BUSINESS

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...

As the pesky power cuts continued across the Valley, the industrialists here have stated that the production has reduced in the past over one month while the government said the electricity is being supplied as per the demand and additional power will be procured when the demand increases. According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industries (KCC&I) president, Javid Ahmad Tenga said that the industries completely rely on electricity, but the pesky power cuts are giving huge losses to the industrialists across the Valley. Tenga further said that the production at all the industry units has reduced due to the pesky power cuts, adding that everybody is facing losses, be it industries or tourism sector. “The tourists visiting from ...

The ban on stone quarrying in SK Bala area of Bandipora district has left numerous families who rely on this trade for their livelihoods in a state of distress. For generations, stone quarrying has been the primary source of income for scores of families in SK Bala Village, providing them with the means to support their households. However, recent environmental concerns and regulatory adjustments have resulted in a ban on this long-standing practice, leaving these families in a state of uncertainty. This ban has had repercussions for both quarry owners and the laborers who depend on it for their income. Many of these families are currently grappling with financial challenges, facing the risk of losing their homes and livelihoods. Local resident Asif Ali Ganie, whose family h...

Industrial units at Lassipora in Pulwama district have demanded uninterrupted power supply to save them from further economic losses. The State Industrial Development Corporation (SIDCO) in Lassipora, the biggest industrial estate in south Kashmir, is battling with a power crisis giving tough time to industrialists. Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), they said that their work relies on electricity but unscheduled power cuts hit them hard. Almost 350 unit holders are affected, they added. Nisar Ahmad, a unit holder, said they are paying electricity dues in time and yet PDD has resorted to power cuts. "The government promised it would supply uninterrupted electricity to industrial areas but the current unscheduled cuts have proved all these promises are hoax,...

As Kashmiri willow cricket bat is all set to feature in the third world cup, manufacturers hope for the wider adoption of the native cricket bats in international cricket. As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), after marking its presence in two T20 world cups, Kashmiri cricket bats are all set to debut in the ODI world cup, which is currently being played in India. As many as 18 cricketers from three international teams including Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are going to use the Kashmir willow cricket bats in upcoming matches. As such the manufactures believe that the ongoing world cup will bring more fame to the industry, thereby motivating other cricketers to choose Kashmir over English willow. “This is just the beginning. In coming years, you will see more ...

Traditional apples from Kashmir are in high demand across the country this year due to a significant drop in production, according to various fruit grower associations in the valley. The growers, while speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said there is a 30-40 percent decrease in apple production compared to the previous year. They attributed this decline to adverse weather conditions during spring, which hampered proper fruit setting. One of the members of the Fruit Growers Association in Shopian lamented the impact of erratic weather, citing a drastic reduction in his orchard yields. He said there were approximately 3,000 apple boxes in the orchard last year; however, this year's yield is estimated to be around 1,200-1,500 boxes. Similar challenges have...