be user-friendly and respectful of maintaining privacy.

“It is good for small businesses,” he said.

Srinagar, Dec 27: Aab-e-Rawan, in collaboration with the Ehsaas Foundation and the Reroot Foundation of India, on Saturday organised Youm-e-Khawaja Ajmeeri, a spiritually enriching and culturally significant programme, at Bait-ul-Meeras, Aali Kadal here.

A statement of the Ehsaas Foundation issued here said that the event featured a Mehfil-e-Mushaira and a Mehfil-e-Sama, celebrating the timeless message of love, peace, harmony and humanity preached by the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Khawaja Garib Nawaz (RA). The gathering resonated with soulful poetic recitations and devotional performances, reflecting the region’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. A KAS officer, Mantasha Rashid, who attended the programme as the chief guest, spoke on the enduring relevance of the teachings of Khawaja Garib Nawaz (RA).

She emphasised that his message continues to guide society towards communal harmony, compassion and mutual respect, especially in contemporary times marked by social challenges.

The programme was attended by noted scholars, poets, artists and a large number of people from different walks of life.

Speakers and participants paid rich tributes to the legacy of Khawaja Garib Nawaz (RA) and reaffirmed their commitment to the values of peace, brotherhood and coexistence espoused by the great Sufi saint.

The organisers said that such programmes are aimed at strengthening social unity and preserving the spiritual traditions that inspire harmony, tolerance and humanity in society.

Srinagar, Dec 27: Syed Mantaqi Memorial College of Nursing and Medical Technology, Islamic University of Science and Technology, observed World AIDS Day 2025 in line with the global theme “Overcoming Disruptions, Transforming the AIDS Response.”

The programme focused on raising awareness, promoting prevention strategies, and fostering informed dialogue on HIV/AIDS among students and faculty.

“A range of academic and awareness-based activities were organised to observe the day, including poster presentations, group discussions, debates on modes of transmission, prevention, myths and facts related to HIV/AIDS, and the importance of empathy and social support for people living with HIV,” said a press release. The activities also deliberate on contemporary challenges in HIV/AIDS control, stigma reduction, and the crucial role of healthcare professionals in strengthening the AIDS response. The programme concluded with a collective message highlighting the importance of awareness, early detection, prevention, and shared responsibility in combating HIV/AIDS, reinforcing the role of students as future healthcare professionals in building a healthy and informed society. The event was organized by Mubashir Bashir and Insha Rasool, with other college faculty members, it further added.

Srinagar Dec 27: While defending Mirwaiz Umar Farooq senior political leader Bilal Gani Lone on saturday cautioned against what he termed as shallow, dishonest and dangerous attempts to reduce the Mirwaiz’s stature to social media optics.

According to a statement issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Lone said that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s stature cannot be measured by a Twitter bio and that diminishing his role through social media commentary reflects a profound misunderstanding of his position and responsibilities. He said that beyond the murky world of politics, Mirwaiz saheb is the custodian of an institution that represents faith, culture and collective identity. He added that as a political leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s consistent position has always been peace, unity and reconciliation, never the pursuit of power.

Recalling his long association with the Mirwaiz, Lone said he has known and worked with him for over two decades and can personally vouch for his sincerity, sense of purpose and unwavering commitment to the self respect and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has paid an enormous personal price from a very young age, losing both his father and later his uncle to the conflict, while shouldering responsibilities that many of his critics would lack the courage to accept, he said.

Lone said it is deeply ironic and hurtful that sections of the political class, social media trolling machinery and what he termed white collar criminals are indulging in abuse, conspiracy theories and character assassination, without acknowledging the dangerous consequences such campaigns have produced in the past. He said everyone falters and makes mistakes, but that does not define a person as a bad human being. He said what truly matters is the ability to course correct, adapt and find more practical ways to create meaningful impact as times and circumstances evolve, adding that this is what responsible leadership demands.

He also said rigidity does not resolve conflicts but instead deepens them, and that addressing complex political challenges requires foresight, vision and a willingness to accept ground realities so that society can move forward without inflicting further harm.

He said politics is not static and demands evolution, particularly in asymmetrical conflicts where lives are at stake. He added that the principles of human dignity, respect and preservation of life are non negotiable.

Questioning the motives of those attacking Mirwaiz Umar Farooq over a bio change, Lone asked them to clarify whether they genuinely stand for peace or are comfortable with the continuation of conflict and the loss of more lives. He said it is easy to pontificate from the comfort of one’s home, but far harder to stand where Mirwaiz saheb stands and confront the brutal realities that come with that position.

Lone said the All Parties Hurriyat Conference is an idea, not a gospel truth frozen in time, and that ideas must evolve with changing political realities if lives are to be saved and people’s honour preserved. He warned that many of those attacking the Mirwaiz fail to grasp the damage they are causing, not only to society, but also to the very idea of a well meaning Kashmiri that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq represents.

While affirming that asking questions is legitimate in a democracy, Lone cautioned that reckless vilification is creating a dangerous situation for the Mirwaiz, compromising not only his dignity but also his security. He said such conduct is irresponsible and should invite accountability under the law.

Reiterating his personal bond, Lone said he regards Mirwaiz Umar Farooq as a younger brother, irrespective of political differences, and that disagreements have never diminished his responsibility to stand by him as a friend and as a matter of principle. He said these values were instilled in him by his father, who sacrificed his life in pursuit of peace and reconciliation.

Lone said he continues to carry that mission forward through democratic means, seeking relief and dignity for people who have been wronged, humiliated and abused. He urged Mirwaiz’s critics to look inward before pointing fingers at others. He said honest introspection may offer a much needed reality check on the fraud, deceit and sheer nastiness that many themselves promote and practise in Kashmir, ironically in the name of politics and so called change.