In Srinagar, India, Farooq Ahmad Shaksaaz listens to Sufi music on his 1970 cassette player while working as a tailor, carrying on the tradition of cassette tapes as the best way to preserve and listen to the spiritual music of Kashmir. Despite the availability of digital formats, many Kashmiris prefer the unique sound and experience of listening to Sufi music on cassette tapes, which hold sentimental value and provide a tactile connection to their cultural roots. With the decline of cassette players and spare parts, dedicated individuals like Mohammad Ashraf Matoo work tirelessly to repair and maintain these machines, ensuring that the legacy of cassette tapes and traditional Sufi music continues to thrive in the region.
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Peace deal must bar Ukraine from Nato, Russian official says
Russian official Alexander Grushko stated that any peace deal in Ukraine must include guarantees that Nato will not admit Ukraine as a member and that Ukraine will remain neutral. Talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are ongoing, with a proposed 30-day ceasefire on the table. Putin has set tough conditions for peace, including the status of Russia's Kursk region and monitoring the ceasefire along the frontline. Full Article
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