November 16: The Prime Minister's Employment Programme is becoming more and more ineffective. Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the…
November 16: The Prime Minister's Employment Programme is becoming more and more ineffective. Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the…
November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical…
November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of…
As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including…
November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long…
Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and…
November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus.…
Laxmi Puja, a day dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Laxmi, is being observed across the country today. Traditionally falling on the third day of the Tihar festival, this year it coincides with the second day of Tihar, along with Narak Chaturdashi and the Kukur Tihar, the festival dedicated to the worship of…
November 13: Seven women and three men were arrested from Yunsan restaurant of Nakhipot, Lalitpur red handed while they were gambling on…
November 12: The Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track has achieved 27.19 per cent physical progress and 29.32 per cent financial progress amidst various obstacles and…
November 11: Today marks the beginning of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal.…
November 11: The price index of spices increased by a staggering 37.63 percent followed by the rice in prices of sugar and sugar products by 18.22 percent within a span of one month between mid-September to mid-October although the overall consumer price inflation declined during the review…
November 11: Nepal’s trade deficit increased 2.1 percent to Rs 366.88 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year.…
November 11: Nepal’s current account remained at a surplus of Rs 59.09 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year against a deficit of Rs 35.24 billion in the same period of the previous…
November 10: Experts have drawn the attention of all stakeholders to the disruptions in cross-border trade between Nepal and China stemming from the 2015 earthquake and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which according to them is yet to return to…
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Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the programme.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">November 16: The Prime Minister's Employment Programme is becoming more and more ineffective. Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the programme.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government had claimed that many people would be employed annually under this programme. More than 885,000 unemployed people have been registered under the employment programme in the hope of getting jobs. But so far this year, only 803 people have been employed.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The programme was launched to employ citizens between the age group of 18 to 59 years who have not been employed for at least 100 days. If these people do not get employment, the government has been saying that it will provide a subsistence allowance equal to 50 days' wages.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">However, if we look at the employment situation provided by the government so far in the current fiscal year, this programme seems to have become more and more weak.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">For the current fiscal year, the government had allocated a budget of Rs 5.94 billion for the Prime Minister's Employment Programme. According to the Secretariat of the Prime Minister's Employment Programme, a committee was recently formed for restructuring the programme, but it has not yet started its work in concrete form. According to Shobha Pokharel, the deputy secretary of the secretariat of the programme, the restructuring process will proceed as announced in the budget this year. "In the current fiscal year, the budget has been released for the projects as per the announcement made earlier. It is difficult to restructure the projects this year," she said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">While presenting the previous fiscal year’s policies and programmes in the Parliament, the then President Bidya Devi Bhandari had announced that the programme would be restructured so that all levels would own it. The restructuring of the programme has not been done.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Deputy Secretary Pokharel, the procedures and laws may have to be amended for restructuring the programme. She said that the necessary arrangements will be made and the programme will be restructured from next year based on the recommendations given by the committee.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">At present, the budget has been released to the local level as per the selected projects for the Prime Minister's Employment Programme. A total of 738 local levels have registered the unemployment list for the current fiscal year, while the number of local levels that have implemented the project so far is only 134. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under the Prime Minister's Employment Programme launched by the government led by KP Sharma Oli in the year 2075/76, billions of rupees have been spent for small jobs. On the very year the programme was launched, the government was accused of exploiting billions of rupees from the state coffers in unproductive areas. The same year, the government was heavily criticized for spending billions of rupees in unproductive areas like chasing monkeys, uprooting weeds, and driving cattle away among others.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As of last year, this programme has failed to create long-term employment. As the government has already allocated Rs 38.76 billion under this programme in the last five years, questions are being raised about its effectiveness and achievement.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the initial year (FY 2075/76), the government allocated a budget of Rs 3.10 billion for this program. Rs 5.1 billion was allocated in the year 2076/77.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the year 2077/78, Rs 11.6 billion was allocated and Rs 12 billion in 2078/79. For the year 2079/80, the government allocated a budget of Rs 7.5 billion. It seems that the allocated budget is mostly spent every year but the achievement is zero. The Auditor General's report has repeatedly raised questions about the expenses incurred through the Prime Minister's Employment Programme.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19210', 'image' => '20231116011024_PMEP.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 13:09:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19481', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'No Tihar for Earthquake Victims of Jajarkot this Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical infrastructures.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical infrastructures. Hundreds of people were rendered homeless. For the citizens of the affected areas, this festival of Tihar was a mess. Their dream of celebrating Tihar could not be fulfilled this time.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Twenty-six</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">year-old Bhumika Shahi Malla and her </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">year-old son Lekhnath, who had come from Darma Rural Municipality of Salyan to their native home in Aathbiskot-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">in Rukum West to celebrate Tihar, died in the earthquake. Not only did the mother and her son die, her mother, sister's </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">9-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">month-old son and aunt also died. All five of them died at their maternal home in Jamirekot Ward No. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">They had reached there to meet the sick aunt.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">On the other hand, Laxman Shahi of Aathbiskot Municipality-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, lost his mother, sister and two nephews. He is yet to overcome the pain of losing mothers, sisters, and nephews and Tihar only made him miss them more.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">People across the country just celebrated Tihar, singing the Deusibhailo songs with merriment. However, like Shahi, hundreds of earthquake victims were unaffected by the fervor of Tihar. Shahi said that he did not even realize that Tihar had come this year due to the loss of his loved ones in the earthquake. He said, "In the previous year, the sisters used to come from their homes carrying a flower garlands for tika ritual. We used to sit together happily during the festival, but this year, the earthquake killed all our dreams and happiness."</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Hari Bahadur Oli of Bhalma that they were concerned about how to avoid the cold than to celebrate Tihar. Oli said that he is also appealing to the local government and other relevant agencies to protect them from the diseases caused by cold and arrange safe living arrangements.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Kalikadevi Malla of SaniBheri-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> said that spending the cold night in the garden under a tent is a big problem. Malla requested the concerned agencies to make immediate arrangements for temporary accommodation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chief District Officer Hari Prasad Panta informed that the first phase of relief distribution to the earthquake victims has been completed, and now the focus is on construction of temporary settlements for which the government is working accordingly.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chief District Officer Panta informed that temporary reconstruction work will be started in the earthquake-affected areas immediately after Tihar.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19209', 'image' => '20231116103556_1700051881.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 10:35:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19480', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'CAN Federation urges Govt to rethink TikTok Ban ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of TikTok. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of TikTok. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the CAN Federation urged the government to rethink its decision to ban the popular social media TikTok bearing in the mind that the development of information technology have both opportunities and challenges. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It further said that it would be appropriate to regulate Tiktok as it has become a medium for small and middle-scale entrepreneurs to expand their market. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"CAN Federation urges the government to hold talks and coordinate with experts for the proper use of all types of social sites available in Nepal. We are ready to collaborate with the government for any technical cooperation from the position of private sector," reads the statement. -- RSS </span><br /> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19208', 'image' => '20231116100237_1200x0.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 10:01:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19479', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Preparations Underway for Chhath Festival in Tarai Madhes Districts', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including Dhanusha.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 16: As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including Dhanusha.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In Janakpurdham, various lakes and ponds are undergoing a special transformation with the enthusiastic support of locals and organizations gearing up for the Chhath festival. The banks of these water bodies are being meticulously cleaned to construct the Chhath ghats.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Highlighting the festival's significance in the Tarai Madhes region, Dr. Rajendra Bimal emphasized the decoration efforts around key locations such as Gangasagar Pond, Dhanush Sagar Pond, Argaja Pond, Maharasagar, Ratnasagar, Gordhoi, Aragajasar, Nocha Pokhari, Matkoraba Pokhari, and Dudhmati Ghat in Janakpurdham, the historic city of Mithilanchal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As Chhath enthusiasts prepare for the festivities, markets are witnessing a surge in shoppers purchasing necessary articles and items for the upcoming celebrations. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Notably, the growing number of people participating in Chhath each year has contributed to increased demand, leading to a rise in prices, according to local resident Prameshwar Saha. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Chhath festival is set to culminate on November 19 this year, with associated rituals commencing three days prior.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> In Birgunj, similar preparations are underway, with ponds and lakes undergoing special decoration to create Chhath ghats for the various rituals and offerings associated with the festival.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Cleaning and adornment activities are evident in local landmarks such as Ghadiarba pond, Nagawapokhari, Chhapakaiya Pokhari, Shreepur, and Ranighat pond. (RSS)</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19207', 'image' => '20231116073613_collage (11).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 07:34:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19478', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bhai Tika Observed', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long life.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long life. In return, brothers offer gifts and extend good luck wishes to their sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During Bhai Tika, a special ritual takes place where brothers are seated at a designated spot, and sisters create a trail of mustard oil around them. The brothers are then garlanded with flowers, including marigold and globe amaranth. In return, brothers also apply tika to their sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The National Calendar Determination Committee has identified 10:51 am as the auspicious hour for offering tika this year, though it can be done throughout the day. The cultural belief associated with Bhai Tika revolves around a sister obtaining a boon from Yama, the god of death, ensuring her brother's longevity until the mustard oil dries up and the garland of dubo and makhamali withers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In addition to the ritualistic aspects, sisters offer special delicacies like sweets, walnuts, and sel roti to their brothers. Individuals without biological siblings participate in the celebration by receiving tika from those they consider as brothers or sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Furthermore, the Balgopaleshwor Temple in Ranipokhari, Kathmandu, is opened today, a tradition observed annually on Bhai Tika. The temple holds cultural significance, and its doors are unlocked on this auspicious day. (RSS)</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-15', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19206', 'image' => '20231115064107_collage (10).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-15 06:39:39', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19477', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Korala Check Point in Mustang Comes into Operation After Four Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and China.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 14: Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and China.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the occasion, member of House of Representatives Yogesh Gauchan Thakali, Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment of Gandaki Province, Dipendra Bahadur Thapa, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City Dhan Raj Acharya, Chief District Officer of Mustang, Janak Raj Panta and people's representatives of Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda and Lo Manthang rural municipalities were present from the side of Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Likewise, officials of customs, border monitoring, public security bureau, commerce bureau, border control and dry port management committee were present from Chinese side. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Chairperson of Lo Manthang rural municipality, Tasi Narbu Gurung, said China gifted 100,000 kilogrammes of food grains, clothes and daily essentials to the locals of Lo Manthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda rural municipalities on the first day of resumption of check point. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Locals of both rural municipalities have started visiting China on the basis of identity card, said CDO Panta. The check point was completely shut down from 2076 BS after coronavirus pandemic. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">'Departure and Entry Permits for Residents of Nepal-China Border Area Nepal- China' was distributed to around 1,000 people of Lo-Manthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kund rural municipalities as the preparation for operation of Korala check point. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"Those who have entry pass have the facility to travel to and from China at any time", he shared. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Panta mentioned that temporary infrastructures have been built on Nepal's side near Korala check point and arrangement of regular presence of security personnel has also been made." (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-14', 'modified' => '2023-11-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19205', 'image' => '20231114072613_collage (9).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-14 07:24:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19475', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Gai Tihar Observed Across the Country', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus. This ritual holds significance in Hindu traditions, where the cow is revered and worshipped as a symbol of motherly love.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The religious belief behind Gai Puja centers on the idea that cows provide unconditional love, similar to that of a mother. The ceremony involves garlanding the cow and offering it various delicacies. This practice has roots in ancient Vedic times, with cows considered sacred and often referred to as cow mothers due to the nutritious milk they provide, likened to that of human mothers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Interestingly, modern science supports the importance of cows, highlighting that the energy of local cow breeds is derived from the sun and moon, providing strength to humans through milk.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While some regions traditionally worship cows on Kartik Krishna Aunsi, there is a classical belief that the worship should occur at the end of Aunsi and the beginning of Pratipada, according to Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam, a member of the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Additionally, a religious belief suggests that tying the Rakshabandhan (a protective thread) from the right hand to the cow's tail during the cow worship ritual can help the soul cross the river Vaitarani and reach heaven after death. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This reflects the deep cultural and spiritual significance attributed to the ritual of Gai Puja during the Tihar festival. (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-13', 'modified' => '2023-11-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19204', 'image' => '20231113100038_gai-tihar-12-70815.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-13 07:01:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19473', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Laxmi Puja Observed ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Laxmi Puja, a day dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Laxmi, is being observed across the country today. Traditionally falling on the third day of the Tihar festival, this year it coincides with the second day of Tihar, along with Narak Chaturdashi and the Kukur Tihar, the festival dedicated to the worship of dogs.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">November 12: Laxmi Puja, a day dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Laxmi, was observed across the country on Sunday. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Traditionally, the Laxmi Puja falls on the third day of the Tihar festival, but this year it coincides with the second day of Tihar, along with Narak Chaturdashi and the Kukur Tihar, the festival dedicated to the worship of dogs. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The five-day Tihar, also known as the Yamapanchak, commenced on Saturday. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Laxmi Puja was observed on Sunday evening by worshipping Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, affluence, and prosperity, with devotion. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">On this day, people clean their houses and surrounding, illuminate their homes, and light butter lamps to 'invite' the goddess to their homes, in the belief that the goddess Laxmi detests the house which is unclean and untidy.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The night of Laxmi Puja is also known as Sukha Ratri, meaning the night of happiness as it is believed that Goddess Laxmi comes to reside in the house on this special night.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">To 'welcome' the goddess in the house, devotees make the footprint signs from their courtyard up to the main altar. In the evening of Laxmi Puja, troupes of teenage girls from the neighbourhood sing 'bhailo' songs amidst dancing and merriment.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The bhailo troupes visit house to house in the neighbourhood performing the bhailo cultural songs and dance. In return, the house-owners, especially mothers, give them various presents like paddy, rice grain, flower garlands, money, and 'sel roti', a special delicacy cooked in ghee.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">It is believed the house-owner is bestowed with blessings from the goddess by presenting the donation to these bhailo troupes. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Night illumination is carried out at homes by lighting electric lights and butter lamps. Some people also worship the cow in the morning on Laxmi Puja in accordance with their family tradition. (RSS) </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-12', 'modified' => '2023-11-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19203', 'image' => '20231113100021_20221024101409_Diwali-1-782x440.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-12 07:05:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19476', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '16 Arrested on Charge of Gambling', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 13: Seven women and three men were arrested from Yunsan restaurant of Nakhipot, Lalitpur red handed while they were gambling on Sunday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">November 13: Seven women and three men were arrested from Yunsan restaurant of Nakhipot, Lalitpur red handed while they were gambling on Sunday. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">District Police Office, Lalitpur also confiscated Rs 103,000 from the den. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, six gamblers were arrested from the house of Jagat Prasad Pande, 39, from Khandachakra Municipality-3 of Kalikot district on Sunday. The central police news room shared that Rs 34,140 was confiscated from them. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In another incident, police seized different types of firecrackers from Nagdhunga of Chandragiri Municipality-2, Kathmandu. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The firecrackers were found in a bus heading towards Kathmandu from Nepalgunj via Butwal. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-13', 'modified' => '2023-11-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19202', 'image' => '20231113095736_066A1493.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-13 09:57:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19474', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'KTM-Tarai Fast Track Achieves 27.19 Percent Physical Progress', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 12: The Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track has achieved 27.19 per cent physical progress and 29.32 per cent financial progress amidst various obstacles and challenges.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">November 12: The Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track has achieved 27.19 per cent physical progress and 29.32 per cent financial progress amidst various obstacles and challenges.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The national pride project is being implemented by the Nepalese Army (NA). Once the four-lane expressway completes, the southern plains can be reached within 2 hours 2 minutes from the Kathmandu Valley. The expressway goes from Khokana of Lalitpur to Makawanpur and reaches Nijgadh of Bara district.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The national pride project for which Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal had laid the foundation stone on May 28, 2017 at Nijgadh is expected to be completed by mid-April, 2027.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The incumbent government on October 16 last year had approved the revised DPR of the Rs 211.93 billion project, according to which, the new length of the fast track is determined at 70.9-km, two km curtailed from the earlier one.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">There are six tunnels measuring 10.055-kilometres in total along the track that will be built according to the Asian Highway standards. Two-wheelers will be barred from plying the track having altogether 89 bridges along the way.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Designs of 45 bridges have been completed from package no 1 to 5, according to the NA. NA's Colonel Bishwa Bandhu Pahadi reaffirmed the commitment for the timely completion of the project. "The Nepalese Army is determined to deliver the quality fast-track within the timeline," he reiterated.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">At present, tall bridges and tunnels are being built at Mahadevtar, Dhedre and Lanedanda in Makawanpur district under the project being executed in a total of 13 packages.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Due to the fact that the DPR of the project was not approved on time, the fast-track suffered snail-pace construction in course of time. Land acquisition and environment impact assessment and clearance of trees among others further delayed the undertaking, the NA said.</span> -- RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-12', 'modified' => '2023-11-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19201', 'image' => '20231112110129_fast track high - Copy.JPG', 'article_date' => '2023-11-12 11:00:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19472', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tihar, the Festival of Lights, Begins', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 11: Today marks the beginning of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">November 11: Today marks the beginning of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal. Tihar is also called Deepawali and Yama Panchak. The festival is celebrated for five full days during the Nepali month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The first day of Tihar is the day dedicated for the celebration of the crows that are considered as the messenger of Lord Yamaraj, the God of Death. Today, every household offers prayers and leaves food on the top of their terraces and walls for the crows to feed on. There is a general belief among the people that the crow accompanies Lord Yamaraj and is therefore immortal and worshipping it brings good fortune. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The religious scriptures talk about how the demon king Bali was given the opportunity by Lord Bishnu to rule all over the universe for these five days. To celebrate his ascension to the lordship of the entire universes, he ordered everyone to celebrate all five days with lights and flowers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The belief among the people is that the celebration will please Goddess Laxmi, who is considered the goddess of wealth. </span></span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-11', 'modified' => '2023-11-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19200', 'image' => '20231111121318_20221023093327_tihar-nepal.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-11 00:12:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19471', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Prices of Spices and Sugar Surge while Overall Inflation Stands at 7.50 Percent', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 11: The price index of spices increased by a staggering 37.63 percent followed by the rice in prices of sugar and sugar products by 18.22 percent within a span of one month between mid-September to mid-October although the overall consumer price inflation declined during the review month.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">November 11:: The price index of spices increased by a staggering 37.63 percent followed by the rice in prices of sugar and sugar products by 18.22 percent within a span of one month between mid-September to mid-October although the overall consumer price inflation stood at 7.50 percent during the review month.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal published by Nepal Rastra Bank on Friday, the year-on-year (y-o-y) consumer price inflation stood at 7.50 percent in mid-October 2023 compared to 8.50 percent a year ago. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">However, food and beverage inflation was above average at 8.38 percent thanks to the surge in price of sugar due to its shortage during the festive season whereas non-food and service category inflation stood at 6.81 percent in the review month.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> Under the Food and Beverage category, y-o-y consumer price index of fruit increased 14.02 percent, cereal grains and their products 12.23 percent and milk products and eggs 11.92 percent. The y-o-y consumer price index of ghee and oil subcategory decreased 11.61 percent in the review month, added the NRB report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Under the non-Food and Services category, y-o-y consumer price index of recreation and culture subcategory increased 15.55 percent, miscellaneous goods and services 12.11 percent, education 9.10 percent, housing and utilities 8.08 percent and furnishing and household equipment 6.25 percent. The y-o-y consumer price index of transportation sub-category decreased 1.62 percent in the review month due to the decline in fuel prices.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the review month, y-o-y consumer price inflation in the Kathmandu Valley, Terai, Hill and Mountain region surged to 10.23 percent, 5.66 percent, 7.38 percent and 10.24 percent respectively. Inflation in these regions stood at 6.93 percent, 9.42 percent, 8.84 percent and 7.07 percent respectively a year ago.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-11', 'modified' => '2023-11-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19199', 'image' => '20231111120611_20230820111244_Rising-Inflation.min_.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-11 00:03:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19470', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal’s Trade Deficit Increases by 2.1 Percent', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 11: Nepal’s trade deficit increased 2.1 percent to Rs 366.88 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">November 11: Nepal’s trade deficit increased 2.1 percent to Rs 366.88 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year. Such a deficit had decreased 13.1 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year, according to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report published by the central bank on Friday states that the export-import ratio decreased to 10.0 percent in the review period from 10.4 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">During the review period, merchandise exports decreased 2.3 percent to Rs 40.87 billion compared to a decrease of 35.7 percent in the same period of the previous year. Destination-wise, exports to India decreased 9.4 percent whereas exports to China and other countries increased 345.9 percent and 9.5 percent respectively. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As per the report, exports of zinc sheet, particle board, juice, cardamom, polyester yarn and thread, among others increased whereas exports of palm oil, soybean oil, jute goods, woolen carpet, rosin, among others decreased. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the review period, merchandise imports increased 1.7 percent to Rs 407.76 billion compared to a decrease of 16.2 percent a year ago. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Destination-wise, imports from India and China increased 2.4 percent and 42.4 percent respectively while imports from other countries decreased 22.8 percent. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Imports of readymade garments, MS wire rod, bars, and coils, chemical fertilizer, electrical equipment, textiles, among others increased whereas imports of crude soybean oil, crude palm oil, petroleum products, gold, MS billet, among others decreased. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Based on customs points, exports from Bhairahawa, Dry Port, Jaleswar, Krishnanagar, Mechi, Nepalgunj, Rasuwa and Tribhuwan Airport Customs Offices increased whereas exports from all the other major customs points decreased in the review period. On the import side, imports from Bhairahawa, Dry Port, Jaleshwar, Kanchanpur, Nepalgunj, Rasuwa and Tatopani Customs Offices increased whereas imports from all the other major customs points decreased. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-11', 'modified' => '2023-11-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19198', 'image' => '20231111120326_20230918104033_20230917100315_20220712103532_Trade.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-11 00:02:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19469', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Current Account and Balance of Payments', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 11: Nepal’s current account remained at a surplus of Rs 59.09 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year against a deficit of Rs 35.24 billion in the same period of the previous year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">November 11: Nepal’s current account remained at a surplus of Rs 59.09 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year against a deficit of Rs 35.24 billion in the same period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank, the current account registered a surplus of 445.2 million in terms of US dollars in the review period against a deficit of 276.7 million in the same period last year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the review period, capital transfer decreased 55.6 percent to Rs 1.15 billion and net foreign direct investment (FDI) remained a positive of Rs 3.37 billion, reads the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal released by the central bank on Friday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the corresponding period of the previous year, capital transfer amounted to Rs 2.59 billion and net FDI amounted to Rs 79.6 million.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Likewise, Balance of Payments (BOP) remained at a surplus of Rs 99.07 billion in the review period against a surplus of Rs 12.43 billion in the same period of the previous year. In terms of the US dollar, the BOP remained at a surplus of 747.2 million in the review period against a surplus of 91.8 million in the same period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-11', 'modified' => '2023-11-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19197', 'image' => '20231111120214_20230912034106_20230619074931_Nepal_Rastra_Bank2 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-11 00:01:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19468', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Experts Draw Attention to Nepal’s Trade Imbalance with China', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 10: Experts have drawn the attention of all stakeholders to the disruptions in cross-border trade between Nepal and China stemming from the 2015 earthquake and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which according to them is yet to return to normalcy.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">November 10: Experts have drawn the attention of all stakeholders to the disruptions in cross-border trade between Nepal and China stemming from the 2015 earthquake and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which according to them is yet to return to normalcy.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Speaking at a roundtable discussion titled "Nepal-China Trade: Prospects and Challenges," organized by South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics, and Environment (SAWTEE) on Thursday, they said that the specific challenges arising from the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures impacting Nepali products require prompt attention, as do the specific issues surrounding transportation, connectivity, and logistical aspects, in both exports and imports.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Issuing a recent statement, SAWTEE said that the discussion programme was supported by The Asia Foundation. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to SAWTEE, the discussion centred on the trade relationship between Nepal and China, examining the challenges within the overall trade ecosystem that have contributed to the lacklustre export performance.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to a study conducted by SAWTEE on Nepal-China Trade, between 2020 and 2022, over 90 percent of the value of goods exported to China from Nepal was covered by the zero-duty list for the least developed countries (LDCs), but the utilization of preferences averaged 68 percent. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">SAWTEE’s Research Officer Rupesh Tha highlighted in his presentation that although China stands as Nepal's second-largest trading partner, the trade balance has distinctly favoured China. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Tha said it is vital for Nepal to fully harness the advantages of zero-tariff treatment provided to over 8,000 products originating in Nepal and diversify its exports to China. Current bilateral agreements, such as the trade and payment agreement 1981, are outdated and ill-suited to the present circumstances and need to be reviewed, he noted. This is particularly pertinent as Nepal grapples with a significant trade deficit with China, he further said. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Former Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MOICS), Rabi Shanker Sainju said that Nepal's trade with China is adversely affected by the high transportation costs resulting from its inadequate logistics infrastructure. With the evolution of the landscape of the Chinese consumer market, demand for high-quality products has increased, and this must be taken into account when looking to boost exports to China, he added. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Achyut Dhungana, under secretary at MOICS, identified four key factors that should be considered for enhancing trade with China: infrastructure and logistics, the negotiation and execution of trade agreements, market access, and the facilitation of cross-border payments.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Dhungana informed that a meeting has already been held to discuss the review and amendment of the trade and payment agreement signed between the MOICS and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce to enhance bilateral trade relations. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ashok Kumar Shrestha, chairman of Nepal Trans Himalaya Border Commerce Association, emphasized the need for enhancing trust between stakeholders (public and private sectors) of the two countries, in addition to improving infrastructure, logistics, and connectivity, to build trust to give a boost to Nepal-China trade ties.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Highlighting the need for meeting phytosanitary requirements for the export of Nepali products to China, Shrestha suggested establishing a multifunctional quarantine laboratory. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Former Secretary of the Government of Nepal Bindra Hada highlighted the longstanding history of bilateral trade relations between the two countries. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Delivering the special remarks in the programme, MOICS Joint-Secretary Ram Chandra Tiwari said that Nepal's incentive structure doesn't place enough emphasis on supporting entrepreneurship, startups, and the overall industrial ecosystem, leading to a lackluster export performance. Moreover, he noted that the three-tier structure of the government under federalism has diminished collaboration between the different levels of government, resulting in ineffective resource utilization and subpar export performance. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Participants drew attention to evaluate the trade consequences for Nepal following its graduation from the LDC category in 2026. They further suggested that studies on Nepal-China trade should also look into the impact on trade with China and the existing tariff benefits provided by China, and explore alternative trade agreements and provisions to safeguard Nepal's trade with China in the years after graduation. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to SAWTEE, the participants included trade experts, policymakers, and representatives from the private sector. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-10', 'modified' => '2023-11-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19196', 'image' => '20231110115706_China-losed.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-10 23:56:19', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - 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
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Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the programme.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">November 16: The Prime Minister's Employment Programme is becoming more and more ineffective. Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the programme.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government had claimed that many people would be employed annually under this programme. More than 885,000 unemployed people have been registered under the employment programme in the hope of getting jobs. But so far this year, only 803 people have been employed.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The programme was launched to employ citizens between the age group of 18 to 59 years who have not been employed for at least 100 days. If these people do not get employment, the government has been saying that it will provide a subsistence allowance equal to 50 days' wages.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">However, if we look at the employment situation provided by the government so far in the current fiscal year, this programme seems to have become more and more weak.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">For the current fiscal year, the government had allocated a budget of Rs 5.94 billion for the Prime Minister's Employment Programme. According to the Secretariat of the Prime Minister's Employment Programme, a committee was recently formed for restructuring the programme, but it has not yet started its work in concrete form. According to Shobha Pokharel, the deputy secretary of the secretariat of the programme, the restructuring process will proceed as announced in the budget this year. "In the current fiscal year, the budget has been released for the projects as per the announcement made earlier. It is difficult to restructure the projects this year," she said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">While presenting the previous fiscal year’s policies and programmes in the Parliament, the then President Bidya Devi Bhandari had announced that the programme would be restructured so that all levels would own it. The restructuring of the programme has not been done.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Deputy Secretary Pokharel, the procedures and laws may have to be amended for restructuring the programme. She said that the necessary arrangements will be made and the programme will be restructured from next year based on the recommendations given by the committee.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">At present, the budget has been released to the local level as per the selected projects for the Prime Minister's Employment Programme. A total of 738 local levels have registered the unemployment list for the current fiscal year, while the number of local levels that have implemented the project so far is only 134. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under the Prime Minister's Employment Programme launched by the government led by KP Sharma Oli in the year 2075/76, billions of rupees have been spent for small jobs. On the very year the programme was launched, the government was accused of exploiting billions of rupees from the state coffers in unproductive areas. The same year, the government was heavily criticized for spending billions of rupees in unproductive areas like chasing monkeys, uprooting weeds, and driving cattle away among others.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As of last year, this programme has failed to create long-term employment. As the government has already allocated Rs 38.76 billion under this programme in the last five years, questions are being raised about its effectiveness and achievement.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the initial year (FY 2075/76), the government allocated a budget of Rs 3.10 billion for this program. Rs 5.1 billion was allocated in the year 2076/77.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the year 2077/78, Rs 11.6 billion was allocated and Rs 12 billion in 2078/79. For the year 2079/80, the government allocated a budget of Rs 7.5 billion. It seems that the allocated budget is mostly spent every year but the achievement is zero. The Auditor General's report has repeatedly raised questions about the expenses incurred through the Prime Minister's Employment Programme.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19210', 'image' => '20231116011024_PMEP.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 13:09:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19481', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'No Tihar for Earthquake Victims of Jajarkot this Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical infrastructures.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical infrastructures. Hundreds of people were rendered homeless. For the citizens of the affected areas, this festival of Tihar was a mess. Their dream of celebrating Tihar could not be fulfilled this time.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Twenty-six</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">year-old Bhumika Shahi Malla and her </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">year-old son Lekhnath, who had come from Darma Rural Municipality of Salyan to their native home in Aathbiskot-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">in Rukum West to celebrate Tihar, died in the earthquake. Not only did the mother and her son die, her mother, sister's </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">9-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">month-old son and aunt also died. All five of them died at their maternal home in Jamirekot Ward No. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">They had reached there to meet the sick aunt.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">On the other hand, Laxman Shahi of Aathbiskot Municipality-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, lost his mother, sister and two nephews. He is yet to overcome the pain of losing mothers, sisters, and nephews and Tihar only made him miss them more.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">People across the country just celebrated Tihar, singing the Deusibhailo songs with merriment. However, like Shahi, hundreds of earthquake victims were unaffected by the fervor of Tihar. Shahi said that he did not even realize that Tihar had come this year due to the loss of his loved ones in the earthquake. He said, "In the previous year, the sisters used to come from their homes carrying a flower garlands for tika ritual. We used to sit together happily during the festival, but this year, the earthquake killed all our dreams and happiness."</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Hari Bahadur Oli of Bhalma that they were concerned about how to avoid the cold than to celebrate Tihar. Oli said that he is also appealing to the local government and other relevant agencies to protect them from the diseases caused by cold and arrange safe living arrangements.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Kalikadevi Malla of SaniBheri-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> said that spending the cold night in the garden under a tent is a big problem. Malla requested the concerned agencies to make immediate arrangements for temporary accommodation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chief District Officer Hari Prasad Panta informed that the first phase of relief distribution to the earthquake victims has been completed, and now the focus is on construction of temporary settlements for which the government is working accordingly.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chief District Officer Panta informed that temporary reconstruction work will be started in the earthquake-affected areas immediately after Tihar.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19209', 'image' => '20231116103556_1700051881.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 10:35:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19480', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'CAN Federation urges Govt to rethink TikTok Ban ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of TikTok. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of TikTok. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the CAN Federation urged the government to rethink its decision to ban the popular social media TikTok bearing in the mind that the development of information technology have both opportunities and challenges. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It further said that it would be appropriate to regulate Tiktok as it has become a medium for small and middle-scale entrepreneurs to expand their market. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"CAN Federation urges the government to hold talks and coordinate with experts for the proper use of all types of social sites available in Nepal. We are ready to collaborate with the government for any technical cooperation from the position of private sector," reads the statement. -- RSS </span><br /> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19208', 'image' => '20231116100237_1200x0.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 10:01:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19479', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Preparations Underway for Chhath Festival in Tarai Madhes Districts', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including Dhanusha.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 16: As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including Dhanusha.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In Janakpurdham, various lakes and ponds are undergoing a special transformation with the enthusiastic support of locals and organizations gearing up for the Chhath festival. The banks of these water bodies are being meticulously cleaned to construct the Chhath ghats.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Highlighting the festival's significance in the Tarai Madhes region, Dr. Rajendra Bimal emphasized the decoration efforts around key locations such as Gangasagar Pond, Dhanush Sagar Pond, Argaja Pond, Maharasagar, Ratnasagar, Gordhoi, Aragajasar, Nocha Pokhari, Matkoraba Pokhari, and Dudhmati Ghat in Janakpurdham, the historic city of Mithilanchal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As Chhath enthusiasts prepare for the festivities, markets are witnessing a surge in shoppers purchasing necessary articles and items for the upcoming celebrations. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Notably, the growing number of people participating in Chhath each year has contributed to increased demand, leading to a rise in prices, according to local resident Prameshwar Saha. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Chhath festival is set to culminate on November 19 this year, with associated rituals commencing three days prior.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> In Birgunj, similar preparations are underway, with ponds and lakes undergoing special decoration to create Chhath ghats for the various rituals and offerings associated with the festival.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Cleaning and adornment activities are evident in local landmarks such as Ghadiarba pond, Nagawapokhari, Chhapakaiya Pokhari, Shreepur, and Ranighat pond. (RSS)</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19207', 'image' => '20231116073613_collage (11).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 07:34:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19478', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bhai Tika Observed', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long life.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long life. In return, brothers offer gifts and extend good luck wishes to their sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During Bhai Tika, a special ritual takes place where brothers are seated at a designated spot, and sisters create a trail of mustard oil around them. The brothers are then garlanded with flowers, including marigold and globe amaranth. In return, brothers also apply tika to their sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The National Calendar Determination Committee has identified 10:51 am as the auspicious hour for offering tika this year, though it can be done throughout the day. The cultural belief associated with Bhai Tika revolves around a sister obtaining a boon from Yama, the god of death, ensuring her brother's longevity until the mustard oil dries up and the garland of dubo and makhamali withers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In addition to the ritualistic aspects, sisters offer special delicacies like sweets, walnuts, and sel roti to their brothers. Individuals without biological siblings participate in the celebration by receiving tika from those they consider as brothers or sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Furthermore, the Balgopaleshwor Temple in Ranipokhari, Kathmandu, is opened today, a tradition observed annually on Bhai Tika. The temple holds cultural significance, and its doors are unlocked on this auspicious day. (RSS)</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-15', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19206', 'image' => '20231115064107_collage (10).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-15 06:39:39', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19477', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Korala Check Point in Mustang Comes into Operation After Four Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and China.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 14: Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and China.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the occasion, member of House of Representatives Yogesh Gauchan Thakali, Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment of Gandaki Province, Dipendra Bahadur Thapa, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City Dhan Raj Acharya, Chief District Officer of Mustang, Janak Raj Panta and people's representatives of Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda and Lo Manthang rural municipalities were present from the side of Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Likewise, officials of customs, border monitoring, public security bureau, commerce bureau, border control and dry port management committee were present from Chinese side. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Chairperson of Lo Manthang rural municipality, Tasi Narbu Gurung, said China gifted 100,000 kilogrammes of food grains, clothes and daily essentials to the locals of Lo Manthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda rural municipalities on the first day of resumption of check point. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Locals of both rural municipalities have started visiting China on the basis of identity card, said CDO Panta. The check point was completely shut down from 2076 BS after coronavirus pandemic. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">'Departure and Entry Permits for Residents of Nepal-China Border Area Nepal- China' was distributed to around 1,000 people of Lo-Manthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kund rural municipalities as the preparation for operation of Korala check point. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"Those who have entry pass have the facility to travel to and from China at any time", he shared. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Panta mentioned that temporary infrastructures have been built on Nepal's side near Korala check point and arrangement of regular presence of security personnel has also been made." (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-14', 'modified' => '2023-11-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19205', 'image' => '20231114072613_collage (9).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-14 07:24:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19475', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Gai Tihar Observed Across the Country', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus. This ritual holds significance in Hindu traditions, where the cow is revered and worshipped as a symbol of motherly love.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The religious belief behind Gai Puja centers on the idea that cows provide unconditional love, similar to that of a mother. The ceremony involves garlanding the cow and offering it various delicacies. This practice has roots in ancient Vedic times, with cows considered sacred and often referred to as cow mothers due to the nutritious milk they provide, likened to that of human mothers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Interestingly, modern science supports the importance of cows, highlighting that the energy of local cow breeds is derived from the sun and moon, providing strength to humans through milk.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While some regions traditionally worship cows on Kartik Krishna Aunsi, there is a classical belief that the worship should occur at the end of Aunsi and the beginning of Pratipada, according to Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam, a member of the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Additionally, a religious belief suggests that tying the Rakshabandhan (a protective thread) from the right hand to the cow's tail during the cow worship ritual can help the soul cross the river Vaitarani and reach heaven after death. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This reflects the deep cultural and spiritual significance attributed to the ritual of Gai Puja during the Tihar festival. (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-13', 'modified' => '2023-11-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19204', 'image' => '20231113100038_gai-tihar-12-70815.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-13 07:01:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19473', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Laxmi Puja Observed ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Laxmi Puja, a day dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Laxmi, is being observed across the country today. Traditionally falling on the third day of the Tihar festival, this year it coincides with the second day of Tihar, along with Narak Chaturdashi and the Kukur Tihar, the festival dedicated to the worship of dogs.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">November 12: Laxmi Puja, a day dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Laxmi, was observed across the country on Sunday. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Traditionally, the Laxmi Puja falls on the third day of the Tihar festival, but this year it coincides with the second day of Tihar, along with Narak Chaturdashi and the Kukur Tihar, the festival dedicated to the worship of dogs. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The five-day Tihar, also known as the Yamapanchak, commenced on Saturday. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Laxmi Puja was observed on Sunday evening by worshipping Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, affluence, and prosperity, with devotion. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">On this day, people clean their houses and surrounding, illuminate their homes, and light butter lamps to 'invite' the goddess to their homes, in the belief that the goddess Laxmi detests the house which is unclean and untidy.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The night of Laxmi Puja is also known as Sukha Ratri, meaning the night of happiness as it is believed that Goddess Laxmi comes to reside in the house on this special night.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">To 'welcome' the goddess in the house, devotees make the footprint signs from their courtyard up to the main altar. In the evening of Laxmi Puja, troupes of teenage girls from the neighbourhood sing 'bhailo' songs amidst dancing and merriment.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The bhailo troupes visit house to house in the neighbourhood performing the bhailo cultural songs and dance. In return, the house-owners, especially mothers, give them various presents like paddy, rice grain, flower garlands, money, and 'sel roti', a special delicacy cooked in ghee.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">It is believed the house-owner is bestowed with blessings from the goddess by presenting the donation to these bhailo troupes. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Night illumination is carried out at homes by lighting electric lights and butter lamps. Some people also worship the cow in the morning on Laxmi Puja in accordance with their family tradition. (RSS) </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-12', 'modified' => '2023-11-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19203', 'image' => '20231113100021_20221024101409_Diwali-1-782x440.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-12 07:05:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19476', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '16 Arrested on Charge of Gambling', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 13: Seven women and three men were arrested from Yunsan restaurant of Nakhipot, Lalitpur red handed while they were gambling on Sunday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">November 13: Seven women and three men were arrested from Yunsan restaurant of Nakhipot, Lalitpur red handed while they were gambling on Sunday. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">District Police Office, Lalitpur also confiscated Rs 103,000 from the den. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, six gamblers were arrested from the house of Jagat Prasad Pande, 39, from Khandachakra Municipality-3 of Kalikot district on Sunday. The central police news room shared that Rs 34,140 was confiscated from them. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In another incident, police seized different types of firecrackers from Nagdhunga of Chandragiri Municipality-2, Kathmandu. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The firecrackers were found in a bus heading towards Kathmandu from Nepalgunj via Butwal. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-13', 'modified' => '2023-11-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19202', 'image' => '20231113095736_066A1493.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-13 09:57:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19474', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'KTM-Tarai Fast Track Achieves 27.19 Percent Physical Progress', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 12: The Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track has achieved 27.19 per cent physical progress and 29.32 per cent financial progress amidst various obstacles and challenges.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">November 12: The Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track has achieved 27.19 per cent physical progress and 29.32 per cent financial progress amidst various obstacles and challenges.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The national pride project is being implemented by the Nepalese Army (NA). Once the four-lane expressway completes, the southern plains can be reached within 2 hours 2 minutes from the Kathmandu Valley. The expressway goes from Khokana of Lalitpur to Makawanpur and reaches Nijgadh of Bara district.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The national pride project for which Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal had laid the foundation stone on May 28, 2017 at Nijgadh is expected to be completed by mid-April, 2027.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The incumbent government on October 16 last year had approved the revised DPR of the Rs 211.93 billion project, according to which, the new length of the fast track is determined at 70.9-km, two km curtailed from the earlier one.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">There are six tunnels measuring 10.055-kilometres in total along the track that will be built according to the Asian Highway standards. Two-wheelers will be barred from plying the track having altogether 89 bridges along the way.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Designs of 45 bridges have been completed from package no 1 to 5, according to the NA. NA's Colonel Bishwa Bandhu Pahadi reaffirmed the commitment for the timely completion of the project. "The Nepalese Army is determined to deliver the quality fast-track within the timeline," he reiterated.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">At present, tall bridges and tunnels are being built at Mahadevtar, Dhedre and Lanedanda in Makawanpur district under the project being executed in a total of 13 packages.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Due to the fact that the DPR of the project was not approved on time, the fast-track suffered snail-pace construction in course of time. Land acquisition and environment impact assessment and clearance of trees among others further delayed the undertaking, the NA said.</span> -- RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-12', 'modified' => '2023-11-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19201', 'image' => '20231112110129_fast track high - Copy.JPG', 'article_date' => '2023-11-12 11:00:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19472', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tihar, the Festival of Lights, Begins', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 11: Today marks the beginning of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">November 11: Today marks the beginning of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal. Tihar is also called Deepawali and Yama Panchak. The festival is celebrated for five full days during the Nepali month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The first day of Tihar is the day dedicated for the celebration of the crows that are considered as the messenger of Lord Yamaraj, the God of Death. Today, every household offers prayers and leaves food on the top of their terraces and walls for the crows to feed on. There is a general belief among the people that the crow accompanies Lord Yamaraj and is therefore immortal and worshipping it brings good fortune. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The religious scriptures talk about how the demon king Bali was given the opportunity by Lord Bishnu to rule all over the universe for these five days. To celebrate his ascension to the lordship of the entire universes, he ordered everyone to celebrate all five days with lights and flowers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The belief among the people is that the celebration will please Goddess Laxmi, who is considered the goddess of wealth. </span></span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-11', 'modified' => '2023-11-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19200', 'image' => '20231111121318_20221023093327_tihar-nepal.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-11 00:12:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19471', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Prices of Spices and Sugar Surge while Overall Inflation Stands at 7.50 Percent', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 11: The price index of spices increased by a staggering 37.63 percent followed by the rice in prices of sugar and sugar products by 18.22 percent within a span of one month between mid-September to mid-October although the overall consumer price inflation declined during the review month.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">November 11:: The price index of spices increased by a staggering 37.63 percent followed by the rice in prices of sugar and sugar products by 18.22 percent within a span of one month between mid-September to mid-October although the overall consumer price inflation stood at 7.50 percent during the review month.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal published by Nepal Rastra Bank on Friday, the year-on-year (y-o-y) consumer price inflation stood at 7.50 percent in mid-October 2023 compared to 8.50 percent a year ago. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">However, food and beverage inflation was above average at 8.38 percent thanks to the surge in price of sugar due to its shortage during the festive season whereas non-food and service category inflation stood at 6.81 percent in the review month.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> Under the Food and Beverage category, y-o-y consumer price index of fruit increased 14.02 percent, cereal grains and their products 12.23 percent and milk products and eggs 11.92 percent. The y-o-y consumer price index of ghee and oil subcategory decreased 11.61 percent in the review month, added the NRB report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Under the non-Food and Services category, y-o-y consumer price index of recreation and culture subcategory increased 15.55 percent, miscellaneous goods and services 12.11 percent, education 9.10 percent, housing and utilities 8.08 percent and furnishing and household equipment 6.25 percent. The y-o-y consumer price index of transportation sub-category decreased 1.62 percent in the review month due to the decline in fuel prices.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the review month, y-o-y consumer price inflation in the Kathmandu Valley, Terai, Hill and Mountain region surged to 10.23 percent, 5.66 percent, 7.38 percent and 10.24 percent respectively. Inflation in these regions stood at 6.93 percent, 9.42 percent, 8.84 percent and 7.07 percent respectively a year ago.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-11', 'modified' => '2023-11-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19199', 'image' => '20231111120611_20230820111244_Rising-Inflation.min_.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-11 00:03:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19470', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal’s Trade Deficit Increases by 2.1 Percent', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 11: Nepal’s trade deficit increased 2.1 percent to Rs 366.88 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">November 11: Nepal’s trade deficit increased 2.1 percent to Rs 366.88 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year. Such a deficit had decreased 13.1 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year, according to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report published by the central bank on Friday states that the export-import ratio decreased to 10.0 percent in the review period from 10.4 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">During the review period, merchandise exports decreased 2.3 percent to Rs 40.87 billion compared to a decrease of 35.7 percent in the same period of the previous year. Destination-wise, exports to India decreased 9.4 percent whereas exports to China and other countries increased 345.9 percent and 9.5 percent respectively. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As per the report, exports of zinc sheet, particle board, juice, cardamom, polyester yarn and thread, among others increased whereas exports of palm oil, soybean oil, jute goods, woolen carpet, rosin, among others decreased. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the review period, merchandise imports increased 1.7 percent to Rs 407.76 billion compared to a decrease of 16.2 percent a year ago. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Destination-wise, imports from India and China increased 2.4 percent and 42.4 percent respectively while imports from other countries decreased 22.8 percent. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Imports of readymade garments, MS wire rod, bars, and coils, chemical fertilizer, electrical equipment, textiles, among others increased whereas imports of crude soybean oil, crude palm oil, petroleum products, gold, MS billet, among others decreased. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Based on customs points, exports from Bhairahawa, Dry Port, Jaleswar, Krishnanagar, Mechi, Nepalgunj, Rasuwa and Tribhuwan Airport Customs Offices increased whereas exports from all the other major customs points decreased in the review period. On the import side, imports from Bhairahawa, Dry Port, Jaleshwar, Kanchanpur, Nepalgunj, Rasuwa and Tatopani Customs Offices increased whereas imports from all the other major customs points decreased. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-11', 'modified' => '2023-11-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19198', 'image' => '20231111120326_20230918104033_20230917100315_20220712103532_Trade.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-11 00:02:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19469', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Current Account and Balance of Payments', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 11: Nepal’s current account remained at a surplus of Rs 59.09 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year against a deficit of Rs 35.24 billion in the same period of the previous year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">November 11: Nepal’s current account remained at a surplus of Rs 59.09 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year against a deficit of Rs 35.24 billion in the same period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank, the current account registered a surplus of 445.2 million in terms of US dollars in the review period against a deficit of 276.7 million in the same period last year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the review period, capital transfer decreased 55.6 percent to Rs 1.15 billion and net foreign direct investment (FDI) remained a positive of Rs 3.37 billion, reads the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal released by the central bank on Friday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the corresponding period of the previous year, capital transfer amounted to Rs 2.59 billion and net FDI amounted to Rs 79.6 million.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Likewise, Balance of Payments (BOP) remained at a surplus of Rs 99.07 billion in the review period against a surplus of Rs 12.43 billion in the same period of the previous year. In terms of the US dollar, the BOP remained at a surplus of 747.2 million in the review period against a surplus of 91.8 million in the same period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-11', 'modified' => '2023-11-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19197', 'image' => '20231111120214_20230912034106_20230619074931_Nepal_Rastra_Bank2 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-11 00:01:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19468', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Experts Draw Attention to Nepal’s Trade Imbalance with China', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 10: Experts have drawn the attention of all stakeholders to the disruptions in cross-border trade between Nepal and China stemming from the 2015 earthquake and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which according to them is yet to return to normalcy.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">November 10: Experts have drawn the attention of all stakeholders to the disruptions in cross-border trade between Nepal and China stemming from the 2015 earthquake and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which according to them is yet to return to normalcy.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Speaking at a roundtable discussion titled "Nepal-China Trade: Prospects and Challenges," organized by South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics, and Environment (SAWTEE) on Thursday, they said that the specific challenges arising from the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures impacting Nepali products require prompt attention, as do the specific issues surrounding transportation, connectivity, and logistical aspects, in both exports and imports.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Issuing a recent statement, SAWTEE said that the discussion programme was supported by The Asia Foundation. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to SAWTEE, the discussion centred on the trade relationship between Nepal and China, examining the challenges within the overall trade ecosystem that have contributed to the lacklustre export performance.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to a study conducted by SAWTEE on Nepal-China Trade, between 2020 and 2022, over 90 percent of the value of goods exported to China from Nepal was covered by the zero-duty list for the least developed countries (LDCs), but the utilization of preferences averaged 68 percent. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">SAWTEE’s Research Officer Rupesh Tha highlighted in his presentation that although China stands as Nepal's second-largest trading partner, the trade balance has distinctly favoured China. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Tha said it is vital for Nepal to fully harness the advantages of zero-tariff treatment provided to over 8,000 products originating in Nepal and diversify its exports to China. Current bilateral agreements, such as the trade and payment agreement 1981, are outdated and ill-suited to the present circumstances and need to be reviewed, he noted. This is particularly pertinent as Nepal grapples with a significant trade deficit with China, he further said. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Former Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MOICS), Rabi Shanker Sainju said that Nepal's trade with China is adversely affected by the high transportation costs resulting from its inadequate logistics infrastructure. With the evolution of the landscape of the Chinese consumer market, demand for high-quality products has increased, and this must be taken into account when looking to boost exports to China, he added. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Achyut Dhungana, under secretary at MOICS, identified four key factors that should be considered for enhancing trade with China: infrastructure and logistics, the negotiation and execution of trade agreements, market access, and the facilitation of cross-border payments.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Dhungana informed that a meeting has already been held to discuss the review and amendment of the trade and payment agreement signed between the MOICS and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce to enhance bilateral trade relations. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ashok Kumar Shrestha, chairman of Nepal Trans Himalaya Border Commerce Association, emphasized the need for enhancing trust between stakeholders (public and private sectors) of the two countries, in addition to improving infrastructure, logistics, and connectivity, to build trust to give a boost to Nepal-China trade ties.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Highlighting the need for meeting phytosanitary requirements for the export of Nepali products to China, Shrestha suggested establishing a multifunctional quarantine laboratory. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Former Secretary of the Government of Nepal Bindra Hada highlighted the longstanding history of bilateral trade relations between the two countries. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Delivering the special remarks in the programme, MOICS Joint-Secretary Ram Chandra Tiwari said that Nepal's incentive structure doesn't place enough emphasis on supporting entrepreneurship, startups, and the overall industrial ecosystem, leading to a lackluster export performance. Moreover, he noted that the three-tier structure of the government under federalism has diminished collaboration between the different levels of government, resulting in ineffective resource utilization and subpar export performance. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Participants drew attention to evaluate the trade consequences for Nepal following its graduation from the LDC category in 2026. They further suggested that studies on Nepal-China trade should also look into the impact on trade with China and the existing tariff benefits provided by China, and explore alternative trade agreements and provisions to safeguard Nepal's trade with China in the years after graduation. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to SAWTEE, the participants included trade experts, policymakers, and representatives from the private sector. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-10', 'modified' => '2023-11-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19196', 'image' => '20231110115706_China-losed.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-10 23:56:19', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? 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
Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19482', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Prime Minister's Employment Programme Becoming More Ineffective ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Prime Minister's Employment Programme is becoming more and more ineffective. Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the programme.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">November 16: The Prime Minister's Employment Programme is becoming more and more ineffective. Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the programme.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government had claimed that many people would be employed annually under this programme. More than 885,000 unemployed people have been registered under the employment programme in the hope of getting jobs. But so far this year, only 803 people have been employed.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The programme was launched to employ citizens between the age group of 18 to 59 years who have not been employed for at least 100 days. If these people do not get employment, the government has been saying that it will provide a subsistence allowance equal to 50 days' wages.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">However, if we look at the employment situation provided by the government so far in the current fiscal year, this programme seems to have become more and more weak.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">For the current fiscal year, the government had allocated a budget of Rs 5.94 billion for the Prime Minister's Employment Programme. According to the Secretariat of the Prime Minister's Employment Programme, a committee was recently formed for restructuring the programme, but it has not yet started its work in concrete form. According to Shobha Pokharel, the deputy secretary of the secretariat of the programme, the restructuring process will proceed as announced in the budget this year. "In the current fiscal year, the budget has been released for the projects as per the announcement made earlier. It is difficult to restructure the projects this year," she said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">While presenting the previous fiscal year’s policies and programmes in the Parliament, the then President Bidya Devi Bhandari had announced that the programme would be restructured so that all levels would own it. The restructuring of the programme has not been done.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Deputy Secretary Pokharel, the procedures and laws may have to be amended for restructuring the programme. She said that the necessary arrangements will be made and the programme will be restructured from next year based on the recommendations given by the committee.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">At present, the budget has been released to the local level as per the selected projects for the Prime Minister's Employment Programme. A total of 738 local levels have registered the unemployment list for the current fiscal year, while the number of local levels that have implemented the project so far is only 134. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under the Prime Minister's Employment Programme launched by the government led by KP Sharma Oli in the year 2075/76, billions of rupees have been spent for small jobs. On the very year the programme was launched, the government was accused of exploiting billions of rupees from the state coffers in unproductive areas. The same year, the government was heavily criticized for spending billions of rupees in unproductive areas like chasing monkeys, uprooting weeds, and driving cattle away among others.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As of last year, this programme has failed to create long-term employment. As the government has already allocated Rs 38.76 billion under this programme in the last five years, questions are being raised about its effectiveness and achievement.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the initial year (FY 2075/76), the government allocated a budget of Rs 3.10 billion for this program. Rs 5.1 billion was allocated in the year 2076/77.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the year 2077/78, Rs 11.6 billion was allocated and Rs 12 billion in 2078/79. For the year 2079/80, the government allocated a budget of Rs 7.5 billion. It seems that the allocated budget is mostly spent every year but the achievement is zero. The Auditor General's report has repeatedly raised questions about the expenses incurred through the Prime Minister's Employment Programme.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19210', 'image' => '20231116011024_PMEP.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 13:09:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19481', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'No Tihar for Earthquake Victims of Jajarkot this Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical infrastructures.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical infrastructures. Hundreds of people were rendered homeless. For the citizens of the affected areas, this festival of Tihar was a mess. Their dream of celebrating Tihar could not be fulfilled this time.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Twenty-six</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">year-old Bhumika Shahi Malla and her </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">year-old son Lekhnath, who had come from Darma Rural Municipality of Salyan to their native home in Aathbiskot-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">in Rukum West to celebrate Tihar, died in the earthquake. Not only did the mother and her son die, her mother, sister's </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">9-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">month-old son and aunt also died. All five of them died at their maternal home in Jamirekot Ward No. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">They had reached there to meet the sick aunt.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">On the other hand, Laxman Shahi of Aathbiskot Municipality-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, lost his mother, sister and two nephews. He is yet to overcome the pain of losing mothers, sisters, and nephews and Tihar only made him miss them more.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">People across the country just celebrated Tihar, singing the Deusibhailo songs with merriment. However, like Shahi, hundreds of earthquake victims were unaffected by the fervor of Tihar. Shahi said that he did not even realize that Tihar had come this year due to the loss of his loved ones in the earthquake. He said, "In the previous year, the sisters used to come from their homes carrying a flower garlands for tika ritual. We used to sit together happily during the festival, but this year, the earthquake killed all our dreams and happiness."</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Hari Bahadur Oli of Bhalma that they were concerned about how to avoid the cold than to celebrate Tihar. Oli said that he is also appealing to the local government and other relevant agencies to protect them from the diseases caused by cold and arrange safe living arrangements.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Kalikadevi Malla of SaniBheri-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> said that spending the cold night in the garden under a tent is a big problem. Malla requested the concerned agencies to make immediate arrangements for temporary accommodation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chief District Officer Hari Prasad Panta informed that the first phase of relief distribution to the earthquake victims has been completed, and now the focus is on construction of temporary settlements for which the government is working accordingly.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chief District Officer Panta informed that temporary reconstruction work will be started in the earthquake-affected areas immediately after Tihar.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19209', 'image' => '20231116103556_1700051881.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 10:35:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19480', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'CAN Federation urges Govt to rethink TikTok Ban ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of TikTok. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of TikTok. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the CAN Federation urged the government to rethink its decision to ban the popular social media TikTok bearing in the mind that the development of information technology have both opportunities and challenges. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It further said that it would be appropriate to regulate Tiktok as it has become a medium for small and middle-scale entrepreneurs to expand their market. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"CAN Federation urges the government to hold talks and coordinate with experts for the proper use of all types of social sites available in Nepal. We are ready to collaborate with the government for any technical cooperation from the position of private sector," reads the statement. -- RSS </span><br /> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19208', 'image' => '20231116100237_1200x0.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 10:01:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19479', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Preparations Underway for Chhath Festival in Tarai Madhes Districts', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including Dhanusha.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 16: As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including Dhanusha.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In Janakpurdham, various lakes and ponds are undergoing a special transformation with the enthusiastic support of locals and organizations gearing up for the Chhath festival. The banks of these water bodies are being meticulously cleaned to construct the Chhath ghats.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Highlighting the festival's significance in the Tarai Madhes region, Dr. Rajendra Bimal emphasized the decoration efforts around key locations such as Gangasagar Pond, Dhanush Sagar Pond, Argaja Pond, Maharasagar, Ratnasagar, Gordhoi, Aragajasar, Nocha Pokhari, Matkoraba Pokhari, and Dudhmati Ghat in Janakpurdham, the historic city of Mithilanchal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As Chhath enthusiasts prepare for the festivities, markets are witnessing a surge in shoppers purchasing necessary articles and items for the upcoming celebrations. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Notably, the growing number of people participating in Chhath each year has contributed to increased demand, leading to a rise in prices, according to local resident Prameshwar Saha. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Chhath festival is set to culminate on November 19 this year, with associated rituals commencing three days prior.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> In Birgunj, similar preparations are underway, with ponds and lakes undergoing special decoration to create Chhath ghats for the various rituals and offerings associated with the festival.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Cleaning and adornment activities are evident in local landmarks such as Ghadiarba pond, Nagawapokhari, Chhapakaiya Pokhari, Shreepur, and Ranighat pond. (RSS)</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19207', 'image' => '20231116073613_collage (11).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 07:34:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19478', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bhai Tika Observed', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long life.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long life. In return, brothers offer gifts and extend good luck wishes to their sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During Bhai Tika, a special ritual takes place where brothers are seated at a designated spot, and sisters create a trail of mustard oil around them. The brothers are then garlanded with flowers, including marigold and globe amaranth. In return, brothers also apply tika to their sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The National Calendar Determination Committee has identified 10:51 am as the auspicious hour for offering tika this year, though it can be done throughout the day. The cultural belief associated with Bhai Tika revolves around a sister obtaining a boon from Yama, the god of death, ensuring her brother's longevity until the mustard oil dries up and the garland of dubo and makhamali withers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In addition to the ritualistic aspects, sisters offer special delicacies like sweets, walnuts, and sel roti to their brothers. Individuals without biological siblings participate in the celebration by receiving tika from those they consider as brothers or sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Furthermore, the Balgopaleshwor Temple in Ranipokhari, Kathmandu, is opened today, a tradition observed annually on Bhai Tika. The temple holds cultural significance, and its doors are unlocked on this auspicious day. (RSS)</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-15', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19206', 'image' => '20231115064107_collage (10).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-15 06:39:39', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19477', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Korala Check Point in Mustang Comes into Operation After Four Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and China.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 14: Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and China.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the occasion, member of House of Representatives Yogesh Gauchan Thakali, Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment of Gandaki Province, Dipendra Bahadur Thapa, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City Dhan Raj Acharya, Chief District Officer of Mustang, Janak Raj Panta and people's representatives of Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda and Lo Manthang rural municipalities were present from the side of Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Likewise, officials of customs, border monitoring, public security bureau, commerce bureau, border control and dry port management committee were present from Chinese side. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Chairperson of Lo Manthang rural municipality, Tasi Narbu Gurung, said China gifted 100,000 kilogrammes of food grains, clothes and daily essentials to the locals of Lo Manthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda rural municipalities on the first day of resumption of check point. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Locals of both rural municipalities have started visiting China on the basis of identity card, said CDO Panta. The check point was completely shut down from 2076 BS after coronavirus pandemic. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">'Departure and Entry Permits for Residents of Nepal-China Border Area Nepal- China' was distributed to around 1,000 people of Lo-Manthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kund rural municipalities as the preparation for operation of Korala check point. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"Those who have entry pass have the facility to travel to and from China at any time", he shared. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Panta mentioned that temporary infrastructures have been built on Nepal's side near Korala check point and arrangement of regular presence of security personnel has also been made." (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-14', 'modified' => '2023-11-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19205', 'image' => '20231114072613_collage (9).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-14 07:24:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19475', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Gai Tihar Observed Across the Country', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus. This ritual holds significance in Hindu traditions, where the cow is revered and worshipped as a symbol of motherly love.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The religious belief behind Gai Puja centers on the idea that cows provide unconditional love, similar to that of a mother. The ceremony involves garlanding the cow and offering it various delicacies. This practice has roots in ancient Vedic times, with cows considered sacred and often referred to as cow mothers due to the nutritious milk they provide, likened to that of human mothers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Interestingly, modern science supports the importance of cows, highlighting that the energy of local cow breeds is derived from the sun and moon, providing strength to humans through milk.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While some regions traditionally worship cows on Kartik Krishna Aunsi, there is a classical belief that the worship should occur at the end of Aunsi and the beginning of Pratipada, according to Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam, a member of the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Additionally, a religious belief suggests that tying the Rakshabandhan (a protective thread) from the right hand to the cow's tail during the cow worship ritual can help the soul cross the river Vaitarani and reach heaven after death. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This reflects the deep cultural and spiritual significance attributed to the ritual of Gai Puja during the Tihar festival. (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-13', 'modified' => '2023-11-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19204', 'image' => '20231113100038_gai-tihar-12-70815.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-13 07:01:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19473', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Laxmi Puja Observed ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Laxmi Puja, a day dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Laxmi, is being observed across the country today. Traditionally falling on the third day of the Tihar festival, this year it coincides with the second day of Tihar, along with Narak Chaturdashi and the Kukur Tihar, the festival dedicated to the worship of dogs.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">November 12: Laxmi Puja, a day dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Laxmi, was observed across the country on Sunday. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Traditionally, the Laxmi Puja falls on the third day of the Tihar festival, but this year it coincides with the second day of Tihar, along with Narak Chaturdashi and the Kukur Tihar, the festival dedicated to the worship of dogs. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The five-day Tihar, also known as the Yamapanchak, commenced on Saturday. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Laxmi Puja was observed on Sunday evening by worshipping Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, affluence, and prosperity, with devotion. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">On this day, people clean their houses and surrounding, illuminate their homes, and light butter lamps to 'invite' the goddess to their homes, in the belief that the goddess Laxmi detests the house which is unclean and untidy.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The night of Laxmi Puja is also known as Sukha Ratri, meaning the night of happiness as it is believed that Goddess Laxmi comes to reside in the house on this special night.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">To 'welcome' the goddess in the house, devotees make the footprint signs from their courtyard up to the main altar. In the evening of Laxmi Puja, troupes of teenage girls from the neighbourhood sing 'bhailo' songs amidst dancing and merriment.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The bhailo troupes visit house to house in the neighbourhood performing the bhailo cultural songs and dance. In return, the house-owners, especially mothers, give them various presents like paddy, rice grain, flower garlands, money, and 'sel roti', a special delicacy cooked in ghee.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">It is believed the house-owner is bestowed with blessings from the goddess by presenting the donation to these bhailo troupes. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Night illumination is carried out at homes by lighting electric lights and butter lamps. Some people also worship the cow in the morning on Laxmi Puja in accordance with their family tradition. (RSS) </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-12', 'modified' => '2023-11-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19203', 'image' => '20231113100021_20221024101409_Diwali-1-782x440.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-12 07:05:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19476', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '16 Arrested on Charge of Gambling', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 13: Seven women and three men were arrested from Yunsan restaurant of Nakhipot, Lalitpur red handed while they were gambling on Sunday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">November 13: Seven women and three men were arrested from Yunsan restaurant of Nakhipot, Lalitpur red handed while they were gambling on Sunday. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">District Police Office, Lalitpur also confiscated Rs 103,000 from the den. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, six gamblers were arrested from the house of Jagat Prasad Pande, 39, from Khandachakra Municipality-3 of Kalikot district on Sunday. The central police news room shared that Rs 34,140 was confiscated from them. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In another incident, police seized different types of firecrackers from Nagdhunga of Chandragiri Municipality-2, Kathmandu. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The firecrackers were found in a bus heading towards Kathmandu from Nepalgunj via Butwal. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-13', 'modified' => '2023-11-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19202', 'image' => '20231113095736_066A1493.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-13 09:57:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19474', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'KTM-Tarai Fast Track Achieves 27.19 Percent Physical Progress', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 12: The Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track has achieved 27.19 per cent physical progress and 29.32 per cent financial progress amidst various obstacles and challenges.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">November 12: The Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track has achieved 27.19 per cent physical progress and 29.32 per cent financial progress amidst various obstacles and challenges.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The national pride project is being implemented by the Nepalese Army (NA). Once the four-lane expressway completes, the southern plains can be reached within 2 hours 2 minutes from the Kathmandu Valley. The expressway goes from Khokana of Lalitpur to Makawanpur and reaches Nijgadh of Bara district.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The national pride project for which Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal had laid the foundation stone on May 28, 2017 at Nijgadh is expected to be completed by mid-April, 2027.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The incumbent government on October 16 last year had approved the revised DPR of the Rs 211.93 billion project, according to which, the new length of the fast track is determined at 70.9-km, two km curtailed from the earlier one.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">There are six tunnels measuring 10.055-kilometres in total along the track that will be built according to the Asian Highway standards. Two-wheelers will be barred from plying the track having altogether 89 bridges along the way.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Designs of 45 bridges have been completed from package no 1 to 5, according to the NA. NA's Colonel Bishwa Bandhu Pahadi reaffirmed the commitment for the timely completion of the project. "The Nepalese Army is determined to deliver the quality fast-track within the timeline," he reiterated.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">At present, tall bridges and tunnels are being built at Mahadevtar, Dhedre and Lanedanda in Makawanpur district under the project being executed in a total of 13 packages.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Due to the fact that the DPR of the project was not approved on time, the fast-track suffered snail-pace construction in course of time. Land acquisition and environment impact assessment and clearance of trees among others further delayed the undertaking, the NA said.</span> -- RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-12', 'modified' => '2023-11-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19201', 'image' => '20231112110129_fast track high - Copy.JPG', 'article_date' => '2023-11-12 11:00:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19472', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tihar, the Festival of Lights, Begins', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 11: Today marks the beginning of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">November 11: Today marks the beginning of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal. Tihar is also called Deepawali and Yama Panchak. The festival is celebrated for five full days during the Nepali month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The first day of Tihar is the day dedicated for the celebration of the crows that are considered as the messenger of Lord Yamaraj, the God of Death. Today, every household offers prayers and leaves food on the top of their terraces and walls for the crows to feed on. There is a general belief among the people that the crow accompanies Lord Yamaraj and is therefore immortal and worshipping it brings good fortune. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The religious scriptures talk about how the demon king Bali was given the opportunity by Lord Bishnu to rule all over the universe for these five days. To celebrate his ascension to the lordship of the entire universes, he ordered everyone to celebrate all five days with lights and flowers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The belief among the people is that the celebration will please Goddess Laxmi, who is considered the goddess of wealth. </span></span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-11', 'modified' => '2023-11-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19200', 'image' => '20231111121318_20221023093327_tihar-nepal.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-11 00:12:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19471', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Prices of Spices and Sugar Surge while Overall Inflation Stands at 7.50 Percent', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 11: The price index of spices increased by a staggering 37.63 percent followed by the rice in prices of sugar and sugar products by 18.22 percent within a span of one month between mid-September to mid-October although the overall consumer price inflation declined during the review month.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">November 11:: The price index of spices increased by a staggering 37.63 percent followed by the rice in prices of sugar and sugar products by 18.22 percent within a span of one month between mid-September to mid-October although the overall consumer price inflation stood at 7.50 percent during the review month.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal published by Nepal Rastra Bank on Friday, the year-on-year (y-o-y) consumer price inflation stood at 7.50 percent in mid-October 2023 compared to 8.50 percent a year ago. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">However, food and beverage inflation was above average at 8.38 percent thanks to the surge in price of sugar due to its shortage during the festive season whereas non-food and service category inflation stood at 6.81 percent in the review month.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> Under the Food and Beverage category, y-o-y consumer price index of fruit increased 14.02 percent, cereal grains and their products 12.23 percent and milk products and eggs 11.92 percent. The y-o-y consumer price index of ghee and oil subcategory decreased 11.61 percent in the review month, added the NRB report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Under the non-Food and Services category, y-o-y consumer price index of recreation and culture subcategory increased 15.55 percent, miscellaneous goods and services 12.11 percent, education 9.10 percent, housing and utilities 8.08 percent and furnishing and household equipment 6.25 percent. The y-o-y consumer price index of transportation sub-category decreased 1.62 percent in the review month due to the decline in fuel prices.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the review month, y-o-y consumer price inflation in the Kathmandu Valley, Terai, Hill and Mountain region surged to 10.23 percent, 5.66 percent, 7.38 percent and 10.24 percent respectively. Inflation in these regions stood at 6.93 percent, 9.42 percent, 8.84 percent and 7.07 percent respectively a year ago.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-11', 'modified' => '2023-11-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19199', 'image' => '20231111120611_20230820111244_Rising-Inflation.min_.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-11 00:03:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19470', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal’s Trade Deficit Increases by 2.1 Percent', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 11: Nepal’s trade deficit increased 2.1 percent to Rs 366.88 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">November 11: Nepal’s trade deficit increased 2.1 percent to Rs 366.88 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year. Such a deficit had decreased 13.1 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year, according to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report published by the central bank on Friday states that the export-import ratio decreased to 10.0 percent in the review period from 10.4 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">During the review period, merchandise exports decreased 2.3 percent to Rs 40.87 billion compared to a decrease of 35.7 percent in the same period of the previous year. Destination-wise, exports to India decreased 9.4 percent whereas exports to China and other countries increased 345.9 percent and 9.5 percent respectively. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As per the report, exports of zinc sheet, particle board, juice, cardamom, polyester yarn and thread, among others increased whereas exports of palm oil, soybean oil, jute goods, woolen carpet, rosin, among others decreased. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the review period, merchandise imports increased 1.7 percent to Rs 407.76 billion compared to a decrease of 16.2 percent a year ago. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Destination-wise, imports from India and China increased 2.4 percent and 42.4 percent respectively while imports from other countries decreased 22.8 percent. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Imports of readymade garments, MS wire rod, bars, and coils, chemical fertilizer, electrical equipment, textiles, among others increased whereas imports of crude soybean oil, crude palm oil, petroleum products, gold, MS billet, among others decreased. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Based on customs points, exports from Bhairahawa, Dry Port, Jaleswar, Krishnanagar, Mechi, Nepalgunj, Rasuwa and Tribhuwan Airport Customs Offices increased whereas exports from all the other major customs points decreased in the review period. On the import side, imports from Bhairahawa, Dry Port, Jaleshwar, Kanchanpur, Nepalgunj, Rasuwa and Tatopani Customs Offices increased whereas imports from all the other major customs points decreased. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-11', 'modified' => '2023-11-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19198', 'image' => '20231111120326_20230918104033_20230917100315_20220712103532_Trade.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-11 00:02:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19469', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Current Account and Balance of Payments', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 11: Nepal’s current account remained at a surplus of Rs 59.09 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year against a deficit of Rs 35.24 billion in the same period of the previous year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">November 11: Nepal’s current account remained at a surplus of Rs 59.09 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year against a deficit of Rs 35.24 billion in the same period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank, the current account registered a surplus of 445.2 million in terms of US dollars in the review period against a deficit of 276.7 million in the same period last year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the review period, capital transfer decreased 55.6 percent to Rs 1.15 billion and net foreign direct investment (FDI) remained a positive of Rs 3.37 billion, reads the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal released by the central bank on Friday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the corresponding period of the previous year, capital transfer amounted to Rs 2.59 billion and net FDI amounted to Rs 79.6 million.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Likewise, Balance of Payments (BOP) remained at a surplus of Rs 99.07 billion in the review period against a surplus of Rs 12.43 billion in the same period of the previous year. In terms of the US dollar, the BOP remained at a surplus of 747.2 million in the review period against a surplus of 91.8 million in the same period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-11', 'modified' => '2023-11-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19197', 'image' => '20231111120214_20230912034106_20230619074931_Nepal_Rastra_Bank2 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-11 00:01:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19468', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Experts Draw Attention to Nepal’s Trade Imbalance with China', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 10: Experts have drawn the attention of all stakeholders to the disruptions in cross-border trade between Nepal and China stemming from the 2015 earthquake and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which according to them is yet to return to normalcy.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">November 10: Experts have drawn the attention of all stakeholders to the disruptions in cross-border trade between Nepal and China stemming from the 2015 earthquake and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which according to them is yet to return to normalcy.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Speaking at a roundtable discussion titled "Nepal-China Trade: Prospects and Challenges," organized by South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics, and Environment (SAWTEE) on Thursday, they said that the specific challenges arising from the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures impacting Nepali products require prompt attention, as do the specific issues surrounding transportation, connectivity, and logistical aspects, in both exports and imports.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Issuing a recent statement, SAWTEE said that the discussion programme was supported by The Asia Foundation. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to SAWTEE, the discussion centred on the trade relationship between Nepal and China, examining the challenges within the overall trade ecosystem that have contributed to the lacklustre export performance.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to a study conducted by SAWTEE on Nepal-China Trade, between 2020 and 2022, over 90 percent of the value of goods exported to China from Nepal was covered by the zero-duty list for the least developed countries (LDCs), but the utilization of preferences averaged 68 percent. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">SAWTEE’s Research Officer Rupesh Tha highlighted in his presentation that although China stands as Nepal's second-largest trading partner, the trade balance has distinctly favoured China. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Tha said it is vital for Nepal to fully harness the advantages of zero-tariff treatment provided to over 8,000 products originating in Nepal and diversify its exports to China. Current bilateral agreements, such as the trade and payment agreement 1981, are outdated and ill-suited to the present circumstances and need to be reviewed, he noted. This is particularly pertinent as Nepal grapples with a significant trade deficit with China, he further said. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Former Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MOICS), Rabi Shanker Sainju said that Nepal's trade with China is adversely affected by the high transportation costs resulting from its inadequate logistics infrastructure. With the evolution of the landscape of the Chinese consumer market, demand for high-quality products has increased, and this must be taken into account when looking to boost exports to China, he added. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Achyut Dhungana, under secretary at MOICS, identified four key factors that should be considered for enhancing trade with China: infrastructure and logistics, the negotiation and execution of trade agreements, market access, and the facilitation of cross-border payments.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Dhungana informed that a meeting has already been held to discuss the review and amendment of the trade and payment agreement signed between the MOICS and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce to enhance bilateral trade relations. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ashok Kumar Shrestha, chairman of Nepal Trans Himalaya Border Commerce Association, emphasized the need for enhancing trust between stakeholders (public and private sectors) of the two countries, in addition to improving infrastructure, logistics, and connectivity, to build trust to give a boost to Nepal-China trade ties.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Highlighting the need for meeting phytosanitary requirements for the export of Nepali products to China, Shrestha suggested establishing a multifunctional quarantine laboratory. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Former Secretary of the Government of Nepal Bindra Hada highlighted the longstanding history of bilateral trade relations between the two countries. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Delivering the special remarks in the programme, MOICS Joint-Secretary Ram Chandra Tiwari said that Nepal's incentive structure doesn't place enough emphasis on supporting entrepreneurship, startups, and the overall industrial ecosystem, leading to a lackluster export performance. Moreover, he noted that the three-tier structure of the government under federalism has diminished collaboration between the different levels of government, resulting in ineffective resource utilization and subpar export performance. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Participants drew attention to evaluate the trade consequences for Nepal following its graduation from the LDC category in 2026. They further suggested that studies on Nepal-China trade should also look into the impact on trade with China and the existing tariff benefits provided by China, and explore alternative trade agreements and provisions to safeguard Nepal's trade with China in the years after graduation. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to SAWTEE, the participants included trade experts, policymakers, and representatives from the private sector. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-10', 'modified' => '2023-11-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19196', 'image' => '20231110115706_China-losed.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-10 23:56:19', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 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
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Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the programme.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">November 16: The Prime Minister's Employment Programme is becoming more and more ineffective. Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the programme.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government had claimed that many people would be employed annually under this programme. More than 885,000 unemployed people have been registered under the employment programme in the hope of getting jobs. But so far this year, only 803 people have been employed.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The programme was launched to employ citizens between the age group of 18 to 59 years who have not been employed for at least 100 days. If these people do not get employment, the government has been saying that it will provide a subsistence allowance equal to 50 days' wages.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">However, if we look at the employment situation provided by the government so far in the current fiscal year, this programme seems to have become more and more weak.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">For the current fiscal year, the government had allocated a budget of Rs 5.94 billion for the Prime Minister's Employment Programme. According to the Secretariat of the Prime Minister's Employment Programme, a committee was recently formed for restructuring the programme, but it has not yet started its work in concrete form. According to Shobha Pokharel, the deputy secretary of the secretariat of the programme, the restructuring process will proceed as announced in the budget this year. "In the current fiscal year, the budget has been released for the projects as per the announcement made earlier. It is difficult to restructure the projects this year," she said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">While presenting the previous fiscal year’s policies and programmes in the Parliament, the then President Bidya Devi Bhandari had announced that the programme would be restructured so that all levels would own it. The restructuring of the programme has not been done.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Deputy Secretary Pokharel, the procedures and laws may have to be amended for restructuring the programme. She said that the necessary arrangements will be made and the programme will be restructured from next year based on the recommendations given by the committee.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">At present, the budget has been released to the local level as per the selected projects for the Prime Minister's Employment Programme. A total of 738 local levels have registered the unemployment list for the current fiscal year, while the number of local levels that have implemented the project so far is only 134. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under the Prime Minister's Employment Programme launched by the government led by KP Sharma Oli in the year 2075/76, billions of rupees have been spent for small jobs. On the very year the programme was launched, the government was accused of exploiting billions of rupees from the state coffers in unproductive areas. The same year, the government was heavily criticized for spending billions of rupees in unproductive areas like chasing monkeys, uprooting weeds, and driving cattle away among others.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As of last year, this programme has failed to create long-term employment. As the government has already allocated Rs 38.76 billion under this programme in the last five years, questions are being raised about its effectiveness and achievement.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the initial year (FY 2075/76), the government allocated a budget of Rs 3.10 billion for this program. Rs 5.1 billion was allocated in the year 2076/77.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the year 2077/78, Rs 11.6 billion was allocated and Rs 12 billion in 2078/79. For the year 2079/80, the government allocated a budget of Rs 7.5 billion. It seems that the allocated budget is mostly spent every year but the achievement is zero. The Auditor General's report has repeatedly raised questions about the expenses incurred through the Prime Minister's Employment Programme.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19210', 'image' => '20231116011024_PMEP.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 13:09:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19481', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'No Tihar for Earthquake Victims of Jajarkot this Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical infrastructures.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical infrastructures. Hundreds of people were rendered homeless. For the citizens of the affected areas, this festival of Tihar was a mess. Their dream of celebrating Tihar could not be fulfilled this time.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Twenty-six</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">year-old Bhumika Shahi Malla and her </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">year-old son Lekhnath, who had come from Darma Rural Municipality of Salyan to their native home in Aathbiskot-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">in Rukum West to celebrate Tihar, died in the earthquake. Not only did the mother and her son die, her mother, sister's </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">9-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">month-old son and aunt also died. All five of them died at their maternal home in Jamirekot Ward No. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">They had reached there to meet the sick aunt.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">On the other hand, Laxman Shahi of Aathbiskot Municipality-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, lost his mother, sister and two nephews. He is yet to overcome the pain of losing mothers, sisters, and nephews and Tihar only made him miss them more.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">People across the country just celebrated Tihar, singing the Deusibhailo songs with merriment. However, like Shahi, hundreds of earthquake victims were unaffected by the fervor of Tihar. Shahi said that he did not even realize that Tihar had come this year due to the loss of his loved ones in the earthquake. He said, "In the previous year, the sisters used to come from their homes carrying a flower garlands for tika ritual. We used to sit together happily during the festival, but this year, the earthquake killed all our dreams and happiness."</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Hari Bahadur Oli of Bhalma that they were concerned about how to avoid the cold than to celebrate Tihar. Oli said that he is also appealing to the local government and other relevant agencies to protect them from the diseases caused by cold and arrange safe living arrangements.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Kalikadevi Malla of SaniBheri-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> said that spending the cold night in the garden under a tent is a big problem. Malla requested the concerned agencies to make immediate arrangements for temporary accommodation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chief District Officer Hari Prasad Panta informed that the first phase of relief distribution to the earthquake victims has been completed, and now the focus is on construction of temporary settlements for which the government is working accordingly.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chief District Officer Panta informed that temporary reconstruction work will be started in the earthquake-affected areas immediately after Tihar.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19209', 'image' => '20231116103556_1700051881.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 10:35:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19480', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'CAN Federation urges Govt to rethink TikTok Ban ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of TikTok. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of TikTok. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the CAN Federation urged the government to rethink its decision to ban the popular social media TikTok bearing in the mind that the development of information technology have both opportunities and challenges. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It further said that it would be appropriate to regulate Tiktok as it has become a medium for small and middle-scale entrepreneurs to expand their market. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"CAN Federation urges the government to hold talks and coordinate with experts for the proper use of all types of social sites available in Nepal. We are ready to collaborate with the government for any technical cooperation from the position of private sector," reads the statement. -- RSS </span><br /> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19208', 'image' => '20231116100237_1200x0.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 10:01:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19479', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Preparations Underway for Chhath Festival in Tarai Madhes Districts', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including Dhanusha.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 16: As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including Dhanusha.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In Janakpurdham, various lakes and ponds are undergoing a special transformation with the enthusiastic support of locals and organizations gearing up for the Chhath festival. The banks of these water bodies are being meticulously cleaned to construct the Chhath ghats.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Highlighting the festival's significance in the Tarai Madhes region, Dr. Rajendra Bimal emphasized the decoration efforts around key locations such as Gangasagar Pond, Dhanush Sagar Pond, Argaja Pond, Maharasagar, Ratnasagar, Gordhoi, Aragajasar, Nocha Pokhari, Matkoraba Pokhari, and Dudhmati Ghat in Janakpurdham, the historic city of Mithilanchal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As Chhath enthusiasts prepare for the festivities, markets are witnessing a surge in shoppers purchasing necessary articles and items for the upcoming celebrations. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Notably, the growing number of people participating in Chhath each year has contributed to increased demand, leading to a rise in prices, according to local resident Prameshwar Saha. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Chhath festival is set to culminate on November 19 this year, with associated rituals commencing three days prior.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> In Birgunj, similar preparations are underway, with ponds and lakes undergoing special decoration to create Chhath ghats for the various rituals and offerings associated with the festival.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Cleaning and adornment activities are evident in local landmarks such as Ghadiarba pond, Nagawapokhari, Chhapakaiya Pokhari, Shreepur, and Ranighat pond. (RSS)</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19207', 'image' => '20231116073613_collage (11).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 07:34:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19478', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bhai Tika Observed', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long life.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long life. In return, brothers offer gifts and extend good luck wishes to their sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During Bhai Tika, a special ritual takes place where brothers are seated at a designated spot, and sisters create a trail of mustard oil around them. The brothers are then garlanded with flowers, including marigold and globe amaranth. In return, brothers also apply tika to their sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The National Calendar Determination Committee has identified 10:51 am as the auspicious hour for offering tika this year, though it can be done throughout the day. The cultural belief associated with Bhai Tika revolves around a sister obtaining a boon from Yama, the god of death, ensuring her brother's longevity until the mustard oil dries up and the garland of dubo and makhamali withers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In addition to the ritualistic aspects, sisters offer special delicacies like sweets, walnuts, and sel roti to their brothers. Individuals without biological siblings participate in the celebration by receiving tika from those they consider as brothers or sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Furthermore, the Balgopaleshwor Temple in Ranipokhari, Kathmandu, is opened today, a tradition observed annually on Bhai Tika. The temple holds cultural significance, and its doors are unlocked on this auspicious day. (RSS)</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-15', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19206', 'image' => '20231115064107_collage (10).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-15 06:39:39', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19477', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Korala Check Point in Mustang Comes into Operation After Four Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and China.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 14: Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and China.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the occasion, member of House of Representatives Yogesh Gauchan Thakali, Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment of Gandaki Province, Dipendra Bahadur Thapa, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City Dhan Raj Acharya, Chief District Officer of Mustang, Janak Raj Panta and people's representatives of Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda and Lo Manthang rural municipalities were present from the side of Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Likewise, officials of customs, border monitoring, public security bureau, commerce bureau, border control and dry port management committee were present from Chinese side. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Chairperson of Lo Manthang rural municipality, Tasi Narbu Gurung, said China gifted 100,000 kilogrammes of food grains, clothes and daily essentials to the locals of Lo Manthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda rural municipalities on the first day of resumption of check point. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Locals of both rural municipalities have started visiting China on the basis of identity card, said CDO Panta. The check point was completely shut down from 2076 BS after coronavirus pandemic. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">'Departure and Entry Permits for Residents of Nepal-China Border Area Nepal- China' was distributed to around 1,000 people of Lo-Manthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kund rural municipalities as the preparation for operation of Korala check point. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"Those who have entry pass have the facility to travel to and from China at any time", he shared. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Panta mentioned that temporary infrastructures have been built on Nepal's side near Korala check point and arrangement of regular presence of security personnel has also been made." (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-14', 'modified' => '2023-11-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19205', 'image' => '20231114072613_collage (9).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-14 07:24:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19475', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Gai Tihar Observed Across the Country', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus. This ritual holds significance in Hindu traditions, where the cow is revered and worshipped as a symbol of motherly love.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The religious belief behind Gai Puja centers on the idea that cows provide unconditional love, similar to that of a mother. The ceremony involves garlanding the cow and offering it various delicacies. This practice has roots in ancient Vedic times, with cows considered sacred and often referred to as cow mothers due to the nutritious milk they provide, likened to that of human mothers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Interestingly, modern science supports the importance of cows, highlighting that the energy of local cow breeds is derived from the sun and moon, providing strength to humans through milk.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While some regions traditionally worship cows on Kartik Krishna Aunsi, there is a classical belief that the worship should occur at the end of Aunsi and the beginning of Pratipada, according to Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam, a member of the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Additionally, a religious belief suggests that tying the Rakshabandhan (a protective thread) from the right hand to the cow's tail during the cow worship ritual can help the soul cross the river Vaitarani and reach heaven after death. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This reflects the deep cultural and spiritual significance attributed to the ritual of Gai Puja during the Tihar festival. (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-13', 'modified' => '2023-11-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19204', 'image' => '20231113100038_gai-tihar-12-70815.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-13 07:01:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19473', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Laxmi Puja Observed ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Laxmi Puja, a day dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Laxmi, is being observed across the country today. Traditionally falling on the third day of the Tihar festival, this year it coincides with the second day of Tihar, along with Narak Chaturdashi and the Kukur Tihar, the festival dedicated to the worship of dogs.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">November 12: Laxmi Puja, a day dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Laxmi, was observed across the country on Sunday. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Traditionally, the Laxmi Puja falls on the third day of the Tihar festival, but this year it coincides with the second day of Tihar, along with Narak Chaturdashi and the Kukur Tihar, the festival dedicated to the worship of dogs. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The five-day Tihar, also known as the Yamapanchak, commenced on Saturday. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Laxmi Puja was observed on Sunday evening by worshipping Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, affluence, and prosperity, with devotion. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">On this day, people clean their houses and surrounding, illuminate their homes, and light butter lamps to 'invite' the goddess to their homes, in the belief that the goddess Laxmi detests the house which is unclean and untidy.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The night of Laxmi Puja is also known as Sukha Ratri, meaning the night of happiness as it is believed that Goddess Laxmi comes to reside in the house on this special night.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">To 'welcome' the goddess in the house, devotees make the footprint signs from their courtyard up to the main altar. In the evening of Laxmi Puja, troupes of teenage girls from the neighbourhood sing 'bhailo' songs amidst dancing and merriment.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The bhailo troupes visit house to house in the neighbourhood performing the bhailo cultural songs and dance. In return, the house-owners, especially mothers, give them various presents like paddy, rice grain, flower garlands, money, and 'sel roti', a special delicacy cooked in ghee.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">It is believed the house-owner is bestowed with blessings from the goddess by presenting the donation to these bhailo troupes. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Night illumination is carried out at homes by lighting electric lights and butter lamps. Some people also worship the cow in the morning on Laxmi Puja in accordance with their family tradition. (RSS) </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-12', 'modified' => '2023-11-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19203', 'image' => '20231113100021_20221024101409_Diwali-1-782x440.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-12 07:05:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19476', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '16 Arrested on Charge of Gambling', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 13: Seven women and three men were arrested from Yunsan restaurant of Nakhipot, Lalitpur red handed while they were gambling on Sunday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">November 13: Seven women and three men were arrested from Yunsan restaurant of Nakhipot, Lalitpur red handed while they were gambling on Sunday. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">District Police Office, Lalitpur also confiscated Rs 103,000 from the den. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, six gamblers were arrested from the house of Jagat Prasad Pande, 39, from Khandachakra Municipality-3 of Kalikot district on Sunday. The central police news room shared that Rs 34,140 was confiscated from them. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In another incident, police seized different types of firecrackers from Nagdhunga of Chandragiri Municipality-2, Kathmandu. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The firecrackers were found in a bus heading towards Kathmandu from Nepalgunj via Butwal. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-13', 'modified' => '2023-11-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19202', 'image' => '20231113095736_066A1493.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-13 09:57:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19474', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'KTM-Tarai Fast Track Achieves 27.19 Percent Physical Progress', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 12: The Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track has achieved 27.19 per cent physical progress and 29.32 per cent financial progress amidst various obstacles and challenges.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">November 12: The Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track has achieved 27.19 per cent physical progress and 29.32 per cent financial progress amidst various obstacles and challenges.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The national pride project is being implemented by the Nepalese Army (NA). Once the four-lane expressway completes, the southern plains can be reached within 2 hours 2 minutes from the Kathmandu Valley. The expressway goes from Khokana of Lalitpur to Makawanpur and reaches Nijgadh of Bara district.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The national pride project for which Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal had laid the foundation stone on May 28, 2017 at Nijgadh is expected to be completed by mid-April, 2027.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The incumbent government on October 16 last year had approved the revised DPR of the Rs 211.93 billion project, according to which, the new length of the fast track is determined at 70.9-km, two km curtailed from the earlier one.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">There are six tunnels measuring 10.055-kilometres in total along the track that will be built according to the Asian Highway standards. Two-wheelers will be barred from plying the track having altogether 89 bridges along the way.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Designs of 45 bridges have been completed from package no 1 to 5, according to the NA. NA's Colonel Bishwa Bandhu Pahadi reaffirmed the commitment for the timely completion of the project. "The Nepalese Army is determined to deliver the quality fast-track within the timeline," he reiterated.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">At present, tall bridges and tunnels are being built at Mahadevtar, Dhedre and Lanedanda in Makawanpur district under the project being executed in a total of 13 packages.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Due to the fact that the DPR of the project was not approved on time, the fast-track suffered snail-pace construction in course of time. Land acquisition and environment impact assessment and clearance of trees among others further delayed the undertaking, the NA said.</span> -- RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-12', 'modified' => '2023-11-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19201', 'image' => '20231112110129_fast track high - Copy.JPG', 'article_date' => '2023-11-12 11:00:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19472', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tihar, the Festival of Lights, Begins', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 11: Today marks the beginning of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">November 11: Today marks the beginning of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal. Tihar is also called Deepawali and Yama Panchak. The festival is celebrated for five full days during the Nepali month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The first day of Tihar is the day dedicated for the celebration of the crows that are considered as the messenger of Lord Yamaraj, the God of Death. Today, every household offers prayers and leaves food on the top of their terraces and walls for the crows to feed on. There is a general belief among the people that the crow accompanies Lord Yamaraj and is therefore immortal and worshipping it brings good fortune. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The religious scriptures talk about how the demon king Bali was given the opportunity by Lord Bishnu to rule all over the universe for these five days. To celebrate his ascension to the lordship of the entire universes, he ordered everyone to celebrate all five days with lights and flowers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The belief among the people is that the celebration will please Goddess Laxmi, who is considered the goddess of wealth. </span></span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-11', 'modified' => '2023-11-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19200', 'image' => '20231111121318_20221023093327_tihar-nepal.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-11 00:12:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19471', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Prices of Spices and Sugar Surge while Overall Inflation Stands at 7.50 Percent', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 11: The price index of spices increased by a staggering 37.63 percent followed by the rice in prices of sugar and sugar products by 18.22 percent within a span of one month between mid-September to mid-October although the overall consumer price inflation declined during the review month.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">November 11:: The price index of spices increased by a staggering 37.63 percent followed by the rice in prices of sugar and sugar products by 18.22 percent within a span of one month between mid-September to mid-October although the overall consumer price inflation stood at 7.50 percent during the review month.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal published by Nepal Rastra Bank on Friday, the year-on-year (y-o-y) consumer price inflation stood at 7.50 percent in mid-October 2023 compared to 8.50 percent a year ago. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">However, food and beverage inflation was above average at 8.38 percent thanks to the surge in price of sugar due to its shortage during the festive season whereas non-food and service category inflation stood at 6.81 percent in the review month.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> Under the Food and Beverage category, y-o-y consumer price index of fruit increased 14.02 percent, cereal grains and their products 12.23 percent and milk products and eggs 11.92 percent. The y-o-y consumer price index of ghee and oil subcategory decreased 11.61 percent in the review month, added the NRB report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Under the non-Food and Services category, y-o-y consumer price index of recreation and culture subcategory increased 15.55 percent, miscellaneous goods and services 12.11 percent, education 9.10 percent, housing and utilities 8.08 percent and furnishing and household equipment 6.25 percent. The y-o-y consumer price index of transportation sub-category decreased 1.62 percent in the review month due to the decline in fuel prices.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the review month, y-o-y consumer price inflation in the Kathmandu Valley, Terai, Hill and Mountain region surged to 10.23 percent, 5.66 percent, 7.38 percent and 10.24 percent respectively. Inflation in these regions stood at 6.93 percent, 9.42 percent, 8.84 percent and 7.07 percent respectively a year ago.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-11', 'modified' => '2023-11-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19199', 'image' => '20231111120611_20230820111244_Rising-Inflation.min_.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-11 00:03:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19470', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal’s Trade Deficit Increases by 2.1 Percent', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 11: Nepal’s trade deficit increased 2.1 percent to Rs 366.88 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">November 11: Nepal’s trade deficit increased 2.1 percent to Rs 366.88 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year. Such a deficit had decreased 13.1 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year, according to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report published by the central bank on Friday states that the export-import ratio decreased to 10.0 percent in the review period from 10.4 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">During the review period, merchandise exports decreased 2.3 percent to Rs 40.87 billion compared to a decrease of 35.7 percent in the same period of the previous year. Destination-wise, exports to India decreased 9.4 percent whereas exports to China and other countries increased 345.9 percent and 9.5 percent respectively. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As per the report, exports of zinc sheet, particle board, juice, cardamom, polyester yarn and thread, among others increased whereas exports of palm oil, soybean oil, jute goods, woolen carpet, rosin, among others decreased. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the review period, merchandise imports increased 1.7 percent to Rs 407.76 billion compared to a decrease of 16.2 percent a year ago. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Destination-wise, imports from India and China increased 2.4 percent and 42.4 percent respectively while imports from other countries decreased 22.8 percent. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Imports of readymade garments, MS wire rod, bars, and coils, chemical fertilizer, electrical equipment, textiles, among others increased whereas imports of crude soybean oil, crude palm oil, petroleum products, gold, MS billet, among others decreased. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Based on customs points, exports from Bhairahawa, Dry Port, Jaleswar, Krishnanagar, Mechi, Nepalgunj, Rasuwa and Tribhuwan Airport Customs Offices increased whereas exports from all the other major customs points decreased in the review period. On the import side, imports from Bhairahawa, Dry Port, Jaleshwar, Kanchanpur, Nepalgunj, Rasuwa and Tatopani Customs Offices increased whereas imports from all the other major customs points decreased. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-11', 'modified' => '2023-11-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19198', 'image' => '20231111120326_20230918104033_20230917100315_20220712103532_Trade.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-11 00:02:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19469', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Current Account and Balance of Payments', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 11: Nepal’s current account remained at a surplus of Rs 59.09 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year against a deficit of Rs 35.24 billion in the same period of the previous year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">November 11: Nepal’s current account remained at a surplus of Rs 59.09 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year against a deficit of Rs 35.24 billion in the same period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank, the current account registered a surplus of 445.2 million in terms of US dollars in the review period against a deficit of 276.7 million in the same period last year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the review period, capital transfer decreased 55.6 percent to Rs 1.15 billion and net foreign direct investment (FDI) remained a positive of Rs 3.37 billion, reads the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal released by the central bank on Friday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the corresponding period of the previous year, capital transfer amounted to Rs 2.59 billion and net FDI amounted to Rs 79.6 million.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Likewise, Balance of Payments (BOP) remained at a surplus of Rs 99.07 billion in the review period against a surplus of Rs 12.43 billion in the same period of the previous year. In terms of the US dollar, the BOP remained at a surplus of 747.2 million in the review period against a surplus of 91.8 million in the same period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-11', 'modified' => '2023-11-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19197', 'image' => '20231111120214_20230912034106_20230619074931_Nepal_Rastra_Bank2 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-11 00:01:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19468', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Experts Draw Attention to Nepal’s Trade Imbalance with China', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 10: Experts have drawn the attention of all stakeholders to the disruptions in cross-border trade between Nepal and China stemming from the 2015 earthquake and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which according to them is yet to return to normalcy.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">November 10: Experts have drawn the attention of all stakeholders to the disruptions in cross-border trade between Nepal and China stemming from the 2015 earthquake and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which according to them is yet to return to normalcy.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Speaking at a roundtable discussion titled "Nepal-China Trade: Prospects and Challenges," organized by South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics, and Environment (SAWTEE) on Thursday, they said that the specific challenges arising from the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures impacting Nepali products require prompt attention, as do the specific issues surrounding transportation, connectivity, and logistical aspects, in both exports and imports.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Issuing a recent statement, SAWTEE said that the discussion programme was supported by The Asia Foundation. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to SAWTEE, the discussion centred on the trade relationship between Nepal and China, examining the challenges within the overall trade ecosystem that have contributed to the lacklustre export performance.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to a study conducted by SAWTEE on Nepal-China Trade, between 2020 and 2022, over 90 percent of the value of goods exported to China from Nepal was covered by the zero-duty list for the least developed countries (LDCs), but the utilization of preferences averaged 68 percent. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">SAWTEE’s Research Officer Rupesh Tha highlighted in his presentation that although China stands as Nepal's second-largest trading partner, the trade balance has distinctly favoured China. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Tha said it is vital for Nepal to fully harness the advantages of zero-tariff treatment provided to over 8,000 products originating in Nepal and diversify its exports to China. Current bilateral agreements, such as the trade and payment agreement 1981, are outdated and ill-suited to the present circumstances and need to be reviewed, he noted. This is particularly pertinent as Nepal grapples with a significant trade deficit with China, he further said. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Former Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MOICS), Rabi Shanker Sainju said that Nepal's trade with China is adversely affected by the high transportation costs resulting from its inadequate logistics infrastructure. With the evolution of the landscape of the Chinese consumer market, demand for high-quality products has increased, and this must be taken into account when looking to boost exports to China, he added. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Achyut Dhungana, under secretary at MOICS, identified four key factors that should be considered for enhancing trade with China: infrastructure and logistics, the negotiation and execution of trade agreements, market access, and the facilitation of cross-border payments.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Dhungana informed that a meeting has already been held to discuss the review and amendment of the trade and payment agreement signed between the MOICS and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce to enhance bilateral trade relations. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ashok Kumar Shrestha, chairman of Nepal Trans Himalaya Border Commerce Association, emphasized the need for enhancing trust between stakeholders (public and private sectors) of the two countries, in addition to improving infrastructure, logistics, and connectivity, to build trust to give a boost to Nepal-China trade ties.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Highlighting the need for meeting phytosanitary requirements for the export of Nepali products to China, Shrestha suggested establishing a multifunctional quarantine laboratory. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Former Secretary of the Government of Nepal Bindra Hada highlighted the longstanding history of bilateral trade relations between the two countries. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Delivering the special remarks in the programme, MOICS Joint-Secretary Ram Chandra Tiwari said that Nepal's incentive structure doesn't place enough emphasis on supporting entrepreneurship, startups, and the overall industrial ecosystem, leading to a lackluster export performance. Moreover, he noted that the three-tier structure of the government under federalism has diminished collaboration between the different levels of government, resulting in ineffective resource utilization and subpar export performance. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Participants drew attention to evaluate the trade consequences for Nepal following its graduation from the LDC category in 2026. They further suggested that studies on Nepal-China trade should also look into the impact on trade with China and the existing tariff benefits provided by China, and explore alternative trade agreements and provisions to safeguard Nepal's trade with China in the years after graduation. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to SAWTEE, the participants included trade experts, policymakers, and representatives from the private sector. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-10', 'modified' => '2023-11-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19196', 'image' => '20231110115706_China-losed.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-10 23:56:19', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 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
| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
