Airfare from Kashmir to Increase as Airport Development Fee Hikes

Airfare from Kashmir to Increase as Airport Development Fee Hikes

Travelers flying from Srinagar can expect higher costs from next month as the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has given the green light for a phased increase in aeronautical charges and User Development Fees (UDF). AERA is a regulatory agency under the Government of India (GoI) that regulates tariffs and other expenditures and fees for major airports. It is a statutory body constituted under the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008. The Airport Authority of India proposed an increase in UDF but after taking various opinions under consideration, AERA…

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Kashmir’s walnut and apple growers face tough competition from cheaper imports

Kashmir's walnut and apple growers face tough competition from cheaper imports

While cheaper imported walnuts from countries such as China, Turkey and the US are causing alarm among the growers, the apple industry, which is the economic lifeline of Kashmir, is also being adversely affected by foreign imports By : Riaz Wani Cheaper imported walnuts from countries such as China, Turkey, and the United States are threatening the produce in Kashmir and causing alarm among traders who want the government to step in. Walnuts cultivated in Kashmir are more expensive to produce due to various factors, such as the high cost…

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GoI’s move to cut extra duties on US imports will be a death knell for Kashmir’s Agro Industry: KCCI

GoI's move to cut extra duties on US imports will be a death knell for Kashmir's Industry: KCCI

Kashmiri leaders slam Centre’s decision to cut import duty on US apples, walnuts As the Government of India has announced its decision to eliminate the additional import duty on apples, walnuts, and almonds imported from the United States, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry has sought the order to be reconsidered as it affects the Kahmir’s apply industry badly. This untimely decision is raising alarms, as it is expected to have far-reaching consequences on the livelihoods of nearly seven lakh apple grower families in the Kashmir region, KCCI said.…

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Willow Wicker Crafts from Kashmir: A Timeless Artistry

Willow Wicker Crafts from Kashmir: A Timeless Artistry

The Willow Wicker Craftsmen of Kashmir By: Javid Amin The art of crafting with willow wicker has deep roots in the pristine valleys of Kashmir, India. This exquisite craft, known for its delicate beauty and functional versatility, finds its origin centuries ago when it was introduced to the region by skilled artisans. Kashmir’s lush landscapes and abundant willow trees provided the perfect backdrop for the evolution of this timeless tradition. The craft was initially used for creating functional items such as baskets, trays, and containers to meet the daily needs…

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Persistent Heatwave in Kashmir: Receding River Levels Impact Apple Quality

Persistent Heatwave in Kashmir: Receding River Levels Impact Apple Quality

Dry weather and above normal temperatures in Kashmir over seven weeks have adversely affected horticulture production, particularly apple, but have proved good for paddy crop, experts said. The weather has also led to a fall in the water level of Jhelum and other water bodies. Kashmir is India’s largest apple grower, producing around 20 lakh metric tonnes of apples every year. They added that if the rain scarcity continues, it will have a negative impact on Saffron and potato production in the region. The Valley is experiencing high temperatures with…

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Kashmir Welcomes Miss World and Other International Beauty Queens

Kashmir Welcomes Miss World and Other International Beauty Queens

In a major fillip to MICE tourism and in a historic development for the tourism industry of J&K, a group of global beauty divas visited Kashmir on Monday as a prelude to the Miss World pageant 2023 with Tourism Department making all necessary arrangements for the visit. An official spokesman in a statement issued here said that the group includes Miss World, Karolina Bielawska; Miss World Caribbean, Emmy Pena; Miss World America, Shree Saini; Miss World India, Sini Shetty; Miss World England, Jessica Gagen; Miss Asia, Pricilia Carla Saputri Yules;…

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J&K Designates 75 New Tourist Destinations to Enhance Religious Tourism

J&K Designates 75 New Tourist Destinations to Enhance Religious Tourism

The Jammu and Kashmir administration said it has earmarked another 75 tourist destinations to enhance religious tourism in the region. This comes after the valley witnessed a record number of tourists- over 1 crore- in the year 2022, as per government data. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Tourism Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, spoke optimistically about the strides made in the region’s tourism sector during the “Jashn-e-Adab—Cultural Karavaan” event. “We are bypassing last year’s tourist influx this year by leaps and bounds,” Shah emphasized, shedding light on the flourishing state of…

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Kashmir Willow Bats to be Used by 17 International Cricketers in 2023 ODI World Cup

Kashmir Willow Bats to be Used by 17 International Cricketers in 2023 ODI World Cup

As many as 17 international cricket players from three different countries are set to play with Kashmir willow bats during the upcoming ICC Men’s ODI World Cup For the first time ever, bats made of the legendary Kashmir willow will make an official appearance at the 50-over Cricket World Cup scheduled to be held in October in India. Bats manufactured by GR8 Sports, a bat manufacturing company in the Sangam area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, will be used by teams such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, said…

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Kashmir’s Tulip Garden Recognized as Asia’s Largest by World Book of Records

Kashmir's Tulip Garden Recognized as Asia's Largest by World Book of Records

Kashmir’s Tulip Garden: A Blooming Wonder Recognized Globally Nestled amidst the serene beauty of the Zabarwan mountain range, at an impressive altitude of 5,600 feet, lies Srinagar’s magnificent Tulip Garden. This natural marvel, cradled on the foothills of the Zabarwan range and overlooking the picturesque Dal Lake in Siraj Bagh, is not merely a garden; it’s an enchanting canvas painted with a riot of colors, a mesmerizing spectacle that has captivated hearts worldwide. But the tale of this garden goes beyond its inherent beauty; it’s a story of recognition, accolades,…

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J&K Bank fires Chief Manager over security concerns

J&K Bank fires Chief Manager over security concerns

The Jammu and Kashmir Bank on Saturday dismissed an employee from service for allegedly being a threat to the security of the state. His services were terminated with immediate effect with an official statement informing that the decision was taken in view of allegations of Bazaz being a threat to the security of the state. He was working as a chief manager of the bank. In an order, the managing director of the bank stated that after the facts and circumstances of the case contained in the report received from…

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