INDIA
Here Comes The Sun: How solar energy could help warm Kashmir’s bitter winters
J&K and Ladakh have the second highest solar energy potential in India, but Kashmir is yet to harness the same to meet its energy requirements, which are especially high in winter.
ENVIRONMENT
Snowless Kashmir sparks concerns over key sectors, ecology and economy
It is Chillai Kalan, the 40-day harshest winter period in Kashmir and the people are still waiting for the first snowfall of the season.
TRENDS
Harissa: Why Kashmir eats this centuries-old winter delicacy and how it is made
Every year with the onset of winter the demand for Harissa, Kashmir traditional winter delicacy, increases.
INDIA
Kashmir’s picturesque border villages get new lease of life
Ceasefire along the LoC has created an environment of peace and prosperity for the border villages of J&K. This has also led to infrastructural development, a major one being the electrification of the villages for the first time ever. The villages are attracting tourists for the first time in over three decades.
ECONOMY-2
Year Ender 2023: J&K witnesses ‘record-breaking industrial, investments developments’ this year
While J&K recorded a highest ever industrial investment worth Rs 3,905.45, within a span of just 18 months, and project plans include a mega mall, 'Mall of Srinagar', but contrary to the government claims, Mir Shahid Kamli, president of Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir, says there is no visible growth of industries on ground in Kashmir.
TRENDS
For New Year’s, visit these 7 top places in Jammu & Kashmir oozing with natural beauty
For the first time since India's independence, more than 20 million tourists have visited J&K this year, sealing its reputation as the most sought-after destination in India. Have you visited any of these places?
INDIA
Kashmir To Kochi: 9 J&K players shortlisted for IPL 2024 auctions
All nine players have participated in tryouts with IPL teams and are being auctioned for their base price of Rs 20 lakh.
TRENDS
Kashmiri Kahwa recipe to try, as cold wave prevails in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana
Kahwa is more nutritional than other forms of tea, says Kashmiri Unani doctor Hakeem Naseer Ahmad Shah, founder of Unani and Panchkarma Group of Hospitals.
INDIA
First direct rail service linking Kashmir with rest of country to open soon
The service will not only provide all-weather connectivity but also reduce travel time between Srinagar and Jammu from six hours to 3-4 hours. Kashmir’s fruit growers will also get better access to outside markets, freed from their reliance on NH44, which suffers frequent disruptions.
TRENDS
22 migratory birds that winter in Kashmir, and where to spot them
Every year, 5-12 lakh migratory birds are seen in Hokersar, Hygam, Prichal, Shallabugh, Chatlam, Fashkoori, Manibugh, Krenchoo, Wular and Dal – lakes and protected wetlands where they feed and breed.
CRICKET
A New Innings: International cricket match after 35 years in J&K kindles hope
The last international match at the stadium was played between India and New Zealand on December 19, 1988, before political turmoil and militancy broke out in the region. Such matches would help revive not just cricket, but also the place.
INDIA
Uttarkashi tunnel mishap: No cause for worry as far as Zojila tunnel in J&K is concerned, say project engineers
The purpose of the 13.11-km-long Zojila tunnel is to provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh throughout the year. Engineers say the superior rock quality within and outside the tunnel is one of the reasons that make Zojila risk- free.
POWER
In Kashmir winter, rising sales of inverters is posing a great problem
As temperatures drop and the Jammu & Kashmir valley goes dark, those who can afford are buying power inverters and fuel-guzzling generators. But the need is for more constant power that is better for the environment.
BUSINESS
Kashmir apple rates surge 50 percent to decade high
But only those who have harvested apples of the highest quality are rejoicing. The rates for B and C grade varieties are lower and those apples have few takers.
TRENDS
Why Kashmir’s saffron is considered the best in the world
India is the second-largest producer of saffron in the world, well behind Iran. However, despite this, the variety grown in Kashmir commands a handsome premium over the Iranian produce.
TRENDS
In a first, Kashmir woman food entrepreneur reaches MasterChef India top 12
Rukhsar Sayeed wishes to see a lot more young Kashmiri girls and boys in MasterChef India.
BUSINESS
World’s most expensive mushroom is found in Jammu & Kashmir
Gucchi, one of the costliest mushrooms in the world, is found in the foothills of Jammu and Kashmir. Currently, 1 kg of sponge mushrooms cost as much as Rs 30,000.
BUSINESS
J&K continues to see record tourist arrivals
J&K witnessed a record 1.88 crore tourist arrivals in 2022. With 1.68 crore tourists already having visited this scenic Union Territory till September end, another record year seems to be in the offing
WORLD
What could be the fallout of Israel-Palestine conflict on the Indian economy?
There's little to no impact of the Israel-Hamas war on Indian businesses yet. Experts say this could change if the conflict is prolonged or spreads to other Middle-Eastern countries.
INDIA
J&K leads the way in e-governance, offers 1050 digital services
With fewer Internet disruptions, the J&K administration has managed to provide extensive digital access to its citizens, offering convenient e-services even in the rural areas.
TRENDS
Kashmir witnesses the revival of Namda craft after three decades
Namda, hand-embroidered rugs made with sheep wool, that reflects the rich culture and history of Kashmir Valley, received a new lease of life during the G20 Summit last month, boosting exports. Srinagar-based Arifa Jan is steering the revival.
BUSINESS
How high-density scheme can rejuvenate Kashmir’s walnut industry
The large-scale adoption of higher-yielding tree varieties will lead to better outcomes all round, from the farmers to downstream businesses
TRENDS
Zurimanz, the Bangladesh of Kashmir, becomes a tourist attraction
The small village, famously called Bangladesh in Jammu and Kashmir and located in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, 90 km from Srinagar, is the birthplace of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, J&K’s senior separatist leader and chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference.
BUSINESS
J&K to notify new startup policy soon, provide Rs 20 lakh seed funding to recognised startups
The Lieutenant Governor’s administration will provide capital assistance of Rs 50 lakh per incubator to establish or scale up the incubator and accelerator infrastructure in J&K.
