Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]
Code Context
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3021',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NCELL App Camp Holds Seminar on Health and Tourism ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25, Kathmandu. Telecommunication service provider NCell organized a seminar on health and tourism under App Camp 2015.  The experts of Nepal’s health and tourism sectors expressed their views on the potential use of mobile technology in their areas. The speakers from the health sectors stressed that the use of mobile technology should facilitate diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases. They also requested the participants of the App Camp to explore the solution of the problems of public health sector. Ajay Pradhan of Himalayan Climate Initiative said that the development of mobile technology had rendered great help in the field of health service. He also advised the participants to pay attention to the type of App they would make. At the seminar Dr Bhagawan Koirala, Dr Sagun Joshi, Dr Nil Pande, Dr Bishal Dhakal,  Dr Pradip Baidya, Laura Brop from Jons Hopkins University and M Alaudin Ahmed of Metlife discussed the potential use of the App in the health sector. Thirty-eight groups were selected for the Camp in the health stream. Similarly, the experts from tourism sector also discussed the potential for developing Apps, status of its international market and their types which could find space in the global market. They advised the participants to develop apps that are easy to handle, interactive and capable of providing thematic information.  Keynote speaker of the seminar Raj Gyawali from Social Tours said that the Apps could provide information on the safety of the tourists, information and map of places and various programs to be organized in Nepal. Ashutos Tiwari from Sherpa Adventure Gear, Liaison Director of Nepal Tourism Board, Sunilchandra Sharma from Nepal Sutra and Taranath Lamichane  from Osho Vision Treks and Expedition had also participated in the seminar.  The NCELL App Camp 2015, which was organized by NCELL as part of its social responsibility, has three streams- sports and entertainment, tourism and utility- except health. NABIL Bank, Kathmandu College of Management, E-service and Metlife are NCELL’s App partners. The stream-wise App Camp winner will win a reward of 250,000 rupees each  while the outstanding achiever will win a purse of 500,000 rupees plus a chance to participate in the international App conference to be held in 2016.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25, Kathmandu. Telecommunication service provider NCell organized a seminar on health and tourism under App Camp 2015.&nbsp; The experts of Nepal&rsquo;s health and tourism sectors expressed their views on the potential use of mobile technology in their areas. The speakers from the health sectors stressed that the use of mobile technology should facilitate diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases. They also requested the participants of the App Camp to explore the solution of the problems of public health sector. Ajay Pradhan of Himalayan Climate Initiative said that the development of mobile technology had rendered great help in the field of health service. He also advised the participants to pay attention to the type of App they would make. At the seminar Dr Bhagawan Koirala, Dr Sagun Joshi, Dr Nil Pande, Dr Bishal Dhakal,&nbsp; Dr Pradip Baidya, Laura Brop from Jons Hopkins University and M Alaudin Ahmed of Metlife discussed the potential use of the App in the health sector. Thirty-eight groups were selected for the Camp in the health stream.</p>

<p>Similarly, the experts from tourism sector also discussed the potential for developing Apps, status of its international market and their types which could find space in the global market. They advised the participants to develop apps that are easy to handle, interactive and capable of providing thematic information.</p>

<p>Keynote speaker of the seminar Raj Gyawali from Social Tours said that the Apps could provide information on the safety of the tourists, information and map of places and various programs to be organized in Nepal. Ashutos Tiwari from Sherpa Adventure Gear, Liaison Director of Nepal Tourism Board, Sunilchandra Sharma from Nepal Sutra and Taranath Lamichane&nbsp; from Osho Vision Treks and Expedition had also participated in the seminar.</p>

<p>The NCELL App Camp 2015, which was organized by NCELL as part of its social responsibility, has three streams- sports and entertainment, tourism and utility- except health. NABIL Bank, Kathmandu College of Management, E-service and Metlife are NCELL&rsquo;s App partners.</p>

<p>The stream-wise App Camp winner will win a reward of 250,000 rupees each&nbsp; while the outstanding achiever will win a purse of 500,000 rupees plus a chance to participate in the international App conference to be held in 2016.</p>
',
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			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2861',
			'image' => '20151126035951_Ncell-Logo.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3020',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NIBL Hands Over Accident Insurance Claim',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 26: Nepal Investment Bank Limited (NIBL) has paid the insurance claim of Rs 200,000 to the family of deceased Prema Shrestha who had opened ‘safety saving account’ at the bank. After Shrestha’s death, Branch Manager of the Bank, Prakashraj Subedi and the Corporate Market Chief of Nepal Life Insurance Company Pawan Kumar Khadka jointly handed over the amount to Satyanarayan Shrestha, the husband of the deceased. The bank has been providing the facility of life insurance worth Rs 100,000 and the accident death insurance worth Rs 200,000 for its clients opening ‘safety saving account’. ',
			'content' => '<p>November 26: Nepal Investment Bank Limited (NIBL) has paid the insurance claim of Rs 200,000 to the family of deceased Prema Shrestha who had opened &lsquo;safety saving account&rsquo; at the bank.</p>

<p>After Shrestha&rsquo;s death, Branch Manager of the Bank, Prakashraj Subedi and the Corporate Market Chief of Nepal Life Insurance Company Pawan Kumar Khadka jointly handed over the amount to Satyanarayan Shrestha, the husband of the deceased.</p>

<p>The bank has been providing the facility of life insurance worth Rs 100,000 and the accident death insurance worth Rs 200,000 for its clients opening &lsquo;safety saving account&rsquo;.</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2860',
			'image' => '20151126040219_nibl.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
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			'id' => '3019',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Telecom Cuts Charge for Replacing SIM',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 26: Nepal Telecom has changed the rates for the replacement and reactivation of SIM or RIM cards.  The Telecom has reduced fifty rupees from the usual charge for replacing the lost or damaged SIM of GSM or CDMA mobile phones effective from Thursday.',
			'content' => '<p style="margin-left:9.0pt">November 26: Nepal Telecom has changed the rates for the replacement and reactivation of SIM or RIM cards. &nbsp;The Telecom has reduced fifty rupees from the usual charge for replacing the lost or damaged SIM of GSM or CDMA mobile phones effective from Thursday.</p>

<p style="margin-left:9.0pt">Similarly, it has also reduced to 90 rupees the charge for reactivation of the SIM or RIM cards frozen after expiry of validity.</p>

<p style="margin-left:9.0pt">The Telecom has said that the newly activated SIM or RIM cards will also carry 5o rupees of &lsquo;talk time value&rsquo;.</p>

<p style="margin-left:9.0pt">Previously, the Telecom was charging 100 rupees for the reactivation of lost or damaged SIM or RIM cards, whereas it charged 200 rupees for the reactivation of the SIM and RIM cards at the &lsquo;frozen stage&rsquo;.</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2859',
			'image' => '20151126040057_NTC_Logo.JPG',
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => true,
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3018',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Maharjan Wins Hyundai  Creta in Samsung Mobile',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 26: Manita Maharjan of Thankot has won a Hyundai Creta as the bumper prize under Samsung’s Dashai Tihar Bonanza offer.  This offer had  lasted from Asauj 4 to Kartik 2072 B.S. Under this offer, three persons  had won Galaxy Alpha, Galaxy K Zoom, Galaxy S6 mobiles daily.  One person had won Galaxy Tab T705 during the offer everyday. According to the company, one person  had  won one Bajaj Pulser 200 in every 15 days.',
			'content' => '<p>November 26: Manita Maharjan of Thankot has won a Hyundai Creta as the bumper prize under Samsung&rsquo;s Dashai Tihar Bonanza offer.</p>

<p>This offer had&nbsp; lasted from Asauj 4 to Kartik 2072 B.S. Under this offer, three persons&nbsp; had won Galaxy Alpha, Galaxy K Zoom, Galaxy S6 mobiles daily.&nbsp; One person had won Galaxy Tab T705 during the offer everyday. According to the company, one person&nbsp; had &nbsp;won one Bajaj Pulser 200 in every 15 days.</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2858',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => true,
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3011',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Indian blockade inhumane',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 26: The China Study Centre has described the blockade by India on Nepal as inhumane and outright violation of human rights and international law.  In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Centre has said the step by India would not only have a negative impact on bilateral relations between the two countries, but also violates Nepal's right to transit as a landlocked country and the UN charter, the WTO regulations and SAARC charter among others.  Lauding the resilience shown by the Nepalis at this difficult circumstance and the determination shown by Nepal government to maintain the national pride, the statement released by General Secretary of the Centre says it hopes that the government would now work towards making Nepal self-reliant.  The centre has also lauded the good neighbourly act of China towards Nepal to help with oil supplies, and expressed gratitude towards the international community for its sympathy to Nepal. RSS',
			'content' => '<p>November 26: The China Study Centre has described the blockade by India on Nepal as inhumane and outright violation of human rights and international law.</p>

<p>In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Centre has said the step by India would not only have a negative impact on bilateral relations between the two countries, but also violates Nepal&#39;s right to transit as a landlocked country and the UN charter, the WTO regulations and SAARC charter among others.</p>

<p>Lauding the resilience shown by the Nepalis at this difficult circumstance and the determination shown by Nepal government to maintain the national pride, the statement released by General Secretary of the Centre says it hopes that the government would now work towards making Nepal self-reliant.</p>

<p>The centre has also lauded the good neighbourly act of China towards Nepal to help with oil supplies, and expressed gratitude towards the international community for its sympathy to Nepal. RSS</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2853',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3013',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Environment-friendly vehicle rally in Kathmandu',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTE) organized a rally here today with an objective to spread awareness on the importance of electric vehicles at a time when the country is reeling under acute fuel-crisis.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTE) organized a rally here today with an objective to spread awareness on the importance of electric vehicles at a time when the country is reeling under acute fuel-crisis.</p>

<p>More than 200 environment-friendly vehicles, including bicycles, electronic cars, scooter and three-wheelers (safa tempo), participated in the event.</p>

<p>The rally that kicked off at Jawalakhel in Lalitpur and marched through various places in Kathmandu as Tripureshower-Ratnapark-Keshar Mahal-Narayanhiti Dakshin Dhoka-Putalisadk and Babarmahal.</p>

<p>Inaugurating the rally, Minister for Science, Technology and Environment Biswendra Pashwan urged the consumers to opt for environment-friendly vehicles at the time of fuel-crisis like this.</p>

<p>&quot;Use of environment-friendly vehicles also helps reduce the increasing air pollution in Kathmandu,&quot; argued Minister Pashwan.</p>

<p>He also underscored the frugal use of petroleum products and use of environment-friendly vehicles in the other regular times rather than during the fuel-crisis.</p>

<p>Participant in the rally were former chief secretary Leelamani Poudel, Secretary of MoSTE Dr Krishna Chandra Poudel and Chief of Environment Division Mahendraman Gurung among others. RSS</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2852',
			'image' => '20151126025124_minister_cycle.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2015-11-25 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3012',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Industrialist and founder of Nepal Eye Hospital, Mittal, no more',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: Industrialist and the founder of the Nepal Eye Hospital, Banawari Lal Mittal has passed away today at the age of 79.  Mittal had returned home on Monday after treatment at the Medanta Hospital in India. He had been suffering from brain disease for six months. He passed away at his residence in Gyaneshwar this morning.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: Industrialist and the founder of the Nepal Eye Hospital, Banawari Lal Mittal has passed away today at the age of 79.</p>

<p>Mittal had returned home on Monday after treatment at the Medanta Hospital in India. He had been suffering from brain disease for six months. He passed away at his residence in Gyaneshwar this morning.</p>

<p>He forayed into the construction business in 1956. He had also set up a helicopter service 16 years back and his airlines company, the Shree Airlines, is considered one of the successful airlines companies in the country and is the biggest one. The helicopters of this airlines company are used in the UN peace missions, the first in South Asia. Mittal was the chairman of the Shree Airlines until his passing.</p>

<p>Apart from his contribution to promoting the business sector, the late Mittal is a known name in the social service sector as well.</p>

<p>He served as the chairman of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, the working committee member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, founder member of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries and the president of the Contractors Association of Nepal.</p>

<p>Likewise, he was the former president of Nepal Marwari Service Committee, the advisor of the Nepal Marwari Council, founder president of Nepal Eye Hospital and the former treasurer of the Pashupati Area Development Trust.</p>

<p>He was involved in many businesses as construction, airlines and tea production. He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.</p>

<p>His last rites would be performed at the Pashupati Aryaghat today itself, according to Sharad Kumar Gauchan, the president of the Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal. RSS</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2851',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-25 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3010',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Private Sector for a State of Economic Emergency',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: Minister of Finance Bishnu Paudel has said that the government would support the private sector at this time of unprecedented crisis. He made the remark while talking to a delegation from the Nepal Overseas Export Association (NOEA) at the Ministry on Nov 24.  The NOEA delegation had demanded the government declare a state of economic emergency to save industries and enterprises.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: Minister of Finance Bishnu Paudel has said that the government would support the private sector at this time of unprecedented crisis. He made the remark while talking to a delegation from the Nepal Overseas Export Association (NOEA) at the Ministry on Nov 24.</p>

<p>The NOEA delegation had demanded the government declare a state of economic emergency to save industries and enterprises.</p>

<p>Describing the public and private sector as complementing each other, Paudel said that the any declaration of an emergency required deeper analysis. &ldquo;We will look into the problems being faced by industrialists and entrepreneurs. We will make you feel that the government is with you,&rdquo; Paudel said.</p>

<p>The delegation led by Him Bahadur Rawal, Acting Chairperson of NOEA had called on the finance minister to apprise him of the impact brought about by the current political deadlock on industrial enterprises, education, health and the day to day life of the people. The association suggested measures that could be taken to avert an economic crisis warning that the present day difficulties might push the economy to recession leading Nepal to become a failed state.</p>

<p>The delegation also suggested the ministry form a joint working group of government and private sector organisations with a view to identify the problems and find out short and long-term solutions.</p>

<p>The association also called on the government to facilitate the operation of industries based on indigenous raw materials by providing security, fuel and means of transportation of manufactured goods and to allow the private sector to import petroleum products and to exempt taxes including VAT untill the situation is normalised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The association urged Paudel to remove extra charges on the detained imported goods and to apply custom duties and other taxes on the basis of CIF value along with the exemption of VAT amounting to 25 percent of the interest paid to the financial institutions, to reduce by two percent in the interest of the loan issued to industrial enterprises, institute a provision to issue permits from commercial banks for import through TT of goods worth USD 100,000 and to require permits from the National Bank only for import of goods worth more than USD 100,000.</p>

<p>The association also requested the minister to create a congenial atmosphere for starting projects committed by the Investment Board, finalising the pending issues concerning industries through fast-track. The association also requested the government to pass the acts and laws concerning the economy already tabled at the legislative parliament.</p>

<p>Other members of the delegation included Former Chairperson of the association Ashok Kumar Agrawal, Vice-chairperson Sunil Kumar Dhanuk (Bansal), Secretary Amit Agrawal and working committee members Madan Mittal and Suresh Kumar Agrawal.</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-25',
			'modified' => '2015-11-25',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2850',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-25 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => true,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '1'
		)
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3009',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Need for Lcal Dairy Industries Highlighted',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: The National Dairy Cooperative Association (NDCA) has demanded that the government bolster local milk production by formulating short and long-term policies.  In a press conference organised on Nov 23, the NDCA stressed the need for a policy arrangement to give priority to indigenous dairy products.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: The National Dairy Cooperative Association (NDCA) has demanded that the government bolster local milk production by formulating short and long-term policies.</p>

<p>In a press conference organised on Nov 23, the NDCA stressed the need for a policy arrangement to give priority to indigenous dairy products.</p>

<p>Chairperson of the association Narayan Prasad Devkota highlighted the need for operating existing dairy industries to their full capacity and to start the operation of Chitwan Milk which has remained closed.</p>

<p>Nepal is said to be self-sufficient in milk and the dairy industry is one of the few industries which does not need import of raw materials. The entrepreneurs demanded the government subsidise powder milk production to end the situation of &lsquo;milk holiday&rsquo;. Devkota informed that Nepal Police and Nepal Army were consuming 60,000 litres of milk daily.</p>

<p>Describing how India&rsquo;s blockade had affected the milk industry by also forcing farmers to observe a &lsquo;milk holiday&rsquo;, the dairy entrepreneurs called upon the government to take steps to promote indigenous dairy products in the country.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-25',
			'modified' => '2015-11-25',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2849',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-25 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3008',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Birgunj Reels Under Cooking Gas Shortage',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: Considered to be the main life line for the import of petroleum products, Birgunj has been reeling under the scarcity of cooking gas.  Customers queued up in front of the National Trading Limited’s (NTL) office since early afternoon Monday on rumors that cooking gas cylinders would be distributed. But they were compelled to return with empty cylinders the next morning.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: Considered to be the main life line for the import of petroleum products, Birgunj has been reeling under the scarcity of cooking gas.</p>

<p>Customers queued up in front of the National Trading Limited&rsquo;s (NTL) office since early afternoon Monday on rumors that cooking gas cylinders would be distributed. But they were compelled to return with empty cylinders the next morning.</p>

<p>As residents of Birgunj queued up all night, two of the LPG bullets supposed to arrive in Birgung were stuck at the border point at Sunauli. When approached, the gas company said it was not able to distribute gas until the stuck gas bullets arrived at the industry&rsquo;s depot at Parwanipur.</p>

<p>The Birgunj border point from where 70 percent of the fuel enters Nepal has been blocked for two months because of picketing by the agitators of Madhesi Front. Some cylinders of Narayani Gas were distributed from NTL&rsquo;s premises on Monday.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Despite rumours about the distribution of cooking gas, the local administration has not bothered to provide correct information to the consumers,&rdquo; Pramod Thakur of Birgunj said. The lack of information has forced consumers to sleep on the streets not to miss the chance of getting the gas.</p>

<p>Chief District Officer of Parsa, Anuj Bhandari, however, said that information was given to the consumers. The information was channeled through the authoritative dealers of the industry, he said. The dealers, on their part, said that no coordination was sought with them for the distribution of the gas.</p>

<p>Central vice-chairperson of Gas Dealers Federation Nepal, Ganeshman Shrestha said that the industries had not sought coordination with the dealers for the distribution of the gas. &ldquo;The government has only given the industries the license for production but the industries are distributing the gas themselves against regulation,&rdquo; he complained. &ldquo;Even in this time of crisis, distribution is not transparent,&rdquo; he added. According to him, one cylinder of gas can fill 2,500 cylinders if a cylinder is filled with 7 kg- 100 grams of gas but the industry had not distributed more than 2,000 cylinders, he revealed.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3007',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government issues White Paper; estimates only 2 % growth rate',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 24: The government has issued a White Paper, making public the current situation of nation’s economy, problems created after agitation and strikes in the southern plains and unannounced blockade continued for some months, and its (government’s) future course.',
			'content' => '<p>November 24: The government has issued a White Paper, making public the current situation of nation&rsquo;s economy, problems created after agitation and strikes in the southern plains and unannounced blockade continued for some months, and its (government&rsquo;s) future course.</p>

<p>The Paper has painted a bleak picture of nation&rsquo;s economy with government&rsquo;s estimation of only 2 percent economic growth rate, reasoning the heavy shrinking of economic activities with the obstruction on supply system triggered by the agitation and strike, and the undeclared blockade.</p>

<p>Reading out the White paper, Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel said although the growth rate of the current fiscal year was expected to be 6 percent in the background that new constitution had come with the hope the country would concentrate on economic and social developments, the heavy disruption in the supply system and subsequent severe effects on agro and non-agro products has made the government bound to estimate 2 percent growth rate.</p>

<p>Meagre capital spending, no environment of reconstruction<br />
The activities to generate capital has not taken a pace, Minister Poudel said, adding that in the first four month of the current fiscal year, only 4.1 percent of the capital budget was spent, while the institutional environment for spending Rs 74 billion allocated for reconstruction was yet to be created.</p>

<p>Service sectors marred<br />
Due to the acute shortage of fuel to the service sector as hotel/restaurant, tourism, construction, banking, and transportation which contribute to 50 percent of the gross domestic product and the dearth of essential materials, they have been marred. It has direct impact on the country&rsquo;s economic growth rate.</p>

<p>State of earthquake affected worsening, serious challenge to graduation to status of developing country<br />
The Minister further said the number of people pushed to poverty due to the earthquake damage is estimated at 700,000. The condition of those suffering from the earthquake damage is likely to be worsened with the effects on drinking water and sanitation, education, health, employment, food security and daily livelihood. It will pose a serious challenge to the government to graduate the country to the status of developing country from the present least developed status, by 2022.</p>

<p>Growing Inflation<br />
The effects of the disruption in supply system has been seen in the overall economic indexes, Minister Poudel said, adding that the inflation in the first month of the current fiscal year was 6.9 percent which grew to 7.2 and 8.3 percents respectively in the second and third months. In this, food sector saw highest inflation.</p>

<p>Heavy decline on export, import<br />
The economy is deteriorating for the disruption of the transportation of materials for construction activities. In the initial three months of the last year, the goods and service of Rs 191 billion were imported, which declined to Rs130 billion in the same period of the current fiscal year. Similarly, in the same period last fiscal year, there was the export of Rs 22.53 billion, which dropped to Rs 16.81 billion. It is a decline by 31 percent compared to the last fiscal year.</p>

<p>Currently, the debt burden to the country is Rs 539 billion. The debt burden ratio to the gross domestic product is 24.5 percent.</p>

<p>The Minister reminds through the White Paper that the people already afflicted by the devastating earthquake have been pushed to worsening condition due to the agitations, strikes and banda (general shutdown) organized in the name of Madhes agitation.</p>

<p>The assistance, cooperation and unity shown by the foreigners for the search of the missing, rescue, relief, and distribution after the earthquake were quite unforgettable. Similar environment of cooperation was expected for the reconstruction too, but Nepali people are bound to go through such unimaginable afflictions, added the Finance Minister.</p>

<p>Agro products to decline by 10 percent<br />
The agro production is estimated to go down by 10 per cent. Wheat production is likely to slide down by 30 per cent if there is no smooth supply of chemical fertilizer. The annual demand for food of the country stands at 5,345,000 metric tonnes and until the starting of the current fiscal year, there was a stock of just 155,000 metric tonnes and such projection in the food production has posed a risk of food insecurity.</p>

<p>Likewise, the production of dairy and meat products is projected to go down by 2 per cent. However, the production of vegetables is estimated to remain the same. Last year, the country recorded around 3.6 million metric tonnes of vegetable production. But the problem in transport is to affect the collection of produces and its marketing.</p>

<p>Future course<br />
The government has pledged to provide agro seeds to farmers at subsidized rate and ensure supply of chemical fertilizer got stuck into transit and border points immediately and distribute it to farmers for winter crops. Through the white paper, the government announced to make arrangements for distributing soft agro loan to farmers.<br />
Likewise, business community will get more time for submitting tax details and for tax payment. Dairy and vegetable farmers and meat producers will get more time for paying loan and some discount on interests too.</p>

<p>The Nepal Rastra Bank&#39;s Recovery Fund will be utlilised for the recovery and rehabilitation of industries.</p>

<p>Health and Education Service<br />
Similarly, in the white paper, the government has announced to normalise the supplies of health-related facilities including oxygen, equipments, raw materials, packing materials and blood collection bags and opt for an air route to import life-saving drugs.<br />
Besides, all academic institutes will be reopened and support and cooperation from teachers, students, guardians, political parties, rights activists and civil society will be garnered for the same.</p>

<p>Bill on Reconstruction Authority soon<br />
The government pledged to go with the post- reconstruction efforts by endorsing the Bill on National Reconstruction Authority from the Legislature-Parliament at the earliest. Likewise, first installment of Rs 200,000 announced by the previous government for the earthquake hit people will be allocated soon. Poor families rendering homeless by the disaster will be provided loan up to Rs 300,000 at subsidized interest rate.</p>

<p>The government declared to provide Rs 10,000 to the most affected quake victims within mid December to purchase winter garments. Moreover, vocational trainings will be imparted to produce skilled workers to construct earthquake-resistant buildings and reconstruction of the earthquake-damaged historic and religious heritages will begin soon.</p>

<p>Governance reform<br />
The task for drafting new laws demanded by the new constitution and those needed to be amended will be taken ahead effectively. Effective measures will be taken to maintain peace and good governance as per the constitution&#39;s supremacy and rule of law and to discourage the black marketing, criminal activities and obstructions on border, highways, industrial corridor, health and education sectors.</p>

<p>The government announced to promote the culture of reward and punishment in bureaucracy and hold the election of official trade unions within the next three months.</p>

<p>Monitoring mechanism<br />
A mechanism will be formed with the participation of representatives of stakeholders concerned, consumers&#39; rights organisations and private sector to systematize the supplies of fuel and daily essentials and market monitoring.</p>

<p>Impact of banda, strikes and supply system on nation economy will be under regular supervision of the government. A High Level Committee will be constituted with the participation of private sector to monitor task mentioned in this white paper.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Industrial losses<br />
In the last fiscal year the growth rate of the industrial sector stood at 2.6 per cent which will seemingly remain regressive in the ongoing fiscal year.</p>

<p>Around 2,200 industries are shut with more than 200,000 employees working in those industries rendered jobless, according to the White Paper. The industries are facing problem in making payment to its workers and bank&#39;s interest.</p>

<p>The amount of debt piling up due to stranded freight trucks and containers at Kolkata port in India, Indian roads, Indian railways, Raxaul among other dry ports is estimated to have surged to whopping Rs 5 billion. The amount includes increasing amount of price of the stranded commodities, of charges levied on parked containers and freight trucks, detention charges, charges of the containers and trucks, warehouse charges and demurrage charges.</p>

<p>Service Sector<br />
In the last fiscal year the service sector&#39;s growth rate which stood at 6.1 per cent will likely be limited to only 3 per cent in the current fiscal year.</p>

<p>The tourism sector is undoubtedly at the front line of the impact of the political unrest and the blockade with 46 per cent fall in the arrival of tourist as compared to the same period last year.</p>

<p>Decline in tourists&rsquo; arrival<br />
The number of tourists&#39; arrival from air route which stood at 652,655 from January to October in 2014 has slumped drastically to 300,325 in the same period this year. The tourists&#39; stay in the country has also taken a hit with tourists choosing to spend only 6 days in average which was 12.4 days in average last year.</p>

<p>The hotel entrepreneurs are also not aloof of the impact with less than 20 per cent of their total capacity being used with the dearth of tourists. In last year from mid September to mid November, 90 to 95 per cent of the hotel rooms were booked which has come down to 15-20 percent. In overall, the tourism sector employment has come down to 25 per cent in comparison to the same period last year.</p>

<p>Domestic flights cut off<br />
Comparatively, 50 per cent decline has been witnessed in the number of tourists while only 15 per cent of the total number of tour guides is finding their works. In this period, 75 per cent of the domestic flights have been cut off due to shortage of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).</p>

<p>Infrastructure Development and Construction<br />
The ongoing unrest and the unofficial blockade at the border has severely impacted the country&#39;s flourishing construction industry and infrastructure developments with production of cement, pebbles, bricks, stone and sand among other raw materials witnessing a setback. The raw materials that have been manufactured have not been able to reach their destination with supply system on a grinding halt. This has affected the public construction work.</p>

<p>Big projects badly hampered<br />
The construction works of the Gautam Budha International Airport, Rani-Jamara-Kulariya Irrigation Project, Tamakoshi Hydro Power Project, Melamchi Drinking Water Project, Postal Highway, Puspalal (Mid Hill) Highway, trade ways, Chameliya Hydro Power Project among other big projects have been affected.</p>

<p>The construction entrepreneurs are jobless, as they have not been able to get contract of government works.</p>

<p>Monetary and Financial Sector<br />
The banking and financial sector is suffering a threat of liquidity as deposit growth has been stagnant with expected loan expansion also seeing a setback.</p>

<p>Until the beginning of November this year, the loan growth in banking and financial sectors have climbed by 2.1 per cent as compared to until mid July while deposit mobilization has increased by 2.5 per cent. Last year, the growth rates were 5.1 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively.</p>

<p>In the coming days interest dues, bad debt and capital adequacy fund and bank&#39;s profit will possibly see negative impact.</p>

<p>Internal and External Trade<br />
According to the White Paper, 26.7 per cent decline has been witnessed in the import of food commodities in the first four months of the current fiscal year while the import of medicines and medicinal raw materials has dropped by 54.7 per cent.</p>

<p>In two months&#39; period after the undeclared blockade was enforced at the border, 70.6 per cent, 62.8 per cent, 73.1 per cent, 71.8 per cent and 84.4 per cent drops were witnessed in the import of petrol, diesel, kerosene, LP Gas, and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) respectively as compared to the same period last year. There is also a decline seen in the Letter of Credit (LC).</p>

<p>The political instability and the blockade has also impacted the internal trade with a heavy slump seen in the trade of rice, pulses, oil, medicines and construction materials in the market.</p>

<p>Hydro Power Project and Energy Sector<br />
The regular power outage hours have decreased owing to the closure of industries and a decline in energy consumption. The National Transmission Grid is importing 716 megawatt of electricity.</p>

<p>In current context, 94 megawatt electricity is short during morning hours from 5 am to 6 am while 512 megawatt of electricity is needed in the evening hours from 6 pm to 8 pm. &quot;The government will have to import 236 megawatt of electricity from India to fulfill the minimal deficit,&quot; it is stated.</p>

<p>The construction deadline of the Upper Tamakoshi Hydro Power Project (456 megawatt) has been pushed back by nearly two years due to the massive earthquake of April 25. The shortage of fuel products has aggravated the situation further impacting the construction works of the project.</p>

<p>&quot;Due to the earthquake hydro power projects of 80 megawatt have not resumed operation while the current obstruction in the supply system has affected under-construction projects,&quot; the Ministry said.</p>

<p>The unprecedented dearth of cooking gas and kerosene is having a tremendous impact on daily cooking methods in every household while the number of vehicles plying the road has significantly declined owing to the paucity of fuel. The commodities manufactured in the rural areas have remained stranded for the vehicles.</p>

<p>The demand for solar energy and bio-gas has increased but its supply has not been easy. The completion of the under construction bio gas plants is unlikely to meet the deadline while the delay in the reconstruction and restoration of the plants damaged during the earthquake is imminent.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Petroleum products import and distribution system</p>

<p>A system shall be put in place to ensure effective and transparent distribution and sales of essential goods, including fuel. A certain criteria will be devised for the efficient fuel distribution which also includes putting online the information mentioning venue, time, quantity and time table for the distribution of the same.</p>

<p>The consumers will be provided coupon to facilitate them in securing fuel without standing on line for long.</p>

<p>Similarly, the government will book the persons and groups involved in irregular distributions and sales of petroleum products.</p>

<p>For the distribution of LPG cylinder, the government is determining priorities on the basis of its daily import and stock. In addition, kerosene and firewood distribution will be further made effective.</p>

<p>Physically challenged persons, ambulances, hearses, tourist vehicles, vehicles ferrying drinking water, milk, medicines and other vital commodities and media persons/media houses will be prioritized when it comes to providing fuel.</p>

<p>In an attempt to explore alternatives to import petroleum products, the government will make various trade agreements with international companies and foreign countries. If private sector is interested in its import, the government will facilitate them.</p>

<p>Government will promote Alternative Energy Promotion Centre and facilitate the private sector promoting equipments and technologies on alternative source of energy so as to increase public access to it.</p>

<p>The vehicles carrying essential goods and clearing customs will be escorted to their respective destinations. Strict monitoring and supervision of the import and sales of petroleum products will be carried out by the government.</p>

<p>The maintenance and up gradation of the alternative Check Points for the import of goods will be undertaken along with constructing and expanding the roads linking to those bordering points.</p>

<p>Use of electronic vehicles both for personal and professional purposes will be encouraged. Public will be encouraged to use electronic stoves for cooking food.</p>

<p>Energy security</p>

<p>Energy crisis will be declared in order to expedite the process of hydropower production and its transmission and distribution.</p>

<p>The construction of under-construction hydropower projects like Upper Tamakoshi, Kulekhani III and Chamelia and other proposed projects like Budhi Gandaki, Nalsingh Gad will be accelerated. Some 25 mega watt of electricity will be imported from the under-construction Grid Solar Project.</p>

<p>The micro hydro projects constructed and operated with the investment of locals will be encouraged.</p>

<p>Similarly, electricity projects generating 200 mega watt of electricity will be accelerated and connected to the national grid. Furthermore, similar projects under-taken by the private sector will be facilitated for their timely completion.</p>

<p>The government has targeted to link additional 155 mega watt electricity in the national transmission grid within a year.</p>

<p>Also, a feasibility study of the hydro electricity power in the country will be conducted at the earliest. Nepal Army will be mobilized in the construction of national transmission lines if needed.</p>

<p>The government-provided subsidy and grant for the production of alternative energy in the villages lacking transmission lines and electricity service will be furthered made effective.</p>

<p>Food Security</p>

<p>The subsidy price for rice will be determined at the earliest and utilizing the stores of public corporations associated with the Nepal Food Corporation; the government will arrange to purchase the farmers&#39; produces.</p>

<p>The provision that compulsorily incorporates livestock and crops insurance under the micro insurance will be made further effective. The government programmes related to agriculture insurance will be expanded by mobilizing cooperatives.<br />
The programmes helping to be self-reliant in the production of various food items like rice, wheat, maize, fresh vegetables, fruits, lentils, spices, fish, egg and dairy products will be launched as campaign with the timeline of two years.</p>

<p>The landless and poor families will be provided capital grant and subsidized loan.</p>

<p>Finally, the government has thanked all Nepali sisters and brothers for keeping calm, patience and demonstrating tolerance and unity in this adverse situation caused by the devastating earthquake and obstructions in supply system. It also expressed gratitude to all lawmakers, political parties, civil society people, business community, government employees, neighbours, development partners, and media for their support in this situation, expecting positive support and cooperation from all walks of life to cope with this national crisis resulted from this year&#39;s devastating earthquake and ongoing unofficial border blockade and minimise its impact on national economy. RSS</p>
',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3006',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Govt has considered impact on private sector seriously: Finance Minister',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 24: Minister for Finance, Bishnu Poudel, has said that the government is serious regarding the impact on private sector due to the continuous Madhes banda for the past three months and the unannounced border blockade imposed by India.',
			'content' => '<p>November 24: Minister for Finance, Bishnu Poudel, has said that the government is serious regarding the impact on private sector due to the continuous Madhes banda for the past three months and the unannounced border blockade imposed by India.</p>

<p>Receiving suggestions of a joint team of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) at the Finance Ministry today, Minister Poudel said that the government was cognizant towards it as the problem faced by the private sector was the problem of the nation.</p>

<p>On the occasion, the private sector demanded immediate formation of a taskforce under the leadership of the Finance Minister and comprising the Finance Secretary, the Industry Secretary and the Commerce and Supplies Secretary as well as representatives of private sectors for the identifying, evaluation and resolution of the problem.</p>

<p>The taskforce would give immediate suggestions for the revitalization of overall economy and the private sector by holding discussions with the stakeholders. The team also suggested that the government should present mid-term and long-term strategic vision in this regard.</p>

<p>In response, Finance Minister Poudel stressed that the industrialists should think that they are also responsible representatives of the nation.</p>

<p>Minister Poudel said, &quot;I will consider the suggestions of the private sector being a businessman or industrialist.&quot;</p>

<p>Assuring that the government will fulfill the maximum demands that could be fulfilled within the limit of the government, he said that the suggestions of the private sectors would be addressed as per the need.</p>

<p>The Finance Minister said that it was the responsible of the government to create environment conducive required to go the private sector ahead in days ahead and it would be fulfilled, saying the government has highly evaluated the contribution of private sector in nation building.</p>

<p>Finance Minister&#39;s finance advisor Dr Gobinda Nepal said that a high-level mechanism should be formed to deal with current crisis facing Nepal.</p>

<p>Likewise, Revenue Secretary Rajan Khanal said that the government and private sector would move ahead together to sort out problems being faced by industrialists.</p>

<p>Pashupati Muraraka, chairman of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that private sector should coordinate with the government to manage the supply of essential commodities and medicines in the country.</p>

<p>Demanding that the government should declare the country economic emergency, CNI chairman Narendra Basnyat stressed the need for creating conducive environment to drive country&#39;s economy smoothly.</p>

<p>Saying that private sector has suggested based on long-term vision, Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, chairman of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, emphasised to focus on such move. RSS</p>
',
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			'created' => '2015-11-24',
			'modified' => '2015-11-24',
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			'sortorder' => '2846',
			'image' => '20151124052850_finance.jpg',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3005',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government introduces 'Live Enrollment System' for passport issuance',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 23: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday introduced the Live Enrollment System in its bid at streamlining the passport distribution method by making its acquisition easier and quicker.',
			'content' => '<p>November 23: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday introduced the Live Enrollment System in its bid at streamlining the passport distribution method by making its acquisition easier and quicker.</p>

<p>With the new system in place, passport seekers will not have to fill up forms by their hands while their photo, finger prints and signature are filled through the computer. After the new system comes into effect the details of an individual will be in the &#39;biometric&#39; while all works will be digitalized, Foreign Ministry said.</p>

<p>In the first phase of the application of the new system starting Tuesday diplomats and important officials will be provided diplomatic passport, said Department of Passport. In about two weeks&#39; time the public will be issued passport through the system from the Passport Department in the country and through the country&#39;s diplomatic missions abroad.</p>

<p>Inaugurating the commencement of the new system amidst a function held by the Ministry here, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa expressed belief the commoners will avail of easy and fast track method of acquiring passports.<br />
DPM Thapa further added that the application of the system would allow Nepali citizens in foreign lands to gain easy access to Machine Readable Passport (MRP).</p>

<p>Nepal started issuing MRP from 2010 as per the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) directive. A total of 3.8 million MRPs have been distributed till date while around 50,000 to 60,000 handwritten passports need to be replaced by MRP.</p>

<p>&quot;The Ministry has made arrangement making the process easy and smooth so that passport seekers will get passport in a fast track manner in five days,&quot; DPM Thapa said adding, &quot;those who have filled forms in the districts will get passport in 10 days while passports will be issued from diplomatic missions abroad in five days&#39; time.&quot;</p>

<p>Department&#39;s Director General Lok Bahadur Thapa said around 1.7 million handwritten passports were already replaced by the MRP and urged the passport holders to get MRP at the earliest by visiting the nearest centres or offices. RSS</p>
',
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			'created' => '2015-11-24',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3003',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Exports down due to blockade, Tarai unrest: NRB',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 22: The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has said that country's merchandise exports decreased significantly by 25.4 percent to Rs 16.81 billion in the first three months of 2015/16 compared to a drop of 2.3 percent to Rs 22.53 billion in the same period of the previous year. The total exports decreased due to a fall in exports to India, China and other countries in the review period on account of current unfavorable circumstances.',
			'content' => '<p>November 22: The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has said that country&#39;s merchandise exports decreased significantly by 25.4 percent to Rs 16.81 billion in the first three months of 2015/16 compared to a drop of 2.3 percent to Rs 22.53 billion in the same period of the previous year. The total exports decreased due to a fall in exports to India, China and other countries in the review period on account of current unfavorable circumstances.</p>

<p>Likewise, the imports from all customs points declined due to the protest and unofficial blockade imposed by India on southern trade customs points, the economic outlook released by the central bank reads.</p>

<p>However, the balance of payments has remained favorable due to the contraction in imports and upsurge in transfer income.</p>

<p>Exports to China dropped by 66.5 percent in the review period contrary to an increase of 93.2 percent in the same period of the previous year. This fall is mainly attributed to the decrease in the exports of tanned skin, readymade garments, noodles, rudrakshya among others, according to the NRB.</p>

<p>Exports to India decreased by 35.9 percent during the review period compared to a drop of 6.4 percent in the same period of the previous year. The fall in exports to India is attributed mainly of the fall in the exports of zinc sheet, juice, textiles, polyster yarn, among others. The export had decreased by Rs. 46.7 million to Rs. 906 million in 1970/71 due to the Indian blockade in the form of quantitative restriction on exports.</p>

<p>During the review period, merchandise imports shrank by 31.9 percent to Rs. 130.49 billion. Such imports had gone up by 24.4 percent to Rs. 191.72 billion in the same period of the previous year. The slowdown in imports is attributed mainly to a decrease in imports of petroleum products on account of unofficial economic blockade imposed by India on trade routes in the Southern parts of the country.</p>

<p>Similarly, total trade deficit during the review period contracted by 32.8 percent to Rs. 113.68 billion compared to an expansion of 29.1 percent in the same period of the previous year. Trade deficit with India, China and other countries narrowed down by 35.3 percent, 11.2 percent, 38.6 percent respectively in the review period.</p>

<p>The FOB based trade deficit decreased by 32.7 percent to Rs. 109.81 billion in the review period. Such deficit had gone up by 29.6 percent in the same period of the previous year, according to the central bank. RSS</p>
',
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			'created' => '2015-11-23',
			'modified' => '2015-11-23',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2844',
			'image' => '20151123112435_NRB-logo.jpg',
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3004',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Rafting competition to promote adventure tourism',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 23: Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) is organizing the 14th Himalayan White Water Challenge Competition from coming November 27 for the promotion of adventure tourism in Nepal.',
			'content' => '<p>November 23: Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) is organizing the 14th Himalayan White Water Challenge Competition from coming November 27 for the promotion of adventure tourism in Nepal.</p>

<p>NARA shared continuity has been given to adventure rafting this year as usual to keep up attraction of the tourists coming to visit Nepal even in the complicated situation following the April 25 devastating earthquake.<br />
At a press conference organized here, NARA Chairperson Chandra Bahadur Dahal informed that some 500 participants from home country Nepal and 20 foreign countries including Australia, Canada, America, Germany, Norway, China and India are taking part in the three-day competition to be organized in the Trishuli River.<br />
Chairperson Dahal said that the competition would be fruitful to impart message to the international community that rafting is safe in Nepal even after the earthquake and is open for tourists coming to Nepal. Some 16 rivers are open for rafting in Nepal.<br />
The competition is to be organized in Fisling and Kurintar of the Trishuli River in Chitwan. The winner will receive a purse of up to Rs 600,000.<br />
It may be noted that three out of 10 best rivers for rafting are in Nepal. The Bhotekoshi, Sunkoshi and Karnali rank fifth, seventh and 10th best rivers for the purpose.<br />
An investment of Rs 2.5 million has been made for the competition, Chairperson Dahal informed, adding that an arrangement of security including 700 river guards for the security of the tourists taking part in the event. RSS</p>
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include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224
View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418
include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117

Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity &quot;&quot; [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]
Code Context
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$articles = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3021',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NCELL App Camp Holds Seminar on Health and Tourism ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25, Kathmandu. Telecommunication service provider NCell organized a seminar on health and tourism under App Camp 2015.  The experts of Nepal’s health and tourism sectors expressed their views on the potential use of mobile technology in their areas. The speakers from the health sectors stressed that the use of mobile technology should facilitate diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases. They also requested the participants of the App Camp to explore the solution of the problems of public health sector. Ajay Pradhan of Himalayan Climate Initiative said that the development of mobile technology had rendered great help in the field of health service. He also advised the participants to pay attention to the type of App they would make. At the seminar Dr Bhagawan Koirala, Dr Sagun Joshi, Dr Nil Pande, Dr Bishal Dhakal,  Dr Pradip Baidya, Laura Brop from Jons Hopkins University and M Alaudin Ahmed of Metlife discussed the potential use of the App in the health sector. Thirty-eight groups were selected for the Camp in the health stream. Similarly, the experts from tourism sector also discussed the potential for developing Apps, status of its international market and their types which could find space in the global market. They advised the participants to develop apps that are easy to handle, interactive and capable of providing thematic information.  Keynote speaker of the seminar Raj Gyawali from Social Tours said that the Apps could provide information on the safety of the tourists, information and map of places and various programs to be organized in Nepal. Ashutos Tiwari from Sherpa Adventure Gear, Liaison Director of Nepal Tourism Board, Sunilchandra Sharma from Nepal Sutra and Taranath Lamichane  from Osho Vision Treks and Expedition had also participated in the seminar.  The NCELL App Camp 2015, which was organized by NCELL as part of its social responsibility, has three streams- sports and entertainment, tourism and utility- except health. NABIL Bank, Kathmandu College of Management, E-service and Metlife are NCELL’s App partners. The stream-wise App Camp winner will win a reward of 250,000 rupees each  while the outstanding achiever will win a purse of 500,000 rupees plus a chance to participate in the international App conference to be held in 2016.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25, Kathmandu. Telecommunication service provider NCell organized a seminar on health and tourism under App Camp 2015.&nbsp; The experts of Nepal&rsquo;s health and tourism sectors expressed their views on the potential use of mobile technology in their areas. The speakers from the health sectors stressed that the use of mobile technology should facilitate diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases. They also requested the participants of the App Camp to explore the solution of the problems of public health sector. Ajay Pradhan of Himalayan Climate Initiative said that the development of mobile technology had rendered great help in the field of health service. He also advised the participants to pay attention to the type of App they would make. At the seminar Dr Bhagawan Koirala, Dr Sagun Joshi, Dr Nil Pande, Dr Bishal Dhakal,&nbsp; Dr Pradip Baidya, Laura Brop from Jons Hopkins University and M Alaudin Ahmed of Metlife discussed the potential use of the App in the health sector. Thirty-eight groups were selected for the Camp in the health stream.</p>

<p>Similarly, the experts from tourism sector also discussed the potential for developing Apps, status of its international market and their types which could find space in the global market. They advised the participants to develop apps that are easy to handle, interactive and capable of providing thematic information.</p>

<p>Keynote speaker of the seminar Raj Gyawali from Social Tours said that the Apps could provide information on the safety of the tourists, information and map of places and various programs to be organized in Nepal. Ashutos Tiwari from Sherpa Adventure Gear, Liaison Director of Nepal Tourism Board, Sunilchandra Sharma from Nepal Sutra and Taranath Lamichane&nbsp; from Osho Vision Treks and Expedition had also participated in the seminar.</p>

<p>The NCELL App Camp 2015, which was organized by NCELL as part of its social responsibility, has three streams- sports and entertainment, tourism and utility- except health. NABIL Bank, Kathmandu College of Management, E-service and Metlife are NCELL&rsquo;s App partners.</p>

<p>The stream-wise App Camp winner will win a reward of 250,000 rupees each&nbsp; while the outstanding achiever will win a purse of 500,000 rupees plus a chance to participate in the international App conference to be held in 2016.</p>
',
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			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2861',
			'image' => '20151126035951_Ncell-Logo.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => true,
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3020',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NIBL Hands Over Accident Insurance Claim',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 26: Nepal Investment Bank Limited (NIBL) has paid the insurance claim of Rs 200,000 to the family of deceased Prema Shrestha who had opened ‘safety saving account’ at the bank. After Shrestha’s death, Branch Manager of the Bank, Prakashraj Subedi and the Corporate Market Chief of Nepal Life Insurance Company Pawan Kumar Khadka jointly handed over the amount to Satyanarayan Shrestha, the husband of the deceased. The bank has been providing the facility of life insurance worth Rs 100,000 and the accident death insurance worth Rs 200,000 for its clients opening ‘safety saving account’. ',
			'content' => '<p>November 26: Nepal Investment Bank Limited (NIBL) has paid the insurance claim of Rs 200,000 to the family of deceased Prema Shrestha who had opened &lsquo;safety saving account&rsquo; at the bank.</p>

<p>After Shrestha&rsquo;s death, Branch Manager of the Bank, Prakashraj Subedi and the Corporate Market Chief of Nepal Life Insurance Company Pawan Kumar Khadka jointly handed over the amount to Satyanarayan Shrestha, the husband of the deceased.</p>

<p>The bank has been providing the facility of life insurance worth Rs 100,000 and the accident death insurance worth Rs 200,000 for its clients opening &lsquo;safety saving account&rsquo;.</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2860',
			'image' => '20151126040219_nibl.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => true,
			'in_scroller' => false,
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3019',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Telecom Cuts Charge for Replacing SIM',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 26: Nepal Telecom has changed the rates for the replacement and reactivation of SIM or RIM cards.  The Telecom has reduced fifty rupees from the usual charge for replacing the lost or damaged SIM of GSM or CDMA mobile phones effective from Thursday.',
			'content' => '<p style="margin-left:9.0pt">November 26: Nepal Telecom has changed the rates for the replacement and reactivation of SIM or RIM cards. &nbsp;The Telecom has reduced fifty rupees from the usual charge for replacing the lost or damaged SIM of GSM or CDMA mobile phones effective from Thursday.</p>

<p style="margin-left:9.0pt">Similarly, it has also reduced to 90 rupees the charge for reactivation of the SIM or RIM cards frozen after expiry of validity.</p>

<p style="margin-left:9.0pt">The Telecom has said that the newly activated SIM or RIM cards will also carry 5o rupees of &lsquo;talk time value&rsquo;.</p>

<p style="margin-left:9.0pt">Previously, the Telecom was charging 100 rupees for the reactivation of lost or damaged SIM or RIM cards, whereas it charged 200 rupees for the reactivation of the SIM and RIM cards at the &lsquo;frozen stage&rsquo;.</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2859',
			'image' => '20151126040057_NTC_Logo.JPG',
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => true,
			'in_scroller' => false,
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3018',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Maharjan Wins Hyundai  Creta in Samsung Mobile',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 26: Manita Maharjan of Thankot has won a Hyundai Creta as the bumper prize under Samsung’s Dashai Tihar Bonanza offer.  This offer had  lasted from Asauj 4 to Kartik 2072 B.S. Under this offer, three persons  had won Galaxy Alpha, Galaxy K Zoom, Galaxy S6 mobiles daily.  One person had won Galaxy Tab T705 during the offer everyday. According to the company, one person  had  won one Bajaj Pulser 200 in every 15 days.',
			'content' => '<p>November 26: Manita Maharjan of Thankot has won a Hyundai Creta as the bumper prize under Samsung&rsquo;s Dashai Tihar Bonanza offer.</p>

<p>This offer had&nbsp; lasted from Asauj 4 to Kartik 2072 B.S. Under this offer, three persons&nbsp; had won Galaxy Alpha, Galaxy K Zoom, Galaxy S6 mobiles daily.&nbsp; One person had won Galaxy Tab T705 during the offer everyday. According to the company, one person&nbsp; had &nbsp;won one Bajaj Pulser 200 in every 15 days.</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2858',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => true,
			'in_scroller' => false,
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	),
	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3011',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Indian blockade inhumane',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 26: The China Study Centre has described the blockade by India on Nepal as inhumane and outright violation of human rights and international law.  In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Centre has said the step by India would not only have a negative impact on bilateral relations between the two countries, but also violates Nepal's right to transit as a landlocked country and the UN charter, the WTO regulations and SAARC charter among others.  Lauding the resilience shown by the Nepalis at this difficult circumstance and the determination shown by Nepal government to maintain the national pride, the statement released by General Secretary of the Centre says it hopes that the government would now work towards making Nepal self-reliant.  The centre has also lauded the good neighbourly act of China towards Nepal to help with oil supplies, and expressed gratitude towards the international community for its sympathy to Nepal. RSS',
			'content' => '<p>November 26: The China Study Centre has described the blockade by India on Nepal as inhumane and outright violation of human rights and international law.</p>

<p>In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Centre has said the step by India would not only have a negative impact on bilateral relations between the two countries, but also violates Nepal&#39;s right to transit as a landlocked country and the UN charter, the WTO regulations and SAARC charter among others.</p>

<p>Lauding the resilience shown by the Nepalis at this difficult circumstance and the determination shown by Nepal government to maintain the national pride, the statement released by General Secretary of the Centre says it hopes that the government would now work towards making Nepal self-reliant.</p>

<p>The centre has also lauded the good neighbourly act of China towards Nepal to help with oil supplies, and expressed gratitude towards the international community for its sympathy to Nepal. RSS</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2853',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => true,
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3013',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Environment-friendly vehicle rally in Kathmandu',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTE) organized a rally here today with an objective to spread awareness on the importance of electric vehicles at a time when the country is reeling under acute fuel-crisis.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTE) organized a rally here today with an objective to spread awareness on the importance of electric vehicles at a time when the country is reeling under acute fuel-crisis.</p>

<p>More than 200 environment-friendly vehicles, including bicycles, electronic cars, scooter and three-wheelers (safa tempo), participated in the event.</p>

<p>The rally that kicked off at Jawalakhel in Lalitpur and marched through various places in Kathmandu as Tripureshower-Ratnapark-Keshar Mahal-Narayanhiti Dakshin Dhoka-Putalisadk and Babarmahal.</p>

<p>Inaugurating the rally, Minister for Science, Technology and Environment Biswendra Pashwan urged the consumers to opt for environment-friendly vehicles at the time of fuel-crisis like this.</p>

<p>&quot;Use of environment-friendly vehicles also helps reduce the increasing air pollution in Kathmandu,&quot; argued Minister Pashwan.</p>

<p>He also underscored the frugal use of petroleum products and use of environment-friendly vehicles in the other regular times rather than during the fuel-crisis.</p>

<p>Participant in the rally were former chief secretary Leelamani Poudel, Secretary of MoSTE Dr Krishna Chandra Poudel and Chief of Environment Division Mahendraman Gurung among others. RSS</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2852',
			'image' => '20151126025124_minister_cycle.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2015-11-25 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3012',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Industrialist and founder of Nepal Eye Hospital, Mittal, no more',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: Industrialist and the founder of the Nepal Eye Hospital, Banawari Lal Mittal has passed away today at the age of 79.  Mittal had returned home on Monday after treatment at the Medanta Hospital in India. He had been suffering from brain disease for six months. He passed away at his residence in Gyaneshwar this morning.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: Industrialist and the founder of the Nepal Eye Hospital, Banawari Lal Mittal has passed away today at the age of 79.</p>

<p>Mittal had returned home on Monday after treatment at the Medanta Hospital in India. He had been suffering from brain disease for six months. He passed away at his residence in Gyaneshwar this morning.</p>

<p>He forayed into the construction business in 1956. He had also set up a helicopter service 16 years back and his airlines company, the Shree Airlines, is considered one of the successful airlines companies in the country and is the biggest one. The helicopters of this airlines company are used in the UN peace missions, the first in South Asia. Mittal was the chairman of the Shree Airlines until his passing.</p>

<p>Apart from his contribution to promoting the business sector, the late Mittal is a known name in the social service sector as well.</p>

<p>He served as the chairman of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, the working committee member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, founder member of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries and the president of the Contractors Association of Nepal.</p>

<p>Likewise, he was the former president of Nepal Marwari Service Committee, the advisor of the Nepal Marwari Council, founder president of Nepal Eye Hospital and the former treasurer of the Pashupati Area Development Trust.</p>

<p>He was involved in many businesses as construction, airlines and tea production. He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.</p>

<p>His last rites would be performed at the Pashupati Aryaghat today itself, according to Sharad Kumar Gauchan, the president of the Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal. RSS</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2851',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-25 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => true,
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3010',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Private Sector for a State of Economic Emergency',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: Minister of Finance Bishnu Paudel has said that the government would support the private sector at this time of unprecedented crisis. He made the remark while talking to a delegation from the Nepal Overseas Export Association (NOEA) at the Ministry on Nov 24.  The NOEA delegation had demanded the government declare a state of economic emergency to save industries and enterprises.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: Minister of Finance Bishnu Paudel has said that the government would support the private sector at this time of unprecedented crisis. He made the remark while talking to a delegation from the Nepal Overseas Export Association (NOEA) at the Ministry on Nov 24.</p>

<p>The NOEA delegation had demanded the government declare a state of economic emergency to save industries and enterprises.</p>

<p>Describing the public and private sector as complementing each other, Paudel said that the any declaration of an emergency required deeper analysis. &ldquo;We will look into the problems being faced by industrialists and entrepreneurs. We will make you feel that the government is with you,&rdquo; Paudel said.</p>

<p>The delegation led by Him Bahadur Rawal, Acting Chairperson of NOEA had called on the finance minister to apprise him of the impact brought about by the current political deadlock on industrial enterprises, education, health and the day to day life of the people. The association suggested measures that could be taken to avert an economic crisis warning that the present day difficulties might push the economy to recession leading Nepal to become a failed state.</p>

<p>The delegation also suggested the ministry form a joint working group of government and private sector organisations with a view to identify the problems and find out short and long-term solutions.</p>

<p>The association also called on the government to facilitate the operation of industries based on indigenous raw materials by providing security, fuel and means of transportation of manufactured goods and to allow the private sector to import petroleum products and to exempt taxes including VAT untill the situation is normalised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The association urged Paudel to remove extra charges on the detained imported goods and to apply custom duties and other taxes on the basis of CIF value along with the exemption of VAT amounting to 25 percent of the interest paid to the financial institutions, to reduce by two percent in the interest of the loan issued to industrial enterprises, institute a provision to issue permits from commercial banks for import through TT of goods worth USD 100,000 and to require permits from the National Bank only for import of goods worth more than USD 100,000.</p>

<p>The association also requested the minister to create a congenial atmosphere for starting projects committed by the Investment Board, finalising the pending issues concerning industries through fast-track. The association also requested the government to pass the acts and laws concerning the economy already tabled at the legislative parliament.</p>

<p>Other members of the delegation included Former Chairperson of the association Ashok Kumar Agrawal, Vice-chairperson Sunil Kumar Dhanuk (Bansal), Secretary Amit Agrawal and working committee members Madan Mittal and Suresh Kumar Agrawal.</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-25',
			'modified' => '2015-11-25',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2850',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-25 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => true,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '1'
		)
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3009',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Need for Lcal Dairy Industries Highlighted',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: The National Dairy Cooperative Association (NDCA) has demanded that the government bolster local milk production by formulating short and long-term policies.  In a press conference organised on Nov 23, the NDCA stressed the need for a policy arrangement to give priority to indigenous dairy products.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: The National Dairy Cooperative Association (NDCA) has demanded that the government bolster local milk production by formulating short and long-term policies.</p>

<p>In a press conference organised on Nov 23, the NDCA stressed the need for a policy arrangement to give priority to indigenous dairy products.</p>

<p>Chairperson of the association Narayan Prasad Devkota highlighted the need for operating existing dairy industries to their full capacity and to start the operation of Chitwan Milk which has remained closed.</p>

<p>Nepal is said to be self-sufficient in milk and the dairy industry is one of the few industries which does not need import of raw materials. The entrepreneurs demanded the government subsidise powder milk production to end the situation of &lsquo;milk holiday&rsquo;. Devkota informed that Nepal Police and Nepal Army were consuming 60,000 litres of milk daily.</p>

<p>Describing how India&rsquo;s blockade had affected the milk industry by also forcing farmers to observe a &lsquo;milk holiday&rsquo;, the dairy entrepreneurs called upon the government to take steps to promote indigenous dairy products in the country.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-25',
			'modified' => '2015-11-25',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2849',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-25 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => true,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '1'
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3008',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Birgunj Reels Under Cooking Gas Shortage',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: Considered to be the main life line for the import of petroleum products, Birgunj has been reeling under the scarcity of cooking gas.  Customers queued up in front of the National Trading Limited’s (NTL) office since early afternoon Monday on rumors that cooking gas cylinders would be distributed. But they were compelled to return with empty cylinders the next morning.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: Considered to be the main life line for the import of petroleum products, Birgunj has been reeling under the scarcity of cooking gas.</p>

<p>Customers queued up in front of the National Trading Limited&rsquo;s (NTL) office since early afternoon Monday on rumors that cooking gas cylinders would be distributed. But they were compelled to return with empty cylinders the next morning.</p>

<p>As residents of Birgunj queued up all night, two of the LPG bullets supposed to arrive in Birgung were stuck at the border point at Sunauli. When approached, the gas company said it was not able to distribute gas until the stuck gas bullets arrived at the industry&rsquo;s depot at Parwanipur.</p>

<p>The Birgunj border point from where 70 percent of the fuel enters Nepal has been blocked for two months because of picketing by the agitators of Madhesi Front. Some cylinders of Narayani Gas were distributed from NTL&rsquo;s premises on Monday.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Despite rumours about the distribution of cooking gas, the local administration has not bothered to provide correct information to the consumers,&rdquo; Pramod Thakur of Birgunj said. The lack of information has forced consumers to sleep on the streets not to miss the chance of getting the gas.</p>

<p>Chief District Officer of Parsa, Anuj Bhandari, however, said that information was given to the consumers. The information was channeled through the authoritative dealers of the industry, he said. The dealers, on their part, said that no coordination was sought with them for the distribution of the gas.</p>

<p>Central vice-chairperson of Gas Dealers Federation Nepal, Ganeshman Shrestha said that the industries had not sought coordination with the dealers for the distribution of the gas. &ldquo;The government has only given the industries the license for production but the industries are distributing the gas themselves against regulation,&rdquo; he complained. &ldquo;Even in this time of crisis, distribution is not transparent,&rdquo; he added. According to him, one cylinder of gas can fill 2,500 cylinders if a cylinder is filled with 7 kg- 100 grams of gas but the industry had not distributed more than 2,000 cylinders, he revealed.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3007',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government issues White Paper; estimates only 2 % growth rate',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 24: The government has issued a White Paper, making public the current situation of nation’s economy, problems created after agitation and strikes in the southern plains and unannounced blockade continued for some months, and its (government’s) future course.',
			'content' => '<p>November 24: The government has issued a White Paper, making public the current situation of nation&rsquo;s economy, problems created after agitation and strikes in the southern plains and unannounced blockade continued for some months, and its (government&rsquo;s) future course.</p>

<p>The Paper has painted a bleak picture of nation&rsquo;s economy with government&rsquo;s estimation of only 2 percent economic growth rate, reasoning the heavy shrinking of economic activities with the obstruction on supply system triggered by the agitation and strike, and the undeclared blockade.</p>

<p>Reading out the White paper, Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel said although the growth rate of the current fiscal year was expected to be 6 percent in the background that new constitution had come with the hope the country would concentrate on economic and social developments, the heavy disruption in the supply system and subsequent severe effects on agro and non-agro products has made the government bound to estimate 2 percent growth rate.</p>

<p>Meagre capital spending, no environment of reconstruction<br />
The activities to generate capital has not taken a pace, Minister Poudel said, adding that in the first four month of the current fiscal year, only 4.1 percent of the capital budget was spent, while the institutional environment for spending Rs 74 billion allocated for reconstruction was yet to be created.</p>

<p>Service sectors marred<br />
Due to the acute shortage of fuel to the service sector as hotel/restaurant, tourism, construction, banking, and transportation which contribute to 50 percent of the gross domestic product and the dearth of essential materials, they have been marred. It has direct impact on the country&rsquo;s economic growth rate.</p>

<p>State of earthquake affected worsening, serious challenge to graduation to status of developing country<br />
The Minister further said the number of people pushed to poverty due to the earthquake damage is estimated at 700,000. The condition of those suffering from the earthquake damage is likely to be worsened with the effects on drinking water and sanitation, education, health, employment, food security and daily livelihood. It will pose a serious challenge to the government to graduate the country to the status of developing country from the present least developed status, by 2022.</p>

<p>Growing Inflation<br />
The effects of the disruption in supply system has been seen in the overall economic indexes, Minister Poudel said, adding that the inflation in the first month of the current fiscal year was 6.9 percent which grew to 7.2 and 8.3 percents respectively in the second and third months. In this, food sector saw highest inflation.</p>

<p>Heavy decline on export, import<br />
The economy is deteriorating for the disruption of the transportation of materials for construction activities. In the initial three months of the last year, the goods and service of Rs 191 billion were imported, which declined to Rs130 billion in the same period of the current fiscal year. Similarly, in the same period last fiscal year, there was the export of Rs 22.53 billion, which dropped to Rs 16.81 billion. It is a decline by 31 percent compared to the last fiscal year.</p>

<p>Currently, the debt burden to the country is Rs 539 billion. The debt burden ratio to the gross domestic product is 24.5 percent.</p>

<p>The Minister reminds through the White Paper that the people already afflicted by the devastating earthquake have been pushed to worsening condition due to the agitations, strikes and banda (general shutdown) organized in the name of Madhes agitation.</p>

<p>The assistance, cooperation and unity shown by the foreigners for the search of the missing, rescue, relief, and distribution after the earthquake were quite unforgettable. Similar environment of cooperation was expected for the reconstruction too, but Nepali people are bound to go through such unimaginable afflictions, added the Finance Minister.</p>

<p>Agro products to decline by 10 percent<br />
The agro production is estimated to go down by 10 per cent. Wheat production is likely to slide down by 30 per cent if there is no smooth supply of chemical fertilizer. The annual demand for food of the country stands at 5,345,000 metric tonnes and until the starting of the current fiscal year, there was a stock of just 155,000 metric tonnes and such projection in the food production has posed a risk of food insecurity.</p>

<p>Likewise, the production of dairy and meat products is projected to go down by 2 per cent. However, the production of vegetables is estimated to remain the same. Last year, the country recorded around 3.6 million metric tonnes of vegetable production. But the problem in transport is to affect the collection of produces and its marketing.</p>

<p>Future course<br />
The government has pledged to provide agro seeds to farmers at subsidized rate and ensure supply of chemical fertilizer got stuck into transit and border points immediately and distribute it to farmers for winter crops. Through the white paper, the government announced to make arrangements for distributing soft agro loan to farmers.<br />
Likewise, business community will get more time for submitting tax details and for tax payment. Dairy and vegetable farmers and meat producers will get more time for paying loan and some discount on interests too.</p>

<p>The Nepal Rastra Bank&#39;s Recovery Fund will be utlilised for the recovery and rehabilitation of industries.</p>

<p>Health and Education Service<br />
Similarly, in the white paper, the government has announced to normalise the supplies of health-related facilities including oxygen, equipments, raw materials, packing materials and blood collection bags and opt for an air route to import life-saving drugs.<br />
Besides, all academic institutes will be reopened and support and cooperation from teachers, students, guardians, political parties, rights activists and civil society will be garnered for the same.</p>

<p>Bill on Reconstruction Authority soon<br />
The government pledged to go with the post- reconstruction efforts by endorsing the Bill on National Reconstruction Authority from the Legislature-Parliament at the earliest. Likewise, first installment of Rs 200,000 announced by the previous government for the earthquake hit people will be allocated soon. Poor families rendering homeless by the disaster will be provided loan up to Rs 300,000 at subsidized interest rate.</p>

<p>The government declared to provide Rs 10,000 to the most affected quake victims within mid December to purchase winter garments. Moreover, vocational trainings will be imparted to produce skilled workers to construct earthquake-resistant buildings and reconstruction of the earthquake-damaged historic and religious heritages will begin soon.</p>

<p>Governance reform<br />
The task for drafting new laws demanded by the new constitution and those needed to be amended will be taken ahead effectively. Effective measures will be taken to maintain peace and good governance as per the constitution&#39;s supremacy and rule of law and to discourage the black marketing, criminal activities and obstructions on border, highways, industrial corridor, health and education sectors.</p>

<p>The government announced to promote the culture of reward and punishment in bureaucracy and hold the election of official trade unions within the next three months.</p>

<p>Monitoring mechanism<br />
A mechanism will be formed with the participation of representatives of stakeholders concerned, consumers&#39; rights organisations and private sector to systematize the supplies of fuel and daily essentials and market monitoring.</p>

<p>Impact of banda, strikes and supply system on nation economy will be under regular supervision of the government. A High Level Committee will be constituted with the participation of private sector to monitor task mentioned in this white paper.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Industrial losses<br />
In the last fiscal year the growth rate of the industrial sector stood at 2.6 per cent which will seemingly remain regressive in the ongoing fiscal year.</p>

<p>Around 2,200 industries are shut with more than 200,000 employees working in those industries rendered jobless, according to the White Paper. The industries are facing problem in making payment to its workers and bank&#39;s interest.</p>

<p>The amount of debt piling up due to stranded freight trucks and containers at Kolkata port in India, Indian roads, Indian railways, Raxaul among other dry ports is estimated to have surged to whopping Rs 5 billion. The amount includes increasing amount of price of the stranded commodities, of charges levied on parked containers and freight trucks, detention charges, charges of the containers and trucks, warehouse charges and demurrage charges.</p>

<p>Service Sector<br />
In the last fiscal year the service sector&#39;s growth rate which stood at 6.1 per cent will likely be limited to only 3 per cent in the current fiscal year.</p>

<p>The tourism sector is undoubtedly at the front line of the impact of the political unrest and the blockade with 46 per cent fall in the arrival of tourist as compared to the same period last year.</p>

<p>Decline in tourists&rsquo; arrival<br />
The number of tourists&#39; arrival from air route which stood at 652,655 from January to October in 2014 has slumped drastically to 300,325 in the same period this year. The tourists&#39; stay in the country has also taken a hit with tourists choosing to spend only 6 days in average which was 12.4 days in average last year.</p>

<p>The hotel entrepreneurs are also not aloof of the impact with less than 20 per cent of their total capacity being used with the dearth of tourists. In last year from mid September to mid November, 90 to 95 per cent of the hotel rooms were booked which has come down to 15-20 percent. In overall, the tourism sector employment has come down to 25 per cent in comparison to the same period last year.</p>

<p>Domestic flights cut off<br />
Comparatively, 50 per cent decline has been witnessed in the number of tourists while only 15 per cent of the total number of tour guides is finding their works. In this period, 75 per cent of the domestic flights have been cut off due to shortage of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).</p>

<p>Infrastructure Development and Construction<br />
The ongoing unrest and the unofficial blockade at the border has severely impacted the country&#39;s flourishing construction industry and infrastructure developments with production of cement, pebbles, bricks, stone and sand among other raw materials witnessing a setback. The raw materials that have been manufactured have not been able to reach their destination with supply system on a grinding halt. This has affected the public construction work.</p>

<p>Big projects badly hampered<br />
The construction works of the Gautam Budha International Airport, Rani-Jamara-Kulariya Irrigation Project, Tamakoshi Hydro Power Project, Melamchi Drinking Water Project, Postal Highway, Puspalal (Mid Hill) Highway, trade ways, Chameliya Hydro Power Project among other big projects have been affected.</p>

<p>The construction entrepreneurs are jobless, as they have not been able to get contract of government works.</p>

<p>Monetary and Financial Sector<br />
The banking and financial sector is suffering a threat of liquidity as deposit growth has been stagnant with expected loan expansion also seeing a setback.</p>

<p>Until the beginning of November this year, the loan growth in banking and financial sectors have climbed by 2.1 per cent as compared to until mid July while deposit mobilization has increased by 2.5 per cent. Last year, the growth rates were 5.1 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively.</p>

<p>In the coming days interest dues, bad debt and capital adequacy fund and bank&#39;s profit will possibly see negative impact.</p>

<p>Internal and External Trade<br />
According to the White Paper, 26.7 per cent decline has been witnessed in the import of food commodities in the first four months of the current fiscal year while the import of medicines and medicinal raw materials has dropped by 54.7 per cent.</p>

<p>In two months&#39; period after the undeclared blockade was enforced at the border, 70.6 per cent, 62.8 per cent, 73.1 per cent, 71.8 per cent and 84.4 per cent drops were witnessed in the import of petrol, diesel, kerosene, LP Gas, and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) respectively as compared to the same period last year. There is also a decline seen in the Letter of Credit (LC).</p>

<p>The political instability and the blockade has also impacted the internal trade with a heavy slump seen in the trade of rice, pulses, oil, medicines and construction materials in the market.</p>

<p>Hydro Power Project and Energy Sector<br />
The regular power outage hours have decreased owing to the closure of industries and a decline in energy consumption. The National Transmission Grid is importing 716 megawatt of electricity.</p>

<p>In current context, 94 megawatt electricity is short during morning hours from 5 am to 6 am while 512 megawatt of electricity is needed in the evening hours from 6 pm to 8 pm. &quot;The government will have to import 236 megawatt of electricity from India to fulfill the minimal deficit,&quot; it is stated.</p>

<p>The construction deadline of the Upper Tamakoshi Hydro Power Project (456 megawatt) has been pushed back by nearly two years due to the massive earthquake of April 25. The shortage of fuel products has aggravated the situation further impacting the construction works of the project.</p>

<p>&quot;Due to the earthquake hydro power projects of 80 megawatt have not resumed operation while the current obstruction in the supply system has affected under-construction projects,&quot; the Ministry said.</p>

<p>The unprecedented dearth of cooking gas and kerosene is having a tremendous impact on daily cooking methods in every household while the number of vehicles plying the road has significantly declined owing to the paucity of fuel. The commodities manufactured in the rural areas have remained stranded for the vehicles.</p>

<p>The demand for solar energy and bio-gas has increased but its supply has not been easy. The completion of the under construction bio gas plants is unlikely to meet the deadline while the delay in the reconstruction and restoration of the plants damaged during the earthquake is imminent.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Petroleum products import and distribution system</p>

<p>A system shall be put in place to ensure effective and transparent distribution and sales of essential goods, including fuel. A certain criteria will be devised for the efficient fuel distribution which also includes putting online the information mentioning venue, time, quantity and time table for the distribution of the same.</p>

<p>The consumers will be provided coupon to facilitate them in securing fuel without standing on line for long.</p>

<p>Similarly, the government will book the persons and groups involved in irregular distributions and sales of petroleum products.</p>

<p>For the distribution of LPG cylinder, the government is determining priorities on the basis of its daily import and stock. In addition, kerosene and firewood distribution will be further made effective.</p>

<p>Physically challenged persons, ambulances, hearses, tourist vehicles, vehicles ferrying drinking water, milk, medicines and other vital commodities and media persons/media houses will be prioritized when it comes to providing fuel.</p>

<p>In an attempt to explore alternatives to import petroleum products, the government will make various trade agreements with international companies and foreign countries. If private sector is interested in its import, the government will facilitate them.</p>

<p>Government will promote Alternative Energy Promotion Centre and facilitate the private sector promoting equipments and technologies on alternative source of energy so as to increase public access to it.</p>

<p>The vehicles carrying essential goods and clearing customs will be escorted to their respective destinations. Strict monitoring and supervision of the import and sales of petroleum products will be carried out by the government.</p>

<p>The maintenance and up gradation of the alternative Check Points for the import of goods will be undertaken along with constructing and expanding the roads linking to those bordering points.</p>

<p>Use of electronic vehicles both for personal and professional purposes will be encouraged. Public will be encouraged to use electronic stoves for cooking food.</p>

<p>Energy security</p>

<p>Energy crisis will be declared in order to expedite the process of hydropower production and its transmission and distribution.</p>

<p>The construction of under-construction hydropower projects like Upper Tamakoshi, Kulekhani III and Chamelia and other proposed projects like Budhi Gandaki, Nalsingh Gad will be accelerated. Some 25 mega watt of electricity will be imported from the under-construction Grid Solar Project.</p>

<p>The micro hydro projects constructed and operated with the investment of locals will be encouraged.</p>

<p>Similarly, electricity projects generating 200 mega watt of electricity will be accelerated and connected to the national grid. Furthermore, similar projects under-taken by the private sector will be facilitated for their timely completion.</p>

<p>The government has targeted to link additional 155 mega watt electricity in the national transmission grid within a year.</p>

<p>Also, a feasibility study of the hydro electricity power in the country will be conducted at the earliest. Nepal Army will be mobilized in the construction of national transmission lines if needed.</p>

<p>The government-provided subsidy and grant for the production of alternative energy in the villages lacking transmission lines and electricity service will be furthered made effective.</p>

<p>Food Security</p>

<p>The subsidy price for rice will be determined at the earliest and utilizing the stores of public corporations associated with the Nepal Food Corporation; the government will arrange to purchase the farmers&#39; produces.</p>

<p>The provision that compulsorily incorporates livestock and crops insurance under the micro insurance will be made further effective. The government programmes related to agriculture insurance will be expanded by mobilizing cooperatives.<br />
The programmes helping to be self-reliant in the production of various food items like rice, wheat, maize, fresh vegetables, fruits, lentils, spices, fish, egg and dairy products will be launched as campaign with the timeline of two years.</p>

<p>The landless and poor families will be provided capital grant and subsidized loan.</p>

<p>Finally, the government has thanked all Nepali sisters and brothers for keeping calm, patience and demonstrating tolerance and unity in this adverse situation caused by the devastating earthquake and obstructions in supply system. It also expressed gratitude to all lawmakers, political parties, civil society people, business community, government employees, neighbours, development partners, and media for their support in this situation, expecting positive support and cooperation from all walks of life to cope with this national crisis resulted from this year&#39;s devastating earthquake and ongoing unofficial border blockade and minimise its impact on national economy. RSS</p>
',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3006',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Govt has considered impact on private sector seriously: Finance Minister',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 24: Minister for Finance, Bishnu Poudel, has said that the government is serious regarding the impact on private sector due to the continuous Madhes banda for the past three months and the unannounced border blockade imposed by India.',
			'content' => '<p>November 24: Minister for Finance, Bishnu Poudel, has said that the government is serious regarding the impact on private sector due to the continuous Madhes banda for the past three months and the unannounced border blockade imposed by India.</p>

<p>Receiving suggestions of a joint team of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) at the Finance Ministry today, Minister Poudel said that the government was cognizant towards it as the problem faced by the private sector was the problem of the nation.</p>

<p>On the occasion, the private sector demanded immediate formation of a taskforce under the leadership of the Finance Minister and comprising the Finance Secretary, the Industry Secretary and the Commerce and Supplies Secretary as well as representatives of private sectors for the identifying, evaluation and resolution of the problem.</p>

<p>The taskforce would give immediate suggestions for the revitalization of overall economy and the private sector by holding discussions with the stakeholders. The team also suggested that the government should present mid-term and long-term strategic vision in this regard.</p>

<p>In response, Finance Minister Poudel stressed that the industrialists should think that they are also responsible representatives of the nation.</p>

<p>Minister Poudel said, &quot;I will consider the suggestions of the private sector being a businessman or industrialist.&quot;</p>

<p>Assuring that the government will fulfill the maximum demands that could be fulfilled within the limit of the government, he said that the suggestions of the private sectors would be addressed as per the need.</p>

<p>The Finance Minister said that it was the responsible of the government to create environment conducive required to go the private sector ahead in days ahead and it would be fulfilled, saying the government has highly evaluated the contribution of private sector in nation building.</p>

<p>Finance Minister&#39;s finance advisor Dr Gobinda Nepal said that a high-level mechanism should be formed to deal with current crisis facing Nepal.</p>

<p>Likewise, Revenue Secretary Rajan Khanal said that the government and private sector would move ahead together to sort out problems being faced by industrialists.</p>

<p>Pashupati Muraraka, chairman of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that private sector should coordinate with the government to manage the supply of essential commodities and medicines in the country.</p>

<p>Demanding that the government should declare the country economic emergency, CNI chairman Narendra Basnyat stressed the need for creating conducive environment to drive country&#39;s economy smoothly.</p>

<p>Saying that private sector has suggested based on long-term vision, Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, chairman of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, emphasised to focus on such move. RSS</p>
',
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			'created' => '2015-11-24',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3005',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government introduces 'Live Enrollment System' for passport issuance',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 23: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday introduced the Live Enrollment System in its bid at streamlining the passport distribution method by making its acquisition easier and quicker.',
			'content' => '<p>November 23: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday introduced the Live Enrollment System in its bid at streamlining the passport distribution method by making its acquisition easier and quicker.</p>

<p>With the new system in place, passport seekers will not have to fill up forms by their hands while their photo, finger prints and signature are filled through the computer. After the new system comes into effect the details of an individual will be in the &#39;biometric&#39; while all works will be digitalized, Foreign Ministry said.</p>

<p>In the first phase of the application of the new system starting Tuesday diplomats and important officials will be provided diplomatic passport, said Department of Passport. In about two weeks&#39; time the public will be issued passport through the system from the Passport Department in the country and through the country&#39;s diplomatic missions abroad.</p>

<p>Inaugurating the commencement of the new system amidst a function held by the Ministry here, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa expressed belief the commoners will avail of easy and fast track method of acquiring passports.<br />
DPM Thapa further added that the application of the system would allow Nepali citizens in foreign lands to gain easy access to Machine Readable Passport (MRP).</p>

<p>Nepal started issuing MRP from 2010 as per the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) directive. A total of 3.8 million MRPs have been distributed till date while around 50,000 to 60,000 handwritten passports need to be replaced by MRP.</p>

<p>&quot;The Ministry has made arrangement making the process easy and smooth so that passport seekers will get passport in a fast track manner in five days,&quot; DPM Thapa said adding, &quot;those who have filled forms in the districts will get passport in 10 days while passports will be issued from diplomatic missions abroad in five days&#39; time.&quot;</p>

<p>Department&#39;s Director General Lok Bahadur Thapa said around 1.7 million handwritten passports were already replaced by the MRP and urged the passport holders to get MRP at the earliest by visiting the nearest centres or offices. RSS</p>
',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3003',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Exports down due to blockade, Tarai unrest: NRB',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 22: The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has said that country's merchandise exports decreased significantly by 25.4 percent to Rs 16.81 billion in the first three months of 2015/16 compared to a drop of 2.3 percent to Rs 22.53 billion in the same period of the previous year. The total exports decreased due to a fall in exports to India, China and other countries in the review period on account of current unfavorable circumstances.',
			'content' => '<p>November 22: The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has said that country&#39;s merchandise exports decreased significantly by 25.4 percent to Rs 16.81 billion in the first three months of 2015/16 compared to a drop of 2.3 percent to Rs 22.53 billion in the same period of the previous year. The total exports decreased due to a fall in exports to India, China and other countries in the review period on account of current unfavorable circumstances.</p>

<p>Likewise, the imports from all customs points declined due to the protest and unofficial blockade imposed by India on southern trade customs points, the economic outlook released by the central bank reads.</p>

<p>However, the balance of payments has remained favorable due to the contraction in imports and upsurge in transfer income.</p>

<p>Exports to China dropped by 66.5 percent in the review period contrary to an increase of 93.2 percent in the same period of the previous year. This fall is mainly attributed to the decrease in the exports of tanned skin, readymade garments, noodles, rudrakshya among others, according to the NRB.</p>

<p>Exports to India decreased by 35.9 percent during the review period compared to a drop of 6.4 percent in the same period of the previous year. The fall in exports to India is attributed mainly of the fall in the exports of zinc sheet, juice, textiles, polyster yarn, among others. The export had decreased by Rs. 46.7 million to Rs. 906 million in 1970/71 due to the Indian blockade in the form of quantitative restriction on exports.</p>

<p>During the review period, merchandise imports shrank by 31.9 percent to Rs. 130.49 billion. Such imports had gone up by 24.4 percent to Rs. 191.72 billion in the same period of the previous year. The slowdown in imports is attributed mainly to a decrease in imports of petroleum products on account of unofficial economic blockade imposed by India on trade routes in the Southern parts of the country.</p>

<p>Similarly, total trade deficit during the review period contracted by 32.8 percent to Rs. 113.68 billion compared to an expansion of 29.1 percent in the same period of the previous year. Trade deficit with India, China and other countries narrowed down by 35.3 percent, 11.2 percent, 38.6 percent respectively in the review period.</p>

<p>The FOB based trade deficit decreased by 32.7 percent to Rs. 109.81 billion in the review period. Such deficit had gone up by 29.6 percent in the same period of the previous year, according to the central bank. RSS</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-23',
			'modified' => '2015-11-23',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2844',
			'image' => '20151123112435_NRB-logo.jpg',
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3004',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Rafting competition to promote adventure tourism',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 23: Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) is organizing the 14th Himalayan White Water Challenge Competition from coming November 27 for the promotion of adventure tourism in Nepal.',
			'content' => '<p>November 23: Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) is organizing the 14th Himalayan White Water Challenge Competition from coming November 27 for the promotion of adventure tourism in Nepal.</p>

<p>NARA shared continuity has been given to adventure rafting this year as usual to keep up attraction of the tourists coming to visit Nepal even in the complicated situation following the April 25 devastating earthquake.<br />
At a press conference organized here, NARA Chairperson Chandra Bahadur Dahal informed that some 500 participants from home country Nepal and 20 foreign countries including Australia, Canada, America, Germany, Norway, China and India are taking part in the three-day competition to be organized in the Trishuli River.<br />
Chairperson Dahal said that the competition would be fruitful to impart message to the international community that rafting is safe in Nepal even after the earthquake and is open for tourists coming to Nepal. Some 16 rivers are open for rafting in Nepal.<br />
The competition is to be organized in Fisling and Kurintar of the Trishuli River in Chitwan. The winner will receive a purse of up to Rs 600,000.<br />
It may be noted that three out of 10 best rivers for rafting are in Nepal. The Bhotekoshi, Sunkoshi and Karnali rank fifth, seventh and 10th best rivers for the purpose.<br />
An investment of Rs 2.5 million has been made for the competition, Chairperson Dahal informed, adding that an arrangement of security including 700 river guards for the security of the tourists taking part in the event. RSS</p>
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	(int) 0 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3021',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NCELL App Camp Holds Seminar on Health and Tourism ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25, Kathmandu. Telecommunication service provider NCell organized a seminar on health and tourism under App Camp 2015.  The experts of Nepal’s health and tourism sectors expressed their views on the potential use of mobile technology in their areas. The speakers from the health sectors stressed that the use of mobile technology should facilitate diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases. They also requested the participants of the App Camp to explore the solution of the problems of public health sector. Ajay Pradhan of Himalayan Climate Initiative said that the development of mobile technology had rendered great help in the field of health service. He also advised the participants to pay attention to the type of App they would make. At the seminar Dr Bhagawan Koirala, Dr Sagun Joshi, Dr Nil Pande, Dr Bishal Dhakal,  Dr Pradip Baidya, Laura Brop from Jons Hopkins University and M Alaudin Ahmed of Metlife discussed the potential use of the App in the health sector. Thirty-eight groups were selected for the Camp in the health stream. Similarly, the experts from tourism sector also discussed the potential for developing Apps, status of its international market and their types which could find space in the global market. They advised the participants to develop apps that are easy to handle, interactive and capable of providing thematic information.  Keynote speaker of the seminar Raj Gyawali from Social Tours said that the Apps could provide information on the safety of the tourists, information and map of places and various programs to be organized in Nepal. Ashutos Tiwari from Sherpa Adventure Gear, Liaison Director of Nepal Tourism Board, Sunilchandra Sharma from Nepal Sutra and Taranath Lamichane  from Osho Vision Treks and Expedition had also participated in the seminar.  The NCELL App Camp 2015, which was organized by NCELL as part of its social responsibility, has three streams- sports and entertainment, tourism and utility- except health. NABIL Bank, Kathmandu College of Management, E-service and Metlife are NCELL’s App partners. The stream-wise App Camp winner will win a reward of 250,000 rupees each  while the outstanding achiever will win a purse of 500,000 rupees plus a chance to participate in the international App conference to be held in 2016.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25, Kathmandu. Telecommunication service provider NCell organized a seminar on health and tourism under App Camp 2015.&nbsp; The experts of Nepal&rsquo;s health and tourism sectors expressed their views on the potential use of mobile technology in their areas. The speakers from the health sectors stressed that the use of mobile technology should facilitate diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases. They also requested the participants of the App Camp to explore the solution of the problems of public health sector. Ajay Pradhan of Himalayan Climate Initiative said that the development of mobile technology had rendered great help in the field of health service. He also advised the participants to pay attention to the type of App they would make. At the seminar Dr Bhagawan Koirala, Dr Sagun Joshi, Dr Nil Pande, Dr Bishal Dhakal,&nbsp; Dr Pradip Baidya, Laura Brop from Jons Hopkins University and M Alaudin Ahmed of Metlife discussed the potential use of the App in the health sector. Thirty-eight groups were selected for the Camp in the health stream.</p>

<p>Similarly, the experts from tourism sector also discussed the potential for developing Apps, status of its international market and their types which could find space in the global market. They advised the participants to develop apps that are easy to handle, interactive and capable of providing thematic information.</p>

<p>Keynote speaker of the seminar Raj Gyawali from Social Tours said that the Apps could provide information on the safety of the tourists, information and map of places and various programs to be organized in Nepal. Ashutos Tiwari from Sherpa Adventure Gear, Liaison Director of Nepal Tourism Board, Sunilchandra Sharma from Nepal Sutra and Taranath Lamichane&nbsp; from Osho Vision Treks and Expedition had also participated in the seminar.</p>

<p>The NCELL App Camp 2015, which was organized by NCELL as part of its social responsibility, has three streams- sports and entertainment, tourism and utility- except health. NABIL Bank, Kathmandu College of Management, E-service and Metlife are NCELL&rsquo;s App partners.</p>

<p>The stream-wise App Camp winner will win a reward of 250,000 rupees each&nbsp; while the outstanding achiever will win a purse of 500,000 rupees plus a chance to participate in the international App conference to be held in 2016.</p>
',
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			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2861',
			'image' => '20151126035951_Ncell-Logo.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
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			'id' => '3020',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NIBL Hands Over Accident Insurance Claim',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 26: Nepal Investment Bank Limited (NIBL) has paid the insurance claim of Rs 200,000 to the family of deceased Prema Shrestha who had opened ‘safety saving account’ at the bank. After Shrestha’s death, Branch Manager of the Bank, Prakashraj Subedi and the Corporate Market Chief of Nepal Life Insurance Company Pawan Kumar Khadka jointly handed over the amount to Satyanarayan Shrestha, the husband of the deceased. The bank has been providing the facility of life insurance worth Rs 100,000 and the accident death insurance worth Rs 200,000 for its clients opening ‘safety saving account’. ',
			'content' => '<p>November 26: Nepal Investment Bank Limited (NIBL) has paid the insurance claim of Rs 200,000 to the family of deceased Prema Shrestha who had opened &lsquo;safety saving account&rsquo; at the bank.</p>

<p>After Shrestha&rsquo;s death, Branch Manager of the Bank, Prakashraj Subedi and the Corporate Market Chief of Nepal Life Insurance Company Pawan Kumar Khadka jointly handed over the amount to Satyanarayan Shrestha, the husband of the deceased.</p>

<p>The bank has been providing the facility of life insurance worth Rs 100,000 and the accident death insurance worth Rs 200,000 for its clients opening &lsquo;safety saving account&rsquo;.</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2860',
			'image' => '20151126040219_nibl.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
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			'id' => '3019',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Telecom Cuts Charge for Replacing SIM',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 26: Nepal Telecom has changed the rates for the replacement and reactivation of SIM or RIM cards.  The Telecom has reduced fifty rupees from the usual charge for replacing the lost or damaged SIM of GSM or CDMA mobile phones effective from Thursday.',
			'content' => '<p style="margin-left:9.0pt">November 26: Nepal Telecom has changed the rates for the replacement and reactivation of SIM or RIM cards. &nbsp;The Telecom has reduced fifty rupees from the usual charge for replacing the lost or damaged SIM of GSM or CDMA mobile phones effective from Thursday.</p>

<p style="margin-left:9.0pt">Similarly, it has also reduced to 90 rupees the charge for reactivation of the SIM or RIM cards frozen after expiry of validity.</p>

<p style="margin-left:9.0pt">The Telecom has said that the newly activated SIM or RIM cards will also carry 5o rupees of &lsquo;talk time value&rsquo;.</p>

<p style="margin-left:9.0pt">Previously, the Telecom was charging 100 rupees for the reactivation of lost or damaged SIM or RIM cards, whereas it charged 200 rupees for the reactivation of the SIM and RIM cards at the &lsquo;frozen stage&rsquo;.</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2859',
			'image' => '20151126040057_NTC_Logo.JPG',
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3018',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Maharjan Wins Hyundai  Creta in Samsung Mobile',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 26: Manita Maharjan of Thankot has won a Hyundai Creta as the bumper prize under Samsung’s Dashai Tihar Bonanza offer.  This offer had  lasted from Asauj 4 to Kartik 2072 B.S. Under this offer, three persons  had won Galaxy Alpha, Galaxy K Zoom, Galaxy S6 mobiles daily.  One person had won Galaxy Tab T705 during the offer everyday. According to the company, one person  had  won one Bajaj Pulser 200 in every 15 days.',
			'content' => '<p>November 26: Manita Maharjan of Thankot has won a Hyundai Creta as the bumper prize under Samsung&rsquo;s Dashai Tihar Bonanza offer.</p>

<p>This offer had&nbsp; lasted from Asauj 4 to Kartik 2072 B.S. Under this offer, three persons&nbsp; had won Galaxy Alpha, Galaxy K Zoom, Galaxy S6 mobiles daily.&nbsp; One person had won Galaxy Tab T705 during the offer everyday. According to the company, one person&nbsp; had &nbsp;won one Bajaj Pulser 200 in every 15 days.</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2858',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3011',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Indian blockade inhumane',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 26: The China Study Centre has described the blockade by India on Nepal as inhumane and outright violation of human rights and international law.  In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Centre has said the step by India would not only have a negative impact on bilateral relations between the two countries, but also violates Nepal's right to transit as a landlocked country and the UN charter, the WTO regulations and SAARC charter among others.  Lauding the resilience shown by the Nepalis at this difficult circumstance and the determination shown by Nepal government to maintain the national pride, the statement released by General Secretary of the Centre says it hopes that the government would now work towards making Nepal self-reliant.  The centre has also lauded the good neighbourly act of China towards Nepal to help with oil supplies, and expressed gratitude towards the international community for its sympathy to Nepal. RSS',
			'content' => '<p>November 26: The China Study Centre has described the blockade by India on Nepal as inhumane and outright violation of human rights and international law.</p>

<p>In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Centre has said the step by India would not only have a negative impact on bilateral relations between the two countries, but also violates Nepal&#39;s right to transit as a landlocked country and the UN charter, the WTO regulations and SAARC charter among others.</p>

<p>Lauding the resilience shown by the Nepalis at this difficult circumstance and the determination shown by Nepal government to maintain the national pride, the statement released by General Secretary of the Centre says it hopes that the government would now work towards making Nepal self-reliant.</p>

<p>The centre has also lauded the good neighbourly act of China towards Nepal to help with oil supplies, and expressed gratitude towards the international community for its sympathy to Nepal. RSS</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2853',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3013',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Environment-friendly vehicle rally in Kathmandu',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTE) organized a rally here today with an objective to spread awareness on the importance of electric vehicles at a time when the country is reeling under acute fuel-crisis.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTE) organized a rally here today with an objective to spread awareness on the importance of electric vehicles at a time when the country is reeling under acute fuel-crisis.</p>

<p>More than 200 environment-friendly vehicles, including bicycles, electronic cars, scooter and three-wheelers (safa tempo), participated in the event.</p>

<p>The rally that kicked off at Jawalakhel in Lalitpur and marched through various places in Kathmandu as Tripureshower-Ratnapark-Keshar Mahal-Narayanhiti Dakshin Dhoka-Putalisadk and Babarmahal.</p>

<p>Inaugurating the rally, Minister for Science, Technology and Environment Biswendra Pashwan urged the consumers to opt for environment-friendly vehicles at the time of fuel-crisis like this.</p>

<p>&quot;Use of environment-friendly vehicles also helps reduce the increasing air pollution in Kathmandu,&quot; argued Minister Pashwan.</p>

<p>He also underscored the frugal use of petroleum products and use of environment-friendly vehicles in the other regular times rather than during the fuel-crisis.</p>

<p>Participant in the rally were former chief secretary Leelamani Poudel, Secretary of MoSTE Dr Krishna Chandra Poudel and Chief of Environment Division Mahendraman Gurung among others. RSS</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2852',
			'image' => '20151126025124_minister_cycle.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2015-11-25 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => true,
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3012',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Industrialist and founder of Nepal Eye Hospital, Mittal, no more',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: Industrialist and the founder of the Nepal Eye Hospital, Banawari Lal Mittal has passed away today at the age of 79.  Mittal had returned home on Monday after treatment at the Medanta Hospital in India. He had been suffering from brain disease for six months. He passed away at his residence in Gyaneshwar this morning.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: Industrialist and the founder of the Nepal Eye Hospital, Banawari Lal Mittal has passed away today at the age of 79.</p>

<p>Mittal had returned home on Monday after treatment at the Medanta Hospital in India. He had been suffering from brain disease for six months. He passed away at his residence in Gyaneshwar this morning.</p>

<p>He forayed into the construction business in 1956. He had also set up a helicopter service 16 years back and his airlines company, the Shree Airlines, is considered one of the successful airlines companies in the country and is the biggest one. The helicopters of this airlines company are used in the UN peace missions, the first in South Asia. Mittal was the chairman of the Shree Airlines until his passing.</p>

<p>Apart from his contribution to promoting the business sector, the late Mittal is a known name in the social service sector as well.</p>

<p>He served as the chairman of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, the working committee member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, founder member of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries and the president of the Contractors Association of Nepal.</p>

<p>Likewise, he was the former president of Nepal Marwari Service Committee, the advisor of the Nepal Marwari Council, founder president of Nepal Eye Hospital and the former treasurer of the Pashupati Area Development Trust.</p>

<p>He was involved in many businesses as construction, airlines and tea production. He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.</p>

<p>His last rites would be performed at the Pashupati Aryaghat today itself, according to Sharad Kumar Gauchan, the president of the Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal. RSS</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2851',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-25 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3010',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Private Sector for a State of Economic Emergency',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: Minister of Finance Bishnu Paudel has said that the government would support the private sector at this time of unprecedented crisis. He made the remark while talking to a delegation from the Nepal Overseas Export Association (NOEA) at the Ministry on Nov 24.  The NOEA delegation had demanded the government declare a state of economic emergency to save industries and enterprises.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: Minister of Finance Bishnu Paudel has said that the government would support the private sector at this time of unprecedented crisis. He made the remark while talking to a delegation from the Nepal Overseas Export Association (NOEA) at the Ministry on Nov 24.</p>

<p>The NOEA delegation had demanded the government declare a state of economic emergency to save industries and enterprises.</p>

<p>Describing the public and private sector as complementing each other, Paudel said that the any declaration of an emergency required deeper analysis. &ldquo;We will look into the problems being faced by industrialists and entrepreneurs. We will make you feel that the government is with you,&rdquo; Paudel said.</p>

<p>The delegation led by Him Bahadur Rawal, Acting Chairperson of NOEA had called on the finance minister to apprise him of the impact brought about by the current political deadlock on industrial enterprises, education, health and the day to day life of the people. The association suggested measures that could be taken to avert an economic crisis warning that the present day difficulties might push the economy to recession leading Nepal to become a failed state.</p>

<p>The delegation also suggested the ministry form a joint working group of government and private sector organisations with a view to identify the problems and find out short and long-term solutions.</p>

<p>The association also called on the government to facilitate the operation of industries based on indigenous raw materials by providing security, fuel and means of transportation of manufactured goods and to allow the private sector to import petroleum products and to exempt taxes including VAT untill the situation is normalised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The association urged Paudel to remove extra charges on the detained imported goods and to apply custom duties and other taxes on the basis of CIF value along with the exemption of VAT amounting to 25 percent of the interest paid to the financial institutions, to reduce by two percent in the interest of the loan issued to industrial enterprises, institute a provision to issue permits from commercial banks for import through TT of goods worth USD 100,000 and to require permits from the National Bank only for import of goods worth more than USD 100,000.</p>

<p>The association also requested the minister to create a congenial atmosphere for starting projects committed by the Investment Board, finalising the pending issues concerning industries through fast-track. The association also requested the government to pass the acts and laws concerning the economy already tabled at the legislative parliament.</p>

<p>Other members of the delegation included Former Chairperson of the association Ashok Kumar Agrawal, Vice-chairperson Sunil Kumar Dhanuk (Bansal), Secretary Amit Agrawal and working committee members Madan Mittal and Suresh Kumar Agrawal.</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-25',
			'modified' => '2015-11-25',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2850',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-25 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => true,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '1'
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3009',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Need for Lcal Dairy Industries Highlighted',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: The National Dairy Cooperative Association (NDCA) has demanded that the government bolster local milk production by formulating short and long-term policies.  In a press conference organised on Nov 23, the NDCA stressed the need for a policy arrangement to give priority to indigenous dairy products.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: The National Dairy Cooperative Association (NDCA) has demanded that the government bolster local milk production by formulating short and long-term policies.</p>

<p>In a press conference organised on Nov 23, the NDCA stressed the need for a policy arrangement to give priority to indigenous dairy products.</p>

<p>Chairperson of the association Narayan Prasad Devkota highlighted the need for operating existing dairy industries to their full capacity and to start the operation of Chitwan Milk which has remained closed.</p>

<p>Nepal is said to be self-sufficient in milk and the dairy industry is one of the few industries which does not need import of raw materials. The entrepreneurs demanded the government subsidise powder milk production to end the situation of &lsquo;milk holiday&rsquo;. Devkota informed that Nepal Police and Nepal Army were consuming 60,000 litres of milk daily.</p>

<p>Describing how India&rsquo;s blockade had affected the milk industry by also forcing farmers to observe a &lsquo;milk holiday&rsquo;, the dairy entrepreneurs called upon the government to take steps to promote indigenous dairy products in the country.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-25',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3008',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Birgunj Reels Under Cooking Gas Shortage',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: Considered to be the main life line for the import of petroleum products, Birgunj has been reeling under the scarcity of cooking gas.  Customers queued up in front of the National Trading Limited’s (NTL) office since early afternoon Monday on rumors that cooking gas cylinders would be distributed. But they were compelled to return with empty cylinders the next morning.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: Considered to be the main life line for the import of petroleum products, Birgunj has been reeling under the scarcity of cooking gas.</p>

<p>Customers queued up in front of the National Trading Limited&rsquo;s (NTL) office since early afternoon Monday on rumors that cooking gas cylinders would be distributed. But they were compelled to return with empty cylinders the next morning.</p>

<p>As residents of Birgunj queued up all night, two of the LPG bullets supposed to arrive in Birgung were stuck at the border point at Sunauli. When approached, the gas company said it was not able to distribute gas until the stuck gas bullets arrived at the industry&rsquo;s depot at Parwanipur.</p>

<p>The Birgunj border point from where 70 percent of the fuel enters Nepal has been blocked for two months because of picketing by the agitators of Madhesi Front. Some cylinders of Narayani Gas were distributed from NTL&rsquo;s premises on Monday.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Despite rumours about the distribution of cooking gas, the local administration has not bothered to provide correct information to the consumers,&rdquo; Pramod Thakur of Birgunj said. The lack of information has forced consumers to sleep on the streets not to miss the chance of getting the gas.</p>

<p>Chief District Officer of Parsa, Anuj Bhandari, however, said that information was given to the consumers. The information was channeled through the authoritative dealers of the industry, he said. The dealers, on their part, said that no coordination was sought with them for the distribution of the gas.</p>

<p>Central vice-chairperson of Gas Dealers Federation Nepal, Ganeshman Shrestha said that the industries had not sought coordination with the dealers for the distribution of the gas. &ldquo;The government has only given the industries the license for production but the industries are distributing the gas themselves against regulation,&rdquo; he complained. &ldquo;Even in this time of crisis, distribution is not transparent,&rdquo; he added. According to him, one cylinder of gas can fill 2,500 cylinders if a cylinder is filled with 7 kg- 100 grams of gas but the industry had not distributed more than 2,000 cylinders, he revealed.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3007',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government issues White Paper; estimates only 2 % growth rate',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 24: The government has issued a White Paper, making public the current situation of nation’s economy, problems created after agitation and strikes in the southern plains and unannounced blockade continued for some months, and its (government’s) future course.',
			'content' => '<p>November 24: The government has issued a White Paper, making public the current situation of nation&rsquo;s economy, problems created after agitation and strikes in the southern plains and unannounced blockade continued for some months, and its (government&rsquo;s) future course.</p>

<p>The Paper has painted a bleak picture of nation&rsquo;s economy with government&rsquo;s estimation of only 2 percent economic growth rate, reasoning the heavy shrinking of economic activities with the obstruction on supply system triggered by the agitation and strike, and the undeclared blockade.</p>

<p>Reading out the White paper, Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel said although the growth rate of the current fiscal year was expected to be 6 percent in the background that new constitution had come with the hope the country would concentrate on economic and social developments, the heavy disruption in the supply system and subsequent severe effects on agro and non-agro products has made the government bound to estimate 2 percent growth rate.</p>

<p>Meagre capital spending, no environment of reconstruction<br />
The activities to generate capital has not taken a pace, Minister Poudel said, adding that in the first four month of the current fiscal year, only 4.1 percent of the capital budget was spent, while the institutional environment for spending Rs 74 billion allocated for reconstruction was yet to be created.</p>

<p>Service sectors marred<br />
Due to the acute shortage of fuel to the service sector as hotel/restaurant, tourism, construction, banking, and transportation which contribute to 50 percent of the gross domestic product and the dearth of essential materials, they have been marred. It has direct impact on the country&rsquo;s economic growth rate.</p>

<p>State of earthquake affected worsening, serious challenge to graduation to status of developing country<br />
The Minister further said the number of people pushed to poverty due to the earthquake damage is estimated at 700,000. The condition of those suffering from the earthquake damage is likely to be worsened with the effects on drinking water and sanitation, education, health, employment, food security and daily livelihood. It will pose a serious challenge to the government to graduate the country to the status of developing country from the present least developed status, by 2022.</p>

<p>Growing Inflation<br />
The effects of the disruption in supply system has been seen in the overall economic indexes, Minister Poudel said, adding that the inflation in the first month of the current fiscal year was 6.9 percent which grew to 7.2 and 8.3 percents respectively in the second and third months. In this, food sector saw highest inflation.</p>

<p>Heavy decline on export, import<br />
The economy is deteriorating for the disruption of the transportation of materials for construction activities. In the initial three months of the last year, the goods and service of Rs 191 billion were imported, which declined to Rs130 billion in the same period of the current fiscal year. Similarly, in the same period last fiscal year, there was the export of Rs 22.53 billion, which dropped to Rs 16.81 billion. It is a decline by 31 percent compared to the last fiscal year.</p>

<p>Currently, the debt burden to the country is Rs 539 billion. The debt burden ratio to the gross domestic product is 24.5 percent.</p>

<p>The Minister reminds through the White Paper that the people already afflicted by the devastating earthquake have been pushed to worsening condition due to the agitations, strikes and banda (general shutdown) organized in the name of Madhes agitation.</p>

<p>The assistance, cooperation and unity shown by the foreigners for the search of the missing, rescue, relief, and distribution after the earthquake were quite unforgettable. Similar environment of cooperation was expected for the reconstruction too, but Nepali people are bound to go through such unimaginable afflictions, added the Finance Minister.</p>

<p>Agro products to decline by 10 percent<br />
The agro production is estimated to go down by 10 per cent. Wheat production is likely to slide down by 30 per cent if there is no smooth supply of chemical fertilizer. The annual demand for food of the country stands at 5,345,000 metric tonnes and until the starting of the current fiscal year, there was a stock of just 155,000 metric tonnes and such projection in the food production has posed a risk of food insecurity.</p>

<p>Likewise, the production of dairy and meat products is projected to go down by 2 per cent. However, the production of vegetables is estimated to remain the same. Last year, the country recorded around 3.6 million metric tonnes of vegetable production. But the problem in transport is to affect the collection of produces and its marketing.</p>

<p>Future course<br />
The government has pledged to provide agro seeds to farmers at subsidized rate and ensure supply of chemical fertilizer got stuck into transit and border points immediately and distribute it to farmers for winter crops. Through the white paper, the government announced to make arrangements for distributing soft agro loan to farmers.<br />
Likewise, business community will get more time for submitting tax details and for tax payment. Dairy and vegetable farmers and meat producers will get more time for paying loan and some discount on interests too.</p>

<p>The Nepal Rastra Bank&#39;s Recovery Fund will be utlilised for the recovery and rehabilitation of industries.</p>

<p>Health and Education Service<br />
Similarly, in the white paper, the government has announced to normalise the supplies of health-related facilities including oxygen, equipments, raw materials, packing materials and blood collection bags and opt for an air route to import life-saving drugs.<br />
Besides, all academic institutes will be reopened and support and cooperation from teachers, students, guardians, political parties, rights activists and civil society will be garnered for the same.</p>

<p>Bill on Reconstruction Authority soon<br />
The government pledged to go with the post- reconstruction efforts by endorsing the Bill on National Reconstruction Authority from the Legislature-Parliament at the earliest. Likewise, first installment of Rs 200,000 announced by the previous government for the earthquake hit people will be allocated soon. Poor families rendering homeless by the disaster will be provided loan up to Rs 300,000 at subsidized interest rate.</p>

<p>The government declared to provide Rs 10,000 to the most affected quake victims within mid December to purchase winter garments. Moreover, vocational trainings will be imparted to produce skilled workers to construct earthquake-resistant buildings and reconstruction of the earthquake-damaged historic and religious heritages will begin soon.</p>

<p>Governance reform<br />
The task for drafting new laws demanded by the new constitution and those needed to be amended will be taken ahead effectively. Effective measures will be taken to maintain peace and good governance as per the constitution&#39;s supremacy and rule of law and to discourage the black marketing, criminal activities and obstructions on border, highways, industrial corridor, health and education sectors.</p>

<p>The government announced to promote the culture of reward and punishment in bureaucracy and hold the election of official trade unions within the next three months.</p>

<p>Monitoring mechanism<br />
A mechanism will be formed with the participation of representatives of stakeholders concerned, consumers&#39; rights organisations and private sector to systematize the supplies of fuel and daily essentials and market monitoring.</p>

<p>Impact of banda, strikes and supply system on nation economy will be under regular supervision of the government. A High Level Committee will be constituted with the participation of private sector to monitor task mentioned in this white paper.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Industrial losses<br />
In the last fiscal year the growth rate of the industrial sector stood at 2.6 per cent which will seemingly remain regressive in the ongoing fiscal year.</p>

<p>Around 2,200 industries are shut with more than 200,000 employees working in those industries rendered jobless, according to the White Paper. The industries are facing problem in making payment to its workers and bank&#39;s interest.</p>

<p>The amount of debt piling up due to stranded freight trucks and containers at Kolkata port in India, Indian roads, Indian railways, Raxaul among other dry ports is estimated to have surged to whopping Rs 5 billion. The amount includes increasing amount of price of the stranded commodities, of charges levied on parked containers and freight trucks, detention charges, charges of the containers and trucks, warehouse charges and demurrage charges.</p>

<p>Service Sector<br />
In the last fiscal year the service sector&#39;s growth rate which stood at 6.1 per cent will likely be limited to only 3 per cent in the current fiscal year.</p>

<p>The tourism sector is undoubtedly at the front line of the impact of the political unrest and the blockade with 46 per cent fall in the arrival of tourist as compared to the same period last year.</p>

<p>Decline in tourists&rsquo; arrival<br />
The number of tourists&#39; arrival from air route which stood at 652,655 from January to October in 2014 has slumped drastically to 300,325 in the same period this year. The tourists&#39; stay in the country has also taken a hit with tourists choosing to spend only 6 days in average which was 12.4 days in average last year.</p>

<p>The hotel entrepreneurs are also not aloof of the impact with less than 20 per cent of their total capacity being used with the dearth of tourists. In last year from mid September to mid November, 90 to 95 per cent of the hotel rooms were booked which has come down to 15-20 percent. In overall, the tourism sector employment has come down to 25 per cent in comparison to the same period last year.</p>

<p>Domestic flights cut off<br />
Comparatively, 50 per cent decline has been witnessed in the number of tourists while only 15 per cent of the total number of tour guides is finding their works. In this period, 75 per cent of the domestic flights have been cut off due to shortage of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).</p>

<p>Infrastructure Development and Construction<br />
The ongoing unrest and the unofficial blockade at the border has severely impacted the country&#39;s flourishing construction industry and infrastructure developments with production of cement, pebbles, bricks, stone and sand among other raw materials witnessing a setback. The raw materials that have been manufactured have not been able to reach their destination with supply system on a grinding halt. This has affected the public construction work.</p>

<p>Big projects badly hampered<br />
The construction works of the Gautam Budha International Airport, Rani-Jamara-Kulariya Irrigation Project, Tamakoshi Hydro Power Project, Melamchi Drinking Water Project, Postal Highway, Puspalal (Mid Hill) Highway, trade ways, Chameliya Hydro Power Project among other big projects have been affected.</p>

<p>The construction entrepreneurs are jobless, as they have not been able to get contract of government works.</p>

<p>Monetary and Financial Sector<br />
The banking and financial sector is suffering a threat of liquidity as deposit growth has been stagnant with expected loan expansion also seeing a setback.</p>

<p>Until the beginning of November this year, the loan growth in banking and financial sectors have climbed by 2.1 per cent as compared to until mid July while deposit mobilization has increased by 2.5 per cent. Last year, the growth rates were 5.1 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively.</p>

<p>In the coming days interest dues, bad debt and capital adequacy fund and bank&#39;s profit will possibly see negative impact.</p>

<p>Internal and External Trade<br />
According to the White Paper, 26.7 per cent decline has been witnessed in the import of food commodities in the first four months of the current fiscal year while the import of medicines and medicinal raw materials has dropped by 54.7 per cent.</p>

<p>In two months&#39; period after the undeclared blockade was enforced at the border, 70.6 per cent, 62.8 per cent, 73.1 per cent, 71.8 per cent and 84.4 per cent drops were witnessed in the import of petrol, diesel, kerosene, LP Gas, and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) respectively as compared to the same period last year. There is also a decline seen in the Letter of Credit (LC).</p>

<p>The political instability and the blockade has also impacted the internal trade with a heavy slump seen in the trade of rice, pulses, oil, medicines and construction materials in the market.</p>

<p>Hydro Power Project and Energy Sector<br />
The regular power outage hours have decreased owing to the closure of industries and a decline in energy consumption. The National Transmission Grid is importing 716 megawatt of electricity.</p>

<p>In current context, 94 megawatt electricity is short during morning hours from 5 am to 6 am while 512 megawatt of electricity is needed in the evening hours from 6 pm to 8 pm. &quot;The government will have to import 236 megawatt of electricity from India to fulfill the minimal deficit,&quot; it is stated.</p>

<p>The construction deadline of the Upper Tamakoshi Hydro Power Project (456 megawatt) has been pushed back by nearly two years due to the massive earthquake of April 25. The shortage of fuel products has aggravated the situation further impacting the construction works of the project.</p>

<p>&quot;Due to the earthquake hydro power projects of 80 megawatt have not resumed operation while the current obstruction in the supply system has affected under-construction projects,&quot; the Ministry said.</p>

<p>The unprecedented dearth of cooking gas and kerosene is having a tremendous impact on daily cooking methods in every household while the number of vehicles plying the road has significantly declined owing to the paucity of fuel. The commodities manufactured in the rural areas have remained stranded for the vehicles.</p>

<p>The demand for solar energy and bio-gas has increased but its supply has not been easy. The completion of the under construction bio gas plants is unlikely to meet the deadline while the delay in the reconstruction and restoration of the plants damaged during the earthquake is imminent.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Petroleum products import and distribution system</p>

<p>A system shall be put in place to ensure effective and transparent distribution and sales of essential goods, including fuel. A certain criteria will be devised for the efficient fuel distribution which also includes putting online the information mentioning venue, time, quantity and time table for the distribution of the same.</p>

<p>The consumers will be provided coupon to facilitate them in securing fuel without standing on line for long.</p>

<p>Similarly, the government will book the persons and groups involved in irregular distributions and sales of petroleum products.</p>

<p>For the distribution of LPG cylinder, the government is determining priorities on the basis of its daily import and stock. In addition, kerosene and firewood distribution will be further made effective.</p>

<p>Physically challenged persons, ambulances, hearses, tourist vehicles, vehicles ferrying drinking water, milk, medicines and other vital commodities and media persons/media houses will be prioritized when it comes to providing fuel.</p>

<p>In an attempt to explore alternatives to import petroleum products, the government will make various trade agreements with international companies and foreign countries. If private sector is interested in its import, the government will facilitate them.</p>

<p>Government will promote Alternative Energy Promotion Centre and facilitate the private sector promoting equipments and technologies on alternative source of energy so as to increase public access to it.</p>

<p>The vehicles carrying essential goods and clearing customs will be escorted to their respective destinations. Strict monitoring and supervision of the import and sales of petroleum products will be carried out by the government.</p>

<p>The maintenance and up gradation of the alternative Check Points for the import of goods will be undertaken along with constructing and expanding the roads linking to those bordering points.</p>

<p>Use of electronic vehicles both for personal and professional purposes will be encouraged. Public will be encouraged to use electronic stoves for cooking food.</p>

<p>Energy security</p>

<p>Energy crisis will be declared in order to expedite the process of hydropower production and its transmission and distribution.</p>

<p>The construction of under-construction hydropower projects like Upper Tamakoshi, Kulekhani III and Chamelia and other proposed projects like Budhi Gandaki, Nalsingh Gad will be accelerated. Some 25 mega watt of electricity will be imported from the under-construction Grid Solar Project.</p>

<p>The micro hydro projects constructed and operated with the investment of locals will be encouraged.</p>

<p>Similarly, electricity projects generating 200 mega watt of electricity will be accelerated and connected to the national grid. Furthermore, similar projects under-taken by the private sector will be facilitated for their timely completion.</p>

<p>The government has targeted to link additional 155 mega watt electricity in the national transmission grid within a year.</p>

<p>Also, a feasibility study of the hydro electricity power in the country will be conducted at the earliest. Nepal Army will be mobilized in the construction of national transmission lines if needed.</p>

<p>The government-provided subsidy and grant for the production of alternative energy in the villages lacking transmission lines and electricity service will be furthered made effective.</p>

<p>Food Security</p>

<p>The subsidy price for rice will be determined at the earliest and utilizing the stores of public corporations associated with the Nepal Food Corporation; the government will arrange to purchase the farmers&#39; produces.</p>

<p>The provision that compulsorily incorporates livestock and crops insurance under the micro insurance will be made further effective. The government programmes related to agriculture insurance will be expanded by mobilizing cooperatives.<br />
The programmes helping to be self-reliant in the production of various food items like rice, wheat, maize, fresh vegetables, fruits, lentils, spices, fish, egg and dairy products will be launched as campaign with the timeline of two years.</p>

<p>The landless and poor families will be provided capital grant and subsidized loan.</p>

<p>Finally, the government has thanked all Nepali sisters and brothers for keeping calm, patience and demonstrating tolerance and unity in this adverse situation caused by the devastating earthquake and obstructions in supply system. It also expressed gratitude to all lawmakers, political parties, civil society people, business community, government employees, neighbours, development partners, and media for their support in this situation, expecting positive support and cooperation from all walks of life to cope with this national crisis resulted from this year&#39;s devastating earthquake and ongoing unofficial border blockade and minimise its impact on national economy. RSS</p>
',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3006',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Govt has considered impact on private sector seriously: Finance Minister',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 24: Minister for Finance, Bishnu Poudel, has said that the government is serious regarding the impact on private sector due to the continuous Madhes banda for the past three months and the unannounced border blockade imposed by India.',
			'content' => '<p>November 24: Minister for Finance, Bishnu Poudel, has said that the government is serious regarding the impact on private sector due to the continuous Madhes banda for the past three months and the unannounced border blockade imposed by India.</p>

<p>Receiving suggestions of a joint team of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) at the Finance Ministry today, Minister Poudel said that the government was cognizant towards it as the problem faced by the private sector was the problem of the nation.</p>

<p>On the occasion, the private sector demanded immediate formation of a taskforce under the leadership of the Finance Minister and comprising the Finance Secretary, the Industry Secretary and the Commerce and Supplies Secretary as well as representatives of private sectors for the identifying, evaluation and resolution of the problem.</p>

<p>The taskforce would give immediate suggestions for the revitalization of overall economy and the private sector by holding discussions with the stakeholders. The team also suggested that the government should present mid-term and long-term strategic vision in this regard.</p>

<p>In response, Finance Minister Poudel stressed that the industrialists should think that they are also responsible representatives of the nation.</p>

<p>Minister Poudel said, &quot;I will consider the suggestions of the private sector being a businessman or industrialist.&quot;</p>

<p>Assuring that the government will fulfill the maximum demands that could be fulfilled within the limit of the government, he said that the suggestions of the private sectors would be addressed as per the need.</p>

<p>The Finance Minister said that it was the responsible of the government to create environment conducive required to go the private sector ahead in days ahead and it would be fulfilled, saying the government has highly evaluated the contribution of private sector in nation building.</p>

<p>Finance Minister&#39;s finance advisor Dr Gobinda Nepal said that a high-level mechanism should be formed to deal with current crisis facing Nepal.</p>

<p>Likewise, Revenue Secretary Rajan Khanal said that the government and private sector would move ahead together to sort out problems being faced by industrialists.</p>

<p>Pashupati Muraraka, chairman of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that private sector should coordinate with the government to manage the supply of essential commodities and medicines in the country.</p>

<p>Demanding that the government should declare the country economic emergency, CNI chairman Narendra Basnyat stressed the need for creating conducive environment to drive country&#39;s economy smoothly.</p>

<p>Saying that private sector has suggested based on long-term vision, Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, chairman of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, emphasised to focus on such move. RSS</p>
',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3005',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government introduces 'Live Enrollment System' for passport issuance',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 23: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday introduced the Live Enrollment System in its bid at streamlining the passport distribution method by making its acquisition easier and quicker.',
			'content' => '<p>November 23: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday introduced the Live Enrollment System in its bid at streamlining the passport distribution method by making its acquisition easier and quicker.</p>

<p>With the new system in place, passport seekers will not have to fill up forms by their hands while their photo, finger prints and signature are filled through the computer. After the new system comes into effect the details of an individual will be in the &#39;biometric&#39; while all works will be digitalized, Foreign Ministry said.</p>

<p>In the first phase of the application of the new system starting Tuesday diplomats and important officials will be provided diplomatic passport, said Department of Passport. In about two weeks&#39; time the public will be issued passport through the system from the Passport Department in the country and through the country&#39;s diplomatic missions abroad.</p>

<p>Inaugurating the commencement of the new system amidst a function held by the Ministry here, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa expressed belief the commoners will avail of easy and fast track method of acquiring passports.<br />
DPM Thapa further added that the application of the system would allow Nepali citizens in foreign lands to gain easy access to Machine Readable Passport (MRP).</p>

<p>Nepal started issuing MRP from 2010 as per the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) directive. A total of 3.8 million MRPs have been distributed till date while around 50,000 to 60,000 handwritten passports need to be replaced by MRP.</p>

<p>&quot;The Ministry has made arrangement making the process easy and smooth so that passport seekers will get passport in a fast track manner in five days,&quot; DPM Thapa said adding, &quot;those who have filled forms in the districts will get passport in 10 days while passports will be issued from diplomatic missions abroad in five days&#39; time.&quot;</p>

<p>Department&#39;s Director General Lok Bahadur Thapa said around 1.7 million handwritten passports were already replaced by the MRP and urged the passport holders to get MRP at the earliest by visiting the nearest centres or offices. RSS</p>
',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3003',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Exports down due to blockade, Tarai unrest: NRB',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 22: The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has said that country's merchandise exports decreased significantly by 25.4 percent to Rs 16.81 billion in the first three months of 2015/16 compared to a drop of 2.3 percent to Rs 22.53 billion in the same period of the previous year. The total exports decreased due to a fall in exports to India, China and other countries in the review period on account of current unfavorable circumstances.',
			'content' => '<p>November 22: The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has said that country&#39;s merchandise exports decreased significantly by 25.4 percent to Rs 16.81 billion in the first three months of 2015/16 compared to a drop of 2.3 percent to Rs 22.53 billion in the same period of the previous year. The total exports decreased due to a fall in exports to India, China and other countries in the review period on account of current unfavorable circumstances.</p>

<p>Likewise, the imports from all customs points declined due to the protest and unofficial blockade imposed by India on southern trade customs points, the economic outlook released by the central bank reads.</p>

<p>However, the balance of payments has remained favorable due to the contraction in imports and upsurge in transfer income.</p>

<p>Exports to China dropped by 66.5 percent in the review period contrary to an increase of 93.2 percent in the same period of the previous year. This fall is mainly attributed to the decrease in the exports of tanned skin, readymade garments, noodles, rudrakshya among others, according to the NRB.</p>

<p>Exports to India decreased by 35.9 percent during the review period compared to a drop of 6.4 percent in the same period of the previous year. The fall in exports to India is attributed mainly of the fall in the exports of zinc sheet, juice, textiles, polyster yarn, among others. The export had decreased by Rs. 46.7 million to Rs. 906 million in 1970/71 due to the Indian blockade in the form of quantitative restriction on exports.</p>

<p>During the review period, merchandise imports shrank by 31.9 percent to Rs. 130.49 billion. Such imports had gone up by 24.4 percent to Rs. 191.72 billion in the same period of the previous year. The slowdown in imports is attributed mainly to a decrease in imports of petroleum products on account of unofficial economic blockade imposed by India on trade routes in the Southern parts of the country.</p>

<p>Similarly, total trade deficit during the review period contracted by 32.8 percent to Rs. 113.68 billion compared to an expansion of 29.1 percent in the same period of the previous year. Trade deficit with India, China and other countries narrowed down by 35.3 percent, 11.2 percent, 38.6 percent respectively in the review period.</p>

<p>The FOB based trade deficit decreased by 32.7 percent to Rs. 109.81 billion in the review period. Such deficit had gone up by 29.6 percent in the same period of the previous year, according to the central bank. RSS</p>
',
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			'created' => '2015-11-23',
			'modified' => '2015-11-23',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2844',
			'image' => '20151123112435_NRB-logo.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2015-11-23 00:00:00',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3004',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Rafting competition to promote adventure tourism',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 23: Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) is organizing the 14th Himalayan White Water Challenge Competition from coming November 27 for the promotion of adventure tourism in Nepal.',
			'content' => '<p>November 23: Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) is organizing the 14th Himalayan White Water Challenge Competition from coming November 27 for the promotion of adventure tourism in Nepal.</p>

<p>NARA shared continuity has been given to adventure rafting this year as usual to keep up attraction of the tourists coming to visit Nepal even in the complicated situation following the April 25 devastating earthquake.<br />
At a press conference organized here, NARA Chairperson Chandra Bahadur Dahal informed that some 500 participants from home country Nepal and 20 foreign countries including Australia, Canada, America, Germany, Norway, China and India are taking part in the three-day competition to be organized in the Trishuli River.<br />
Chairperson Dahal said that the competition would be fruitful to impart message to the international community that rafting is safe in Nepal even after the earthquake and is open for tourists coming to Nepal. Some 16 rivers are open for rafting in Nepal.<br />
The competition is to be organized in Fisling and Kurintar of the Trishuli River in Chitwan. The winner will receive a purse of up to Rs 600,000.<br />
It may be noted that three out of 10 best rivers for rafting are in Nepal. The Bhotekoshi, Sunkoshi and Karnali rank fifth, seventh and 10th best rivers for the purpose.<br />
An investment of Rs 2.5 million has been made for the competition, Chairperson Dahal informed, adding that an arrangement of security including 700 river guards for the security of the tourists taking part in the event. RSS</p>
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View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224
View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418
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View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117

Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity &quot;&quot; [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]
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	(int) 0 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3021',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NCELL App Camp Holds Seminar on Health and Tourism ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25, Kathmandu. Telecommunication service provider NCell organized a seminar on health and tourism under App Camp 2015.  The experts of Nepal’s health and tourism sectors expressed their views on the potential use of mobile technology in their areas. The speakers from the health sectors stressed that the use of mobile technology should facilitate diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases. They also requested the participants of the App Camp to explore the solution of the problems of public health sector. Ajay Pradhan of Himalayan Climate Initiative said that the development of mobile technology had rendered great help in the field of health service. He also advised the participants to pay attention to the type of App they would make. At the seminar Dr Bhagawan Koirala, Dr Sagun Joshi, Dr Nil Pande, Dr Bishal Dhakal,  Dr Pradip Baidya, Laura Brop from Jons Hopkins University and M Alaudin Ahmed of Metlife discussed the potential use of the App in the health sector. Thirty-eight groups were selected for the Camp in the health stream. Similarly, the experts from tourism sector also discussed the potential for developing Apps, status of its international market and their types which could find space in the global market. They advised the participants to develop apps that are easy to handle, interactive and capable of providing thematic information.  Keynote speaker of the seminar Raj Gyawali from Social Tours said that the Apps could provide information on the safety of the tourists, information and map of places and various programs to be organized in Nepal. Ashutos Tiwari from Sherpa Adventure Gear, Liaison Director of Nepal Tourism Board, Sunilchandra Sharma from Nepal Sutra and Taranath Lamichane  from Osho Vision Treks and Expedition had also participated in the seminar.  The NCELL App Camp 2015, which was organized by NCELL as part of its social responsibility, has three streams- sports and entertainment, tourism and utility- except health. NABIL Bank, Kathmandu College of Management, E-service and Metlife are NCELL’s App partners. The stream-wise App Camp winner will win a reward of 250,000 rupees each  while the outstanding achiever will win a purse of 500,000 rupees plus a chance to participate in the international App conference to be held in 2016.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25, Kathmandu. Telecommunication service provider NCell organized a seminar on health and tourism under App Camp 2015.&nbsp; The experts of Nepal&rsquo;s health and tourism sectors expressed their views on the potential use of mobile technology in their areas. The speakers from the health sectors stressed that the use of mobile technology should facilitate diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases. They also requested the participants of the App Camp to explore the solution of the problems of public health sector. Ajay Pradhan of Himalayan Climate Initiative said that the development of mobile technology had rendered great help in the field of health service. He also advised the participants to pay attention to the type of App they would make. At the seminar Dr Bhagawan Koirala, Dr Sagun Joshi, Dr Nil Pande, Dr Bishal Dhakal,&nbsp; Dr Pradip Baidya, Laura Brop from Jons Hopkins University and M Alaudin Ahmed of Metlife discussed the potential use of the App in the health sector. Thirty-eight groups were selected for the Camp in the health stream.</p>

<p>Similarly, the experts from tourism sector also discussed the potential for developing Apps, status of its international market and their types which could find space in the global market. They advised the participants to develop apps that are easy to handle, interactive and capable of providing thematic information.</p>

<p>Keynote speaker of the seminar Raj Gyawali from Social Tours said that the Apps could provide information on the safety of the tourists, information and map of places and various programs to be organized in Nepal. Ashutos Tiwari from Sherpa Adventure Gear, Liaison Director of Nepal Tourism Board, Sunilchandra Sharma from Nepal Sutra and Taranath Lamichane&nbsp; from Osho Vision Treks and Expedition had also participated in the seminar.</p>

<p>The NCELL App Camp 2015, which was organized by NCELL as part of its social responsibility, has three streams- sports and entertainment, tourism and utility- except health. NABIL Bank, Kathmandu College of Management, E-service and Metlife are NCELL&rsquo;s App partners.</p>

<p>The stream-wise App Camp winner will win a reward of 250,000 rupees each&nbsp; while the outstanding achiever will win a purse of 500,000 rupees plus a chance to participate in the international App conference to be held in 2016.</p>
',
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			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2861',
			'image' => '20151126035951_Ncell-Logo.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
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			'breaking_news' => false,
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3020',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NIBL Hands Over Accident Insurance Claim',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 26: Nepal Investment Bank Limited (NIBL) has paid the insurance claim of Rs 200,000 to the family of deceased Prema Shrestha who had opened ‘safety saving account’ at the bank. After Shrestha’s death, Branch Manager of the Bank, Prakashraj Subedi and the Corporate Market Chief of Nepal Life Insurance Company Pawan Kumar Khadka jointly handed over the amount to Satyanarayan Shrestha, the husband of the deceased. The bank has been providing the facility of life insurance worth Rs 100,000 and the accident death insurance worth Rs 200,000 for its clients opening ‘safety saving account’. ',
			'content' => '<p>November 26: Nepal Investment Bank Limited (NIBL) has paid the insurance claim of Rs 200,000 to the family of deceased Prema Shrestha who had opened &lsquo;safety saving account&rsquo; at the bank.</p>

<p>After Shrestha&rsquo;s death, Branch Manager of the Bank, Prakashraj Subedi and the Corporate Market Chief of Nepal Life Insurance Company Pawan Kumar Khadka jointly handed over the amount to Satyanarayan Shrestha, the husband of the deceased.</p>

<p>The bank has been providing the facility of life insurance worth Rs 100,000 and the accident death insurance worth Rs 200,000 for its clients opening &lsquo;safety saving account&rsquo;.</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2860',
			'image' => '20151126040219_nibl.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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			'id' => '3019',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Telecom Cuts Charge for Replacing SIM',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 26: Nepal Telecom has changed the rates for the replacement and reactivation of SIM or RIM cards.  The Telecom has reduced fifty rupees from the usual charge for replacing the lost or damaged SIM of GSM or CDMA mobile phones effective from Thursday.',
			'content' => '<p style="margin-left:9.0pt">November 26: Nepal Telecom has changed the rates for the replacement and reactivation of SIM or RIM cards. &nbsp;The Telecom has reduced fifty rupees from the usual charge for replacing the lost or damaged SIM of GSM or CDMA mobile phones effective from Thursday.</p>

<p style="margin-left:9.0pt">Similarly, it has also reduced to 90 rupees the charge for reactivation of the SIM or RIM cards frozen after expiry of validity.</p>

<p style="margin-left:9.0pt">The Telecom has said that the newly activated SIM or RIM cards will also carry 5o rupees of &lsquo;talk time value&rsquo;.</p>

<p style="margin-left:9.0pt">Previously, the Telecom was charging 100 rupees for the reactivation of lost or damaged SIM or RIM cards, whereas it charged 200 rupees for the reactivation of the SIM and RIM cards at the &lsquo;frozen stage&rsquo;.</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2859',
			'image' => '20151126040057_NTC_Logo.JPG',
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3018',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Maharjan Wins Hyundai  Creta in Samsung Mobile',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 26: Manita Maharjan of Thankot has won a Hyundai Creta as the bumper prize under Samsung’s Dashai Tihar Bonanza offer.  This offer had  lasted from Asauj 4 to Kartik 2072 B.S. Under this offer, three persons  had won Galaxy Alpha, Galaxy K Zoom, Galaxy S6 mobiles daily.  One person had won Galaxy Tab T705 during the offer everyday. According to the company, one person  had  won one Bajaj Pulser 200 in every 15 days.',
			'content' => '<p>November 26: Manita Maharjan of Thankot has won a Hyundai Creta as the bumper prize under Samsung&rsquo;s Dashai Tihar Bonanza offer.</p>

<p>This offer had&nbsp; lasted from Asauj 4 to Kartik 2072 B.S. Under this offer, three persons&nbsp; had won Galaxy Alpha, Galaxy K Zoom, Galaxy S6 mobiles daily.&nbsp; One person had won Galaxy Tab T705 during the offer everyday. According to the company, one person&nbsp; had &nbsp;won one Bajaj Pulser 200 in every 15 days.</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2858',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => true,
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3011',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Indian blockade inhumane',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 26: The China Study Centre has described the blockade by India on Nepal as inhumane and outright violation of human rights and international law.  In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Centre has said the step by India would not only have a negative impact on bilateral relations between the two countries, but also violates Nepal's right to transit as a landlocked country and the UN charter, the WTO regulations and SAARC charter among others.  Lauding the resilience shown by the Nepalis at this difficult circumstance and the determination shown by Nepal government to maintain the national pride, the statement released by General Secretary of the Centre says it hopes that the government would now work towards making Nepal self-reliant.  The centre has also lauded the good neighbourly act of China towards Nepal to help with oil supplies, and expressed gratitude towards the international community for its sympathy to Nepal. RSS',
			'content' => '<p>November 26: The China Study Centre has described the blockade by India on Nepal as inhumane and outright violation of human rights and international law.</p>

<p>In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Centre has said the step by India would not only have a negative impact on bilateral relations between the two countries, but also violates Nepal&#39;s right to transit as a landlocked country and the UN charter, the WTO regulations and SAARC charter among others.</p>

<p>Lauding the resilience shown by the Nepalis at this difficult circumstance and the determination shown by Nepal government to maintain the national pride, the statement released by General Secretary of the Centre says it hopes that the government would now work towards making Nepal self-reliant.</p>

<p>The centre has also lauded the good neighbourly act of China towards Nepal to help with oil supplies, and expressed gratitude towards the international community for its sympathy to Nepal. RSS</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2853',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-26 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3013',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Environment-friendly vehicle rally in Kathmandu',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTE) organized a rally here today with an objective to spread awareness on the importance of electric vehicles at a time when the country is reeling under acute fuel-crisis.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTE) organized a rally here today with an objective to spread awareness on the importance of electric vehicles at a time when the country is reeling under acute fuel-crisis.</p>

<p>More than 200 environment-friendly vehicles, including bicycles, electronic cars, scooter and three-wheelers (safa tempo), participated in the event.</p>

<p>The rally that kicked off at Jawalakhel in Lalitpur and marched through various places in Kathmandu as Tripureshower-Ratnapark-Keshar Mahal-Narayanhiti Dakshin Dhoka-Putalisadk and Babarmahal.</p>

<p>Inaugurating the rally, Minister for Science, Technology and Environment Biswendra Pashwan urged the consumers to opt for environment-friendly vehicles at the time of fuel-crisis like this.</p>

<p>&quot;Use of environment-friendly vehicles also helps reduce the increasing air pollution in Kathmandu,&quot; argued Minister Pashwan.</p>

<p>He also underscored the frugal use of petroleum products and use of environment-friendly vehicles in the other regular times rather than during the fuel-crisis.</p>

<p>Participant in the rally were former chief secretary Leelamani Poudel, Secretary of MoSTE Dr Krishna Chandra Poudel and Chief of Environment Division Mahendraman Gurung among others. RSS</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2852',
			'image' => '20151126025124_minister_cycle.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2015-11-25 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3012',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Industrialist and founder of Nepal Eye Hospital, Mittal, no more',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: Industrialist and the founder of the Nepal Eye Hospital, Banawari Lal Mittal has passed away today at the age of 79.  Mittal had returned home on Monday after treatment at the Medanta Hospital in India. He had been suffering from brain disease for six months. He passed away at his residence in Gyaneshwar this morning.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: Industrialist and the founder of the Nepal Eye Hospital, Banawari Lal Mittal has passed away today at the age of 79.</p>

<p>Mittal had returned home on Monday after treatment at the Medanta Hospital in India. He had been suffering from brain disease for six months. He passed away at his residence in Gyaneshwar this morning.</p>

<p>He forayed into the construction business in 1956. He had also set up a helicopter service 16 years back and his airlines company, the Shree Airlines, is considered one of the successful airlines companies in the country and is the biggest one. The helicopters of this airlines company are used in the UN peace missions, the first in South Asia. Mittal was the chairman of the Shree Airlines until his passing.</p>

<p>Apart from his contribution to promoting the business sector, the late Mittal is a known name in the social service sector as well.</p>

<p>He served as the chairman of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, the working committee member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, founder member of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries and the president of the Contractors Association of Nepal.</p>

<p>Likewise, he was the former president of Nepal Marwari Service Committee, the advisor of the Nepal Marwari Council, founder president of Nepal Eye Hospital and the former treasurer of the Pashupati Area Development Trust.</p>

<p>He was involved in many businesses as construction, airlines and tea production. He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.</p>

<p>His last rites would be performed at the Pashupati Aryaghat today itself, according to Sharad Kumar Gauchan, the president of the Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal. RSS</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-26',
			'modified' => '2015-11-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2851',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-25 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3010',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Private Sector for a State of Economic Emergency',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: Minister of Finance Bishnu Paudel has said that the government would support the private sector at this time of unprecedented crisis. He made the remark while talking to a delegation from the Nepal Overseas Export Association (NOEA) at the Ministry on Nov 24.  The NOEA delegation had demanded the government declare a state of economic emergency to save industries and enterprises.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: Minister of Finance Bishnu Paudel has said that the government would support the private sector at this time of unprecedented crisis. He made the remark while talking to a delegation from the Nepal Overseas Export Association (NOEA) at the Ministry on Nov 24.</p>

<p>The NOEA delegation had demanded the government declare a state of economic emergency to save industries and enterprises.</p>

<p>Describing the public and private sector as complementing each other, Paudel said that the any declaration of an emergency required deeper analysis. &ldquo;We will look into the problems being faced by industrialists and entrepreneurs. We will make you feel that the government is with you,&rdquo; Paudel said.</p>

<p>The delegation led by Him Bahadur Rawal, Acting Chairperson of NOEA had called on the finance minister to apprise him of the impact brought about by the current political deadlock on industrial enterprises, education, health and the day to day life of the people. The association suggested measures that could be taken to avert an economic crisis warning that the present day difficulties might push the economy to recession leading Nepal to become a failed state.</p>

<p>The delegation also suggested the ministry form a joint working group of government and private sector organisations with a view to identify the problems and find out short and long-term solutions.</p>

<p>The association also called on the government to facilitate the operation of industries based on indigenous raw materials by providing security, fuel and means of transportation of manufactured goods and to allow the private sector to import petroleum products and to exempt taxes including VAT untill the situation is normalised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The association urged Paudel to remove extra charges on the detained imported goods and to apply custom duties and other taxes on the basis of CIF value along with the exemption of VAT amounting to 25 percent of the interest paid to the financial institutions, to reduce by two percent in the interest of the loan issued to industrial enterprises, institute a provision to issue permits from commercial banks for import through TT of goods worth USD 100,000 and to require permits from the National Bank only for import of goods worth more than USD 100,000.</p>

<p>The association also requested the minister to create a congenial atmosphere for starting projects committed by the Investment Board, finalising the pending issues concerning industries through fast-track. The association also requested the government to pass the acts and laws concerning the economy already tabled at the legislative parliament.</p>

<p>Other members of the delegation included Former Chairperson of the association Ashok Kumar Agrawal, Vice-chairperson Sunil Kumar Dhanuk (Bansal), Secretary Amit Agrawal and working committee members Madan Mittal and Suresh Kumar Agrawal.</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2015-11-25',
			'modified' => '2015-11-25',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '2850',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '2015-11-25 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3009',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Need for Lcal Dairy Industries Highlighted',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: The National Dairy Cooperative Association (NDCA) has demanded that the government bolster local milk production by formulating short and long-term policies.  In a press conference organised on Nov 23, the NDCA stressed the need for a policy arrangement to give priority to indigenous dairy products.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: The National Dairy Cooperative Association (NDCA) has demanded that the government bolster local milk production by formulating short and long-term policies.</p>

<p>In a press conference organised on Nov 23, the NDCA stressed the need for a policy arrangement to give priority to indigenous dairy products.</p>

<p>Chairperson of the association Narayan Prasad Devkota highlighted the need for operating existing dairy industries to their full capacity and to start the operation of Chitwan Milk which has remained closed.</p>

<p>Nepal is said to be self-sufficient in milk and the dairy industry is one of the few industries which does not need import of raw materials. The entrepreneurs demanded the government subsidise powder milk production to end the situation of &lsquo;milk holiday&rsquo;. Devkota informed that Nepal Police and Nepal Army were consuming 60,000 litres of milk daily.</p>

<p>Describing how India&rsquo;s blockade had affected the milk industry by also forcing farmers to observe a &lsquo;milk holiday&rsquo;, the dairy entrepreneurs called upon the government to take steps to promote indigenous dairy products in the country.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3008',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Birgunj Reels Under Cooking Gas Shortage',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 25: Considered to be the main life line for the import of petroleum products, Birgunj has been reeling under the scarcity of cooking gas.  Customers queued up in front of the National Trading Limited’s (NTL) office since early afternoon Monday on rumors that cooking gas cylinders would be distributed. But they were compelled to return with empty cylinders the next morning.',
			'content' => '<p>November 25: Considered to be the main life line for the import of petroleum products, Birgunj has been reeling under the scarcity of cooking gas.</p>

<p>Customers queued up in front of the National Trading Limited&rsquo;s (NTL) office since early afternoon Monday on rumors that cooking gas cylinders would be distributed. But they were compelled to return with empty cylinders the next morning.</p>

<p>As residents of Birgunj queued up all night, two of the LPG bullets supposed to arrive in Birgung were stuck at the border point at Sunauli. When approached, the gas company said it was not able to distribute gas until the stuck gas bullets arrived at the industry&rsquo;s depot at Parwanipur.</p>

<p>The Birgunj border point from where 70 percent of the fuel enters Nepal has been blocked for two months because of picketing by the agitators of Madhesi Front. Some cylinders of Narayani Gas were distributed from NTL&rsquo;s premises on Monday.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Despite rumours about the distribution of cooking gas, the local administration has not bothered to provide correct information to the consumers,&rdquo; Pramod Thakur of Birgunj said. The lack of information has forced consumers to sleep on the streets not to miss the chance of getting the gas.</p>

<p>Chief District Officer of Parsa, Anuj Bhandari, however, said that information was given to the consumers. The information was channeled through the authoritative dealers of the industry, he said. The dealers, on their part, said that no coordination was sought with them for the distribution of the gas.</p>

<p>Central vice-chairperson of Gas Dealers Federation Nepal, Ganeshman Shrestha said that the industries had not sought coordination with the dealers for the distribution of the gas. &ldquo;The government has only given the industries the license for production but the industries are distributing the gas themselves against regulation,&rdquo; he complained. &ldquo;Even in this time of crisis, distribution is not transparent,&rdquo; he added. According to him, one cylinder of gas can fill 2,500 cylinders if a cylinder is filled with 7 kg- 100 grams of gas but the industry had not distributed more than 2,000 cylinders, he revealed.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3007',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government issues White Paper; estimates only 2 % growth rate',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 24: The government has issued a White Paper, making public the current situation of nation’s economy, problems created after agitation and strikes in the southern plains and unannounced blockade continued for some months, and its (government’s) future course.',
			'content' => '<p>November 24: The government has issued a White Paper, making public the current situation of nation&rsquo;s economy, problems created after agitation and strikes in the southern plains and unannounced blockade continued for some months, and its (government&rsquo;s) future course.</p>

<p>The Paper has painted a bleak picture of nation&rsquo;s economy with government&rsquo;s estimation of only 2 percent economic growth rate, reasoning the heavy shrinking of economic activities with the obstruction on supply system triggered by the agitation and strike, and the undeclared blockade.</p>

<p>Reading out the White paper, Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel said although the growth rate of the current fiscal year was expected to be 6 percent in the background that new constitution had come with the hope the country would concentrate on economic and social developments, the heavy disruption in the supply system and subsequent severe effects on agro and non-agro products has made the government bound to estimate 2 percent growth rate.</p>

<p>Meagre capital spending, no environment of reconstruction<br />
The activities to generate capital has not taken a pace, Minister Poudel said, adding that in the first four month of the current fiscal year, only 4.1 percent of the capital budget was spent, while the institutional environment for spending Rs 74 billion allocated for reconstruction was yet to be created.</p>

<p>Service sectors marred<br />
Due to the acute shortage of fuel to the service sector as hotel/restaurant, tourism, construction, banking, and transportation which contribute to 50 percent of the gross domestic product and the dearth of essential materials, they have been marred. It has direct impact on the country&rsquo;s economic growth rate.</p>

<p>State of earthquake affected worsening, serious challenge to graduation to status of developing country<br />
The Minister further said the number of people pushed to poverty due to the earthquake damage is estimated at 700,000. The condition of those suffering from the earthquake damage is likely to be worsened with the effects on drinking water and sanitation, education, health, employment, food security and daily livelihood. It will pose a serious challenge to the government to graduate the country to the status of developing country from the present least developed status, by 2022.</p>

<p>Growing Inflation<br />
The effects of the disruption in supply system has been seen in the overall economic indexes, Minister Poudel said, adding that the inflation in the first month of the current fiscal year was 6.9 percent which grew to 7.2 and 8.3 percents respectively in the second and third months. In this, food sector saw highest inflation.</p>

<p>Heavy decline on export, import<br />
The economy is deteriorating for the disruption of the transportation of materials for construction activities. In the initial three months of the last year, the goods and service of Rs 191 billion were imported, which declined to Rs130 billion in the same period of the current fiscal year. Similarly, in the same period last fiscal year, there was the export of Rs 22.53 billion, which dropped to Rs 16.81 billion. It is a decline by 31 percent compared to the last fiscal year.</p>

<p>Currently, the debt burden to the country is Rs 539 billion. The debt burden ratio to the gross domestic product is 24.5 percent.</p>

<p>The Minister reminds through the White Paper that the people already afflicted by the devastating earthquake have been pushed to worsening condition due to the agitations, strikes and banda (general shutdown) organized in the name of Madhes agitation.</p>

<p>The assistance, cooperation and unity shown by the foreigners for the search of the missing, rescue, relief, and distribution after the earthquake were quite unforgettable. Similar environment of cooperation was expected for the reconstruction too, but Nepali people are bound to go through such unimaginable afflictions, added the Finance Minister.</p>

<p>Agro products to decline by 10 percent<br />
The agro production is estimated to go down by 10 per cent. Wheat production is likely to slide down by 30 per cent if there is no smooth supply of chemical fertilizer. The annual demand for food of the country stands at 5,345,000 metric tonnes and until the starting of the current fiscal year, there was a stock of just 155,000 metric tonnes and such projection in the food production has posed a risk of food insecurity.</p>

<p>Likewise, the production of dairy and meat products is projected to go down by 2 per cent. However, the production of vegetables is estimated to remain the same. Last year, the country recorded around 3.6 million metric tonnes of vegetable production. But the problem in transport is to affect the collection of produces and its marketing.</p>

<p>Future course<br />
The government has pledged to provide agro seeds to farmers at subsidized rate and ensure supply of chemical fertilizer got stuck into transit and border points immediately and distribute it to farmers for winter crops. Through the white paper, the government announced to make arrangements for distributing soft agro loan to farmers.<br />
Likewise, business community will get more time for submitting tax details and for tax payment. Dairy and vegetable farmers and meat producers will get more time for paying loan and some discount on interests too.</p>

<p>The Nepal Rastra Bank&#39;s Recovery Fund will be utlilised for the recovery and rehabilitation of industries.</p>

<p>Health and Education Service<br />
Similarly, in the white paper, the government has announced to normalise the supplies of health-related facilities including oxygen, equipments, raw materials, packing materials and blood collection bags and opt for an air route to import life-saving drugs.<br />
Besides, all academic institutes will be reopened and support and cooperation from teachers, students, guardians, political parties, rights activists and civil society will be garnered for the same.</p>

<p>Bill on Reconstruction Authority soon<br />
The government pledged to go with the post- reconstruction efforts by endorsing the Bill on National Reconstruction Authority from the Legislature-Parliament at the earliest. Likewise, first installment of Rs 200,000 announced by the previous government for the earthquake hit people will be allocated soon. Poor families rendering homeless by the disaster will be provided loan up to Rs 300,000 at subsidized interest rate.</p>

<p>The government declared to provide Rs 10,000 to the most affected quake victims within mid December to purchase winter garments. Moreover, vocational trainings will be imparted to produce skilled workers to construct earthquake-resistant buildings and reconstruction of the earthquake-damaged historic and religious heritages will begin soon.</p>

<p>Governance reform<br />
The task for drafting new laws demanded by the new constitution and those needed to be amended will be taken ahead effectively. Effective measures will be taken to maintain peace and good governance as per the constitution&#39;s supremacy and rule of law and to discourage the black marketing, criminal activities and obstructions on border, highways, industrial corridor, health and education sectors.</p>

<p>The government announced to promote the culture of reward and punishment in bureaucracy and hold the election of official trade unions within the next three months.</p>

<p>Monitoring mechanism<br />
A mechanism will be formed with the participation of representatives of stakeholders concerned, consumers&#39; rights organisations and private sector to systematize the supplies of fuel and daily essentials and market monitoring.</p>

<p>Impact of banda, strikes and supply system on nation economy will be under regular supervision of the government. A High Level Committee will be constituted with the participation of private sector to monitor task mentioned in this white paper.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Industrial losses<br />
In the last fiscal year the growth rate of the industrial sector stood at 2.6 per cent which will seemingly remain regressive in the ongoing fiscal year.</p>

<p>Around 2,200 industries are shut with more than 200,000 employees working in those industries rendered jobless, according to the White Paper. The industries are facing problem in making payment to its workers and bank&#39;s interest.</p>

<p>The amount of debt piling up due to stranded freight trucks and containers at Kolkata port in India, Indian roads, Indian railways, Raxaul among other dry ports is estimated to have surged to whopping Rs 5 billion. The amount includes increasing amount of price of the stranded commodities, of charges levied on parked containers and freight trucks, detention charges, charges of the containers and trucks, warehouse charges and demurrage charges.</p>

<p>Service Sector<br />
In the last fiscal year the service sector&#39;s growth rate which stood at 6.1 per cent will likely be limited to only 3 per cent in the current fiscal year.</p>

<p>The tourism sector is undoubtedly at the front line of the impact of the political unrest and the blockade with 46 per cent fall in the arrival of tourist as compared to the same period last year.</p>

<p>Decline in tourists&rsquo; arrival<br />
The number of tourists&#39; arrival from air route which stood at 652,655 from January to October in 2014 has slumped drastically to 300,325 in the same period this year. The tourists&#39; stay in the country has also taken a hit with tourists choosing to spend only 6 days in average which was 12.4 days in average last year.</p>

<p>The hotel entrepreneurs are also not aloof of the impact with less than 20 per cent of their total capacity being used with the dearth of tourists. In last year from mid September to mid November, 90 to 95 per cent of the hotel rooms were booked which has come down to 15-20 percent. In overall, the tourism sector employment has come down to 25 per cent in comparison to the same period last year.</p>

<p>Domestic flights cut off<br />
Comparatively, 50 per cent decline has been witnessed in the number of tourists while only 15 per cent of the total number of tour guides is finding their works. In this period, 75 per cent of the domestic flights have been cut off due to shortage of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).</p>

<p>Infrastructure Development and Construction<br />
The ongoing unrest and the unofficial blockade at the border has severely impacted the country&#39;s flourishing construction industry and infrastructure developments with production of cement, pebbles, bricks, stone and sand among other raw materials witnessing a setback. The raw materials that have been manufactured have not been able to reach their destination with supply system on a grinding halt. This has affected the public construction work.</p>

<p>Big projects badly hampered<br />
The construction works of the Gautam Budha International Airport, Rani-Jamara-Kulariya Irrigation Project, Tamakoshi Hydro Power Project, Melamchi Drinking Water Project, Postal Highway, Puspalal (Mid Hill) Highway, trade ways, Chameliya Hydro Power Project among other big projects have been affected.</p>

<p>The construction entrepreneurs are jobless, as they have not been able to get contract of government works.</p>

<p>Monetary and Financial Sector<br />
The banking and financial sector is suffering a threat of liquidity as deposit growth has been stagnant with expected loan expansion also seeing a setback.</p>

<p>Until the beginning of November this year, the loan growth in banking and financial sectors have climbed by 2.1 per cent as compared to until mid July while deposit mobilization has increased by 2.5 per cent. Last year, the growth rates were 5.1 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively.</p>

<p>In the coming days interest dues, bad debt and capital adequacy fund and bank&#39;s profit will possibly see negative impact.</p>

<p>Internal and External Trade<br />
According to the White Paper, 26.7 per cent decline has been witnessed in the import of food commodities in the first four months of the current fiscal year while the import of medicines and medicinal raw materials has dropped by 54.7 per cent.</p>

<p>In two months&#39; period after the undeclared blockade was enforced at the border, 70.6 per cent, 62.8 per cent, 73.1 per cent, 71.8 per cent and 84.4 per cent drops were witnessed in the import of petrol, diesel, kerosene, LP Gas, and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) respectively as compared to the same period last year. There is also a decline seen in the Letter of Credit (LC).</p>

<p>The political instability and the blockade has also impacted the internal trade with a heavy slump seen in the trade of rice, pulses, oil, medicines and construction materials in the market.</p>

<p>Hydro Power Project and Energy Sector<br />
The regular power outage hours have decreased owing to the closure of industries and a decline in energy consumption. The National Transmission Grid is importing 716 megawatt of electricity.</p>

<p>In current context, 94 megawatt electricity is short during morning hours from 5 am to 6 am while 512 megawatt of electricity is needed in the evening hours from 6 pm to 8 pm. &quot;The government will have to import 236 megawatt of electricity from India to fulfill the minimal deficit,&quot; it is stated.</p>

<p>The construction deadline of the Upper Tamakoshi Hydro Power Project (456 megawatt) has been pushed back by nearly two years due to the massive earthquake of April 25. The shortage of fuel products has aggravated the situation further impacting the construction works of the project.</p>

<p>&quot;Due to the earthquake hydro power projects of 80 megawatt have not resumed operation while the current obstruction in the supply system has affected under-construction projects,&quot; the Ministry said.</p>

<p>The unprecedented dearth of cooking gas and kerosene is having a tremendous impact on daily cooking methods in every household while the number of vehicles plying the road has significantly declined owing to the paucity of fuel. The commodities manufactured in the rural areas have remained stranded for the vehicles.</p>

<p>The demand for solar energy and bio-gas has increased but its supply has not been easy. The completion of the under construction bio gas plants is unlikely to meet the deadline while the delay in the reconstruction and restoration of the plants damaged during the earthquake is imminent.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Petroleum products import and distribution system</p>

<p>A system shall be put in place to ensure effective and transparent distribution and sales of essential goods, including fuel. A certain criteria will be devised for the efficient fuel distribution which also includes putting online the information mentioning venue, time, quantity and time table for the distribution of the same.</p>

<p>The consumers will be provided coupon to facilitate them in securing fuel without standing on line for long.</p>

<p>Similarly, the government will book the persons and groups involved in irregular distributions and sales of petroleum products.</p>

<p>For the distribution of LPG cylinder, the government is determining priorities on the basis of its daily import and stock. In addition, kerosene and firewood distribution will be further made effective.</p>

<p>Physically challenged persons, ambulances, hearses, tourist vehicles, vehicles ferrying drinking water, milk, medicines and other vital commodities and media persons/media houses will be prioritized when it comes to providing fuel.</p>

<p>In an attempt to explore alternatives to import petroleum products, the government will make various trade agreements with international companies and foreign countries. If private sector is interested in its import, the government will facilitate them.</p>

<p>Government will promote Alternative Energy Promotion Centre and facilitate the private sector promoting equipments and technologies on alternative source of energy so as to increase public access to it.</p>

<p>The vehicles carrying essential goods and clearing customs will be escorted to their respective destinations. Strict monitoring and supervision of the import and sales of petroleum products will be carried out by the government.</p>

<p>The maintenance and up gradation of the alternative Check Points for the import of goods will be undertaken along with constructing and expanding the roads linking to those bordering points.</p>

<p>Use of electronic vehicles both for personal and professional purposes will be encouraged. Public will be encouraged to use electronic stoves for cooking food.</p>

<p>Energy security</p>

<p>Energy crisis will be declared in order to expedite the process of hydropower production and its transmission and distribution.</p>

<p>The construction of under-construction hydropower projects like Upper Tamakoshi, Kulekhani III and Chamelia and other proposed projects like Budhi Gandaki, Nalsingh Gad will be accelerated. Some 25 mega watt of electricity will be imported from the under-construction Grid Solar Project.</p>

<p>The micro hydro projects constructed and operated with the investment of locals will be encouraged.</p>

<p>Similarly, electricity projects generating 200 mega watt of electricity will be accelerated and connected to the national grid. Furthermore, similar projects under-taken by the private sector will be facilitated for their timely completion.</p>

<p>The government has targeted to link additional 155 mega watt electricity in the national transmission grid within a year.</p>

<p>Also, a feasibility study of the hydro electricity power in the country will be conducted at the earliest. Nepal Army will be mobilized in the construction of national transmission lines if needed.</p>

<p>The government-provided subsidy and grant for the production of alternative energy in the villages lacking transmission lines and electricity service will be furthered made effective.</p>

<p>Food Security</p>

<p>The subsidy price for rice will be determined at the earliest and utilizing the stores of public corporations associated with the Nepal Food Corporation; the government will arrange to purchase the farmers&#39; produces.</p>

<p>The provision that compulsorily incorporates livestock and crops insurance under the micro insurance will be made further effective. The government programmes related to agriculture insurance will be expanded by mobilizing cooperatives.<br />
The programmes helping to be self-reliant in the production of various food items like rice, wheat, maize, fresh vegetables, fruits, lentils, spices, fish, egg and dairy products will be launched as campaign with the timeline of two years.</p>

<p>The landless and poor families will be provided capital grant and subsidized loan.</p>

<p>Finally, the government has thanked all Nepali sisters and brothers for keeping calm, patience and demonstrating tolerance and unity in this adverse situation caused by the devastating earthquake and obstructions in supply system. It also expressed gratitude to all lawmakers, political parties, civil society people, business community, government employees, neighbours, development partners, and media for their support in this situation, expecting positive support and cooperation from all walks of life to cope with this national crisis resulted from this year&#39;s devastating earthquake and ongoing unofficial border blockade and minimise its impact on national economy. RSS</p>
',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3006',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Govt has considered impact on private sector seriously: Finance Minister',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 24: Minister for Finance, Bishnu Poudel, has said that the government is serious regarding the impact on private sector due to the continuous Madhes banda for the past three months and the unannounced border blockade imposed by India.',
			'content' => '<p>November 24: Minister for Finance, Bishnu Poudel, has said that the government is serious regarding the impact on private sector due to the continuous Madhes banda for the past three months and the unannounced border blockade imposed by India.</p>

<p>Receiving suggestions of a joint team of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) at the Finance Ministry today, Minister Poudel said that the government was cognizant towards it as the problem faced by the private sector was the problem of the nation.</p>

<p>On the occasion, the private sector demanded immediate formation of a taskforce under the leadership of the Finance Minister and comprising the Finance Secretary, the Industry Secretary and the Commerce and Supplies Secretary as well as representatives of private sectors for the identifying, evaluation and resolution of the problem.</p>

<p>The taskforce would give immediate suggestions for the revitalization of overall economy and the private sector by holding discussions with the stakeholders. The team also suggested that the government should present mid-term and long-term strategic vision in this regard.</p>

<p>In response, Finance Minister Poudel stressed that the industrialists should think that they are also responsible representatives of the nation.</p>

<p>Minister Poudel said, &quot;I will consider the suggestions of the private sector being a businessman or industrialist.&quot;</p>

<p>Assuring that the government will fulfill the maximum demands that could be fulfilled within the limit of the government, he said that the suggestions of the private sectors would be addressed as per the need.</p>

<p>The Finance Minister said that it was the responsible of the government to create environment conducive required to go the private sector ahead in days ahead and it would be fulfilled, saying the government has highly evaluated the contribution of private sector in nation building.</p>

<p>Finance Minister&#39;s finance advisor Dr Gobinda Nepal said that a high-level mechanism should be formed to deal with current crisis facing Nepal.</p>

<p>Likewise, Revenue Secretary Rajan Khanal said that the government and private sector would move ahead together to sort out problems being faced by industrialists.</p>

<p>Pashupati Muraraka, chairman of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that private sector should coordinate with the government to manage the supply of essential commodities and medicines in the country.</p>

<p>Demanding that the government should declare the country economic emergency, CNI chairman Narendra Basnyat stressed the need for creating conducive environment to drive country&#39;s economy smoothly.</p>

<p>Saying that private sector has suggested based on long-term vision, Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, chairman of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, emphasised to focus on such move. RSS</p>
',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3005',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government introduces 'Live Enrollment System' for passport issuance',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 23: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday introduced the Live Enrollment System in its bid at streamlining the passport distribution method by making its acquisition easier and quicker.',
			'content' => '<p>November 23: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday introduced the Live Enrollment System in its bid at streamlining the passport distribution method by making its acquisition easier and quicker.</p>

<p>With the new system in place, passport seekers will not have to fill up forms by their hands while their photo, finger prints and signature are filled through the computer. After the new system comes into effect the details of an individual will be in the &#39;biometric&#39; while all works will be digitalized, Foreign Ministry said.</p>

<p>In the first phase of the application of the new system starting Tuesday diplomats and important officials will be provided diplomatic passport, said Department of Passport. In about two weeks&#39; time the public will be issued passport through the system from the Passport Department in the country and through the country&#39;s diplomatic missions abroad.</p>

<p>Inaugurating the commencement of the new system amidst a function held by the Ministry here, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa expressed belief the commoners will avail of easy and fast track method of acquiring passports.<br />
DPM Thapa further added that the application of the system would allow Nepali citizens in foreign lands to gain easy access to Machine Readable Passport (MRP).</p>

<p>Nepal started issuing MRP from 2010 as per the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) directive. A total of 3.8 million MRPs have been distributed till date while around 50,000 to 60,000 handwritten passports need to be replaced by MRP.</p>

<p>&quot;The Ministry has made arrangement making the process easy and smooth so that passport seekers will get passport in a fast track manner in five days,&quot; DPM Thapa said adding, &quot;those who have filled forms in the districts will get passport in 10 days while passports will be issued from diplomatic missions abroad in five days&#39; time.&quot;</p>

<p>Department&#39;s Director General Lok Bahadur Thapa said around 1.7 million handwritten passports were already replaced by the MRP and urged the passport holders to get MRP at the earliest by visiting the nearest centres or offices. RSS</p>
',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '3003',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Exports down due to blockade, Tarai unrest: NRB',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 22: The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has said that country's merchandise exports decreased significantly by 25.4 percent to Rs 16.81 billion in the first three months of 2015/16 compared to a drop of 2.3 percent to Rs 22.53 billion in the same period of the previous year. The total exports decreased due to a fall in exports to India, China and other countries in the review period on account of current unfavorable circumstances.',
			'content' => '<p>November 22: The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has said that country&#39;s merchandise exports decreased significantly by 25.4 percent to Rs 16.81 billion in the first three months of 2015/16 compared to a drop of 2.3 percent to Rs 22.53 billion in the same period of the previous year. The total exports decreased due to a fall in exports to India, China and other countries in the review period on account of current unfavorable circumstances.</p>

<p>Likewise, the imports from all customs points declined due to the protest and unofficial blockade imposed by India on southern trade customs points, the economic outlook released by the central bank reads.</p>

<p>However, the balance of payments has remained favorable due to the contraction in imports and upsurge in transfer income.</p>

<p>Exports to China dropped by 66.5 percent in the review period contrary to an increase of 93.2 percent in the same period of the previous year. This fall is mainly attributed to the decrease in the exports of tanned skin, readymade garments, noodles, rudrakshya among others, according to the NRB.</p>

<p>Exports to India decreased by 35.9 percent during the review period compared to a drop of 6.4 percent in the same period of the previous year. The fall in exports to India is attributed mainly of the fall in the exports of zinc sheet, juice, textiles, polyster yarn, among others. The export had decreased by Rs. 46.7 million to Rs. 906 million in 1970/71 due to the Indian blockade in the form of quantitative restriction on exports.</p>

<p>During the review period, merchandise imports shrank by 31.9 percent to Rs. 130.49 billion. Such imports had gone up by 24.4 percent to Rs. 191.72 billion in the same period of the previous year. The slowdown in imports is attributed mainly to a decrease in imports of petroleum products on account of unofficial economic blockade imposed by India on trade routes in the Southern parts of the country.</p>

<p>Similarly, total trade deficit during the review period contracted by 32.8 percent to Rs. 113.68 billion compared to an expansion of 29.1 percent in the same period of the previous year. Trade deficit with India, China and other countries narrowed down by 35.3 percent, 11.2 percent, 38.6 percent respectively in the review period.</p>

<p>The FOB based trade deficit decreased by 32.7 percent to Rs. 109.81 billion in the review period. Such deficit had gone up by 29.6 percent in the same period of the previous year, according to the central bank. RSS</p>
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			'title' => 'Rafting competition to promote adventure tourism',
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			'summary' => 'November 23: Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) is organizing the 14th Himalayan White Water Challenge Competition from coming November 27 for the promotion of adventure tourism in Nepal.',
			'content' => '<p>November 23: Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) is organizing the 14th Himalayan White Water Challenge Competition from coming November 27 for the promotion of adventure tourism in Nepal.</p>

<p>NARA shared continuity has been given to adventure rafting this year as usual to keep up attraction of the tourists coming to visit Nepal even in the complicated situation following the April 25 devastating earthquake.<br />
At a press conference organized here, NARA Chairperson Chandra Bahadur Dahal informed that some 500 participants from home country Nepal and 20 foreign countries including Australia, Canada, America, Germany, Norway, China and India are taking part in the three-day competition to be organized in the Trishuli River.<br />
Chairperson Dahal said that the competition would be fruitful to impart message to the international community that rafting is safe in Nepal even after the earthquake and is open for tourists coming to Nepal. Some 16 rivers are open for rafting in Nepal.<br />
The competition is to be organized in Fisling and Kurintar of the Trishuli River in Chitwan. The winner will receive a purse of up to Rs 600,000.<br />
It may be noted that three out of 10 best rivers for rafting are in Nepal. The Bhotekoshi, Sunkoshi and Karnali rank fifth, seventh and 10th best rivers for the purpose.<br />
An investment of Rs 2.5 million has been made for the competition, Chairperson Dahal informed, adding that an arrangement of security including 700 river guards for the security of the tourists taking part in the event. RSS</p>
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