Srinagar, Feb 11: Airtel, has unveiled its innovative Fraud Alert, an AI-powered, cutting-edge solution that delivers real-time protection to customers against the rapidly growing menace of One-Time-Password (OTP)-related bank frauds. The move is part of its ongoing efforts to combat the menace of spam. "Fraudsters exploit the urgency often associated with OTPs for day-to-day services like delivery, and dupe customers into sharing banking-transaction-OTPs, thereby exposing their account savings to the risk of fraud," a handout reads. Airtel's new AI-powered system identifies such potentially risky situations and warns the customers involved. Whenever a bank OTP is detected during a potentially risky incoming call, Airtel intervenes with a fraud alert check to the customer about the potential risk of giving consent for a banking transaction OTP to be delivered while they are still on the call.  "This powerful combination of AI-driven intelligence and human judgment gives customers the crucial time they need to think, verify, and stay firmly in control of their security, effectively closing the gap scammers exploit," it reads. Commenting on the initiative Managing Director and CEO Airtel,  India Shashwat Sharma said they are on a mission to make Airtel the safe network. "While working towards this, we have realised that despite the foundational role played by One-Time Passwords (OTPs) in securing digital transactions, their efficacy is frequently being undermined by criminal tactics," Shashwat Sharma said. "We are, therefore, pleased to announce a significant advancement in Airtel’s network layer that is designed to strengthen protection against banking frauds."  Airtel's newly developed, AI-powered, autonomous solution operates proactively at network level and is engineered to detect and intervene against fraudulent activity in real-time. "Extensive trials have demonstrated a remarkable level of accuracy and impact in preventing the menace of such scams.” Over the past two years, Airtel has rolled out AI-powered, tech-led safeguards like spam- call warnings and malicious link-blocking to stop frauds at the source. While it has succeeded in its efforts to reduce fraud on its network to a great extent, fraudsters have continued to exploit human vulnerabilities through impersonation and social engineering. This breakthrough feature designed to protect mobile phone users is yet another step to protect its customers from digital fraud. This solution is already live in Haryana and Airtel will roll it out to 100 percent of its customers over the next two weeks.

New Delhi, Jan 17: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has said that the recently issued Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 will come into force from October 1 — easing compliance for smaller traders and strengthening digital monitoring.  "The regulations are primarily principle based and intended to promote ease of doing business, especially for small exporters and importers. They are also intended to empower Authorised Dealers to provide quicker and more efficient service to their customers," an official statement said. The regulations, announced on January 13, will replace the 2015 export rules empowering authorised dealer banks to manage routine trade matters under their internal policies. As per the RBI notification, exporters of goods will continue to declare shipment values through the Export Declaration Form (EDF) embedded in shipping bills at (Electronic Data Interchange) EDI ports. EDI ports support customs clearance and trade documentation electronically rather than through manual paperwork. Service exporters must file declarations within 30 days of invoice issuance, with flexibility for consolidated monthly filings and bank-approved extensions. Software exports were brought under the definition of services under the new rules, with authorised dealers and Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) recognised as specified authorities. The RBI retained the existing 15‑month timeline for realisation and repatriation of export proceeds. It extended the window to 18 months where exports are invoiced or settled in Indian rupees. For smaller transactions up to Rs 10 lakh, exporters and importers can close outstanding entries in the RBI’s monitoring systems through self‑declaration, including quarterly bulk submissions, easing procedural burdens for MSMEs and service exporters. “An Authorised Dealer shall ensure that the charges levied for handling transactions and associated processes are reasonable and proportional to the services rendered,” it said. The RBI further said that the authorised dealer must not levy any charges or penalty on its constituent (exporter or importer or merchant trader) for any regulatory delay or violation by the constituent. (IANS)

Srinagar, Jan 15: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Thursday organised an interactive session with senior officials of the Customs Department at the Chamber Office to discuss key issues confronting exporters from J&K and to explore ways to facilitate smoother export operations from the region. The interaction was attended by Sanjay Gupta Chief Commissioner Customs Preventive Zone Delhi, Alok Srivastava, Commissioner, Customs Preventive Commissionerate Amritsar, Buddhi Prakash Additional Commissioner Customs Preventive Commissionerate Amritsar, Puneet Gunawat Joint Commissioner Customs Preventive Commissionerate Amritsar and Purushottam Gupta Assistant Commissioner  Customs Preventive Division Jammu. President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Javid Ahmad Tenga, welcomed the Customs officials and appreciated their willingness to engage directly with exporters and industry stakeholders. The meeting was attended by members of the Executive Committee, past presidents of the Chamber, and a large number of exporter members. In his address Javid Ahmad Tenga highlighted major concerns faced by exporters, including drawback-related issues, procedural and compliance challenges, and the infrastructure deficit at Srinagar International Airport, particularly with regard to cargo handling facilities and operational constraints during adverse weather conditions. He stressed that these bottlenecks adversely affect the competitiveness of exports from Kashmir. Outlining KCCI’s vision, Javid Ahmad Tenga emphasised the need to substantially increase exports from the Kashmir region and said the Chamber aims to work towards doubling exports through improved infrastructure, facilitative Customs procedures, and supportive policy interventions. He underlined the urgent requirement to upgrade export infrastructure on a war-footing basis and reiterated KCC&I’s long-standing demand for the establishment of an Inland Container Depot (ICD) in the region. The meeting was also attended by representatives of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, including Vishal Sharma, Chief Manager (Forex), J&K Bank and Shabir Ahmad Reshi. The Bank officials shared the perspective of the banking sector on issues faced by exporters, particularly those relating to issuance of Electronic Bank Realisation Certificates (e-BRCs), timelines and procedural requirements, and requests for extension of export bills. A question-and-answer session formed an important part of the interaction, during which exporters directly raised their operational and procedural concerns and sought clarifications from the Customs officials on issues relating to drawback processing, documentation requirements, cargo movement, and airport-related logistics. Sanjay Gupta gave a patient hearing to the issues and queries raised by the exporters and assured that genuine concerns would be examined at appropriate levels. Alok Srivastava reiterated the Customs Department’s commitment to trade facilitation and constructive engagement with stakeholders while ensuring regulatory compliance. Rauf Ahmad Punjabi, Past President, KCCI  presented a vote of thanks  and requested  the Customs officials to organize  an awareness workshop for exporters. The Chief Commissioner, Customs Preventive Zone, Delhi  appreciated  the suggestion of Punjabi and assured KCCI that an awareness  workshop will be organized in April at Srinagar.

Mumbai, Jan 12: Gold and silver prices touched record highs on Monday as markets reacted to the US Justice Department's escalation of tensions with the Federal Reserve and intensifying protests in Iran that heightened geopolitical risks.  MCX gold February futures surged 1.46 per cent to Rs 1,40,838 per 10 grams, while MCX silver March futures rose 3.66 per cent to Rs 2,61,977 per kg. Spot gold price surged 1.45 per cent at $4,575.82 an ounce, after hitting a fresh record high of $4,601.17 level. Silver prices gained 4.85 per cent to touch $83.19, after hitting a record high of $83.88. Fed Chair Jerome Powell disclosed that the central bank had received grand jury subpoenas from the Justice Department tied to his June congressional testimony on renovations at the Fed’s headquarters. The development signalled sharp intensification of US President Donald Trump’s confrontation with the Fed and renewed concerns about the central bank’s independence. The surge to fresh record highs was supported by rising geopolitical risks, increasing political pressure on the US Federal Reserve, and weaker-than-expected US employment data, which strengthened safe-haven demand, said Rahul Kalantri, VP Commodities, Mehta Equities Ltd. Meanwhile, deadly demonstrations in Iran amplified safe‑haven flows, with markets weighing the chances of political upheaval and its implications for oil supplies. Trump had on Sunday indicated considering options on Iran, comments that added to uncertainty alongside other geopolitical flashpoints. Last week’s US jobs report showed weaker‑than‑expected payroll gains, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve will deliver further interest‑rate cuts this year. "Gold has support at Rs 1,34,550-1,32,310 while resistance at Rs 1,41,350-1,43,670. Silver has support at Rs 2,48,810 to 2,44,170 zone while resistance at Rs2,55,810 to 2,59,470 zone," said analysts. Gold gained over 4 per cent last week, while silver rallied more than 7 per cent. Russia's war in Ukraine, the US capture of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, and Washington's renewed signals over taking control of Greenland also act as tailwinds for rally of precious metals. (IANS)

Ahmedabad, Jan 11: The regional edition of Vibrant Gujarat, aimed at translating the vision of 'Viksit Gujarat se Viksit Bharat' into action, opened in Rajkot on Sunday with a grand launch at Marwadi University. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the five-day business exhibition and the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Chief Secretary M.K. Das. After the inauguration, the Prime Minister toured the expansive exhibition spread across 18,000 square metres. At the 'Enterprise Excellence Pavilion', he reviewed displays by leading companies including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Essar, Nayara Energy and Jyoti CNC, acknowledging their contribution to India's economic growth. The Prime Minister praised Gujarat's rising industrial strength and technological advancement. He showed keen interest in the 'Ocean of Opportunities' pavilion, designed to highlight the untapped potential of the Kutch–Saurashtra coastline. Exhibits by the Gujarat Maritime Board on the Blue Economy and new technologies showcased by Reliance New Energy drew particular attention. The pavilion underscored the balance between industrial progress and environmental sustainability. An MSME pavilion based on the theme 'Har Ghar Swadeshi' showcased local craftsmanship and rural artisan work. The Prime Minister also visited the Swadeshi Haat and penned his remarks in the book review section. The exhibition, open to the public and students until January 15, is expected to serve as a learning platform and give fresh momentum to the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Launched in 2003 by the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Vibrant Gujarat emerged as a flagship global investors' summit aimed at repositioning Gujarat as an economic powerhouse and a preferred investment destination. What began as a post-earthquake revival initiative quickly transformed into one of India's most influential business platforms, attracting world leaders, Fortune 500 CEOs, global institutions and investors. Over successive editions, the summit expanded its scope from investment promotion to innovation, technology, sustainability and global partnerships. It played a pivotal role in shaping Gujarat's manufacturing growth, infrastructure push, port-led development and MSME expansion, while also strengthening India's economic diplomacy. Today, Vibrant Gujarat stands as a testament to two decades of continuity, policy stability and global trust -- symbolising Gujarat's journey from resilience to global competitiveness. (IANS)

Will meet PM, LG, CM shortly; dont worry about foreign advisories, India enough for us; Kashmir belongs to countrys people: ChayaKS News Desk Srinagar, May 12: The Kashmir hoteliers on Monday said a big announcement will be made in the tourism sector soon and that they will soon meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.Addressing a press conference here, prominent hotelier and president of Hoteliers Club Kashmir, Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya said there is a good news that 32 airports have started functioning again and the people of Kashmir, like other parts of India, are happy with the decision as it will mark a beginning of tourist arrival again.We are expecting a flow of tourists again. Many families are dependent on the tourism sector. We appeal to the people across India to visit Kashmir again, he said.He added that the sector has witnessed huge losses, but none of the employees have been fired by the hoteliers or others so far, as everyone is hopeful of resumption in tourism activities.Time is the best healer. The situation has improved and they (tourists) will come to the Valley again to enjoy. Kashmir is theirs and they are ours, he said while replying to a query.When asked about the arrival of tourists again following the Pahalgam tragedy that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead, Chaya said they will meet the Lieutenant Governor soon and a big announcement will be made by him and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah."I cant share the details at present, but you will be informed of it shortly. We will also meet the Prime Minister soon; his voice is strong for the whole nation," he said.He clarified that advisories have been issued by America and not India.India is enough for us, he said, adding that the reply to the Pahalgam carnage has been given and there was no issue now that could deter the tourists from visiting Kashmir.Pertinently, the tourist footfall declined in the valley following the Pahalgam killings on April 22, 2025. The tour operators had reported cancellation of bookings, which affected the tourism sector. (KNO)

KS News DeskSrinagar, May 6: Jammu and Kashmir Bank, which crossed the Rs 2,000-crore profit mark in fiscal year 2024-25, aims to cross the Rs 5,000 crore profit milestone by 2030, its Managing Director and CEO Amitava Chatterjee has said.Chatterjee emphasized on the need for the bank to focus more on supporting the agriculture sector, while expanding its footprints in the rest of the country as part of its diversification plan."The vision or aspiration of the bank is to cross Rs 5,000 crore profit by 2030. So that will be our way forward. Yes, we have increased the net profit by Rs 300-400 crore in the last fiscal. Obviously we would like to increase it by Rs 500 crore next year, but the ultimate vision is to cross Rs 5,000 crore by 2030," Chatterjee told PTI. He said the bank has been raising the bar each passing year by posting record profits for the past three financial years. For the full 2024-25 fiscal, the bank reported nearly an 18 per cent rise in net profit to Rs 2,082.46 crore, compared to Rs 1,767.27 crore reported for FY 2023-24. Chatterjee said, the bank is one of the main pillars of supporting the local economy, besides the government. "We need to continuously support the local economy and we need to support the agriculture sector much more than what we have been able to do in the past," he said, adding "on the agriculture front, we are now focusing more on investment credit".Commenting on the revision of MSME criteria, he said it is likely that the Jammu and Kashmir region will come up with new units in the small and medium sector. "There is another very good scheme, YUVA, being introduced by the government. It also gives us a very good opportunity to support 3.5 lakh youth of the region to get into some new kind of a business. Within this state, we are well placed to support the people and we are going to do that," he noted. Chatterjee said, while the bank has a strong presence in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Union territories, it has a significant presence in the rest of the country as well."... We are present in 20 other states of the country. This gives us an opportunity of diversification. While we are very focused and positive in our growth strategy in the two union territories, we will also try to diversify our portfolio to the other parts of the country," he said. (PTI)

Srinagar, Jan 24: The Handicrafts and Handloom Department Kashmir on Friday urged stakeholders associated with craft sector to gain access to new and contemporary designs created in the Design Studio of the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) here.The initiative is aimed to further strengthen foothold in country and overseas markets,Apart from hand-knotted rugs, the Design Studio is also offering new designs for Kani and Sozni-embroidered Pashmina Shawls and Stoles, which are in tune with the buyers demand in the international market.In a handout issued here, Director IICT Zubair Ahmad said that the Design Studio in the Institute is well-equipped with the latest software and expert designers for creating new and contemporary designs, catering to the prevalent demand at the global level."The software has made creation of contemporary carpet and shawl designs easier, as compared to the traditional and archaic way of design development that used to consume months together for a group of persons, he said.Offering contemporary designs on nominal charges, Director IICT advised the concerned stakeholders to visit IICT premises at Nowshera, for a firsthand exposure experience."Recently, we have sold new Kani shawl and carpet designs to various business houses, which will surely boost sale of their products in overseas market.  Zubair further said that as many as 2,687 carpet and 473 Kani shawl designs have been developed by IICT so far. Most of these designs have been provided to the handicraft stakeholders in the form of computerised design scripts, locally known as Taleem, on nominal charges, he added.