STC NEWS DESKJAMMU, FEBRUARY 10 (STC): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday criticised India-U.S. trade deal and expressed serious concerns the deal would adversely affect the Union Territory’s horticulture economy.“The pact offered no benefit and would instead cause a loss to J&K, as duty-free imports of American almonds, apples, saffron, and kiwis…

India’s cement price paradox, ₹334 per bag in December 2025, 67% above pre-pandemic despite GST relief and massive overcapacity, crystallizes the gap between construction ambitions and material cost reality. Noour Ali Zehgeer India’s cement pricing paradox has a bitter twist: despite the landmark GST reduction from 28% to 18% in September 2025, a reform that…

STC NEWS DESKJAMMU, FEBRUARY 10 (STC): Following the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, the Union Territory government is working with the Centre on two things – one, the Tulbul Navigation Project near Sopore, and second, lifting water from the Chenab river near Akhnoor to provide water supply to Jammu.Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said today…

STC NEWS DESKSRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 10 (STC): Jammu and Kashmir budget is a typical bureaucratic budget lacking the distinctive political imprint that usually accompanies an elected government’s fiscal proposals, said J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Sajad Lone in his address today in the Assembly.“When politicians come, when there is an elected government, there is a…

STC NEWS DESKSRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 10 (STC): Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Tariq Qarra questioned additional borrowing being pursued by the government when substantial funds were already available.Speaking during a discussion on the budget in the Assembly, Qarra said, “Why seeking fresh loans under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)…