BUSINESS

The heavy flow of Iranian apple into Indian markets has again started bothering valley apple growers, who claimed that they are facing losses for the last half-a month. Apple growers told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), cheaper Iranian apple varieties have started making their presence in the Indian market, which has brought down the demand and rates for Kashmiri apple. “Kashmiri apples this year had a great demand. We had a very little apple crop due to which the rates were high. But now like previous years, Iranian apples are entering India via Wagah border in huge quantities,” said North Kashmir Fruit Growers Association, president Fayaz Ahmad Malik. He said the imports of Iranian apples have been coming for the last 15 days which brought down the rates of apples by mo...

Tourists visiting Kashmir may not be able to see and enjoy their stays in the iconic houseboats after a decade from now as the number of “floating palaces” has recorded a drastic decline from 2000 to just 750--Courtesy: blanket ban on construction and non-availability of master craftsmen. The number of houseboats, one of the huge attractions for the tourists, is dwindling at a great pace due to the blanket ban on construction. Another major reason for the diminishing number of houseboats is that there are only master craftsmen left, who too are in the later part of their life, not able to work much. In an exclusive chat with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), President Houseboat Owners Association (HBOA), Manzoor Pakhtoon said that till early 1980’s, there were almost 2000 ...

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I), in a press release said that they have been closely observing the ongoing erratic power supply in the Kashmir valley. “This has been gravely affecting the industry, trade/business, and households in general,” says KCC&I. The Chamber expresses its concern and disappointment with the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) and its “unreliable and contradictory policies” for maintaining regular power supply. “The department promised uninterrupted electric supply with the installation of smart meters, but this hasn’t been the case. Power supply remains severely erratic for most of the year,” adds KCC&I. KPDCL’s announced schedule for electric supply hasn’t been followed, further compounding the issue...

After many years, Kashmir’s apple is witnessing a huge demand with rates going up by 50 percent compared to last year. However, growers claimed that the production this year has reduced by 40 percent due to the weather vagaries. In all the fruit markets of the valley and the rest of India, the Kashmir apple is currently ruling the roost. Compared to the previous year the rates of apples this season have gone up by 50 per cent. President Parimpora Fruit Mandi, Bashir Ahmad Bashir said that the Grade A apple was sold between Rs 1000- 1300 per box. Last year, he said the same quality of apple would fetch them Rs 600 per box. “If we talk about Shopian Garde A apple, its cost ranges from Rs 1200-1300 per box. Similarly, apples coming from north Kashmir are being sold at Rs 800...

Program Management, Administrative, Clerical, and Technical Services (PACTS) III Overview Introduction: US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is standing Pacts III (Program Management, Administrative, Clerical, and Technical Services III) IDIQ contract as the ordering period of PACTS II (2017 – 2023) is coming to an end. The anticipated solicitation release date is November 17, 2023. This IDIQ Contract is released under the primary NAICS 541611, 561110 & 541330 in three Functional Categories: FC1 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services), FC2 (Office of Administrative Services), & FC3 (Engineering Services) respectively. This contract vehicle is set aside for four socio-economic categories viz, SDVOSB, WOSB, HUBZone, and 8(a) and has 10 Years a...

Jammu and Kashmir is set to introduce an amendment to the J&K Shops and Commercial Establishments 1966 Act, allowing women to work night shifts in shops and various commercial establishments throughout the region. The J&K Shops and Commercial Establishments 1966 Act currently regulates the working conditions and employment standards in a wide range of establishments, including shops, commercial businesses, residential hotels, restaurants, theaters, entertainment venues, and other businesses in Jammu Kashmir. Under this amendment, employers have been asked to prioritize the safety and security of female employees working night shifts, ensuring transportation to their homes. Additionally, a key provision mandates that at least three women must be present in the workplace dur...

The price of commercial LPG gas cylinders has been hiked by 101 rupees across India, impacting both businesses and consumers. Starting from November 1, the retail price of the 19 Kg commercial LPG gas cylinder in Delhi will increase by Rs 101, reaching a new rate of Rs 1833 per cylinder, according to official sources. The new prices of the LPG cylinders will be applicable only on 19 kg commercial cylinders. The domestic LPG cylinders will not undergo any change of price and it remains constant. The price of a domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi is Rs 903, in Kolkata, the price of a 14 kg cylinder is Rs 929 while in Srinagar, the price of the 14 kilogram cylinder is 1018 rupees. The price of a domestic LPG cylinder in Mumbai is Rs 902.5 while in Chennai, domestic gas cylinders are be...

Amidst the pristine beauty and tranquil waters, one man has risen to prominence as the undisputed king of Lotus Stem, or "Nadru" king of Kashmir. Maqbool Hussain, hailing from Sonwar, area of Srinagar, a name synonymous with quality and tradition, has been supplying this delicacy not only to the homes of Kashmir but also to the bustling cities of India, and other parts of world as well. Nadru, also known as "Kamal Kakdi" in various parts of India, has long been a cherished ingredient in Kashmiri cuisine, as Hussain’s journey into the Lotus Stem business is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the region. He hails from a family that has been cultivating and perfecting the art of Nadru harvesting for generations. While speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KN...

Gold prices in India have shot up by as much as Rs 4,150 per 10 grams during October to touch the Rs 60,825 mark on Friday from Rs 56,675 on October 3, according to figures compiled by the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association. The sharp increase in the price of the yellow metal comes ahead of the auspicious Dhanteras occasion for buying gold on November 10, as well as the approaching festive and wedding season when the demand for jewellery shoots up. In the international market, too, gold prices have surged above $2,000 an ounce during the week, making it the third consecutive weekly gain, as geopolitical tensions rise amid the Israel-Hamas war. According to market analysts this has spurred the demand for gold as a safe-haven investment. Kama Jewelry MD Colin Shah expects t...