August 24: The Supreme Court has issued an interim order not to implement the infrastructure development programmes of the House of Representatives and all seven provincial assemblies mentioned in the budget of the current fiscal year (FY…
August 24: The Supreme Court has issued an interim order not to implement the infrastructure development programmes of the House of Representatives and all seven provincial assemblies mentioned in the budget of the current fiscal year (FY…
August 24: The monsoon rain is expected to persist for the next two to three…
In the first month of the current fiscal year, Nepal's trade deficit has shrunk to Rs 115.71 billion. According to data released by the Department of Customs on Wednesday, the trade deficit has decreased by 0.66 percent compared to the same month in the previous fiscal…
August 23: The House of Representatives (HoR) meeting resumed on Wednesday after weeks of disruption triggered by political difference on whether to form a probe panel on gold smuggling scam or…
Paddy transplantation has taken place only in 92% of the land across the country. According to the data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, paddy has been planted in only 92% of the land of the total area where paddy is transplanted as of August…
The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) Index gained 29.47 points or 1.46% and closed at 2045.45 points on the fourth trading day of the week,…
August 23: Nepal has received foreign investment commitment of Rs 11.93 billion in the first month of the current fiscal year (FY…
August 23: The Securities Brokers Association Nepal has submitted a memorandum to the Securities Board of Nepal with various demands including development, expansion and improving the current situation of the secondary…
August 23: TR4 strain of Panama (withering) disease has been found in bananas for the first time in…
August 23: The general public has shown keen interest in banking transactions through mobile…
August 23: Thai Airways, the national flag carrier of Thailand, is all set to resume flights to Nepal from November.…
Aug 24: The existing position of the monsoon trough has shifted towards the north than its average position.…
The Millennium Challenge Compact signed between the Ministry of Finance and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) six years ago is poised for its entry into force (EIF) for the full-scale…
The 'Agency Award Night 2080' of Surya Jyoti Life Insurance was successfully held in Kathmandu on August…
Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has said that a power trade agreement with Bangladesh will be reached…
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Similarly, the state governments had also allocated budget to be spent on the plans recommended by the parliamentarians in the state assembly constituencies.</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"">The Supreme Court has also demanded a written response from the federal government and the state governments within 7 days in this regard.</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"">The Supreme Court has commented that Nepal has adopted a democratic governance system based on the principle of separation of powers and that it is not appropriate for legislators to use the executive powers of the federal cabinet and state cabinet. The apex court pointed out that giving MPs the right to choose plans and allocate budget would be counterproductive to the constitutional system.</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"">The order states: 'It seems that the main work of the federal and state legislatures will be legislative in nature. It does not appear that federal parliamentarians or provincial assembly members are given the responsibility to perform executive functions.</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"">The Supreme Court has warned that there will be a conflict of interest if the parliamentarians exercise their executive powers on issues that are not recommended by the National Planning Commission or the Provincial Planning Commission or the related ministries. It is said in the order, “When the parliamentarian themselves allocate funds in the name of infrastructure development of the parliamentary constituency, there will be a conflict of interest.”</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"">Similarly, the Supreme Court has mentioned that the issue of transparency and accountability should be taken into consideration while spending government funds in such programmes.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-24', 'modified' => '2023-08-24', 'keywords' => 'Supreme, Court, Nepal, government, interim, order, writ, petition, constituency, infrastructure, development, fund, parliament, state, assembly, House, Representatives', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18550', 'image' => '20230824112505_Supreme Court.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-24 11:23:23', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18820', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Weather Likely to Improve by Saturday ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 24: The monsoon rain is expected to persist for the next two to three days. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 24: The monsoon rain is expected to persist for the next two to three days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, it will take a couple of days for the weather to improve. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sivision's senior meteorologist Barun Poudel said that the ongoing precipitation is anticipated to continue until Friday with chances of heavy rains at one or two places, particularly in Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">T<span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">he division stated that the weather is generally to mostly cloudy throughout the country today with the possibility of light to moderate rainfall at some places of the country. Likewise, heavy rain with thunder and lightning is expected at one or two places of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudur Pashchim provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the weather will be mostly cloudy throughout the country tonight while light to moderate rainfall is likely to occur at many places of the country. Heavy rain with thunder and lightning may take place at one or two places of Koshi, Madesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-24', 'modified' => '2023-08-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18549', 'image' => '20230824104947_rain.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-24 10:48:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18819', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Trade Deficit Shrinks to Rs 115 Billion', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => ' In the first month of the current fiscal year, Nepal's trade deficit has shrunk to Rs 115.71 billion. According to data released by the Department of Customs on Wednesday, the trade deficit has decreased by 0.66 percent compared to the same month in the previous fiscal year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 24: In the first month of the current fiscal year, Nepal's trade deficit has shrunk to Rs 115.71 billion. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> According to data released by the Department of Customs on Wednesday, the trade deficit has decreased by 0.66 percent compared to the same month in the previous fiscal year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In the same period last year, the country's trade deficit was Rs 116.47 billion. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The trade deficit has decreased along with the decline in imports in first month of the current fiscal year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In Nepal's trade, the proportion of imports is higher than exports. For this reason, when imports decrease, the trade deficit also decreases.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the Department of Customs, the imports have dropped by 1.56% in the first month of the current fiscal year compared to the same period last year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The country imported goods equivalent to Rs 129.23 billion during the review period.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Exports have also decreased along with imports in the first month of the current fiscal year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> According to the department, the export has declined by 8.65% in the first month compared to same period last fiscal year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Goods and commodities worth Rs 13.52 billion were exported in the first month of the current fiscal year. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-24', 'modified' => '2023-08-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18548', 'image' => '20230824061907_collage (4).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-24 06:17:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18818', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'HoR Meeting Resumes after Weeks, Govt to Form Probe Commission on Gold Smuggling ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: The House of Representatives (HoR) meeting resumed on Wednesday after weeks of disruption triggered by political difference on whether to form a probe panel on gold smuggling scam or not. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 23: The House of Representatives (HoR) meeting resumed on Wednesday after weeks of disruption triggered by political difference on whether to form a probe panel on gold smuggling scam or not. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The HoR meeting resumed after the political parties forged consensus on thorny issues of the hour. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Speaking at the HoR meeting on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka informed the lawmakers that political parties had reached an agreement to form a probe commission on gold smuggling scam and thereby the parliament deadlock has come to an end. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The probe commission will be formed on September 23 as per the Investigation Commission Act, 2026 for the study on gold smuggling. The commission will also furnish recommendation to the government. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Currently, the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police has been investigating the gold smuggling scam, which was initially started by the Revenue Investigation Department after confiscation of around 60-kg gold from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) premises. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> DPM Khadka stressed that government was ready to resolve problems in a democratic way. He thanked the main opposition party for the resumption of the parliament following intense discussion and dialogue. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18547', 'image' => '20230823081505_20220228110858_Parliament.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 20:13:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18817', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Paddy Transplanted in 92% of Land Nationwide; Lowest in Madhes Province', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Paddy transplantation has taken place only in 92% of the land across the country. According to the data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, paddy has been planted in only 92% of the land of the total area where paddy is transplanted as of August 18.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">August 18: Paddy transplantation has taken place only in 92% of the land across the country.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, paddy has been planted in only 92% of the land of the total area where paddy is transplanted as of August 18.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">This is 3 percent less compared to the same period of the last year. Last year, rice had been planted in 95 percent of the land during the same period.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In Nepal, rice cultivation occurs on approximately 1,488,000 hectares of land. Among them, currently, rice has been planted on around 1,375,000 hectares.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the ministry's data, this year, the most rice cultivation has occurred in the Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces. In these two provinces, rice has been planted on 99.99 percent of the total cultivable area.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Often referred to as ‘grain house’ of the country, the Tarai region has the least rice cultivation. Madhes Province contributes to the highest portion to Nepal's rice production.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"> In this province, this year's rice cultivation is 82 percent until now, which is 11 percent less than the same period last year. Last year, rice was cultivated in 93 percent of the land in Madhes during the same period last year. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Similarly, in Koshi Province, 97 percent of rice cultivation has taken place, while in Bagmati Province, it's 93 percent, in Gandaki Province, it's 94 percent, and in Lumbini Province, it's 95 percent.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"> Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Haribahadur K.C., said paddy plantation had dropped due to delayed monsoon in Bagmati, Gandaki and Madhes Provinces.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18546', 'image' => '20230823045118_collage (3).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 16:49:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => true, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18816', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Index Gains 1.46% to Settle at 2045.45 Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) Index gained 29.47 points or 1.46% and closed at 2045.45 points on the fourth trading day of the week, Wednesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 23: The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) Index gained 29.47 points or 1.46% and closed at 2045.45 points on the fourth trading day of the week, Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Stock market analysts and experts say that today’s rise is natural as the market had witnessed continuous fall for over two weeks. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“Investors and traders increased their purchase as the prices of the companies have come down to the bottom-level,” said a seasoned investor. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Investors are optimistic that the market will not plunge down the level of 2000 points. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During today's trading, a total of 273 scrips exchanged hands through 44,340 transactions. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A total of 4,237,069 shares were traded amounting to Rs 1.51 billion. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Market capitalization stood at Rs. 30.62 Kharba, with a float market capitalization of Rs. 10.76 Kharba. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ghorahi Cement Industry Limited (GCIL) recorded the highest turnover of Rs. 7.57 crores and closed at a market price of Rs. 510.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Similarly, the newly listed stock Kutheli Bukhari Small Hydropower Limited (KBSH) gained the highest 9.99%, technically hitting the upper circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Meanwhile, Citizens Super 30 Mutual Fund (C30MF) lost the highest 7.42% today.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In terms of sub-indices, all sub-indices closed in the green zone. Hydropower Index gained the most for the day with a 2.74% positive change.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sensitive Index increased by 1.11%, while Float Index and Sensitive Float Index rose by 1.47% and 1.19% respectively. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18545', 'image' => '20230823042148_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 16:20:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18815', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Receives Foreign Investment Commitment of Rs 12 Billion in Current FY', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: Nepal has received foreign investment commitment of Rs 11.93 billion in the first month of the current fiscal year (FY 2023/24).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 23: Nepal has received foreign investment commitment of Rs 11.93 billion in the first month of the current fiscal year (FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">23</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"">24).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Department of Industry, investors have made investment commitment for </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">60</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> projects.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, there has been more investment commitment for small scale industries in the review month. The choice of investors is the tourism sector. Most of the investment commitment is for tourism and service industries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">46</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the total investment commitment has been pledged for the tourism sector.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">A total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">28</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> tourism industries have received approval for foreign investment. The service industry's share in the total commitment is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">43</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. Altogether </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">26</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> service-oriented industries have received approval for foreign investment. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the past years too, most of the projects and investment commitments were seen in these two sectors. The third is the manufacturing industry. The share of investment commitment for the manufacturing industry is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">7</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Four productive industries have received approval for foreign investment while one industry each related to information and communication technology and agriculture sector have got approval for foreign investment. The share of these two sectors in the total investment commitment is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent each.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, out of the </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">60 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">projects approved for investment, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">54 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">are of small scale. The department informed that four medium and two small projects have been approved.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18544', 'image' => '20230823033315_1692757248.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 15:32:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18814', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'New Brokers Submit Memo to SEBON Demanding the Operation of Auction Market', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: The Securities Brokers Association Nepal has submitted a memorandum to the Securities Board of Nepal with various demands including development, expansion and improving the current situation of the secondary market.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">August 23: The Securities Brokers Association Nepal has submitted a memorandum to the Securities Board of Nepal with various demands including development, expansion and improving the current situation of the secondary market.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sagar Dhakal, chairman of the Securities Brokers Association of Nepal submitted the memorandum to the Chairman of the Securities Board, Ramesh Hamal in the presence of the executive committee members of the association.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The association through the memorandum has requested the regulatory body to operate auction market for a minimum of 30 minutes after the regular trading period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Currently, investors are forced to pay a 20 per cent fine in case of closeout, so to manage it and solve the problem of closeout, it has been demanded to operate the auction market for a minimum of 30 minutes after the regular market period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In addition to this, the association has requested the board to allow opening of Demat account, which are an indispensable tool for risk management, as per the need of the investors. Currently, an individual can open only two Demat accounts.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18543', 'image' => '20230823032444_Sebon-update.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 15:24:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18813', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Infection of Panama Disease Risks Banana Farming in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: TR4 strain of Panama (withering) disease has been found in bananas for the first time in Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 23: TR</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"">strain of Panama (withering) disease has been found in bananas for the first time in Nepal. This disease in bananas is caused by Fusaria Oxysporum Cubense Fungi, which is a TR</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"">strain of the Panama disease. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Stakeholders say that Nepal's banana business, which has an investment of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion, is at risk of collapsing if the outbreak is not curbed in time. This disease is spreading rapidly in other countries of the world.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Because this disease is caused by soil-dwelling fungus, it can spread easily through infected plants, soil, water, and agricultural tools. Also, it can move from one field to another even from the soil stuck on the tyres of the banana-carrying vehicle and shoes. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Agricultural scientist Ram Khadka says that since the TR4 strain of the disease can remain active for </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> years in the soil once infected, there is a risk that the Nepali banana business may collapse if preventive measures are not taken on time.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal mostly produces bananas in Morang, Jhapa, Saptari, Chitwan, Kailali, Bardiya, Rupandehi and Nawalparasi districts. It is estimated that more than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">50</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,000 people are involved in banana farming.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Khadka said that the TR4 strain of the disease is complex in nature and once infected, it affects for years, resulting in huge losses. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"That's why it is important for all stakeholders to be aware of this in time," he told New Business Age. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Currently, the TR</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"">strain has been observed in the banana orchards of nine farmers in Tikapur, Kailali. When the team of the National Crop Pathology Research Center and the Faculty of Agriculture of Sudurpaschim University observed around </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> banana plants in the affected area on July 26, it was found that about </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">40</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the plants showed symptoms of the disease.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">This type of Panama disease was first observed in Australia in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1997. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">At that time, to prevent the spread of the disease, the Australian government destroyed all the plants in the fields and prohibited entry to the affected areas for </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> years. Eighteen years later, this disease again surfaced for the second time in Queensland, Australia. This species has also been seen in the neighboring countries of China and India’s Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">What is the TR</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"">strain?</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to scientists, the infection of bananas by this strain means the destruction of the farm itself. According to Khadka, all the crops in Africa and Australia were wiped out due to this disease. As the current banana species could not fight against this disease, the scientists did not bother to seek a remedy but instead invented a new species of banana 'G-Nine' which is resistant to the disease in order to revive commercial banana farming.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Khadka says that after the use of 'G-Nine' variety of banana in commercial farming around the world, other local banana species got wiped out due to this disease. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the National Agricultural Research Council (NARC), another strain of Panama disease was recorded in Nepal </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">years ago and it destroyed the local Malbhog variety of bananas in Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">This disease causes the leaves of the banana plant to turn yellow and finally the tree will collapse. To avoid the infection, the place where the disease occurs should be sealed immediately.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18542', 'image' => '20230823015131_1692756184.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 13:50:47', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18812', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Mobile Banking getting Popular among General Public', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: The general public has shown keen interest in banking transactions through mobile devices.', '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"">August 23: The general public has shown keen interest in banking transactions through mobile devices.</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"">The number of people using mobile banking services has increased along with the transaction volume due to the increase in access to smartphones and the Internet, the expansion of services of banks and financial institutions as well as various wallet companies, and the government’s policies to encourage electronic payments.</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"">According to the data of Nepal Rastra Bank, the volume of transaction through mobile banking in the month of Asar (mid-June to mid-July) stood at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">233.44</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion, followed by Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">30.14</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion through QR code and Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20.32</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion through digital wallet. </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"">While mobile banking transactions increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">42.99</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent in the review month compared to a year ago, payments through QR code increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">107.54</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent and digital wallets by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14.49</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent, the central bank said.</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"">Around </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million mobile banking users have been added within a period of one year. In mid-June </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">022, there were </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">18.3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million mobile banking users, which increased to 21.3 million in mid-June </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">23. Similarly, the central bank’s data show that the number of digital wallet users increased from </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13.6</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">18</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</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""> million.</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"">Currently, in addition to banks and financial institutions (BFIs), various payment system operators and service providers are also operating mobile payment services. The central bank has been giving permission to private companies to operate digital wallets to encourage the use of electronic payments. Currently, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">27</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> companies are operating digital wallet services.</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"">Similarly, Nepal Rastra Bank has increased the transaction limit for electronic payments after the onset of Covid-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> pandemic.</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"">Currently, the upper limit for transactions through mobile banking has been fixed at Rs 300,000 per day.</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"">Similarly, the central bank has allowed transactions up to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">00,000 per day from bank account to digital wallets and vice versa and up to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">million per month. Similarly, the NRB has fixed the limit of transactions worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">50,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per day and Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">500,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per month from one wallet to another.</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"">Arrangements have been made to send remittances from abroad directly to digital wallets.</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"">Currently, banks have started providing all kinds of banking services and facilities through mobile banking. Mobile banking and wallet can be used for paying money to another bank account, shopping in the market, paying bills such as mobile, telephone, internet, water etc.</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"">To encourage QR codes, the central bank has made arrangement for banks and financial institutions to provide QR codes even for unregistered businessmen. </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"">There is a provision that a QR code can be provided in order to transfer funds to savings accounts in banks and financial institutions in the name of sole proprietors who have a permanent account number. </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"">Similarly, there is a provision to provide a QR code in the name of a merchant on the basis of an official identity card and even other businessmen who do not have a permanent account number but do business transactions of up to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">5</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,000 per day.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18541', 'image' => '20230823010633_1692756517.2023-08-23 07.51.26.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 13:05:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18811', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Thai Airways to Resume Flights to Nepal from November', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: Thai Airways, the national flag carrier of Thailand, is all set to resume flights to Nepal from November. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 23: Thai Airways, the national flag carrier of Thailand, is all set to resume flights to Nepal from November. Thai Airways has appointed Society International Travel Services as the General Sales Agent for Nepal. According to the agreement, Society International will provide all services related to customer and agent support including sales, marketing and airport services for Thai Airways.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Thai Airways had suspended flights to Nepal since April </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2020</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> due to the coronavirus pandemic. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Thai Airways, which operated its maiden flight to Nepal in December </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1968</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, claims to have succeeded in taking a special place in Nepal’s aviation history and among the people of Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The airline says it wants to take advantage of the opportunities in the Nepali market by strengthening the presence of Thai Airways and its services and facilities for the Nepalese people. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Chief Commercial Officer of Thai Airways, Korakot Chatasingha, said that the resumption of Thai Airways flights will support the Nepali tourists and passengers to travel to various world-famous destinations within Thailand.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ravi Chandra Singh, president of Society International Travel Services, said that the cooperation with Thai Airways was possible due to the excellent image of the organization at the international level. He expects that the re-operation of Thai Airways flights will also help to promote Nepal’s tourism industry by providing more connectivity for tourists to visit Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => 'Thai, Airways, Nepal, Thailand, flight, resume, tourism, boost, promotion, service, corona, coronavirus, Covid-19, pandemic, sales, agent', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18540', 'image' => '20230823113854_Thai.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 11:36:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18810', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'MFD urges Caution as Rainfall Likely to Continue till Thursday', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Aug 24: The existing position of the monsoon trough has shifted towards the north than its average position. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Aug 24: The existing position of the monsoon trough has shifted towards the north than its average position. As a result, Nepal, along with central Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas in India, is currently experiencing the effects of a low-pressure system, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD). </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division says the weather is generally cloudy throughout the country. Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at some places of Sudur Pashchim Province and hill regions and other few places of the country. Likewise heavy rain with thunder and lightning has been predicted at one or two places of Sudur Pashchim Province. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the weather will be generally to mostly cloudy throughout the country tonight. Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning has been forecast at some places of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati , Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. The same atmospheric condition has been predicted at a few places of rest of the provinces. There are chances of heavy rain with thunder and lightning at one or two places of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces tonight, according to meteorologist Sanjib Adhikari. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division has urged one and all to remain alert to potential consequences from heavy rains with lightning expected in certain parts of the country in the next 24 hours. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18539', 'image' => '20230823110809_rain.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 11:07:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18809', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'MCC Agreement to be Implemented from August 30', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Millennium Challenge Compact signed between the Ministry of Finance and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) six years ago is poised for its entry into force (EIF) for the full-scale implementation. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 23: The Millennium Challenge Compact signed between the Ministry of Finance and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) six years ago is poised for its entry into force (EIF) for the full-scale implementation. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A meeting of the Board of Directors of Millennium Challenge Account Nepal Development Committee (MCA-Nepal) held on August 16 has set the time of August 30 for the EIF, the MCA Nepal said. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Under the terms of the agreement, the construction of power transmission lines and road development projects must be completed within five years from the commencement of EIF. However, some pending matters related to land acquisition and compensation distribution still require attention, according to MCA Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The initial agreement was signed between the Finance Ministry and MCC on September 14, 2017. After receiving parliamentary ratification with an interpretative declaration eighteen months ago, most of the six preconditions necessary for EIF have been fulfilled, with the exception of land acquisition.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">For the successful execution of the power transmission project under MCA Nepal, a total of 1,471 hectares of land is needed. Additionally, around 20 hectares of land are earmarked for the development of the Ratmate substation in Nuwakot.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Significantly, Nepal's financial obligations have risen from the original agreement. While the previous commitment stood at 130 million US Dollars, Nepal's share has increased to 197 million US Dollars. Consequently, the total cost of MCC projects in Nepal has escalated from 630 million Dollars to 697 million US Dollars. (RSS) </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18538', 'image' => '20230823061557_collage (3).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 06:14:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18808', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Agency Award Night 2080' of Surya Jyoti Life Insurance Held', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The 'Agency Award Night 2080' of Surya Jyoti Life Insurance was successfully held in Kathmandu on August 19.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">August 22: The 'Agency Award Night 2080' of Surya Jyoti Life Insurance was successfully held in Kathmandu on August 19. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">During the event, various agency managers and agents from different sectors, who had performed excellently in the fiscal year 2022/2023 were honoured with awards. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Agents, who provided the highest business under the 'Personal Code' and 'Team Business' categories were presented with the 'Surya Jyoti Ratna Award'.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Similarly, various agents were felicitated with trophies, appreciation letters and cash in life insurance plans such as “Secure Future “ and “84 Puja” under product ambassador product. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">The company also acknowledged 62 individuals under the MDRT Qualifiers, CEO Club, and Chairman's Club. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Different speakers including Surya Jyoti Life Insurance’s brand ambassador Rajesh Hamal had highlighted the insurance’s contribution, company’s activities and plans. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-22', 'modified' => '2023-08-22', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18537', 'image' => '20230822053741_collage (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-22 17:36:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18807', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Power Trade Agreement with Bangladesh Soon: Energy Minister Basnet', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has said that a power trade agreement with Bangladesh will be reached shortly.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">August 22: Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has said that a power trade agreement with Bangladesh will be reached shortly. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Speaking to reporters at Bharatpur airport today, Minister Basnet assured that the announcement of this agreement will occur within this year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Basnet highlighted that while certain details are being formalized, the agreement is in its final stage, and once signed, it will be put into execution.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Minister Basnet went on to emphasize that Nepal is well on its way to achieving self-sufficiency in electricity, both during the dry and monsoon seasons. He stated, "We are poised to become completely self-reliant in electricity, which will effectively address the challenges we currently face."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Addressing the issue of electricity over-production during the rainy season and scarcity in the dry season, the Minister expressed confidence in resolving these problems promptly. Efforts are underway to enhance the distribution system's efficiency by bolstering production capacity, Basnet added. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Similarly, Minister Basnet stated that electrification, which previously covered only half of the area, has now extended to cover 90 percent of the region. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Minister asserted that the current challenges will be tackled in the upcoming dry season, as the government is diligently working to streamline energy production, transmission, and distribution through an integrated strategy.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Additionally, the Minister highlighted the integration of power trade within the overarching plan. He stated, "Our approach also encompasses seamless power trade integration, and we are concurrently reforming policies and regulations to maximize the effectiveness of these initiatives." (RSS)</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-22', 'modified' => '2023-08-22', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18536', 'image' => '20230822051359_collage.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-22 17:12:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ) ) $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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Similarly, the state governments had also allocated budget to be spent on the plans recommended by the parliamentarians in the state assembly constituencies.</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"">The Supreme Court has also demanded a written response from the federal government and the state governments within 7 days in this regard.</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"">The Supreme Court has commented that Nepal has adopted a democratic governance system based on the principle of separation of powers and that it is not appropriate for legislators to use the executive powers of the federal cabinet and state cabinet. The apex court pointed out that giving MPs the right to choose plans and allocate budget would be counterproductive to the constitutional system.</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"">The order states: 'It seems that the main work of the federal and state legislatures will be legislative in nature. It does not appear that federal parliamentarians or provincial assembly members are given the responsibility to perform executive functions.</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"">The Supreme Court has warned that there will be a conflict of interest if the parliamentarians exercise their executive powers on issues that are not recommended by the National Planning Commission or the Provincial Planning Commission or the related ministries. It is said in the order, “When the parliamentarian themselves allocate funds in the name of infrastructure development of the parliamentary constituency, there will be a conflict of interest.”</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"">Similarly, the Supreme Court has mentioned that the issue of transparency and accountability should be taken into consideration while spending government funds in such programmes.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-24', 'modified' => '2023-08-24', 'keywords' => 'Supreme, Court, Nepal, government, interim, order, writ, petition, constituency, infrastructure, development, fund, parliament, state, assembly, House, Representatives', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18550', 'image' => '20230824112505_Supreme Court.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-24 11:23:23', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18820', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Weather Likely to Improve by Saturday ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 24: The monsoon rain is expected to persist for the next two to three days. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 24: The monsoon rain is expected to persist for the next two to three days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, it will take a couple of days for the weather to improve. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sivision's senior meteorologist Barun Poudel said that the ongoing precipitation is anticipated to continue until Friday with chances of heavy rains at one or two places, particularly in Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">T<span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">he division stated that the weather is generally to mostly cloudy throughout the country today with the possibility of light to moderate rainfall at some places of the country. Likewise, heavy rain with thunder and lightning is expected at one or two places of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudur Pashchim provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the weather will be mostly cloudy throughout the country tonight while light to moderate rainfall is likely to occur at many places of the country. Heavy rain with thunder and lightning may take place at one or two places of Koshi, Madesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-24', 'modified' => '2023-08-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18549', 'image' => '20230824104947_rain.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-24 10:48:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18819', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Trade Deficit Shrinks to Rs 115 Billion', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => ' In the first month of the current fiscal year, Nepal's trade deficit has shrunk to Rs 115.71 billion. According to data released by the Department of Customs on Wednesday, the trade deficit has decreased by 0.66 percent compared to the same month in the previous fiscal year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 24: In the first month of the current fiscal year, Nepal's trade deficit has shrunk to Rs 115.71 billion. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> According to data released by the Department of Customs on Wednesday, the trade deficit has decreased by 0.66 percent compared to the same month in the previous fiscal year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In the same period last year, the country's trade deficit was Rs 116.47 billion. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The trade deficit has decreased along with the decline in imports in first month of the current fiscal year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In Nepal's trade, the proportion of imports is higher than exports. For this reason, when imports decrease, the trade deficit also decreases.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the Department of Customs, the imports have dropped by 1.56% in the first month of the current fiscal year compared to the same period last year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The country imported goods equivalent to Rs 129.23 billion during the review period.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Exports have also decreased along with imports in the first month of the current fiscal year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> According to the department, the export has declined by 8.65% in the first month compared to same period last fiscal year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Goods and commodities worth Rs 13.52 billion were exported in the first month of the current fiscal year. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-24', 'modified' => '2023-08-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18548', 'image' => '20230824061907_collage (4).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-24 06:17:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18818', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'HoR Meeting Resumes after Weeks, Govt to Form Probe Commission on Gold Smuggling ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: The House of Representatives (HoR) meeting resumed on Wednesday after weeks of disruption triggered by political difference on whether to form a probe panel on gold smuggling scam or not. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 23: The House of Representatives (HoR) meeting resumed on Wednesday after weeks of disruption triggered by political difference on whether to form a probe panel on gold smuggling scam or not. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The HoR meeting resumed after the political parties forged consensus on thorny issues of the hour. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Speaking at the HoR meeting on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka informed the lawmakers that political parties had reached an agreement to form a probe commission on gold smuggling scam and thereby the parliament deadlock has come to an end. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The probe commission will be formed on September 23 as per the Investigation Commission Act, 2026 for the study on gold smuggling. The commission will also furnish recommendation to the government. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Currently, the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police has been investigating the gold smuggling scam, which was initially started by the Revenue Investigation Department after confiscation of around 60-kg gold from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) premises. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> DPM Khadka stressed that government was ready to resolve problems in a democratic way. He thanked the main opposition party for the resumption of the parliament following intense discussion and dialogue. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18547', 'image' => '20230823081505_20220228110858_Parliament.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 20:13:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18817', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Paddy Transplanted in 92% of Land Nationwide; Lowest in Madhes Province', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Paddy transplantation has taken place only in 92% of the land across the country. According to the data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, paddy has been planted in only 92% of the land of the total area where paddy is transplanted as of August 18.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">August 18: Paddy transplantation has taken place only in 92% of the land across the country.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, paddy has been planted in only 92% of the land of the total area where paddy is transplanted as of August 18.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">This is 3 percent less compared to the same period of the last year. Last year, rice had been planted in 95 percent of the land during the same period.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In Nepal, rice cultivation occurs on approximately 1,488,000 hectares of land. Among them, currently, rice has been planted on around 1,375,000 hectares.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the ministry's data, this year, the most rice cultivation has occurred in the Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces. In these two provinces, rice has been planted on 99.99 percent of the total cultivable area.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Often referred to as ‘grain house’ of the country, the Tarai region has the least rice cultivation. Madhes Province contributes to the highest portion to Nepal's rice production.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"> In this province, this year's rice cultivation is 82 percent until now, which is 11 percent less than the same period last year. Last year, rice was cultivated in 93 percent of the land in Madhes during the same period last year. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Similarly, in Koshi Province, 97 percent of rice cultivation has taken place, while in Bagmati Province, it's 93 percent, in Gandaki Province, it's 94 percent, and in Lumbini Province, it's 95 percent.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"> Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Haribahadur K.C., said paddy plantation had dropped due to delayed monsoon in Bagmati, Gandaki and Madhes Provinces.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18546', 'image' => '20230823045118_collage (3).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 16:49:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => true, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18816', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Index Gains 1.46% to Settle at 2045.45 Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) Index gained 29.47 points or 1.46% and closed at 2045.45 points on the fourth trading day of the week, Wednesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 23: The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) Index gained 29.47 points or 1.46% and closed at 2045.45 points on the fourth trading day of the week, Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Stock market analysts and experts say that today’s rise is natural as the market had witnessed continuous fall for over two weeks. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“Investors and traders increased their purchase as the prices of the companies have come down to the bottom-level,” said a seasoned investor. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Investors are optimistic that the market will not plunge down the level of 2000 points. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During today's trading, a total of 273 scrips exchanged hands through 44,340 transactions. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A total of 4,237,069 shares were traded amounting to Rs 1.51 billion. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Market capitalization stood at Rs. 30.62 Kharba, with a float market capitalization of Rs. 10.76 Kharba. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ghorahi Cement Industry Limited (GCIL) recorded the highest turnover of Rs. 7.57 crores and closed at a market price of Rs. 510.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Similarly, the newly listed stock Kutheli Bukhari Small Hydropower Limited (KBSH) gained the highest 9.99%, technically hitting the upper circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Meanwhile, Citizens Super 30 Mutual Fund (C30MF) lost the highest 7.42% today.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In terms of sub-indices, all sub-indices closed in the green zone. Hydropower Index gained the most for the day with a 2.74% positive change.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sensitive Index increased by 1.11%, while Float Index and Sensitive Float Index rose by 1.47% and 1.19% respectively. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18545', 'image' => '20230823042148_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 16:20:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18815', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Receives Foreign Investment Commitment of Rs 12 Billion in Current FY', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: Nepal has received foreign investment commitment of Rs 11.93 billion in the first month of the current fiscal year (FY 2023/24).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 23: Nepal has received foreign investment commitment of Rs 11.93 billion in the first month of the current fiscal year (FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">23</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"">24).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Department of Industry, investors have made investment commitment for </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">60</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> projects.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, there has been more investment commitment for small scale industries in the review month. The choice of investors is the tourism sector. Most of the investment commitment is for tourism and service industries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">46</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the total investment commitment has been pledged for the tourism sector.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">A total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">28</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> tourism industries have received approval for foreign investment. The service industry's share in the total commitment is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">43</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. Altogether </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">26</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> service-oriented industries have received approval for foreign investment. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the past years too, most of the projects and investment commitments were seen in these two sectors. The third is the manufacturing industry. The share of investment commitment for the manufacturing industry is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">7</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Four productive industries have received approval for foreign investment while one industry each related to information and communication technology and agriculture sector have got approval for foreign investment. The share of these two sectors in the total investment commitment is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent each.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, out of the </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">60 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">projects approved for investment, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">54 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">are of small scale. The department informed that four medium and two small projects have been approved.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18544', 'image' => '20230823033315_1692757248.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 15:32:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18814', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'New Brokers Submit Memo to SEBON Demanding the Operation of Auction Market', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: The Securities Brokers Association Nepal has submitted a memorandum to the Securities Board of Nepal with various demands including development, expansion and improving the current situation of the secondary market.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">August 23: The Securities Brokers Association Nepal has submitted a memorandum to the Securities Board of Nepal with various demands including development, expansion and improving the current situation of the secondary market.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sagar Dhakal, chairman of the Securities Brokers Association of Nepal submitted the memorandum to the Chairman of the Securities Board, Ramesh Hamal in the presence of the executive committee members of the association.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The association through the memorandum has requested the regulatory body to operate auction market for a minimum of 30 minutes after the regular trading period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Currently, investors are forced to pay a 20 per cent fine in case of closeout, so to manage it and solve the problem of closeout, it has been demanded to operate the auction market for a minimum of 30 minutes after the regular market period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In addition to this, the association has requested the board to allow opening of Demat account, which are an indispensable tool for risk management, as per the need of the investors. Currently, an individual can open only two Demat accounts.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18543', 'image' => '20230823032444_Sebon-update.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 15:24:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18813', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Infection of Panama Disease Risks Banana Farming in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: TR4 strain of Panama (withering) disease has been found in bananas for the first time in Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 23: TR</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"">strain of Panama (withering) disease has been found in bananas for the first time in Nepal. This disease in bananas is caused by Fusaria Oxysporum Cubense Fungi, which is a TR</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"">strain of the Panama disease. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Stakeholders say that Nepal's banana business, which has an investment of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion, is at risk of collapsing if the outbreak is not curbed in time. This disease is spreading rapidly in other countries of the world.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Because this disease is caused by soil-dwelling fungus, it can spread easily through infected plants, soil, water, and agricultural tools. Also, it can move from one field to another even from the soil stuck on the tyres of the banana-carrying vehicle and shoes. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Agricultural scientist Ram Khadka says that since the TR4 strain of the disease can remain active for </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> years in the soil once infected, there is a risk that the Nepali banana business may collapse if preventive measures are not taken on time.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal mostly produces bananas in Morang, Jhapa, Saptari, Chitwan, Kailali, Bardiya, Rupandehi and Nawalparasi districts. It is estimated that more than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">50</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,000 people are involved in banana farming.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Khadka said that the TR4 strain of the disease is complex in nature and once infected, it affects for years, resulting in huge losses. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"That's why it is important for all stakeholders to be aware of this in time," he told New Business Age. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Currently, the TR</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"">strain has been observed in the banana orchards of nine farmers in Tikapur, Kailali. When the team of the National Crop Pathology Research Center and the Faculty of Agriculture of Sudurpaschim University observed around </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> banana plants in the affected area on July 26, it was found that about </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">40</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the plants showed symptoms of the disease.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">This type of Panama disease was first observed in Australia in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1997. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">At that time, to prevent the spread of the disease, the Australian government destroyed all the plants in the fields and prohibited entry to the affected areas for </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> years. Eighteen years later, this disease again surfaced for the second time in Queensland, Australia. This species has also been seen in the neighboring countries of China and India’s Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">What is the TR</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"">strain?</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to scientists, the infection of bananas by this strain means the destruction of the farm itself. According to Khadka, all the crops in Africa and Australia were wiped out due to this disease. As the current banana species could not fight against this disease, the scientists did not bother to seek a remedy but instead invented a new species of banana 'G-Nine' which is resistant to the disease in order to revive commercial banana farming.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Khadka says that after the use of 'G-Nine' variety of banana in commercial farming around the world, other local banana species got wiped out due to this disease. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the National Agricultural Research Council (NARC), another strain of Panama disease was recorded in Nepal </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">years ago and it destroyed the local Malbhog variety of bananas in Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">This disease causes the leaves of the banana plant to turn yellow and finally the tree will collapse. To avoid the infection, the place where the disease occurs should be sealed immediately.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18542', 'image' => '20230823015131_1692756184.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 13:50:47', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18812', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Mobile Banking getting Popular among General Public', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: The general public has shown keen interest in banking transactions through mobile devices.', '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"">August 23: The general public has shown keen interest in banking transactions through mobile devices.</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"">The number of people using mobile banking services has increased along with the transaction volume due to the increase in access to smartphones and the Internet, the expansion of services of banks and financial institutions as well as various wallet companies, and the government’s policies to encourage electronic payments.</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"">According to the data of Nepal Rastra Bank, the volume of transaction through mobile banking in the month of Asar (mid-June to mid-July) stood at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">233.44</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion, followed by Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">30.14</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion through QR code and Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20.32</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion through digital wallet. </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"">While mobile banking transactions increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">42.99</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent in the review month compared to a year ago, payments through QR code increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">107.54</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent and digital wallets by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14.49</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent, the central bank said.</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"">Around </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million mobile banking users have been added within a period of one year. In mid-June </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">022, there were </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">18.3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million mobile banking users, which increased to 21.3 million in mid-June </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">23. Similarly, the central bank’s data show that the number of digital wallet users increased from </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13.6</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">18</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</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""> million.</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"">Currently, in addition to banks and financial institutions (BFIs), various payment system operators and service providers are also operating mobile payment services. The central bank has been giving permission to private companies to operate digital wallets to encourage the use of electronic payments. Currently, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">27</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> companies are operating digital wallet services.</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"">Similarly, Nepal Rastra Bank has increased the transaction limit for electronic payments after the onset of Covid-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> pandemic.</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"">Currently, the upper limit for transactions through mobile banking has been fixed at Rs 300,000 per day.</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"">Similarly, the central bank has allowed transactions up to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">00,000 per day from bank account to digital wallets and vice versa and up to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">million per month. Similarly, the NRB has fixed the limit of transactions worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">50,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per day and Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">500,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per month from one wallet to another.</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"">Arrangements have been made to send remittances from abroad directly to digital wallets.</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"">Currently, banks have started providing all kinds of banking services and facilities through mobile banking. Mobile banking and wallet can be used for paying money to another bank account, shopping in the market, paying bills such as mobile, telephone, internet, water etc.</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"">To encourage QR codes, the central bank has made arrangement for banks and financial institutions to provide QR codes even for unregistered businessmen. </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"">There is a provision that a QR code can be provided in order to transfer funds to savings accounts in banks and financial institutions in the name of sole proprietors who have a permanent account number. </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"">Similarly, there is a provision to provide a QR code in the name of a merchant on the basis of an official identity card and even other businessmen who do not have a permanent account number but do business transactions of up to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">5</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,000 per day.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18541', 'image' => '20230823010633_1692756517.2023-08-23 07.51.26.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 13:05:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18811', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Thai Airways to Resume Flights to Nepal from November', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: Thai Airways, the national flag carrier of Thailand, is all set to resume flights to Nepal from November. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 23: Thai Airways, the national flag carrier of Thailand, is all set to resume flights to Nepal from November. Thai Airways has appointed Society International Travel Services as the General Sales Agent for Nepal. According to the agreement, Society International will provide all services related to customer and agent support including sales, marketing and airport services for Thai Airways.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Thai Airways had suspended flights to Nepal since April </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2020</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> due to the coronavirus pandemic. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Thai Airways, which operated its maiden flight to Nepal in December </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1968</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, claims to have succeeded in taking a special place in Nepal’s aviation history and among the people of Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The airline says it wants to take advantage of the opportunities in the Nepali market by strengthening the presence of Thai Airways and its services and facilities for the Nepalese people. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Chief Commercial Officer of Thai Airways, Korakot Chatasingha, said that the resumption of Thai Airways flights will support the Nepali tourists and passengers to travel to various world-famous destinations within Thailand.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ravi Chandra Singh, president of Society International Travel Services, said that the cooperation with Thai Airways was possible due to the excellent image of the organization at the international level. He expects that the re-operation of Thai Airways flights will also help to promote Nepal’s tourism industry by providing more connectivity for tourists to visit Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => 'Thai, Airways, Nepal, Thailand, flight, resume, tourism, boost, promotion, service, corona, coronavirus, Covid-19, pandemic, sales, agent', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18540', 'image' => '20230823113854_Thai.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 11:36:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18810', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'MFD urges Caution as Rainfall Likely to Continue till Thursday', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Aug 24: The existing position of the monsoon trough has shifted towards the north than its average position. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Aug 24: The existing position of the monsoon trough has shifted towards the north than its average position. As a result, Nepal, along with central Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas in India, is currently experiencing the effects of a low-pressure system, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD). </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division says the weather is generally cloudy throughout the country. Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at some places of Sudur Pashchim Province and hill regions and other few places of the country. Likewise heavy rain with thunder and lightning has been predicted at one or two places of Sudur Pashchim Province. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the weather will be generally to mostly cloudy throughout the country tonight. Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning has been forecast at some places of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati , Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. The same atmospheric condition has been predicted at a few places of rest of the provinces. There are chances of heavy rain with thunder and lightning at one or two places of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces tonight, according to meteorologist Sanjib Adhikari. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division has urged one and all to remain alert to potential consequences from heavy rains with lightning expected in certain parts of the country in the next 24 hours. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18539', 'image' => '20230823110809_rain.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 11:07:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18809', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'MCC Agreement to be Implemented from August 30', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Millennium Challenge Compact signed between the Ministry of Finance and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) six years ago is poised for its entry into force (EIF) for the full-scale implementation. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 23: The Millennium Challenge Compact signed between the Ministry of Finance and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) six years ago is poised for its entry into force (EIF) for the full-scale implementation. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A meeting of the Board of Directors of Millennium Challenge Account Nepal Development Committee (MCA-Nepal) held on August 16 has set the time of August 30 for the EIF, the MCA Nepal said. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Under the terms of the agreement, the construction of power transmission lines and road development projects must be completed within five years from the commencement of EIF. However, some pending matters related to land acquisition and compensation distribution still require attention, according to MCA Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The initial agreement was signed between the Finance Ministry and MCC on September 14, 2017. After receiving parliamentary ratification with an interpretative declaration eighteen months ago, most of the six preconditions necessary for EIF have been fulfilled, with the exception of land acquisition.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">For the successful execution of the power transmission project under MCA Nepal, a total of 1,471 hectares of land is needed. Additionally, around 20 hectares of land are earmarked for the development of the Ratmate substation in Nuwakot.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Significantly, Nepal's financial obligations have risen from the original agreement. While the previous commitment stood at 130 million US Dollars, Nepal's share has increased to 197 million US Dollars. Consequently, the total cost of MCC projects in Nepal has escalated from 630 million Dollars to 697 million US Dollars. (RSS) </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18538', 'image' => '20230823061557_collage (3).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 06:14:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18808', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Agency Award Night 2080' of Surya Jyoti Life Insurance Held', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The 'Agency Award Night 2080' of Surya Jyoti Life Insurance was successfully held in Kathmandu on August 19.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">August 22: The 'Agency Award Night 2080' of Surya Jyoti Life Insurance was successfully held in Kathmandu on August 19. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">During the event, various agency managers and agents from different sectors, who had performed excellently in the fiscal year 2022/2023 were honoured with awards. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Agents, who provided the highest business under the 'Personal Code' and 'Team Business' categories were presented with the 'Surya Jyoti Ratna Award'.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Similarly, various agents were felicitated with trophies, appreciation letters and cash in life insurance plans such as “Secure Future “ and “84 Puja” under product ambassador product. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">The company also acknowledged 62 individuals under the MDRT Qualifiers, CEO Club, and Chairman's Club. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Different speakers including Surya Jyoti Life Insurance’s brand ambassador Rajesh Hamal had highlighted the insurance’s contribution, company’s activities and plans. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-22', 'modified' => '2023-08-22', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18537', 'image' => '20230822053741_collage (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-22 17:36:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18807', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Power Trade Agreement with Bangladesh Soon: Energy Minister Basnet', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has said that a power trade agreement with Bangladesh will be reached shortly.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">August 22: Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has said that a power trade agreement with Bangladesh will be reached shortly. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Speaking to reporters at Bharatpur airport today, Minister Basnet assured that the announcement of this agreement will occur within this year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Basnet highlighted that while certain details are being formalized, the agreement is in its final stage, and once signed, it will be put into execution.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Minister Basnet went on to emphasize that Nepal is well on its way to achieving self-sufficiency in electricity, both during the dry and monsoon seasons. He stated, "We are poised to become completely self-reliant in electricity, which will effectively address the challenges we currently face."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Addressing the issue of electricity over-production during the rainy season and scarcity in the dry season, the Minister expressed confidence in resolving these problems promptly. Efforts are underway to enhance the distribution system's efficiency by bolstering production capacity, Basnet added. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Similarly, Minister Basnet stated that electrification, which previously covered only half of the area, has now extended to cover 90 percent of the region. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Minister asserted that the current challenges will be tackled in the upcoming dry season, as the government is diligently working to streamline energy production, transmission, and distribution through an integrated strategy.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Additionally, the Minister highlighted the integration of power trade within the overarching plan. He stated, "Our approach also encompasses seamless power trade integration, and we are concurrently reforming policies and regulations to maximize the effectiveness of these initiatives." (RSS)</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-22', 'modified' => '2023-08-22', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18536', 'image' => '20230822051359_collage.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-22 17:12:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ) ) $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
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Similarly, the state governments had also allocated budget to be spent on the plans recommended by the parliamentarians in the state assembly constituencies.</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"">The Supreme Court has also demanded a written response from the federal government and the state governments within 7 days in this regard.</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"">The Supreme Court has commented that Nepal has adopted a democratic governance system based on the principle of separation of powers and that it is not appropriate for legislators to use the executive powers of the federal cabinet and state cabinet. The apex court pointed out that giving MPs the right to choose plans and allocate budget would be counterproductive to the constitutional system.</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"">The order states: 'It seems that the main work of the federal and state legislatures will be legislative in nature. It does not appear that federal parliamentarians or provincial assembly members are given the responsibility to perform executive functions.</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"">The Supreme Court has warned that there will be a conflict of interest if the parliamentarians exercise their executive powers on issues that are not recommended by the National Planning Commission or the Provincial Planning Commission or the related ministries. It is said in the order, “When the parliamentarian themselves allocate funds in the name of infrastructure development of the parliamentary constituency, there will be a conflict of interest.”</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"">Similarly, the Supreme Court has mentioned that the issue of transparency and accountability should be taken into consideration while spending government funds in such programmes.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-24', 'modified' => '2023-08-24', 'keywords' => 'Supreme, Court, Nepal, government, interim, order, writ, petition, constituency, infrastructure, development, fund, parliament, state, assembly, House, Representatives', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18550', 'image' => '20230824112505_Supreme Court.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-24 11:23:23', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18820', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Weather Likely to Improve by Saturday ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 24: The monsoon rain is expected to persist for the next two to three days. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 24: The monsoon rain is expected to persist for the next two to three days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, it will take a couple of days for the weather to improve. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sivision's senior meteorologist Barun Poudel said that the ongoing precipitation is anticipated to continue until Friday with chances of heavy rains at one or two places, particularly in Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">T<span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">he division stated that the weather is generally to mostly cloudy throughout the country today with the possibility of light to moderate rainfall at some places of the country. Likewise, heavy rain with thunder and lightning is expected at one or two places of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudur Pashchim provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the weather will be mostly cloudy throughout the country tonight while light to moderate rainfall is likely to occur at many places of the country. Heavy rain with thunder and lightning may take place at one or two places of Koshi, Madesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-24', 'modified' => '2023-08-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18549', 'image' => '20230824104947_rain.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-24 10:48:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18819', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Trade Deficit Shrinks to Rs 115 Billion', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => ' In the first month of the current fiscal year, Nepal's trade deficit has shrunk to Rs 115.71 billion. According to data released by the Department of Customs on Wednesday, the trade deficit has decreased by 0.66 percent compared to the same month in the previous fiscal year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 24: In the first month of the current fiscal year, Nepal's trade deficit has shrunk to Rs 115.71 billion. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> According to data released by the Department of Customs on Wednesday, the trade deficit has decreased by 0.66 percent compared to the same month in the previous fiscal year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In the same period last year, the country's trade deficit was Rs 116.47 billion. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The trade deficit has decreased along with the decline in imports in first month of the current fiscal year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In Nepal's trade, the proportion of imports is higher than exports. For this reason, when imports decrease, the trade deficit also decreases.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the Department of Customs, the imports have dropped by 1.56% in the first month of the current fiscal year compared to the same period last year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The country imported goods equivalent to Rs 129.23 billion during the review period.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Exports have also decreased along with imports in the first month of the current fiscal year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> According to the department, the export has declined by 8.65% in the first month compared to same period last fiscal year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Goods and commodities worth Rs 13.52 billion were exported in the first month of the current fiscal year. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-24', 'modified' => '2023-08-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18548', 'image' => '20230824061907_collage (4).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-24 06:17:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18818', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'HoR Meeting Resumes after Weeks, Govt to Form Probe Commission on Gold Smuggling ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: The House of Representatives (HoR) meeting resumed on Wednesday after weeks of disruption triggered by political difference on whether to form a probe panel on gold smuggling scam or not. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 23: The House of Representatives (HoR) meeting resumed on Wednesday after weeks of disruption triggered by political difference on whether to form a probe panel on gold smuggling scam or not. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The HoR meeting resumed after the political parties forged consensus on thorny issues of the hour. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Speaking at the HoR meeting on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka informed the lawmakers that political parties had reached an agreement to form a probe commission on gold smuggling scam and thereby the parliament deadlock has come to an end. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The probe commission will be formed on September 23 as per the Investigation Commission Act, 2026 for the study on gold smuggling. The commission will also furnish recommendation to the government. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Currently, the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police has been investigating the gold smuggling scam, which was initially started by the Revenue Investigation Department after confiscation of around 60-kg gold from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) premises. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> DPM Khadka stressed that government was ready to resolve problems in a democratic way. He thanked the main opposition party for the resumption of the parliament following intense discussion and dialogue. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18547', 'image' => '20230823081505_20220228110858_Parliament.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 20:13:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18817', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Paddy Transplanted in 92% of Land Nationwide; Lowest in Madhes Province', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Paddy transplantation has taken place only in 92% of the land across the country. According to the data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, paddy has been planted in only 92% of the land of the total area where paddy is transplanted as of August 18.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">August 18: Paddy transplantation has taken place only in 92% of the land across the country.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, paddy has been planted in only 92% of the land of the total area where paddy is transplanted as of August 18.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">This is 3 percent less compared to the same period of the last year. Last year, rice had been planted in 95 percent of the land during the same period.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In Nepal, rice cultivation occurs on approximately 1,488,000 hectares of land. Among them, currently, rice has been planted on around 1,375,000 hectares.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the ministry's data, this year, the most rice cultivation has occurred in the Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces. In these two provinces, rice has been planted on 99.99 percent of the total cultivable area.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Often referred to as ‘grain house’ of the country, the Tarai region has the least rice cultivation. Madhes Province contributes to the highest portion to Nepal's rice production.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"> In this province, this year's rice cultivation is 82 percent until now, which is 11 percent less than the same period last year. Last year, rice was cultivated in 93 percent of the land in Madhes during the same period last year. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Similarly, in Koshi Province, 97 percent of rice cultivation has taken place, while in Bagmati Province, it's 93 percent, in Gandaki Province, it's 94 percent, and in Lumbini Province, it's 95 percent.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"> Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Haribahadur K.C., said paddy plantation had dropped due to delayed monsoon in Bagmati, Gandaki and Madhes Provinces.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18546', 'image' => '20230823045118_collage (3).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 16:49:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => true, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18816', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Index Gains 1.46% to Settle at 2045.45 Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) Index gained 29.47 points or 1.46% and closed at 2045.45 points on the fourth trading day of the week, Wednesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 23: The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) Index gained 29.47 points or 1.46% and closed at 2045.45 points on the fourth trading day of the week, Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Stock market analysts and experts say that today’s rise is natural as the market had witnessed continuous fall for over two weeks. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“Investors and traders increased their purchase as the prices of the companies have come down to the bottom-level,” said a seasoned investor. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Investors are optimistic that the market will not plunge down the level of 2000 points. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During today's trading, a total of 273 scrips exchanged hands through 44,340 transactions. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A total of 4,237,069 shares were traded amounting to Rs 1.51 billion. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Market capitalization stood at Rs. 30.62 Kharba, with a float market capitalization of Rs. 10.76 Kharba. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ghorahi Cement Industry Limited (GCIL) recorded the highest turnover of Rs. 7.57 crores and closed at a market price of Rs. 510.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Similarly, the newly listed stock Kutheli Bukhari Small Hydropower Limited (KBSH) gained the highest 9.99%, technically hitting the upper circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Meanwhile, Citizens Super 30 Mutual Fund (C30MF) lost the highest 7.42% today.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In terms of sub-indices, all sub-indices closed in the green zone. Hydropower Index gained the most for the day with a 2.74% positive change.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sensitive Index increased by 1.11%, while Float Index and Sensitive Float Index rose by 1.47% and 1.19% respectively. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18545', 'image' => '20230823042148_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 16:20:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18815', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Receives Foreign Investment Commitment of Rs 12 Billion in Current FY', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: Nepal has received foreign investment commitment of Rs 11.93 billion in the first month of the current fiscal year (FY 2023/24).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 23: Nepal has received foreign investment commitment of Rs 11.93 billion in the first month of the current fiscal year (FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">23</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"">24).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Department of Industry, investors have made investment commitment for </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">60</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> projects.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, there has been more investment commitment for small scale industries in the review month. The choice of investors is the tourism sector. Most of the investment commitment is for tourism and service industries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">46</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the total investment commitment has been pledged for the tourism sector.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">A total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">28</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> tourism industries have received approval for foreign investment. The service industry's share in the total commitment is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">43</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. Altogether </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">26</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> service-oriented industries have received approval for foreign investment. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the past years too, most of the projects and investment commitments were seen in these two sectors. The third is the manufacturing industry. The share of investment commitment for the manufacturing industry is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">7</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Four productive industries have received approval for foreign investment while one industry each related to information and communication technology and agriculture sector have got approval for foreign investment. The share of these two sectors in the total investment commitment is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent each.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, out of the </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">60 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">projects approved for investment, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">54 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">are of small scale. The department informed that four medium and two small projects have been approved.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18544', 'image' => '20230823033315_1692757248.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 15:32:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18814', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'New Brokers Submit Memo to SEBON Demanding the Operation of Auction Market', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: The Securities Brokers Association Nepal has submitted a memorandum to the Securities Board of Nepal with various demands including development, expansion and improving the current situation of the secondary market.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">August 23: The Securities Brokers Association Nepal has submitted a memorandum to the Securities Board of Nepal with various demands including development, expansion and improving the current situation of the secondary market.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sagar Dhakal, chairman of the Securities Brokers Association of Nepal submitted the memorandum to the Chairman of the Securities Board, Ramesh Hamal in the presence of the executive committee members of the association.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The association through the memorandum has requested the regulatory body to operate auction market for a minimum of 30 minutes after the regular trading period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Currently, investors are forced to pay a 20 per cent fine in case of closeout, so to manage it and solve the problem of closeout, it has been demanded to operate the auction market for a minimum of 30 minutes after the regular market period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In addition to this, the association has requested the board to allow opening of Demat account, which are an indispensable tool for risk management, as per the need of the investors. Currently, an individual can open only two Demat accounts.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18543', 'image' => '20230823032444_Sebon-update.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 15:24:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18813', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Infection of Panama Disease Risks Banana Farming in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: TR4 strain of Panama (withering) disease has been found in bananas for the first time in Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 23: TR</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"">strain of Panama (withering) disease has been found in bananas for the first time in Nepal. This disease in bananas is caused by Fusaria Oxysporum Cubense Fungi, which is a TR</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"">strain of the Panama disease. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Stakeholders say that Nepal's banana business, which has an investment of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion, is at risk of collapsing if the outbreak is not curbed in time. This disease is spreading rapidly in other countries of the world.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Because this disease is caused by soil-dwelling fungus, it can spread easily through infected plants, soil, water, and agricultural tools. Also, it can move from one field to another even from the soil stuck on the tyres of the banana-carrying vehicle and shoes. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Agricultural scientist Ram Khadka says that since the TR4 strain of the disease can remain active for </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> years in the soil once infected, there is a risk that the Nepali banana business may collapse if preventive measures are not taken on time.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal mostly produces bananas in Morang, Jhapa, Saptari, Chitwan, Kailali, Bardiya, Rupandehi and Nawalparasi districts. It is estimated that more than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">50</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,000 people are involved in banana farming.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Khadka said that the TR4 strain of the disease is complex in nature and once infected, it affects for years, resulting in huge losses. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"That's why it is important for all stakeholders to be aware of this in time," he told New Business Age. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Currently, the TR</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"">strain has been observed in the banana orchards of nine farmers in Tikapur, Kailali. When the team of the National Crop Pathology Research Center and the Faculty of Agriculture of Sudurpaschim University observed around </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> banana plants in the affected area on July 26, it was found that about </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">40</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the plants showed symptoms of the disease.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">This type of Panama disease was first observed in Australia in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1997. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">At that time, to prevent the spread of the disease, the Australian government destroyed all the plants in the fields and prohibited entry to the affected areas for </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> years. Eighteen years later, this disease again surfaced for the second time in Queensland, Australia. This species has also been seen in the neighboring countries of China and India’s Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">What is the TR</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"">strain?</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to scientists, the infection of bananas by this strain means the destruction of the farm itself. According to Khadka, all the crops in Africa and Australia were wiped out due to this disease. As the current banana species could not fight against this disease, the scientists did not bother to seek a remedy but instead invented a new species of banana 'G-Nine' which is resistant to the disease in order to revive commercial banana farming.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Khadka says that after the use of 'G-Nine' variety of banana in commercial farming around the world, other local banana species got wiped out due to this disease. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the National Agricultural Research Council (NARC), another strain of Panama disease was recorded in Nepal </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">years ago and it destroyed the local Malbhog variety of bananas in Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">This disease causes the leaves of the banana plant to turn yellow and finally the tree will collapse. To avoid the infection, the place where the disease occurs should be sealed immediately.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18542', 'image' => '20230823015131_1692756184.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 13:50:47', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18812', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Mobile Banking getting Popular among General Public', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: The general public has shown keen interest in banking transactions through mobile devices.', '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"">August 23: The general public has shown keen interest in banking transactions through mobile devices.</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"">The number of people using mobile banking services has increased along with the transaction volume due to the increase in access to smartphones and the Internet, the expansion of services of banks and financial institutions as well as various wallet companies, and the government’s policies to encourage electronic payments.</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"">According to the data of Nepal Rastra Bank, the volume of transaction through mobile banking in the month of Asar (mid-June to mid-July) stood at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">233.44</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion, followed by Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">30.14</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion through QR code and Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20.32</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion through digital wallet. </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"">While mobile banking transactions increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">42.99</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent in the review month compared to a year ago, payments through QR code increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">107.54</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent and digital wallets by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14.49</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent, the central bank said.</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"">Around </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million mobile banking users have been added within a period of one year. In mid-June </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">022, there were </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">18.3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million mobile banking users, which increased to 21.3 million in mid-June </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">23. Similarly, the central bank’s data show that the number of digital wallet users increased from </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13.6</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">18</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</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""> million.</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"">Currently, in addition to banks and financial institutions (BFIs), various payment system operators and service providers are also operating mobile payment services. The central bank has been giving permission to private companies to operate digital wallets to encourage the use of electronic payments. Currently, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">27</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> companies are operating digital wallet services.</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"">Similarly, Nepal Rastra Bank has increased the transaction limit for electronic payments after the onset of Covid-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> pandemic.</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"">Currently, the upper limit for transactions through mobile banking has been fixed at Rs 300,000 per day.</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"">Similarly, the central bank has allowed transactions up to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">00,000 per day from bank account to digital wallets and vice versa and up to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">million per month. Similarly, the NRB has fixed the limit of transactions worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">50,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per day and Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">500,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per month from one wallet to another.</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"">Arrangements have been made to send remittances from abroad directly to digital wallets.</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"">Currently, banks have started providing all kinds of banking services and facilities through mobile banking. Mobile banking and wallet can be used for paying money to another bank account, shopping in the market, paying bills such as mobile, telephone, internet, water etc.</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"">To encourage QR codes, the central bank has made arrangement for banks and financial institutions to provide QR codes even for unregistered businessmen. </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"">There is a provision that a QR code can be provided in order to transfer funds to savings accounts in banks and financial institutions in the name of sole proprietors who have a permanent account number. </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"">Similarly, there is a provision to provide a QR code in the name of a merchant on the basis of an official identity card and even other businessmen who do not have a permanent account number but do business transactions of up to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">5</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,000 per day.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18541', 'image' => '20230823010633_1692756517.2023-08-23 07.51.26.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 13:05:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18811', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Thai Airways to Resume Flights to Nepal from November', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: Thai Airways, the national flag carrier of Thailand, is all set to resume flights to Nepal from November. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 23: Thai Airways, the national flag carrier of Thailand, is all set to resume flights to Nepal from November. Thai Airways has appointed Society International Travel Services as the General Sales Agent for Nepal. According to the agreement, Society International will provide all services related to customer and agent support including sales, marketing and airport services for Thai Airways.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Thai Airways had suspended flights to Nepal since April </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2020</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> due to the coronavirus pandemic. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Thai Airways, which operated its maiden flight to Nepal in December </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1968</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, claims to have succeeded in taking a special place in Nepal’s aviation history and among the people of Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The airline says it wants to take advantage of the opportunities in the Nepali market by strengthening the presence of Thai Airways and its services and facilities for the Nepalese people. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Chief Commercial Officer of Thai Airways, Korakot Chatasingha, said that the resumption of Thai Airways flights will support the Nepali tourists and passengers to travel to various world-famous destinations within Thailand.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ravi Chandra Singh, president of Society International Travel Services, said that the cooperation with Thai Airways was possible due to the excellent image of the organization at the international level. He expects that the re-operation of Thai Airways flights will also help to promote Nepal’s tourism industry by providing more connectivity for tourists to visit Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => 'Thai, Airways, Nepal, Thailand, flight, resume, tourism, boost, promotion, service, corona, coronavirus, Covid-19, pandemic, sales, agent', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18540', 'image' => '20230823113854_Thai.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 11:36:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18810', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'MFD urges Caution as Rainfall Likely to Continue till Thursday', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Aug 24: The existing position of the monsoon trough has shifted towards the north than its average position. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Aug 24: The existing position of the monsoon trough has shifted towards the north than its average position. As a result, Nepal, along with central Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas in India, is currently experiencing the effects of a low-pressure system, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD). </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division says the weather is generally cloudy throughout the country. Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at some places of Sudur Pashchim Province and hill regions and other few places of the country. Likewise heavy rain with thunder and lightning has been predicted at one or two places of Sudur Pashchim Province. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the weather will be generally to mostly cloudy throughout the country tonight. Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning has been forecast at some places of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati , Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. The same atmospheric condition has been predicted at a few places of rest of the provinces. There are chances of heavy rain with thunder and lightning at one or two places of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces tonight, according to meteorologist Sanjib Adhikari. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division has urged one and all to remain alert to potential consequences from heavy rains with lightning expected in certain parts of the country in the next 24 hours. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18539', 'image' => '20230823110809_rain.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 11:07:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18809', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'MCC Agreement to be Implemented from August 30', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Millennium Challenge Compact signed between the Ministry of Finance and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) six years ago is poised for its entry into force (EIF) for the full-scale implementation. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 23: The Millennium Challenge Compact signed between the Ministry of Finance and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) six years ago is poised for its entry into force (EIF) for the full-scale implementation. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A meeting of the Board of Directors of Millennium Challenge Account Nepal Development Committee (MCA-Nepal) held on August 16 has set the time of August 30 for the EIF, the MCA Nepal said. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Under the terms of the agreement, the construction of power transmission lines and road development projects must be completed within five years from the commencement of EIF. However, some pending matters related to land acquisition and compensation distribution still require attention, according to MCA Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The initial agreement was signed between the Finance Ministry and MCC on September 14, 2017. After receiving parliamentary ratification with an interpretative declaration eighteen months ago, most of the six preconditions necessary for EIF have been fulfilled, with the exception of land acquisition.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">For the successful execution of the power transmission project under MCA Nepal, a total of 1,471 hectares of land is needed. Additionally, around 20 hectares of land are earmarked for the development of the Ratmate substation in Nuwakot.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Significantly, Nepal's financial obligations have risen from the original agreement. While the previous commitment stood at 130 million US Dollars, Nepal's share has increased to 197 million US Dollars. Consequently, the total cost of MCC projects in Nepal has escalated from 630 million Dollars to 697 million US Dollars. (RSS) </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18538', 'image' => '20230823061557_collage (3).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 06:14:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18808', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Agency Award Night 2080' of Surya Jyoti Life Insurance Held', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The 'Agency Award Night 2080' of Surya Jyoti Life Insurance was successfully held in Kathmandu on August 19.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">August 22: The 'Agency Award Night 2080' of Surya Jyoti Life Insurance was successfully held in Kathmandu on August 19. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">During the event, various agency managers and agents from different sectors, who had performed excellently in the fiscal year 2022/2023 were honoured with awards. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Agents, who provided the highest business under the 'Personal Code' and 'Team Business' categories were presented with the 'Surya Jyoti Ratna Award'.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Similarly, various agents were felicitated with trophies, appreciation letters and cash in life insurance plans such as “Secure Future “ and “84 Puja” under product ambassador product. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">The company also acknowledged 62 individuals under the MDRT Qualifiers, CEO Club, and Chairman's Club. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Different speakers including Surya Jyoti Life Insurance’s brand ambassador Rajesh Hamal had highlighted the insurance’s contribution, company’s activities and plans. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-22', 'modified' => '2023-08-22', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18537', 'image' => '20230822053741_collage (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-22 17:36:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18807', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Power Trade Agreement with Bangladesh Soon: Energy Minister Basnet', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has said that a power trade agreement with Bangladesh will be reached shortly.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">August 22: Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has said that a power trade agreement with Bangladesh will be reached shortly. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Speaking to reporters at Bharatpur airport today, Minister Basnet assured that the announcement of this agreement will occur within this year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Basnet highlighted that while certain details are being formalized, the agreement is in its final stage, and once signed, it will be put into execution.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Minister Basnet went on to emphasize that Nepal is well on its way to achieving self-sufficiency in electricity, both during the dry and monsoon seasons. He stated, "We are poised to become completely self-reliant in electricity, which will effectively address the challenges we currently face."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Addressing the issue of electricity over-production during the rainy season and scarcity in the dry season, the Minister expressed confidence in resolving these problems promptly. Efforts are underway to enhance the distribution system's efficiency by bolstering production capacity, Basnet added. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Similarly, Minister Basnet stated that electrification, which previously covered only half of the area, has now extended to cover 90 percent of the region. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Minister asserted that the current challenges will be tackled in the upcoming dry season, as the government is diligently working to streamline energy production, transmission, and distribution through an integrated strategy.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Additionally, the Minister highlighted the integration of power trade within the overarching plan. He stated, "Our approach also encompasses seamless power trade integration, and we are concurrently reforming policies and regulations to maximize the effectiveness of these initiatives." (RSS)</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-22', 'modified' => '2023-08-22', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18536', 'image' => '20230822051359_collage.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-22 17:12:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ) ) $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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Similarly, the state governments had also allocated budget to be spent on the plans recommended by the parliamentarians in the state assembly constituencies.</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"">The Supreme Court has also demanded a written response from the federal government and the state governments within 7 days in this regard.</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"">The Supreme Court has commented that Nepal has adopted a democratic governance system based on the principle of separation of powers and that it is not appropriate for legislators to use the executive powers of the federal cabinet and state cabinet. The apex court pointed out that giving MPs the right to choose plans and allocate budget would be counterproductive to the constitutional system.</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"">The order states: 'It seems that the main work of the federal and state legislatures will be legislative in nature. It does not appear that federal parliamentarians or provincial assembly members are given the responsibility to perform executive functions.</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"">The Supreme Court has warned that there will be a conflict of interest if the parliamentarians exercise their executive powers on issues that are not recommended by the National Planning Commission or the Provincial Planning Commission or the related ministries. It is said in the order, “When the parliamentarian themselves allocate funds in the name of infrastructure development of the parliamentary constituency, there will be a conflict of interest.”</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"">Similarly, the Supreme Court has mentioned that the issue of transparency and accountability should be taken into consideration while spending government funds in such programmes.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-24', 'modified' => '2023-08-24', 'keywords' => 'Supreme, Court, Nepal, government, interim, order, writ, petition, constituency, infrastructure, development, fund, parliament, state, assembly, House, Representatives', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18550', 'image' => '20230824112505_Supreme Court.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-24 11:23:23', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18820', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Weather Likely to Improve by Saturday ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 24: The monsoon rain is expected to persist for the next two to three days. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 24: The monsoon rain is expected to persist for the next two to three days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, it will take a couple of days for the weather to improve. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sivision's senior meteorologist Barun Poudel said that the ongoing precipitation is anticipated to continue until Friday with chances of heavy rains at one or two places, particularly in Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">T<span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">he division stated that the weather is generally to mostly cloudy throughout the country today with the possibility of light to moderate rainfall at some places of the country. Likewise, heavy rain with thunder and lightning is expected at one or two places of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudur Pashchim provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the weather will be mostly cloudy throughout the country tonight while light to moderate rainfall is likely to occur at many places of the country. Heavy rain with thunder and lightning may take place at one or two places of Koshi, Madesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-24', 'modified' => '2023-08-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18549', 'image' => '20230824104947_rain.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-24 10:48:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18819', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Trade Deficit Shrinks to Rs 115 Billion', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => ' In the first month of the current fiscal year, Nepal's trade deficit has shrunk to Rs 115.71 billion. According to data released by the Department of Customs on Wednesday, the trade deficit has decreased by 0.66 percent compared to the same month in the previous fiscal year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 24: In the first month of the current fiscal year, Nepal's trade deficit has shrunk to Rs 115.71 billion. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> According to data released by the Department of Customs on Wednesday, the trade deficit has decreased by 0.66 percent compared to the same month in the previous fiscal year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In the same period last year, the country's trade deficit was Rs 116.47 billion. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The trade deficit has decreased along with the decline in imports in first month of the current fiscal year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In Nepal's trade, the proportion of imports is higher than exports. For this reason, when imports decrease, the trade deficit also decreases.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the Department of Customs, the imports have dropped by 1.56% in the first month of the current fiscal year compared to the same period last year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The country imported goods equivalent to Rs 129.23 billion during the review period.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Exports have also decreased along with imports in the first month of the current fiscal year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> According to the department, the export has declined by 8.65% in the first month compared to same period last fiscal year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Goods and commodities worth Rs 13.52 billion were exported in the first month of the current fiscal year. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-24', 'modified' => '2023-08-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18548', 'image' => '20230824061907_collage (4).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-24 06:17:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18818', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'HoR Meeting Resumes after Weeks, Govt to Form Probe Commission on Gold Smuggling ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: The House of Representatives (HoR) meeting resumed on Wednesday after weeks of disruption triggered by political difference on whether to form a probe panel on gold smuggling scam or not. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 23: The House of Representatives (HoR) meeting resumed on Wednesday after weeks of disruption triggered by political difference on whether to form a probe panel on gold smuggling scam or not. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The HoR meeting resumed after the political parties forged consensus on thorny issues of the hour. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Speaking at the HoR meeting on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka informed the lawmakers that political parties had reached an agreement to form a probe commission on gold smuggling scam and thereby the parliament deadlock has come to an end. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The probe commission will be formed on September 23 as per the Investigation Commission Act, 2026 for the study on gold smuggling. The commission will also furnish recommendation to the government. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Currently, the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police has been investigating the gold smuggling scam, which was initially started by the Revenue Investigation Department after confiscation of around 60-kg gold from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) premises. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> DPM Khadka stressed that government was ready to resolve problems in a democratic way. He thanked the main opposition party for the resumption of the parliament following intense discussion and dialogue. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18547', 'image' => '20230823081505_20220228110858_Parliament.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 20:13:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18817', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Paddy Transplanted in 92% of Land Nationwide; Lowest in Madhes Province', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Paddy transplantation has taken place only in 92% of the land across the country. According to the data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, paddy has been planted in only 92% of the land of the total area where paddy is transplanted as of August 18.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">August 18: Paddy transplantation has taken place only in 92% of the land across the country.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, paddy has been planted in only 92% of the land of the total area where paddy is transplanted as of August 18.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">This is 3 percent less compared to the same period of the last year. Last year, rice had been planted in 95 percent of the land during the same period.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In Nepal, rice cultivation occurs on approximately 1,488,000 hectares of land. Among them, currently, rice has been planted on around 1,375,000 hectares.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the ministry's data, this year, the most rice cultivation has occurred in the Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces. In these two provinces, rice has been planted on 99.99 percent of the total cultivable area.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Often referred to as ‘grain house’ of the country, the Tarai region has the least rice cultivation. Madhes Province contributes to the highest portion to Nepal's rice production.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"> In this province, this year's rice cultivation is 82 percent until now, which is 11 percent less than the same period last year. Last year, rice was cultivated in 93 percent of the land in Madhes during the same period last year. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Similarly, in Koshi Province, 97 percent of rice cultivation has taken place, while in Bagmati Province, it's 93 percent, in Gandaki Province, it's 94 percent, and in Lumbini Province, it's 95 percent.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"> Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Haribahadur K.C., said paddy plantation had dropped due to delayed monsoon in Bagmati, Gandaki and Madhes Provinces.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18546', 'image' => '20230823045118_collage (3).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 16:49:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => true, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18816', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Index Gains 1.46% to Settle at 2045.45 Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) Index gained 29.47 points or 1.46% and closed at 2045.45 points on the fourth trading day of the week, Wednesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 23: The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) Index gained 29.47 points or 1.46% and closed at 2045.45 points on the fourth trading day of the week, Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Stock market analysts and experts say that today’s rise is natural as the market had witnessed continuous fall for over two weeks. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“Investors and traders increased their purchase as the prices of the companies have come down to the bottom-level,” said a seasoned investor. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Investors are optimistic that the market will not plunge down the level of 2000 points. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During today's trading, a total of 273 scrips exchanged hands through 44,340 transactions. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A total of 4,237,069 shares were traded amounting to Rs 1.51 billion. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Market capitalization stood at Rs. 30.62 Kharba, with a float market capitalization of Rs. 10.76 Kharba. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ghorahi Cement Industry Limited (GCIL) recorded the highest turnover of Rs. 7.57 crores and closed at a market price of Rs. 510.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Similarly, the newly listed stock Kutheli Bukhari Small Hydropower Limited (KBSH) gained the highest 9.99%, technically hitting the upper circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Meanwhile, Citizens Super 30 Mutual Fund (C30MF) lost the highest 7.42% today.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In terms of sub-indices, all sub-indices closed in the green zone. Hydropower Index gained the most for the day with a 2.74% positive change.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sensitive Index increased by 1.11%, while Float Index and Sensitive Float Index rose by 1.47% and 1.19% respectively. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18545', 'image' => '20230823042148_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 16:20:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18815', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Receives Foreign Investment Commitment of Rs 12 Billion in Current FY', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: Nepal has received foreign investment commitment of Rs 11.93 billion in the first month of the current fiscal year (FY 2023/24).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 23: Nepal has received foreign investment commitment of Rs 11.93 billion in the first month of the current fiscal year (FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">23</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"">24).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Department of Industry, investors have made investment commitment for </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">60</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> projects.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, there has been more investment commitment for small scale industries in the review month. The choice of investors is the tourism sector. Most of the investment commitment is for tourism and service industries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">46</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the total investment commitment has been pledged for the tourism sector.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">A total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">28</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> tourism industries have received approval for foreign investment. The service industry's share in the total commitment is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">43</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. Altogether </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">26</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> service-oriented industries have received approval for foreign investment. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the past years too, most of the projects and investment commitments were seen in these two sectors. The third is the manufacturing industry. The share of investment commitment for the manufacturing industry is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">7</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Four productive industries have received approval for foreign investment while one industry each related to information and communication technology and agriculture sector have got approval for foreign investment. The share of these two sectors in the total investment commitment is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent each.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, out of the </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">60 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">projects approved for investment, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">54 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">are of small scale. The department informed that four medium and two small projects have been approved.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18544', 'image' => '20230823033315_1692757248.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 15:32:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18814', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'New Brokers Submit Memo to SEBON Demanding the Operation of Auction Market', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: The Securities Brokers Association Nepal has submitted a memorandum to the Securities Board of Nepal with various demands including development, expansion and improving the current situation of the secondary market.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">August 23: The Securities Brokers Association Nepal has submitted a memorandum to the Securities Board of Nepal with various demands including development, expansion and improving the current situation of the secondary market.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sagar Dhakal, chairman of the Securities Brokers Association of Nepal submitted the memorandum to the Chairman of the Securities Board, Ramesh Hamal in the presence of the executive committee members of the association.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The association through the memorandum has requested the regulatory body to operate auction market for a minimum of 30 minutes after the regular trading period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Currently, investors are forced to pay a 20 per cent fine in case of closeout, so to manage it and solve the problem of closeout, it has been demanded to operate the auction market for a minimum of 30 minutes after the regular market period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In addition to this, the association has requested the board to allow opening of Demat account, which are an indispensable tool for risk management, as per the need of the investors. Currently, an individual can open only two Demat accounts.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18543', 'image' => '20230823032444_Sebon-update.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 15:24:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18813', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Infection of Panama Disease Risks Banana Farming in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: TR4 strain of Panama (withering) disease has been found in bananas for the first time in Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 23: TR</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"">strain of Panama (withering) disease has been found in bananas for the first time in Nepal. This disease in bananas is caused by Fusaria Oxysporum Cubense Fungi, which is a TR</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"">strain of the Panama disease. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Stakeholders say that Nepal's banana business, which has an investment of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion, is at risk of collapsing if the outbreak is not curbed in time. This disease is spreading rapidly in other countries of the world.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Because this disease is caused by soil-dwelling fungus, it can spread easily through infected plants, soil, water, and agricultural tools. Also, it can move from one field to another even from the soil stuck on the tyres of the banana-carrying vehicle and shoes. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Agricultural scientist Ram Khadka says that since the TR4 strain of the disease can remain active for </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> years in the soil once infected, there is a risk that the Nepali banana business may collapse if preventive measures are not taken on time.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal mostly produces bananas in Morang, Jhapa, Saptari, Chitwan, Kailali, Bardiya, Rupandehi and Nawalparasi districts. It is estimated that more than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">50</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,000 people are involved in banana farming.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Khadka said that the TR4 strain of the disease is complex in nature and once infected, it affects for years, resulting in huge losses. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"That's why it is important for all stakeholders to be aware of this in time," he told New Business Age. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Currently, the TR</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"">strain has been observed in the banana orchards of nine farmers in Tikapur, Kailali. When the team of the National Crop Pathology Research Center and the Faculty of Agriculture of Sudurpaschim University observed around </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> banana plants in the affected area on July 26, it was found that about </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">40</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the plants showed symptoms of the disease.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">This type of Panama disease was first observed in Australia in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1997. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">At that time, to prevent the spread of the disease, the Australian government destroyed all the plants in the fields and prohibited entry to the affected areas for </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> years. Eighteen years later, this disease again surfaced for the second time in Queensland, Australia. This species has also been seen in the neighboring countries of China and India’s Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">What is the TR</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"">strain?</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to scientists, the infection of bananas by this strain means the destruction of the farm itself. According to Khadka, all the crops in Africa and Australia were wiped out due to this disease. As the current banana species could not fight against this disease, the scientists did not bother to seek a remedy but instead invented a new species of banana 'G-Nine' which is resistant to the disease in order to revive commercial banana farming.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Khadka says that after the use of 'G-Nine' variety of banana in commercial farming around the world, other local banana species got wiped out due to this disease. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the National Agricultural Research Council (NARC), another strain of Panama disease was recorded in Nepal </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">years ago and it destroyed the local Malbhog variety of bananas in Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">This disease causes the leaves of the banana plant to turn yellow and finally the tree will collapse. To avoid the infection, the place where the disease occurs should be sealed immediately.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18542', 'image' => '20230823015131_1692756184.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 13:50:47', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18812', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Mobile Banking getting Popular among General Public', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: The general public has shown keen interest in banking transactions through mobile devices.', '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"">August 23: The general public has shown keen interest in banking transactions through mobile devices.</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"">The number of people using mobile banking services has increased along with the transaction volume due to the increase in access to smartphones and the Internet, the expansion of services of banks and financial institutions as well as various wallet companies, and the government’s policies to encourage electronic payments.</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"">According to the data of Nepal Rastra Bank, the volume of transaction through mobile banking in the month of Asar (mid-June to mid-July) stood at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">233.44</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion, followed by Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">30.14</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion through QR code and Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20.32</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion through digital wallet. </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"">While mobile banking transactions increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">42.99</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent in the review month compared to a year ago, payments through QR code increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">107.54</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent and digital wallets by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14.49</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent, the central bank said.</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"">Around </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million mobile banking users have been added within a period of one year. In mid-June </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">022, there were </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">18.3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million mobile banking users, which increased to 21.3 million in mid-June </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">23. Similarly, the central bank’s data show that the number of digital wallet users increased from </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13.6</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">18</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</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""> million.</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"">Currently, in addition to banks and financial institutions (BFIs), various payment system operators and service providers are also operating mobile payment services. The central bank has been giving permission to private companies to operate digital wallets to encourage the use of electronic payments. Currently, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">27</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> companies are operating digital wallet services.</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"">Similarly, Nepal Rastra Bank has increased the transaction limit for electronic payments after the onset of Covid-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> pandemic.</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"">Currently, the upper limit for transactions through mobile banking has been fixed at Rs 300,000 per day.</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"">Similarly, the central bank has allowed transactions up to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">00,000 per day from bank account to digital wallets and vice versa and up to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">million per month. Similarly, the NRB has fixed the limit of transactions worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">50,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per day and Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">500,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per month from one wallet to another.</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"">Arrangements have been made to send remittances from abroad directly to digital wallets.</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"">Currently, banks have started providing all kinds of banking services and facilities through mobile banking. Mobile banking and wallet can be used for paying money to another bank account, shopping in the market, paying bills such as mobile, telephone, internet, water etc.</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"">To encourage QR codes, the central bank has made arrangement for banks and financial institutions to provide QR codes even for unregistered businessmen. </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"">There is a provision that a QR code can be provided in order to transfer funds to savings accounts in banks and financial institutions in the name of sole proprietors who have a permanent account number. </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"">Similarly, there is a provision to provide a QR code in the name of a merchant on the basis of an official identity card and even other businessmen who do not have a permanent account number but do business transactions of up to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">5</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,000 per day.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18541', 'image' => '20230823010633_1692756517.2023-08-23 07.51.26.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 13:05:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18811', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Thai Airways to Resume Flights to Nepal from November', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 23: Thai Airways, the national flag carrier of Thailand, is all set to resume flights to Nepal from November. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 23: Thai Airways, the national flag carrier of Thailand, is all set to resume flights to Nepal from November. Thai Airways has appointed Society International Travel Services as the General Sales Agent for Nepal. According to the agreement, Society International will provide all services related to customer and agent support including sales, marketing and airport services for Thai Airways.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Thai Airways had suspended flights to Nepal since April </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2020</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> due to the coronavirus pandemic. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Thai Airways, which operated its maiden flight to Nepal in December </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1968</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, claims to have succeeded in taking a special place in Nepal’s aviation history and among the people of Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The airline says it wants to take advantage of the opportunities in the Nepali market by strengthening the presence of Thai Airways and its services and facilities for the Nepalese people. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Chief Commercial Officer of Thai Airways, Korakot Chatasingha, said that the resumption of Thai Airways flights will support the Nepali tourists and passengers to travel to various world-famous destinations within Thailand.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ravi Chandra Singh, president of Society International Travel Services, said that the cooperation with Thai Airways was possible due to the excellent image of the organization at the international level. He expects that the re-operation of Thai Airways flights will also help to promote Nepal’s tourism industry by providing more connectivity for tourists to visit Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => 'Thai, Airways, Nepal, Thailand, flight, resume, tourism, boost, promotion, service, corona, coronavirus, Covid-19, pandemic, sales, agent', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18540', 'image' => '20230823113854_Thai.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 11:36:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18810', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'MFD urges Caution as Rainfall Likely to Continue till Thursday', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Aug 24: The existing position of the monsoon trough has shifted towards the north than its average position. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Aug 24: The existing position of the monsoon trough has shifted towards the north than its average position. As a result, Nepal, along with central Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas in India, is currently experiencing the effects of a low-pressure system, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD). </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division says the weather is generally cloudy throughout the country. Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at some places of Sudur Pashchim Province and hill regions and other few places of the country. Likewise heavy rain with thunder and lightning has been predicted at one or two places of Sudur Pashchim Province. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the weather will be generally to mostly cloudy throughout the country tonight. Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning has been forecast at some places of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati , Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. The same atmospheric condition has been predicted at a few places of rest of the provinces. There are chances of heavy rain with thunder and lightning at one or two places of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces tonight, according to meteorologist Sanjib Adhikari. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division has urged one and all to remain alert to potential consequences from heavy rains with lightning expected in certain parts of the country in the next 24 hours. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18539', 'image' => '20230823110809_rain.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 11:07:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18809', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'MCC Agreement to be Implemented from August 30', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Millennium Challenge Compact signed between the Ministry of Finance and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) six years ago is poised for its entry into force (EIF) for the full-scale implementation. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 23: The Millennium Challenge Compact signed between the Ministry of Finance and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) six years ago is poised for its entry into force (EIF) for the full-scale implementation. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A meeting of the Board of Directors of Millennium Challenge Account Nepal Development Committee (MCA-Nepal) held on August 16 has set the time of August 30 for the EIF, the MCA Nepal said. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Under the terms of the agreement, the construction of power transmission lines and road development projects must be completed within five years from the commencement of EIF. However, some pending matters related to land acquisition and compensation distribution still require attention, according to MCA Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The initial agreement was signed between the Finance Ministry and MCC on September 14, 2017. After receiving parliamentary ratification with an interpretative declaration eighteen months ago, most of the six preconditions necessary for EIF have been fulfilled, with the exception of land acquisition.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">For the successful execution of the power transmission project under MCA Nepal, a total of 1,471 hectares of land is needed. Additionally, around 20 hectares of land are earmarked for the development of the Ratmate substation in Nuwakot.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Significantly, Nepal's financial obligations have risen from the original agreement. While the previous commitment stood at 130 million US Dollars, Nepal's share has increased to 197 million US Dollars. Consequently, the total cost of MCC projects in Nepal has escalated from 630 million Dollars to 697 million US Dollars. (RSS) </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-23', 'modified' => '2023-08-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18538', 'image' => '20230823061557_collage (3).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-23 06:14:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18808', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Agency Award Night 2080' of Surya Jyoti Life Insurance Held', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The 'Agency Award Night 2080' of Surya Jyoti Life Insurance was successfully held in Kathmandu on August 19.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">August 22: The 'Agency Award Night 2080' of Surya Jyoti Life Insurance was successfully held in Kathmandu on August 19. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">During the event, various agency managers and agents from different sectors, who had performed excellently in the fiscal year 2022/2023 were honoured with awards. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Agents, who provided the highest business under the 'Personal Code' and 'Team Business' categories were presented with the 'Surya Jyoti Ratna Award'.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Similarly, various agents were felicitated with trophies, appreciation letters and cash in life insurance plans such as “Secure Future “ and “84 Puja” under product ambassador product. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">The company also acknowledged 62 individuals under the MDRT Qualifiers, CEO Club, and Chairman's Club. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Different speakers including Surya Jyoti Life Insurance’s brand ambassador Rajesh Hamal had highlighted the insurance’s contribution, company’s activities and plans. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-22', 'modified' => '2023-08-22', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18537', 'image' => '20230822053741_collage (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-22 17:36:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18807', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Power Trade Agreement with Bangladesh Soon: Energy Minister Basnet', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has said that a power trade agreement with Bangladesh will be reached shortly.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">August 22: Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has said that a power trade agreement with Bangladesh will be reached shortly. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Speaking to reporters at Bharatpur airport today, Minister Basnet assured that the announcement of this agreement will occur within this year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Basnet highlighted that while certain details are being formalized, the agreement is in its final stage, and once signed, it will be put into execution.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Minister Basnet went on to emphasize that Nepal is well on its way to achieving self-sufficiency in electricity, both during the dry and monsoon seasons. He stated, "We are poised to become completely self-reliant in electricity, which will effectively address the challenges we currently face."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Addressing the issue of electricity over-production during the rainy season and scarcity in the dry season, the Minister expressed confidence in resolving these problems promptly. Efforts are underway to enhance the distribution system's efficiency by bolstering production capacity, Basnet added. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Similarly, Minister Basnet stated that electrification, which previously covered only half of the area, has now extended to cover 90 percent of the region. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Minister asserted that the current challenges will be tackled in the upcoming dry season, as the government is diligently working to streamline energy production, transmission, and distribution through an integrated strategy.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Additionally, the Minister highlighted the integration of power trade within the overarching plan. He stated, "Our approach also encompasses seamless power trade integration, and we are concurrently reforming policies and regulations to maximize the effectiveness of these initiatives." (RSS)</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-22', 'modified' => '2023-08-22', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18536', 'image' => '20230822051359_collage.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-22 17:12:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ) ) $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
