Reviving Hope: The Impact of Snowfall on Kashmir’s Tourism Industry

Reviving Hope: The Impact of Snowfall on Kashmir's Tourism Industry

A Renewed Hope for Kashmir’s Tourism Industry Srinagar 03 March 2025 :In the past few weeks, Kashmir has experienced a much-anticipated snowfall, bringing a new wave of optimism to the region’s tourism industry. This snowfall has arrived after a prolonged dry spell that resulted in the cancellation of numerous bookings at popular winter tourist destinations. The fresh snow has reignited the enthusiasm of both tourists and local business owners who depend on tourism for their livelihood. The Impact of a Dry Winter on Kashmir’s Tourism An Unusually Dry Winter For…

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Kashmir’s Air Connectivity Crisis: High Airfares Impact Residents and Tourists

Kashmir’s Air Connectivity Crisis: High Airfares Impact Residents and Tourists

Kashmir Airfares Hit Record Highs, Wallets Crash: A Deep Dive into the Crisis By: Javid Amin Srinagar, February 23, 2025 – Kashmir’s air connectivity crisis has worsened as airfare prices soar to record highs, surpassing even international travel costs. This trend has drawn criticism from parliamentary committees, business leaders, and affected travelers. As flights become increasingly unaffordable, local economies, tourism, and ordinary citizens bear the brunt of this crisis. Skyrocketing Airfare Prices: The Harsh Reality For travelers heading to Kashmir, flight costs have surged dramatically: Delhi to Srinagar: Rs 12,000…

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Tourists Flock to Dal Lake for Shikara Rides and Houseboat Stays

Tourists Flock to Dal Lake for Shikara Rides and Houseboat Stays

Surge in Tourist Influx at Dal Lake Srinagar, February 22, 2025 – The iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar is witnessing a significant surge in tourist footfall. Travellers from across the country and beyond are flocking to experience its enchanting charm. Tourists are enjoying shikara rides to explore the inner parts of Dal Lake. The rise in tourism is boosting local businesses, benefiting houseboat owners, shikara operators, and handicraft sellers. Cozy houseboats, with their intricate woodwork and charming interiors, provide visitors with a memorable stay, while shikara operators guide them through the lake’s…

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Omar Abdullah Advocates for Regulated Investments to Safeguard Land and Create Jobs

Omar Abdullah Advocates for Regulated Investments to Safeguard Land and Create Jobs

Investments Must Be Regulated to Protect Land and Jobs: Omar Abdullah Srinagar, February 21, 2025 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday attended the Confederation of Indian Industry’s J&K Annual Session-2025 titled “Amazing J&K: Aspiring for new growth goals”. According to a spokesperson, the event, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (J&K Council), brought together business leaders, industrialists, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders to discuss strategic actions to boost J&K’s economic growth and development, driving the region’s competitiveness and business potential through a robust and resilient industrial and sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem.…

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New Convenience Fees on Google Pay: How It Affects Your Bill Payments

New Convenience Fees on Google Pay: How It Affects Your Bill Payments

Google Pay Introduces Convenience Fees for Bill Payments: What Users Need to Know By: Javid Amin Google Pay, one of India’s most popular Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platforms, has announced a convenience fee for certain bill payments, such as electricity, cooking gas, and other utility payments. This move signals a shift toward monetizing UPI-based transactions, as fintech companies struggle to cover processing costs and sustain long-term growth. For users who rely heavily on Google Pay for their everyday transactions, these new fees may raise concerns. How much will it cost?…

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CEPC Showcases Indian Handmade Carpets at Bharat Tex 2025

CEPC Showcases Indian Handmade Carpets at Bharat Tex 2025

CEPC Showcases Indian Handmade Carpets at Bharat Tex 2025 New Delhi, 14-17 February 2025 – The Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) proudly participated in Bharat Tex 2025, a global textile mega event held from 14-17 February 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. With more than 70 member exporters, CEPC exhibited a diverse range of carpets and floor coverings in Hall 1A, highlighting the exquisite craftsmanship of Indian artisans. Apart from CEPC’s participation, several carpet exporters also showcased their products independently in the same hall, reinforcing India’s leadership in the global…

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Rupee Hits All-Time Low of 87.94 Against US Dollar: Experts Warn of Further Decline

Rupee Hits All-Time Low of 87.94 Against US Dollar: Experts Warn of Further Decline

The rupee’s fall comes at a time when it has already become Asia’s worst-performing currency of the year and as the RBI tries to build up its forex reserves. The rupee plunged 44 paise to hit an all-time low of 87.94 against the US dollar in early trade on Monday. This comes at a time when the rupee has already become Asia’s worst-performing currency of the year after experiencing a series of record lows, according to a Bloomberg report which cited brokerage firm Nomura. Why did the rupee fall? The rupee’s…

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J&K Bank Receives Rs 16,000 Crore GST Notice; Legal Action Underway

J&K Bank Receives Rs 16,000 Crore GST Notice; Legal Action Underway

Jammu and Kashmir Bank receives GST notice of over Rs 16,000 crore Jammu and Kashmir Bank (J&K Bank) announced on Wednesday that it has received a Goods and Services Tax (GST) notice amounting to over Rs 16,000 crore. Of this, Rs 8,130.66 crore pertains to the GST demand, with an equal amount imposed as a penalty, issued by the joint commissioner of the central GST commissionerate in Jammu. The bank has stated that it has taken appropriate legal action in the matter, as it believes that it has a strong…

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Rupee Hits All-Time Low of 87.29 Against USD as Trump Tariffs Spark Trade War Concerns

Rupee Hits All-Time Low of 87.29 Against USD as Trump Tariffs Spark Trade War Concerns

Rupee hits record low of 87.29 against US dollar in early trade as Trump tariffs stoke trade war fears; US President Donald Trump had slapped Canada and Mexico with 25% duties and China with a 10% duty The rupee fell by 67 paise to hit record low of 87.29 against the US dollar in early trade on Monday, February 3, 2025, a day after US President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China that triggered fears of a broad trade war. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened…

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KCCI Reacts to Union Budget 2025: Mixed Bag of Optimism and Concern

KCCI Reacts to Union Budget 2025: Mixed Bag of Optimism and Concern

Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Union Budget 2025-26 The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has expressed a blend of optimism and concern following the Union Budget 2025-26 announcements. While the budget includes several commendable initiatives that promise to enhance economic activity, KCCI highlights the pressing need for a special revival and infrastructural development package tailored to the unique challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir, especially considering the huge unemployment problem facing the region. Concerns Raised KCCI expresses concern over the absence of a special revival package…

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