From Conflict to Collaboration: Investors Flock to J&K’s Booming Landscape

From Conflict to Collaboration: Investors Flock to J&K's Booming Landscape

Beyond the Beauty: Jammu and Kashmir’s Economic Renaissance Begins By: Javid Amin A Fresh Narrative Emerges For decades, the narrative surrounding Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was often dominated by headlines about conflict and instability. However, a new chapter is unfolding, one etched with stories of opportunity, economic growth, and a resurgent spirit. This transformation is evident in the unprecedented land rush currently sweeping J&K, with a diverse range of investors vying for a stake in the Union Territory’s promising future. A Gateway for Diverse Investments The sheer number of applications…

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Gurez on Edge: Proposed Firing Range Raises Concerns for Tourism and Ecology

Gurez on Edge: Proposed Firing Range Raises Concerns for Tourism and Ecology

Gurez on the Brink: Proposed Firing Range Sparks Outrage in Kashmir’s Tourism Paradise By: Javid Amin Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Gurez Valley in North Kashmir has blossomed into a haven for tourists seeking pristine beauty and serenity. However, a dark cloud looms over this paradise. A proposed firing range by the Army at Butmalai, close to the Line of Control (LoC), has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising serious concerns about the future of tourism and the fragile ecosystem. A Valley on the Rise: Just a few years…

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Jio-Airtel Price Hike: Will Uncle Sam Step In? Centre Says ‘Not Critical’

Jio-Airtel Price Hike: Will Uncle Sam Step In? Centre Says 'Not Critical'

The tariffs in India are still among the cheapest in the world and authorities want the companies to ramp up their focus on quality of services. The government and the telecom regulator will not interfere or stop telecom companies from increasing prices, officials in the know told Economic Times. The tariffs in India are still among the cheapest in the world and authorities want the companies to ramp up their focus on quality of services, the officials said as per the report. “There is enough competition in the telecom sector…

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‘Open Up Kashmir for Yatris’: Business Chamber Urges Wider Tourism Exposure

'Open Up Kashmir for Yatris': Business Chamber Urges Wider Tourism Exposure

Kashmir Beyond the Yatra: KCCI Pushes for Tourist Experiences for Pilgrims Srinagar: In a significant meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday, Javed Tenga, President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), presented a comprehensive set of suggestions aimed at ensuring a smooth Amarnath Yatra and improving the overall tourism sector in Kashmir. The meeting, which brought together key stakeholders, focused on addressing various aspects of the upcoming pilgrimage and its impact on local tourism. Tenga, representing the trade sector, emphasised Kashmir’s long-standing tradition of hospitality towards Amarnath…

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Imtiyaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Vishal Bhardwaj Lead Charge for Renewed Filmmaking in Kashmir Valley

Imtiyaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Vishal Bhardwaj Lead Charge for Renewed Filmmaking in Kashmir Valley

A Shot in the Arm for Kashmir: Top Bollywood Directors Champion Film Industry’s Growth Bollywood’s star movie directors on Thursday held no-holds-barred deliberations with locals about the magical reel life and sought to further strengthen the decades old relation between scenic Kashmir and the silver screen by prodding locals to enter into film-making. In a rare bid to share the knowledge of cinema at a place where movie-making almost halted in the past three decades, Bollywood directors Vishal Bharadwaj, Imtiyaz Ali, Kabir Khan, and actor Sanjay Suri made it easy…

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Srinagar Earns ‘World Craft City’ Tag, Reconnecting Globally Through Artistry

Srinagar Earns ‘World Craft City’ Tag, Reconnecting Globally Through Artistry

Saleem Beg, head of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage-Kashmir (INTACH-K), described the honour as “the latest recognition of the skill base of Kashmir” Srinagar has earned the World Craft City (WCC) tag from the World Crafts Council (WCC), a non-government organisation working to empower artisans and safeguard craft heritage globally. This is likely to reopen Kashmir’s centuries old linkages with craft centres in Central Asia and Iran. The executive board of the WCC, in a formal communication to officials of J&K, said on Sunday that Srinagar…

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Yesteryear Divas Asha Parekh, Waheeda Rehman, and Helen Grace Kashmir with Their Presence

Yesteryear Divas Asha Parekh, Waheeda Rehman, and Helen Grace Kashmir with Their Presence

Asha Parekh, Waheeda Rehman, Helen reminisce about their glorious past and the mesmerising, never-ending attachment they have with the Valley Srinagar: Three Bollywood legendary divas of yore — Asha Parekh, Waheeda Rehman and Helen — are holidaying in Kashmir to relive their glorious past. Every wave of the famous Dal Lake, on which the three took a ‘Shikara’ ride together in a single boat on Sunday, reminded them of the glorious past and the mesmerising, never-ending attachment they have with Kashmir. For Asha Parekh, this lake in addition to the hill…

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Cash Crunch Dampens Eid Festivities in Kashmir: Retailers Adapt to Meet Budget-Conscious Shoppers 

Cash Crunch Dampens Eid Festivities in Kashmir: Traders Urge Retailers to Adapt

Srinagar Braces for Subdued Eid Markets as Liquidity Crunch Tightens Consumer Belts By: Javid Amin As the festive season approaches, a significant shift is underway in Jammu and Kashmir’s market dynamics. A prevailing liquidity (cash) crunch is forcing consumers to prioritize budget-friendly products, leading to a noticeable downturn in overall market activity, particularly in the lead-up to Eid al-Adha. Farhan Kitab, President of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Kashmir unit, addressed these pressing issues on June 15th. He highlighted the impact of the cash shortage on consumer spending…

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KTMF’s Eid Appeal: Skip Online Giants, Support Local Kashmiri Businesses!

KTMF's Eid Appeal: Skip Online Giants, Support Local Kashmiri Businesses!

Srinagar: Ahead of Eid, the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) is making a fervent appeal to shoppers to prioritise purchasing from local physical stores rather than opting for online shopping. In a statement issued today, KTMF incumbent president Muhammad Yaseen Khan said, “In light of the ongoing challenges faced by the local retail sector, KTMF emphasises the importance of supporting our community’s businesses during this crucial time. By choosing to shop in physical stores, consumers can play a pivotal role in sustaining local businesses and ensuring their continued operation.”…

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Kashmir Chamber of Commerce Denounces JNU Scientist’s ‘Israeli Model’ Suggestion for Kashmir

Kashmir Chamber of Commerce Denounces JNU Scientist's 'Israeli Model' Suggestion for Kashmir

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has strongly condemned a suggestion made by JNU scientist and author Anand Ranganathan to implement the “Israeli Model” of settlements and other forceful measures in Kashmir. Ranganathan made this suggestion during a podcast on ANI news agency. The KCCI takes particular offense to his claim that tourism revenue in Jammu and Kashmir benefits terrorists. KCCI Rejects Ranganathan’s Claims: Misinformation about Tourism: The KCCI refutes Ranganathan’s assertion that tourist income goes to terrorists. They clarify that a significant portion…

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