INDIA
Kashmir faces extreme heatwave, air coolers sell like hot cakes
Kashmir is grappling with record temperatures, driving demand for affordable air coolers. Climate change, urbanization, and environmental degradation threaten the region’s economy, water resources, and agriculture
POLITICS
Pahalgam terror attack leaves Kashmiris in a bind, loans to repay and a tourist season blown away
Those who took loans or sold personal assets like jewellery and land to invest in the industry now face dire uncertainty. Hoteliers, Shikara riders, and vendors, once symbols of economic stability, may grapple with dwindling visitors and mounting debts as the violence shatters the narrative of normalcy promoted by the government
INDIA
Back-to-back dry winters threaten Kashmir’s apple harvest
It's climate change, not a hostile global trade environment, which represents the gravest threat to Indian agro-products. Consecutive dry winters in Kashmir have severely impacted high-density apple orchards, threatening the region’s economy. Water scarcity, due to declining rainfall and snow, risks an economic crisis for apple growers dependent on reliable irrigation
POLITICS
Half-a-CM: Trials and tribulations of Omar Abdullah
Omar Abdullah’s tenure as Jammu & Kashmir’s CM has seen limited progress, with key issues like statehood restoration, liquor bans, and reservation policies unresolved. His leadership is increasingly questioned amid growing frustration over the region’s diminished autonomy
POLITICS
J&K’s Omar Abdullah finds his hands are tied
Legal changes in J&K have empowered the Lieutenant Governor at the expense of the elected Chief Minister. The power hierarchy is at odds with public accountability as the elected government is the one which has to deal with people’s expectations. It puts the National Conference government in a tight spot
INDIA
What is plaguing Kashmir’s saffron industry?
Kashmir's saffron industry is struggling with reduced production, shrinking land, and increasing porcupine infestations. Despite government initiatives, traditional farming challenges, climate change, and rodent damage threaten the livelihoods of thousands, casting a grim future for the region's prized ‘red gold.’
INDIA
Climate change poses severe threat to Kashmir’s cash crops
Kashmir's saffron and apple industries are severely impacted by climate change, with rainfall deficits and rising temperatures affecting crop yields and quality. The loss in the region is estimated in billions of rupees
ASSEMBLY-ELECTION
J&K government formation may come down to post-poll jockeying
Jammu is where BJP formidable while Congress-NC alliance has a more even geographic footprint. Independents are the wild card in this election, which may not throw up a clear winner on counting day
INDIA
J&K assembly election is turning out to be a battle of proxies
Kashmir Valley is enthusiastic about the election. The political landscape has changed hugely since 2019, with the advent of many independent candidates, including former separatists. It’s catalysed speculation on whether many aspirants are fronts
