The construction work of the ancient pond 'Kamalpokhari' located in Patihani has started at Bharatpur Municipality Ward No. 22. With an estimated cost of NPR 4.5 million, this pond is set to be completed next year, targeting Bharatpur Visit…
The construction work of the ancient pond 'Kamalpokhari' located in Patihani has started at Bharatpur Municipality Ward No. 22. With an estimated cost of NPR 4.5 million, this pond is set to be completed next year, targeting Bharatpur Visit…
June 4: The 'PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Travel Mart 2023' organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), an umbrella organization of travel associations in the Asia Pacific region, concluded in the lake city of Pokhara on…
With an agreement between the government and share investors over the Capital Gain Tax(CGT) dispute, the stock market witnessed a positive impact on Sunday. The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 53.03 points or 2.84% and closed at 1919.37 points on…
Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250cc-750cc), has announced the inauguration of its exclusive Local Assembly Unit and CKD facility along with two new models of motorbikes in Nepal, in collaboration with the Triveni…
June 4: The Ministry of Finance has made it clear that no change has been made by the Finance Bill, 2080 BS regarding the capital gains tax meant for share market…
Excessive heat for the past few days has closed schools in Sarlahi. The schools will stay closed from June 4 to June 7 owing to soaring…
June 4: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has expressed doubts about encouraging investment and increase in market demand in the upcoming fiscal year despite government’s efforts to improve the economy through the…
June 4: Industrialists from across the country have urged the government to withdraw the proposal to impose 10 percent customs duty on the import of raw materials required for the vegetable ghee and oil industries arguing that the refined products accounts for 47 percent share in Nepal’s…
June 4: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has requested one and all to adopt necessary precaution to protect oneself from heat…
June 4: Farmers of Banke and Bardiya district are worried after the government decided to scrap Khajura-based Cotton Development Committee in Banke…
June 4: The construction work of the 25 MW Seti River Hydropower Project has reached its final stage. The project is being built in Sardikhola of Machhapuchchhe Rural…
Test flight of paragliding took place at Sataun Kot Putalibazaar-14, Syangja on Saturday. This initiative is part of a comprehensive feasibility study to explore the potential of paragliding in various locations within the…
June 3: The Ministry of Health and Population has now made wearing of mask voluntary, with a steady decline in the number of COVID-19…
The annual festival of Kathmandu University School Management (KUSOM) commenced at Balkumari, Lalitpur. Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan inaugurated the annual festival on…
June 3: The first ascent of Mt Annapurna is being observed today with a variety of programmes. On June 3, 1950, Maurice Herzog of France successfully climbed Mt…
Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18079', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bharatpur Municipality Embarks on the Modernization of Ancient Kamalpokhari to Boost Tourism', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The construction work of the ancient pond 'Kamalpokhari' located in Patihani has started at Bharatpur Municipality Ward No. 22. With an estimated cost of NPR 4.5 million, this pond is set to be completed next year, targeting Bharatpur Visit Year-2024.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">June 5: The construction work of the ancient pond 'Kamalpokhari' located in Patihani has started at Bharatpur Municipality Ward No. 22. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> With an estimated cost of NPR 4.5 million, this pond is set to be completed next year, targeting Bharatpur Visit Year-2024. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After the completion of the pond, various structures such as a children's park, Tharu Cultural House, rest points, selfie points, and boating facilities will be constructed in the vicinity, according to Ward Chairman Bishnu Raj Mahato.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Tharu people believe that performing religious rituals in the Kamalpokhari and then releasing water into the Sundhara (a small canal) from the same pond has various traditional significances. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Therefore, the Tharu community has been conducting worship ceremonies in the pond for centuries. However, now the local government has allocated it as a commercial tourist destination. The concrete construction is underway to modernize the pond that has been adorned with lotus flowers for centuries.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to Ward Chairman Mahato, the construction work has been carried out as per the Detailed Project Report (DPR). He mentioned, "This year, the ward has already spent 5.3 million rupees for the construction. We are constructing the structure of the pond in the shape of a lotus."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> He also mentioned that two bridges will be constructed from both ends of the pond in the park under the name 'Kamalpokhari Park'. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The metropolis plans to complete the construction work prior to the Bharatpur Visit 2024. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Kamalpokhari covers an area of approximately three bighas, while the water surface of the pond is only about one bigha. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Park Construction Consumer Committee Chairman Madhav Acharya stated that the design of the pond has been sought to give it a modern touch without neglecting its original form. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Maharjan said, "We are not going to demolish the ancient structure of the pond but rather incorporate modernity according to the present time. We are also looking to connect Kamalpokhari with Umbrella Street and make it an attraction for tourists." </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He further mentioned the inclusion of covered halls, Tharu museum, sports activities, and cultural events to enhance the attractiveness of Kamalpokhari. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Local conservation activist Apil Ghimire emphasized to preserve the natural structure of Kamalpokhari. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ghimire said, "We should not touch the ancient and archaeological structure, even if other structures are constructed outside the pond. We must maintain the integrity of the structure inside the pond." </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Although the pond benefits the metropolis from a business perspective, concrete structures will adversely affect natural and biological diversity of the pond. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sitting at the lap of Chitwan National Park, the area is incorporated in 100 top tourist destinations in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-05', 'modified' => '2023-06-05', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17810', 'image' => '20230605053735_collage (10) (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-05 05:34:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18078', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'PATA Summit and Adventure Travel Mart 2023 Concludes', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The 'PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Travel Mart 2023' organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), an umbrella organization of travel associations in the Asia Pacific region, concluded in the lake city of Pokhara on Friday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">June 4: The 'PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Travel Mart 2023' organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), an umbrella organization of travel associations in the Asia Pacific region, concluded in the lake city of Pokhara on Friday laying emphasis on sustainable tourism and digitization.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Renowned speakers from the national and international travel industry attended the summit and discussed issues related to sustainable tourism, crisis management, air safety, social media, adventure and mountain tourism.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">This is the third time that Nepal hosted the Adventure Travel Mart and the Pata Annual Summit for the first time.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The best photos related to tourism and adventure taken in different places of the country were also put up for display during a photo exhibition held along with the summit and the travel mart, said Sunil Sharma, central member and program coordinator of NFPJ, the organizer of the photo exhibition. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The four-day event, which kicked off on Tuesday, was jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), PATA, Pokhara Metropolitan City and Pokhara Tourism Council. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">During the summit, experts stressed that sustainable tourism is a necessity for economic development.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">They argued that digitization should also be taken hand-in-hand for the development and promotion of tourism the changing context of the present-day world. They added that tourism industry across the world is gradually returning to the pre-pandemic situation but is suffering due to the impacts of global economic recession. According to experts, the world's tourism will have to wait for about a year to return to its pre-pandemic condition.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17809', 'image' => '20230604055713_pata.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 17:56:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18077', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Investors Become Optimistic As the Tax Dispute Settles; NEPSE above 1900 Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'With an agreement between the government and share investors over the Capital Gain Tax(CGT) dispute, the stock market witnessed a positive impact on Sunday. The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 53.03 points or 2.84% and closed at 1919.37 points on Sunday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">June 4: With an agreement between the government and share investors over the Capital Gain Tax(CGT) dispute, the stock market witnessed a positive impact on Sunday. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 53.03 points or 2.84% and closed at 1919.37 points on Sunday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Following a talk between the officials at the Ministry of Finance and representatives of share investors, the ministry had issued a notice with clarification to maintain existing 5% and 7.5% capital gain tax as final. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The notification has had positive impact on the NEPSE, which had seen fall for three days due to uncertainty regarding the capital gains tax. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Today, a total of 4,557,169 shares of 270 companies were traded, amounting to NPR 1.65 billion. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">SHIVAM CEMENTS LTD (SHIVM) shares traded the most and had the highest turnover of Rs. 15.81 crores closing at a market price of Rs. 486.90 per share.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">IGI Prudential Insurance Limited (IGI) gained the highest 10% and hit a positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Conversely, 12% ICFC Finance Limited Debenture 2083 (ICFCD83) lost the highest 1.96% today.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">All sector indices closed green, "Hotel and Tourism" gained the highest 7.37% while "Mutual Fund" gained the least 0.76% today.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Furthermore, the Sensitive Index increased by 2.67 percent, the Float Index by 2.76 percent, and the Sensitive Float Index by 2.50 percent . </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17808', 'image' => '20230604050229_collage (8).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 16:58:08', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18076', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Royal Enfield Launches Classic 350 and Scram 411 along with CKD Facility', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250cc-750cc), has announced the inauguration of its exclusive Local Assembly Unit and CKD facility along with two new models of motorbikes in Nepal, in collaboration with the Triveni Group.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">June 4: Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250cc-750cc), has announced the inauguration of its exclusive Local Assembly Unit and CKD facility along with two new models of motorbikes in Nepal, in collaboration with the Triveni Group. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Royal Enfield has launched two new models of motorcycles: the Classic 350 and the Scram 411. These models, previously introduced in India and other global markets, will now be proudly "Made in Nepal" for riding enthusiasts in the country.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Situated in Birgunj, the new facility becomes Royal Enfield's fifth CKD assembly unit globally, joining the ranks of Brazil, Thailand, Colombia, and Argentina. The company already boasts state-of-the-art manufacturing and ancillary facilities in Tamil Nadu, India.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Expressing his thoughts on the inauguration of the Nepal CKD unit and Royal Enfield's global aspirations, B Govindarajan, CEO of Royal Enfield, emphasized the company's endeavor to expand the middleweight motorcycle segment on a global scale, citing the remarkable success it has achieved in international markets. Royal Enfield has cemented its position among the leading mid-segment motorcycle brands in countries such as the UK, Korea, Australia-New Zealand, and more.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">During the launch event of the CKD unit and the introduction of new motorcycles for the Nepali market, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Chief Commercial Officer of Royal Enfield, stated that the commencement of CKD operations in Birgunj, in partnership with the Triveni Group, marks a significant chapter in Royal Enfield's journey in Nepal.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The Classic 350 embodies a timeless and retro-inspired design, paying homage to the post-war era British motorcycles that have garnered a dedicated following worldwide. Its elegant aesthetics, combined with a commanding and comfortable riding posture and a reliable J-series engine, make it a favorite among leisure motorcycling enthusiasts. The Classic 350 comes in six captivating color options: Redditch Black, Grey, Sage Green, Halcyon Grey, Black, and Green.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The Scram 411 represents Royal Enfield's foray into the urban adventure crossover segment. Built on the robust LS-410 engine platform and the Harris Performance chassis, the Scram 411 seamlessly blends agile maneuverability on city streets with impressive off-road capabilities.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Purposeful changes in riding geometry and ergonomics make it ideal for both urban commuting and venturing into challenging terrains beyond the city limits. Nepali riders can choose from seven vibrant color options for the Scram 411: White Flame, Silver Spirit, Blazing Black, Skyline Blue, Graphite Yellow, Graphite Red, and Graphite Blue.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Starting from June 2, both the Classic 350 and the Scram 411 will be available for test rides, bookings, and purchases in Nepal. The Classic 350 is priced at NPR 4,99,000, while the Scram 411 can be owned for NPR 6,60,000. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17807', 'image' => '20230604041807_collage (7).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 16:12:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18075', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'No Hike in Capital Gains Tax for Stock Market: Finance Ministry ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The Ministry of Finance has made it clear that no change has been made by the Finance Bill, 2080 BS regarding the capital gains tax meant for share market investors. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 4: </span><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Ministry of Finance has made it clear that no change has been made by the Finance Bill, 2080 BS regarding the capital gains tax meant for share market investors. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A delegation of stock market investors visited the Finance Ministry on Sunday with their concerns over what they believed to be the imposition of an additional tax on the capital gains tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">During the meeting, the ministry officials said the tax rate remained unchanged from the existing rates. The ministry further issued a public notice to clarify the matter. The notice says 5 percent or the 5.5 percent capital gains tax conditioned by the bill in the stock market is the final tax rates. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17806', 'image' => '20230604034739_20230525113508_taxxxxx.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 15:44:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18074', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Extreme Heat Closes Schools in Sarlahi', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => ' Excessive heat for the past few days has closed schools in Sarlahi. The schools will stay closed from June 4 to June 7 owing to soaring mercury.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">June 4: Excessive heat for the past few days has closed schools in Sarlahi. The schools will stay closed from June 4 to June 7 owing to soaring mercury. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">All the community and institutional schools in the district have been shut for four days due to the scorching heat, said Ashok Kumar Rauniar, Officiating Chief of the Education Development and Coordination Unit, Sarlahi.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to him, the summer holiday has been given to the schools for four days. This holiday would be deducted from the monsoon holiday. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The four-day holiday has been announced in view of the situation that unbearable heat has affected the teaching and learning activities at schools. The ongoing exams will however continue as per the schedule, he added.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17805', 'image' => '20230604032936_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 15:28:20', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18073', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'CNI Doubtful about Encouraging Investment Despite Government’s Efforts', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has expressed doubts about encouraging investment and increase in market demand in the upcoming fiscal year despite government’s efforts to improve the economy through the budget.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 4: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has expressed doubts about encouraging investment and increase in market demand in the upcoming fiscal year despite government’s efforts to improve the economy through the budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CNI claimed that the government overlooked most of the suggestions made by CNI while preparing the budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A statement issued by CNI states, “Capital expenditure has been reduced when investment should have been increased to take the economy out of recession towards prosperity. Many suggestions given by CNI to increase the private sector’s investment have not been addressed. It is doubtful that the budget will provide any relief to the economy that is heading towards recession.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CNI commented that the budget did not address the suggestion that the customs rates of finished goods and raw materials should be at least two levels different and the government's own policy of at least one level difference to encourage domestic production. However, CNI stated that the budget addressed some of the issues while accepting the private sector as a driver of economic development.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As per the statement, “In the projects to commence from the next fiscal year, promoting domestically produced cement, iron rods, zinc sheets, iron pipes, plastic pipes and electric wires, revising the land demarcation law, building and operating industrial areas in public private partnership, revising the minimum limit of foreign investment, preparation of base for extracting ballast, allocation of budget only to projects with site clearance, encouraging investment in start-up business are commendable."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Likewise, the announcement of encouraging the private sector to develop and operate in public-private partnership after completing environmental impact assessment, tree felling, and other preparatory work in Chitwan's Shaktikhor and Makwanpur's Mayurdhap industrial areas are also positive,” CNI stated. However, it requested the government to bring clear facilities to attract the industries to the industrial areas, saying that the budget is silent about the facilities that the industries operating in such industrial areas are going to get.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The CNI said that the issue of revising the laws related to leases and restrictions for easy land availability for manufacturing and export industries, and adopting flexible labor policies for industries based on information technology and innovation is a welcome move. The statement added, “In the budget, it is mentioned that the use of indigenous products in the government agencies will contribute significantly to the promotion of domestic production. It is expected to add strength to the ‘Make in Nepal Swadeshi Campaign,’ which was started as a joint initiative of the government and CNI.”</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17804', 'image' => '20230604022441_Budget.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 14:23:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18072', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Industrialists Urge Government to Lower Customs Duty on Crude Oil to 1 Percent', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: Industrialists from across the country have urged the government to withdraw the proposal to impose 10 percent customs duty on the import of raw materials required for the vegetable ghee and oil industries arguing that the refined products accounts for 47 percent share in Nepal’s export.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 4: Industrialists from across the country have urged the government to withdraw the proposal to impose 10 percent customs duty on the import of raw materials required for the vegetable ghee and oil industries arguing that the refined products accounts for 47 percent share in Nepal’s export.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">After the government hiked the customs duty while announcing budget for the upcoming fiscal year on May 29, the owners of 26 industries demanded that there should be the same arrangement as before.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Bipin Kabra, a member of the Nepal Vegetable Ghee Oil Producers Association said that if they pay 10 percent customs duty and 15 percent excise duty on unrefined oil they would be handing 25 percent revenue to the government. As a result, they will be unable to compete in the Indian market, rendering them unable to operate business. Kabra argued that India has maintained a zero customs rate on the import of raw materials including palm oil, while only 5 percent GST has been imposed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In FY 2022/23, the government imposed 1 percent customs duty on raw materials of soybean, mustard, sunflower, and palm oil. The government had also given 90 percent exemption on 5 percent customs duty on mustard seeds. President of the association, Sandeep Kumar Agarwal said that the government should amend the budget immediately to protect the investment of 26 industries and ensure the employment of 15,000 people who are directly or indirectly involved in those industies.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The domestic industry has been importing unrefined oil and processing it and exporting refined oil to India taking advantage of the difference in customs duty in India and Nepal. In the year 2019/20, refined oil worth Rs 31.13 billion was exported from Nepal, Rs 55.90 billion 2020/21, and a record of Rs 93.69 billion in 2021/22. However, in the 10 months of the current fiscal year, the export decreased to Rs 27.27 billion after India imposed zero customs duty on crude oil import and reduced GST to 5 percent.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Nepal received foreign currency worth Rs 7.50 billion through the export of refined oil in the year 2019/20. This figure increased to Rs 13.50 billion in the year 2020/21 and to Rs 20 billion in 2021/22. By mid-May of the current fiscal year, the amount earned from ghee and oil exports shrunk to Rs 6 billion. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The vegetable ghee and oil industries belonging to the association were paying income tax of Rs 1 billion annually in previous years. Naresh Rathi, another member of the association, said that after the decrease in exports in the current year, the industries suffered a loss of Rs 1 billion in 10 months.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rathi said that in order to sustain the industry and continue employment, the government should create an environment where ready-made goods can be exported to India by imposing lower taxes than India as there is a tax gap of 20 percent between India and Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Otherwise low-quality oil would enter Nepal through illegal routes from India, which would have a negative impact on both the health of the people and the revenue of the government, he warned. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17803', 'image' => '20230604014739_20220713122307_soybean.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 13:46:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18071', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' 'Adopt Precaution to Remain Safe from Heat Wave' ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has requested one and all to adopt necessary precaution to protect oneself from heat wave.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 4: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has requested one and all to adopt necessary precaution to protect</span><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> oneself</span><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> from heat wave. The division has predicted the possibility of heat wave caused by hot air in the Tarai region of the country for the next few days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a special bulletin, the division requested all to adopt necessary precaution for five days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"There is a possibility of rise in temperature in most of the places of Tarai for some days. So, adopting necessary precautions is imperative," said the division. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meteorologist Govinda Kumar Jha mentioned that there is a possibility of heat wave until the next three days. Most of the places of Tarai have been experiencing heat wave for the past few days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The temperature from Saptari to Bhairahawa has crossed 40 degrees Celsius while the temperature of Nepalgunj and its surrounding areas is around 40 degrees Celsius. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Division, the minimum and maximum temperatures of most of the places in the country have been increasing for the past few days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division alerted that one can feel tiredness, weakness, headache, vomiting and muscle pain during the heat wave. The division requested people to stay indoors, wear cotton dress, drink water and juice and visit health facilities in case of health-related problems. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, there is still partial impact of the Westerly winds coupled with the local wind, resulting in rising heat across the country, including Kathmandu Valley for some days. </span><br /> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">No possibility of rain for three days</span></strong> <br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather in the hill areas of the country as well as in the Kathmandu Valley is now partly cloudy, added Jha. He further said there is no possibility of rainfall for the next three days in Kathmandu. However, there is a chance of cloudy weather and rainfall at some places of Karnali, Gandaki and Sudurpaschim provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The minimum temperature of the Kathmandu Valley on Friday and Saturday was 17 degrees Celsius and maximum temperature 32 degrees Celsius. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17802', 'image' => '20230604125858_global-warming.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 12:58:08', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18070', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Farmers Unhappy with Government’s Decision to Scrap Cotton Development Committee ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: Farmers of Banke and Bardiya district are worried after the government decided to scrap Khajura-based Cotton Development Committee in Banke district. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 4: Farmers of Banke and Bardiya district are worried after the government decided to scrap Khajura-based Cotton Development Committee in Banke district. </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"">Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat had announced to scrap the committee while unveiling the budget for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2023/24) in a joint session of parliament on May 29. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The farmers, who have been involved in cotton farming for many years and are planning to continue this profession, are now reluctant to spend their time and energy due to the uncertainty over the outcome following the government’s decision to do away with the committee.</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"">Shatish Niraula, a businessman from Banke says, it is unfortunate that the government decided to scrap the Cotton Development Committee through the budget announcement.</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"">He suggested that utilizing cotton produced in the country could create employment in the yarn industry.</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"">Hariram Tharu of Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality, who is involved in cotton farming for the past few years, said he has been making a good income from cotton farming. Now, he is not certain if he can make good income without the support of the committee.</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 Cotton Development Committee is closely involved with the farmers and helps them with seeds, pesticides and also to link the farmers with the market. The committee has sold cotton worth Rs 30 million in the current fiscal year, reported the state-owned RSS. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Chairperson of the committee Hemant Raj Kafle told RSS that necessary seeds and pesticide had already been purchased after selecting 300 farmers for cotton farming for this season “because it is right time for cotton farming”. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kafle further said, "There is no stock of cotton in store but the demand is good. Farmers of Banke and Bardiya have been making good income from cotton farming. It is really sad that the government decided to scrap the committee.”</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"">He shared that capital of the committee is worth Rs 100 million and it has been making good income in recent years. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to Kafle, the committee has not been able to supply cotton as per the demand which is quite high in the market. He said that the committee purchased 100 tonnes of cotton from the farmers in the current fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Biratnagar-based Yarn Industry purchases 15 metric tonnes of cotton every month from the committee. All the cotton stored at the committee's depot since 2072 BS was sold last year, the committee’s officials told RSS. </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17801', 'image' => '20230604115035_uz_cotton_780x4391685788932_1024.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 11:49:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18069', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Seti Hydropower Project in Final Stage ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The construction work of the 25 MW Seti River Hydropower Project has reached its final stage. The project is being built in Sardikhola of Machhapuchchhe Rural Municipality-2. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 4: The construction work of the 25 MW Seti River Hydropower Project has reached its final stage. The project is being built in Sardikhola of Machhapuchchhe Rural Municipality-2. </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 construction of the hydropower project that started from August-September 2020 has seen 90 percent of the work completed so far. </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"">Executive Chair of Vision Lumbini Energy Company Limited, Jagat Bahadur Pokharel, said that all the works related to the construction of civil, hydro-mechanical, electro-mechanical structures and transmission line of the project have reached the final stage. </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 project on the Seti river will be completed by coming December, Pokharel told RSS adding that the construction work was delayed by one year due to the coronavirus pandemic. </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 project will be completed within the next five months and electricity will be produced," RSS quoted Pokharel as saying. </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"">A total of Rs 5 billion has been invested in the Seti River Hydropower Project. Different banks and financial institutions have invested Rs 3.5 billion. </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 electricity produced by the Seti project will be connected to the substation of Nepal Electricity Authority in Lahachowk located at a distance of four kilometers.</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 budget unveiled by the government on May 29 has set a target of producing an additional 900 MW of electricity in the next fiscal year. The installed capacity of electricity at present is 2700 MW which is expected to reach 3600 MW by the end of next fiscal year.</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"">Out of the total installed capacity of electricity produced by the Nepal Electricity Authority, the private sector power producers and the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, 2,492.95 MW is connected to the national grid, while the remaining 84.53 MW is designated for off-grid supply.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17800', 'image' => '20230604111803_hydro.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 11:17:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18068', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Test Flight of Paragliding Successful in Putalibazaar Syangja', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Test flight of paragliding took place at Sataun Kot Putalibazaar-14, Syangja on Saturday. This initiative is part of a comprehensive feasibility study to explore the potential of paragliding in various locations within the district.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">June 4: Test flight of paragliding took place at Sataun Kot Putalibazaar-14, Syangja on Saturday. This initiative is part of a comprehensive feasibility study to explore the potential of paragliding in various locations within the district. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">Jung KC, President of Babu Adventure Club, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the test flight. With the support and coordination of Babu International Paragliding School, Babu Adventure Club, Technical Management of Roadside Paragliding, and Putalibazaar Municipality, the event was executed seamlessly. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">KC stated, "The successful test flight of paragliding has paved the way for us to gradually prepare for commercial flights." </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">The proximity of the take-off and landing points to the Siddharth Highway, which connects Sunauli to Pokhara, is expected to attract a growing number of paragliding enthusiasts to the area. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">KC believes that the convenience of transportation and the captivating aerial views will contribute to the popularity of paragliding in the region.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">Sataun Kot, located just an hour away from the renowned tourist city of Pokhara, offers both solo and tandem flights. The successful test flight has set the stage for the development of a paragliding industry in Putalibazaar.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17799', 'image' => '20230604062414_collage (7).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 06:21:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18067', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Revises COVID-19 Protocol: Face Masks Now Voluntary ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 3: The Ministry of Health and Population has now made wearing of mask voluntary, with a steady decline in the number of COVID-19 infections. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 3: The Ministry of Health and Population has now made wearing of mask voluntary, with a steady decline in the number of COVID-19 infections. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a notice, Senior Public Health Administrator of the Ministry, Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari, said the health protocol related to COVID-19 has been revised considering the decline in the rate of infection and the use of masks has been made voluntary. Prior to this, the use of masks was mandatory as per the health protocol. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The ministry also said with low infection rate, testing for COVID-19 and proof of vaccination is no long a requirement for national and international travelers. </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"">“Showing of vaccination card and test results are no longer required at the international transits,” reads the statement. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, coronavirus patients will continue to be regularly monitored and the suspected travelers who are vulnerable will be screened. The ministry has extended gratitude for the support from the national and international level for the prevention, control and management of the coronavirus pandemic. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-03', 'modified' => '2023-06-03', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17798', 'image' => '20230603102621_horizontal.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-03 22:25:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18066', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Kathmandu University School of Management’s Annual Festival Begins', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The annual festival of Kathmandu University School Management (KUSOM) commenced at Balkumari, Lalitpur. Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan inaugurated the annual festival on Tuesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 3: The annual festival of Kathmandu University School Management (KUSOM) commenced at Balkumari, Lalitpur. Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan inaugurated the annual festival on Tuesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The month-long festival, under the theme "We Care, We Collaborate, We Celebrate," will feature a total of 16 programs, according to KUSOM. Dr. Devi Bedari, Dean of the University, had delivered the inaugural speech. Various cultural programs were presented during the inauguration ceremony.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As part of the festival, tree plantation was carried out on the premises of KUSOM. Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, ward chiefs, KAF coordinator, among others, participated in the tree plantation. Following the tree plantation, a "Flash Mob" performance took place in the KUSOM grounds. Dr. Devi Bedari and KAF coordinator Ichchhuk Paudyal honored the distinguished guests with tokens of love and appreciation letters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, Mayor Maharjan presented letters of appreciation to the students who showcased their presentations during the program. Subsequently, KAF 2023 coordinator Paudyal delivered the closing remarks. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As part of the program, cleaning campaigns were organized at Damark Park on Tuesday. The event concluded with a walkathon from Maitighar to Basantapur on Saturday, under the theme "Clean Air: Our Shared Responsibility," featured the participation of Miss Nepal 2023 Shreechha Pradhan, social activist KP Khanal, poet Mohit Joshi, and flutist Sajag Shakya, among others.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On the occasion, artistes from the Silpi Theater performed a play related to environmental pollution at Basantapur.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-03', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17797', 'image' => '20230603084217_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-03 20:40:01', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18065', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '73rd Anniversary of First Ascent of Mt Annapurna being Observed Today ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 3: The first ascent of Mt Annapurna is being observed today with a variety of programmes. On June 3, 1950, Maurice Herzog of France successfully climbed Mt Annapurna. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 3: The first ascent of Mt Annapurna is being observed today with a variety of programmes. On June 3, 1950, Maurice Herzog of France successfully climbed Mt Annapurna. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Annapurna Ascent Day is being celebrated with various programs, President of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki chapter, Dharmaraj Panthi said, adding, "Annapurna Ascent Day is a special day of mountain tourism in Nepal." </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Nepal became a unique attraction of mountain tourism in the world following the successful scaling of Mt Annapurna, hence it is important to keep the dignity and importance of this day alive. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It was only after the French team led by Herzog climbed the 8,091 meters high Mt Annapurna I, that Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary scaled the world's highest peak, Sagarmatha or Everest on May 29, 1953. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to former president of TAAN Western Regional Association, Som Thapa, Mt Annapurna is also bestowed with the title of the world's oldest mountain in the field of mountaineering. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Pokhara became a tourist destination for many after the successful scaling of Mt Annapurna. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Every year on Annapurna Ascent Day, TAAN Gandaki chapter has been promoting a tourist village located in the lap of Mt Annapurna. This year a short distance trek is being carried out under the Mardi Himal trekking route from Hemja to Astam. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Mt Annapurna and 7629 square kilometers around it have been protected through the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Annapurna Ascent Day is also celebrated under the protected area of ACAP by the area offices of Ghandruk, Lwang, Sikles, Bhujrung, Jomsom, Lomanthang and Manang. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Annapurna Century Tourism Festival coordinator Lalit Gurung shared that Annapurna Marathon (42.195 km) will be held from Annapurna Base Camp to Ghandruk on the occasion. He said that 56 athletes including foreigners have already reached the base camp for the marathon. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-03', 'modified' => '2023-06-03', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17796', 'image' => '20230603092840_trekking-annapurna-680x261.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-03 09:25:29', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18079', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bharatpur Municipality Embarks on the Modernization of Ancient Kamalpokhari to Boost Tourism', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The construction work of the ancient pond 'Kamalpokhari' located in Patihani has started at Bharatpur Municipality Ward No. 22. With an estimated cost of NPR 4.5 million, this pond is set to be completed next year, targeting Bharatpur Visit Year-2024.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">June 5: The construction work of the ancient pond 'Kamalpokhari' located in Patihani has started at Bharatpur Municipality Ward No. 22. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> With an estimated cost of NPR 4.5 million, this pond is set to be completed next year, targeting Bharatpur Visit Year-2024. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After the completion of the pond, various structures such as a children's park, Tharu Cultural House, rest points, selfie points, and boating facilities will be constructed in the vicinity, according to Ward Chairman Bishnu Raj Mahato.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Tharu people believe that performing religious rituals in the Kamalpokhari and then releasing water into the Sundhara (a small canal) from the same pond has various traditional significances. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Therefore, the Tharu community has been conducting worship ceremonies in the pond for centuries. However, now the local government has allocated it as a commercial tourist destination. The concrete construction is underway to modernize the pond that has been adorned with lotus flowers for centuries.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to Ward Chairman Mahato, the construction work has been carried out as per the Detailed Project Report (DPR). He mentioned, "This year, the ward has already spent 5.3 million rupees for the construction. We are constructing the structure of the pond in the shape of a lotus."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> He also mentioned that two bridges will be constructed from both ends of the pond in the park under the name 'Kamalpokhari Park'. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The metropolis plans to complete the construction work prior to the Bharatpur Visit 2024. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Kamalpokhari covers an area of approximately three bighas, while the water surface of the pond is only about one bigha. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Park Construction Consumer Committee Chairman Madhav Acharya stated that the design of the pond has been sought to give it a modern touch without neglecting its original form. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Maharjan said, "We are not going to demolish the ancient structure of the pond but rather incorporate modernity according to the present time. We are also looking to connect Kamalpokhari with Umbrella Street and make it an attraction for tourists." </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He further mentioned the inclusion of covered halls, Tharu museum, sports activities, and cultural events to enhance the attractiveness of Kamalpokhari. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Local conservation activist Apil Ghimire emphasized to preserve the natural structure of Kamalpokhari. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ghimire said, "We should not touch the ancient and archaeological structure, even if other structures are constructed outside the pond. We must maintain the integrity of the structure inside the pond." </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Although the pond benefits the metropolis from a business perspective, concrete structures will adversely affect natural and biological diversity of the pond. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sitting at the lap of Chitwan National Park, the area is incorporated in 100 top tourist destinations in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-05', 'modified' => '2023-06-05', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17810', 'image' => '20230605053735_collage (10) (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-05 05:34:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18078', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'PATA Summit and Adventure Travel Mart 2023 Concludes', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The 'PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Travel Mart 2023' organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), an umbrella organization of travel associations in the Asia Pacific region, concluded in the lake city of Pokhara on Friday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">June 4: The 'PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Travel Mart 2023' organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), an umbrella organization of travel associations in the Asia Pacific region, concluded in the lake city of Pokhara on Friday laying emphasis on sustainable tourism and digitization.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Renowned speakers from the national and international travel industry attended the summit and discussed issues related to sustainable tourism, crisis management, air safety, social media, adventure and mountain tourism.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">This is the third time that Nepal hosted the Adventure Travel Mart and the Pata Annual Summit for the first time.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The best photos related to tourism and adventure taken in different places of the country were also put up for display during a photo exhibition held along with the summit and the travel mart, said Sunil Sharma, central member and program coordinator of NFPJ, the organizer of the photo exhibition. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The four-day event, which kicked off on Tuesday, was jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), PATA, Pokhara Metropolitan City and Pokhara Tourism Council. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">During the summit, experts stressed that sustainable tourism is a necessity for economic development.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">They argued that digitization should also be taken hand-in-hand for the development and promotion of tourism the changing context of the present-day world. They added that tourism industry across the world is gradually returning to the pre-pandemic situation but is suffering due to the impacts of global economic recession. According to experts, the world's tourism will have to wait for about a year to return to its pre-pandemic condition.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17809', 'image' => '20230604055713_pata.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 17:56:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18077', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Investors Become Optimistic As the Tax Dispute Settles; NEPSE above 1900 Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'With an agreement between the government and share investors over the Capital Gain Tax(CGT) dispute, the stock market witnessed a positive impact on Sunday. The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 53.03 points or 2.84% and closed at 1919.37 points on Sunday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">June 4: With an agreement between the government and share investors over the Capital Gain Tax(CGT) dispute, the stock market witnessed a positive impact on Sunday. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 53.03 points or 2.84% and closed at 1919.37 points on Sunday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Following a talk between the officials at the Ministry of Finance and representatives of share investors, the ministry had issued a notice with clarification to maintain existing 5% and 7.5% capital gain tax as final. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The notification has had positive impact on the NEPSE, which had seen fall for three days due to uncertainty regarding the capital gains tax. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Today, a total of 4,557,169 shares of 270 companies were traded, amounting to NPR 1.65 billion. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">SHIVAM CEMENTS LTD (SHIVM) shares traded the most and had the highest turnover of Rs. 15.81 crores closing at a market price of Rs. 486.90 per share.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">IGI Prudential Insurance Limited (IGI) gained the highest 10% and hit a positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Conversely, 12% ICFC Finance Limited Debenture 2083 (ICFCD83) lost the highest 1.96% today.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">All sector indices closed green, "Hotel and Tourism" gained the highest 7.37% while "Mutual Fund" gained the least 0.76% today.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Furthermore, the Sensitive Index increased by 2.67 percent, the Float Index by 2.76 percent, and the Sensitive Float Index by 2.50 percent . </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17808', 'image' => '20230604050229_collage (8).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 16:58:08', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18076', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Royal Enfield Launches Classic 350 and Scram 411 along with CKD Facility', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250cc-750cc), has announced the inauguration of its exclusive Local Assembly Unit and CKD facility along with two new models of motorbikes in Nepal, in collaboration with the Triveni Group.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">June 4: Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250cc-750cc), has announced the inauguration of its exclusive Local Assembly Unit and CKD facility along with two new models of motorbikes in Nepal, in collaboration with the Triveni Group. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Royal Enfield has launched two new models of motorcycles: the Classic 350 and the Scram 411. These models, previously introduced in India and other global markets, will now be proudly "Made in Nepal" for riding enthusiasts in the country.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Situated in Birgunj, the new facility becomes Royal Enfield's fifth CKD assembly unit globally, joining the ranks of Brazil, Thailand, Colombia, and Argentina. The company already boasts state-of-the-art manufacturing and ancillary facilities in Tamil Nadu, India.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Expressing his thoughts on the inauguration of the Nepal CKD unit and Royal Enfield's global aspirations, B Govindarajan, CEO of Royal Enfield, emphasized the company's endeavor to expand the middleweight motorcycle segment on a global scale, citing the remarkable success it has achieved in international markets. Royal Enfield has cemented its position among the leading mid-segment motorcycle brands in countries such as the UK, Korea, Australia-New Zealand, and more.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">During the launch event of the CKD unit and the introduction of new motorcycles for the Nepali market, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Chief Commercial Officer of Royal Enfield, stated that the commencement of CKD operations in Birgunj, in partnership with the Triveni Group, marks a significant chapter in Royal Enfield's journey in Nepal.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The Classic 350 embodies a timeless and retro-inspired design, paying homage to the post-war era British motorcycles that have garnered a dedicated following worldwide. Its elegant aesthetics, combined with a commanding and comfortable riding posture and a reliable J-series engine, make it a favorite among leisure motorcycling enthusiasts. The Classic 350 comes in six captivating color options: Redditch Black, Grey, Sage Green, Halcyon Grey, Black, and Green.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The Scram 411 represents Royal Enfield's foray into the urban adventure crossover segment. Built on the robust LS-410 engine platform and the Harris Performance chassis, the Scram 411 seamlessly blends agile maneuverability on city streets with impressive off-road capabilities.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Purposeful changes in riding geometry and ergonomics make it ideal for both urban commuting and venturing into challenging terrains beyond the city limits. Nepali riders can choose from seven vibrant color options for the Scram 411: White Flame, Silver Spirit, Blazing Black, Skyline Blue, Graphite Yellow, Graphite Red, and Graphite Blue.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Starting from June 2, both the Classic 350 and the Scram 411 will be available for test rides, bookings, and purchases in Nepal. The Classic 350 is priced at NPR 4,99,000, while the Scram 411 can be owned for NPR 6,60,000. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17807', 'image' => '20230604041807_collage (7).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 16:12:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18075', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'No Hike in Capital Gains Tax for Stock Market: Finance Ministry ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The Ministry of Finance has made it clear that no change has been made by the Finance Bill, 2080 BS regarding the capital gains tax meant for share market investors. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 4: </span><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Ministry of Finance has made it clear that no change has been made by the Finance Bill, 2080 BS regarding the capital gains tax meant for share market investors. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A delegation of stock market investors visited the Finance Ministry on Sunday with their concerns over what they believed to be the imposition of an additional tax on the capital gains tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">During the meeting, the ministry officials said the tax rate remained unchanged from the existing rates. The ministry further issued a public notice to clarify the matter. The notice says 5 percent or the 5.5 percent capital gains tax conditioned by the bill in the stock market is the final tax rates. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17806', 'image' => '20230604034739_20230525113508_taxxxxx.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 15:44:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18074', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Extreme Heat Closes Schools in Sarlahi', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => ' Excessive heat for the past few days has closed schools in Sarlahi. The schools will stay closed from June 4 to June 7 owing to soaring mercury.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">June 4: Excessive heat for the past few days has closed schools in Sarlahi. The schools will stay closed from June 4 to June 7 owing to soaring mercury. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">All the community and institutional schools in the district have been shut for four days due to the scorching heat, said Ashok Kumar Rauniar, Officiating Chief of the Education Development and Coordination Unit, Sarlahi.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to him, the summer holiday has been given to the schools for four days. This holiday would be deducted from the monsoon holiday. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The four-day holiday has been announced in view of the situation that unbearable heat has affected the teaching and learning activities at schools. The ongoing exams will however continue as per the schedule, he added.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17805', 'image' => '20230604032936_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 15:28:20', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18073', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'CNI Doubtful about Encouraging Investment Despite Government’s Efforts', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has expressed doubts about encouraging investment and increase in market demand in the upcoming fiscal year despite government’s efforts to improve the economy through the budget.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 4: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has expressed doubts about encouraging investment and increase in market demand in the upcoming fiscal year despite government’s efforts to improve the economy through the budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CNI claimed that the government overlooked most of the suggestions made by CNI while preparing the budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A statement issued by CNI states, “Capital expenditure has been reduced when investment should have been increased to take the economy out of recession towards prosperity. Many suggestions given by CNI to increase the private sector’s investment have not been addressed. It is doubtful that the budget will provide any relief to the economy that is heading towards recession.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CNI commented that the budget did not address the suggestion that the customs rates of finished goods and raw materials should be at least two levels different and the government's own policy of at least one level difference to encourage domestic production. However, CNI stated that the budget addressed some of the issues while accepting the private sector as a driver of economic development.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As per the statement, “In the projects to commence from the next fiscal year, promoting domestically produced cement, iron rods, zinc sheets, iron pipes, plastic pipes and electric wires, revising the land demarcation law, building and operating industrial areas in public private partnership, revising the minimum limit of foreign investment, preparation of base for extracting ballast, allocation of budget only to projects with site clearance, encouraging investment in start-up business are commendable."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Likewise, the announcement of encouraging the private sector to develop and operate in public-private partnership after completing environmental impact assessment, tree felling, and other preparatory work in Chitwan's Shaktikhor and Makwanpur's Mayurdhap industrial areas are also positive,” CNI stated. However, it requested the government to bring clear facilities to attract the industries to the industrial areas, saying that the budget is silent about the facilities that the industries operating in such industrial areas are going to get.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The CNI said that the issue of revising the laws related to leases and restrictions for easy land availability for manufacturing and export industries, and adopting flexible labor policies for industries based on information technology and innovation is a welcome move. The statement added, “In the budget, it is mentioned that the use of indigenous products in the government agencies will contribute significantly to the promotion of domestic production. It is expected to add strength to the ‘Make in Nepal Swadeshi Campaign,’ which was started as a joint initiative of the government and CNI.”</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17804', 'image' => '20230604022441_Budget.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 14:23:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18072', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Industrialists Urge Government to Lower Customs Duty on Crude Oil to 1 Percent', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: Industrialists from across the country have urged the government to withdraw the proposal to impose 10 percent customs duty on the import of raw materials required for the vegetable ghee and oil industries arguing that the refined products accounts for 47 percent share in Nepal’s export.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 4: Industrialists from across the country have urged the government to withdraw the proposal to impose 10 percent customs duty on the import of raw materials required for the vegetable ghee and oil industries arguing that the refined products accounts for 47 percent share in Nepal’s export.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">After the government hiked the customs duty while announcing budget for the upcoming fiscal year on May 29, the owners of 26 industries demanded that there should be the same arrangement as before.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Bipin Kabra, a member of the Nepal Vegetable Ghee Oil Producers Association said that if they pay 10 percent customs duty and 15 percent excise duty on unrefined oil they would be handing 25 percent revenue to the government. As a result, they will be unable to compete in the Indian market, rendering them unable to operate business. Kabra argued that India has maintained a zero customs rate on the import of raw materials including palm oil, while only 5 percent GST has been imposed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In FY 2022/23, the government imposed 1 percent customs duty on raw materials of soybean, mustard, sunflower, and palm oil. The government had also given 90 percent exemption on 5 percent customs duty on mustard seeds. President of the association, Sandeep Kumar Agarwal said that the government should amend the budget immediately to protect the investment of 26 industries and ensure the employment of 15,000 people who are directly or indirectly involved in those industies.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The domestic industry has been importing unrefined oil and processing it and exporting refined oil to India taking advantage of the difference in customs duty in India and Nepal. In the year 2019/20, refined oil worth Rs 31.13 billion was exported from Nepal, Rs 55.90 billion 2020/21, and a record of Rs 93.69 billion in 2021/22. However, in the 10 months of the current fiscal year, the export decreased to Rs 27.27 billion after India imposed zero customs duty on crude oil import and reduced GST to 5 percent.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Nepal received foreign currency worth Rs 7.50 billion through the export of refined oil in the year 2019/20. This figure increased to Rs 13.50 billion in the year 2020/21 and to Rs 20 billion in 2021/22. By mid-May of the current fiscal year, the amount earned from ghee and oil exports shrunk to Rs 6 billion. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The vegetable ghee and oil industries belonging to the association were paying income tax of Rs 1 billion annually in previous years. Naresh Rathi, another member of the association, said that after the decrease in exports in the current year, the industries suffered a loss of Rs 1 billion in 10 months.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rathi said that in order to sustain the industry and continue employment, the government should create an environment where ready-made goods can be exported to India by imposing lower taxes than India as there is a tax gap of 20 percent between India and Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Otherwise low-quality oil would enter Nepal through illegal routes from India, which would have a negative impact on both the health of the people and the revenue of the government, he warned. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17803', 'image' => '20230604014739_20220713122307_soybean.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 13:46:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18071', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' 'Adopt Precaution to Remain Safe from Heat Wave' ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has requested one and all to adopt necessary precaution to protect oneself from heat wave.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 4: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has requested one and all to adopt necessary precaution to protect</span><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> oneself</span><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> from heat wave. The division has predicted the possibility of heat wave caused by hot air in the Tarai region of the country for the next few days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a special bulletin, the division requested all to adopt necessary precaution for five days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"There is a possibility of rise in temperature in most of the places of Tarai for some days. So, adopting necessary precautions is imperative," said the division. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meteorologist Govinda Kumar Jha mentioned that there is a possibility of heat wave until the next three days. Most of the places of Tarai have been experiencing heat wave for the past few days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The temperature from Saptari to Bhairahawa has crossed 40 degrees Celsius while the temperature of Nepalgunj and its surrounding areas is around 40 degrees Celsius. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Division, the minimum and maximum temperatures of most of the places in the country have been increasing for the past few days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division alerted that one can feel tiredness, weakness, headache, vomiting and muscle pain during the heat wave. The division requested people to stay indoors, wear cotton dress, drink water and juice and visit health facilities in case of health-related problems. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, there is still partial impact of the Westerly winds coupled with the local wind, resulting in rising heat across the country, including Kathmandu Valley for some days. </span><br /> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">No possibility of rain for three days</span></strong> <br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather in the hill areas of the country as well as in the Kathmandu Valley is now partly cloudy, added Jha. He further said there is no possibility of rainfall for the next three days in Kathmandu. However, there is a chance of cloudy weather and rainfall at some places of Karnali, Gandaki and Sudurpaschim provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The minimum temperature of the Kathmandu Valley on Friday and Saturday was 17 degrees Celsius and maximum temperature 32 degrees Celsius. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17802', 'image' => '20230604125858_global-warming.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 12:58:08', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18070', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Farmers Unhappy with Government’s Decision to Scrap Cotton Development Committee ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: Farmers of Banke and Bardiya district are worried after the government decided to scrap Khajura-based Cotton Development Committee in Banke district. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 4: Farmers of Banke and Bardiya district are worried after the government decided to scrap Khajura-based Cotton Development Committee in Banke district. </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"">Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat had announced to scrap the committee while unveiling the budget for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2023/24) in a joint session of parliament on May 29. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The farmers, who have been involved in cotton farming for many years and are planning to continue this profession, are now reluctant to spend their time and energy due to the uncertainty over the outcome following the government’s decision to do away with the committee.</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"">Shatish Niraula, a businessman from Banke says, it is unfortunate that the government decided to scrap the Cotton Development Committee through the budget announcement.</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"">He suggested that utilizing cotton produced in the country could create employment in the yarn industry.</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"">Hariram Tharu of Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality, who is involved in cotton farming for the past few years, said he has been making a good income from cotton farming. Now, he is not certain if he can make good income without the support of the committee.</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 Cotton Development Committee is closely involved with the farmers and helps them with seeds, pesticides and also to link the farmers with the market. The committee has sold cotton worth Rs 30 million in the current fiscal year, reported the state-owned RSS. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Chairperson of the committee Hemant Raj Kafle told RSS that necessary seeds and pesticide had already been purchased after selecting 300 farmers for cotton farming for this season “because it is right time for cotton farming”. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kafle further said, "There is no stock of cotton in store but the demand is good. Farmers of Banke and Bardiya have been making good income from cotton farming. It is really sad that the government decided to scrap the committee.”</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"">He shared that capital of the committee is worth Rs 100 million and it has been making good income in recent years. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to Kafle, the committee has not been able to supply cotton as per the demand which is quite high in the market. He said that the committee purchased 100 tonnes of cotton from the farmers in the current fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Biratnagar-based Yarn Industry purchases 15 metric tonnes of cotton every month from the committee. All the cotton stored at the committee's depot since 2072 BS was sold last year, the committee’s officials told RSS. </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17801', 'image' => '20230604115035_uz_cotton_780x4391685788932_1024.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 11:49:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18069', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Seti Hydropower Project in Final Stage ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The construction work of the 25 MW Seti River Hydropower Project has reached its final stage. The project is being built in Sardikhola of Machhapuchchhe Rural Municipality-2. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 4: The construction work of the 25 MW Seti River Hydropower Project has reached its final stage. The project is being built in Sardikhola of Machhapuchchhe Rural Municipality-2. </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 construction of the hydropower project that started from August-September 2020 has seen 90 percent of the work completed so far. </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"">Executive Chair of Vision Lumbini Energy Company Limited, Jagat Bahadur Pokharel, said that all the works related to the construction of civil, hydro-mechanical, electro-mechanical structures and transmission line of the project have reached the final stage. </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 project on the Seti river will be completed by coming December, Pokharel told RSS adding that the construction work was delayed by one year due to the coronavirus pandemic. </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 project will be completed within the next five months and electricity will be produced," RSS quoted Pokharel as saying. </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"">A total of Rs 5 billion has been invested in the Seti River Hydropower Project. Different banks and financial institutions have invested Rs 3.5 billion. </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 electricity produced by the Seti project will be connected to the substation of Nepal Electricity Authority in Lahachowk located at a distance of four kilometers.</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 budget unveiled by the government on May 29 has set a target of producing an additional 900 MW of electricity in the next fiscal year. The installed capacity of electricity at present is 2700 MW which is expected to reach 3600 MW by the end of next fiscal year.</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"">Out of the total installed capacity of electricity produced by the Nepal Electricity Authority, the private sector power producers and the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, 2,492.95 MW is connected to the national grid, while the remaining 84.53 MW is designated for off-grid supply.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17800', 'image' => '20230604111803_hydro.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 11:17:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18068', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Test Flight of Paragliding Successful in Putalibazaar Syangja', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Test flight of paragliding took place at Sataun Kot Putalibazaar-14, Syangja on Saturday. This initiative is part of a comprehensive feasibility study to explore the potential of paragliding in various locations within the district.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">June 4: Test flight of paragliding took place at Sataun Kot Putalibazaar-14, Syangja on Saturday. This initiative is part of a comprehensive feasibility study to explore the potential of paragliding in various locations within the district. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">Jung KC, President of Babu Adventure Club, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the test flight. With the support and coordination of Babu International Paragliding School, Babu Adventure Club, Technical Management of Roadside Paragliding, and Putalibazaar Municipality, the event was executed seamlessly. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">KC stated, "The successful test flight of paragliding has paved the way for us to gradually prepare for commercial flights." </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">The proximity of the take-off and landing points to the Siddharth Highway, which connects Sunauli to Pokhara, is expected to attract a growing number of paragliding enthusiasts to the area. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">KC believes that the convenience of transportation and the captivating aerial views will contribute to the popularity of paragliding in the region.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">Sataun Kot, located just an hour away from the renowned tourist city of Pokhara, offers both solo and tandem flights. The successful test flight has set the stage for the development of a paragliding industry in Putalibazaar.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17799', 'image' => '20230604062414_collage (7).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 06:21:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18067', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Revises COVID-19 Protocol: Face Masks Now Voluntary ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 3: The Ministry of Health and Population has now made wearing of mask voluntary, with a steady decline in the number of COVID-19 infections. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 3: The Ministry of Health and Population has now made wearing of mask voluntary, with a steady decline in the number of COVID-19 infections. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a notice, Senior Public Health Administrator of the Ministry, Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari, said the health protocol related to COVID-19 has been revised considering the decline in the rate of infection and the use of masks has been made voluntary. Prior to this, the use of masks was mandatory as per the health protocol. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The ministry also said with low infection rate, testing for COVID-19 and proof of vaccination is no long a requirement for national and international travelers. </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"">“Showing of vaccination card and test results are no longer required at the international transits,” reads the statement. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, coronavirus patients will continue to be regularly monitored and the suspected travelers who are vulnerable will be screened. The ministry has extended gratitude for the support from the national and international level for the prevention, control and management of the coronavirus pandemic. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-03', 'modified' => '2023-06-03', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17798', 'image' => '20230603102621_horizontal.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-03 22:25:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18066', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Kathmandu University School of Management’s Annual Festival Begins', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The annual festival of Kathmandu University School Management (KUSOM) commenced at Balkumari, Lalitpur. Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan inaugurated the annual festival on Tuesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 3: The annual festival of Kathmandu University School Management (KUSOM) commenced at Balkumari, Lalitpur. Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan inaugurated the annual festival on Tuesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The month-long festival, under the theme "We Care, We Collaborate, We Celebrate," will feature a total of 16 programs, according to KUSOM. Dr. Devi Bedari, Dean of the University, had delivered the inaugural speech. Various cultural programs were presented during the inauguration ceremony.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As part of the festival, tree plantation was carried out on the premises of KUSOM. Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, ward chiefs, KAF coordinator, among others, participated in the tree plantation. Following the tree plantation, a "Flash Mob" performance took place in the KUSOM grounds. Dr. Devi Bedari and KAF coordinator Ichchhuk Paudyal honored the distinguished guests with tokens of love and appreciation letters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, Mayor Maharjan presented letters of appreciation to the students who showcased their presentations during the program. Subsequently, KAF 2023 coordinator Paudyal delivered the closing remarks. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As part of the program, cleaning campaigns were organized at Damark Park on Tuesday. The event concluded with a walkathon from Maitighar to Basantapur on Saturday, under the theme "Clean Air: Our Shared Responsibility," featured the participation of Miss Nepal 2023 Shreechha Pradhan, social activist KP Khanal, poet Mohit Joshi, and flutist Sajag Shakya, among others.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On the occasion, artistes from the Silpi Theater performed a play related to environmental pollution at Basantapur.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-03', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17797', 'image' => '20230603084217_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-03 20:40:01', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18065', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '73rd Anniversary of First Ascent of Mt Annapurna being Observed Today ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 3: The first ascent of Mt Annapurna is being observed today with a variety of programmes. On June 3, 1950, Maurice Herzog of France successfully climbed Mt Annapurna. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 3: The first ascent of Mt Annapurna is being observed today with a variety of programmes. On June 3, 1950, Maurice Herzog of France successfully climbed Mt Annapurna. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Annapurna Ascent Day is being celebrated with various programs, President of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki chapter, Dharmaraj Panthi said, adding, "Annapurna Ascent Day is a special day of mountain tourism in Nepal." </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Nepal became a unique attraction of mountain tourism in the world following the successful scaling of Mt Annapurna, hence it is important to keep the dignity and importance of this day alive. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It was only after the French team led by Herzog climbed the 8,091 meters high Mt Annapurna I, that Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary scaled the world's highest peak, Sagarmatha or Everest on May 29, 1953. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to former president of TAAN Western Regional Association, Som Thapa, Mt Annapurna is also bestowed with the title of the world's oldest mountain in the field of mountaineering. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Pokhara became a tourist destination for many after the successful scaling of Mt Annapurna. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Every year on Annapurna Ascent Day, TAAN Gandaki chapter has been promoting a tourist village located in the lap of Mt Annapurna. This year a short distance trek is being carried out under the Mardi Himal trekking route from Hemja to Astam. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Mt Annapurna and 7629 square kilometers around it have been protected through the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Annapurna Ascent Day is also celebrated under the protected area of ACAP by the area offices of Ghandruk, Lwang, Sikles, Bhujrung, Jomsom, Lomanthang and Manang. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Annapurna Century Tourism Festival coordinator Lalit Gurung shared that Annapurna Marathon (42.195 km) will be held from Annapurna Base Camp to Ghandruk on the occasion. He said that 56 athletes including foreigners have already reached the base camp for the marathon. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-03', 'modified' => '2023-06-03', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17796', 'image' => '20230603092840_trekking-annapurna-680x261.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-03 09:25:29', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18079', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bharatpur Municipality Embarks on the Modernization of Ancient Kamalpokhari to Boost Tourism', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The construction work of the ancient pond 'Kamalpokhari' located in Patihani has started at Bharatpur Municipality Ward No. 22. With an estimated cost of NPR 4.5 million, this pond is set to be completed next year, targeting Bharatpur Visit Year-2024.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">June 5: The construction work of the ancient pond 'Kamalpokhari' located in Patihani has started at Bharatpur Municipality Ward No. 22. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> With an estimated cost of NPR 4.5 million, this pond is set to be completed next year, targeting Bharatpur Visit Year-2024. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After the completion of the pond, various structures such as a children's park, Tharu Cultural House, rest points, selfie points, and boating facilities will be constructed in the vicinity, according to Ward Chairman Bishnu Raj Mahato.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Tharu people believe that performing religious rituals in the Kamalpokhari and then releasing water into the Sundhara (a small canal) from the same pond has various traditional significances. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Therefore, the Tharu community has been conducting worship ceremonies in the pond for centuries. However, now the local government has allocated it as a commercial tourist destination. The concrete construction is underway to modernize the pond that has been adorned with lotus flowers for centuries.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to Ward Chairman Mahato, the construction work has been carried out as per the Detailed Project Report (DPR). He mentioned, "This year, the ward has already spent 5.3 million rupees for the construction. We are constructing the structure of the pond in the shape of a lotus."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> He also mentioned that two bridges will be constructed from both ends of the pond in the park under the name 'Kamalpokhari Park'. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The metropolis plans to complete the construction work prior to the Bharatpur Visit 2024. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Kamalpokhari covers an area of approximately three bighas, while the water surface of the pond is only about one bigha. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Park Construction Consumer Committee Chairman Madhav Acharya stated that the design of the pond has been sought to give it a modern touch without neglecting its original form. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Maharjan said, "We are not going to demolish the ancient structure of the pond but rather incorporate modernity according to the present time. We are also looking to connect Kamalpokhari with Umbrella Street and make it an attraction for tourists." </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He further mentioned the inclusion of covered halls, Tharu museum, sports activities, and cultural events to enhance the attractiveness of Kamalpokhari. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Local conservation activist Apil Ghimire emphasized to preserve the natural structure of Kamalpokhari. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ghimire said, "We should not touch the ancient and archaeological structure, even if other structures are constructed outside the pond. We must maintain the integrity of the structure inside the pond." </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Although the pond benefits the metropolis from a business perspective, concrete structures will adversely affect natural and biological diversity of the pond. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sitting at the lap of Chitwan National Park, the area is incorporated in 100 top tourist destinations in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-05', 'modified' => '2023-06-05', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17810', 'image' => '20230605053735_collage (10) (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-05 05:34:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18078', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'PATA Summit and Adventure Travel Mart 2023 Concludes', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The 'PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Travel Mart 2023' organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), an umbrella organization of travel associations in the Asia Pacific region, concluded in the lake city of Pokhara on Friday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">June 4: The 'PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Travel Mart 2023' organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), an umbrella organization of travel associations in the Asia Pacific region, concluded in the lake city of Pokhara on Friday laying emphasis on sustainable tourism and digitization.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Renowned speakers from the national and international travel industry attended the summit and discussed issues related to sustainable tourism, crisis management, air safety, social media, adventure and mountain tourism.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">This is the third time that Nepal hosted the Adventure Travel Mart and the Pata Annual Summit for the first time.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The best photos related to tourism and adventure taken in different places of the country were also put up for display during a photo exhibition held along with the summit and the travel mart, said Sunil Sharma, central member and program coordinator of NFPJ, the organizer of the photo exhibition. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The four-day event, which kicked off on Tuesday, was jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), PATA, Pokhara Metropolitan City and Pokhara Tourism Council. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">During the summit, experts stressed that sustainable tourism is a necessity for economic development.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">They argued that digitization should also be taken hand-in-hand for the development and promotion of tourism the changing context of the present-day world. They added that tourism industry across the world is gradually returning to the pre-pandemic situation but is suffering due to the impacts of global economic recession. According to experts, the world's tourism will have to wait for about a year to return to its pre-pandemic condition.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17809', 'image' => '20230604055713_pata.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 17:56:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18077', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Investors Become Optimistic As the Tax Dispute Settles; NEPSE above 1900 Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'With an agreement between the government and share investors over the Capital Gain Tax(CGT) dispute, the stock market witnessed a positive impact on Sunday. The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 53.03 points or 2.84% and closed at 1919.37 points on Sunday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">June 4: With an agreement between the government and share investors over the Capital Gain Tax(CGT) dispute, the stock market witnessed a positive impact on Sunday. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 53.03 points or 2.84% and closed at 1919.37 points on Sunday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Following a talk between the officials at the Ministry of Finance and representatives of share investors, the ministry had issued a notice with clarification to maintain existing 5% and 7.5% capital gain tax as final. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The notification has had positive impact on the NEPSE, which had seen fall for three days due to uncertainty regarding the capital gains tax. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Today, a total of 4,557,169 shares of 270 companies were traded, amounting to NPR 1.65 billion. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">SHIVAM CEMENTS LTD (SHIVM) shares traded the most and had the highest turnover of Rs. 15.81 crores closing at a market price of Rs. 486.90 per share.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">IGI Prudential Insurance Limited (IGI) gained the highest 10% and hit a positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Conversely, 12% ICFC Finance Limited Debenture 2083 (ICFCD83) lost the highest 1.96% today.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">All sector indices closed green, "Hotel and Tourism" gained the highest 7.37% while "Mutual Fund" gained the least 0.76% today.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Furthermore, the Sensitive Index increased by 2.67 percent, the Float Index by 2.76 percent, and the Sensitive Float Index by 2.50 percent . </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17808', 'image' => '20230604050229_collage (8).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 16:58:08', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18076', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Royal Enfield Launches Classic 350 and Scram 411 along with CKD Facility', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250cc-750cc), has announced the inauguration of its exclusive Local Assembly Unit and CKD facility along with two new models of motorbikes in Nepal, in collaboration with the Triveni Group.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">June 4: Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250cc-750cc), has announced the inauguration of its exclusive Local Assembly Unit and CKD facility along with two new models of motorbikes in Nepal, in collaboration with the Triveni Group. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Royal Enfield has launched two new models of motorcycles: the Classic 350 and the Scram 411. These models, previously introduced in India and other global markets, will now be proudly "Made in Nepal" for riding enthusiasts in the country.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Situated in Birgunj, the new facility becomes Royal Enfield's fifth CKD assembly unit globally, joining the ranks of Brazil, Thailand, Colombia, and Argentina. The company already boasts state-of-the-art manufacturing and ancillary facilities in Tamil Nadu, India.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Expressing his thoughts on the inauguration of the Nepal CKD unit and Royal Enfield's global aspirations, B Govindarajan, CEO of Royal Enfield, emphasized the company's endeavor to expand the middleweight motorcycle segment on a global scale, citing the remarkable success it has achieved in international markets. Royal Enfield has cemented its position among the leading mid-segment motorcycle brands in countries such as the UK, Korea, Australia-New Zealand, and more.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">During the launch event of the CKD unit and the introduction of new motorcycles for the Nepali market, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Chief Commercial Officer of Royal Enfield, stated that the commencement of CKD operations in Birgunj, in partnership with the Triveni Group, marks a significant chapter in Royal Enfield's journey in Nepal.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The Classic 350 embodies a timeless and retro-inspired design, paying homage to the post-war era British motorcycles that have garnered a dedicated following worldwide. Its elegant aesthetics, combined with a commanding and comfortable riding posture and a reliable J-series engine, make it a favorite among leisure motorcycling enthusiasts. The Classic 350 comes in six captivating color options: Redditch Black, Grey, Sage Green, Halcyon Grey, Black, and Green.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The Scram 411 represents Royal Enfield's foray into the urban adventure crossover segment. Built on the robust LS-410 engine platform and the Harris Performance chassis, the Scram 411 seamlessly blends agile maneuverability on city streets with impressive off-road capabilities.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Purposeful changes in riding geometry and ergonomics make it ideal for both urban commuting and venturing into challenging terrains beyond the city limits. Nepali riders can choose from seven vibrant color options for the Scram 411: White Flame, Silver Spirit, Blazing Black, Skyline Blue, Graphite Yellow, Graphite Red, and Graphite Blue.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Starting from June 2, both the Classic 350 and the Scram 411 will be available for test rides, bookings, and purchases in Nepal. The Classic 350 is priced at NPR 4,99,000, while the Scram 411 can be owned for NPR 6,60,000. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17807', 'image' => '20230604041807_collage (7).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 16:12:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18075', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'No Hike in Capital Gains Tax for Stock Market: Finance Ministry ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The Ministry of Finance has made it clear that no change has been made by the Finance Bill, 2080 BS regarding the capital gains tax meant for share market investors. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 4: </span><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Ministry of Finance has made it clear that no change has been made by the Finance Bill, 2080 BS regarding the capital gains tax meant for share market investors. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A delegation of stock market investors visited the Finance Ministry on Sunday with their concerns over what they believed to be the imposition of an additional tax on the capital gains tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">During the meeting, the ministry officials said the tax rate remained unchanged from the existing rates. The ministry further issued a public notice to clarify the matter. The notice says 5 percent or the 5.5 percent capital gains tax conditioned by the bill in the stock market is the final tax rates. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17806', 'image' => '20230604034739_20230525113508_taxxxxx.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 15:44:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18074', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Extreme Heat Closes Schools in Sarlahi', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => ' Excessive heat for the past few days has closed schools in Sarlahi. The schools will stay closed from June 4 to June 7 owing to soaring mercury.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">June 4: Excessive heat for the past few days has closed schools in Sarlahi. The schools will stay closed from June 4 to June 7 owing to soaring mercury. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">All the community and institutional schools in the district have been shut for four days due to the scorching heat, said Ashok Kumar Rauniar, Officiating Chief of the Education Development and Coordination Unit, Sarlahi.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to him, the summer holiday has been given to the schools for four days. This holiday would be deducted from the monsoon holiday. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The four-day holiday has been announced in view of the situation that unbearable heat has affected the teaching and learning activities at schools. The ongoing exams will however continue as per the schedule, he added.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17805', 'image' => '20230604032936_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 15:28:20', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18073', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'CNI Doubtful about Encouraging Investment Despite Government’s Efforts', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has expressed doubts about encouraging investment and increase in market demand in the upcoming fiscal year despite government’s efforts to improve the economy through the budget.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 4: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has expressed doubts about encouraging investment and increase in market demand in the upcoming fiscal year despite government’s efforts to improve the economy through the budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CNI claimed that the government overlooked most of the suggestions made by CNI while preparing the budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A statement issued by CNI states, “Capital expenditure has been reduced when investment should have been increased to take the economy out of recession towards prosperity. Many suggestions given by CNI to increase the private sector’s investment have not been addressed. It is doubtful that the budget will provide any relief to the economy that is heading towards recession.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CNI commented that the budget did not address the suggestion that the customs rates of finished goods and raw materials should be at least two levels different and the government's own policy of at least one level difference to encourage domestic production. However, CNI stated that the budget addressed some of the issues while accepting the private sector as a driver of economic development.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As per the statement, “In the projects to commence from the next fiscal year, promoting domestically produced cement, iron rods, zinc sheets, iron pipes, plastic pipes and electric wires, revising the land demarcation law, building and operating industrial areas in public private partnership, revising the minimum limit of foreign investment, preparation of base for extracting ballast, allocation of budget only to projects with site clearance, encouraging investment in start-up business are commendable."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Likewise, the announcement of encouraging the private sector to develop and operate in public-private partnership after completing environmental impact assessment, tree felling, and other preparatory work in Chitwan's Shaktikhor and Makwanpur's Mayurdhap industrial areas are also positive,” CNI stated. However, it requested the government to bring clear facilities to attract the industries to the industrial areas, saying that the budget is silent about the facilities that the industries operating in such industrial areas are going to get.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The CNI said that the issue of revising the laws related to leases and restrictions for easy land availability for manufacturing and export industries, and adopting flexible labor policies for industries based on information technology and innovation is a welcome move. The statement added, “In the budget, it is mentioned that the use of indigenous products in the government agencies will contribute significantly to the promotion of domestic production. It is expected to add strength to the ‘Make in Nepal Swadeshi Campaign,’ which was started as a joint initiative of the government and CNI.”</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17804', 'image' => '20230604022441_Budget.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 14:23:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18072', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Industrialists Urge Government to Lower Customs Duty on Crude Oil to 1 Percent', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: Industrialists from across the country have urged the government to withdraw the proposal to impose 10 percent customs duty on the import of raw materials required for the vegetable ghee and oil industries arguing that the refined products accounts for 47 percent share in Nepal’s export.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 4: Industrialists from across the country have urged the government to withdraw the proposal to impose 10 percent customs duty on the import of raw materials required for the vegetable ghee and oil industries arguing that the refined products accounts for 47 percent share in Nepal’s export.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">After the government hiked the customs duty while announcing budget for the upcoming fiscal year on May 29, the owners of 26 industries demanded that there should be the same arrangement as before.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Bipin Kabra, a member of the Nepal Vegetable Ghee Oil Producers Association said that if they pay 10 percent customs duty and 15 percent excise duty on unrefined oil they would be handing 25 percent revenue to the government. As a result, they will be unable to compete in the Indian market, rendering them unable to operate business. Kabra argued that India has maintained a zero customs rate on the import of raw materials including palm oil, while only 5 percent GST has been imposed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In FY 2022/23, the government imposed 1 percent customs duty on raw materials of soybean, mustard, sunflower, and palm oil. The government had also given 90 percent exemption on 5 percent customs duty on mustard seeds. President of the association, Sandeep Kumar Agarwal said that the government should amend the budget immediately to protect the investment of 26 industries and ensure the employment of 15,000 people who are directly or indirectly involved in those industies.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The domestic industry has been importing unrefined oil and processing it and exporting refined oil to India taking advantage of the difference in customs duty in India and Nepal. In the year 2019/20, refined oil worth Rs 31.13 billion was exported from Nepal, Rs 55.90 billion 2020/21, and a record of Rs 93.69 billion in 2021/22. However, in the 10 months of the current fiscal year, the export decreased to Rs 27.27 billion after India imposed zero customs duty on crude oil import and reduced GST to 5 percent.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Nepal received foreign currency worth Rs 7.50 billion through the export of refined oil in the year 2019/20. This figure increased to Rs 13.50 billion in the year 2020/21 and to Rs 20 billion in 2021/22. By mid-May of the current fiscal year, the amount earned from ghee and oil exports shrunk to Rs 6 billion. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The vegetable ghee and oil industries belonging to the association were paying income tax of Rs 1 billion annually in previous years. Naresh Rathi, another member of the association, said that after the decrease in exports in the current year, the industries suffered a loss of Rs 1 billion in 10 months.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rathi said that in order to sustain the industry and continue employment, the government should create an environment where ready-made goods can be exported to India by imposing lower taxes than India as there is a tax gap of 20 percent between India and Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Otherwise low-quality oil would enter Nepal through illegal routes from India, which would have a negative impact on both the health of the people and the revenue of the government, he warned. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17803', 'image' => '20230604014739_20220713122307_soybean.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 13:46:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18071', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' 'Adopt Precaution to Remain Safe from Heat Wave' ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has requested one and all to adopt necessary precaution to protect oneself from heat wave.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 4: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has requested one and all to adopt necessary precaution to protect</span><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> oneself</span><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> from heat wave. The division has predicted the possibility of heat wave caused by hot air in the Tarai region of the country for the next few days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a special bulletin, the division requested all to adopt necessary precaution for five days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"There is a possibility of rise in temperature in most of the places of Tarai for some days. So, adopting necessary precautions is imperative," said the division. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meteorologist Govinda Kumar Jha mentioned that there is a possibility of heat wave until the next three days. Most of the places of Tarai have been experiencing heat wave for the past few days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The temperature from Saptari to Bhairahawa has crossed 40 degrees Celsius while the temperature of Nepalgunj and its surrounding areas is around 40 degrees Celsius. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Division, the minimum and maximum temperatures of most of the places in the country have been increasing for the past few days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division alerted that one can feel tiredness, weakness, headache, vomiting and muscle pain during the heat wave. The division requested people to stay indoors, wear cotton dress, drink water and juice and visit health facilities in case of health-related problems. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, there is still partial impact of the Westerly winds coupled with the local wind, resulting in rising heat across the country, including Kathmandu Valley for some days. </span><br /> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">No possibility of rain for three days</span></strong> <br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather in the hill areas of the country as well as in the Kathmandu Valley is now partly cloudy, added Jha. He further said there is no possibility of rainfall for the next three days in Kathmandu. However, there is a chance of cloudy weather and rainfall at some places of Karnali, Gandaki and Sudurpaschim provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The minimum temperature of the Kathmandu Valley on Friday and Saturday was 17 degrees Celsius and maximum temperature 32 degrees Celsius. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17802', 'image' => '20230604125858_global-warming.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 12:58:08', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18070', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Farmers Unhappy with Government’s Decision to Scrap Cotton Development Committee ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: Farmers of Banke and Bardiya district are worried after the government decided to scrap Khajura-based Cotton Development Committee in Banke district. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 4: Farmers of Banke and Bardiya district are worried after the government decided to scrap Khajura-based Cotton Development Committee in Banke district. </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"">Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat had announced to scrap the committee while unveiling the budget for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2023/24) in a joint session of parliament on May 29. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The farmers, who have been involved in cotton farming for many years and are planning to continue this profession, are now reluctant to spend their time and energy due to the uncertainty over the outcome following the government’s decision to do away with the committee.</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"">Shatish Niraula, a businessman from Banke says, it is unfortunate that the government decided to scrap the Cotton Development Committee through the budget announcement.</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"">He suggested that utilizing cotton produced in the country could create employment in the yarn industry.</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"">Hariram Tharu of Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality, who is involved in cotton farming for the past few years, said he has been making a good income from cotton farming. Now, he is not certain if he can make good income without the support of the committee.</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 Cotton Development Committee is closely involved with the farmers and helps them with seeds, pesticides and also to link the farmers with the market. The committee has sold cotton worth Rs 30 million in the current fiscal year, reported the state-owned RSS. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Chairperson of the committee Hemant Raj Kafle told RSS that necessary seeds and pesticide had already been purchased after selecting 300 farmers for cotton farming for this season “because it is right time for cotton farming”. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kafle further said, "There is no stock of cotton in store but the demand is good. Farmers of Banke and Bardiya have been making good income from cotton farming. It is really sad that the government decided to scrap the committee.”</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"">He shared that capital of the committee is worth Rs 100 million and it has been making good income in recent years. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to Kafle, the committee has not been able to supply cotton as per the demand which is quite high in the market. He said that the committee purchased 100 tonnes of cotton from the farmers in the current fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Biratnagar-based Yarn Industry purchases 15 metric tonnes of cotton every month from the committee. All the cotton stored at the committee's depot since 2072 BS was sold last year, the committee’s officials told RSS. </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17801', 'image' => '20230604115035_uz_cotton_780x4391685788932_1024.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 11:49:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18069', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Seti Hydropower Project in Final Stage ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The construction work of the 25 MW Seti River Hydropower Project has reached its final stage. The project is being built in Sardikhola of Machhapuchchhe Rural Municipality-2. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 4: The construction work of the 25 MW Seti River Hydropower Project has reached its final stage. The project is being built in Sardikhola of Machhapuchchhe Rural Municipality-2. </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 construction of the hydropower project that started from August-September 2020 has seen 90 percent of the work completed so far. </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"">Executive Chair of Vision Lumbini Energy Company Limited, Jagat Bahadur Pokharel, said that all the works related to the construction of civil, hydro-mechanical, electro-mechanical structures and transmission line of the project have reached the final stage. </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 project on the Seti river will be completed by coming December, Pokharel told RSS adding that the construction work was delayed by one year due to the coronavirus pandemic. </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 project will be completed within the next five months and electricity will be produced," RSS quoted Pokharel as saying. </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"">A total of Rs 5 billion has been invested in the Seti River Hydropower Project. Different banks and financial institutions have invested Rs 3.5 billion. </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 electricity produced by the Seti project will be connected to the substation of Nepal Electricity Authority in Lahachowk located at a distance of four kilometers.</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 budget unveiled by the government on May 29 has set a target of producing an additional 900 MW of electricity in the next fiscal year. The installed capacity of electricity at present is 2700 MW which is expected to reach 3600 MW by the end of next fiscal year.</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"">Out of the total installed capacity of electricity produced by the Nepal Electricity Authority, the private sector power producers and the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, 2,492.95 MW is connected to the national grid, while the remaining 84.53 MW is designated for off-grid supply.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17800', 'image' => '20230604111803_hydro.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 11:17:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18068', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Test Flight of Paragliding Successful in Putalibazaar Syangja', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Test flight of paragliding took place at Sataun Kot Putalibazaar-14, Syangja on Saturday. This initiative is part of a comprehensive feasibility study to explore the potential of paragliding in various locations within the district.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">June 4: Test flight of paragliding took place at Sataun Kot Putalibazaar-14, Syangja on Saturday. This initiative is part of a comprehensive feasibility study to explore the potential of paragliding in various locations within the district. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">Jung KC, President of Babu Adventure Club, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the test flight. With the support and coordination of Babu International Paragliding School, Babu Adventure Club, Technical Management of Roadside Paragliding, and Putalibazaar Municipality, the event was executed seamlessly. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">KC stated, "The successful test flight of paragliding has paved the way for us to gradually prepare for commercial flights." </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">The proximity of the take-off and landing points to the Siddharth Highway, which connects Sunauli to Pokhara, is expected to attract a growing number of paragliding enthusiasts to the area. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">KC believes that the convenience of transportation and the captivating aerial views will contribute to the popularity of paragliding in the region.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">Sataun Kot, located just an hour away from the renowned tourist city of Pokhara, offers both solo and tandem flights. The successful test flight has set the stage for the development of a paragliding industry in Putalibazaar.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17799', 'image' => '20230604062414_collage (7).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 06:21:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18067', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Revises COVID-19 Protocol: Face Masks Now Voluntary ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 3: The Ministry of Health and Population has now made wearing of mask voluntary, with a steady decline in the number of COVID-19 infections. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 3: The Ministry of Health and Population has now made wearing of mask voluntary, with a steady decline in the number of COVID-19 infections. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a notice, Senior Public Health Administrator of the Ministry, Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari, said the health protocol related to COVID-19 has been revised considering the decline in the rate of infection and the use of masks has been made voluntary. Prior to this, the use of masks was mandatory as per the health protocol. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The ministry also said with low infection rate, testing for COVID-19 and proof of vaccination is no long a requirement for national and international travelers. </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"">“Showing of vaccination card and test results are no longer required at the international transits,” reads the statement. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, coronavirus patients will continue to be regularly monitored and the suspected travelers who are vulnerable will be screened. The ministry has extended gratitude for the support from the national and international level for the prevention, control and management of the coronavirus pandemic. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-03', 'modified' => '2023-06-03', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17798', 'image' => '20230603102621_horizontal.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-03 22:25:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18066', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Kathmandu University School of Management’s Annual Festival Begins', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The annual festival of Kathmandu University School Management (KUSOM) commenced at Balkumari, Lalitpur. Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan inaugurated the annual festival on Tuesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 3: The annual festival of Kathmandu University School Management (KUSOM) commenced at Balkumari, Lalitpur. Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan inaugurated the annual festival on Tuesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The month-long festival, under the theme "We Care, We Collaborate, We Celebrate," will feature a total of 16 programs, according to KUSOM. Dr. Devi Bedari, Dean of the University, had delivered the inaugural speech. Various cultural programs were presented during the inauguration ceremony.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As part of the festival, tree plantation was carried out on the premises of KUSOM. Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, ward chiefs, KAF coordinator, among others, participated in the tree plantation. Following the tree plantation, a "Flash Mob" performance took place in the KUSOM grounds. Dr. Devi Bedari and KAF coordinator Ichchhuk Paudyal honored the distinguished guests with tokens of love and appreciation letters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, Mayor Maharjan presented letters of appreciation to the students who showcased their presentations during the program. Subsequently, KAF 2023 coordinator Paudyal delivered the closing remarks. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As part of the program, cleaning campaigns were organized at Damark Park on Tuesday. The event concluded with a walkathon from Maitighar to Basantapur on Saturday, under the theme "Clean Air: Our Shared Responsibility," featured the participation of Miss Nepal 2023 Shreechha Pradhan, social activist KP Khanal, poet Mohit Joshi, and flutist Sajag Shakya, among others.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On the occasion, artistes from the Silpi Theater performed a play related to environmental pollution at Basantapur.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-03', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17797', 'image' => '20230603084217_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-03 20:40:01', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18065', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '73rd Anniversary of First Ascent of Mt Annapurna being Observed Today ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 3: The first ascent of Mt Annapurna is being observed today with a variety of programmes. On June 3, 1950, Maurice Herzog of France successfully climbed Mt Annapurna. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 3: The first ascent of Mt Annapurna is being observed today with a variety of programmes. On June 3, 1950, Maurice Herzog of France successfully climbed Mt Annapurna. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Annapurna Ascent Day is being celebrated with various programs, President of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki chapter, Dharmaraj Panthi said, adding, "Annapurna Ascent Day is a special day of mountain tourism in Nepal." </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Nepal became a unique attraction of mountain tourism in the world following the successful scaling of Mt Annapurna, hence it is important to keep the dignity and importance of this day alive. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It was only after the French team led by Herzog climbed the 8,091 meters high Mt Annapurna I, that Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary scaled the world's highest peak, Sagarmatha or Everest on May 29, 1953. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to former president of TAAN Western Regional Association, Som Thapa, Mt Annapurna is also bestowed with the title of the world's oldest mountain in the field of mountaineering. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Pokhara became a tourist destination for many after the successful scaling of Mt Annapurna. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Every year on Annapurna Ascent Day, TAAN Gandaki chapter has been promoting a tourist village located in the lap of Mt Annapurna. This year a short distance trek is being carried out under the Mardi Himal trekking route from Hemja to Astam. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Mt Annapurna and 7629 square kilometers around it have been protected through the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Annapurna Ascent Day is also celebrated under the protected area of ACAP by the area offices of Ghandruk, Lwang, Sikles, Bhujrung, Jomsom, Lomanthang and Manang. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Annapurna Century Tourism Festival coordinator Lalit Gurung shared that Annapurna Marathon (42.195 km) will be held from Annapurna Base Camp to Ghandruk on the occasion. He said that 56 athletes including foreigners have already reached the base camp for the marathon. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-03', 'modified' => '2023-06-03', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17796', 'image' => '20230603092840_trekking-annapurna-680x261.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-03 09:25:29', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18079', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bharatpur Municipality Embarks on the Modernization of Ancient Kamalpokhari to Boost Tourism', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The construction work of the ancient pond 'Kamalpokhari' located in Patihani has started at Bharatpur Municipality Ward No. 22. With an estimated cost of NPR 4.5 million, this pond is set to be completed next year, targeting Bharatpur Visit Year-2024.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">June 5: The construction work of the ancient pond 'Kamalpokhari' located in Patihani has started at Bharatpur Municipality Ward No. 22. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> With an estimated cost of NPR 4.5 million, this pond is set to be completed next year, targeting Bharatpur Visit Year-2024. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After the completion of the pond, various structures such as a children's park, Tharu Cultural House, rest points, selfie points, and boating facilities will be constructed in the vicinity, according to Ward Chairman Bishnu Raj Mahato.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Tharu people believe that performing religious rituals in the Kamalpokhari and then releasing water into the Sundhara (a small canal) from the same pond has various traditional significances. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Therefore, the Tharu community has been conducting worship ceremonies in the pond for centuries. However, now the local government has allocated it as a commercial tourist destination. The concrete construction is underway to modernize the pond that has been adorned with lotus flowers for centuries.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to Ward Chairman Mahato, the construction work has been carried out as per the Detailed Project Report (DPR). He mentioned, "This year, the ward has already spent 5.3 million rupees for the construction. We are constructing the structure of the pond in the shape of a lotus."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> He also mentioned that two bridges will be constructed from both ends of the pond in the park under the name 'Kamalpokhari Park'. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The metropolis plans to complete the construction work prior to the Bharatpur Visit 2024. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Kamalpokhari covers an area of approximately three bighas, while the water surface of the pond is only about one bigha. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Park Construction Consumer Committee Chairman Madhav Acharya stated that the design of the pond has been sought to give it a modern touch without neglecting its original form. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Maharjan said, "We are not going to demolish the ancient structure of the pond but rather incorporate modernity according to the present time. We are also looking to connect Kamalpokhari with Umbrella Street and make it an attraction for tourists." </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He further mentioned the inclusion of covered halls, Tharu museum, sports activities, and cultural events to enhance the attractiveness of Kamalpokhari. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Local conservation activist Apil Ghimire emphasized to preserve the natural structure of Kamalpokhari. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ghimire said, "We should not touch the ancient and archaeological structure, even if other structures are constructed outside the pond. We must maintain the integrity of the structure inside the pond." </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Although the pond benefits the metropolis from a business perspective, concrete structures will adversely affect natural and biological diversity of the pond. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sitting at the lap of Chitwan National Park, the area is incorporated in 100 top tourist destinations in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-05', 'modified' => '2023-06-05', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17810', 'image' => '20230605053735_collage (10) (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-05 05:34:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18078', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'PATA Summit and Adventure Travel Mart 2023 Concludes', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The 'PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Travel Mart 2023' organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), an umbrella organization of travel associations in the Asia Pacific region, concluded in the lake city of Pokhara on Friday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">June 4: The 'PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Travel Mart 2023' organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), an umbrella organization of travel associations in the Asia Pacific region, concluded in the lake city of Pokhara on Friday laying emphasis on sustainable tourism and digitization.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Renowned speakers from the national and international travel industry attended the summit and discussed issues related to sustainable tourism, crisis management, air safety, social media, adventure and mountain tourism.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">This is the third time that Nepal hosted the Adventure Travel Mart and the Pata Annual Summit for the first time.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The best photos related to tourism and adventure taken in different places of the country were also put up for display during a photo exhibition held along with the summit and the travel mart, said Sunil Sharma, central member and program coordinator of NFPJ, the organizer of the photo exhibition. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The four-day event, which kicked off on Tuesday, was jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), PATA, Pokhara Metropolitan City and Pokhara Tourism Council. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">During the summit, experts stressed that sustainable tourism is a necessity for economic development.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">They argued that digitization should also be taken hand-in-hand for the development and promotion of tourism the changing context of the present-day world. They added that tourism industry across the world is gradually returning to the pre-pandemic situation but is suffering due to the impacts of global economic recession. According to experts, the world's tourism will have to wait for about a year to return to its pre-pandemic condition.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17809', 'image' => '20230604055713_pata.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 17:56:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18077', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Investors Become Optimistic As the Tax Dispute Settles; NEPSE above 1900 Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'With an agreement between the government and share investors over the Capital Gain Tax(CGT) dispute, the stock market witnessed a positive impact on Sunday. The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 53.03 points or 2.84% and closed at 1919.37 points on Sunday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">June 4: With an agreement between the government and share investors over the Capital Gain Tax(CGT) dispute, the stock market witnessed a positive impact on Sunday. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 53.03 points or 2.84% and closed at 1919.37 points on Sunday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Following a talk between the officials at the Ministry of Finance and representatives of share investors, the ministry had issued a notice with clarification to maintain existing 5% and 7.5% capital gain tax as final. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The notification has had positive impact on the NEPSE, which had seen fall for three days due to uncertainty regarding the capital gains tax. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Today, a total of 4,557,169 shares of 270 companies were traded, amounting to NPR 1.65 billion. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">SHIVAM CEMENTS LTD (SHIVM) shares traded the most and had the highest turnover of Rs. 15.81 crores closing at a market price of Rs. 486.90 per share.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">IGI Prudential Insurance Limited (IGI) gained the highest 10% and hit a positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Conversely, 12% ICFC Finance Limited Debenture 2083 (ICFCD83) lost the highest 1.96% today.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">All sector indices closed green, "Hotel and Tourism" gained the highest 7.37% while "Mutual Fund" gained the least 0.76% today.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Furthermore, the Sensitive Index increased by 2.67 percent, the Float Index by 2.76 percent, and the Sensitive Float Index by 2.50 percent . </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17808', 'image' => '20230604050229_collage (8).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 16:58:08', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18076', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Royal Enfield Launches Classic 350 and Scram 411 along with CKD Facility', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250cc-750cc), has announced the inauguration of its exclusive Local Assembly Unit and CKD facility along with two new models of motorbikes in Nepal, in collaboration with the Triveni Group.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">June 4: Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250cc-750cc), has announced the inauguration of its exclusive Local Assembly Unit and CKD facility along with two new models of motorbikes in Nepal, in collaboration with the Triveni Group. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Royal Enfield has launched two new models of motorcycles: the Classic 350 and the Scram 411. These models, previously introduced in India and other global markets, will now be proudly "Made in Nepal" for riding enthusiasts in the country.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Situated in Birgunj, the new facility becomes Royal Enfield's fifth CKD assembly unit globally, joining the ranks of Brazil, Thailand, Colombia, and Argentina. The company already boasts state-of-the-art manufacturing and ancillary facilities in Tamil Nadu, India.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Expressing his thoughts on the inauguration of the Nepal CKD unit and Royal Enfield's global aspirations, B Govindarajan, CEO of Royal Enfield, emphasized the company's endeavor to expand the middleweight motorcycle segment on a global scale, citing the remarkable success it has achieved in international markets. Royal Enfield has cemented its position among the leading mid-segment motorcycle brands in countries such as the UK, Korea, Australia-New Zealand, and more.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">During the launch event of the CKD unit and the introduction of new motorcycles for the Nepali market, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Chief Commercial Officer of Royal Enfield, stated that the commencement of CKD operations in Birgunj, in partnership with the Triveni Group, marks a significant chapter in Royal Enfield's journey in Nepal.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The Classic 350 embodies a timeless and retro-inspired design, paying homage to the post-war era British motorcycles that have garnered a dedicated following worldwide. Its elegant aesthetics, combined with a commanding and comfortable riding posture and a reliable J-series engine, make it a favorite among leisure motorcycling enthusiasts. The Classic 350 comes in six captivating color options: Redditch Black, Grey, Sage Green, Halcyon Grey, Black, and Green.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The Scram 411 represents Royal Enfield's foray into the urban adventure crossover segment. Built on the robust LS-410 engine platform and the Harris Performance chassis, the Scram 411 seamlessly blends agile maneuverability on city streets with impressive off-road capabilities.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Purposeful changes in riding geometry and ergonomics make it ideal for both urban commuting and venturing into challenging terrains beyond the city limits. Nepali riders can choose from seven vibrant color options for the Scram 411: White Flame, Silver Spirit, Blazing Black, Skyline Blue, Graphite Yellow, Graphite Red, and Graphite Blue.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Starting from June 2, both the Classic 350 and the Scram 411 will be available for test rides, bookings, and purchases in Nepal. The Classic 350 is priced at NPR 4,99,000, while the Scram 411 can be owned for NPR 6,60,000. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17807', 'image' => '20230604041807_collage (7).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 16:12:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18075', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'No Hike in Capital Gains Tax for Stock Market: Finance Ministry ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The Ministry of Finance has made it clear that no change has been made by the Finance Bill, 2080 BS regarding the capital gains tax meant for share market investors. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 4: </span><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Ministry of Finance has made it clear that no change has been made by the Finance Bill, 2080 BS regarding the capital gains tax meant for share market investors. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A delegation of stock market investors visited the Finance Ministry on Sunday with their concerns over what they believed to be the imposition of an additional tax on the capital gains tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">During the meeting, the ministry officials said the tax rate remained unchanged from the existing rates. The ministry further issued a public notice to clarify the matter. The notice says 5 percent or the 5.5 percent capital gains tax conditioned by the bill in the stock market is the final tax rates. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17806', 'image' => '20230604034739_20230525113508_taxxxxx.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 15:44:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18074', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Extreme Heat Closes Schools in Sarlahi', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => ' Excessive heat for the past few days has closed schools in Sarlahi. The schools will stay closed from June 4 to June 7 owing to soaring mercury.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">June 4: Excessive heat for the past few days has closed schools in Sarlahi. The schools will stay closed from June 4 to June 7 owing to soaring mercury. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">All the community and institutional schools in the district have been shut for four days due to the scorching heat, said Ashok Kumar Rauniar, Officiating Chief of the Education Development and Coordination Unit, Sarlahi.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to him, the summer holiday has been given to the schools for four days. This holiday would be deducted from the monsoon holiday. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The four-day holiday has been announced in view of the situation that unbearable heat has affected the teaching and learning activities at schools. The ongoing exams will however continue as per the schedule, he added.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17805', 'image' => '20230604032936_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 15:28:20', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18073', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'CNI Doubtful about Encouraging Investment Despite Government’s Efforts', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has expressed doubts about encouraging investment and increase in market demand in the upcoming fiscal year despite government’s efforts to improve the economy through the budget.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 4: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has expressed doubts about encouraging investment and increase in market demand in the upcoming fiscal year despite government’s efforts to improve the economy through the budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CNI claimed that the government overlooked most of the suggestions made by CNI while preparing the budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A statement issued by CNI states, “Capital expenditure has been reduced when investment should have been increased to take the economy out of recession towards prosperity. Many suggestions given by CNI to increase the private sector’s investment have not been addressed. It is doubtful that the budget will provide any relief to the economy that is heading towards recession.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CNI commented that the budget did not address the suggestion that the customs rates of finished goods and raw materials should be at least two levels different and the government's own policy of at least one level difference to encourage domestic production. However, CNI stated that the budget addressed some of the issues while accepting the private sector as a driver of economic development.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As per the statement, “In the projects to commence from the next fiscal year, promoting domestically produced cement, iron rods, zinc sheets, iron pipes, plastic pipes and electric wires, revising the land demarcation law, building and operating industrial areas in public private partnership, revising the minimum limit of foreign investment, preparation of base for extracting ballast, allocation of budget only to projects with site clearance, encouraging investment in start-up business are commendable."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Likewise, the announcement of encouraging the private sector to develop and operate in public-private partnership after completing environmental impact assessment, tree felling, and other preparatory work in Chitwan's Shaktikhor and Makwanpur's Mayurdhap industrial areas are also positive,” CNI stated. However, it requested the government to bring clear facilities to attract the industries to the industrial areas, saying that the budget is silent about the facilities that the industries operating in such industrial areas are going to get.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The CNI said that the issue of revising the laws related to leases and restrictions for easy land availability for manufacturing and export industries, and adopting flexible labor policies for industries based on information technology and innovation is a welcome move. The statement added, “In the budget, it is mentioned that the use of indigenous products in the government agencies will contribute significantly to the promotion of domestic production. It is expected to add strength to the ‘Make in Nepal Swadeshi Campaign,’ which was started as a joint initiative of the government and CNI.”</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17804', 'image' => '20230604022441_Budget.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 14:23:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18072', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Industrialists Urge Government to Lower Customs Duty on Crude Oil to 1 Percent', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: Industrialists from across the country have urged the government to withdraw the proposal to impose 10 percent customs duty on the import of raw materials required for the vegetable ghee and oil industries arguing that the refined products accounts for 47 percent share in Nepal’s export.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 4: Industrialists from across the country have urged the government to withdraw the proposal to impose 10 percent customs duty on the import of raw materials required for the vegetable ghee and oil industries arguing that the refined products accounts for 47 percent share in Nepal’s export.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">After the government hiked the customs duty while announcing budget for the upcoming fiscal year on May 29, the owners of 26 industries demanded that there should be the same arrangement as before.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Bipin Kabra, a member of the Nepal Vegetable Ghee Oil Producers Association said that if they pay 10 percent customs duty and 15 percent excise duty on unrefined oil they would be handing 25 percent revenue to the government. As a result, they will be unable to compete in the Indian market, rendering them unable to operate business. Kabra argued that India has maintained a zero customs rate on the import of raw materials including palm oil, while only 5 percent GST has been imposed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In FY 2022/23, the government imposed 1 percent customs duty on raw materials of soybean, mustard, sunflower, and palm oil. The government had also given 90 percent exemption on 5 percent customs duty on mustard seeds. President of the association, Sandeep Kumar Agarwal said that the government should amend the budget immediately to protect the investment of 26 industries and ensure the employment of 15,000 people who are directly or indirectly involved in those industies.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The domestic industry has been importing unrefined oil and processing it and exporting refined oil to India taking advantage of the difference in customs duty in India and Nepal. In the year 2019/20, refined oil worth Rs 31.13 billion was exported from Nepal, Rs 55.90 billion 2020/21, and a record of Rs 93.69 billion in 2021/22. However, in the 10 months of the current fiscal year, the export decreased to Rs 27.27 billion after India imposed zero customs duty on crude oil import and reduced GST to 5 percent.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Nepal received foreign currency worth Rs 7.50 billion through the export of refined oil in the year 2019/20. This figure increased to Rs 13.50 billion in the year 2020/21 and to Rs 20 billion in 2021/22. By mid-May of the current fiscal year, the amount earned from ghee and oil exports shrunk to Rs 6 billion. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The vegetable ghee and oil industries belonging to the association were paying income tax of Rs 1 billion annually in previous years. Naresh Rathi, another member of the association, said that after the decrease in exports in the current year, the industries suffered a loss of Rs 1 billion in 10 months.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rathi said that in order to sustain the industry and continue employment, the government should create an environment where ready-made goods can be exported to India by imposing lower taxes than India as there is a tax gap of 20 percent between India and Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Otherwise low-quality oil would enter Nepal through illegal routes from India, which would have a negative impact on both the health of the people and the revenue of the government, he warned. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17803', 'image' => '20230604014739_20220713122307_soybean.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 13:46:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18071', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' 'Adopt Precaution to Remain Safe from Heat Wave' ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has requested one and all to adopt necessary precaution to protect oneself from heat wave.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 4: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has requested one and all to adopt necessary precaution to protect</span><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> oneself</span><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> from heat wave. The division has predicted the possibility of heat wave caused by hot air in the Tarai region of the country for the next few days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a special bulletin, the division requested all to adopt necessary precaution for five days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"There is a possibility of rise in temperature in most of the places of Tarai for some days. So, adopting necessary precautions is imperative," said the division. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meteorologist Govinda Kumar Jha mentioned that there is a possibility of heat wave until the next three days. Most of the places of Tarai have been experiencing heat wave for the past few days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The temperature from Saptari to Bhairahawa has crossed 40 degrees Celsius while the temperature of Nepalgunj and its surrounding areas is around 40 degrees Celsius. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Division, the minimum and maximum temperatures of most of the places in the country have been increasing for the past few days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division alerted that one can feel tiredness, weakness, headache, vomiting and muscle pain during the heat wave. The division requested people to stay indoors, wear cotton dress, drink water and juice and visit health facilities in case of health-related problems. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, there is still partial impact of the Westerly winds coupled with the local wind, resulting in rising heat across the country, including Kathmandu Valley for some days. </span><br /> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">No possibility of rain for three days</span></strong> <br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather in the hill areas of the country as well as in the Kathmandu Valley is now partly cloudy, added Jha. He further said there is no possibility of rainfall for the next three days in Kathmandu. However, there is a chance of cloudy weather and rainfall at some places of Karnali, Gandaki and Sudurpaschim provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The minimum temperature of the Kathmandu Valley on Friday and Saturday was 17 degrees Celsius and maximum temperature 32 degrees Celsius. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17802', 'image' => '20230604125858_global-warming.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 12:58:08', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18070', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Farmers Unhappy with Government’s Decision to Scrap Cotton Development Committee ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: Farmers of Banke and Bardiya district are worried after the government decided to scrap Khajura-based Cotton Development Committee in Banke district. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 4: Farmers of Banke and Bardiya district are worried after the government decided to scrap Khajura-based Cotton Development Committee in Banke district. </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"">Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat had announced to scrap the committee while unveiling the budget for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2023/24) in a joint session of parliament on May 29. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The farmers, who have been involved in cotton farming for many years and are planning to continue this profession, are now reluctant to spend their time and energy due to the uncertainty over the outcome following the government’s decision to do away with the committee.</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"">Shatish Niraula, a businessman from Banke says, it is unfortunate that the government decided to scrap the Cotton Development Committee through the budget announcement.</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"">He suggested that utilizing cotton produced in the country could create employment in the yarn industry.</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"">Hariram Tharu of Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality, who is involved in cotton farming for the past few years, said he has been making a good income from cotton farming. Now, he is not certain if he can make good income without the support of the committee.</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 Cotton Development Committee is closely involved with the farmers and helps them with seeds, pesticides and also to link the farmers with the market. The committee has sold cotton worth Rs 30 million in the current fiscal year, reported the state-owned RSS. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Chairperson of the committee Hemant Raj Kafle told RSS that necessary seeds and pesticide had already been purchased after selecting 300 farmers for cotton farming for this season “because it is right time for cotton farming”. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kafle further said, "There is no stock of cotton in store but the demand is good. Farmers of Banke and Bardiya have been making good income from cotton farming. It is really sad that the government decided to scrap the committee.”</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"">He shared that capital of the committee is worth Rs 100 million and it has been making good income in recent years. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to Kafle, the committee has not been able to supply cotton as per the demand which is quite high in the market. He said that the committee purchased 100 tonnes of cotton from the farmers in the current fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Biratnagar-based Yarn Industry purchases 15 metric tonnes of cotton every month from the committee. All the cotton stored at the committee's depot since 2072 BS was sold last year, the committee’s officials told RSS. </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17801', 'image' => '20230604115035_uz_cotton_780x4391685788932_1024.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 11:49:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18069', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Seti Hydropower Project in Final Stage ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 4: The construction work of the 25 MW Seti River Hydropower Project has reached its final stage. The project is being built in Sardikhola of Machhapuchchhe Rural Municipality-2. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 4: The construction work of the 25 MW Seti River Hydropower Project has reached its final stage. The project is being built in Sardikhola of Machhapuchchhe Rural Municipality-2. </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 construction of the hydropower project that started from August-September 2020 has seen 90 percent of the work completed so far. </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"">Executive Chair of Vision Lumbini Energy Company Limited, Jagat Bahadur Pokharel, said that all the works related to the construction of civil, hydro-mechanical, electro-mechanical structures and transmission line of the project have reached the final stage. </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 project on the Seti river will be completed by coming December, Pokharel told RSS adding that the construction work was delayed by one year due to the coronavirus pandemic. </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 project will be completed within the next five months and electricity will be produced," RSS quoted Pokharel as saying. </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"">A total of Rs 5 billion has been invested in the Seti River Hydropower Project. Different banks and financial institutions have invested Rs 3.5 billion. </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 electricity produced by the Seti project will be connected to the substation of Nepal Electricity Authority in Lahachowk located at a distance of four kilometers.</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 budget unveiled by the government on May 29 has set a target of producing an additional 900 MW of electricity in the next fiscal year. The installed capacity of electricity at present is 2700 MW which is expected to reach 3600 MW by the end of next fiscal year.</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"">Out of the total installed capacity of electricity produced by the Nepal Electricity Authority, the private sector power producers and the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, 2,492.95 MW is connected to the national grid, while the remaining 84.53 MW is designated for off-grid supply.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17800', 'image' => '20230604111803_hydro.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 11:17:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18068', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Test Flight of Paragliding Successful in Putalibazaar Syangja', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Test flight of paragliding took place at Sataun Kot Putalibazaar-14, Syangja on Saturday. This initiative is part of a comprehensive feasibility study to explore the potential of paragliding in various locations within the district.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">June 4: Test flight of paragliding took place at Sataun Kot Putalibazaar-14, Syangja on Saturday. This initiative is part of a comprehensive feasibility study to explore the potential of paragliding in various locations within the district. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">Jung KC, President of Babu Adventure Club, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the test flight. With the support and coordination of Babu International Paragliding School, Babu Adventure Club, Technical Management of Roadside Paragliding, and Putalibazaar Municipality, the event was executed seamlessly. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">KC stated, "The successful test flight of paragliding has paved the way for us to gradually prepare for commercial flights." </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">The proximity of the take-off and landing points to the Siddharth Highway, which connects Sunauli to Pokhara, is expected to attract a growing number of paragliding enthusiasts to the area. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">KC believes that the convenience of transportation and the captivating aerial views will contribute to the popularity of paragliding in the region.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:17.0pt">Sataun Kot, located just an hour away from the renowned tourist city of Pokhara, offers both solo and tandem flights. The successful test flight has set the stage for the development of a paragliding industry in Putalibazaar.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-04', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17799', 'image' => '20230604062414_collage (7).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-04 06:21:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18067', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Revises COVID-19 Protocol: Face Masks Now Voluntary ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 3: The Ministry of Health and Population has now made wearing of mask voluntary, with a steady decline in the number of COVID-19 infections. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 3: The Ministry of Health and Population has now made wearing of mask voluntary, with a steady decline in the number of COVID-19 infections. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a notice, Senior Public Health Administrator of the Ministry, Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari, said the health protocol related to COVID-19 has been revised considering the decline in the rate of infection and the use of masks has been made voluntary. Prior to this, the use of masks was mandatory as per the health protocol. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The ministry also said with low infection rate, testing for COVID-19 and proof of vaccination is no long a requirement for national and international travelers. </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"">“Showing of vaccination card and test results are no longer required at the international transits,” reads the statement. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, coronavirus patients will continue to be regularly monitored and the suspected travelers who are vulnerable will be screened. The ministry has extended gratitude for the support from the national and international level for the prevention, control and management of the coronavirus pandemic. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-03', 'modified' => '2023-06-03', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17798', 'image' => '20230603102621_horizontal.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-03 22:25:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18066', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Kathmandu University School of Management’s Annual Festival Begins', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The annual festival of Kathmandu University School Management (KUSOM) commenced at Balkumari, Lalitpur. Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan inaugurated the annual festival on Tuesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 3: The annual festival of Kathmandu University School Management (KUSOM) commenced at Balkumari, Lalitpur. Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan inaugurated the annual festival on Tuesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The month-long festival, under the theme "We Care, We Collaborate, We Celebrate," will feature a total of 16 programs, according to KUSOM. Dr. Devi Bedari, Dean of the University, had delivered the inaugural speech. Various cultural programs were presented during the inauguration ceremony.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As part of the festival, tree plantation was carried out on the premises of KUSOM. Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, ward chiefs, KAF coordinator, among others, participated in the tree plantation. Following the tree plantation, a "Flash Mob" performance took place in the KUSOM grounds. Dr. Devi Bedari and KAF coordinator Ichchhuk Paudyal honored the distinguished guests with tokens of love and appreciation letters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, Mayor Maharjan presented letters of appreciation to the students who showcased their presentations during the program. Subsequently, KAF 2023 coordinator Paudyal delivered the closing remarks. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As part of the program, cleaning campaigns were organized at Damark Park on Tuesday. The event concluded with a walkathon from Maitighar to Basantapur on Saturday, under the theme "Clean Air: Our Shared Responsibility," featured the participation of Miss Nepal 2023 Shreechha Pradhan, social activist KP Khanal, poet Mohit Joshi, and flutist Sajag Shakya, among others.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On the occasion, artistes from the Silpi Theater performed a play related to environmental pollution at Basantapur.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-03', 'modified' => '2023-06-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17797', 'image' => '20230603084217_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-03 20:40:01', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18065', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '73rd Anniversary of First Ascent of Mt Annapurna being Observed Today ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 3: The first ascent of Mt Annapurna is being observed today with a variety of programmes. On June 3, 1950, Maurice Herzog of France successfully climbed Mt Annapurna. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 3: The first ascent of Mt Annapurna is being observed today with a variety of programmes. On June 3, 1950, Maurice Herzog of France successfully climbed Mt Annapurna. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Annapurna Ascent Day is being celebrated with various programs, President of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki chapter, Dharmaraj Panthi said, adding, "Annapurna Ascent Day is a special day of mountain tourism in Nepal." </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Nepal became a unique attraction of mountain tourism in the world following the successful scaling of Mt Annapurna, hence it is important to keep the dignity and importance of this day alive. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It was only after the French team led by Herzog climbed the 8,091 meters high Mt Annapurna I, that Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary scaled the world's highest peak, Sagarmatha or Everest on May 29, 1953. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to former president of TAAN Western Regional Association, Som Thapa, Mt Annapurna is also bestowed with the title of the world's oldest mountain in the field of mountaineering. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Pokhara became a tourist destination for many after the successful scaling of Mt Annapurna. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Every year on Annapurna Ascent Day, TAAN Gandaki chapter has been promoting a tourist village located in the lap of Mt Annapurna. This year a short distance trek is being carried out under the Mardi Himal trekking route from Hemja to Astam. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Mt Annapurna and 7629 square kilometers around it have been protected through the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Annapurna Ascent Day is also celebrated under the protected area of ACAP by the area offices of Ghandruk, Lwang, Sikles, Bhujrung, Jomsom, Lomanthang and Manang. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Annapurna Century Tourism Festival coordinator Lalit Gurung shared that Annapurna Marathon (42.195 km) will be held from Annapurna Base Camp to Ghandruk on the occasion. He said that 56 athletes including foreigners have already reached the base camp for the marathon. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-03', 'modified' => '2023-06-03', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17796', 'image' => '20230603092840_trekking-annapurna-680x261.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-03 09:25:29', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
