May 28: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is preparing to supply power from underground transmission line system in the Kathmandu Valley within two…
May 28: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is preparing to supply power from underground transmission line system in the Kathmandu Valley within two…
The daily routine of local farmers has changed as they have shifted from conventional agriculture such as potato and maize cultivation to kiwi farming at Shyamshila in Bhojpur…
Nepal Telecom has launched the 'NT Fiber' service in Jumla and Kalikot districts of Karnali…
May 27: The House of Representatives (HoR) has endorsed the annual policies and programmes of the government for upcoming fiscal…
May 27: An aircraft of Nepal Airlines Corporation en route to Bangalore of India from Kathmandu was diverted back to Kathmandu suspecting a bird…
May 26: There are just three days to go for the unveiling of the budget for the next fiscal year (FY 2023/24).…
May 26: The government is preparing to open the Nagdhunga tunnel for public transport within a year.…
May 26: The public transport fare has been reduced in Bagmati Province, including the Kathmandu Valley.…
May 26: The country at present is facing the impacts of the local and the Westerly winds with low pressure system causing partly to generally cloudy weather in the hill region of the…
May 26: UK immigration has decided to ban foreign students from bringing their family members with…
May 26: More than 263,000 tourists visited the Chitwan National Park (CNP) in the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23).…
May 26: Swisscontact, a non-profit organization of the Swiss private sector, organized a discussion on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and sustainable economic growth in Kathmandu on Thursday.…
he Nepal Army, through its Safa Himal Campaign 2023, has successfully collected a staggering 35,708 kilograms of solid waste from various…
Share investors met with former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and submitted a memorandum to him on…
May 25: The private sector stakeholders believe that the government’s revenue collection will be higher if the tax rate is lower.…
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', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 28: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is preparing to supply power from underground transmission line system in the Kathmandu Valley within two months. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The NEA is working to supply power in each household from the underground supply system in Ratnapark, Maharajgunj and Lazimpat areas from the Maharajgunj and Ratnapark Distribution Centres. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">NEA Spokesperson Suresh Bahadur Bhattarai said that power supply would be distributed from the underground transmission line in Kritipur area as well. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Spokesperson Bhattarai, however, said that existing electric poles will not be replaced for some more months despite the power supply through underground system to the consumers' households and offices from the certain points on the road. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The NEA is preparing to supply power from this system in most of the sites in the upcoming winter season. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-28', 'modified' => '2023-05-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17725', 'image' => '20230528103347_NEA_Logo.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-28 10:33:04', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17993', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Locals Switch to Commercial Kiwi Farming in Shyamshila, Bhojpur', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The daily routine of local farmers has changed as they have shifted from conventional agriculture such as potato and maize cultivation to kiwi farming at Shyamshila in Bhojpur district.', 'content' => '<p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">May 28: The daily routine of local farmers has changed as they have shifted from conventional agriculture such as potato and maize cultivation to kiwi farming at Shyamshila in Bhojpur district.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After Pauwadungama Rural Municipality declared 12.51 square kilometers of land as pocket area for kiwi farming, local farmers have been attracted towards commercial kiwi farming. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Recognizing the potential of kiwi cultivation, more than a hundred farmers in the area have switched to kiwi farming due to its higher profitability compared to other crops with less effort.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the ward office, farmers have taken up kiwi farming on more than 300 ropanis of land in the area. Rajendra Tamang, Chairman of Pauwadungma Rural Municiplaity-1 said, "We are promoting kiwi cultivation in the Shyamshila region. After declaring it as a pocket area, we have implemented programs to provide necessary incentives to farmers. Now, we have plans to expand this area as a kiwi block."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Madhu Subba, a local farmer who has ventured into commercial kiwi farming, mentioned that with proper expansion, it can generate good income for several years. Currently, he has cultivated kiwi on around five ropanis of land. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Subba stated, "I have started kiwi farming as an alternative to potato and maize. My goal is to earn an annual income of around 400,000 to 500,000 rupees. I also plan to do vegetable farming alongside kiwi cultivation, which will further increase the income."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Devaraj Rai, another local resident who has found it easier to engage in commercial kiwi farming due to the suitable geography of the Shyamshila region, shared his experience. He has currently planted three hundred kiwi saplings. He said, "I have chosen kiwi farming as an alternative to potato and maize. With this farming, I expect to earn more than other crops with less effort. Many farmers in our area are engaged in it."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Devraj Rai also mentioned that the support from the village municipality has made it easier to engage in commercial kiwi farming. With the implementation of the kiwi farming campaign in the village, the local administration has provided assistance to farmers at a lower level, which has helped them in farming. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He said, "I had been thinking about kiwi farming since long ago. It required a significant investment to expand cultivation in many places. But now, with the support from the rural municipality, many farmers in the village are engaged in commercial farming."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The chief administrative officer of the Pauwadungma Rural Municipality, Navin Bhattarai, informed that more than 5 million rupees have been invested by the rural municipality in kiwi farming in various fiscal years. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Bhattarai stated, "We have taken this region as a suitable area for kiwi cultivation. The climate here is highly suitable for kiwi farming. After implementing programs to promote it, we have seen an increase in enthusiasm among farmers."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Kiran Rai, the chairperson of the Pauwadungma Rural Municipality, said that local level had stressed on "One Village, One Product" program. He stated that the rural municipality has been working to promote self-sufficiency in agriculture by encouraging locals to do cultivation as per soil condition. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-28', 'modified' => '2023-05-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17724', 'image' => '20230528065037_kiwi.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-28 06:46:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17992', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Telecom Launches 'NT Fiber' Service in Jumla and Kalikot', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Nepal Telecom has launched the 'NT Fiber' service in Jumla and Kalikot districts of Karnali Province.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">May 28: Nepal Telecom has launched the FTTH 'NT Fiber' service in Jumla and Kalikot districts of Karnali Province.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The purpose of the introduction of 'NT Fiber' is to provide telephone services with high-definition voice quality and other services such as high-speed internet and television through a single fiber optic cable to the service users in the Jumla and Kalikot areas, using state-of-the-art technology.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Telecom spokesperson Shobhan Adhikari said that with a single fiber optic cable, telephone services with high-definition voice quality, high-speed internet, and television services can be utilized.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He mentioned that the 'Fiber to the Home' (NT Fiber) service is currently available under this service, which allows the usage of internet, television, telephone, and mobile data services.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As it is possible to provide four services as per the requirement from a single fiber optic cable, Nepal Telecom has named this service 'Three Plus One,' meaning 'Now Three Plus One' service.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Earlier, the company had made the FTTH service available in Surkhet, Salyan, Dailkeh, Jajarkot, and Rukum West in Karnali Province.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-28', 'modified' => '2023-05-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17723', 'image' => '20230528061424_collage (16).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-28 06:06:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17991', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'HoR Passes Government’s Policies and Programmes', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 27: The House of Representatives (HoR) has endorsed the annual policies and programmes of the government for upcoming fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 27: The House of Representatives (HoR) has endorsed the annual policies and programmes of the government for upcoming fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A meeting of the HoR on Saturday passed the policies and programmes by majority. Earlier, the meeting had rejected amendments proposals to the annual policies and programmes by majority. This has paved the way for the government to present the budget for the upcoming fiscal year on May 29 as per the constitutional provision.</span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">President Ram Chandra Paudel had presented the government policy and programme at the joint session of HoR and National Assembly on May 19. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">During Saturday’s meeting, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal responded to the queries raised in course of the deliberation on the policies and programmes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The next meeting of the HoR is scheduled to take place at 1.00 pm on May 28, a day before budget announcement. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-27', 'modified' => '2023-05-27', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17722', 'image' => '20230527103139_CKK_KTM-9428.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-27 22:31:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17990', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bangalore-Bound NAC Aircraft Diverted to Kathmandu Suspecting Bird Strike ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 27: An aircraft of Nepal Airlines Corporation en route to Bangalore of India from Kathmandu was diverted back to Kathmandu suspecting a bird strike. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 27: An aircraft of Nepal Airlines Corporation en route to Bangalore of India from Kathmandu was diverted back to Kathmandu suspecting a bird strike. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The narrow-body A 320 aircraft of the Nepal's flag carrier was diverted and safely landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) within 25 minutes, according to TIA Office. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">TIA Spokesperson Teknath Sitaula said, "The aircraft was diverted to Kathmandu suspecting a bird strike in the course of take-off at the TIA. Engineers are now examining the aircraft." The NAC plane had flown to Bangalore at 1:45 pm, and landed at the TIA at 2:10 pm through the 'Instrument Flight Rules' approach. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Arrangements have been made to take the passengers of the aircraft to the destinations on another aircraft, added the TIA. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-27', 'modified' => '2023-05-27', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17721', 'image' => '20230527070255_20220627035114_Nepal-Airlines.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-27 19:02:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17989', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Should Indirect Taxes be Reduced or Increased?', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: There are just three days to go for the unveiling of the budget for the next fiscal year (FY 2023/24). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">May 26: There are just three days to go for the unveiling of the budget for the next fiscal year (FY 2023/24). It is estimated that the rates of taxes, duties and fees will decrease through the financial ordinance that comes with the budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It is estimated that the government is likely to increase the rates of indirect taxes such as customs and excise duties through the budget at a time when the revenue collection has failed to cover even the ordinary expenses of the government. Stakeholders concerned say that by increasing the rate of indirect taxes, illegal transactions will increase, revenue will decrease and regular business will be hit hard.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">When customs and excise duties are high, the cost of goods imported through formal channels increases. Experts say that gangs that evade customs duty by smuggling goods become active at such times. They argue that if the customs and excise duties on goods other than industrial raw materials are increased, the smuggling of goods will increase and the revenue will decrease while the traders who abide by the law will suffer.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">President of the Nepal National Federation of Entrepreneurs Kumar Karki says that it is difficult for the legitimate businessmen to survive as many goods are coming through illegal channels.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He said that it is the government's weakness to increase the rate of customs and excise duty every year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Goods are transported throughout the year from places other than customs points along the southern border. Some make unauthorized imports using the locals. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rajendra Malla, president of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce spoke on this issue and said, “Currently, there is a trend of transporting goods on bicycles at the border and delivering them to different parts of the country at night in trucks. Customs duty, excise duty and VAT are not paid on such goods.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Entrepreneurs say that the price gap between India and Nepal is quite high due to the exorbitant tax rate. It is suspected that there may be collusion between the smugglers and the employees of the border control agencies for the import of large quantity of goods. A businessman from Bhairahawa claimed that such smugglers are getting protection from the political level.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The businessman said, “They can make a good income in this way and even the leaders get a share. Even now there is a lot of smuggling, mainly of goods with a large price difference. The cost of production in India is lower than in Nepal, so the products are much cheaper across the border than here.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Importers claim that not only alcohol, but also biscuits, chocolates, cosmetics, electronic goods, mobiles, sugar and many other goods are being illegally imported. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Binod Kumar Sethia, president of Nepal Foreign Trade Association, claims that all goods except vehicles are coming to Nepal illegally since vehicles can only be driven after registration and cannot be imported illegally.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ashok Kumar Temani, president of Madhesh Province chapter of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, says that to stop illegal imports, Nepal's customs, excise duty, value added tax, etc. should be taxed so that it does not exceed India's GST. Talking to New Business Age, he said, “Gray economy has increased due to the increase in customs duty, excise duty and VAT.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rajesh Kumar Agarwal, senior vice president of the Confederation Nepalese Industry, says that it is not appropriate to increase tax rates to increase revenue. He said, “The manufacturing industry must be promoted for the development of industries in the country. For this, the customs rate of raw materials and finished goods should be different.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Agarwal opines that while increasing the customs rate of ready-made goods, the government should pay attention to whether they are daily consumption goods or luxury goods. He said that even if the government imposes higher taxes on imported goods, if unauthorized imports increase, revenue will not increase.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Emphasizing that there should not be a situation where someone pays tax and someone else brings goods without paying taxes, NCC President Malla urged that the practice of taking/giving the bill should be widened and brought down to the lower level. If this is done, he says, the sale of stolen goods will be stopped.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Aggarwal suggests that the effectiveness of government mechanisms at the border should be increased to control revenue leakage. He said, “Revenue investigation department, armed police and other agencies play a major role in curbing smuggling. They should monitor it strictly. Stolen goods are not only sold at the border, they come to inner cities as well.”</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17720', 'image' => '20230526042218_Birgunjjjjjjjjjj.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 16:21:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17988', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nagdhunga Tunnel will be Ready for Use Within a Year: Transport Minister ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: The government is preparing to open the Nagdhunga tunnel for public transport within a year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">May 26: The government is preparing to open the Nagdhunga tunnel for public transport within a year. Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala assured that the works related to Nagdhunga tunnel will be accelerated so that the vehicles could ply the tunnel way within a year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Minister Jwala made such remarks while taking stock of physical progress of the under- Nagdhunga Tunnel on Friday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The construction works were hampered in the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and land acquisition problem. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As per the initial agreement with the contractors, the project was supposed to be completed by April 2023. However, the project deadline has been extended considering the delay caused by the pandemic.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the state-owned RSS, Minister Jwala said that the incumbent government is ready to address all problems related to the tunnel way and warned the construction company not to halt the tunnel project under any pretext. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The project is being undertaken with the concessional loan provided by the Government of Japan. The total investment for the project is estimated to be around Rs 22 billion. JICA will invest Rs 16 billion while the Government of Nepal will contribute Rs 6 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The tunnel will be of 2.7 kilometers long and will have two flyovers. The project will also cover 3 kilometers of road.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Thankot-Naubise road section is currently 9 kilometers long. The distance will be shortened to 5.7 kilometers once the tunnel is constructed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The foundation stone of the project was laid on October 21, 2019. As per the agreement signed with the Department of Roads, the contractor must complete the project within 42 months.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17719', 'image' => '20230526035258_20220417021920_20201105124818_20200308111704_adahjj.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 15:52:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17986', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Public Transport Fare Slashed in Bagmati Province ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: The public transport fare has been reduced in Bagmati Province, including the Kathmandu Valley. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 26: The public transport fare has been reduced in Bagmati Province, including the Kathmandu Valley. The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Transport has reduced the fare, nine days after the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) slashed the price of diesel. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The ministry has decreased the fare of public transport vehicles operating on short routes within the Bagmati Province. The reduced transport fare has been published in the Nepal Gazettee. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the latest fare of public transport determined by the ministry, the fare has been decreased by 5.9 per cent in the Kathmandu Valley. Siilarly, the fare has been reduced by 4.18 per cent for public vehicles and by 5.69 per cent for cargo vehicles operating in short routes outside the Valley, said Asman Tamang, secretary at the ministry. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"The reduced public transport fare would come into effect from today (May 26) itself as it has already been published in the Gazettee," he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The transport entrepreneurs had earlier determined the fare on their own as the public transport fare of vehicles operating on short routes was not increased even as the price of diesel went up. The public transport fare of only vehicles operating along long routes was increased at that time. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">NOC had reduced the price of diesel effective from last Wednesday. Immediately after this the government had reduced the public transport fare of vehicles operating on long routes. The transport fare of long route or inter-province is determined by the federal government while that of the short route or inter-municipality is fixed by the province government. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The NOC on April 3 slashed the price of diesel and kerosene by Rs 10 per litre each and by three rupees per litre on petrol. It further reduced the price of diesel and petrol by Rs 10 per litre each effective from last Wednesday. As per the reduced fuel price, diesel now costs Rs 155 per litre. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The transport fare of public transport vehicles operated in short route within the province was increased last year. As per the increased transport fare, passengers were charged Rs 20 upon boarding a public bus in Kathmandu Valley. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17718', 'image' => '20230526021852_20220518063257_TransportMCC.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 14:18:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17987', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Light Rainfall likely Today ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: The country at present is facing the impacts of the local and the Westerly winds with low pressure system causing partly to generally cloudy weather in the hill region of the country.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 26: The country at present is facing the impacts of the local and the Westerly winds with low pressure system causing partly to generally cloudy weather in the hill region of the country, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The department said that light to moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning is expected to take place at some places of Madhes, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces and hill and mountainous regions of rest of the provinces today. The department said that chances of storms are also likely in some places of the Tarai belt. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17717', 'image' => '20230526033752_rainfallll.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 15:36:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17985', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'UK Government to Ban Foreign Students from Bringing Family Members as Dependents', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: UK immigration has decided to ban foreign students from bringing their family members with them.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Agencies</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">May 26: UK immigration has decided to ban foreign students from bringing their family members with them.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As per the new provision, only students on postgraduate courses designated as research programmes will be able to bring dependents to the UK while they study, the AFP reported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Those who have graduated in subjects other than research are not allowed to bring their family members.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The UK has introduced such a rule under the Immigration Control Act. On Tuesday, the British government announced new laws to tighten immigration. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Overseas students will be prevented from switching "out of the student route into work routes" before their studies have been completed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Britain has taken this step to crack down on "unscrupulous agents" using education as a cover for immigration. In recent years, the number of dependents on student visas in the UK has increased. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Also since 2018, the country has seen thousands of people successfully cross the English Channel in small boats to claim asylum, AFP reported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Some 136,000 visas were issued to the dependents of international students last year -- up eight-fold from the 16,000 in 2019, AFP cited Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s written statement to parliament.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The new rules are expected to be implemented as soon as possible. The government is yet to consult with the education sector and key stakeholders. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">A large number of students from Nepal also go to the UK on student visas. While a foreign student is on a student visa, there is a high tendency for a dependent to go to the UK to work and cover the expenses. Nepalese students will also be affected by this change made by Britain in the rules. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17716', 'image' => '20230526010943_image-127001-1684850566.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 13:09:04', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17984', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Over 205K Tourists Visit Chitwan National Park', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: More than 263,000 tourists visited the Chitwan National Park (CNP) in the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Surya Prasad Adhikari</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">May 26: More than 263,000 tourists visited the Chitwan National Park (CNP) in the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23). According to the park officials, 263,806 domestic and foreign tourists entered the park from last July to May this year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The statistics of the CNP shows that most of the tourists visited the national park in the month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November) of the current year and the least number of tourists visited in the month of Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September). </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As per the data, 42,641 people visited the park in mid-October to mid-November while 8,880 people visited the park in mid-August to mid-September.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, 9,691 people visited the park in the month of Shrawn (mid-July to mid-August), 26,016 in Asoj (mid-September to mid-October), 22,008 in Mangsir (mid-November to mid-December) and 31,953 in Push (mid-December to mid-January). Similarly, 23,647 people visited the park in the month of Magh (mid-January to mid-February), 29,196 in the month of Falgun (mid-February to mid-March), 34,489 people in the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) and 37,285 people in the month of Baisakh (mid-April to mid-March).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Tourists have to pay the fee for the entrance, jeep safari and other activities. Nepali citizens have to pay a fee of Rs 150 per person to enter the national park while visitors from SAARC countries have to pay Rs 1,000 per person. Similarly, tourists from other countries have to pay Rs 2,000 per person to enter the park.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">During the 10 months of the current fiscal year, the park has collected more than Rs 193.9 million from visitors. According to the CNP office, the national parks collects revenue from tourists' entrance fees and jeep safaris.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">During the review period, the highest revenue worth Rs 25.2 million was collected in the month of Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May) and the lowest of Rs 4.8 million in Shrawn (mid-July to mid-August).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ganesh Prasad Tiwari, information officer of the CNP, informed New Business Age that the revenue collection of the national park is less during the rainy season when the tourists do not visit the CNP.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“During the rainy season, there are less number of tourists and jeep rides are stopped and the revenue is also reduced,” said Tiwari.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to Tiwari, the national park also earns revenue from other sources besides tourism activities. Accordingly, in the period of 10 months of the current FY, the park collected Rs 718,402 from the sale of timber, Rs 47.97 million from the sale of non-timber forest products, Rs 822,039 from fines, and Rs 1.52 under other headings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Tiwari said that the park has collected a total of 244.9 million in 10 months of the current year under all these headings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17715', 'image' => '20230526114136_20230207084654_DA_Tribeni-DSC_0071.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 11:41:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17983', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Swisscontact Organises Discussion on SMEs and Sustainable Economic Growth', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: Swisscontact, a non-profit organization of the Swiss private sector, organized a discussion on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and sustainable economic growth in Kathmandu on Thursday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">May 26: Swisscontact, a non-profit organization of the Swiss private sector, organized a discussion on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and sustainable economic growth in Kathmandu on Thursday. The discussion was organized with the aim of providing insight into the situation of SMEs in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Chief Operating Officer (COO) and co-founder of thulo.com Surakchya Adhikari; Founder of Kokroma, Revati Gurung; Manoj Paudel, co-founder of Adhyanta; technology rntrepreneur Princi Koirala and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Swisscontact Dr Philippe Schneuwly shared their views during the discussion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">During the program, discussions were held on the topics of inclusive business models for SMEs, financial instruments, marketing of products, role of development agencies, risks of starting an enterprise. Established in 1959, Swisscontact has been cooperating with the private sector in various development projects in Nepal since 1991. The organization is currently conducting six projects for inclusive economic promotion in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17714', 'image' => '20230526104619_SME.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 10:45:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17982', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Over 35,000 kg of Garbage Collected', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'he Nepal Army, through its Safa Himal Campaign 2023, has successfully collected a staggering 35,708 kilograms of solid waste from various mountains.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">May 26: The Nepal Army, through its Safa Himal Campaign 2023, has successfully collected a staggering 35,708 kilograms of solid waste from various mountains. This exceeds their initial target of 35,000 kg, showcasing their dedication to preserving the natural beauty of these majestic peaks.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Under the supervision of the NA Directorate of Military Public Relations and Information, the campaign achieved notable results. Specifically, 3,567 kg of waste was collected from Mt Annapurna, 18,520 kg from Mt Baruntse, and an impressive 13,621 kg from Everest and Lhotse combined.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">As the campaign nears its completion, the Nepal Army team stationed at the base camp of Everest, responsible for cleaning the area, is returning after accomplishing their mission. The campaign's official conclusion will be marked by a formal event held in Kathmandu on World Environment Day, which falls on June 5.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">It may be noted that tragically two Sherpa guides, who were instrumental in assisting the NA team in cleanliness campaign, lost their lives. Additionally, four Nepali Army personnel fell ill and have been taken to India for further treatment.</span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17713', 'image' => '20230526062732_collage (13).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 06:25:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17980', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Share Investors Meet Former PM Deuba and Submit Memorandum ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Share investors met with former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and submitted a memorandum to him on Thursday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">May 25: Share investors met with former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and submitted a memorandum to him on Thursday. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Nepal Investors Forum Chairman Tulsi Ram Dhakal, erstwhile chair Chhotelal Rouniyar, Nepal Stock Market Investors Association Chairperson Radha Pokharel, and Share Investors Association Nepal's Acting Chair Taraprasad Fullel, along with other investors, met with Sher Bahadur Deuba and handed him a memorandum with six demands.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">The investors effectively apprised Deuba of the prevailing state of the stock market, emphasizing the urgent need for essential reforms to be promptly implemented. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">The share investors submitted a memorandum to the former Prime Minister, outlining six pivotal demands. The memorandum calls for expediting the process of distributing new broker licenses, new stock exchange license, and commodity exchange licenses, without any undue delay.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Moreover, the investors have urged the government to eliminate the existing cap of Rs 120 million on share loans and reduce the current risk weightage of 150% to a 100%. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Additionally, they have advocated for a 5% capital gain tax for short-term investors and a 3% capital gain tax for long-term investors. The investors have stressed the necessity of reducing the bank interest rate to a single-digit.</span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-25', 'modified' => '2023-05-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17711', 'image' => '20230525045320_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-25 16:51:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17978', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'What does the Private Sector Want from Budget', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 25: The private sector stakeholders believe that the government’s revenue collection will be higher if the tax rate is lower. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">May 25: The private sector stakeholders believe that the government’s revenue collection will be higher if the tax rate is lower. The gray economy has increased due to the increase in customs duty, excise duty and VAT. This problem will be solved if customs and VAT are adjusted to be equal to India's GST, said the private sector businessmen. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“When all transactions come under the scope of customs, it will increase the revenue,” they said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">They were of the view that some amount of social security fund should be spent on industrial infrastructure development and expansion. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A law that restricts businessmen does not create a viable environment for industries and commerce to flourish.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The government's job is to increase revenue, not to arrest businessmen,” said one of the businessmen. According to him, a policy of amending such laws should be adopted. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“It is not possible for industries that require raw materials in small quantities to bring them in large quantities. Therefore, such raw materials from commercial establishments should also have low customs duty. As liquidity is easing now, the current capital loan limit should be removed,” he further said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The businessmen and traders believe that if the limit of 25 percent of current capital loan is removed, businesses will improve. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">They also complained that Indian tourists are not treated well at the border. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Many tourists come to Nepal from India. Harassment of Indian tourists at the border does not increase the number of tourists. There should be a system of parity and facilitation of the Indian currency.”</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-25', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17709', 'image' => '20230525033010_Budget.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-25 15:29:24', '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
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', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 28: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is preparing to supply power from underground transmission line system in the Kathmandu Valley within two months. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The NEA is working to supply power in each household from the underground supply system in Ratnapark, Maharajgunj and Lazimpat areas from the Maharajgunj and Ratnapark Distribution Centres. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">NEA Spokesperson Suresh Bahadur Bhattarai said that power supply would be distributed from the underground transmission line in Kritipur area as well. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Spokesperson Bhattarai, however, said that existing electric poles will not be replaced for some more months despite the power supply through underground system to the consumers' households and offices from the certain points on the road. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The NEA is preparing to supply power from this system in most of the sites in the upcoming winter season. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-28', 'modified' => '2023-05-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17725', 'image' => '20230528103347_NEA_Logo.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-28 10:33:04', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17993', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Locals Switch to Commercial Kiwi Farming in Shyamshila, Bhojpur', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The daily routine of local farmers has changed as they have shifted from conventional agriculture such as potato and maize cultivation to kiwi farming at Shyamshila in Bhojpur district.', 'content' => '<p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">May 28: The daily routine of local farmers has changed as they have shifted from conventional agriculture such as potato and maize cultivation to kiwi farming at Shyamshila in Bhojpur district.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After Pauwadungama Rural Municipality declared 12.51 square kilometers of land as pocket area for kiwi farming, local farmers have been attracted towards commercial kiwi farming. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Recognizing the potential of kiwi cultivation, more than a hundred farmers in the area have switched to kiwi farming due to its higher profitability compared to other crops with less effort.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the ward office, farmers have taken up kiwi farming on more than 300 ropanis of land in the area. Rajendra Tamang, Chairman of Pauwadungma Rural Municiplaity-1 said, "We are promoting kiwi cultivation in the Shyamshila region. After declaring it as a pocket area, we have implemented programs to provide necessary incentives to farmers. Now, we have plans to expand this area as a kiwi block."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Madhu Subba, a local farmer who has ventured into commercial kiwi farming, mentioned that with proper expansion, it can generate good income for several years. Currently, he has cultivated kiwi on around five ropanis of land. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Subba stated, "I have started kiwi farming as an alternative to potato and maize. My goal is to earn an annual income of around 400,000 to 500,000 rupees. I also plan to do vegetable farming alongside kiwi cultivation, which will further increase the income."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Devaraj Rai, another local resident who has found it easier to engage in commercial kiwi farming due to the suitable geography of the Shyamshila region, shared his experience. He has currently planted three hundred kiwi saplings. He said, "I have chosen kiwi farming as an alternative to potato and maize. With this farming, I expect to earn more than other crops with less effort. Many farmers in our area are engaged in it."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Devraj Rai also mentioned that the support from the village municipality has made it easier to engage in commercial kiwi farming. With the implementation of the kiwi farming campaign in the village, the local administration has provided assistance to farmers at a lower level, which has helped them in farming. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He said, "I had been thinking about kiwi farming since long ago. It required a significant investment to expand cultivation in many places. But now, with the support from the rural municipality, many farmers in the village are engaged in commercial farming."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The chief administrative officer of the Pauwadungma Rural Municipality, Navin Bhattarai, informed that more than 5 million rupees have been invested by the rural municipality in kiwi farming in various fiscal years. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Bhattarai stated, "We have taken this region as a suitable area for kiwi cultivation. The climate here is highly suitable for kiwi farming. After implementing programs to promote it, we have seen an increase in enthusiasm among farmers."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Kiran Rai, the chairperson of the Pauwadungma Rural Municipality, said that local level had stressed on "One Village, One Product" program. He stated that the rural municipality has been working to promote self-sufficiency in agriculture by encouraging locals to do cultivation as per soil condition. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-28', 'modified' => '2023-05-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17724', 'image' => '20230528065037_kiwi.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-28 06:46:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17992', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Telecom Launches 'NT Fiber' Service in Jumla and Kalikot', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Nepal Telecom has launched the 'NT Fiber' service in Jumla and Kalikot districts of Karnali Province.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">May 28: Nepal Telecom has launched the FTTH 'NT Fiber' service in Jumla and Kalikot districts of Karnali Province.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The purpose of the introduction of 'NT Fiber' is to provide telephone services with high-definition voice quality and other services such as high-speed internet and television through a single fiber optic cable to the service users in the Jumla and Kalikot areas, using state-of-the-art technology.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Telecom spokesperson Shobhan Adhikari said that with a single fiber optic cable, telephone services with high-definition voice quality, high-speed internet, and television services can be utilized.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He mentioned that the 'Fiber to the Home' (NT Fiber) service is currently available under this service, which allows the usage of internet, television, telephone, and mobile data services.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As it is possible to provide four services as per the requirement from a single fiber optic cable, Nepal Telecom has named this service 'Three Plus One,' meaning 'Now Three Plus One' service.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Earlier, the company had made the FTTH service available in Surkhet, Salyan, Dailkeh, Jajarkot, and Rukum West in Karnali Province.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-28', 'modified' => '2023-05-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17723', 'image' => '20230528061424_collage (16).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-28 06:06:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17991', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'HoR Passes Government’s Policies and Programmes', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 27: The House of Representatives (HoR) has endorsed the annual policies and programmes of the government for upcoming fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 27: The House of Representatives (HoR) has endorsed the annual policies and programmes of the government for upcoming fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A meeting of the HoR on Saturday passed the policies and programmes by majority. Earlier, the meeting had rejected amendments proposals to the annual policies and programmes by majority. This has paved the way for the government to present the budget for the upcoming fiscal year on May 29 as per the constitutional provision.</span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">President Ram Chandra Paudel had presented the government policy and programme at the joint session of HoR and National Assembly on May 19. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">During Saturday’s meeting, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal responded to the queries raised in course of the deliberation on the policies and programmes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The next meeting of the HoR is scheduled to take place at 1.00 pm on May 28, a day before budget announcement. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-27', 'modified' => '2023-05-27', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17722', 'image' => '20230527103139_CKK_KTM-9428.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-27 22:31:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17990', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bangalore-Bound NAC Aircraft Diverted to Kathmandu Suspecting Bird Strike ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 27: An aircraft of Nepal Airlines Corporation en route to Bangalore of India from Kathmandu was diverted back to Kathmandu suspecting a bird strike. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 27: An aircraft of Nepal Airlines Corporation en route to Bangalore of India from Kathmandu was diverted back to Kathmandu suspecting a bird strike. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The narrow-body A 320 aircraft of the Nepal's flag carrier was diverted and safely landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) within 25 minutes, according to TIA Office. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">TIA Spokesperson Teknath Sitaula said, "The aircraft was diverted to Kathmandu suspecting a bird strike in the course of take-off at the TIA. Engineers are now examining the aircraft." The NAC plane had flown to Bangalore at 1:45 pm, and landed at the TIA at 2:10 pm through the 'Instrument Flight Rules' approach. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Arrangements have been made to take the passengers of the aircraft to the destinations on another aircraft, added the TIA. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-27', 'modified' => '2023-05-27', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17721', 'image' => '20230527070255_20220627035114_Nepal-Airlines.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-27 19:02:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17989', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Should Indirect Taxes be Reduced or Increased?', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: There are just three days to go for the unveiling of the budget for the next fiscal year (FY 2023/24). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">May 26: There are just three days to go for the unveiling of the budget for the next fiscal year (FY 2023/24). It is estimated that the rates of taxes, duties and fees will decrease through the financial ordinance that comes with the budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It is estimated that the government is likely to increase the rates of indirect taxes such as customs and excise duties through the budget at a time when the revenue collection has failed to cover even the ordinary expenses of the government. Stakeholders concerned say that by increasing the rate of indirect taxes, illegal transactions will increase, revenue will decrease and regular business will be hit hard.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">When customs and excise duties are high, the cost of goods imported through formal channels increases. Experts say that gangs that evade customs duty by smuggling goods become active at such times. They argue that if the customs and excise duties on goods other than industrial raw materials are increased, the smuggling of goods will increase and the revenue will decrease while the traders who abide by the law will suffer.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">President of the Nepal National Federation of Entrepreneurs Kumar Karki says that it is difficult for the legitimate businessmen to survive as many goods are coming through illegal channels.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He said that it is the government's weakness to increase the rate of customs and excise duty every year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Goods are transported throughout the year from places other than customs points along the southern border. Some make unauthorized imports using the locals. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rajendra Malla, president of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce spoke on this issue and said, “Currently, there is a trend of transporting goods on bicycles at the border and delivering them to different parts of the country at night in trucks. Customs duty, excise duty and VAT are not paid on such goods.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Entrepreneurs say that the price gap between India and Nepal is quite high due to the exorbitant tax rate. It is suspected that there may be collusion between the smugglers and the employees of the border control agencies for the import of large quantity of goods. A businessman from Bhairahawa claimed that such smugglers are getting protection from the political level.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The businessman said, “They can make a good income in this way and even the leaders get a share. Even now there is a lot of smuggling, mainly of goods with a large price difference. The cost of production in India is lower than in Nepal, so the products are much cheaper across the border than here.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Importers claim that not only alcohol, but also biscuits, chocolates, cosmetics, electronic goods, mobiles, sugar and many other goods are being illegally imported. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Binod Kumar Sethia, president of Nepal Foreign Trade Association, claims that all goods except vehicles are coming to Nepal illegally since vehicles can only be driven after registration and cannot be imported illegally.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ashok Kumar Temani, president of Madhesh Province chapter of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, says that to stop illegal imports, Nepal's customs, excise duty, value added tax, etc. should be taxed so that it does not exceed India's GST. Talking to New Business Age, he said, “Gray economy has increased due to the increase in customs duty, excise duty and VAT.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rajesh Kumar Agarwal, senior vice president of the Confederation Nepalese Industry, says that it is not appropriate to increase tax rates to increase revenue. He said, “The manufacturing industry must be promoted for the development of industries in the country. For this, the customs rate of raw materials and finished goods should be different.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Agarwal opines that while increasing the customs rate of ready-made goods, the government should pay attention to whether they are daily consumption goods or luxury goods. He said that even if the government imposes higher taxes on imported goods, if unauthorized imports increase, revenue will not increase.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Emphasizing that there should not be a situation where someone pays tax and someone else brings goods without paying taxes, NCC President Malla urged that the practice of taking/giving the bill should be widened and brought down to the lower level. If this is done, he says, the sale of stolen goods will be stopped.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Aggarwal suggests that the effectiveness of government mechanisms at the border should be increased to control revenue leakage. He said, “Revenue investigation department, armed police and other agencies play a major role in curbing smuggling. They should monitor it strictly. Stolen goods are not only sold at the border, they come to inner cities as well.”</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17720', 'image' => '20230526042218_Birgunjjjjjjjjjj.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 16:21:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17988', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nagdhunga Tunnel will be Ready for Use Within a Year: Transport Minister ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: The government is preparing to open the Nagdhunga tunnel for public transport within a year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">May 26: The government is preparing to open the Nagdhunga tunnel for public transport within a year. Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala assured that the works related to Nagdhunga tunnel will be accelerated so that the vehicles could ply the tunnel way within a year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Minister Jwala made such remarks while taking stock of physical progress of the under- Nagdhunga Tunnel on Friday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The construction works were hampered in the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and land acquisition problem. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As per the initial agreement with the contractors, the project was supposed to be completed by April 2023. However, the project deadline has been extended considering the delay caused by the pandemic.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the state-owned RSS, Minister Jwala said that the incumbent government is ready to address all problems related to the tunnel way and warned the construction company not to halt the tunnel project under any pretext. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The project is being undertaken with the concessional loan provided by the Government of Japan. The total investment for the project is estimated to be around Rs 22 billion. JICA will invest Rs 16 billion while the Government of Nepal will contribute Rs 6 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The tunnel will be of 2.7 kilometers long and will have two flyovers. The project will also cover 3 kilometers of road.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Thankot-Naubise road section is currently 9 kilometers long. The distance will be shortened to 5.7 kilometers once the tunnel is constructed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The foundation stone of the project was laid on October 21, 2019. As per the agreement signed with the Department of Roads, the contractor must complete the project within 42 months.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17719', 'image' => '20230526035258_20220417021920_20201105124818_20200308111704_adahjj.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 15:52:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17986', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Public Transport Fare Slashed in Bagmati Province ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: The public transport fare has been reduced in Bagmati Province, including the Kathmandu Valley. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 26: The public transport fare has been reduced in Bagmati Province, including the Kathmandu Valley. The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Transport has reduced the fare, nine days after the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) slashed the price of diesel. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The ministry has decreased the fare of public transport vehicles operating on short routes within the Bagmati Province. The reduced transport fare has been published in the Nepal Gazettee. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the latest fare of public transport determined by the ministry, the fare has been decreased by 5.9 per cent in the Kathmandu Valley. Siilarly, the fare has been reduced by 4.18 per cent for public vehicles and by 5.69 per cent for cargo vehicles operating in short routes outside the Valley, said Asman Tamang, secretary at the ministry. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"The reduced public transport fare would come into effect from today (May 26) itself as it has already been published in the Gazettee," he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The transport entrepreneurs had earlier determined the fare on their own as the public transport fare of vehicles operating on short routes was not increased even as the price of diesel went up. The public transport fare of only vehicles operating along long routes was increased at that time. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">NOC had reduced the price of diesel effective from last Wednesday. Immediately after this the government had reduced the public transport fare of vehicles operating on long routes. The transport fare of long route or inter-province is determined by the federal government while that of the short route or inter-municipality is fixed by the province government. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The NOC on April 3 slashed the price of diesel and kerosene by Rs 10 per litre each and by three rupees per litre on petrol. It further reduced the price of diesel and petrol by Rs 10 per litre each effective from last Wednesday. As per the reduced fuel price, diesel now costs Rs 155 per litre. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The transport fare of public transport vehicles operated in short route within the province was increased last year. As per the increased transport fare, passengers were charged Rs 20 upon boarding a public bus in Kathmandu Valley. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17718', 'image' => '20230526021852_20220518063257_TransportMCC.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 14:18:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17987', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Light Rainfall likely Today ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: The country at present is facing the impacts of the local and the Westerly winds with low pressure system causing partly to generally cloudy weather in the hill region of the country.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 26: The country at present is facing the impacts of the local and the Westerly winds with low pressure system causing partly to generally cloudy weather in the hill region of the country, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The department said that light to moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning is expected to take place at some places of Madhes, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces and hill and mountainous regions of rest of the provinces today. The department said that chances of storms are also likely in some places of the Tarai belt. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17717', 'image' => '20230526033752_rainfallll.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 15:36:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17985', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'UK Government to Ban Foreign Students from Bringing Family Members as Dependents', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: UK immigration has decided to ban foreign students from bringing their family members with them.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Agencies</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">May 26: UK immigration has decided to ban foreign students from bringing their family members with them.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As per the new provision, only students on postgraduate courses designated as research programmes will be able to bring dependents to the UK while they study, the AFP reported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Those who have graduated in subjects other than research are not allowed to bring their family members.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The UK has introduced such a rule under the Immigration Control Act. On Tuesday, the British government announced new laws to tighten immigration. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Overseas students will be prevented from switching "out of the student route into work routes" before their studies have been completed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Britain has taken this step to crack down on "unscrupulous agents" using education as a cover for immigration. In recent years, the number of dependents on student visas in the UK has increased. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Also since 2018, the country has seen thousands of people successfully cross the English Channel in small boats to claim asylum, AFP reported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Some 136,000 visas were issued to the dependents of international students last year -- up eight-fold from the 16,000 in 2019, AFP cited Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s written statement to parliament.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The new rules are expected to be implemented as soon as possible. The government is yet to consult with the education sector and key stakeholders. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">A large number of students from Nepal also go to the UK on student visas. While a foreign student is on a student visa, there is a high tendency for a dependent to go to the UK to work and cover the expenses. Nepalese students will also be affected by this change made by Britain in the rules. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17716', 'image' => '20230526010943_image-127001-1684850566.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 13:09:04', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17984', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Over 205K Tourists Visit Chitwan National Park', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: More than 263,000 tourists visited the Chitwan National Park (CNP) in the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Surya Prasad Adhikari</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">May 26: More than 263,000 tourists visited the Chitwan National Park (CNP) in the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23). According to the park officials, 263,806 domestic and foreign tourists entered the park from last July to May this year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The statistics of the CNP shows that most of the tourists visited the national park in the month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November) of the current year and the least number of tourists visited in the month of Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September). </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As per the data, 42,641 people visited the park in mid-October to mid-November while 8,880 people visited the park in mid-August to mid-September.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, 9,691 people visited the park in the month of Shrawn (mid-July to mid-August), 26,016 in Asoj (mid-September to mid-October), 22,008 in Mangsir (mid-November to mid-December) and 31,953 in Push (mid-December to mid-January). Similarly, 23,647 people visited the park in the month of Magh (mid-January to mid-February), 29,196 in the month of Falgun (mid-February to mid-March), 34,489 people in the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) and 37,285 people in the month of Baisakh (mid-April to mid-March).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Tourists have to pay the fee for the entrance, jeep safari and other activities. Nepali citizens have to pay a fee of Rs 150 per person to enter the national park while visitors from SAARC countries have to pay Rs 1,000 per person. Similarly, tourists from other countries have to pay Rs 2,000 per person to enter the park.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">During the 10 months of the current fiscal year, the park has collected more than Rs 193.9 million from visitors. According to the CNP office, the national parks collects revenue from tourists' entrance fees and jeep safaris.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">During the review period, the highest revenue worth Rs 25.2 million was collected in the month of Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May) and the lowest of Rs 4.8 million in Shrawn (mid-July to mid-August).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ganesh Prasad Tiwari, information officer of the CNP, informed New Business Age that the revenue collection of the national park is less during the rainy season when the tourists do not visit the CNP.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“During the rainy season, there are less number of tourists and jeep rides are stopped and the revenue is also reduced,” said Tiwari.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to Tiwari, the national park also earns revenue from other sources besides tourism activities. Accordingly, in the period of 10 months of the current FY, the park collected Rs 718,402 from the sale of timber, Rs 47.97 million from the sale of non-timber forest products, Rs 822,039 from fines, and Rs 1.52 under other headings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Tiwari said that the park has collected a total of 244.9 million in 10 months of the current year under all these headings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17715', 'image' => '20230526114136_20230207084654_DA_Tribeni-DSC_0071.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 11:41:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17983', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Swisscontact Organises Discussion on SMEs and Sustainable Economic Growth', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: Swisscontact, a non-profit organization of the Swiss private sector, organized a discussion on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and sustainable economic growth in Kathmandu on Thursday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">May 26: Swisscontact, a non-profit organization of the Swiss private sector, organized a discussion on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and sustainable economic growth in Kathmandu on Thursday. The discussion was organized with the aim of providing insight into the situation of SMEs in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Chief Operating Officer (COO) and co-founder of thulo.com Surakchya Adhikari; Founder of Kokroma, Revati Gurung; Manoj Paudel, co-founder of Adhyanta; technology rntrepreneur Princi Koirala and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Swisscontact Dr Philippe Schneuwly shared their views during the discussion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">During the program, discussions were held on the topics of inclusive business models for SMEs, financial instruments, marketing of products, role of development agencies, risks of starting an enterprise. Established in 1959, Swisscontact has been cooperating with the private sector in various development projects in Nepal since 1991. The organization is currently conducting six projects for inclusive economic promotion in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17714', 'image' => '20230526104619_SME.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 10:45:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17982', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Over 35,000 kg of Garbage Collected', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'he Nepal Army, through its Safa Himal Campaign 2023, has successfully collected a staggering 35,708 kilograms of solid waste from various mountains.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">May 26: The Nepal Army, through its Safa Himal Campaign 2023, has successfully collected a staggering 35,708 kilograms of solid waste from various mountains. This exceeds their initial target of 35,000 kg, showcasing their dedication to preserving the natural beauty of these majestic peaks.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Under the supervision of the NA Directorate of Military Public Relations and Information, the campaign achieved notable results. Specifically, 3,567 kg of waste was collected from Mt Annapurna, 18,520 kg from Mt Baruntse, and an impressive 13,621 kg from Everest and Lhotse combined.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">As the campaign nears its completion, the Nepal Army team stationed at the base camp of Everest, responsible for cleaning the area, is returning after accomplishing their mission. The campaign's official conclusion will be marked by a formal event held in Kathmandu on World Environment Day, which falls on June 5.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">It may be noted that tragically two Sherpa guides, who were instrumental in assisting the NA team in cleanliness campaign, lost their lives. Additionally, four Nepali Army personnel fell ill and have been taken to India for further treatment.</span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17713', 'image' => '20230526062732_collage (13).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 06:25:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17980', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Share Investors Meet Former PM Deuba and Submit Memorandum ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Share investors met with former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and submitted a memorandum to him on Thursday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">May 25: Share investors met with former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and submitted a memorandum to him on Thursday. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Nepal Investors Forum Chairman Tulsi Ram Dhakal, erstwhile chair Chhotelal Rouniyar, Nepal Stock Market Investors Association Chairperson Radha Pokharel, and Share Investors Association Nepal's Acting Chair Taraprasad Fullel, along with other investors, met with Sher Bahadur Deuba and handed him a memorandum with six demands.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">The investors effectively apprised Deuba of the prevailing state of the stock market, emphasizing the urgent need for essential reforms to be promptly implemented. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">The share investors submitted a memorandum to the former Prime Minister, outlining six pivotal demands. The memorandum calls for expediting the process of distributing new broker licenses, new stock exchange license, and commodity exchange licenses, without any undue delay.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Moreover, the investors have urged the government to eliminate the existing cap of Rs 120 million on share loans and reduce the current risk weightage of 150% to a 100%. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Additionally, they have advocated for a 5% capital gain tax for short-term investors and a 3% capital gain tax for long-term investors. The investors have stressed the necessity of reducing the bank interest rate to a single-digit.</span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-25', 'modified' => '2023-05-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17711', 'image' => '20230525045320_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-25 16:51:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17978', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'What does the Private Sector Want from Budget', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 25: The private sector stakeholders believe that the government’s revenue collection will be higher if the tax rate is lower. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">May 25: The private sector stakeholders believe that the government’s revenue collection will be higher if the tax rate is lower. The gray economy has increased due to the increase in customs duty, excise duty and VAT. This problem will be solved if customs and VAT are adjusted to be equal to India's GST, said the private sector businessmen. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“When all transactions come under the scope of customs, it will increase the revenue,” they said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">They were of the view that some amount of social security fund should be spent on industrial infrastructure development and expansion. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A law that restricts businessmen does not create a viable environment for industries and commerce to flourish.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The government's job is to increase revenue, not to arrest businessmen,” said one of the businessmen. According to him, a policy of amending such laws should be adopted. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“It is not possible for industries that require raw materials in small quantities to bring them in large quantities. Therefore, such raw materials from commercial establishments should also have low customs duty. As liquidity is easing now, the current capital loan limit should be removed,” he further said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The businessmen and traders believe that if the limit of 25 percent of current capital loan is removed, businesses will improve. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">They also complained that Indian tourists are not treated well at the border. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Many tourists come to Nepal from India. Harassment of Indian tourists at the border does not increase the number of tourists. There should be a system of parity and facilitation of the Indian currency.”</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-25', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17709', 'image' => '20230525033010_Budget.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-25 15:29:24', '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' => '17994', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEA Preparing to Distribute Power from Underground Cable Line ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 28: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is preparing to supply power from underground transmission line system in the Kathmandu Valley within two months. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 28: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is preparing to supply power from underground transmission line system in the Kathmandu Valley within two months. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The NEA is working to supply power in each household from the underground supply system in Ratnapark, Maharajgunj and Lazimpat areas from the Maharajgunj and Ratnapark Distribution Centres. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">NEA Spokesperson Suresh Bahadur Bhattarai said that power supply would be distributed from the underground transmission line in Kritipur area as well. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Spokesperson Bhattarai, however, said that existing electric poles will not be replaced for some more months despite the power supply through underground system to the consumers' households and offices from the certain points on the road. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The NEA is preparing to supply power from this system in most of the sites in the upcoming winter season. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-28', 'modified' => '2023-05-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17725', 'image' => '20230528103347_NEA_Logo.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-28 10:33:04', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17993', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Locals Switch to Commercial Kiwi Farming in Shyamshila, Bhojpur', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The daily routine of local farmers has changed as they have shifted from conventional agriculture such as potato and maize cultivation to kiwi farming at Shyamshila in Bhojpur district.', 'content' => '<p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">May 28: The daily routine of local farmers has changed as they have shifted from conventional agriculture such as potato and maize cultivation to kiwi farming at Shyamshila in Bhojpur district.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After Pauwadungama Rural Municipality declared 12.51 square kilometers of land as pocket area for kiwi farming, local farmers have been attracted towards commercial kiwi farming. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Recognizing the potential of kiwi cultivation, more than a hundred farmers in the area have switched to kiwi farming due to its higher profitability compared to other crops with less effort.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the ward office, farmers have taken up kiwi farming on more than 300 ropanis of land in the area. Rajendra Tamang, Chairman of Pauwadungma Rural Municiplaity-1 said, "We are promoting kiwi cultivation in the Shyamshila region. After declaring it as a pocket area, we have implemented programs to provide necessary incentives to farmers. Now, we have plans to expand this area as a kiwi block."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Madhu Subba, a local farmer who has ventured into commercial kiwi farming, mentioned that with proper expansion, it can generate good income for several years. Currently, he has cultivated kiwi on around five ropanis of land. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Subba stated, "I have started kiwi farming as an alternative to potato and maize. My goal is to earn an annual income of around 400,000 to 500,000 rupees. I also plan to do vegetable farming alongside kiwi cultivation, which will further increase the income."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Devaraj Rai, another local resident who has found it easier to engage in commercial kiwi farming due to the suitable geography of the Shyamshila region, shared his experience. He has currently planted three hundred kiwi saplings. He said, "I have chosen kiwi farming as an alternative to potato and maize. With this farming, I expect to earn more than other crops with less effort. Many farmers in our area are engaged in it."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Devraj Rai also mentioned that the support from the village municipality has made it easier to engage in commercial kiwi farming. With the implementation of the kiwi farming campaign in the village, the local administration has provided assistance to farmers at a lower level, which has helped them in farming. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He said, "I had been thinking about kiwi farming since long ago. It required a significant investment to expand cultivation in many places. But now, with the support from the rural municipality, many farmers in the village are engaged in commercial farming."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The chief administrative officer of the Pauwadungma Rural Municipality, Navin Bhattarai, informed that more than 5 million rupees have been invested by the rural municipality in kiwi farming in various fiscal years. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Bhattarai stated, "We have taken this region as a suitable area for kiwi cultivation. The climate here is highly suitable for kiwi farming. After implementing programs to promote it, we have seen an increase in enthusiasm among farmers."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Kiran Rai, the chairperson of the Pauwadungma Rural Municipality, said that local level had stressed on "One Village, One Product" program. He stated that the rural municipality has been working to promote self-sufficiency in agriculture by encouraging locals to do cultivation as per soil condition. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-28', 'modified' => '2023-05-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17724', 'image' => '20230528065037_kiwi.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-28 06:46:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17992', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Telecom Launches 'NT Fiber' Service in Jumla and Kalikot', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Nepal Telecom has launched the 'NT Fiber' service in Jumla and Kalikot districts of Karnali Province.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">May 28: Nepal Telecom has launched the FTTH 'NT Fiber' service in Jumla and Kalikot districts of Karnali Province.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The purpose of the introduction of 'NT Fiber' is to provide telephone services with high-definition voice quality and other services such as high-speed internet and television through a single fiber optic cable to the service users in the Jumla and Kalikot areas, using state-of-the-art technology.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Telecom spokesperson Shobhan Adhikari said that with a single fiber optic cable, telephone services with high-definition voice quality, high-speed internet, and television services can be utilized.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He mentioned that the 'Fiber to the Home' (NT Fiber) service is currently available under this service, which allows the usage of internet, television, telephone, and mobile data services.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As it is possible to provide four services as per the requirement from a single fiber optic cable, Nepal Telecom has named this service 'Three Plus One,' meaning 'Now Three Plus One' service.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Earlier, the company had made the FTTH service available in Surkhet, Salyan, Dailkeh, Jajarkot, and Rukum West in Karnali Province.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-28', 'modified' => '2023-05-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17723', 'image' => '20230528061424_collage (16).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-28 06:06:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17991', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'HoR Passes Government’s Policies and Programmes', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 27: The House of Representatives (HoR) has endorsed the annual policies and programmes of the government for upcoming fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 27: The House of Representatives (HoR) has endorsed the annual policies and programmes of the government for upcoming fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A meeting of the HoR on Saturday passed the policies and programmes by majority. Earlier, the meeting had rejected amendments proposals to the annual policies and programmes by majority. This has paved the way for the government to present the budget for the upcoming fiscal year on May 29 as per the constitutional provision.</span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">President Ram Chandra Paudel had presented the government policy and programme at the joint session of HoR and National Assembly on May 19. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">During Saturday’s meeting, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal responded to the queries raised in course of the deliberation on the policies and programmes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The next meeting of the HoR is scheduled to take place at 1.00 pm on May 28, a day before budget announcement. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-27', 'modified' => '2023-05-27', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17722', 'image' => '20230527103139_CKK_KTM-9428.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-27 22:31:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17990', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bangalore-Bound NAC Aircraft Diverted to Kathmandu Suspecting Bird Strike ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 27: An aircraft of Nepal Airlines Corporation en route to Bangalore of India from Kathmandu was diverted back to Kathmandu suspecting a bird strike. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 27: An aircraft of Nepal Airlines Corporation en route to Bangalore of India from Kathmandu was diverted back to Kathmandu suspecting a bird strike. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The narrow-body A 320 aircraft of the Nepal's flag carrier was diverted and safely landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) within 25 minutes, according to TIA Office. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">TIA Spokesperson Teknath Sitaula said, "The aircraft was diverted to Kathmandu suspecting a bird strike in the course of take-off at the TIA. Engineers are now examining the aircraft." The NAC plane had flown to Bangalore at 1:45 pm, and landed at the TIA at 2:10 pm through the 'Instrument Flight Rules' approach. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Arrangements have been made to take the passengers of the aircraft to the destinations on another aircraft, added the TIA. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-27', 'modified' => '2023-05-27', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17721', 'image' => '20230527070255_20220627035114_Nepal-Airlines.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-27 19:02:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17989', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Should Indirect Taxes be Reduced or Increased?', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: There are just three days to go for the unveiling of the budget for the next fiscal year (FY 2023/24). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">May 26: There are just three days to go for the unveiling of the budget for the next fiscal year (FY 2023/24). It is estimated that the rates of taxes, duties and fees will decrease through the financial ordinance that comes with the budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It is estimated that the government is likely to increase the rates of indirect taxes such as customs and excise duties through the budget at a time when the revenue collection has failed to cover even the ordinary expenses of the government. Stakeholders concerned say that by increasing the rate of indirect taxes, illegal transactions will increase, revenue will decrease and regular business will be hit hard.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">When customs and excise duties are high, the cost of goods imported through formal channels increases. Experts say that gangs that evade customs duty by smuggling goods become active at such times. They argue that if the customs and excise duties on goods other than industrial raw materials are increased, the smuggling of goods will increase and the revenue will decrease while the traders who abide by the law will suffer.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">President of the Nepal National Federation of Entrepreneurs Kumar Karki says that it is difficult for the legitimate businessmen to survive as many goods are coming through illegal channels.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He said that it is the government's weakness to increase the rate of customs and excise duty every year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Goods are transported throughout the year from places other than customs points along the southern border. Some make unauthorized imports using the locals. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rajendra Malla, president of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce spoke on this issue and said, “Currently, there is a trend of transporting goods on bicycles at the border and delivering them to different parts of the country at night in trucks. Customs duty, excise duty and VAT are not paid on such goods.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Entrepreneurs say that the price gap between India and Nepal is quite high due to the exorbitant tax rate. It is suspected that there may be collusion between the smugglers and the employees of the border control agencies for the import of large quantity of goods. A businessman from Bhairahawa claimed that such smugglers are getting protection from the political level.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The businessman said, “They can make a good income in this way and even the leaders get a share. Even now there is a lot of smuggling, mainly of goods with a large price difference. The cost of production in India is lower than in Nepal, so the products are much cheaper across the border than here.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Importers claim that not only alcohol, but also biscuits, chocolates, cosmetics, electronic goods, mobiles, sugar and many other goods are being illegally imported. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Binod Kumar Sethia, president of Nepal Foreign Trade Association, claims that all goods except vehicles are coming to Nepal illegally since vehicles can only be driven after registration and cannot be imported illegally.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ashok Kumar Temani, president of Madhesh Province chapter of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, says that to stop illegal imports, Nepal's customs, excise duty, value added tax, etc. should be taxed so that it does not exceed India's GST. Talking to New Business Age, he said, “Gray economy has increased due to the increase in customs duty, excise duty and VAT.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rajesh Kumar Agarwal, senior vice president of the Confederation Nepalese Industry, says that it is not appropriate to increase tax rates to increase revenue. He said, “The manufacturing industry must be promoted for the development of industries in the country. For this, the customs rate of raw materials and finished goods should be different.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Agarwal opines that while increasing the customs rate of ready-made goods, the government should pay attention to whether they are daily consumption goods or luxury goods. He said that even if the government imposes higher taxes on imported goods, if unauthorized imports increase, revenue will not increase.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Emphasizing that there should not be a situation where someone pays tax and someone else brings goods without paying taxes, NCC President Malla urged that the practice of taking/giving the bill should be widened and brought down to the lower level. If this is done, he says, the sale of stolen goods will be stopped.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Aggarwal suggests that the effectiveness of government mechanisms at the border should be increased to control revenue leakage. He said, “Revenue investigation department, armed police and other agencies play a major role in curbing smuggling. They should monitor it strictly. Stolen goods are not only sold at the border, they come to inner cities as well.”</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17720', 'image' => '20230526042218_Birgunjjjjjjjjjj.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 16:21:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17988', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nagdhunga Tunnel will be Ready for Use Within a Year: Transport Minister ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: The government is preparing to open the Nagdhunga tunnel for public transport within a year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">May 26: The government is preparing to open the Nagdhunga tunnel for public transport within a year. Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala assured that the works related to Nagdhunga tunnel will be accelerated so that the vehicles could ply the tunnel way within a year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Minister Jwala made such remarks while taking stock of physical progress of the under- Nagdhunga Tunnel on Friday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The construction works were hampered in the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and land acquisition problem. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As per the initial agreement with the contractors, the project was supposed to be completed by April 2023. However, the project deadline has been extended considering the delay caused by the pandemic.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the state-owned RSS, Minister Jwala said that the incumbent government is ready to address all problems related to the tunnel way and warned the construction company not to halt the tunnel project under any pretext. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The project is being undertaken with the concessional loan provided by the Government of Japan. The total investment for the project is estimated to be around Rs 22 billion. JICA will invest Rs 16 billion while the Government of Nepal will contribute Rs 6 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The tunnel will be of 2.7 kilometers long and will have two flyovers. The project will also cover 3 kilometers of road.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Thankot-Naubise road section is currently 9 kilometers long. The distance will be shortened to 5.7 kilometers once the tunnel is constructed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The foundation stone of the project was laid on October 21, 2019. As per the agreement signed with the Department of Roads, the contractor must complete the project within 42 months.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17719', 'image' => '20230526035258_20220417021920_20201105124818_20200308111704_adahjj.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 15:52:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17986', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Public Transport Fare Slashed in Bagmati Province ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: The public transport fare has been reduced in Bagmati Province, including the Kathmandu Valley. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 26: The public transport fare has been reduced in Bagmati Province, including the Kathmandu Valley. The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Transport has reduced the fare, nine days after the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) slashed the price of diesel. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The ministry has decreased the fare of public transport vehicles operating on short routes within the Bagmati Province. The reduced transport fare has been published in the Nepal Gazettee. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the latest fare of public transport determined by the ministry, the fare has been decreased by 5.9 per cent in the Kathmandu Valley. Siilarly, the fare has been reduced by 4.18 per cent for public vehicles and by 5.69 per cent for cargo vehicles operating in short routes outside the Valley, said Asman Tamang, secretary at the ministry. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"The reduced public transport fare would come into effect from today (May 26) itself as it has already been published in the Gazettee," he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The transport entrepreneurs had earlier determined the fare on their own as the public transport fare of vehicles operating on short routes was not increased even as the price of diesel went up. The public transport fare of only vehicles operating along long routes was increased at that time. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">NOC had reduced the price of diesel effective from last Wednesday. Immediately after this the government had reduced the public transport fare of vehicles operating on long routes. The transport fare of long route or inter-province is determined by the federal government while that of the short route or inter-municipality is fixed by the province government. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The NOC on April 3 slashed the price of diesel and kerosene by Rs 10 per litre each and by three rupees per litre on petrol. It further reduced the price of diesel and petrol by Rs 10 per litre each effective from last Wednesday. As per the reduced fuel price, diesel now costs Rs 155 per litre. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The transport fare of public transport vehicles operated in short route within the province was increased last year. As per the increased transport fare, passengers were charged Rs 20 upon boarding a public bus in Kathmandu Valley. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17718', 'image' => '20230526021852_20220518063257_TransportMCC.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 14:18:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17987', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Light Rainfall likely Today ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: The country at present is facing the impacts of the local and the Westerly winds with low pressure system causing partly to generally cloudy weather in the hill region of the country.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 26: The country at present is facing the impacts of the local and the Westerly winds with low pressure system causing partly to generally cloudy weather in the hill region of the country, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The department said that light to moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning is expected to take place at some places of Madhes, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces and hill and mountainous regions of rest of the provinces today. The department said that chances of storms are also likely in some places of the Tarai belt. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17717', 'image' => '20230526033752_rainfallll.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 15:36:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17985', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'UK Government to Ban Foreign Students from Bringing Family Members as Dependents', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: UK immigration has decided to ban foreign students from bringing their family members with them.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Agencies</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">May 26: UK immigration has decided to ban foreign students from bringing their family members with them.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As per the new provision, only students on postgraduate courses designated as research programmes will be able to bring dependents to the UK while they study, the AFP reported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Those who have graduated in subjects other than research are not allowed to bring their family members.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The UK has introduced such a rule under the Immigration Control Act. On Tuesday, the British government announced new laws to tighten immigration. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Overseas students will be prevented from switching "out of the student route into work routes" before their studies have been completed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Britain has taken this step to crack down on "unscrupulous agents" using education as a cover for immigration. In recent years, the number of dependents on student visas in the UK has increased. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Also since 2018, the country has seen thousands of people successfully cross the English Channel in small boats to claim asylum, AFP reported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Some 136,000 visas were issued to the dependents of international students last year -- up eight-fold from the 16,000 in 2019, AFP cited Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s written statement to parliament.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The new rules are expected to be implemented as soon as possible. The government is yet to consult with the education sector and key stakeholders. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">A large number of students from Nepal also go to the UK on student visas. While a foreign student is on a student visa, there is a high tendency for a dependent to go to the UK to work and cover the expenses. Nepalese students will also be affected by this change made by Britain in the rules. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17716', 'image' => '20230526010943_image-127001-1684850566.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 13:09:04', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17984', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Over 205K Tourists Visit Chitwan National Park', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: More than 263,000 tourists visited the Chitwan National Park (CNP) in the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Surya Prasad Adhikari</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">May 26: More than 263,000 tourists visited the Chitwan National Park (CNP) in the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23). According to the park officials, 263,806 domestic and foreign tourists entered the park from last July to May this year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The statistics of the CNP shows that most of the tourists visited the national park in the month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November) of the current year and the least number of tourists visited in the month of Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September). </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As per the data, 42,641 people visited the park in mid-October to mid-November while 8,880 people visited the park in mid-August to mid-September.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, 9,691 people visited the park in the month of Shrawn (mid-July to mid-August), 26,016 in Asoj (mid-September to mid-October), 22,008 in Mangsir (mid-November to mid-December) and 31,953 in Push (mid-December to mid-January). Similarly, 23,647 people visited the park in the month of Magh (mid-January to mid-February), 29,196 in the month of Falgun (mid-February to mid-March), 34,489 people in the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) and 37,285 people in the month of Baisakh (mid-April to mid-March).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Tourists have to pay the fee for the entrance, jeep safari and other activities. Nepali citizens have to pay a fee of Rs 150 per person to enter the national park while visitors from SAARC countries have to pay Rs 1,000 per person. Similarly, tourists from other countries have to pay Rs 2,000 per person to enter the park.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">During the 10 months of the current fiscal year, the park has collected more than Rs 193.9 million from visitors. According to the CNP office, the national parks collects revenue from tourists' entrance fees and jeep safaris.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">During the review period, the highest revenue worth Rs 25.2 million was collected in the month of Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May) and the lowest of Rs 4.8 million in Shrawn (mid-July to mid-August).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ganesh Prasad Tiwari, information officer of the CNP, informed New Business Age that the revenue collection of the national park is less during the rainy season when the tourists do not visit the CNP.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“During the rainy season, there are less number of tourists and jeep rides are stopped and the revenue is also reduced,” said Tiwari.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to Tiwari, the national park also earns revenue from other sources besides tourism activities. Accordingly, in the period of 10 months of the current FY, the park collected Rs 718,402 from the sale of timber, Rs 47.97 million from the sale of non-timber forest products, Rs 822,039 from fines, and Rs 1.52 under other headings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Tiwari said that the park has collected a total of 244.9 million in 10 months of the current year under all these headings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17715', 'image' => '20230526114136_20230207084654_DA_Tribeni-DSC_0071.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 11:41:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17983', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Swisscontact Organises Discussion on SMEs and Sustainable Economic Growth', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: Swisscontact, a non-profit organization of the Swiss private sector, organized a discussion on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and sustainable economic growth in Kathmandu on Thursday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">May 26: Swisscontact, a non-profit organization of the Swiss private sector, organized a discussion on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and sustainable economic growth in Kathmandu on Thursday. The discussion was organized with the aim of providing insight into the situation of SMEs in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Chief Operating Officer (COO) and co-founder of thulo.com Surakchya Adhikari; Founder of Kokroma, Revati Gurung; Manoj Paudel, co-founder of Adhyanta; technology rntrepreneur Princi Koirala and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Swisscontact Dr Philippe Schneuwly shared their views during the discussion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">During the program, discussions were held on the topics of inclusive business models for SMEs, financial instruments, marketing of products, role of development agencies, risks of starting an enterprise. Established in 1959, Swisscontact has been cooperating with the private sector in various development projects in Nepal since 1991. The organization is currently conducting six projects for inclusive economic promotion in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17714', 'image' => '20230526104619_SME.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 10:45:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17982', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Over 35,000 kg of Garbage Collected', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'he Nepal Army, through its Safa Himal Campaign 2023, has successfully collected a staggering 35,708 kilograms of solid waste from various mountains.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">May 26: The Nepal Army, through its Safa Himal Campaign 2023, has successfully collected a staggering 35,708 kilograms of solid waste from various mountains. This exceeds their initial target of 35,000 kg, showcasing their dedication to preserving the natural beauty of these majestic peaks.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Under the supervision of the NA Directorate of Military Public Relations and Information, the campaign achieved notable results. Specifically, 3,567 kg of waste was collected from Mt Annapurna, 18,520 kg from Mt Baruntse, and an impressive 13,621 kg from Everest and Lhotse combined.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">As the campaign nears its completion, the Nepal Army team stationed at the base camp of Everest, responsible for cleaning the area, is returning after accomplishing their mission. The campaign's official conclusion will be marked by a formal event held in Kathmandu on World Environment Day, which falls on June 5.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">It may be noted that tragically two Sherpa guides, who were instrumental in assisting the NA team in cleanliness campaign, lost their lives. Additionally, four Nepali Army personnel fell ill and have been taken to India for further treatment.</span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17713', 'image' => '20230526062732_collage (13).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 06:25:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17980', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Share Investors Meet Former PM Deuba and Submit Memorandum ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Share investors met with former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and submitted a memorandum to him on Thursday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">May 25: Share investors met with former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and submitted a memorandum to him on Thursday. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Nepal Investors Forum Chairman Tulsi Ram Dhakal, erstwhile chair Chhotelal Rouniyar, Nepal Stock Market Investors Association Chairperson Radha Pokharel, and Share Investors Association Nepal's Acting Chair Taraprasad Fullel, along with other investors, met with Sher Bahadur Deuba and handed him a memorandum with six demands.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">The investors effectively apprised Deuba of the prevailing state of the stock market, emphasizing the urgent need for essential reforms to be promptly implemented. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">The share investors submitted a memorandum to the former Prime Minister, outlining six pivotal demands. The memorandum calls for expediting the process of distributing new broker licenses, new stock exchange license, and commodity exchange licenses, without any undue delay.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Moreover, the investors have urged the government to eliminate the existing cap of Rs 120 million on share loans and reduce the current risk weightage of 150% to a 100%. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Additionally, they have advocated for a 5% capital gain tax for short-term investors and a 3% capital gain tax for long-term investors. The investors have stressed the necessity of reducing the bank interest rate to a single-digit.</span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-25', 'modified' => '2023-05-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17711', 'image' => '20230525045320_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-25 16:51:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17978', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'What does the Private Sector Want from Budget', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 25: The private sector stakeholders believe that the government’s revenue collection will be higher if the tax rate is lower. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">May 25: The private sector stakeholders believe that the government’s revenue collection will be higher if the tax rate is lower. The gray economy has increased due to the increase in customs duty, excise duty and VAT. This problem will be solved if customs and VAT are adjusted to be equal to India's GST, said the private sector businessmen. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“When all transactions come under the scope of customs, it will increase the revenue,” they said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">They were of the view that some amount of social security fund should be spent on industrial infrastructure development and expansion. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A law that restricts businessmen does not create a viable environment for industries and commerce to flourish.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The government's job is to increase revenue, not to arrest businessmen,” said one of the businessmen. According to him, a policy of amending such laws should be adopted. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“It is not possible for industries that require raw materials in small quantities to bring them in large quantities. Therefore, such raw materials from commercial establishments should also have low customs duty. As liquidity is easing now, the current capital loan limit should be removed,” he further said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The businessmen and traders believe that if the limit of 25 percent of current capital loan is removed, businesses will improve. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">They also complained that Indian tourists are not treated well at the border. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Many tourists come to Nepal from India. Harassment of Indian tourists at the border does not increase the number of tourists. There should be a system of parity and facilitation of the Indian currency.”</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-25', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17709', 'image' => '20230525033010_Budget.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-25 15:29:24', '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' => '17994', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEA Preparing to Distribute Power from Underground Cable Line ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 28: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is preparing to supply power from underground transmission line system in the Kathmandu Valley within two months. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 28: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is preparing to supply power from underground transmission line system in the Kathmandu Valley within two months. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The NEA is working to supply power in each household from the underground supply system in Ratnapark, Maharajgunj and Lazimpat areas from the Maharajgunj and Ratnapark Distribution Centres. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">NEA Spokesperson Suresh Bahadur Bhattarai said that power supply would be distributed from the underground transmission line in Kritipur area as well. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Spokesperson Bhattarai, however, said that existing electric poles will not be replaced for some more months despite the power supply through underground system to the consumers' households and offices from the certain points on the road. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The NEA is preparing to supply power from this system in most of the sites in the upcoming winter season. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-28', 'modified' => '2023-05-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17725', 'image' => '20230528103347_NEA_Logo.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-28 10:33:04', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17993', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Locals Switch to Commercial Kiwi Farming in Shyamshila, Bhojpur', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The daily routine of local farmers has changed as they have shifted from conventional agriculture such as potato and maize cultivation to kiwi farming at Shyamshila in Bhojpur district.', 'content' => '<p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">May 28: The daily routine of local farmers has changed as they have shifted from conventional agriculture such as potato and maize cultivation to kiwi farming at Shyamshila in Bhojpur district.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After Pauwadungama Rural Municipality declared 12.51 square kilometers of land as pocket area for kiwi farming, local farmers have been attracted towards commercial kiwi farming. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Recognizing the potential of kiwi cultivation, more than a hundred farmers in the area have switched to kiwi farming due to its higher profitability compared to other crops with less effort.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the ward office, farmers have taken up kiwi farming on more than 300 ropanis of land in the area. Rajendra Tamang, Chairman of Pauwadungma Rural Municiplaity-1 said, "We are promoting kiwi cultivation in the Shyamshila region. After declaring it as a pocket area, we have implemented programs to provide necessary incentives to farmers. Now, we have plans to expand this area as a kiwi block."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Madhu Subba, a local farmer who has ventured into commercial kiwi farming, mentioned that with proper expansion, it can generate good income for several years. Currently, he has cultivated kiwi on around five ropanis of land. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Subba stated, "I have started kiwi farming as an alternative to potato and maize. My goal is to earn an annual income of around 400,000 to 500,000 rupees. I also plan to do vegetable farming alongside kiwi cultivation, which will further increase the income."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Devaraj Rai, another local resident who has found it easier to engage in commercial kiwi farming due to the suitable geography of the Shyamshila region, shared his experience. He has currently planted three hundred kiwi saplings. He said, "I have chosen kiwi farming as an alternative to potato and maize. With this farming, I expect to earn more than other crops with less effort. Many farmers in our area are engaged in it."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Devraj Rai also mentioned that the support from the village municipality has made it easier to engage in commercial kiwi farming. With the implementation of the kiwi farming campaign in the village, the local administration has provided assistance to farmers at a lower level, which has helped them in farming. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He said, "I had been thinking about kiwi farming since long ago. It required a significant investment to expand cultivation in many places. But now, with the support from the rural municipality, many farmers in the village are engaged in commercial farming."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The chief administrative officer of the Pauwadungma Rural Municipality, Navin Bhattarai, informed that more than 5 million rupees have been invested by the rural municipality in kiwi farming in various fiscal years. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Bhattarai stated, "We have taken this region as a suitable area for kiwi cultivation. The climate here is highly suitable for kiwi farming. After implementing programs to promote it, we have seen an increase in enthusiasm among farmers."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Kiran Rai, the chairperson of the Pauwadungma Rural Municipality, said that local level had stressed on "One Village, One Product" program. He stated that the rural municipality has been working to promote self-sufficiency in agriculture by encouraging locals to do cultivation as per soil condition. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-28', 'modified' => '2023-05-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17724', 'image' => '20230528065037_kiwi.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-28 06:46:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17992', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Telecom Launches 'NT Fiber' Service in Jumla and Kalikot', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Nepal Telecom has launched the 'NT Fiber' service in Jumla and Kalikot districts of Karnali Province.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">May 28: Nepal Telecom has launched the FTTH 'NT Fiber' service in Jumla and Kalikot districts of Karnali Province.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The purpose of the introduction of 'NT Fiber' is to provide telephone services with high-definition voice quality and other services such as high-speed internet and television through a single fiber optic cable to the service users in the Jumla and Kalikot areas, using state-of-the-art technology.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Telecom spokesperson Shobhan Adhikari said that with a single fiber optic cable, telephone services with high-definition voice quality, high-speed internet, and television services can be utilized.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He mentioned that the 'Fiber to the Home' (NT Fiber) service is currently available under this service, which allows the usage of internet, television, telephone, and mobile data services.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As it is possible to provide four services as per the requirement from a single fiber optic cable, Nepal Telecom has named this service 'Three Plus One,' meaning 'Now Three Plus One' service.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Earlier, the company had made the FTTH service available in Surkhet, Salyan, Dailkeh, Jajarkot, and Rukum West in Karnali Province.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-28', 'modified' => '2023-05-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17723', 'image' => '20230528061424_collage (16).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-28 06:06:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17991', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'HoR Passes Government’s Policies and Programmes', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 27: The House of Representatives (HoR) has endorsed the annual policies and programmes of the government for upcoming fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 27: The House of Representatives (HoR) has endorsed the annual policies and programmes of the government for upcoming fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A meeting of the HoR on Saturday passed the policies and programmes by majority. Earlier, the meeting had rejected amendments proposals to the annual policies and programmes by majority. This has paved the way for the government to present the budget for the upcoming fiscal year on May 29 as per the constitutional provision.</span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">President Ram Chandra Paudel had presented the government policy and programme at the joint session of HoR and National Assembly on May 19. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">During Saturday’s meeting, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal responded to the queries raised in course of the deliberation on the policies and programmes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The next meeting of the HoR is scheduled to take place at 1.00 pm on May 28, a day before budget announcement. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-27', 'modified' => '2023-05-27', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17722', 'image' => '20230527103139_CKK_KTM-9428.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-27 22:31:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17990', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bangalore-Bound NAC Aircraft Diverted to Kathmandu Suspecting Bird Strike ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 27: An aircraft of Nepal Airlines Corporation en route to Bangalore of India from Kathmandu was diverted back to Kathmandu suspecting a bird strike. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 27: An aircraft of Nepal Airlines Corporation en route to Bangalore of India from Kathmandu was diverted back to Kathmandu suspecting a bird strike. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The narrow-body A 320 aircraft of the Nepal's flag carrier was diverted and safely landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) within 25 minutes, according to TIA Office. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">TIA Spokesperson Teknath Sitaula said, "The aircraft was diverted to Kathmandu suspecting a bird strike in the course of take-off at the TIA. Engineers are now examining the aircraft." The NAC plane had flown to Bangalore at 1:45 pm, and landed at the TIA at 2:10 pm through the 'Instrument Flight Rules' approach. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Arrangements have been made to take the passengers of the aircraft to the destinations on another aircraft, added the TIA. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-27', 'modified' => '2023-05-27', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17721', 'image' => '20230527070255_20220627035114_Nepal-Airlines.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-27 19:02:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17989', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Should Indirect Taxes be Reduced or Increased?', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: There are just three days to go for the unveiling of the budget for the next fiscal year (FY 2023/24). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">May 26: There are just three days to go for the unveiling of the budget for the next fiscal year (FY 2023/24). It is estimated that the rates of taxes, duties and fees will decrease through the financial ordinance that comes with the budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It is estimated that the government is likely to increase the rates of indirect taxes such as customs and excise duties through the budget at a time when the revenue collection has failed to cover even the ordinary expenses of the government. Stakeholders concerned say that by increasing the rate of indirect taxes, illegal transactions will increase, revenue will decrease and regular business will be hit hard.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">When customs and excise duties are high, the cost of goods imported through formal channels increases. Experts say that gangs that evade customs duty by smuggling goods become active at such times. They argue that if the customs and excise duties on goods other than industrial raw materials are increased, the smuggling of goods will increase and the revenue will decrease while the traders who abide by the law will suffer.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">President of the Nepal National Federation of Entrepreneurs Kumar Karki says that it is difficult for the legitimate businessmen to survive as many goods are coming through illegal channels.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He said that it is the government's weakness to increase the rate of customs and excise duty every year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Goods are transported throughout the year from places other than customs points along the southern border. Some make unauthorized imports using the locals. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rajendra Malla, president of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce spoke on this issue and said, “Currently, there is a trend of transporting goods on bicycles at the border and delivering them to different parts of the country at night in trucks. Customs duty, excise duty and VAT are not paid on such goods.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Entrepreneurs say that the price gap between India and Nepal is quite high due to the exorbitant tax rate. It is suspected that there may be collusion between the smugglers and the employees of the border control agencies for the import of large quantity of goods. A businessman from Bhairahawa claimed that such smugglers are getting protection from the political level.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The businessman said, “They can make a good income in this way and even the leaders get a share. Even now there is a lot of smuggling, mainly of goods with a large price difference. The cost of production in India is lower than in Nepal, so the products are much cheaper across the border than here.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Importers claim that not only alcohol, but also biscuits, chocolates, cosmetics, electronic goods, mobiles, sugar and many other goods are being illegally imported. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Binod Kumar Sethia, president of Nepal Foreign Trade Association, claims that all goods except vehicles are coming to Nepal illegally since vehicles can only be driven after registration and cannot be imported illegally.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ashok Kumar Temani, president of Madhesh Province chapter of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, says that to stop illegal imports, Nepal's customs, excise duty, value added tax, etc. should be taxed so that it does not exceed India's GST. Talking to New Business Age, he said, “Gray economy has increased due to the increase in customs duty, excise duty and VAT.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rajesh Kumar Agarwal, senior vice president of the Confederation Nepalese Industry, says that it is not appropriate to increase tax rates to increase revenue. He said, “The manufacturing industry must be promoted for the development of industries in the country. For this, the customs rate of raw materials and finished goods should be different.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Agarwal opines that while increasing the customs rate of ready-made goods, the government should pay attention to whether they are daily consumption goods or luxury goods. He said that even if the government imposes higher taxes on imported goods, if unauthorized imports increase, revenue will not increase.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Emphasizing that there should not be a situation where someone pays tax and someone else brings goods without paying taxes, NCC President Malla urged that the practice of taking/giving the bill should be widened and brought down to the lower level. If this is done, he says, the sale of stolen goods will be stopped.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Aggarwal suggests that the effectiveness of government mechanisms at the border should be increased to control revenue leakage. He said, “Revenue investigation department, armed police and other agencies play a major role in curbing smuggling. They should monitor it strictly. Stolen goods are not only sold at the border, they come to inner cities as well.”</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17720', 'image' => '20230526042218_Birgunjjjjjjjjjj.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 16:21:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17988', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nagdhunga Tunnel will be Ready for Use Within a Year: Transport Minister ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: The government is preparing to open the Nagdhunga tunnel for public transport within a year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">May 26: The government is preparing to open the Nagdhunga tunnel for public transport within a year. Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala assured that the works related to Nagdhunga tunnel will be accelerated so that the vehicles could ply the tunnel way within a year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Minister Jwala made such remarks while taking stock of physical progress of the under- Nagdhunga Tunnel on Friday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The construction works were hampered in the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and land acquisition problem. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As per the initial agreement with the contractors, the project was supposed to be completed by April 2023. However, the project deadline has been extended considering the delay caused by the pandemic.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the state-owned RSS, Minister Jwala said that the incumbent government is ready to address all problems related to the tunnel way and warned the construction company not to halt the tunnel project under any pretext. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The project is being undertaken with the concessional loan provided by the Government of Japan. The total investment for the project is estimated to be around Rs 22 billion. JICA will invest Rs 16 billion while the Government of Nepal will contribute Rs 6 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The tunnel will be of 2.7 kilometers long and will have two flyovers. The project will also cover 3 kilometers of road.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Thankot-Naubise road section is currently 9 kilometers long. The distance will be shortened to 5.7 kilometers once the tunnel is constructed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The foundation stone of the project was laid on October 21, 2019. As per the agreement signed with the Department of Roads, the contractor must complete the project within 42 months.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17719', 'image' => '20230526035258_20220417021920_20201105124818_20200308111704_adahjj.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 15:52:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17986', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Public Transport Fare Slashed in Bagmati Province ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: The public transport fare has been reduced in Bagmati Province, including the Kathmandu Valley. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 26: The public transport fare has been reduced in Bagmati Province, including the Kathmandu Valley. The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Transport has reduced the fare, nine days after the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) slashed the price of diesel. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The ministry has decreased the fare of public transport vehicles operating on short routes within the Bagmati Province. The reduced transport fare has been published in the Nepal Gazettee. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the latest fare of public transport determined by the ministry, the fare has been decreased by 5.9 per cent in the Kathmandu Valley. Siilarly, the fare has been reduced by 4.18 per cent for public vehicles and by 5.69 per cent for cargo vehicles operating in short routes outside the Valley, said Asman Tamang, secretary at the ministry. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"The reduced public transport fare would come into effect from today (May 26) itself as it has already been published in the Gazettee," he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The transport entrepreneurs had earlier determined the fare on their own as the public transport fare of vehicles operating on short routes was not increased even as the price of diesel went up. The public transport fare of only vehicles operating along long routes was increased at that time. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">NOC had reduced the price of diesel effective from last Wednesday. Immediately after this the government had reduced the public transport fare of vehicles operating on long routes. The transport fare of long route or inter-province is determined by the federal government while that of the short route or inter-municipality is fixed by the province government. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The NOC on April 3 slashed the price of diesel and kerosene by Rs 10 per litre each and by three rupees per litre on petrol. It further reduced the price of diesel and petrol by Rs 10 per litre each effective from last Wednesday. As per the reduced fuel price, diesel now costs Rs 155 per litre. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The transport fare of public transport vehicles operated in short route within the province was increased last year. As per the increased transport fare, passengers were charged Rs 20 upon boarding a public bus in Kathmandu Valley. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17718', 'image' => '20230526021852_20220518063257_TransportMCC.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 14:18:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17987', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Light Rainfall likely Today ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: The country at present is facing the impacts of the local and the Westerly winds with low pressure system causing partly to generally cloudy weather in the hill region of the country.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">May 26: The country at present is facing the impacts of the local and the Westerly winds with low pressure system causing partly to generally cloudy weather in the hill region of the country, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The department said that light to moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning is expected to take place at some places of Madhes, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces and hill and mountainous regions of rest of the provinces today. The department said that chances of storms are also likely in some places of the Tarai belt. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17717', 'image' => '20230526033752_rainfallll.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 15:36:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17985', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'UK Government to Ban Foreign Students from Bringing Family Members as Dependents', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: UK immigration has decided to ban foreign students from bringing their family members with them.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Agencies</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">May 26: UK immigration has decided to ban foreign students from bringing their family members with them.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As per the new provision, only students on postgraduate courses designated as research programmes will be able to bring dependents to the UK while they study, the AFP reported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Those who have graduated in subjects other than research are not allowed to bring their family members.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The UK has introduced such a rule under the Immigration Control Act. On Tuesday, the British government announced new laws to tighten immigration. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Overseas students will be prevented from switching "out of the student route into work routes" before their studies have been completed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Britain has taken this step to crack down on "unscrupulous agents" using education as a cover for immigration. In recent years, the number of dependents on student visas in the UK has increased. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Also since 2018, the country has seen thousands of people successfully cross the English Channel in small boats to claim asylum, AFP reported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Some 136,000 visas were issued to the dependents of international students last year -- up eight-fold from the 16,000 in 2019, AFP cited Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s written statement to parliament.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The new rules are expected to be implemented as soon as possible. The government is yet to consult with the education sector and key stakeholders. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">A large number of students from Nepal also go to the UK on student visas. While a foreign student is on a student visa, there is a high tendency for a dependent to go to the UK to work and cover the expenses. Nepalese students will also be affected by this change made by Britain in the rules. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17716', 'image' => '20230526010943_image-127001-1684850566.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 13:09:04', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17984', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Over 205K Tourists Visit Chitwan National Park', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: More than 263,000 tourists visited the Chitwan National Park (CNP) in the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Surya Prasad Adhikari</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">May 26: More than 263,000 tourists visited the Chitwan National Park (CNP) in the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23). According to the park officials, 263,806 domestic and foreign tourists entered the park from last July to May this year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The statistics of the CNP shows that most of the tourists visited the national park in the month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November) of the current year and the least number of tourists visited in the month of Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September). </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As per the data, 42,641 people visited the park in mid-October to mid-November while 8,880 people visited the park in mid-August to mid-September.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, 9,691 people visited the park in the month of Shrawn (mid-July to mid-August), 26,016 in Asoj (mid-September to mid-October), 22,008 in Mangsir (mid-November to mid-December) and 31,953 in Push (mid-December to mid-January). Similarly, 23,647 people visited the park in the month of Magh (mid-January to mid-February), 29,196 in the month of Falgun (mid-February to mid-March), 34,489 people in the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) and 37,285 people in the month of Baisakh (mid-April to mid-March).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Tourists have to pay the fee for the entrance, jeep safari and other activities. Nepali citizens have to pay a fee of Rs 150 per person to enter the national park while visitors from SAARC countries have to pay Rs 1,000 per person. Similarly, tourists from other countries have to pay Rs 2,000 per person to enter the park.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">During the 10 months of the current fiscal year, the park has collected more than Rs 193.9 million from visitors. According to the CNP office, the national parks collects revenue from tourists' entrance fees and jeep safaris.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">During the review period, the highest revenue worth Rs 25.2 million was collected in the month of Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May) and the lowest of Rs 4.8 million in Shrawn (mid-July to mid-August).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ganesh Prasad Tiwari, information officer of the CNP, informed New Business Age that the revenue collection of the national park is less during the rainy season when the tourists do not visit the CNP.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“During the rainy season, there are less number of tourists and jeep rides are stopped and the revenue is also reduced,” said Tiwari.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to Tiwari, the national park also earns revenue from other sources besides tourism activities. Accordingly, in the period of 10 months of the current FY, the park collected Rs 718,402 from the sale of timber, Rs 47.97 million from the sale of non-timber forest products, Rs 822,039 from fines, and Rs 1.52 under other headings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Tiwari said that the park has collected a total of 244.9 million in 10 months of the current year under all these headings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17715', 'image' => '20230526114136_20230207084654_DA_Tribeni-DSC_0071.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 11:41:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17983', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Swisscontact Organises Discussion on SMEs and Sustainable Economic Growth', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 26: Swisscontact, a non-profit organization of the Swiss private sector, organized a discussion on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and sustainable economic growth in Kathmandu on Thursday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">May 26: Swisscontact, a non-profit organization of the Swiss private sector, organized a discussion on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and sustainable economic growth in Kathmandu on Thursday. The discussion was organized with the aim of providing insight into the situation of SMEs in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Chief Operating Officer (COO) and co-founder of thulo.com Surakchya Adhikari; Founder of Kokroma, Revati Gurung; Manoj Paudel, co-founder of Adhyanta; technology rntrepreneur Princi Koirala and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Swisscontact Dr Philippe Schneuwly shared their views during the discussion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">During the program, discussions were held on the topics of inclusive business models for SMEs, financial instruments, marketing of products, role of development agencies, risks of starting an enterprise. Established in 1959, Swisscontact has been cooperating with the private sector in various development projects in Nepal since 1991. The organization is currently conducting six projects for inclusive economic promotion in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17714', 'image' => '20230526104619_SME.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 10:45:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17982', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Over 35,000 kg of Garbage Collected', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'he Nepal Army, through its Safa Himal Campaign 2023, has successfully collected a staggering 35,708 kilograms of solid waste from various mountains.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">May 26: The Nepal Army, through its Safa Himal Campaign 2023, has successfully collected a staggering 35,708 kilograms of solid waste from various mountains. This exceeds their initial target of 35,000 kg, showcasing their dedication to preserving the natural beauty of these majestic peaks.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Under the supervision of the NA Directorate of Military Public Relations and Information, the campaign achieved notable results. Specifically, 3,567 kg of waste was collected from Mt Annapurna, 18,520 kg from Mt Baruntse, and an impressive 13,621 kg from Everest and Lhotse combined.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">As the campaign nears its completion, the Nepal Army team stationed at the base camp of Everest, responsible for cleaning the area, is returning after accomplishing their mission. The campaign's official conclusion will be marked by a formal event held in Kathmandu on World Environment Day, which falls on June 5.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">It may be noted that tragically two Sherpa guides, who were instrumental in assisting the NA team in cleanliness campaign, lost their lives. Additionally, four Nepali Army personnel fell ill and have been taken to India for further treatment.</span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-26', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17713', 'image' => '20230526062732_collage (13).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-26 06:25:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17980', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Share Investors Meet Former PM Deuba and Submit Memorandum ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Share investors met with former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and submitted a memorandum to him on Thursday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">May 25: Share investors met with former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and submitted a memorandum to him on Thursday. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Nepal Investors Forum Chairman Tulsi Ram Dhakal, erstwhile chair Chhotelal Rouniyar, Nepal Stock Market Investors Association Chairperson Radha Pokharel, and Share Investors Association Nepal's Acting Chair Taraprasad Fullel, along with other investors, met with Sher Bahadur Deuba and handed him a memorandum with six demands.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">The investors effectively apprised Deuba of the prevailing state of the stock market, emphasizing the urgent need for essential reforms to be promptly implemented. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">The share investors submitted a memorandum to the former Prime Minister, outlining six pivotal demands. The memorandum calls for expediting the process of distributing new broker licenses, new stock exchange license, and commodity exchange licenses, without any undue delay.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Moreover, the investors have urged the government to eliminate the existing cap of Rs 120 million on share loans and reduce the current risk weightage of 150% to a 100%. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Additionally, they have advocated for a 5% capital gain tax for short-term investors and a 3% capital gain tax for long-term investors. The investors have stressed the necessity of reducing the bank interest rate to a single-digit.</span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-25', 'modified' => '2023-05-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17711', 'image' => '20230525045320_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-25 16:51:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17978', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'What does the Private Sector Want from Budget', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 25: The private sector stakeholders believe that the government’s revenue collection will be higher if the tax rate is lower. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">May 25: The private sector stakeholders believe that the government’s revenue collection will be higher if the tax rate is lower. The gray economy has increased due to the increase in customs duty, excise duty and VAT. This problem will be solved if customs and VAT are adjusted to be equal to India's GST, said the private sector businessmen. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“When all transactions come under the scope of customs, it will increase the revenue,” they said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">They were of the view that some amount of social security fund should be spent on industrial infrastructure development and expansion. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A law that restricts businessmen does not create a viable environment for industries and commerce to flourish.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The government's job is to increase revenue, not to arrest businessmen,” said one of the businessmen. According to him, a policy of amending such laws should be adopted. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“It is not possible for industries that require raw materials in small quantities to bring them in large quantities. Therefore, such raw materials from commercial establishments should also have low customs duty. As liquidity is easing now, the current capital loan limit should be removed,” he further said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The businessmen and traders believe that if the limit of 25 percent of current capital loan is removed, businesses will improve. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">They also complained that Indian tourists are not treated well at the border. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Many tourists come to Nepal from India. Harassment of Indian tourists at the border does not increase the number of tourists. There should be a system of parity and facilitation of the Indian currency.”</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-05-25', 'modified' => '2023-05-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17709', 'image' => '20230525033010_Budget.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-25 15:29:24', '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
