BUSINESS

On Tuesday, Uber commenced its operations in Jammu Kashmir, making Srinagar its first city of service. The ride-hailing giant introduced both UberGo and Uber Intercity services in the valley. Uber Intercity rides are now available for destinations like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam, providing more options for users to explore beyond Srinagar. In a press statement, Uber stated, “The launch of our service will create meaningful earning opportunities for drivers and will support the economic growth of local communities.” With the introduction of Uber Intercity, users can now book rides for return journeys lasting up to five days, providing flexibility and convenience, Uber said. Highlighting the user benefits, Uber mentioned that all rides, including Intercity trips, can be bo...

Anantnag district has surpassed Pulwama district in milk production, earning the ‘New Anand of Kashmir’ title. Anantnag is presently producing 7.29 lakh litres of milk per day. Officials said the annual milk production in the district is approximately 266.35 thousand tonnes, surpassing Pulwama, which has an annual milk production of 262.95 thousand tonnes. Other districts reported varying levels of milk production, with Budgam at 240.70 thousand tonnes, Baramulla at 199.85 thousand tonnes, Kulgam at 161 thousand tonnes, Kupwara at 153.95 thousand tonnes, Bandipora at 119.98 thousand tonnes and Srinagar at 100.410 thousand tonnes. Ganderbal and Shopian recorded the lowest milk production, with 96.37 thousand tonnes and 72.96 thousand tonnes annually, respectively. Chief Animal H...

The Administrative Council, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved the absorption of 145 permanent employees from Centaur Lake View Hotel, Srinagar, into Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Jammu Kashmir Cable Car Corporation Ltd (JKCCC), and Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation Ltd, Srinagar (JKTDC) effective from 01.03.2023, instead of 22-05-2023. The decision revises a prior approval from 22-05-2023, as indicated in Government Order No. 86-JK(TSM) of 2023 dated 12.07.2023. The meeting was attended by Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; and Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to LG. In 2022, Centaur Hotel employees protested the government's alleged polarization, citing an evic...

As Kashmir Valley is grappling with a severe dry spell throughout the hard winter, the experts have raised concerns about its impact on fish production in the region. They said the unusual absence of rain or snow is disrupting the delicate balance of water bodies, potentially jeopardising fish. However, the fisheries department contends that production has steadily increased over the past four years and is anticipated to rise further in the upcoming season. Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) Dr Imtiaz Ahmed Khan, Chief Proctor at Kashmir University and renowned Ichthyologist said the effect of the dry spell on fish in Kashmir is evident. When the water level decreases, it forces the fish out of their comfort zone, he said, adding, "In winter, fish usually stay...

Beyond the breath-taking mirror of Dal Lake lies a hidden story etched in wood and vibrant colours. Nestled amidst the beautiful Dal Lake, serves as a canvas for the craftsmanship exhibited in the iconic Shikaras and houseboats that grace its waters. Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the skilled artist whose families have meticulously crafted these wooden wonders for generations, Ghulam Nabi Kinzou, said, “I have been working in this craft for the last 25 to 30 years. My father was involved in this craft, and after him, I took over this craft of Shikaras and houseboat making. We have about 10 to 15 types of Shikara made here, and it takes us about 20 days to make Shikara.” “It is a time-consuming and hectic process but thanks to the Almighty Allah, work is good...

The traditional art of walnut wood carving is facing a decline as demand diminishes, posing challenges to the centuries-old craft and its skilled artisans. Artisans associated with this craft expressed their concerns to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), saying the tradition of walnut wood carving is experiencing a decline. Ghulam Qadir Matoo, 80, a seasoned walnut wood carving artist in Arampora Nawakadal Srinagar, said his grandfather, Ghulam Mohammad Matoo, initiated their workshop in 1920. He recounted that there used to be hundreds of artisans engaged in walnut wood carving, but after 1980, the industry witnessed a decline due to a shift in people's preferences and a decrease in demand. “Tourists visit the area, but they prefer purchasing from showrooms, which yi...

After apple, it is now walnuts, which suffer heavy losses due to the bulk import of this dry fruit from Afghanistan. Kashmiri walnut, which has already been suffering due to the onslaught by Californian and Chile walnuts is now facing threat from the Afghani walnuts. President Kashmir Walnut Growers Association Haji Bahadur Khan told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Kashmir News Observer that bulk quantities of walnuts were imported from Afghanistan to India, which he said was denting this particular industry. “We are witnessing immense losses due to these imports. There is a free trade agreement between India and Afghanistan due to which walnuts come in large quantities to India. It has invaded our domestic market to a large extent,” he said. While Khan said they will...

For the second consecutive year Kupwara district has recorded the highest number of walnut production in Jammu and Kashmir. The district is also known for many other fruit production but walnut remains its mainstay. As per officials about 80 per cent of the total population in the district is directly or indirectly associated with agricultural and horticulture activities. Talking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), an official of the Horticulture department said that Kupwara district has again this year remained the top producer of walnuts in the entire J&K. The official said that 37,010 metric tonnes of walnuts were produced this year in the district. The official said that Rajwar, Vilgam, Kralgund, Ashpora, Langate, Mawer, Sogam, Trehgam, Kralpora and Teethwal are...

Soon after completing her graduation Aamina (25) searched for a job both in government and private sector. Given that she had limitations of looking after her home as well, Aamina decided to set up her own venture to generate employment for others as well. Come 2021, she set up a boutique, which made her financially independent apart from generating employment for other skilled women as well. “Now, I have four designers working in my boutique. The idea became successful as I devoted my entire time to expanding my business. From stylish Pherans to beautiful dresses, we cater to a large number of women in Baramulla district,” she said. Not only Aamina, scores of the women are setting up their own ventures to become financially independent and to counter unemployment. As per th...

In a distressing turn of events, 500 girl students hailing from Katra, Jammu Kashmir, encountered a disturbing experience during their educational tour in Mumbai. The students, who were on an educational excursion, faced a series of alarming incidents during their stay at the Royal Palms Hotel in Goregaon. Professor Rajesh Singh, who accompanied the students, shed light on the unsettling conditions they encountered. The hotel, infamous due to previous incidents involving a sex racket and recent police raids, provided inadequate facilities and failed to maintain even basic hygiene standards. Reports emerged that the hotel rooms were unclean, with stained sheets and unsatisfactory amenities, leaving the girls dismayed and distressed. The situation escalated during dinner when ...